Nigerian woman makes history, becomes first African Lord Mayor of Leeds

Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has been announced as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City in England, becoming the first African person to hold the position.

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

The statement read, “Taking over the role from Al Garthwaite, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.

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

The statement further revealed 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 Politics and International Studies Department in 2000.

It added, “Following the passing of her father in 1999, whom she credits as a ‘profound influence’ on her life, and with instilling in her an ethos of ‘education for service’, Councillor Marshall Katung resolved to honour his legacy and study in the UK.

“Transitioning from student to professional life, Councillor Marshall Katung established her own business while also 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 within the Leeds City Council, including “chairing the scrutiny board for adult health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment, and inclusive growth.

“She was the lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board and further education for 14–19 years, and is a food champion.

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

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

“Councillor Marshall Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation. She chose this charity due to its wide-ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion, which are all causes close to her heart,” the statement read.

Expressing her gratitude upon her appointment, Katung emphasised 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 this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public 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 UK society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognised and celebrated.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also congratulated the new Mayor of Leeds on her appointment, stating that her elevation is “a testament that Nigeria is not short of talents and excels wherever they may find themselves.”

In a post on X.com on Friday, Atiku wrote, “I congratulate Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, 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 tenure be impactful.”