LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year 2024: Mallam Umar A. Namadi

The Jigawa State governor, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has displayed a healthy level of inclusiveness in governance.

With a professional career spanning over three decades, he has brought to bear on governance his extensive management experience across various sectors, including manufacturing, finance, public service, management consultancy and auditing.

A distinguished professional and administrator, Namadi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University, Kano, earned in 1987 and 1997 respectively. He is a Chartered Accountant and a member of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation. His areas of expertise encompass general financial management, auditing and investigation, corporate restructuring, and advisory services for both government and businesses.

Born into a family of distinguished religious scholars in Kafin-Hausa town, Jigawa State, Umar Namadi’s lineage is marked by piety and community leadership — his grandfather served as the Chief Imam of Kafin-Hausa.

His formative years were rooted in a strong educational foundation, beginning with his primary education at Kafin-Hausa Central Primary School, where he received traditional Qur’anic and Islamiyya education. Mallam Namadi continued his studies at Mallam Madori Teachers’ College, earning his Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1982.

In 1984, Namadi’s academic pursuit led him to sit for the A Level Certificate examination, which he passed with commendable grades. This achievement facilitated his admission to Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1987. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution.

His career in finance took a significant leap when he joined the National Board for Community Banks as a Principal Inspection Officer. He then transitioned to Kaduna Textiles Limited, where he served in multiple capacities before moving to the Dangote Group of Companies. At Dangote, Umar Namadi rose through the ranks from Assistant General Manager of Finance to Financial Controller of both the Dangote Sugar Refinery and the broader Dangote Group.

In 2006, Namadi shifted his focus to the public sector, joining the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as General Manager of Finance and Accounts and later as General Manager of the Contribution Management Department. His tenure at NHIS was marked by significant contributions to the financial management of the scheme.

After years in public service, Namadi ventured into private business, becoming Managing Partner at Namadi Umar & Co Chartered Accountants, chairman/CEO of Danmodi Food Processing Limited, and chairman/CEO of Danmodi Farms Limited. His business acumen, combined with his passion for community development, led to the establishment of Danmodi Foods Processing Ltd, the first private rice milling company in Jigawa State, which created numerous employment opportunities for the youth.

Mallam Umar Namadi’s entry into politics was driven by his deep concern for the welfare of his people. From 2015 to 2019, he served as the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning in Jigawa State. During his tenure, he spearheaded several reforms, including the adoption and implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, making Jigawa one of the first states in Nigeria to embrace this transparent financial management system. His leadership also saw the local preparation of the state’s financial statements, a departure from past practices.

In 2019, Namadi ascended to the position of Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, where he continued his legacy of transparency, integrity and service. His leadership qualities, resourcefulness and commitment to ethical governance earned him the trust and respect of his peers and constituents.

Umar Namadi achieved a significant milestone in his political career by being elected Governor of Jigawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. His election is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Jigawa have in his leadership. As governor, Namadi is poised to lead the state towards a prosperous and harmonious future, continuing his lifelong dedication to public service and community upliftment.

Namadi is widely respected for his humility, punctuality and dedication to his work. Fondly called ‘Mallam,’ he is known for his unflinching desire to support and uplift the lives of ordinary people through employment, skills empowerment and various philanthropic activities.

His establishment of the first educational foundation in Kafin-Hausa, alongside his younger brother, Dr Abdullahi Namadi, underscores his commitment to the education and empowerment of the youth.

Governor Namadi’s career in both the public and private sectors is marked by his incorruptible, honest and hardworking nature. His dedication to service, coupled with an unblemished record of ethical governance, makes him a consummate leader committed to the betterment of his community and state.