By Cecilia Ologunagba
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas South Savannah has celebrated the achievements of the Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Canada’s Manitoba Province.
NIDO Americas South Savannah Vice President Dr Tomi Ademokun, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, congratulated Asagwara on her new position.
Asagwara is the first Nigerian woman appointed as minister of health in Canada’s Manitoba Province and at the young age of 39.
“NIDOA South Savannah looks forward to witnessing Uzoma Asagwara’s continued success and contributions in her new position.
“We celebrate her achievements and wish her the very best as she embarks on this new and important chapter in her illustrious career.’’
Ademokun said her appointment was a reflection of the strength that lies in multiculturalism and the enriching contributions that immigrants make to their new communities.
“We commend the government of Canada’s Manitoba Province for recognising the immense potential in Uzoma Asagwara and for entrusting her with the vital responsibility of overseeing the health and well-being of its citizens.
“We are confident that she will bring her dedication, compassion, and expertise to her new role, striving to create a healthier and more equitable society,’’ she said.
According to her, this momentous achievement not only celebrates the remarkable journey of an outstanding individual but also marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian and Canadian communities alike.
“Uzoma Asagwara’s appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment to public service.
“Her passion for healthcare and social well-being has been an inspiration to many, and her journey from Nigeria to Canada serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their adopted homeland.
“As the first Nigerian woman to hold such a prestigious position in Canada’s Manitoba Province, Uzoma Asagwara embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity that both nations cherish.’’
Born in Winnipeg, Canada, when her parents from the Igbo ethnic group of Abia, South-Eastern Nigeria, migrated there in the late 1970s, Asagwara was earlier elected to represent the Canadian Union Station in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2019.
By winning a seat in the Manitoba Assembly and also becoming the first black queer legislator, she succeeded in breaking a 150-year jinx to achieve such a feat.
Asagwara’s duties as the new health minister, will intersect with bioeconomy in different ways and she will be expected to drive innovation and health advancements within the biosciences.
NAN reports that the Nigerian-Canadian psychiatric nurse, whose career spans over a decade in the country’s health sector, has also played basketball actively in Canada.
In 2008, she bagged a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and also completed a joint programme between the University of Winnipeg and the University in Brandon, both in Manitoba.
NAN
