Winnipeg's Nigerian Community
The Ogundare family is slowly adjusting to life in Winnipeg after arriving from Nigeria in November.
They are five of nearly 3000 Nigerians arriving in Manitoba each year according to the latest Statistics Canada data.
The Ogundares say their move to Winnipeg has been smooth. Their three young daughters love their new school so much not even the cold weather can dampen their spirits.
However, there is one major hurdle that the family is working to overcome.
“The biggest challenge facing us is the job hunt,” says Vincent Ogundare.
Vincent worked as a mechanical engineer for years in Nigeria, and he’s still searching for fulfilling work in Winnipeg that will support his family. His wife Funmilola is putting her own job search on hold as Vincent looks for employment.
Ayo Olugboye, SEED Winnipeg Inc. program coordinator and Nigerian immigrant, says finding work is one of the biggest issues facing newcomers. He says many will abandon their previous fields of expertise in favour of positions they may be overqualified for.
“Most immigrants coming to Canada are skilled workers, but when they get here, many lose track of their long-term goals. They want to get jobs quickly. Sometimes they even pick up minimum wage jobs,” says Olugboye.
They are five of nearly 3000 Nigerians arriving in Manitoba each year according to the latest Statistics Canada data.
The Ogundares say their move to Winnipeg has been smooth. Their three young daughters love their new school so much not even the cold weather can dampen their spirits.
However, there is one major hurdle that the family is working to overcome.
“The biggest challenge facing us is the job hunt,” says Vincent Ogundare.
Vincent worked as a mechanical engineer for years in Nigeria, and he’s still searching for fulfilling work in Winnipeg that will support his family. His wife Funmilola is putting her own job search on hold as Vincent looks for employment.
Ayo Olugboye, SEED Winnipeg Inc. program coordinator and Nigerian immigrant, says finding work is one of the biggest issues facing newcomers. He says many will abandon their previous fields of expertise in favour of positions they may be overqualified for.
“Most immigrants coming to Canada are skilled workers, but when they get here, many lose track of their long-term goals. They want to get jobs quickly. Sometimes they even pick up minimum wage jobs,” says Olugboye.
Emoily chops kale for her signature Jollof rice, a recipe she learned from her mother
For those who’ve managed to settle in the city, the focus becomes less about living day to day and more about bringing a piece of Nigerian culture to Winnipeg.
Victor Alozie opened One Stop African Restaurant in the Fort Rouge-area to fill a need for Nigerian cuisine in the neighbourhood.
He says many Nigerians come to his restaurant because it reminds them of home, but he hopes all Winnipeggers can enjoy the flavours.
“It’s been received well by the community,” he says. “The number of African immigrants is increasing exponentially but the options for them to eat out are low. Most Nigerians here want to feel at home.”
For Funmilola Ogundare, it’s just as important to immerse herself in Winnipeg’s community while also connecting to her roots back home.
“It isn’t all about Nigeria or meeting more Nigerians. It’s about making a new community in a new place, bringing our culture but experiencing new ones,” she says.
Victor Alozie opened One Stop African Restaurant in the Fort Rouge-area to fill a need for Nigerian cuisine in the neighbourhood.
He says many Nigerians come to his restaurant because it reminds them of home, but he hopes all Winnipeggers can enjoy the flavours.
“It’s been received well by the community,” he says. “The number of African immigrants is increasing exponentially but the options for them to eat out are low. Most Nigerians here want to feel at home.”
For Funmilola Ogundare, it’s just as important to immerse herself in Winnipeg’s community while also connecting to her roots back home.
“It isn’t all about Nigeria or meeting more Nigerians. It’s about making a new community in a new place, bringing our culture but experiencing new ones,” she says.
Videos
Nigerian culture in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is seeing a rise in Nigerian immigrants. They're bringing their art and culture to the city. Artist Ekene Maduka uses art to share her story and Nigerian culture with others, while Victor Alozie opened a new Nigerian restaurant that he says appeals to local Winnipeggers and Nigerians alike.
Finding work as a newcomer to Winnipeg
The Ogundare family came to Winnipeg four months ago. The biggest challenge facing the family is finding employee. Program coordinator at SEED Winnipeg Inc. says many newcomers end up in low wage jobs that they are overqualified for.