The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a dignified National Day reception held on 1 October 2026 at the Cultural Palace, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The celebration was hosted by H.E. Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and brought together senior Saudi officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Nigerian community leaders, business representatives, defence and military attachés, professionals and friends of Nigeria.
On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Region, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region, attended the ceremony alongside Ali bin Abdullah Al-Shehri, Director General of the General Directorate of Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event was attended by several ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives, including H.E. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Coulibaly Drissa, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; H.E. Javier Carbajosa, Ambassador of Spain; H.E. Mohammed S. Barrie, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone; and H.E. Amara S. Sackor, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia, among other ambassadors, defence attachés and members of the diplomatic community.
Also in attendance was Honourable Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Nigeria, alongside business leaders and senior professionals based in Saudi Arabia, including Folajimi Daodu, CEO of Safira, and Solomon Animashaun, Founder & CEO of TAG AI, Lawrence Eta, Global AI Advisor, and members of the leadership of the Digital Cooperation Organization.
The celebration showcased Nigeria’s heritage, hospitality and cultural identity, while reinforcing the Embassy’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with Saudi Arabia.
Safira, a Riyadh-based strategic events and market access company, curated and organised the celebration in collaboration with the Embassy, supporting a memorable platform for Nigeria–Saudi diplomatic and cultural engagement.
The evening provided a strong platform to present Nigeria positively in the Kingdom and to deepen relationships across government, diplomacy, business and the Nigerian diaspora.
From left to right: Ali bin Abdullah Al-Shehri, Director General of the General Directorate of Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region; and His Excellency Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary reception in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From left to right: Ali bin Abdullah Al-Shehri, Director General of the General Directorate of Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region; and His Excellency Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary reception in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
