By Zainab Faruk
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has urged young girls to believe in themselves, embrace creativity, and develop entrepreneurial skills that will make them self-reliant and productive members of society.
She made the call while launching the Students’ Entrepreneurial Products and Arts Exhibition organized by Government Girls Secondary School, Bauchi. The event, which also marked the official unveiling of the school’s entrepreneurship and artwork exhibition, showcased various products and creative pieces designed and produced by students as part of their skill acquisition and innovation training.
Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, expressed her delight at the students’ creativity and innovation, describing the exhibition as a true reflection of the intelligence, talent, and determination of the girl child.
“What I see here today fills my heart with hope and pride,” she said. “These beautiful displays of talent and enterprise show that our girls are not only brilliant in academics, but also gifted with hands that create and minds that think. With the right guidance and encouragement, the girl child can achieve greatness in every field.”
The First Lady commended the Principal, teachers, and organizers for nurturing the girls beyond the classroom, adding that true education should focus on developing skills, confidence, and creativity that prepare students for life.
“To my dear students,” she continued, “life is a journey — it may not always be easy, but with hard work, determination, and faith, you can overcome any challenge. Your background does not define your future; your attitude, values, and willingness to learn do.”
She emphasized that entrepreneurship is not only about business but also about innovation, problem-solving, and self-reliance. According to her, every idea and skill learned brings the students closer to empowerment and independence.
“You are the future leaders, innovators, and mothers of tomorrow,” she told the students. “So dream big, work hard, and never give up.”
The Bauchi First Lady also expressed deep appreciation to the school management for honoring her with an award of recognition, describing it as a touching gesture from an institution that represents hope and opportunity for the next generation of women leaders.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Muhammad Lawal Rimin-Zayam, commended the First Lady for her continued support for education and empowerment of girls in the state. He praised the school’s initiative, saying the exhibition reflects the ministry’s commitment to transforming theoretical learning into practical experience for self-reliance.
“This exhibition is a reflection of what we have been advocating — turning classroom learning into practical skills that make students self-reliant,” Dr. Rimin-Zayam stated. “The Ministry of Education is proud to associate with innovations that bring transformation and empower our young people.”
He also applauded the Principal and teachers for their dedication to promoting skill-based education and encouraged the students to sustain their drive for excellence and creativity.
The event, which drew top government officials, parents, and education stakeholders, featured exhibitions of students’ entrepreneurial products, artworks, fashion designs, agricultural innovations, and household crafts.
Highlights of the occasion included the official launch of the school’s entrepreneurial and artwork exhibition, inspection of students’ products by guests, and a group photograph session with the First Lady.
