By Oyintari Ben
October 1 has been designated Nigerian-American Day by the US city of Washington DC.
The announcement coincides with Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day celebration.
The declaration was made in a statement by Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington DC.
According to Bowser, one of the most outstanding communities of Nigerian immigrants in America resides in the District of Columbia.
The Mayor praised the contributions of Nigerian-Americans, some of whom are entrepreneurs, innovators, and civic leaders.
According to Bowser, Nigerian art and music, particularly Afrobeats and Nollywood, boost the cultural economy and fortify cross-cultural ties.
The Nigerian Centre broadens the avenues for Nigerian immigrants to become Nigerian-Americans while providing a platform for heritage preservation.
“The city’s Office on African Affairs collaborates with the Nigerian Centre to promote Nigerian culture, economic inclusion, and advancement.”
As the first immigrant and cultural hub for the Nigerian diaspora in America, the Nigerian Centre was established in 2004.
For members of the Nigerian-American community in the US, the establishment provides an opportunity for social justice and financial inclusion.
In addition, the Nigerian Center will open a walk-in immigration clinic in Washington, D.C., for community members who need legal assistance with immigration and naturalization.
The centre will announce the launch on October 4, along with several community groups that support the Nigerian American community.
