Nigerians celebrate being part of two communities as they mark Independence Day

SWINDON’S West African community came together on Saturday to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day.
The hall at the Broadgreen Community Centre was awash with bright colours as the crowds came out in their
traditional finery to mark the occasion in style.
Music could be heard courtesy of local artists and of course a variety of authentic Nigerian cuisine – such as their famous jollof rice – was on offer too.
Local organisations, including Wiltshire Police, came along to meet members of the community, to develop ties and to help with the goal of improving integration and community cohesion in Swindon.
The town is home to around 1,750 West Africans with Nigerians making up a sizeable proportion of their number – just under one per cent of Swindon’s total population.
Oladapo Ibitoye first moved here some 16 years ago as a teenager.
Now 35, he works at Honda and is also the President of the Swindon West African Community association.
He says he has always found Swindon to be a welcoming place and a great place for families – now he is setting his sights on imparting that message on other members of his community.
“The idea of this event is to bring all Nigerians together and to showcase our culture, heritage and also promote unity among all West Africans,” said Oladapo.
“But most importantly, it is to encourage all Nigerians to take a very active role in their communities, in Swindon.
“It is great for every African to work very hard but we are trying to tell them to come out from their own busy lives and integrate with the community all around them.
“Swindon is where you live, this is your community, come out and do something for them and give something back – that is a big part of what we are promoting.”
Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, making this its 56th year of freedom from colonial rule.
Those years have been far from easy and the country faces ever-increasing security challenges and a difficult financial climate.
But Saturday’s event was about looking past that and focusing on the positives and the traditions that bring the community together.
And it wasn’t just the adults enjoying the fun of the celebrations, the youngsters were having a great time too.
Alongside the music and dancing, they took part in a fashion show, with colourful dresses and decorative beads the star looks of the night.
Oladapo said the occasion was particularly important for the children.
“Many of them were born here,” he said.
“Some of them have been back to Nigeria, some of them will go back, but for some they might never go back to visit.
“This is a chance to show them their heritage, their culture and to teach them what they have to be proud of.”

– Thisiswiltshire.

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