Why ‘Home from Home’?

The idea for the Home from Home project was conceived around four years ago, when it became apparent that the influence of British-Nigerians was becoming significant in British society and yet their contributions were rarely acknowledged or applauded.

In the arts, science and sports and many other areas, British-Nigerians are contributing to British society and excelling. For instance,  in the visual arts, Yinka Shonibare’s trend-setting creative work is well acknowledged nationally and internationally; Ben Enwonwu and Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy have executed official portraits of HM Queen Elizabeth II, whilst eminent British citizens of Nigerian descent include historical figures like the writer and abolitionist, Gustavus Vassa (Olaudah Equiano), Space Scientist, Margaret Aderin-Pocock MBE; Prof Dapo Akande, the UK’s elected candidate to the International Law Commission, etc. It should not be forgotten either, that British-Nigerians play a crucial role in the NHS and at the height of the pandemic, several Nigerian healthcare professionals, doctors and nurses at the forefront of the NHS services, died while serving the nation. Thus, it can be seen, that British-Nigerians play an important and crucial role in British society in many ways.

There is no doubt that the stories of, and contributions that people of Nigerian heritage have made to contemporary histories of London and to Britain in general, remain untold, under-recognised and largely uncelebrated.  As ‘Black Lives Matter’ has made apparent, it is vital that the contributions of immigrants to British society, are highlighted, celebrated and preserved to ‘ensure that contemporary society in the UK is better represented’. (as outlined in National Lottery Heritage Fund guidelines, funders of the Home from Home project).

‘Home from Home’ aims to highlight the British-Nigerians contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, particularly.  The project seeks to celebrate the community’s strength, struggle, commitments, perseverance, achievements, and ingenuity as they navigate their existence in the UK.