Anioma Community in Ottawa Honours Late Broadcaster, Joy Osiagwu, Others

The Anioma community in Canada’s capital region has honoured late broadcaster, Joy Osiagwu, for her pioneering work in journalism, and her dedication to strengthening ties between Nigeria and Canada.At its annual Christmas party in Ottawa, the association also honoured its late treasurer, Michael Mosindi, and several founding executive members whose leadership helped to establish Anioma Ottawa as a vibrant cultural hub.The association stated that the awards celebrated outstanding community service and the promotion of Anioma heritage in the diaspora.Osiagwu, a former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) newscaster and respected media consultant with the Nigeria High Commission in Canada, died in November 2024 in Abuja after a brief illness. Over two decades, she built a distinguished career in broadcasting across Nigeria and North America, covering United Nations sessions in New York, global migration conferences, and documenting the activities of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Canada and the United States. She also chronicled the work of African community associations, amplifying voices that often went unheard.Her award was presented by community elder and businessman, Tony Onwuachi to her husband, Kenneth Osiagwu, in recognition of her dedication to journalism and cultural advocacy. She was described as a trailblazer whose voice carried the dignity of her people and whose legacy continues to inspire.Speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Abba Zanna, consular officer, Ibrahim Narai, reminded guests of the fragility of life, exemplified by Osiagwu’s passing.Zanna lauded her warmth and service, saying that the High Commission had named a hall in her honour – The Joy Osiagwu Conference Hall.Other honorees included Mrs. Onyisi Otiono, founder and president of Anioma Ottawa; Mrs. Bridget Ofili, social secretary; and Ifeyinwa Eyeoyobi, who has served as secretary and financial secretary. Otiono announced plans to expand the association’s cultural programming to include exhibitions and youth mentorship initiatives, emphasizing that honoring leaders like Osiagwu is not only about remembrance, but also about inspiring future generations.Community leaders hailed the awards as unprecedented in Ottawa’s Nigerian diaspora history. Mrs. Bernadette Ojiaku Nwiwu, a prominent woman leader, applauded the recognition of deserving members, while Prof. Paul Mkandawire of Carleton University praised the event’s organisation and its role in sustaining African cultural legacies.Founded in 2018, Anioma Ottawa has become a cornerstone of cultural life in the region, hosting annual picnics and Christmas parties that showcase Anioma traditions through music, dance, and the symbolic display of akwa ocha (white cloth), emblematic of Anioma identity.This year’s celebration reaffirmed the community’s commitment to honoring excellence, preserving heritage, and inspiring future generations across borders.