The Manitoba Immigrant Excellence Merit Awards (MIEMAS) 2024 celebrated the outstanding contributions of Manitoba’s immigrant community in an inspiring event held at Soul Sanctuary, 2050 Chevrier Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Hosted by Aidcom Inc., with support from Swift Radio and African Community of Manitoba Inc. ACOMI and her 52 affiliates, this prestigious awards ceremony highlighted excellence across multiple fields, honoring those who have significantly impacted their communities and beyond. Embracing the event’s theme of celebrating immigrant achievement, attendees were encouraged to share their experiences online using the hashtags #MIEMAS and #WeDidIt.
An Elegant Beginning to a Memorable Evening
The event opened with a red carpet session at 3:00 PM, where guests mingled and posed for photos, accompanied by live music from Royal Wole Sax. Emcees Queen Rita and MC Freeman welcomed the elegantly dressed attendees, while media interviews captured the excitement in the air. The official program commenced at 4:00 PM with opening ceremonies led by Dr. Bimbo and Hilary, MCs for the first segment of the event which included a land acknowledgment, the Canadian national anthem in English and French by Folake Eluwole, and welcoming remarks from Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade, one of the event organizers.
Diverse Voices and Powerful Messages
The evening’s keynote address, delivered by Alhaja Titi Tijani, former President of ACOMI celebrated the invaluable contributions of immigrants to Manitoba’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. Jennifer Chen, MLA for Fort Richmond, representing Premier Wab Kinew, delivered a heartfelt address recognizing the immigrants’ role in enriching the province. One of the notable messages in the event’s program booklet came from Joanne Lewandosky, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Manitoba Provincial Council. Lewandosky remarked on the importance of diversity in immigration, stating:
“Diversity in immigration enriches Canada and Manitoba by bringing varied skills, perspectives, and experiences. Immigrants boost the economy, fill workforce gaps, and drive innovation. By embracing their talents, Canada enhances global competitiveness, strengthens social cohesion, and builds vibrant communities. This diversity leads to economic growth, cultural exchange, and a more inclusive society. Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba applauds Aidcom for hosting the Manitoba Immigrant Excellence Merit Awards and wishes everyone continued success in the future.”
The MIEMAS 2024 event was made possible through the hard work of the planning/organizing committee. The Review Panel played a key role in the selection process, with notable members including Frank Indome, the Panel Chair; Rene Tondji-Simen, ACOMI Board Chair; Elizabeth Aluk; Phyllis Reid-Jarvis, founder of Ultimate Potential; Adegboyega Aiku, a Manitoba hospital director involved in provincial supply management; and Caroline Makau, founder of Makland Canadian Immigration Services.. Their invaluable contribution ensured that the most deserving individuals were honored.
Honoring Excellence Across a Range of Fields
MIEMAS 2024 recognized a remarkable group of 21 honorees for their contributions in various sectors. Here are this year’s award recipients and their categories:
- Chief Jim Ogunnoiki – Lifetime Achievement in Community Leadership
- Terry Duguid – Grassroot Champion
- Dora Gwendo – Culinary Trailblazer
- Alemseghed Asghedom – Lifetime Community Impact
- Nadia Thompson and Rhonda Thompson – Educational Advocate
- Arek Manyang – Rising Star in Community Service
- Zephania Matanga – Community Health and Wellness Advocate
- Audrey Gordon – Leadership and Community Impact Trailblazer
- Mubarak Nsekarije – Immigrant Integration
- Honorable Uzoma Asagwara – Advocacy and Political Leadership
- Rotimi Aluko – Scientific Research and Global Innovation
- Christelle Mekoh – Advocates for Newcomers and Families
- Kamta Roy Singh – Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
- Raymond Ngarboui – Excellence in Innovation
- Obby Khan – Trailblazer
- Yisa Akinbolaji – Arts and Cultural Leadership
- Gode Katembo – Sports and Youth Development
- Tracy Karuhogo – Women Empowerment
- Ishmael Bruce – Lifetime Achievement in Community Impact
- Lana Adeleye-Olusae – Human Resource and Community Leadership
- Titi Tijani – Exemplary Leadership in Community Empowerment and Social Justice Advocacy
In his acceptance speech, award recipient Obby Khan noted the high caliber of attendees, highlighting the event’s elegance and stating that the crowd was “decently dressed” — a testament to the importance of the occasion and the commitment to celebrating excellence in the immigrant community.
TheMIEMAS 2024 ceremony recognized individuals across various sectors for their contributions to Manitoba’s communities. Among the honorees were:
- Markus Chambers – Acting Deputy Mayor, recognized for his significant contributions to the Provincial Nominee Program, which helps Manitoba’s businesses recruit internationally trained workers.
- Dr. Habtu Demsas – A compassionate medical doctor with nearly 45 years of experience and decades of service and humanitarian contributions.
- Chief Lola Omoniyi – Beauty entrepreneur with 35 years in the industry, enhancing beauty services in Manitoba.
- Mike & Fatima Mustapha – Owners of Feast of Africa, who have dedicated over 35 years to volunteering and uplifting the African community in Manitoba.
- Jamie Moses – Minister of Economic Development, recognized for supporting immigrant communities.
- Janice Lukes – Winnipeg City Councillor, honored for her work supporting diverse communities.
- Bunmi Aregbesola – Advocate for Black and minority communities, involved in civic and cultural development.
- Akeem Adebisi – Founder of Ajopro, using tech solutions to empower small businesses and immigrants.
- Shana Goodridge – Founder of Peg City Steppers, promoting health and community engagement.
- Dr. Dorothy Ogunlana & Dr. Daniel Frimpong – Medical professionals who opened the first black-owned medical center in Winnipeg.
- Ren & Hyacinth Dacosta – Advocates for Caribbean and African newcomers, focusing on community integration.
- Tope Elemeje – CEO of ChessKings Car Rental, bringing innovation to car rental services.
- Tsion Abera – Young STEM advocate and leader, inspiring youth in science and technology.
- Dr. Adejobi Adeloye – Public health physician with 20 years of leadership in healthcare and capacity-building.
- Evangelist Ebenezer Fatimehin – Christian drama minister, using arts for faith-based community engagement and actor in numerous evangelical films including Mount Zion Movies.
- Kenny Daodu – Community leader and activist, empowering Black families and made history as the first Black woman from Nigeria to run as a candidate in Manitoba’s provincial and federal elections with the Conservative Party.
- Olubunmi Agbaje – Founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg, fostering community and cultural pride.
- Toke Adetu – Creator of Naija Market Day, and publisher Kara Magazine, connecting African communities through cultural events.
- Dr. Uche Nwankwo – University educator and researcher in sustainable food solutions for Indigenous communities.
- Anuoluwapo Oladimeji Dada/Trending Rhoda – Entertainment promoter setting new attendance records, hosting artistes like Johnny Drille, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal with 700 people and over 20,000 views on YouTube, Basketmouth and Young John.
- Florence Okwudili – Cultural advocate and women’s rights supporter, Chair of CMCCF.
- Tolulope Adebayo – Founder of Canada Naija-Business Hub, promoting Nigerian business growth in Canada.
- Kehinde “Kenny” Adewoyin – Immigration consultant supporting newcomers and healthcare employment.
- Kelly Badoo – Singer-songwriter celebrating African heritage, first African immigrant on The Voice Québec.
- Abiodun Oke – Founder of Cerial Project Services, mentoring professionals in supply chain management.
A Celebration of Immigrant Excellence
Guests enjoyed inspiring music performances by Royal Wole Sax and Kelly Badoo, adding to the celebratory spirit. The evening concluded with group photos, closing remarks from emcees Mo Aglow and David Dokun, and a vote of thanks from Olusola Otegbade, one of the event organizers, expressing appreciation to everyone who made MIEMAS 2024 possible and adding that MIEMAS 2.0 event holds first Saturday in November 2025 (Saturday 1, 2025).
The event concluded with a closing ceremony, where group photos were taken with all the recipients, emcees, and organizers.
As the event wrapped up, attendees were encouraged to flood social media with their photos using the hashtags #MIEMAS and #WeDidIt, spreading the message of excellence and community success across the digital landscape.
The MIEMAS 2024 event was a true reflection of the incredible contributions made by immigrants in Manitoba and the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive, diverse, and prosperous community.
Source: Swifteradio.com
