Nigerians To Celebrate 52nd Independence Anniversary In America

Information reaching us has it that the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians Inc. (OAN) has made complete preparations to celebrate the country’s independence day in the United States.
The OAN is a recognized body founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerians to address the needs of Nigerians living in the United States and to promote and advance the cultural, civil, social and economic welfare of Nigerians in America.
Francis James, who happens to be the Chairman and head of the planning committee, while speaking on the program lined up and the Planning  said: “OAN started the Nigeria Independence Day Parade in the U.S. in 1991; and this annual event has grown to be the biggest and largest celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day, outside our homeland.
This year’s celebration will kick off with a Welcome Party on Thursday, 4 October; a Culture Night follows on Friday, 5 October, and the Colourful Nigeria Independence Day Parade will round it off on Saturday, 6 October.”
The Nigeria Independence celebration in New York City brings Nigerians from all walks of life and inter-generational groups together in the course of planning and celebrating their homeland.
Thousands of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from all over the world come to New York City each October to celebrate Nigeria. An estimated 30,000 people were at the 2011 celebration.
“This celebration is funded by patriotic Nigerians and businesses serving the Nigerian community. While we welcome contributions from private individuals, businesses and government entities, we intend to keep our Independence Day celebration as a privately-run event,” he said.
Shedding more light on the activities of the OAN; James said that since its formation, “the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians has consistently engaged in vast array of work that impacts every aspect of our community, both in the United States and in Nigeria.
“It received its first Proclamation from New York City Council in 1992 and successfully lobbied the New York City Council to recognise Nigeria Independence Day at the City Council Chamber.