By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A Nigerian national has been sworn in as the new Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of the Province of Manitoba in Canada, a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, who hails from Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, was first elected in 2019, becoming the first non-binary and gender non-conforming MLA in Manitoba, and was the first of three Black MLAs elected in Manitoba’s history.
Her elevation is seen as a remarkable feat, as she breaks new ground as the first black individual to achieve this position in Manitoba.
Asagwara, 39, worked as a full-time psychiatric nurse specialising in mental health and addictions.
Reacting to the feat, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, hailed her appointment as the new Health Minister and deputy premier of the province of Manitoba in Canada.
Otti described her success story as an inspiration to all Nigerians, particularly the youth who have dreams and talents to nurture.
Also reacting, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, congratulated her.
In 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 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.
“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.”
