Fondly called RTA, Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu is an Iconic politician who has dedicated her life to the service of humanity; earning her numerous accolades and recognition.
THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
RTA was born on June 12, 1970, in Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria, into the Royal family of the late Alhaji Sidi Ali Mamman Bawan Allah of Budon, Lokoja, Kogi State
She attended the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Her quest for knowledge and capacity-building led her to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Doctorate Degree in Peace and Security Studies (PhD) from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. She also earned a Doctor of Public Administration honorary degree from the Commonwealth University, London, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Abbey College, London.
NUMEROUS FELLOWSHIPS AND TITLES
She is a fellow/envoy Extraordinaire of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, the Nigerian Institute of Public Administration, the African Women in Leadership Organisation, and the Women in Leadership Forum. To her name, are several traditional titles, including the chieftaincy titles of the Zinariyan (Gold Standard) Lokoja, Onyize (mother of wealth) of Ebira land.
SARAUNIYA OF ABUJA-FCT, YEYE BOBASELU OF EKINRIN ADE, SARAUNIYA OF KAKANDA KINGDOM, AHA EJE EJE MBA 1 OF IGBO UKWU KINGDOM, SARAUNIYAN- GIMBIYAN GWAGWALADA, ADA IGBO 1 OF OHANEZE NDI IGBO FCT, NNA YAN ETSU OF YABA, JAKADIYAN NOLLYWOOD among dev others
EARLY VOYAGE
RTA has been in politics professionally for over two decades. And like most astute politicians, the Kogi Princess began her political career from the grassroots as the Focal Person for Women’s Affairs, Youth and Social Development in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, as well as the Lead Liaison between the Federal Capital Territory and the implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Projects from 2005 to 2007. RTA as an active political player became the National Vice Chairman (North Central Zone) of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2008, and later became the National Women leader of ANPP from 2010 to 2013. She also served as the National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2014 to 2018. She has since devoted herself to selling her party and its candidates at every election – all assignments she discharged with grace and aplomb.
PUBLIC SERVANT EXTRAORDINAIRE
Satisfied by her exceptional leadership skills in her previous endeavours, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, deemed her worthy for the appointment of National Director of Women Directorate of the Presidential Support Committee PSC, a responsibility which she discharged dutifully and selfless.
RTA, A first female President of the Council of African Political Parties CAPP; headquartered in Khartoum, Sudan, after she was previously the President of the Council of African Political Parties (Women Wing) from 2015 to 2017, is not one to rest on her laurels. To deepen her commitment to serving the public good, she has served on several committees, including the ANPP National Reconciliation Committee in 2009, the ANPP National Convention Planning Committee in 2011, and the APC ExtraOrdinary National Convention Delegates Nomination Committee in Ogun State in 2014. Co-chairman of the APC CONVENTION WELFARE COMMITTEE AND CO-CHAIRED THE APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY TRANSPORT COMMITTEE (2023), among several others.
GENDER ADVOCATE
RTA has indeed proven that success is not a respecter of gender but only favours hard work, tenacity and purpose. Her emphasis on girl child development and capacity building is commendable. At every point she has held the flag high as a testament to what credible and inclusive governance can do for Nigeria. She has demonstrated that a woman can retain her dignity and still excel in the public space.
HOMEMAKER
Amidst her hectic schedule and workaholic nature, RTA carries in high esteem, marital and parenting values. She is married to Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Aliyu, a seasoned banker, and she’s mother of three children.
Progress Godfrey (progressgodfrey@gmail.com) & Ayo Akanji write from Abuja.