As the year 2016 gradually comes to an end, the monthly Inspiring Leadership Reflection Series (ILERIS) of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has featured Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Bello, the Accountant General of Kano state as November personality and guest speaker. The forum which normally draws participants from the staff of the center, volunteers and interns, civil society organizations, youths activists and students comprising male and female serve as an inspirational ground where participants listen to presentations by the guest(s) and subsequently learn and seek direction towards shaping their own goals, ambitions and aspirations by asking questions or making comments and observations.

In his opening remarks, Executive Director of the center, Dr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u noted that so far ten personalities from different backgrounds with robust experience, skills and expertise have graced the monthly event at various points. YZ Ya’u said “many people never think that the successful people they see are people who have risen through the rank, through hard work, through focus to specific goals, determination and so fort. Let people not be deceived by the fact that life is easy, life is a struggle and success comes through hard work, the monthly interactive session normally bring people who excelled in their career to personally talk about their challenges, failures,  and successes, so that the youths can get direction and reinforcement.”

Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Bello began her presentation by thanking Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) for coming up with the monthly interactive session saying it’s a privilege to be invited to share her experience especially with youths, she said guidance and counseling are very important particularly to leaders of tomorrow. Life is shaped by a number of factors and one has to be determined to be successful. Elaborating on the secrets of excelling in life, Hajiya Aisha said “always set your goals early, know what you want and work towards it, learn to earn trust, learn to keep it and always try to put a smile on the face of others”.  A woman can combine studies with work and home responsibilities, the secret according to the Accountant General is, first, a woman should never look at her mother-in-law as mother-in-law, but as a mother, treat her with the necessary respect, love and care, that will in return be of immense help to you as a housewife. Cautioning the participants on proper utilization of time, Hajiya Aisha said, “no time in life is late for anybody to do anything, there is always a beginning, what is important is planning, vision and projection”, at 30 years I had my Master’s Degree, became a Deputy Manger in the bank and had four children. The 51 year old financial expert has a 23 years banking industry background, she has held many managerial and administrative positions in First Bank and Habib Bank, until her appointment as General of Kano state by Governor  Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje administration, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Bello was the Commissioner of Budget and Planning.

On finishing the presentation, the session turned highly interactive as participants raised many questions, made comments, some of the questions and comments were: how the presenter was able to handle family issues, studies and work as demanding as bank job, the major challenges she faced, how she overcome them, how best to choose a career etc. The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Series (ILERIS) ended with a vote of thanks by Training Coordinator Malam Ahmad Yakasai who thanked the speaker for finding time to share with the participants her invaluable experience and advised them to efficiently utilize the knowledge they acquire in the profile of the presenter. Harira Ahmad Wakili presented some publications of CITAD to Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Bello.  

Participants with the Executive Director Dr. YZ Ya’u and the guest speaker Hajiya Aisha M. Bello  in a group photo after the November ILERIS                         Courtesy: CITAD Media Unit