ASU UK Celebrates Anambra Cultural Day and Coronation of King Charles III
Elegantly decorated hall with tables adorned with Nigerian and British (Union Jack) flags at Selby Centre in North London became the centre of a spectacular cultural display, as ASU UK celebrated its maiden Anambra Cultural Day organised to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in style. The event which took place on Saturday, the 17th day of June 2023, witnessed a glorious celebration and display of the rich culture and heritage of Anambra State and the Igbo tribe in South East Nigeria, to which the members of ASU UK belong.
The event which was largely sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund, kicked off with a recital of the British and Nigerian national anthems. It was moderated by one of our very own pillars in ASU UK – Raph Abum Esq. It witnessed the traditional presentation of cola nuts by the ‘Ladies in the House’ to welcome the guests, followed by the breaking of the cola nuts according to the Igbo custom and culture. Various cultural groups were also on hand to thrill and entertain the audience with captivating performances. There was also a variety of exquisite Anambra and Igbo culinary delights which the guests attested to as being the real “taste of home”.
Welcoming the guests to the event, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Dr Malcolm Azuka Benson explained that this first-ever Anambra Cultural Day in the UK was organised to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Anambra State and the Igbos in general, in celebration of the recent coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Dr Benson stated that Anambrarians and Igbos resident in the UK are indeed proud to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III, with their friends at the Anambra Cultural Day. The event was also aimed to promote the cultural and economic integration of ASU UK’s members. He conveyed on behalf of ASU UK, his profound gratitude to all who contributed financially or materially to making the event a huge success, most especially the National Lottery Fund UK and Neasden College, ASU UK members, friends and over 400 guests who attended the event.
Some of the members and guests who shared their experience and feedback with ASU UK after the event, had expressed optimism that the Anambra Cultural Day in the UK would become a yearly event that will grow from strength to strength. They opined that the idea of celebrating the coronation of His Majesty with a maiden Anambra Cultural Day was very apt and the first of its kind among the Igbos and indeed Nigerians resident in the UK. It provided a very good opportunity for further integration of British and Igbo cultures, through the celebration of British values and tradition embodied in the coronation of His Majesty, together with the Anambra Cultural Day.
Notable community leaders, dignitaries and representatives of other UK-based organisations in attendance at the event include the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK (NIDO UK South) – Hon Susan Waya; Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) – Hon. Ayo Akinfe; Nze-na-Ozo UK ably led by its President – Chief Chinedu Udezenwannia (Onowu Nkpor); President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK – Chief Engr. Stanley Okechukwu and a delegation of Imeobi Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK; Presidents of Imo, Abia and Enugu State Unions; CEO of Neasden College – Lady Nikki Emelike; CEO of Ben TV London – Hon. Dr Alistair Soyode; numerous serving Councillors, to name but just a few.
We thank you all and look forward to welcoming you again at our next Anambra Cultural Day.
Mrs Ifeoma Onuorah Dr Malcolm Benson
(General Secretary) (Chair, Org. Committee)
