Abuja, New York cities for Sister-City partnership – Amb. Egopija

Being address at Nigeria’s FLAG RAISING AT THE BOWLING GREEN ARENA, New York on Monday, October 2, 2023, to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence, by Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Nigeria’s Consul General in New York, USA.

Protocol:

As we celebrate Nigeria at 63, we are full of gratitude to the Most High for bringing us this far. We are very appreciative of our dynamic compatriots who have come to witness our first Flag raising ceremony in the City of New York. We also use this opportunity to welcome our friends who have come to celebrate with us. Our hopes are indeed renewed and we thank the management of the Bowling Green Park led by Mr. Arthur Piccolo for making this facility open to us.

The City of New York, the melting pot of cultures, continues to spearhead inclusivity in its diversity and we acknowledge that Nigerians in the City have been beneficiaries. I thank Mayor Eric Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York and his team, for their willingness to work with the Consular Corps and for offering partnerships with various cities in the world. Indeed, the Federal Capital Territory Abuja authorities look forward to a Sister-City Partnership with the City of New York.

Let me conclude by inviting all to our Independence Parade organized in conjunction with the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in New York scheduled for Saturday, 7th October 2023 on the 2nd Avenue and the reception thereafter at the Dag Hammarskjold Park on E 47th Street where there will be an array of the best Nigerian music, cultural display and cuisine including Nigerian jollof rice.