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Nigerians In Canada

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When Ganiyat Oyesomi-Daibu landed in Canada under the Business Immigration Pathway with her family of seven, she brought with her more than luggage, she carried a bold vision, a decade-long entrepreneurial legacy, and an unwavering determination to thrive.

Just six months after her arrival, Ganiyat made a daring move: she acquired a Chinese restaurant. As a Black, Nigerian, hijabi woman stepping into a traditionally non-African culinary space, her journey was as unconventional as it was courageous. But Ganiyat didn’t just stop there. She transformed the space into something extraordinary: Wangdao Bistro, a one-of-a-kind restaurant blending the rich, spicy flavors of African cuisine with the beloved comfort of Chinese food. Her unique concept now caters to a growing and diverse community in her city, creating a vibrant cultural fusion that reflects Canada’s multicultural heartbeat.

In under two years, Ganiyat has expanded her business portfolio, secured multiple grants, and earned features in prestigious platforms such as CanadaSME Magazine, CBC News, Winnipeg Free Press, and The Voice. Her impact has also caught the attention of Royal Bank of Canada, who recognized her as a rising star in immigrant entrepreneurship.

Ganiyat Oyesomi-Daibu, Nigerian immigrant entrepreneur and founder of Wangdao Bistro, standing in her restaurant in Canada.
Ganiyat and her family

A Legacy of Innovation Rooted in Africa

Before moving to Canada, Ganiyat built a powerhouse brand in Nigeria: GNT Spice Home, a company producing 100% natural food seasonings free from artificial additives. Her mission? To offer healthy alternatives that promote wellness and flavor. Today, GNT Spice Home boasts over 45 distributors across Nigeria, the UK, and Qatar.

She also leads Mintrite Solutions, a business advisory company that has empowered more than 8,000 entrepreneurs across various sectors with revolutionary tools, practical strategies, and unwavering support.

Supporting Immigrants & Building Bridges

Ganiyat is not just a businesswoman, she’s a bridge builder. Her experience navigating Canada’s business terrain inspired her to help others do the same. She now mentors and guides aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, both in Nigeria and Canada on how to acquire, scale, and sustain profitable businesses in industries ranging from construction to food, retail, agriculture, and handyman services.

Even more impactful is her support for those looking to relocate through the Business Immigration Pathway, offering guidance whether they have a business idea or not.

Grants, Growth & Giving Back

A recipient of the DoorDash Small Business Grant, Ganiyat has used the funds to increase visibility on platforms like DoorDash and social media. She’s also investing in product development and branding—further expanding her restaurant’s reach and influence.

Being one of the only African-Chinese restaurants on the DoorDash app in her region has not only boosted sales but also positioned Wangdao Bistro as a cultural staple, bringing flavors from two continents into Canadian homes.

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Ganiyat’s advice to women looking to break into competitive spaces—especially the food industry—is as bold as her story:

“Don’t follow the crowd. Research deeply, identify a real market gap, and offer disruptive, innovative solutions. Network intentionally and stay patient and diligent—the results will speak for you.”

Celebrating Ganiyat’s Journey

At Women of Rubies, we celebrate women like Ganiyat who challenge norms, bridge cultures, and turn adversity into opportunity. Her journey reminds us that success knows no bounds when passion meets purpose—and that the immigrant dream is alive, well, and thriving in Canada.

Learn more about Ganiyat’s work and connect with her  here

Damilola Ajibade embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada as a Permanent Resident. Her professional background as a Channel and Business Development Manager in the ICT industry equipped her with valuable skills and insights. However, upon settling in Canada, Damilola noticed a significant gap in knowledge and understanding about immigrants in her new community.

Bridging the Gap Through Storytelling

Motivated by a desire to bridge this gap, Damilola delved into storytelling, recognizing its power to amplify voices and foster understanding. Through insightful interviews, she set out to showcase the inspiring journeys of new immigrants in New Brunswick and beyond. Her commitment and passion for storytelling eventually led to the creation of her television show, “The Journey Amplified,” which aired on Rogers TV.

Supporting Entrepreneurial Success

In addition to her television endeavors, Damilola actively engaged in public service, where she played a pivotal role in aiding new entrepreneurs. Her day-to-day involvement in guiding entrepreneurs through the essential information needed for their business success further demonstrated her dedication to supporting the immigrant community.

Recognition and Impact

Damilola’s impactful contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, a testament to her role as a beacon of support for the immigrant community and a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. This recognition celebrated her commitment to bridging gaps, inspiring change, and empowering others.

Maryam Muritala is a  Foreign trained lawyer with areas of specialization in Business, Technology , Copyright, Trademark law ,  and Contract Management.

She is  also an experienced Business Development Consultant.  She has  helped entrepreneurs across five continents launch successful and thriving businesses. Maryam  is the founder of  Canada Vendors a Business Development and Advertising Company using digital marketing tools to give structured visibility to businesses across Canada and the diaspora.

 

At Canada Vendors, they offer Business Development Consultations and Solutions, Advertise brands using digital technology, connect service providers with prospective clients, and host Business Networking Events. Between 2020 and 2022 during the lockdown, they  interviewed 255 Small businesses across various communities in Canada offering support.

Maryam Muritala is also the convener of Brand Expo, a brand visibility event that showcases the work of different brands across Canada.

 

She recently launched a mini-series on YouTube in 2021 titled “THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY” spotlighting business owners across communities in Canada, so far they have interviewed entrepreneurs from Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Alberta.

We celebrate Maryam for her tenacity, determination, and her support for female business owners in Canada.

Follow her: @canadavendors to know more about her work.