From Africa, to the Arctic, to Medicine Hat: A couple’s journey opening their dream business

But that dream came only after thousands of kilometres and years of patience and hard work.

Originally from Nigeria, the couple moved to Calgary with their three kids in 2012.

On a mission to jump-start her pharmaceutical career, Iganya accepted a job almost 3,500 kilometres north, in Inuvik, N.W.T.

“I’m coming from 50 C and I hear the Arctic is -50 C, how am I going to handle that?” Iganya questioned.

But for Iganya and her husband, moving to Canada was all about the adventure and this was their opportunity to live it.

After moving to the Canadian Arctic, the family became fully immersed in the Indigenous culture of Inuvik.

“My favorite part of where I was living there is getting to meet the people, getting involved in community activities,” Innocent said.

With guidance from the Indigenous population, the cold became no problem.

“The Indigenous people are great and wonderful in what they do. If they kit you up, you can sleep in the snow,” Iganya explained.

“They’ve mastered the art of living up north, it’s amazing.”

Iganya and her family only planned to stay for a year, but that quickly turned to seven. Inuvik was a place they didn’t want to leave.

However, Iganya still had a dream to open her own pharmacy and when she found the perfect spot in Medicine Hat, they knew it was time to move.

“Medicine Hat is a bigger version of Inuvik and as soon as we came, I’m like, ‘yeah this is the place for us to settle down,’” Innocent said.

One of Iganya’s favourite things about her new home has been the people.

“This community has welcomed me like you won’t believe,” Iganya said.

“I didn’t expect it to be that fast.”

Though it’s the Gas City where they have chosen to settle down, the Abba family has three homes they’ll keep close to their heart: West Africa, Inuvik and now, Medicine Hat.

by Lisa Parent

From Africa, to the Arctic, to Medicine Hat: A couple’s journey opening their dream business

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