LAGOS, Nigeria — Human capital development expert and Executive Education Director at Lagos Business School, Victor Banjo, has recognized Ayuba Gadzama, General Manager, Human Resources and General Services at BUA Foods Plc, for his extensive contributions to the human resources profession and leadership across multiple industries.

In a tribute shared on LinkedIn, Banjo described Gadzama as a seasoned HR executive whose career spans more than 25 years across consulting, manufacturing, telecommunications, oil and gas, and the power sector. He noted that Gadzama has built a reputation for delivering strategic human resource solutions and leading talent development initiatives across diverse business environments.

Banjo recalled first meeting Gadzama in 2004 when he joined the human resources team at British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria as HR Service Centre Supervisor. According to him, the two recently reconnected in May 2026, providing an opportunity to reflect on Gadzama’s remarkable professional journey.

Gadzama began his career in September 2000 as a Micro and Small Enterprise Consultant with STEP, an initiative supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank Group. He later joined MTN Nigeria as an HR Advisor and Business Partner, contributing to the company’s people management strategy between 2007 and 2009.

His career subsequently expanded through a series of leadership roles at Sahara Group, where he served in talent management, employee relations, HR operations, and career development capacities. During his time with the organization, he was also seconded to Egbin Power Plc, where he led human resources functions as Head of HR.

Gadzama later joined Dangote Industries Limited as General Manager, Learning and Development – Pan Africa, overseeing learning strategies across multiple African countries, including Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Nigeria. He also held senior leadership positions at Dangote Cement Plc, including Head of Human Resources and Administration for the company’s operations in Congo Brazzaville, as well as General Manager, Compensation and Benefits and Learning and Development.

His professional experience further includes leadership roles at Oilserv Limited, where he served as Recruitment and Capabilities Development Manager and later Head of Human Resources, driving workforce strategies across the group. Before joining BUA Foods Plc, Gadzama was Group Head, Corporate Services at Aquarian Consult.

Currently serving as General Manager, Human Resources and General Services at BUA Foods Plc, Gadzama oversees key people management and administrative functions within one of Nigeria’s leading food manufacturing companies.

Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants.

Industry stakeholders describe Gadzama’s career trajectory as reflective of the growing importance of strategic human resource leadership in driving organizational performance, talent development, and sustainable business growth across Africa.