May 29 (THEWILL) — Rosaline Ogunro has been inaugurated as Mayor of the London Borough of Islington for the 2026/27 civic year, completing the statutory mayor-making process at the borough’s Annual Council meeting and marking a historic rise from her early career in broadcasting with Radio Nigeria to civic leadership in the United Kingdom.
The elevation of the Nigerian-born councillor to the mayoralty marks a significant milestone in her long-standing public service journey, which spans broadcasting, community engagement, and local government participation in the United Kingdom.
Ogunro’s rise to civic leadership is widely viewed as the culmination of a remarkable career that began in Nigeria, where she established herself as a respected radio broadcaster with Radio Nigeria.
She gained widespread recognition for her velvet-toned voice as host of the popular Sunday afternoon programme Family Favourite, which attracted a loyal national audience and became a staple of weekend broadcasting.
Her early career, however, was shaped by one of Nigeria’s most defining historical moments.
On February 13, 1976, following the assassination of Head of State General Murtala Mohammed, the country was thrown into a political crisis and widespread uncertainty.
During the unrest, Ogunro reportedly spent 27 hours trapped inside the Radio Nigeria studios while on duty as an announcer, continuing her professional responsibilities amid heightened tension and security restrictions.
The experience has since been described as a defining episode in her early media career.
Over the years, she transitioned from broadcasting into community service and civic participation in the United Kingdom, building a profile rooted in public engagement, leadership, and social development.
As part of her duties, she will represent the borough at official functions and lead ceremonial engagements while supporting community-focused initiatives across Islington.
Ogunro has selected St Luke’s Community Centre and Islington Boat Club as her official mayoral charities for the 2026/27 term.
Speaking after her election, Ogunro said she was honoured to serve and expressed commitment to community service and inclusive development across the borough.
She succeeds Cllr Jason Jackson, who completed his tenure with fundraising efforts directed toward Islington Giving, a coalition supporting mental health, employment, and community development projects.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Ogunro on her emergence as Mayor, describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria and a reflection of the growing global influence of Nigerians in leadership roles.
Dabiri-Erewa praised Ogunro’s career trajectory, noting her consistent commitment to community development and public service across both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
She also highlighted her professional background in broadcasting, voluntary service, and cultural engagement, as well as her longstanding involvement in community organisations and the arts.
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