First Lady of Bauchi Honored as ‘Great Ambassador’ by Wife of Ooni of Ife

By Zainab Faruk

Bauchi, Nigeria – The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad, has been honored with the title of Great Ambassador of Hope is Alive Foundation for Africa by Her Majesty, Mrs. Temitope Adesegun, wife of the Ooni of Ife, in recognition of her philanthropic efforts and commitment to humanitarian service.

The award was presented during a special event in Bauchi, where Mrs. Adesegun and her team marked the ninth edition of their annual Valentine’s Day outreach, dedicated to celebrating children, particularly those born during the season of love.

In her remarks, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad expressed deep gratitude to the delegation for selecting Bauchi as one of the host states for this noble initiative. “I don’t have much to say other than to thank you so much for choosing Bauchi to give this wonderful gesture to our children. I look forward to discussing how we can collaborate to ensure that people across Nigeria benefit from these good works. As wives of leaders, our hands should be extended to our own people,” she said.

Mrs. Adesegun, while presenting the honor on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, praised the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, describing him as a “true leader” who leads with a heart of service, especially toward the less privileged. She also commended the First Lady for her exceptional philanthropic efforts, stating that her impactful work inspired her return to Bauchi.

“There is something different about Bauchi, about its people, and especially about its leader. A true leader sets the pace and lives as a servant. The Governor of Bauchi State is indeed a true leader, but behind every successful man, there is a super woman. Your Excellency, the Bauchi First Lady, you are a pace-setter for your people,” she said.

Mrs. Adesegun emphasized that the Hope is Alive Foundation for Africa carefully examined the First Lady’s contributions before bestowing the honor. “His Imperial Majesty said you deserve this honor because we took our time to check online and see the incredible work you have done. People are seeing what you are doing, they are emulating it, and I encourage you to continue,” she added.

She further noted that Bauchi was among three states chosen for this year’s simultaneous outreach program, alongside Lagos and Osun. “We will continue to partner with you to keep hope alive,” she assured.

The event was attended by dignitaries, government officials, and community leaders, who lauded the efforts of both the Almuhibbah Foundation and the Hope is Alive Foundation in championing the welfare of children and the less privileged.

With this recognition, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad joins a distinguished list of individuals acknowledged for their humanitarian service across Africa.