Mayor joins Nigerian rally in New York as citizens showcase country
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Diaspora Nigerians at the weekend marched for Peter Obi in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London in Europe, and did in Shanghai in the Far East, in accord with fellow country folks who pitched on the streets at home to take back Nigeria from crooks.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams and first Nigerian-American Congressman Adeoye Omolewa joined Nigeria’s Independence Day Parade in the Big Apple where 12-year-old saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin wowed the crowd.
Obidient marchers in London featured UK Support Groups Coalition for Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti-Ahmed who came from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
About 20 different groups collaborated to organise the rally, according to a statement issued by Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, Global Head of Press for Peter Obi Presidential Global Network (PPGN), quoting its Coordinator, Michael Chukwujekwu.
“We marched through the principal streets of London to Trafalgar Square, Nigeria High Commission, and 10 Downing Street.
“We remember October 1 as our independence from colonial rule, and the rally that followed is to ensure that at her 62 years, credible elections will be organised in Nigeria come 2023” Chukwujekwu said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reported by Voice of Nigeria (VON).
“We also used the opportunity to galvanise support for our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who demonstrated verifiable capabilities, capacity, and public trust with management of public resources.
“It may not be mere coincidence that Nigeria is 62 years old today, and Peter Obi will be 62 years old come 2023, a year of the general election.
“Obi does not have egocentric character and he can rescue Nigeria from its challenges. He has the capacity for productivity, strength, and ability, and most Nigerians want him.”
Chukwujekwu reiterated that all scientific public opinion polls so far rank Obi as the most popular candidate for the job in the Villa.
“Nigeria will be united and productive. Economics, social amenities, and infrastructure will work again if Obi emerges.
“Education system will work again. There will be employment and security.
“Mineral resources will be better developed and managed, while power and electricity will be available and sustainable.”
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Disaporans showcase Nigeria in US
Nigerians from all walks of life set New York City aglow and painted the city with green-white-green insignia, NAN also reports, as published by Vanguard.
Nigerian community leaders and envoys joined other compatriots to temporarily close down some parts of the Second Avenue in Midtown.
Others who attended the parade and carnival included Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States Uzoma Emenike, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, and Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York Lot Egopija.
Temilayo, the 12-year-old saxophonist, was among the instrumentalists who led the parade which began at the Second Avenue on E. 54th Street and terminated at E. 44th Street at Nigeria House.
The carnival drew thousands of Nigerians who had the best of time as they sang and danced to Naija music.
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade, now in its 31st year, celebrates the very best to showcase Nigeria’s culture.
The event also promotes the positive image of the most populous country in Africa to the rest of the world as several other nationals join in dancing to the Naija vibes.
This year’s parade proceeded to the Dag Hammarskjold Park, where Temilayo, Timi Dakolo, Goya Menor, and Ijoya Dance Crew thrilled the audience.
Adams, the Mayor, paid glowing tribute to Nigeria and the unique way of life of Nigerians.
“No one throws a party like Lagos in Nigeria. No one knows how to celebrate life, like Nigeria.
“And right here in New York, your rich culture and contribution to the city is unbelievable,” he said.
Adams thanked Nigerians for their support when he ran for Mayor of the City of New York.
Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) President Solomon Bakare congratulated Nigerians on the 62nd independence anniversary.
But he lamented the state of the nation after 62 years of independence, saying the dreams of the founding fathers have not been realised.
Bakare challenged Nigerian leaders to improve the lives of the common man and redouble their efforts in building the country as truly the giant of Africa.
Establishment and purpose of parade
The parade and carnival, which started in 1991, showcases Nigeria to the world and changes to positive, the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in the American media.
OAN, which organises the parade and carnival every year, was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerians to address the needs of the Nigerian community in the US.
At that time, Bakare disclosed, Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering from negative stereotypes in the American media.
Prior to OAN’s formation, there was no organisation committed to the broader issues facing the Nigerian community in Yankee country.
OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organisation for Nigerians from all works of life, regardless of ethnic and religious backgrounds, he said.
