Press Release: ActionAid Nigeria Elects New Board Executives - Rabi Isma Emerges New Chairperson, Board of Directors

ActionAid Nigeria Elects New Board Executives

ActionAid Nigeria is delighted to announce the election of Rabi Isma as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, who has held the position since 2018. Dr. Umar-Ajijola's leadership has been pivotal in guiding the organization through significant achievements, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her dedicated service.

Rabi Isma is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience 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. Rabi is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

In addition to her impressive academic background, Rabi Isma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (Nigeria), the Society for Human Resource Management (USA), and the Institute of Directors. Her professional journey includes senior roles at AIKI Consulting Limited, Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (Etisalat Nigeria), the British Council, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Rabi also served as a Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State.

Rabi Isma currently serves on the Boards of Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, ActionAid Nigeria, and a mentor for WIMBiz Programmes. She is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of BusinessDay and the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Previously, she was on the board of LEAP Africa, a youth-focused organisation dedicated to developing transformative leaders for Africa.

Joining the leadership team is Dr. Macjohn Onyekwere Nwaobiala, who brings a wealth of experience as Vice Chair. With extensive expertise in human, material, and financial stewardship, he excels in public sector administration and policy advisory, leveraging a strong network and communication skills to advance the welfare of society's vulnerable groups. 

Also joining is Oladele Afolabi, the new Board Treasurer, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria with extensive experience across both private and public sectors. A published author, he is dedicated to operational excellence and enhancing organisational efficiency.

Their elections are expected to bring new insights and strengthen the governance of ActionAid Nigeria as it continues its vital work in ending poverty and advocating for social justice.

Speaking at the General Assembly meeting held in Abuja, the outgoing Board Chair, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, noted that '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.’’

Editors' notes 

ActionAid Nigeria, a social justice non-governmental organisation working to eradicate poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria. We are an affiliate member of the ActionAid International Federation with a presence in 45 countries. AAN works in solidarity with people living in poverty and exclusion to achieve social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication towards achieving a just, equitable, and sustainable world in which every person enjoys the right to a life of dignity, freedom from poverty and all forms of oppression. 

Contact:

Oluwakemi Akinremi-Segun | Communications Coordinator | ActionAid Nigeria

Tel: +234 (0) 809 207 6904 | +234 (0) 812 888 8826  Email: Oluwakemi.AkinremiSe@actionaid.org | Info.nigeria@actionaid.org