O.A.N, the most engaging Nigerian organization in the United States, takes initiative in making Nigeria great again

O.A.N continues the lead as the #1 Nigerian organization within the Unites States, promoting awareness and culture.

O.A.N (The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians) is an institution focused on bringing awareness to the contributions of Nigerians in the United States, while also tending to the needs of American Nigerians. O.A.N has been the leading Nigerian organization within the United States, going for over 27 years. With its unbiased approach, it addresses the needs of all Nigerians no matter their ethnic background.

During their duration, they have managed to construct the first Nigerian Council of Religious Leaders organization. The institution was developed to encourage solidarity and participation within religious organizations. Moreover, they went on to propose the development of the Nigerian Lawyers Association in New York. By establishing a unity within many organizations, O.A.N through its work was able to devise events that will further display its outreach.

In collaboration with other organizations jointly known as NIDC (Nigeria Independence Day Parade Committee) O.A.N sponsors the annual Nigerian parade in NYC, the largest gathering of Nigerians outside of the homeland. The Nigerian Independence Day Parade had its start in 1991 and since then O.A.N has continued the tradition. The event has the intentions of not only attracting Nigerians but people of all races and nationalities. This year’s parade will take place on October 7th 2017, from 2nd Ave & East 54th Street and proceed to East 44th Street, in front of Nigeria House.

O.A.N and NIDC are seeking to broaden the impact of Nigerians within the United States and highlight Nigerian culture with people from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

In collaboration with the Nigerian Independence Day Parade Committee, the institution also sponsors the Mr. & Miss Nigeria Independence Pageant. In the affair known as Culture Night, O.A.N showcase the talent, art and refinement of Nigeria. The Cultural Night panel was established in 2005 by the young adults within the Nigerian community; a group of dynamic youth dedicated to showing the rectitude of Nigeria and Nigerians. Things from beauty pageants, singing and dancing are performed at such events with the inspiration of attracting outsiders. As O.A.N states, such events are performed for the intention to promote “Nigerian youth to network and foster unity“.

The unity and cohesion of the youth is a very important aspect for the institution as demonstrated by Kemi Seriki, a contributor and member of O.A.N, in an article titled How are the Children.

awọn ọmọ n’ko is a customary greeting among Yoruba. With such greeting, it shows that children’s well-being is highly acknowledged within the society. Such well-being is not only limited to physical health but comprises of many aspect of human health such as social connection with others and psychological welfare.

“How are the Children” is a phrase which O.A.N captured from the homeland of Nigeria with hopes of establishing here in the United States, to resonate to all people. Utilizing events such as Cultural Night and the Nigerian Independence Day Parade; O.A.N inspires to motivate the youth with the expectation that they will continue the tradition, through generations to come.

The next Cultural Night will be held at JAC in Jamaica Queens, on October 6th from 7 pm.

for more information visit  www.oanweb.org