Nigerian woman makes history, becomes first black health minister and deputy premier in Canada

A 39-year-old Nigerian woman, Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, has created history by becoming the first black health minister and deputy premier of the Province of Manitoba in Canada.

Hailing from Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Asagwara took her oath of office recently, marking a significant milestone in her remarkable career.

By attaining this position, Asagwara not only establishes herself as a prominent figure in Canadian politics but also breaks new ground as the first black individual to achieve this feat in Manitoba.

Asagwara’s journey to this position is extraordinary; they were first elected in 2019 as the first non-binary and gender non-conforming MLA in Manitoba, and they were among the first three Black MLAs to be elected in Manitoba’s history.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has congratulated Asagwara, on her swearing-in as a Health minister in the province of Manitoba, Canada.

In a series of tweets shared on Sunday via his profile on X (formerly Twitter), the former Anambra state governor attributed Asagwara’s success to hard work and dedication to duty.

The tweet stated, “The swearing-in of a young Nigerian, Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, as the new Health Minister and Deputy Premier of the Province of Manitoba in Canada, was heartwarming. The uplifting report again, buttresses the resourceful spirit of Nigerians.

“According to the report, Asagwara was the first black individual to achieve this position in Manitoba. I sincerely congratulate her for achieving this feat, which can only be earned through hard work, commitment and dedication to duty.”

Obi said that Asagwara is a model of hard work to the Nigerian youths. adding that he believes in the ” greatness and infinite resourcefulness of the Nigerian people .”

Prior to their election, Asagwara served as a full-time psychiatric nurse specializing in mental health and addictions.

“She serves as a lesson in hard work to millions of Nigerian youth. I wish her success in her new position and encourage her to continue to pursue societal progress both in Canada and our country, Nigeria,” he said.

Obi advocated for a “progressive leadership” that would inspire the nation’s youths to succeed.

“Just like Asagwara, many resourceful Nigerian youths will attain greater heights in their chosen fields of endeavour, in the New Nigeria,” the tweet concluded.

Similarly, the governor of Abia state, Alex Otti has congratulated Asagwara on her remarkable feat.

Taking to his X handle, Otti said; “I am delighted to congratulate Uzoma Chioma Asagwara on her historic appointment as the new Health Minister and Deputy Premier of the Province of Manitoba, Canada. This is a remarkable achievement that showcases her dedication, excellence, and leadership in the fields of health and public service.

“Uzoma Chioma Asagwara is a proud daughter of Abia State, born to Nigerian parents from Olokoro Umuahia. Her success story serves as an inspiration to all Nigerians, particularly the youth who have dreams and talents to nurture. She exemplifies that with passion, dedication, and perseverance, no goal is unattainable. Furthermore, she demonstrated that our Nigerian heritage is a source of pride and strength, not a limitation.

“I am proud of Uzoma Chioma Asagwara and extend my best wishes in her new position. I am hopeful that she will continue to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. I also hope that she will maintain her connection with her roots and remain an inspiration for other Nigerians in the diaspora.”