INSPIRING CHANGE

Patience Shehu Audu Baju II Shares Her Journey of Passion, Challenges, and Achievement.
In a world where selflessness often takes a back seat, Mrs. Patience Shehu Audu Baju II stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion. As the founder of the Aspats Peace and Hope Foundation, she has dedicated her life to fostering peace, empowering the vulnerable, and building bridges of understanding within her community and beyond.

With an academic background spanning Language and Communication Arts, professional training in acting and presentation, and ongoing studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mrs. Patience blends knowledge, passion, and purpose to drive meaningful change. Her foundation has touched countless lives through peace seminars, skill acquisition programs, scholarships, and community-building initiatives.

In this exclusive interview with Aisha Adamu Isah, Mrs. Patience shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her vision for a peaceful and empowered society.
TR DIGEST: Ma, can we know about you?
Response: I am Mrs. Patience Shehu Audu Baju II, from Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and Communication Arts from Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola (2009–2014). I also completed a one-year professional course in Acting and Presentation at PEFTI Film Institute, Lagos (2016–2017). Additionally, I pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict Resolution, I have Masters Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution and I’m currently a PhD undergraduate student of the same course. I am also the founder of Aspats Peace and Hope Foundation.
TR DIGEST: Tell us a bit about your childhood.
Response: I was born and raised in Gembu, where I attended both primary and secondary school. My childhood was eventful and shaped by my passion for serving people, especially the elderly. I remember assisting them with little tasks and being rewarded, which I used to buy personal items like cream. That passion for service remains alive in me to this day.
TR DIGEST: What inspired you to start a foundation?
Response: It all began with a vision I had in a dream. One night, I felt a touch and woke up to an empty room, but I heard a voice instructing me on the idea of the foundation. The next morning, I felt compelled to bring that dream to life. With the little resources I had, I registered Aspats Peace and Hope Foundation with a mission to promote peace and offer hope to the needy.

TR DIGEST: What challenges did you face when starting the foundation, and how did you overcome them?
Response: The major challenge was funding. Since it is a personal foundation, I had to rely on my resources to keep it running. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but with faith, dedication, and sacrifice, I was able to sustain the foundation. God’s grace also played a significant role in overcoming those obstacles.

TR DIGEST: What services does your foundation offer?
Response: The foundation focuses on promoting peaceful coexistence and empowering the needy. We organize peace seminars, skill acquisition programs for widows, orphans, women, and youth, and provide scholarships to underprivileged children to help them achieve their dreams.

TR DIGEST: What is your vision for the foundation and your community at large?
Response: My vision is to see the foundation grow into a platform that restores peace and fosters unity across communities, local governments, and Nigeria at large. We also aim to build strong bonds of love and brotherhood through initiatives such as sports tournaments.

TR DIGEST: Who is your role model?
Response: I have two role models. First is the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who has mentored me spiritually and financially, teaching me the importance of giving back to society. Second is my beloved husband, His Royal Majesty Shehu Audu Baju II, whose humility, selflessness, and commitment to uplifting others inspire me daily.

TR DIGEST: What are your thoughts on the attitudes of today’s generation of girls?
Response: There are both positive and negative aspects, but the negative trends concern me more. Many girls today are losing focus on their education and future aspirations, prioritizing early marriages instead. Some parents even encourage early unions without considering the consequences, leading to teenage pregnancies, health complications, or lost opportunities for a better life.

TR DIGEST: Who would you attribute your success to?
Response: First, I attribute my success to God Almighty for giving me this vision and the strength to pursue it. Second, I am grateful to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for his mentorship and support. Lastly, I appreciate everyone who has supported the foundation through prayers and encouragement.

TR DIGEST: What is your greatest achievement so far?
Response: My greatest achievement lies in answering the call to establish Aspats Peace and Hope Foundation. Through our initiatives, we’ve provided clean drinking water for my community, supported education through scholarships, empowered women and youth through skills acquisition programs, and contributed to community-building events like sports tournaments.

TR DIGEST: Thank you so much for your time, Ma.
Response: You’re welcome, and God bless you.

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