Born in Kaiama, Kwara State, Sadiq Suleiman Umar has built his name as a public health pharmacist and development specialist before entering politics. He currently serves as Senator representing Kwara North in Nigeria’s National Assembly and holds key leadership positions within Senate committees.
RELATED: Adams Oshiomhole Biography: From Labour Battles to Legislative Power
Who is Sadiq Umar?
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar is a distinguished Nigerian politician, public health expert, and development professional. He hails from Kwara State and has served in several development roles before transitioning fully into political leadership. He was elected Senator for Kwara North Senatorial District under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has held influential Senate committee appointments.
RELATED: Meet Ned Nwoko: The Billionaire Senator Behind Regina Daniels
Profile Summary (Quick Facts Table)
|
Full Name |
Sadiq Suleiman Umar |
|
Date of Birth / Age |
8 June 1970 / 55 years old |
|
State of Origin |
Kwara State |
|
Local Government Area |
Kaiama LGA |
|
Tribe / Ethnicity |
Igbo-minority or Yoruba/nuanced local tribe |
|
Religion |
Muslim |
|
Marital Status |
Married (Maryam Sadiq Umar) |
|
Political Party |
All Progressives Congress (APC) |
|
Current Position |
Senator, Kwara North |
|
Years Active in Politics |
7 years (From 2019) |
|
Net Worth (Estimated) |
Not publicly confirmed |
RELATED: From Trader to Billionaire Senator: The Rise of Orji Uzor Kalu
Umar’s Early Life and Education
Sadiq Umar was born on 8 June 1970 in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State. He completed his secondary education at Borgu Secondary School, New Bussa, graduating in 1987 with top honours.
He proceeded to study Pharmacy at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, earning a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. He later acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (also at ABU).
During his school years, he stood out academically and was often ranked among the top pupils, especially in secondary school.
Career before Politics
Before entering politics full-time, Umar built a robust career in the development and public health sectors. For decades, he worked with international development organisations such as DFID and USAID, managing health and community development projects focused on women, children, and vulnerable populations.
He rose to the role of Technical Director, West Africa, at Axios International, a U.S.-based organisation. His work included designing interventions, monitoring results, and ensuring that development funding impacted grassroots levels. This experience gave him deep insight into governance, accountability, and public systems.
His transition into politics was motivated by a desire to bring structural change and scale his impact, moving from project implementation to policy formulation and legislative oversight.
RELATED: Joseph Ikpea: From Esan Roots to the Halls of the Senate
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Umar contested and won the Senatorial seat for Kwara North in 2019, running under the APC banner. In the 9th Senate, he was appointed Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules & Business, and Vice Chair of the Primary Health Care & Communicable Diseases Committee.
Major Political Roles
In 2023, he won re-election and in the 10th Senate became Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade & Investment. He also serves on committees like Appropriation, Power, Downstream Petroleum, Finance, Local & Foreign Debt, ICT, and National Planning.
In May 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Rules & Business Committee of the 10th Senate. His legislative focus includes education, health, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and community investments.
He’s also a traditional title holder, having been decorated as the Dan Amar Kaiama and Dan Amar Lafiagi, meaning “Beloved Prince” in the local emirates.
Achievements and Impact
Umar has championed constituency projects in health clinics, youth empowerment funds, road repairs, and educational scholarships. He is recognised for pushing for better healthcare funding, support for local industries, and efficient oversight in trade sectors.
He is a fellow in professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy, the African Centre for Supply Chain, the Society of Professional Disaster Risk Managers, and the Association of Nigerian Public Administrators. His leadership style is often described as humble, people-oriented, and diligent in follow-through.
Personal Life
Sadiq is married to Maryam Sadiq Umar, and they have three children: Uthman, Suleiman, and Halima. Umar is a devout Muslim, known for his simplicity, focus on grassroots engagement, and reputation for accessibility among constituents.
Recent News and Updates
-
Senator Umar dismisses growing insecurity in Kwara North, says residents’ fears are exaggerated and that most bandits have now moved to the South.
-
Stakeholders criticise Senator Sadiq for downplaying insecurity in Kwara North
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar stands out as a politician bridging health, development, and legislative leadership. His background in public health and international development gives him an edge in understanding policy pragmatics.
He is best known as “3SU” in Kwara, a hands-on senator who values constituency impact. While challenges remain in governance, funding, and public trust, Umar’s steady re-election and expanding influence reflect a growing legacy in Nigerian politics.
>