Providence, fate, hard work and loyalty. These four words shaped the life of Mallam Namadi (Governor of Jigawa state), who on April 7, turned the age of 62 in service to God and humanity. Goodwill messages, prayers and commendations pour in like torrential rainfall hitting the roof. Many of the celebrant’s associates, well-wishers and appointees have demonstrated their love for Mallam Umar Namadi. But who is this man, and what is the significance of his 62nd birthday?
Mallam Umar Namadi has been the Executive Governor of Jigawa State since May 29, 2023. His career spanned over two decades of broad-based management experience in manufacturing, finance, the public sector, management consultancy and auditing.
An outstanding professional and administrator, the Jigawa helmsman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University, Kano, in 1987 and 1997, respectively. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds membership of professional associations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Nigerian Institute of Management, and Chartered Institute of Taxation. His expertise includes general financial management, auditing and investigation, company restructuring, and government and business advisory.
Born into a family of religious scholars (his grandfather was the Chief Imam of Kafin-Hausa) in Kafin-Hausa town of Kafin-Hausa local government area of Jigawa state, Mallam Namadi started his education at Kafin Hausa Central Primary School (along with the traditional Qur’anic and Islamiyya education). He proceeded to Mallam Madori Teachers’ College, where he obtained his Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1982.
In 1984, he sat for A Level Certificate examination and passed with good grades, aiding him to secure admission for undergraduate studies at the Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated with a BSc in Accounting in 1987 and, later bagged an MBA from the same institution.
After graduation, Mallam Namadi did his mandatory National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Makurdi, Benue state, where he worked as an Audit Assistant at Egwu Oga & Co.’s auditing firm. Between 1988 and 1994, he held various positions with Abdu Abdurrahim & Co. Chartered Accountants, based in Kano, which includes Audit Management and Consultancy Services.
He worked briefly at the National Board for Community Banks, where he held the rank of Principal Inspection Officer, and moved to Kaduna Textiles Limited, where he served in various capacities.
As his career progressed, Mallam Umar moved to the Dangote Group of Companies where he rose from the rank of Assistant General Manager of Finance to occupy a higher position of Financial Controller in both the Dangote Sugar Refinery and Dangote Group.
After a stint in the private sector, he deployed his expertise and experience to the public sector. Between 2006 and 2013, he worked with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as a General Manager of Finance & Accounts and the Contribution Management Department General Manager.
Afterward, he left the public service to delve into business and private practice, holding positions as Managing Partner Namadi, Umar & Co. Chartered Accountants; Chairman/CEO Danmodi Food Processing Limited (Rice Millers); and Chairman/CEO Danmodi Farms Limited.
Before his ascension as the deputy governor of Jigawa state in 2019, Mallam Umar Namadi served as commissioner for finance and economic planning in the state from 2015 to 2019, where he championed several innovations in the management of the state’s finances, improving its efficiency and transparency.
Mallam Namadi’s career in both the public and private sectors, as well as in the political realms, has been marked by his resourcefulness, high-level adherence to ethics, and persistence in following the rules and doing the right things. This makes him an incorruptible, honest, and hardworking professional wherever he works.
Fondly called ‘Mallam’ – a reverence for his humility, punctuality, and dedication to work—the governor has been known for his unflinching desire to support and uplift the lives of ordinary people through employment, skills empowerment, and various philanthropic activities that he has been undertaking for years.
The most remarkable thing about Mallam Namadi is his uprightness and dedication to service; he has garnered an unblemished record of service and devotion to his community. He worked as a primary school teacher in his locality before venturing into other bigger fields of endeavour aimed at helping his people. Mallam Namadi’s concern for improving his people’s lives is the primary motivation for his active political participation.
For instance, one of the fruits of his investments, Danmodi Foods Processing Ltd – the first private rice milling company in Jigawa state – has provided employment opportunities to numerous youths in the state. Also, he was the first person to introduce the out-grower scheme programme in the state long before the adoption of a similar scheme at the federal level by the ruling APC
He set up the first educational foundation in the history of Kafin-Hausa (alongside his younger brother, Dr. Abdullahi Namadi) under which he sponsored the education of thousands of less privileged youths in the area and beyond.
The journey through life often carries a strong desire for self-fulfilment, the fulfilment of one’s dreams, desires, aspirations or even goals. Sometimes, this manifests in celebrations over accomplishments or bowed heads over dashed hopes. However, for Mallam Umar Namadi, these past 62 years have been eventful and characterized by modest accomplishments, to which he says he owes all to Almighty Allah. Since his assumption at Government House Dutse, he has been championing an institutional reform of Jigawa state anchored on the “Greater Jigawa 12-Points Agenda” aimed at moving the state to greater heights. The impact of the 12-Agenda is receiving thunderous applause from national and international organizations. Therefore, the Chief Architect of Greater Jigawa, HE Mallam Umar Namadi, should be celebrated by all as he marks his 62nd birthday in service to God and humanity.
Ahmad, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached at [email protected]
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
