By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Welcoming guests and members to the NCL 2026 GALA NIGHT THE CHAIRMAN Nigerian Community Leeds (NCL), Ben Izuagie noted that Events like this are only possible because of the generosity, commitment, and unity of people of like minds.

He posited that the night is not only a celebration of culture and achievements, but also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that connect Nigerians in Leeds and beyond.

Ben Izuagie said further that as they reflect on the past year, it is done with gratitude and pride. NCL. continues to grow from strength to strength with a big thanks to the dedication of volunteers, trustees, committees, sponsors, and community members, who give tirelessly to ensure our collective success.

He confirmed that One of the exciting developments for this year is the launch of the NCL Charity Shop a major milestone for Nigerian community and an important step towards building a sustainable future for the Nigerian Community Leeds.

He cited One of the biggest highlights of the year to be the Nigeria Leeds’ historic achievement of winning the Leeds African Cup of Nations (LACON) for the very first time. This proud and memorable moment showcased the community’s not only talent and teamwork, but also the passion and unity that LACON continues to inspire across Leeds.

The community also looking forward with excitement to this year’s LACON tournament which will take place on the 20th of June 2026. He encouraged everyone to come out, support the teams, and celebrate another fantastic showcase of African excellence, youth engagement, and community spirit.

Ben izuagie also announced that the Nigerian Communities Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, 1st August 2026, the event he said will once again bring together families, friends, and members of the wider community for a day of unity, recreation, and cultural bonding while Cultural Day celebration will hold on Saturday, 3rd October 2026. The event will showcase the richness, diversity, and beauty of Nigerian culture through music, food, fashion, dance, and traditions from across our regions.

Speaking further on the establishment of Leeds Charity shop , Chairman, Media Committee , Mr Wole Olusola said the initiative is more than just a shop; it represents collective ambition, unity, and long term vision of one day owning the Nigerian House in Leeds that the community has long desired.

Mr Wole Olusola also confirmed that the community is incredibly proud of this achievement and optimistic about the opportunities it will create for NCL and future generations. He However called for continued support of our community towards its success. This will involve calling on members and supporters to contribute by donating quality secondhand items, clothing, household goods, merchandise, and other reusable items to help stock and sustain the shop as this in togetherness, through collective effort and shared ownership, the initiative will be a lasting success and a move one step closer to turning the dream of the Nigerian House Leeds Project into reality

The keynote Speaker at the NCL GALA 2026, TAGGED A NIGHT OF NAIJA EXCELLENCE Director at Leeds City Council Dr. Temitope Ademosu confirmed that her story and of every other parent in manchester is a story of hope, a story of sacrifice, and a story of an opportunity.

Dr. Temitope Ademosu noted that story of parents who came to Manchester with no wealth but belief. They came with a strong belief that through hard work, resilience, faith and giving us education, their children could stand in rooms that they themselves could never imagine entering.

She confirmed that her role within Leeds City Council and that of the councillors who were in attendance touches everyday lives of residents in Leeds. FROM housing, community safety, cleaning of bins, cleaning of streets, the parks, working with community organisations and with businesses.

She affirmed that her duty is about helping to build a city where everyone feels safe, everyone feels connected, everyone feels valued and everyone feels able to thrive.

According to her, leadership journey has never been easy with moments where ones voice is being questioned that bit differently a moments where mistakes that you make become way more visible than others and the scrutiny that one carry into reality.

Dr. Ademosu therefore called on all Nigerians in Leeds UK not to only celebrate the moment but also work towards better achievements come next year.

Activities at the NCL2026 gala night also included awards and recognition of business, Networking, unveiling of the NCL charity shop, dinner, music and entertainment amongst others.