Mayor Donald R. Grebien was joined by members of Pawtucket’s Nigerian community on Saturday October 1, 2016, to raise the Nigerian flag in honor of 56^th Anniversary of Nigerian Independence Day. The flag raising ceremony was the first such event at City Hall for the Nigerian community in Pawtucket.

The ceremony was held in the lobby of Pawtucket City Hall, emceed by Mr. Temi Amusan, and featured a speaking program that included His Royal Highness-Elect King Daniel Salako, Mr. Abbey Egunjobi, Mr. Akin Akanji, and Mayor Grebien. The themes of their shared messages was hope for the future, the importance of getting our youth involved in our community, and pride in their Nigerian heritage and American home. This pride was evident as the attendees participated in the flag raising ceremony, and young and old alike joined in the celebration.

Mayor Grebien spoke to the “melting pot” that is Pawtucket and its diverse mix of rich cultural backgrounds and traditions. He thanked King-Elect Salako and the other speakers for their commitment to Rhode Island and Pawtucket. The Mayor announced that the City of Pawtucket will make the raising of the Nigerian flag an annual event. King-Elect Salako and Mayor Grebien also announced plans to explore a sister city relationship between the King-Elect’s community and Pawtucket.