Obi Congratulates Nigerian-British Woman, Katung, Who Emerged As First African Lord Mayor Of Leeds

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi has congratulated Nigerian-born British Politician, Mrs Abigail Marshall Katung, who emerged as the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

Mrs Katung, who is the wife of a Nigerian Senator, Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, was sworn in as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds on Saturday, May 25 2024.

In a post on his verified X handle, Obi wrote: “I sincerely congratulate a Nigerian-British politician, Mrs Abigail Marshall Katung, who emerged as the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom and has been officially sworn in as the 130th lord mayor of Leeds.”

Obi prayed for God to give her wisdom and strength to effectively discharge her duties in the position as Lord Mayor of Leeds, create more positive impact in society and “remain a good ambassador of Nigeria, and continue to contribute to the development of our nation as we build a New Nigeria for all.”

Who Is Mayor Katung?

Mrs Marshall Katung, who was born on 7 December 1975, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, relocated to the UK in 2,000 to study at the University of Leeds.

In January 2024, she was elected as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds under the Labour and Co-operative Party, succeeding Al Garthwaite.

Prior to her election as Lord Mayor of Leeds, Mrs Katung was a governor at the Leeds City College.

In 2019, Katung also won the Leeds City Council elections and represented the Little London and Woodhouse Ward for two terms.

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Mrs Katung said she will be committed to working tirelessly to ensure she delivers on the mandate.

She will be supported by her husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.

Commenting on the wife’s appointment, Senator Marshall Katung said her successful election to become the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds, “is a testament to your unwavering dedication, unparalleled leadership, and tireless service to the people,” he said in a post on X.

The lawmaker noted that the wife’s selfless service to people makes her deserving of the honour, adding that under her stewardship, “Leeds City will flourish.”

The senator expressed gratitude to the people of Leeds for electing his wife as Lord Mayor, pledging to support his wife in working tirelessly to deliver on their manifesto.