A Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has been appointed as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City in England, becoming the first person of African descent to hold the position. The announcement was made following the Leeds City Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday night.

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 2000. She has 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.

As Lord Mayor, Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation as her charity to champion throughout her term, citing its wide-ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities.

Expressing her gratitude upon her appointment, Katung emphasized her deep connection to Leeds and her determination to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor. She stated, “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor… 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 Katung on her appointment, stating that her elevation is “a testament that Nigeria is not short of talents and excels wherever they may find themselves.”