The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has celebrated Amanda Azubuike for her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army.
At 57 years old, Amanda Azubuike, a Black military officer of Nigerian origin, has become the first Nigerian woman to achieve the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of NiDCOM, praised Azubuike’s remarkable accomplishment, describing it as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional service.
“Amanda’s elevation to Brigadier General not only breaks new ground but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global progress,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
In an interview with Voice of Africa, Amanda Azubuike reflected on the pressures she faced in her career, particularly in a male-dominated field.
“I often feel the pressure to excel, knowing that I am often the only woman or person of color in the room, and that motivates me to work harder,” she said.
“I believe my success comes from hard work. I wasn’t necessarily the smartest student, but I always put in the effort.”
Key Facts About Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike
- Birth and Background: Amanda Azubuike was born in London, United Kingdom, to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Zimbabwean mother. Her father left Nigeria at a young age to study law in the UK, where he met her mother, a young nursing student.
- Early Life: After her parents divorced, her mother relocated to the U.S. with Amanda and her sister, where Amanda began her military journey. She became a U.S. citizen in April 1989.
- Education and Training: Amanda joined the Air Force Junior ROTC at 17 while attending Jacksonville High School. She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas in December 1993. She joined the U.S. Army in 1994 as an aviator after completing the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course.
- Military Career: In 1995, Amanda graduated from flight school as a UH-1 pilot and began her career at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. She later served as an Operations Officer and RC-12 pilot in South Korea after completing advanced training courses.
- Advanced Education: Amanda holds a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.
- Leadership and Strategic Roles: Over her 30-year career, Amanda has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including Deputy Commanding Officer for the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Southern Command, and Senior Military Advisor at the Pentagon.
- Historic Achievement: Amanda’s promotion to Brigadier General marks her as the first Nigerian woman to attain this rank in the U.S. Army.
Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the impact of perseverance, excellence, and the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global advancements.