The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has congratulated a Nigerian, Uzoma Asagwara, on her swearing-in as a Health minister in the province of Manitoba, Canada.

Asagwara also doubles as the Deputy Premier of the province.

In a series of tweets shared on Sunday via his profile on X (formerly Twitter), the former Anambra state governor attributed Asagwara’s success to hard work and dedication to duty.

The tweet stated, “The swearing-in of a young Nigerian, Uzoma Chioma Asagwara, as the new Health Minister and Deputy Premier of the Province of Manitoba in Canada, was heartwarming. The uplifting report again, buttresses the resourceful spirit of Nigerians.

“According to the report, Asagwara was the first black individual to achieve this position in Manitoba. I sincerely congratulate her for achieving this feat, which can only be earned through hard work, commitment and dedication to duty.”

Obi said that Asagwara is a model of hard work to the Nigerian youths. adding that he believes in the ” greatness and infinite resourcefulness of the Nigerian people .”

“She serves as a lesson in hard work to millions of Nigerian youth. I wish her success in her new position and encourage her to continue to pursue societal progress both in Canada and our country, Nigeria,” he said.

Obi advocated for a “progressive leadership” that would inspire the nation’s youths to succeed.

“Just like Asagwara, many resourceful Nigerian youths will attain greater heights in their chosen fields of endeavour, in the New Nigeria,” the tweet concluded.

PUNCH Online reports that Asagwara, born in 1984, is a retired basketball player. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University, Canada.

She was born to Nigerian parents from Umuahia, Abia State The 35-year-old is the first black queer person to win a seat in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in Canada.