Shoga's Professional Journey

In a time of tremendous economic and social challenges, Nigeria needs leaders with integrity and humility to guide the country into a brighter future. Hon. Francis Shoga is one such leader, having devoted his life to public service with impeccable ethical standards. His professional journey, spanning decades of dedication and principle-driven work, serves as an inspiration to all who seek to improve their country. Hon. Shoga is a true example of a statesman guided by moral character and a genuine desire to do good.

With educational credentials in Banking and Finance, as well as Business Administration, Hon. Shoga was well-equipped for a prosperous career in the private sector. However, he instead chose to pursue a life of public service, joining the Bureau of Public Procurement in 2010. This decision, driven by a desire to contribute to the betterment of his country and its people, represents an admirable commitment to selfless service and national development. Hon. Shoga's dedication to a career in the public sector is a testament to his deep sense of responsibility and duty.

As a procurement officer, Shoga ensured accountability in the use of public funds. One of the uncommon attributes public officeholders hardly put forth. He trained government agencies in fair and transparent contracting, audited their procurement processes, and verified vendor eligibility. To a reasonable extent, this brings about fiscal responsibility across institutions.

Elevated to senior procurement officer, the charismatic and diplomatic Shoga expanded his purview and impact. He vetted contracts worth billions for national infrastructure projects. This enhances the value of the public funds. It's equally important to state that Shoga audited government ministries, reviewed procurement advertisements and complaints, and represented the Bureau abroad - all to uphold procurement ethics. Isn't this one of the best hands we can lay our hands on for effective usage of public funds? I may choose not to give you the answer, but certainly, the answer is yes.

Currently a principal procurement officer, he continues advancing good governance. Shoga provides technical guidance on public spending and procurement to top government officials. He upholds due process for national growth programs like the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) including the four cardinal areas in which the programme focuses: Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), Social Job Creation Unit (N-Power) and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

As Hon. Shoga rose through the ranks of public service, he brought much-needed transparency to previously opaque systems. He understood that leadership is more than a title - it is a moral calling to serve with integrity. He set an example of honesty and accountability that stands as a beacon of hope in a nation that has been plagued by corruption. His dedication to transparency serves as a reminder to all leaders that with power comes responsibility, and that true leadership is about building trust and doing the right thing.

In recognition of his leadership acumen and relentless efforts for national and human development, Hon. Francis Shoga had many awards to his name. This includes but is not limited: Support Group Award by the APC Youth Stakeholders in recognition of support towards the emancipation of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2023); Award of Regional Ambassador as Outstanding Cooperate Builder and Achiever by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (2019); Award of selfless contribution and sacrifices towards the growth
and sustenance of the beauty industry in Nigeria by the Lagos Beauty
Summit (2018); Leadership award of excellence as Senior Advocate of the Youths
by the apex student union body in Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus
Committee (JCC), Kwara State Chapter and Award of Senior Advocate of the Masses by the Nigerian Association
of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee (JCC),
Kwara State Chapter (2017).

Hon. Shoga is a living example of the fact that integrity is not bound by race, religion, age, or social status. His moral courage is a powerful force for change, and his dedication to doing the right thing sets a standard for young Nigerians to follow. With unwavering integrity and a moral compass to guide them, the youth of Nigeria can realize the dreams of the nation's forefathers and build a better future for generations to come. Hon. Shoga's legacy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.