She is not the Minister of Maritime, actually there is none. Neither is she the Minister of Transport or the Executive Secretary at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma is not the only woman to have reached the top management level at a maritime agency, but there are few who can match her meritorious service, knowledge, professionalism and finesse.
In the last two decades, Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma has put in meritorious service and dedication at the Nigeria Shipper’s Council (NSC) that made her to be appointed as member to many presidential and ministerial committees.
Last week Mrs. Shall-Holma popularly referred to in the Council as ‘Madam Shall-Holma’ clocked 60 and the department of Commercial Shipping Services which she heads threw a surprise party for her. The occasion wasn’t just a birthday party or a retirement good bye party; it was a time to reflect on the character, input and personality of the celebrant whose 60th birthday connotes retirement.
Mrs. Shall-Holma is known for hardwork, self development, flair for networking and intelligience, but she is also God-fearing, calm, humble, beautiful and a voracious reader. Well, these superlatives are by no means sycophantic; Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma has several qualities worthy of emulation.
MMS Plus brings you some of her laudable qualities as posited by her colleagues, friends, children and business associates.
The Deputy Director Legal Services and Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, Mr. Tehil Idris noted that the event doesn’t only call for celebration but also one that should spur workers to reflect on the kind of person Mrs. Shall-Holma is.
“There is a lot we can learn from her, especially from her exemplary character and care. Those of us who worked closely with her simply call her ‘madam’ because she is a mother and demonstrates the love and care of a mother” Mr. Idris said.
“It was very easy for some of us to exploit her care and concern whenever we needed money. All I had to do at such times was to go into her office with a weary look and I wouldn’t have to talk because immediately she sees me, she would become so concerned, ask for my problem and fix it”.
One of Mrs. Shall-Holma’s mentees at the Council is Mrs. Celine Ifeora. “I have learnt a lot from Mrs. Shall-Holma. Since I came into the Council, I have learnt more from her than I have learnt from any other person. I am grateful because all she taught me will stick with me forever”.
“She has this legacy that, nothing is impossible. Any problem you bring to her, she will tell you that there is a solution and she ensures that you get that solution. She is well-connected anytime we run to her to say madam we have to go to Abuja, Cotonou, etc., to get a document or clarify an issue we are always amazed at her response. She will say don’t worry I have their contact details and she will swiftly call and the issue will be resolved”
We will miss her, not only because she is our leader, but because she is a beautiful, intelligence, virtuous, elegant and gorgeous lady. She is a consummate professional, a sound and responsible staff. She is so energetic and committed that sometimes we wonder aloud how she gets all the energy.
She has contributed immensely to the activities of the Commercial Shipping department at the Shippers’ Council and she is actively involved in the affairs of the Council and the maritime industry at large.
Mr. Gambo Adamawa who works directly with Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma explained that she is not only his boss, but also his mother. “I only spent 17 years with my mother, the rest of my life I have spent with Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma. If I have a problem (any problem), once the matter gets to her it, it is solved”
“She is a mother and one who shows love to everyone who comes her way. She is God fearing and she carries everyone along in all she does. We are going to miss her a lot”
Shall-Holma wasn’t only successful in her career; her children also speak highly of her. Her first daughter Tulammo told MMS Plus that at home, Mrs. Shall-Holma is a friend.
“She has come to be our friend. She is so understanding and so loving. Despite being a career woman, she always tried to balance work and home. It wasn’t always easy to create the balance, as she had to make some sacrifices. We didn’t fully understand it when we were young, but she always explained that she was creating a better future for us.
“She has been a wonderful mother. She has been dedicated to her work, so committed, zealous and exemplary. With the dedication that she has given to her work, you see that she is an excellent public servant.
“When we were younger, we didn’t understand why she had to work so hard and make too many sacrifices that were tough for the family. Now that we are older, we understand and appreciate all the effort. Today, she is reaping what she has sown over the years and we are happy for her” Tulammo said.
Shall-Holma’s other daughter, Suzan revealed that most times when her mum returns from work, they could see that she was stressed but she would always puts it behind her and wear a smile as she goes to work early the next day.
“She has made an impact in my life and my siblings and I cannot thank her enough. I also want to thank the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for providing her the opportunity to have a successful career. Mummy we love you and we celebrate you, Happy Birthday!” she remarked.
The CEO Hermonfield Consultants who has only worked with Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma for less than two years had this to say;
“There is something special that I have learnt from her and it is to never look down on anybody. She is someone that relates with you for who you are and not what you have. It doesn’t matter if you are high or just on the low class, as long as you have the substance madam will listen to you. I got to know her barely 18 months ago but the kind of impression she civil service. She will break every protocol to support you”.
Some of the contributions and achievements of Mrs. Shall-Holma include; initiating the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Africa, benchmark freight rates, representing Nigeria in international meetings on issues of transit trade, attending World Trade Organization (WTO) trainings on trade facilitation, etc.
Over the years women have proved to be indispensable and veritable agents of growth and development and Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma has not done otherwise. Little wonder her colleagues have asserted that her successor has a big shoe to fill.
By Kenneth Jukpor
