Gambo Sawaba was a Nigerian female politician who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of women and the less privileged. She was born on December 20, 1933, in Kano, Nigeria, and passed away on October 24, 2001. Sawaba was a fearless activist who challenged the status quo and paved the way for women’s participation in politics in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Gambo Sawaba was born into a poor family in Kano, Nigeria. She was the daughter of a peasant farmer and grew up in a community where women were not allowed to attend school. Despite the odds, Sawaba was determined to get an education. She attended a local primary school and later enrolled in a teacher training college. She worked as a teacher for a few years before venturing into politics.
Career in Politics
Gambo Sawaba began her political career in the 1950s when she joined the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), a political party that fought for the rights of the poor and marginalized in Northern Nigeria. She quickly rose through the ranks and became a prominent figure in the party. Sawaba was known for her fiery speeches and her unwavering commitment to social justice.
In 1959, Sawaba contested for a seat in the Northern Regional House of Assembly but was disqualified by the colonial authorities on the grounds that she was a woman. Undeterred, she continued to fight for women’s rights and became a symbol of hope for many women in Nigeria.
Sawaba’s political career was marked by several arrests and detentions. She was imprisoned several times for her activism and was even sent to a mental institution for her political views. However, she remained undaunted and continued to fight for what she believed in.
Political Records
Here are some of Gambo Sawaba’s political records:
| Position | Year |
|---|---|
| NEPU Women’s Leader | 1950s-1960s |
| Contested for a seat in the Northern Regional House of Assembly | 1959 |
| Contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives | 1979 |
| Contested for a seat in the Presidential elections | 1993 |
Personal Life
Gambo Sawaba was married to a fellow activist, Mallam Magaji Danbatta. They had six children together. Sawaba was a devout Muslim and was known for her humility and kindness.
Net Worth
Gambo Sawaba’s net worth is not publicly known. However, she lived a modest life and was known for her frugality. She did not own any luxurious cars or houses.
As of August 2021, 1 US dollar is equivalent to 411 Nigerian Naira, 1 Canadian dollar is equivalent to 324 Nigerian Naira, 1 Ghana cedi is equivalent to 70 Nigerian Naira, 1 Kenya shilling is equivalent to 3.7 Nigerian Naira, 1 South Africa rand is equivalent to 28 Nigerian Naira, 1 Uganda shilling is equivalent to 0.11 Nigerian Naira, and 1 India rupee is equivalent to 5.5 Nigerian Naira.
Therefore, Gambo Sawaba’s net worth in different currencies would be:
- Net worth in US dollars: Unknown
- Net worth in Nigerian Naira: Unknown
- Net worth in Canadian dollars: Unknown
- Net worth in Ghana cedi: Unknown
- Net worth in Kenya shilling: Unknown
- Net worth in South Africa rand: Unknown
- Net worth in Uganda shilling: Unknown
- Net worth in India rupee: Unknown
Awards and Nominations
Gambo Sawaba did not receive any official awards or nominations during her lifetime. However, she was widely recognized as a trailblazer and a champion of women’s rights in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges she faced, Gambo Sawaba remained committed to her cause and inspired a generation of women to take up leadership positions in Nigeria. Her legacy continues to live on, and she remains a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
For more information on Gambo Sawaba’s life and legacy, you can visit her Wikipedia page. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
