The Nigerian Association of Manitoba Incorporated has triumphantly concluded a landmark dual event celebrating Nigeria’s sixty-sixth Independence Anniversary and forty years of dedicated service to the local diaspora.
The multi-day festivities were held under the inspiring theme of Rooted in Heritage, Rising in Purpose, uniting hundreds of community members, dignitaries, and civic leaders across Winnipeg.
The official commemorative events kicked off at Winnipeg City Hall on October 1, 2026, where the Nigerian flag was raised in a deeply symbolic ceremony.
A high-level delegation led by NAMI President Mrs. Vera Obehi Keyede met directly with Mayor Scott Gillingham to mark the historic flag-raising occasion.
During her official remarks at the ceremony, President Keyede passionately emphasized the profound strength, resilience, and extraordinary excellence exhibited by Nigerians both at home and within international diaspora communities.
Mayor Gillingham warmly welcomed the assembled gathering and explicitly praised the continuous, invaluable contributions made by Nigerian residents to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Canada as a whole.
Among the prominent dignitaries in attendance were Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, the Oloro of Oro Land, alongside Miss North America, Jeslyn Abraham, and members of the Council of Past Presidents.
The grand culmination of the milestone celebration took place at Soul Sanctuary in Winnipeg on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The evening served as the official joint gathering for the sixty-sixth Independence Day and NAMI’s milestone fortieth anniversary.
Attendees enjoyed an extraordinary showcase of vibrant Nigerian heritage through traditional and contemporary music, dynamic cultural performances, high fashion, authentic cuisine, and lively family entertainment.
Prominent key political figures joined the festivities, including Deputy Premier of Manitoba The Honourable Uzoma Asagwara and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South The Honourable Terry Duguid.
A major structural highlight of the evening was the formal introduction of the newly inaugurated Council of Former NAMI Presidents, established specifically to ensure institutional guidance and continuity for future executive bodies.
To honor four decades of leadership, special appreciation awards were presented to past organizational leaders who devoted decades to building community infrastructure.
Demonstrating a continued commitment to youth empowerment, NAMI also awarded educational scholarships to deserving local students during the program.
President Keyede, the Executive Committee, and the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee led by Mr. Haco Hamilton received wide praise for executing a memorable event that leaves the association poised for future community engagement.
