Monthly Archives: July 2025

EXPLORING THE AMAZING WORLD OF BRADFORD BASED NIGERIAN MUSICAN, COMMUNITY LEADER AND ARTS ADVOCATE – KELECHI UZOHO – AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

Kelechi Uzoho is a dynamic and culturally grounded Nigerian-born musician, community leader, and arts advocate based in the United Kingdom.

Deeply rooted in Igbo musical heritage, Kelechi has emerged as a respected voice in the UK’s African cultural scene, blending traditional highlife rhythms with gospel and Afro-fusion influences to create powerful, spiritually resonant music that speaks to both diaspora and local audiences.

He is the band leader of De Royal Live Band, a vibrant musical ensemble known for its electrifying live performances at cultural festivals, weddings, and charitable events across the UK. As a performer, and musical director, Kelechi has showcased exceptional skill in arranging traditional Igbo songs with modern instrumentation, leading his group with artistic precision and cultural authenticity. His leadership has earned the band featured performances at major gatherings such as the Ogbako Ndi Igbo UK and Ireland Iriji Festival 2024, Igbo Union Yorkshire’s End-of-Year Cultural day, and other multicultural celebrations.

In addition to his musical work, Kelechi plays a vital role in community leadership. He currently serves as Provost 1 of Igbo Union Yorkshire (IUY) and was the organisation’s Youth Leader from 2023 to 2024. Through these roles, he has helped preserve and promote Igbo culture, organise cultural events, and provide welfare support to community members. As a member of the IUY Welfare Committee, he contributes to the Union’s broader social impact efforts, particularly through his music and mentorship of younger artists.

Kelechi also holds the prestigious role of Chief Organist of the St Joseph Catholic Choir in Bradford, where he leads musical worship during monthly African Masses and collaborates with choirs across the city’s cathedrals. Working under the guidance of Director Chinedu Nevo, Kelechi has enhanced liturgical celebrations with rich African harmonies and spiritual vibrancy.

Academically, Kelechi holds a bachelor’s degree in information management technology and an MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, reflecting a strong foundation in technology alongside his artistic expertise. This unique blend allows him to explore the intersections of digital innovation and cultural preservation through music and community development.

TO CONNECT WITH KELECHI AND BOOK HIM FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT IN THE UK, CONTACT +07379972054

OR CONNECT WITH HIM ON LINKEDIN – https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kelechi-uzoho

#bradford2025 #bradford #africansinbradford #igbouk #igbounion #universityofbradford #blackachievers #westyorkshire #bradfordcity

SIR PRAISE EKENG NAMED GLOBAL EFIK CULTURAL AMBASSADOR AT THE EFIK NATIONAL ASSOCIAITON CONVENTION IN ATLANTA

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO EFIK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION INC, USA (ENA) AND HER PRESIDENT, CHIEF ITU OTU

I’m truly grateful to the Efik National Association Inc, USA (ENA) and its wonderful president, Chief Itu Otu, for the incredible honour I received at the ENA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Being named the Global Efik Cultural Ambassador means so much to me, it’s something I’ll treasure forever. This recognition isn’t just for me; it’s proof of how our culture brings people together, uplifts us, and inspires us all over the world.

I want to sincerely thank ENA’s leaders and every member for embracing my commitment to sharing Efik heritage through music, performance, and cultural expression. Your support fires up my passion to keep representing the Efik people with pride, dignity, and excellence wherever I go.

Special thanks to Chief Itu Otu, whose leadership and dedication continues to move our people forward, preserving our traditions and nurturing our identity in the diaspora.

And to everyone who made this year’s ENA Convention such a memorable success, thank you! I dedicate this honour to Chief Patrick Ekong who has influenced my love for this culture, Uncle Banks as we call him Chief Ita

Dr. Chris and all Uku mbong Ekpe. Special thanks to my Chapter President, who will not stop but constantly tells me this is a calling not just a gift Ma. Antigha Ikejiofor Dr. Rowan. Dr. Felicia Dr. Ansa Henshaw Princess Nyambi Dr. Trimnell and Capt. Ikpeme and many others

I am a son Born by Mrs. Felicia Ekeng but Raise by Many Mothers to this I say Thank you Efik Community and I shall without reservation carry on with this mandate….

With gratitude and pride,

Sir Praise Ekeng

Global Efik Cultural Ambassador

CELEBRATING GREAT WOMEN IN WEST YORKSHIRE – HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FARHANA ?

Farhana is a dedicated Financial Controller and fractional FC who also supports clients through her self-employed accountancy services. With a decade of experience in finance, she helps businesses bring clarity to their numbers and build financial confidence, whether they’re just starting out or scaling up.

A proud Muslim woman, twice-and a devoted mother to a teenager, Farhana brings a deeply personal understanding of resilience, discipline, and growth—qualities she lives by and brings into her work. She believes strongly in the power of positivity, faith, and focus to overcome life’s challenges and achieve success.

Outside of her professional life, she’s passionate about health, movement, and mindset—you’ll often find her engaging in physical exercise or connecting with new people. Farhana is committed to living a holistic, purpose-driven life, and continues to strive toward being the best version of herself every day.

#womenachievers #financialcontroller #communityachievers

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK – Akinwale Ogundipe , Arts and Culture Strategist with a Focus on Community Innovation

Akinwale Ogundipe — Arts and Culture Strategist with a Focus on Community
Innovation and Ethical Tech


Akinwale Ogundipe is a Cultural Development Practitioner championing arts, heritage, and community innovation, with a career spanning over 20 years across Africa (Nigeria, Uganda, and Cameroon) and the United Kingdom (Bradford).

His work sits at the intersection of arts and culture, community engagement, artificial intelligence (AI), and programme management, with a strong focus on inclusive participation and cultural sustainability.


Akinwale brings a participatory and impact-driven approach to supporting creative growth, drawing on his extensive experience of developing and managing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems to strengthen the visibility, voice, and value of local cultural expressions. Arts & Culture Engagement


Akinwale has played a central role in promoting cultural heritage preservation and creative sector development in both Nigeria and the UK. He was exposed to arts and culture during his days as a teenager, attending cultural festivals and community rites.

He was the president of a social-cultural student club called the Kegites club back in his undergraduate programme at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.

He won the best club on camp award for the 1999/2000 academic year.

He currently leads strategic monitoring and evaluation efforts for The Leap Bradford CIC, a creative place-based programme in Bradford, UK, facilitating inclusive cultural participation and capacity-building among artists and communities.

He has designed and delivered initiatives such as:

Culture and Heritage week during the yearly student union week at the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Nigeria.

The Arts, Culture and Heritage Creatives Workshops in Nigerian secondary schools, which nurture young talents through cultural education, monthly activities, and
creative engagements,

Oversight and support for community-led arts initiatives under the Creative Places Partner (CPP) programme, including documenting the diversity of awardees and assessing the social impact of funded projects.

The Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme capacity development as a Master
Trainer for Community Researchers, where he supports the development of a local
cultural workforce by training and mentoring individuals to document, evaluate, and
shape arts and culture initiatives from within their communities.


Supporting cultural festivals research, such as the ongoing study into the Bradford
African Festival of Arts (BAFA
), focusing on heritage preservation and intercultural
connection.
Creative programming that integrates intergenerational participation, including
storytelling sessions, truck art installations, and community heritage projects.

Volunteering & Community Leadership
Akinwale is deeply embedded in grassroots cultural development. His volunteer experiences
include:

Served as Children’s Extra Class Coordinator at his church back in Nigeria,
developing inclusive programs that introduce children to arts, culture, and storytelling.


Served as a system-strengthening volunteer with the Volunteering Bradford team,
where I designed a basic case management tool and trained programme staff.


Served as event runner and venue assistant for the Bradford Literature Festival in
2023 and 2025.


Serving as a volunteer Community researcher, master trainer, and event evaluator for
the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme.


Volunteering for a community-focused organisation like Johnson Community Support
Initiative (JCSI) to deliver arts and heritage workshops in schools, offering
mentorship and co-developing local awards and cash grants for young creatives.

Supporting several cultural workshops and festivals through logistical planning,
training, and the facilitation of feedback loops between organisers and local
participants.
These engagements reflect his commitment to cultural access, youth empowerment, and the sustainability of heritage knowledge systems.

Academic Background
Akinwale holds:
MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics from the University of
Bradford, UK
MSc in Health Management (Public Health) from the International Telematic
University UNINETTUNO, Italy
These academic foundations have enabled him to explore the interplay of emerging
technologies, health, and culture, particularly how AI can serve the public good through
culturally sensitive frameworks and ethical deployment.

Research Interests
Akinwale’s current research interest is on developing an ethical AI framework for
evaluating cultural policy and measuring the social impact of arts and cultural
programmes.

This research aims to:
 Integrate participatory evaluation methodologies that reflect the lived
experiences, voices, and values of cultural stakeholders and creative communities.
 Design trust-based and transparent AI systems that respect cultural sovereignty
and advance equity in how data is collected, analysed, and interpreted within the
arts.
 Adopt a collaborative, mixed-methods approach, co-designing AI-driven
evaluation tools with artists, cultural leaders, policymakers, and data practitioners to
ensure relevance, accountability, and community ownership.

His proposed framework seeks to balance responsibility, compliance, and creativity,
ensuring AI tools used in the sector are inclusive, non-exploitative, and capable of enhancing community well being

#universityofbradford #bradford2025 #yabatech #blackachievers

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF AFRICAN CINEMA AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM BRADFORD AS PART OF BRADFORD AFRICAN FESTIVAL 2025

Experience the Magic of African Cinema!* 

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the *National Museum, Bradford*, as *Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA-2025)* presents a *showcase of 5 epic African films* that will captivate your heart and mind.

 *Date:* 14th August 2025

 *Time:* 6:00 PM

 *Venue:* National Museum, Bradford

From powerful storytelling to vibrant cultures, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the very best of African cinema — all in one night.

 *Register now and secure your spot:*

Click to register

https://my.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/0/422183

Don’t miss this celebration of African voices on screen!

#BAFA2025 #AfricanCinemaNight #BradfordEvents 

1ST ANNUAL CROSS RIVERIANS IN DIASPORA CONVENTION 2025 TAKES PLACE IN BIRMINGHAM UK

The CRID Convention 2025 is a global gathering of Cross Riverians from around the world to celebrate heritage, foster community, and drive progress for the future of Cross River State. Over three days, attendees will experience an inspiring mix of keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, cultural performances, and networking opportunities.

Event Highlights -1st–3rd August 2025 |   Birmingham, UK 10AM – 10PM Daily

  • Keynote Speeches: Featuring the Nigerian High Commissioner and other thought leaders.
  • Panel Discussions: Explore sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and diaspora contributions.
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions on leadership, gender inclusion, and innovation.
  • Dinner Night: A glamorous evening with cultural music, CRS delicacies, awards, and entertainment.
  • Fundraising Initiative: Raising $20,000 for the CRID Rural Water Project to provide clean water to communities in Cross River State.

Join us for 3 impactful days of connection, collaboration, and celebration as we highlight the diaspora’s role in the development and sustainability of Cross River State.

 Special guests include top dignitaries and international leaders!

 Register or learn more: www.crossriverdiaspora.org

 

LONG LIVE CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA  

#CRID2025 #CrossRiverDiaspora #UnityInAction 

COACH WAYNE VIP BASED IN U.S.A WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025

COACH WAYNE VIP WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025. INFORMATION ABOUT COACH WAYNE VIP CAN BE FOUND BELOW.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

ABOUT COACH WAYNE VIP

Wayne Dawson—known to many as Coach Wayne, VIP—is a sought-after speaker, moderator, and midlife men’s coach whose voice leaves a lasting impact on every stage and mic he touches. Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, and now leading conversations nationwide from South Florida, Wayne brings over two decades of transformational leadership—from reviving Caribbean resorts to directing youth initiatives in New York City, to coaching men of color through bold life pivots. He is the Founder and CEO of VIP Transformative Living LLC and a proud honoree of Black Leaders Worldwide’s “Men to Watch 2025.”

What makes Wayne truly memorable is his magnetic blend of real-world wisdom, cultural pride, and heartfelt authenticity. Whether he’s coaching a mid-career professional through burnout, moderating a panel on youth empowerment, or mentoring through Gentlemen of The Future, Wayne shows up with warmth, clarity, and lived experience. A former Fortune 100 L&D leader, adjunct professor, and proud vegan dad of a blended family of 10, Wayne is a voice you don’t just hear—you feel.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Global Speaking Summit 2025Voices Without Borders | Impact Without Limits

On Thursday, 28th August 2025, the world tunes in—and your voice takes the stage.

The Global Speaking Summit 2025 is a high-energy, virtual gathering of bold storytellers, emerging speakers, and global thought leaders united by one mission: to speak with purpose, passion, and power.

Broadcast live online, this electrifying summit showcases the finest voices from the Purpose Driven Public Speaking program alongside guest speakers, interactive panels, and surprise spotlights from across the globe.

This is not just an event.This is your global stage.This is the moment your message goes worldwide.

 Live Online – 28th August 2025

#lifecoach #globalsummit #blackachiever #publicspeaking #internationalsummit

MR ANTHONY LANE WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025

MR ANTHONY LANE WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025. INFORMATION ABOUT ANTHONY CAN BE FOUND BELOW.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

ABOUT ANTHONY

Lane Anthony is a highly successful educator and school leader with over 40 years of experience in the UK education system. His career has been marked by a relentless drive for innovation and a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments. His personal journey, detailed within the book, reveals his own neurodivergent identity, which he discovered whilst writing Autism a Superpower – The Awakening, providing a unique and authentic perspective on the power of neurodiversity.

________________________________________

About DECKACY:

DECKACY is a charity dedicated to creating insightful and transformative educational resources that promote understanding, inclusivity, and empowerment within the fields of neurodiversity and learning.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Global Speaking Summit 2025Voices Without Borders | Impact Without Limits

On Thursday, 28th August 2025, the world tunes in—and your voice takes the stage.

The Global Speaking Summit 2025 is a high-energy, virtual gathering of bold storytellers, emerging speakers, and global thought leaders united by one mission: to speak with purpose, passion, and power.

Broadcast live online, this electrifying summit showcases the finest voices from the Purpose Driven Public Speaking program alongside guest speakers, interactive panels, and surprise spotlights from across the globe.

 Whether you’re watching or speaking, prepare to: Be inspired by real voices and raw storiesWitness powerful speaker transformations Discover what it takes to move hearts and minds across cultures

This is not just an event.This is your global stage.This is the moment your message goes worldwide.

 Live Online – 28th August 2025

#publicspeakers #globalsummit #bradford #london #bradford2025

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LN247 NEWS BASED IN NIGERIA

ABOUT LN247 TV VISIT

LN247 News website is a Content Hub that provides news and information which cuts across diverse ethnocultural backgrounds, world over and Africa in particular.

LN247 is NBC licensed and airs on Astra 2F Frequency 11675 MHz H 30000. We also have our networks airing on Terrestrial TV at Lagos and Abuja as LN247 Lagos / LN247 Abuja respectively.

VISIT https://ln247.news/

We are currently selecting guests based in the Diaspora to appear on LN247 TV STATION NIGERIA who are making a profound difference in the arts as well as making a big impact in peoples lives. For more information you can contact me on +447882809005

MR ARO LEONARD WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025

MR ARO LEONARD WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025. INFORMATION ABOUT MR ARO LEONARD CAN BE FOUND BELOW. CLICK ON THE LINK BEWLO TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219

ABOUT MR ARO LEONARD

Aro Leonard, Development Communications, Broadcast, Media & Environment Expert, with an extensive media goodwill, is the to-go person for media development and communications in Nigeria. Currently consults for major International Development, Government & Corporate Organisations, helping with strategic communications on key thematic areas like Governance, Health, Environment, & Resilience. Member, External Advisory Board, PACTS project of LSTM UK, and spearheading strategic media trainings on Tropical Diseases across Africa. Set up the first Healthy Lifestyle Radio/TV station in Nigeria, and helps build capacity for development focused, and revenue yielding content for media organisations. As Head of Media Development at BBC Media Action, was responsible for securing the organisation’s status as “media development partner of choice” for major International Donors Agencies. Effectively managed partnerships worth over £35 million annually and played key roles in all project design & implementation. Led key media strategies, collaborating with stakeholders towards peaceful elections and accountability. Produced the award-winning youth reproductive health magazine show “Flava” & one of the largest HIV Spots campaigns in the world. Founded Kleverest Scenta in 1999 – Nigeria’s foremost media volunteer scheme where young broadcast and communications enthusiasts are trained. Previously worked Internews Network, Aso Radio & the Federal Environment Protection Agency. A Music Composer & Live Sound Instructor.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUMMIT

Global Speaking Summit 2025Voices Without Borders | Impact Without Limits

On Thursday, 28th August 2025, the world tunes in—and your voice takes the stage.

The Global Speaking Summit 2025 is a high-energy, virtual gathering of bold storytellers, emerging speakers, and global thought leaders united by one mission: to speak with purpose, passion, and power.

Broadcast live online, this electrifying summit showcases the finest voices from the Purpose Driven Public Speaking program alongside guest speakers, interactive panels, and surprise spotlights from across the globe.

🎙️ Whether you’re watching or speaking, prepare to:✅ Be inspired by real voices and raw stories✅ Witness powerful speaker transformations✅ Discover what it takes to move hearts and minds across cultures

This is not just an event.This is your global stage.This is the moment your message goes worldwide.

🗓️ Live Online – 28th August 2025🌐

#aroleonard #globalsummit #publicspeaking #internationalsummit #purposefulspeaking #bradford #abuja #lagos