29-Year-Old Nigerian-British Woman Becomes UK’s Youngest Mayor
- Ajibade Omolade Chistianah
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Princess Opeyemi Bright has made history as the youngest serving mayor in the United Kingdom, following her official inauguration on Friday as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
At just 29 years old, Bright’s appointment marks a significant milestone for youth, women, and immigrants particularly Nigerians making impactful contributions abroad. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, she represents a new generation of leaders embracing diversity, purpose, and inclusion.
“This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Bright said during her inauguration ceremony. “I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”
Bright’s political journey began at the age of 22 when she was elected as a councillor. Since then, she has focused her efforts on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic advancement—values deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, once served as Civic Mayor of Hackney, while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a respected figure in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Her rise comes amid a growing wave of Nigerians shaping global discourse in governance. From Kemi Badenoch and Chi Onwurah in the UK to Uzoma Asagwara in Canada and Esther Agbaje in the United States, Nigerians in the diaspora are increasingly stepping into influential leadership roles.
Princess Bright’s emergence challenges traditional notions about the role of young people in politics. Her leadership not only breaks age and gender barriers but also reinforces the message that young women are not just participants in political spaces they are capable of leading them.
This initiative underscores the critical role of the Nigerian diaspora in national development, offering them an avenue to contribute their expertise while fostering a thriving ecosystem for innovation at home.
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