Turai Yar'Adua
Turai Umar Musa Yar'Adua is a Nigerian former First Lady, philanthropist, and public health advocate. She served as the First Lady of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010, during the presidency of her late husband, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. **Early Life and Education** Turai Yar'Adua was born in Katsina State, Nigeria. She attended primary and secondary schools in her hometown before pursuing higher education. She earned a bachelor's degree in Language Arts from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. She is known to be fluent in Hausa and English. **Role as First Lady** Turai Yar'Adua assumed the role of First Lady of Nigeria on May 29, 2007. Her tenure was primarily characterized by her focus on public health and addressing the challenges faced by women and children in Nigeria. She established the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), **Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYE Foundation)**. **Major Achievements and Philanthropy** Through the WAYE Foundation, Turai Yar'Adua concentrated her efforts on critical areas of social development: * **Healthcare:** Her foundation championed initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health, including campaigns for the prevention of malaria, HIV/AIDS, and poliomyelitis. She focused on providing access to basic healthcare services in rural communities. * **Education:** WAYE Foundation also supported programs for women's literacy and youth empowerment through vocational skills training. * **Advocacy:** She used her platform to advocate for legislation and policies aimed at protecting the rights of women and enhancing their participation in national development.**Current Status** Following the death of her husband, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, in May 2010, Turai Yar'Adua retreated from her public role as First Lady. She has since maintained a low profile, focusing on her family and private business interests. She continues her philanthropic work, albeit outside the high-profile political sphere. She remains a respected figure and the matriarch of the Yar'Adua family.