Chi-towns finest definitely came out and represented at the UMU IGBO ALLIANCE 49^th Nigerian Independence Day parade and picnic in Chicago Illinois on Oct. 3^rd 2009 from 10am to 6:30pm on a Saturday morning. Everyone showed up except the Nigerian Embassy Passport Renewal of Chicago. I suppose they decide not to be in attendance seeing that it was a Nigerian event and knew a lot of people will be at their table asking for “hook ups” on green cards and passports.

Oct. 1^st 1960 traces all the way back to the day when Nigeria got their independence from Britain, who kept us in captivity for 60 years. We pride ourselves on being able to recover from the massacres, civil wars and stripping of our country of its natural resources and elite culture. We have stood strong for over 50 years, but still have room for improvement.

Seeing by the turn out of events, UMU IGBO ALLIANCE did a remarkable job getting all the artist, chiefs, chairman/chairwomen, “money makers” and “money takers” to come together and support the unification of our Independence Day. The picnic took place near Downtown Chicago at Foster Park and although it decided to rain, that did not stop anyone from indulging further in the festivities.

To start the picnic off with a bang, the Commissioner of Nigerian Affairs randomly decides to invite the one of the pastors from a local organization to come and say a short opening prayer. Mind you I said “short” but instead his prayer lasted almost 10 minutes, which lead the commissioner, the MC, and the photographer to come one after the other tugging on his “Abada” letting him know that it was time to end his prayer, so he ended it with an “In Jesus Name we pray.” Did I mention that he had this funny Hausa accent? Just when I thought the randomness was over, there was more. Not too far from that, one of the organizers of the event was running around the park, looking for someone who can sing, to come up and help sing the Nigerian National Anthem. I thought it was quite interesting that we (The NaijaLatys of California) ended up becoming full participant of the event. Knowing nothing about what the picnic had to offer, we were chosen to lead the rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem. Thank God my crew had my back, because that was definitely random. We did our best to keep up, while the horn player tried his best to follow our lead as we tried to follow his (ended up being a total mess, but quite entertaining to say the least).

The schedule of events was packed starting from LIVE ENETERTAIMENT, GAMES, CULTURAL SHOWS, FOOD, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES, and RAFFLE GIVE AWAYS. Performers showed up and gave remarkable dance and song selections that left a lasting impression on us all. Organizations such as the Ondo State Association of America, Ultimate Club of USA, WAWA United Org of Chicago, USA, NIDEF, Ijebu-Alure Association of Chicago and The Army National Guard of the United States.  Even Dj Dee Money and Dj 3K joined in to promote upcoming events and give away hot Naija Mix tapes.

Lastly, as hot as the parade was, the after party was even hotter. The Official Midwest Independence Day party was jumping with Dj Dee Money and Dj 3K holding it down at the Filthy Libertine. It truly ended up being the biggest Midwest Independence Day party ever. The club was so packed; you were able to smell the “isewu” the guy next to you had for dinner 3 days ago. Finally they decided to open the VIP room upstairs for others, so the fire Marshall doesn’t come shut the party down. Overall, both the parade and the after party were quite entertaining and ended on a very good note. UMU IGBO ALLIANCE and D.I.S ENTERTAINMENT did a wonderful job helping the Midwest celebrate our 49^th Nigerian Independence Day. (Thanks Dee Money for the CD and for spinning the Hottest hits ever!)

Happy 49th Nigeria from all of us at Amebor.com. As you can tell, we were there minding your bizness as usual and we love to mind your bizness, as you know. So come and Mind our Bizness at Club BLVD in Manhathan, October 17th as we have our official launch event. (Click here for more info)

For now, enjoy the pictures below.

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Photos by
Tunji Sangoleye | Dare2Dream Photography |

dare2dream8505@aol.com
http://dare2dream8505.blogspot.com

Tagged as: Chicago, DeeMoney, Nigeria Independence, Parade, Picnic, UMU IGBO ALLIANCE