The Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie is calling for more local collaboration as the organization works to integrate its members and bring a taste of home to the Central Plains.
Speaking to the Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie, association president Chimere Ogbonna said the group is eager to partner with local organizations to help build the community. Officially formed in 2024, the association serves a growing population of Nigerians who have been drawn to the region’s hospitality and manageable cost of living.
“As Nigerians, we are always very enthusiastic to be part of everything around us,” Ogbonna said. “We are open, we are committed, and we are ready to work with any local organization to make the community worth living in.”
For many immigrants, Portage la Prairie represents a “leverage” point to restart lives that were often well-established in Nigeria. Ogbonna, who moved to the city less than a year ago, noted that while the transition can be slow for some, many in the community are already thriving in specialized roles in various industries in the community.
One of the association’s current hurdles is the short Canadian growing season, which complicates their efforts to produce traditional Nigerian crops. The group is exploring agricultural collaborations to grow cultural staples like ewedu, a jute leaf vegetable used in traditional soups.
“Those things are not easily seen here,” Ogbonna explained. “We tried a very small garden last year just to see how it goes, but we are looking forward to doing something better this year so Nigerians here can feel at home.”
The community is also closely watching the regional Fieldhouse Project, which has public engagement sessions scheduled for April 1. Ogbonna said an indoor facility would be a “game changer” for Nigerian families who are passionate about soccer but restricted by Manitoba’s winter.
“Back home, we do it all year round,” he said. “It would be so loving for our children to see what they really like very close to them.”