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 amongthe first three Black MLAsever elected to the Manitoba Legislature, and also becamethe province's first non-binary MLA.

They were led into the venue Saturday with a musical procession, surrounded bydozens donningtraditional 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 amasquerade dance traditionally reserved for special occasions.

Uche Nwankwosaid recognizing Asagwara's success will motivate children andothersin the communityto "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 significantand so it's important to acknowledge, to celebrate that."

Before being elected, Asagwara worked asa psychiatric nurseand addictions specialist, and was a community advocate. They werealso a basketball player at the University of Winnipeg, where theymade it to the national team.

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

IfeanyiEbubechukwusays 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,"Ebubechukwusaid.

"Any Igbo person protects and develops anywhere he or she found himself Uzomaactually 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."

"This is the community that taught me what community means," the ministersaid. "To be received and loved in this way, speaks to what is at my heart, which is people, community and making sure we're connected in a way that serves others."