H. E. Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris stands out as a transformative figure in Kebbi State; a First Lady whose influence extends far beyond ceremonial duties, rooted instead in deliberate, people-centered initiatives. Her leadership is characterized by compassion, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and vulnerable communities. In a context where public roles can easily become symbolic, she has distinguished herself through tangible actions, which continue to create meaningful impact across the state.
Hajiya Zainab’s upbringing instilled in her enduring values of empathy, service, and social responsibility. Growing up in an environment closely connected to community life, she developed a deep awareness of the challenges ordinary families face. These early experiences fostered a lifelong commitment to social welfare, with a particular focus on education, women’s empowerment, and community development, areas in which she has since become a leading advocate.
Upon assuming the office of First Lady, Hajiya Zainab embraced her responsibilities with deliberate intent and humility. She quickly expanded her engagements to address critical sectors, including health awareness, economic empowerment, girls’ education, support for widows, and broader humanitarian assistance. Known for her hands-on leadership, she visits communities directly, listens attentively to their concerns, and ensures that interventions are responsive, practical, and sustainable. This grassroots approach has earned her widespread admiration as a First Lady who leads with accessibility, integrity, and purpose.
Central to her work is the Nasara Women Development Foundation, a pioneering humanitarian organization she established to institutionalize her vision of empowerment and social transformation. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a vital platform, supporting widows, providing vocational training for women, organizing medical outreach programmes, and distributing essential relief materials to families in need. Through these initiatives, the foundation bridges critical gaps, creating opportunities that empower marginalized populations to achieve greater self-reliance.
The foundation’s educational initiatives exemplify Hajiya Zainab’s commitment to transformative impact. She actively promotes accessible and practical learning, championing initiatives such as donating books and sanitary materials to schoolgirls, advocating for the integration of vocational skills in school curricula, and ensuring girls remain in school. Among her most significant interventions is the provision of over 2,000 free JAMB forms to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and persons with disabilities, removing financial barriers that might otherwise hinder their academic progress. These efforts reflect her deep-seated belief in nurturing the potential of every child.
Her contributions have earned her notable recognition, including the title of North West Ambassador for Girl Child Education, highlighting the regional significance of her work. She is also a strong proponent of Islamic education, encouraging communities to embrace a balanced approach that integrates spiritual and academic learning. Her consistent advocacy continues to shape public discourse, influence policy considerations, and inspire renewed commitment to education as the foundation for societal progress.
H. E. Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris exemplifies leadership defined by vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Through the Nasara Women Development Foundation and her broad-ranging advocacy, she continues to redefine the role of First Lady, setting a high benchmark for purposeful public service. As she extends her humanitarian and educational initiatives, her legacy emerges as one built on meaningful action, sustained impact, and a commitment to empowering future generations.
