Manitoba province in Canada has named a park after Emeka Nnadi, a prominent Nigerian architect. This is the first time in the province's history that a park has been named in honor of a member of Winnipeg’s African community. Emeka Nnadi, the architect celebrated for his instrumental role in designing the Bridgwater neighbourhood, was recognized for his contributions during a ceremony on Saturday.
Nnadi, the CEO and founder of the Nnadi Group, has been pivotal in the transformation of what was once 600 hectares of farmland into a thriving, multicultural community. His firm has collaborated with the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation for nearly two decades, playing a key role in the development of the Bridgwater area.
The ceremony took place at 119 Bridgeland Drive, marking the official naming of the Emeka Nnadi Park. The event was attended by Nnadi’s family, friends, colleagues, and members of Winnipeg’s Nigerian and Igbo communities, as well as local dignitaries including Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Deputy Mayor Janice Lukes.
"The neighbourhood of Bridgwater is a testament to Emeka’s hard work and commitment to creating a diverse and welcoming community. This park stands as a symbol of our appreciation for his invaluable contributions."
Nnadi, in his speech to City News Canada, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, attributing the success of the project to his team. "I've worked for 20 years towards the realization of an ideal city for the neighbourhood, but this recognition is not why I did it. I am deeply grateful to the individuals who worked tirelessly to make this possible," he said.
The architect emphasized that the park’s naming is not just a personal accolade but a celebration of community effort and diversity. "To me, it represents a certain level of acknowledgement for good, hard, and maybe inspired work," Nnadi remarked. "But that pales in comparison to what I think it means to the community at large."
Janice Lukes highlighted the significance of this event for the city’s multicultural landscape. "The Bridgwater neighbourhood grew twice as fast as anticipated because people love its beauty and diversity. Naming this park after Emeka Nnadi honors not just an individual but the vibrant community we have built together," she said.
Ayodele Odeyemi, the master of ceremonies, reflected on the broader impact of the park’s naming. "This is a remarkable landmark, a forever-standing event that will brighten the hearts of people and make people of color feel proud to be a part of this city," Odeyemi stated. "We say we're inclusive, we're diverse. Here, today, is the evidence."
Nnadi hopes this recognition will inspire future generations, especially those who feel underrepresented, to pursue their potential. "It tells me that I live in an amazing community, in a wonderful country, wonderful province, and a fantastic city that embraces talent in all of its forms," he concluded.
The Emeka Nnadi Park stands not only as a tribute to an individual's achievements but also as a beacon of multiculturalism and inclusivity, embodying the spirit of unity and progress in Winnipeg.
