As stakeholders and professional bodies continue to commend President Bola Tinubu while congratulating Hajia Fatima Shikafi on her reappointment as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), the Geological Society of Nigeria (GSN) has encouraged the Executive Secretary to sustain the tempo of development that earned her the reappointment.
President of the Society, Mr. Uba Saidu Malami who spoke during ‘GSN Review of the 2025 Budget and the Future of the Mining Sector,’ at the weekend, in Abuja, congratulated Hajia Fatima Shinkafi on her reappointment, and urged her to do more to develop the sector.
The professional Society noted: “More than anything else, it is Fatima Shinkafi’s peculiar ingenuity, her deep patriotism and commitment to the development of the mining sector, and her ability to successfully lobby domestic and global funding bodies that enabled SMDF to take its expected standard shape and begin to function as a competent financier of mineral exploration projects in the country.”
“Shinkafi has demonstrated exceptional expertise in collaborative governance, showcasing a unique ability to bring people together and foster effective partnerships.”
He said her approach to governance has proven highly successful, leveraging cross-sector stakeholders’ commitment to drive synergistic engagement and encourage collective progress.
The GSN President said “by reimagining approaches to complex problems, Shinkafi consistently delivered proactive and comprehensive solutions that benefit all stakeholders,” adding that her genius lies in her capacity to navigate intricate governance dynamics, building trust and facilitating cooperation among diverse groups,” he added.
“So, the reappointment is well deserved because it means more progress for the SMDF and by implication, it will mean more progress and development for the mining sector.”
The GSN President pitched tent with Women In Mining, saying: “I was happy to read the congratulatory message sent by Women In Mining and a lot of stakeholders saying that Shinkafi’s reappointment is well deserved.
Earlier, President of Women In Mining, Engr. Janet Adeyemi said: “Fatima Shinkafi’s reappointment is not just a recognition of her unparalleled competence, visionary leadership, and dedication to the growth of Nigeria’s mining sector but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the empowerment and inclusion of women in the industry.”
“Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi stands as an Amazon among us, demonstrating resilience, intellect, and an unyielding passion for advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Her tenure has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives, innovative solutions, and strategic collaborations that have propelled the sector towards sustainable growth.”
“As a trailblazer, she continues to inspire women across the country, showing that with determination and purpose, the mining industry can indeed reflect the diverse strengths of its stakeholders. Her focus on capacity-building, gender inclusivity and the creation of opportunities for women in mining align seamlessly with the values and mission of WIMIN.”
“We at Women in Mining Nigeria are confident that her leadership will continue to usher in a new era of prosperity and inclusiveness within the sector. We look forward to working closely with her and the SMDF team in fostering an environment where every voice, especially those of women, is heard and valued.”
