Zainab Abdullahi Raji is a graduate of Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi (2016). She grew up under the loving care of her grandmother — may Allah grant her soul eternal rest.
Living with her grandmother shaped who she is today. There’s no way one can live with elderly people and not learn something traditional — from treating typhoid with herbs to keeping the first rainwater of the year. Her grandmother introduced her to the power of nature and the healing secrets of Mother Earth. That curiosity made Zainab eager to learn more, and over time, she became friends with many traditional healers who helped deepen her knowledge.
She never planned to go into the business of herbs. It all started during her service year when a friend was struggling with a vaginal infection. Zainab gave her a herbal remedy, and it worked. That friend told another, and she also got healed. At that time, Zainab wasn’t selling — she was simply helping.
After NYSC, a friend gifted her ₦20,000. Her plan was to start an earring business, but another friend encouraged her to go into herbal production instead, reminding her how her remedies had helped people. That advice changed everything — it was the beginning of Matarsoja Citadel.
Even though she now sells herbal products, she still gives out remedies freely because she believes healing shouldn’t only be for those who can afford it. Alongside her herbal journey, she also trained in cosmetology and paint making through the NYSC SAED (EED) program in 2017.
Today, Matarsoja Citadel is more than a herbs brand — it’s a holistic enterprise that combines nature, beauty, and wellness. They produce herbal remedies, skincare products, perfumes, and aphrodisiacs, serving both local and international clients.
The name Matarsoja Citadel carries a story deeply personal to her. Back in her ND days, she was nicknamed “Matarsoja”, a name she earned because of her love for the military and her active, energetic personality. The name became a part of her, symbolizing strength and determination. When the time came to start her business, she wanted a name that represented strength, courage, and resilience — values that reflect both her personality and her passion. That’s how the word Matarsoja naturally came to mind.
To give it deeper meaning, she added Citadel, which means a fortress or a stronghold — a place of safety, protection, and power. Together, Matarsoja Citadel stands for “a place of strength, healing, and protection led by Matarsoja.”
In 2018, the same year she started selling herbs, she even attempted to join the military, but Allah did not make it happen. Still, the nickname remained, and after more than ten years, it continues to define the spirit and identity behind her brand.
Zainab’s background in Mass Communication also helped her greatly in building Matarsoja Citadel. During her studies, she took Advertising as a course for more than five semesters, where she learned both the theory and practical techniques of communication. That helped her understand how to promote, connect, and engage effectively with people.
When she started her business with just ₦20,000, she couldn’t afford paid adverts on media stations, so she used social media as her main marketing tool. As a Mass Communication graduate, she understood the power of online visibility. She built her brand slowly and steadily, applying what she learned in school to grow naturally.
During her NYSC, she also took a Customer Service and Consulting course, which helped her develop strong communication skills — knowledge she now uses to train her staff on how to attend to clients respectfully, clearly, and truthfully.
Zainab is also very comfortable in front of the camera. Having been part of the Hausa movie industry, she learned to speak confidently and create content naturally, even without a script. That skill has helped her promote her brand and connect genuinely with her audience.
Right from the start, she packaged her herbs in paper, but what kept her going was her honesty and consistency. Even without fancy packaging, people kept coming back because they trusted her. Over time, she improved her packaging, but it’s still her honesty and consistency that keep clients loyal.
When she began, she was single, and some people condemned her online for selling Kayanmata. But she didn’t let that stop her — instead, she used the criticism as fuel to keep going. Being called Matarsoja wasn’t just a nickname; it reflected her determined personality. Those criticisms challenged her to say, “Zainab, you must make it. Don’t stop. Prove to the world that this is a real business.”
Today, many of those who once criticized her now say they’re proud of how far she’s come. What matters most to her is that her parents support what she does, because she knows it’s something valuable and honest.
Zainab’s greatest motivation is prayer. She believes deeply in it and knows that as long as God is by her side, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. Her parents pray for her, and though her grandmother has passed — may her soul rest in peace — her prayers still follow her. She was groomed never to give up, to keep praying and pushing no matter what.
Responsibility also drives her. She now has staff who depend on her for their livelihood. One of her staff started with ₦12,000 and now earns ₦60,000. Her goal is to grow the brand enough to pay ₦200,000 salaries and more.
She also draws motivation from watching how even the children of the rich hustle. It reminds her that if they can work hard, then she must keep pushing too.
Through the Kayanmata and skincare business, many opportunities have opened for her. Criticism, too, continues to motivate her — whenever someone looks down on her, she uses it as fuel to prove herself.
At Matarsoja Citadel, the brand stands for honesty, responsibility, faith, care, empowerment, and above all, truthfulness. Because Kayanmata is one of their products, people often have misconceptions about it. But Zainab ensures clients understand that success requires effort — not shortcuts or manipulation.
Her team also maintains strict professionalism. Every client conversation is recorded, staff sign NDAs, and company devices remain property of Matarsoja Citadel to ensure privacy and accountability. These values have set her brand apart.
Matarsoja Citadel is unique because they don’t just sell — they create. Every product is made from scratch, tested, and trusted. They don’t follow trends or compromise quality. Authenticity, safety, and discipline define their work.
From facing criticism to managing staff and fighting misconceptions about herbs, Zainab’s journey has been filled with lessons. But faith, consistency, and truth have always kept her strong.
Aside from Matarsoja Citadel, she runs Matarsoja Event and Decoration, engages in real estate, sells fabrics and lingerie, and owns a spa. Her love for fashion began long before the herbal business. Yet, she has remained intentional — ensuring Matarsoja Citadel stands strong before expanding further.
Now, Alhamdulillah, with a structured team and organized system, she’s gradually building Matarsoja into a brand that represents empowerment, beauty, wellness, and class across different sectors.
Her advice to women is simple: Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start anyhow. When she began, she wrapped herbs in paper, yet people still bought them. What matters is not how you start, but your consistency, honesty, and faith in God.
She now coaches women, teaching them how to start small, grow steadily, and build strong values in business. To her, every woman has the potential to rise — no matter how little she starts with. Be prayerful, be patient, and keep pushing. When God is by your side, you have no limit.
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