By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian in Diaspora Supporters of APC PBAT-KOH celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Atlanta, Georgia with a colourful celebration that combined calls for national unity and diaspora engagement with a showcase of Yoruba culture and traditional fashion.
The event, held at Labule on Saturday, brought together members of the Nigerian diaspora, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and friends of Nigeria.
The gathering was led by Engineer Gbolahan Gbadamosi, P.E., Head of the APC PBAT-KOH Diaspora Group, his deputy, Hon. Adewale Jafojo, and Pastor Tunde Bakare, who served as Special Guest of Honour.
Other attendees included Mrs Abiodun Gbadamosi, Princess Adekunbi Oyekan-Jafojo, Dr Laolu Lediju, Mrs Zainab Adesanya-Idowu, APC USA National Youth Leader Hon. Bello Oyakhilome, Hon. Deji Thanni-Olodo and Bashorun Kamal Seyi Abiodun.
Speaking at the event, Bakare called on Nigerians to place their shared national identity above religious, ethnic and tribal differences.
Drawing on his personal religious journey, the cleric argued that Nigeria’s diversity should be treated as a source of strength rather than division.
He urged Nigerians to build stronger bonds across religious and ethnic lines, particularly in a country where political and social conversations are often shaped by identity.
The event also focused on the role of Nigerians living abroad in the country’s development.
Gbadamosi said the Nigerian diaspora possesses significant professional expertise, economic resources and international networks that could be channelled towards development at home.
He stressed the need for Nigerians abroad to organise and coordinate their efforts if diaspora resources and influence are to translate into sustained impact in Nigeria.
Jafojo similarly called for greater civic participation among Nigerians in the diaspora, urging them to use their families, networks and relationships across the country to encourage participation in the democratic process.
He also called on members of the diaspora to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and other APC candidates in forthcoming elections.
Beyond the political discussions, the Atlanta gathering offered a strong display of Nigerian cultural heritage.
Hosted by Princess Tokunbo Omisore of the historic Ile-Ife Dynasty, the event featured a fashion presentation inspired by the Ojude Oba festival, with guests showcasing elaborate Yoruba traditional outfits.
The cultural display brought elements of southwestern Nigeria’s fashion and heritage to the diaspora setting, turning the Independence celebration into an occasion for cultural preservation and intergenerational connection.
The organisers said the gathering was intended to strengthen the connection between Nigerians abroad and the country while encouraging members of the diaspora to remain engaged with Nigeria’s social, cultural and political development.
The celebration combined Independence Day reflections, civic engagement, traditional fashion and Yoruba cultural expression, highlighting the continuing links between Nigerians overseas and their country of origin.
