The Senate officially endorsed the appointment of Halima Shehu as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) during a session held in Abuja on Wednesday. This pivotal decision was taken alongside the confirmation of Mr. Ola Olukoyede and Muhammad Hammajoda, who were appointed as the Chairman and Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), respectively.
Here are some key insights into Halima Shehu’s background and professional journey:
1. Origin: Halima Shehu hails from Kafin Dagi village in Katsina, Katsina State.
2. Education: She completed her First School Leaving Certificate and pursued her secondary education at the Federal Government College in Kaduna State, where she achieved her West African Examination Certificate.
3. Higher Learning: She furthered her education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language.
4. Postgraduate Achievement: Halima Shehu acquired a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU, Zaria.
5. NYSC Service: Following her formal education, she fulfilled her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligation at the Afri-Project Consortium under the Petroleum Trust Fund.
6. Banking Career: She ventured into a decade-long career in the banking sector, working at institutions such as the former Intercity Bank, Unity Bank, and Access Bank.
7. Banking Expertise: She demonstrated her proficiency in financial transactions, overseeing various banking units, including cash management, funds transfer, clearing, reconciliation, operations, and coordination units, across all three banks.
8. Transition to Politics: Halima Shehu entered the political arena in 2010, and her dedication led to her appointment as a Senior Special Assistant to the former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, in 2011. She also served as a member of the state’s Internal Revenue Board.
9. International Engagement: In 2016, she was selected by the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) to serve as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde.
10. Ministry Experience: Shehu contributed her expertise at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022.
11. Notable Achievement: During her tenure as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, she harnessed her banking and career acumen to drive the digitalization of the program—an accomplishment she regards as one of her most significant achievements.
Halima Shehu brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role as the NSIPA National Coordinator, which is poised to make a positive impact on social investment programs in the country.
