Nigeria Independency Day 2026

🇳🇬 Nigerian Community Greenwich

Independence Day Message from the Chair

Dear members of Nigerian Community Greenwich, friends, families and the wider Nigerian community,

As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day, I bring you warm greetings on behalf of Nigerian Community Greenwich.

Independence is not only a time to celebrate our heritage, culture and achievements. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the kind of Nigeria and Nigerian community we want to build — one where people support one another, take responsibility, respect the law and create opportunities for the next generation.

As Nigerians living in the UK, we have an important role to play not only within our families and community, but also in the communities where we live.

🇬🇧 Know your responsibilities

I encourage every member to understand and abide by UK laws and regulations. Where you are employed, know your employment rights and consider joining an appropriate trade union so that you have access to independent advice and representation where needed.

For those working in the care sector, your work carries an enormous responsibility. Please follow the relevant regulations, maintain your professional knowledge, complete required training and keep up with compliance requirements. Most importantly, remember that your own wellbeing matters too. Take appropriate breaks, rest when you need to and seek support early when you are struggling.

To our students, particularly those on student visas, please make sure you understand and comply with the conditions of your visa. Your studies should remain a priority, and any work you undertake should be within the requirements that apply to your visa. If you are experiencing difficulties with your university, studies or other issues affecting your education, seek advice early rather than waiting until the situation becomes difficult to resolve.

👩🏾‍🎓 Support our young people

Our young people are our future.

Let us support them in their education, skills development, career choices and access to employment opportunities. Encourage them to participate in positive activities, develop confidence and seek appropriate guidance when they need it.

We must also look after our elderly and vulnerable members of the community, particularly people experiencing mental health challenges or other forms of vulnerability.

At Nigerian Community Greenwich, we want to encourage a culture where people can talk about difficulties and seek help early.

Prevention, reducing stress and looking after our wellbeing must become part of our everyday community culture.

🤝 Be an active member of our community

I encourage everyone to participate in local activities, engage with the services available in Greenwich and take pride in the communities where we live.

If you experience a problem, please do not simply ignore it. Where appropriate, report issues to the relevant authority or organisation and seek proper advice.

And most importantly, let us support one another.

Membership of Nigerian Community Greenwich should not only become important when we need help. It is important to be an active member before you need support.

By participating, volunteering, sharing information, attending events and supporting other members, we build a stronger community that is better able to respond when someone needs assistance.

📱 Join our online programmes

We also have an exciting programme of online activities coming up.

Throughout October, November and December 2026, Nigerian Community Greenwich will host weekly conversations and cultural programmes through our Facebook page, including:

🇳🇬 October – Nigeria at Its Best: Where Did It All Go Wrong?

Exploring Nigeria's history, independence and The Nigeria We Inherited, beginning with 1960 and the First Republic.

🌙 November – Nigeria Moonlight Tales

Weekly Friday storytelling for children, young people and parents, bringing together Nigerian culture, education, history and moral lessons.

✈️ December – Looking Into the Story of Japa

Weekly Monday conversations exploring the experiences and challenges faced by Nigerians who move to Europe and navigate life in a new country.

Please follow Nigerian Community Greenwich on Facebook and join us online.

For enquiries, information about membership, support or our upcoming activities, please visit our website:

Nigerian Community Greenwich⁠�

You can also contact us at nigeriacommunitygreenwich@gmail.com or 07743288529

🇳🇬 Finally...

As we celebrate Nigeria's Independence, let us celebrate our culture, our resilience, our achievements and our contribution to the UK.

But let us also continue to ask ourselves:

What kind of community do we want to leave for our children?

Let us build a community where we care for our elderly, protect our vulnerable, support our young people, respect the law, promote education and employment, look after our wellbeing and stand together when one of us needs support.

May we continue to work together for a Nigeria — and a Nigerian community — where our needs, dignity, opportunities and wellbeing are valued and prioritised.

On behalf of Nigerian Community Greenwich, I wish you all a wonderful, safe and meaningful Independence Day celebration.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! 🇳🇬

Long live Nigeria.

Long live Nigerian Community Greenwich.

And long live the spirit of community, unity and mutual support.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Lucy Isaiah

Chair/Director

Nigerian Community Greenwich CIC

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