Chairman of the maiden Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) International Women’s Day (IWD) Planning Committee, Hajia Lami Tumaka has commended President Bola Tinubu for being deliberate in appointing women into positions of authority at different sectors of the economy, noting that it is a demonstration of gender sensitivity.
Tumaka, a Fellow of NIPR made this commendation on Wednesday while leading a delegation of the Institute on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajia Fatima Shinkafi ahead of the NIPR IWD coming up 30th March, 2026 in Abuja.
While expressing delight at the appreciable number of younger women in Tinubu’s administration, Hajia Tumaka applauded the Executive Secretary for her creativity and innovation that have brought tremendous value to SMDF and the nation’s economy.
She said the recently signed $1.3b direct foreign investment deal between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) was one of the milestones achieved through the efforts of a female Chief Executive Officer that currently leads the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), noting that the NIPR is proud of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi’s transformative strides.
The Executive Secretary in her response to the presentation by the NIPR team, emphasized the need for deliberate mentorship system to equip young females for leadership responsibilities, while commending the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake for providing a conducive atmosphere for women within the solid minerals sector to operate at the best.
“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.
Themed, “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women”, the 2026 NIPR IWD will take place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Members of the delegation include, Chief Moji Makanjuola; NIPR FCT Chapter – Mr. Stanley Ogadigo; Fellow Grace Ayoola; Dr. Tope Ojeme; Fatima Abaji; Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda; Suwaiba Baba, and Alexandria Eke.
