Ashraf Usman

#GirlDad. Husband. Leading @UNDP's Conflict Prevention and Peace Building in Nigeria | @LFC | Tweets are personal

[Ashraf Usman @AshrafUsman_]

Big News: A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of starting a really exciting new assignment in @UNDP as the Head of Office NW Nigeria - leading UNDP’s strategic engagements, representation and offer to the states in the sub-region. As part of this portfolio I will also be leading Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding at the Nigeria Country Office, overseeing our pieces of work in the South East and North Central side by side with my Head of Office duties in the NW. I will be working with a stellar and talented team spread across the country, but I am also looking to grow this team too – and there will be a few opportunities and vacancies to join one of the most exciting and high performing teams in the United Nations - so if interested keep an eye out for that. I will be sharing as roles become available. Wish me luck and watch this space!

[UNDP Nigeria @UNDPNigeria]

Safiya Musa's inspiring journey of rebuilding her life through sewing is now featured by @AJEnglish, highlighting the resilience of conflict-affected women in Northwest Nigeria.

Thanks to @GERinNigeria, our #PartnersAtCore, for supporting opportunities that restore livelihoods and hope.

Read more: https://t.co/QwcBSJEiGy

[Khalil Halilu @KSHalilu]

I didn’t always wear colorful socks.

My instinct was always to pick the plain pair.

One day, my uncle watched me do exactly that. He asked me to put them back, chose a much bolder pair instead and simply said, “That’s how people will know you have strong character.”

At the time, it felt like he was talking about socks.

Looking back, I think he was talking about something much bigger.

#ksh

[Haruna Ahmad @TweetKhalifa]

This is why I wake up everyday fired up to work even more… Seeing women like Safiya in NW Nigeria rebuild their lives through @UNDPNigeria & @NorwayMFA-supported Climate Security Project’s handbag-making training after unimaginable loss to banditry. From despair to self-reliance. Stories like hers keep us going.

After a deadly raid, a displaced Nigerian mother finds a lifeline in sewing https://t.co/jqCeNw3Nbf via @AJEnglish

[UNDP Africa @UNDPAfrica]

Only 18.4% of parliamentary seats in West Africa are held by women. 🌍

This must change. Women’s political leadership isn’t about representation alone; it’s about stronger institutions, more legitimate governance & better outcomes for all.

💬 @JMartyns
#WomenInPolitics

[Muhammad Siraj @MuhdSiraj_]

I missed this post!! But i got one of the jobs!! 😁 Roughly 2 years on and its been super interesting - i’ve done some really interesting things, learned so much and my mindset has evolved significantly.
It’s been a real pleasure working with you and your stellar team.

[Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica]

Nigeria plans to take on a bigger role in coordinating humanitarian responses inside the country, as it shifts away from a system led largely by international donors and U.N. agencies, officials said on Tuesday. https://t.co/8CniYNNIQY

[Elsie Attafuah @ElsieAttafuah]

As the global race for critical minerals accelerates, competitive advantage will belong to those who build the innovation ecosystems that create value from them.

The Mine-Tech #UniPod at @OfficialNSUK, Keffi, part of the growing UniPod ecosystem in Nigeria under @timbuktooafrica, is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals future, equipping students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to transform mineral wealth into technology, talent, and globally competitive enterprises.

Returning just months after its launch with @ahunnaeziakonwa, it was energizing to witness the vision already coming to life through the creativity and ambition of students, faculty, and the wider community.

[Ahunna Eziakonwa @ahunnaeziakonwa]

Inspired by today’s staff engagement with the amazing @UNDPNigeria team. Thank you for your passion, innovation and commitment to transforming lives across Nigeria and Africa.

My takeaway: “Africa’s time on Africa’s terms!”

[Dr Abdul Wando @AbdulWando]

https://t.co/8BIJXvf15m
Happy to share my latest piece from the @AfricaDemocracy website. This piece explores how both vigilantes and Boko Haram are products of the same social worlds, shaped by state weakness and contested governance.

[Nelson Muffuh @nmuffuh]

Warm congratulations to my friend, brother and colleague @MoMalindi on his appointment as @UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator @UNOCHA.

A competent, committed and principled leader for humanity.

[Nuhu Ribadu @NuhuRibadu]

I was honoured to co-chair the 4th session of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, along with my British counterpart, Jonathan Powell, held earlier today in Abuja. NIigeria's long history and ties with the United Kingdom are as strong as the commitments we have to our shared values and mutual interests. This round of the dialogue aims to deepen our existing partnerships and future prospects.

[Ashraf Usman @AshrafUsman_]

“In fragile settings, capital rarely moves first. Confidence does.”

Some reflections on why stabilization may be as much a financing strategy as it is a peacebuilding one.

https://t.co/77jdhDU19Z

[Elsie Attafuah @ElsieAttafuah]

As a strategic gateway between Nigeria and Niger Republic, Illela stands as a vital centre for trade, livelihoods, regional cooperation, and opportunity, where livelihoods are rebuilt, resilience is renewed, and the promise of a more stable and prosperous Sokoto State continues to take shape.

In Illela today:

🏘️ 100 new homes are giving displaced families safety, dignity, and a fresh start.
🤝🏿 A Climate Peace Hub is bringing communities together and strengthening resilience.
☀️ A solar mini-grid is expanding access to clean, reliable energy.
🐄 A revitalized cattle market is restoring livelihoods and local trade.

All creating a stronger foundation for lasting peace in Sokoto State.

Commendable is the leadership of H.E. @Ahmedaliyuskt @SokotoGovernor for driving this transformation, and the strong leadership of H.E. @ProfZulum, whose presence as Chief Guest of Honor, demonstrates how recovery, resilience, and dev’t can be scaled across regions, linking lessons from the Northeast to inspire and accelerate progress in the Northwest.

Our gratitude also goes to H.E. @AnnettGunther @GERinNigeria, @NorAmbNigeria @NlinNigeria, and @Abbaaliyu_ @TheREANigeria for their invaluable partnership and commitment to building a more peaceful and resilient Nigeria.

[Ashraf Usman @AshrafUsman_]

Less than 24 hours after the launch in Illela, we were in Rabah for the groundbreaking of another set of community investments under the Facility. From commitment to implementation, stabilization needs to move quickly if it is to build confidence and deliver results.

[Ashraf Usman @AshrafUsman_]

Like much of the Sahel stabilizing North West Nigeria demands speed, scale and the resources to act. It was a pleasure to be in Illela for the Prevention Facility commissioning. Thanks to Germany for an additional €3M and Sokoto Gov for its $1.5M contribution both signed this wk

[UNDP Nigeria @UNDPNigeria]

From Illela LGA to a new chapter in Rabah LGA.

We are building on the momentum in Illela to Rabah LGA, where another 100 housing units and complementary community infrastructure will be developed to support recovery, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

The groundbreaking ceremony led by H.E @Ahmedaliyuskt, @UNDP’s NW team lead @AshrafUsman and partners, marks another important step in strengthening stability, expanding economic opportunities, and supporting communities affected by displacement, climate pressures, and insecurity across Sokoto State.

Special appreciation goes to @GERinNigeria for their continued support in helping communities rebuild, recover, and thrive.

[Ashraf Usman @AshrafUsman_]

@gimbakakanda @Omojuwa Oho dai

[Elsie Attafuah @ElsieAttafuah]

Change rarely moves in straight lines, it builds in ripples that become waves of resilience and opportunity across regions. Illela reflects this momentum, with states working together through the strong leadership of the Northwest Governors, united in commitment.

Today’s commissioning advances this vision through our #PartnersAtCore: @GERinNigeria, @NorAmbNigeria, @Abbaaliyu_ , @TheREANigeria and @theGEF.

From the Northeast to the Northwest, these ripples are connecting communities and systems.

We commend the Government of Sokoto State for its strong commitment to the partnership with @UNDPNigeria @UN_Nigeria, including the provision of land and other complementary resources that have enabled the successful delivery of these interventions. This demonstrates the kind of leadership and ownership that is increasingly shaping the future of dev’t cooperation.

We especially recognize the Executive Governor of Borno State, H.E. @GovBorno for exemplifying brotherhood in action, showing how leadership, friendship, and shared commitment across regions can bridge the Northeast and Northwest in advancing peace, recovery, and resilience.

@UNDPNigeria remains committed to partnering with @NigeriaGov and State Governments to sustain this momentum.

[UNDP Nigeria @UNDPNigeria]

H.E. @Ahmedaliyuskt, Executive Governor of Sokoto State, highlighted that the new housing units will provide safe shelter, restore dignity, and support the recovery of families displaced by insecurity and natural disasters.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting beneficiaries beyond housing, including providing capital support to help families rebuild their livelihoods. The Governor also announced plans to strengthen coordination for displaced persons through a dedicated mechanism that will improve engagement and ensure more effective support reaches affected communities.

#FromDisplacementToStability

[UNDP Nigeria @UNDPNigeria]

“The interventions in Illela have been possible because of strong state and local leadership, with progress driven through close collaboration between state government, @UNDPNigeria, and development partners.

Together, we are advancing durable solutions that can be scaled across Sokoto State and beyond.” ~H.E. @AnnettInes, Ambassador of @GERinNigeria, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to peace, stability, and resilience in Northwest Nigeria, alongside the announcement of an additional €3 million in support.