I was born in an ancient trading town called Potiskum, which serves both as a gateway and economic hub of the Old Borno now Yobe State in Northeast Nigeria. I lost my dad at a very young age, but was swiftly taken in by my brother who then became the father figure in my life and taught me all the values he learned from our late dad.

 

Under his unique disciplinary style and unflinching principles, I imbibed the values of hard work, dignity and morality, but above all I learned the value of being a man. I received many life lessons and he once wrote to me when I was 15, "there is little that can withstand who can conquer his weakness. You will never be defeated unless you defeat yourself. Therefore, your future can depend on many things but mostly on you". Such was the tutelage and constant guidance.

 

In addition to this serious upbringing, I went to a military secondary school and started receiving regimental training from the age of 11. The confluence of these 2 paths dramatically accelerated the speed of my maturity which sharpened the keen sense of the world around me right from teen age.

 

Some would say it took away from me so much of the fun and excitement of adolescence, and I grudgingly accept. But on the bright side, I can trace the roots of my perseverance, diligence, and character building to this experience. It underpins my loyalty and commitment to my family and my nation, and built in me the capacity to face whatever challenge I encounter with discipline, transparency and good leadership.

My educational background also offered me a rare privilege many Nigerians do not get: true diversity. This was more by accident than by design. Between nursery and secondary schools, I attended seven institutions in both the northern and southern parts of the country. I studied under a Scotsman, Ghanian and Lebanese. I was taught by christians, muslims and even an atheist. A lot of my friends and classmates were of different backgrounds, cultures and color.

 

I never really understood the impact this wildly unstable but adventurous educational journey had on me until much later. It endowed me with the stimuli to be always positive and forward looking when dealing with people of all faith, race, creed, tribe or persuasion.

 

Yet I remain deeply anchored in my Islamic faith and proud of my rich Hausa heritage.

 

To continue to be better, I'm constantly on the path of seeking new knowledge, consistent curiosity, pushing the boundaries and creating new frontiers. I'm driven by a searing passion to help people and make impact in society the best way I can. In all this, my family remains my greatest pride and I hope to be the best husband, father, son, uncle and brother to them.
 

This is not to say that life is all a bed of roses. As a human I've had my fair share of struggles and mistakes, I have failed, I have felt pain and I have been lost. So many times. But I am grateful for my strong faith and trust in Allah, and for my family who have always been my support pillar through all my fears and low points.

 

Whenever life beats you down, you get right back up and continue. That's how to live!

​

Have a comment about my story? Hit the button.