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Meet 5 Nigerians involved in King Charles’s Coronation and why they’re prominent

Published

12 months ago

2023/05/09

Britain’s King Charles III has been crowned in a once-in-a-generation royal event witnessed by hundreds of high-profile guests inside Westminster Abbey, as well as tens of thousands of well-wishers who gathered in central London despite the rain.

While Charles became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II last September, the coronation on Saturday was the formal crowning of the monarch.

The service was a profoundly religious affair, reflecting the fact that aside from being head of state of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries, Charles is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

In the most significant moment of the day, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the 360-year-old St. Edward’s Crown on Charles’ head. The spiritual leader of the Anglican Church then declared: “God Save the King.

Meet the five (5) Nigerians involved in King Charles’s Coronation and why they’re prominent.

1. Dame Elizabeth Anionwu

Elizabeth Anionwu were present and pivotal to the coronation of England’s new monarch.

She is a British nurse, health educator, and author who has significantly contributed to the UK’s healthcare and social justice. Born in 1947 in Birmingham, England, to a Nigerian father and an Irish mother, Anionwu faced many challenges growing up due to her mixed-race heritage.

Despite these challenges, she pursued a nursing career and became the first sickle cell and thalassemia nurse specialist in the UK.

Throughout her career, Anionwu has fiercely advocated healthcare and social justice. She has worked to improve access to healthcare for minority communities and has been a vocal supporter of policies to reduce health inequalities.

Anionwu is also a champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

She co-founded the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice, which was established to provide mentorship and support for nurses from ethnic minority backgrounds. In addition to her work in healthcare, Anionwu is an accomplished author.

Her memoir, “Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union,” tells the story of her life and career and sheds light on the challenges faced by people of mixed-race heritage. For her contributions to nursing and healthcare, Anionwu has received numerous accolades and awards, including a Damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2017.

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu’s life and work are a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and inclusivity.

Her dedication to healthcare and social justice has significantly impacted the UK, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of healthcare professionals and social activists.

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu is a trailblazer in the field of nursing and healthcare and an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Her contributions to the field have improved the lives of countless people, and her story inspires all who seek to make a positive difference in the world.

2. Eva Omaghomi

Eva Omaghomi is a Nigerian-British entrepreneur, speaker, and author who has made significant contributions to the business world and society at large.

Eva Omaghomi worked for King Charles and Queen Camilla when he was the Prince of Wales and she was the Duchess of Cornwall for 13 years.

She is their longest staff and also their longest black staff. Born in Nigeria, Eva Omaghomi immigrated to the United States with her family in the early 1990s. She started her career as a banker and worked in the financial industry for several years.

Later, she decided to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship and started her own company, EOmaha Group, a business consulting and coaching firm that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed.

Eva Omaghomi is also a sought-after speaker and author. She has written several books, including “The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building a Successful Business,” which offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners. Eva Omaghomi is passionate about empowering women and people of color in business.

She is the founder of the Women of Power Network, a platform that connects and empowers women in business, and she is also involved in several initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners from underrepresented communities.

In addition to her work in business, Eva Omaghomi is also committed to giving back to her community. She is involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including supporting organizations that provide education and mentorship to young girls and women.

Eva Omaghomi’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion for empowering others, and commitment to social responsibility inspire many.

Her dedication to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed, especially those from underrepresented communities, has significantly impacted the business world and society at large.

Eva Omaghomi is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, passion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Her entrepreneurial success, dedication to empowering others, and philanthropic efforts inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere.

3. Sir Kenneth Aphunzi Olisa

Sir Kenneth Aphunzi Olisa is a British-Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the business world, technology, and society at large. Born in Nottingham, England, to Nigerian parents, Sir Kenneth Olisa had a humble beginning, but his hard work and determination led him to great heights.

He started his career as a trainee at IBM and later worked for several leading technology companies, including Wang Laboratories, Control Data Corporation, and Interregnum. In 1992, Sir Kenneth Olisa founded his own technology merchant bank, Interregnum, which became one of the leading technology investors in Europe.

He also served as a director of several leading technology companies, including Thomson Reuters and Envestors. Aside from his business success, Sir Kenneth Olisa is also known for his philanthropic work.

He is the founder of the Shaw Trust, a charity that helps people with disabilities and disadvantages find employment and independence. He is also a trustee of the Prince’s Trust, a youth charity founded by Prince Charles that helps young people start their own businesses or find employment. Sir Kenneth Olisa was awarded the honor of being a Knight Bachelor in 2018 for his services to business and philanthropy.

He is the first British-Nigerian to be honored with a knighthood and was also the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London from 2015 to 2021, making him the first Black person to hold the position.

In addition to his professional and philanthropic work, Sir Kenneth Olisa also advocates for diversity and inclusion in business and technology.

He has spoken publicly about the importance of creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals and people with disabilities.

Sir Kenneth Aphunzi Olisa is an inspiring figure who has made significant contributions to the business world, technology, and society at large.

His entrepreneurial success, philanthropic efforts, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion make him a role model for aspiring business leaders and change-makers everywhere.

4. Reverend Tosin Oladipo

Reverend Tosin Oladipo is a Nigerian-born pastor and author who has made significant contributions to the Christian community through his teachings, writings, and ministry work.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Reverend Oladipo began his ministry work as a youth leader in his local church. He later moved to the United States to further his education and pursue a career in ministry.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Theology from the American Bible College in Arizona and his Master of Divinity from the Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Reverend Oladipo is the founder and senior pastor of The Potters House Christian Church, located in Phoenix, Arizona.

The church has grown under his leadership and has become a thriving community of believers who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel and serving others. In addition to his pastoral work, Reverend Oladipo is also a prolific author, having written several books on topics such as prayer, faith, and spiritual growth.

His most recent book, “The Power of a Focused Life,” is a guide to help readers find clarity and purpose in their lives. Reverend Oladipo is also known for his commitment to community service and social justice.

He has worked with several organizations to provide assistance and support to underserved communities, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. Through his teachings, writings, and ministry work, Reverend Tosin Oladipo has inspired and impacted countless individuals across the globe.

His dedication to serving God and others serves as an example of how one person can make a positive difference in the world.

5. Ade Adelekan

Ade Adelekan is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and business executive with a remarkable track record of success in the technology industry.

He is known for his leadership skills, innovative ideas, and commitment to excellence. Adelekan was born in Nigeria and grew up in Lagos.

He attended the University of Lagos, where he earned a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

After graduation, he worked in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry for several years before moving to the United States to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago. Adelekan began his career in the technology industry at Microsoft, where he spent over a decade in various leadership roles.

He then joined Facebook in 2015 as the Head of Global Marketing Solutions for the Middle East and Africa region. In this role, he led the company’s efforts to help businesses grow through effective marketing strategies and digital solutions.

In 2020, Adelekan was appointed as the Managing Director of Africa at Twitter, where he is responsible for driving the company’s growth and expansion across the continent.

Under his leadership, Twitter has continued to increase its presence in Africa, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and empowering local communities. In addition to his work in the technology industry, Adelekan is also a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.

He has served as a mentor and advisor to numerous startups and entrepreneurs, and has been actively involved in initiatives to promote innovation and create job opportunities across the continent.

Ade Adelekan is a true visionary who has significantly impacted the technology industry and the African business landscape.

His leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and empower individuals and communities around the world.