Canuk end-of-year gala dinner sets a precedence in terms of culture and entertainment

NIGERIANS in the UK were treated to an unprecedented mixture of entertainment and culture on Saturday December 14 when the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) held its annual gala dinner.

At the event which took place at the Mayfair Banqueting Suite in Chadwell Heath, about 500 guests were treated to a night which included Eyo masquerades from Lagos, an Atilogwu display from Anambra State and Swange dancers from Tivland. VIP guests on the night included Oba Raymond Akinyele, the Ekii of Iforeland, deputy high commissioner Ambassador Abu Obe Ebeche, Mayor Adewale King of Gravesham and Mayor Moin Quadri of Barking & Dagenham.

Going on until 1am in the morning, the event also involved guests being able to buy discounted 5kg bags of Golden Sella Rice for just £7.50 and a Canuk Old School CD remix for £10. There was non-stop music from DJ Seyi Chicago amid the speeches from dignitaries, community leaders and sponsors.

Toyin Balogun, Canuk's social secretary, said: "This was an unprecedented event with us mixing culture and modernity to get an almost perfect balance. We were trying to project the realities of modern day society against a cultural background and managed to find the ideal blend on the night."

"We decided to go all out to make this year's gala dinner the biggest, brightest and most entertaining ever. Fortunately, Canuk managed to attract a wide array of sponsors like Tropical Sun, Providus Bank, Glo Currency, Obaseki Solicitors, Lemfi, Cruxstone, Kato and Homeland International and their generosity meant that we could offer the entire package for just £50."

Acting high commissioner to the UK Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, added: "We may have set a precedent here by inviting traditional rulers to our end-of years gala diners. Going forward, maybe Canuk should strive to invite at least six to all future events, with one representing each geo-political zones."

Rose Graham, Canuk's publicity secretary, who served as MC on the night, said the association is grateful to all those who showed up, all the sponsors who supported Canuk and all the vendors who put in their best to make the evening a success. She added that awards were also given out to several Canuk member organisations on the night for their services to the community.

Ms Graham added: "Ekiti Parapo was voted state-based association of the year, the Nigerian Yorkshire Communities Network was voted regional association of the year, while the Association of Nigerian Healthcare and Socialcare Workers UK was voted professional association of the year. Also, the Mutual Union of Tivs UK was named as the Canuk cultural association of the year, while Mary Adekugbe of the Nigerian Community in Rochdale was voted as the Canuk association president of the year."