Lifestyle
London Meets Port Harcourt: Ikwerre Festival Brings Nigerian Culture To The UK

A Taste Of Port Harcourt In London: Ikwerre Festival Brings Nigerian Heritage To Britain
BY OBINNA EBOGIDI
The 2024 Ikwerre Annual Cultural Festival was a resounding success, bringing together members of the Ikwerre community in the UK for a vibrant celebration of their rich heritage. Held on Saturday, August 24th, at Danson Park in Bexleyheath, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ikwerre people.
They came in their best traditional outfits, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate designs of Ikwerre attire. The festival provided a unique opportunity for Ikwerre individuals residing in the UK to connect with their roots and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of their ancestral homeland.
The royal father of the day was HRH, Eze. Ezebunwo Geofrey Adele, the Paramount Ruler/Nyenwe Ali Rumuomasi, who added his majestic presence to the festivities.
For Winston Ogbonda, the festival was a nostalgic experience, saying: “I joined my friends, brothers, and sisters to celebrate the IKWERRE CULTURAL HERITAGE yesterday (August 24) at the 2nd IKWERRE FESTIVAL in London, 2024. Nostalgic for me as I haven’t seen this rich display in the last 15-20 years. The highlight was Egelege, Native Soup (Miniwiri), reconnecting with friends and making new connections.”
The event was a kaleidoscope of color, music, and dance, with attendees donning their finest traditional attire. Ikwerre children born and raised in the UK were able to experience firsthand the customs and traditions of their kinsmen back home. Some even took to the stage to speak the Ikwerre language, earning admiration from the guests.
The festival featured an array of traditional dances, including the thrilling egelege, a traditional wrestling bout that showcased the strength and agility of the Ikwerre people. The scenery was superb, with plenty of delicious food and drink to go around.
Read also : Ikeji Festival: Mirroring The Past, Present And The Future Of Igbo Cultural Heritage
One of the highlights of the festival was the ecstatic performance by Chimburuoma Chi, who wowed the crowd with her energetic and captivating stage presence. Her performance added to the electric atmosphere of the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The memories of this year’s festival will linger in the hearts of participants for a long time, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The event was a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of the Ikwerre people.
Diaspora Watch is proud to bring you the details of this momentous occasion, celebrating the vibrant culture of the Ikwerre people in the UK

Lifestyle
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 42
Dive into the 42nd Edition of Diaspora Watch!
Explore the intersection of global politics, entertainment, and lifestyle with our latest edition.
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The big question on everyone’s mind is Trump’s Tariffs: A Threat to American Jobs or a Boost to Automation? Meanwhile, sports fans will be thrilled to know that Cristiano Ronaldo is making his Hollywood debut with an action-packed film studio venture.
In a heartwarming story, a Nigerian nurse who had been working in the US has made the bold decision to return home in search of a more fulfilling life.
This edition also shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission Chairman, who has been honoured in Saudi Arabia for his outstanding contributions.
Other highlights include an in-depth analysis of the US-China trade war, which has intensified with Trump slapping a 104% tariff on Chinese goods.
You won’t want to miss the Diaspora Watch editorial on the need for ambassadors, followed by a report on the Nigerian government’s commencement of screening for ambassadors.
In sports, Aston Villa is hoping to lure Ademola Lookman with Champions League qualification. The back page is dedicated to this exciting development.
Grab your copy of the 42nd edition of Diaspora Watch today and stay up-to-date on all the latest news and trends.
Diaspora
Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Hollywood Debut With Action-Packed Film Studio Venture
Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, has embarked on a new venture, marking his debut in the film industry.
Partnering with British film producer Matthew Vaughn, Ronaldo has co-founded an independent film studio called UR•MARV. M
This 50-50 joint venture has already led to the production and financing of two action-packed films, with plans for a third installment in the same series.
The financial specifics of the joint venture have not been disclosed, but the investment comes at a time when streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are increasingly backing independent filmmakers.
This trend provides a global distribution network that can help UR•MARV’s films reach a wider audience and fuel the growth of the independent film industry.
Ronaldo shared his excitement about this new chapter in his business career, stating, “This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures in business.”
His partner, Vaughn, praised Ronaldo’s creativity on the football pitch, saying, “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him he’s a real-life superhero.”
At 40 years old, Ronaldo has significantly expanded his business portfolio over the last decade.
His investments include stakes in a hotel chain, a porcelain manufacturer, and a media company in Portugal.
He has also recently acquired a tennis and padel club in Lisbon.
Moreover, Ronaldo has expressed an interest in owning football clubs once he retires, further broadening his business interests.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr with a reported annual salary of around $200 million, continues to shine on the field.
Although he has not yet revealed when he plans to retire from professional football, his business ventures are likely to keep him busy in the years to come.
Vaughn, on the other hand, has built a reputation for reinventing action cinema with his sleek, fast-paced approach and a flair for blending humor with high stakes drama.
He made his directorial debut with the gritty crime film Layer Cake (2004) and quickly followed up with bold, genre-defying hits like Kick-Ass (2010) and X-Men: First Class (2011).
Vaughn’s big breakthrough came in 2014 with the launch of the Kingsman series—a high-octane spy saga known for its slick visuals, tongue-in-cheek tone, and explosive set pieces, all under the banner of his production company, Marv.
Most recently, he directed Argylle (2024), a globe-trotting espionage adventure starring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard. With two more Kingsman films on the horizon, Vaughn shows no signs of slowing down.
The partnership between Ronaldo and Vaughn marks a new era for UR•MARV, with the potential for exciting and action-packed films to reach a global audience.
Lifestyle
Diaspora Diva – Annette Nneka Echikunwoke

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke was born on July 29, 1996, in Ohio, United States. She is a Nigerian-American hammer thrower who has made a name for herself in the world of athletics. Annette’s athletic career began in school, where she won the shot put and discus throw at a sports day event. She later attended the University of Cincinnati, where she was a member of the track and field team.
In 2017, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships in the weight throw event. In 2020, Annette elected to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games. However, she was disqualified due to the negligence of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The federation failed to conduct the required out-of-competition drug tests, which led to the disqualification of Annette and nine other Nigerian athletes. Despite this setback, Annette continued to pursue her athletic career.
In 2021, she set four successive Nigerian and African records in the hammer throw event, with a personal best of 75.49m. She is currently ranked seventh in the world in the women’s hammer throw. Annette switched allegiance to the United States and represented the country at the 2024 Summer Olympics. She won a silver medal in the women’s hammer throw event, with a throw of 75.48m. This was the first Olympic medal for the United States in the women’s hammer throw event.
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