Asylum seeker from Nigeria finds new beginning in Niagara Falls

An asylum seeker from Nigeria has found a new lease on life in Niagara Falls after spending months in hotels looking for work. Local agencies say he is one of dozens who have secured jobs. The social system continues to process more newcomers.

Leaving behind his family and job back home for his own safety wasn’t easy for Aghogho Oboh, but through experience, he created a new beginning in Niagara Falls.

The 45-year-old says he sought asylum in Niagara Falls after fleeing persecution while plying his trade as a journalist. He says his wife and daughter are safe back home but aims to bring them to Canada.

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Oboh began his journey back in November when he first entered Quebec and then made his way to Niagara. He found shelter in two hotels. During that time, he says he got moving on securing a work permit and refugee status, which was granted Thursday morning. He says now he isn’t only a guest at a hotel now, but an employee at one as well.

According to local employment agencies, Oboh is one of 70 people in the area who found work this past year and a few hundred others are making progress.

Employment agent Grant Collins with Fedcap Canada says the organization is helping asylum seekers land permanent jobs ranging from retail to manufacturing. The Niagara Employment Help Centre is working with them. They say there are thousands of others remaining waiting for support and jobs.

CHCH News reached out to Immigration Canada on Thursday and asked how many hotel rooms are booked for asylum seekers and if any additional support funding is expected for the city and the region. They’ve yet to respond.

When the influx of asylum seekers were coming into Canada, Immigration Canada said people could stay in hotel rooms for up to 60 days, but according to Oboh, he’s been in one for much longer than that.

While celebrating his new job, Oboh says he hopes to find a permanent home within weeks. He also still sees others working to reach the same destination as him.

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