History Made as Opeyemi Bright, 29, Becomes UK’s Youngest Mayor

Barking and Dagenham, UK – Opeyemi Bright, a 29-year-old British-Nigerian, has made history as the youngest person ever to be appointed mayor in the United Kingdom. The momentous occasion took place in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, where Bright was officially inaugurated as the borough’s First Citizen on Friday, May 16th.

Bright’s appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the Nigerian diaspora and for youth representation in British politics. Her journey in public service began at the young age of 22 when she was first elected as a councillor for the borough in 2018, also making her the youngest to serve in that capacity at the time.

Prior to her mayoral appointment, Bright actively contributed to her community as a school governor and a board member of Agile Africa, a non-governmental organization focused on equipping young Africans with technology skills.

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Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright, Opeyemi comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service. Her mother, Afolasade Bright, previously served as the civic mayor of Hackney in 2006 and is currently a cabinet member for employment, skills, and aspiration in Barking and Dagenham. Her father is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

In her inaugural address, Mayor Bright expressed her deep commitment to the borough, stating, “I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses.”

The role of Civic Mayor in Barking and Dagenham is a cherished and historic one, representing the borough’s heritage, values, and community spirit. As mayor, Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds. Her duties will include presiding over council meetings, attending civic events, and acting as a figurehead for the borough.

Bright joins a growing list of UK political leaders of Nigerian descent, including Kemi Badenoch, Kate Osamor, Chi Onwurah, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Florence Ehalomi, further highlighting the increasing influence of Nigerians in British public life.

Beyond her political endeavors, Opeyemi Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for young people in Nigeria. Guided by grace, she expressed her readiness to serve her community with dedication and enthusiasm. Her historic appointment is being celebrated as a symbol of youth empowerment, diversity, and the positive contributions of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.