A UK citizen of Nigerian descent, Opeyemi Bright, a UK citizen of Nigerian descent, has been appointed the mayor of Barking and Dagenham Borough.
Bright, aged 29, made history as the youngest person to hold the position.
She was confirmed as the borough’s next mayor in April and inaugurated during a ceremony on Friday.
She had previously served as councillor of the borough in 2018 — also the youngest to have served in that capacity then aged 22.
She also served as a school governor, a board member of Agile Africa, an non-governmental organisation that equips young people with tech skills.
Bright joins the likes of Kemi Badenoch, Kate Osamor, Chi Onwurah, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Florence Ehalomi as UK political leaders with Nigerian descent.
She was born to Nigerian parents, Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright.
Her mother, Afoloshade, served as civic mayor of Hackney in 2006. She is currently a cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration in Barking and Dagenham, while her father is senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home. As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses,” Bright said in her inaugural address.
“It is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve as a figurehead for the hopes and values of our community.”
The office of civic mayor is one of the borough’s oldest and most cherished roles, with a rich history of representing the borough’s heritage, values, and community spirit.
As mayor, Bright will act as an ambassador for Barking and Dagenham, celebrating its diversity, promoting local initiatives, and strengthening community bonds, information on the website of Barking and Dagenham council reads.
Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, creating content, and hosting career webinars for youth in Nigeria. She said she is guided by grace and ready to serve.