Nigeria marked 59 years of Independence today 1 October. The Nigerian flag was raised at Barking Town Hall, as the borough came together and celebrated with members of the Nigerian community, council staff and well-wishers.

I am delighted to join the residents of Barking and Dagenham in wishing all Nigerians a happy Independence Day. 

Councillor Lynda Rice, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Diversity had a message for everyone celebrating the event in the borough and said: “I am delighted to join the residents of Barking and Dagenham in wishing all Nigerians a happy Independence Day.

“Nigeria has a very rich and extensive history – one that has influenced and affected not only the people who live and were born there, but Africa as a continent and in turn, the wider world.

“Many people of Nigerian descent call Barking and Dagenham their home or run successful businesses here. As a borough, we benefit greatly from the diversity of different peoples and are grateful for the positive impact members of the Nigerian community have on our borough.”