Nigerian-born Owodunni becomes first black councillor of Canadian city

Ayo Owodunni has been elected as the first black city councillor in Kitchener, a city in the Candian province of Ontario.

Owodunni contested against four other candidates in the municipal election for Ward 5 after the incumbent Kelly Galloway-Sealock said he was not seeking re-election.

He ran his campaign on three promises — speeding on local roads, keeping taxes low, and affordable housing.

“I am more aware than ever that our city is evolving rapidly, and the leadership needs to evolve to tackle urgent issues like road safety, cost of living, belonging, housing affordability, and climate change,” he told CBC.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Owodunni on his electoral victory.

In a statement issued by Garba Shehu, his spokesman, Buhari said Owodunni’s record-setting election “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 lauded the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora and thanked them for promoting the country’s image abroad and acting as brand ambassadors.

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