Mrs Grace Yohanna Abin, banker and activist, is currently the Centre Manager, Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre (under Kaduna State’s Ministry of Human Services and Social Development), situated at Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, which championed the fight against gender-based violence in Southern Kaduna.
She hails from Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. She spoke with Tambari on her journey from the banking sector to the humanitarian sector. Also she speaks on the fight against gender-based violence, and many experiences.
Educational Background
I started my primary education at the Suka Primary School in Kano, where I graduated and awarded the Primary School Certificate in 1983. I started high school at the Aminu Kano Commercial School and graduated with a Secondary School Certificate in 1989.
I later proceeded to Kano State Polytechnic and bagged a National Diploma in Cooperative in 1991. I later went to Gen Computer School and studied Computer in 2003.
In 2006, I went back to the same polytechnic for Higher National Diploma (HND).
After my youth service (Certificate of Exemption), I went for a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), at Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto in 2008.
Career Background
I started working with the Union Bank of Nigeria, as a staff, General Banking Operations from 1992 to 2005. I was at Customer Service, 2006-2008 then I got elevated to the rank of Instructor/Trainer at Union Bank Learning Academy, Zaria, from 2008 to 2010.
From 2010 to 2013, I was the Manager/Head of Customer Service and Banking Operations. I was the Project Manager, GAWON Foundation, 2014-2019 and the Centre Manager, Salama Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC), Kafanchan, the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, from 2019 until date.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was interesting with very sweet memories. I grew up amidst my siblings from a disciplined home and wonderful neighbours who served as brother’s keeper, with no tribal nor religious sentiment. It was a society full of care and love.
Life lessons
Life lessons are learned much later in life. I learnt to make every moment in my life count. I learnt not to procrastinate what I can do now. No life situation is permanent either good or bad. Good things never come easy except with due diligence. In life, learning is a continuous thing and for learning to take place, one needs to unlearn what he or she knows, to learn more. In life lessons, I learnt not to easily give up, especially when aspiring to reach a goal. In working with a team, members must support each other because we can only achieve a goal together as a team. Life has many good lessons.
What were your aspirations growing up?
Honestly, I had lots of aspirations while growling up. To be a successful being (woman, mother, wife, manager, etc.). It is my wish to be exceptional in whatever I do or set out to do. I have aspired to be very unique in everything I do. It’s my wish to make a positive impact in the lives of many because Impact cannot be easily erased. It will remain a legacy.
Childhood memories
My childhood was full of sweet memories. We grew up in Kano. Growing up, then was interesting without fear for anything. The childhood memory I miss is the security we had back then. As back as the 70s to early 90s, one could be sure of protection from neighbours and society at large.
One is sure to move freely without fear, but things have changed drastically.
Life Challenges
Life is full of very positive challenges because, in life and by our upbringing, we were made to see challenges in life as a stepping stone to achieving goals.
I see challenges as a positive distraction to the next level in life, even though some of the challenges were not easy, but God Almighty remains faithful in all.
Your most cherished gift
My most cherished gift is the gift of life to render service to humanity.
Your motherhood Joys
Motherhood is full of anxiety and stress, especially when combined with office work though interesting when it starts rewarding. Our children through our relationship keep encouraging me that motherhood is one of the best things that one will like to experience.
The joy of motherhood is one of the best things that have happened to me. I always have company, it makes me feel protected in my marriage and home. It helped me in managing time and people (parenting). Motherhood has taught me more about how to love and care for others around me, especially women and children. As a mother, I feel good when I get affection from my children and other family members. Sometimes, one gets worried if things will turn out well, but God is faithful in all things as He helps in making everything balance.
Favourite music
My favourite music is worship songs, and collections from Don- Williams, Philip Collins, Jimmy Clips, Dolly Parton, etc.
Favourite fashion items
Wearing clothes and looking my best. While in the bank, it’s mostly English wear and sometimes native dresses. When on the farm, it’s farming outfits and when in communities, I try to wear what is acceptable by my community people.
Best Food
Tuwon Shinkafa da Miyar kuka.
Favourite perfume
Cold sweet ones.
Mum’s advice that stuck with me over the years
Mum’s advice that stuck with me is that one should always be patient in all things.
My favourite book
It’s difficult to point at my favourite book because I try reading books that keep me going at different levels like, The Confident Woman by Joyce Meyer, Look Great Feel Great, Starting Your Day Right, The Power of Positive Thinking, etc. They serve as a tonic to me. The one I read very recently is the Essential Manager collection. It’s in a series: Managing Team, Communicating Clearly, Presentations, Strategic Thinking, Project Management and Managing Your Time. I have had the book since September 2008. It’s always on my table in my office. Recently, I reminded myself of managing teams, which I opened and read a few pages.
What I would tell a younger me
Try to make good use of every good opportunity that comes your way. Try to be open to learning, especially now that times are hard. Focus and avoid negative distractions that might stop you from progressing in life. Life gives you back what you give. There is a time for everything, so, do what needs to be done now and run away from procrastination.
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