Abigail Katung has been announced as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City in England, becoming the first person of African descent to hold this prestigious position.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in representation and diversity, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
The councillor from the Labour and Co-operative Party born in Nigeria, from Zangon Kataf Local Government are of Kaduna State arrived in the UK in 2000 to pursue her postgraduate studies at the University of Leeds. Since then, she has been an active member of the Leeds community, serving in various roles within the Leeds City Council.
As a councilor, Abigail Katung has chaired the scrutiny board for adult health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment, and inclusive growth.
Her commitment to addressing critical societal inequalities has been evident in her work, and her appointment as Lord Mayor is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts.
She wrote on social media, “It’s with great pride that my family and I look forward to undertaking the responsibility to serve.”
Reacting to her new political position, Marshall wrote on her page, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds for the 2024/25 term.”
“Our city is a shining example of compassion, resilience, and unity, and it’s with great pride that my family and I look forward to undertaking the responsibility to serve you.”
Abigail Katung’s historic appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the African diaspora community in Leeds and beyond.
Her leadership and advocacy will undoubtedly inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
As Lord Mayor, Abigail Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation as her charity to champion, acknowledging the organization’s vital work in supporting small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities.
BBC reports that Katung is a governor at Leeds City College, which congratulated her on her new post.
Abigail Marshall Katung
The college said, “We look forward to continuing our work together to provide skills and opportunities for people in the region.”
