Nigeria Community Association

15/06/2026

The Refugee Week Celebration held today at Rochdale Town Hall was a tremendous success. The event brought together residents, community groups, partners, and people seeking sanctuary from across the borough to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and contributions of refugees.

Under this year's theme, "Courage", we reflected on the strength it takes to rebuild lives, embrace new beginnings, and foster understanding within our communities. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a welcoming and memorable occasion.

Happy National Refugee Week!

14/06/2026

We are incredibly proud that the Nigeria Community Association, Rochdale, was selected as one of only four youth organisations across Greater Manchester to participate in the Empowering the Next Generation Regional Youth Conference in Manchester on 13 June 2026.

Fifteen of our amazing young people attended and delivered an outstanding presentation, showcasing confidence, leadership, and the power of youth voices in shaping safer and healthier communities.

Thank you to the Manju Shahul-Hameed Foundation for Mental Health and the National Commission for Mental Health, UK, for creating this important platform. It was inspiring to engage with leaders including representatives from the Mayor's Office, Damian Dallimore (Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit), MP Afzal Khan, and Nick Lynch from Barclays LifeSkills.

Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders today. 🌟

14/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria Community Association, Rochdale, Proudly Represents Greater Manchester at Regional Youth Conference

On 13 June 2026, the Nigeria Community Association (NCA), Rochdale, was honoured to be selected as one of only four youth organisations across Greater Manchester invited to participate in the "Empowering the Next Generation" Regional Youth Conference held in Manchester.

The conference, organised by the Manju Shahul-Hameed Foundation for Mental Health as part of the National Commission for Mental Health, UK, brought together young people, community organisations, policymakers, mental health advocates, and business leaders to explore mental health awareness, pathways away from violence, and positive opportunities for young people.

The Nigeria Community Association proudly attended with 15 outstanding young people, who actively participated throughout the event and delivered an excellent presentation, demonstrating confidence, leadership, creativity, and a strong commitment to shaping a brighter future for their communities. Their contributions were warmly received and highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people's voices remain at the centre of decision-making.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests and senior leaders, including:

A representative from the Mayor's Office

Damian Dallimore, Director of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit and senior leader within the GMCA Safer and Stronger Communities Directorate

Afzal Khan MP

Nick Lynch, Barclays Community Engagement LifeSkills Specialist

The conference forms part of a national initiative aimed at empowering young people through meaningful conversations around mental health, violence prevention, resilience, and aspiration. Partner organisations and contributors will be recognised in conference reports produced by Goldsmiths, University of London, with findings contributing to the Final National Report to be launched at the House of Commons.

The Nigeria Community Association extends its sincere appreciation to the organisers for providing this invaluable platform for young people from Rochdale to engage, learn, and lead. We remain committed to investing in the next generation and creating opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential.

Together, we are empowering the next generation, one voice, one opportunity, and one young person at a time.

Nigeria Community Association, Rochdale
Promoting identity, culture, leadership, and community cohesion while supporting and empowering young people across Greater Manchester

12/06/2026

Dear Volunteers & Community Members

All volunteers and Community members who are available on Monday, 15th, are kindly requested to be present to celebrate Refugee Week alongside Rochdale Borough Council.

This is an important opportunity for us to show our support, recognise the contributions of refugees within our communities, and strengthen our partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, which has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in supporting refugee communities across the Greater Manchester region. Indeed, they have been one of the most supportive local authorities within the 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.

Your presence and participation will be greatly appreciated as we come together to mark this significant occasion.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service.

Kind regards

Dr. Mary Adekugbe

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

Home Office Immigration Awareness Session Empowers Diverse Communities Through Trusted Information and Support

The Nigeria Community Association proudly hosted a highly successful Home Office Immigration Awareness Session at our community hub on 8/06/2026, bringing together over 50 participants from diverse communities and backgrounds seeking accurate information, practical guidance, and reassurance on a wide range of immigration matters.

The event exceeded expectations, with attendees describing the session as informative, reassuring, empowering, and life-changing. The overwhelming turnout reflected the growing need for accessible, trusted, and community-based immigration support, particularly during a time when immigration policies and processes continue to evolve.

Representatives from various ethnic and cultural communities attended the session, demonstrating the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals and families can access reliable information and support. The event reinforced the role of community organisations in promoting understanding, social cohesion, and informed decision-making.

Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from Home Office professionals and gain clarity on several important immigration topics, including:

Naturalisation applications and pathways to British citizenship

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

Support and information relating to asylum seekers

Visa overstayers and available options

Voluntary Returns Service (VRS)

Good Character requirements

And many other insightful immigration matters affecting our communities.

One of the key messages shared during the session was that Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are issued free of charge by sponsoring employers, and individuals should not pay money to anyone in relation to obtaining a CoS. This important advice was welcomed by attendees and served as a crucial reminder of the importance of seeking information from credible and professional sources.

Hearing directly from professionals working in this field spoke volumes and provided much-needed clarity and confidence for those in attendance.

A particularly valuable aspect of the event was its highly interactive format, which encouraged open dialogue and active participation. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to Home Office representatives, resulting in an engaging and informative question-and-answer session. The wide range of enquiries reflected the complexity of immigration experiences within our communities, and participants expressed appreciation for receiving clear, professional, and practical responses to their concerns. Many described the session as one of the most accessible and reassuring immigration awareness events they had attended, leaving with greater confidence and a better understanding of their individual circumstances and available options.

Feedback received from participants reflected the profound impact of the session:

People described our space as a lasting solution space for support.

People recognised our centre as a trusted community hub.

Many reported feeling a sense of peace and reassurance following the session.

Several attendees stated that the knowledge and guidance received were more valuable than short-term monetary support, as they equipped individuals to make informed decisions about their future.

Participants emphasised that the support provided through the Home Office National Community Engagement Team and community engagement sessions is more valuable now than ever before.

As an organisation committed to supporting vulnerable and underserved communities, the Nigeria Community Association remains dedicated to creating safe spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can access reliable information, build confidence, and receive the support they need to thrive.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to:

Mercy Osei-Poku
National Community Engagement Africa Lead

Lee Millea
National Community Engagement Team (NCET)

And to the entire Home Office National Community Engagement Team, thank you for your continued partnership, commitment, and dedication to engaging communities through compassion, professionalism, and practical support.

Together, we are strengthening trust, promoting awareness, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that individuals and families have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their immigration journeys.

For further information, please contact:

Nigeria Community Association
58 Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1PA
Email: [email protected]
Telephone:07456136150

05/06/2026

Litter picking with my Honourables

05/06/2026