By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

The Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi has been awarded with the 2026 Woman of Impact in Africa.

The occasion which was organized by Arise News marks the International women’s Day 2026 held at Eko Hotel Lagos State

According to the organizers; Shinkafi guides policy implementation and project funding within the mining sector critical to economic diversification.

They described Haj Fatima Shinkafa as dedicated women who committed towards promoting transparency and structured investment as well as supporting responsible resource development as a pillar of national growth.

In her speech Hajiya Fatima Umar Shinkafi described the award as an encouragement

She expressed her gratitude to the company for the gesture.

The wife of former president Aisha Muhammadu Buhari and and Aisha Ahmed Dahiru Binani was among the awardees.

Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi was accompanied by wife of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Dr Lubabatu Lawal Ammani, Permanent Member Zamfara Teachers Service Board, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Dr Barira Ibrahim Bagobiri, Permanent Secretary Multi-literal and Donor Agencies and Zamfara AGILE Coordinator Hajiya Saadatu Abdu Gusau and other important women diginitirie from Zamfara State.