On Sunday July 30th, the annual Vigor Awards International Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony took place at Riverfront Festival Plaza in Windsor, Ontario.
This marks the 9th edition of the Vigor Awards, a milestone year for this esteemed event, now successfully hosted in Windsor. The primary purpose of this event is to recognize and pay tribute to individuals who contribute to the betterment of the community through their entrepreneurial ventures and dedicated volunteer work. The Vigor Awards accomplishes this noble mission by providing a platform for participants to share their personal narratives, express gratitude towards their sources of inspiration and ongoing community support, and offer words of empowerment to those who may harbor doubts about their potential impact.
The decision to host the event outdoors had an additional advantage of ensuring that the wider public could also bear witness to these narratives, subsequently inspiring and motivating them to extend their support, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse community organizations and resources available in Windsor. This encouragement serves not only as an emotional boost but also as a catalyst for tangible contributions, both on an emotional and practical level.
The event began with Queen Amina, one of the organizers of the event, sharing opening remarks and thanks to the full house of people who were able to attend the ceremony. The Canadian anthem was then sung by Christie Nelson, and recording artist, Flo.
Subsequently, the much-anticipated awards ceremony commenced. Dignitaries of utmost stature, namely the esteemed First Lady of Gambia, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, and the distinguished Ambassador of Tanzania, Mahmoud T Kombo, graced the event with their presence, and were fittingly bestowed with the Humanitarian Award. This accolade stands as a tribute to their unwavering dedication and commitment to safeguarding individuals and attending to their needs, particularly during times of resource scarcity.
Several seniors associated with the Nigerians Canadians for Cultural Educational and Economic Progress (NCCEEP) organization were also honored for their remarkable humanity. Notably, Mardrick Rogers and Scholastica Lyanga received recognition for their contributions to the community. In addition, Abiola Afolabi, the visionary behind NCCEEP, was celebrated for her outstanding leadership. This award acknowledges her as an exceptional leader who uses her influence for good. In her acceptance speech, Afolabi expressed gratitude for her team, her husband, and the collective effort that drives NCCEEP’s success. She shared her pride in contributing to Windsor’s Nigerian community and receiving this meaningful award.
The Vigor Awards highlight the importance of hard work in driving community change. Acknowledging that even those who wish to help the community can face discouragement, the event emphasizes the role of support in sustaining their efforts. An inspiring moment came during Mrs. Lyanga’s acceptance speech, where she recounted her grandmother’s unwavering dedication despite physical limitations, showcasing the value of persistence, discipline, and hard work on the path to progress.
Following the awards ceremony, a delightful dinner featuring a variety of delectable dishes was served, including jollof rice, chicken, beef patties, puff puff, egusi and pounded yam, plantains, and beverages from an open bar. This sumptuous feast, courtesy of a vendor from the Wida festival, exemplified the strong sense of community and camaraderie within Windsor. As the evening progressed, guests had the opportunity to capture more memories through photography and enjoy dancing to music, effectively encapsulating the event’s success in fostering community unity and creating an enjoyable atmosphere for all.
Written By; Nneamaka
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