Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, United Kingdom, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, has unfolded his agenda, which revolves around uniting the diverse community and supporting charity work – including in his birth country, Nigeria.

Speaking during his inauguration during the Brent Annual Council & Mayor Making Meeting on Wednesday evening, May 1, 2019, Ezeajughi said: “In a time of uncertainty for many in Brent, I hope to use the office of Mayor to unite our communities.”

His speech reads in part: “Mindful of the sacrifices and achievements borne by previous Mayors, I am both honoured and delighted to accept this position.

“I feel extremely privileged to accept the position of Mayor of Brent.

“Being Mayor of Brent is a huge personal honour for me. I was born in Nigeria and came to the UK in 2004 to join my wife.

“From the moment, I arrived in England, I have called Brent home and have always lived in Wembley and I’m so very proud to have represented Stonebridge ward since 2014.

“I have been happily married to Ijeoma for 15 years and we have been blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters who are all here today.

“I have had a tremendous support from them – and will rely on them even more over the coming year. Thank you very much!

“My interest in politics started at a young age when my late Dad, Sir Simeon Okeke Ezeajughi, who was a Head teacher and subsequently an inspector of schools and after his career in education, went on to become the Deputy Chairman of Orumba North local government area in Anambra state.

“I was inspired by him to take an interest in local grassroots politics as I attended most meetings with him which I found interesting and exciting.

“This led to my interest and ambition to stand for various positions both in Nigeria and then in the UK.

“I wish my dad could see me today. He would be so very proud.

“I am so delighted to be joined by work colleagues, friends and family from all over the UK here today and abroad; some of whom arrived from Nigeria only yesterday.

“I thank you – my fellow Councillors and I look forward to working with you again over the next year. Thank you to Councillors Muhammed Butt and Maggie McLennan for nominating me as Mayor.

“I thank my immediate predecessor, Cllr Arshad Mahmood, who has conducted himself so diligently and responsibly this past year for his services to Brent and the wider community.

“Most importantly for me, as I take on this role, Arshad has shown generosity and cooperation during our transition which has given me an insight to the responsibilities of the Mayoralty.

“Cllr Arshad has attended many Community functions, Clubs, Associations and met with many Community groups to fly the Council flag, for that I congratulate and acknowledge his work. I want to acknowledge the excellent work of our outgoing Mayoress, Mrs Arshad, who has supported Arshad this year. Also, Arshad’s family who have worked tirelessly to support him raising funds for his two charities.

“I would like to thank Cllr Lia Colacicco for accepting the position of Deputy Mayor this year and I will work closely with her to consistently deliver positive outcomes for our Community and our stakeholders.

“I’m a great believer of teamwork and I understand that I’m only as good as the people around me.

“I will work closely to draw on the many strengths, attributes and talents of my colleagues.

“I look forward to working even more closely with our Chief Executive, Carolyn Downs, her management team colleagues and the Mayor’s office throughout my Mayoral year.

“I will endeavour to continue the hard work the outgoing and previous Mayors. I am glad that so many are here today.

“Over the next 12 months, I hope to continue to support the Council’s vision:

“In line with that, I intend to support two charities:

“Sick Cell Society – It was first set up as a registered charity in 1979, formed by a group of patients, parents and health professionals who were all concerned about the lack of understanding and the inadequacy of treatment for people living with sickle cell disorders. The Sickle Cell Society supports and represents people affected by sickle cell disorder to improve their overall quality of life.

“In addition, the sickle cell society will be working in collaborative partnership with the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) project in Anambra state of Nigeria spearheaded by her Excellency, Dr Mrs Ebere Obiano.

“And secondly

“The Anti-knife and gun crime charity which will be represented by Jason Roberts Foundation – this was established in 2007 by the former professional footballer Jason Roberts as a means to put something back into the community he came from, and to underpin his belief in equal opportunities, rights and representation for individuals regardless of background or circumstance. The work of the foundation has broadened to provide a support programme including mentoring, life skills, education and training projects within its wider sports activities and has worked with young people at risk of offending, those excluded from school or struggling in the school curriculum, and young people with physical and learning difficulties. The organisation aims to create a safe haven to engage with children at an early stage to prevent them pursuing crime.

“I know I can rely on your support as I raise funds for these amazing charities which support some of the most vulnerable in society to build a stronger community where no one suffers alone.

“One of the most amazing things about Brent is its diversity. Nearly all of Brent’s residents speak a language other than English at home. There are over 100 different languages spoken in this Borough. For this reason, I am so very proud to have been elected as Brent’s First Citizen.

“In a time of uncertainty for many in Brent, I hope to use the office of Mayor to unite our communities.

“2019 / 2020 will be a special year for Brent. This coming June, I look forward to hosting Brent first ever Windrush Gala Celebration event on 22 June. This event will remember and celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation.

“In February 2018, Brent won the award for London Borough of Culture 2020. I look forward to January 2020 when Brent officially becomes London Borough of Culture. The year-long programme of events and projects about Brent’s heritage, about its people and stories will celebrate everything that's special, intriguing and ground-breaking about Brent.

“I already have a busy and exciting Mayoral year ahead planned.

“Regardless of background, race, religion, sexuality….whether you are white, black, whether you are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian or LGBT…we are all Brent. And we must all be proud of who we are.

“Finally, I want to thank my wife Ijeoma, my children and my friends and family who have shown me immense support over the years and for their continued support over the coming year.

“No doubt there is hard work ahead but with the team of passionate, dedicated and committed Councillors and Officers, I believe we will work harder to achieve and exceed excellent results for our Brent community.”

The inauguration of Cll Ezeajughi for a two-year term as Mayor was graced by several distinguished personalities, among them Dr Mrs Ebere Obiano, wife of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, South-East Nigeria; Deputy Lieutenant Mei Sim Lei; Nigerian High Commissioner to London, Ambassador George Oguntande (represented by Special Advisor, Minister Oludare E. Folowosele); former mayors, councilors and Council officers.

Mayor Ezeajughi, who was inspired by late South African President Nelson Mandela, started his political career as a member of one of the founding fathers of the UK chapter of a major Nigerian political party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – the ruling party in Anambra State. He was the UK Chapter Chairman in 2010-2012.

The father of four thereafter joined UK politics and was soon became a strong member of the Labour Party.

Prior to his election as Mayor, Ezeajughi, a strong member of the Labour Party, won election for a Councillor position representing Stonebridge ward at Brent Council in 2014.

He was re-elected in 2018, retaining his seat in the white-dominated political environment after a very keenly contested election. He was elected Deputy Mayor of Brent within a year.

Ezeajughi thereafter made history on April 16, 2019 when he was elected Mayor by the College of Councillors on Brent, London.

•Photo by Dr. Chidi Martinsixtus shows Mayor of the London Borough of Brent, United Kingdom, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, with Anambra State First Lady, Dr Mrs. Ebele Obiano