Vice-President Kashim Shettima commended Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, for her contributions to national development during a colloquium marking her 50th birthday in Abuja. Mr. Shettima described her as a role model for Nigerian girls and the nation, citing her unique combination of gifts, including grace, grit, clarity, courage, vision, and excellence.
Hadiza Usman has earned her influence in Nigeria’s public service, shaping the country’s national direction through her work. Her journey, which required courage, has made her a proof that ambition is permitted for young women from her region. Nigeria has watched her grow into responsibility, taking on critical policy roles from an early age.
Mr. Shettima emphasized that Usman’s achievements were not accidental, but rather the result of deliberate effort, earned, and sustained by her commitment to building a functional nation. He urged public servants to adopt virtues of selflessness, excellence, and daily discipline, noting that enduring legacies in public service are sustained by dedication to excellence, resilience, and hard work.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, praised Mrs. Usman’s life as a shining example of discipline, urging her to remain steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the gathering aimed to honor a life defined by purpose, courage, and commitment to service, highlighting Usman’s introduction of structure and clarity in governance during her transition into government.
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, acknowledged Usman’s service and commitment to public institutions, particularly in the Ministry of Youth Development. The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Abubakar, described Usman as a friend who exemplifies an overwhelming commitment to principles, matched with quiet clarity and conviction.
Dr. Joe Abah, former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, spoke on “Leadership Delivery and the Courage to Serve,” noting that serving Nigeria at a senior level is a privilege that requires positively impacting citizens’ lives. He highlighted leadership lessons from Usman’s life, emphasizing the importance of speaking for one’s work in the face of fake news and critics.
In response, Mrs. Usman thanked President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Shettima, and others for their support, recommitting herself to the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s betterment. Her roles in election planning and at the Nigerian Ports Authority were crucial in her development as a public servant. The colloquium served as a testament to her dedication to public service and her impact on Nigeria’s development.
