Faith, however minutely, and the expected result are indistinguishably synonymous. Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, makes a notable figure that must have had a good measure of that all too important asset- Faith in the Nigerian economic development. Her foray into the pursuit of the Nigerian economic management and its revival bristles and resonates through institutions and market places with recognition and honours for her efforts, demonstrating clearly that indeed as always, faith does not fail, more so with work. Writes Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi
From the outset it has, for Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, been exacting her mandate to bravely launch out her first order of business as an immensely important project: fixing Nigeria’s economy. She, who appears to have divinely been made for the job, had taken a periscopic view of the economy, knowing from the beginning that it was going to be a promise to strictly keep the workouts and to ensure that the process does not only move on but yields the expected result.
Then there were skeptics but now there is the toga for conviction in this administration, even at the International Monetary Fund/World bank, and in the financial world that everything arguably looks to comparatively be in order, given Ahmed’s grand faith in the revival and the growth of the Nigerian economy and the many economic initiatives taken up in company of her colleagues to see the economy afloat. Since her appointment, the country has been able to point significantly to the promising satisfactory index of general well-being in the last one and half years of her being in the saddle as the Honourable Minister of Finance.
So far, there are clear signs of result that deserve to be described as ‘remarkable’ which has already attracted honours to her from different institutions. “We are very happy about the news of your conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Accounting from the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-iwoye, Ogun State. Your carriage and mien, teamwork, dedication, friendly and people-centeredness, have always shone immense light on your effort. We all are proud of you.” This is how members of family and committee of friends of Mama, as she is fondly called, succinctly put it, in a congratulatory message to her, considering the milestones that she has recorded. When she was faced with the herculean task of seeing the country out of recession not long ago, it was her determination to undertake measures for the basic restructuring of the economic base of the country, resolving to adopt a far-reaching national approach. Nigeria exited the recession, through a collective strategy that she was able to pursue effectively.
After the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in 2018, to fill the space, President Muhammadu Buhari swiftly appointed Ahmed to take over. In 2019, the President reappointed Ahmed Minister but with an added portfolio and responsibility to also oversee the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. This was a clear testament of her capability and the trust the president has had in her. Ever since her appointment, she is one of the very few female ministers who have proved their mettle, performing excellently well, most especially in the area of finance, economy and fiscal policies, also confirming the notion that she was to be number one hard-nosed realist in that the economy needed a watershed – a speedy, credible workout for the elimination deadbeats.
No wonder, therefore, that the members of her family and committee of friends are wont to add: “You have been picked from the big crowd because in the last couple of years, you have worked as hard as your body could carry you and your best effort has paid off.” With this honour on one hand appearing as a no lark in the sky unsoiled by the mud of human plodding or a happy-go-lucky achiever who perpetually churns out optimistic policies to restore the Nigerian economy, she has shared with the finery of this institution, among others, which has recognised her quiet severity and passionate intensity with which she manages the affairs of the country’s economy. On the other hand the university has by this honour proven its value, for it would have been a great miss indeed, if, for want of presence of mind and promptitude, it failed to honour her. The Honorary Doctorate Degree is a token of support by which the university has also highlighted the increasing impact it is making in the Nigerian management sphere through past students, especially on the economic management stage with its grooming.
Though, it is not out of place for Ahmed to be honoured and acknowledged, and not just for her sake, but because a university’s recognition of its outstanding performers provides the building blocks for the enhancement of its stature.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ganiyu Olatunde, would readily disclose that: “The Minister is a good ambassador of the institution and has also contributed immensely to the development of the country. The choice by the Academic Board to confer on her the Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) is to further cement her commitment to pushing beyond boundaries and further committing herself to the challenging task ahead in repositioning the country’s finance and economy.”
The honour has attracted commendations to an Amazon who does not believe in perfunctory disposition, irrespective of the pressure of ensuring the country takes her pride of place in the comity of nations. “We are proud of your contributions and accomplishment in the service of our great country. This is a personal recognition which we all cherish. Congratulations on your Grand Success, Mama!”, a message put out by members of management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning reads.
She, who prefers traditional food, loves to spend quality time with her family and to have good chats with her close friends. She also likes to exercise when she is able to as an all-round fellow; she tries to equally juggle her responsibilities for quality impact wherever she finds herself. To her children, her role is three fold; she is a mother, a friend and a mentor: She likes attending to every interest her grandchildren express, and engages them in such a way that changes their taught process for good. She is very compassionate and caring, giving of her time and of course always making sacrifices for them. Outside of the office, Mama loves intellectual discussions and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Her ideal vacation is to be at home with her loved ones around her, especially the grandkids.
If Mama had ever dreamt of becoming an accountant, living a quiet but active life, and being fascinated with books on self-development, productivity, leadership and management, economics and investment, she had rather been hard pressed to live her life in such an exemplary manner that holds a great practical lesson for those who aspire to success in their own lives, more so transcending international boundaries. Essentially, her role in the management of the Nigerian economy obviously makes her a key player in the lobby for technology transfer nay other important fields through the encouragement of foreign investor wishing to invest in various areas of relevance to the nation’s economic development. It is indeed ‘hurray to an achiever’ for the milestone. Aside the hard life of a technocrat, she, with no pet, loves a flock of pigeons that have made home on a tree in her house and she ensures the birds are always provided with food and water.For the little period, she as the Finance Minister has thus worked and pursued the path of full diversified economic development. No wonder:
“As you reach this milestone, we the members of family and committee of friends use this great opportunity to congratulate you on this big achievement. We are delighted and happy for your conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Accounting from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Your enthusiasm, dedication to work, patriotism and selflessness, have always stood you out.”
She daily has been stressing the desirability of economic revolution of sort for the country in which all stakeholders must be fully involved.
According to her, the relationship between economic development and standard of living cannot be denied; there must be economic growth through strong capital formation and the use of such capital formation for productive activities.
In her words: “Productive activities define economic growth, and economic growth would in turn manifest in improved standard of living.” She notes that productive activities entail four sectors: the industrial, the agricultural, the extractive and the service sectors. Her position is that government is working to ensure favourable environment for productive activities through policies, regulations and monetary and fiscal measures, in the overall interest of the country.
The spirit of achievement has been driving her towards success; she, whose level of persistence and tenacity to getting important assignments successfully completed is extremely high, has been trained to help the economy stay in good shape.
The ingredients of her success are solid leadership, optimal strategic utilisation of resources, sound economic management, and strong sense of diversification. These are all attributes which Mama possesses. Her strategic diversification focuses on agriculture, tourism, encouraging adding value to production and exports. She ensures government supports the informal sector of the economy through financial help for micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving the overall Nigerian business environment.
Ahmed’s sound economic management and strong sense of diversification underscores the need for true diversification with its objective given paramount importance. She is to always emphasise private sector investment, particularly in the non-oil sector, promoting local or domestic enterprise, job creation, poverty alleviation, preserving fiscal discipline, and human capital development. She, a manager with a clear focus, who would not want to compromise the desire for Nigeria’s infrastructural development, seriously encourages inward foreign direct investment (FDI), undertaking to largely combat corruption, pluck leakages, ensure low tax rates, ease of doing business, and stable macroeconomic environment.
In preparation for Budget 2020, economists, politicians, activists, and the generality of Nigerians and interested foreigners had begun to assess the performance of the economy during year 2019 as a prelude for articulating the proper direction of policies and programmes for Budget 2020. Some people and organisations have indeed prepared an action agenda for the government, which goes beyond the span of a budget year. The Ministry under Ahmed, in collaboration with some stakeholders, has also done its homework regarding how well it has so far faired in the management of the economy. The 2020 Budget, through much of her effort which has resulted in returning the national budget fiscal cycle to a January t- December process, has been passed and signed into law. The assessment of the performance of key macro parameters/indicators is to reveal great economic upbeat with government scoring high in the area of policy stability and in the initiation of programmes to enhance transparency in governance which Ahmed takes very seriously.
Not a politician though, she admires and respects those who are in politics and plays it. Her best moments are when she engages in challenging tasks, be it at the office, home or with professional friends. She enjoys her private life of objectivity such that nobody can get her to say hurtful things about anyone. She would always address issues and not people, and as a wonderful team leader, she has room for everyone, the experts and those who may need subtle scaffolding for themselves for growth.
Mama, extremely generous only with what belongs to her, knows her limits and would not forget that things entrusted in her care are only available for the purpose they are meant. Having believed so much in giving, she has sponsored even her housemaid and many others to become academic graduates whom she has also helped to get jobs, thereby empowering them and depopulating the poor group. She, who has also taught her children to engage in the manner of giving, would extend her generosity to the less privileged. Mamas, who would trust people first until they disappoint her, forgives quickly, but keeps a distance from those who have woefully erred. She, however, finds something good in everyone.
*Abdullahi is Special Adviser (Media & Communication) to Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning
