The highly anticipated Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) 2025 is set to take place from Saturday, October 4th to Sunday, October 5th, 2025, in what organizers describe as the boldest and most inspiring edition yet.
Marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, this year’s NIBAD will bring together Nigerians from across the United States and around the world for a weekend of celebration, recognition, and reflection.
According to a statement released by Barrister Thompson Tabi, Initiator of NIBAD and Chairman of the Organising Committee, international soul music icon and humanitarian Gloria Jones will headline the 2025 event.
Known worldwide for her timeless hit “Tainted Love,” Jones is expected to bring a unique blend of music and message to the stage, reinforcing the cultural richness and global influence of Nigeria and its people.
“Gloria Jones was chosen to headline this year’s event because of her long-standing connection to music, culture, and philanthropy,” said Tabi. “We wanted someone who could not only entertain, but also align with the purpose and prestige of NIBAD. Her presence underscores our commitment to celebrating Nigeria in a special and global way.”
Barrister Tabi, who is also the publisher of Naija Times USA, a leading diaspora-oriented publication based in Baltimore, Maryland, explained that NIBAD was created to spotlight Nigerians who are excelling with integrity and making the nation proud. He said the award presentations during NIBAD are deliberately tied to the country’s Independence Day in October, to remind the global Nigerian community of its roots and responsibilities.
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Tabi revealed that the 2025 event will come with several innovations that will be announced progressively in the lead-up to October. “There are a lot of innovations packed into the 2025 edition of NIBAD, which would be released to the public, one after the other, before the event proper holds in October this year,” he stated.
“Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are achieving extraordinary things,” Tabi explained. “But unfortunately, public attention often goes to those behaving badly. NIBAD was created to correct that perception to identify, showcase, and reward Nigerians who are truly deserving of honor.”
According to him, many Nigerians are doing remarkable things around the world, but often these stories are overshadowed by headlines about bad behaviour. NIBAD, he said, is focused on correcting that imbalance by identifying, celebrating, and rewarding excellence.
“These innovations will elevate the experience of attendees and help us continue to improve the structure and reach of the event. We want every Nigerian, wherever they are in the world, to feel connected to this celebration,” Tabi noted.
As founder and publisher of Naija Times USA, a leading diaspora-focused publication, Tabi has long championed the importance of building a positive image for Nigerians abroad. He says NIBAD fits squarely into that vision, offering a platform that highlights the best in Nigerian excellence, heritage, and potential.
The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner has become a major event in the calendar of diaspora Nigerians, combining elegance and tradition with the recognition of those who continue to uplift Nigeria’s image globally. It brings together individuals from various walks of life, including business, arts, academia, and public service, who are working hard and creating impact within and outside Nigeria.