A British-Nigerian politician, Rosaline Ogunro, has been inaugurated as the new Mayor of Islington in London, marking another milestone for Nigerians in public office in the United Kingdom.
Ogunro’s emergence comes barely a year after Nigerian-born Jason Jackson became the borough’s first Nigerian-born mayor.
Speaking after assuming office, Ogunro described her inauguration as a significant moment, saying it would give her the opportunity to engage with residents from different backgrounds across the borough.
“It means the world to me. I don’t only have to know my ward, which is St. Peter’s and Canalside, but I get to go all over East Islington and meet the diverse community that we have,” she said.
The new mayor, who has a background in broadcasting and community advocacy, was first elected councillor for St. Peter’s and Canalside Ward in May 2022.
She currently serves on the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee and the Licensing Committee and previously held the position of Deputy Mayor.
Before becoming a councillor, Ogunro worked with several voluntary organisations, including the Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, where she still works part-time as an adviser.
She also worked in the marketing department of the London Symphony Orchestra as Customer Service and Office Coordinator and sang in the orchestra’s community choir for over 20 years.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission congratulated Ogunro on her inauguration, describing her achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said Ogunro’s emergence reflected the growing contributions of Nigerians in leadership positions across the world.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the mayor’s dedication to community development and public service, expressing confidence in her ability to deliver effectively in office.
She also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue projecting the country positively through excellence and service in their various fields.
