By Abiola Olawale
The BOND Awards, an international network organization, is preparing to host its inaugural award ceremony to honour the outstanding accomplishments of Nigerian individuals in Canada.
The event is scheduled to hold on September 13, 2024, at the Mississauga Convention Centre, Ontario, Canada.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the founder of the Bond Foundation, Modupe Ehinlaiye.
Ehinlaiye, in the press statement, explained that the BOND Awards is an initiative that is aimed at celebrating the journey of resilience, innovation, and excellence that defines the African dream.
She further stated that the award was set up to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in Canada.
Ehinlaiye highlighted that Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Kingsley Madu, and Ronke Edoho are among the outstanding and spectacular individuals who would be honoured on the award day.
She added that the event promises a lineup of distinguished guests, including entrepreneurs, academics, artists, and community leaders, each sharing stories that reflect the very essence of shining in the diaspora.
The New Diplomat reports that Oriuwa made history as the first Black valedictorian at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 2020.
Her leadership and advocacy have been said to be instrumental in worthy and inspiring initiatives such Ontario’s Black Youth Action Plan, and her global influence has been recognized with her inclusion on the roll call of TIME Next Gen Leader.
According to the organizers, also to be honored is Madu, founder of Expedier Inc., a fintech startup providing financial solutions to BIPOC communities. Despite coming from a financial system in Nigeria that operates without credit, Madu has processed over $5 million in volume through his company, which has been acknowledged as a top 12 Fintech by Platform Calgary. As a member of the Google for Startups Accelerator, Madu’s story is one of relentless innovation and a commitment to enhancing opportunities for his community.
Similarly, Ronke Edoho bridges continents through her culinary expertise. As the Founder and Creative Lead of 9jafoodie, Edoho has significantly influenced Canadian food culture, helping immigrants connect with their heritage through food. Her work as a Certified Clinical Weight Loss Specialist, author of “Lose It Nigerian,” and founder of Atare Group and Atare Foods, underscores her dedication to promoting health and cultural connection.
