Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday showered praises on Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.
Naijaonpoint reports that they described her as a model of selflessness, discipline and excellence in public service.
They spoke at a colloquium organised to mark her 50th birthday, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Eulogising the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Shettima said Usman’s journey in public service has been defined by daily discipline, consistency of effort and strength of character.
“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 said.
Shettima described the celebrant as an enviable reference point not only for northern Nigerian women, but for the country at large.
“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,” he added.
According to him, the presidential aide earned her influence through a rare blend of grace and grit, clarity and courage, vision and excellence.
“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. Her journey required courage, and that is why she has become that proof,” Shettima said.
He noted that Nigeria watched Usman grow into responsibility early, occupying critical policy spaces at a time many were still finding their voice, and urged that her example continue to inspire those who believe that service, when done well, can ennoble a nation.
Also speaking, Akume described Usman as a shining example of discipline and dedication, urging her to remain steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On his part, Gbajabiamila recalled her impactful years at the helm of the Nigerian Ports Authority, saying she consistently raised the bar of leadership and institutional legacy.
He also jokingly disclosed that Hadiza Usman did not tell him about her new marriage, but he has forgiven her.
“Many of you may not understand the extent of closeness I have or the bond I share with Hadiza. She practically tells me everything, and I tell her everything in return, but one thing she didn’t tell me was that she was getting married,” Gbajabiamila said.
In the same vein, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar Abubakar, said Usman exemplifies a deep commitment to principles, matched with quiet clarity and conviction in both private and public life.
Former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms and keynote speaker at the event, Dr Joe Abah, said serving Nigeria at a senior level is a privilege only a few attain.
Speaking on the theme, Leadership Delivery and the Courage to Serve, Abah noted that leadership in government is difficult, adding that leaders often do not see the full impact of their actions until after they leave office.
In her remarks, Hadiza Bala Usman thanked dignitaries who attended the event and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support and contributions to her political journey and personal growth.