Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The District of Columbia has proclaimed October 2026 as “Nigerian American Heritage Month” and October 1, 2026, as “Nigeria Day” in the city, recognising the contributions of its Nigerian community.
The Secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A. Bassett, presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser at the 66th Independence Day dinner hosted at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC.
“Nigeria holds a very special place in our city. This is why we are also celebrating the incredible contributions of the Nigerian community here in DC. Nigerians have built businesses, served our neighbourhoods, and enriched our city through their culture and traditions,” Bassett said.
She thanked Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, and his wife, Ngozi Are, for hosting the event.
Bassett noted that Ambassador Are “has taken the city by storm with his work with our public schools” and has opened the Embassy to the DC community, describing the engagement as both exciting and rewarding.
She also commended the Nigerian Centre for educating and helping new Nigerian immigrants acclimate to their new home.
The document, handed to Ambassador Are, recognised the district’s more than 4,000 Nigerian-born residents and praised the Ambassador’s leadership.
“WHEREAS, the District of Columbia is tremendously enriched by the contributions of its more than 4,000 Nigerian-born residents and greatly values the exceptional leadership of His Excellency, Lateef Kayode Kolawole Are, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States,” the proclamation read in part.
It described Nigeria as “Africa’s most populous country, its largest democracy, and home to more than 300 ethnic groups.”
The proclamation also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian Americans as civic leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in art, music, medicine, science and technology.
Mayor Bowser proclaimed 1 October 2026 as “Nigeria Day” and October 2026 as “Nigerian American Heritage Month” in Washington, DC.
Bassett said the Embassy and organisations like the Nigerian Centre have been active in exposing Washingtonians to Nigerian culture and building stronger people-to-people ties.
“We are deeply grateful for all that you do for Washington, DC,” she said.
The event drew dignitaries, members of the Nigerian diaspora and friends of Nigeria. It marked Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary and highlighted the growing partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States.