Naija in the Mix

Into Borno state this month, I had the privilege of sitting down with Halima Yusuf Bawah, a graduate of Chemical Engineering, who is also a fashion designer, a baker, and a techie, among other things. We delved into her remarkable journey during the crisis and her unwavering commitment to peace-building. Her story is not only a testament to the human spirit’s strength in diversity but also a source of inspiration for all those who believe in the power of individuals to make a difference. Join us as we explore Halima’s experiences, her vision for peace, and the incredible strides she has taken to contribute her part to rebuilding lives and communities in Borno. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Halima Yusuf Bawa My chat with Halima began by asking her how growing up in Borno State influenced her journey as a climate champion and innovator. “I saw first-hand, the impact of climate change in my community, so I became inspired to do something to make a difference,” she sai...

From Sokoto in northwestern Nigeria where I had a conversation with Uchenna last month, this month I travel into Borno state in northeastern Nigeria to bring an amazing interview with one of the finest brains impacting change in the state as an engineering-trained journalist, advocate, and tech/social enthusiast. Perhaps one amazing thing about my journey into Borno state is that, as a Kanuri man, I'm travelling home! haha For close to a decade, Borno state, home to many indigenous and diasporic tribes, with a richness in its individual cultures, and richness in local cuisine, was going to be raided by one of the worst cases of terrorism we have encountered in Nigeria. Businesses stopped, schools ceased, places of worship shut down, and it seemed nothing was going to survive it. Indeed, only the bravest could dream of staying there. Fast forward to a decade+ later, Borno state has reclaimed everything it had lost, and more. Once again, the streets are full; businesses have reopened...