Meet Uzoma Asagwara, the first Nigerian-born elected to Manitoba parliament.
Uzoma Asagwara has made headlines as one of the first black persons, in the 150-year history of the Manitoba legislature, to be elected.
The 39-year-old lawmaker, born and reared in Nigeria, was passionate about healthcare. It was sparked at a young age by the discrepancies she saw in her town.
Uzoma moved to Canada to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in both psychology and psychiatric nursing. She had previously worked as an addictions expert and psych nurse in Canada, where she obtained firsthand knowledge of the healthcare system and experienced the difficulties encountered by elders and those in long-term care facilities.
She became more involved in community organizing and activism because she wanted to make a difference.
Before entering politics, Asagwara was a standout basketball player at the University of Winnipeg. She was named the University of Winnipeg’s 2006 Female Athlete of the Year at the annual Wesmen Athletics Award Banquet in 2006.
Uzoma’s passion and leadership drew the attention of the NDP, who saw her as a champion for neglected groups and a persistent fighter for healthcare reform.
Her grassroots activity and compassionate approach to governing garnered her constituents’ trust and support, eventually leading to her appointment as Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care.
Uzoma, with her unique combination of skill, empathy, and dedication, set out on a mission to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that every individual, regardless of age or status, received the care and assistance they deserved. Her journey from passionate advocate to respected minister exemplifies the power of endurance and the impact of caring leadership.
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