Podcast
The Diary of a Naija Immigrant
Hosted by Through Onyie’s Lens · EN
Onyie takes us on a journey of honest, real life experiences of various immigrants who have moved to Canada or other Western countries in a quest for a better life.
The stories are non-fictional thought provoking, exciting, heartbreaking and groundbreaking all at the same time. There are no barriers, no walls and no filters. Think about how openly and honestly you document experiences in your personal diary, then think about the Diary of a Naija Immigrant (The DONI Podcast)
This hopes to educate biases and inform unawarenesses, thereby creating a change and building community.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Celebrity Barber with a PhD: Edy’s Unfiltered Journey
Apr 2001:55:29Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Beyond the Jokes: Sam Precious Gets Real
Mar 1601:27:46Tap to summarizeHe 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.
Transcribe →From ‘Not Radio Material’ to Community Pillar: The Moji Taiwo Story
Feb 2301:31:28Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Shaking Tables with Strong Opinions & Soft Truths with Chioma Nwigwe
Jan 1901:26:27Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Endings, Beginnings & Everything In Between: A Conversation with My Husband
Dec 2201:01:38Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →From New Beginnings to Big Screens: Tomide’s Story
Nov 1701:11:37Tap to summarizeIn this heart-to-heart conversation, I sit down with my incredible production assistant, Tomide Bamigboye, to unpack her remarkable immigration journey and the resilience that carried her from uncertainty to unbelievable film sets — yes, even Ghostbusters and more.We dive into her growing list of film achievements, the grit behind each opportunity, and the quiet strength that has shaped her story.But this episode goes deeper. Together, we reflect on our own working relationship — the trust, the respect, the learning — and why it’s so important for employers and employees alike to honor each other’s humanity. No hierarchies. No ego. Just mutual respect and room for everyone to thrive.If you love stories of perseverance, purpose, and partnership, this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in and be inspired.
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When Tech Meets Real Life: A Conversation with Evangel Oputa
Sep 2201:20:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diary of a Naija Immigrant Podcast, we step outside our usual conversations and dive into the world of tech with the brilliant Evangel Oputa.From laughs to lightbulb moments, this episode is a mix of funny, thought-provoking, eye-opening, and deeply educational insights about how technology is shaping the way we live, work, and connect.Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or just curious about how innovation is changing our daily lives, this conversation will leave you with a fresh perspective—and maybe even a chuckle or two.
Transcribe →Beyond the glitz and glam with Cynthia Nwajiaku
Aug 1801:04:20Tap to summarizeWe are sitting down with the incredible Cynthia Nwajiaku — an HR professional turned co-owner of Two Men and a Truck Calgary . Her journey is the ultimate immigrant success story: resilience, entrepreneurship, and the brilliance of turning a bad experience into a thriving business.At first glance, Cynthia is every bit the dazzling socialite — draped in designer pieces, radiating elegance, and exuding quiet confidence. But behind the glam is a woman of grit, humility, and vision. In this episode, she opens up about her path to Calgary, the values that shaped her rise, and the surprising truths people discover once they look beyond the labels.From smart investing and building thriving businesses, to creating generational wealth and cultivating genuine friendships that outlast the glitz and glam — Cynthia drops golden nuggets at every turn.This is elegance with substance. Grab your popcorn — you won’t want to miss it!
Transcribe →From Overdressed to Overcoming: Lanre Ajayi’s Story
Jul 7, 202501:08:09Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal episode, Lanre Ajayi shares his raw and inspiring immigration story — an unexpected move to Canada that quickly turned into a rollercoaster of culture shocks, job rejections, and near-legal trouble. From being overdressed at interviews to being swindled within months of arrival, Lanre holds nothing back as he reflects on the emotional toll and lessons learned.But this story isn't all struggle — it’s one of remarkable transformation. Tune in to hear how volunteering became his unexpected lifeline in Calgary, unlocking opportunities that finally allowed his artistic talents to thrive.Whether you're an immigrant, artist, or someone navigating new beginnings, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes, rock bottom is the start of real change.
Transcribe →From Naija to Calgary: two generations, one powerful story.
May 19, 202501:21:34Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode of The Diary of a Naija Immigrant podcast, we sit down with a remarkable mother-daughter duo - Mercy and Felicia, to explore their powerful journey of sacrifice, resilience, and love across continents.The daughter was the first to make the leap, immigrating to Canada with her family of three and starting a new life in Calgary. But when she gave birth to twins and faced overwhelming fatigue and isolation, her mother, after several visa denials stepped in, traveling from Nigeria to help her daughter navigate the challenging early days of motherhood.What began as a short visit turned into a long-term commitment. This devoted mother, a widow for over 24 years, chose to stay behind in the bitter Canadian winters, leaving her home and familiarity in Nigeria to support her daughter and grandchildren through thick and thin.Tune in as they share candid reflections on immigration, motherhood, grief, and the unshakeable bond that holds their family together across borders and generations.
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