Credit: NAMI President, Vera Obehi and members at the NAMI 40 Years Anniversary and Nigerian 66 Independence Day celebration, 2026. Image by Moyinoluwa Oduneye.
WINNIPEG – The Nigerian Association of Manitoba Inc. (NAMI) marked two milestones in one night on Saturday, October 3, 2026, celebrating Nigeria’s 66th Ind0ependence Day and its own 40th anniversary at the Soul Sanctuary.
The event brought together hundreds of community members, families and local leaders to look back on four decades of Nigerian-Manitoban history. Guests filled the hall in colourful traditional attire, with music and a strong sense of community.
Prominent leaders joined the full house, including Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Uzoma Asagwara, Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.
NAMI General Secretary Oyíndàmọ́lá Aláká said the 40th anniversary reflects how long the community has been pushing for a place in decision-making. “It shows us how long we’ve been advocating for our voices to be at the table of decision-making in this city and in this province,” she said. “It’s a huge celebration, but it’s also a reminder that we still have a lot of work ahead of us. The 40 years is showing our resiliency as an organization.”
Oyíndàmọ́lá said the night brought together three levels of government, Nigerian businesses and performers from different regions of Nigeria. “It was a space for the community. It was a space for advocacy. It was a space for commerce. It was also a space for culture,” she said. She said NAMI has supported Nigerians at every point of need, from visa and residency issues to student hardship, and has run fundraisers and food and clothing drives. She added that Manitoba is the only province and government in North America to recognize October 1 as Nigerian Independence Day in legislation, a result of NAMI’s policy advocacy. The association also honoured all of its past presidents at the event. “Everyone who’s ever been part of NAMI’s executive has been a volunteer,” Oyíndàmọ́lá said. “No one’s ever been paid to advocate on behalf of the Nigerian community.”
Looking ahead, she said NAMI will keep pressing for Nigerian representation across business, education, politics, healthcare and sports. “We are going to continue advocating tirelessly for Nigerian voices to be heard at every table across the province,” Oyíndàmọ́lá said. She highlighted the association’s youth programs, including a scholarship program that has run for more than four years and a mentorship program that pairs high school and university students with working professionals. “NAMI is already creating the future that it wants to see in the lives of Nigerians in Manitoba,” she said.
For Ayomide Akinwale, vice president of the Nigerian Student Association at the University of Manitoba, the most memorable moment was the recognition of NAMI’s past presidents. “I love how the president decided to bring out all the past presidents, acknowledge them, and award them for what they have done,” she said. “That’s what great leadership is about: acknowledging the people who went before you and who have done so much for the community.”
Ayomide said celebrating Nigeria’s independence in Manitoba fills her with pride, even far from home. “It gives me great joy and pride to celebrate Nigerian independence even when I’m far away from home,” she said. She was also encouraged by the turnout. “Every year, people buy their tickets, support, and come to celebrate the independence of the country with great pride and joy.”
Queen Rita, the anchor and MC for the event, said it was an amazing night. “It was an honour to host this event today: the fun, the award, the fashion show, oh my God! I am looking forward to the next event,” Rita said.
Ayomide stressed that events like this help young people stay connected to their roots. “Kids should not forget where they’re coming from,” she said. “If they forget, this celebration will die down.” She pointed to young adults on NAMI’s executive team who could one day lead the association, adding, “If the legacy dies, then we have nothing to show to our kids and our grandkids.”
Looking ahead, Ayomide hopes NAMI will also take part in the Black History Month celebrations. “As a Nigerian, I want them to celebrate it,” she said. “I know other countries celebrate their roots and culture during Black History Month, and they are so proud and excited about it. So why not Nigerians too?”
NAMI thanked every volunteer, sponsor and guest who helped make the celebration a success. It promised to keep building bridges, supporting youth and keeping the community spirit thriving for the next 40 years and beyond.
Sunday Adeola, U Multicultural.