Zulaihat Dikko Shines in New York

New York has seen its fair share of power players, but last week, a different kind of leader took centre stage. Katsina’s First Lady, Zulaihat  Dikko, arrived at the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), pushing forward her lifelong mission of elevating women and ensuring they have a seat at every decision-making table.

For many, global conferences are about speeches and photo ops. For Mrs. Dikko, this was just another day doing the work. Whether in the villages of Katsina or the halls of the United Nations, she has built a reputation for action, for championing education for girls, and for spearheading programs that equip orphans with life-changing skills.

While Mrs. Dikko sat among global leaders, it is possible that her mind remained on the lives of those who rarely make the headlines. For example, teachers and students participating in her Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN) training in matters of emergency response, so that schools are not just places of learning but sanctuaries of safety.

The woman’s advocacy is indeed personal. It seems that because education changed her life, she has made it her mission to return the favour. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and capacity-building workshops for women have become the pillars of her work. And when she speaks of equality, it’s not just about policies—it’s about real opportunities that turn potential into success.

Some First Ladies are known for extravagant charity balls. Mrs. Dikko prefers results. Whether it’s distributing relief materials to displaced communities or collaborating with international agencies to improve healthcare, she has built a legacy that speaks for itself. The orphans who call her “Garkuwar Marayu”—the protector of orphans—do so because they have seen, firsthand, the doors she has opened.

At the UN, she reminded the world that women’s empowerment is not a slogan but a necessity. If women in Katsina can thrive, so can women anywhere. It’s no surprise that her voice resonated in New York. After all, when a person dedicates themselves to lifting others, the world eventually takes notice.