When a magazine turns fifteen, it is more than a milestone. It is a story of survival, growth and impact. For me, Nigeria Magazine’s anniversary feels especially close to my heart. In 2023, I was honoured with their International Women’s Day Award for Culture. That recognition was not just about me. It was about heritage, about advocacy, and about the power of platforms that make space for Nigerian voices to be heard.
I was born in Benin City. My mother is Urhobo, my father is Igbo, and his mother was Itsekiri. I grew up in London, shaped (loosely) by an Urhobo upbringing but with a very English lens on life. It meant that my Nigerian roots were always there, but I had to work to stay connected. Learning about my heritage became a journey, not something I could take for granted. That is why magazines like this matter. They remind people like me that identity is not something you leave behind. It is something you live, no matter where you are.
A Cultural Voice that Carries Us All
For fifteen years, Nigeria Magazine has done something powerful. It has held up a mirror to Nigeria and its people, reflecting not only our challenges but our brilliance. Too often, the stories told about Nigeria in mainstream media lean towards the negative. But here, our resilience, creativity and achievements take centre stage. It is more than a publication. It is an archive of who we are, a space that affirms identity and projects Nigerian brilliance to the world.
And what a moment for culture this is. Nigerian music is filling stadiums from Lagos to London to Los Angeles. Nollywood continues to grow, shaping how African stories are seen globally. Our fashion designers, writers and visual artists are making their mark on international stages. Culture has become one of Nigeria’s strongest exports, and Nigeria Magazine has been there, documenting that rise and making sure our stories do not get lost in the noise.
Why the Award Mattered
So when I received the award from Nigeria Magazine, it meant the world. It was not just a trophy to put on a shelf. It was a signal that the years of hard work, doubts and persistence had been worth it.
Through Cultural Style Week, the global movement I founded, I have been creating space for people to proudly showcase their heritage through fashion. Timed around UNESCO’s World Day for Cultural Diversity, it began in London but quickly grew into something international. I have seen people from all walks of life wear their heritage with pride, and I have seen strangers connect over a shared love of culture.
Alongside that, my work with Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC has been about creating educational resources and events that centre culture. For me, culture is not decoration. It is the foundation. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we value one another and how communities connect. Being honoured by Nigeria Magazine reminded me that this mission is bigger than me, and that it truly matters in both a Nigerian and global context.
Holding On to Heritage
On a personal level, my heritage is a rich and sometimes complex tapestry. I carry Urhobo, Igbo and Itsekiri roots. But growing up in England, it was easy to feel a step removed. That distance made me intentional about learning, preserving and celebrating my roots.
That is why Nigeria Magazine is so important for people in the diaspora. It gives us context. It gives us confidence. It says: “You belong. Your story is part of Nigeria’s story.” For me, every issue is a reminder that culture is alive, evolving and deeply personal.
Looking Ahead
This year, Nigeria marked 65 years of independence. Like our nation, Nigeria Magazine has grown through persistence and vision. Despite national challenges, culture has remained one of Nigeria’s most consistent strengths, and through it our people continue to shine.
As Nigeria Magazine turns fifteen, I celebrate not just a publication but a movement that has elevated Nigerian voices. Looking ahead, I believe the next fifteen years will be even more impactful. As our global reach expands and our stories continue to inspire, the magazine will remain a vital cultural anchor. I am grateful to be part of its story, and I look forward to carrying forward the same mission: to celebrate heritage, empower communities and amplify the beauty of Nigerian culture for generations to come.
Candy Ellie Graham
Founder, Cultural Style Week / Cultural Fashion & Arts CIC
