Editor’s Note
Summer is in full swing, and so is our vibrant community! This month’s edition of the NAMI Newsletter shines a light on inspiring stories, joyful gatherings, and powerful innovations.
We’re thrilled to feature a Volunteer Spotlight on Dorin, whose dedication continues to uplift our mission. Relive the joy from our Mother’s Day celebration, and join us in celebrating Nigerians in Manitoba doing great things , including Prof. Rotimi Aluko, recently recognized as a top-ranking scholar.
We also take you to the exciting pre-launch of BOTA, the AI-powered marketplace led by visionary entrepreneur Akeem Olabisi. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming events like the NAMI Father’s Day Golfing event (details on our social media), and the Umunna Annual Igbo Cultural Festival and the countdown to Naija Market Day.
Don’t miss out on the Black and Indigenous Empowerment Innovation Summer Program, full details are inside!
Share you community events and newsworthy gists with us. Email publicitysec@nami-mb.ca
A big thank you to the amazing NAMI volunteers.
Stay inspired, stay connected, and enjoy the sunshine!
Rita Eghujovbo
Publicity Secretary.
Mother’s Day Celebration
On the 11th of May, we celebrated the mothers of NAMI, for the great work they do in our lives and their ever-enduring love. This celebration was a Cocktail and Spa event that saw our mothers relaxed, at ease and getting the care they deserve.
We want to thank everyone who made this celebration the success that it was- the attendees for gracing us with their presence and our generous sponsor Magabby Logistics Nigeria.
To our mothers, we love you every day. Here is a highlight of the event.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dorin
Dorin is a passionate and community-oriented individual who serves as a Military Social Work Officer and is a proud mother of three vibrant young boys. Eleven years ago, she relocated to Canada with her family. Dorin volunteers for NAMI in the publicity team, she has been volunteering with NAMI for 6 years. Here is more on who Dorin is.
On her educational background, Dorin had this to say, “Driven by a strong commitment to the helping professions, I transitioned from an initial degree earned in Nigeria to furthering my education in Canada. I went on to complete a second degree in Social Work at the University of Manitoba and later earned a Master of Social Work through the University of Waterloo.” She once spoke with Policymakers in Waterloo on Sustainable Development goals representing migrant women, this was a proud and humbling moment for her.
Dorin’s Volunteering extends outside of NAMI as she also volunteers at the United Way Winnipeg and has a deep commitment to service and advocacy. Her mother who is an embodiment of her name “Charity” is the reason she is dedicated to the act of giving back and community building.
The excitement people express from seeing their stories featured in the newsletter is her favourite part of volunteering at NAMI. This feeling of being seen or inspired because of something that was shared in the newsletter reminds her “of the power of words and visibility”.
Her advice for anyone looking to become a volunteer is to start small, show up with an open heart and never underestimate your unique gifts. She has learned that as a volunteer no contribution is too small. Volunteering in NAMI started with her showing up, attending events, asking questions, and offering to help where she could, when the former NAMI President Rev. Wilson Akinwale spoke to her about the need for volunteers to help with communications and weekly newsletters publications, her love for storytelling set her on the path to working in the Publicity department and designing the first Newsletter. Dorin describes the NAMI community as “respectful, resourceful, and resilient”. Crediting NAMI for being beneficial in supporting and developing Nigerians in Manitoba.
Dorin is a big fan of storytelling either through words or the lens of a camera and when she has the time, she likes to take long walks in nature. If she could have a volunteering superpower it would be the ability to multiply time so that she can “attend every cultural event, write every story, while sharing in the communal joy.”
Professor Rotimi Aluko Recognized as Highly Ranked Scholar
Professor Rotimi Aluko is one of the highly ranked scholars on Global GPS and this is for his work in Food Technology and Research as evidenced by a rising number of cited papers. He is in the top 0.05% of 30 million scholars in all fields worldwide, is the global top scholar in topics on the Amino Acid; Peptide and is ranked 3rd in Functional Food. This comes on the heels of being one of the 8 professors from the University of Manitoba selected for their exceptional research and global impact in December of 2024.
Professor Aluko who gained his Master of Science in Biochemistry from Ahmadu Bello University in 1985, has become a force to reckon with in the pivotal global industries of Food Technology and Agricultural Science. He is also the Director and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair at the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research.
Summer Programme for Kids
All the snow has thawed, Spring has come and gone, and with the joy reserved for all the best things in life, we welcome Summer. Contrary to what the carols will have you think, this is the most wonderful time of the year. With many activities planned, here is one that will be great for your kids.
The NGO Black & Indigenous Empowerment Innovation is offering a summer programme where they are giving free classes on Sewing and Photography for children aged 11-16. This is a great opportunity for your children to learn very important skills. The classes will be held over 4 sessions on the following dates: July 5th, July 12th, July 19th and August 2nd.
They have graciously extended the closing date for registrations for us to the 12th of June. So hurry on up and register here.
The Annual Igbo Cultural Festival is Back
Igbo Kwenu!!!!!
The Manitoba Umunna Igbo Cultural Association Annual Festival is coming up. The festival will take place on the 19th of July, 2025 at Transcona Country Club. It promises to be a fun-filled day where we celebrate the beautiful Igbo culture. The event will start at 2 PM to end at 10 PM CDT
Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.
An early bird discount currently applies to the first 300 people who register for the event. Hurry up, get your tickets and enjoy this great discount.
If you are looking to sponsor the event or place an advert, please contact 204-998-0040.
NAMI President Present at Bota’s Pre-Launch Event
BOTA Pre-Launches in Manitoba Canada
BotaPlace held its exciting pre-launch event on May 20, unveiling an AI-supported marketplace designed to empower small businesses and their customers with a “faster, fairer, and more rewarding” online selling and shopping experience. The platform streamlines everything from listing merchandise to shipping—while removing the high fees often associated with other digital marketplaces.
The pre-launch event was a resounding success, drawing community leaders and entrepreneurs, including the President of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc. (NAMI) Vera Keyede, who was present to show support for the founder, Akeem Olabisi, and his team. Her presence underscored NAMI’s commitment to supporting innovation and Nigerian excellence in Manitoba.
A major highlight was the live demo of key features—especially “Snap-to-Sell”, which dramatically reduces listing time to just seconds. Attendees, many of whom were small-business owners, engaged in a Q&A session with Akeem and the BotaPlace leadership team to explore how the platform could revolutionize their business operations.
If you are a small-business owner you can sign up to become a seller on the Botaplace using this link.
Nigerian Family Doctor at Sherbrook Now Taking Appointments
Dr. Nwazor is a family physician at South Sherbrook Health Centre in Winnipeg who is now accepting patients. Dr. Nwazor is fluent in Igbo and English and can attend to patients in these languages. Patients looking to book an appointment can do so using this link or they can call the clinic at 204-774-7196 and ask to book with Dr. Nwaozor.
South Sherbrook Health Centre is located at 88 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B3 and their hours are 8 AM- 5 PM Monday-Friday and 10 AM- 4 PM on Saturday.
Winnipeg Transit Changes on June 29 2025
The long-awaited changes to Winnipeg’s transit service are finally here. On the 29th of June, the new routes will go live. You can see a preview of your frequent routes on the Winnipeg Transit website.
This historical change which is the first in the history of the city’s public transit service, introduces a Primary Transit Network(PTN) with Feeder Routes. The PTN plys major routes on straighter trips with fewer stops, taking you directly to your destination at a faster pace, while the Feeder Routes operate within a community and transport you from your community to the buses on the PTN. This video explains the changes succinctly. The 28th of June will be the last time the buses will take the current routes with the changes going into effect on the 29th.
Heat, Wildfire and Measles Warnings
With the steady incline of temperatures, it is a great time to be reminded of the need to constantly hydrate, use hats and remember sunscreen is your friend.
The province is still under high alert for fire. We are advised to refrain from any outdoor burning. On the 29th of May, the Provincial government issued a State of Emergency for the fires which is in effect up until the 26th of June.
Manitoba continues to record cases of Measles. Public health officials advise that the best prevention from this disease is immunization, especially for young children as it can have very severe reactions in infants even up to death.
Summer Jobs at the University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba has published its Get Hired guide. It is a weekly publication that offers career tips and job openings for students who are looking to get jobs during this season were classes are winding down.
These openings are great for students as they are part-time/summer/casual opportunities. Some of these roles are with organizations and some are on campus. The guide also contains information on the Canadian Immigrant Fair which focuses on teaching people how to integrate into not only the Canadian community but the Canadian job market as well. The annual fair will be held on the 4th of July, 2025.
Countdown to Naija Market Day 2025 is coming to Winnipeg on July 5th!
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, food, fashion, music, and community!
Come support local vendors, enjoy live performances, and experience the rich heritage of Naija right here in Manitoba.
Save the date – July 5, 2025
Full details in the flier!
PAY YOUR DUES
Members are encouraged to pay their 2025 annual dues promptly.
- Family $70
- Single $40
- Student and seniors $20
Interac can be sent to nami.manitoba@gmail.com
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