- Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s SMDF Tenure Renewed Amid Sectoral Transformation
- New NEPAD National Coordinator and NERDC Executive Secretary Appointed
In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s development initiatives, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved several key appointments across critical agencies, aiming to drive progress and fulfill citizens’ expectations.
According to statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI). Initially appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Shinkafi has been pivotal in implementing transformative changes in the solid minerals sector.
Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction and a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission (NUC), has been named the Executive Secretary of the organisation. Prof. Ribadu’s extensive academic and administrative experience includes serving as Vice Chancellor at the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.
Additionally, Prof. Salisu Shehu, a distinguished academic in educational and human psychology, has been appointed Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). Prof. Shehu has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s education landscape, including founding the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as Vice Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.
The President also appointed Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri as the National Coordinator of the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD). Tsauri, a seasoned administrator with a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, brings a wealth of experience in legislative affairs, global governance, and public administration.
Meanwhile, the earlier announcement regarding the appointment of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani as the Executive Secretary of SMDF/PAGMI has been rescinded due to no vacancy in the agency.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in the appointees’ abilities, stating that their expertise and track record would introduce a renewed commitment to achieving impactful outcomes in their respective agencies.
This announcement underscores the administration’s dedication to revitalizing sectors critical to national growth and sustainable development.
