Nigeria’s Funke Bankoko recently made history, as she became the first black woman to win an election into the regional municipality of Wood Bufallo government, McMurray, Alberta Canada. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo includes Fort McMurray and 10 smaller communities.

The election, according to CBS News, Wood Buffalo voters elected what is believed to be the most diverse council in the region’s history.

Mrs. Funke Bankoko (nee Ogunsuyi), who has lived in Fort McMurray for 10 years, is the first Black woman elected to occupy that position in the history of the municipal election.

Bankoko, a princess from Ekiti State who, 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, says, “I represent a group of people that maybe they didn’t feel they were represented before. When we bring our different strengths, experiences, skills; if we work together, then, we will achieve so much.” Bankoko expressed appreciation to her UNIJOS classmates and families all around the globe, who, she described as her global cheerleaders.