The Igbo community in Winnipeg, Manitoba recently celebrated Manitoba’s Deputy Premier and Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara.
Asagwara, attended a recent civic reception organized by the Umunna Igbo Cultural Association and other members of the Nigerian community in Winnipeg.
Recall that Asagwara, whose parents immigrated to Canada from Nigeria, made history in 2019 when she was among the first three Black MLAs ever elected to the Manitoba Legislature, and also emerged as the province’s first non-binary MLA.
She was led into the venue with a musical procession, surrounded by dozens wearing traditional clothing.
Asagwara said: “I’m a little overwhelmed. It’s a blessing and a gift to be received this way by the community that raised me and nurtured me throughout my life. So I’m really humbled, and I’m so grateful.”
The reception took place at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Hall and featured traditional Igbo cuisine and cultural displays, including a masquerade dance traditionally reserved for special occasions.
While talking about Asagwara’s outstanding achievements, Uche Nwankwo said recognizing Asagwara’s success will motivate children and other people in the community to “aspire to greatness.”
He said: “It shows that the province, the country that we live in, appreciate the hard work and diversity, and immigrants can have the opportunity to succeed here and to obtain their fullest potential.
“People of colour and other marginalized groups, to be part of the government and to be part of the leadership … It is quite significant … and so it’s important to acknowledge, to celebrate that.”
Also, Asagwara’s mother, Doris, was honoured at the event as the crowd sang and danced around her.
Ifeanyi Ebubechukwu, a prominent member of the Igbo community said the minister has made Winnipeg’s Igbo community proud.
He said: “Igbos believe that excellence should be rewarded. If you excel in any field of endeavour, Igbo people will recognize you and appreciate you, and we give you a name that is in tandem with that achievement.
“Any Igbo person protects and develops anywhere he or she found himself … Uzoma actually has done just that.”
In her closing remarks, Asagwara thanked the community for raising her and showing her the value of “lifting each other up.”
She said: “This is the community that taught me what community means. To be received and loved in this way, speaks to what is at my heart, which is people, community and making sure we’re connected in a way that serves others.”
Before she became a Minister, Asagwara worked as a psychiatric nurse and addictions specialist, and was a community advocate.
