President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), Mr Abdulrahman Aliagan, has commended Bright Opeyemi, a British-Nigerian, for emergin the youngest serving Mayor in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
Aliagan in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja described Opeyemi’s achievement as a landmark moment in British political history and proud milestone for Nigeria.
According to him, the 29-year-old British-born daughter of Nigerian immigrants was officially inaugurated on May 16 as Mayor.
“She now holds the title of First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; a borough known for its diversity, resilience, and vibrant youth population.
“Opeyemi’s ascension is not just a personal victory, but a shining example of the excellence of the Nigerian diaspora and a source of national pride.
”She grew up in a family devoted to community building and social impact,” he said.
Aliagan added that she was elected as a councillor at just 22 and spent the last seven years championing youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunity in her borough.
”Her rise to the mayoralty is the result of years of tireless service and stands as a testament to her character, competence, and credibility,” he emphasised.
He also said that her leadership represented a shared story; one of resilience, achievement, and leadership in multicultural societies.
”Her victory is especially symbolic as it challenges stereotypes around youth disengagement from politics.
“She epitomises a new wave of dynamic, inclusive, and globally minded leadership,” he also said.
According to him, Opeyemi journey reaffirms the positive impact of Nigerian values such as education, resilience, and service when integrated into international systems.
”She proudly carries her Nigerian heritage with dignity. Her success is proof that culture and identity are assets not obstacles in public leadership.”
Aliagan further said that Opeyemi’s success offered a refreshing counter-narrative to the often-negative portrayal of Nigeria in global medi.
He urged Nigerian institutions to draw inspiration from her story, saying.
”Her election should serve as a wake-up call. It reflects the untapped potential of our youth and diaspora community,” he added.
He called on the Nigerian government to strategically engage the diaspora for national development, emphasising the importance of investing in youth leadership and including diaspora voices in policy-making.
”For young Nigerians, especially women, Opeyemi is living proof that neither age, gender, nor immigrant roots are barriers to greatness,” Aliagan concluded. (NAN)
