3 minute read
Lady Mary Adenrele Abolarin Enjoys Life
Lady Mary Adenrele Abolarin Enjoys Life
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
On February 1, 2025, Alberta’s Immigration & Multiculturalism Minister Muhammad Yaseen stated that, “February is Black History Month – a time to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black Albertans to the history and success of our province.
From the grit and determination of Alberta’s early Afro-heritage pioneers to the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership of today’s trailblazers, Black Albertans have played a vital role in building and strengthening our communities. Their stories are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.
Let us continue to build a province where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and where we uphold the freedoms and principles that make Alberta strong.”
Some of these upstanding citizens live in Vegreville. Lady Mary Adenrele Abolarin was born on May 18, 1969, and raised in Northern Nigeria where she was the first daughter in a family of seven children. Her father has passed away but her mother is still alive. Mary attended both elementary and high school and graduated with a BA in English language from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in Nigeria.
Mary expressed, “I have been married for 31 years to my husband, who lives here with me in Vegreville. Our union is blessed with three amazing children: John, Margaret and Cypriana Abolarin.
We moved to Vegreville in the year 2019 from Calgary in search of greener pastures.
When we talk of discrimination, this is mostly experienced in various workplaces which I think we have been able to overcome.
The only way this can be ruled out or eradicated is constant creation of awareness about the equality of human rights.
I do love living in Vegreville because it is economically viable and peaceful,” Mary said.
Mary’s hobbies are cooking and cleaning.
She studied health care aide in Calgary and now works as a caregiver.
Her husband, Sir Thomas Abolarin is a supervisor working with people with special needs.
Mary went on to admit that it is hard to share her culture with people in Vegreville because they don’t get to meet people from their country here except when they go to the city
Mary stressed that their main purpose and dream is to get their children to attain successful careers in Canada
“Our son lives in B.C. and he is almost done with his Master's Degree in Project Management. Our first daughter is a Master’s Degree holder in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary. Our last daughter has a Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Lethbridge,” Mary explained proudly.
