RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has praised Nigeria’s global cultural influence and the contributions of Nigerians to the social and cultural life of the city.
Mamdani spoke during Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Parade and Carnival in New York, which brought together Nigerian diplomats, community leaders, residents and members of the wider African diaspora.
The mayor drew cheers from the crowd as he joked about why he could not miss the Nigerian celebration.
“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!’” Mamdani said.
The Uganda-born mayor said Nigerian culture had become influential far beyond the country’s borders, particularly through music, food, sports and the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Mamdani recalled growing up listening to Nigerian music and expressed excitement about the Nigerian artistes participating in the celebration, which included BNXN, Runtown and Patoranking.
He said Nigeria’s influence could be seen in everyday life across Africa and internationally, including in New York.
“Whether it’s Nigerian food, whether it’s Nigerian music, whether it’s Nigerian soccer players, we know that Nigeria is a part of our life,” he said.
Mamdani also referenced United States international footballer Folarin Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, while highlighting the contributions of Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage.
He said New York had benefited from the work and achievements of its Nigerian community and acknowledged the role Nigerians continue to play in shaping the city’s identity.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, also congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th independence anniversary and urged citizens in the diaspora to remain committed to national development.
Jidda said Nigerians in the United States had distinguished themselves in medicine, education, business, science, the arts and several other professional fields.
He called on members of the diaspora to use their knowledge, professional networks, investments and experience to support Nigeria’s development.
“Wherever we live, we each have a part to play in Nigeria’s progress,” Jidda said.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, also urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to national unity, peace, progress and responsible nation-building.
Ibrahim described Nigerians in the diaspora as an important part of the country’s global strength, pointing to the achievements of Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, innovators and community leaders around the world.
The annual New York celebration, organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians and its partners, is one of the major Nigerian Independence Day events outside the country and showcases Nigerian culture, music and heritage.
