Rabi Isma


ActionAid Nigeria has elected Rabi Isma as the new Chairperson of its board of Director succeeding Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola  who held the position since 2018. 


Dr. Umar-Ajijol mea  has contributed immensely in carry out the vision of the organisation leading the organisation to tremendous achievement during her tenure in office. 


Isma, emerged the new chairperson at the 16th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja at the weekend.


Isma is a  professional with a rich background in management, public administration, marketing, corporate governance, finance, and project management. She holds a bachelor 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. She is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.


In addition to her academic profile, she is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK) and a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (Nigeria), the Society for Human Resource Management (USA), and the Institute of Directors. Her extensive professional experience includes senior positions at AIKI Consulting Limited, Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services (Etisalat Nigeria), the British Council, and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. She has also served as a Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State.


She is currently a board member of Stanbic IBTC Bank, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, and ActionAid Nigeria. She is also a mentor for WIMBiz Programmes, a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of BusinessDay, and serves on the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Previously, she served on the board of LEAP Africa, an organisation focused on youth leadership development. 


On the board with her will be Dr. Macjohn Onyekwere Nwaobiala as Vice Chair. Dr. Nwaobiala brings extensive experience in public sector administration, policy advisory, and the management of human, material, and financial resources. His strong communication skills and wide-ranging network will position him to make significant contributions to the welfare of vulnerable groups.


Oladele Afolabi comes on the new board as treasurer. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and has vast experience in both the private and public sectors, he is known for his commitment to operational excellence and enhancing organisation efficiency.