Nigerian students Victoria Ordu and Ihuoma Amadi took shelter in several Regina churches for fifteen months after they were found violating the terms of their student visas. They were unaware that their visas prevented them from working outside of the University of Regina campus before Amadi took a job at a local Wal-Mart and Victoria found employment for an agency that did demonstrations at the store. The Nigerian Canadian Association held rally in support of them on the Parliament Hill two years ago in Ottawa and across Canada. We spoke to several Members of Parliament, including Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale. The issue was raised during Parliamentary debate. They returned voluntarily to Nigeria last year. We thank God for Victory at Last. Victoria and Ihuoma are now back and free to continue their education in Canada.
Victoria’s came with family and community leaders to visit and thank His Excellency Chief Ojo Uma Maduekwe and the diplomatic staff of the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa this Friday Aug 15, 2014. His Excellency was delighted, he expressed the diplomatic efforts made by the High Commission at a higher level with Canadian Government which could not be discussed publicly at the time.
The Head of Chancery Mrs Bola Asaju who was sent to visit with them while in the shelter was happy to see them back in Canada. Their Excellencies Chief Ojo Uma Maduekwe, Amb. Charles Nduka Onianwa and the diplomatic staff rejoice with Victoria and the Nigeria community. His Excellency appreciates the Association and the positive result achieved.
Submitted by John Adeyefa, President, Nigerian Canadian Association Ottawa
