By Suleiman Ahmed Oyofo (Publisher)
When the name Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim was first mentioned as the substantive Director-General of the National Agency for The Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) it was first received with subdued excitement. As was discovered later, that was because, there was nothing to show who this new jewel on the block is. Yes, the likes of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala needs no introduction just like Amina Mohammed; both of them are veterans and if you like government “pikins’ them. Few governments have emerged without them being on board. At least a child born in the beginning of the millennial year 2000, would easily dispose of quiz questions relating to these twosome, but not Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim. That appointment barely lasted 5 months, from December 1st, 2020–May 27, 2021. When again, she was moved from that position to another, this time at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons(IDP’s), tongues began to wag. The question now became: who is this Imaam Sulaiman Ibrahim? She must hold some kind of ace to attract the presidency in such high profile manner. Perhaps she is bringing something on the table to warrant the presidency’s patronage—maybe good character, integrity or all of the above! So, a team of reporters were assigned to unmask her and see who she is—and what makes her tick. Was it sheer luck or her destiny to ride high and eat with the kings? This question is apt when you take a cursory look at her curriculum vitae. It is just like a movie—a dream. Only few years back she was at Aruwa Nursery School as a kid; she then moved to Jabi Primary School, now renamed LEA Primary School and from there to Federal Government College, Bwari, and then graduated at age 19, from the University of Abuja in Sociology. At age 21, she already had two master’s degrees—one MBA and another MA from then Webster University in England. You can see the speed with which she climbed! At 21, most children would probably be waiting for JAMB results while others would be talking of WAEC results! But here she is with these unprecedented achievements which ultimately won her employment at the Abuja Geographical Information Service(AGIS) where she worked briefly. As a woman thirsty for excellence, she soon left for greener pastures at the United Kingdom where she became a certified SAP, HCM Consultant, and afterwards joined Mary kay as Senior Sales Manager! Don’t forget that she wasn’t sold to the depressing idea of working for 35 years like every other civil servant when she joined the AGIS; It sounds funny, but most of her colleagues may just be struggling to be promoted to level 10 or 12! But she left after few years and now because of that foresight, she quickly launched into the murky world of politics when the then Minister for State, for Education, Honorable Emeka Nwajuiba, made her his Special Adviser on Communications for Education. Like the beautiful bride that she is, she was to join the Nasarawa State Advisory Council as a member. All these, for a woman who took her time to study and wasted no time on frivolities. It could be said that while her mates may have been spending precious time on irrelevant ventures, this female amazon concentrated on her studies; Born in Jos, Plateau State, although from Keffi, Nasarawa State, records have it that her father S.K. Danladi, an Abuja based Engineer and Estate Developer spared no effort to ensure the 2nd of his 8 children received deservable education. Danladi, isn’t one of those who believe that a woman’s place is in the kitchen and see how he has been rewarded today. Imaam’s mother Aishatu Sulaiman who herself was a teacher did her best to produce the sensational figure we have on our hands today. Married with 3 children, Imaam has not disappointed anyone and has continued to exhibit her brilliance in whatever task she found herself. And not surprising, from the feelers spreading abroad, it is clear she is fast becoming the darling of Nigerians desperate for results. She may not be our own dear Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, or Amina Muhammed…they are not in the same age bracket. But certainly this beautiful woman is primed to rule far into the next decade. It is believed that with this slight background information, Nigerians would no longer ask: who is this Imaam Sualaiman-Ibrahim. Such is her fortune. Kudos to the new spotless achiever on the block.
