History has officially been made in the Garden State. Nigerian-born Shirley Emehelu has just been sworn in as the new Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, marking a major political milestone.
This is a double dose of historic firsts. For the first time, New Jersey will be led by two women. Emehelu also becomes the first immigrant to hold the office of lieutenant governor in the state’s history.
The Governor proudly championed the appointment, highlighting Emehelu’s dedication to public service. “I selected Shirley as my lieutenant governor because I know she takes the privilege of public service just as seriously,” the Governor remarked, pointing to the state’s legacy as a gateway to America.
The swearing-in comes exactly one year after the Governor’s own election, marking a rapid consolidation of female leadership in the state. The Governor also gave a heartfelt shoutout to Emehelu’s family, including Namdi and Amara. “In the military, we say when one person serves, the entire family serves,” she noted.
