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Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom

(CANUK)

About Us

The Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK) was formed by the Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom in 2005 in recognition of a clear need to unite the various Nigerian groups under one umbrella organisation. This ensures that the welfare, views, and community interests of Nigerians in the United Kingdom are represented in a harmonious and organised manner and creating a forum through which their voice could be heard.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu  GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amb. Mohammed Maidugu

Ag. Nigeria High Commissioner to 
 St. James Court

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Chair Diaspora Commission

​Hon. Dr. Ilyasu Maisanda, BSc, MSc, ACMA, CGMA,FCA, Fintech(Oxford)  Chairman, CANUK

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Christopher Kolade, Passes Away!

 London, 9 October 2025.

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The Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom (CANUK) has received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Dr Christopher Kolade, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and founding father of CANUK. Dr Kolade passed away peacefully in his sleep in Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of 92. 

A distinguished diplomat, broadcaster, academic, and corporate leader, Dr Kolade’s legacy of integrity, leadership, and service continues to inspire Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

Born in Erin-Oke, Osun State, in 1932, Dr Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, and later Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone. His illustrious career began in broadcasting, where he rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. Dr Kolade later served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria, where his ethical leadership and commitment to good governance earned him national and international recognition.

A Message from His Family:

“We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”

Tribute from CANUK:

Speaking on behalf of CANUK, the Chairman, Hon. Ily Maisanda, said: “Dr Kolade was not only a visionary diplomat but also the founding pillar of CANUK. His belief in the unity and potential of Nigerians in the diaspora laid the foundation for the vibrant organisation we have today. We mourn his passing but celebrate an extraordinary life of purpose, dignity, and service.”

CANUK extends its heartfelt condolences to the Kolade family and joins Nigerians around the world in honouring the remarkable legacy of this great statesman, teacher, and patriot.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Amen!

Signed:

Rose Peter Graham-Publicity Secretary, CANUK

Tekena Douglas-Assistant Publicity Secretary, CANUK

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CANUK  support Black Lives Matter 

Public Hearing

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Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner

CANUK

The Central Association of Nigerians  in the UK (CANUK) welcome the Ag. Nigeria High Commissioner to St. James Court, His Excellency Mohammed Maidugu

​

On behalf of Nigerians in the United Kingdom we warmly welcome you and your family.

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NDIS2023 :  DIASPORA NIGERIANS TO ENJOY SEAMLESS PASSPORTS
PROCESSING-Tunji-Ojo Abuja.

The Ministry of Interior is set to create new passports processing and
collection centres, especially for Nigerians in the Diaspora, to
decongest the influx of people at the already established centres as
well as fast track  service operations in the country and in the
Diaspora.

The Minister made the Policy statement at the just concluded 6th Edition
of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit organised by the Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative
(NDSI) in Abuja.

"Nigerians, especially Diaspora Nigerians are to enjoy a seamless
passport process and issuance system,"  Tunji-Ojo  pledged.

He further urged the public to report any unethical behaviours by
officers in the  Ministry and its respective parastatals, as a deterant
to  curb the menace of corruption in the system  and boost
effectiveness in  service delivery to Nigerians.

Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo guaranteed  that these changes will be effective
from February 2024.

Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the Minister for his positive
disposition towards the plight of Nigerians in the Diaspora particularly
with passports issuance.

According to her, "the key thing is, we have to encourage our brothers
and sisters in the Diaspora to come home and invest by creating a
conducive environment with these packages."

Signed,
Gabriel Odu
Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,
NIDCOM.

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DIASPORA VOICE MAGAZINE

Diaspora Voice, a community magazine produced by the Publicity Team of  the Central Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom. The purpose of Diaspora Voice is to tell the stories of Nigerians and other black and minority ethnic groups living and working in the United Kingdom.

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Former Amb. Visit to the Mutuk Tiv Day 2023.
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     PRESS RELEASE

Contact Us:

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CANUK

Nigeria High Commission 

9 Northumberland Avenue

London WC2N 5BX   

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Email - info@canukonline.com

© 2025 Central Association Of Nigerians In The United Kingdom  (CANUK)

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