The city of Washington D.C., United States, has proclaimed October 1, as Nigerian-American Day.
The proclamation was made in a statement by the Mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser.
The declaration, according to the Mayor, is in consonance with the celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary.
Bowser noted that Washington D.C. had one of the largest immigrant population from Nigeria 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 said.
The Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center for diaspora Nigerians in America.
The establishment offers financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for members of the Nigerian-American community in the United States.