The rescheduled Finnish municipal elections will take place on Sunday June 13 with advance voting beginning from 26 May to 8 June. Voters from abroad will have the opportunity to cast their votes between 2 and 5 June. In the elections, local councillors and deputy councillors will be elected for the next four-year term. One of the first timers from African background is Folayemi Vättö, a National Coalition Party candidate in Espoo.
- Please introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Folayemi Vättö, but everybody calls me Yemi for short. I am a Nigerian and a Finnish citizen by naturalization. I have been living in Finland for the past 16 years. I did both my bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Laurea University of Applied Science. I am currently working as a psychiatry nurse in an acute psychiatry ward.
- Why did you decide to pursue a career in politics?
As an immigrant in Finland, having seen how the immigrants are not getting well integrated into society. It is heartbreaking to see immigrants not finding their feet after their studies. Finland is a very good place to live but the lack of job prospects for the immigrants is quite something.
- What did you see in the National Coalition Party that made you pitch your tent with them?
I decided to pitch my tent with the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) because of their ideology. Their ideology agrees with my manifesto. I am for job creation and economic growth, better integration of immigrants, and mental health/ better mental well-being. The party has cultural and economic liberalism, it supports multiculturalism and the well-being of the society.
- What do you cherish most about your community?
I cherish the fact that Finland is home to everybody as long as you are ready to call it that. Espoo is a very beautiful and peaceful place to raise a family or just be yourself. The state welfare is equally distributed. I mostly cherish the safety in Finland. 7 years old can go to school etc with public transportation and parents don’t have to be scared. I love the beauty and the strength of our diversity. I can’t wait to see what we all can accomplish when we work together.
- Help us understand the type of leader you will be by describing your three highest priorities for change in your community, in the short and long term.?
We are living in a globalized world and it is high time we have a program for globalization. My campaign theme is “Building together a better Espoo”. I believe we can do a lot when we come together; when both the locals and the immigrants put their differences aside and work together as a team. Living in a country where English is not the official language; it is of importance that immigrants understand the Finnish language. In order to achieve this; Finnish language courses should be offered to immigrants. One of the ways to get immigrants integrated is through the knowledge of the Finnish language. Everybody should have the opportunity to start their own business. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged and supported. The corona pandemic has really affected people’s mental. People should be encouraged to take care of their mental health. Immediate help should be available when needed.
- 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.?
The best way to collaborate with other levels of government as a city councillor is to get everybody on the same page. I have to make them understand for example why the integration of immigrants is crucial, how to go about it, and the benefits that come when immigrants are integrated.
- 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?
You are right about that, but that is not the priority for going into politics. The priority is to represent both the locals and the immigrants and to make sure that the voice of the minority will be heard. I see myself as the best candidate for that because I have experience of both worlds.
- Any message for the voters from the immigrant background?
If you have lived in Finland for 2 years; you are eligible to vote. Change doesn’t happen by wishing or talking. You want to see a change in your city vote. This is the time to be part of the change.
