The Global Humanitarian Citizen Award companion ceremony in Niamey, Niger took place on January 6th, 2018 at the Palais des Congrès de Niamey, the National Conference Center. The ceremony was attended by nearly 1,000 guests, including Mama Kiota herself.
Children from her Franco-Arab Lycée sang, speeches honoring Mama Kiota and her accomplishments were made, and footage from the ceremony at Tufts University in Medford, MA was shown to the guests, including the message from Ambassador Hassana Alidou to Mama and Professor Robinson.
Photos > Ceremony Gallery
Notable speeches from the ceremony-
Mr. Philip Nelson, Chargé d’Affires of the US Embassy in Niger
Discours_Ambassade_DCM-Nelson (in French)
Mr. Nelson lists all of the US Embassy’s women-related programs, and highlights that the embassy’s work and Mama Kiota’s work complement each other. He recognizes Tufts’ tireless efforts, salutes Professor Robinson for having amplified Mama’s work in a Hausa language documentary, and salutes Tufts’ decision to give this distinguished award to Mama Kiota. In the name of the US embassy, he congratulates Mama Kiota, and hopes that she will be an inspiration to young people. He concludes by speaking directly to Mama Kiota, saying that by devoting her time and resources to the education of of women and their economic empowerment in their respective communities, she has contributed to the development of the entire country.
Mme Zeinabou Elback Adam – Minister for the Advancement of ‘women and Protection of Children
Discours_de_la_Ministre_Femmes (in French)
Mme Zeinabou Elback Adam refers to Mama Kiota as one of her country’s renowned religious leaders whose reputation spreads beyond the borders of Niger. She praises Mama Kiota for being a religious educator who has spent more than 60 years spreading the message of an Islam that promotes peace, tolerance and development. She thanks Mama Kiota for her tireless efforts in providing religious knowledge along with training in social and economic domains to several generations of women. She also calls attention to the fact that Mama’s message has touched the lives of many educated and professional women who are now contributing to the affairs of the country as a whole. She also credits Professor Robinson’s documentary for enabling her country to know more about Mama’s work, and for contributing to efforts to educate and empower women in Niger.
Mme Djamila Amadou – President of the Jamiyat Nassirat Din
DISCOURS_de_la_presidente_Djamila_Amadou (in French)
Mme Djamila Amadou’s speech lists the memorable awards Mama Kiota has received from people and agencies in her own country before being honored by Tufts in the US. The sources document the range of Mama’s outreach and impact in a display of pride and reverence for the JND’s founder and inspiration to better the lives of Muslim women across Africa.
Mama Kiota's Message 