The Association of Small-Scale Miners of Nigeria, Zamfara State Chapter, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Rabiu, described the reappointment as a strategic decision that will bolster Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and align with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
A Visionary Leader for the Non-Oil Economy
The group congratulated Hajia Umaru-Shinkafi and praised her for her trailblazing leadership in the sector, citing her role in attracting foreign investments, empowering artisanal miners, and generating thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths. These efforts, it noted, have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s GDP and solidified her reputation as a “paragon of excellence” in the mining industry.
“Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi is a great Amazon of the solid minerals sector,” the statement read, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate the industry further.
A Nod to Gender Inclusivity
The association also lauded President Tinubu for keeping his campaign promise to appoint women to key positions, describing the reappointment as a reflection of his administration’s gender-sensitive approach to governance.
“This decision underscores the president’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in critical national roles,” the statement added.
A Call for Collective Support
The association pledged its full support for Hajia Umaru-Shinkafi’s leadership and urged Nigerians to rally behind her efforts to drive sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.
“We must work together to achieve a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the group’s dedication to advancing the nation’s non-oil economy.
This endorsement by the Zamfara miners highlights the pivotal role of strong leadership and inclusive policies in transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a cornerstone of economic growth.
