It was an absolute privilege to attend this event, recently hosted by the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba, and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of these ‘Sheroes’!

Our community is stronger because of their contributions. BRAVO!

My thanks to The Sou’Wester for reporting on this story.

Celebrating our ‘Unsung sheroes’

 The Sou’Wester   By: Sunday Olukoju     11/6/2017

The Congress of Black Women of Manitoba held its 17th annual scholarship awards and fundraising banquet on Oct. 21 at the Canad Inns Polo Park. The theme of this year’s event was Celebrating the Unsung Sheroes.

Two of the women honoured were from Fort Richmond. The first, Mary Ayodele Oyinwola, a widow and caregiver, was praised for being a pillar of strength, her support for the vulnerable and needy, and for taking care of little ones in the community as well. She goes out of her way to distribute blankets and clothing in downtown Winnipeg and she gives without expecting anything in return.

Vera Obehi Keyede, an accountant and chain supply executive, was lauded for  her countless hours helping newcomers, mentoring youth and young adults, and using various creative ideas to support vulnerable youths and struggling marriages. She also gives generously to the needy, especially the many young international students who need “a home away from home.”

At the ceremony, Tatenda Bwawa, the president of COBW, past-president Lois Stewart–Archer, and president-elect Kenny Daodu showered praise on the honourees for their selflessness and courage.

Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid and city councillor Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg – St. Norbert) congratulated the women on behalf of the federal and municipal governments, respectively, and encouraged more unsung sheroes to emerge from the community.

Sunday Olukoju is a community correspondent for Fort Richmond. You can contact him at sunday.olukoju@gmail.com

Read more by Sunday Olukoju – Community Correspondent.

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