The Nigerian flag as raised on Tuesday
For the second time, the U.S. Town of Hempstead on Tuesday honoured Nigeria by hoisting the nation’s flag in commemoration of its 59th Independence anniversary.
The flag-raising ceremony, held at the premises of the Hempstead Town Hall, was organised by the city council in collaboration with the Nigerian community.
It followed the first one held on Oct. 1, 2018, at the same venue.
In attendance were members of the Nigerian community and officials of the Nigerian consulate in New York led by the Consul General (CG), Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen.
Joining them in the celebration were senior local officials, including the Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Mr Don Ryan, and the Senior Councilwoman, Dorothy Goosby, who anchored the ceremony.
Friends of Nigeria from other African countries and in the U.S. were also present to identify with the celebrants.
“Today, Nigerians all over the world proudly celebrate Oct. 1 as a day of political independence.
“A day we remember the founding fathers and all who led our dear country to political independence in 1960.
“Today, we celebrate freedom and the beautiful traditions of our people; we celebrate strength, dignity and our diversity as a nation,” the CG said.
He called on Nigeria’s friends, partners and the entire world to believe in the country, while also urging Nigerians to unite and keep faith with their fatherland.
“Diversity in Nigeria is a strength. We shall no longer be consumed by our differences as a nation,” he added.
Okoyen thanked the Hempstead city officials for the honour, and lauded Nigerians in the U.S, for their “exceptional display of professionalism and competence in various fields of human endeavors”.
Okoyen delivers his remarks at the occasion. With him are Prof. Elseah Chea (middle) and the Senior Councilwoman, Dorothy Goosby.
In a goodwill message, a Liberian citizen and Professor of English, Mr Elseah Chea, congratulated Nigerians for the honour.
Chea, who reportedly recommended the hoisting of the Nigerian flag in 2018, said it was the beginning of official recognition of the African community in the city.
Later, Mayor Ryan congratulated Nigerians, saying he was proud of what the country had achieved in the last 59 years.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the hoisting of the Nigerian flag besides that of the U.S. in front of the Hempstead Town Hall Plaza.
With a population of about 750,000, Hempstead is America’s largest township, occupying the southwestern part Nassau County in New York. State.
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