Nigerians in Canada proud of Chidinma Thompson’s appointment- NIDO official

Nigerians living in Calgary, Canada, are so proud of the appointment of Dr Chidinma Thompson as the first black Justice of the Kings Court of the Bench in Canada.

Mrs Lillian Alli-Balogun, President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas, Calgary Chapter, said this in an interview with the newsmen in New York on Monday.

Supreme News reports that the Nigerian-born Canadian, Dr Thompson, made history on Friday as she became the first black honorable justice of the court.

Alli-Balogun said the appointment of Thompson was a great honour to Nigeria.

“We are all so proud of her. All the Nigerians in Calgary are so proud of her and came out in large numbers for the swearing-in, and those who couldn’t make it joined online.

“The residents of Calgary have never seen that kind of crowd before. I‘m so happy that a lot of Nigerians in Calgary came out to support her because it was history being made.

“She became the first black honourable justice of the King’s Court of the Bench in Canada. So, she is a federal judge, not just a state or provincial judge.

“Also, she is the first black woman to be appointed to that position, so we are so proud of her,’’ she said.

Alli-Balogun said Thompson displayed excellent leadership skills and astonishing virtues when she served as the vice president of the NIDO Calgary chapter.

“There’s no time you call upon her that she would not lend her professional expertise, and she has a good heart.’’

According to her, Nigerians living in Canada have excelled in all areas and have been appointed to positions of influence.

“About 30 years ago, we didn’t have a lot of Nigerians in positions of influence. Some of them, even though had Canadian University education, they were employed, they were working as taxi drivers.

“People like Dr Julius Ogunnariwo were the ones who protested and lobbied hard, and the oil and gas companies started employing Nigerians in Calgary.

“Today, you have Nigerians in every aspect of life, in companies, in business, and even in government. We have had a Nigerian as Deputy Premier of the Province and the Minister of Justice for the Province.’’

Alli-Balogun said the NIDO Calgary chapter had been working to integrate itself into the community by collaborating with different organisations that are not Nigerians because the chapter wants to expand our reach.

She said the chapter had been working to make an impact by having a solid community with a voice.

“The chapter holds workshops and networking events. It has invested in the career professional development of its members and non-members alike.

“We also have a vibrant mentorship programme for Nigerian students looking to enter the workforce for the first time.

“We pair them with other Nigerians in their field, give them some guidance on what they should and shouldn’t do,’’ the official said.

Alli-Balogun added that the chapter, in collaboration with the continental body, had supported activities in its home country as a way of giving back to Nigeria.