New Canadians excited to receive citizenship in St. John's

It was a day of celebration at St. John's City Hall Wednesday, as 18 people became new Canadian citizens.

For many, the ceremony marked the culmination of their long journey to Canada.

"For me it's very important for this day, I wait so long to get this citizenship," said Shukrije Keraku, who is from Kosovo.

She was a refugee in Bosnia for nine years before coming to Newfoundland. Five of Keraku's children also received their citizenship at the same ceremony.

"I am proud, I need to thank all my teachers. And the government who have passed and brought me to the freedom country," she said.

Several young people were among those receiving their citizenship, including Inissar Omer

"I was actually very excitedit was really nervousing," she said. "I thought they were going to ask me questions and stuff."

"I was preparing everything, I was getting ready."

Shola Adesanya is another new Canadian from Nigeria. He has been living in Canada for almost five years.

"It's been a long road and I'm so happy to be a Canadian Citizenship today," he said.

"It's been a lovely city. The people here are very nice people, nice culture. I like living in St. John's."