Ololade Adeyanju/
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to two British-Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, following their groundbreaking inauguration as mayors in the United Kingdom, describing their achievements as a testament to Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the duo for upholding the legacy of Nigerians in the diaspora, who continue to demonstrate integrity, diligence, and a commitment to public service.
Opeyemi Bright, aged 29, made history as the youngest Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. Her journey into leadership began with a landmark election as the borough’s youngest-ever Labour councillor at age 22 in 2018. After seven years of impactful community service, her ascension to the mayoralty marks a new chapter in local governance.
Jason Jackson also etched his name in history as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough’s founding in 1900. A relative newcomer to politics, Jackson was elected as a councillor in 2022 and swiftly rose to become Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mayors Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson,” President Tinubu stated. “I urge you to continue giving your best in your new roles… I have every confidence in your abilities and look forward to the positive impact you will make in your respective boroughs.”
The President noted that their stories would inspire a new generation of young Nigerians—at home and abroad—to aspire to leadership and service with excellence.
Both mayors are seen as rising stars in the UK political landscape, and their accomplishments reflect the growing influence and positive contributions of Nigerians across the diaspora.
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