NIPR Commends SMDF Boss, Shinkafi for Transformative Leadership
By Momodu Favour
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commended the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Fatima Shinkafi, for what it described as her transformative leadership and innovative contributions to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the SMDF headquarters in Abuja by a delegation led by the Chairman of the institute’s maiden International Women’s Day Planning Committee, Lami Tumaka, ahead of the institute’s 2026 celebration scheduled for March 30 in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Corporate Communications at SMDF, Idowu Jokpeyibo, members of the delegation praised Shinkafi’s leadership style and the impact of reforms introduced under her stewardship on the agency’s operations and Nigeria’s mining sector.
The statement noted that the institute recognised Shinkafi for her creativity, innovation and commitment to strengthening the role of the mining sector in national economic development.
Speaking during the meeting, Shinkafi stressed the need for deliberate mentorship programmes aimed at preparing young women for leadership roles across various sectors.
She said empowering young women through mentorship and capacity building was crucial to building a sustainable pipeline of competent female leaders who would drive national development.
“I see so many young, bright and intelligent girls and women that we should be mentoring. It is important that we invest in and impact this critical set of people as part of our contributions to the development of our society. That way, we are sure of a credible succession of competent female leaders. If we don’t, there won’t be anything for them to look up to,” she said.
Shinkafi also commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for fostering an enabling environment that supports women’s participation in the mining industry. She noted that the minister’s leadership had created opportunities for women professionals and executives to play more prominent roles in the sector.
Earlier, Tumaka, a Fellow of the institute, applauded Shinkafi for introducing innovative initiatives at the mining fund, noting that her leadership had delivered significant value to both the institution and the national economy.
She also commended Bola Tinubu for appointing women to key leadership positions across different sectors of government, describing the move as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s participation in governance.
Tumaka further highlighted one of the SMDF’s major milestones the recently signed $1.3 billion direct foreign investment agreement between the Federal Government and the Africa Finance Corporation.
According to her, the agreement, which focuses on strategic mineral development, reflects the impact of Shinkafi’s leadership at the fund and underscores the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.
“One of the reasons we are proud of her leadership is the innovative work happening at SMDF, including the $1.3bn direct foreign investment deal signed with the Africa Finance Corporation. That milestone reflects the kind of transformative leadership she has brought to the institution,” Tumaka said.
The delegation said the visit formed part of activities leading to the institute’s 2026 International Women’s Day programme themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women.”
The event is scheduled to hold at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja.
According to the institute, the event will provide a platform for discussions on gender equity, leadership development and the role of communication in empowering women across sectors.
Members of the delegation included Chief Moji Makanjuola, Stanley Ogadigo of the NIPR FCT Chapter, Fellow Grace Ayoola, Dr Tope Ojeme, Fatima Abaji, Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda, Suwaiba Baba and Alexandria Eke.
The Solid Minerals Development Fund is a government-backed investment vehicle designed to catalyse private sector investment in Nigeria’s mining industry, support exploration activities and develop mineral processing infrastructure.
Nigeria has intensified efforts to diversify its economy through the development of the solid minerals sector, which holds deposits of gold, lithium, iron ore, limestone and other strategic minerals.
In recent years, the Federal Government has introduced policy reforms and investment partnerships aimed at unlocking the sector’s potential and attracting foreign capital, with strengthened institutions such as the SMDF expected to play a key role in boosting economic growth, job creation and export diversification.
