This was the fourth annual staging of the event celebrating Nigerian excellence on the global stage. The guestlist represented the crème de la crème of the British and international Nigerian community sponsored by FCMB Bank UK, Marina Rinaldi, APO Group, Concierge Clinic and CHANEL.
Stars of sport, fashion and entertainment rubbed shoulders with distinguished guests such as Nigerian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Ambassador George Adesola Oguntade to celebrate 59 years of Nigerian independence.
High profile attendees recognised for their contribution to the promotion of Nigeria in the UK included Love Island’s Ovie Soko, actor Charles Venn, former World Champion and Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi and footballer Peter Odemwingie.
Also in attendance were boxer Richard Riakporhe, Capital XTRA radio presenter Yinka Bokinni, Kojo Annan (son of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan), Top Boy actor Kola Bokinni and singer Banky “W” Wellington.
“Lux Afrique events highlight the success of Nigerians and positive developments across the continent, and we feel passionate about helping them tell these compelling stories”
The event began with a red-carpet welcome, followed by dinner, speeches and spellbinding performances by DJ Fasida and renowned Afrobeat musician Dele Sosimi and his band. There was also an exhibition of the latest iconic diamond jewellery from legendary fashion house Chanel.
For APO Group, who sponsored the event alongside the FCMB UK bank and fashion brand Marina Rinaldi, this celebration of African excellence and success epitomises their philosophy of promoting African business, culture and development on a global scale and connecting African people from all walks of life.
Boasting the largest economy on the continent – as well as the two wealthiest individuals in Africa, Aliko Dangote and Mike Adenuga – Nigeria is an emerging power on the global stage.
According to Bloomberg (https://bloom.bg/2oApR7u), demand for luxury goods in the country is higher than ever due to significantly increased prosperity. They cite a report predicting that the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria will rise 90% by 2024 – and global luxury brands are starting to take notice, with Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci among companies establishing a presence in Lagos in recent years.
The Independence Dinner is a chance to inspire the next generation of Nigerians to emulate that success. Last night’s event featured a ‘silent auction’, with guests keen to remember their roots and support people back home. The main beneficiary this year is Lagos Food Bank (LagosFoodBank.org) which helps people in deprived areas of Nigeria with basic food and supplies.
“The Nigerian Independence dinner is always one of the highlights of the calendar,” said Lux Afrique founder and event host Alexander Amosu. “It is inspiring to have so many people from diverse industries come together to celebrate Nigerian spirit and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, it is a great opportunity to network, share stories and showcase the very best of our wonderful nation.”
“This is a fantastic event for APO Group to be part of,” said APO Group Chairman and Founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard. “Lux Afrique events highlight the success of Africans and positive developments across the continent, and we feel passionate about helping them tell these compelling stories to new audiences around the world. It is a privilege for us to be able to share in tonight’s celebrations and promote African excellence”.
