A coalition, Geo-Political Youth Association of Nigeria and Civil Societies (CPYANCS) has listed some achievements of the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajia Fatima Shinkafi while commending President Bola Tinubu for renewing her appointment as Chief Executive of the Fund and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.
Chairman of the Coalition, Amb. Olasunkanmi Kolawole addressed a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday under the theme, “Press Conference of the Coalition of Geo Political Youth Associations of Nigeria and Civil Societies, Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Reappointing Hajia Fatima Umaru Shinkafi.”
Discussing the essence of engaging media, Kolawole who doubles as Speaker of the North Central Youth Assembly, said: “We gathered here today to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the
Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).”
Justifying the reappointment, the Chairman of the Coalition explained that Shinkafi’s reappointment is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to excellence and his dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria.
He stated: “In view of her achievements, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi is a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and visionary leadership. She is a nationalist and grassroots politician who has distinguished herself amongst her professional peers.”
Extolling the virtues of the appointee, the Chairman said: “She has been identified as a silent achiever and benevolent leader with passion for a just and equitable society.”
Discussing goals scored by the Fund in its mandate to finance mining projects in the country, Kolawole said that the journey was not as easy as many may presume, saying that Shinkafi began by strengthening the Fund for its mandate delivery. “Under her leadership, the Solid Minerals Development Fund has undergone significant reforms, including the development of efficient capital mobilization, de–
risking investment tools, catalyzing investments through public-private partnerships, enabling targeted exploration to fast-track mine development and catalyzing development capital.”
While saying that the Shinkafi-led Management of the SMDF successfully initiated reforms that transformed the Fund, he said the Executive Secretary has been chiefly instrumental to driving the reforms and transformation in the solid minerals sector in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“SMDF Management under Shinkafi conceived, initiated and successfully executed the Agro-Minerals Development Programme to catalyze private sector investment and participation in fertilizer production to enhance food security,” the chairman said, adding that her reappointment implies continuity of the laudable initiatives being achieved under her watch.
Discussing the success of the SMDF in the financing of mining projects, Kolawole stated: “In collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the SMDF has launched a Project Development Facility to unlock development financing for mining projects in Nigeria.”
“The achievement of the Presidential National Gold Purchase Programme is highly commendable,” he said, adding that PAGMI under Shinkafi operationalized the Presidential National Gold
Purchase Programme, which has completed its first commercial transaction.
The Coalition discussed Shinkafi’s achievements in Investment Strategy and Philosophy saying: “For the first time, the Fund has an investment strategy and philosophy, investing and seeking partnerships through three main funds namely, SMDF Growth, SMDF Opportunities, and SMDF Responsible Mining.”
Kolawole described Shinkafi as a leader who has demonstrated great zeal and passion for providing project finance for mining projects in the country, adding that despite challenges, she was able to reposition the SMDF. “Her reappointment will, no doubt, lead to harvests of more development for the sector.”
“She has repositioned the SMDF as a Sovereign Mining Development Fund critical to bridging the solid minerals investment gap,” he stated.
Discussing other achievements of the SMDF under her watch, Kolawole said: “She has been able to attract to the SMDF, the expertise and services of some of the world best known professionals. She has established partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Africa Finance Corporation, to unlock development financing for mining projects.”
“We therefore assert that Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi’s reappointment is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria.”
“We commend President Tinubu for making this excellent choice and for his commitment to excellence in governance.”
The coalition further said: “We urge all stakeholders to support Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi in her new tenure as she continues to drive reforms and transformation in the solid minerals sector.”
The coalition called on the National Assembly to provide the necessary legislative support to enable the Fund achieve its mandate.
“Once again, we commend President Tinubu for reappointing Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI).”
