L-R: Honorary Secretary of the Nigerian-Britain Association (N-BA), Tobi Asehinde; N-BA immediate Past President, Abimbola Okoya; representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Admin Attaché/Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT, Uche Eleanya Friday; N-BA President, Sola Oyetayo; N-BA Executive Secretary, Olajumoke Adeola; N-BA Vice Patron, Philip Hall OBE; former N-BA Vice President, Carolyn Hall MBE; and N-BA Independence Day celebration Subcommittee Chair/Council Member, Kunle Ologun at the 2024 N-BA Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebration held recently in London, the United Kingdom.
On 12th October 2024, the Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA) held its Independence Day celebration in London, United Kingdom, to commemorate Nigeria’s rich heritage and the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
The event was organised in partnership with First Bank UK, NEM Insurance, Scib Nigeria & Co., and BK 90 Restaurant & Lounge. Speaking at the event, the Vice Patron of the N-BA, Philip Hall, applauded the Association for its commitment to fostering strong ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
L-R: Business Manager, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at FirstBank UK – Tony Okonkwo; Chief Executive officer/Managing Director of FirstBank UK – Olukorede Adenowo; N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo; Deputy Head, Corporate Banking at FirstBank UK – Kemi Iyinbor; Head of Mortgage and Lending at FirstBank UK – Abraham Adewale; N-BA Independence Day Subcommittee Chair/N-BA Council Member – Kunle Ologun
Hall, who reflected on his 52-year relationship with Nigeria, described it as a privilege that allowed him to work on various projects across the country. He praised the resilience and warmth of Nigerians, noting their positive outlook despite facing numerous challenges. While highlighting the contributions of Nigerians across different sectors and the importance of continued efforts to uplift the nation, he acknowledged the contributions of past and present leaders of the Association in creating a platform for collaboration and cultural exchange.
In his address, the N-BA President, Sola Oyetayo, remarked that Nigeria’s 64 years of sovereignty have been marked by resilience, determination, and significant progress. He emphasised that the celebration is not only a reflection of Nigeria’s independence but also a testament to the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on shared values and mutual respect, an objective which he said is central to the N-BA.
L-R: N-BA Immediate Past President – Abimbola Okoya; N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo; N-BA Council Member – Alfred Oluwasegun Oniye; N-BA Vice Patron – Philip Hall
He noted that Nigeria’s story is one of continuous growth, driven by the tenacity of its people, both within the country and in the diaspora, who have made substantial contributions across various fields globally.
In attendance were high net worth individuals from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including the Admin Attaché and Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT, Uche Eleanya Friday, who represented the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Cyprian Terseer Heen; diplomats from African countries, member of parliaments, members and guests of the Association.
The event featured performances from two Nigerian artists, namely Tunde of Styl-Plus and Weird MC, who entertained guests with captivating Nigerian tunes.
N-BA Past President – Abimbola Okoya (3rd from left); N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo (4th from left); representatives of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Admin Attaché/Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT – Uche Eleanya Friday (3rd from right); and N-BA Executive Secretary – Olajumoke Adeola (2nd from right) with the representatives of FirstBank UK during the presentation of award to FirstBank UK
The N-BA, a non-profit organisation founded in 1969, focuses on strengthening ties between Nigeria and the UK through cultural exchange and partnerships. Linked to the British-Nigeria Education Trust in the UK whose patron was the late H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the N-BA aims to foster collaboration for the common good.
The Association comprises corporate and individual members drawn from the business, professional, diplomatic, government and social communities, who work together to seek the common good, bring mutual benefit to all members, and encourage closer working cooperation between Nigeria and Britain.
L-R: N-BA immediate Past President – Abimbola Okoya; N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo, representative of BK90 Restaurant and Lounge – Bola Ologun, Representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Admin Attaché/Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT – Uche Eleanya Friday, N-BA Executive Secretary – Olajumoke Adeola during the presentation of award to BK90 Restaurant and Lounge
L-R: N-BA Member, Femi Sofola; N-BA Executive Secretary, Olajumoke Adeola; High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom, Macenje Mazoka; N-BA Council Member, Olamipo Adeola; N-BA PR Consultant, Lawrence Amaku; and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Institute of Management & N-BA Member, Taiwo Olusesi at the event.
L-R: Co-Founder of the Africa Sustainable Trade, Ama Onyerima; N-BA President, Sola Oyetayo, N-BA Council Member Olamipo Adeola; and Executive Director of Air Peace, Nnenna Onyema
N-BA President, Sola Oyetayo delivering his Presidential speech at the event.
N-BA Vice Patron – Philip Hall delivering the Vice Patron’s speech at the event.
L-R: Honorary Secretary of the N-BA – Tobi Asehinde, N-BA Executive Secretary – Olajumoke Adeola, N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo, N-BA Member – Taiwo Olusesi, N-BA Independence Day Subcommittee Chair/N-BA Council Member – Kunle Ologun
L-R: N-BA immediate Past President – Abimbola Okoya; N-BA President – Sola Oyetayo, representative of Scib Nigeria and Company & N-BA Council Member – Olamipo Adeola, Representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Admin Attaché/Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT – Uche Eleanya Friday, N-BA Executive Secretary – Olajumoke Adeola during the presentation of award to Scib Nigeria and Company.
Representative of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Admin Attaché/Head of the Overseas Communication Division/ICT – Uche Eleanya Friday giving his speech at the event.
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