In the heart of Maiduguri, where conflict and displacement have reshaped daily life, one woman decided that healing must go beyond medicine. Dr Amina Kyari Dikwa, a medical doctor and humanitarian from Borno State, founded the Amina Dikwa Foundation (ADF) in 2018, not just to treat illness, but to restore dignity.
In the heart of Maiduguri, where conflict and displacement have reshaped daily life, one woman decided that healing must go beyond medicine. Dr Amina Kyari Dikwa, a medical doctor and humanitarian from Borno State, founded the Amina Dikwa Foundation (ADF) in 2018, not just to treat illness, but to restore dignity.
‘I’ve always believed that healthcare should go beyond hospitals, it should reach the heart of communities. I wanted to use my training not just to treat illness, but to heal lives,’ she said.
Her journey began not in a boardroom or clinic, but in the field, witnessing the silent sufferings of women and children displaced by violence. ‘I saw firsthand the struggles of women and children affected by conflict,’ she recalled.
She added that, ‘It wasn’t just about providing relief, it was about creating pathways for long-term empowerment.’
That realisation led to the birth of ADF, a non-profit organisation committed to improving the lives of vulnerable women, children, and youth in North East Nigeria. ‘The humanitarian crisis was worsening. We needed more than band-aid solutions. We needed to build resilience,’ she said.
ADF’s work spans six key areas: livelihood and skills empowerment, education and literacy, gender equality and women’s rights, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and emergency response.
‘Our mission is to unleash the potential of disadvantaged people by improving their living conditions and equipping them with tools for self-reliance,’ Dr Dikwa explained.
According to her, the foundation’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement. ‘We use a participatory, rights-based model. We consult with communities to identify their needs and involve them in planning and implementation. That way, our interventions are relevant and sustainable,’ she said.
Dr Kyari with some beneficiaries
Since its inception, ADF has reached thousands across Borno State and neighboring communities. Relief materials have been distributed in IDP camps, mobile medical clinics launched for flood victims, and educational initiatives supported in underserved areas. ‘Each project is a step toward restoring hope,’ she said.
Some of the works include distributions of food and relief material to Bakassi IDP camp, Teachers village IDP camp, Yerwa temporary IDP camp, Maiduguri and Government College Temporary IDP camp, all in Maiduguri.
The foundation had also constructed boreholes in Songhai, Bolori 3 ward in MMC, Goni Damgari Ward,Railway quarters in MMC and Abba Gana Terab School, 505 Housing Estate, Maiduguri as well as Danji Village, Kuje Area Council, Abuja.
It also distributed food, clothing and shoes to over 50 Tsangaya school and hospitals across Borno, FCT, Kano and Yobe states.
But ADF’s work goes beyond emergency response. It’s about building capacity and reducing long-term vulnerability. ‘We’ve delivered empowerment programmes for women, supported youth leadership, and campaigned against harmful practices that impede women’s and children’s rights. We want to equip people with the skills and tools they need to thrive,’ she said.
On how the foundation selects its beneficiaries, she said they’re based on vulnerability and need. ‘We prioritise women-headed households, children at risk of neglect or abuse, youth lacking opportunities, and individuals affected by emergencies.
‘We conduct needs assessments and community consultations to ensure fairness and transparency,’ she said.
Funding for ADF comes from a mix of donations, grants, and partnerships. ‘We’re supported by philanthropists who share our vision. We also collaborate with local communities and humanitarian actors to maximise impact,’ she said.
Dr Dikwa believes in leveraging indigenous resources and working closely with stakeholders. ‘We believe in building from within. When communities are involved, the impact lasts longer,’ she added.
Managing the foundation’s day-to-day operations requires structure and teamwork. ‘We have a dedicated team that oversees program design, implementation, and evaluation. Our staff and volunteers work closely with community representatives to ensure smooth delivery,’ she added.
Transparency and communication are central to her leadership style. ‘We operate through clear policies and continuous engagement with stakeholders. It’s not just about running projects, it’s about building trust.’
Coordination, she added, goes beyond the office. ‘It’s about making sure our team is in sync with community leaders, schools, government agencies, and most importantly, the beneficiaries themselves.’
Sustainability is not just a goal, it’s a principle embedded in every project. ‘We prioritise capacity building and skills training so beneficiaries can become self-reliant. By involving communities in project design and execution, we foster ownership and continuity.’
ADF also works with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners to strengthen sustainability. ‘We’re constantly seeking diversified funding sources to maintain financial stability and program continuity,’ she added.
Looking ahead, Dr Dikwa envisions ADF as a national force for development and empowerment. ‘We want to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and amplify our advocacy for women’s and children’s rights. Our goal is to build resilient communities that can thrive independently,’ she said.
Her vision is bold but grounded. ‘We see a future where every woman, child, and youth affected by conflict or poverty has access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. We’re building a Nigeria where vulnerable populations are empowered to reach their full potential.’
Despite the challenges, Dr Dikwa remains undeterred. ‘This work is not easy,’ she admitted. ‘But every life we touch reminds me why we started. It’s about giving people the tools to rebuild their lives, and that’s worth everything.’