A Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has been announced as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City in England, becoming the first person of African descent to hold the position.
The announcement was made following the Leeds City Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday night, as confirmed by a statement on the website of the council.
The statement read, “Taking over the role from Al Garthwaite, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.
“Councillor Marshall Katung will be supported throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.”
The statement further revealed that Katung was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and arrived in the UK to study at the University of Leeds as a postgraduate student in the Politics and International Studies Department in 2000.
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It added, “Following the passing of her father in 1999, whom she credits as a ‘profound influence’ on her life, and with instilling in her an ethos of ‘education for service’, Councillor Marshall Katung resolved to honour his legacy and study in the UK.
“Transitioning from student to professional life, Councillor Marshall Katung established her own business while also embracing the joys and responsibilities of motherhood to twin sons, who are now pursuing their own university studies.”
Katung was also reported to have held various roles within the Leeds City Council, including “chairing the scrutiny board for adult health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment, and inclusive growth.
“She was the lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board and further education for 14–19 years, and is a food champion.
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“Breaking barriers, Councillor Marshall Katung became the first African to become a ward member of Leeds City Council when, in 2019, she was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward in the city centre. This is one of Leeds’s most culturally diverse wards, where over 82 languages are spoken. She was subsequently re-elected at the 2023 elections.”
As part of the tradition, Katung, who is said to be an avid athlete and coach and serves as a governor at Leeds City College, has chosen a charity to champion throughout her term.
“Councillor Marshall Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation. She chose this charity due to its wide-ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion, which are all causes close to her heart,” the statement read.
Expressing her gratitude upon her appointment, Katung emphasised her deep connection to Leeds and her determination to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor.
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She was quoted as saying, “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th Lord Mayor. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. 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.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also congratulated the new Mayor of Leeds on her appointment, stating that her elevation is “a testament that Nigeria is not short of talents and excels wherever they may find themselves.”
In a post on X.com on Friday, Atiku wrote, “I congratulate Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, the first person of African descent to hold this enviable position, and her husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District. May her tenure be impactful.”
Akpata, during a recent meeting with the monarch repeatedly referred to himself as a “son of the Palace” in both English and the local dialect.
The Oba, however, swiftly dismissed his assertions, explaining that he had instructed one of his chiefs to verify Akpata’s claims.
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He added that his investigation revealed that Akpata has no direct or distant links to the Palace.
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has stated that churches should always ask for the source of the donations they get from people.
Speaking at the inaugural lecture in honour of the late senior pastor of Fountain Life Church Taiwo Odukoya on Saturday, June 15, Osinbajo also admonished the church to teach good values that Christians can hold on to when they find themselves in public service.
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The former Vice President who gave a lecture titled ‘Strengthening the Christian voice in government or public office’, said: “How often do those who receive money from politicians and from other sources ask the source of the money?
“So the question is not how many Christians are in government, business, or professions? The question is, what are they equipped with?
“What are the relevant principles of the gospel that they know and apply in their daily and professional or public lives?”
In a notable shift, many residents in United States of America are moving away from larger cities and coastal states to smaller locations across the country. This is just as migrants are also trooping into these locations for the benefits they offer.
Between 2021 and 2022, California saw a net loss of nearly 350,000 residents, while rising living costs are driving some residents in New York out.
In response, several cities and towns are offering financial incentives to attract new residents.
In this article are 7 cities in the United States, as rolled out by Business Insider, who pay people that move in:
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Cities that pay you when you move in there
Tulsa, Oklahoma: $10,000 to Relocate
Ryann Cooke, a social media professional in her late 20s, moved from Washington, D.C., to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June 2022. Tulsa’s “Tulsa Remote” program, which offers $10,000 to remote workers willing to relocate, drew her attention. Cooke highlighted the significant cost savings and improved quality of life in Tulsa compared to D.C.
Tulsa Remote is one of the most well-known programs aimed at boosting local populations and economies by attracting talent and spending.
Columbus, Georgia: $5,000 for Remote Workers
Columbus, Georgia, offers remote workers $5,000 to move to the city. The program, managed by the local chamber of commerce in partnership with Make My Move, targets remote workers earning at least $75,000 annually. Besides the cash incentive, new residents receive six months of coworking space membership and various community perks.
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