For more than 35 years, the Association of Nigerians in Jacksonville has celebrated their country’s independence. Nigeria gained her Independence Day on October 1st, 1960, from the United Kingdom. This occasion is done all over the world with cultural displays and civil engagements.
The annual local celebration on the First Coast brought together 500+ Nigerians and cultural activists inside the Christ International Church in Arlington for a day of culture, business, heritage and contributions to the Jacksonville community. Local dignitaries, friends and business associates were in attendance to speak on the association’s connection and traceable roots to Nigeria’s homeland. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Proclamation from Mayor Donna Deegan. The mayoral proclamation declared October 1st as Nigerian Independence Day, declaring it a to reflect on the values of freed, resilience and hope, while encouraging cultural awareness and mutual respect across Jacksonville’s diverse city. “It was a happy event with all the African nations within Nigerian’s diaspora celebrating our culture and connections,” said organizer Bandele Onasanya.
On its Independence Day, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared that the “worst is over” following a series of painful economic reforms that have left millions struggling with rising costs and deepening poverty. The president said the government had disbursed $222.90 million to eight million vulnerable households under its social investment program and was expanding infrastructure across rails, roads, airports and seaports.