By Iffy.
In celebration of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary, the city of Washington DC, United States, has proclaimed Oct. 1 as Nigerian- American Day.
The proclamation was made in a statement by the Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser.
Bowser said, Nigerian immigrant populations, ranks as one of the highest in the District of Columbia in the U.S., adding that DC residents saluted the contributions of Nigerian Americans as civic leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
According to her, Nigerian music and art, particularly Afrobeats and Nollywood, enrich the cultural economy and strengthen cultural ties.
“The Nigerian Center, an immigrant and cultural centre in Washington, DC, provides a platform for the African diaspora to learn about their Nigerian heritage and expands pathways for recently arrived 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural centre for the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S.
It was established to connect to the Nigerian culture while offering financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for members of the Nigerian American community in the U.S..
The centre also curated cultural programs for first-generation Nigerian-Americans and supported newly arrived immigrants.
Also, the Nigerian centre is opening a walk-in immigration clinic in Washington, D.C. for community members who required legal assistance regarding immigration and naturalisation.
The centre and several community organisations serving the Nigerian American community will announce the opening on Oct. 4.
