NIGERIANS IN Dundalk are set to participate in the town’s St Patrick’s Day parade for the very first time.

The Co Louth town has one of the highest concentrations of Nigerians in the country, and local businessman Frank Nwaubani told Metro Éireann that excitement is gathering among the African community as 17 March approaches.
“We’re participating under the auspices of Nwannedin-amba,” explained Nwaubani. “It’s an Igbo cultural group that’s striving for social and cultural integration of Nigerians in Ireland, and in Dundalk.”
He said Nigerian participants emanate from various tribal traditions, and will “showcase our cultural dance, masquerade dance and other things.”
Cultural outfits will be worn by participants, including the children of Nigerians, said Nwaubani.
The group expects in excess of 100 Nigerians to turn out, with announcements communicated through local African churches.
Asked if any opposition had been encountered, Nwaubani commented: “No, and we’re not worried about that.
“We are in Ireland, it is our second home. Our children are Irish, and many of us have Irish passports, so we have to see that we participate to get well integrated.
He concluded: “We’re looking forward to it and are very excited.”
Meanwhile, the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin has confirmed that City Fusion, which extravagantly showcases Dublin’s ethnic minority population, will take part in the parade.
Around 90 people from Ireland, Lithuania, Belarus, Jamaica, Botswana, Nigeria, Japan, Tanzania, Indonesia, Cameroon, the Philippines, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe will take part in City Fusion, said a spokesperson.
For further information, visit stpatricksfestival.ie