Your Stories

My family is my biggest influence, and I am so incredibly grateful for them! They have truly shaped who I am and have supported me every step of the way. Even though we live in various parts of the world, we keep our bond super strong with weekly virtual meetups - distance definitely doesn't keep us from staying close! We are still waiting for the family vacation to move out of the family group chat!

Outside of family, my amazing other community is rooted in my local church here in Leicester. Moving here for work meant leaving behind friends and family, but my church community made me feel right at home instantly! Between all the different groups and places to serve, it was so easy to blend in and make friends who have truly become family. It’s such a blessing to have friends who share the same faith and stand by you when things get tough. The amazing thing about this also is that we don't always have to plan meetups; we just have to turn up in church to see each other!

My influences come from family, the Nigerian culture, technology and entrepreneurship. I’m particularly inspired by people who create opportunities rather than waiting for them, whether that’s through business, technology or their own careers.

My community is also diverse. It includes my family and friends, Nigerians and Africans both at home and in the diaspora, the people I’ve met through technology and work, entrepreneurs and creatives, and the wider communities I’m connected to through the things I’m passionate about. Living in the UK while maintaining strong Nigerian roots has also shaped how I see community. For me, it's the people, cultures and experiences that have helped shape who I am

My mother is my biggest influence, teaching me what it means to lead with love and resilience. My community is centered around my church family, particularly my close circle of friends there who inspire me, keep me grounded, and share in life's everyday moments.

The biggest influences in my life are my family, my Nigerian heritage, and the community that has helped preserve our traditions, even while living in the UK. My community is made up of family members, friends, and fellow Nigerians who come together to celebrate important milestones and pass our culture on to the next generation.

The photos I shared capture my cousin’s traditional marriage ceremony, specifically the first customary rite known as "knocking at the door." This is a significant moment where the groom’s family formally visits the bride’s family to express their intentions and begin the traditional marriage process. It’s a celebration of respect, unity, and the coming together of two families.

For me, these traditions are a reminder of where we come from and the values that shape us. They demonstrate how Black culture continues to thrive across generations and across borders, and I’m proud to share this part of my heritage during Black History Month.