SO LIFE TAUGHT ME TO ALWAYS BELIEVE IN MYSELF, AND THAT I SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST

We are all human, so we always face challenges in one way or another. My greatest challenge in life was being a girl. This is because sometimes, no matter how big you dream, no matter how much you want to achieve, you have to remember that you are a girl. From the background I came from - being a typical northern girl and someone from Getso village, it’s very difficult to become who you want to be, no matter how big your wings and dreams are. Growing up It was a wonderful experience. I had a very wonderful childhood with my mum and siblings. Kano is a lovely city to grow up in. I love my city. I went to one of the best schools in Kano, and I surrounded by my friends and family members. It was awesome, overall. Fond childhood memories I miss riding bicycles in my street. Our mum always took us out for evening outings to Cinderella and Arabian Suites. I miss that. Life lessons I have a favourite quote: “The success of one’s life is not one’s worth, but what one will be when one dies.” So I believe that whatever we achieve in life is not about where we are today, but where we are going. Life taught me to always believe in myself, not anybody else. There’s a saying that sometimes, even your shadow leaves you in darkness; and I believe it. So life taught me to always believe in myself, and that I should always come first. Aspirations growing up I have always aspired to be the first female president of my country. Most rewarding part of your career The fact that I am chosen today as a running mate to somebody very strong, Professor Kingsley Moghalo. He is someone who has Nigeria at heart. To be candid, I know it’s what I’ve been dreaming of all my life. And the position I’m in today will give me what I’ve wanted - to see Nigeria working. I believe that with Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, my dream is a reality, to make Nigeria great again. Joys of motherhood My children, Sadiq, Muhammad and Aisha are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me in my life. Seeing them grow up to become who they are today reminds me that I have achieved something, even if I don’t achieve anything else. They are loving. I see them as my pillars and friends.

your

How did you meet husband?

He has always been in the family because he is a friend to my uncle. I grew up and found him in my house. He is my mum’s very good person. So, as destiny would have it, I found myself married to him.

What’s your most cherished attribute of his?

He is an angel. He is somebody who always encourages me and pushes me to pursue my dreams. He is also the most religious man I have ever known. He is very close to God.

Five top things on your wish list

I don’t have many wishes. Sometimes I sit down and ask: what do I really want, asides seeing Nigeria and my family progress? To be candid, I put my country first in everything. So I wish to see Nigerians wake up from their long slumber and help make Nigeria work again. People of like-minds as myself should team up to see Nigeria move forward. That’s my greatest wish. Favourite music on replay I can remember listening to Celine Dion and Michael Jackson while growing up. I still listen to them.

First app you check on your phone in the morning/ bedtime

I love using Facebook because it is where you can enter everybody’s room from your own room .Everyone is on Facebook. It’s one place where I get to interact with everyone concerning making Nigeria great again. Favourite fashion items I am a shoe person. I love a shoes.

Flats or heels?

I am tall but I only wear heels. I don’t do flats.

What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?

I don’t do mini things. I always wear long clothes and decent clothes. Favourite travel destination I love Yankari Game Reserve. It is a natural place we don’t look at and have forgotten as a nation. If you really want to get a taste of Nigeria, Yankari Game Reserve is the place to be. With Yankari, you can see that Nigeria has a lot of resources in abundance. We also have Mambilla Hills, Tinapa and Obudu. We have places all over Nigeria that we can make like Dubai. And to think that it didn’t take them long to develop it to what it is today. Nigeria has a lot of resources to do the same.

How do you relax?

I love being alone. My room is my favourite relaxation spot. Favourite quote or saying “The success of one’s life is not one’s worth, but what one will be when one dies.”