Sen Nenadi Usman: Profile of Nigeria’s First Female Nat’l Chairman of a Major Political Party

 

Sen Nenadi Ester Usman was born in 1966 in Jos, Plateau State. Senator Nenadi Usman received her West African School Certificate from Federal Government College in Jos in 1982 and IJMB (A Level) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1983.

 

She holds multiple post-graduate degrees, including a post-graduate diploma in management from the University of Jos, a master’s in strategy and security administration from the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, and a master’s in geography from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she also received her B.Sc. in geography in 1986 and ultimately, a Doctorate in the same area.

 

Viewing education as one of the most effective tools of empowerment, she began her career as a geography teacher at the Government Secondary School in Kagoro, Kaduna State.

Following the restoration of democratic rule in 1989, Senator Usman joined the political arena as a member of Kaduna State Caucus of the National Republican Convention, earning an appointment as Executive Adviser for Youth and Sports and, shortly thereafter, Information, Home Affairs and Culture.

 

It was here that she found her passion for working with women and children while promoting the rich culture of the diverse people of Nigeria. These ideals continued to shape her platform as she continued to gain political prominence.

 

Senator Nenadi Usman served as Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development from 1999 to 2002, then went on to take the roles of Commissioner for Environment & Natural Resources and Commissioner for Health in 2002 and 2003.

 

In her many roles across multiple administrations, Senator Nenadi Usman’s dedication to improving the lives of others through thoughtful, compassionate governance has been steadfast. To that end, she consistently maintained her focus on shaping vital reforms to Nigeria’s financial institutions as Minister of State and Minister of Finance in President Obasanjo’s administration. She overhauled the country’s Customs Service and contributed to the establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

 

In 2007, following the end of President Obasanjo’s term, Senator Nenadi Usman helped establish the Education and Empowerment Centre for Women. Her work in this area has made a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian women and established her as a fierce advocate for marginalized groups.

 

In 2010, Senator Nenadi Usman won her party’s primaries and district-wide general election, becoming the first female senator in the entire North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

As the senator, she continued to put the needs of the underserved at the forefront of her work, attacking critical issues including inadequate drinking water, unemployment, and medical challenges. She fought for legislation to address the needs of underprivileged women and children, leading to the development of community projects and empowerment programs and providing training for youth and women in profitable trades like welding, autotronics, interior decoration, fashion design, plumbing, and others.

 

Senator (Dr) Esther Nenadi Usman is married to HRH Dr. Sa’ad Usman and has three children.