Nigeria's Owodunni Becomes First Black To Be City Councillor In Canada

Ayo Owodunni

A Nigerian, Ayo Owodunni has made history as he becomes a city councillor in Kitchener, London Ontario, Canada.

Mr Owodunni is the first black person to be elected to the position.

He won the municipal elections for ward 5 in a keenly contested race after the incumbent Kelly Galloway-Sealock said he was not seeking re-election.

Owodunni ran his campaign on three promises: speeding on local roads, keeping taxes low, and housing affordability.

President Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, praised the contributions of the diaspora in promoting Nigeria’s image abroad and acting as brand ambassadors.

The president lauded them for supporting businesses in their efforts to promote learning and bring diversity, inclusion and cultural understanding in the workplace.

Speaking on Owodunni’s historic victory, Buhari said the record-setting election of the Nigerian, the first ever for a black person highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by him as a consultant, facilitator, and trainer.

He, therefore, congratulated Owodunni and his spouse, Folake, and their two children on this very important election victory.

The president urged Nigerians in the diaspora to always promote the government’s development agenda wherever they lived and ”never be afraid to dream big and never give up on your dreams.”