Aisha Bello Mustapha Biography
Aisha Bello Mustapha, a prominent Nigerian journalist, newscaster, and media icon, dedicated more than twenty years of her career to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Renowned for her courageous reporting, she extensively covered the insurgency and humanitarian crisis in her native North-East region of Nigeria. Additionally, she served as an inspiration and mentor to numerous young women and aspiring journalists across the country.
Tragically, she passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 47, following an extended struggle with breast cancer.
Aisha Bello Mustapha Early Life and Education
Aisha Bello Mustapha was born in 1976 (at the time of her passing, she was 47 years old) in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno State. She was the second child among six siblings, born to Alhaji Bello Mustapha, a retired civil servant, and Hajiya Fatima Mustapha, a homemaker. Her educational journey began at the Government Girls Secondary School in Maiduguri, where her love for literature and writing blossomed. Active involvement in the school’s drama and debate clubs fueled her passion for expression and communication.
Subsequently, Aisha secured admission to the University of Maiduguri, pursuing a degree in Mass Communication. In 1998, she successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her pursuit of knowledge didn’t cease there; she continued her academic endeavors by obtaining a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the same university in 2002.
Aisha Bello Mustapha Career
Aisha Bello Mustapha commenced her journey with NTA in 1999, starting as a reporter and newscaster. She steadily climbed the ranks to head the news and current affairs department at the NTA Maiduguri Network Centre. Notably, she anchored the well-received programs, Newsline and Dateline Nigeria, both focusing on investigative and human-interest stories.
She courageously reported from the frontlines of the conflict between the Nigerian military and the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, which has plagued the North-East region since 2009. Aisha shed light on the atrocities committed by both sides, exposing the suffering of the millions of displaced civilians and those affected by the violence. Additionally, she highlighted the commendable efforts of humanitarian agencies and local communities in offering aid and support to the victims.
Her fearlessness, professionalism, and unwavering integrity garnered widespread respect and admiration. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades and honors recognizing her exceptional work, including the Nigerian Media Merit Award for Television Reporter of the Year in 2015, the African Women in Media Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2017, and the esteemed International Press Freedom Award from the Committee to Protect Journalists in 2019.
A passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, particularly in the North-East region where many girls and women encounter discrimination, violence, and limited opportunities. Aisha actively mentored and supported numerous young women aspiring to pursue careers in journalism and other fields. Her involvement in various initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting education, healthcare, and peace in the region showcased her dedication to making a positive impact in her community.
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Aisha Bello Mustapha Personal Life, Husband and Children
Aisha Bello Mustapha married Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar, a businessman and philanthropist. Together, they raised four children—two sons and two daughters. Devoted to her family and a devout Muslim, she adeptly balanced her professional career and family life.
In 2020, Aisha discovered a lump in her left breast and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer metastasized. Remarkably, she persevered in her work as a reporter until her health declined in 2023.
Net Worth
Aisha Bello Mustapha, a well-known figure in the media industry, had an estimated net worth of $150,000.
Aisha Bello Mustapha Death
In 2020, Aisha Bello Mustapha was diagnosed with breast cancer following the discovery of a lump in her left breast. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer metastasized to other parts of her body.
Aisha Bello Mustapha, a revered newscaster from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), passed away at 47 after a valiant fight against breast cancer. Her demise occurred today, December 11, 2023, at an Abuja hospital where she was under treatment. She will be laid to rest later in Maiduguri, Borno State, following Islamic traditions.
Her demise was deeply mourned by numerous Nigerians, particularly in the North-East region, where she was revered as a hero and a legend. Colleagues, friends, and fans nationwide and beyond lauded and honored her.
A multitude of tributes and condolences flooded in from various media outlets, civil society organizations, government figures, celebrities, and ordinary citizens, commemorating her life and legacy.
