By Niyi Babade (UK)
BT Group is shaping the UK’s digital future. With the creation of the diverse and inclusive initiative aimed at bringing people of various nationalities together where everyone is involved.
As part of this initiative program,
Nigerian employees at BT Group celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with an event held at the company’s Manchester office.
Supported by BT’s Ethnic Diversity Network, the celebration was the third organised by Nigerians in BT Group. The first event was held in Birmingham, while that of 2025 was held in London.
The event, themed “AI, Technology and the Future of Black Youth,” honoured Nigeria, its people and their rich cultural heritage. It was organised by Nigerian employees, including Dapo Olotu, Joey Ironbar, Idris Olayinka, Pamela Ayodele and Teni Ijabiyi amongst others.
In his welcome address, Idris Olayinka a business coach per excellence explained how the initiative was conceived: “At some point when we had over 200 Nigerians at different levels in BT across the United Kingdom.
Speaking with our correspondent, Olayinka retorted further “Some of us then got together to create a platform where all Nigerians could interact and share information, knowledge and ideas. In 2024, the idea was put forward to include honouring our home country annually as part of the Black History Month. With our Independence Day being 1st October which incidentally marked the beginning of the Black History Month, we leveraged on BT’s Ethnic Diversity Network and the opportunity provided by the organisation for employees to celebrate their cultural heritage.”
The programme, which also marked the beginning of Black History Month, featured quiz sessions on Nigeria and its history, lectures and presentations on artificial intelligence, as well as a showcase of applications developed by talented Nigerians within the organisation”
The event also included a panel discussion facilitated by Amaka Akpata, with panellists including Promise Akwaowo, Nick Hawkes, Jodi Shaw and Simon Harris. Ayokunle Okeowo joined virtually from Canada to deliver an inspiring presentation titled “Don’t Just Prepare for the Future—Shape It.” Guests and invitees were also treated to a selection of Nigerian delicacies, including the much-loved jollof rice.
The organisers thanked BT Group’s management for its continued support. BT continues to place diversity and inclusion at the heart of its business strategy, focusing on productivity, accessibility and representation across its customers, employees and communities.
