UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy has launched a flagship soft power campaign ‘Jollof and Tea’, which celebrates the UK and Nigeria’s cultural and creative ties.

In a statement on Monday, the British Deputy High Commission said Lammy unveiled the campaign at a reception in Lagos, on his first visit to Africa as UK foreign secretary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lammy was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in July, 2024.

It was noted in the statement that at the launch, Lammy unveiled a phone booth designed by Frederick ‘Dricky’ Stickman, a Nigerian graffiti and visual artist based in Lagos.  

Lammy reiterated the UK’s commitment to encouraging talent in Nigeria and diaspora, pledging the UK’s support to strengthen partnerships in the creatives sector to benefit both economies.

The statement quoted British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter to have said the ‘Jollof and Tea’ campaign was designed to showcase the length and breadth of the UK – Nigeria partnership, including the creative and cultural sectors. 

“It will help raise awareness about the existing connections between the UK and Nigeria and take forward ongoing efforts by both our countries to strengthen our people-to-people links.” 

It was noted in the statement that Lammy also had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

This was to understand how the recently launched UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnership (ETIP) can help drive growth in the creative industries. (NAN)