Mayor Princess Opeyemi Bright has been officially appointed as the Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, making history as the youngest person to hold this position in the UK at age 29.
The inauguration, which took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, ushered her into the new role of Civic Mayor, which comes with responsibilities like representing the borough at official events, supporting local charities, and promoting civic pride among the people of Barking and Dagenham.
President Bola Tinubu recently extended his congratulations on this historic election.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mayors Princess Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson. I urge you to continue giving your best in your new roles as the first citizens of Barking and Dagenham, and Islington. I have every confidence in your abilities and look forward to the positive impact you will make in your respective boroughs,” President Tinubu states.
Meet Her Worshipful, Mayor Princess Opeyemi Bright
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Bright started her political career early, being elected as the borough’s youngest Labour councillor at age 22. Over the last seven years, she has focused on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and creating economic opportunities in her community.
Public service runs in the Mayor’s family. Her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, was also a Civic Mayor of Hackney, and her father is a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Being surrounded by these examples of leadership and community commitment shaped her leadership path.
Before becoming mayor, Bright worked in finance and tech. She graduated from the University of Westminster in 2017 with a degree in Accounting and Business Management, qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and held roles in investment banking and as a senior operations manager at Uber UK.
Now functioning as mayor, her priorities include creating mentorship opportunities for young people, supporting local charities, especially those for Crohn’s disease, strengthening community ties with schools, businesses, and faith groups, and promoting inclusion so everyone in the borough feels represented.
In a recent post, the Mayor revealed puzzle pieces of the plans for her tenure.
“At just 29, I’ve decided to take a year out of my corporate career to give back to the Borough that raised me, not just as a Councillor, but now as your Mayor. Over the next year, I’ll be in our schools, with our residents, supporting local businesses, walking our high streets, and celebrating the people and places that make Barking and Dagenham extraordinary.” – Her Worshipful Mayor, Princess Opeyemi Bright.
This appointment is a proud moment for Barking, Dagenham and the wider Nigerian diaspora.
