BLAFROKANHOUSTON, TEXAS – Nigeria’s independence is celebrated annually on October 1. It marks Nigeria’s proclamation of independence from British rule on October 1, 1960. Culturally Naija and WeLead, Inc. will mark its 6th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival celebration by hosting a culture- packed three-day event starting on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, thru Saturday, October 1, 2022. The Official Nigerian parade will take place on Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at Root Memorial Square – 1400 Clay Street starting at 10:00 am. “We have intensified the program to include live drumming, traditional dances and various masquerades representing different regions in Nigeria,” states Jane Udoewa, Founder of Culturally Naija. The line-up of event includes an Opening Reception, the Nigeria Masquerade Exhibition and the main attraction, the Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival.
The Grand Marshall of the Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee notes, “that in the U.S., Nigerians make up an important part of the population and a part of professional medical and business communities. The culture and pride in the Nigerian community is abundant. We are excited about the assets they bring to the city.” The event is expected to attract thousands of attendees into Downtown Houston. “We are excited this year about our parade participants and to partner with Chipper Cash, a fellow Pan-African company. And just like us, they are on a mission to connect the diaspora with their community and culture,” states Linda Anukwuem, Executive Director for WeLead, Inc.
The Nigeria Masquerade Exhibition which starts off with an Opening Reception on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, will showcase masquerades representing different regions in Nigeria. The exhibit will also feature local Nigerian Artists: Ofilidesigns and the incomparable Oluseyi Soyege. This year’s exhibition will be perfectly curated as a learning blueprint for Nigerian culture. For more information on the parade and exhibit, please visit nigeriaculturalparade.com
Confirmed groups includes: Ai’Idoma Assocation, Umu Igbo Unite Houston, Ijawse Association, Otu Umuokpu Anambra, USA Association, Inc., Akwa Ibom Youth, All Saints Angelican Church, OhuOhu Progressive Union, Ihitte Uboma, African Student Associations and many more.
The Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival is made possible through the support of our partners and sponsors: Chipper Cash, Wazobia African Market, Guinness, Culturally Naija, WeLead, Friday Health Plans, Lone Star College, Nice Refund, BluePrint 360, Texas Guardian, and 97.9 The Box.
Blafrokan Curated
Akachineke Azubuike
Udemezue Onyioha