Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung, wife of Kaduna South Senator, Sunday Marshall Katung, has been officially announced as the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made by the Leeds City Council on its X handle (formerly Twitter) following the Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday.
Councilor Abigail Katung takes over from former AI Garthwaite, who was the 129th Lord Mayor of Leeds to become the first Lord Mayor of Leeds with African heritage.
According to Leeds City Council, Abigail had arrived the City in the year 2000 for her postgraduate studies, she established her family, life and business in the city, and became the First African to become a Ward member of the Council.
Leeds City disclosed that Abigail’s Appointment as Lord Mayor of the City was borne out of resilience and great leadership qualities, adding that Abigail would be supported by her husband during her tenure in Office.
They Said “As in traditional, the incoming Lord Mayor has chosen a charity to champion throughout her term. Councilor Marshall Katung has chosen the Leeds Community Foundation.
“She Chose this Charity due to its wide ranging support of small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion, which are all causes close to her heart.
“Councilor Marshall Katung will be supported through out her tenure as Lord Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung”.
Speaking of her Appointment, Councilor Abigail recounted her journey into the City in the year 2000 and how it immediately became a second home to her. She added that she chose to have her life and raise her children in the City.
Abigail stated that her appointment was a shining example of foreign students’ contribution to the UK society, promising to work tirelessly in ensuring that everyone is carried along.
“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,” she stated.