History has been made by Dr. Chukwudi Okeke, an Anambra native, who has become the first Black Ethnic Minority Councillor elected as Chairman of Oxfordshire’s Cherwell District Council in the UK. Dr. Okeke was elected during the Annual Full Council meeting on May 22, 2024.
Cherwell District Council, a local government district in Oxfordshire, regards its Chairman as the ‘First Citizen of the District’ and the ‘Ceremonial Head of the Council and the Cherwell District.’
Dr. Okeke first made history on May 6, 2022, by becoming the first Black Ethnic Minority Councillor elected to the Oxfordshire Cherwell District Council.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okeke expressed gratitude to his fellow Councillors for the honor, pledging to fulfill his role with passion, fairness, and support for all members. “Today is a remarkable day for the Cherwell District. I made history two years ago by becoming the first Councillor from a black ethnic minority elected to this Council. History has been repeated today as I become the first member of the same background to hold the position of Chairman of Cherwell District Council,” he stated.
Dr. Okeke also shared his motivation for entering politics, which stems from his desire for a society where everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or social background, can thrive. “Cherwell is a fantastic area to live, work, and do business, and I am eager to continue promoting it as such,” he added.
Dr. Okeke, who resides in Oxfordshire with his family, was born in Amaokpala town, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. He holds a BEng (Hons) and PhD in Automotive Engineering from Oxford Brookes University, UK, and leads CAE Design in the Automotive Design Industry.
