INTERVIEW WITH MRS JOAN IRMIYA by YUSUF ISHAKU GOJE

Mrs. Joan is the matron of the Federated Kurama Youth Association Kaduna Branch, she is a dedicated mother, a committed civil servant; in this chat with Akurmi-Magazine she articulately bare her mind on issues such as girl child education, youth empowerment, and Kurama unity and development.

AM: Please tell us about yourself?

Ans: I am simply Joan, the daughter of late Irmiya Akawu Dodo and Abyiya Dodo; I was given birth to and brought up in Ukam Kayarda. I got married in Kwoi, Jaba local government, and I am blessed with two children, Rabo and Fumi (both are graduates now). I was the pioneer speaker of Jaba Local Government; I am currently a civil servant, working in Protocol Division of Kaduna state, as principal catering officer 1. I reside in Kaduna with my two children.

AM:  As a mother, a wife and a career woman; how have you been able to combine all these tasking roles?

Ans: It has not been easy being a mother and a career woman, but God has been faithful, and helped me to pull through, couple also with my Akurmi up-bringing.

AM: As an Akurmi descendant, in your opinion what makes the Akurmi woman stand out?

Ans: the Akurmi woman stands out among her peers because of the strict and wonderful up-bringing that she got from home. She is taught to be patient, kind, loving, hardworking, humble and peaceful.

AM: Comment on the level of education in Akurmi land, in the area of standards and enrolment, especially girl child education?

Ans: the Akurmi parents are waking up now, on the girl child education, we now have a number of Akurmi daughters that have made Akurmi proud and they are tirelessly working hard to ensure that the Akurmi girl is enlightened on the need for education.

AM:  What is your advice, first to Akurmi parents on the need to ensure that they give their children quality education, and secondly to the youths on the need to pursue education to the highest level?

Ans: To the glory of God, today we have sons and daughters of Akurmi that have tasted and known what quality education is. We have professors, P.H.D holders, and others that have distinguished themselves in their various fields. Let us together preach the good news of what quality education can do to a community, and a people.

AM: Please what is your advice to Akurmi youth?

Ans: To my children, the Akurmi youth, keep the good work, stay out of trouble, keep talking to and advising each other well. Don’t give up on things you believe are right, stay focused, and make yourselves relevant in your respective places of assignment. May God bless and protect you all. Amen.