Amanda Azubuike becomes first Nigerian woman Brigadier General in US Army

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Amanda Azubuike has made history as the first Nigerian woman to attain the rank of Brigadier General in the US Army

At 57, her remarkable journey continues to inspire women, particularly black women, as they increasingly make their voices heard in military leadership.

Born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent and a Zimbabwean mother, Amanda Azubuike’s early life was marked by movement and resilience. Her father left Nigeria to study law in the UK, where he met her mother, a nursing student. Following her parents’ separation, Azubuike and her sister moved to the United States with their mother. She became a US citizen in April 1989.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Azubuike has held key leadership and strategic positions in the US Army. Her roles have included:

Deputy Commanding Officer at the US Army Cadet Command
Chief of Public Affairs for the US Southern Command
Senior Military Advisor at the Pentagon
Her dedication and trailblazing achievements culminated in her historic promotion to Brigadier General, making her the first Nigerian woman to reach this rank in the US Army.