“We are delighted to get the news of your conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Accounting from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-iwoye, Ogun State. Your enthusiasm, dedication to your work, patriotism and selflessness, has always stood you out. You have left us with no doubt that this was just a matter of time,” this is the way members of family and committee of friends of Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning succinctly put it, in a congratulatory message to her considering the milestone.
After the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in 2018, to fill the space, President Muhammadu Buhari swiftly appointed Ahmed as the Honourable Minister of Finance. Ever since her appointment, she is one of the few female ministers who have proved their mettle, performing excellently well, most especially in the area of finance, economy and fiscal policies. In 2019, the President reappointed ahmed Minister but with an added portfolio, the ministry of budget and national planning. This was a clear testament of her capability and the trust the president has in her ability
No wonder, therefore, that the members of her family and committee of friends are wont to add: “You have been picked from the big crowd because in the last couple of years, you have worked as hard as your body could carry you and your best effort has paid off.”
The Kaduna State- born Ahmadu Bello University graduate of Accounting, has served her country diligently and for her contribution to the country in the area of finance and corporate governance, her Alma Mata, where she graduated in 2004 with an MBA degree, during its 28th and 29th convocation ceremony, precisely on 31st of January 2020, would be honouring her alongside other eminent personalities such as the Olu Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and the President of Brent Mortgage Bank, Major General Sansadeen Awosanya.
The vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Ganiyu Olatunde, disclosed that the minister is a good ambassador of the institution and has also contributed immensely to the development of the country. The choice by the Academic Board to confer on her the honorary degree is to further cement her commitment to pushing beyond boundaries and further committing herself to the challenging task ahead in repositioning the country’s finance and economy.
