Nigerian, Dr. Jason Utitofon Jackson, has made history for being elected and inaugurated as Mayor of Islington, United Kingdom, since 1900.
Mayor Jackson, originally from Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is the first Nigerian-born politician to occupy the office.
An alumnus of Holy Family College, Abak, Dr. Jackson had an illustrious career in public service in the UK before running as a councillor for the borough.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated the new Mayor on his historic achievement, as conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.
“Councillor Jason Jackson’s emergence as Mayor is a great source of pride to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State.
“His story is an inspiring reflection of hard work, integrity, and service — values we strongly uphold as a people.
“We are confident that his leadership will continue to promote equity, innovation, and inclusion, while also serving as a source of motivation to young people across Akwa Ibom and the African diaspora to dream, aspire, and achieve.
“The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State celebrate this milestone and look forward to deepening ties with global achievers of Akwa Ibom origin, who continue to make the State proud on the global stage.”
It will be recalled that during the last State Anniversary, Governor Umo Eno also celebrated Mayor Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter, another Akwa Ibom-born trailblazer from Nsit Ibom. She broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first African American elected as Mayor of Upper Arlington — an affluent city in the state of Ohio, United States — in over 100 years.
