IT IS REFRESHING AND FEELS REWARDING TO KNOW YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE

// ANNA MBASUGHUN ISHAKU There will be days for lecturing and skills acquisition training as well. This is something that will be maintained, even after leaving office. Growing up I had happy times. It was a full house, and being the first born, I had many responsibilities. We were living in the GRA in Zaria. At that time, there were very few blacks, so at most parties we were with white people. My grandparents lived in Tudun Wada and we were all very closely knit. My mother was a teacher, so any time she took us from school, we would stay at her parents’ house in Tudun Wada until evening when she knew her husband would be back home. My dad was transferred to Kaduna in 1973 and she moved to the Ministry of Education. She was there when she died. As soon as I turned 17, she got a driver to teach me how to drive. I felt like it was the easiest thing in the world. Fond childhood memories I miss my mother because I couldn’t imagine something happening to any of my parents that early. It is almost as if I didn’t have a childhood. Life lessons I am still trying to learn patience. I am still learning to be friendly. My son said, “Mama, you really dealt with us when we were small, but thank you for it.” I could not stand the idea of disappointing my mum where it came to my siblings. They all have degrees, working and married with their families. I tell myself at least I’ve done my mother proud. Most rewarding part of your humanitarianism The joy on their faces. Suddenly, we started eating food in our office like no man’s business because everyday, those we have trained will bring us what they made, such as doughnuts, cakes. It is refreshing and feels rewarding to know you made a difference in someone’s life. Some of them got loans I made their profit and returned the loan. Such things are heartwarming. Aspirations growing up I wasn’t really an ambitious person. But my mother was a very forceful person. She would say look, “Make sure you take a course you can practise in any village they post your husband.” I knew very well that she was pointing me to the direction of her profession, teaching. So when I went to SBS, I was toying with the idea of Law. She died while I was there. I realised that I kind of liked it. But when she died, I said, out of respect for her, let me read education. But my dad did not agree with that idea, so I went for Law in the end. But I believe that I would have done well in whatever I may have chosen. Joys of motherhood I have five kids. I had my first child in1985 and the fourth in 1990. So in five years, I had four children. I decided to break and the last one came the years after. The good thing is that they will all grow up together. They didn’t have a spoilt childhood and they later appreciated it. Sometimes I look back and actually feel sorry for them.

How did you meet your husband?

We went to the same primary school. Our families had known each other. His parents used to visit my grandparents, so we knew each other right from time. I never saw myself even befriending him, let alone marrying him, but here we are today. Most cherished attribute of his His patience and relationship with the children. Here I am, trying to be the disciplinarian, and there he is, being the good guy.Also,I admire his dedication to duty. Favourite music I like all kinds of music; anything that will get me dancing. First app you check in the morning/bedtime I’m not a huge fan of smartphones. If I pick up my phone in the morning, it is to check the time. I almost lost my visa to Canada because of how much I don’t check the apps on my phone. It is like work for me. But sometimes I dedicate time to messages.

How do you relax?

I used to love cooking and baking, trying out recipes. I love gardening when there’s a conducive place for it. I love seeing my plants flourish. I relax by gardening. Whenever I travel, I come back with seeds. I also love sewing. I retired from service very early and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’m never without a sewing machine. I enjoy cutting and putting cloths together. It can take me one year, I don’t mind. It takes my mind off things anytime I’m stressed. Reading was also a major habit of mine. Watching movies and TV came later. Favourite fashion items My wristwatches.

Flats or heels?

Heels any day. What wouldn’t you be caught wearing I wear almost everything. The only thing I can’t wear at my age is a mini skirt. Favourite travel destination I love the US because it is big; and to think you can travel from one end to the other on very good roads. Europe has tiny countries, but the US is very vast. I found their things quite reasonable as well. And you get a different experience whenever you go. But because of old age and laziness, I’m not too keen on travelling anymore. Favourite quote My daughter taught me one and I always say it now, “My goodness!” Favourite food Sometimes I don’t feel very hungry. I just eat to curb the hunger pangs, but I like moimoi. Definition of style Being decently dressed. I don’t follow trends. Favourite perfume I have so many perfumes, but I don’t stick to one. I use many at the same time. But there’s a specific by Dolce & Gabbana that I like, though I can’t remember the name now. Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years Be caring. She was a very caring person. One thing she used to tell me, especially when we moved to Kaduna was, “Men will leave you all alone in the house.’’

What advice of your father stuck with you?

My father wasn’t a talkative. After my mum died, anytime I came to see my siblings in Kaduna from Zaria, the house would be very quiet.That wasn’t the case when she was there. It was very busy. So after two years, I asked my father to remarry. By then, he had been transferred to Lagos. I begged him for the sake of my siblings, but he refused. Then in 1983, he decided to remarry. He was still in Lagos and I was in Makurdi. I didn’ttake it well because of the woman, not because I didn’t want him to marry and he knew. So he came down to Makurdi and sent for me. He broke the news to me and told me not to cry and not to listen to gossip. That’s my dad. He always tells you not to listen to gossip or backbite. Favourite sport, colour, car and weather I like walking. I prefer it to all other exercises. I like green because it’s my school colour. I noticed it with my classmates too. I like fast cars and I love the rainy season. Favourite day of the week Sunday, because after service, I get to rest. It is different from other days. Role models My mother was definitely one and my teachers in Gindiri. All the teachers were women. Being taught by missionaries had a great lasting impression on me.

Looking back, what would you tell a younger you?

One should have a lot of regrets on so many things. But what I will always say is a little patience. Also, stick to what you set your mind to do, so long as it is good. Stick and see it to the end. Don’t start something and give up along the way.

Idia Aisien, the renowned TV anchor on Arise TV, model and philanthropist has launched her NGO called the International Development Initiative in Africa (IDIA). She has expressed how much starting the foundation meant to her due to how much she has always wanted to give back to society and now has the avenue to do so at a bigger and more sustainable scale.

IDIA intends to provide an avenue for increased investment, capital flow and funding and providing a narrative for positive and impactful change in Africa. The NGO will also do a lot in eradicating poverty on the continent and include Africa in the world’s economy and attract investors through empowerment of all genders and all ages.

Aisien believes that her new initiative will go a long way in the future to come and promoting development of the African country as a whole.

Maryam Uwais, the special adviser to the president on National Social welfare programme, clocked 59 last week Tuesday. And to mark the occasion, she was wonderfully celebrated by her colleagues and family as well.

She was welcomed to the office with a surprise party by her colleagues with cards, cakes, drinks and food to properly get the party going. She expressed how grateful she was for the gesture on Instagram, saying, “So today, after spending long hours at the Senate, I went to my office, ready to drop, then my people almost had me fall, by surprising me with so many cakes, drinks, a song & so much love. Grateful for my people and the work that we do together. Grateful for the teamwork and their patience with me, especially when am stressed (unfortunately too often). Grateful for their understanding, support and dedication. Grateful for so much!”

But that wasn’t all, she got home to a bouquet of colourful flowers, and her family and close friends also held a dinner to honour her and her new age in the evening. Overall, it will be a memorable birthday for Hajiya Maryam.

We wish her a very happy birthday and many more prosperous years ahead! Happy birthday, ma’am.