When Governors Sanwo-Olu, Obaseki, Obasa, Other Eminent Nigerians Graced 248th U.S. Independence Celebration

Funke Olaode

Traditional rulers, politicians, members of the diplomatic community, corporate titans and other gorgeously-dressed guests, all of them being people who matter, converged on the expansive Ikoyi residence of the Consul-General of United States of America, Will Stevens, on Monday July 1, 2024 to mark the 248th Independence Day Celebration held in Lagos.

With lovely music and food shaping the event, the US Consul-General, whose country is widely regarded as the most powerful country on earth, might as well get the title of the Most Distinguished Chief Host if the day’s resplendent charm, sonorous music and convivial atmosphere were to be considered. Right from the gate, all invited guests had the view of what was to come, adding to the thrill of walking through the tunnel and strutting the red carpet into the embrace of the pleasantly welcoming Stevens. Beaming with smiles and a sense of fulfilment, he welcomed what later turned out to be a crowd into his abode, posing for photograph with each visitor.

Unknown to most guests, the popular American saying – You ain’t seen nothing yet – would be as literal as they come as the entire compound was soon transformed into an exotic destination. This year’s celebration was themed: “The Great American Roadtrip”. And there was no doubt it was indeed a road trip of interesting discovery as booths dedicated to the states in God’s own country like California, Georgia, New York, and Texas, adorned the nook and cranny of the expansive compound.

The United States’ audience was led by Stevens while the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led the Lagos crowd notable personalities like Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; automobile magnate, Dr. Cosmas Maduka; Guardian publisher, Mrs. Maiden Ibru; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin; Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Tunde Rahman; Obanikoro of Lagos, among other dignitaries.

On standby to serenade guests as everyone let their hair down to savour the moments in excitement was DJ Exclusive, dishing out different sounds from ‘Old School’ tunes to sounds by the raves of the moment, much to the admiration and enjoyment of invited guests who lapped it all up by dancing their hearts out. Food and drinks were surplus, champaign flowed freely, it was indeed a night to remember, with a guest, apparently unable to help it, exclaiming: “This is the best organised Independence Anniversary event.”

Shortly after the melodious renditions of the national anthem of both countries, the man of the moment, Will Stevens, mounted the stage. Basking in the euphoria of a successful outing going by the excitement shown so far by the mammoth crowd that graced his occasion, he said “It’s a pleasure to see so many familiar faces here tonight and to welcome new guests to the residence for this special occasion. Before I begin, I’d like to recognise Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as all the Governors; Deputy Governors; Members of the National Assembly; Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps in attendance today, along with any dignitaries I may have overlooked. As we say in Nigeria, ‘You are welcome.’”

He continued: “Independence Day, or the 4th of July, is one of the United States’ most cherished holidays. It’s a day when family and friends gather to celebrate the founding of our country, to reflect on the challenges we have overcome as a nation, and to affirm the democratic principles that have guided us for nearly 250 years.

“Similarly, a few weeks ago, we gathered with our Nigerian partners to observe Democracy Day and celebrate 25 years since Nigeria’s return to democracy. As the two largest presidential democracies in the world, the United States and Nigeria serve as robust examples for the rest of the globe. We have a shared commitment, as President Lincoln said, to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And we recognise that democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey where elected officials and citizens work together to address the needs of all.

“This shared vision makes the United States and Nigeria natural partners, friends, and allies on many important issues across the continent and the globe.

“Since the beginning of the year, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has had the opportunity to host high-level delegations from Washington, including the Secretary of State, the Deputy Secretary, and many others. They all came seeking to better understand and expand the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in key sectors including trade and investment, security, health, technology, and cultural exchange.

“In April, our governments participated in the 6th U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission where we launched new projects in energy, agriculture, and the digital economy. And just last week in Abuja, we had the pleasure of welcoming our new Ambassador, Richard Mills, to Nigeria. He looks forward to his first trip to Lagos and future engagements with all of you. These events are a testament to the strength of the partnership between our two nations.”

Highlighting the theme of this year’s Independence celebration, “The Great American Roadtrip” with booths dedicated to the states of California, Georgia, New York, and Texas, Stevens said these states were selected because they boast some of the highest numbers of Nigerian Diaspora in the United States. “Over 700,000 people of Nigerian descent live in the United States, the largest of any African country. Nigerian culture and heritage are an integral part of the American story. And later this month we will welcome President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, which includes two Nigerian-Americans, to explore how these people-to-people ties translate into increased economic prosperity for both our nations.”

In his closing remarks, the diplomat thanked many partners for their collaboration, including those he described as ‘our sponsors’ for their generosity which made the event possible while also expressing his gratitude to the amazing Consulate team who put the event together.

In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, Governor Sanwo-Olu, commended Mr. Will Stevens for putting up such a spectacular show in celebrating the great country. “To see this marvelous array of outstanding Nigerians and our international community all coming together, I say ‘it is only Will that can pull this off’. You know, this massive ground, this residence that has a lot of history and that has a lot of, I mean, cultural heritage to it, he is just throwing it open for all of us.

“I want to thank you for the great work you are doing. And I want to, on behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, say how truly proud we are to be identified with you. How truly honoured we are to be asked to come to the United States’ 248th birthday.

“United States and Nigeria are the first and the second largest presidential democracies in the world. You know, and that speaks a lot to the commonality and the real reason why we need to do a lot of things together. There are so many things we could have learned. We are still learning from United States. And you can see that being reflected here today.”

While praising United States for supporting and grooming creative talents and tech start-ups in Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu added: “Will and all of his staff have supported the creative industry at a level which is unimaginable. I have seen all of them here. He has taken them everywhere. He has opened the doors for them. He has helped the tech industry in Nigeria to also flourish, to be able to hand-hold each other and he has helped us to also deepen our democracy.

“And we are just a young guy, 64 years old. And so what that tells us is that we need to believe in ourselves. We need to believe in our country. We need to know that indeed, there are problems everywhere in the world. There are issues. America has gone through its own for 248 years, it has stumbled, it has fallen, it has gotten up. It has even somersaulted, but here they are. The old 248 man is still moving on and is still getting stronger and stronger by the day.”

Admonishing citizens to believe in themselves, Sanwo-Olu urged further: “So as Nigerians, let’s raise our heads up. Let’s say that indeed for every path that we have to play, let’s play it with our heads up, knowing fully well that Nigerians do not come last, with every strength in our body, with every goodness in us, ensuring like I said, that we are the best, not only in our country, but in every part of the world. Let’s give it up to Nigerians.

“For today, it is about the United States of America, of which we are truly honoured that in our country, they have a reason to celebrate. They have a reason to remember what that partnership has been for them. And so on behalf of our government, on behalf of the over 1,000 heads that Will has opened the door for today and several others outside there, we want to congratulate the government and the people of United States. We want to congratulate the relationship that we have and we are believing that we still have a lot more to fuse together in culture, in art, in technology, in politics, in innovation, in creativity, in everything that human beings can think and can dream of. Thank you very much. Congratulations once again to you Will and the United States.” And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more colourful, a spectacular display of fireworks brought the evening of glitz, glamour and pageantry to a close.