The ‘Home from Home’ project aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK and their impact on society. The project highlights and celebrates British Nigerian contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. In this interview we feature Consultant Urological Surgeon Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE MBBS MS MML(Med Law) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Ed) FRCS(Urol) FEBU.
I am a Consultant Urological Surgeon. I work in the NHS at Barts Health NHS Trust in East London, UK.
I have been a consultant now for 27 years. I deal with disorders of the urinary and genital systems. For example, I have a special interest in prostate cancer.
I am also Chairperson of the registered UK charity Cancer Black Care, which supports our community in their cancer journeys.
I am a founding Trustee of the registered charity the British Association of Black Surgeons.
I am a Trustee of TACKLE, which is the National Federation of Prostate Cancer Support Groups.
As a Professor I am involved in research and teaching.
What does “Home From Home” mean to you?
Home from home is making yourself comfortable wherever you decide to live. For me, home is London as I am a British Nigerian. That is to say I was born and bred in London.
How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?
I actively participate in my townspeople meetings. This is the Ebe Union of UK and Ireland. Ebe is a town in Enugu State, Nigeria. I visit Nigeria on a regular basis. I much enjoy cultural events.
What does being “British Nigerian” mean to you?
It means recognising and celebrating my heritage whilst recognising my Britishness by birth and by residence. I have been awarded a MBE and also the Freedom of the City of London. I have been featured on Nigerian TV for my work in prostate cancer.
How do you stay connected to your identity?
I maintain relationships with relatives in Nigeria as I visit often and support them in many ways. I am grounded in the Nigerian community in the UK, particularly those from the Eastern states of Nigeria.
What does culture mean to you?
Nigeria has a rich culture which needs to be maintained. I embrace many of the traditions handed down to me by parents and wider family and friends.
What do you imagine the future of the British Nigerian Community to look like in the next few years based on your industry?
The future looks good. The British Nigerian community is expanding. There are thousands of health care professionals in the UK, making valuable contributions to the NHS. This will grow with each generation.
Links to website/Social Media: www.urologyconsultant.co.uk
