Warren Buffett Said and I quote:“The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”Zainab Usman is a practical example of this statement. She is very ambitious and want to be very successful. She aspires for more anytime she steps her foot on the ladder of success. Her hunger for success is second to none.
It is difficult to imagine that Zainab is already an accomplished lady before she attained the age of 35. I have been a close observer of Zainab for a very long time and based on my discoveries, her main catalyst to success is her zeal, focus and determination. As a writer chronicling the amazing work of great people, I have grown totally fond of many extraordinary great Nigerians but Zainab Usman takes the cake. I love her uncommon courage and the ability to conquer impossible challenges. While others topped the Kilimanjaro of greatness, Zainab headed for the Everest and never stopped climbing. She dared to be different.
Dr. Zainab Usman is gifted with a magnetic brain and photographic memory. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) International Relations and Affairs from Ahmadu Bello University, Master of Science (M.Sc.) Internatonal Political Economy and Development from The University of Birmingham-Distinction and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) International Development from Oxford University United Kingdom. She is an expert on International Development and Governance, Politics, Crisis Management and Public Affairs Analysis.
She worked at various organizations which includes ECOWAS Commission Abuja Nigeria, University of Birmingham. She was also at Islamic relief and at International Crisis Group Brussels, Belgium.
Her meteoric rise was made possible by her boundless energy, prodigious brilliance, great tenacity, never-say-die attitude, clear-headedness and uncommon ability to make her dreams reality. This made her to move to work as a consultant Team Lead for the UK. Department for International Development (DFID) and National Security Adviser (ONSA) as Team lead. She led the research sub-project for the “Gender norms and female participation in radical movements northern Nigeria” as part of the wider “Radicalization, Counter-Radicalization and De-radicalization in Nigeria project commissioned by the UK. Department for International Development under its Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) and the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Nigeria. Her desire and hunger took her away to Blavatnik School of Government as Research Assistant.
Zainab want to be very successful so she kept climbing the ladder of greatness until she reaches the top. She then moved to University of Oxford as a Teaching Assistant. Fate took her back to Blavatnik School of Government but this time as a Research Officer, Global Economic Governance Programme, Oxford United Kingdom. After 10 months, she broke the glass ceiling and moved to The World Bank Washington D.C as a Young Professional (Energy and Extractives). After 2 years, she exemplified her hardwork, genius and brilliance at The World Bank which made them move her to Office of the Chief Economist for Africa.
Dr. Zainab Usman is a very successful person in all ramifications from her very rich CV. She has reached the highest peak of success but don`t be surprised if she move on away from The World Bank to somewhere else. She is making us proud and i am sure her name will be written in gold and will be on the lips of future generations as one of the greatest Nigerians.
Lest i forget, she is on the Editorial Board of Premium Times and the Executive Director of LENSE Africa Economic Empowerment. She is also an intelligent writer with publications on Economy, Power/Oil and Gas Reforms, Security, Politics and Governance. She speaks Hausa, English, French and Portuguese.
I am not a soothsayer but Zainab is on her path to greatness and by the grace of God she will be there sooner or later. Kaduna and Katsina people and indeed Nigerians are proud of you. She is indeed the making of a new brand and a success story.
By Engr. Imam Maiyaki
@MaiyakiImam
imammaiyaki@gmail.com