LONDON DIARY:  A Day Out In Cardiff, Wales

For many years, during the period of my graduate studies and residences in the United Kingdom, I had always wanted to visit Wales, but never managed to make the trip due to several reasons – including the long trip by bus or by train from Leicester, my primary place of abode in the British East Midlands. And, of course, the hefty cost of this trip by bus or by train…

Photos: Kelechi Onyemaobi

On Friday, February 28, 2025, I made this my long-awaited visit to the City of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The bitter winter cold and the fog had abated when I arrived in Cardiff. As someone said, February here is, indeed, a month of contrasts where frosty mornings embrace the bloom of possibility – while awaiting to usher in the springtime in March…

With very sunny weather, despite a cool breeze, and a temperature of 9 degrees Celsius, Cardiff simply threw open her arms to welcome the visitor to the awakening of spring after a very harsh winter.

From the Cardiff Central train station, a kind station assistant directed me to the area I should head towards to locate the place I should go for my main engagement.

Photos: Kelechi Onyemaobi

Mercifully, it was a walking distance away. And I love to walk – not just because of the health benefits of walking, but also in consideration of the modest state of my resources.

I located the place quite easily. And my engagement went very smoothly – with British efficiency.

With some time on my hands, after attending the event I went for, I took a long, leisurely walk around the City of Cardiff – taking in the sights and sounds of a beautiful, peaceful city.

I took my bearings from the Cardiff Principality Stadium at Westgate Street, past the Water Side, through the main streets, and the generous green parks, with children happily doing in the parks what children love to do all over the world: playing.

Photos: Kelechi Onyemaobi

Then I returned frequently to sit at the foregrounds of the Principality Stadium to rest my weary limbs and soak in the sweet sea breeze and the gentle afternoon sun, alongside scores of other people: men, women and children; citizens, residents and visitors alike.

More than 215,000 Nigerians reportedly live in the United Kingdom as of 2024. This is the second highest number of Nigerian Diasporans living in any one country in the world – next only to the number of Nigerian Diasporans in the United States of America, said to be about 380,000.

Due to Nigeria’s very strong socio-cultural, economic and political connections to Britain as her former colonial master, The United Kingdom is, indeed, like a second home to many Nigerians – who are pursuing their legitimate engagements in business, education, healthcare, technology and other activities.

Photos: Kelechi Onyemaobi

Wales is known to host a large number of these Nigerians and other African residents and students – many of them in Cardiff, its capital city. Indeed, I saw a considerable number of these good Nigerians in the City of Cardiff. But I did not have enough time to meet and greet with them. Perhaps, another time, another day…

Finally, I visited the Cardiff University School of Journalism, Media and Culture, on Wood Street. I made some enquiries and received some public information reading materials about the reputable University. As they say, once a journalist, always a journalist.

I also took note of the profound statement made by Tom Hopkinson, the Founding Director of the University’s Centre for Journalism Studies. In his declaration, capturing the eternal watchdog role of the press, and framed on the walls of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture, Hopkinson said:

“A free press is the most watchful sentry of the state. A ‘yes’ press is fatal to good government.”

True. Very true, indeed. All good things come to an end – often before you know it. Suddenly, it was time for me to return to mainland England – through New Port, Birmingham City and Leicester, before I would eventually head back to London and Manchester.

As I headed back to the Cardiff Central Station to catch my train, I felt quite nostalgic to leave the City of Cardiff – where life seems a little more cheerful and a little less frenetic than in some of the other big cities in England and Wales.

For me, it was a great day to be alive – especially given all the harsh punches which life has thrown at me in the last few years.

Dr Onyemaobi Dr Onyemaobi is the Chairman of the editorial Board of The Nigerian Voice.