The history of Southern Kaduna, Kaduna state, and Nigeria cannot be completed without mentioning The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Leeds, the newly turbaned Gimbiyan Jaba, Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung. She is among the few individuals in this generation whom destiny has raised to prominence.
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Sunday Marshall Katung, is a rare gem who walks among mortals yet carries the aura of legends. Her presence commands respect and admiration, making her a beacon of hope for many.
When she was officially announced as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds following the council’s annual general meeting after taking over from Al Garthwaite, to become the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position, the people all over Africa were very happy.
Born in Kaduna state, Nigeria, Abigail arrived in the UK in 2000 for her postgraduate studies in politics and international studies at the University of Leeds.
After arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became her cherished second home.
In 2019, she was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward in the city centre, one of Leeds’s most culturally diverse wards where over 82 languages are spoken automatically becoming the first African ward member of Leeds City Council. She was subsequently re-elected at the 2023 elections.
Abigail has held various leadership roles within the Leeds City Council, including chairing the scrutiny board for adults’ health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth. She was lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board and further education 14-19 years, and is also a food champion.
Besides politics, Abigail is an avid athlete and coach, specialising in sprinting, and serves as a governor at Leeds City College, a trustee of Age UK and Caring Together, and co-chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association.
Her appointment of becoming the great city’s 130th Lord Mayor, has continued to be 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, she committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognised and celebrated.
Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung, the Gimbiyan Jaba, is not only a trailblazer but also a woman of endless charisma. She embodies courage tempered with compassion—a virtuous woman who stands as a face of quality leadership. As the wife of Barrister Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator of the Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, she is a social justice activist and an advocate for good governance, characterised by her fearless pursuit of justice and her role as a shelter for the weary.
Her arms are forever wide open, offering comfort, solace, and strength to all who seek refuge under them. She does not merely wipe the tears of those who approach her; she carries their burdens as her own, shouldering them with a grace that inspires awe. Her empathetic nature makes her a confidante to many, providing guidance and support during times of need.
An eloquent commander of words, Abigail Sunday Marshall Katung weaves the English language with a golden thread of mastery. Her voice echoes with authority and elegance, resonating in the halls of the British Broadcasting Corporation Board’s English. Her communications are not mere letters or speeches; they are symphonies that stir the souls of listeners and ignite the flames of inspiration.
Beyond her intellect and courage lies a princess whose smile radiates hope. It is a smile that lights the darkest rooms—a simple gesture that breathes life into fading dreams. Her spirit transcends ethnic lines; her love for humanity is pure and undiluted. She is a truly detribalised leader, a devout Christian, and a beacon of unity in a divided world.
Her recent initiative to pay for the 2024 JAMB and SSCE registration fees for 348 students from all 174 government secondary schools in Southern Kaduna exemplifies her unwavering commitment to education. This generous act, based on independent information from the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, ensured that both the top male and female students from each school were selected, with additional selections from only-boys’ and only-girls’ schools. Furthermore, the top 50 candidates with the highest scores in JAMB will receive full scholarships from the Marshall Katung Foundation to pursue their studies at their chosen universities for the entire duration of their education.
Abigail Marshall Katung’s commitment to education extends beyond financial assistance; she actively advocates educational reforms that improve access and quality in Southern Kaduna. She has partnered with various organisations to provide mentorship programmes and workshops that empower students with the skills necessary for success in today’s competitive world.
In addition to her educational initiatives, Abigail Marshall Katung is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment. She has provided numerous business grants to women, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence. Her training programs are designed to equip women with essential skills for success in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Through her initiatives, countless women have transformed their lives, breaking free from cycles of poverty and dependency.
Her leadership and advocacy were recently recognised at a ceremony held at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja, where she was honoured by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. This recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community and advocating for those in need.
Moreover, Abigail Marshall Katung has been instrumental in organising health awareness campaigns aimed at improving maternal and child health in Southern Kaduna. Her efforts have led to increased access to healthcare services for women and children, reducing mortality rates and enhancing overall community well-being.
As The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Her tireless efforts to improve education, empower women, and enhance community health reflect her deep compassion and commitment to creating a better future for all.
Abigail Marshall Katung is not just a leader; she is a transformative force whose impact will resonate through generations. Her legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. As we celebrate her achievements, let us also be inspired by her example—an invitation to rise above challenges and contribute positively to our communities.
Throughout her tenure and philanthropic activities, she was supported by her husband, Nigerian senator and Lord Mayor Consort, the senator, Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone, Sunday Marshall Katung.