Nigerian- Born UK Mayor, Princess Opeyemi Bright, Hosts Dabiri-Erewa, Pledges Greater Collaboration

June 25, 2025 Victor Oriola

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commended Princess Opeyemi Bright, the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham in UK for her remarkable leadership, unwavering commitment to community development as well as being a shining symbol of hope for younger generation in the diaspora.

Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by her spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made this remark during a courtesy call on Princess Bright, the youngest serving mayor in the United Kingdom, at her residence in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

(L)Ayo Akande, Owner of City Jollof, London. (2nd Left),Hon Abdulrahman Terab, Head TTI&I(NIDCOM), (Middle) Princess Opeyemi Bright, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, London, (2nd Right), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NIDCOM, (First right),Funso Akinwunmi, Director, Avenue Impact, Londoñ.

According to the NiDCOM boss, Princess Bright’s rise to a leadership position at such a young age is a proof that Nigerians in the diaspora, especially the younger generation, continue to fly the flag high through excellence, service, and integrity.

“This is what we mean when we say the Nigerian diaspora is a force for good,” she said.

“Princess Bright is a shining example of how Nigerian youth, when given the platform, can lead, inspire, and positively impact their communities. Her story is one of dedication, hard work, and resilience, and we are proud of her achievements.”

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that the Commission remains open to partnerships that promote inclusion, innovation, and development among Nigerians abroad.

Welcoming the NiDCOM boss and her team to her residence, Princess Opeyemi Bright expressed gratitude for the visit and recognition, noting that her journey in public service began over two decades ago with an inspiration from her mother’s passion for grassroots work.

She pledged to facilitate greater opportunities for Nigerians in the UK, fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

She also expressed her commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian diaspora thrives in Barking and Dagenham.

The Mayor stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, while urging young people, both at home and abroad, to maximise and develop their talents and skills in any field they found themselves.

“I am proud to be a British-Nigerian and even more proud to serve my community while carrying my heritage with honour,” she said.

“This visit means a lot, and I thank Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership and encouragement. Together, we can continue to create opportunities and inspire a generation of changemakers.” she said.