By Kasim Isa Muhammad
Amina Nuhu, a dedicated Nigerian soldier, hails from the culturally rich region of Northern Kano State. In an exclusive interview with Kasim Isa Muhammad, Amina shares her inspiring journey to becoming a part of the Nigerian Army.
The Citizen Reports: Amina, it’s wonderful to have you here. Could you tell us more about your journey through education and how it led you to join the military?
Thank you, The Citizen Reports. I had a memorable educational journey that laid the foundation for my future. I attended primary school in Wawure, where I developed a strong sense of determination and ambition. Later, I pursued my secondary education at Bokaba Barracks, where the surroundings undoubtedly sparked an interest in the military.
After completing my secondary education, I embarked on a journey to study Marketing at the Polytechnic of Management in 2017. However, due to financial constraints, I had to make a difficult decision and drop out. Nevertheless, my dreams remained steadfast, and I knew I had a calling to pursue a meaningful career.
The Citizen Reports: It’s admirable how you stayed committed to your dreams. Tell us more about your decision to join the Nigerian Army. Was there a particular event or inspiration that led you down this path?
Absolutely. Becoming a soldier was more than just a career choice for me; it was a destiny that I wholeheartedly embraced. My mother, who had a deep love for the military, played a fundamental role in shaping my decision. Her influence and encouragement guided me towards this noble profession, and I realized that it was a calling I couldn’t ignore.
The Citizen Reports: It’s clear that your family played an essential role in supporting your journey. Could you share the steps you followed to become a soldier? What challenges did you face during this process?
Certainly. My parents played an active role in my journey to becoming a soldier. My mother, in particular, brought the form for me to join the military, and her overwhelming support and prayers gave me the strength to pursue this path.
Becoming a soldier involved rigorous training and selection procedures, testing both my physical and mental abilities. While the journey was challenging, the process helped shape me into a resilient and dedicated soldier. However, it wasn’t without its challenges, especially considering societal expectations in the North.
Traditionally, certain career paths are more commonly pursued by male gender, and as a female aspiring to join the military, I faced some unconventional perceptions. But with my grandfather’s support and encouragement, I was able to overcome these challenges and stay focused on my goals.
The Citizen Reports: Your determination is truly inspiring. Once you became a soldier, how did it feel to finally achieve your dream?
The feeling was indescribable. Becoming a soldier filled me with an immense sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that I was now part of a profession dedicated to protecting and serving the nation. It was a transformative experience that changed my outlook on life and strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact through my service.
The Citizen Reports: Maintaining personal relationships while serving in the military can be challenging. How did you manage to interact with your friends, and did they view you differently because of your profession?
Maintaining strong relationships with my friends was necessary to me, and I made every effort to ensure that my job didn’t affect our bond. Despite the demanding nature of my role as a soldier, I made time for my friends, and we continued to support and care for each other.
Fortunately, my friends did not view me differently because of my profession. We joked, laughed, and treated each other with respect, just like before. They understood that being a soldier didn’t change who I was as a person. Instead, they saw my career choice as an extension of my values and commitment to serving the country.
The Citizen Reports: It’s heartening to hear that your friends remained supportive. As a soldier, did you ever experience fear in your job?
Fear vanished once I became a soldier. The training and preparation I underwent instilled a sense of confidence in me, allowing me to face challenges and dangerous situations with courage and determination. My training taught me to stay focused and composed, even in the face of adversity.
The Citizen Reports: It’s impressive how you tackled fear head-on. Can you share the most memorable moment in your career so far?
One of the most memorable moments in my career was a severe attack during an operation on the Kaduna-Abuja road. It was early in my career, and this incident tested my resilience and ability to stay focused under pressure. The experience taught me priceless lessons about the realities of my chosen profession and reinforced the importance of remaining vigilant at all times.
The Citizen Reports: That sounds like a challenging experience. Can you describe what happened on that day and how you managed to navigate through it?
On that fateful day, our convoy was engaged in an operation on the Kaduna-Abuja road when we encountered a sudden and intense attack.
The situation was highly dangerous, but the training I received prepared me to face fear head-on. We responded swiftly, working as a team to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of our fellow soldiers and civilians in the area.
The Citizen Reports: Your bravery and dedication are commendable. What other achievements have you had since becoming a soldier?
Joining the Nigerian Army has been a life-changing experience that brought many positive outcomes. One of the most substantial achievements for me is becoming financially independent. Serving in the military has provided me with a stable and fulfilling career, enabling me to support myself and contribute to my family and community.
Moreover, being a soldier has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, whether through military service or extending a helping hand to those in need. The ability to assist and support others has brought immense satisfaction and joy to my life.
The Citizen Reports: That’s truly incredible, Amina. Your journey is an inspiration to many. What advice do you have for other young females aspiring to join the Army?
To all aspiring female soldiers, I would offer these words of advice: persistence and perseverance are key to achieving your dreams. Don’t be afraid to follow your passion and embrace the challenges that come your way. Remember the significance of your parents’ prayers and stay connected to your roots and values.
Pursuing a career in the military might present societal and personal challenges, but with perseverance and resilience, you can overcome them. The support and prayers of loved ones, especially parents, can be a paramount source of strength during this transformative journey.
The Citizen Reports: Your advice for young women aiming to make a difference is commendable. On a personal note, do you have any plans for your personal life, like getting married?
Yes, I do plan on getting married soon. While my career as a soldier is essential to me and fulfills my passion for service, I also cherish the idea of building a life with a partner who understands and supports my ambitions. I believe that finding the right balance between personal and professional life is vital for overall happiness and fulfillment.
The Citizen Reports: That’s heartwarming, Amina. Some people express fear in approaching female military personnel. What are your thoughts on this perception, and how do you handle interactions with others?
I maintain a cordial relationship with everyone. Fear or hesitation in approaching someone from the military or any other profession often stem from misconceptions.
The Citizen Reports: That’s heartwarming, Amina. Some people express fear in approaching female military personnel. What are your thoughts on this perception, and how do you handle interactions with others?
It depends on how one interacts with others. I maintain a cordial relationship with everyone. Fear or hesitation in approaching someone from the military or any other profession often stem from misconceptions or stereotypes. As a soldier, I strive to maintain a friendly and approachable demeanour, which encourages open communication and breaks down barriers.
The Citizen Reports: What advice do you have for northern youths using social media?
Show respect and learn from the people in the southern part of the country. Social media is about meaningful interaction. Social media can be a powerful tool for communication and learning. My advice to northern youths is to use this platform responsibly and respectfully engage with people from different regions and backgrounds. Embrace diversity and use social media as an opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives.
The Citizen Reports: Lastly, what do you want to achieve in life?
I have three goals: to reach a position where I can help aspiring soldiers in Kano, get married, and lead a fulfilling life. My long-term aspirations involve using my position and influence to support and guide young people in Kano who aspire to join the military.
Additionally, I look forward to building a happy and fulfilling life with my partner, where we can continue to grow together and make a positive impact on the world around us.
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