Abiodun Adeleye Wins Good Neighbourhood Awards 2021,UK

Earlier this summer, neighbours in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire in the UK were asked to share the best heartwarming stories of neighbours going above and beyond to support their local communities as the fourth annual Nextdoor  kicked off Good Neighbourhood Awards. This year’s event were bigger than ever with a record number of nominations coming in from all across the UK. There were so many stories of neighbours supporting each other and lifting one another up in different ways. This year’s winner of the Neighbour of the Year award went to Abiodun Adeleye in Milton Keynes. 

Abiodun, a law graduate of the prestigious  University of Buckingham and father of three beautiful children.Due to lockdown, Abiodun lost the majority of his work but instead of getting down, he turned to his passion for photography. He wanted to connect with his neighbours and build more connections.

He took to the streets of Milton Keynes and started taking photographs. He posted to Nextdoor asking neighbours if they could identify where the photo was taken. Neighbours took to the challenge which quickly became a popular weekly post that they all looked forward to.

Using #howwelldoyouknowmiltonkeynes, his posts fast became the place whereby neighbours could come together to share knowledge of Milton Keynes.

Some of the places in the photos neighbours knew and they would share stories. Other places they didn’t know but this would encourage them to go on walks to try and find them. It got people outside and taking pride in their local area.

With the lockdown now lifted, Abiodun has continued to post his weekly photos by popular demand, providing a welcome space for people in Milton Keynes to continue coming together to celebrate their local area. 

Abiodun Adeleye, the Nextdoor Neighbour of the Year 2021, added:“I couldn’t believe it when I found out that I had been chosen as one of Nextdoor’s Neighbours of the Year 2021.

Photography is something I am really passionate about, and it has been a great way to connect with my neighbours this past year. I’m excited to keep my photos going and share more amazing parts of Milton Keynes!”Neighbours are using Nextdoor to exchanged trusted information, share knowledge, and local recommendations all across the UK,sign up here to join your neighbourhood conversations.

Author: Gbenga Teejay Okunlola

London, UK

teejayok@gmail.com