WINNIPEG — Members of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc. (NAMI) gathered outdoors on Thursday, October 1, 2026, for a formal ceremony marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, featuring traditional attire, official remarks, and musical performances.
The event, captured in a video shared by NAMI Manitoba on Instagram, showed community leaders and participants standing before a podium outside a government building.
Attendees wore vibrant traditional Nigerian clothing in the national colours of green and white. A man in a red traditional outfit held a staff, while others, including women in white and green ensembles and a young musician with a saxophone, joined the gathering. A speaker in a dark suit addressed the group from the podium bearing an official crest.
One commenter on the post, identified as ambassadorbryanandgloria, noted: “It was an honor having me play for our great nations. God bless Nigeria, God bless Canada.”
The ceremony aligns with Manitoba’s official recognition of October 1 as Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day, established by provincial legislation in 2024—the first such recognition in Canada. Previous years have included flag-raisings at the Manitoba Legislative Building and community gatherings.
NAMI, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering friendship, cultural awareness, and bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada while supporting Nigerian residents in Manitoba, is also preparing for a larger dual celebration. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the association will host its Nigeria Independence Day and NAMI 40th Anniversary event at Soul Sanctuary in Winnipeg (2050 Chevrier Boulevard). The evening is expected to feature cultural performances, music, dancing, Nigerian cuisine, awards, and community reunions.
Doors open at 3 or 4 p.m., with the program running into the evening. Tickets have been available through Eventbrite, with early-bird pricing previously promoted. Organizers have described the occasion as a tribute to 40 years of NAMI’s community impact and Nigeria’s heritage under the theme of being “Rooted in Heritage – Rising with Purpose.”
NAMI continues to serve as an umbrella body for Nigerian social and cultural groups in the province, promoting unity, economic and social development, and the contributions of Nigerians in Manitoba. The Independence Day observances highlight the community’s growing presence and integration in the province.
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