New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has praised Nigeria’s growing global cultural influence, saying Nigerians living in the United States have made significant contributions to the vibrancy and success of New York City.
Mamdani made the remarks while addressing Nigerians and guests at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Carnival in New York, where diplomats, community leaders and members of the Nigerian community gathered to celebrate the country’s independence.
Key Highlights
- Zohran Mamdani praised Nigeria’s global cultural influence and contributions to New York City.
- The New York mayor highlighted Nigerian food, music and football as major cultural exports.
- Mamdani said Nigerians in New York have contributed significantly to the city’s development.
- Nigeria’s Consul-General, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to support national development.
- Nigeria’s UN envoy, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, described Nigerians in the diaspora as a major source of the country’s global strength.
Mamdani Celebrates Nigeria’s Cultural Influence
Mamdani received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd after joking that he could not afford to 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.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani spoke warmly about Nigeria’s influence on African culture and his personal connection with Nigerian music.
He said he grew up listening to Nigerian artistes and was particularly excited about the planned appearance of Runtown at the event.
“I heard that Runtown was going to be here later, and I was born in Kampala, Uganda, and I grew up listening to ‘From Lagos to Kampala,’” he said.
The mayor also referenced Patoranking’s music, prompting further applause from the gathering.
Nigeria a Source of African Identity
Mamdani said Nigeria occupies a special place in the cultural identity of Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora.
“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.
He identified Nigerian food, music and football as some of the country’s major cultural exports that have become part of everyday life around the world.
“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,” Mamdani said.
He added that Nigerian-Americans had made significant contributions to New York City and its development.
“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 said.
Mamdani also mentioned United States international footballer Folarin Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, as an example of the contributions of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent to American society.
Consul-General Urges Diaspora Support for Nigeria
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, congratulated Nigerians across the 20 states under the consulate’s jurisdiction on the country’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Jidda said October 1 remained a reminder of the courage, sacrifices and vision of the Nigerians who secured the country’s independence.
He commended Nigerians in the United States for making significant contributions in medicine, education, business, science, the arts and other professional fields.
The envoy urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue contributing to national development through their expertise, networks, investments and other resources.
“Wherever we live, we each have a part to play in Nigeria’s progress,” Jidda said, while calling for peace, unity and prosperity.
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Nigeria’s UN Envoy Highlights Global Role
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, also said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to renew their commitment to unity, peace, progress and responsible nation-building.
“Nigeria’s story on the world stage is ultimately the story of her exceptional citizens,” Ibrahim said.
He said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement at the United Nations had entered a renewed phase characterised by proactive and results-oriented participation.
“Today, Nigeria is fully back on the global stage, visible, engaged, influential and respected,” he declared.
Ibrahim further described Nigerians in the diaspora as an important part of the country’s global strength, citing their contributions as professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, innovators and community leaders.
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