My new role prevents me from acting – Rasheedat Mai Sa’a

Ambassador Rasheedat Adamu Abdullahi aka Mai Sa’a is a popular Kannywood actress who has starred in Hausa films like ‘Jariya’ and ‘Sa’a,’ from where she got her alias and fame. She runs her own film production company and produced a number of movies before taking a break from the acting scene to resume as the […]

Ambassador Rasheedat Adamu Abdullahi aka Mai Sa’a is a popular Kannywood actress who has starred in Hausa films like ‘Jariya’ and ‘Sa’a,’ from where she got her alias and fame. She runs her own film production company and produced a number of movies before taking a break from the acting scene to resume as the Special Assistant to the Kano State governor on Women Affairs. The Political Science graduate, tells Weekend Magazine about her movie side and how that isn’t quite fitting into her new role.

Weekend Magazine: In your new role as SA, do you still act movies?

Mai Sa’a: After acting in ’Mujala,’ a film produced by Ali Nuhu, I took a break and went into film production. And that was because I already had my registered film production company which has enough modern equipment. I have produced many films and I have also employed many people.

Weekend Magazine: When you were acting, who was your best producer?

Mai Sa’a: Although I worked with many producers, I have a lot of respect for Abubakar A.S. He has helped me a lot; in fact he played a key role in my success as a Kannywood actress. He is also an honest and hardworking person.

Weekend Magazine: What message do you have for your fans?

Mai Sa’a: I want to appreciate their support and prayers, they are really wonderful people. I love them all.

Weekend Magazine: As a veteran actress in Kannywood, do you have any message for the young actors and actresses?

Mai Sa’a: Well, I just have a word for them that they should always try to meet up with the decorum.

Weekend Magazine: How did you get into politics?

Mai Sa’a: I jumped into politic gradually. As a party member who demonstrated a lot of concern in grass root women who always participate in politics but do not benefit from the dividends of democracy. I kept on participating on their behalf and God so kind, His Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the executive Governor of Kano state appointed me as his Senior Assistant on women affairs. This to me is an opportunity to assist in empowering local women who contributed over 70% of votes during last elections.

Weekend Magazine: Does that mean that you are no longer with Kannywood?

Mai Sa’a: No, I am still a full member. In fact, my film production company is still functioning. But instead of acting I now prefer to step aside as an adviser because of my new appointment. You know as senior assistant to the Governor I have busy schedules and challenges that are entirely different from acting in film or film production, thus, I no longer have time to act or produce any film again.

Weekend Magazine: So what do you concentrate on now?

Mai Sa’a: My main area of concentration now is how to think up ways to help Kano state government by finding lasting solutions that can empower women and provide better education for our children.

Weekend Magazine: As a politician, how can you describe women participation in politics?

Mai Sa’a:  It is obviously yielding some positive changes. Before now, women that participated in politics were not admired in our society. But today women in politics are in the high echelon because their contributions are paramount in the democratic dispensation.

Weekend Magazine: Where did you get your ambassadorship from?

Mai Sa’a:  Firstly, I was appointed the youth ambassador by the Federal University of Dutse here in Jigawa state. I was also appointed as the Kannywood ambassador by Zazzau Emirate Council. NASMA, a UK NGO based in London made me the Northern Nigeria Peace Ambassador. And recently I got an invitation from Canada; in fact I am to travel to Canada this month in order to honor the invitation.

Weekend Magazine: As the senior assistant to Kano state Governor on women affairs, do you have any good message for Kano state women in general?

Mai Sa’a: Yes, I do. Firstly, I want to thank all the women in Kano state for their teaming support to the Governor Ganduje OFR and his darling wife Dr Hafsa Abdullahi. Secondly, I want to assure them that His Excellency is doing everything possible to change their lives positively. What I have to say is that women in Kano state should be patient, this government has good plans for them.