Abia-born Uzoma Chioma becomes health minister in Canada
Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, a 39 year old Nigerian woman, has made history as she becomes the first black health minister and deputy premier of the Province of Manitoba in Canada.
Asagwara who hails from Umuahia South local government area of Abia State, took her oath of office this week, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Asagwara was first elected in 2019, becoming the first non-binary and gender non-conforming MLA in Manitoba, and was the first of three Black MLAs elected in Manitoba’s history.
Before their election, Asagwara worked as a full-time psychiatric nurse specialising in mental health and addictions.
She is also a former basketball player with the University of Winnipeg and the Canadian National Basketball team.