Uzoma Asagwara celebrated by members of Winnipeg's Igbo community

Manitoba's deputy premier is receiving a big homage from Winnipeg's Nigerian community.

Uzoma Asagwara, who's also the province's health minister, attended a civic reception in their honour Saturday organized by the Umunna Igbo Cultural Association and other members of the Nigerian community in Winnipeg.

Asagwara, whose parents immigrated from Nigeria, made history in 2019 when they were among the first three Black MLAs ever elected to the Manitoba Legislature, and also became the province's first non-binary MLA. They were led into the venue Saturday with a musical procession, surrounded by dozens donning traditional clothing.

"I'm a little overwhelmed," Asagwara said. "It's a blessing and a gift to be received this way by the community that raised me and nurtured me throughout my life. So I'm really humbled, and I'm so grateful."

The reception was held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Hall. It featured traditional Igbo cuisine and cultural displays, including a masquerade dance traditionally reserved for special occasions.

Uche Nwankwo said recognizing Asagwara's success will motivate children and others in the community to "aspire to greatness."

"It shows that the province, the country that we live in, appreciate the hard work and diversity, and immigrants can have the opportunity to succeed here and to obtain their fullest potential," he said.

"People of colour and other marginalized groups, to be part of the government and to be part of the leadership … It is quite significant … and so it's important to acknowledge, to celebrate that."

Before being elected, Asagwara worked as a psychiatric nurse, an addictions specialist, and was a community advocate. They were also a basketball player at the University of Winnipeg, where they made it to the national team.

Asagwara's mother, Doris, was also honoured in the celebration, with the crowd singing and dancing around her.

Ifeanyi Ebubechukwu says the minister has made Winnipeg's Igbo community proud.

"Igbos believe that excellence should be rewarded. If you excel in any field of endeavour, Igbo people will recognize you and appreciate you, and we give you a name that is in tandem with that achievement," Ebubechukwu said.

"Any Igbo person protects and develops anywhere he or she found himself … Uzoma actually has done just that."

Asagwara said they would like to thank the community for raising them and shown them the value of "lifting each other up."