Nigerian leaders should lead fairly and create job opportunities for young people – Businesswoman Alana
Story by Maryam Saleh ISAH
Alana Isyaku is a proud mother of 13 children. She’s a hardworking businesswoman who specialises in the trading of tiger nut and groundnut cake (called Kuli-kuli in Hausa). In this exclusive interview with Neptune Prime’s Maryam Saleh Isah, she shares her life journey which is defined by patience, contentment and perseverance.
Neptune Prime: Can you tell us about your childhood and what life was like when you were growing up?
Alana: Life was very simple and people were respectful. Everyone treated one another with honour. Our parents’ friends were like our own parents, and we were raised with discipline and dignity. If we attempted any unwanted behaviour, a single stern look from our parents was enough to stop us. That was the kind of upbringing we had.
Neptune Prime: What are some of the happiest memories from your early years?
Alana: The happiest moments were simply having both parents alive and present. They provided whatever we needed. That joy is something I will never forget. When your mother bought you something just because you respected her, the feeling was indescribable. Imagine returning home to find she had gifted you your favourite things—how could that not make you happy? We lived without challenges back then: food was abundant, insecurity was unknown, and life was steady and peaceful.
Neptune Prime: Were there any challenges you faced as a young person that shaped how you see life today?
Alana: Not at all. As long as both parents were alive, life was smooth. It is now, in our older age, that challenges began to surface.
Neptune Prime: What values or principles do you think every young person should live by?
Alana: Young people should embrace the mindset of business. They should start something—no matter how small. A small business can sustain them and support their parents.
Neptune Prime: If you could go back to your youth, what is the one thing you would do differently?
Alana: Nothing. There is nothing I wish to change or redo.
Neptune Prime: What advice would you give young people about handling failures or disappointments?
Alana: My prayers are always for them to achieve what they desire. They must trust God, because whatever comes their way is from their Creator. He grants blessings at the time He wills and delays some things because the delay is better for us.
Young people must be patient. God provides abundantly in His own time. Obstacles are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. Disappointments from Allah are preparations for bigger blessings. Patience is the key to progress and success.
Neptune Prime: In your lifetime, what kind of leaders have inspired you the most, and why?
Alana: Murtala Muhammad inspired me the most. Even though we were very young then, we heard so much goodness about him from our parents. But truly, every leader—past or present—tries in their own way. It is just that people view leadership differently. I do not join others in blaming leaders simply because others blame them.
Neptune Prime: What qualities do you believe good leaders should have?
Alana: May Allah bless our leaders with the ability to lead fairly. Leaders must create job opportunities for the youth. They should open doors, not close them.
Neptune Prime: How do today’s leaders differ from those of your time?
Alana: Leaders of both then and now have tried in their own capacities and experiences. Each group made its effort.
Neptune Prime: How do you spend your time now, and what keeps you happy in old age?
Alana: I spend my time preparing items for my business at home, resting in my room, and taking care of my children. I rarely go out unless it is necessary. Mostly, I stay indoors until a visitor arrives.
Neptune Prime: Is there a book, song, or tradition that has stayed with you?
Alana: None.
Neptune Prime: What life lessons have you learned that you wish more people understood?
Alana: Patience. Nothing is more calming or precious. I have learned to mind my business and stay away from whatever does not concern me. If something does not involve me, you won’t find me in it.
Neptune Prime: How would you like to be remembered by your family and community?
Alana: I want them to remember how tolerant I was, how I endured challenges—big or small—to maintain peace. A time will come when they will recall the things I endured just to live a life of patience and harmony.
Neptune Prime: What message would you leave for future generations?
Alana: May God guide them. May our future generations be greater than the present one. May insecurity come to an end. I call on them to embrace peace. May Potiskum be safe and protected.
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