Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, celebrates its independence day on October 1st each year. 65 years ago, Nigeria gained its independence from Great Britain, and Nigerians still widely celebrate the anniversary across the globe. Celebrations and festivities occur in both urban and local fashion, ranging from presidential addresses and elaborate parades to intimate family-oriented traditions. Many enjoy cooking local Nigerian foods like jollof rice, a beloved Nigerian dish consisting of rice, tomatoes, and peppers, along with a variety of spices. Egusi soup is another popular choice, a soup with melon seeds, vegetables, and a protein. Besides food, another form of celebration is enjoying famous Nigerian films. Nollywood, Nigeria’s prolific film industry, is second in the world in volume production, producing over 2,500 movies a year.

“My family and I would make Nigerian dishes from scratch as a tradition. We will also host parties and bring DJs along and invite friends as well,” Senior Makayla Edorhe said.

Edorhe is a second year boarding student and one of many Nigerian students here. Holidays and traditions from other countries are often cherished and celebrated by specific students and sometimes the whole school. These celebrations bring a piece of home back to boarding students who love embracing and sharing their country with their peers and teachers.

“I plan to celebrate independence day in Nigeria. It feels right to celebrate in a country you love and appreciate,” Edorhe said.

Nigerian Independence Day festivities and customs are widely recognized and are often unique, personal and reflect your culture and where you are from.

“If Independence Day was on a school day, we would wear our traditional clothing at school from the states we are from in Nigeria. I am from Edo state in Nigeria, so I would wear my traditional Edo state outfit which consist of a red dress and orange beads and an orange beaded crown,” Edhore said.