By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
I have often wondered how His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, has a unique ability to identify women whom society might just see as every other woman and transform them into influential leaders. Perhaps it was his special calling to rewrite the narrative of Kogi women in leadership, and he has done an outstanding job; one that history will remember kindly. Here is yet another GYB success story.
I didn’t take an immediate liking to Hajiya Aishat Omade. Perhaps, I simply didn’t know her well enough and saw her through the lens of others, or was it the way she carried herself? Sometimes, we form impressions of people without realising how little we truly understand them. But for some reasons, I looked beyond the surface and learned about her story and my perception changed.
Hajiya Omade is not just another political figure or public servant. She is a woman who exudes resilience, uncommon passion for what she believes in, and a deep sense of purpose; a village woman from Ihima who has risen to become one of Kogi’s most influential figures. From the modest opportunities of her hometown to the corridors of leadership, she has carved a name for herself and excelled in multiple fields.
It takes a special kind of woman to shine in a society where leadership is often seen as a man’s game. But Hajiya Omade has defied the odds, not just by occupying positions of influence but by making a real impact. The question then is: What makes an ordinary village woman rise to such prominence?
Every great leader has a story, and for Haj Aishat Oyiza Omade, it begins in Ihima, a town in Okehi local government area of Kogi State known for its rich culture and never-giving-up people. Born into a modest family, she did not grow up with wealth or political connections, but she carried something even more valuable; the determination to always stand out. In her words, “It’s premium or nothing.”
Her early education took her through Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Central School 1, Ihima (1986-1991), before moving on to Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Obangede (1991-1994), and Local Government Secondary School, Upogoro (1994-1997). Like many young girls from her community, expectations for her future might have been limited to traditional roles, but Omade had bigger dreams.
She pursued higher education in Igbo/Social Studies at the Federal College of Education, Okene (2002-2011), before furthering her studies in Political Science at the National Open University. Unlike many who see education as just a means to an end, she used it as a tool for empowerment.
Rising through the ranks in leadership is never easy, especially for a woman in a political environment like Kogi State, but this Ihima village woman has made her mark. Hajiya Aishat Omade has not only earned her place but has also used her influence to make a difference in the lives of many. She is not a leader who speaks from a place of privilege but one who rose through hard work and relentless drive. She has made helping the vulnerable look easy, and I wonder how she manages to do all she does.
As the Director-General of the Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency, she has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged. Her leadership in this role ensures that many vulnerable individuals, especially women and youths, benefit from social welfare schemes of both the state and federal governments. It’s remarkable how she is currently on the field with her team, capturing data of Kogites, rather than waiting in the comfort of her office.
Beyond her official responsibilities, her work in grassroots development has made her a household name, particularly in Kogi Central, where she continues to advocate for opportunities that uplift the common man. Whether through political engagement, economic empowerment, or community-driven projects, her impact is felt far and wide.
Hajiya Aishat Omade’s journey isn’t confined to politics alone. Many people know her as a sports champion, particularly in golf, where she has won gold and silver medals at national and international levels. Competing in the 16th and 17th National Sports Festivals (2009 and 2022) and securing a silver medal at the All-African Games in Ghana (2012), she showed that a woman from a small village in Ihima could stand on great platforms and make a name for herself.
Beyond sports, she made a mark in Nollywood, becoming an actress in 2014. She embraced entertainment as a way to inspire and connect with people. As an entrepreneur, she has built businesses that not only create jobs but also contribute to the economy. Her company, Debbydiana Global Nigeria Ltd, reflects her business acumen and ability to thrive in the private sector.
In politics, she has been an active force since 2014, after the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She served as Deputy Woman Leader and played a key role in political mobilisation, including serving as Deputy Director-General for the Central Senatorial District in the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organization (PAACO). She understands power and influence, not just as tools for personal gain but as platforms for transformation.
Very few individuals can claim to have excelled in such diverse fields. Her ability to wear multiple hats; athlete, actress, entrepreneur, politician, and community leader, makes her a rare breed. She is proof that success is not one-dimensional and that a single individual can shine in many spaces if they have the courage to explore their full potential. An Ihima village woman did it!
Beyond her accomplishments, what stands out most is her genuine commitment to making a difference. She does not seek recognition for the sake of it; she simply does the work that needs to be done. She empowers the less privileged, champions causes for women and youths, and plays active roles in community-building efforts. She has touched many lives through her leadership and continues to inspire others, especially young women in Kogi State.
Like I said earlier, it is easy to judge people from a distance. We often form opinions about individuals based on surface-level impressions, hearsay, or even personal biases. I was no different when I first encountered the name, Hajiya Aishat Omade. I did not immediately take a liking to her, but the Jumabee effect did its magic, and I simply looked closer.
This is the journey of a woman who teaches us that no matter where we come from, we can rise, make a difference, and leave a legacy. Hajiya Omade is more than just a leader; she is a shining light for her people.
Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for offering the “Ihima village woman” the opportunity to serve.