Empowered Women Leading the Way to Brighter Futures for All.

I want to tell you about an extraordinary woman named Aisha Shaibu-Salami, who hails from Ihima Local Government in Kogi State and has made Bauchi her home. Aisha is a wife, a mother, and a passionate advocate who pours her soul into every cause she embraces. She’s the kind of person who doesn’t just notice a gap in her community she rolls up her sleeves and works tirelessly to fill it, driven by a deep-seated commitment to building a brighter future, not only for herself but for everyone around her. Her passion for unity, particularly among women, is the heartbeat of her mission. Aisha firmly believes that when women come together, supporting and uplifting one another, they can achieve far more than they ever could by competing or tearing each other down. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering dedication to creating meaningful change.

Aisha’s journey is deeply rooted in a robust educational foundation. She earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of Abuja, affectionately known as Gwags, and later expanded her expertise through training in Data Analysis, Branding, and Marketing with Africa Agility. These experiences did more than equip her with technical skills they shaped her into a strategic thinker, a creative problem-solver, and someone who excels at connecting ideas and people. Over the years, she’s taken on a multitude of roles, each with purpose and intention: Data Analyst, Growth Marketing Associate, Community Manager, and, most notably, the Founder and Executive Director of the Doctors Wives Association Bauchi. Beyond these professional titles, Aisha is a gifted storyteller and a fierce advocate for girl-child education, driven by her conviction that every girl deserves the chance to dream big and pursue her ambitions. At her core, she’s a woman fueled by progress, purpose, and an unshakable love for people.

The story of how Aisha founded the Doctors Wives Association Bauchi begins in a deeply personal moment. After getting married, she moved with her husband to Bauchi for his medical residency, leaving behind the familiar comforts of her life in Abuja. In this new city, where she knew no one, Aisha felt profoundly isolated and out of place for the first two years. It was a challenging period, marked by loneliness and the daunting task of starting over in an unfamiliar environment. Then, during a heartfelt conversation with her sister-in-law, a spark of inspiration emerged. Her sister-in-law suggested she bring doctors’ wives together to form a bond a sisterhood that could provide support and connection. That simple yet powerful idea resonated deeply with Aisha, planting the seed for what would become a transformative movement.

With characteristic determination, Aisha reached out to a few doctors’ wives she had met in Bauchi. She shared her vision of creating a community where they could lean on one another, share their experiences, and build something meaningful together. With the help of those who had been in the city longer and knew more people, she began connecting with other women. Aisha created a WhatsApp group, inviting anyone eager to join the initiative. What started as casual gatherings—fun hangouts, picnics, and moments of laughter quickly evolved into something far more significant. Since she was a little girl, Aisha had prayed for the opportunity to help others and make a lasting impact, a dream she carried into adulthood. Seeing that vision come to life in Bauchi feels nothing short of surreal to her. In 2019, she officially founded the Doctors Wives Association Bauchi, turning her personal experience of isolation into a powerful force for connection, empowerment, and change.

This association is far more than a support group for doctors’ wives it’s a movement dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of women, children, and especially the girl child in their community. Since its inception, an astonishing 95% of their projects have been funded through the members’ monthly contributions, without reliance on major sponsors. This speaks volumes about their commitment, resourcefulness, and shared sense of purpose. Aisha often reflects with gratitude, saying, “Alhamdulillah for how far we’ve come,” but she’s quick to emphasize that this is only the beginning of what they can achieve. The association’s work is a testament to what a group of women, united by shared experiences and fueled by love and determination, can accomplish when they come together.

The Doctors Wives Association Bauchi stands as a beacon of unity, compassion, and purposeful action. It’s not just about being married to doctors; it’s about being changemakers who uplift one another while giving back to society in meaningful ways. Aisha and her team have built a bridge between their personal experiences and the broader needs of underserved communities, focusing on empowering women, supporting children, and advocating for girl-child education. Their projects are as practical as they are impactful: they’ve built wells to provide clean water to communities in desperate need, created pad banks to promote menstrual hygiene and dignity, supported incarcerated women at correctional facilities to restore their sense of worth, advocated for the importance of education, and even paid school fees for girls to ensure they can stay in school and pursue their dreams. Each initiative is carefully chosen to promote dignity, health, education, and social inclusion, reflecting Aisha’s vision of holistic support for women and children while fostering a strong, supportive bond among the members themselves.

Aisha’s education has been a cornerstone of her leadership. Her degree in Computer Science, combined with her training in Data Analysis, Branding, and Marketing, gave her more than technical expertise it taught her how to think strategically, adapt to challenges, and see the connections between seemingly disparate elements. These skills are evident in every aspect of her work, whether she’s planning a community project, managing a team, or charting the next steps for the association. During her university days, she worked on technical challenges in teams, learning how to unite people with diverse strengths and perspectives. That experience now informs how she brings women together under a shared vision, navigates conflicts with grace, and builds lasting relationships within the association. Her ability to foster collaboration and maintain harmony among members is a direct reflection of those early lessons.

Her passion for technology, which took root during her university years, has only grown stronger over time. Aisha has collaborated on building simple tech solutions and leverages digital tools social media, data visualization, storytelling platforms to amplify the association’s impact. For her, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a powerful enabler that allows the association to coordinate projects with precision, raise awareness through compelling digital campaigns, and make data-driven decisions that enhance their outreach. This tech-savvy approach gives the association a unique edge, enabling them to operate with remarkable efficiency and connect with broader audiences in ways that traditional methods simply couldn’t achieve. Whether it’s analyzing data to measure the impact of their projects or using social media to share stories of transformation, Aisha’s embrace of technology has elevated the association’s work to new heights.

The Doctors Wives Association Bauchi is guided by five core values that Aisha has instilled: Unity, Service, Empathy, Growth, and Integrity. These values are the heartbeat of everything they do. Unity shines through in the safe, supportive space they’ve created, where their WhatsApp group is far more than a communication tool—it’s a vibrant hub for real conversations, where women encourage one another through tough times, celebrate each other’s victories, and share their dreams and challenges. Service and empathy shape their projects, like when they built a well for a community without access to clean water, listening carefully to the people’s needs and responding with care, or when they supported incarcerated women, driven by the belief that every woman deserves dignity, no matter her circumstances. Growth is a priority, with members participating in skill-building workshops, entrepreneurship programs, and advocacy campaigns, all while embracing digital tools to expand their reach and impact. Integrity keeps them grounded the fact that 95% of their projects are self-funded through monthly contributions speaks to their unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and impact over recognition. Even when they received donations for their most recent project, it covered less than half the costs, yet Aisha remains deeply grateful to those who support their cause, always acknowledging their contributions with humility and grace.

What sets the Doctors Wives Association Bauchi apart is its foundation in personal connection, not formality. Aisha built a sisterhood, not just an organization, rooted in compassion, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose rather than external funding. Their work is intentional, always responding to real, pressing community needs rather than chasing arbitrary goals. Technology plays a pivotal role in their uniqueness Aisha uses data to track their impact, digital campaigns to build awareness, and streamlined operations to manage their work with efficiency. This combination of heart, purpose, and innovation makes them stand out among other community organizations. They don’t just run projects; they track their outcomes, share their stories across platforms, and use technology to amplify their message, ensuring their efforts resonate far beyond Bauchi.

Aisha ensures the association stays true to its mission and values by weaving them into every decision, project, and interaction. She fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and shared purpose, reinforced through regular meetings, heartfelt reflections, and open communication that keep the group aligned. The WhatsApp group is a lifeline, not just for announcements but for building a community where women uplift one another in meaningful ways. Every project, from wells to pad banks to educational support, is chosen with care, driven by empathy and a commitment to restoring dignity and creating opportunities. Aisha encourages continuous growth, whether through skill-building workshops for members or leveraging technology to enhance their storytelling and operational efficiency, ensuring their work creates lasting, transformative change.

What drives Aisha is the impact she sees lives transformed, women empowered, and communities uplifted, even through the smallest, most intentional efforts. She’s motivated by the knowledge that her work creates space for others to thrive, whether it’s a young girl attending school because of their support, a woman finding strength in their sisterhood, or a community gaining access to clean water for the first time. Aisha’s vision is expansive she sees endless potential in what the association can achieve, and she’s committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With technology as an amplifier, the power of their sisterhood as their foundation, and Aisha’s leadership lighting the way, the Doctors Wives Association Bauchi is poised to keep growing, innovating, and making a profound difference. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unrelenting commitment to building a better future for her community, and it’s a privilege to share it with you.

Cooking with Love, Leading with Resilience: The Inspiring Story of Mkay’s Treats and Attires in Bauchi

Maryam Muhammad Kabir, a proud indigene of Bauchi State from Azare Local Government, is a shining example of passion meeting purpose. With a degree in Crop Production from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi, she has woven her academic foundation into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. Maryam’s journey as the founder of Mkay’s Treats and Attires is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her story is one of grit, growth, and an unrelenting love for creating food that brings people together.

Maryam’s affinity for the kitchen began at the tender age of eight, under the watchful eye of her mother, who had no patience for idleness. In a bustling household of nine, and often more when extended family joined, Maryam learned to navigate the chaos of meal preparation. From pounding spices to stirring pots large enough to feed a crowd, she developed a natural ease in the kitchen. What started as a chore transformed into a passion, as cooking became a creative outlet—a manipulatively fun craft where she could experiment and excel. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and Maryam’s countless hours in the kitchen sharpened her skills, laying the groundwork for what would become her life’s work.

The spark for Mkay’s Treats ignited with a simple but pivotal moment. While scrolling through a WhatsApp group chat, Maryam overheard friends who had returned from studying abroad lamenting their craving for the nostalgic, clean taste of Awara, a beloved local delicacy. Living in Bauchi, she often observed a street vendor near her home skillfully preparing Awara dough. Inspired, Maryam saw an opportunity. With just N200 in her purse, she purchased Awara worth N100, used ingredients from her mother’s kitchen to whip up a complementary sauce, and packaged it in a takeaway container she found at home. Adding some pepper for N50, she sold the pack for N250, pocketing a modest N50 profit. That small transaction was the humble beginning of Mkay’s Treats. Her friends raved about the dish, and soon, word spread to family, friends, and beyond. With the support of her community, her venture blossomed, a success she attributes to the blessings of Allah and the encouragement of those around her.

Mkay’s Treats has grown exponentially, molded by Maryam’s hard work, resilience, patience, and, above all, consistency. From her early days cooking solo in her mother’s kitchen, she now oversees a team of over 15 employees in a dedicated kitchen space. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of her business. Maryam ensures that every dish adheres to time-tested recipes that prioritize quality and taste. Her kitchen has developed its own language—terms like “yankan Awara” signal precise crescent slices of onions, peppers, sausages, and carrots, ensuring uniformity in flavor and presentation. This meticulous attention to detail has kept customers returning, drawn to the familiar yet exceptional taste of her meals.

Maryam’s education at ATBU played a significant role in shaping her entrepreneurial journey. Her favorite course, food processing, taught by Dr. Tilde, was a revelation. It bridged her love for cooking with the practical science of transforming raw ingredients into marketable products. The course opened her eyes to the potential of food as a business, showing her how to monetize her skills. Beyond food processing, courses in business management, entrepreneurship, and leadership development equipped her with the tools to navigate the complexities of running a business. Maryam firmly believes that knowledge is power, and the foundation she built during her undergraduate years continues to guide her. She views any future learning as an opportunity to add to this robust foundation.

Her mother remains her greatest inspiration. Without formal training from a catering school, Maryam credits her culinary expertise to the lessons learned at her mother’s side. Her mother’s encouragement opened her eyes to the beauty of her craft, a gift she believes was bestowed upon her by Allah. The initial demand for her food—sparked by friends seeking familiar flavors—combined with her mother’s unwavering support, gave Maryam the confidence to pursue her venture. Today, her business not only feeds countless customers but also provides livelihoods for her employees, a legacy she cherishes deeply.

Running a food business is not without its challenges. Early on, Maryam struggled with delivery logistics and securing a consistent supply of ingredients. To address these hurdles, she launched Mkay’s Logistics, a dedicated service to ensure timely and efficient delivery of her products. She also diversified her sources for ingredients, making her supply chain more reliable. These solutions have streamlined operations and strengthened her business’s foundation. Maryam has learned that competition arises when a product is exceptional, and she embraces this as a sign of her brand’s worth.

Looking ahead, Maryam envisions Mkay’s Treats as a household name, with a state-of-the-art kitchen that serves as the first choice for customers within and beyond Bauchi State. Her strategy is simple yet powerful: maintain the quality and taste that define her brand while fostering a collaborative spirit with her team. To build a loyal customer base, she engages her audience through creative initiatives like promos, food reviews, and personal tutoring sessions. Accessibility is key—customers can reach her through phone calls, text messages, face-to-face interactions, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok, creating a sense of community and trust.

Beyond food, Maryam’s business, officially named Mkay’s Treats and Attires, has expanded into selling readymade clothes. This venture has broadened her customer base, as clients drawn to her quality clothing discover her culinary offerings. The synergy between the two arms of her business has strengthened customer loyalty, as they trust her to deliver excellence in both food and fashion. However, Mkay’s Treats remains the cornerstone of her enterprise, the heart of her entrepreneurial journey.

Awara holds a special place in Maryam’s heart. The first pack she made, sold for a modest profit, symbolizes the love and acceptance her business has received. It was a dish that not only launched her venture but also became a signature offering, expanding her customer base and cementing her reputation. Another defining moment came when Mkay’s Treats was chosen to cater for the Flagg Off Ceremony of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, an event attended by former Nigerian President Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and other prominent leaders. The task was daunting—requiring travel to a remote location, adherence to strict protocols, and flawless food quality. With her team leaving Bauchi by 3 a.m. to prepare meals by 2 a.m. and serve by 7 a.m., the effort was grueling. Yet, their success was a powerful lesson in resilience, proving that dedication could overcome even the toughest challenges.

In 2024, Mkay’s Treats took on another milestone by catering for the Moniepoint BRM conference across all NorthEast states. This opportunity expanded her business’s scope and introduced her brand to a wider audience, further solidifying her reputation for excellence. These high-profile events have not only elevated Mkay’s Treats but also deepened Maryam’s understanding of the power of perseverance and teamwork.

Maryam’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in her own experience: cooking is an art that demands passion and precision, much like solving a mathematical problem. It requires showing up consistently, giving your best, and embracing hard work. For Maryam, success is not just about profit but about creating something meaningful—a business that feeds people, employs them, and brings joy to their lives.

With her aprons tied and her passion burning brighter than ever, Maryam continues to lead Mkay’s Treats and Attires with a vision that extends far beyond the kitchen. Her story is one of turning a childhood chore into a thriving enterprise, proving that with faith, determination, and a sprinkle of creativity, anything is possible. As she prepares to serve her next dish, Maryam invites the world to get their tastebuds ready—her journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.

Honoring a Family Legacy: How Ibrahim Salihu Built Nugget Art with Heart and Vision

Ibrahim Salihu, known as Young Nugget, was born in 1997 and has carved a path as a visual artist specializing in realistic drawing and painting. With a diploma in architecture from Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic in Bauchi and a BSc in tourism studies, his education laid a foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—skills that now fuel his creative business, Nugget Art. His artistic journey, however, began not in a classroom but through a gift passed down from his grandfather, an artist whose creativity and passion shaped Ibrahim’s worldview. Surrounded by art from a young age, he absorbed diverse ideas and perspectives, naturally gravitating toward artistic expression without formal training. His frequent attendance at exhibitions further honed his craft and deepened his connection to the art world.

The name “Nugget Art” carries deep personal meaning, inspired by Ibrahim’s uncle, also an artist, who described his work as “nuggets”—small, precious pieces of creativity brimming with significance. This idea, that every piece of art, no matter its size, holds value, became the cornerstone of Ibrahim’s brand. Naming it Nugget Art was a tribute to his uncle’s influence and a commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms.

Ibrahim’s professional journey began with self-directed exploration, driven by curiosity and passion. Initially sharing his work online, he was encouraged by the response to take his art seriously, marking the birth of Nugget Art. In the early days, he handled every aspect of the business—creating, marketing, customer service, and packaging. These hands-on experiences taught him the importance of consistency, adaptability, and staying connected with his audience. As Nugget Art grew, it evolved into more than a creative outlet; it became a brand and a community. Ibrahim’s leadership style, rooted in empathy, honesty, and creativity, reflects his commitment to staying true to his vision while remaining open to growth and collaboration. Each interaction, challenge, and customer message has shaped his approach to both art and business, reinforcing his trust in his instincts and the joy of creating.

Though his formal education wasn’t in fine art, it equipped him with skills critical to running Nugget Art. Project management, goal-setting, and analytical thinking now inform his branding, customer engagement, and product launches. The ability to break big ideas into actionable steps, learned through his studies, has been key to the brand’s intentional growth.

Nugget Art is deeply personal, born from Ibrahim’s desire to connect with others and express what words often cannot. Inspired by life’s small, beautiful moments, the brand reflects his belief that even the tiniest piece of creativity can spark joy, comfort, or reflection. The name “Nugget Art” encapsulates this philosophy—each piece is a treasure, no matter how small. The community surrounding the brand fuels Ibrahim’s drive, as he cherishes the stories and connections his work inspires. Knowing his art resonates with others, making them feel seen or joyful, keeps him motivated.

At its core, Nugget Art is about sincerity, connection, creativity, and accessibility, celebrating everyday moments and cultural heritage. Ibrahim’s goal is to create art that fosters belonging and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions. This mission guides every aspect of the brand, from creation to customer interactions. He practices intentional design, crafting pieces that tell stories and evoke emotion rather than chasing trends. He personally handles most customer interactions, responding with warmth and often including handwritten notes in orders to show genuine appreciation. Sustainability is also a priority, with eco-friendly packaging and thoughtfully sourced materials reflecting his care for the world. When drawing on cultural themes, he approaches them with authenticity and respect, rooted in his own experiences while avoiding stereotypes. Ibrahim also champions community over competition, collaborating with and uplifting other artists to foster connection.

What sets Nugget Art apart is its heart. Each piece is handmade, deeply personal, and rooted in storytelling, cultural identity, and emotional resonance. In a world often driven by trends or mass production, Ibrahim focuses on meaning, creating art that feels intimate and familiar, sparking memories and emotions for his audience.

Building Nugget Art has been a journey of growth, marked by challenges like imposter syndrome and the vulnerability of sharing his work. Early on, Ibrahim grappled with self-doubt, questioning whether his art was “good enough.” By focusing on connection rather than perfection, he found the confidence to continue, reminding himself that even one person resonating with his work made it worthwhile.

Ibrahim envisions Nugget Art expanding thoughtfully, with new product lines like journals or home goods while preserving its personal touch. His dream is for the brand to become a creative space—online or physical—where people feel seen and inspired through workshops, storytelling, or artist features. Collaborations with local artists, cultural organizations, or nonprofits are also part of his vision, amplifying the brand’s impact while staying rooted in purpose. Ultimately, he aims to sustain himself fully through Nugget Art, creating meaningful work without burnout.

Community is the heartbeat of Nugget Art. Ibrahim sees his customers as collaborators, their stories and support inspiring his creations. He responds to every message with care, treating each interaction as a relationship rather than a transaction. One of his most memorable projects was a series celebrating the YakubnBauchi, a cultural figure central to his heritage. This project, which explored themes of identity and pride, resonated deeply with his audience, sparking heartfelt conversations and strengthening the Nugget Art community. It not only enriched Ibrahim’s creative journey but also solidified the brand’s reputation for celebrating cultural heritage.

Ibrahim is excited about upcoming projects that feel close to his heart, eager to share them with his community. For now, Nugget Art remains his primary focus, with all his energy poured into building it authentically. While he dreams of expanding into workshops or cultural collaborations, his current priority is nurturing the brand with intention and care. To aspiring artists, he offers simple advice: start small, but start now. One piece, one story, one idea is enough to begin, letting your community grow alongside you.