Michael Odutola’s work is helping improve lives across our community – Australian Prime Minister congratulates Nigerian man and his family as they become citizens

Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has congratulated and welcomed a Nigerian man, Michael Kolawole Odutola and his family as they become Australian citizens.

Speaking at the Australia Day annual Flag Raising and Citizenship ceremony in Canberra on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Prime Minister hailed Odutola for his contribution to cancer research. 

“Welcoming new citizens into the Australian family is one of the most meaningful ways to mark Australia Day. Today I met Michael Odutola and his family. Michael came to Australia to contribute to cancer research, and his work is already helping improve lives across our community,” the PM wrote on his official social media pages. 

“Families like the Odutolas are part of what makes Australia strong, diverse and full of possibility. Congratulations, and welcome home.”

Odutola is a Doctoral Researcher at Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia. 

Close to 19,000 people  from more than 150 countries are becoming Australian citizens today; at one of 325 citizenship ceremonies being held around the country. 

Albanese says becoming an Australian citizen is a special and important moment.  

“Because at the very heart of the pledge that you make today to our laws, to our values, and to our people, is the respect for our common humanity that defines Australia. Love not hate. Hope not fear. Optimism not negativity. And indeed – unity not division,” he added.