- Zainab Bashir Yau
Zainab Bashir Yau is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the director of Der-maRx, Nigerias leading patient-centred aesthetics and dermatological centre, which has served over 11,000 clients across 11 countries. As the first molecular spa in Africa, DermaRx is dedicated to advancing women empowerment and is a proud signatory of the UN Women and UN Global Compacts Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
In addition to her work with DermaRx, Zainab holds the position of Global Lead at Byei Africa, co-founded Aesthetica Gambia, and established Nigerias premier professional equipment brand, Spabox. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she is a committed advocate for health, wellness, and sustainable skincare practices across Africa. Zainab is deeply passionate about empowering grassroots women and girls, working tirelessly to enhance their socio-economic status and overall well-being.
Shatu Sani Garko made history as the first Hijab-wearing model to win a national pageant, becoming the 44th Miss Nigeria. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first Muslim to win the Miss Nigeria title brought her widespread recognition and acclaim. Following her victory, she signed on as a brand ambassador with Kia Nigeria and secured a partnership deal with Folio Media Group, the organisers of Miss Nigeria, to empower young women across the country through the beauty pageant.
As a social media sensation, Shatu Garko has become an inspiration for Muslim girls around the world. Despite the controversies surrounding her win, she remained steadfast in her belief that neither religion nor culture should prevent anyone from pursuing their dreams and achieving their goals. Since being crowned in November 2021 at the age of 18, she has graced the Teen Cover of George Okoro (GO) Lifestyle Magazine and has been featured in both international and local news outlets for her trailblazing success.
Madina Dahiru Maishanu is a senior social media broadcast journalist at BBC News Hausa, where she plays a pivotal role in the dynamic world of journal-ism. A recipient of the BBC News Awards 2024, she has made significant contributions to the field. Before joining BBC News, she served as an International Broadcaster at Voice of America Hausa in Washington, DC, where she featured on TV and radio programmes, and also worked as a broadcaster with the US Agency for Global Media.
Madina’s passion for crafting youth-oriented social content and adapting news for social media has been a driving force in her journalism career. Currently, she co-manages the Hausa Services social media platform at BBC News, bringing news to a wider audience.
Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of interviewing prominent political figures, including Nigeria’s former First Lady, Turai Yar’adua. Additionally, she has represented BBC News in leading major events in Nigeria, showcasing her versatility and leadership in the industry.
Amrah Aliyu is a dedicated youth activist and advocate for Gender and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), with a strong background in advocacy and communica-tions. She is the author of the poetry book “Breasts are Names of Flowers” and serves as the Executive Director of the Salma Attah Foundation for Women & Girls Support, a non-profit organization focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of women and girls.
As the convener of TED Minna, Amrah continues to champion women’s and girls rights, working closely with NGOs in various capacities, including as a media aide and project coordinator. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to advancing gender equality and social inclusion.
Samira Haruna Sanusi is a prominent sickle cell advocate, writer, and founder of the Samira Haruna Sanusi Sickle Cell Foundation. Her organisation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing financial support for the care and treatment of sickle cell patients in Nigeria. As a sickle cell survivor her-self, Samira has faced significant health challenges, including years in a wheelchair, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant.
She shares her personal journey in her memoir, “S is for Survivor,” which details her battle with Sickle Cell Anemia and her path to recovery. In addition to her advocacy work, Samira is a member of the Crans Montana Forum – New Leaders for Tomorrow, the executive director of her foundation, and a pro-gramme manager at the Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative.
Recently, Samira has become a Goalkeeper for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she works to advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.
