It is not easy being a wife, mother, and a medical doctor—but it is possible-----Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal

It is not easy being a wife, mother, and a medical doctor—but it is possible-----Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal

From Muhammad M. Nasir.

Doctor Larai Aliyu Tambuwal is a courageous medical doctor in Sokoto State and she is among the those popular in her career, the people of Sokoto State especially women are proud of her for her passion in helping humanity and her motherly attitude, Sunday Trust interviewed her, about her life in general.   

 Educational background 

I was bornon 16^th September 1971 and raised in Tambuwal town, of Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto State. I had my Primary education at Town primary School (now..Buhari model primary school) Tambuwal 1978-1983, I started my secondary education at Nana Girl’s Secondary School Sokoto 1983 -1986,  then proceeded to Government Girl’s College Secondary School, Sokoto in 1986-1990.  After that, I proceeded to   School of basic studies - ABU Zaria 1991-1992 and Higher Medical University –Plovdiv Bulgaria-1992 -2000 where I acquired MBBS as my first degree.

I had a training for MPH-2006-2009 in Usman Danfodio University and also trained as a resident doctor/public health physician at Usmanu Danfodiyo university teaching hospital, Sokoto – I am a Member of West African College of Physicians (WACP)- 2006-2013 and intend to take the fellowship exam of the college.

Career background

My career started as a Medical officer Maryam Abacha Hospital Sokoto- 2000, Housemanship at UDUTH- 2001-2002,  national Youth serveice (NYSC) at Maryam Abacha Hospital Sokoto-2003, Principal medical officer at Maryam Abacha Hospital, Sokoto 2003-2006,MPH Student at UDUS -2006-2009, Resident Doctor- UDUTH Community Health Department 2006-2013 and  National Immunization Consultant (WHO Sokoto field office) 2013 to 2020, and WHO Covid 19 Consultant 2020 to date.

Challenges

It is a competitive world, more so when competing with men

Not easy being a wife/ mother and a medical doctor

Nowadays no reward /recognition for hard work.  People appreciate more of eye-service which is difficult for me.

Working with people who are resistant to change no matter how well you meant.

People exploit you when you are a helper,

People think you don’t need help when they never see you cry for help.

 What was growing up like?

A happy experience since there was freedom to be a child. Love from family and relatives.

There were extracurricular activities in School and during holidays.

The population was not big and every child was loved and recognized for his special gift and talent.

No discrimination between children of the rich and those from poor families.

No social vices like area boys, drug abuse, kidnappings, rampant killings, and politics were only played by elders

Life lessons

ü Never rely on anyone, if help comes appreciates it

ü Your best friend can turn against you when you least expect it

ü When you are in trouble people vamoose from your horizon, when you scale though they start to blame you for not carrying them along and not sharing your fortune with them

ü Go for what you want it s never beyond your reach

ü Always stick to the truth even if they think you are a fool.

ü Rely on Allah… He never forsakes you.

Fond childhood memories

Village life, adventures with grandparents, boarding school, riding bicycle, Participation in schools debates and quizzes, adventures - travels and reading nobles.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?

Putting smiles on people’s faces while giving them medical, material and psycho social help and support.

Helping the less privileged by finding support for them (financial, connections, and being their voice and an extended hand for them where they can’t reach).

What were your aspirations growing up?

To become a responsible and productive member of my society, become a good medical doctor and rise above poverty while providing support for my family.

Joys of motherhood

I’m a very proud mother of five blood children and many more not related by blood, I will love to be a mother again and again if given the chance. I love my status and enjoy it… watching them grow & develop, through thick and thin.  From little - nothings to lovely human beings.

Top 5 things on your wish list

To become a Globally renowned public health physician.

To see my children reach their top potentials and become useful to themselves and society.

To help the less privileged attain a decent life status.

To be a ladder for others to achieve their good dreams.

To transit to the other world as an accomplished, privileged Muslimah and Muminah.

To leave a good legacy for my children to follow.

Favorite kind of music on replay

Blues are the best but anything that is sweet to my ears in any language I just love music, as it calms my nerves.

Favorite fashion items

Trousers, Mali type of dress

Flats or heels?

Flats are healthier and more comfortable.

Most expensive fashion accessory

Bangles and leather shoes

 What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?

Tights, transparent and shorts

Best travel destination and why?

Dubai… they are indifferent and welcoming …they try to make it as affordable and easy without much hassles for a visa.

How do you relax?

Hang around with the children (play, watch tv or drive around)

What is your favorite quote or saying?

Mahakurci Mawadaci

Favorite kind of food

Tuwo, fura, zogala and meat (suya, chicken, kilishi), Bulgarian ….irish potato porridge, banichka and kiselo mliako

Your definition of style

My understanding of style is whatever you feel comfortable wearing even if it’s different from what others are using

You should be able to feel unique in your own way and satisfied with your appearance.

Favorite perfume, designer bag, and shoes

 (Organza, Givenchy eudemoselle gold,  versache, Salvatore ferragamos etc and Gucchi bags

 Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years

“Fear Allah, Never ever sacrifice your dignity for any favor … always work hard to earn your reward legitimately.”

Favorite sport,  color, car, and weather

Volleyball, lemon green/ silver color, infinity/ Lexus, Honda and love the rainy season.

Favorite day of the week and why?

Friday a chance to wind away and plan for next week. A day to earn spiritual rewards also.

Beauty routine

Weekly hair doo and pedicure, shopping spree—to get more PARFUMS/ ACCESORIES and sweets, visiting relatives.

Role models

Hajiya Amina Tani Usman (Mrs JT Usman),  

Dr. Fatima Mustapha Bunza,

Dr. Mairo Hassan,

Hajiya Aishatu Madawaki,  

Hajiya Aisha Sheik Gummi.,  

Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal.

Looking back, what would you tell a younger you?

Never give up, the young shall grow, with Allah… You can achieve whatever you aspire.. ‘Ba maraye sai raggo’.

What advice do you have for women?

No room for self-pity, stand up for your right and wriggle off anything weighing you down and spread your wings, compete for that thing that you want.