New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has praised Nigeria’s cultural influence, describing the country as an important source of identity and belonging for Africans across the continent and diaspora.
Mamdani spoke at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Carnival in New York, where Nigerian diplomats, community leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the country.
The Uganda-born mayor said he grew up listening to Nigerian music and joked that attending the celebration was unavoidable. He also referenced Nigerian musicians and songs that shaped his appreciation of the country’s culture.
Mamdani highlighted Nigerian food, music and football as some of the country’s major contributions to global culture.
He said Nigerian New Yorkers had also played an important role in shaping life in the city, while pointing to footballer Folarin Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, as an example of Nigerian influence.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Abubakar Jidda, congratulated Nigerians in the diaspora and urged them to contribute to national development through their knowledge, skills, networks and investments.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, said the anniversary should encourage Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, peace, progress and responsible nation-building.
He described the Nigerian diaspora as an important part of the country’s global strength.
