Gbenga was born and raised in the vibrant city of Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. Growing up in a family like his own instilled in him a strong emphasis on education, respect for his culture, hard work, and a strong sense of identity. “Life in Nigeria’s most populous city meant having neighbours and classmates from different cultures. It also meant understanding the importance of hard work and the drive to achieve your goals.” These experiences and factors prepared him for where he is today, living in Saskatoon.

Gbenga is currently working with the Government of Saskatchewan and serves as the Treasurer on Global Gathering Place’s Board of Directors. “I came across GGP in my first few months in the city, and years later, when the opportunity to serve on the board came up, I did not hesitate to say yes.” Gbenga notes that “the work GGP does is critical and is sometimes the difference between success and struggle for new immigrants. As an immigrant myself, the mission of the organization resonates deeply with me, and I am honoured to contribute my time and resources to advancing the mission.”

Gbenga continues to ensure that his heritage is consciously celebrated and honoured while living in Saskatoon. He teaches and speaks with his daughter in their traditional language, Yoruba, and makes time to share histories and stories with her as “storytelling is an important part of preserving culture”. He also wears his traditional attire (weather and occasion permitting) and enjoys listening to music by a variety of Black artists.

Celebrating Black history is a year-round commitment for Gbenga as he believes in recognizing and celebrating Black history as often and as much as possible. “However, the month of February provides a special opportunity to shine a light on and raise more awareness about the contributions of everyday Black Canadians making an impact in their communities. It is also an opportunity to tell our story and learn more about our history.” We can collectively celebrate and uplift Black voices beyond Black History Month by starting with our daily interactions. “Treat everyone with respect, fairness, and kindness irrespective of the colour of their skin, especially when no one is looking.”

Canada’s theme for Black History Month 2025 is ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’. Gbenga says, “there are different well-known names I could mention, but I also know that there are several names that may never get recognized. Therefore, every Black person, past and present, known and unknown, who works hard daily to make their families, communities, and our dear country better is an inspiration to me.”