Dozens of people have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London today by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli.

The ceremony saw 40 recipients from a broad spectrum of sectors honoured at the Mansion House for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

The group freedom awards were given as part of the Lord Mayor’s ‘Connect to Prosper’ theme, which focuses on the City's expertise in areas including finance, law, art, and engineering, and brings together leading experts from diverse backgrounds to work on critical global challenges, such as climate change and artificial intelligence.

Some of the recipients include author and radio and television broadcaster, Carole Stone, news broadcaster, Gillian Joseph, award-winning founder and CEO, Kike Oniwinde Agoro and multiple award-winning international speaker on Global Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Laura Serrant OBE.

The 40 were nominated for the Freedom by Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli, and City Corporation Alderman, Alastair King.

Speaking after today’s ceremony, Founder of the BYP Network, Kike Oniwinde Agoro, said:

“I feel so honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London award. Just being born and raised in London fills me with pride when I say that "I am a Londoner" so this award truly feels incredible as my personal story is so tied to London.  As the founder of BYP Network, a company dedicated to empowering Black professionals, this recognition underscores the impact of our work in fostering diversity and inclusion within the fabric of London and beyond. It's a validation of our efforts to create opportunities and uplift marginalised voices. This award fuels my commitment to continue championing change and making a meaningful difference in the city I call home.”

After receiving his award, entrepreneur and filmmaker, Leon Mann MBE, said:

“My parents both met and settled in London. My Dad, of Irish heritage, arriving from Worcestershire, and my Mum, Jamaican born and raised in the capital from a young age. They made this city home for me and I am blessed to now raise my own family in this great place.

“It is a huge honour to be nominated for the Freedom of the City. Being a proud Londoner is very much at the heart of my identity.”

Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:

“Today's ceremony embodies the essence of connectivity that underscores my mayoral theme. These people receiving the Freedom today are remarkable individuals who exemplify the City’s spirit of innovation and dedication, enriching the Square Mile’s diverse tapestry with their extraordinary contributions.

“My Mayoral Theme Connect to Prosper celebrates our multiple knowledge miles, showing that the UK is a place where problems come to be solved. That’s what these Freedom awards are all about.”

City Corporation Alderman, Alastair King said:

“It's truly inspiring to witness the breadth of talent and expertise honoured today. These people not only excel in their respective fields but also embody the values that make our City vibrant and resilient. Their collective achievements highlight the power of collaboration and innovation in driving progress."

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent high-profile recipients include theatre entrepreneurs, Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter; former Managing Director and Chief Privacy Officer at the London Stock Exchange, Vivienne Artz; and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Full list of recipients of Freedom awards