In a significant milestone for Nigerian representation in the United Kingdom, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson were inaugurated as mayors of Barking, Dagenham, and Islington, respectively. Their appointments mark a historic moment, highlighting the growing influence of the Nigerian diaspora in British politics. Opeyemi Bright: Youngest Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. At just 29 years old, Opeyemi Bright has become the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. Her journey in public service began in 2018 when she was elected as the borough’s youngest Labour councillor at the age of 22. Bright's commitment to her community is deeply rooted; her mother, Councillor Afolasade Bright, served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Bright pursued a career in finance and technology, working as a Chartered Accountant and later as a Senior Operations Manager at Uber UK.
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She has taken a year-long sabbatical from her corporate role to focus entirely on her mayoral duties. Bright expressed her dedication to the borough in her inaugural address: “Barking and Dagenham is my home, my heart, and my community. I’m deeply honoured to serve it. Being Mayor is more than a title – it’s a promise to be present, visible, and to uplift every corner of our Borough.” Jason Jackson: First Nigerian-Born Mayor of Islington Jason Jackson has made history as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough's establishment in 1900. Originally from Ika Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Jackson moved to the UK as a teenager. He pursued higher education at London Metropolitan University, where he was elected President of the Students’ Union, and later earned a Master’s degree in Big Data in Culture and Society from King’s College London. Elected as a councillor in 2022, Jackson quickly rose to become Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023. Alongside his political career, he is a business consultant and social entrepreneur with interests spanning real estate, agriculture, education, and ethical AI. Reflecting on his journey, Jackson stated: “From a little village in Nigeria to Islington’s first citizen, this is more than a personal milestone. It’s a reminder that with faith, community, and determination, no dream is too distant.” National Recognition President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has lauded the achievements of both mayors, describing their elections as a proud moment for the nation and a testament to the excellence of Nigerians in the diaspora. In a statement, he praised Bright and Jackson for upholding values of integrity, hard work, and public service, urging them to continue making meaningful contributions in their new roles. A New Chapter in Representation The inaugurations of Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson signify a broader shift towards increased representation of diverse communities in UK politics. Their leadership not only reflects their dedication but also serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians and the wider African diaspora, demonstrating the impact of active civic engagement and community service. As they embark on their mayoral terms, both Bright and Jackson are poised to bring fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to inclusivity, setting a precedent for future leaders from diverse backgrounds.
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