New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has hailed Nigeria for its global cultural influence, saying New York owes much of its success to Nigerians.

Mr Mamdani spoke at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Carnival, where Nigerian diplomats, community leaders and residents gathered to celebrate the country’s independence.

The mayor received loud cheers and drew laughter when he explained why attending the Nigerian celebration was unavoidable.

“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!’” he told the enthusiastic crowd.

Mr Mamdani praised and paid tribute to Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural influence across Africa and internationally.

The Uganda-born mayor recalled growing up listening to Nigerian music and expressed excitement about seeing some of the country’s stars perform.

“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 Nigeria occupied a unique cultural position for Africans on the continent and in 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.

The mayor cited Nigerian food, music and football among the country’s contributions that had become part of everyday global culture.

“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.

“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.”

Mr Mamdani cited U.S. international footballer Folarin Balogun, born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, as an example of Nigerian contributions to American life.

He said Nigeria’s cultural influence extended across Africa, describing Lagos and Nigeria as important sources of identity and belonging for Africans.

Nigeria’s Consul-General in New York, Abubakar Jidda, congratulated Nigerians across the 20 states under the Consulate’s jurisdiction on the anniversary.

“The first of October reminds us of the courage, sacrifice and vision of those who secured our independence,” Mr Jidda said.

He commended Nigerians in the U.S. for excelling in medicine, education, business, science, arts and other professional fields.

Mr Jidda urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain actively involved in national development through their knowledge, skills, networks and investments.

“Wherever we live, we each have a part to play in Nigeria’s progress,” he said, urging Nigerians to promote peace, unity and prosperity.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, said the anniversary challenged every generation to renew its commitment to unity, peace, progress and responsible nation-building.

“Nigeria’s story on the world stage is ultimately the story of her exceptional citizens,” Mr Ibrahim said.

He said Nigeria’s diplomatic presence at the United Nations had entered a “renewed and consequential phase,” driven by proactive and results-oriented engagement.

“Today, Nigeria is fully back on the global stage – visible, engaged, influential and respected,” Ibrahim declared.

The ambassador described the diaspora as integral to Nigeria’s global strength, citing its professionals, entrepreneurs, scholars, innovators and community leaders. 

(NAN)