Do you know Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo?

Dr Amina Mohammed Namadi Sambo is widely respected in Nigeria for her deep commitment to service, community development and the empowerment of women and youth. Her life tells the story of a quiet but influential figure who has touched many lives through education, humanitarian work and leadership.

Amina Sambo was born in Kano into the family of Mallam Abdu Lukat and Hajiya Huwaila Abdu Lukat. She grew up in a home that valued discipline, learning and good character. She began her education at Therbow School in Zaria and continued at St Louis Secondary School in Kano.

After completing secondary school, she proceeded to Bayero University Kano where she studied Political Science and obtained her first degree. She later expanded her knowledge by earning a Diploma in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Al Manar International College in Kaduna.

Her passion for community health and communication led her to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore where she completed a course in Strategic Health Communication. This combination of political science, Islamic studies and public health has shaped her worldview and refined her approach to leadership and service.

Dr Amina Sambo is married to Architect Mohammed Namadi Sambo who served as the Vice President of Nigeria and as Governor of Kaduna State. They are blessed with six children and grandchildren.

Those who know her often describe her as calm, humble and deeply compassionate. She is also known for her strong family values, spirituality and kindness toward the less privileged.

One of her most remarkable contributions to society is the creation of I Care Women and Youth Initiative. This organisation focuses on improving the lives of women, youths and vulnerable groups through empowerment programs, community health campaigns, education and skills development.

The initiative has supported numerous projects across Nigeria. These include vocational training for young people, financial support for small businesses, health awareness programs on issues like HIV and maternal health, distribution of mosquito nets and various community sanitation campaigns. The organisation also promotes girl child education and assists persons living with physical challenges.

Dr Amina Sambo has consistently used her voice to encourage peace building and unity. In many national and international forums, she has spoken about the role of women in promoting peace, strengthening families and nurturing moral values in society. She believes that women possess unique abilities that can help communities heal, grow and co-exist peacefully.

In January 2025 she organised a major conference through her foundation titled Hausa Culture and Economic Sustainability in the Twenty First Century. The event focused on preserving cultural heritage while encouraging economic empowerment among women and youths. This initiative reflected her belief that culture and economic development can work together to build a stronger society.

Dr Amina Sambo has received several honours in recognition of her humanitarian services and leadership. Fountain University in Osogbo awarded her an honorary doctorate in Public Administration in 2013.

She has also been celebrated by the Global Peace Foundation for her contributions to peace building and interfaith harmony. Islamic and community organisations across Nigeria have also honoured her for her work in charity, moral guidance and social welfare.

Dr Amina Sambo is often seen as a model of humility and principle. She prefers quiet work over public attention and focuses on sustainable solutions rather than temporary publicity. Her approach to humanitarian work emphasises empathy, dignity and long term empowerment.

Many women and young people consider her a source of inspiration. Through her actions she has shown that leadership is not limited to political office but can be expressed through service, compassion and consistent effort.

Her influence continues to grow long after her husband left public office. She remains actively involved in community development, cultural preservation and empowerment programs.