Councillor Christopher Adegoke has made history as the first black and minority individual to emerge as chairman of the Nottinghamshire County Council in the United Kingdom since the council’s establishment in 1889.
The Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Mr Balogun said Mr Adegoke was officially elected into the prestigious position on Thursday, 14 May. He said the appointment marks a remarkable milestone not only for the Nigerian diaspora community but also for diversity and inclusive representation in public service within the United Kingdom.
The Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that Mr Adegoke’s emergence reflects the resilience, excellence, integrity, and leadership capacity that Nigerians continue to demonstrate globally.
“This historic accomplishment is yet another testament to the outstanding contributions Nigerians in the diaspora are making across various sectors around the world. Councillor Christopher Adegoke has made Nigeria proud through his commitment to public service, community development, and exemplary leadership,” she said.
She further commended his dedication to grassroots governance, community engagement, and his over two decades of experience spanning international education, public administration, and community leadership.
She applauded the inclusive and progressive values demonstrated by the Nottinghamshire County Council in electing Mr Adegoke into such a distinguished office.
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Mr Adegoke, while speaking after his appointment, according to the statement, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating that he looked forward to engaging with residents, organisations, charities, and businesses across Nottinghamshire during his tenure.
The statement said his civic inauguration ceremony as chairman and first citizen of Nottinghamshire County is scheduled to be held on 28 June 2026.
Ms Dabiri-Erewa wished Mr Adegoke a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence that he would continue to inspire Nigerians at home and abroad through purposeful and people-oriented leadership.
Nottinghamshire County Council is the upper-tier local authority for the non-metropolitan county of Nottinghamshire in England. The county council comprises 66 councillors, elected from 56 electoral divisions every four years. The council provides county-level services such as education, transport, social care, libraries, trading standards and waste management.
