By Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor
Nigerian families in Dorset, south-west England, turned out in resplendent traditional attire, showcasing Nigeria’s cultural diversity as they marked their country’s 66th Independence anniversary on Saturday, 3rd October.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, gained independence from Britain on 1 October 1960. The Nigerian Community in Dorset (NCD) organised this year’s well-attended annual get-together in Bournemouth under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage, Inspiring Our Future.”
Attendees included friends, well-wishers and officials from local administrative authorities, such as the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Tracey Newman, Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth County, Mark Harper, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba of The Annunciation & St Edmund Campion Parish, Bournemouth, NCD former Exco and other community officials.
The Dorset Race Equality Council, which advocates community cohesion and support, was also represented.
The event opened with the rendition of the Nigerian and British National Anthems, followed by prayers, breaking of kola-nut and later the ceremonial cake cutting.
The Prestigious Women’s Dance Group performed a traditional dance, while children presented Community news in various Nigerian languages and English.
NCD’s current Chairman Rupert Ogwuazor welcomed guests with a short speech reiterating the richness of the Nigerian culture, tradition, political history, abundant natural resources and human capital of more than 230 million people.
Councillor Newman and Deputy Mayor Harper expressed willingness to partner with the Nigerian Community for their areas’ socioeconomic development. They also joined in dancing to various genres of Nigerian music.
The EMG dance band entertained attendees, who drank their fill and feasted on various Nigerian cuisines, including pepper soup, pounded yam with banga, and an assortment of vegetable soups, ofada rice, and of course, Nigeria’s world-renowned jollof rice.
Dorset, with an estimated population of 400,000, has 82 Councillors, elected at a ratio of some 5,000 residents per representative.
Nigeria and the UK have long-standing historical, diplomatic, cultural and economic relations. Trade between the two countries was estimated at £7.3 billion in the four quarters to the end of the first quarter of 2026.