Senator Sunday Marshall Katung
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has congratulated Mrs Abigail Marshall Katung as she takes over as the Lord Mayor of Leeds, UK.
Cllr. Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.
Cllr. Marshall Katung will be supported throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
Lord Mayor 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 the Politics & International Studies Department in 2000.
Speaking of her appointment, The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Abigail Marshall Katungsaid: “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant.
“My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to UK society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognised and celebrated.”
Dabiri-Erewa, equally felicitated with Mayor of Southwark, Mayor Michael Situ, who successfully completed his tenure and handed over to Mayor Cllr Naima Ali.
In a press release made available to African Voice by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM, Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the remarkable achievement of Katung is not only a testament to her dedication, leadership, and hard work but also a source of immense pride for the Nigerians in diaspora.
“Your appointment as Mayor is a significant milestone and we are truly inspired by your journey and your commitment to public service.
“Your success serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and a steadfast commitment to community”, Dabiri-Erewa stated.
The NIDCOM boss wishes Mrs Katung a successful tenure as Mayor “which we believe will bring about positive change and foster greater unity in Leeds and beyond”.
Dabiri-Erewa, in a separate statement hailed Mayor Michael Situ for a successful tenure at Southwark as he handed over to Cllr Naima Ali, British Somalian, at a colourful event on Wednesday May 22, at the Southwark Cathedral, with Councillor Sunny Lambe, sworn in as Deputy Mayor.
The event witnessed the attendance of Gov. Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa among many other dignitaries.
Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission sent a heartfelt congratulation to Mayor Michael Situ for his steadfast commitment and remarkable service throughout his tenure.
Every speaker, she said, expressed glowing tributes to Mayor Michael Situ for his outstanding contribution to the society.
Cheers to fresh starts, sustained excellence, and the ethos of community service!
