Buhari’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The statement was titled “President Buhari congratulates Nigerian born Kaycee Madu appointed Minister of Justice in Alberta, Canada.”

Adesina quoted the President as describing the development as “landmark and historic”.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Nigerian born Kaycee Madu, appointed Minister of Justice and Solicitor General for the Government of Alberta, in Canada.

“Madu makes history as the first African born provincial Minister in Canadian history and is also the Provincial Secretary and Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Alberta.

“President Buhari describes the honour as ‘landmark and historic,’ saying it once again pedestals people of Nigerian descent as go-getters, who distinguish themselves in different walks of life.

“The President says as the first Black Justice Minister and Solicitor-General in Canada, Madu has written himself into history books, and urges Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to remain good ambassadors of their country.”

Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday, August 25, elevated Madu to the justice portfolio from Municipal Affairs in a cabinet shuffle that saw Calgary-Elbow MLA Doug Schweitzer move from justice to an economic portfolio.

With the appointment, Madu is now the first Black Canadian to occupy either provincial or federal justice positions of the justice minister, attorney general or solicitor general.

Kenney said “This effectively takes the Economic Development, Trade and Tourism portfolio (and) renames it. Additional functions will be added to the ministry over the weeks and months that come. This is a broadened and expanded ministry. Alberta is being hit especially hard with the double whammy of the global coronavirus recession, on top of that the collapse of energy prices which has clobbered our largest industry — oil and gas.”

Madu on his own part tweeted “Thank you, everyone, for all the well wishes. I am beyond humbled to accept my new role as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General – where I will pursue fairness, equality, and justice for all with every ounce of strength I have.”