Executive Director, Human Resources, FAAN

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma΄s quest for education began at the Islamiya Primary & Quranic School, Anyigba from where she proceeded, on merit, to Community Secondary School, Ejule and then to the prestigious Federal Government College Ugwolawo as a part of the pioneering set of graduates. Salamatu was admitted first to the Federal Polytechnic Idah for her National Diploma (ND), and later, the Kaduna Polytechnic where she was awarded Higher National Diploma (HND), Upper Credit, in Hotel & Catering Management. Her thirst for higher education also saw her through the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where she earned an MBA in Management.

Her professional career began as a Youth Corper at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers where she served with the Training Department and was subsequently deployed to the Front Desk having been absorbed as a full staff on completing her Service. She was later to go back to the Training Department as the Officer in charge of that management function. On this desk, she was privileged to attend well over twenty International Courses in different countries of the world thereby acquiring invaluable exposure to global best practices both in the hospitality industry and in management.

Desiring to experience a balanced career in both the Private and Public Sectors, she joined the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in 2001 as an Assistant General Manager in the Training Department after a keenly contested recruitment exercise conducted by Accenture (former Anderson Consulting). In recognition of her meritorious contributions to the development of that department through pro-activity, ingenuity and selfless dedication, she was recommended for special promotion after two years as an Assistant General Manager to the position of a Deputy General Manager. She was promoted General Manager Training & Manpower Development in 2006 and distinguished herself in this position which she transformed from cost centre into a revenue generating arm of the organisation. It therefore was no surprise that she was promoted Executive Director, Human Resources of FAAN in September 2012. This is her current position.

In recognition of her contributions to the development of various aspects of the Nigerian society, Hajia Salamatu B. Umar-Eluma has received a number of awards. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Chartered Fellow, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, 2014; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), 2014; Ambassador for Peace Merit Award by the Commonwealth Students/Youths Federation for peace, 2014; Award of Excellence by Women in Logistics and Air Transport, WILAT, 2012.

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma as a member of 2014 Class of MMS Plus’ Woman of Fortune.