Canadian city marks Nigeria’s independence

The 70M Tallest Flagpole in West Africa in Kwara, Nigeria...PHOTO: Kwara Government

The Nigerian flag was raised at Winnipeg City Hall in Canada on Thursday as civic officials, a Kwara traditional ruler, and members of the Nigerian community gathered to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The ceremony, led by Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, featured Manitoba Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Uzoma Asagwara; the Oloro of Oro Kingdom in Kwara State, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Manitoba, Vera Obehi Keyede.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Saturday, the gathering also marked the 40th anniversary of NAMI, bringing together Nigerian community leaders and elders to celebrate the association’s four decades of activities in Manitoba.

Speaking at the event, Gillingham said the flag-raising provided an opportunity for Winnipeg to recognise both Nigeria’s independence and the contributions of Nigerians living in the city.

“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,” the mayor said.

He noted that Nigerians had contributed significantly across several sectors, including healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, public service, and the arts.

“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 added.

Also speaking, Oba Oyatoye emphasised the importance of maintaining cultural connections among Nigerians living outside the country.

The Oloro of Oro Kingdom stated that the preservation of Nigerian traditions should remain vital to younger generations growing up in the diaspora.

He stressed that Nigerians could preserve their cultural identity while contributing meaningfully to the development of their host communities.

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The monarch highlighted the role of community organisations in building relationships with public institutions and fostering opportunities for cultural recognition and civic participation.

Recalling his involvement in advocacy and community initiatives before ascending the throne in 2024, Oba Oyatoye noted that the experience reinforced the importance of sustained engagement between communities and public institutions.

Asagwara joined other dignitaries and members of the Nigerian community at the ceremony, which culminated in the formal raising of the Nigerian flag at City Hall.

Speaking on behalf of NAMI, Keyede said the ceremony was particularly significant as it coincided with the association’s 40th anniversary.

She noted that NAMI had spent four decades promoting unity, cultural awareness, and community development among Nigerians in Manitoba.

Keyede explained that the association’s theme, “Rooted in Heritage and Rising with Purpose,” reflected its commitment to preserving Nigerian culture while empowering younger members of the community.

She added that NAMI would continue to drive cultural preservation, youth mentorship, and community development initiatives.

The ceremony was attended by Miss North America World Universal, Jeslyn Abraham, alongside community elders and members of the Nigerian diaspora.

The event concluded with the Nigerian flag flying at City Hall as participants celebrated Nigeria’s independence and reflected on four decades of organised community activities in Manitoba.