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 contributions of British-Nigerians 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.
The profiles below are by no means exhaustive. They are stepping stones to understanding the contributions of British-Nigerians to the British society. We hope that the profiles inspire people from other cultures to tell their own stories too, to enrich contemporary British/London (hi)stories in a way that will engender a sense of belonging and acceptance.
100 British-Nigerians’ Hall of Fame
(Disclaimer: Errors and omissions excepted.)
Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah, whose real name is Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, is a British-Nigerian rapper and singer.
Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, is a British-Nigerian lawyer and academic, an activist and political commentator
Seraphina Lewis
Seraphina Lewis is a woman whose journey through education and child development has left an indelible mark on countless young lives.
HRM Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi
Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi is the founder of Africa Fashion Week London.
Professor Jaiyesimi
Professor Jaiyesimi is one of the first Nigerian UK Consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Dotun Adebayo MBE
Oludotun “Dotun” Adebayo MBE, is a British Nigerian radio presenter, writer, and publisher.
Prof. Kelechi Nnoaham
Prof. Kelechi Nnoaham has held senior Public Health positions in the NHS and Local Government since 2005.
Muyiwa Oki
Muyiwa Oki is an architect and first Black President of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Kemi Oloyede
Born in the UK, Kemi Oloyede completed formal education in Lagos and studied Fine Art at the Yaba College of Technology.
Juwon Ogungbe FRSA
Juwon Ogungbe is a classically trained opera singer, composer and pianist.
Eniola Aluko MBE
Eniola Aluko MBE, is a football broadcaster and former professional player.
Bode Lawal
Bode Lawal is considered one of the major exponents of creative African dance in Britain.
David Oyelowo OBE
David Oyelowo OBE, is an actor, director, and producer and one of Hollywood’s most recognised talents
Bernardine Evaristo OBE
Bernardine Evaristo OBE FRSL FRSA is a British-Nigerian author and academic.
Àsìkò
Àsìkò, whose real name is Ade Okelarin, is a British-Nigerian artist known for his captivating visual representations of emotions and complex issues.
Dr Toyin Agbetu
Dr Toyin Agbetu is a community-educator at Ligali, a UK based, Pan African, human-rights focused organisation.
Prof. Aliko Baba Ahmed
Prof. Aliko Baba Ahmed is public health physician, epidemiologist and health strategist.
Folasade Babarinde
Folasade Babarinde is the Creative Leader of Abundance Arts, a community-led organisation.
Flt. Lt. Emanuel Peter Thomas
Flight Lieutenant Emanuel Peter John Adeniyi Thomas (1914 – 1945) was a Nigerian born Royal Air Force (RAF)
Rev. J.J. Ransome-Kuti
Rev. Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti was a musician, educationalist and cleric from Nigeria
Prince Mike Abiola
Mike Abiola is a British-Nigerian journalist and founder of the African Film Awards
Lekan Babalola
Lekan Babalola, is a percussionist, renowned for infusing native Yoruba tongue with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones.
Cllr. Kate Anolue
Councillor Mayor Kate Anolue became the first Nigerian to be elected twice as the Mayor of the London Borough of Enfield in 2019 after first serving in the role in 2012.
Irenosen Okojie MBE
Irenosen Okojie MBE, is a British Nigerian writer and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Richard Taylor OBE
Richard Adeyemi Taylor OBE, was a civil servant and long-time campaigner against youth violence.
Dr Olaleye Oginni
Dr Olaleye Oginni is a Clinical Director for a provider of Urgent Care Services in London.
Prof. Kene Igweonu
Prof. Kene Igweonu is Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Communication.
Prof. Hakim Adi
Professor Hakim Adi is a historian and scholar who specializes in African affairs.
Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano is one of its leading figures of the British abolitionist movement in the 1780s.
Amina J. Mohammed
Amina J. Mohammed is a diplomat serving as Deputy Secretary-General at the UN.
Adebayo Ogunlesi
Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian lawyer and investment banker, known as, “The Man Who Bought Gatwick Airport.
Baron Victor Olufemi Adebowale CBE
Victor Adebowale, CBE, is the former Chief Executive of Turning Point and current Chair of the NHS Confederation.
Stella Jane Marke
Stella Jane Marke, (born Stella Thomas) was a trailblazer in the legal field.
Sir Ben Okri OBE
Sir Ben Okri OBE FRSL is a poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, and screenwriter.
Seal
Seal the singer and songwriter has received an Ivor Novello Award and prizes from the BRIT and Grammy Awards.
Sara Forbes Bonetta
Sara Forbes Bonetta, (born Aina circa 1843) was a titled member of the Egbado clan of the Yoruba people in now present-day Nigeria.
Professor Dapo Akande
Prof. Dapo Akande is an academic and lawyer and Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford.
Prof. Uduak Archibong MBE
Prof. Uduak Archibong MBE is Professor of Diversity at the University of Bradford, UK.
Oku Ekpenyon MBE
Oku Ekpenyon MBE, is a British-Nigerian campaigner and former history teacher.
Dame Margaret Aderin-Pocock
Dame Margaret Aderin-Pocock is a British space scientist and science educator.
Ladipo Solanke
Ladipo Solanke was a political activist who campaigned on West African issues.
Kemi Badenoch MP
Kemi Badenoch MP is a British Conservative Party politician serving as Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Ebenezer Sogunro
Ebenezer Sogunro is a trained and qualified chef with over ten years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industry.
Dr. Titilola Banjoko
Dr. Titilola Banjoko has over 20 years clinical and management experience working in the NHS.
David Olusoga OBE
David Olusoga OBE is a British-Nigerian historian, writer, broadcaster, presenter and filmmaker.
Cynthia Anyadi
Cynthia Nkiruka Anyadi is a PhD Student at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Chike Azuonye
Chike Azuonye is a British-Nigerian artist whose been active in the London art scene since the late 1980s.
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Chineke! Foundation.
Anthony Joshua OBE
Anthony Joshua OBE, born Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is a British-Nigerian professional heavyweight boxer.
Alex Oma-Pius, FRSA
Alex Oma-Pius, MA,FRSA, studied Dramatic Arts from the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Lemar Okiba
Lemar Okiba, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.
George “Ginger” Johnson.
George “Ginger” Johnson was a well-known percussionist, musician and bandleader.
Dr Peter Ozua
Dr Peter Ozua MBBS, is a Consultant Histopathologist/Cytopathologist at Basildon University Hospital.
Christine Ohuruogu MBE
Christine Ohuruogu MBE, is a track and field Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champion.
Ade Adepitan MBE
“Ade” Adepitan MBE, is a disabled basketball player and television presenter.
Dame Shirley Bassey
Dame Shirley Bassey is recognised as a legend of British popular music.
Peter Badejo OBE
Peter Badejo OBE, is one of Britain’s foremost choreographers, dancers, and African performance specialists
Dame E. Anionwu
Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, OM DBE FRCN, is a nurse, health care administrator, lecturer, and Emeritus Professor of Nursing at the University of West London.
Justin Fashanu
Justin Fashanu was one of the first footballers to claim a £1million transfer fee.
Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE is one of the most influential women in the UK’s tech industry.