NEMA DG Zubaida Umar Bags Responsive Humanitarian Leadership Award
By Pan Afric Reporters
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 management and humanitarian response in Nigeria.
The award was presented to Umar by the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Dr. Ahmadu Aliyu Onawo, on behalf of Blueprint Newspapers, during the 8th Blueprint Newspapers Annual Public Lecture and Impact Series/Awards held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2026, the recognition was in acknowledgement of Umar’s leadership and efforts towards repositioning NEMA into a more proactive, people-centred and responsive disaster management institution.
Umar was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians, including state governors, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, senior government officials, traditional rulers and captains of industry.
The award adds to a growing list of recognitions for the NEMA Director General, particularly for her commitment to public service, humanitarian leadership and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management architecture.
Reacting to the honour, Umar expressed appreciation to Blueprint Newspapers, saying the recognition was not hers alone but a reflection of the collective efforts of NEMA’s management and staff as well as stakeholders and partners in the country’s disaster management sector.
She dedicated the award to the agency’s workforce and its partners, noting that their combined efforts had continued to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Umar also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve the country, while acknowledging the guidance and support of Vice President Kashim Shettima in advancing the Federal Government’s disaster risk management and humanitarian objectives.
The NEMA boss reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery across the country.
She said NEMA would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to protect lives, livelihoods and communities, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more effective and responsive disaster management system.
The ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries from across the country, including ministers, political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, senior government officials and other distinguished personalities.
Umar’s recognition comes as NEMA continues to play a central role in coordinating Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response efforts, particularly in strengthening collaboration among government institutions, communities and humanitarian partners.
