One of the nine Nigerians contesting for positions in the US elections has become America’s first Nigerian American congressman.

The 30 year old announced this on Wednesday on his Instagram page.

“Good morning. Looks like WE DID IT!!! I want to thank everyone, from family and close friends to DC residents. Because of your contributions and sacrifices, I stand before you as America’s first Nigerian American congressman”.

“In this role, I’m going to fight for DC statehood and bring our values to the lawmaking process. While today is day for some celebration, the hard work also follows. Again, thanks so much for everything. I wouldn’t be here without y’all”.

“With love and gratitude, Oye, congressman elect”, he wrote

At the federal level, Mr. Oye Owolewa, whose father is from Kwara and mother from Oyo, is aiming for a ‘shadow’ (non-voting) seat in the House of Representatives.

Owolewa, a PhD holder in Pharmacy from the Northeastern University, Boston, will be representing the District of Columbia (DC) under the Democratic Party.

The 30-year-old, whose agenda includes fighting income inequality in the U.S., would be the first Nigerian congressman in the country’s history.