Jason Jackson, the Mayor of the London Borough of Islington, recently sat down with The Podcast Network for an episode of the Outside The Box series to discuss his journey from Nigeria to the heights of British local government. Having moved to the UK at the age of thirteen, Jackson views his life through the lens of a "storytelling" narrative embedded in his Nigerian name, oterenidara, which means "the end will be better". His identity remains a blend of his roots and his British upbringing; while he is known globally as Jason Jackson, he still cherishes the name Uchukwu (belonging to God) given to him by his mother. This foundation of faith and resilience fueled his early entry into politics as a student union leader at London Metropolitan University, where he successfully challenged the government in court to prevent the revocation of international student licenses—a fight he took personally because many of the affected students were his Nigerian friends.
Related article - Uphorial Shopify
Jackson’s political career is defined by a rejection of "tick box" inclusion in favor of impactful representation. He noted during his interview with The Podcast Network that when he first entered local politics, his borough had no black male representation, a gap he felt compelled to fill to ensure that diverse voices were actually "in the room" where decisions are made. One of his most celebrated initiatives was the Young Black Men and Mental Health Project, which turned local barber shops into community hubs. Jackson argued that barber shops act as "lighthouses" that cut through class and age divides, providing a safe space for engagement that traditional government institutions often fail to reach. This project not only won national award nominations but also served as a catalyst for his eventual election as Mayor.
While discussing the "Japa" phenomenon of Nigerians migrating to the UK, Jackson offered a sober perspective, noting that the British system is "demanding and tasking". He warned that while infrastructure like steady electricity is a benefit, the high cost of living means that many are "asset-rich but cash-poor," struggling with "fuel poverty" behind the closed doors of seemingly affluent neighborhoods. He emphasized that success in the UK requires the "I don't give up" attitude that Nigeria's challenging environment often instills in its citizens. Jackson remains an optimist regarding his home country, asserting that Nigeria does not need "saviors" or external interference, but rather robust, rule-based systems and a focus on empowering local governments, which he describes as the "heartbeat of the nation".
Reflecting on his role as a public servant, Jackson told The Podcast Network that he intends to give 120% to his current capacity without obsessing over his next career move. He views his position not as a status symbol but as a platform for service, rooted in the belief that the system must eventually work for all people, regardless of their background. Whether he is navigating the complexities of AI policy or advocating for social justice, Jackson remains a "cultural bridge" committed to proving that his Nigerian heritage is a source of strength that allows him to "smash the glass ceiling" at every opportunity.
