President Bola Tinubu has congratulated two British-Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, on their recent election and inauguration as mayors in London.
In a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the duo for upholding the legacy of excellence and positive impact associated with Nigerians in the diaspora. He lauded their commitment to values such as integrity, hard work, and service to others.
The President noted that Bright and Jackson’s achievements would serve as powerful inspiration to young people across Nigeria and the diaspora, encouraging them to pursue excellence and give back to their communities.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
Opeyemi Bright made history as the youngest-ever Mayor of Barking and Dagenham at just 29 years old, after seven years of active community service. She previously became the borough’s youngest Labour councillor in 2018 at age 22.
Jason Jackson also broke new ground as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough was founded in 1900. He was elected a councillor in 2022 and quickly rose to become Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023.