Amina Oyiza Bello – Biography, Career, Hayat Foundation and Kogi Roots

Legal and Business Career
Amina Oyiza Bello is a trained lawyer and entrepreneur. In addition to her legal background, she has been associated with Fairplus International Limited, where she has been identified as chief executive.

Her professional interests have extended beyond legal practice into entrepreneurship, education, humanitarian work and community development. She has also described herself publicly as a multi-preneur, reflecting her involvement in different areas of business and social initiatives.

Hayat Foundation
A major part of Amina Bello's public profile is her work through the Hayat Foundation.

The foundation was established following her experience raising her first son, Hayatullah, who was born with cerebral palsy. In interviews, Amina explained that her family's experience led her to seek information and assistance outside Nigeria, including visits to institutions in the United States.

She has spoken about the challenges faced by families raising children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including stigma, inadequate facilities and limited access to specialised care.

These experiences influenced the creation of Hayat Foundation, which has focused on supporting children and persons living with special needs and improving public understanding of disability.

The foundation's stated areas of interest have included education, healthcare, advocacy, assistance to vulnerable people and community development.

Advocacy for Children with Special Needs
Amina Bello's advocacy has particularly focused on children living with disabilities.

Through her public statements and foundation activities, she has called for greater social acceptance of children with special needs and improved access to education, healthcare and other services.

She has also discussed the need for stronger legal and institutional protection for persons with disabilities. In a 2017 interview, she said the foundation intended to work with organisations including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Nigerian Bar Association on issues affecting people with special needs.

Her advocacy has consequently combined humanitarian assistance with awareness and legal advocacy.

Community Development Projects in Kogi State
One of the documented community projects associated with Amina Bello and the Hayat Foundation was the reconstruction and equipping of a school and clinic in Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In September 2023, the Eika-Ohizenyi Community Clinic and Al-Dabiya Primary and Secondary School were inaugurated after reconstruction and refurbishment supported by the Hayat Foundation.

The clinic was used for a three-day free medical outreach for residents, while educational materials were also distributed to pupils. Reports stated that more than 8,000 educational items, including school uniforms, sandals, exercise books and writing materials, were distributed during the outreach.

Amina described the project as a special homecoming because of her connection to the community.

The projects also received recognition from the Kogi State Government, with the then governor announcing additional government support for the school, including teachers and other infrastructure.

Humanitarian and Social Initiatives
Beyond disability advocacy, Amina Bello's foundation has been involved in programmes addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

An interview about her work described initiatives involving rural water provision, educational materials for disadvantaged people and support for women involved in the production of traditional Itinochi fabric associated with the Ebira people.

Her humanitarian activities have therefore covered several areas, including healthcare, education, disability inclusion, women and community development.

Public Role During Yahaya Bello's Governorship
Amina Oyiza Bello was married to Yahaya Bello during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024.

Although she was publicly referred to as the governor's first wife, contemporary reports also identified Rashida Yahaya Bello as the First Lady of Kogi State. Amina's public role was therefore primarily associated with her own humanitarian and community initiatives rather than the formal First Lady title.

Her profile nevertheless received significant public attention because of the activities of the Hayat Foundation and her advocacy for children with special needs.

Recognition by the African Women Lawyers Association
In December 2023, the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) announced that Amina Oyiza Yahaya Bello had been inducted as a Diamond Life Member.

According to AWLA, the recognition was connected to her work through Hayat Foundation and Fairplus International Limited, particularly her activities concerning persons living with disabilities, education, assistive devices and vulnerable and elderly people.

The organisation also indicated an interest in collaborating with her organisation on legal services and human-rights education.