By Abigail Onu
A new Managing Director for the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Amb. (Dr.) Maureen Tamuno, was recently appointed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Her coming on board is apt and timely as the new appointment was greeted with loud cheers from stakeholders in the industry and has received applause and commendations from those that know her worth.
AICL is an investment company for the FCTA, which provides investments for economic development for Abuja and is into asset management, leasing services, infrastructural development, facility management as well as consulting services.
There is no doubt that expectations are therefore high with Tamuno’s coming on board when you consider the agencies and many affiliates under her watch: These agencies include the Abuja Technology Village (ATV), Abuja Urban Mass Transit Co. LTD., Abuja Property Development Company (APDC), Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, the Abuja Market Management Ltd. (AMML) and several others.
While commending the Minister for bringing the right industry person to head the place, there is the compelling need for the new appointee to focus on some critical subsidiaries of companies like the Abuja Film Village which is one of FCT super employment and revenue generating agency.
For her potential to be fully harnessed, it will be in the interest of all for the new AICL helmswoman to place a high premium on the Abuja Film Village International (AFVI) and to adeptly sidestep commotions in the various agencies under her watch which had been attracting negative publicity to the FCT administration.
She is now expected to play a pragmatic, but positive role, to mend the disconnect between these agencies under her purview, and actions which further aggravates multidimensional rivalry should be eliminated through fair engagement.
AICL at this crucial time needs a stabilizer who would create a synergy amongst the various agencies, represent a profound departure from the past, and reflect a resolute stance against the systemic lapses that once plagued the agency.
But such challenges tally with the corresponding adherence to the values she had long espoused in her distinguished career.
Maureen Tamuno’s story is one of evolution, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of excellence in every endeavour she undertakes.
In 2003, driven by a passion for public service, she transitioned into the public sector, immersing herself in the nuances and complexities of governance and politics.
Since then, her journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of diverse experiences, encompassing roles in private enterprises, philanthropic ventures, and non-governmental organizations.
Along this journey, she has not only held numerous leadership positions but has also served as a beacon of inspiration, blending her expertise with a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Before being literally conscripted by FCT Minister, the cerebral administrator has served Nigeria in many capacities over the years gradually establishing herself career trajectory as a thoroughbred diplomat.
In the field of diplomacy, Tamuno served as the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
When all these are combined, this diplomatic exposure thus testify to her unusual astuteness and uncommon trait for seamless interaction and this bridge-builder, coming right on time, is one with enviable performance records and the capacity to hold her own and deliver on all assignments.
It is without a doubt that Amb. Tamuno is very well prepared to change the narrative and hopefully acquit herself as deserving of this new office.
She should hit the ground running, by demonstrating her commitment to using public funds wisely and responsibly, and build the confidence of Abuja residents, while assuring them of a just and fair administration founded on entrenching and maintaining highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Through sound financial management, dedication to the workforce, and an unflinching commitment to progress, her tenure should be a notepad which will be a platform to write a legacy of impactful change, and her actions to stand as a testament to her leadership potential that will hold and shape the destinies and the lives of the people of FCT.
To this end, while the hues and encomiums are still on, she should remain calm, study the situation and landscape in order to provide purposeful leadership to the agency, evaluate the situation on ground to avoid jumping on the bandwagon and playing to the gallery.
A competent administrator like her should embody financial prudence, help reposition FCT’s foremost business hub on the path of transparency, profitability, efficiency, innovation, with wider impact as a financial delivery institution.
Reflecting on this new status, there is no doubt that with hands on the plough, there was no looking back and no stopping a woman whose life story is a litany of service to humankind.
The stage is now set for Tamuno’s legacy to continue to flourish by actions that would reveal a testament to her vision and resilience. Success is about diligence, it is about focus, and it is about doing it right. Her testament should be unwavering commitment to promoting the best interests of FCT and the nation at large. This should be part of her plan.
Onu, of the Ladies of Grace, writes from Abuja.