ActionAid Nigeria has elected a new board of executives to run the affairs of the organisation.
The election of the new board members was announced in a statement signed by ActionAid Communications Coordinator, Oluwakemi Akinremi-Segun with Rabi Isma emerging as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
Isma succeeds Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, who has held the position since 2018.
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.
The new board, according ActionAid is expected to bring new insight and vigour to ActionAid work in Nigeria.
“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,” Akinremi-Segun
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.’’
