In a gesture blending art with diplomacy, Nigerian cultural ambassador Chukwuebuka Anyaduba presented a painting of Queen Idia to Marc-André Blanchard, Chief of Staff to Canadian Prime Minister Marc Carney, during a high-profile fundraising dinner in Mississauga, Ontario.
The event, hosted by Shafqat Ali, President of Canada’s Treasury Board, drew Members of Parliament including Sameer Zuberi, provincial legislators, and senior government officials focused on strengthening Canada’s future. Against this backdrop, Anyaduba’s presentation positioned Nigerian heritage prominently within Canada’s political sphere.
Anyaduba, who convenes the Flavours of Nigeria Festival, selected Queen Idia—the influential 16th-century Queen Mother of the Benin Kingdom and enduring symbol of FESTAC ’77—for her representation of resilience, leadership, and African unity.
The cultural exchange extended beyond the artwork. Festival co-convener and Brampton Mayor’s Business Ambassador Akin Oduntan discussed expanding Canada’s trade missions to Africa with Blanchard, who identified Nigeria as a priority country while emphasizing that stability remains essential for sustained bilateral partnership.
The presentation advances cultural diplomacy efforts as organizers prepare for the Flavours of Nigeria Festival Canada 2026, scheduled for August 15 at Gage Park. The festival aims to strengthen Nigeria-Canada ties through art, culture, and meaningful dialogue.
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