Introduction
I was born in the early 70s on Independence Day(1st October) in Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, my mother’s hometown who is Fulani. My Father is a native of Dass LGA, Bauchi State, thus I am Jarawa by tribe. My dad is late and had a total of 25 children and 3 wives. My mother had 12 of us; I am the second born of the family and assisted in the upbringing of about 20 of my siblings. I had a lovely childhood in a house filled with laughter and joy. We lived in about eight different states of Nigeria growing up, because my dad was a policeman.
Educational background
I attended my primary school in Bompai Police Barracks Kano, then Government Girls’ Science Secondary School Bauchi in Bauchi State; Bauchi College of Arts and Science (BACAS); Ahmadu Bello University Zaria;University of Witwatersrand South Africa; West African College of Surgeons (Ibadan Campus) and University of Liverpool.
Career background
I started my career as a clinician –a Medical Officer with ABUTH Kaduna and then moved to the state Ministry of Health Bauchi State. I left general practice for Residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at FMC Gombe. After completion of my residency training, I was a Consultant O&G at FMC Jalingo, Taraba State for a couple of years. I left clinical practice and joined a non-governmental organisation in 2007 as PMTCT/RH officer with Family Health International (FHI) Abuja. I worked in various capacities in the organisation and left as Senior Advisor on Maternal and Child Health.
I was then employed by Jhpiego, another international NGO affiliated with John Hopkins University as Senior Advisor Pre-Service Education in the Targeted States High Impact Project funded by USAID. In the same project I became a Cluster Lead and later headed the project in Bauchi State as Deputy Chief of Party Targeted States High Impact Project Bauchi. On the completion of the project I was appointed Head of Clinical Services National Obstetric Fistula Centre Ningi from where I was called to serve as Honourable Commissioner for Health Bauchi.
What growing was like
I had a very happy childhood and was a tom boy and a daddy’s girl. I had brothers as my immediate siblings and thus I was considered one of the boys.
Challenges faced in your career
The challenge was that of trying to prove myself in amale domesticated environment.
Life’s lessons
Goals set can be achieved with hard work, patience and perseverance.
My aspirations growing up
I aspired to be a well-known specialist.
Fond childhood memories I miss most
Sitting at my father’s feet and narrating my daily activities for his comments and blessings.
What my typical day is like
I Wake up early at 4:30am – 5; 00am, do my prayers and morning chores in the kitchen with my children. Get them ready for school by 7:30am and get ready for work. I leave for work by 8:15am. I am at work for the day till 4pm, sometimes 5pm depending on the day’s schedule. This may include supervision of some health facilities, service delivery points, attending meetings and executive engagements. Some days I travel out for official engagements.
My most cherished gift
An old Yusuf Ali English translated Qur’an from my dad.
How I met my husband
It was a chance meeting at work, where I gave him directions to my house and he appeared same evening in front of my house.
Most cherished attribute of his
His continuous drive to do the right thing and to live up to his obligations.
Three fashion accessories you would always have on
Earrings, rings and high heels.
Best travel destination and why?
Rome, because it has history.
How I relax
No television, no computer, just silence. I lay on my bed and blank my mind.
Best food
I love chicken (roasted)
Your style definition
Islamic dress code.
Favourite fashion designer
Gucci
Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes
Escador and Michael KORs
Mum’s advice that stuck
Be Patient.
Favourite sport
Indoor aerobics(very fond of Jane Fonda’s aerobics workouts),
My favourite colour
White, cold weather
My favourite weather
Cold weather
Favourite day of the week and why?
Friday; as the song goes “Thank God is Friday’’ because it is the start of a weekend.
Beauty routine
Eyeliner, light powder
What I hope to achieve in life
I have achieved my goal as the first female obstetrician gynecologist in Bauchi State. I hope to make a significant stride towards strengthening the health sector as the Honorable Commissioner for Health Bauchi State
My advice to women
Be confident in themselves and whatever they do.
Role models
Many; Dr Safiya Mohammed who is a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Service; My mother, Hajiya Zainab; My sister Hajiya Sa’adatu Musa Mukaddas.
Looking back, what would you tell a younger you?
Be calm, there is no hurry in life.
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