By Nkechi Eze
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials have paid glowing tributes to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala, as she marked her 50th birthday, celebrating her outstanding contributions to national development, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.
The tributes were delivered at the Hadiza Bala @ 50 Governance Colloquium held in Abuja, where Nigeria’s political and administrative elite gathered to honour a career widely regarded as defined by courage, integrity and purposeful service. In an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, the Vice President described the celebrant as a quintessential public servant of repute whose dedication and passion for excellence have remained consistent across the different phases of her public life.
Senator Shettima noted that Hadiza Bala’s career trajectory from her role as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, to co-founding the Bring Back Our Girls movement, serving as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, and now as Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination has continued to inspire many young Nigerians, particularly women, who aspire to make meaningful impact in leadership and nation-building. He described her journey as one marked by integrity, courage and an unrelenting commitment to national service.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the celebrant has distinguished herself through intellectual rigour, strategic foresight and an uncommon passion for translating government policy into measurable outcomes. He noted that in her current role as Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala has contributed significantly to strengthening the architecture of governance delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration. The SGF wished her good health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of impactful service to the nation.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the golden jubilee celebration as more than a marker of age, but a celebration of a life defined by purpose, courage and unwavering commitment to service. He said Hadiza Bala’s public life represents a rare and disciplined journey shaped by conviction rather than convenience, and by principle rather than the pursuit of applause.
The colloquium was attended by several distinguished personalities, including the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, CFR; Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Members of the National Assembly and other eminent dignitaries.
The event not only marked a personal milestone for Hadiza Bala but also underscored her enduring influence in Nigeria’s governance landscape, as speakers reflected on a legacy of service, reform and principled leadership that continues to shape public policy and inspire future leaders.
