Aisha Isa Ibrahim Kuchi who was born in the mid 80s, is the first child of her parents. She is from Lapai local government in Niger state. Her dad is a retired Air Force officer while her mum is a tailor. She shared her story with Tambari.

Istarted primary education at Air Force Primary School and finished at Himma International School,Minna. I then proceeded to Army Secondary School, Bida, then the National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN), where I’m reading Business Entrepreneurship.

Give us an insight into your career background. are your thoughts on the issue or empowerment in Nigeria? How can the government ensure that empowerment for the youth and women the doesn’t suffer? I am into the business of water packaging, poultry and event management; let’s say I’m into anything productivity. governmental organisation that trains the less privileged and people with disabilities

People are beginning to take charge of their financial situation by empowering themselves through learning skills and going into business. I believe that with more encouragement from the government, by making it easy for women and youths to access start- up kits, as well as opening the mindset of the youth on why they should take whatever skill they acquire seriously, they won’t suffer. supp However, Alhamdulillah we are pushing and we overcoming the challenges day after day we thank God for everything. The center has been able to empower about 3500 so far

For now no,but proposals have been sent to my state government hoping to hear a fruitful result soon.No international partnership for now however, we open for international collaboration with us

Fela Durotoye’s running mate, hajia Khadija Iya is from Bida. She called and said she wants to sponsor our medical outreach for the blind in Minna and also a feeding program. I was happy to finally meet a woman who have the same dream as I have always had and that is how the collaboration came about.

I wake up in the morning, pray, bathe my kids, prepare breakfast for my family, take the kids to school,do my house chores, cook lunch, get ready for office, pick the kids from school, play with my family and sleep. That’s just it, like every other housewife.

Alsotell us about Hakima Empowerment. What in country Hakima Empowerment Centre is a non- in different skills. We also do free medical outreach for those who can’t afford medical treatment. How old is your NGO? Five years now but officially three years How have you overcome challenges especially regarding your NGO?The challenges are enormous, good responses from the masses as regards to their patronage on my trainings butorts and some good hearted people. Do you have any Growing up It was fun. I had all the privileges a child should have, Alhamdullilah. Challenges faced in your career Financing my NGO and being a mother to five beautiful children and a wonderful husband is not an easy work. Life lessons Life has taught me never to look down on anyone because you don’t know who he/she would turn out to be in future. Aspirations growing up My aspiration growing up was to be blessed with money so that I could help the less privileged. Fond childhood memories I miss having my mum cook for me. Life wasn’t stressful then. It was fun doing nothing.What’s your typical day like?