By Abiola Olawale
A province of Central Canada known as Manitoba is currently mulling the idea of recognizing Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1st, as part of efforts to recognize the huge community of Nigerians living in that zone.
Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care of Manitoba, Uzoma Asagwara made this call while introducing a bill that would help commemorate Nigerian Independence Day and celebrate the dynamic community of Nigerians in the province.
The Minister who is of Nigerian descent said the proposed bill, when passed into law, would recognize October 1 as Nigeria’s Independence Day in Manitoba. According to her, this would make Nigerians in Manitoba feel seen and connected to the rich history and struggles of the most populous black country in the world.
Her words: “This is something that has been spoken about in the Nigerian community for a long time. The importance of having Nigerian Independence Day recognized formally through legislation helps to make Nigerians feel seen and our history as a people valued in a province which has welcomed our community.”
“This day is very significant. Today, we are thinking of all the elders in the community who sacrificed so that future generations could thrive in Manitoba. This bill uplifts all those in the community who advocated so we can be where we are today and inspire future generations to be proud of who they are.”
More than 7,000 Nigerians are living throughout Manitoba, the minister noted.
“This bill would create awareness for all Manitobans to learn about Nigerian Independence Day, what Nigerians have overcome, and the significant contributions they have made to our province as a whole,” said Asagwara.
The New Diplomat reports that Asagwara is the first and only Nigerian member of the legislative assembly in Manitoba.
