Nigerians in the U.S., gathered for the 63rd Independence Day Anniversary carnival on Saturday in New York, observed a minute’s silence in tribute to late musician Mohbad.

The deceased, christened Illerioluwa Aloba at birth, had been slated to perform at the carnival on his first visit to the U.S.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), organisers of the carnival, greatly mourned the death of the artists.

The Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija, in his address at the carnival, prayed to God to grant the deceased musician’s soul eternal rest.

The envoy welcomed friends and well-wishers of the country who had come to celebrate with Nigerians and expressed hope that the carnival would motivate them to visit Nigeria.

He said the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York had earlier held its first-ever flag-raising at the Bowling Green Arena as part of activities for the anniversary.

“Today, we are gathered here after a parade that is probably the largest gathering of Nigerians in Diaspora. This event is the initiative of OAN and the Consulate is always delighted to partner with them.

“As we celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, we are glad that a number of ethnic nationalities are here to promote their rich and unique cultures in different ways,’’ he said.

According to him, there is an array of Nigeria Music by several artists and the best of Nigerian cuisine by vendors.

“At the request of the organiser’s, the Consulate Spouses have a food exhibition tagged ‘Taste of Nigeria’.

The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, aligned his remarks with that of the Consul General.

He thanked Nigerians for coming out to attend the parade and carnival.

The event started with a parade at 2nd avenue and East 54th street and proceeded to East 44th and ended at Dag Hammarskjold Park where the Carnival held.

(NAN)