Being born and raised in England while having Nigerian roots has given me a unique way of seeing the world. I grew up surrounded by British culture, but at home, I was also connected to Nigeria through my family, food, language, music, traditions and the values I was taught.
Growing up in England meant I experienced the British way of life from a young age. I went to school there, made friends there and became familiar with the culture around me. At the same time, being Nigerian was always an important part of who I was. Nigerian culture was present in the way my family celebrated, the food we ate, the music we listened to and the stories I heard about where my family came from.
Sometimes, having two cultural backgrounds can make you feel like you are caught between two worlds. You may feel British in one moment and Nigerian in another. But as I have grown older, I have realised that I do not have to choose between the two. Both sides are part of me.
I can appreciate the opportunities and experiences that growing up in England has given me while still being proud of my Nigerian heritage. I can enjoy British culture and still love Nigerian food, music and traditions. I can be British accent and still feel a strong connection to Nigeria.
For me, being Nigerian and British is not about picking one identity over the other. It is about carrying both with pride. My upbringing in England has shaped the person I am today, while my Nigerian heritage reminds me where my family comes from. Together, they have given me a wider understanding of who I am and where I belong.
