Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian woman based in the UK, has been elected as the Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom. Originally from Kaduna State in Nigeria, Katung, affiliated with the Labour and Co-operative Party, made the move to the UK for her studies at Leeds University.
Taking to social media, she expressed her pride, stating, “It’s with great pride that my family and I look forward to undertaking the responsibility to serve.” Acknowledging her new political role, Marshall wrote, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be chosen to serve as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds for the 2024/25 term.”
I am deeply honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds for 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. pic.twitter.com/WDxQr1wB90
— Abigail Marshall Katung (@abigailmashall) January 17, 2024
According to BBC, Katung also serves as a governor at Leeds City College, which congratulated her on her new post. The college expressed anticipation of continuing collaborative efforts to provide skills and opportunities for the local community.
The role of the Lord Mayor of Leeds is ceremonial, held by a member of Leeds City Council and elected annually by the council.