Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar Biography: Early Life, Age, Career

Let’s uncover the inspiring Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar biography, once the second lady of Nigeria.

Amina Titilayo Atiku-Abubakar, born on June 6, 1951, in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, is a renowned humanitarian, advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and the founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF).

She is also widely recognized as the wife of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria.

Over the decades, Amina Titi has dedicated her life to combating human trafficking and child exploitation, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s social justice landscape.

Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar Biography

Early Life of Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar

Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar was born into the Albert family in Ilesa, a prominent city in Osun State, Nigeria.

She grew up in a close-knit family that emphasized education and moral values. Her father, a civil servant, and her mother, a teacher, instilled in her the importance of community service and hard work.

She spent her early years in Lagos, where she attended primary school in Lafiaji, a bustling neighborhood known for its cultural diversity. Her secondary education was at St. Mary’s Iwo in Osun State, where she graduated in 1969.

Her academic journey laid a solid foundation for her intellectual curiosity and passion for advocacy.

In 1971, Titi married Atiku Abubakar, a young customs officer at the time.

Together, they built a family while she pursued further education at Kaduna Polytechnic, where she studied business administration. This educational background equipped her with the skills to manage organizations and advocate for societal change effectively.

Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar Personal Life

Amina Titi and Atiku Abubakar’s marriage has spanned over five decades. They are blessed with several children, including Fatima, Adamu, Halima, and Aminu, who have grown to pursue diverse professional careers.

As a mother, she has balanced her advocacy work with nurturing a strong family bond, often emphasizing the importance of education and moral uprightness to her children.

Her conversion from Christianity to Islam following her marriage symbolizes her adaptability and respect for cultural integration.

Despite the challenges associated with being the wife of a prominent political figure, Titi has carved her identity as a leader and humanitarian in her own right.

Career and Advocacy

Amina Titi began her career as a lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic, where she honed her skills in leadership and mentorship.

A turning point in her life occurred during her studies in Rome between 1986 and 1987. She witnessed Nigerian girls being trafficked and forced into prostitution.

This harrowing experience ignited her passion for combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable populations.

In 1999, Titi leveraged her position as the wife of Nigeria’s Vice President to establish the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF).

The organization’s mission is to combat human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation.

Through WOTCLEF’s advocacy, the Nigerian government enacted legislation leading to the creation of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Under her leadership, WOTCLEF has rehabilitated numerous victims of trafficking, providing them with education, vocational training, and psychological support.

The organization also conducts awareness campaigns across Nigeria to educate the public about the dangers of human trafficking.

Recent Activities

In November 2024, Amina Titi celebrated the 25th anniversary of WOTCLEF, a milestone that underscored the organization’s enduring impact.

The event highlighted achievements such as rescuing over 1,000 trafficking victims and influencing policy reforms. Her unwavering dedication to advocacy continues to inspire new generations of activists.

Awards and Recognitions

Amina Titi has received numerous accolades for her contributions to human rights and social justice. These include the Annual Nigerian Women’s Award in 2002 and the D’linga Award in 2010. These awards recognize her tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and promote gender equality.

Publications

Titi has authored several works aimed at promoting education and human rights, including:

• Educating the Nigerian Child
• Empower Law to Fight Child Slavery
• Let Us Celebrate Humanity: A Collection of Speeches on Women’s Rights and Human Trafficking

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar to establish WOTCLEF?

During her studies in Rome, Amina Titi encountered Nigerian girls forced into prostitution. This experience motivated her to combat human trafficking and led to the establishment of WOTCLEF in 1999.

How has WOTCLEF impacted Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking?

WOTCLEF has played a pivotal role in raising awareness, rehabilitating victims, and influencing legislation. Its efforts culminated in the establishment of NAPTIP, a federal agency dedicated to combating human trafficking.

What are some notable achievements of Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar in advocacy?

Beyond founding WOTCLEF, Titi’s advocacy led to the creation of NAPTIP. She has also received several awards, including the Nigerian Women’s Award, for her contributions to social justice.

How did Amina Titi’s early life influence her advocacy work?

Her upbringing in a disciplined and education-focused family instilled in her a sense of responsibility toward societal issues. This foundation, combined with her experiences in Rome, shaped her commitment to advocacy.

What challenges has Amina Titi faced in her advocacy journey?

Titi has encountered societal resistance to addressing sensitive issues like human trafficking and the complexities of enacting legislative changes. Her resilience has been crucial in overcoming these challenges.

Amina Titi Atiku-Abubakar’s unwavering dedication to eradicating human trafficking and child labor has solidified her legacy as a champion for human rights in Nigeria and beyond.