PRINCESS Opeyemi Bright, a UK-born of Nigerian descent, has been inaugurated as the Mayor in the United Kingdom.
Bright, 29, was inaugurated on Friday, May 16, as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, succeeding Moin Quadri, who served over the past year.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for both the Nigerian diaspora and youth representation in British politics.
In the UK, the role of Mayor in a borough, such as Barking and Dagenham, is largely ceremonial but carries significant symbolic importance.
As the first citizen of the Borough, the Mayor represents the community at official functions, promotes local initiatives, and serves as a head of civic pride.
While the position does not involve day-to-day administrative decision-making, it plays a crucial role in community engagement, fostering social cohesion, and representing the borough at public events.
In her inaugural speech, Bright emphasised her vision of civic leadership rooted in inclusivity, pride, and community service.
“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,” she was quoted to have said.
Bright was elected as a councillor in 2018 at just 22.
She also served as a school governor, a board member of a non-government organisation, Agile Africa, that equips young people with tech skills.
She was born to Afolasade Bright, who served as Civic Mayor of Hackney from 2006 to 2007, and Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Meanwhile, her emergence is part of a broader trend highlighting the increasing political involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M