In a dazzling display of culture, achievement, and community spirit, the Nigerian Association of London and Area (NALA) hosted an unforgettable Awards Night on June 30 at the prestigious Marconi Club of London. The event, a first of its kind, celebrated those who have made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Community, drawing in an array of dignitaries, community leaders, and a star-studded celebrity lineup that left attendees in awe.

The red carpet arrivals set the stage for a night of glamour and prestige, with guests arriving at 5 p.m. to a flurry of camera flashes and photo opportunities. The official doors opened at 6 p.m., and attendees were greeted by a warm welcome and land acknowledgment from the emcee, setting a tone of respect and appreciation for the evening. The stirring performances of the Nigerian and Canadian National Anthems by Taiwo and Kehinde Junaid resonated deeply, symbolizing the harmonious blend of cultures.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presence of the renowned Nigerian comedian, Okey Bakassi, who served as the Chief Host. His charisma and humour added a unique flair to the event, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout the night. Although MP Peter Fragiskatos couldn’t attend in person, his video message underscored the importance of the occasion and was warmly received.

The NALA President’s opening remarks, delivered via video, set the stage for a night of accolades. Dignitaries and guests were introduced, and at 7 p.m., special recognition awards were presented by MP Arielle Kayabaga. The award ceremony celebrated 14 winners across various categories, including sports, culture, mentorship, community leadership, philanthropy, and more. Each award recognized the remarkable achievements and impacts of individuals who have tirelessly worked to uplift the community.

Damilola Hadassah Babalola, Winner of the Philantrophy Award expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

“I don’t see myself winning this, I never saw this coming and truly, I am humbled,” she said. “I don’t want anyone around me to go hungry, I don’t want you to need something that I have and not be able to give it to you.”

The event also saw the attendance of several local politicians, including MP Lindsay Mathyssen, MPP Teresa Armstrong, Councillor Hadleigh McAlister, Councillor Corrine Rahman, Councillor Susan Stevenson, and London Chief of Police Thai Truong, along with members of the police force.

Truong said the gala was “fantastic.”

“I loved been there, what an honour was it for me to be there,” he said. “It gives me an opportunity to learn, understand …the Nigeria community, and it helped me as a police leader just understand different communities that our lovely city has.”

He further emphasized in his speech that events such as this one are an opportunity to build trust and strengthen the relationships between the police and the community in London.

“People don’t always realize that is not only important for us to be there and learn but it’s important for the next generation of children and kids to see the uniform, see police and see us as positive,” he said. “What stood out was being accepted, invited, the warmth and the love I found amongst everyone. I came back to our organization, talking to our leadership and talking to our people and understanding more and more as a leader on how important it is to connect with the different communities that we have.”

Truong emphasized how welcomed he felt at the event and that he felt he gained a lot by speaking with the attendees.

“The Nigerian community made me feel completely at home and I really, really, enjoyed it, alongside the interactions I had with eveybody in the community,” he said. “You connect with compassion and that enables us as people to be better and provide good service to everyone in the community.”

As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a dinner featuring an array of Nigerian delicacies, with the much-celebrated Nigerian Jollof Rice taking centre stage. The dining experience was enhanced by a captivating musical performance.

The award ceremony itself was a significant milestone, as it marked the first of its kind to be recognized by the House of Commons. This recognition added an extra layer of prestige to the event, underscoring the importance of the contributions made by the Nigerian Community.

Ambassador Augustine Uwandu, Winner of the Community Leadership Award, said he was grateful and thanked all members of the Fanshawe Connect Community. He added that he is committed to doing more in moving the community to the next level.

The highlight of the night was undeniably Bakassi.

“He brought everyone together with laughter, and it felt like we were all part of something special,” one guest said.

The night concluded with a heartfelt closing prayer from a volunteer and final remarks from the emcee and Bakassi. However, the celebration didn’t end there. An after-party and networking session kept the energy alive until 1:30 a.m., allowing attendees to connect, share stories, and celebrate their collective achievements.

This event was more than just an award ceremony, it was a celebration of community, culture, and the remarkable contributions of individuals who strive to make a difference. This event has undoubtedly set a high standard for future celebrations and highlighted the vibrant spirit of the Nigerian community in London.