The Diary of a Naija Immigrant

In this episode, we sit down with one of Calgary’s most sought-after celebrity barbers, Edy—a man who defies expectations.Not only is he shaping looks, he’s also the only barber with a PhD in Law. But beyond the titles is a story marked by resilience, reinvention, and relentless faith.After years of struggling and working tirelessly to build something tangible for himself, he finally makes it—in a story that feels almost unbelievable. Just as everything begins to align, his journey takes a shocking and devastating turn during the war in Ukraine, where in a moment, everything he had built was lost.What followed wasn’t just a relocation—it was a complete reset.From Nigeria to Ukraine, and now Canada, Edy’s path has been anything but linear. It’s a story of rising, falling, and rising again—of losing it all and finding purpose in the process.Behind the smile and his warm, sociable nature lies the deeper reality: the struggle with identity, the weight of starting over, and what it truly means to rebuild when life forces you back to ground zero.This conversation goes beyond the chair. It’s about grit, faith, and the courage to begin again.If you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your path, or needed a reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to give up—this episode is for you.

He proudly calls himself Calgary’s finest MC and comedian, and if you’ve seen Sam Precious in action, you already know the humour is bold, loud, and unapologetically unfiltered. But behind the laughter is a thoughtful and deeply reflective side that many people don’t always see.In this episode, Sam talks about arriving in Canada and how he experienced what he calls a “soft landing.” He shares why the crowd you surround yourself with in the diaspora can shape your biggest life decisions — from direction to purpose.We also get into real conversations about marriage, divorce, and why many marriages struggle to stand the test of time abroad, along with the importance of having friends who are brave enough to tell you the hard truths.Expect laughs, honesty, spiritual reflection, and of course the signature table-breaker energy that says things exactly as they are.

In this special Black History Month episode, I sit down with the remarkable mama Moji Taiwo to unpack a journey that is as powerful as it is profound.From her early days arriving in Calgary—when Alberta’s Black community was small and visibility was even smaller—Moji shares what it meant to navigate unfamiliar spaces with grace, resilience, and unwavering dignity. As one of the few Black faces in many rooms, she didn’t fight for space loudly; she became the standard. Through quiet confidence, firm boundaries, and consistent excellence, she helped reshape how Black families, Black children, and Black professionals were seen and understood.We explore the evolution of Calgary’s Black community over the years—what has changed, what still needs work, and the importance of representation across generations. Moji reflects on the subtle yet powerful ways she paved the path, often without applause, and how those seeds are blooming today.She also shares heartfelt, motherly wisdom—on raising children with identity and pride, standing tall in rooms not built for you, and leading with integrity when eyes are or are not watching.This episode is a tribute to the women who built quietly, endured gracefully, and shifted culture without demanding recognition. A timely and necessary conversation for Black History Month—and beyond.

In this episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant, I sit down with my friend Chioma Nwigwe for an honest, layered conversation that gently but firmly shakes the table. We talk about feminism, the rights of the girl child, male patriarchy, and the freedom to question societal expectations placed on women. Chioma shares why she always thought dads had more fun, why she wanted a baby even when marriage wasn’t part of the picture, and how holding strong opinions has shaped her life, choices, and identity. This episode is thoughtful, real, and full of moments that will make you pause, laugh, and reflect.

In the final episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant Podcast for 2025, Onyie wraps up a transformative year with her most special guest yet—her husband, Ekene. Filmed right in “The Obi house” for maximum comfort, this intimate conversation dives into the emotional highs and lows of 2025, from the intensity of holiday work life to navigating personal loss, identity, and family.Ekene opens up about the passing of his father early in the year—calling 2025 a “revealing and testing” season—and shares raw reflections on grief, responsibility, and the dreams he wished his father lived long enough to see. Onyie offers empathy and perspective, connecting his journey with her own experiences of loss.Together, they look back on turning 40, the realities of aging (and the jokes that come with it), raising Gen-Alpha kids in Canada, and the nostalgia of Christmas in Nigeria versus Christmas in diaspora. They explore how immigrant parenting reshapes tradition, how memories evolve across continents, and how their own childhood holiday magic compares to the quieter Christmases they now create for their children.The episode closes with hope for a gentler 2026—and a promise that Ekene will return to talk about marriage & love as immigrants and all the things the audience wants to hear.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, I sit down with my incredible production assistant, Tomide Bamigboye, to unpack her remarkable immigration journey and the resilience that carried her from uncertainty to unbelievable film sets — yes, even Ghostbusters and more.We dive into her growing list of film achievements, the grit behind each opportunity, and the quiet strength that has shaped her story.But this episode goes deeper. Together, we reflect on our own working relationship — the trust, the respect, the learning — and why it’s so important for employers and employees alike to honor each other’s humanity. No hierarchies. No ego. Just mutual respect and room for everyone to thrive.If you love stories of perseverance, purpose, and partnership, this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in and be inspired.

In this episode of Diary of a Naija Immigrant Podcast, we step outside our usual conversations and dive into the world of tech with the brilliant Evangel Oputa.From laughs to lightbulb moments, this episode is a mix of funny, thought-provoking, eye-opening, and deeply educational insights about how technology is shaping the way we live, work, and connect.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or just curious about how innovation is changing our daily lives, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective—and maybe even a chuckle or two.

We are sitting down with the incredible Cynthia Nwajiaku — an HR professional turned co-owner of Two Men and a Truck Calgary . Her journey is the ultimate immigrant success story: resilience, entrepreneurship, and the brilliance of turning a bad experience into a thriving business.At first glance, Cynthia is every bit the dazzling socialite — draped in designer pieces, radiating elegance, and exuding quiet confidence. But behind the glam is a woman of grit, humility, and vision. In this episode, she opens up about her path to Calgary, the values that shaped her rise, and the surprising truths people discover once they look beyond the labels.From smart investing and building thriving businesses, to creating generational wealth and cultivating genuine friendships that outlast the glitz and glam — Cynthia drops golden nuggets at every turn.This is elegance with substance. Grab your popcorn — you won’t want to miss it!

In this deeply personal episode, Lanre Ajayi shares his raw and inspiring immigration story — an unexpected move to Canada that quickly turned into a rollercoaster of culture shocks, job rejections, and near-legal trouble. From being overdressed at interviews to being swindled within months of arrival, Lanre holds nothing back as he reflects on the emotional toll and lessons learned.But this story isn't all struggle — it’s one of remarkable transformation. Tune in to hear how volunteering became his unexpected lifeline in Calgary, unlocking opportunities that finally allowed his artistic talents to thrive.Whether you're an immigrant, artist, or someone navigating new beginnings, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes, rock bottom is the start of real change.

In this heartfelt episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant podcast, we sit down with a remarkable mother-daughter duo - Mercy and Felicia, to explore their powerful journey of sacrifice, resilience, and love across continents.The daughter was the first to make the leap, immigrating to Canada with her family of three and starting a new life in Calgary. But when she gave birth to twins and faced overwhelming fatigue and isolation, her mother, after several visa denials stepped in, traveling from Nigeria to help her daughter navigate the challenging early days of motherhood.What began as a short visit turned into a long-term commitment. This devoted mother, a widow for over 24 years, chose to stay behind in the bitter Canadian winters, leaving her home and familiarity in Nigeria to support her daughter and grandchildren through thick and thin.Tune in as they share candid reflections on immigration, motherhood, grief, and the unshakeable bond that holds their family together across borders and generations.

In this powerful episode, Perpie opens up about her path to becoming an award-winning artist in Canada, while navigating the challenges of motherhood in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares her family's deeply personal experience with the exposure of her children to inappropriate adult content.We're incredibly grateful to Perpie for her courage and transparency. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. It is enlightening, thought-provoking, and filled with valuable insights.

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. Onyie sits with Mr. Ife and Dr. Dami Adingupu, the founders of TheMarriageAdvocates Canada and ThrivingRelationshipsNow, organizations dedicated to equipping couples with the skills to build strong, lasting relationships. They bring fresh perspective and insight on such a sensitive topic. Did you know that research shows that every 1 in 3 married immigrant couple are at risk of domestic violence and or divorce within 2-5 years of moving to Canada? I bet you didn’t know. This episode promises to be exciting, very educative and totally insightful. Tune in!

We kick off the DONI season with the very energetic and amiable - Dennis Agbegha! Dennis is one of the most popular socialites in Calgary, however, there's a story behind his tremendous achievements in the city of Calgary.We dived into his back story or like he describes it, his why!

In the midst of our goodbye episode with Tomi, she was gracious to give us tips on how to network and mingle this Summer in the city of Calgary. This episode also marks the cap to our season 1 of DONI. But we will be back and better in the Fall with some exciting new episodes. Something is cooking guys, so please get excited and watch this space!

It is definitely a mixed bag situation on this episode. While we celebrate a big win for the podcast, we also have some goodbyes to say and goodbyes are never fun! But you'd have to listen to know what's in this mixed bag though.

Dr. Tolu continues the story of her motherhood journey, while unraveling the human complexity of every child being different. However, at the end of the day the intent in the actions we take while raising our kids matters most. She gives practical examples of her experience while raising her kids and how she navigates or navigated parenting during and through her continuous immigration process.

We seat and chat with the very wise and knowledgeable Dr. Tolu Solola as she tells us about her journey of motherhood in the UK, where her son faced several racist verbal abuse which made him want to live in Nigeria aka the "Brown factory" Alas, his wish was granted, but was it worth it? You'll have to listen to find out.

Chimdi talks about how being a psychologist helped her process her experience of being different yet oblivious of it. She also talks about her experience on her very first trip to Nigeria (Lagos). It definitely wasn't what she expected. This episode was packed with so much gossip and fun topics.

Chimdi takes us on her journey of being the only black girl in her community (school), experiencing some weird micro aggressions yet being too young and naive to give nuance or language to her experiences. She talks about how she was picked out in her class because of the stereotype associated with African kids. You'd have to listen to understand, but Chimdi gives so much perspective on this episode.

Tola also talks about the mentality of being quiet and grateful for being in Canada. She delves deeper into her journey as a young immigrant navigating university, her struggles with mental health and how fine arts and poetry became a form of expression for her.

In this episode, we sit down with Adetola Adedipe, a Nigerian-South African poet based in Calgary, Canada and goes under the name “aloT of Poetry”.  We discuss her immigration story, from not knowing about her parent's immigration plan, and suddenly having to leave behind her connections in South Africa and then, finding ways to cope and express her feelings about being in a foreign country.

Wunmi Idowu takes us on the journey of finding her voice in a society built to make her lose it.  She might have succeeded in creating spaces for creatives through her platform, but it is not void of obstacles and days that remind her that she is Black and different.

Onyie sits down with Wunmi Idowu - founder and director of WOEZO Africa Music and dance theatre, incorporated . She recalls her journey as a first generation immigrant, moving to Canada at 10 and surviving as one of the exceedingly few Black people in Edmonton.  Despite being called names like "monkey" and asked to go back to her country, she finds her voice and ultimately created space for other people like her to thrive as artists.

Tomi and Onyie sit down to look at the year that it has been. We discuss the gains of the year, the tears and losses, but most importantly, we count our blessings and encourage you to do the same.

In this continuation of Ejemen’s story, we chat about Nigerian families back home and the perceptions of business owners abroad.

In this episode, we chat about entrepreneurship with the serial immigrant and serial entrepreneur- Ejemen who runs an African foodstuff shop. Ejemen, an entrepreneur with years of experience opening up shops across the globe. We hear about her experiences trying to be a business owner in places such as the United Arab Emirates and how she tackles the challenges associated with it.

Tomi and Onyie talk about how our childhood affects our current sense of self, navigating childhood trauma and celebrating our current achievements inspite of situations that shaped us.

On this “guestless” episode, Onyie and Tomi continue to explore how being an immigrant affects one’s sense of self, identity and confidence. We compare the social structure and classifications in Nigeria and Canada or diaspora in the quest to understand how these shape who we are or want to be in the country we have now chosen as our home.

We take a deeper look into Daniella’s immigration journey and struggle with identity shaped the idea of creating "The Bridge YYC" We also discuss her future plans for the business and plans to make Naija food more popular in Calgary.

On this episode of the Diary of a Naija Immigrant podcast, we’ll be chatting with Daniella Jasper-Okumagba, founder of The Brdge YYC, an international food market providing a platform where ethnic food sellers meet with different immigrants for a taste of home. We discuss where the idea came from, her journey into the world of entrepreneurship, and how she managed to stay in touch with her Nigerian roots through food.

We continue our chat with Maria, as she talks about her journey towards self-love, beauty and body positivity, whilst navigating her mental health after immigrating to Canada. She talks about issues that prevented her from realizing her love for self and the different ways she tries to reaffirm her newfound sense of beauty against cultural norms.

We explore Maria's journey towards finding the best place to raise her kids after a scary experience in Nigeria. She eventually stumbled on Calgary, Alberta. But the rest isn't history as she attempts to break free from her childhood inflicted image doubt, unleashed by her immigration journey.

Black don't crack, Black is gold. However, we struggle too, we are humans too. The expectations surrounding Black masculinity include being strong and stoic, thereby expecting them to mask their emotions including their struggle with mental health. However, being exposed to racism and discrimination, yet daring to be successful in a very white world can take a toll on anyone. But how can Black men begin to speak up and seek for help? Sam talks about embracing therapy even though it may be seen as an alien concept for most Naija and other African immigrants?

The effect of immigration on mental health cannot be overemphasized. However, it is hard to truly understand this without experiencing it. Today we have a special guest, the award winning celebrity photographer- Sam of Motif Photography. He bares it all about being so successful and a force to be reckoned with in Calgary, yet struggling with his mental health, behind closed doors. He tries to find the answer to the most asked question, yet finds no answers. The question? "How are you doing?"

In part two of our conversation with Tomi, we discuss what she would do differently if she could repeat her childhood. We talk about belonging and the countless ways to be Black.

In this episode, we chat with Tomi, The Diary of a Naija Immigrant cohost and editor-in-chief of Afros In Tha City. Tomi talks about growing up as a second generation immigrant and the realities of being raised by immigrant parents.

Grief hurts but to immigrate is to know peace... Peace? Does immigration truly bring peace of mind or does it unlock an extra layer of pain and struggle? This is the second and final part of Onyie's story. She continues to relieve her experience with her immigration journey, and how it opened a fresh wound of grief and sadness. She also talks about how her mental health, and marriage suffered due to the big move. This does not totally encapsulate all of her experiences. However, it is a huge part. As time goes on, we shall continue to learn more about her experiences and create more nuance to the struggles, joys and travails that comes with "japa-ing". Don't forget to rate, share and leave a comment wherever you listen to the podcast. We'd like to know how much you enjoyed the episode! Good Ratings mean even more people find out about this podcast, thereby creating a change one ear at a time!

On this episode, Onyie talks about the road to immigrating from her country - Nigeria, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She shares some of her experience, joys, pain and heartaches as she moved with her two young children in the dead of the famous Edmonton/Calgary Winter. All in the quest to give her kids the life she never had. Don't forget to rate, share and leave a comment wherever you listen to the podcast. We'd like to know how much you enjoyed the episode! Good Ratings mean even more people find out about this podcast, thereby creating a change one ear at a time!