Oulu based Doctoral Researcher, Linda Omodara who hails from Nigeria is another candidate from immigrant backgrounds who is ready to make his voice count if she wins the forthcoming Municipal Elections in Finland come June 13th with the Green Party. Her slogan is “Working together for local integration of immigrants”
- Please tell us about yourself?
My name is Linda Omodara. My country of origin is Nigeria. I have a BSc. degree in Systems Engineering from University of Lagos Nigeria and a MSc. in Environmental Engineering from University of Oulu. I am currently carrying out my doctoral research in Environmental Engineering at the University of Oulu. I am an Environmental and Sustainability Research Engineer by profession.
- Why did you decide to pursue a career in politics?
I chose this path because I as a minority group identified a need with my fellow immigrants, the need to see us well integrated into the society and to promote sustainable development as well as a better life for families with children.
- What did you see in The Greens that made you pitch your tent with the party?
I chose the Greens political party because they stand for diversity, integration and sustainable development. These are also my values.
- Do you speak Finnish fluently?
Not yet, but I am learning everyday!
- What do you cherish most about your community?
I cherish the positive outlook to life and the peace within my community.
- Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your two highest priorities for change in your community, in the short and long term?
They are:
- a) Local integration of immigrants
Short term: Establishing education responses to address segregation and providing an equitable path to professional growth.
Long term: Improving the coherence of integration policies to address the needs of immigrants.
- b) Making families with children a priority
Short term: Provision of adequate resources to promote the wellbeing of children.
Long term: Introduction of family-friendly income tax system.
- What is your perspective on the best ways to collaborate with other levels of government to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for your community?
If I become elected as a member of the Oulu City Council, I will legally have the authority to present issues based on my campaign theme that affects my community. I will also propose strategies for solutions to these issues.
- For some time now, Nigerians in Finland have not been in the spotlight politically, do you see yourself as the one to change the narrative?
Ah Yes! This is one of the reasons I decided to become a candidate in the forthcoming municipal election. As you are well aware, Nigerians shy away from being involved in politics here in Finland. I believe that this is as a result of factors such as (i) language barrier (ii) lack of awareness of politics and political related issues (iv) “not my concern” syndrome (vi) afraid or shy to be in the public eye. So I have decided to take it upon myself to make participating in local/ nationwide politics attractive to Nigerians in Finland. I plan on tackling all of the factors I mentioned above through my campaign and if I am elected, through my office.
- Any message for the voters from the immigrant background?
We are in this country together, any political decisions made by the government directly affects each of us, so please you must come out to vote for the right candidate. Check out their websites because most candidates have websites (e.g. here is my website: http://www.lindaomodara.fi/), and follow them on social media (e.g. here is my Facebook campaign page: https://www.facebook.com/LinOmodara). Through these media you will find all the necessary information that you will need to make an informed decision on whom to vote for.
Thank you.
