The Manitoba Government made a historic move by passing Bill 22 into law to honour the celebration of Nigerian Independence Day. The gesture marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian community in Manitoba province and Nigerians across Canada.
"The recognition is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and collective contributions of the Nigerian community in Manitoba. This achievement is not just ours, but a result of the unity and shared effort of everyone who has supported and worked towards this, especially our dear Honorable Uzoma Asagawara, the Deputy Premier, the Minister for Health, Seniors, and Long-term Care," emphasizes the president of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc, Vera Obehi Keyede.
The Manitoba government introduced the bill to mark the annual Nigerian Independence Day and to also celebrate the dynamic Nigerian community in Manitoba in March 2024. The Deputy Premier, Minister for Health, Seniors, and Long-term Care, Uzoma Asagwara put it succinctly in her remark: "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." said the minister, the first and only Nigerian member of the legislative assembly.
She stressed the significance of the day which honours “elders in the community who sacrificed so that the future generations could thrive in Manitoba. The milestone 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." The act designates October 1 as a Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day in commemoration of its independence in 1960, from decades of British colonial rule.
Over seven thousand Nigerians reside in the province of Manitoba.