February 10, 2005
About 250 enthusiastic supporters cheered Daniel Igali as he announced his candidacy for the BC Liberal nomination in Surrey Newton on Feb. 10. Citing as credentials his background, leadership, discipline and drive, he also holds a strong social vision, one that’s been developed through years of adversity and has found a home with the BC Liberal Party.
Through frequent media profiles, his background is well-known: the hardscrabble childhood in an impoverished Nigerian village, the decision to stay in Canada after the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria , the motivation to get his university education and the talent, hard work and determination that won him -- and Canada -- a gold medal in wrestling at the 2000 Sidney Olympics. Then there’s the determined comeback after a serious injury, and also his years of successful campaigning and fundraising to build a modern school in his hometown of Eniwari, Nigeria .
If that’s not enough, he’s known to people of all ages as a motivational speaker and among Indo-Canadians for his prowess in the Indian game of kabaddi.
After all that, it’s surprising to encounter Igali’s modest, soft-spoken demeanor.
Talking quietly but confidently before a widely diverse audience, the 31-year-old Igali spoke of his dream to “give back” to his adopted country and to Surrey Newton, where he’s lived for 10 years. “As a former refugee who has endured some of the most devastating experiences, as a visible minority in an area that is predominantly inhabited by immigrants, I believe I have the capacity to cater to the needs of my constituents, who are as diverse as
Canada itself.” 
Gordon Campbell’s BC Liberals suit his social vision. As Igali pointed out, they rescued the economy “from the precipice of disaster,” ended the long-running deficits, created 200,000 new jobs in four years and brought Simon Fraser University to Surrey.
“Why not serve under a proven leader who inherits difficult situations, yet makes difficult decisions that have resulted in making B.C. the most vibrant economy in Canada ?” Igali asked.
The economy, he stressed, is the key to providing health care, social services, higher education, affordable housing and well-paying jobs. “And that is exactly what this government has done.”
Introducing Igali, Premier Gordon Campbell told the cheering rally, “Daniel understands the importance of having a plan and dedicating himself to it and reaching into himself to be the best that he can possibly be. And you know that, Daniel, because you’re probably the only person in this room who ever got to stand in the No. 1 podium at the Olympic Games... On behalf of all the BC Liberal team and all the members of the BC Liberal Party, Daniel, we’re with you and we know that you’ll be the next MLA for Surrey Newton on May 17!”
