Many don’t know, that the First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Sani Bello, is a daughter of a former Head of State, Abdusalam Abubakar, which automatically makes Governor Abubakar Sani Bello a son-in-law of Abubakar. The relationship between the Bellos and the Abubarkas did not start today, it was gathered that the governor’s father, a Nigerian billionaire and a former military Governor of old Kano State, Col. Sani Bello (RTD) is one of the close associates of the former head of state, Abdusalam Abubakar. This bond further cemented the relationship between the 2 big northern rich men. Since Dr Amina Abubarka became the first lady of Niger State, her name has constantly been ringing a bell, especially in the health sector. She has taken her passion beyond the walls of her state, Niger State championing the cause of women in the country. She is a reputable medical practitioner who has proved her worth in no small measure in public health service. A medical expert, she has attended various national and international conferences to further enhance her medical intellect. She had wanted to be a lawyer, but destiny has a way of directing the life of human beings.
Born in 1973 in Benin City, she attended Federal Government Girls College in Bakori, Katsina State. Having performed creditably well in her school certificate examination, she proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for her first degree in medicine. After the completion of her study, she did her residency at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). Not resting on her oars, Dr Amina went ahead to bag her master’s degree in Public Health from Liverpool University, UK. Over the years, she has not only shown her class in the practice of public health but has also proved an erudite medical practitioner who has contributed her quota to the pool of knowledge through numerous paper presentations. Dr Amina’s exemplary contribution and accomplishments in the medical profession have been remarkable. She is very cheerful, humane, resourceful, tolerant, and always exudes confidence wherever she finds herself. She likes to touch the lives of people, regardless of their backgrounds, religion, political affiliation, and cultural experiences. Dr Amina is charismatic and energetic in pushing her vision, and in setting targets for a new social order. She has often demonstrated consistency and attention to relevant issues.
She shows elaborate interest in issues, which directly affect the people. And this clearly attests to the fact that she has a sense of direction. She is dedicated and humane. She upholds a high standard of social and philanthropic values. It is expected that Dr Amina would, in one way or the other, inject her wealth of experience and knowledge into the governance of the state through providing greater assistance to her heartthrob, an enigma and an embodiment of the lofty values, the Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Bello, fondly called Abu Lolo.
She is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from the Ahmadu Bello University; a profession she chose because of her constant yearning to assist humanity. She is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Amina’s research in medicine has tremendously contributed to the aspects of maternal mortality and reproductive health. She has also done research work on unsafe abortion, family planning and more. Born into the family of Gen. A. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and Honourable Justice Fati L. Abubakar, this essential woman is the founder of Raise Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which is focused on the reduction of Maternal, Neo-natal and Child death. It employs integrated approaches that are centred on reproductive rights, healthcare, education and empowerment of women and girls and also integrates creating awareness for breast and cervical cancer. She grew up in the North under the tutelage of her parents who raised her and her siblings with firm hands. She was already married when her father became the head of state and her marriage is still waxing stronger.
She got married when she was in her third year in medical school and had her first child when she was in her fourth year. Her NGO, Raise Foundation, which was founded on a principle of sustainability is completely independent of Government and funded solely by some business ventures and donations from philanthropists, donor organizations and the likes. The RAiSE foundation cancer screening centre was unveiled in Minna, the State capital, 4 years ago and has been providing basic health services for women as it is the first of its kind in Niger state, offering screening services for both breast and cervical cancer patients with standard equipment.
– TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI
