National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
ActionAid Nigeria has announced the election of Rabi Isma as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, who has served in the role since 2018.
Under Dr. Umar-Ajijola’s leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones, and her dedication is deeply appreciated.
Rabi Isma is a seasoned professional with a rich background in management, public administration, marketing, corporate governance, finance, and project management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Post-graduate Diploma from Ahmadu Bello University, and Master’s degrees from the University of Wales and the University of Birmingham. She is also an alumna of Harvard Business School.
In addition to her academic credentials, Rabi Isma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK) and a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (Nigeria), the Society for Human Resource Management (USA), and the Institute of Directors. Her extensive professional experience includes senior positions at AIKI Consulting Limited, Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (Etisalat Nigeria), the British Council, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. She has also served as a Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State.
Rabi Isma is currently a board member of Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, and ActionAid Nigeria. She is also a mentor for WIMBiz Programmes, a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of BusinessDay, and serves on the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Previously, she served on the board of LEAP Africa, an organization focused on youth leadership development.
Joining her on the leadership team is Dr. Macjohn Onyekwere Nwaobiala as Vice Chair. Dr. Nwaobiala brings extensive experience in public sector administration, policy advisory, and the management of human, material, and financial resources. His strong communication skills and wide-ranging network position him to make significant contributions to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Oladele Afolabi, the new Board Treasurer, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. With vast experience in both the private and public sectors, he is known for his commitment to operational excellence and enhancing organizational efficiency. A published author, Afolabi’s expertise is expected to strengthen the governance of ActionAid Nigeria.
Their elections are anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and further strengthen the governance of ActionAid Nigeria as the organization continues its crucial work in poverty eradication and social justice advocacy.
At the General Assembly meeting in Abuja, outgoing Board Chair Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola expressed her confidence in the new leadership, stating, “Today, I pass the baton to the next chair with confidence. I know that the values and principles that have guided us will continue to be the bedrock of ActionAid.”
ActionAid Nigeria is a social justice non-governmental organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria. As an affiliate member of the ActionAid International Federation, which operates in 45 countries, AAN works in solidarity with marginalized populations to promote social justice, gender equality, and the eradication of poverty, striving to create a just, equitable, and sustainable world where everyone enjoys the right to a life of dignity and freedom from poverty and oppression.
