Africa Day 2025: Nigeria Leads the Continent in Celebrating Unity, Justice, and Cultural Pride

Africa Day 2025: Nigeria Leads the Continent in Celebrating Unity, Justice, and Cultural Pride

Jerry Adesewo

Nigeria took center stage in the continental celebration of Africa Day 2025, hosting representatives from over 35 countries in Abuja from May 24 to May 27. The event commemorated the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

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The festivities in Abuja were marked by a series of events aimed at fostering continental unity and addressing historical injustices. Key discussions focused on the AU’s Vision 2030 initiative for a single African passport, intra-African trade, cultural exchange, and the inclusion of youths and women in the continent’s development agenda.

One of the highlights the many events in Abuja, was the Liberation Walk, organized to emphasize the essence of freedom and unity among African nations. Quadri-Adu Kehinde, President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber, stated,

“The time of slavery is gone, and this is a time that we need to move together and work together. That is the essence of the liberation walk.”

Other activities of ACCCAT includes tree planting, advocacy visits to the Nike Art Gallery, Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Oriaun Art Gallery and a diplomatic luncheon on the evening of May 25 at Hawthorn Suites and Hotel.

Cultural expressions were at the forefront of the celebrations. Staff at Olam Agri in Nigeria showcased their pride in traditional attire, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.

Across the continent, similar events took place. In Lagos, the 10th anniversary of the Annual Africa Day Celebration saw participants urging leaders and citizens to prioritize genuine continental development. Meanwhile, the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa hosted exhibitions, cultural showcases, and high-level dialogues on reparatory justice.

The celebrations also underscored the importance of youth and women’s roles in shaping Africa’s future. The AU emphasized that justice is a continuous demand for truth, dignity, and leadership that reflects the realities of African people.

As Africa Day 2025 concluded, the collective message was clear: a unified, just, and culturally rich Africa is not just a dream but a shared responsibility. Nigeria’s leadership in this year’s celebrations highlighted its commitment to the continent’s progress and the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Africa Day 2025: Nigeria Leads the Continent in Celebrating Unity, Justice, and Cultural Pride