Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade
The Canadian Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development, Terry Duguid, has paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin-elect, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, in Canada.
According to a statement from the monarch’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, Duguid, who was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South in 2015, expressed his commitment to strengthening cultural ties and promised to visit Nigeria next year.
Duguid has held several key positions in government, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, as well as roles in economic development, climate change, and gender equality. His career spans civic government, business, and environmental leadership, reflecting a strong dedication to public service.
From 1989 to 1995, he served as a Winnipeg city councillor before becoming President and CEO of the Gateway North Marketing Agency, working to secure the future of the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Rail Line. He later founded Sustainable Developments International, specializing in environmental management, transportation, and international affairs.
Duguid’s contributions to environmental policy include serving as Executive Director of the Manitoba Climate Change Task Force and as a member of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Carleton University and a Master’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Calgary, with a focus on water quality, ozone depletion, and acid rain.
Beyond politics, Duguid has a deep-rooted passion for sports, influenced by his father, two-time World Curling champion Don Duguid. He has played football, hockey, and baseball and has actively supported cricket development in his community.
During the visit, Duguid emphasized his respect for cultural traditions and urged Oba Owoade to always prioritize the well-being of his community.
