Uzoma Asagwara sworn in as deputy premier in Canada

The Canadian Province of Manitoba has appointed a young Nigerian woman Uzoma Asagwara as deputy premier and health minister.

Asagwara is the first woman to be appointed as deputy premier in the province.

Wab Kinew premier of Manitoba appointed Asagwar and 14 others to serve as members of his cabinet on 18 October.

Asagwara is a Nigerian-Canadian born to Nigerian immigrant parents.

Asagwara who wore her native blue traditional attire to identify and appreciate her Nigerian culture, said Manitobans deserve to get good representatives noting that the province’s diversity is its strength.

In 2019, Asagwara was the first black person to be elected as a member of the Manitoba Legistlature Assembly under the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

Before her appointment, she worked as a psychiatric nurse, community advocate and addictions specialist.

She is also a member of Winnipeg LGBTQ community in Canada.