A UK-based Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has made landmark history by becoming the first person of African descent to be named Lord Mayor of Leeds City in the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian is the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City.

Abigail was announced as the new mayor after the Leeds Council annual general meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, according to a statement on the council’s website.

“Taking over the role from Al Garthwaite, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position,” the statement said.

“Councillor Marshall Katung will be supported throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.”

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According to the statement, Abigail Katung was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and travelled to the UK in the year 2000 for postgraduate study in politics and international studies at the University of Leeds.

“Following the passing of her father in 1999, whom she credits as a ‘profound influence’ on her life, and with instilling in her an ethos of ‘education for service’, Councillor Marshall Katung resolved to honour his legacy and study in the UK,” the statement added.

“Transitioning from student to professional life, Councillor Marshall Katung established her own business while also embracing the joys and responsibilities of motherhood to twin sons, who are now pursuing their own university studies.”

The statement also revealed that the Nigerian has held different positions in the Leeds City Council, such as “chairing the scrutiny board for adult health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment, and inclusive growth.”

“She was the lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board and further education for 14–19 years, and is a food champion.

“Breaking barriers, Councillor Marshall Katung became the first African to become a ward member of Leeds City Council when, in 2019, she was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward in the city centre. This is one of Leeds’s most culturally diverse wards, where over 82 languages are spoken. She was subsequently re-elected at the 2023 elections.”

As is the tradition, she has selected a charity to champion throughout her time as the Mayor.

“Councillor Marshall Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation. She chose this charity due to its wide-ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion, which are all causes close to her heart,” the statement disclosed.

A grateful Katung expressed her strong connection to Leeds and her determination to champion campaigns that ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.

“It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked; it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant,” Katung said.

“My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to UK society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognised and celebrated.”

Nigeria’s former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, also celebrated the achievement and described it as “a testament that Nigeria is not short of talents and excels wherever they may find themselves.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku said: “I congratulate Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, the first person of African descent to hold this enviable position, and her husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District. May her tenure be impactful.”