Umar iliya Damagum Biography: Umar iliya Damagum is a prominent Nigerian politician who recently assumed the role of acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His educational journey began at Damagum Central Primary School (1971-1977), followed by Government College Maiduguri (1977-1982).
He furthered his studies at the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1988, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management in 1996, and a Master’s in Business Administration in 2004.
From 2004 to 2007, Umar Damagum served as the Nigerian Ambassador to Romania. He has held various positions within the PDP, including Financial Secretary of the PDP in Yobe State (1998-2000), and has been a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations.
Umar Iliya Damagum Early Life and Education
Umar Iliya Damagum was born on August 10, 1963, into the family of Mallam Iliya Damagum and Malama Fatima Iliya Damagum in the serene town of Damagum, located in the present Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria.
His educational journey began at Damagum Central Primary School in 1971. Over six formative years, he not only gained foundational education but also developed a strong interest in learning and leadership. This interest continued to Government College Maiduguri, where he attended secondary school from 1977 to 1982.
After completing his secondary education, Umar Damagum’s thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Maiduguri. It was there that he embarked on a journey into the realm of arts and education, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1988.
Umar’s academic pursuits did not end with his undergraduate degree. He returned to the University of Maiduguri to further his education, completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management in 1996, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration in 2004.
Umar Iliya Damagum Career
Umar Iliya Damagum’s career started in the financial sector, where he served as the Head of Operations at Allied Bank PLC from 1988 to 1994.
In 1995, Damagum transitioned to corporate governance, becoming a Director at First Services Nigeria Ltd., a role he held until 2004. During this period, he also began his political journey, starting in 1998 when he was appointed as the Financial Secretary of the PDP in Yobe State. As the new millennium began, Damagum’s political career gained momentum. He became a Board Member of the Yobe State Housing Corporation in 1997, contributing to infrastructure development in his state. In recognition of his dedication, he was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Family Investment Nigeria Ltd. from 1994 to 2010.
Damagum’s diplomatic skills were acknowledged when he assumed the role of the Nigerian Ambassador to Romania, serving from 2004 to 2007. During his ambassadorship, he focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Romania, actively fostering trade and cultural exchanges.
Upon his return to Nigeria, Damagum continued to hold a significant position within the PDP. He served as the Yobe State PDP Secretary and played a pivotal role as the Director General for the Yobe State Gubernatorial Campaign and Election in 2011.
More recently, Damagum’s wealth of experience and leadership qualities have been recognized at the national level. In 2024, he was appointed as the acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid internal party disagreements. This appointment followed a court injunction from Benue state, which restrained the former national chairman from assuming the role of the party leader.
Umar Iliya Damagum State Of Origin
Umar Damagum is from Yobe State, Nigeria.
Offices Held by Umar Iliya Damagum
Offices held by Umar Damagum:
- Head of Operations, Allied Bank PLC (1988-1994)
- Director, First Services Nigeria Ltd. (1995-2004)
- Financial Secretary, PDP Yobe State (1998-2000)
- Board Member, Yobe State Housing Corporation (1997-present)
- Chairman and Managing Director, Family Investment Nigeria Ltd. (1994-2010)
- Nigerian Ambassador to Romania (2004-2007)
- Yobe State PDP Secretary
- Director General, Yobe State Gubernatorial Campaign and Election (2011)
- Acting Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (2024-present)
Umar Iliya Damagum Personal Life
Umar Damagum’s personal life is characterized by his commitment to family and community. He is married and has children, and his family is an integral part of his life. In addition to his political and professional endeavors, Damagum is known for his philanthropic activities, supporting various community development projects and initiatives in Yobe State. He is also an advocate for education and youth empowerment, believing in the importance of investing in the future generations.
Umar Iliya Damagum Net Worth
As of 2024, Umar Damagum’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
