Born on 5 June 1964 in Adamawa State, Nigeria, Larai Mohammed Zakari has woven an extraordinary tapestry of public service — marked by compassion, efficiency, and inspiring leadership. Her professional life, culminating as a Deputy Comptroller in the Nigerian Immigration Service and diplomat at the Nigerian Embassy in Rome, is both impressive and impactful.
Building Trust: Her Diplomatic and Civil Service Journey
Having enlisted formally with the Nigerian Immigration Service in 1993 as an Assistant Superintendent (ASI II), Zakari embarked on a career praised for both integrity and humanitarian warmth. Her tenure at the Nigerian Embassy in Italy (beginning around 2020 and ending in 2024) saw her transform previously chaotic passport and immigration processes into streamlined, courteous, and empathetic services
For her efforts, she was richly honoured in 2022. Awards and recognitions poured in from a variety of organisations, including:
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Award of Excellence by Gombi Progress Union
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Merit Award from the Nigeria Union of Udine, Rome
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Meritorious Award from the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria
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Certificate of Excellence by the Nigerian Noble Women Association, Italy
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Merit Award for Punctuality and Honesty from Obaland Magazine
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Best Immigration Officer of the Year 2022 from the International Advocate for Human Rights and Anti‑Corruption.
Her warm approach led many Nigerian expatriates in Italy to say that dealing with her felt like interacting with a close relative. In recognition of her exemplary character, she was listed among “Four Remarkable Nigerians of 2023 in Italy” for her “humane disposition to members of the Nigerian community”
The Present Political State: Reflections & Future Aspirations
In a June 2025 interview with BusinessDay, Mrs. Zakari spoke candidly about Nigeria’s democratic journey — or the lack thereof. Having observed robust governance abroad, particularly in Italy, she expressed deep concern that “we have not gone anywhere yet” democratically.
On how to strengthen democratic institutions, she asserted that Nigeria must prioritise selecting honest and qualified leaders, from local councils to the federal level, free from sentiment-driven choices.
She addressed the trend of political defections (decamping), noting that democracy grants individuals the right to choose their affiliations, and that such shifts should reflect a sincere desire to serve, not opportunism.
Regarding calls for her to run for office in 2027, Zakari responded thoughtfully — she retired last year and believes it’s too early to consider electoral ambitions. When the time comes, she will consult with her community before making any political commitment.
On the performance of Adamawa State’s governor, Umaru Fintiri, she praised the infrastructural strides made over the past six years and emphasised the need for successors who build on that legacy.
A Feature Profile: Leadership with Heart and Vision
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Born in Adamawa (1964), joined NIS in 1993 |
| Career Highlights | Deputy Comptroller & diplomat in Rome (2020–2024) |
| Service Ethos | Warm, efficient, empathetic — “like a relative” |
| Recognition | Multiple awards in 2022, among Nigeria’s remarkable expatriates in Italy |
| Democratic Views | Critical of Nigeria’s current democratic state, calls for honest leadership selection |
| Political Future | Not committing to the 2027 run, open to community consultation |
| Legacy | Embodies public service with compassion, professionalism, and civic insight |
Closing Thoughts
Mrs. Larai Mohammed Zakari stands as a compelling embodiment of what public service — whether diplomatic or political — should aspire to be. Her career is defined not by titles alone, but by the dignity and hope she brought into the lives of Nigerians abroad.
As she reflects on Nigeria’s democratic shortcomings, her voice is both critical and constructive — urging us to raise standards, value integrity, and elect leaders driven to serve rather than lead for personal gain.
Whether she opts for elective politics or continues to inspire through mentorship and advocacy, her journey so far serves as a beacon for the transformative power of empathy, competence, and moral leadership.
