Thursday 13 July
Gatineau’s palatial Museum of History was a fitting locale for a once-in-a-life-time event for the national capital’s Nigerian community when they welcomed six top members of the country’s diverse monarchies. The entourage consisted of: His Royal Majesty King Gibson Nwosu, Obi of Awka, Eze Uzu 11; His Imperial Majesty King Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja, the Ooni of Ife; His Royal Majesty King Aderemi Adedapo, the Alayemore of Ido-Osun; and his Royal Majesty, King Ralph Obumnemeh Ekpeh, the Okpalanakana-Ukabia Nri IV, Eze Enugwu Ukwu Na Igwe. The Nigerian community turned out in large numbers to welcome the entourage with the traditional fanfare reserved for royalty. Among the VIP’s present were the Canadian Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, Mona Fortier, and Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to Canada, Ambassador Oluremi Oliyide.
Organised as part of the “Canada 150” celebrations, the monarchs’ busy schedule commenced with a business networking meeting with entrepreneurs from both the Nigerian diaspora and Canadians interested in investing in Nigeria. Various speakers including the royals themselves, promoted opportunities for investing in solar energy and agriculture, while local innovator Idee Inyangudor of Global Development Solutions, lauded the merits of “blended financing”, as a platform for bringing development to Nigeria. .
The day was rounded off with uplifting performances by Nigerian entertainers and comedians. The highlight of the evening was surely Nigeria’s “President Buhari” himself, who had somehow managed to transport himself from his hospital bed in England to join the revellers in Canada’s Gatineau; the role of President was brilliantly portrayed by master comedian, MC Tagwaye.
Photos copyright Black Ottawa Scene