Zubaida Umar: The Amazon of uplifting Disaster Management in Nigeria

In Nigeria’s public service, where recognition often comes with controversy, few leaders shine as quietly yet powerfully as Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). At the 2025 African Iconic Women Recognition Awards held at Abuja’s Transcorp Hilton Hotel, she was honored as the Most Outstanding Woman in Public Service—a testament to her transformative leadership.The star-studded event, organized by FDN Projects, drew Nigeria’s elite—ministers, lawmakers, governors’ wives, and business tycoons. Amid the glamour, Mrs. Umar’s moment resonated most. Accepting the award from the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, she exuded grace and humility, earning admiration from an audience well aware of her remarkable contributions.Under Mrs. Umar’s stewardship, NEMA has evolved from a reactive agency to a proactive force in disaster management. Her leadership has prioritized coordination, community engagement, and prevention, cutting through bureaucratic red tape with quiet efficiency. From swift flood responses to aiding victims of banditry and communal clashes, NEMA has become a trusted name, arriving early and delivering lasting support. Her strategic partnerships with state agencies, international donors, and the private sector have further amplified the agency’s reach.In a landscape often defined by self-promotion, Mrs. Umar’s understated approach stands out. Her rare social media posts reflect her focus on substance over spectacle. After the award, she expressed gratitude, dedicating the honor to God, her family, NEMA’s dedicated staff, and unsung emergency responders, emphasizing that “disaster management is everyone’s business.”Leading NEMA is no small feat. Coordinating federal responses to crises, managing IDP camps, and navigating high-pressure government dynamics require resilience, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision—qualities Mrs. Umar embodies effortlessly, according to those who work with her.Her recognition signals more than personal achievement; it highlights a quiet revolution in Nigeria’s emergency management—professional, responsive, and people-focused. It also underscores the growing acceptance of women in high-stakes leadership roles, moving beyond tokenism to true impact.As Nigeria faces escalating challenges like climate change, urban disasters, and insecurity, NEMA’s role in national stability is critical. With Zubaida Umar at the helm—steady, thoughtful, and effective—the agency is well-positioned to lead. Her story proves that leadership rooted in integrity and vision speaks louder than noise, leaving a legacy that will endure
25th May 2025