Abubakar Umar Muhammad
In a society where corruption, injustice, selfishness, and abuse of public trust often dominate the headlines, there remain individuals whose honesty, integrity, and fear of Allah inspire hope and reaffirm our faith in public service.
One of the greatest blessings in my professional journey has been the opportunity to work with Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, the Executive Secretary of the Kano Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND).
She is an exceptional leader whose commitment, dedication, integrity, and fairness are reflected in every aspect of her service. She treats everyone with respect and impartiality, regardless of tribe, background, social status, or position.
Her leadership has made KHETFUND a source of hope for the less privileged and the vulnerable across Kano State.
Under her stewardship, KHETFUND has continued to strengthen healthcare delivery through impactful interventions that have significantly improved the state’s health sector.
These achievements stand as part of the notable accomplishments of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessible and quality healthcare.
Beyond funding projects and supporting health institutions, Dr. Fatima has fostered a culture of discipline, accountability, transparency, and professionalism.
She remains committed to ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and that every intervention delivers value to the people it is intended to serve.
Having served for more than 13 years in various government health institutions, I initially believed that my posting to KHETFUND would be one of the most challenging assignments of my career.
However, after experiencing the agency’s work environment and witnessing the exemplary leadership of the Executive Secretary, my perception changed completely.
Her leadership inspired confidence, strengthened my commitment to service, and taught me valuable lessons that I will carry throughout my professional life.
The admirable qualities of Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen cannot be fully expressed in words.
What I have personally witnessed is enough for me to appreciate and acknowledge her exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
As Allah says:
﴿وَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَى﴾
“So do not claim yourselves to be pure. He knows best who is truly righteous.”
(Surah An-Najm 53:32)
And Allah also says:
﴿بَلِ اللَّهُ يُزَكِّي مَن يَشَاءُ وَلَا يُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا﴾
“Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills, and they will not be wronged even as much as the thread in the cleft of a date stone.”
(Surah An-Nisāʾ 4:49)
Therefore, I do not claim purity for anyone before Allah. Rather, I simply bear witness to the good character, integrity, fairness, and dedication that I have personally observed in Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen.
May Allah (SWT) reward her abundantly, grant her continued wisdom, strength, and good health, bless her service to humanity, and make her efforts a lasting source of benefit for the people of Kano State. Āmīn.
Abubakar Umar Muhammad writes from KHETFUND and can be reached via nurseabubakarumar@gmail.com ; 08069781041
