By Adamu Abubakar Kumo

The appointment of Aisha Adamu Yaro as Chair of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is a strategic move. Her exceptional qualifications and deep-rooted connection to Gombe make her a leader perfectly suited to drive the state’s economic prosperity.

Hailed from Gombe LGA of Gombe State, Aisha’s educational journey began at the FCE (T) staff school in Gombe where she obtained Leaving School Certificate in 1993, proceeded to Federal Government College, Bauchi where she obtained Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1999 with a very good performance. She earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics with an Upper Second Class honor from the University of Abuja in 2004.

In 2007, Aisha obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Energy Studies with a specialization in Energy Economics from the esteemed University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, in 2015, she embarked on a program to obtain a prestigious Certificate in Finance & Accounting for the Non-financial Executive from Columbia Business School in New York City.

Aisha’s commitment to continuous learning extends beyond traditional degrees. Recognizing the importance of data analysis, she obtained a Certificate in Data Processing with Distinction in 2000 from the Federal College of Education Gombe, she became a Certified National Accountant (CNA) in 2019 and Chartered Institute of Taxation Nigeria (CITN) member in 2020. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics from Bayero University Kano, Aisha Adamu demonstrates unwavering commitment to scholarly pursuits and staying at the forefront of her field.

Beyond the boundaries of her impressive academic record, Aisha Adamu has been active participant of a multitude of workshops and training programs to ensure she possesses the most up-to-date knowledge and a diverse skill-set, allowing her to navigate the complexities of the contemporary economic landscape with remarkable dexterity.

Her training journey began in 2019 with the Accountant-in-Training (AIT) Scheme and ICT program. In the same year, she further bolstered her financial expertise by attending workshops on International Financial Reporting Standards & International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IFRS & IPSAS) which is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting, a skill-set invaluable for her future leadership roles.

Aisha Adamu didn’t stop at traditional accounting practices. Recognizing the growing importance of data analysis in the financial realm, she actively sought to enhance her technical skills. In 2018, she completed a program in Electronic Accounting & Electronic Spreadsheets to equip herself with the ability to leverage technology for efficient data manipulation and analysis.

Furthermore, in 2018, she participated in a training program on Anti-Money Laundering – Combating the Financing of Terrorism which provided her with a deep understanding of the strategies employed by criminals and the regulatory frameworks designed to combat financial crimes. This knowledge is essential for safeguarding financial institutions and ensuring the integrity of financial systems.

Her leadership skills haven’t been neglected either. In September 2023, just before her appointment to the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service, Aisha Adamu attended a program on Leader of Leaders Training. This intensive program honed her ability to inspire and motivate teams, a crucial quality for any leader seeking to achieve organizational goals.

Aisha Adamu’s impressive educational background, trainings and skills translates seamlessly into a wealth of experience across both the public and private sectors. Her foray into the professional world began with an internship at the United Nations Secretariat’s Energy and Transport Branch in 2008. This formative experience exposed her to the intricacies of international organizations and instilled in her the value of global collaboration.

Following her internship, she transitioned to the private sector, securing a role as a Project Economist with Oriental Energy Resources Limited in 2008. In this role, she honed her skills in financial management, playing a pivotal role in overseeing the corporation’s finances and contributing to strategic decision-making.

In 2010, she joined the Bank of Industry (BOI). For the next six years, she would steadily climb the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise in financial management. Initially starting as a Credit Officer, she played a crucial role in credit appraisal, meticulously preparing risk assessment reports for selected projects.

Her meticulousness and keen eye for detail ensured that only financially sound projects received loan approvals. Furthermore, she actively participated in loan repayment and recovery efforts for struggling projects, showcasing her ability to navigate complex financial situations. Aisha Adamu’s dedication to ethical practices was further underscored by her responsibilities in financing and managing gender-related projects, promoting financial inclusion for a critical segment of the economy.

Her leadership qualities and financial acumen were recognized within the BOI, leading to her promotion to State Manager for Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States in 2016. In this role, she spearheaded the bank’s efforts in the region, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of credit to small, medium, and large-scale enterprises. Under her astute guidance, the BOI played a significant role in stimulating economic growth across the three states by providing access to crucial financial resources. She meticulously reviewed credit approvals to ensure compliance with the bank’s policies while also fostering a strong customer-centric approach, evident in her “Q1 Most Customer Centric Staff in the Northeast Region” award in 2019.

Furthermore, her commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance is reflected in her subsequent role as a Northwest Resident Internal Control & Compliance Officer. In this position, she championed operational effectiveness throughout the region and ensured adherence to all relevant laws and regulations.

Aisha transitioned from private to public service. In December 2023, His Excellency Governor Inuwa Yahaya appointed her as Senior Special Adviser/Project Coordinator for the Nigeria for Women Project (a World Bank-funded project). Subsequently, she was appointed Senior Special Adviser/Project Coordinator for the Gombe State Social Investment Project. In this role, she provided critical policy guidance and meticulously monitored the implementation of key state programs.

Her ability to navigate the complexities of government bureaucracy while ensuring effective program execution proved invaluable. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the Gombe State Social Investment Program Agency, ensuring the state’s successful participation and managing various aspects of the program with meticulous attention to detail.

Aisha Adamu’s exceptional talent and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and scholarships that stand as testaments to her remarkable achievements. These accolades include the prestigious “Q1 Most Customer Centric Staff in the Northeast Region” award, recognizing her commitment to exceptional customer service. Similarly, “The Best in Mystery Shopping (service quality monitoring) Bank wide” award highlights her unwavering focus on maintaining the highest quality standards.

These awards, alongside scholarships like the Federal Government Scholarships Award and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund scholarship, paint a picture of a highly distinguished individual who has consistently strived for excellence throughout her academic and professional journeys.

Aisha Adamu is an active member of various professional bodies. Her affiliation with the Institute of Business Diplomacy and Financial Management underscores her commitment to ethical practices and strategic business conduct. In addition, her membership in the Energy Institute signifies her expertise within the energy sector, a crucial domain for economic development. Furthermore, Aisha’s her involvement with the Nigerian Economic Society highlights her desire to contribute to the broader economic discourse of the nation.

Growing up in Gombe State instilled in Aisha Adamu an intimate understanding of its economic landscape and a passion to unlock its full potential. Her expertise in finance and management, coupled with her unwavering dedication to Gombe’s growth, positions her to lead the GIRS in a transformative role. Under her leadership, the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service is poised to become a powerful engine for the state’s economic future.

A. A. Kumo writes from Gombe, Gombe State