Interview With Hajia Aishat Obi
Interview with Hajia Aishat Obi 5th January, 2026 BN SULAYMAN: Let’s meet you. AISHAT OBI: My name…
Interview with Hajia Aishat Obi
5th January, 2026
BN SULAYMAN:
Let’s meet you.
AISHAT OBI:
My name is Aishat Obi, formerly known as BB.
My Igbo name is Ugochi. I was born in the 1980s in Imo State.
I grew up in Imo, Edo, and other states in Nigeria.
BN SULAYMAN:
Tell us about your educational background.
AISHAT OBI:
I had my nursery and primary education at Army Nursery and Primary School, 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Imo State. I completed my primary education at Azama Primary School, Jattu, Edo State.
Junior and Senior Secondary School:
I attended JSS 1 and 2 at St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Jattu.
I did part of my secondary education at Izharudeen Secondary School, Jattu.
I later continued my secondary education in Katsina and obtained my SSCE (WAEC) at Obeli Community Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Tertiary Education:
Excel School of Health Technology, Kaduna — Health Practitioner Certificate
College of Health Science & Environmental Technology, Port Harcourt — Environmental Technician Certificate
School of Health Technology, Rivers State, Port Harcourt — Community Health Certificate
BN SULAYMAN:
You seem to have attended several schools at each level. Why?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
I had many challenges with my education.
These challenges are now a motivation to other women—and even men—especially those who may not be allowed to continue their education.
I stopped schooling at JSS 1 because my father could not afford my school fees. That was how I was taken to Izharudeen Secondary School. My father faced serious family disputes—issues from the village involving relatives and court cases. Money meant for our school fees was diverted to resolving family conflicts.
Imagine the distance between northern Edo State and Imo State. Such journeys were financially demanding. Because of our financial situation, I could not proceed to JSS 3.
I dropped out and entered into marriage, which did not work out. Still, Alhamdulillah, I later met Fadilah and her family. Her father enrolled me back into JSS 3, and that was how I obtained my JSS 3 certificate.
A good Samaritan paid my WAEC fees. I hired a private tutor to prepare for my exams.
Every school I attended has a story behind it.
I was once married to an Edo man from Auchi, precisely Uluoke. He was a Christian, and at the time, I was also a Christian. Today, I am a Muslim.
BN SULAYMAN:
I am sorry to hear these heartbreaking experiences. Allah knows why He allows things to happen the way they do.
Now you are in a new marriage. Tell us about it.
AISHAT OBI (smiles):
Presently, I am married to an Igbo Muslim man, Alhaji Nurudeen Nkeocha, and we have children. He is from Aku, Okigwe, Imo State.
I am from Idemogwa, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
My father, Alhaji Ahmed Theophilus Obi, is also from Idemogwa, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State.
BN SULAYMAN:
Tell us about your reversion to Islam.
AISHAT OBI:
I was born into a Muslim home, but I was not practicing. So, it was easy for me to leave Islam.
My contact with Fadilah and her family rekindled my love for Islam. They embraced me, cared for me, and supported me even though they knew I was a Christian in need. There was no discrimination, no manipulation, and no force.
I felt that Islam was the religion of my parents—the faith these people lived by. I wanted to be like them. I wanted to help people the way I was helped, and even better. By Allah’s help, I achieved that. Alhamdulillah.
I officially reverted to Islam in 2016, although some online platforms say 2017.
First, I did not convert; I reverted, because I was born a Muslim.
Second, my reversion year is 2016, not 2017.
Third, my public recognition as an Igbo Muslim woman in hijab became prominent in 2017. That is why people assume that was the year of my reversion.
BN SULAYMAN:
Thank you for the clarification.
AISHAT OBI:
You’re welcome.
BN SULAYMAN:
Your personality attracts attention. We hope it attracts awards as well.
HAJIA AISHAT OBI (cuts in):
Yes, the awards Allah has used people to honor me with are too many to mention.
From my early education:
I was a class monitor in primary school
Later became the overall school monitor
Headed the Girls’ Brigade in secondary school
Served as Head Girl (unopposed)
Over the years:
Chairlady, Igbo Bọ̀ Otu Social Club of Nigeria (Women Wing)
Ameera, Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Port Harcourt Branch
Da’wah Officer and Youth Chairlady, FOMWAN Imo State
National Da’wah Officer, SEMON
National Women Leader, Muslim and Christian Council of Nigeria
Former Board Member, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State (appointed by late President Muhammadu Buhari — may Allah forgive his shortcomings, Aameen)
I am the CEO of Aishat Obi Da’wah/Orphanage Foundation.
I love Da’wah work and have attended several trainings, including:
IET Training, Minna (three certifications)
Da’wah training in Port Harcourt and Amana Legacy Foundation, Benin
Rescue Mission Training, Warri
Comparative Religion Training, Katsina
TETFund Imo State — Certificate in Interfaith Unity (Train-the-Trainer)
Other roles:
Former Ad-hoc Member, Imo State Pilgrims Welfare Board
Secretary, One Love Cooperative Society of Nigeria, Port Harcourt
Member, Igbo Bọ̀ Otu Women Association of Nigeria, Kaduna
Titled “Ochirozo 1 of Imo State” — One who caters for many in need
Recent Awards:
Merit Da’wah Award — SEMON (2025)
Best Hajj Coordination Award — Saudi Arabian Government (2024)
BN SULAYMAN:
It seems there is truly no end to the list.
(Hajia Aishat laughs.)
BN SULAYMAN:
Are you involved in politics?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Every human being has an element of politics. I am not different.
I have human structures across all 36 states of Nigeria because of my love for people and the needy. This allows me to relate with people of different backgrounds.
I have worked with:
Late Alhaji Zuberu — Abuja
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso
Sarkin Hausawa, Imo State — Alhaji Baba Auwal Suleiman
HRH Alhaji Asari Dokubo
His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State
Sheikh Jalal Arabi — Former NAHCON Chairman
Sheikh Saleh — Current NAHCON Chairman
Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu
Mallam Bashir Lucas Samson
BN SULAYMAN:
What drives you and shapes your interactions with others?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
My slogan is:
“An enemy of intimidation and discrimination; a sister and friend of unity.”
I love interacting with people and meeting their basic needs. Islam refined my love for humanity. I gave up certain lifestyles when Islam called me, and Islam taught me to love people even more.
BN SULAYMAN:
You mentioned acting. Were you once connected to Nollywood?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Yes, I was—and still am—an actress.
Some movies I acted in include:
Mama of the Goddess
The Curse of My Parents
No Second Chance
I stepped back because of Islam, but today I am fully involved in the industry in a Muslim-compliant way.
Allah says:
“O you who believe, enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan…”
Qur’an 2:208
I chose to practice Islam wholeheartedly.
BN SULAYMAN:
Have you achieved anything notable for Muslims in the industry?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Yes, Alhamdulillah.
In 2025, I won four AGN awards at once.
My influence has encouraged inclusive Muslim representation in scripts.
My production house, Aishat Obi Production, is officially approved by AGN Nollywood.
Today, scripts now accommodate modest Muslim female roles. Our movie “Adversity” won four awards and shook the Port Harcourt movie industry.
BN SULAYMAN:
Tell us about your foundation.
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Aishat Obi Da’wah/Orphanage Foundation promotes peaceful coexistence.
Muslim Igbos are minorities in the South-East, so we use charity to foster unity.
Both Muslims and Christians benefit from the foundation, and our workforce includes both faiths.
BN SULAYMAN:
Have you faced threats for being Muslim?
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Yes. Around 2021–2022, KnowIslam and Brother Lucas Bashir helped rescue my family when our lives were in danger.
Later, my husband and I were kidnapped for being Muslims.
My house and business were burnt in 2023.
I have faced countless threats—verbal, physical, and online.
It is not easy being an Igbo Muslim in the South-East. This reality inspired the foundation.
BN SULAYMAN:
Thank you for your time. May Allah reward you.
HAJIA AISHAT OBI:
Aameen. Thank you. Please help tell our story to the world.
Reach Aishat
+234 707 323 7701
[email protected]
