In a groundbreaking moment for local governance in the UK, 29-year-old Opeyemi Bright has officially become the youngest-ever Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham.

The British-Nigerian politician, who was inaugurated during a special ceremony on Friday, is now the youngest person to hold the borough’s prestigious civic title in its history.

Bright’s journey in public service began at just 22 when she was elected as the youngest councillor in the borough back in 2018.

Her latest achievement marks a significant generational shift in the local political landscape, one that’s been widely celebrated by residents, leaders, and community groups across the borough.

Born to a family steeped in public service, Bright is the daughter of Afolasade and Gbolahan Bright.

Her mother, a former Civic Mayor of Hackney in 2006, currently serves as a cabinet member for employment and skills in Barking and Dagenham.

Her father, a senior minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, brings a spiritual foundation to the family’s deep commitment to community leadership.

Throughout her career, Bright has remained firmly rooted in community development and youth empowerment.

She serves as a school governor and is a board member of Agile Africa, an organisation that equips young Africans with digital and tech skills.

She also regularly hosts career webinars aimed at helping Nigerian students navigate their professional paths.

In her inaugural address, Bright delivered a message filled with optimism and purpose: “I believe in the power of community, the importance of tradition, and the need to inspire pride in the place we all call home,” she said.

“As Civic Mayor, I am committed to being a voice that uplifts our borough, honouring local heroes, supporting charities, and forging deeper connections with residents, schools, and businesses.”

The role of Civic Mayor is one of the borough’s most symbolic and community-facing offices.

It involves representing Barking and Dagenham at ceremonial functions, promoting civic pride, and serving as an ambassador for local causes and diversity.

The position also plays a crucial role in preserving the borough’s heritage while strengthening relationships among residents.

Bright now joins a rising number of UK political figures of Nigerian heritage making notable contributions to public life, such as Kemi Badenoch, Taiwo Owatemi, and Kate Osamor.

Outside the council chamber, Bright enjoys cooking, teaching, and creating content, often describing herself as someone “guided by grace.”

Meanwhile, in related political discourse, Conservative Party heavyweight Kemi Badenoch has proposed stricter immigration rules, including extending the wait for British citizenship to 15 years.

Badenoch, a prominent figure in the Tory party, argued that the current system allows for citizenship too quickly, making meaningful integration difficult.

She urged the government to double the residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years as part of broader immigration reforms.