PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu, Adeleke, Oreagba attend US Independence Day celebration in Lagos

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, and Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, alongside other dignitaries, on Monday attended the 249th United States’ independence anniversary celebration in Lagos. 

The celebration, which had Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, in attendance, was held at the US Consulate General residence.

Also at the events were Farooq Oreagba, former managing director of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, popularly known as King of steeze, Fisayo Fosudo, the tech podcaster; and Nduka Obaigbena, chairman of ThisDay and Arise media group.

JoEllen Gorg, the consul general at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, extended appreciation from her country’s government to guests at the event.

Gorg said the US partnership with Nigeria is “rooted in expanded economic opportunity, deepened commercial engagement, and long-term mutual prosperity”.

“Since 1776, every 4th of July, across the United States, millions of Americans reflect on the values that have defined us: freedom, excellence, and opportunity,” she said.

“Today, as we celebrate American independence, we also celebrate the enduring partnership with Nigeria, a partnership rooted in expanded economic opportunity, deepened commercial engagement, and long-term mutual prosperity.

“We want to work with African nations, not as aid recipients, but as commercial partners.

“Over 80 major U.S. companies operate in Nigeria across key sectors, and let’s not forget the over 750,000 people of Nigerian descent living in the United States.

Gorg also encouraged business owners and investors “to tackle trade bottlenecks, reduce investment barriers, and unlock the full potential of the US-Nigeria partnership”.

Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos is a major beneficiary of US support, particularly in the areas of technology and creativity.

“Lagos, where we are, is the commercial, cultural, and economic nerve centre of Nigeria. We are therefore proud to host the U.S. Consul General in Nigeria,” he said.

See some of the photos below: