Dear NAMI Community,

We are thrilled to bring you another edition of our newsletter, packed with exciting news and updates that celebrate the strength and vibrancy of our Nigerian community in Manitoba. Our personality and business of the week segment is waiting for you. Yes, you! Do not forget to nominate someone you know who’s making a difference!

In this edition, we highlight NAMI President Vera’s impactful meeting with the Prime Minister, addressing key issues such as international student visa renewals, the English test requirement, pathways for Nigerian-trained teachers, and immigration processes.

We are proud to share the launch of KARA Magazine, spearheaded by our own Abiodun Adetu, which is dedicated to celebrating Nigerian culture within Canada and beyond. This new publication promises to be a vital platform for cultural exchange, and we encourage you to explore it.

As we reflect on recent events like the Naija Market Day in Brandon, the NAMI Family Picnic, Kara Magazine launch (grab a copy!) and the Winnipeg Naija Trade fair; it’s heartwarming to see the joy and unity these gatherings bring. These moments remind us of the importance of staying connected and supporting one another. This has been one busy summer. What have you been up to?

We invite community members to share their newsworthy activities, achievements, or events with our editorial team. Your stories are the heartbeat of our community, and we would love to feature them in our future editions. Please send any newsworthy information to us at  publicitysec@nami-mb.ca

Be sure to check out NAMI’S exciting new scholarship program, supporting exceptional students in Manitoba.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Your continued involvement and support make all the difference. Whether you’re attending events, paying your dues, or simply staying informed through our newsletter, you’re helping to strengthen our community.

Enjoy reading!

On behalf of our amazing volunteer editorial team:

Rita Eghujovbo

Publicity Secretary.

NAMI President Vera Keyede, Meets with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Addresses Key Issues Impacting Nigerian Community

NAMI President Vera Keyede was recently in an important meeting with the Prime Minister and other key stakeholders to address pressing concerns affecting the Nigerian community in Canada, particularly those related to international students and immigration. This discussion took place during the Emancipation Day celebration, organized by the Black Congress of Manitoba in conjunction with MP Terry Duguid, the Member of Parliament for South Winnipeg.

During the meeting, Vera highlighted the challenges many international students face, especially the delays in the study visa renewal process. With numerous students at risk of running out of legal status, she emphasized the urgent need to expedite these renewals to ensure students can continue their education without disruption.

Another critical issue discussed was the requirement for English proficiency tests for students who have completed their studies in Canada. Vera advocated for the abolition of this requirement, arguing that students who have successfully studied in English-speaking institutions in Canada should be exempt from additional language testing.

Vera Keyede also brought attention to the need for a clear pathway for trained teachers from Nigeria to practice in Canada. She urged for more streamlined processes that would allow these educators to contribute their skills and expertise to the Canadian education system.

Lastly, the discussion touched on immigration, with a focus on simplifying the transition from work permits to permanent residency (PR). Vera stressed the importance of streamlining this process to make it more accessible and efficient for those who wish to build their lives in Canada.

The meeting was a significant step forward in addressing these challenges, and Vera expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to meaningful changes that benefit the Nigerian community in Canada.

Personality of the Week

Know a trailblazer within our community?

Do you know Nigerians excelling and doing well in their careers in our community, please let us know and send us email at publicitysec@nami-mb.ca

NAMI Scholarship Program Announcement

We are excited to announce that NAMI has established an endowment fund with the Winnipeg Foundation to support exceptional in-course students enrolled in Manitoba post-secondary institutions. This scholarship program is a fantastic opportunity for our community’s bright minds to receive financial support as they pursue their academic goals.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application packages via email to nami.manitoba@gmail.com by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024. Don’t miss this chance to advance your education with NAMI’s support!

For more information, visit www.nami-mb.ca.

Exciting Launch: KARA Magazine

We are thrilled to announce the launch of KARA Magazine on July 28, 2024, by our esteemed NAMI executive, Abiodun Adetu, who serves as the editor-in-chief. KARA Magazine is dedicated to sharing and educating readers about Nigerian culture within Canada and the broader diaspora. This initiative promises to be a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and enrichment.

Here is a CBC link to this exciting new publication:

PAY YOUR DUES

Members are encouraged to pay their 2022 annual dues promptly.

  • Family $70
  • Single $40
  • Student and seniors $20

Interac can be sent to nami.manitoba@gmail.com

Please, add your email address to the narration so we can send you an acknowledgement.

2024 NAMI Family Picnic event in pictures

Pictures from the NAMI Family Picnic 2024 at the st vital park – Aspen Shelter.

Highlights from Ijebu Day 2024 live in Winnipeg: Saturday 27 July 2024

Naija Market Day Brings Nigerian Culture and Nostalgia to Brandon

The heart of downtown Brandon came alive with vibrant energy as Naija Market Day transformed Princess Park into a lively celebration of Nigerian culture. This highly anticipated event, reminiscent of market days from over 30 years ago, filled the air with the familiar sights, sounds, and scents of Nigeria, creating a nostalgic experience for all in attendance.

Building on the success of the first Naija Market Day in Winnipeg, which showcased businesses from Nigeria and other African countries, the heart of downtown Brandon recently came alive with vibrant energy as Princess Park was transformed into a lively celebration of Nigerian culture. The event filled the air with the familiar sights, sounds, and scents of Nigeria, evoking nostalgia and excitement for all in attendance.

Visitors from across Manitoba gathered to experience the rich heritage of Nigeria. The market buzzed with activity, featuring a variety of authentic Nigerian products such as traditional foods, clothing, and crafts. The atmosphere was reminiscent of bustling Nigerian marketplaces, offering attendees a chance to connect with the vibrant culture.

More than just a shopping experience, Naija Market Day was a cultural celebration. Traditional Nigerian music and dance performances entertained the crowds, while the enticing aromas of dishes like jollof rice, suya, and puff-puff invited everyone to savour the flavours of Nigeria. The event provided a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about Nigerian customs, enjoy authentic cuisine, and purchase handmade goods that captured the essence of the culture.

The overwhelming enthusiasm from the community delighted the organizers. “It was heartwarming to see the community come together to celebrate Nigerian culture,” said Abiodun Adetu, the event’s convener. “Bringing Naija Market Day to Brandon has been a dream come true, and we are overjoyed to share this piece of our heritage with everyone here.”

Rita Eghujovbo (Queen Rita), a seasoned host of Naija Market Day, expressed her excitement at the warm reception in Brandon, reflecting on the success of the inaugural event in Winnipeg. “The welcome from the Brandon community made us feel right at home,” she shared.

As the day of celebration and unity drew to a close, the echoes of Naija Market Day promised a bright future for this annual event in Brandon. The organizers are already looking forward to next year’s celebration, with plans to make it even more memorable, continuing to share the rich variety of Nigerian culture with the people of Canada. Adetu also extended gratitude to the Brandon Downtown BIZ team, the health inspection unit, and Mayor Jeff Fawcett for their support, emphasizing the strong sense of community that made the event a success.

For more information, please contact:
Rashidat Arowolo
Babsomo Communications Media
info@babsomocommunications.com

Creativity for Caregivers

Calling all caregivers! Join us every Monday for ‘Creativity for Caregivers’ at our drop-in from 9:30-11:30 AM. Enjoy a morning of self-care and creative expression with Art City, snacks and childcare provided!

Have questions? Contact Linda at:

204-979-2833 or wellnessoutreach@acornfamilyplace.ca

More details:

Elmwood Community Resource Centre is hosting two newcomer support groups

Get your kids occupied for free this summer

Many Canadians now qualify for the new national dental plan, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which reduces financial barriers to access oral health care. Seniors, people with Disability Tax Credit certificates, and children under 18 are now eligible for the CDCP. Click Service Canada on the CDCP  via Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca

Winnipeg Naija Tradefair

Over 100 businesses participated in the inaugural Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair, organized by the Canada Naija-Business Hub and Nigerians in Winnipeg (NIW). The event celebrated Nigerian culture, food, music, fashion, art, and entrepreneurship.

Manitoba’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-term Care, Uzoma Asagwara, praised the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture, expressing hope for more such gatherings in Winnipeg.

Tolulope Adebayo, founder of Canada Naija-Business Hub, emphasized that the trade fair was more than just a marketplace: it was a connection to Nigeria’s rich heritage and a showcase for talented local businesses.

Olubunmi Agbaje, founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg, highlighted the event’s success as a testament to collaboration between the Nigerian community and local businesses. She expressed gratitude to all participants, including established Winnipeg brands, which bolstered the event and fostered important connections.

Acting Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers also commended the effort, encouraging more networking events. The trade fair provided an opportunity to empower SMEs and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

Food Handler Certification

Watch Video Here

Let’s Continue To Support Nami Scholarship Fund, Thank You!

More details here

Let’s Continue To Support Nami Scholarship Fund, Thank You!

NAMI appreciates a model that guarantees funds to the scholarship for our youth in perpetuity. We sincerely thank those who have donated, and we also encourage others to do the same. All year round, we encourage people in our community to visit The Winnipeg Foundation website to donate with a minimum of $10 to NAMI Scholarship Fund at the link here to support our community youth education which was inaugurated last year. “Make this donation in celebration, honour or memory of someone.” Thank you!

Use this link

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Have a nice week!

FOOD FOR ALL PROGRAM

If food security is an issue, “Food for all Program” is a Food supply for all season. An initiative of C.A.C Rehoboth Christain Centre in partnership with Peace Wholeness Centre. See poster for details and more contact information or visit websites below. Thank you! www.peacewholenesscentre.com

https://rccwinnersarena.com/