Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta holds an accounting degree from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State. In this interview with Etta Michael Bisong, the social rights activist and politician who ran for office in 2023 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to represent the Hong/Gombi Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, talked about her experiences, particularly her non-profit, the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), which she is using to transform lives and ensure that she makes the world a better place for all
Tell us about your background, including early childhood and academic education.
I am the 10th and youngest child in my family, born and raised in the ancient settlement of Pella, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Growing up, I considered myself privileged to have a loving and supportive family. Despite financial challenges, my parents made sacrifices to meet our needs, teaching me invaluable lessons in empathy, resilience, and leadership.
I attended public schools throughout my education. I started at Daksiri Gari Primary School, Pella, where I consistently held leadership roles from primary two to six as either the class monitor or assistant monitor. I graduated in 2002 and proceeded to Government Day Secondary School, Pella, where I continued to thrive in leadership positions. In Senior Secondary (SS) 2, I was appointed assistant head girl, and later I was named the head girl of the school in SS3.
In 2009, I was admitted to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to study accounting. At ABU, I served as Vice President of the National Association of Kilba Students (NAKS), where I helped Kilba students and honed my leadership skills. Adapting to university life was first difficult, but my family’s support and encouragement helped me overcome these obstacles. In 2014, I obtained a BSc in Accounting.
After graduation, I stayed in Zaria for four months to enhance my computer skills at the ABU Computer Academy, located in the Accounting Department. This training prepared me for the professional world. I later returned to Adamawa state and engaged in small-scale businesses, including selling second-hand clothes and making popcorn, while awaiting my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) call-up. This experience taught me the value of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
In August 2014, I was posted to Jigawa State for NYSC. During my service year, I worked hard to learn accounting from my superiors while taking courses in accounting software, customer relationship management, and other skills for career development. After NYSC, I briefly worked in Jigawa at a computer communications business.
In 2016, I returned to Adamawa state and took a government volunteer position for a year. In 2017, I joined Jawa International Limited as a depot accountant, a role I continue to hold until today. While at Jawa, I pursued further education and became a Certified National Accountant after obtaining professional and postgraduate qualifications from the College of Accountancy in Jos.
In addition to my professional growth, I enrolled at the College for Legal Studies, Yola, where I obtained a diploma in common law. Balancing my studies with my work at Jawa International Limited further strengthened my discipline, time management, and commitment to personal growth.
What inspired you to go into politics, your observations and challenges as a female politician, and your advice to young aspiring leaders in Nigeria on how best to pursue their aspirations?
My inspiration to go into politics stems from my deep sense of empathy, leadership, and resilience cultivated from childhood. Witnessing the struggles in my family and community—particularly in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—instilled in me a strong desire to make a difference.
As time went on, I noticed weaknesses in leadership, especially when it came to supporting under-represented groups like women and children. This realisation, coupled with the values of selflessness and service instilled in me by my parents, motivated me to step up. Politics, for me, became a platform to amplify the voices of the underserved and advocate for meaningful change.
However, as a female politician, I have faced unique challenges. Cultural and societal biases often question women’s capabilities in leadership. Resistance, stereotyping, and the constant need to prove my competence have been obstacles, but I view them as opportunities to showcase the strength and resilience of women in leadership.
To young aspiring leaders, specifically women, I say: believe in yourself and persist. Leadership is about vision, purpose, and courage. Invest in your education, develop your skills, and build a strong network of mentors and supporters. Remember that leadership is about service, not power.
For Nigerian youths, I urge them to engage in the political process, stay informed, and be part of the solutions for their communities, knowing that change begins with them.
What motivated you to establish SELF? Share with us some of the activities that you have implemented as an organisation, and what are your next steps and future plans with regards to promoting human empowerment and socio-economic development, either as a politician or social rights campaigner?
The Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF) is my canvas – a platform where I express my vision, hopes, and aspirations for my people. It embodies my principles and the essence of my political manifestos.
I realised that I don’t need an elective office to make an impact. I could start from wherever I am, and that’s why I founded SELF. Through this organisation, we have implemented various programs that directly address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, notably the Northeastern region of Nigeria, where a lot of humanitarian crisis is currently ongoing.
One of our key initiatives was a medical outreach programme where we provided free medications and medical services and also donated medications to some clinics. We also organised family planning education for women and raised awareness about gender-based violence, empowering women to advocate for their rights.
SELF is about humanity, social justice, and sustainable education. I envision a future where my people have access to quality education, good healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and opportunities for improved livelihoods. Whether as a politician or a humanitarian, I will always remain committed to this vision.
In your view, how can Nigeria best address the issue of out-of-school children, health, and poverty in general to foster sustainable living, especially in the Northeast, where you are coming from?
The issue of out-of-school children is deeply personal to me. Beyond poverty, religious and cultural factors exacerbate the education crisis, principally in the Northeast. These issues, coupled with economic hardship, create barriers that require a multifaceted approach.
From my experiences during campaigns and through SELF’s activities, I’ve witnessed these challenges firsthand. To address them, we must prioritise sustainable initiatives, provide livelihoods for parents, and ensure security for communities.
Policies, better budgeting, and effective implementation plans are critical. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations is essential. At SELF, we advocate for these changes while providing practical support like empowering families and communities.
Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. By addressing these challenges holistically, we can build resilient communities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
If you were in position, what do you think you would be doing differently that you feel is not currently being done to ensure that we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams?
In today’s Nigeria, what we need is a leader who is intentional, selfless, and committed to meaningful change, no matter the cost. Our system is deeply flawed, plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. We cannot continue with ineffective approaches and expect different results.
Leadership must consider service over personal gain. The lack of accountability and vision in governance has left millions in poverty, with inadequate education, healthcare, and security. The frustration is evident – young people feel hopeless, parents struggle to provide for their families, and communities live in fear and uncertainty.
True leadership demands courage, empathy, and a resolve to prioritise the collective good. It requires breaking from the status quo to inspire hope, foster trust, and deliver tangible results.
We need leadership that hears the cries of the people and takes decisive action to address them – leadership that builds a nation where every citizen feels valued and empowered to thrive.
