News
Another U.S. City Honours Nigeria With Hoisting Of Flag
It was a big honour for Nigeria as Newark, United States (US), the largest city in the State of New Jersey, honoured the country with the hoisting of the green-white-green flag in the City Hall.
The Mayor of the City, Ras Baraka, also presented Nigeria with the City’s Highest Order of Proclamation in recognition of the contributions to the City and the United States.
Nigerians in Newark and New York shut down the city hall as they trooped out to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary.
This was the second time a US city celebrated Nigeria’s independence with the raising of the country’s flag at the city hall.
Newark’s proclamation came only few weeks after Hempstead, a city in the State of New York, hoisted the Nigerian flag to commemorate the country’s 58th independence anniversary on October 1.
The Newark Mayor said the hoisting of the flag at the City Hall was significant for him and the largest city in the State of New Jersey.
He added that “the significance of the proclamation is that the Mayor and the City of Newark recognize Nigeria on this day: this is ‘Nigeria’s Day’ at the City Hall”.
Represented by Mr Ugochukwu Nwaokoro, Deputy Mayor for International Relations and Diaspora Affairs, Baraka said “the raising of Nigeria’s flag at the City Hall symbolizes that the city accepts you; it means your flag is rising.
“Nigerians are very hard working people and they are highly goal-oriented individuals. So that’s how the city sees them – as very valuable members of the City.”
The event, jointly organized by the Mayor’s Office and Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey, was attended by Nigerian officials, led by Consul-General in New York, Benaoyagha Okoyen, and Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Tijjani Bande.
The Consul-General said “Nigeria is a land of promise” that had endured a tortured history of political instability, religious and ethnic conflicts like many countries.
Okoyen, who spoke on “Nigeria the Promise,” said “the nation has come of age”, noting, however, that “if the country must succeed, Nigerians must be truthful to the national pledge.
“We must be faithful, loyal and honest, serve our country with all our strength with sincerity, defend her unity as a people and uphold what brings honour and glory to our dear nation.
“To truly make Nigeria a place of the ‘promise’, we must uphold the ideals of true patriotism and nationalism,” he said.
Okoyen regretted that the consequences of Nigeria’s post-colonial disposition were enormous but said the country must overcome the internal contradictions and marshal out a purposeful direction for the citizenry.
According to him, Nigeria must look inwards to solve its problems with what it has, adding that citizens must stop blaming the government and take the destiny of the country into their own hands.
“As Nigerians in Diaspora who have seen it all, it is your duty to replicate your experience, knowledge and intellectual capacity back at home.
“We must, therefore, help to support the government to succeed. We must pursue developmental initiatives by building institutional capacity and utilize our intellectual capabilities to benefit Nigeria.
“Nigerians must be good ambassadors of our great nation. Nigeria’s flag must continue to fly higher to project the good image of the country in the United States and beyond.”
The President of NIDO, New Jersey, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the event was to celebrate efforts toward nation-building that ultimately delivered the promise and dividends for the benefit of citizens.
Bello said, “we must work together to sustain the hopes, we must remain steadfast and join the efforts to positively contribute to relieving the challenges of nation-building.
“We must become proactively engaged and actively participate in enthroning the spirit of good governance and sustained democratic principles.
“We must take our past as relevant and acknowledged history teachers and open our hearts for future development for our country in all ramifications through our individual and collective contributions.
“We must remember that the world is a generational dynamics, our focus must be to ensure that the next generation in our country lives a better life, dynamic life, modern, scientific and technological life than it currently exists.”
Nigerians honoured for their exemplary service to Nigerian Diasporas included Mr. and Mrs. Moses Adeniji of New African Broadcasting Network, and Mr Okems Okemezie, the Commissioner for African Affairs, City of Newark.
Others were Dr. Abel Famubode, pioneer African trado-pharmacist in the U.S.; Ms. Olamide Talabi, Commissioner in the City of Newark; Pastor Christopher Talabi, a foremost philanthropist, and Miss Chierika Ukogu, a Nigerian Olympian.
Others were Hon. and Councilman Charles Onyejiaka, African immigrant’s only elected public official in New Jersey; and Chief Albert Okagie, a distinguished Nigerian community leader.
Senator Shehu Sani has welcomed US security collaboration with Nigeria, describing it as a needed step in the country’s push for peace.
Sani spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief in the wake of US troops’ arrival in Nigeria.
“We can’t continue to fold our arms while terrorists continue to slaughter and kidnap our people, and then close our doors against support from other countries,” he said on the breakfast show.
“The fight is our fight, but support is very much needed as long as it is a partnership.”
NIGERIA – US DEFENCE COOPERATION: US MILITARY TRAINERS ARRIVE NIGERIA TO SUPPORT NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to announce the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment at Bauchi Airfield.
The deployment forms… pic.twitter.com/7N3uCRNl2j
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) February 16, 2026
On Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed the arrival of 100 US troops and equipment in Nigeria.
Defence spokesman Samaila Uba said the move came after a security deal between the North American nation and Nigeria.
“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists’ threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” Uba said in a statement.
Critics have questioned the development, raising concerns about Nigeria’s territorial integrity. But Sani, a former Kaduna lawmaker, said while the fears are valid, the country is fighting a bigger battle.
“I have read the strong statement issued by my friends opposed to ‘foreign military presence’ in our country. I share their views on the need for us to protect our ‘sovereignty’,” Sani said.
“I understand their distrust and fears about the US troops on our soil. Unfortunately, our ‘sovereignty’ has already been violated by ‘foreign terrorists’ presence’.
“There is no military anywhere in the world that doesn’t cooperate with the militaries of other nations to achieve its objectives. Even superpowers have to work with others to achieve their goals.”
The arrival of the US troops came months after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing the “killing” of Christians. He threatened military action if the situation is not adressed though Nigerian authorities have denied the claims.
In December, the US launched strikes in Nigeria targeted at terrorists, a move both countries said was jointly carried out.
A high-powered Nigerian delegation also visited the US in the wake of Trump’s comment, while some US lawmakers were in the country for a first-hand assessment of the situation.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Bola Tinubu, has criticised the President’s leadership, warning that a second term in 2027 could cement what he described as a damaging legacy.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on Political Paradigm on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said he has seen no meaningful improvement in governance since leaving office, arguing instead that conditions across the country have worsened.
According to him, insecurity has deepened and economic hardship has intensified, particularly in northern Nigeria. He painted a bleak picture of daily life for many citizens, citing what he called rising desperation and poverty.
“Our nation has been a lot more insecure now than when I left,” he said. “What I see at home and on the streets when people speak — the level of desperation and poverty — is most pronounced, especially in the northern part of the country.”
Baba-Ahmed also accused the President of prioritising political manoeuvring over governance, alleging that efforts are being concentrated on consolidating support among political actors ahead of the next general election.
“I see a president who is amassing politicians around him with the hope that they will deliver him a second term,” he said. “That is poor thinking. It’s not strategic, and it’s not the Tinubu we used to hear about.”
Expressing disappointment over what he described as a troubling leadership trajectory, Baba-Ahmed concluded that a return to office in 2027 could see Tinubu judged harshly by history.
“I’m sorry to say that I think President Tinubu will make the worst president if he returns to power in 2027,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the 2026 Lenten and Ramadan fasts to promote unity and stability, and also pray for the security of Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, said that for Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
According to him, Ramadan, for Muslims, is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving.
The President noted that occurence of this year’s Lent and Ramadan on the same day is a reminder that as a people of faith, “we share a lot in common and are one people under God”.
“This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God.
“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving. It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions,” he stated.
While urging Nigerians to promote peace, Tinubu said, “As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation.
“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans. I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”
<im
-
Entertainment4 years agoBBNaija: “Shameful For A Married Woman” – Boma, Tega Doing ‘Stuff’ Under Duvet Sparks Outrage (See Video)
-
Entertainment4 years agoSinger, Oxlade In Big Mess After His Sex Tape With A Strange Lady Surfaces Online (Watch Video)
-
Entertainment5 years agoBBNaija: Kiddwaya Sucks Erica’s Boobs, Licks Dorathy’s Neck In Truth Or Dare Game (Video)
-
Entertainment3 years agoI’m Not Ashamed Of My Leaked Nude Photos, Ifunanya Confesses (See Photos)
-
Crime8 months agoNDLEA intercepts Saudi, UK-bound cocaine in lipsticks
-
Entertainment5 years agoI’m Not Sick But Only Lost Some Weight – Kiss Daniel
-
Crime10 months agoNDLEA seizes N3.4bn worth of opioids in Lagos, PH, uncovers drugs in chocolate tins
-
Entertainment5 years agoHow Women Should Act During Sex – Actress, Blessing Okoro Reveals (Vdeo)