Kaycee Madu – Everything you need to know about the UNILAG graduate appointed justice minister in Canada
A black man – Kelechi ‘Kaycee’ Madu, has been put in charge of the justice ministry in Alberta, Canada, raising hopes that the systemic racism against people of colour will get better government attention with formulation of proper policies.
Alberta is a province in Western Canada with an estimated population of 4.3 million people.
When Madu took the oath of office on Tuesday August 25, 2020 after he was elevated to the justice portfolio from Municipal Affairs in a cabinet shuffle by the Albertan Premier Jason Kenney, he became the first Black to occupy either provincial or federal justice positions of the justice minister, attorney general or solicitor general in Canada.
As with the call across the world for a better judicial system that would be fair to people of any colour, Kenney said the appointment of Madu makes a powerful statement at a time when Albertans have grown more sensitive to racial prejudice.
“[Madu] is a man who has experienced racial prejudice firsthand and can bring that sensitivity to this important role,” Kenney told Canadian television network CBC. “I’m excited to have him in that position.”
Here is what we know about Kelechi ‘Kaycee’ Madu:
The 2001 law graduate from the University of Lagos was born in Nigeria before migrating to Canada with his wife Emem, in 2005, for Emem’s postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta.
Madu, 46, from Mbaise in Imo state, was born to a family of 11 children. As a legal practitioner, he and his wife manage a law firm in Alberta, but before setting up his law firm, he had previously worked for Alberta Hospital, Legal Aid Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.
According to the official website of his political party – the United Conservatives Party of Canada, Madu’s work in government spans through employment standards investigations, strategic and operational public policy, regulatory and legislative reforms, governmental issues management and stakeholder consultation.
He was awarded the Premier’s award of excellence in the bronze medal category in 2009 with a team of his colleagues at the Government of Alberta, where he worked as a senior technical advisor.
Madu later took interest in politics, ran for a legislative seat in 2019, and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-South West, in April 2019.
Following his election, Madu was appointed as Minister of Municipal Affairs in May 2019. Together with his wife, Emem and their three children – Adanaya, Chisom and Ugonna, Madu stood before the congress on Tuesday as he made history as the first Nigerian, African and black man to be in charge of the justice ministry in Canada – at the province and federal level.
He must be feeling proud to be placed in charge of a crucial ministry where he would be expected to bring on board policies that will address systemic racism and fair justice for all. In his acceptance address on his Facebook page, Madu has said he is determined to ensure the justice system represents all.
Just as his appointment has raised hopes among the black community in Alberta who believe he would be a voice to the community, President of the Edmonton-based African Canadian Civic Engagement Council, Dunia Nur, said Madu has become a role model for the community.
“Whether we agree with one party or another that doesn’t really matter, especially for the Black voice right now,” Nur told CBC.
“What matters is effective Black people that are educated, that have integrity, that also have education background, are the ones that are occupying the space.”
In a way that is fair and accountable, Madu has said he will be working to modernize the Police Act to ensure equality for marginalized people before the law.
Inspiring. It’s do interesting how he followed his dreams towards greatness. Today, he’s making history. Being a Nigerian is a curse and a blessing, look on the brighter side and become who you wanna be.