Unveiling Aisha Buhari: A Profile in Courage and Beauty: Power Behind the Throne.
As the Nation counts down to the general elections of 2011, Nigeria is obviously coming to a cross road that will either make us transcend to higher status in the comity of Nations or one that will relegate us to a banana republic. Of course one of the gladiators in the field seeking the highest office in the land, the man with the universal opinion of high morality and equity is the dour faced and taciturn Army General, Muhammadu Buhari (rtd)
A man in the mold of General Ike Eisenhower of the United States, General Buhari is also universally acknowledged as the man who can pull Nigeria back from the edge of an abyss of no return . An abyss which corruption and unbridled greed has led us. However, the General is not just an astute politician, a great lover of Nigeria, he equally has a softer side represented by his amiable wife, Aisha Buhari, the Mammie Eisenhower of Nigeria.Like her famous husband, Mrs Buhari is equally a self-effacing but extremely articulate and charming woman. She is the softer side of the dour, mirthless and disciplined retired Army general.
Aisha Buhari , in her 40s is an elegant and stylish woman with deep passion for the under privileged. A woman with great entrepreneurial spriit. Aisha Buhari was born in Adamawa state into the family of the first Minister of defense , Hon. Mohammadu Ribadu. A thorough bred Fulani woman, she was schooled in the best of Fulani traditions and cultures . A woman who can easily be described as the DAUGHTER OF THE REPUBLIC, she is soon to become the DAUGHTER OF THE REVOLUTION ON MAY, 29, 2011, the day when the General takes his oath of office as the next president of Nigeria. A day when Nigeria will rise from the ashes of corruption and hell, a day when Nigeria wil embark on the journey to greatness. Aisha Mohammadu Buhari is also the granddaughter of the first CHIROMA OF ADAMAWA. A woman with a royal pedigree, Aisha Buhari was raised in the tradition of philanthropy which has been a guiding principle in both her private and public life. An enterpreneur and employer of labour, Mrs. Buhari is universally known as a woman who gives educational opportunity to whomever needs it irrespective of class or gender.
Underneath the famous FULANI '' PULAKO" is a woman who is fiercely devoted to Nigeria, her family and women issues. Mrs Buhari is a confidant of the husband and she never misses an opportunity to advocate for the empowerment of women in even traditionally male circles. With a woman like Aisha Buhari as the First Lady of Nigeria, it is certain that female issues will take the front burner in the Buhari administration. Aisha Buhari, the shy girl from the rich lands of Adamawa has over the years grown to become a voice for the down trodden, the sick and the disadvantaged. Her can do spirit is reflective of her desire to empower women through education, both formal, informal and technical education. Aisha Buhari is a thorough professional. and an alumnus of the famous Ahmadu Bello university where she earned a Bachelors in Public administration. Her quest for for more education took her into the field of Physiotherapy and beauty therapy. She is also an alumnus of the famous Carlton Institute of London and the ACADEMY Esthetique Beauty Institute of FRANCE, Dubai. where she earned post graduate diploma in cosmetology and beauty theraphy.
Following her certification in beauty and PERMANENT MAKE UP , Mrs Bughari was encouraged and supported by her husband to engage in private enterprise where she has since become an employer of labour, a mentor to all aspiring cosmetologists and a consultant to the KRCP/NNPC on skills acquisition. Mrs Buhari is a member of the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust (VTCT), THE International Health and Beauty Council (HBC) .
Besides being an entrepreneur, Aisha Buhari is equally a consummate politician and a fierce devoted wife to General Buhari. A strong believer in the project, Nigeria, Mrs Buhari showed her political sagacity with a successful fund raising dinner for all female candidates of the CPC. She was honored by guests from all over the world and in various fields of endeavor. From New York to Dubai, Sokoto to Lagos and to the Creeks of the Niger Delta, Mrs Buhari pulled off an incredible crowd of successful women both in the public and private sector. Housewives and home makers were equally present and honored by this woman who spent the early years of her married life as a home maker. Her exhortation to women at this event was change and positive change for Nigeria and for all women. She assured women that her husband's administration will give priority to womens' health, education. Women will be given opportunities to contribute to the greatness of Nigeria. Never again will women be relegated to the posts of tea servers or tretaed as part of the home furnitures.
A devout Moslem and passionate wife of General Buhari, Mrs Buhari is currently a graduate student of International Affairs and strategic planning. She and her husband are blessed with children.
By Stella Lebi.