Nigeria, June 1 -- In our culture, it is often said that a prophet is without honour in his own land. This saying has gained so much traction that when a person begins to earn widespread acclaim beyond home soil, we assume they've been overlooked by those who should be their first cheerleaders. But every once in a while, someone comes along who upends that narrative, someone whose impact resonates so deeply that home must rise to applaud them. Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu is that rare exception. And when a masquerade is honoured at home, it speaks volumes.

The former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was recently honoured with the Icon in Public Service award by Arise Igala Leadership Magazine, a socio-cultural Igala ...