The Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Fatima Shinkafi, has emphasized the need for strategic mentorship to equip young women for leadership roles and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Shinkafi made the call when a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by Lami Tumaka, Chairman of the institute’s inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) Planning Committee, visited her in Abuja.
A statement issued by SMDF’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Idowu Jokpeyibo, on Thursday said the visit formed part of activities for the maiden edition of NIPR’s IWD, themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women,” holding in Abuja.
The SMDF boss said mentorship would help groom competent female leaders. She thanked the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for creating an enabling environment that allows women to excel in the sector.
“I see so many young, bright, and intelligent girls and women that we should be mentoring,” she said. “It is important that we invest in and impact this critical group as part of our contributions to society’s development. 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.”
Hajiya Tumaka praised Shinkafi for her transformative leadership, creativity, and innovations at SMDF, noting that her efforts had significantly benefited the organization and the national economy.
She also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing women to strategic positions across sectors, describing it as a clear demonstration of gender sensitivity.
