Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army. In a statement by NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa praised Azubuike’s achievement, calling it a testament to her dedication, resilience, and outstanding service. Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, Azubuike joined the U.S. Army in 1994, later becoming an aviator. Over her 30-year career, she has held key leadership roles, including platoon leader, flight operations officer, and public affairs officer. She now serves as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of her promotion, stating that it breaks barriers and highlights the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora. She encouraged Nigerians worldwide to draw inspiration from Azubuike’s success.
Early Life and Military Career
Azubuike was born in London and later moved to the U.S., becoming a naturalized citizen in 1989. She initially aspired to join the Air Force but later pursued a career in the Army. She earned a degree in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas in 1993 and completed flight training in 1994.
Her career took her to various leadership and intelligence roles, including serving in South Korea and at the Pentagon. She also earned a master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.
A Trailblazer in the Military
Azubuike’s promotion to Brigadier General is a historic milestone, making her the first Nigerian woman to attain this rank. Her journey serves as an inspiration to future generations, proving that perseverance and excellence can lead to remarkable achievements.