Amina Ruth Sijuwade is a Lawyer from Kaduna State and was until May 2019, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kaduna State, a position she occupied after having served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
Prior to this she served as Executive Director, Business Development and Investments Limited (BDI Ltd), a consultancy where she was responsible for the development and implementation of a state-wide strategy for the development of the solid minerals sector in Kaduna State. With her extensive involvement in the mining sector, her particular interest is in ensuring we achieve sustainable development from the exploitation of our natural resources.
Current directorship positions held are in Northern Numero Resources Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd – both involved in the exploration and mining of gold in Nigeria. She is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association NBA Kaduna Branch, International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA as well as Women in Mining in Nigeria, WIMIN.
Dr. Emeka Flemin Okengwu is a seasoned public speaker, TV commentator, and policy analyst. He holds a PhD in Development Economics, with additional degrees in Political Science and Entrepreneurship. He is currently the Executive Director of Biosources and Technologies Limited, leading a public-private partnership focused on bioethanol development from cassava. A leading figure in the development of a bioethanol value by utilising cassava, Dr Okengwu aligns his expertise in development economics and agricultural transformation for the benefit of the agro-processibg industry in Nigeria.
Dr Okengwu served for several years as a member of the Strategic Committee for National Agricultural Transformation Plan(NATIP). He also has expertise and extensive involvement in the mining sector, including carrying out a scoping study on the Nigerian Mining Sector (CIDA,2012), an membership of the working group for the review of fiscal and legal frameworks for the solid minerals sector. He has presented papers and served as a resource person at various high-level expert meetings like the World Bank’s International Conference on Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources (2006).
Dr Okengwu has delivered papers on the role of Mining in Sustainable Economic Development at the Enlarged National Economic Council (NEC) Retreat (2016) and various international mining conferences. In the area of manufacturing and Industrial development, he has contributed to manufacturing initiatives, notably as a Resource Person/Consultant for the Ministerial Committee to Develop the Proof of Concept and Outline Business Case for Methanol Fuel Technology (2021). His involvement in national development plans (e.g., National Technical Working Group for 30 Years National Infrastructure Master Plan) has been an asset to Nigeria’s broader industrial growth plans. He is passionate about developing innovative strategies for leveraging diaspora assets for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Engr. (Dr.) Janet Febisola Adeyemi is a trailblazing engineer, legislator, and gender advocate with over 35 years of leadership spanning mining, energy, environmental management, and public policy across Africa and North America. She is the President of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN) — a non-governmental organization she founded in 2006 to promote gender inclusion, responsible mining, and sustainable development in the extractive industries.
Under her visionary leadership, WIMIN has grown to 27 state chapters and over 5,000 members, driving national and regional conversations on women’s participation, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and value addition in the mining ecosystem. She has led landmark initiatives including the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE), Girls for Mining Clubs,Mines to mind, Peer Mentoring Scheme, and the WIM-Right App for real-time gender-based violence reporting in mining communities.
Dr. Adeyemi’s career bridges engineering excellence, governance, and advocacy. A former Member of Nigeria’s Federal House of
Representatives (1999–2003), she sponsored over 15 legislative bills and served as Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters to the President. She has also held key national appointments including Executive Board Member of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and Chair of the Ondo State Cocoa Processing Industry, where she revitalized state industrial assets.
She currently serves on numerous national and international boards
• Member, CSPF of World Bank/IMF for West & Central Africa (2022–2024)
• Member, Inter-Ministerial Task Team for the Nigerian Economic Steel Corridor
• Member, African Mining Vision Gender Steering Committee
• Vice-Chair, New Day Cement Company, Ondo State
• Chair, Governance Committee of the African Network of Women in Business Nigeria (ANWBN)
• Member, Global Advisory Committee on adolescents and ASM Project
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Adeyemi holds degrees in Geology (Obafemi Awolowo University), Water & Wastewater Engineering (Loughborough University, UK), Public Administration (Columbus International University, UK), and Law (National Open University of Nigeria). She is pursuing a Doctorate in Mining and Governance. Her advanced certifications cover Mining Governance (UNDP/IGF), Circular Economy, Gender and Sexuality (University of Pittsburgh), and Executive Micro -Certificate in Economic Leadership for Minerals and Mining (University of British Columbia) amongst several others earned through self-paced learning.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), she is internationally recognized as one of the 100 Inspirational Women in Mining (UK, 2018).
Dr. Adeyemi continues to champion inclusive policies, technical innovation, and sustainable mineral development — advancing a future where Africa’s natural wealth transforms lives equitably and responsibly. She is a major voice in natural resource governance, climate change, sustainability and gender space nationally and internationally.
Onome Ako is a distinguished international development executive with over 15 years of leadership experience driving transformative programs across Africa and beyond. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Action Against Hunger Canada, where she leads the organization’s strategic direction, strengthens operations, and fosters innovation in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition. Under her leadership, Action Against Hunger Canada—part of the global Action Against Hunger International Network—continues to advance solutions that tackle hunger, gender inequality, and the complex crises facing vulnerable communities.
Onome’s professional journey spans several leading development organizations, including World Vision Canada, Amref Health Africa, AfricaRecruit (a Commonwealth program), and UNESCO’s Regional Bureau for Education in Africa. Her work has impacted over 15 countries, focusing on community-led initiatives, policy reform, and inclusive development. Her ability to navigate global health, humanitarian, and governance systems has positioned her as a respected voice in the development and social impact sectors.
She holds a B.A. in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, an M.A. in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, and an M.Sc. in Management of NGOs and Social Policy from the London School of Economics. Onome also chairs the Board of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) and serves on the Advisory Committee for the International Development Program at Centennial College. In recognition of her influence and impact, she was named among the 2020 Canadian Women in Global Health.
Deeply inspired by her family’s legacy of entrepreneurship and community service, Onome brings to her leadership a strong belief in practical, people-centered problem-solving. Growing up in Nigeria, she witnessed her mother’s entrepreneurial resilience and her father’s commitment to community wellbeing—values that shaped her career in global development. Her father’s act of providing clean water to the community through a self-funded tap installation remains a lasting symbol of local innovation and collective good principles that continue to guide Onome’s approach to leadership.
Taking the helm of Action Against Hunger Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Onome demonstrated entrepreneurial agility in steering the organization through a time of compounding global crises. She describes her approach as “entrepreneurial humanitarianism”—an adaptive, solutions-oriented mindset required to confront interconnected challenges such as food insecurity, conflict, climate impacts, and gender inequality.
For Onome, fighting hunger is more than delivering food—it is about addressing its systemic causes. She advocates for holistic interventions that integrate nutrition, water and sanitation, psychosocial support, and community empowerment. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and trust-building, recognizing that sustainable change depends on engaging communities as partners in their own development.
As a Board Member of Women in Mining Initiative (WIMIN), Onome brings her expertise in inclusive governance, institutional strengthening, and gender equality to the mining sector. Her global perspective and experience in empowering women and communities make her a vital contributor to WIMIN’s mission of advancing women’s participation, leadership, and sustainable practices in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba is a distinguished Nigerian geologist, academic leader, and policy advocate whose career has bridged academia, governance, and the extractive industries. Renowned for his integrity, intellectual depth, and inclusive leadership, he has played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector and in promoting gender equity through his mentorship and He-for-She advocacy.
Born on February 25, 1957, in Riruwai, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, Professor Garba obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, between 1980 and 1985, and earned his Ph.D. in Geology from the University of London in 1993. His early research focused on mineral exploration and geological mapping, contributing valuable insights into Nigeria’s solid mineral potential and natural resource development.
Professor Garba began his academic career at ABU, where he rose through the ranks to become Head of the Department of Geology, later serving as Dean and occupying various leadership roles. His administrative acumen led to his appointment as Vice Chancellor of the Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, where he strengthened research capacity, expanded academic programs, and enhanced institutional governance.
In 2015, he became the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria—Nigeria’s premier university— succeeding Professor Abdullahi Mustapha. During his tenure, he championed reforms that deepened academic excellence, improved infrastructure, and fostered greater inclusivity. Under his leadership, ABU advanced its engagement in applied research, particularly in energy, mining, and sustainable development, aligning the university’s mission with Nigeria’s broader industrial transformation agenda.
A defining chapter of his career was his national service as the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) at the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. In this role, Professor Garba spearheaded the development and implementation of Nigeria’s modern Mining Cadastre System—an internationally acclaimed model that improved transparency, licensing efficiency, and investor confidence in the mining sector. His leadership at MCO established a solid foundation for sustainable mineral governance and positioned Nigeria for renewed growth in the extractive industries.
Beyond his administrative and technical achievements, Professor Garba is a passionate advocate for gender inclusion in science, technology, and mining. As a He-for-She champion, he has actively supported Women in Mining (WIM) Nigeria, encouraging women’s participation in geological sciences, mineral entrepreneurship, and policy development. His mentorship philosophy promotes opportunities for women and youth in research, leadership, and value addition across the mining value chain.
Professor Garba has published extensively in local and international journals, contributing to the body of knowledge on mineral resources, geological mapping, and sustainable mining policy. His thought leadership continues to influence reforms in education, natural resource governance, and human capital development.
Through decades of visionary service, Professor Ibrahim Hassan Garba remains a symbol of integrity, excellence, and inclusive leadership—an academic whose legacy bridges the worlds of science, policy, and social progress.
Ms. Olufore Abimbola: International Development and Energy Expert | Advocate for Inclusive Sustainable Growth
Ms. Abimbola Olufore is an accomplished international development and energy expert with over two decades of global experience advancing sustainability, inclusion, and rural transformation. Her career spans strategic roles in international programmes and partnerships focused on improving livelihoods, promoting clean energy adoption, and empowering women in underserved communities.
As Co-Founder of Ceres Agro and VisionQuestAfrica, Abimbola has driven innovative initiatives that strengthen rural economies, enhance food security, and reduce post-harvest waste. Her leadership in the Clean Cookstove Initiative has provided safer, more sustainable energy options for women across Nigeria’s rural regions, while her campaign against gas flaring in the Niger Delta has elevated the conversation on environmental justice and its socio-economic impact on women and children.
With deep expertise in community engagement, honed through her work with DFID’s Community Engagement Strategy, Abimbola has also volunteered extensively in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, supporting resilience and livelihood rebuilding efforts. Her technical and coordination experience with USAID Power Africa and DFID-FOSTER reflects her strong capacity for managing government–donor partnerships that deliver sustainable impact.
Within WIMIN, Abimbola brings a rich blend of energy transition insight, rural inclusion advocacy, and gender- focused development strategy — reinforcing the organization’s commitment to inclusive growth and local beneficiation within Nigeria’s extractive value chains.
Dr. Lami Salau is a distinguished geologist, educator, and advocate for women’s advancement in science, energy, and extractive industries. She is the Founder of the The Initiative for Advancement in Mining, Earth Science, and Environmental Protection (IAMESEP), a pioneering institution committed to strengthening women’s participation and leadership across the energy value chain in Africa. Through IAMSEP, she has championed research, mentorship, and policy advocacy to equip African women with the technical and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in the evolving energy landscape.
With a solid academic foundation in geology and sustainable development, Dr. Salau has served in advisory and technical capacities on various national initiatives promoting renewable energy access, gender inclusion, and innovation in the extractive sector. Her work bridges academia, industry, and policy, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration to address Africa’s dual challenge of energy poverty and climate resilience
As a Board Member of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), Dr. Salau brings her deep expertise in energy policy and women’s economic empowerment to the mining ecosystem. She plays a strategic role in advancing WIMIN’s mission to promote gender equity, responsible resource governance, and sustainable beneficiation within the solid minerals sector.
Dr. Salau is widely recognized for her advocacy in capacity-building for young professionals. Her initiatives have helped integrate gender-responsive frameworks into mining programs, contributing to a more inclusive and forward-looking development agenda across Africa.
Dr. Adelanke Aderonke Adepoju is an accomplished educationist, counsellor, and development advocate with extensive experience in leadership, community engagement, and women’s empowerment. She holds a degree in Guidance and Counselling and is an alumna of the prestigious University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia.
Throughout her career, Dr. Adepoju has demonstrated a deep commitment to human capital development, mentorship, and the psychosocial well-being of individuals and communities. Her work has focused on nurturing potential, promoting mental wellness, and empowering women and youth to achieve self-reliance and professional growth.
As a Board member of Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), Dr. Adepoju brings a unique social and behavioural science perspective to the extractive sector—emphasizing the human dimension of mining, inclusive leadership, and the importance of mental and emotional balance in achieving productivity and gender equity.
Her advocacy extends to strengthening women’s participation in non-traditional sectors, building confidence among female professionals and artisans, and promoting sustainable community relations within mining host communities. Dr. Adepoju’s blend of empathy, academic depth, and strategic vision continues to inspire women across Nigeria to pursue excellence and leadership in all spheres of life.
Meet Hajia Hauwa Ibrahim, our Vice President and an indigenous operator in the mining sector. She is the CEO of Hahabis Nigeria Ltd, a company engaged in industrial and gemstone processing and trading.
Hajia Hauwa is deeply rooted in the grassroots, with an exceptional ability to connect with artisanal miners in both the gemstone and gold value chains. Her hands-on approach and strong community linkages have made her a trusted bridge between local miners and national initiatives for women’s inclusion in mining.
We celebrate you, Hajia Hauwa, for being a role model and mentor to women in the sector. Your readiness to provide support — from making gemstones available when needed to offering selfless guidance — continues to inspire many. Thank you for your dedication and service to the Women in Mining community.
Mojibola Fiyinfoluwa is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over six years of professional experience spanning finance, management, and organizational development. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toronto Scarborough and an MBA from Queen’s University, Canada.
A dynamic and forward-looking professional, Mojibola represents the younger generation of leaders shaping the future of inclusive growth and accountability within the mining and extractive sectors. Her strong financial acumen and strategic mindset bring fresh perspectives to sustainable business practices.
Deeply passionate about mentorship and women’s empowerment, she actively supports initiatives that build confidence, leadership, and technical capacity among young women. Through her work with Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), she serves as a role model and bridge between emerging professionals and industry pioneers, inspiring others to pursue excellence and integrity in their chosen fields.
KEY SKILLS
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Strategic Planning & Governance
- Mentorship & Leadership Development
- Youth and Women Empowerment
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Ethical and Sustainable Practices
Mojibola is passionate about building an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable future for women in business and mining. Through her mentorship and professional excellence, she exemplifies the WIMIN vision of empowered women leading transformative change across generations.