On January 18, 2024, Abigail Marshall Katung made history as the first Lord Mayor of Leeds of African descent. Born in Nigeria, Katung moved to the United Kingdom to study at the University of Leeds. The Nigerian-British politician is the wife of Sunday Marshall Katung, who is the Senator representing the Kaduna South Senatorial District in Kaduna State.
Here is a biography of the Nigerian politician who moved to the UK via the student route and became Lord Mayor.
Abigail Marshall Katung’s biography
Abigail Wok Haruna-Musa was born on December 7, 1975, in Zaria, Kaduna State. She was raised in Nigeria but moved to the UK in 2000 to pursue her postgraduate studies in Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds.
Abigail Mashall Katung career
Katung transitioned from studenthood to a professional life by opening her own business in the UK. In 2008, she founded the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) in memory of the British-Nigerian, David Oluwale, who drowned in the River Aire in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, in 1969. Oluwale’s death resulted in the first successful prosecution of police officers for the death of a black person.
A co-chair of DOMA, Katung won the Leeds City Council elections in May 2019 to become the representative for the Little London and Woodhouse Ward. In 2020, she served as a lead member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) group. Katung also co-chaired Leeds City Council’s official ‘Foof Champion’ alongside Gareth Batty MBE FRSA, the CEO of FareShare Yorkshire. She was also a special guest at the Jordan Sinnot Memorial Award at St. Mary’s Meston.
Katung later contested and won the Little London and Woodhouse election in May 2023 to serve a second term. She attended the Church of All Souls, Leeds, alongside fellow councillors like Kayleigh Brooks and Jaivaid Akhar, with Mother Helen during the Easter celebrations.
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Abigail Mashall Katung exploits in diaspora
Councillor Katung has an impressive track record of achievements for humanity, especially in Leeds. Her ascension from a student to a prestigious position as the Mayor of Leeds is a milestone and a beacon of success for not just Nigerians in the diaspora but for Africans within and beyond the UK.
In January 2024, history was made when Katung became Leeds City’s 130th Lord mayor and the first African to hold the position. She is also the second black person after Eileen Taylor to become the Mayor of Leeds.
Speaking of her appointment, Katung said, “It is with great appreciation and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 13oth Lord Mayor. 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.”
Apart from her involvement in politics, Katung has been involved in athleticism, particularly engaging in coaching sprint athletes. She also serves as a governor at Leeds City College and a trustee at Age UK and Caring Together.
Abigail Mashall Katung’s Connection to Nigeria
Katung was born in the ancient city of Zaria, situated in Kaduna State, Nigeria. She was raised in Nigeria and left to pursue her studies in the UK, where she currently resides.
Abigail Mashall Katung family
Katung is married to Sunday Marshall Katung, the Senator representing the Kaduna South Senatorial District of Kaduna State in Nigeria’s National Assembly. The couple has twin children together, who are currently pursuing their university education in the UK.
Abigail Mashall Katung age
Katung is currently 48 years old and will turn 49 in December 2024.
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