A new Managing Director (MD) for the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador (Dr) Maureen Tamuno, was recently appointed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
AICL is an investment company of the Federal Capital Territory administration (FCTA) which provides investments for economic development for the FCT and is into assets management, leasing services, infrastructural development, facility management, as well as consulting services.
Expectations are, therefore, high with Dr Maureen’s coming on board when one considers the agencies and many affiliates under her watch. The agencies are the Abuja Technology Village (ATV), Abuja Urban Mass Transit, Abuja Property Development Company (APDC), Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, 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 FCTA’s super employment and revenue generating agency. For its 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 village and to adeptly sidestep commotions in the various agencies under her watch which had been attracting negative publicity to the FCTA.
Dr Maureen is expected to play a pragmatic but positive role to mend the disconnect between the agencies under her purview and eliminate rivalries for fair engagement.
AICL at this crucial time needs a stabiliser who will create synergy among the various agencies, represent a profound departure from the past and reflect a resolute stance against the systemic lapses that once plagued the agency.
Before her present appointment, Dr Maureen served Nigeria in many capacities over the years, gradually establishing her career trajectory as a thoroughbred diplomat.
It is without doubt that she is very well-prepared to change the narrative. 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 lives of the people of the FCT.
The stage is now set for Maureen’s legacy to continue to flourish by actions that will 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 the FCT and the nation at large. This should be part of her plan.
Abigail I. Onu is of the Ladies of Grace, Abuja
