A Nigerian-born politician, Christopher Adegoke, has emerged as the first Black and minority chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council in the United Kingdom since the council was established in 1889.
Adegoke, an indigene of Koro in Kwara State and alumnus of the University of Ilorin, described his emergence as a major milestone achieved through hard work, dedication and the grace of God.
Speaking during an interview with The PUNCH, the newly elected chairman said his appointment reflected the growing recognition of diversity and inclusion in British politics.
“This is a very important milestone achieved through the grace of God. It sends a strong message that people from diverse backgrounds can attain positions of leadership through commitment, hard work, integrity and service to their communities,” he said.
Adegoke attributed his leadership values to his late father, Oba Elijah Adegoke Oyun, the late Olu Koro of Koro, who he said placed high value on education and discipline.
He explained that his upbringing across different parts of Nigeria, including Kaduna, Lagos and Kwara State, exposed him to diverse cultures and strengthened his passion for public service and community development.
The UK-based politician attended St. Michael’s Primary School in Kaduna, St. John’s Aroloya in Lagos and St. Barnabas Primary School in Ilorin before proceeding to ECWA Secondary School, Igbaja, and Government Secondary School, Ilorin.
He later attended Kwara State Polytechnic and the University of Ilorin, where he obtained degrees in History and Public Administration.
Speaking on his political journey in the UK, Adegoke said his interest in leadership was influenced by his family’s history of public service, noting that some of his relatives had served as local councillors in Kwara State.
He said, “My focus has always been on serving people genuinely and building trust within the community.”
The chairman added that his greatest achievement as a councillor had been his commitment to supporting residents and addressing issues affecting his community.
On Nigeria’s political situation, Adegoke urged Nigerian leaders to prioritise service delivery, infrastructure development, public safety and policies that would improve citizens’ welfare.
He also encouraged young Nigerians not to lose faith in politics, stressing that active participation in governance remained essential for national development.
“Young people should not give up on politics. The future belongs to them and they must be prepared to engage constructively in the democratic process,” he stated.
Adegoke pledged to use his office to promote inclusiveness, community engagement and equal opportunities for residents of Nottinghamshire, regardless of their backgrounds.
