MADAM RIFKATU ADAMU CHIDAWA – Hon. Commissioner for Tourism & Culture, Niger State, Nigeria

 

Mrs. Rifkatu Adamu Chidawa was born on 18th February, 1956in Diko of Gurara Local government area, Niger state. She started her primary school in January 1962 and finished in December, 1968.Her secondary education commenced in January, 1969, finished in July 1973 in Government Girls Secondary School. Minna and had National certificate in Education (NCE) in 1981. She was posted to Government Day Secondary School Suleja, Niger state for her one- year NYSC programme in 1981. She did her first degree programme in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna state and graduated in 1986 with bachelor degree in education (B.Ed.). She went further to University of Abuja in 1999 for master degree in education administration and planning. She is happily married with children, a mother, grandmother and great mother.

She started her teaching career at the age of 17yrs, her passion for education and majorly to mold lives, some of which are doing well in other various fields. This she did with good legacy before her retirement in 2012 as a Deputy Director. She headed various secondary school in Abuja and Niger state of which her foot print is still been spoken till today. Some of the schools where she works as a principal are:

Girls Day Secondary School Suleja

Government Secondary School, Garki- Abuja

Government Secondary School, Tundun Wada Abuja

Government Secondary School Karu, Abuja to mention just to mention but few.

In her quest to serve humanity and touch lives, she was one of the

Quarter mistresses of red cross society, Minna.

Fellowship of Christian student secretary, Minna

Treasurer, College of Education, Minna.

Financial Secretary, Ahmadi Bello University, Zaria.

A member of staff and student welfare committee.

Chairman, Digest

magazine, FCT SEB

Disciplinary committee member, FCT SEB

Employment committee member, FCT SEB

Leader women fellowship (LCC)

Leader women fellowship (DCC) and

Financial secretary, National women fellowship and many more selfless services.

She had transformed many lives through her trusted passionate, enthusiastic and exemplary life style. When she was a member of employment committee SEB, through her, many young Nigerians from various ethnic groups were employed and she did this without enriching herself.

Due to her meritorious services, she has received many awards and commendations such as:

Award for excellence in administration (African Youth Summit)

Meritorious and fellowship award by corporate administration.

Meritorious seminar award by institute of corporate administration.

Meritorious seminar award by institute of corporate administration.

Meritorious award by middle belt youth forum.

Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO)

Man “O” War, Nigeria.

Written commendations from Education Secretary and Director of Education on effort, hard work, commitment, competence and maturity in handling school affairs etc.

It will be unfair if I failed to mention her contribution for calisthenics in Abuja and Nigeria as a whole which accorded her another recognition and award from federation international football association (FIFA). In fact, there are lots of award for this effect such as:

Certificate of commendation for active participation in calisthenics display for opening and closing ceremonies of All Africa Games.

Calisthenics camp commandant FIFA

Calisthenics camp commandant women for change initiatives.

Calisthenics camp commandant presidential inauguration to mention just but few.

Aside circular work, she is also not found wanting in the service to God and humanity. As a result of this, she was appointed chairman ECWA Wuse II Academic Board of Governors, member ECWA Good news, Diko.

Her commitment and dedication have made her to attend various seminars and courses home and abroad such as that of:

UNESCO

British Council and

Federal Ministry of Education etc.

She has devoted most of her time to the development of education in Nigeria. Her selfless service has brought her this far. I was not surprised when she was appointed commissioner of culture and tourism because I have always thought of it that her dedication, commitment, innovations, zeal, determination, desire and passion will lead her to the top one day and it has finally come. Mouth cannot continue to mention her contributions to nation building. Indeed, Madam Rifkatu Adamu Chidawa is a woman of integrity, role model, selfless, efficient performer and worthy to be emulated.