NIPR Commends Fatima Shinkafi Over SMDF Leadership, Women Mentorship Drive

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations has praised the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi, for her role in widening the institution’s profile and supporting activity in Nigeria’s mining economy.

The commendation was delivered when a delegation from the institute visited the SMDF headquarters in Abuja ahead of the NIPR 2026 International Women’s Day programme. The team was led by Hajia Lami Tumaka, chair of the institute’s maiden planning committee for the annual event, fixed for March 30.

During the meeting, Shinkafi said stronger mentorship for girls and young women must become a priority for public institutions and industry leaders. She said that investing in this group is important for leadership succession and long-term national progress.

“I see so many young, bright and intelligent girls and women that we should be mentoring. It is important that we invest in this critical group as part of our contributions to society. That way, we are sure of credible succession and the emergence of competent female leaders,” she said.

Shinkafi also credited the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for building what she described as a working environment where women can contribute more effectively in the sector.

Tumaka, a Fellow of NIPR, said the SMDF had recorded visible progress under Shinkafi’s leadership and linked that progress to wider economic outcomes. She also praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing more women into key public offices, saying the appointments showed commitment to gender inclusion in governance.

As part of her remarks, Tumaka pointed to a recent financing milestone involving the Federal Government and the Africa Finance Corporation. She cited the $1.3 billion foreign direct investment agreement as evidence of increased momentum in the solid minerals space and said the development reflected the impact of policy and institutional coordination.

NIPR’s 2026 International Women’s Day celebration will hold at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja. The event carries the theme, “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women.”

Other members of the visiting team included Chief Moji Makanjuola, Stanley Ogadigo, Grace Ayoola, Dr. Tope Ojeme, Fatima Abaji, Princess Tiwalade Fapohunda, Suwaiba Baba and Alexandria Eke. The institute said the engagement with SMDF formed part of broader preparations for the March event and its focus on women’s advancement in public communication, policy and development practice.