ABUJA, NIGERIA – President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, two British-Nigerians who have achieved historic milestones by being sworn in as mayors in the vibrant city of London. Their appointments as the Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham and the Mayor of Islington, respectively, have been hailed by President Tinubu as a testament to the enduring legacy of Nigerian excellence in the diaspora.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Bright and Jackson for embodying the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community well-being. He emphasized that their inspirational stories will undoubtedly motivate countless young people, both in Nigeria and abroad, to pursue distinction and dedicated service to their communities.
Opeyemi Bright, at just 29 years old, has shattered records by becoming the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham. Her inauguration follows seven years of remarkable service to her community, a journey that began in 2018 when she was elected as the borough’s youngest Labour councillor at the age of 22. Bright’s roots in public service run deep, as her mother, Councillor Afolasade Bright, previously served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007. A Chartered Accountant and University of Westminster alumna, Bright also worked in investment banking and as a Senior Operations Manager for Uber UK before dedicating herself to her mayoral duties.
Jason Jackson has also carved his name into history as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the borough’s establishment in 1900. His rapid ascent in local government began with his election as a councillor in 2022, followed by his appointment as Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023.
Hailing from the Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Jackson’s journey from a “little village in Nigeria” to Islington’s “first citizen” is a powerful narrative of determination. He holds a degree in Business Law and Media Studies, a Master’s in Big Data in Culture and Society from King’s College London, and is a business consultant and social entrepreneur.
President Tinubu expressed his profound confidence in their abilities, stating, “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.”
Their historic inaugurations, which reportedly took place around May 19th and May 20th, 2025, underscore the increasing global influence and contributions of Nigerians in various fields, reinforcing a powerful legacy of leadership and service.
