In a bid to celebrate the cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the British High Commission has unveiled a replica of the iconic London phone booth at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos.
This installation marks the launch of the ‘JollofandTea’ campaign, a new initiative aimed at deepening the connection between the two nations through culture, education, and the creative industries.
“We are so excited to be here today to launch the first phone booth for Jollof and Tea,” said Ms Aseosa Uwagboe, Head of Communications at the British High Commission. “This is our new campaign to support the link between the UK and Nigeria, from our education to obviously transport.”
The phone booth, an unmistakable symbol of London, is part of a broader campaign to showcase the shared values and connections between the two countries. Uwagboe explained that the campaign is designed to highlight the historic and contemporary links between the UK and Nigeria in areas like art, fashion, sports, education, and transport.
“This campaign includes a physical activation of iconic British phone booths, which will be placed at key locations across Lagos and Abuja,” she added. “We really encourage everyone to find our booths around Lagos and Abuja.”
The ‘JollofandTea’ campaign takes its name from two cultural touchstones that have become synonymous with the pride and heritage of both countries: Nigeria’s beloved Jollof rice and the UK’s famous afternoon tea.
The unveiling of the first phone booth at Lagos’s MMA2 marks the beginning of this exciting project, with more booths expected to be installed in other popular locations in both Lagos and Abuja. The British High Commission hopes that this initiative will help further strengthen the cultural bond between the nations.
Uwagboe pointed out the artistic elements on the phone booth, which feature notable Nigerian landmarks like the Third Mainland Bridge and iconic transport systems such as the London Underground. “We really want people to enjoy and have a feel of the booth when they come across one,” she said. “If you have a look, you will see some of the iconic transport mediums in Lagos or Nigeria.”
This project is not just about placing a phone booth; it’s about creating a cultural experience that resonates with Nigerians and Britons alike. By including familiar symbols from both countries, the booth aims to celebrate the fusion of British and Nigerian identities.
As part of the campaign, Uwagboe encouraged people to take photos with the booths and share them on social media using the hashtag ‘JollofandTea’. She also urged them to follow the UK in Nigeria on social media platforms, making the initiative more interactive and engaging for the public.
The British High Commission’s collaboration with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, the company that manages MMA2, further highlights the strategic importance of this cultural initiative.
Mr Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer at Bi-Courtney, praised the installation of the British phone booth, noting that it would help foster a deeper understanding of the relationship between the UK and Nigeria.
“For us, it is one of those things that we like to have in terms of collaboration,” Jibodu said. “We have a cross-mix of people who come here, and that is why we refer to MMA2 as more than a terminal.” He emphasized that this partnership helps showcase the rich cultural connection between the two nations, while also promoting the values of unity and shared history.
Jibodu added that MMA2, as one of Nigeria’s most important aviation hubs, was the perfect place for this installation. With its diverse range of passengers, including international travelers, it offers a unique opportunity to spread the campaign’s message and highlight the UK-Nigeria cultural bond.
The ‘JollofandTea’ campaign officially kicked off on November 4, with a launch event led by British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter. Baxter described the initiative as an opportunity to celebrate the cultural and creative ties between the UK and Nigeria, which he believes will help strengthen the people-to-people connections between the two countries.
“This campaign is designed to showcase the partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, particularly in the creative and cultural sectors,” Baxter said at the launch. “It will help to raise awareness about the existing connections between the UK and Nigeria, and take further steps toward strengthening these ties.”
Through this initiative, the British High Commission aims to inspire greater collaboration between the two nations in various sectors, particularly in the creative industries, which are becoming increasingly important for both countries. By highlighting shared cultural assets such as food, fashion, and art, the campaign seeks to create a deeper, more meaningful connection between British and Nigerian citizens.
The phone booths, strategically placed in bustling areas of Lagos and Abuja, are a fun and engaging way to draw attention to the cultural exchange between the two countries. As Nigerians interact with the booths, they will not only be reminded of the UK’s rich cultural history but also be invited to participate in a shared conversation about the future of UK-Nigeria relations.
