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…Extol ex-NPA boss, Usman at 50
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Okwe Obi, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole have charged public servants to imbibe the virtues of selflessness and excellence, in the discharge of their duties.
They spoke at the 50th birthday and governance colloquium in honour of the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, yesterday in Abuja.
Shettima: “If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking.
The Vice President described Usman as a mirror not only for the northern Nigerian girl, but for the nation itself.
He said: “There is no doubt that Usman’s place in our public service history is secure. This is so because it was not built on spectacle, nor did it rely on applause. What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care.”
The governor of Borno State stated that Hadiza Bala Usman earned her influence in Nigeria’s public service, continually shaping the country’s national direction through what he described as “a rare combination of gifts: grace, strengthened by grit; clarity, guided by courage, vision and excellence.”
He added: “What has not been noted enough about our celebrant is that she is emerging from a part of our country where many young women still search for proof that ambition such as hers is permitted.
“Indeed, her journey required courage, and that is why she has become that proof. Its trials were visible. Its demands were exacting. Its rewards were earned. Nigeria watched her grow into responsibility early, stepping into critical policy spaces when many are still finding their voice.”
Earlier, Senator George Akume, said Usman’s life remains a shining example of discipline.
He urged the celebrant to remain steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that her years ahead will be marked by continuous, impactful service to Nigeria.
According to him, Bala Usman’s public career stands as a shining testament to dedication, discipline, courage and patriotic zeal, qualities that have consistently defined her contributions to the nation.
“As Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), you have continued to distinguish yourself through intellectual rigour, strategic foresight and an uncommon passion for translating policy intent into measurable outcomes,” he stated.
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Akume noted that her leadership has strengthened the architecture of governance delivery, enhanced inter-ministerial coordination and reinforced a culture of accountability and results across government, adding that she has remained steadfast, innovative and resolutely focused on advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further acknowledged that her journey in public service, marked by service, sacrifice and steadfastness, has inspired many Nigerians, particularly women and youths, to believe in the power of competence, integrity and purposeful leadership.
Moreso, Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that when Usman transitioned fully into government at the state and national levels, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives recalled how the presidential aide eventually enforced reforms in one of Nigeria’s most strategic and complex agencies, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), thereby raising the standard of leadership and service within the agency.
Adams Oshiomhole lauded her doggedness and her resilience in ensuring that the rights are done in the public space.
Also, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, recognised Usman’s service and commitment to public institutions in Nigeria, particularly the Ministry of Youth Development.
He noted that her relevance in public service has resulted in her supportive roles in many initiatives aimed at benefiting youths across the country.
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar Abubakar, described Usman as a friend of over three decades.
According to her, the celebrant exemplifies an overwhelming commitment to principles, matched with quiet clarity and conviction, both in private and public life.
Speaking on “Leadership Delivery and the Courage to Serve,” the keynote speaker at the colloquium, a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, said serving Nigeria at a senior level is a privilege only a few would attain, entailing that those who occupy such roles must positively impact the lives of the citizenry.
The celebrant, Hadiza, said she was humbled by the personalities who graced the colloquium, just as she thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and others for contributing to her political career and personal life.
She recalled her roles in election planning since 2015 and at the NPA, and used the opportunity to recommit herself to the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigeria.
