Elsie UdohNigerian Independence Day is just around the corner, and if you’re living abroad, you might feel a little left out. Back home, you’re probably used to the vibrant green and white colours everywhere you look, showcasing the celebration spirit, the Independence Day parades and events that fill the air with a sense of unity, and, of course, the holiday that allows you to spend the day with your family and loved ones.
But being in the diaspora, especially if this is your first year away without your loved ones, can make you feel far away from all the festivities. But hey, just because you are not in Nigeria does not mean you cannot be a part of the celebration. In fact, you can very well bring home to you even while in the diaspora.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTo make sure you feel just as connected and part of the celebration as you would have been if you were in Nigeria, Prime Business Africa has put together this guide to celebrating Nigerian Independence Day in the Diaspora. So, whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, or any corner of the world, here’s how you can make the day meaningful and special.
Why You Should Celebrate Nigerian Independence Day in the Diaspora
We agree that it’s been a rough year for Nigeria. You’ve probably heard various reports and news updates that left you feeling disappointed, even sad, at the progress of your dear home country, and maybe you’re about to feel apathetic and think that Independence Day is not worth celebrating. After all, who’s going to know if you don’t join in the celebration since you’re thousands of miles away?
Hold up on those thoughts. Remember that just because you’re in the Diaspora doesn’t stop making you a Nigerian, so you’re an integral part of the celebration as you would have been if you were home. And despite the deplorable state of the economy, the Nigerian Independence Day celebration helps you to remember our history, reflect on how far we’ve come, and hope for a brighter future.
Are you convinced already as to why you should join in the Nigerian International Day celebration in the Diaspora? Let’s try a little harder.
Yes, Nigeria has its shortcomings, but here’s why we think celebrating Independence Day is important:
- Cultural Preservation: It’s an important way to keep Nigerian culture alive in foreign lands, passing traditions down to younger generations born abroad who may not have the same connection to home.
- Solidarity: Coming together with fellow Nigerians abroad fosters a sense of community, reminding everyone that no matter how far away you are, you’re still connected to your homeland.
- Reflection and Hope: Despite Nigeria’s challenges—economic instability, political issues, and social unrest—Independence Day is a chance to look back with pride at how far the country has come and to hope for a better future.
- Especially for you in the diaspora, the celebration of Nigerian Independence Day helps to reaffirm you that no matter the distance, Nigeria is always a part of you.
Are you pumped about the celebration now? Well, you should be because we are! It’s an important day to show that we are proud of who we are, stay connected to our roots, and show the world that the Nigerian spirit is alive and well, no matter where we are.
How to Celebrate Nigerian Independence Day in the Diaspora
Now, let’s get into the fun part—how to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day in the Diaspora. Even if you’re thousands of miles away from home, you can join in marking the occasion in a fun and creative way. Ready to know how? Well, keep reading.
But wait a minute. Before we get into how to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day in the Diaspora, let’s test your knowledge. How old is Nigeria turning? We’ll give you a minute to think about it. You can quickly drop your answer in the comment box and hurry back to see how you can celebrate Nigerian independence the fun way.
Now to the big reveal: Nigeria is turning 6 decades and 4 years old on October 1, 2024, as the country gained independence in 1960. Do the math, and how many years does that give you? Again, use the comment box.
So, now let’s get right into some simple, creative, and enjoyable ways to make Nigerian Independence Day special while living abroad:
Join a Nigerian Community Event
Many countries with a decent Nigerian population, such as the US, UK, and Canada will have some form of Independence Day celebration. It could be a cultural festival, parades, parties, or even a church service. These events are a great way to meet other Nigerians, share memories of home, and get that feeling of togetherness.
You can find these events by checking out Diaspora’s social media groups, Eventbrite, or even asking around to see what’s going on in your area. If nothing’s happening nearby, many Nigerian communities host virtual events nowadays, so you can join in no matter where you are.
Host Your Own Independence Day Party
If you can’t find an event to attend, why not throw your own party? You can make it as low-key or as fancy as you want. Invite your Nigerian friends, or even those who aren’t Nigerian, and share the culture with them. You can also send out an open invite on social media about it and you’ll be surprised to see how many patriotic Nigerians, who truly care about marking this milestone just like you, would troop in.
To make your event memorable, here are some suggestions to try out:
- Decoration: Decorate the place in green and white to set the tone of the event.
- Menu: Only Nigerian meals are allowed! What better way is there to celebrate Independence Day than cooking and enjoying delicious Nigerian meals that take you back home? Serve up Nigerian classic dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, suya, and puff-puff. These foods are not just a reminder of culture but they taste so good!
- Music: Where’s your Afrobeat playlist at? Showcase our unique sound by streaming a jam of the latest Nigerian Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage to keep the vibe lively.
- Dress Code: Encourage your guests to wear traditional Nigerian attire, whether it’s Ankara, Aso Ebi, or even something with a simple splash of green and white. This is a great way to kick in the Nigerian spirit.
- Games & Activities: Play games that reminds everyone about Nigeria’s history and culture. You can host trivia about Nigeria’s history or organise a dance-off to popular Nigerian tunes.
Cook a Nigerian Delicacy
Nothing says “Nigerian celebration” quite like good food. Even if you do not throw a party, you can simply mark the day by cooking a full Nigerian feast. There’s nothing like a plate of your favourite Nigerian dish to make you feel closer to home. You can choose to prepare jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi, or akara for breakfast. You can make one meal or more depending on affordability and accessibility and share with family or friends around. Even if you’re not the best cook, don’t worry; there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help you out.
Stay Up-to-date With Nigerian Media
Thanks to the Internet, you can still watch the official celebrations live from Nigeria. Many Nigerian TV stations like NTA, Channels, and AIT stream live online the speeches from the President, parades, and cultural activities. Watching these events can make you feel like you’re part of the celebration, even if you’re far from home.
You can also watch documentaries on Nigerian history or even enjoy Nollywood movies that showcase Nigerian culture. Remember to check Prime Business Africa to get real-time updates about the Independence Day celebration in Nigeria.
Reflect on Nigeria’s Journey
Independence Day celebrations can be fun, but they are also a time for reflection. Despite the challenges, think about how far the country has come and how they can do better. When you reflect on this, you’ll find that there’s also so much to be proud of—the resilience of its people, the richness of its culture, and the potential for a better future.
You can have a chat with your family about their hopes for the country or connect with fellow Nigerians abroad to discuss how the diaspora can contribute to Nigeria’s growth to effect positive change.
Your moment of reflection and discussion can land you on diaspora-led initiatives that are working to make Nigeria a better place for future generations, which you can be a part of.
Support Nigerian Causes or Businesses
One of the best ways to celebrate Nigeria’s independence is by giving back. Whether it’s by donating to causes that support education, healthcare, or community development in Nigeria or simply buying from Nigerian-owned businesses in the Diaspora, you’re making an impact. Platforms like Jumia Global even allow you to order products directly from Nigeria, making it easy to shop from Nigerian businesses.
If you’re looking for something tangible, consider donating to charity projects like Hike for Change from Path to Possibilities, whose mission is to help disadvantaged children have access to education, and projects like the Diaspora National Housing Fund mortgage scheme, which creates opportunities for diaspora Nigerians to contribute to the country’s growth while also securing property at home. Your money not only helps you but also plays a role in Nigeria’s development.
Final thoughts
Celebrating Nigerian Independence Day from the Diaspora is a great way of staying connected to your home country and culture. So regardless of how far away from home you are, remember that home is never far from you. So go ahead, cook up that jollof, put on your green and white, and join in the celebration.
Enjoy your celebration of the 64th Independence Day in the Diaspora.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
