Anioma community in Canada honours Joy Osiagwu with posthumous award

The Anioma community in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, has honoured the late veteran broadcaster Joy Osiagwu with a posthumous merit award. 

In a statement on Thursday, the group said the award is in recognition of Osiagwu’s distinguished journalism career and her contributions to strengthening cultural ties between Nigeria and the diaspora.

The award was presented at the association’s annual Christmas party held in Ottawa on November 29, where members converged for a mix of celebration and remembrance. 

She was honoured alongside the late treasurer of the association, Michael Mosindi, and several founding executives whose leadership helped establish Anioma Ottawa as a “vibrant cultural hub”.

Osiagwu, a former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) newscaster and media consultant at the Nigeria High Commission in Canada, died in November 2024 after a brief illness. 

In a career spanning more than two decades, she reported for the NTA across Nigeria and North America, covered United Nations sessions in New York, and documented Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in Canada and the United States. 

The broadcaster was also known for amplifying the work of African community organisations and diaspora groups.

Her award was received on behalf of her family by her husband Kenneth Osiagwu. 

Presenting the plaque, Tony Onwuachi, community elder and businessman, described her as “a trailblazer whose voice carried the dignity of her people”.

In a citation before the award was presented to Osiagwu’s husband, the association noted that her legacy continues to inspire emerging journalists and cultural advocates across continents.

A goodwill message delivered by consular officer Ibrahim Narai on behalf of Abba Zanna, Nigeria’s acting high commissioner to Canada, highlighted Osiagwu’s warmth, professionalism and service. 

Zanna also disclosed that a conference hall at the high commission has been named after her.

Other honorees at the event included Onyisi Otiono, the founder and president of Anioma Ottawa; Bridget Ofili, social secretary; and Ifeyinwa Eyeoyobi, who has served as secretary and financial secretary. 

Otiono announced that the association will expand its cultural programmes to include exhibitions and youth mentorship initiatives, noting that celebrating the contributions of role models like Osiagwu helps inspire future generations.

Community leaders described the awards as unprecedented in Ottawa’s Nigerian diaspora history. 

Bernadette Ojiaku Nwiwu, the group’s woman leader, commended the recognition of deserving members.

Paul Mkandawire, a professor at Carleton University, praised the event for its role in preserving African cultural legacies.

Founded in 2018, Anioma Ottawa has grown into a cornerstone of cultural life in the region, hosting annual events that showcase Anioma traditions through music, dance and the display of akwa ocha — the symbolic white cloth representing Anioma identity.

The organisers said this year’s ceremony reaffirmed the community’s commitment to honouring excellence, preserving heritage, and inspiring the next generation across borders.