From Doom to Doorways, Ify Husna's Journey to Destiny

By Musa Abubakar (Solarin)

When Diane Mariechild, the author of Mother Wit and Inner Dance, stated, "A woman is a full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform," I thought she had you in mind. For many, the prevailing mindset has been that a beautiful woman owes her success to her beauty rather than her intelligence, courage, and hard work. You have dismantled this obnoxious stereotype perpetuated by the masculine world.  

Husna (Ify) Ibrahim Abdullahi Jami-maji epitomizes the idea that a beautiful woman delights, a wise woman understands, and a pure one uplifts the soul. You embody this—along with Diane’s definition of a "full circle" woman. After being relieved of her duties as News Editor at Yobe Television (YTV) in 2010—not due to ethical misconduct or professional breach, but because of the political interpretation of a news item—it seemed doomsday had struck. Yet, undeterred, she founded the Women and Youth Empowerment Initiative (WOYEIN), a non-governmental organization. Through WOYEIN, she nurtured and empowered vulnerable women and youths, providing hygiene and reproductive health education while mentoring young people.  

Destiny smiled upon her once more when she was appointed Acting Director of Information in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Information, and Culture. As the nucleus of the ministry, she proved herself a strong team player, demonstrating exceptional capacity in information management and inspiring officers to enhance the visibility of government performance across sectors. However, her tenure there was short-lived, as fate took another unexpected turn.  

Husna was torn and terrified by the turn of events. Little did she know, the path she so desired was not her true calling. Amid disappointment and confusion—boom—His Excellency Mai Mala Buni appointed her as the Executive Director of the Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture. At that moment, I realized how addictive journalism could be. Here was an opportunity to ascend to an executive position, and I expected her to be on cloud nine. Yet, Husna hesitated, reluctant to leave behind the passion coursing through her veins—journalism."Run, girl!" I urged her.  

Serving as Executive Director of the Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture demands extraordinary commitment, political sagacity, and resourcefulness to revive an organization on life support. Even more challenging, Husna—an Igbo woman born and raised in Potiskum—had to navigate the cultural nuances of a multi-ethnic state to succeed.  

Yet, what seemed like a limitation became her strength. As Professor Ali Mazrui noted,"The Igbo are geographically mobile, intellectually ambitious, and economically enterprising."These traits, combined with her multicultural upbringing, roles as a wife, mother, and friend to people of diverse backgrounds, gave her a grounded edge for a strong start.  

Upon assuming office, Husna swung into action, providing visionary leadership to the Council. She revitalized traditional arts while integrating contemporary performances, ensuring relevance in today’s cultural landscape.This approach boosted the Council’s visibility at national and international events, including NAFEST, INAC, and the Abuja Carnival, where Yobe State won numerous awards. Additionally, the Council became a staple at state events, entertaining guests and promoting cultural heritage.  

Under Husna’s leadership, key achievements include;Promoting the historic Dufuna Canoe (over 5,000 years old), attracting tourists and researchers to Yobe.Rehabilitating the Cultural Hall, the state’s largest events venue, with support from His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, enhancing its aesthetics and revenue potential.Forming strategic partnerships that led to the inaugural Yobe Cultural Summit.Engaging traditional institutions (the Mais) to strengthen cultural ties while mobilizing youth participation.Establishing an advertising and PR unit to modernize outreach.Promoting 36 long-overdue staff (pending for eight years) and recognizing merit through awards and Boosting staff morale through incentives and exploring digital innovations in arts and culture.  

Husna is not just a custodian of Yobe’s cultural heritage; she is the embodiment of cultural unity—where East meets North. An Igbo woman married to a Hausa man, mother of five, raised in the North, a University of Maiduguri graduate, she dresses like a Kanuri, speaks Hausa like a true "jakar Kano,"and dances to the hypnotic rhythms of Ganga-kura.She has mastered the art of cultural harmony in a diverse society—a true Nigerian.  

Unquestionably, she stands as one of H.E. Buni’s most impactful female appointees, an outstanding ambassadress for Yobe’s arts and culture, and a living testament to Nigeria’s unity and warmth.  

Musa Abubakar is a journalist based in Damaturu, Yobe State.