The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has been honoured with the Responsive Humanitarian Leadership Award for her contributions to emergency and disaster management in Nigeria.
Umar received the award from Blueprint Newspapers alongside other distinguished Nigerians, including state governors, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, senior government officials and prominent captains of industry.
The award was presented to the NEMA Director General by the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Dr. Ahmadu Aliyu Onawo, on behalf of Blueprint Newspapers, at the 8th Blueprint Newspapers Annual Public Lecture and Impact Series/Awards held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The event attracted prominent personalities from across the country, including governors, ministers, political leaders, senior government officials, traditional rulers, business executives and other stakeholders.
The recognition highlights Umar’s leadership at NEMA and her efforts to reposition the agency towards a more proactive, people-centred and responsive disaster management system.
Since assuming office, the NEMA Director General has continued to emphasise disaster risk reduction, preparedness, mitigation, effective emergency response and recovery, while strengthening collaboration among government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.
The latest honour adds to the growing recognition of Umar’s contribution to public service and humanitarian leadership, particularly her efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management architecture and improve the agency’s capacity to respond to emergencies and disasters.
In her reaction, Umar expressed appreciation to Blueprint Newspapers for the recognition, describing the award as an honour she shared with the management and staff of NEMA, as well as stakeholders and partners whose collective efforts continue to enhance Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the opportunity to serve the country, and to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his guidance and support in advancing the Federal Government’s disaster risk management and humanitarian objectives.
Umar reaffirmed her commitment to providing purposeful leadership at NEMA and deepening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen disaster risk reduction, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.
She said the agency would remain focused on protecting lives, livelihoods and communities while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to build a more resilient Nigeria capable of effectively managing disasters and other emergencies.
