The joy of many knew no bound at the South end of Winnipeg on Saturday, as Winnipeg park was named after a Nigerian-Candian Architects, Emeka Nnadi.
Allnaijadiaspora.com reports that this is the first time in Manitoba, a park is being named after a Nigerian-Canadian.
Speaking during the epoch-making event hosted by Africans, Emeka who had played a key role in the creation and design of the Bridgewater neighborhood in Winnipeg’s South End, said: “I’ve been working on Bridgewater for 20 years from the initial the initial inception of the of the concept and I didn’t do any of it expecting this as one of the outcomes of it so I’m quite humbled by this recognition.”
The Architect also extolled his family, colleagues, clients who helped him on his journey.
“If we’re going to celebrate and commemorate my contributions to the neighborhoods of Bridgewater, I think it’s important for me to celebrate the many other individuals who also played significant roles in making this a reality.”
Leaders from the Nigerian community were also present to witness the christening. One of them, Vera Kayede said the unveiling groundbreaking was not only for Manitobans but for Nigerians across the country.
She noted that “this is the first time in Nigeria we’re getting this kind of recognition. I told you it’s a very exciting time. It’s a new dawn for the Nigerian community.”
Also speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ayodele Odeyemi said “it’s significant Nnadi is being honored in the South End of Winnipeg as it has a large and growing Nigerian community.
“It’s a one in a lifetime opportunity and this will make a lot of new immigrants, especially Nigerian immigrants,.
