In this episode of Pod Save Nigeria, Emmanuel Ogungbemi dives into the story of Kemi Badenoch — the British politician of Nigerian heritage who’s risen to become Leader of the UK Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition.
We explore her journey from Lagos to London, her rise through British politics, and the controversy behind her recent statement that she “no longer identifies as Nigerian.”
Is she right to define herself on her own terms, or does her heritage carry a responsibility she can’t walk away from? Emmanuel weighs both sides — the freedom to self-define and the symbolism of national pride — before connecting Badenoch’s story to the larger question of what identity means in a globalised world.
The episode ends with a Bright Spot — the inspiring story of 15-year-old Nigerian artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who set a Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas while raising awareness for autism.
🗣️ Segments:
The Big Story: Who is Kemi Badenoch?
Voices of Nigeria: Reactions to her identity statement
The Identity Debate: Can she, and should she, dissociate from Nigeria?
Global Lens: Dual identity in global politics
Bright Spot: Nigerian creativity that breaks barriers
🎧 Host: Emmanuel Ogungbemi
📍 Pod Save Nigeria — bold ideas, real stories, and hope for the future.