Tom Garba
Dr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed, FMSS, Amb. P., Fosha, the dynamic Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) in Yola, is redefining governance and youth empowerment in Nigeria’s North East with his visionary leadership.
At just 43 years old, this trailblazing leader, born on January 17, 1982, in Yola, is leveraging his youthful energy, vast expertise, and passion for development to uplift the region and inspire a new generation of leaders.
A decorated scholar from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Sanusi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, a Postgraduate Diploma in Remote Sensing and GIS, and a Master’s in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies.
His academic journey, coupled with his military service in the Nigerian Army (82 Division Education, Enugu, 2000–2016), laid a solid foundation for his multifaceted career in business, sports, agriculture, and now public service.
He is widely accepted by all as a masterstroke appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A perfect fit
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2024, Dr. Sanusi’s appointment as MD of UBRBDA reflects his proven track record of excellence and dedication to national growth.
He is widely accepted by all as a masterstroke appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His appointment is believed to be a perfect fit, as he has brought the Upper River Basin (UBRBDA) to the limelight within just a few months with massive development.
Dr. Sanusi M. Mohammed is a workaholic, a vibrant young person who sees his youthful age as an opportunity to transform his region, the North East, and prove that Nigerian youth can do even better. Empowering the youth of the North East, Dr. Sanusi’s commitment to youth development is unparalleled.
As a former Member of the Board of Trustees for the Youth Employment Association of Nigeria (YEAN) and Director of Strategy and Planning for the APC National Youth Vanguard (ANYV), he has long championed initiatives that create opportunities for young Nigerians.
He has prioritized programs that empower North East youth through agriculture, sports, and skill development
Since taking the helm at UBRBDA, he has prioritized programs that empower North East youth through agriculture, sports, and skill development.
His leadership in the Africa Sports Development Centre (ASDC) Goal Project at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and his roles as Chairman of Taraba State Football Association, Kaduna United Football Club, and Taraba State Teqball Association underscore his belief in sports as a tool for youth engagement and talent nurturing.
Dr. Sanusi’s efforts have already seen young athletes from the region gain exposure to international scouts, a legacy from his own experience hosting European football scouts in Kaduna, Abuja, and Jalingo.
In agriculture, Dr. Sanusi draws from his successful tenure as a renowned rice farmer and CEO of Africana Golden Rice in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The youth are the heartbeat of this region
He has introduced innovative farming programs under UBRBDA, training and equipping young farmers with modern techniques to boost productivity and ensure food security in the North East.
“The youth are the heartbeat of this region,” Dr. Sanusi said in a recent address. “By empowering them with skills and opportunities, we secure a brighter future for all.”
As MD, Dr. Sanusi has brought a fresh perspective to governance, emphasizing transparency, innovation, and community impact.
His expertise in disaster risk management, honed through projects like mapping flood vulnerability in Suleja, Niger State, and assessing land use changes in Dandume, Katsina State, has been instrumental in addressing the region’s environmental challenges.
Under his leadership, UBRBDA is implementing sustainable water management and irrigation projects to combat drought and enhance agricultural output, directly benefiting rural communities across the North East.
Dr. Sanusi’s holistic approach to governance ensures that the needs of the Nigerian people, particularly in the North East, are met with heartfelt dedication.
His military background instills discipline, while his private sector experience as a director in multiple organizations, including Lexington Global Investment Ltd. and Maikatako Resources Nig. Ltd., brings efficiency and innovation to his role.
His numerous awards, including a Letter of Commendation from the United Nations POLAC Foundation and a Doctoral Fellow from the Institute of Leadership Manpower and Management Development (ILMMD) in 2023, affirm his exceptional contributions to society.
Dr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed is more than a public servant; he is a transformative force. His youth-centric initiatives, coupled with his governance reforms at UBRBDA, are creating a ripple effect of progress in the North East.
His youth-centric initiatives, coupled with his governance reforms at UBRBDA, are creating a ripple effect of progress in the North East
From empowering young farmers to nurturing sporting talents and ensuring sustainable development, Dr. Sanusi is making Nigeria—especially the North East—better, one impactful step at a time. As he continues to lead with passion and purpose, the region looks forward to a future of prosperity under his stewardship.
Read Also: The Future is Now: Dr. Sanusi M. Mohammed Redefines Leadership as UBRBDA’s Youngest MD
