US capitol Washington DC declares October 1 Nigerian-American Day

By Adeleye Kunle

The City of Washington D.C. in the United States has proclaimed October 1 as Nigerian-American Day.

The declaration is in consonance in celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary.

The proclamation was made in a statement by the Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser.

Bowser noted that the District of Columbia had one of the largest Nigerian immigrant populations in America.

The Mayor hailed the contributions of Nigerian-Americans some of whom are civic leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Bowser said Nigerian music and art, particularly Afrobeats and Nollywood, enrich the cultural economy and strengthen cultural ties.

The Nigerian Center provides a platform for heritage preservation and expands the pathways for Nigerian immigrants to become Nigerian-Americans.

“The city’s Office on African Affairs works with the Nigerian Center to foster economic inclusion and advancement and to promote Nigerian culture”, Bowser noted.

The Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center for the Nigerian diaspora in America.

The establishment offers financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for members of the Nigerian-American community in the U.S