Princess Opeyemi Bright has been sworn in as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, setting a new record as the youngest mayor anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Her inauguration on Friday, May 16, spotlighted both the Nigerian diaspora’s growing profile in public life and the rise of youthful voices in British politics.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Bright declared in her acceptance speech.
“I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”
Born in Britain to Nigerian parents, Bright entered politics at 22 when she won election as a councillor.
In the seven years since, she has centred her work on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and expanding economic opportunity in her community.
Public service runs in the family: her mother, Dr Councillor Afolasade Bright, was Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Bright now joins a growing roster of Nigerian-heritage politicians making an impact on the world stage, among them UK Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch, Labour MP Chi Onwurah, Canadian cabinet member Uzoma Asagwara, and U.S. Congresswoman Esther Agbaje.
