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Having lived on the border of Berkhamsted for forty years, and raising a family there, Gbola knows the area very well and said he loves it.
He also is dedicated to politics: “I’ve always had a passion for politics. I believe that there is no point in talking about wanting to make changes within the community if you aren’t willing to be part of the process.
“I think that was born into me because where I grew up in Nigeria my family was actively involved in helping people. It’s always been part of my ethos since I was a child, playing a part in the community I live in.”
For almost 22 years, he has held the position of district councillor and is now excited to be standing for county councillor where he is keen to make a difference and help local voices to be heard at county level.
He is a practicing Christian who describes himself as outgoing, unafraid to speak out and a feet-on-the-ground member of society.
Gbola was mayor of Dacorum in 2015/16 when he fondly recalls having lunch with the late Queen Elizabeth II at a school in Berkhamsted. The event turned out to be her last public engagement. He said: “We had about 100 guests and I had the privilege of sitting next to her.
“We talked about Nigeria. She said that she had been when she was a princess and it was a beautiful country. It was a day I will truly never forget!”
He has a creative approach to problem-solving. He said: “Planning, roads and fly-tipping all matter to local residents. They all are problematic and ongoing. The council attempt to fix these issues at a cost.
“What I am keen to do is to see if I can encourage the council to make savings without making cuts in services which cause stress to people and put a burden on society.
“People are already challenged by currently existing in a cost of living crisis. I think the local authority could help by making more considered adaptations to services whilst being mindful of ways to save money.
“Take potholes, for example. If you look at places like Canada they have the technology to make their roads virtually pothole-free.
“So - and this is just an example – putting more forward-planning and thought into their systems so that things are built to last could really save a considerable amount of money.”
Gbola has a background in marketing within global organisations and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Costa Rica in 2002 for his humanitarian work in women’s rights.
In his free time, he enjoys going out for a meal with friends in High Street. Another hobby of his is reading biographies about leaders who inspire him. He has just finished Unbelievable by Jessica Ennis.
