Born: January 25, 1963
Profession: Media and Publicity Strategist
Political Affiliation: People's Democratic Party (PDP)
Notable Role: Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Vice President Namadi Sambo (2009–2015)
Career Overview
Umar Sani began his professional journey in education, having graduated from Kagoro Teachers College in the early 1980s. He worked as a classroom teacher under the Kaduna Local Education Department, reflecting his early commitment to public service.
Driven by a desire for further education and growth, Sani transitioned into the field of marketing: - Attended Kaduna Polytechnic, where he earned a National Diploma (ND) in Marketing. - Employed as a store officer at the National Teachers Institute. - Left the position to pursue further studies, ultimately obtaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing in 1992.
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year (1992–1993), he served at: - Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Bauchi State - United Bank for Africa (UBA), Bauchi Branch
Following NYSC, he was appointed Head of Procurement at Kada Payless Stores (Kaduna State), where he served until 1997. He later obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing.
Political Involvement
Early Political Years
- Joined active politics during General Sani Abacha’s regime, aligning with the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) as one of the founding members in Kaduna State and served as its Administrative Secretary.
PDP and Political Rise
- In 1998, following the return to democracy, he became an early member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
- Became the first Administrative Secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State.
- Appointed Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to the Governor of Kaduna State (2003–2006).
Adviser to Namadi Sambo
In 2007, when Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo became Governor of Kaduna State, Sani was appointed:
- Director General, Media and Public Affairs
- Later elevated to Special Adviser on Media and Publicity
In 2010, following Sambo’s appointment as Vice President after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Sani was appointed:
- Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, a role he held until 2015.
Recent Political Engagement
- Served as a spokesman for the PDP Campaign Council during the 2019 general elections.
- Remains an active and long-standing member of the PDP.
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Umar Sani has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to education, media, and public service, including:
- Special Contribution to Old Boys of Kagoro Teachers College Award
- Special Recognition Award by Media Monitors
- Award of Excellence – Educational Development in Kaduna North LGA
- Award of Excellence – State PTA & NUT, Kaduna North LGA
Media Awards
- Most Outstanding Media Manager – Nigerian Tribune
- Best Media Person Award – Power Steering Magazine
- Best Media Manager of the Year (2014) – City People Magazine
Personal Life
- Umar Sani lost his wife, Hajiya Sahura Umar, in June 2013 in a Cairo hospital.
- They had four children together — three boys and one girl.
References
(To be populated with official sources and citations as needed.)