Abubakar Jidda, Nigeria’s consul general in New York, has lauded the non-profit organisation The Arc Mercer for advancing disability inclusion and strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the U.S.

Mr Jidda spoke at The Arc Mercer’s fifth annual Nigeria flag-raising ceremony in New Jersey to commemorate the end of Nigeria’s independence anniversary month.

“Today’s celebration is both a tribute to Nigeria’s national journey and a reflection of the enduring friendship between Nigeria and the United States,” he said.

The consul general said raising Nigeria’s green-white-green flag also reaffirmed shared values of unity, resilience, hope and mutual respect. He particularly praised The Arc Mercer for embracing diversity and creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals and other members of its workforce.

“We recognise The Arc Mercer’s embrace of diversity and its inclusion of talented Nigerian professionals and staff whose contributions continue to strengthen the organisation,” he said.

Mr Jidda said their contributions also helped deepen ties between Nigeria, the U.S. and other communities represented within the organisation. He similarly applauded the Nigerian Cultural Connection Group at The Arc Mercer for promoting Nigerian heritage and strengthening cultural understanding across Mercer County.

The consul general urged participants to continue building bridges of cooperation and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“As we celebrate today, let us continue to build bridges of cooperation, promote opportunities for persons with disabilities and strengthen the bonds between our peoples for the benefit of future generations,” he said.

Mr Jidda described the annual flag-raising ceremony as a gesture of friendship towards Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora.

(NAN)