‘I inherited passion to help others from my mother’

Hauwa Ahmad Baba is the fifth out of five children of Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, a politician, philanthropist and women and child rights activist, who is the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Kaduna State. In this interview, Hauwa, a staff of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, shares her childhood memories and the kind of person her mother is.

Daily Trust: How would you describe your mum?

Hauwa Baba: My mom is the kind of mother I hope and pray to be. She is humble, understanding, firm when the need arises, always willing to listen and offers advice when needed. She is tolerant and accepting of others (everyone is her own). She is hardworking, kind and simply with a strong sense of perseverance. The list goes on and on. I must say, I could not have hope for a better mother.

DT: What do you cherish most about her?

Hauwa: I cherish every aspect of my mother and I pray I can live up to her expectation of me.

DT: What do you think people should remember most about her?

Hauwa: People should remember her humility, selflessness and commitment to serving humanity and fighting for and defending the rights of children, women and the disable.

DT: What type of mother is she?

Hauwa: She is an easy-going person who enjoys spending time with her family, but she can be strict when it is necessary.

DT: What makes her angry?

Hauwa: She is a jovial person, but she hates when someone undermines her intelligence.

DT: What is it like being her daughter?

Hauwa: Being her daughter is a great privilege and honour, and I thank Allah (SWT) for that.

DT: What view about her would you want to correct?

Hauwa: I would not change a thing about her.

DT: What is her favourite food?

Hauwa: She is not picky about what she eats, but she loves to try new cuisines.

DT: What profession do you think she would have excelled at besides what she does?

Hauwa: My mum is the kind of person that excels at whatever she does. So whatever career she had chosen, I am sure she would have been great at it.

DT: Has your mother’s position opened doors for you?

Hauwa: No.

DT: How does she relax?

Hauwa: By spending time with her children and grandchildren at home and having fun.

DT: What traits of your mother would you say you have imbibed?

Hauwa: I inherited the passion to help others from my mother.

DT: What fond memories do you have?

Hauwa: There are infinite memories I have with my mother and they are all equal in affection quotient. I can fondly remember, from my childhood my mother has always been a great listener. She gives you full attention when you talk to her and she makes you feel you are the most important person in the world. Whatever idea/goals/ambition you have, she helps and supports you to achieve them, and that is one of the best things that has helped my siblings and I to have the confidence in everything we do.