OTTAWA — The atmosphere was electric with the sounds of Afro-beats, the warmth of shared meals, and the vibrant energy of a community on the rise. In a packed hall that far exceeded last year’s attendance, People for Honor (PfH) held its 2025 End-of-Year Gathering, centered around a poignant theme: “Celebrating The Immigrant Journey.”
For the diverse crowd of attendees, hailing from across the African continent and beyond, the event was more than a holiday party. It was a declaration of presence and a celebration of survival.
Francis Ukposidolo, the Founder of People for Honor, captured the spirit of the evening by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
In his keynote address, Ukposidolo, who is an aircraft maintenance engineer, mentor, and gospel minister, reflected on the universal reality of the immigrant experience. “One out of everyone in this room has come from somewhere and hopes to make Canada their home,” he told the audience. He shared his own migration story, moving his family of five children from Nigeria to the UK, and eventually to Canada, crediting the “Good Samaritans” who helped him navigate complex systems along the way.
”The secret of getting the best of this land is that there is no secret because many of us have passed through this same path before,” Ukposidolo said. “Success is not a destination but a journey… it is found in doing, learning, and improving along the way.”
Honouring Community Pillars
True to its name, the organization took time to honor those who have served as pillars for newcomers in Ottawa. Awards were presented to people, including, Dr. Yemi Fasoyinu, a long-standing Nigerian-Canadian community leader who has been a steadfast supporter of the organization, and his wife, Mrs. Sola Fasoyinu, a celebrated traditional dance coach who has kept cultural heritage alive in the capital.
A Launchpad for Support
While the evening featured music, dance, and food, the underlying purpose was serious: equipping newcomers with the tools to succeed.
During the event, registration was opened for the organization’s flagship Computer Access Program. This initiative provides refurbished laptops to newcomers who need them for school, work, and skills training.
The Operations Director for People for Honor, Ayodele Ariyo, noted in his address that a laptop is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. “It is a basic tool for learning, job searching, skills training, and staying connected to family,” he stated. The program isn’t just about handing out hardware; it includes intake, digital literacy support, and follow-up to ensure users can truly benefit from the technology.
A Maturing Organization
The 2025 gathering marked a turning point for People for Honor. What began as an informal support network is rapidly professionalizing to meet the growing needs of Ottawa’s immigrant population.
The leadership team announced the upcoming launch of a new, transparent website designed to be a “doorway” for services, as well as the formation of a formal Board of Directors to ensure accountability and governance.
”We are building a community that is welcoming, intergenerational, and rooted in dignity,” the Operations Director explained. “We want people to feel seen, supported, and respected, not only when they are fully ‘settled,’ but right from the moment they arrive.”.
As the night concluded with dancing, photos hoot, and networking, the message was clear: in the face of the changing seasons and the challenges of a new life, the Ottawa diaspora community is choosing to face reality together. As Ukposidolo urged in his closing remarks, the goal is to become the “Good Samaritan” for the next person arriving, ensuring that no one has to walk the journey alone
