ActionAid Nigeria Elects New Executive Board

Rabi Isma has been elected as the new Chairperson of ActionAid Nigeria’s Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, who has served in the position since 2018.

Dr. Jummai Umar has made significant contributions to implementing the organization’s vision, leading to tremendous success during her tenure.

Isma was elected chairperson at the 16th Annual General Meeting, which took place over the weekend in Abuja.

Isma is a professional with extensive experience in management, public administration, marketing, corporate governance, finance, and project management. She has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, a postgraduate diploma from Ahmadu Bello University, and master’s degrees from the University of Wales and the University of Birmingham. She is also a graduate of Harvard Business School.

In addition to her academic credentials, she is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK) and a member of several professional organisations, 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 with AIKI Consulting Limited, Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (Etisalat Nigeria), the British Council, and Guarantee Trust Bank Plc. She has also worked as a Special Advisor to the Governor of Kano State.

She is currently a board member at Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, and ActionAid Nigeria. She also mentors for WIMBiz Programmes, sits on the Editorial Advisory Board of BusinessDay and is a member of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s National Executive Council. Previously, she served on the board of LEAP Africa, an organisation dedicated to youth leadership development.

Dr. Macjohn Onyekwere Nwaobiala will serve as Vice Chair of the board alongside her. Dr. Nwaobiala has extensive experience in public sector administration, policy advisory, and resource management (human, material, financial). His strong communication skills and extensive network will enable him to make significant contributions to the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Oladele Afolabi has joined the new board as treasurer. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He is well-known for his dedication to operational excellence and improving organisational efficiency.