Editor’s Note

Dear NAMI Community,

February was an inspiring month filled with reflection, celebration, and progress. As we honored Black History Month, we witnessed incredible events highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in Manitoba. From cultural showcases to powerful keynote speeches, this month reinforced the importance of unity and representation.

We are also thrilled to celebrate one of our own, Abimbola ‘Akeem’ Owoade, as he ascends to the throne as the Alaafin of Oyo. Manitoba Hydro’s Who’s Who recently featured his journey, recognizing his contributions before stepping into his royal role. His story is a testament to the remarkable paths taken by members of our community.

In this issue, we also spotlight upcoming events, scholarships for Nigerian students, mentorship opportunities, and a research study seeking Nigerian Canadian participants. Your engagement helps strengthen our community, and we encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a thriving Nigerian community in Manitoba!

Your Team at NAMI

Celebrating Black History Month in Manitoba

Black History Month in Manitoba was a time of reflection, education, and celebration. Throughout February, events highlighted the remarkable contributions of Black communities and figures in Manitoba. Key celebrations included the Black History Month Market hosted by the Manitoba Museum, and the THREADS fashion show at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Notably, the Winnipeg Jets hosted a Black History Night, showcasing the importance of inclusivity in sports.
The month concluded with a powerful presentation at Red River College Polytech, featuring keynote speaker Uzoma Asagwara. These events not only honored the achievements of Black Canadians but also fostered unity and understanding across communities.

Royalty Among Us: Manitoba Hydro’s ‘Who’s Who’ Features our own Abimbola Owoade as He Becomes The Alafin of Oyo!

The Nigerian community in Manitoba has reason to celebrate as one of our own, Abimbola ‘Akeem’ Owoade, ascends to the throne as the Alaafin (king) of Oyo town in Nigeria. Manitoba Hydro recently featured his incredible journey in their ‘Who’s Who’ segment, recognizing his contributions and celebrating his transition from a dedicated employee to a royal leader.

Until recently, Akeem was a Project Coordinator in the Project Services Department at Manitoba Hydro. His colleagues at Hydro came together to honor his service and bid him farewell as he stepped into his new royal duties.

Akeem’s journey from Winnipeg to the throne of his ancestors is a remarkable one. On his last day at Hydro, he shared his excitement: “I am ascending to the throne of my great grandfather. It is a great joy to my heart. As a king, I am a custodian of culture and tradition.” While some coworkers knew of his royal lineage, many were taken by surprise when news of his coronation became public.

“Sometimes I mentioned to them, ‘I am a prince,’ but they didn’t believe it,” Akeem said with a laugh. “Now they see me on the internet, and they are surprised.”

Akeem’s dedication to his work earned him deep respect among his colleagues. Samantha Parker from the Stations Project Management Section described him as “a really friendly guy who’d help you out no matter what.” Jayson Kowal from Corporate Communications recalled working alongside him at Keeyask Generating Station: “When things got hectic, he was always sincere and first and foremost a teammate. I had no idea of his family heritage until I saw the news and realized it was the same Akeem I knew.”

Akeem’s royal lineage traces back to the medieval Oyo Empire, and his new role as Alaafin will focus on promoting Yoruba culture and traditions. The previous Alaafin, who ruled for 51 years, passed away in 2022, and Akeem was chosen from among the region’s royal families to become the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Born in Nigeria in 1975, Akeem pursued higher education in the UK, earning degrees in Mechanical Engineering before moving to Winnipeg in 2012 with his wife, who secured a nursing job at Health Sciences Centre. He joined Manitoba Hydro as an intern and worked his way up through various roles.

Though Akeem and his family will be returning to Nigeria, his teenage son will remain in Winnipeg to complete high school. While he looks forward to his new life as king, he admitted feeling a bit sad to leave Manitoba Hydro and the community he has built here.

Akeem has invited some of his former colleagues to attend his coronation in Nigeria this April. As the Nigerian community in Manitoba, we are proud of his achievements and wish him success in his new royal journey. Congratulations, King Abimbola Owoade!

See link to full story:

NAMI General Meeting

NAMI Inc. is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: NAMI General Meeting
Time: Mar 30, 2025 06:00 PM – 7.30 PM Winnipeg
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 875 2978 6653
Passcode: 228446

NVAS Roundtable Discussion

Scheduled for March 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, this virtual session invites organizations and volunteers supporting newcomers, immigrants, and refugees to discuss volunteerism’s future in Canada.

Africa Centre’s Mentorship & Leadership Program

The Africa Centre’s Mentorship & Leadership Program in Manitoba is designed to empower young African-Canadian professionals. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants gain valuable insights from experienced leaders, helping them grow in their careers and community involvement. This initiative fosters personal development, leadership skills, and community engagement, creating a supportive environment for the next generation of African-Canadian leaders. For more information, visit the Africa Centre’s website

Scholarships and Financial Support for Nigerian Students in Manitoba

Several scholarships are available for Nigerian students studying in Manitoba, aimed at supporting academic excellence and leadership. Among them, the University of Manitoba’s International Undergraduate Student Scholarships and the University of Winnipeg’s President’s Scholarship for World Leaders provide financial assistance to international students. Additionally, the Nigerian Association of Manitoba offers scholarships to Nigerian students pursuing higher education in the province.

Be sure to explore all scholarship opportunities and apply early to secure funding for your studies. Visit your institution’s financial aid office for detailed information.

Study on Blood Donor Eligibility Criteria: Nigerian Canadian Participants

The researchers from Canadian Blood Services and the University of Alberta, in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada are currently recruiting participants for this study who identify as Nigerian born or as part of the Nigerian Canadian diaspora generationally. They are conducting a study to examine people’s knowledge of donor eligibility criteria and changes to these criteria. The goal is to inform Canadian Blood Services’ efforts to maximize donor eligibility while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Participation in our study involves completing an online survey ($20 Egift card) and interview ($25 Egift card).

The survey can also be accessed directly through this link

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.

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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