The growing visibility of Nigerians in British public life was on display in London, as Councillor Rosaline Ogunro was inaugurated as the new Mayor of Islington.
Her appointment comes just a year after Nigerian-born Jason Jackson made history as the borough’s first Nigerian-born mayor, reinforcing what many see as the expanding civic and political influence of the Nigerian diaspora across the UK.
Following her assumption of office, Ogunro described it as something that means a lot to her.
“It means the world to me. I don’t only have to know my ward, which is St. Peter’s and Canalside, but I get to go all over East Islington and meet the diverse community that we have—meet young, old, different colours of people, different shades of people from all walks of life,” the broadcaster said.
“So, I get to go so many places and get to know Isligton better. I was volunteering even in Nigeria. I was a member of the Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland. It happens to be the first branch. Soroptimist is an organisation that uses professionals to uplift women.
“You know how women were relegated to the background, even up to the point that women couldn’t read the news when I joined. As you heard, I was one of those to blaze the trail at that time.”
With a background in community advocacy and broadcasting, Ogunro takes office at a time of growing pressure on local councils across Britain.
She was first elected Councillor for St. Peter’s and Canalside Ward of Islington Council in May 2022, sits on the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee and the Licensing Committee, and is Deputy Mayor, according to Islington Labour.
Rosaline was said to have worked for various voluntary organisations, including Islington Citizens Advice Bureau, where she currently works part-time as an adviser, before becoming a councillor.
“She also worked in the Marketing Department of the London Symphony Orchestra as Customer Service and Office Coordinator, and sang in the Orchestra’s Community Choir for more than 20 years.
“Rosaline also has a background in broadcasting. She was appointed to the board of trustees of St Luke’s Centre in May 2022. Her hobbies include singing, designing and making clothes, and gardening,” it added on its website.
