Lawal Aishat Oladunni is her real name, but widely known as Aisha Lawal. She is…
Aisha Yesufu: Biography, Achievements, Marital Status And Net Worth
Aisha Somtochukwu Yesufu is her real full name, widely and simply addressed as Aisha Yesufu.
She is a famous young Nigerian social-political activist and businesswoman reputed for her strong stand on social justice and gender equality. She is also co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which received global attention, following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014.
Aisha was also in the forefront in the End SARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
She was born into a Muslim family on December 12, 1973 in Kano State. Aisha Yesufu grew up in Kano State but hails from Agbede in Edo State.
Her growing up was a challenging one as the society and indeed Aisha’s parents played a significant role in shaping her values and resilience. This no doubt played a great influence in her educational pursuit and eventual emergence of her strong advocate for justice and equality for all.
Aisha Yesufu’s Educational Background
Aisha Yesufu had her primary and secondary education in Kano State. She did her University education at Ahmadu Bello University and later Usmanu Danfodiyo University, but had to leave both, due to various challenges.
She eventually graduated in Microbiology at Bayero University, Kano State, Nigeria.
Aisha Yesufu’s Career
Aisha Yesufu kick-started her activism following her challenging upbringing in a patriarchal society, which greatly influenced her determination and passion for gender equality and justice.
Aisha and Oby Ezekwesili co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which demanded the safe return of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014. They spearheaded the women protesters who marched to the Nigerian National Assembly in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
She also played a prominent role in the End SARS movement, which protested police brutality in Nigeria. Her courage during the protests, especially a photo of her raising her fist while wearing a hijab, of course demonstrated her resistance and fight for justice.
In Aisha Yesufu’s words, “I will not be an irresponsible parent and leave this fight for my children. I am ready to sacrifice my life for my children to live. I brought them to this world, and I need to fix the world I put them in.”
Commenting on Aisha Yesufu’s courage and fight at a later date, Njideka Agbo wrote of Yesufu in The Guardian in 2019, “Often maligned for her stance on national issues in Nigeria by pro-government voices, she is not a run-of-the-mill activist. Her penchant for naming names has earned her truckloads of enemies, and perhaps, admirers”.
Recently, I watched the living legend’s views on Senator Nathasia Akpoti Uduaghan versus Godswill Akpabio, the President of Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regarding sexual harassment issue, on AIT Democracy Today with Ijeoma Osamon where Aisha demonstrated boldness, outspokenness and call for justice for Nathasia, who she said was not given fair hearing at the Red Chamber.
Her logical presentation, doggedness and resilience clearly portrayed Aisha Yesufu as a force to reckon with among womenfolk.
Aside activism, Aisha is also a successful businesswoman.
Awards
Aisha Yesufu’s strong activism has received wide recognition both locally and internationally.
She made the list of BBC’s 100 Women in 2020.
Yesufu was included in a list of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2020
In 2023, Reputation Poll International (RPI) named Aisha Yesufu as one of the 14 Nigerians who made the list of ‘100 most reputable Africans’.
Aisha Yesufu was also included in the list of the 50 Most Impactful Voices List to mark 2023 International Women’s Day.
The veteran also won the Martin Luther King Award.
Her Marital Life
Aisha Yesufu is happily married to Aliu Osigwe Yesufu since 1998 and they blessed with two children – a boy and girl, named Amir and Alliyyah.
She is known for balancing her activism with family life, and maintaining a strong support system with her husband and children.
Aisha Yesufu Net Worth
Aisha Yesufu has made a big name in her quest for justice and gender equality for all with an estimated net worth of about $800,000 as at 2025. She earns her income from her political activism and entrepreneurship with global recognition.
