GB News presenter Nana Akua is backing a Royal-endsored campaign that highlights the success of gifted black people – and encourages others to emulate them.

Part of a global initiative called “This Can Be You”, it uses adverts on the sides of London’s iconic double-decker buses to showcase the stories of black people who have made a success of their lives.

The idea is to encourage passengers and people who see the banner ads on buses running from Brixton to Croydon to resolve to achieve their dreams in life and aim for the top.

The concept – This Can Be You – was devised by Croydon resident Melanie Hollett and her son Justyn.

It is supported by King Charles, who was represented at the launch at Brixton bus depot by the Deputy Lieutenant for the Borough of Croydon, Colonel Ray Wilkinson.

As well as Nana, it is also backed by the Mayor of Lambeth, global goodwill ambassador Andrea Aviet BEM, and Lieutenant Johnson Beharry VC.

Nana said black people should not believe the fallacy that there are barriers to stop them achieving: “This was set up by Mel, a fantastic, inspirational woman. Her vision is to spread positivity and let communities see our amazing talented black men and women.

“Now I am not really one for dividing things racially, because often it is counter-productive and can be offensive to people who aren’t black and can be seen as racist, but the reason I did this was because of the message it gets across.

“It is to show other black people that they are not victims of white supremacy or oppressed, or that we should be ashamed of being successful.

“I do not believe that successful black people are in blackface: it is a deeply offensive slur.

“I am sick and tired of the narrative, often peddled by commentators like Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu and Dawn Butler MP, being allowed to go unchallenged.

“They do not represent all black voices by any stretch of the imagination. We do not all think the same thing and the world is not set up against you because of what happened hundreds of years ago.

“So, I felt I wanted to inspire everyone but in particular people of colour who believe the narrative of oppression and tell them it’s not true and that they can be anything they want to be. It’s time to move on.”