Making sustainable difference – Aisha Uwani Babangida

Educational background I started my western education in Dallah Primary School (now Abdulkadir Primary School) Hadejia, Jigawa State. I then proceeded to Shekara Girls Boarding Primary School, Kano, where I completed my primary school education. I attended Government Girls College, Dala – Kano, after which I proceeded to School of Basic Studies, ABU Zaria for […]

Educational background

I started my western education in Dallah Primary School (now Abdulkadir Primary School) Hadejia, Jigawa State. I then proceeded to Shekara Girls Boarding Primary School, Kano, where I completed my primary school education. I attended Government Girls College, Dala – Kano, after which I proceeded to School of Basic Studies, ABU Zaria for a one-year IJMB programme. I attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Education degree (B.A. Ed) with specialization in English and French.

Career background

I am a teacher by profession and enjoyed every aspect of it. My journey into the teaching profession started with the compulsory one-year NYSC program in Lagos State. I was posted to Aunty Ayo Girls’ High School, Obalende. After which the Kaduna State Ministry of Education employed me to teach at Queen Amina College, Kakuri. While at Queen Amina College, I taught English Language and Literature. Later on I was employed by Kaduna Polytechnic and posted to the Department of Liberal Studies, Tudun Wada Campus, where I taught English Language and Communication Skills.

I joined the services of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun in Warri, Delta State, as a Senior Assistant Register. The Registrar then, late Mr. J. A. Popo, persuaded me to move over to administration, advising me that having worked in the classroom since I started my working career, it was time to have another experience outside the classroom, adding that most teachers made good administrators. I was also secretary to both the management board and the Minor Works Committee. I was promoted to Principal Assistant Registrar in 1992 and voluntarily retired in 1993 into private business. Same year, I incorporated Dallaxy International Limited, which is mainly a trading company. As the CEO/MD of Dallaxy, I am responsible for the daily management of the company.  

My passion and commitment towards touching lives gave birth to the Association for the Advancement of Women in Nigeria (ASSAWIN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).  It was established to uplift the health care standard of local communities, reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide support services to orphans and vulnerable children, reduce HIV/AIDS epidemic, support girl child education and promote women and youth empowerment as a means to eradicate poverty.  

Growing up

Having lost my father at infancy (45 days old to be precise), the responsibility of my upbringing rested squarely on my maternal grandparents. However, I will say I grew up more in boarding schools, from primary to secondary and through to the university. I have fond memories of those good old days in school where some of our teachers were British who taught us table manners and ensured that we spoke the Queen’s English. 

At home, my late grandmother made sure I lacked nothing. Shopping, in preparation for going back to school was always fun. 

My grandmother would take me to Chellarams, Leventis Stores and Sabon gari market for my shopping.  She was so fond of me and treated me like a princess. She said I was a child of destiny considering how I miraculously survived a severe measles attack, which left me almost without a voice. She was my grandmother, my mother and the father I never knew. I recall those days with fondest memories. I miss her. 

Challenges 

Life is full of ups and downs but I can say ‘Alhamdulillah’ with all honesty that life has been kind to me. I cannot quite recall any serious professional challenge in my life.  As for challenges in my personal life, yes, there were quite a few, especially in the early years of my marriage.  However, nothing can be more challenging than losing one’s father. But that was the will of Almighty Allah and we have to give thanks to Him. ‘Alhamdulillah’ by the special grace of Allah, I have been able to overcome them and the experience has affirmed my belief in fate and destiny.

Life’s lessons 

Over the years, life has taught me to always trust and have faith in God. I have grown up to always believe in myself and to depend on no one but God, because he is the only One that will never disappoint one. 

Balancing work and the home 

I have been able to strike a balance between my career and my family life because of the tremendous support I have from my family. My husband has been very supportive and understanding in that regard.  My elder sister also supported me when my children were young. Each time I had to travel abroad, my sister would join my family and stay with my kids until I returned from my trip. That was how supportive my family was in making sure I made a success of my career, business and family life.

 Aspirations growing up

As a child, I had the dream of becoming a lawyer. I had always imagined myself in court arguing and holding the courtroom spellbound. I had a passion for acting in drama right from my secondary school days up to the university where I was a member of ABU Drama Club. I enjoyed acting parts that involved cramming long speeches. With this background, I had always wanted to be a lawyer. That was my aspiration when I gained admission into ABU, Zaria. As you know, man proposes but God disposes. My desire to touch lives and impact knowledge got the better part of me. That was how I gave up the dream of becoming a lawyer and applied for a B.A Ed. in order to become a teacher. So far, I have found fulfillment in my chosen profession that I don’t feel I missed anything by not studying Law.

Fond childhood memories I miss

I miss my grandmother’s tender, loving care; she made sure I had everything I needed and lacked nothing.  Without my grandmother, I wouldn’t have been what I am today. 

My typical day

My day starts with my early morning prayer after which I listen to my recorded recitations from the Holy Qur’an. If it is not a day on which I fast, I have my breakfast around 8:30 am, which is mainly fruit. After that I plan my itinerary for the day because I shuttle between my office/shop in Abuja and my office in Keffi, Nasarawa State. 

The time I leave home and where I go to first depends on where my presence is urgently required that day. I attend to official matters and of course attend to my husband before leaving the house. No matter what time I go out in the morning, I try to come back home just in time for my Maghrib prayer. Out of habit, I go to bed very late every night. 

Most cherished gift

My most cherished gift is my family, made up of my husband, my children and grandchildren. They are my ‘jewels of inestimable value’ from Allah (SWT).

How I met my husband?

Destiny brought us together during my NYSC in Lagos. My husband was then in charge of the Kano State Liaison Office in Lagos. It was a chance meeting through one of my late childhood friends who was also in Lagos at that time attending the Nigerian Law School. My late friend knew my husband through her cousin who happened to be his very close friend. She spoke so much about me in his presence that he pronounced me his wife even before setting eyes on me. 

Coincidentally, we attended the same primary school back home in Hadejia but didn’t know each other because he was my senior by far. That was how I met my husband and the rest is now history.  

Most cherished attribute of his

His attribute I cherish most is his kind-heartedness.

Top 5 on your wish list

I pray to Allah (SWT) to give me a contented heart that is always grateful to Him (SWT); the eyes that appreciate and see the best in others; a soul that never loses faith in Allah (SWT), a heart that forgives the worst and the spirit of sharing with others

Favorite kind of music

Recitations from the Holy Qur’an

1st app I check in the morning/bedtime

My official emails. I check through my mails to make sure that all incoming mails are attended to; thereafter I go through my WhatsApp messages. 

Favorite fashion items

My veils (gyale) are my favorite fashion items.  They are like an obsession. I have them in all shades and colors because they have to match whatever dress I wear.

Flats or heels

It is more elegant to wear high heels, especially to occasions. However, I wear medium heels because I feel more comfortable in them.

Most expensive fashion accessory

My handbags

What I wouldn’t be caught wearing

I wouldn’t be caught wearing a mini skirt or a sleeve less dress.

Best travel destination

My best travel destination is Makkah, Saudi Arabia. While in Makkah, I forget whatever is worldly and experience inner peace, believing that Allah (SWT) will accept all my prayers and forgive my sins.  

How I relax

I am a football fanatic. I relax watching live football games. However when there are no live games, I relax watching African movies.

Favorite saying

My favorite saying is “In Shaa Allah” meaning “if Allah permits”, because nothing happens without Allah’s permission. 

Favorite food

My favorite food is vegetable salad and grilled fresh fish.

My definition of style 

To me style is both elegance and smartness. I like to wear what is simple and comfortable.However I like looking elegant and smart all the time.

Favorite fashion designer

I love and wear African attires. My favorite fashion designer is therefore my tailor who designs and sews my clothes.

Favorite perfume, designer bag and shoes

I love and use any Ajmal Perfumes because they are alcohol free. I love Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo designer bags. For shoes and bags, I love to wear anything nice, colorful and comfortable.   

Mum’s advice that stuck

My grandmother brought me up so it was her advice that stuck with me over the years. She advised me to believe in myself; always say the truth and stand by it.

Favorite sport, color and weather

My favorite sport is football, my favorite colour is red and I love cold weather.

Favorite day of the week 

I am very busy Monday to Friday, so I always look forward to Saturday. It is my favorite day of the week because I laze around at home without rushing out of the house to either go to the office or to my shop. I look forward to watching the English Premiere League football from Saturday through Sunday, which is another work free day.

Beauty routine

I wear very light makeup. Making up with my face powder, my eyeliner and lipstick, is my beauty routine. I also use body spray and perfume to complete my daily routine.

Role models

My late grandmother, Hajiya Aishatu Iya Kwalli. She was a strong woman with impeccable manners. She was kind, compassionate, generous and a disciplinarian to the core. She instilled discipline in me and made me to always appreciate myself irrespective of whatever anybody else thought. She was a sanitary inspector who had zero tolerance for dirty environments. She was called ‘Madam Cleanliness’ in all the communities she worked because she would lead the women in cleaning even their bedrooms. She is forever my role model.

Looking back, what I would tell a younger me

I would tell a younger me to be prayerful; always look at the positive side of life; trust and believe that with God on her side, the sky will be her limit.