Why the Champions Night?

One of the common challenges that face a people in Diaspora is the erroneous belief that they cannot replicate the success of the indigenous populace.

There is a perception that certain goals are unattainable.

Reasons such as Cultural or language differences, faces that do not fit or "ethnic minorities not going that far" seem to be prevalent even in the face of evidence to the contrary.

Over the last 20 years, Nigerians in the UK have consistently reached for the stars and have found success. This they have done by constantly exceeding all expectations through exceptional drive, sheer hard work and dogged determination.

As a collective, we believe it is imperative to celebrate outstanding achievers within our community who have against the obvious odds, excelled in their chosen fields.

To this end the Champions Club inaugurated the first in a series of yearly banquets called: The Annual Champions Night 2005 - A celebration of Nigerian excellence .

What about it?

A banquet was held for 300 guests on Saturday the 27th of August 2005 , from 1730 hours to Midnight at the London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, London.

- Pre dinner drinks were from 1730 hours to 1845 hours
- Guests were seated by 1900 hours.

In attendance were some of the most outstanding Nigerians in healthcare, law, humanities, the arts, theatre, movie production, sports, academia, science and technology, music, media, social services and business.

The Champions Night 2005 event was structured into three parts.

1. The Champions Club's presentation of 5 "outstanding Nigerian" awards.
   Awards was bestowed upon individuals deemed to have surpassed the ordinary in their chosen fields
   
2. A Raffle draw in aid of the Sickle Cell Society.
   This was expertly driven by the accomplished toastmaster of the evening.
   The Champions see charity as an indispensable aspect of life. The need to give selflessly to noble causes goes directly to the core of the club's objectives
   
3. The Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK , His Excellency, Dr Christopher Kolade and Mr Gerry Sheridan, Senior Vice President for Hewlett-Packard in UK & Ireland both gave keynote lectures.
   
   These lectures were focused on worthy issues that address the aspirations of the gathering. Having first-hand understanding of the Champions Club vision and the kind of audience that was in attendance, the speech was not only inspiring to those achievers present, but also impel those listening to greater efforts in their various endeavors.

The Champions belong to a different school of thought and the events of August 27, 2005 heralded our vision of who we are and who we aspire to be. It was a celebration of dreams, focus, purpose, hard work and excellence.

On a night dedicated to the acknowledgement of distinction in private and public life, the Champions club honored a total of 14 outstanding Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom .