Jason Utitofon becomes first Nigerian-Born Mayor of the Borough, UK

Councillor Jason Utitofon Jackson, the current Deputy Mayor of Islington, is poised to make history as the first Nigerian-born Mayor of the borough since the office was established in 1900.

Born in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Cllr Jackson moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager and has since built an impressive record of public service, community leadership, and social impact.

He began his early education in Nigeria, attending primary school and later Holy Family College (HOFACO) in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, before relocating to the UK to continue his studies.

A naturally gifted speaker, he gained national recognition in Nigeria as the country’s youngest preacher at the age of six. His deep Christian faith, instilled from childhood, continues to guide his values and leadership style.

Elected as a councillor in 2022, he quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed Chair of Islington’s Homes and Communities Committee in 2023.

In this role, he led ground-breaking work in housing equity, community wellbeing, and inclusive governance. One of his most notable achievements was initiating a £1.6 million mental health programme specifically for young Black men, a nationally recognised and award-nominated initiative that set a new benchmark for culturally responsive services in the UK.

In just three years, Cllr Jackson has gone from first-time councillor to the borough’s highest civic office, a clear testament to his integrity, vision, and strong grassroots connection to the community.

After arriving in the UK, he furthered his education and attended London Metropolitan University, where he was elected President of the Students’ Union.

There, he championed racial equity, student advocacy, and social justice not just in the UK, but also across the African continent. This period laid the foundation for what has become a lifelong dedication to advocacy and empowerment.

Cllr Jackson currently serves as co-founder of The Black Policy Institute (TBPI), a national think tank focused on elevating Black British and African perspectives in public policy, civic participation, and community development. His work bridges personal experience with strategic insight giving voice to communities often excluded from key decision-making processes.

He holds a degree in Business Law and Media Studies, as well as a Master’s in Big Data in Culture and Society from King’s College London. In addition to his public service, he is a business consultant and social entrepreneur with interests spanning real estate, agriculture, education, and ethical AI leveraging technology for social good and development.

Cllr Jackson is happily married and a proud father of three sons, often describing his family as his greatest motivation.

“My family is my anchor,” he said. “My sons remind me daily why I must lead with faith, purpose, and a sense of responsibility to uplift others. Becoming Islington’s first Nigerian-born Mayor is more than a personal honour — it is a symbol of what is possible when one’s heritage inspires service, and leadership reflects the community it represents.”

As Mayor, Cllr Jackson plans to focus on issues that reflect his life’s journey: social equity, youth empowerment, mental health, and inclusive innovation. His leadership will aim to increase access, foster representation, and ensure that no one is left behind in the development process.

His inauguration on 15 May 2025 will not only be a significant moment for the borough of Islington but also a proud milestone for Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora proving that leadership can be principled, identity-driven, and accessible to all.

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