29/10/2025
REMEMBERING SOME GREAT WOMEN IN JOURNALISM
Bilkisu Yusuf, born on 2 December 1952, was one of Nigeria’s most remarkable journalists and women’s rights advocates. A pioneer in many ways, she became the first woman to head a national newspaper in Nigeria, breaking barriers in a profession long dominated by men. Known for her intellect, humility, and deep commitment to justice, Bilkisu’s work and ideals continue to inspire generations of journalists, feminists, and humanitarians across Africa.
Bilkisu began her education at Ansar Primary School in Kano, completing it in 1964, before proceeding to Government Girls College, Dala, Kano. From an early age, she displayed a strong sense of leadership and curiosity about the world.
She later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before earning a master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States. Never one to stop learning, Bilkisu went on to obtain an advanced diploma in Journalism from the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations in Russia in 1986.
Her education—spanning Africa, America, and Europe, shaped her into a cosmopolitan thinker who bridged cultures and ideas.
Bilkisu’s journalism career was groundbreaking. She became the first female editor of the Sunday Triumph newspaper in Kano (1983–1987), then went on to lead The New Nigerian in Kaduna (1987), and later Citizen Magazine (1990). Through these positions, she championed professionalism, integrity, and gender inclusion in the newsroom.
Her popular column, “Civil Society Watch,” was widely read for its bold commentary on politics, governance, and social justice. She also wrote for major national newspapers, including Daily Trust and Leadership, both based in Abuja.
As a mentor, Bilkisu was instrumental in The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), where she trained and inspired many young women to pursue careers in the media.
Beyond journalism, Bilkisu Yusuf was deeply devoted to social causes. She was one of the founders of Women In Nigeria (WIN), one of the country’s earliest feminist organizations, and co-founded the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)—a platform that promoted education, health, and empowerment for Muslim women nationwide.
Her activism extended to interfaith dialogue and public health. She was a key figure in organizations like the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association Against Malaria (NIFAAM), the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON), and Advocacy Nigeria. Bilkisu was also part of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, tirelessly demanding the safe return of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.
Recognized for her expertise, she served as an adviser to the Nigerian President on International Affairs, reflecting her reputation as a thoughtful and principled voice in national affairs.
Bilkisu was married twice. Her first marriage was to Alhaji Sanusi Ciroma Yusuf, who later became a Chief Judge. The couple had two children, Moshood Sanusi Yusuf and Nana Fatima Yusuf, before parting ways. She later married Mustapha Bintube.
After performing the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, she earned the honorific title “Hajiya”, a reflection of her deep faith and devotion to Islam.
In September 2015, Bilkisu joined thousands of Nigerian pilgrims for the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia, serving as a women’s leader on behalf of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. On 24 September 2015, tragedy struck when a stampede occurred in Mina, killing more than 2,000 pilgrims. Among the victims was Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, who died while fulfilling one of the most sacred duties of her faith.
Her death sent shockwaves across Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari described her as “an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable and highly respected editor and columnist who will remain a glittering role model for journalists within and outside Nigeria.”
Colleagues and friends echoed similar sentiments. Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, called her “a great humanist, advocate, and journalist who died in the course of serving God.”
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and leader of Bring Back Our Girls, praised her lifelong dedication to women’s rights and education: “She never wearied until it was time to go.”
And Aliyu Muktar, her former colleague at Triumph Newspaper, remembered her as “brave, sincere, and always fighting for the downtrodden.”
Bilkisu Yusuf’s legacy lives on in the institutions she built, the journalists she mentored, and the countless women she empowered. She stood for justice, compassion, and the power of education. Her life was a bridge between faith and feminism, tradition and progress, and Nigeria and the world.
Even in death, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf remains a symbol of courage, intellect, and service, a woman who used her voice to uplift others and whose light continues to inspire long after she is gone.
COPIED
