Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, political economist Pat Utomi and media executive Nduka Obaigbena were among prominent Nigerians who attended the United States Consulate-General’s reception marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in Lagos.
Gatekeepers News reports that the event was held at the residence of the US Consul General in Ikoyi and officially launched Freedom 250, a year-long celebration commemorating the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.
The reception was jointly hosted by Keith Heffern, the US Chargé d’Affaires, and Rick Swart, the US Consul General. According to the consulate, the celebration highlighted the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States, as well as their shared democratic values and longstanding cooperation.
The event drew a cross-section of government officials, diplomats, business leaders, traditional rulers, academics, civil society representatives and figures from the media and entertainment industry. Other notable guests included economist Bismarck Rewane, Lagos State Head of Service Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and Paul Adefarasin.
Guests from the creative sector included content creators Taaooma and Mama Deola, gospel singer Gaise Baba, textile icon Nike Davies-Okundaye and Afrobeat musician Made Kuti.
During the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the United States on the historic milestone and reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the US in trade, technology, healthcare, education and investment.
He noted that Lagos remains home to one of the largest concentrations of American businesses in sub-Saharan Africa and pledged continued support for deeper economic and cultural ties between both countries.
