Introduction
Zubaida Umar is a distinguished Nigerian administrator who was recently appointed Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Prior to this, she held leadership roles at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other top public/private organizations. This blog provides an in-depth profile of Zubaida Umar’s biography, outlining her background, education, career path and success story.
Early Life and Family Background
Zubaida Umar was born in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State in northern Nigeria to a respected family with a long tradition of public service. Her father was a career civil servant while her mother was a teacher. Being the third child with three siblings, Zubaida came from a tightly-knit household that emphasised the importance of hard work, integrity and helping the community. These values shaped who she is today.
Educational Pursuits
After her primary and secondary schooling locally, Zubaida gained admission to study Business Administration at Ahmadu Bello University, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions. She excelled in her studies and graduated with a BSc in 1999. Searching for international exposure, Zubaida then pursued an MSc in International Trade from the esteemed Robert Gordon University in Scotland. This expanded her professional horizons.
Early Career Strides
Armed with dual degrees, Zubaida started her career in 2003 with Guaranty Trust Bank, one of Nigeria’s biggest lenders. She cut her teeth in the credit processing department, gaining essential banking and finance experience. Four years later, an opportunity arose at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Zubaida assumed senior responsibilities there spanning over a decade. Her excellence saw multiple promotions to Director level.
Rise at Federal Mortgage Bank
During her prolonged stint at FMB Bank, Zubaida held strategic portfolios including Human Resources, Business Development and Zonal Operations. Under her oversight, the Lagos and Abuja zones multiplied productivity and client services. Not one to rest on laurels, Zubaida further developed her management expertise with an Executive Program at Harvard Business School in 2013. Her visionary leadership was apparent to all.
Paving New Frontiers
In 2020, Zubaida accepted a new challenge as Group Managing Director of Afa Ajai Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, manufacturing and trading. She streamlined operations and diversified business lines, creating hundreds of jobs in the process. A year later, President Buhari appointed Zubaida to the Board of NEMA given her expertise in emergency response and coordination. This marked her entry into the public sector.
Breaking Barriers at NEMA
On March 2024, Zubaida again made history as Nigeria’s first female NEMA DG. In this crucial role overseeing disaster mitigation nationwide, she has hit the ground running with reforms focused on preparedness, community engagement and infrastructure upgrades. Zubaida’s wealth of private and public sector experience positions her perfectly to strengthen NEMA’s objective of protecting Nigerians from catastrophes.
Beyond the Professional
When not immersed in work, Zubaida enjoys mentoring young professionals and sharing knowledge accumulated over the years. She is married with children and prioritizes family above all else. Zubaida also volunteers her time supporting educational and women’s empowerment initiatives in Kebbi State to give back to the community that raised her. Through discipline and humility, she has risen to inspire many.
Conclusion
In summarizing Zubaida Umar’s journey, it is clear that her penchant for hard graft, compassion and diversifying skills has taken her far. As the inaugural female NEMA DG, Zubaida’s visionary leadership will undoubtedly transform Nigeria’s emergency response landscape for the better. Her accomplishments stand as a motivation that one’s origins or gender should not limit their dreams.
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