Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian-born politician, has been officially announced as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds following the city council’s annual general meeting. Katung, who succeeds Al Garthwaite, is set to become the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds and the first individual of African descent to hold this esteemed position.
Katung's journey to this historic achievement began in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, where she was born. She arrived in the UK in 2000 to pursue postgraduate studies in politics and international studies at the University of Leeds.
“Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home,” Katung reflected.
In 2019, Katung was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward, one of Leeds's most culturally diverse areas with over 82 languages spoken. She made history as the first African ward member of Leeds City Council and was re-elected in the 2023 elections.
“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,” Katung said of Leeds.
Throughout her career with the Leeds City Council, Katung has held various leadership roles. She has chaired the scrutiny board for adults' health and active lifestyles, the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth, and led initiatives in faith and belief, hate crime strategy, and education. She is also recognized as a food champion.
Beyond her political career, Katung is an accomplished athlete and coach, specializing in sprinting. She serves as a governor at Leeds City College, a trustee of Age UK and Caring Together, and co-chairs the David Oluwale Memorial Association.
On her appointment, Katung expressed her gratitude and commitment:
Quote
“It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor. 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 recognized and celebrated.”
Throughout her tenure, Katung will be supported by her husband, Nigerian senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Sunday Marshall Katung.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Singer, Portable Weighs In On Mercy Johnson’s Drastic Weight Loss
I Faded Out Because I Became Less Ambitious’ Says Singer, Orezi
Ogun Female Broadcaster, Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu Slumps And Dies at Work
Funke Akindele Makes List Of Hollywood’s ‘Most Influential Women In International Film’
VIDEO: Man Caught While Waiting For a Minor he Had Solicited S£x From Online
Rapper, Phyno Unveils His Daughter, Shares Adorable Video to Mark Her Second Birthday
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out