Always go for what you desire – Hafsat Manir Muhammad Dan’iya

Hajiya Hafsat Manir Muhammad Dan’iya was born on July 16, 1978, into the family of late Alhaji Shuaibu Idris Sabon Birni in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. She is the fourth child among nine siblings. She is married to Dr Hon. Manir Muhammad Daniya (Walin Sokoto), the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and is blessed with five amazing and beautiful children: three boys and two girls.

Education

I attended Model Primary School on Wurno Road, now Cement Company Primary School, Sokoto, from 1985 to 1990 and then proceeded to the Government Girls College (GGC), Sokoto, in 1995. I started my higher education at the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, in 2000, where I studied English/Hausa, then moved to the Usman Danfodio University (UDU), Sokoto, in 2006 for a BA(ED) in Hausa. I did my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 2010 and 2011 in Sokoto.

Career background

During my NYSC, I was posted to the Sokoto State Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Rima Radio, Sokoto. Being in a media house you have to interact with different people; some jovial and some hard to deal with. After ending my service year, I jumped back to my profession; teaching, where I taught for about 10 years in different schools. I then joined another field to explore more avenues in administration and general services. Presently, I am the Director of Administration at Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

What was growing up like?

Growing up was amazing. I got everything I wanted. My father was always there for us. It was fun.

Life lessons

I have learned to work hard. Always go for what you desire, don’t bother about what people think of you, work with honesty and dedication and surely you will reach your goal, and never stop.

My aspirations growing

I always wanted to do something that would be of great help to humanity.

I was inspired by my dad and grandmother because they were always giving to society.

My father taught me to give no matter how little. Don’t ever wait until you have enough before you give out. Always try to make life meaningful for someone.

Fond childhood memories

Memories of my father. He was one in a million; the best father who was always there for his family. I miss how he called me by my pet name. He always called me “Yar baturiya.” I pray we meet in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen Ya Rabbi!

My passion for humanitarianism

I love to help people; it gives me joy and internal peace that I can’t describe. Putting a smile, even if it’s on just one person’s face, I feel fulfilled. I feel blessed when I see that I can offer something no matter how little it is, which helps a sister or a brother in need.

My take on the Nigerian education industry, especially how it relates to the average northern woman

Nigeria at 60 needs a new strategy in education, especially as it relates to women. We live in a society where many of parents, especially from rural areas, see education for women as a taboo, so they try as much as they can to prevent their female children from accessing it. I think the curriculum in the Nigerian education system needs to be revamped; where education: both Islamic and Western, go hand in hand. Also, there is a need for entrepreneurship where young girls can learn some trades so that they could cater for their families even before they get married. I think if we put this into perspective, our society will be better off.

Challenges

It’s certainly not easy dealing with people. There are some, whatever you do, they will never appreciate it. Some will even mock and rain insults on you, but life goes on and we keep trying no matter what; such is life.

My most cherished gift

Prayer for me is what I cherish very much. I cherish someone who prays for me and my mother is someone who always prays for me.

How I met my husband

I met him at our house during my uncle’s wedding. He came with a friend of my uncle and it started from there.

What I cherish most about my husband

A lot; his kindness and humility. He is loving and caring and he believes in me. I am the love of his life. He is God-sent and I will always thank Allah for that.

Motherhood

My children are my best friends. They mean the world to me. We love and cherish one another. A lot of people often see me with my kids and think we are siblings. Well, maybe because they have grown tall like their father. My children are the best thing to have happened to me.

Favourite music

I love old school and rhythm and blues. Any of these is okay for me.

First app I check daily

WhatsApp.

Favourite fashion items

Gold jewellery.

What I wouldn’t be caught wearing

Short dresses.

How I relax

By watching Indian series.

Best food

Give me tuwon shinkafa and miyan kuka and I am good to go any time, any day.

My definition of style

Anything that makes me comfortable and decent.

My favourite fashion designer

I don’t have any. I go for anything that fits me and makes me comfortable.

Favourite perfume, designer bag, and shoes

For perfume, I love Arabian perfumes. For bags and shoes, I love LV, Gucci, and Tory Burch.

Mum’s advice that has stuck with me

My mum always told me to never in life wish for or harm anyone and that I would prosper in life.

Favourite sport, colour, and weather

For sports, wrestling is it, and for colour, blue. Harmattan is my favourite weather.

Favourite day of the week

That would be Friday because it always reminds us of the day of judgment.

Favourite book

I love romantic novels, so Mills & Boon (M&B) is my favourite.

Beauty routine

Simple; I try to stay healthy.

Looking back, what I would tell a younger me

Looking at my life and the realities of the 21st Century, I think a younger me will stick to the gospel our parents tell us because in life you will not know the value of what they preach unless you are there. And In sha Allah I will continue to instill in my own children that so that the orientation I was given by my parents can be replicated in them. I would also like to use this opportunity to advise the younger generation that education is key to prosperity. So seek it.

What I want to be remembered for

Alhamdulillahi! As we grow older I want to be remembered as that mother, mentor, and role model who always thought about how she could be of impact to society. I also want to be remembered as that philanthropist who viewed helping others with their issues as a hobby.