Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Head, Corporate Communications and member of the management team at the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, brought into his current job a rich professional background in communication, having been a journalist at the highest level for many years.
He was Managing Editor/General Manager at Peoples Media Limited, publishers of the Abuja based People’s Daily newspaper. In this role, he was responsible for the business and marketing operations of the company, in addition to coordinating the editorial department.
Abdullahi’s rich pedigree in communication and public relations has enabled him to effortlessly manage the communication needs of Kaduna Electric across its four franchise states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamrara and Sokoto.
He has brought his expertise and professionalism to bear on his job of managing communication in an industry that does not enjoy the best of relationships with electricity consumers across the country. But despite the challenge of managing reputation in an industry that is generally perceived to be an unmarketable brand, Abdullahi has been able to maintain cordial relations between Kaduna Electric and its customers in four states. This is helped by the fact that the company provides services that have been adjudged satisfactory.
His outstanding work in Kaduna Electric has earned him recognition both within the organisation and outside. Among these are the Managing Director’s recognition for Effective Crisis Communication and leading Kaduna Electric to win the Premium African Brand Leadership Merit Award in 2021.
A seasoned journalist, Abdullahi started his journalism career as a Reporter/Researcher at Daily Trust newspaper in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become its Acting Editor. He left the paper in 2008 and took up appointment at Unity Bank as Senior Banking Officer where he headed the External Communication and Brand Management units of the bank. He was a member of the Branding Committee that was saddled with the task of rebranding the bank.
Throughout his career that has spanned more than a decade, Abdullahi has had opportunities to interface with government officials at all levels including politicians and policy makers, and has built long lasting relationships. He also successfully managed teams cross functionally to achieve results.
Abdullahi obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English from the Bayero University, Kano and a Master’s in Mass Communication from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Thomson Foundation, Cardiff, United Kingdom and a Post Graduate Certificate in Organizational Behaviour from the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom.
He has attended several management and strategic communication courses, and is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
