President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, two British-Nigerians recently sworn in as mayors in London, saying their success shows the positive impact Nigerians in the diaspora continue to make.
In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised them for “sustaining the legacy of good works by Nigerians in the diaspora” and for embodying values such as honesty, integrity, hard work, and commitment to public service.
According to the President, their stories are bound to inspire countless young people, both at home and abroad, to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
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“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.
Bright, 29, made history as the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham.
Her inauguration follows seven years of dedicated service to her community, beginning in 2018 when she became the borough’s youngest Labour councillor at the age of 22.
Jackson also achieved a significant milestone as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough’s establishment in 1900.
Elected as a councillor in 2022, Jackson quickly rose through the ranks to become Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023.
New Mayors React
Reacting to his swearing-in in an Instagram post, Jackson reflected on the journey from his roots in Nigeria to becoming Islington’s first citizen.
“I was officially sworn in as Mayor of Islington. It was a proud, humbling, and unforgettable moment attended by family and friends globally.
“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.
“As Mayor, I’m here to serve with purpose and passion. I’ll champion our diverse communities, support families and young people, uplift local businesses, and ensure everyone in Islington feels seen and heard,” he wrote.
Similarly, Opeyemi Bright also marked her inauguration as mayor of Barking and Dagenham with a heartfelt post titled “History Made”.
She wrote, “An unforgettable day as I was officially inaugurated as the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. When you begin your journey with God at the centre, every step is covered. At just 29, I’ve decided to take a year out of my corporate career to give back to the Borough that raised me—not just as a Councillor, but now as your Mayor.
“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.
“Over the next year, I’ll be in our schools, with our residents, supporting local businesses, walking our high streets, and celebrating the people and places that make Barking and Dagenham extraordinary. Together, we’ll share our stories, raise our voices, and keep moving our borough forward. God bless Barking and Dagenham. Her Worshipful Madam Mayor.”
The mayors have drawn several congratulatory messages from Nigerians since the announcements of their new roles.
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