Princess Opeyemi Bright, the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham and the youngest serving mayor in the United Kingdom, has pledged continued support for Nigerians living in the UK. She also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Mayor Opeyemi made the remarks on June 25, 2025, during a courtesy visit from Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to her official residence in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Opeyemi expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the inspiration drawn from her mother’s grassroots activism over two decades ago. She noted that her heritage continues to shape her leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
“I am proud to be a British Nigerian and even more proud to serve my community while carrying my heritage with honour,” she said. “This visit means a lot, and I thank Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership and encouragement. Together, we can continue to create opportunities and inspire a generation of changemakers.”
Highlighting her desire to see more young Nigerians, both at home and abroad, take up leadership positions, the Mayor urged youths to invest in their talents and use their skills to build inclusive, progressive societies.
In response, Hon. Abike praised Mayor Opeyemi’s trailblazing role and described her leadership as a symbol of hope for the Nigerian diaspora.
“Princess Bright is a shining example of how Nigerian youth, when given the platform, can lead, inspire, and positively impact their communities,” she said.
She further commended the Mayor’s efforts to promote positive Nigerian values abroad, stating that her leadership embodies the vision of the diaspora as a “force for good.”
During the visit, both leaders emphasised the importance of building cultural, social, and economic bridges between Nigeria and its diaspora. Mayor Opeyemi reaffirmed her dedication to advancing opportunities for Nigerians in the UK and strengthening diplomatic and community ties between the two nations.
“The future belongs to young people,” she added. “They don’t have to abandon their heritage to succeed. They can thrive, lead, and make a difference wherever they are.”
