By Gloria Akudoro
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has hailed the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, for her transformative leadership, creativity, and innovative contributions to the nation’s economy.
The recognition, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head, Corporate Communications SMDF, Idowu Jokpeyibo, came during a courtesy visit by a NIPR delegation led by Hajiya Lami Tumaka, Chairman of the Institute’s maiden International Women’s Day (IWD) Planning Committee, ahead of the IWD event scheduled for 30th March 2026 in Abuja.
During the visit, Hajia Shinkafi highlighted the importance of deliberate mentorship to equip young women for leadership roles, describing it as essential for national development and the cultivation of competent female leaders. She also praised the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, for creating a conducive environment that enables women in the solid minerals sector to excel.
“I see so many young, bright and intelligent girls and women that we should be mentoring. It is important that we invest and impact the this critical set of people as part of our contributions to the development of our society. That way, we are sure of credible succession generation of competent female leaders. If we don’t, there won’t be anything for them to look up to”, she noted.
Tumaka who is also a Fellow of NIPR, commended Hajia Shinkafi for her creativity and innovation at SMDF, noting that her leadership has brought tremendous value to the institution and the nation’s economy. She also applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing women into strategic positions across sectors, describing it as a demonstration of gender sensitivity.
Highlighting one of SMDF’s recent milestones, Tumaka referenced the $1.3 billion direct foreign investment deal signed between the Federal Government and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), achieved under Hajia Shinkafi’s leadership, noting that the Institute is proud of her transformative impact.
Themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women,” the 2026 NIPR IWD will hold at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Members of the visiting delegation included Chief Moji Makanjuola; Mr. Stanley Ogadigo (NIPR FCT Chapter); Fellow Grace Ayoola; Dr. Tope Ojeme; Fatima Abaji; Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda; Suwaiba Baba; and Alexandria Eke.
