By Chantelle Tindall
Manchester came alive with different activities over the last few months. From the Festival in my neighbourhood sponsored by Manchester International Festival, to the Nigerian Independence celebration hosted by the Nigerian Community Manchester; the public especially from the Black Minority Ethnic (BME) community, were spoilt for choice on what to attend.
One of such was Ms. Justina Ifeanyinwa Udemzue's book launch titled: Yes I Can. She is a sickle cell survivor and her story is an encouragement to others with the same condition considering how she had made it into old age with all the attendant challenges. It was a well attended event and a book well worth reading.
The Nigerian Community Manchester celebrated Nigeria's 59th Independence anniversary.
Kudos to Chair of the Community - Ms. Augusta Ugoh, the General Secretary - Engr. Patrick Obidoyin and the entire Nigerian Community Manchester, for putting together another successful event. The organisation is a not-for-profit, non-political, non-religious community, with the aim to represent both cultural, social welfare and economic interests of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria living in Greater Manchester. It also aims to educate the wider public on all aspects of Nigerian culture and heritage and to showcase the positive contributions of people of Nigerian descent to the wider society.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
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Nigerian Community Manchester event pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.
Some personalities were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the society, including: Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa for contributions to Diaspora Affairs; Chief Dr Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea for his contribution to the Construction and Manufacturing industry in Nigeria; Mrs Elaine Unegbu for her contribution to Greater Manchester Older People's Home; Dr Anele Ebizie for mentoring young Nigerian Doctors; Prince Dr Bode Adetoyi for contribution to Agriculture and Foreign Direct Investments to Nigeria; and Kike Oniwide for promoting Nigeria in a positive light.
Others were Dr. Lady Lazzy-Onyenobi for contribution to Women Empowerment; Mrs. Lydia Ina for working with Street Children in Cross Rivers State; Dr. Erinma Bell MBE for contribution to Peace Activism; Dr. Nike Folayan campaigning for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and Mr Ade Arogundade for services to the Nigerian Community in Manchester among others.
In attendance were Dr. Boma Douglas - Chair of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK); Chief Angus Chukwuemeka - Patron of Nigerian Community Manchester; Hon Ayuba Ishaku Chawazah - Member representing Chikum Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly; and Hon. Danjuma Musa - Special Assistant to the Speaker House of Representatives.
Also present were members of the Nigerian community from Leeds, and the Urhobo community in Manchester, the Edo community Manchester, the Idoma Union Manchester, Boki Community, Anambra Welfare Association, Delta Community Manchester, and the Nigerian Elders group.
Ceebee Gold Foundation International, a non-governmental organisation, also held the 5th edition of her annual awards night. CEO - Reverend Mother Bola Olayemi, informed guests that the organisation had been extending goodwill gestures to the less privileged within the local and international community. She said that the Foundation has various projects underway, mostly in Nigeria, where they are building schools, healthcare facilities, and care giver hostels. Alleviating poverty by developing the capacity skills people in disadvantaged communities is high on the Foundation's priority list. The Foundation also has projects earmarked for the youths. The Governor of Oyo State - Seyi Makinde has been very supportive of the initiative since building work commenced in Igbo-Elerin Ibadan.
Attendance at the awards night included: Alhaji Oyebamiji - President, Ibadan Indigenes Association UK; Lucy Powell (MP); Dr. Erinma Bell MBE; Mr. David Smith; and Alhaji Akeem Adetunji representing the Olubadan of Ibadan.
Awards were presented to Angie Marriott, Mr and Mrs. Patrick Ikperha Ideh, Pastor Mrs. Bosede Ogundipe, Patricia Oluwakemi Ajayi, Dr. Christian M. Okoli and Mr. Tolu Fiberesima.
Hopefully, after an horrendous hiatus brought about by this global pandemic, these organisers will find the muster to be able to put on events again this year. I really hope to be out and about very soon attending these much needed events.
Credit: Nigerian Community Manchester pictures from Mrs Esther Wright.