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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Nigerian flag flew proudly at Winnipeg City Hall on October 1, the Canadian city celebrated Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and honoured the growing contributions of Nigerians to the city.
The historic flag-raising ceremony brought together Winnipeg Mayor, Scott Gillingham; President of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba (NAMI), Vera Obehi Keyede; Deputy Premier of Manitoba and Minister of Health, Uzoma Asagwara; Oloro of Oro and Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom. Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, community leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Welcoming the gathering, Mayor Gillingham described Winnipeg’s Nigerian community as “large and growing”, saying Nigerians had continued to make significant contributions to the city’s development.
He listed business and entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, public service, the arts and faith communities among areas where Nigerians were making their mark.
“Your contributions can be seen across our city in business and entrepreneurship, education, health care, public service, the arts, faith communities, and so many other areas,” Gillingham said.
The mayor said the celebration offered an opportunity to honour Nigeria’s history, culture and achievements, while recognising the pride Nigerians continued to take in their heritage.
“Today, the Nigerian flag will fly here at City Hall as a symbol of independence and national pride but also as a recognition of the Nigerian community’s place in the story of Winnipeg,” he said.
The mayor congratulated Nigerians and members of the community on the anniversary, commending their contributions to the city.
The NAMI president, Keyede, in her address, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to unity, cultural preservation and youth mentorship across Manitoba.
She anchored her remarks on the theme, “Rooted in Heritage and Rising with Purpose,” while acknowledging dignitaries and community leaders at the ceremony.
Among those recognised were Deputy Premier Asagwara, Oba Oyatoye, community elders and the newly crowned Miss North America World Universal, Jeslyn Abraham.
In his remarks, Oba Oyatoye expressed appreciation to the mayor, Winnipeg City Council and the Manitoba government for honouring Nigeria and supporting the Nigerian community.
The monarch recalled his involvement, before ascending the throne in 2024, in advocacy for legislation and community initiatives that helped lay the foundation for the recognition of Nigeria’s Independence Day in Manitoba.
The ceremony featured Nigerian traditional attire, cultural displays, official greetings and musical performances, culminating in the raising of the Nigerian flag at City Hall.
