E90: Uche Joel is building a safe space for Nigerian immigrants in Canada

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I'm speaking with Uche Joel Ughonu, who moved from Lagos, Nigeria to Halifax, Canada in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving during the pandemic created what I call the “double isolation” effect (where a newcomer dealt with the combined isolation of being new to Canada plus the restrictions that came with the pandemic) for most immigrants, Uche included.

And so, in my opinion, I'm not surprised Uche Joel has gone ahead to join forces with Banke Falade to build the Nigerian Canadian Life community. Together, these two amazing humans are building a safe space for Nigerians in Canada.

A space without the burden and status-led incentives I think come with the usual formal community associations.

In this conversation, Uche and I chat about what it's like to run a community for immigrants. We also explore:

* What it felt like to move to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic

* Their goals for the community

* His biggest lessons from running the community

* Why formal community associations have the wrong incentives

* Why he can’t be there for everyone, and a lot of good stuff

Official Links

✅ Connect with Uche Joel on LinkedIn

✅ Connect with Banke Falade on LinkedIn

✅ Check out the Nigerian Canadian Life community

One Ask

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com