Northern PR Stars: Leading Women in PR

Northern PR Stars: Leading Women in PR
By Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba

In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, Public Relations (PR) has emerged as a formidable force, shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the Northern region of Nigeria has also witnessed an impressive rise in its PR industry, with a wave of talented professionals making their mark on the communication landscape within and outside the country.

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The North has also produced iconic Communicators, scholars, spokespersons and other PR practitioners who contribute in defining contemporary issues in the public relations industry.

Spokesperson’s Digest, a sister publication of PRNigeria presents three leading women in PR, Fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and from the North.

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Hajia Lami Tumaka: A Global Role Model for Aspiring PR Professionals

Hajia Lami Tumaka is a highly-accomplished and respected Public Relations professional known for her top-notch expertise, leadership, and dedication to the field. Born on January 14, 1960, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the Nigerian public relations landscape, with a career spanning over three decades.

Tumaka’s warm persona, commitment, and hard work serve as the pillars that support her every engagement, both in her private life and public service career.

Hajia Lami Tumaka’s educational journey began at St. George’s Primary School Ikoyi, Lagos State, and continued at Fatima Secondary School and Government Girls Secondary School in Minna. She pursued her passion for literature, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1979.

Continuing her educational pursuits, she obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same university in 2000. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Basic Film Production with Distinction from TV College Jos (1986), and a Diploma in Public Relations from Holborn College London (1993).

Hajia Tumaka’s career began at the Army Day Secondary School Jaji, after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps. She later joined the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1986, where she honed her skills in media and communication.

She transitioned to public relations and became the Public Relations Manager at Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited, showcasing her excellent PR prowess and people skills. Her expertise in public relations led her to the National Maritime Authority (now NIMASA) in 1998, where she held key positions, ultimately becoming a Director after 22 years of meritorious service before her retirement.

Throughout her illustrious career, Hajia Lami Tumaka received numerous awards and honors, recognizing her outstanding professionalism and contributions to the field of Public Relations. Notably, she received the Most Outstanding Maritime Industry Image Maker for 2015 at the 6th National Evergreen Maritime Merit Award, organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

In addition to this prestigious recognition, she was named the Maritime Media Woman of the Year for both 2011 and 2012. Furthermore, she earned the title of Best Maritime Industry Public Relations Officer in 2011, through a poll, highlighting her remarkable influence and impact in the industry.

Hajia Lami Tumaka’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. In April 2016, EvanCarmichael.com, a renowned website founded by Toronto-based entrepreneur Evan Carmichael, recognized her as one of the top 100 global Public Relations Practitioners for mentees to follow. This acknowledgment further solidifies her status as a leading authority in public relations and a role model for aspiring PR professionals worldwide.

Tumaka’s dedication to her profession is evident in her involvement in several esteemed professional organizations. She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration Nigeria (CIOTA). Furthermore, she holds memberships in the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, among others.

Even after her retirement, Hajia Lami Tumaka continues to make a positive impact on her society. She is actively involved in mentoring young people and engaging in public speaking engagements. Additionally, she serves as the current and pioneer Chairman of the Blue Economy Coordinating Group, further demonstrating her commitment to driving positive change and growth in relevant sectors.

Hajia Lami Tumaka’s journey as a Public Relations professional is one of remarkable achievements, recognition, and influence. Her dedication to her profession, along with her warm and approachable personality, has made her a well-respected and sought-after figure in the Nigerian PR landscape. Her contributions to the maritime industry and beyond have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of PR professionals to follow in her footsteps.

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Hajiya Maryam Sanusi: The Pioneer Female Chairman of NIPR in FCT

Hajiya Maryam Sanusi is the first elected female Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) FCT Chapter, after almost three decades of its existence. Since her election in 2019, she has turned the chapter as one of the ‘Best Performing Chapters’ due to her hard work, commitment to quality service delivery, and consistency in walking the path of professionalism and excellence.

Her leadership quality further proves women’s capability to lead, as she has positioned the flagship Chapter of the Institute, through high-quality Meetings, Conferences and workshops, stakeholders engagement and programmes that improve mutual relationship between the Chapter leadership and active membership.

She is an accomplished PR professional and a seasoned public officer, who is the Director Communications/Public Relations Department at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

With a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades and significant contributions to the field, she has excelled through her education, work experience, and leadership roles.

Born in Gombe State, she earned her West Africa School Certificate from Federal Government Girls’ College Onitsha and a B.A. Hons. in Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri.

Furthering her commitment to professional growth, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism at the International Institute of Journalism and earned an M.Sc in Mass Communication, from the National Open University of Nigeria.

Hajiya Maryam’s professional career commenced as a Senior Supervisor at the Central Bank of Nigeria during her NYSC service. Subsequently, she held various roles, including Senior Information Officer at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Radio House and Press Secretary/PRO to the Hon. Minister at the Federal Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing.

Her contributions extend beyond her professional roles to the realm of publications. She initiated and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the FERMA Digest Magazine since 2008. She also facilitated the registration of FERMA’s flagship publications with relevant international bodies. Additionally, she has published compendiums and worked on producing the “Eye on the Road” documentary series airing on NTA Network among other quality programmes and projects for the organisation.

Hajiya Maryam has held several leadership positions, apart from being the Chairman NIPR FCT Chapter, she also served as the Secretary and President of the Tangale Community Development Association (TCDA) Women’s Wing and TCDA, respectively.

A fellow of NIPR, her dedication and hard work have earned her numerous honors and awards. She received the Award of Excellence and Certificate of Commendation from FERMA’s Board/Management, and during her tenure, FERMA was recognized as the Most Outstanding Public Institution in Nigeria by the Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG). She also received the NIPR Award (Lagos State Chapter) for PR Golden Awards and nominations for Best Use of PR on Electronic Media.

Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Sanusi’s exceptional career in public relations, her commitment to education, and her contributions to community development reflect her passion for excellence. As a leader and role model, she continues to make a significant impact in the Nigerian public relations landscape, driving positive change and making a difference in her community and beyond.

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Mrs. Hadiza Umar: The Distinguished PR Amazon Driving NITDA’s Vision

Behind some of the most successful campaigns on Information Technology (IT), especially on digital innovation is Mrs. Hadiza Umar, the spokesperson of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). While she put so much efforts on the visibility that make positive impacts from the campaigns, she is a consummate public relations practioner in Nigeria.

Some of the widely recognised campaigns she initiated included on Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity, on the roles of NITDA in promoting the use of Information Technology (IT) in all spheres, as well as countering misconceptions on “Draft Code Of Practice for Social Media and Online Platforms,” by educating the public on the benefits of the guideline with concrete facts.

She ensures regular media coverage, well-researched publications and event management towards enhancing positive perspective on the campaigns.

A distinguished PR personality, Hadiza Umar boasts an impressive career that spans journalism and public relations. Originally from the lively Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State, Nigeria, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the renowned University of Maiduguri and an M.A in Media Arts from the esteemed University of Abuja.

Mrs. Umar’s professional journey began in 1998 when she joined Today Communications Limited as the Woman Editor for TODAY Newspapers. During her tenure from 1998 to 2001, she thrived under the guidance of Late Abidina Coomassie, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.

Eager to explore new horizons, she transitioned to the realm of Public Relations, becoming the first Public Relations Officer of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. From March 2001 to September 2002, she skillfully managed the organization’s communication efforts, solidifying her reputation as a capable PR professional.

In September 2002, Mrs. Umar embraced a new challenge by joining the National Broadcasting Commission, where she continued to excel until September 2009. With an unwavering commitment to her field, she then assumed the role of Head of the Corporate Affairs Unit at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Her tenure at NITDA commenced in 2009 as the Ag. Head of Corporate Affairs and was confirmed in 2014, reflecting her exemplary leadership and dedication to the agency’s mission.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Umar has demonstrated a profound understanding of government operations and fostered strong relationships with stakeholders in the Information Technology (IT) industry, both domestically and internationally. Her ability to maintain favorable communication channels between NITDA and the public has been instrumental in the agency’s success.

Collaborating with various departments, she ensures regular updates on IT services and oversees NITDA’s collaborations with focal organizations and stakeholders.

Passionate about leveraging PR tools and strategies, Mrs. Umar is determined to propel NITDA towards its vision of transforming Nigeria into an IT-driven economy. Her wealth of experience and training in public relations management equips her with the skills necessary to achieve this goal.

Mrs. Umar’s dedication to professional growth is evident through her participation in various PR and Management Training programs and conferences, both nationally and internationally. As a result, she has earned the distinction of being a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA).

Additionally, she is a valued member of the Africa Business School and Nigeria Institute of Management. In her current role as Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit at NITDA, Mrs. Umar exemplifies leadership and excellence.

Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to her work have earned her admiration from colleagues and peers alike. Her PR campaigns for NITDA have been recognised at the international level. In fact some of the campaigns won African SABRE PR Certificates of Excellence, hosted by African Public Relations Association (APRA) in Tanzania 2022 and Zambia 2023, Finalist of Digital Communication Award in Germany 2022 and Finalist Golden World Award of International Public Relations Association (IPRA) 2023 among others.

Outside of her professional achievements, Mrs. Umar finds joy in her personal life. As a devoted wife and loving mother, she skillfully balances her family responsibilities with her professional pursuits, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Mrs. Hadiza Umar’s journey from journalism to public relations has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a passion for excellence. Her ability to forge strong relationships, coupled with her commitment to leveraging PR strategies, makes her an influential figure in the industry. As Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit at NITDA, she continues to drive the agency towards its ambitious vision, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s IT landscape.

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*Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba, a Staff Writer with the Spokesperson’s Digest is an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University obtaining a Bsc in Media Communication Culture and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Email: [email protected]