Washington DC has formally proclaimed October 1, 2026 as Nigeria Day while designating October as Nigerian American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians living in the United States capital.
The proclamation was presented during Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day dinner at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington.
Secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly Bassett, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Bassett said Nigerians had made important contributions to Washington through business, public service, culture and community development.
She also recognized the activities of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, particularly his engagement with public schools and efforts to strengthen relations between the Embassy and residents of Washington.
The proclamation recognized more than 4,000 Nigerian born residents living in the District of Columbia and highlighted their contributions across entrepreneurship, civic leadership, medicine, science, technology, music and the arts.
It also acknowledged the work of the Nigerian Centre in helping newly arrived Nigerians adjust to life in the United States.
Bassett said the activities of the Embassy and Nigerian organisations had helped expose Washington residents to Nigerian culture while strengthening relationships between communities.
The event brought together diplomats, government officials, members of the Nigerian diaspora and friends of Nigeria as the country marked 66 years of independence.
The recognition adds a cultural dimension to relations between Nigeria and the United States by highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian communities within major American cities.
For Nigerians in Washington, the proclamation means October will serve as a period for recognising their heritage and contributions to the social and economic development of the city.
