Princess Opeyemi Bright, and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
Princess Opeyemi Bright, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, has affirmed her commitment to fostering opportunities for Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom and strengthening ties between Nigeria and the UK.
She gave this pledge during a courtesy visit on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Mayor Bright welcomed Dabiri-Erewa and her team to her residence in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
She expressed gratitude for the visit and recognition, stating that her involvement in public service was inspired by her mother’s dedication to grassroots work over two decades ago.
The Mayor stressed the significance of bridging the gap between the United Kingdom and Nigeria. She encouraged young individuals, both in Nigeria and abroad, to cultivate their talents and skills across various fields.
“I am proud to be a British Nigerian and even more proud to serve my community while carrying my heritage with honour,” Mayor Bright stated.
“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.”
Dabiri-Erewa commended Mayor Bright’s leadership and commitment to community development.
She described Mayor Bright’s position as the youngest serving mayor in the United Kingdom as evidence that Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly the younger generation, are demonstrating excellence, service, and integrity.
“This is what we mean when we say the Nigerian diaspora is a force for good,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She further commented, “Princess Bright is an 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.”
The NiDCOM Chairman reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to supporting young Nigerians abroad and expressed openness to partnerships that promote inclusion, innovation, and development among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Guardian
