By Nzeh Frankwhite
All things being equal, the Nigerian community in Manitoba province of Canada will have the rare opportunity of officially celebrating the forthcoming Nigeria’s independence day with full recognition of the government of the province, and this courtesy of a Nigerian Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara, who presently occupies the exalted position of Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and long term Care.
“This is something that has been spoken about in the Nigerian community for a long time,” said Asagwara. “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.”
The proposed act would designate October 1 as Celebration of Nigerian Independence Day. On that day in 1960, Nigeria freed itself from decades of British colonial rule.
“This day is very significant. Today, we are thinking of all the elders in the community who sacrificed so that the future generations could thrive in Manitoba,” said Asagwara. “This bill uplifts all the those in the community who advocated so we can be where we are today and to inspire future generations to be proud of who they are.”
There are more than 7,000 Nigerians 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 minister is the first and only Nigerian member of the legislative assembly.
Below, we bring you the profile of this 39 years old Nigerian Canadian, born to parents of Umuahia, Abia State, Nigerian origin, who has made this happen. Enjoy!
Profile of Uzoma Asagwara
Born September 23, 1984) Uzoma Asagwara is a Canadian politician who has served as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care of Manitoba since October 3rd, 2023.
Prior to politics, she was a nurse and basketball player. Since 2019, she has represented the Union Station electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
Asagwara is a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.
Asagwara was born in Winnipeg to Igbo Nigerian parents.
In 2008, Asagwara completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University.
Asagwara was the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005–06. In 2007, they led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport in scoring with 28.05 points per game.
Asagwara was a member of the Canada women’s national basketball team for two years and was part of the team at the 2007 Pan American Games.
Prior to her election, Asagwara worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.
They are non-binary.
Asagwara served as a member of the former Premier’s Advisory Council on education, poverty, and citizenship, and as a member of the Women’s Health Clinic board of directors.
In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg, a Winnipeg-based project that aims to promote the rights and safety of LGBTQ people of colour in the
In the 2019 Manitoba general election, Asagwara was elected to represent the Union Station electoral district.
Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, is one of the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.
They are also the first queer black person to win a seat and Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA.
While in opposition, Asagwara served as the Manitoba NDP’s health critic.
During their time in the legislature, Asagwara has advocated for recognition of Manitoba’s minority communities and was able to pass a bill marking Somali Heritage Week.
In November 2021, Asagwara was re-nominated to represent the NDP in the Union Station
Born to Dr & Mrs K.C. Prince Asagwara, from Umuahia, Abia State. This first Nigerian to be elected into the Canadian parliament has 4 siblings; Chichi Adaugo Asagwara, the twin daughters Ogechi Ugonma Asagwara and Chinwe Nnebuife Asagwara and their only son KC Prince Obinna Asagwara
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