IWD:NIPR commends SMDF boss Shinkafi over contributions to mining development

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR has commended Fatima Shinkafi, executive secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, SMDF for what it described as her leadership and contributions to initiatives in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The commendation came last week during a visit by a delegation of the institute to the SMDF headquarters in Abuja ahead of activities marking International Women’s Day scheduled for March 30 in the capital.

Lami Tumaka, chairman, International Women’s Day planning committee, NIPR, said the institute recognises Shinkafi’s role in initiatives aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sector and attracting investment into the industry.

Tumaka said the institute is also highlighting women leaders whose work is contributing to national development as part of this year’s International Women’s Day activities.

During the engagement, Shinkafi emphasised the need for stronger mentorship structures to prepare young women for leadership roles across sectors.

She said investing in mentoring programmes for girls and young women would help build a pipeline of competent female leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.

Shinkafi also acknowledged the policy direction of Dele Alake, minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development saying it has helped create opportunities for women professionals to contribute to the growth of the mining industry.

The NIPR delegation also referenced recent investment initiatives linked to the SMDF, including a $1.3 billion financing arrangement between the Federal Government and the Africa Finance Corporation aimed at supporting mining related projects and strengthening the country’s mineral value chain.

The 2026 NIPR International Women’s Day event is themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women” and will hold at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Abuja.

Members of the visiting delegation included Moji Makanjuola, Stanley Ogadigo, Grace Ayoola, Tope Ojeme, Fatima Abaji, Tiwalade Fapohunda, Suwaiba Baba and Alexandria Eke.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.