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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Two Nigerians living in Canada have been appointed into the cabinet of the new government of Alberta.
Two other Nigerians also won councillorship seats into city offices in Ontario, on Tuesday.
Kelechi ‘Kaycee’ Madu and Akolisa Ufodike were appointed by Danielle Smith, the new Premier of Alberta, into her cabinet on Monday, October 24, 2022.
Madu, who was a former Minister of Justice in Alberta was appointed as Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions while Ufodike was appointed a Deputy Minister at Alberta’s Ministry of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Speaking on the composition of her cabinet, Smith, said: “I am thrilled to be working with this strong, determined, united group of MLAs.
“Alberta’s future is bright, but there’s a lot of work to be done. Our team will work every day to gain your trust, make bold changes and continue to build the most innovative, entrepreneurial and welcoming province in the world.”
Also, Ayo Owodunni became the first black person to be elected a City Councillor in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Owodunni won the municipal elections for Ward 5 in a keenly contested race for the office.
In a related development, Nana Khadijah Mamudu-Haliru was elected City Councillor for Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commemded the achievements of the Nigerians, especially the election of Owodunni as the first black City Councillor for Kitchener.
The president, in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, praised the contributions of those diaspora in promoting Nigeria’s image abroad and acting as ambassadors.
“Speaking on Mr Owodunni’s historic victory, President 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, supporting businesses in their efforts to promote learning and bring diversity, inclusion and cultural understanding in the workplace.
“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.’
“The President congratulated Owodunni and his spouse, Folake and their two children on this very important election victory,” the statement read in part.