THUNDER BAY – A decade ago, Adetunde Ogunberu arrived in Thunder Bay as an international student looking to learn.
He liked the city so much, he stayed.
Ten years later, he’s also decided it’s time to give back, offering himself up as a candidate in the crowded at-large race, one of 24 hopefuls seeking one of five seats up for grabs this year.
Ogunberu, who is known as Ade by family and friends, said he’s running to create a better future in the city for his daughter, to allow her to live in a community she loves, where a future is possible.
“This city has made me who I am,” he said.
“It’s helped me achieve all my dreams – business owner, homeowner, raising a family here. I just thought it was time for me to give back to the city that’s given me a lot,” said Ogunberu, who has a degree in urban and regional planning and another in hospitality management from a university in Finland, where he lived after emigrating from Africa.
He’s also got a degree in international business management and currently runs the only immigration consultation company in Thunder Bay, helping others from out of country realize their Canadian dreams in the Lakehead.
As he’s campaigned, Ogunberu said homelessness has been the issue most often raised when knocking on doors.
“It’s becoming a very big issue,” he said, noting winter weather is not far away.
“There’s a shortage of housing and because of my experience, that would be an area of expertise and knowledge."
“I’ve seen a few short-term solutions, and there’s a long-term solution. The government has a lot of buildings out there that are not in use. In my opinion, we have to renovate them and put them into use for the short-term. In the long-term, we can go into building affordable housing for homelessness.”
A soccer player all of his life, Ogunberu said he’s gotten a lot of questions about the city’s proposal to build an indoor turf facility, an idea that’s been shelved for now because of a hefty $46-million price tag.
Personally, Ogunberu said he likes the idea, calling it a priority.
But it may need to be scaled back, and should be placed in line behind any other more important priorities the community might have, such as roads and other infrastructure needs.
“My work is to ensure that there’s an effective and efficient delivery of services. If the indoor facility is necessary, then why not go for it? If we go for it, then why not do it efficiently, effectively, and responsibly,” he said.
With the perception that crime is on the rise in Thunder Bay, Ogunberu said there needs to be more trust between the public and police.
“I see a gap where there’s not too much trust with the police. I always say that the best way to solve a problem is to agree to the what. If we can close the gap, create a robust partnership with the people, I think we’re getting there. The police can’t solve the crime alone. They need the people.”
