By John Ikani
A Nigerian women has entered the history books as the first black woman to be elected Councillor in Canada.
Mrs. Funke Bankoko was elected into the Regional Municipality of Wood Bufallo Government, McMurray, Alberta, Canada.
Ekiti-born Banjoko and a Princess from Ipoti/Igogo, got the highest number of votes for Council with 4,788 among the six elected from 24 contestants in the ward.
Banjoko grew up with many political influences in her life, as her father was a Mayor in Nigeria, her mother was a Councillor, her brother was a Commissioner and has most of her 30 years of work experience in the Oil and Gas industry, both in Nigeria and currently in Canada.
She graduated in History from the University of Jos in 1989 and had a professional study in Supply Chain Management at the Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Stamford University, United Kingdom, qualifying for MCIPS IN 1997.
Banjoko in her victory speech pledged commitment to delivering on the job entrusted to her.
“I represent a group of people that maybe they didn’t feel they were represented before,” Banjoko said.
“When we bring our different strengths, experiences, skills…if we work together then we will achieve so much.”
She also expressed appreciation to her UNIJOS classmates and families all around the globe whom she described as her global cheerleaders.
