Susan Fajana-Thomas

Councillor Susan Olajumoke Fajana –Thomas is an accomplished British politician who has established herself as a prominent community campaigner with over 20 years of experience. She is a Member of Hackney Council and the former civic Mayor of the borough.
Susan moved to North East London many years ago from Nigeria following a successful career as a Presenter/Producer with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Early as an activist, Susan became a mentor for refugees who had struggled with the overwhelming issues that arise for anyone attempting to settle into a new country. Having first-hand experience of these obstacles – community outreach became one of Susan’s life goals. Over the years her dedication to the community has evolved and her relentless campaigning has received both global and national recognition. In 2012 one of her collaborative projects was recognized by the Home Secretary as an excellent model of youth engagement following the 2012 London riots. Popularly known as SFT, she has mentored and supported other Africans to becoming activists and politicians. The first ethnic minority person and woman to become the Chair of Hackney North and Stoke Newington Constituency Labour Party. Susan is the founder of SFT Foundation Trust a charitable organisation supporting families in the UK and Lilac Lilly in Nigeria. Lilac Lilly is providing training and creating guaranteed, sustainable employment opportunities for women in Nigeria. This organisation is producing inexpensive cleaning products, including laundry detergent, watching liquid and air- fresheners. Susan has served a variety of public offices with pride and distinction and she is currently serving on the Board of seven organisations, including London Housing Consortium, East London NHS Foundation Trust and Islington Refugee Forum to mention but a few.
She is making a huge impact worldwide in her influential role as a Universal Peace Ambassador, member of the African Achievers Awards Advisory Board, President of Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF) and Aldgate UK Chair of the global women movement, All Ladies League (ALL)
Susan an accomplished community spokeswoman, a TV Socio- Political Commentator and an advocate for social justice. She has played a significant role in many national and international campaigns, including forced marriage, early child marriage, decent housing, Female Genital Mutilation, community safety and mental health.
A recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Susan is one of the 100 outstanding British Nigerians recognized for their excellent contributions to both Nigeria and the UK. She is a BEFFTA Community Leadership Award recipient. The African Achievers Awards recipient, African Women In Europe Achievement Award recipient, Gathering of Africans Best (GAB) Awards recipient for promoting Africans positive image worldwide and African Teen Awards recipient.