HISTORY MADE IN LONDON: TWO BRITISH NIGERIANS SWORN IN AS MAYORS -

By Editor In-Chief

HISTORY MADE IN LONDON: TWO BRITISH NIGERIANS SWORN IN AS MAYORS

In a groundbreaking achievement, two British Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, have been sworn in as mayors in London, marking a significant milestone in the diaspora community. President Bola Tinubu has extended his warmest congratulations to the duo, hailing their historic election and inauguration as a testament to the Nigerian spirit of excellence and service.

Opeyemi Bright, at just 29, has become the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, following an impressive seven-year tenure of dedicated service to her community. Meanwhile, Jason Jackson has shattered records as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough’s inception in 1900, after a meteoric rise through local government ranks as a councillor and committee chair.

Their remarkable journeys are an inspiration to countless young people, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, showcasing the rewards of hard work, integrity, and commitment to community service. Bright’s appointment as the borough’s youngest Labour councillor at 22 and Jackson’s swift ascension to Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023 underscore their dedication and leadership prowess.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu expressed his confidence in the duo’s abilities, urging them to continue delivering their best in their new roles. “On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mayors Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson. I urge you to continue giving your best in your new roles as the first citizens of Barking and Dagenham, and Islington. I have every confidence in your abilities and look forward to the positive impact you will make in your respective boroughs.”

As Bright and Jackson embark on this new chapter, their appointments serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the growing influence of the Nigerian diaspora community in shaping the future of London’s local governance. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of leaders, both at home and abroad, to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in their communities.