Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian-British politician, has made history as the first African Lord Mayor of Leeds in the UK. She was officially sworn in at a council meeting, succeeding Al Garthwaite. Abigail Marshall Katung is now the city’s 130th lord mayor and the first individual of African heritage to hold this esteemed position.
She’s married to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents the Kaduna South Senatorial District.
According to thepaan, Mrs. Abigail said “Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home”.
Mrs. Marshall Katung, originally from Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, traveled to the United Kingdom to pursue her education at the University of Leeds. She works as an athletics coach and recently took on the role of Governor at Leeds City College in January 2024. Her appointment as the lord mayor of Leeds marks a significant milestone, as she is the first elected councilor from Africa to hold this esteemed council position.
Mrs. Katung has also become the second black person after Eileen Taylor and the 130th overall. Mrs. Katung described her historic achievement as a shining example of the contributions made by foreign students in the UK, which are celebrated not only in the UK but also on the African continent.
According to thepaan, Mrs. Katung said “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.”
