Nigerian-Born Uzoma Asagwara Sworn In as Manitoba’s Health Minister in Canada
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Nigerian-Born Uzoma Asagwara Sworn In as Manitoba’s Health Minister in Canada
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Uzoma Asagwara, who hails from Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, has made history by becoming the first black and non-binary individual to hold the esteemed position of Deputy Premier in Manitoba, Canada.
Asagwara’s historic achievement occurred during a formal inauguration alongside 14 other cabinet members, marked by a vibrant and tradition-filled ceremony in Manitoba on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
This momentous event is a landmark in the province’s history, as it not only saw Asagwara as the first Black Deputy Premier but also the first non-binary person to assume this role in Manitoba.
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Wab Kinew, the Premier of Manitoba, acknowledged the significance of Asagwara’s appointment, emphasizing its reiteration of healthcare as a top priority for the provincial government.
As a result of this appointment, Asagwara’s prominence in Canadian politics has unquestionably soared.
They had previously been elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Union Station in 2019, marking them as the first non-binary MLA in the Manitoba legislature and one of the initial black MLAs in the province’s history.
Before their most recent appointment, Asagwara served as the official opposition critic for health and successfully advocated for the recognition of Somali Heritage Week through the passing of a bill.
Their extensive background includes a career as a full-time psychiatric nurse, with a specialization in mental health and addictions.
Asagwara has a notable athletic history, having previously played basketball for the University of Winnipeg and the Canadian National Basketball team.
