In a session held on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate officially confirmed the appointment of Halima Shehu as the new National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
The confirmation took place in Abuja and was accompanied by the confirmation of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as Chairman and Muhammad Hammajoda as Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In an effort to provide a more comprehensive overview of Halima Shehu’s background, PUNCH Online has compiled a list of 11 key facts about her:
- Birthplace and Early Education: Halima Shehu was born in Kafin Dagi village, Katsina, Katsina State. She completed her First School Leaving Certificate.
- Secondary Education: Shehu attended the Federal Government College in Kaduna State, where she successfully obtained her West African Examination Certificate.
- Higher Education: Her pursuit of higher education led her to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language.
- Master’s Degree: She furthered her academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University.
- National Youth Service Corps: After her academic endeavors, Halima Shehu completed her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at the Afri-Project Consortium under the Petroleum Trust Fund.
- Banking Career: Shehu spent a decade in the banking industry, working at various times for the former Intercity Bank, Unity Bank, and Access Bank.
- Banking Expertise: Her banking career included leadership roles in multiple units, such as cash, funds transfer, clearing, reconciliation, operations, and coordination, across all three banks.
- Entry into Politics: In 2010, Halima Shehu transitioned into the realm of politics. She was first appointed as a Senior Special Assistant to the former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema. Additionally, she served as a member of the state’s Internal Revenue Board.
- ECOWAS Assignment: In 2016, Shehu was appointed by the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) to serve as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde.
- Federal Ministry Role: Shehu served at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022.
- Digitalization Achievement: While at the Federal Ministry, Shehu held the position of National Coordinator for the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme. Her tenure saw significant accomplishments, including the digitalization of the program, which she regarded as one of her most notable achievements.
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Source: The PUNCH