Aisha Yesufu is a prominent Nigerian activist and businesswoman, known for her role in advocating for social and political issues in Nigeria. She co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which gained international attention for its efforts to rescue over 200 girls abducted from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria, by the terrorist group Boko Haram on April 14, 2014.
Additionally, Aisha Yesufu has been a key figure in the End SARS movement, which protests against police brutality in Nigeria and calls for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit of the Nigerian Police Force known for its history of abuses.
Her activism is not limited to these movements; she is also recognized for speaking out against any form of injustice and has been involved in various protests throughout her life.
Aisha Yesufu is originally from Agbede in Edo State. Although she was born and raised in Kano State, her ethnic background is Etsako from Edo State.
Aisha Yesufu Early Life and Education
Aisha Yesufu was born on December 12, 197 in Kano State, Nigeria. She faced the challenges of growing up in a patriarchal society and by the age of 11, she had lost many of her female friends to marriage or childbirth-related complications.
In terms of her education, Yesufu’s journey was not straightforward. She applied to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1991 but was rejected because she was a woman. Initially admitted to Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1992, she had to leave due to the school’s closure.
She then enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University to study medicine but left after the school was closed following the killing of a professor in 1994. Ultimately, she completed her higher education at Bayero University Kano, graduating with a degree in microbiology.
Aisha Yesufu is a figure of resilience and determination in Nigeria, known for her unwavering commitment to activism and her business acumen. Her career is a blend of entrepreneurial success and social activism, which has had a significant impact on Nigerian society.
As a businesswoman, Yesufu has been self-employed since the year 2000. She ventured into the business world after completing her education in microbiology and has never worked for anyone else. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Oceangate Distribution Service, a company known for importing Alim Tomatoes.
In the realm of activism, Yesufu’s career took a prominent turn with the #BringBackOurGirls movement. She co-founded this movement alongside Oby Ezekwesili to demand the safe return of over 200 girls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014.
Yesufu’s activism further extended to the End SARS movement, where she played a pivotal role. The movement, which began in 2017, sought to draw attention to police brutality in Nigeria and called for the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). A photograph of Yesufu wearing a hijab at an End SARS protest became an iconic symbol of the movement, further solidifying her status as a fearless activist.
Her career as an activist has not been without challenges. Yesufu has often been maligned for her stance on national issues, facing opposition from pro-government voices. However, her penchant for speaking truth to power has earned her a significant following of admirers and has made her a respected voice in the fight against injustice.
Throughout her career, Yesufu has received recognition for her contributions to society. She was listed among the BBC’s 100 Women in 2020 and was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.
Aisha Yesufu Husband And Children
Aisha Yesufu is married to Aliu Osigwe Yesufu, whom she wed in 1998. Together, they have two children: a son named Amir and a daughter named Alliyyah.
Aisha Yesufu Net Worth
Aisha Yesufu’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2024.
Aisha Yesufu Social Media Presence
Aisha Yesufu is quite active on social media, where she engages with a wide audience on various platforms. You can connect with her on:
