‘Mum would’ve excelled in art if she weren’t a surgeon’

Maryam Abubakar Balla is the only daughter of Dr. Urwatu Yerima Balla, the first Northern female surgeon in Nigeria and chairperson of Nigerian Red Cross Society in Kano State. Daily Trust: How would you describe your mother? Maryam Abubakar Balla: I will describe my mother as a wonderful and courageous woman who is very fearless. […]

Maryam Abubakar Balla is the only daughter of Dr. Urwatu Yerima Balla, the first Northern female surgeon in Nigeria and chairperson of Nigerian Red Cross Society in Kano State.

Daily Trust: How would you describe your mother?

Maryam Abubakar Balla: I will describe my mother as a wonderful and courageous woman who is very fearless. She is a hard working individual whose main ambition is to render assistance to humanity.

DT: Would you want to follow her footsteps?

Maryam: Not exactly, she may be my mother but we are totally different individuals. I have carved out my own path in life. Let’s just say she gave me an idea of being independent and I followed. Perhaps that is why I am an engineer by profession and not a doctor.

DT: Is your mom a strict person?

Maryam: Yes, I am afraid my mother is really the no nonsense type with zero tolerance for stupidity and laziness. She gave us the chance of being what we really want to be and encouraged us to pursue our chosen professions. She didn’t give us any room for laziness.

DT: What kind of books does she like to read?

Maryam: She loves fictional horror novels. It rubbed off on me and I am a big fan of Stephen King. She also loves reading books related to her profession; she is such a person that loves keeping abreast with current advancement in the profession and that is why she reads her medical books.

DT: What is her favourite TV programme?

Maryam: She loves watching religious programs on Sunnah TV and other Islamic related TV programs aired in various stations.

DT: l What is her favourite colour and food?

Maryam: Her favourite colour is green and her favourite food is Tuwo and Miyan Yakuwa. These are local delicacies found in the Northern part of Nigeria.

DT:  What other profession or field do you think she would have excelled in?

Maryam: She would have excelled in anything artistic because she’s got the patience. On many occasions when she’s bored you would find her sewing with thread and needle. She’s also a great painter. I have always displayed her work of art in my home. My mother is a very creative individual who likes putting her talent on display.

DT: How does she relax?

Maryam: Her mode of relaxation is by being in the garden. She cherishes her garden and no matter how lonely or depressed she ever gets, just take her to a garden and she will gradually get back to her normal self.

DT: What would you say is an aspect of her personality that many don’t know?

Maryam:  One of her secret personality is her humanitarian generosity. There are times she has operated on people free of charge. Not to mention the number of times she hides things like foodstuff, cloths etc, in her car and secretly took them to someone.

DT: Growing up, did you ever feel you were under the shadow of a great woman?

Maryam: I wouldn’t say I was in the shadow. She is not arrogant and proud. She is so simple that sometimes I get carried away by her simplicity. We come from a family of achievers so you also find yourself trying to be an achiever as well. You wouldn’t want to be that sacrificial lamb or the black sheep of the family.

DT: At home, do you see her as a surgeon?

Maryam: No, no! At home, she’s just Maami. A grandmother who enjoys the company of her grandchild and the little brother she raised.