Naija to the world! History was made in the UK this week as Cllr Patience Ifediora became the first-ever Nigerian and first African woman to be elected Lord Mayor of Nottingham.
At a Full Council meeting on Monday, May 12, Cllr Ifediora — who represents Aspley Ward — officially stepped into the historic role, succeeding Cllr Carole McCulloch. Her appointment was described by Council Leader Neghat Khan as a moment that would see the city “make history again.”
✨ A Journey of Firsts
Cllr Patience Ifediora is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2015, she became the first African woman ever elected to Nottingham City Council. She went on to become the first African councillor to serve as Sheriff of Nottingham in 2019, and later the first woman Vice-Chair of the city’s Fire and Rescue Service in 2022.
Now, in 2025, she’s taken the next giant step — becoming the first Nigerian and African woman to serve as Nottingham’s Lord Mayor, a role that symbolizes the highest civic honour in the city.
🗣️ “Today, We Make History Again”
Speaking during the announcement, Council Leader Neghat Khan said:
“With this nomination, we are poised to elect Nottingham’s first councillor of African background as Lord Mayor. That matters. Not just to Patience – but to all of us. Nottingham is a proud, diverse city. A city of inclusion, of community, a city that values everyone.”
💚 What This Means for Nigerians in the UK
Cllr Ifediora’s success is a proud moment not only for Nigerians in Nottingham but for the entire Nigerian diaspora across the UK. Her achievements are a reminder that with resilience, excellence, and community service, we can thrive and lead at the highest levels of public life in the UK.
As we always say at Naija UK Connect — we rise by lifting others. Congratulations, Madam Lord Mayor! 🙌🇳🇬
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