‘Though mum’s prominent, we never got VIP treatment’

Weekly Trust: What is it like being the child of a prominent parent? Halima Halilu: Normal, actually. No special treatment was given to me; I didn’t go to any special school for high-profile kids. I was in secondary school when my mum was appointed minister, but we weren’t pampered. In some ways, it was challenging. […]

Weekly Trust: What is it like being the child of a prominent parent?
Halima Halilu: Normal, actually. No special treatment was given to me; I didn’t go to any special school for high-profile kids. I was in secondary school when my mum was appointed minister, but we weren’t pampered. In some ways, it was challenging. At times people think you have everything, therefore caring less about others.  But my siblings and I try to remain humble.
WT: Does your mum ever get angry?
Halilu: As a human being, naturally she gets upset. But she quickly gets over it. Her anger doesn’t last long and after a few minutes, it’s over. I’m always trying to take after her on this. One of her pet peeves is hearing that her children are having a misunderstanding with each other. Over time, we’ve all realized that and try as much as possible to avoid having an argument to her hearing.
WT: What are some of the fond memories you have of your mum while growing up?
Halilu: Time spent with her, spending holidays in the Hilton or having dinner at the Sheraton, which in those days were the best spots in Abuja.
WT: Your mum’s well-known as an ex-minister, also a school principal. Do these come to bear at home?
Halilu: Yes, very much so. She is a disciplinarian, strict and firm on us. She sets high standards for us to meet, but she also knows how to set reasonable boundaries. She worked hard, trained and inspired us to higher educational qualifications, like her PhD.
WT: What is one fun thing you do with your mum that you miss?
Halilu: Luckily, I was the only girl before my late sister was born. I remember all the fun things we used to do together when I was younger: shopping, talking and everyday stuff. I enjoyed the monopoly for a long time, before my younger sister – now late – was born.
WT: What’s her favourite phrase?
Halilu: She likes to say to us ‘You, as children, even when standing on a tree, cannot see what I can’.
WT: Being an ever-busy person, how does she relax?
Halilu: She likes to spend quality time alone in her room after work, before joining other members of the family to watch movies on TV.
WT: What is her favourite meal?
Halilu: She eats healthy, mostly organic and local. She likes Masa with Miyan Taushe, Tuwon Alkama with Miyan Kuka, as well as Zogale (Moringa leaves).
WT: What is her favourite fashion accessory?
Halilu: Watches and designer handbags.
WT: Is she the sporty type, and what is her favourite sport?
Halilu: She is quite sporty. During her school days, she even won a medal. I recall her days as principal of GGSS Dutse-Abuja, when she took part in running with other staff during the annual sports competition. She is still very active. She takes long walks and does a lot of exercise.
WT: Share a cool attribute your mum has that the society isn’t aware of…
Halilu: She is knowledgeable about Christianity, as she attended mission schools for primary and secondary education. She studied Bible Knowledge and got credit in WAEC. She’s also currently memorising the Qur’an, almost done. She’s also got a great sense of humour and we enjoy being with her.
WT: Has her name opened doors for you?
Halilu: I’d say yes.
WT: How would you describe your mum outside her public persona?
Halilu: Humble, caring, generous and selfless. She’s also one of the most forgiving people I know.
WT: Being a mum yourself, what values from your mum are you applying in your home?
Halilu: I’ve learned to be a disciplined and responsible mother by spending quality time with my kids. I encourage good behaviour and responsibility. Most importantly, I’ve learnt from her to be prayerful and leave everything in the hands of Allah SWT.