*COKER-ODUSOTE AT 40: AN EXAMPLE OF AN INDUSTRIOUS TECHNOCRAT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.*

By Ayodele Babalola

Today, April 26, marks an extraordinary milestone as Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), one of Nigeria's finest female professionals celebrates her 40th birthday.


Reflecting on Coker-Odusote's 40 years of existence, it is clear that her journey had been nothing short of extraordinary and remarkable strides.

From humble beginnings to her current position at the helm of NIMC, she has overcome numerous challenges and obstacles with grace and resilience. Her story is a robust proof of perseverance and determination. It is a stark reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

For those who have followed her trajectory closely, Abisoye Coker-Odusote embodies the essence of visionary leadership. This is no surprising given the altitude of her fledging career. Her rise to prominence has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and efficiency. Since her assumption of office last year as the NIMC boss, the commission has undergone a profound evolution, embracing cutting-edge technologies and pioneering innovative solutions to address the challenges of identity verification and authentication in the country. Coker-Odusote has not only achieved extraordinary milestones but has also set new standards of excellence in the field of identity management.

Her leadership has led to unprecedented growth and progress in NIMC, significantly advancing the country's digital identity infrastructure. One of Engr. Coker-Odusote's most notable achievements is her relentless advocacy for the adoption of digital identity solutions, which enhance security, efficiency, and inclusivity. She has spearheaded groundbreaking projects that aim to expand access to digital identity services, particularly in underserved communities.

Under her guidance, NIMC has played a pivotal role in empowering millions of Nigerians with secure and verifiable identities, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and digitally enabled society. Additionally, she has expedited the enrollment and distribution of National Identification Numbers (NINs) to all Nigerians and legal residents while also streamlining and integrating existing identity databases across the country.

Engineer Coker-Odusote's impact extends far beyond the confines of her role at NIMC. She is a tireless advocate for inclusive identity management policies, recognizing the fundamental importance of ensuring that every Nigerian has access to secure and reliable identification. Her advocacy efforts have contributed to greater awareness and engagement on issues of identity management, paving the way for meaningful change and progress.

To delve into her credentials and wealth of experience is to probe into a horde of narratives of excellence. With over 18 years of experience in managing complex and sensitive projects across various sectors, Coker-Odusote is a professionally trained tech enthusiast who has held roles that improved stakeholders’ engagements and execution of digital transformation projects.

She had once served as the General Manager/CEO of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), where she oversaw vital utility infrastructure providers – telecommunication, power, and gas operators – to promote standards and procedures in infrastructural development and maintenance.

Her impressive journey also includes serving as the Head of Information Technology & Communication at Bate Litwin, an engineering company working on projects such as Chevron ESA (JV with Atlas). Coker-Odusote’s diverse experience also encompasses her time in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Indeed, prior to the announcement of her appointment by President Bola Tinubu, she was the General Manager/CEO at LASIMRA where as, earlier noted, she supervised crucial utility infrastructure providers, including telecommunication, power, and gas operators.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is also a passionate advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment in STEM fields. As a trailblazing female leader in a male-dominated industry, she serves as a role model and mentor to aspiring women in technology, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break down barriers to success. Through her leadership and advocacy, Coker-Odusote is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce, where talent and innovation thrive regardless of gender.

On this day, we at NIMC pay tribute to Coker-Odusote's outstanding achievements, innovative leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and profound impact on Nigeria's identity management landscape.

She is an inspiration to us all, motivating us to continue striving for excellence and to never lose sight of our goals. As she enters a new decade of her life, may her journey be filled with even greater success, fulfillment, and prosperity.