"Meet Hauwa Bako Mohammed: A Champion of Sustainable Development and Social Change"

Hauwa Bako Mohammed - Kontagora is a distinguished leader and advocate for global governance and sustainable development. As the Founder of Bako Kontagora Development Foundation, she has dedicated her career to driving positive change in her community and beyond. With a strong academic background in Economics and Financial Economics, Hauwa has developed a unique blend of technical expertise and practical experience in policy development, advocacy, and social development.

Hauwa's work spans across governmental and non-governmental organizations, focusing on advocacy, research, and program development in areas such as education, health, and social development. Her commitment to empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women and out-of-school children, is evident in her work with Anty Goma, a community education project that provides basic learning opportunities in isolated villages and wards. As Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Niger State on Social Investment Programmes, Hauwa continues to drive initiatives that promote sustainable development and social change in her state and beyond.

Interaction With TMG Team

TMG> As a Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Niger State on Social Investment Programmes, what key initiatives have you implemented to drive sustainable development and social change?

Hauwa》》As a Special Adviser and Focal Person for Social Investment Programmes, my focus has been on designing inclusive, data-driven interventions that expand opportunity, strengthen social protection systems, and build resilience among vulnerable groups. Some key initiatives include the Bago Women Empowerment Grant, Conditional Cash Transfer and Household Uplifting Programmes, and the National Home-Gr.own School Feeding Programme.

TMG> You're currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). How do you think your research will contribute to achieving the SDGs in Nigeria?

Hauwa》》My doctoral research examines how social investment programs can become long-term enablers of sustainability. By analyzing the impact of interventions like cash transfers, school feeding, and youth empowerment on community resilience and economic independence, I hope to guide state and national institutions toward designing evidence-based, context-sensitive programs that tackle poverty, gender inequality, and unemployment.

TMG> Having completed the "Governing for Non-profit Excellence" program at Harvard Business School, what best practices have you applied to your work with the Bako Kontagora Development Foundation?

Hauwa》》At the Bako Kontagora Development Foundation, I applied lessons on strategic governance and accountability from the "Governing for Non-profit Excellence" program at Harvard Business School. We introduced clearer frameworks for impact measurement, improved board engagement practices, and aligned all projects with measurable community outcomes.

TMG> With your experience in national policy dialogue creation, how do you think policymakers can effectively address the needs of vulnerable populations, such as internally displaced persons?

Hauwa》》Effective policy requires inclusion — bringing displaced persons into the conversation about their own reintegration. Policymakers should design frameworks that combine data-driven needs assessments with multi-agency collaboration, ensuring security, education, and social services are deployed in tandem.

TMG> Can you share some successes and challenges you've faced with Anty Goma, your community education project, and how it has impacted women and out-of-school children?

Hauwa》》Anty Goma has been a movement of empowerment and self-belief, providing literacy circles for women and out-of-school children in rural wards. While challenges persist, the transformation we witness every day is remarkable. Women who once could not read or write are now leading community discussions and encouraging others to learn.

TMG> What strategies do you employ to advocate for the rights and empowerment of marginalized groups, and how do you measure the effectiveness of these efforts?

Hauwa》》My advocacy is grounded in participation, evidence, and partnership. I ensure that every intervention begins with listening to communities to understand their realities. We track impact through measurable indicators and use storytelling to capture real transformation narratives.

TMG> As a seasoned professional with experience in both governmental and non-governmental organizations, how do you see public-private partnerships contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria?

Hauwa》》Public-private partnerships are the bridge between ambition and action. In Niger State, we've seen successful partnerships like the Produce-for-Lagos Initiative, where Niger supplies agricultural produce to Lagos State in an organized off-take system that benefits farmers directly.

TMG> How do you design and implement programs that cater to the needs of young people, and what role do you think youth empowerment plays in achieving sustainable development?

Hauwa》》Young people are not just beneficiaries — they are architects of the future. Every successful policy I've led has involved youth in the design phase. We ensure that young people define what empowerment means to them.

TMG> What motivates you to continue working in the field of sustainable development and social advocacy, and who has been a source of inspiration for you?

Hauwa》》My motivation comes from the quiet triumphs — a woman learning to read, a child returning to school, a family lifted out of poverty. I'm inspired by women in underserved communities, their strength, adaptability, and grace. Leaders like Dr. Amina Mohammed also remind me that sustainable development is a lifelong calling.

TMG> Looking ahead, what are your plans for scaling up the impact of your work, and how do you see yourself contributing to Nigeria's development in the next few years?

Hauwa》》The next phase of my work focuses on scale, innovation, and sustainability. I aim to deepen partnerships that bridge state and federal efforts, ensuring Niger State remains a model for SDG localization in Nigeria. My vision is for every program to evolve beyond assistance into empowerment — helping families transition from vulnerability to stability.