2025 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

Gbenga Lemo remembers the exhaustion him and his wife, Olufunke, felt when they arrived in Ottawa at around 2:00 am on May 16, 2022, after a long flight from Nigeria. “Despite working a full day herself, Kaywana Malcom stayed up, booked us an Uber because we had no working credit cards, and waited patiently outside the house to receive us,” explains Gbenga.

They had only met Kaywana once before on a brief video call, and at first, the couple was a bit skeptical about why a stranger would go out of her way to help them. They were staying at a friend’s Lanre’s house, while he was out of town, and he had arranged for Kaywana to hand over the keys.

What started a simple transaction, blossomed into an enduring friendship.

“Her only concern was to make sure we felt safe and welcomed,” adds Gbenga. “After greeting us, she didn’t just leave. We shared stories, laughter and then she let us rest after our long journey.”

Gbenga remembers how that moment alone redefined what it meant to feel seen and loved. “The next day, after another long shift at work, she came back to drive us around the city,” he explains.

“She helped us set up our phones, get groceries, and walked us through the basics of starting a new life here.”

“Whenever we had a question, about a form, a job, or a process, she was just one call away,” Gbenga adds. “If we needed a reference, she was there. If we needed guidance, she gave it. If we needed nothing at all, she still checked in. Even when our friend returned from his trip, Kaywana didn’t say “my job is done”, she stayed.”

Coming to Canada as economic immigrants seeking a calmer environment, Gbenga and Olufunke had previously lived in the densely populated city of Lagos, Nigeria. “We wanted to start a family where there wouldn’t be lots of traffic,” explains Gbenga.

“I think Kaywana made a big difference to us,” says Gbenga. “It’s like she knew us for a long time. She became like our family. She took us out, connected us to her family, cooked for us and introduced us to Ottawa’s many festivals.”

Kaywana remember how when her family came to Canada from Jamaica in 1993 they have initially stayed with family until they were ready to settle on their own. “Later we had friends and relatives who lived with us for a short period of time. Upon immigrating,” explains Kaywana. “We helped people, by allowing them to have a soft landing.”

Although she doesn’t cook, she brought them ready-made meals and is now affectionately referred to as “Momma K”.

Kaywana was so impressed by how organized the young couple were. “Before travelling, they thought ahead as Olafunke was pregnant,” remarks Kaywana. “The planned to only stay a month at Lanre’s place and even knew the church they would attend.”

“Throughout the time I’ve known them they’ve been an inspiration to me,” adds Kaywana. “They left careers in Nigeria for a better life. Gbenga is a jack of all trades. In three years, they have accomplished so much.”

Gbenga is now studying nursing at the University of Ottawa and working at Queensway Carleton Hospital, encouraged and supported by Kaywana, who even acted as his job reference.

“My wife, inspired as well, is starting nursing school this year,” adds Gbenga. “With Canada facing a nursing shortage, and our passion for healthcare rekindled, this path is now our way of giving back, because one woman believed in us.”

Kaywana a mother of two and a nurse, was a constant support for the first time parents who welcomed their first child a few months after arriving in Canada. She walked them through every step of parenting, helping them to understand the healthcare system, including what to expect and what to ask during medical appointments. Kaywana is now godmother to their daughter Audrey who turns three in August.

“As first-time parents, everything was new, and at times overwhelming,” remarks Gbenga. “She walked with us through every stage: the first smiles, first steps, and everything in between. Kaywana helped us organize Audrey’s naming ceremony, setting up, decorating, bringing food, and making everyone feel welcome. She was the engine behind Audrey’s first birthday party, making sure our baby felt celebrated and loved.”

Even with her busy schedule, Kaywana was inspired by how Gbenga and Olufunke balanced work, study, and parenting. “I said to myself, if they can do it, I can do it,” she exclaims. “We don’t see each other as often as we’d like, but I’m so happy to be meeting their new baby later today!” The young couple recently welcomed their second child.

“Everything came naturally, and I had an instant family,” remarks Kaywana. “They made it easy for me.”

She admires how the couple is not focused on materialism and have already begun giving back. Olufunke shares helpful information for newcomers through her YouTube channel, and Gbenga proudly volunteered on Parliament Hill during his first Canada Day. “It’s always great to see that they are passing it on,” Kaywana says.

“Because of her, we’ve made it our mission to show that same big Canadian love whenever we get the chance,” say Gbenga. “As young adults, we didn’t have much experience with visitors. She showed us the way, everything from having simple toiletries when you arrive. We had a template for what we can do for others.”

From snowy game nights to summer barbecues, Thanksgiving dinners, and countless local festivals, Kaywana didn’t just help the couple settle—she became their “Minister of Enjoyment.”

With all the hard work aside, she never forgot to make their soft landing in their new community fun and full of joy.