Nigerian Becomes the First Black Man to Be Elected Mayor in Greenwich, UK

We Nigerians lead and other Africans follow, that's our place if not for the acts of few unscrupulous elements who are bent on rubbishing the image of our country abroad.

Good we still have a lot of good men. History was made in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South-East London after a Nigerian man became the first elected African mayor of the community.

59-year-old Nigerian born Mayor Olugbenga Babatola, who has lived in the UK for decades, had previously served as a councillor in the Greenwich district - a position to which he was elected in 2014 for his inspirational leadership style.

In 2015, he became the first African to be elected Deputy Mayor and served with Mayor Borman Adam.

Babatola will be inaugurated into office as the first African Mayor of Greenwich on May 25, 2016.

"Looking around Royal Greenwich there's much to be proud of. The physical regeneration of our community continues apace, while there are many developments in our economic, social and community life," Council leader Ms. Denise Hyland said.

"I was determined that we should open the inauguration ceremony to more local people to reflect on the role our community plays in achieving the successes we have enjoyed over the past year. It is also a way to welcome Cllr Babatola to his new role as Mayor, and to thank Cllr Adams for his hard work and service during his tenure," she added.

The mayor is elected by council members at an annual meeting and the position is held for a year. He or she is the first citizen of the Royal Borough for the period.