Ottawa, Canada – Yesterday evening, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vickylextar, alongside members of the Royal Family, the Royal Family Council, and some Executive members, attended the prestigious African Day on the Hill event. Hosted by the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), the celebration brought together leaders, dignitaries, and community members to honor African heritage, culture, and contributions in Ottawa.

Queen Vickylextar’s presence underscored the importance of strengthening ties between leaders and reinforcing a shared commitment to progress, empowerment, and collaboration.

The evening began with Her Royal Majesty engaging with guests, including John Adeyefa, President of ACAO, and Rawlson King, Ottawa’s first Black City Councillor, representing Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward.

The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Adrian Harewood, a journalist and professor at Carleton University, led the audience through a remarkable evening celebrating ACAO’s 10th anniversary, Canada’s 60th Anniversary of National Flag Day, and an inspiring showcase of community talent and achievements.

The official land acknowledgment was delivered by Ms. Agnes Affum, who spoke on themes that deeply resonate with Omanye Royal Kingdom, including Ubuntu and Sankofa—values that emphasize unity, wisdom, and progress.

Throughout the evening, various sponsors shared messages of support, including Obed Boateng, Regional Manager at TD Bank, a major sponsor of ACAO.

The first goodwill message was a video address from Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, who highlighted the significance of celebrating ACAO’s impact through music, dance, food, fashion, and cultural appreciation.

Following this, Rawlson King delivered a powerful message:
“Tonight, we celebrate not just the remarkable achievements of ACAO but the vibrant spirit of unity and progress that defines our community.” He emphasized ACAO’s role in unifying African nations under one umbrella and its transformative impact in Ottawa.

A particularly heartfelt moment of the evening was the screening of a documentary on ACAO’s journey, followed by a speech from Hector Addison, Chief Servant Officer of ACAO. The film highlighted ACAO’s origins—how various African associations once operated independently until John Adeyefa and Hector Addison created unity under one association, fostering collaboration, unity, and community strength.

In recognition of his dedication and leadership, John Adeyefa was presented with the ‘Certificate of Lifetime Achievement Award.’

The event’s keynote speaker, Senator Suze Youance, delivered an inspiring address, reflecting on ACAO’s theme for the year: “Building Bridges, Celebrating Cultures.” As an engineer by profession, she emphasized the importance of connection and cultural enrichment, stating that confidence in our allies is crucial to building bridges. She concluded with a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela: “We know well that none of us acting alone can achieve success.”

We would also like to highlight ACAO’s Youth Program, Financial Education initiatives, Health Initiatives, and Mental Health Programs, which align closely with Omanye Royal Kingdom initiatives.

It was an honor to attend African Day on the Hill. On behalf of Omanye Royal Kingdom, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to ACAO for its decade-long service to the community. In particular, we commend its Housing Program, which has played a vital role in bridging the gap to provide proper housing for the homeless.

We honor ACAO for its unwavering dedication and look forward to continued collaboration in strengthening our communities.

Contact: Omanye Royal Kingdom Media Relations
Email: omanyeroyalhouse@gmail.com