New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has celebrated Nigeria’s global cultural influence, declaring that the city’s vibrancy owes much to the contributions of Nigerians. Speaking at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Carnival in New York, Mamdani praised the nation’s impact on music, food, sports, and identity across Africa and the diaspora. The event brought together Nigerian diplomats, community leaders, and residents from across the U.S. to mark the anniversary of Nigeria’s independence on October 1.
Mamdani received a warm welcome as he addressed the crowd, drawing laughter when he joked about his attendance being unavoidable. “Somebody asked me if I was going to come to the parade. I said, ‘I don’t want any wahala, I have to be here!’” he told the enthusiastic audience. His remarks highlighted the deep cultural ties between Nigerians and New Yorkers, emphasizing how Nigerian artistry and innovation are woven into daily life in the city.
The Uganda-born mayor recalled growing up listening to Nigerian music, particularly Runtown’s hit “From Lagos to Kampala,” which resonated with him during his childhood in Kampala. He noted that Lagos and Nigeria serve as powerful symbols of African identity and belonging for people across the continent and beyond. “Being someone who’s proud to be born in the continent of Africa, we all look to Lagos, we all look to Nigeria for a sense of self, a sense of belonging as well,” he said.
Mamdani cited Nigerian cuisine, music, and football as key elements that have become part of global culture. He pointed to U.S. international footballer Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, as a testament to how Nigerian heritage continues to shape American society. “When we look across this city, we look at what we love, we know that so much of it was made possible because of Nigerian New Yorkers like you,” he added.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Abubakar Jidda, also spoke at the event, congratulating Nigerians in the 20 states under the consulate’s jurisdiction. He reminded attendees of the courage and vision of those who secured Nigeria’s independence and commended the diaspora for excelling in medicine, education, business, science, and the arts. Jidda urged Nigerians abroad to stay engaged in national development through their skills, networks, and investments, stressing that “wherever we live, we each have a part to play in Nigeria’s progress.”
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and responsible nation-building. He described Nigeria’s diplomatic presence at the UN as entering a “renewed and consequential phase,” marked by proactive engagement and visible influence. “Today, Nigeria is fully back on the global stage – visible, engaged, influential and respected,” Ibrahim declared, highlighting the critical role of the diaspora in strengthening Nigeria’s global standing.
As Nigeria marks another year of independence, the celebration in New York underscores the enduring connection between the homeland and its people abroad, reinforcing the idea that Nigeria’s story is shaped by its citizens everywhere.
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