The new mayor of Leeds has been officially sworn in at a council meeting.
Abigail Marshall Katung takes over from Al Garthwaite, becoming the city’s 130th mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.
The councilor is supported by her husband, Nigerian Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
“Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my beloved second home,” said Ms Marshall Katung.
Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Mrs Marshall Katung came to Britain to study at the University of Leeds.
“It was not just the city where I lived, studied and worked, it is the place where I chose to raise my children and become a civil servant,” said the athletics coach and governor of Leeds City College.
“My appointment as mayor is widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to British society.
“As Mayor of Leeds, I am determined to work tirelessly to ensure that voices from all parts of the city are heard and that every triumph is recognized and celebrated.”
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