“When I was young, citizens were trustworthy, and so were Nigerian leaders” – 58-year-old mother of ten
Story by Maryam Saleh Isa (Student at Yobe State University Damaturu)
Fatima Ibrahim, a 58-year-old resident of Potiskum, Yobe State, has been a symbol of strength, resilience and family values.
As a proud mother of ten children, Fatima Ibrahim’s life journey reflects years of endurance shaped by prolonged health challenges, deep religious devotion, and perseverance.
Neptune Prime: Can you tell us about your childhood and what life was like when you were growing up?
Fatima: Life during my childhood was prosperous and peaceful. We lived with a strong sense of family and stability, and life was calm compared to what we see today.
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Neptune Prime: What are some of the happiest memories from your early years?
Fatima: Living together with my family—my parents, siblings, and relatives—gave me joy above everything else. That family bond remains one of my happiest memories.
Neptune Prime: Were there any challenges you faced as a young person that shaped the way you see life today?
Fatima: Yes, health challenges. I battled sickness for many years. There was a time I could hardly spend four consecutive days at home. It became a routine—two days in the hospital and four days at home. But now, Alhamdulillah, my condition has improved.
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Neptune Prime: What values or principles do you think every young person should live by?
Fatima: Every young person should be self-dependent. Youths should not remain idle waiting for their parents. When young people engage in business or work, they can support their parents, and their parents can also support them. It is not acceptable anywhere in the world for young people to stay idle and jobless.
Neptune Prime: If you could go back to your youth, what is one thing you would do differently?
Fatima: I would struggle harder to acquire a Western education. When we were young, our parents did not allow us to attend Western schools; it was only Islamiyya. We are grateful for that Islamic foundation because it still guides our lives today.
Currently, I have completed 30 Hizb of the Qur’an in Islamiyya. If I were to return to my youth, my development—both religiously and academically—would have been multiplied
Neptune Prime: What advice would you give young people about handling failure or disappointment in life?
Failure or disappointment is not final; it is an integral part of life’s journey. During those moments, be grateful to Allah and keep pushing forward. God will intervene and replace what you lost with something greater.
Neptune Prime: In your lifetime, what kind of leaders have inspired you the most, and why?
Fatima: Certainly, Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership inspired me more than any other, especially for the peace and security that prevailed in our region during his time. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
Neptune Prime: What qualities do you believe good leaders should have to guide society?
Fatima: Trustworthiness. When leaders are trustworthy, their followers naturally become the same. Leaders must be just, fair, and honest—this is the only path for a nation to develop.
Neptune Prime: How do you think today’s leaders differ from those of your time?
There are huge differences. In the past, trust existed—people were trustworthy, and so were their leaders. Today, many people put themselves first. You find people criticising leaders, yet they would do the same if they were in those positions.
Leaders today often prioritise their personal and family interests over the interests of the people.
Neptune Prime: What hobbies or activities have given you the most joy over the years?
Living with my ten children has given me great joy. I married off six of them without any form of disrespect, moral misconduct, or rudeness. That achievement fills my heart with gratitude.
As we speak, my last child has completed secondary school and is preparing for admission into a B.Tech programme. She has also reached marriage age, and this brings me fulfilment.
Neptune Prime: How do you spend your time now, and what keeps you happy in your old age?
I spend my time doing house chores and reading the Qur’an. The recitation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an give me peace and happiness.
Neptune Prime: Is there a book, song, or tradition that has stayed with you throughout your life?
Fatima: Due to the prolonged sickness I experienced, my memory was affected. I sometimes forgot long-time friends unless I was reminded. Even with Qur’anic memorisation, I struggled to recall some portions.
However, returning to Islamiyya helped me regain and strengthen what I had memorised. It brought me back on track.
Neptune Prime: What life lessons have you learnt that you wish more people understood?
Fatima: I learned patience through difficult experiences. I once lived in a rented apartment where we shared one kitchen with another woman. If she were cooking and I entered the kitchen while her husband was absent, she would hand over the food to someone else, suspecting I might poison it.
Sometimes, she encouraged her children to bully mine. I lived under such suspicion for 16 years before we eventually bought our own house and relocated.
Patience is a powerful virtue. It helps you live peacefully and overcome even those who wish you harm.
Neptune Prime: How would you like to be remembered by your family and community?
Fatima: I want my family to live by the values I upheld—honesty, tolerance, justice, and piety. I want them to pursue education, be kind to others, and never harm anyone. That is how I wish to be remembered.
Neptune Prime: What message would you leave behind for future generations?
Fatima Ibrahim: Future generations should be honest, trustworthy, and patient with life.
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