Nigerian woman makes history, becomes first African mayor of Leeds

A Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has been announced as the 130th mayor of the city of Leeds in England, becoming the first person of African descent to hold the position.

The announcement was made following Leeds City Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday evening, a statement on the council’s website confirmed.

The statement said: “Taking over the role of Al Garthwaite, Councilor Abigail Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.

“Councillor Marshall Katung will be supported throughout her tenure as Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and consort Mayor, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.”

The statement further disclosed that Katung was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and arrived in the UK to study at the University of Leeds as a postgraduate student in the Department of Politics and International Studies in 2000.

It adds: “Following the death of her father in 1999, whom she credits as a ‘profound influence’ on her life and who instilled in her the ethos of ‘education for service’, Councilor Marshall Katung decided to honor his legacy and study. in the UK.

“Transitioning from student life to professional life, Councilor Marshall Katung has set up her own business while embracing the joys and responsibilities of motherhood to twin sons who are now pursuing their own university studies.”

Katung was also reported to have held various roles at Leeds City Council, including “chairing the adult health and active lifestyles scrutiny and the infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth scrutiny.”

“She was senior member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime and continuing education strategic council for 14-19 years and is a food champion.

“Breaking barriers, Councilor Marshall Katung became the first African woman to become a member of Leeds City Council when she was elected to represent the inner city ward of Little London and Woodhouse in 2019. This is one of the most culturally diverse wards in Leeds, where over 82 languages ​​are spoken. Later, she was re-elected in the 2023 elections.”

As part of the tradition, Katung, who is said to be a keen athlete and coach and serves as a governor at Leeds City College, has chosen a charity to champion throughout his tenure.

“Councillor Marshall Katung chose Leeds Community Foundation. She chose this charity because of its extensive support of small, local charities that tackle critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health and digital inclusion, all causes close to her heart “, the statement reads.

Expressing her gratitude for her appointment, Katung highlighted her deep connection to Leeds and her determination to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor.

She was quoted as saying: “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming the 130th mayor of this great city. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city has quickly become my cherished second home. It wasn’t just the city where I lived, studied and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a civil servant.

“My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to British society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognized and celebrated.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also congratulated the new Leeds Mayor on her appointment, saying her elevation is “proof that Nigeria is not short of talent and excels wherever it is”.

In a post on X.com on Friday, Atiku wrote: “Congratulations to Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Mayor of Leeds, the first person of African descent to hold this enviable position, and her husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator. representing Kaduna South Senatorial District. May her mandate be impactful.”