The Federal Government has inducted the Nigerian-born Lord Mayor of Leeds in the United Kingdom, Abigail Marshall Katung into the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame.
Abigail Katung, who is the wife of the Senator representing Kaduna South in the Senate, Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung was inducted into the iconic platform by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.
While inducting Lord Mayor Abigail into the paths fame, the Women Affairs commended her sterling contribution and exceptional feat in fighting for eh rights of Women and Children.
She urged her to continue to mentoring young folks to sustain the tides of women’s development and participation in politics and governance.
Speaking on the Choice of Abigail Marshall Katung for the honour, the director general of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Asabe Vilita-Bashir, said the hall of fame was to honour for her contribution in empowering Women and anc Children.
“We gather not only to honour an exceptional Nigerian woman but to celebrate a historic milestone that echoes across our nation and beyond. Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung has distinguished herself on the global stage by becoming the first Nigerian, and indeed the first African, to be appointed Lord Mayor of the City of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
“This remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph but a national honour. It fills us with pride and positions her as a true ambassador of Nigeria, showcasing the strength, resilience, and excellence of Nigerian women to the world.
“Mrs. Katung’s journey is a compelling narrative of determination, grace, leadership, and steadfast service. Even while holding such a distinguished office in a foreign land, she has remained deeply connected to her Nigerian roots, consistently exemplifying the values and dignity that define our people.
“Today’s induction is more than a ceremonial recognition, it is a celebration of possibility, a celebration of what women can achieve when given the space to thrive and lead.
” As we formally welcome The Right Worshipful, the Lord Mayor of Leeds; Abigail Marshall Katung-Gimbiyan Jaba, into the Nigerian Women Hall of Fame, we do not merely preserve her legacy; but we illuminate a path for countless young girls and women across Nigeria, encouraging them to dream big and rise beyond limitations,” she said.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, who spoke at the ceremony, thanked Mayor Abigail for making Nigeria proud in the United Kingdom.
“Abigail is one of the very best Nigerians in the diaspora. We celebrate her for making us proud in the United Kingdom,” he said.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, on his part thanked the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the director general of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Asabe Vilita-Bashir for honouring his wife with such recognition.
Responding, the latest inductee, Lord Mayor Abigail, promised to continue to give in her best in the service of humanity.
“It’s an absolute honour for me to be recognised by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, where I served as a corper, 26 years ago. It is a privilege for me to be among the distinguished personalities on the hall of fame,” she said.