The Diary of a Naija Immigrant

The Celebrity Barber with a PhD: Edy’s Unfiltered Journey

In this episode, we sit down with one of Calgary’s most sought-after celebrity barbers, Edy—a man who defies expectations. Not only is he shaping looks, he’s also the only barber with a PhD in Law. But beyond the titles is a story marked by resilience, reinvention, and relentless faith. After years of struggling and working tirelessly to build something tangible for himself, he finally makes it—in a story that feels almost unbelievable. Just as everything begins to align, his journey takes a shocking and devastating turn during the war in Ukraine, where in a moment, everything he had built was lost. What followed wasn’t just a relocation—it was a complete reset. From Nigeria to Ukraine, and now Canada, Edy’s path has been anything but linear. It’s a story of rising, falling, and rising again—of losing it all and finding purpose in the process. Behind the smile and his warm, sociable nature lies the deeper reality: the struggle with identity, the weight of starting over, and what it truly means to rebuild when life forces you back to ground zero. This conversation goes beyond the chair. It’s about grit, faith, and the courage to begin again. If you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your path, or needed a reminder of what’s possible when you refuse to give up—this episode is for you.

Beyond the Jokes: Sam Precious Gets Real

He proudly calls himself Calgary’s finest MC and comedian, and if you’ve seen Sam Precious in action, you already know the humour is bold, loud, and unapologetically unfiltered. But behind the laughter is a thoughtful and deeply reflective side that many people don’t always see.In this episode, Sam talks about arriving in Canada and how he experienced what he calls a “soft landing.” He shares why the crowd you surround yourself with in the diaspora can shape your biggest life decisions — from direction to purpose.We also get into real conversations about marriage, divorce, and why many marriages struggle to stand the test of time abroad, along with the importance of having friends who are brave enough to tell you the hard truths.Expect laughs, honesty, spiritual reflection, and of course the signature table-breaker energy that says things exactly as they are.

From ‘Not Radio Material’ to Community Pillar: The Moji Taiwo Story

In this special Black History Month episode, I sit down with the remarkable mama Moji Taiwo to unpack a journey that is as powerful as it is profound.From her early days arriving in Calgary—when Alberta’s Black community was small and visibility was even smaller—Moji shares what it meant to navigate unfamiliar spaces with grace, resilience, and unwavering dignity. As one of the few Black faces in many rooms, she didn’t fight for space loudly; she became the standard. Through quiet confidence, firm boundaries, and consistent excellence, she helped reshape how Black families, Black children, and Black professionals were seen and understood. We explore the evolution of Calgary’s Black community over the years—what has changed, what still needs work, and the importance of representation across generations. Moji reflects on the subtle yet powerful ways she paved the path, often without applause, and how those seeds are blooming today.She also shares heartfelt, motherly wisdom—on raising children with identity and pride, standing tall in rooms not built for you, and leading with integrity when eyes are or are not watching.This episode is a tribute to the women who built quietly, endured gracefully, and shifted culture without demanding recognition. A timely and necessary conversation for Black History Month—and beyond.

Shaking Tables with Strong Opinions & Soft Truths with Chioma Nwigwe

In this episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant, I sit down with my friend Chioma Nwigwe for an honest, layered conversation that gently but firmly shakes the table. We talk about feminism, the rights of the girl child, male patriarchy, and the freedom to question societal expectations placed on women.  Chioma shares why she always thought dads had more fun, why she wanted a baby even when marriage wasn’t part of the picture, and how holding strong opinions has shaped her life, choices, and identity.  This episode is thoughtful, real, and full of moments that will make you pause, laugh, and reflect.

Endings, Beginnings & Everything In Between: A Conversation with My Husband

In the final episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant Podcast for 2025, Onyie wraps up a transformative year with her most special guest yet—her husband, Ekene. Filmed right in “The Obi house” for maximum comfort, this intimate conversation dives into the emotional highs and lows of 2025, from the intensity of holiday work life to navigating personal loss, identity, and family.Ekene opens up about the passing of his father early in the year—calling 2025 a “revealing and testing” season—and shares raw reflections on grief, responsibility, and the dreams he wished his father lived long enough to see. Onyie offers empathy and perspective, connecting his journey with her own experiences of loss.Together, they look back on turning 40, the realities of aging (and the jokes that come with it), raising Gen-Alpha kids in Canada, and the nostalgia of Christmas in Nigeria versus Christmas in diaspora. They explore how immigrant parenting reshapes tradition, how memories evolve across continents, and how their own childhood holiday magic compares to the quieter Christmases they now create for their children.The episode closes with hope for a gentler 2026—and a promise that Ekene will return to talk about marriage & love as immigrants and all the things the audience wants to hear.