IF YOU TRY AND FAIL, TRY TO GET UP; DON’T SIT DOWN BECAUSE YOU FAILED.

My role model is Mariam Makeba because she has the talent of singing; and she is making a living out of it. I wish I had a talent of doing something with my hands or voice, or something else, apart from office work. Another role model is Ladi Kwali, who was into pottery. I admire her.

Mum’s advice that stuck with me over the years

My mum’s advice has always been on education because she was a teacher. She served for 10 years as minister-counselor at UNESCO, Nigerian permanent education. She is still a director in the Nasarawa State University. She always said,‘go to school and read.’ And, Alhamdulllah, I am trying. Advice to younger ones They should study hard and persevere. Perseverance is what makes the difference. If you try and fail, try to get up; don’t sit down because you failed. They should believe in the oneness of Allah and what he does. They should be honest, sincere, patients and tolerant. My ambition/dream I want to complete my service without issues. I want to set up something; maybe going into production of coconut oil. I am learning about it and trying to acquire some machineries. In fact, I am working on it.

What I don’t want to be caught without

I don’t want to be caught going out without a veil. I must cover myself with a veil, even if it is a small one. Advice to women who aspire to be like me They should find something doing and be selfreliant. They should also pray for our children because these days, no matter how much you try to raise up you children, since they are not staying with you at home 24 hours every day, you cannot escape the fact that they will mingle with other people’s children outside and get bad advice. So pray for them. I try to wake up in the middle of the night, at least once in a week, to pray for my children, for Allah to guide them.