Idris, a pilgrim from Plateau State, found the money in Saudi Arabia during the recently concluded 2025 Hajj exercise.

A pilgrim, Zainab Idris has been rewarded with One Million Naira (N1,000,000) for returning missing $5000 to the rightful owner, a Tajikistan citizen.

The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang gave the monetary reward to Idris, a pilgrim from Plateau State.

She found the money in Saudi Arabia during the recently concluded 2025 Hajj exercise, searched for the owner and returned it to him.

Presenting the N1m to Zainab Idris at the Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, the Governor, through the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Dayyabu Dauda, said they invited her to show appreciation for her good conduct and character during the pilgrimage, and to support her business with a token.

The governor also awarded one Malam Ayuku with a new phone for returning lost iPhone in Saudi Arabia during pilgrimage.

“We are proud of these pilgrims because they have proved to the world that they are of good character. Before we traveled to the Holy land, the governor in his message asked pilgrims to be good and ambassadors and they justified that. We are proud of them indeed,” the secretary said.

“Governor Mutfwang has advised that we should always be good people wherever we find ourselves. He also called on other citizens of the state and the country at large to emulate them.”

Responding, Idris appreciated the reward extended to her by the Governor, describing him as a father.

She added that the money would go along way in supporting her business.

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A new charity foundation dedicated to assisted conception has called on the Nigerian government to prioritise fertility support programmes within the national health agenda, highlighting the emotional and financial burden faced by millions of couples.

The Circle Mom Fertility Foundation, launched in Abuja, immediately offered full and partial sponsorships for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment to ten couples. Founder Dr. Charles Ojeabuo stated the initiative was created to restore hope, arguing that assisted conception is a “divine tool” that allows families to achieve parenthood.

VF Sponsorship and Accessibility

The foundation confirmed that five couples received full IVF sponsorship, five others were granted a 50% subsidy, and every attending couple received a 20% discount on treatment. To ensure wider access across Africa’s most populous nation, the foundation is partnering with fertility centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, reducing the need for families to travel long distances for care.

The launch event received a significant boost from a celebrity endorsement: visibly pregnant actress and comedienne, Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), paid tribute to the founders, praising the initiative for restoring hope to families. She joined the foundation’s patron, Dr. Rose Anthony-Orianran, in advocating for the work, with Dr. Anthony-Orianran describing the foundation as a “beacon of hope.”

A Public Health Issue

Mrs. Victoria Ojeabuo, the foundation’s National Director, who has personal experience with secondary infertility, stressed that the struggle is a significant public health issue. She noted that infertility affects millions globally, and the emotional and psychological toll is often overlooked, calling it a “silent pain.”

Mrs. Ojeabuo also provided demographic details on the challenge in Nigeria, citing that infertility cases are roughly 30% male-related, 30% female-related, and 30% a combination, urging philanthropists to collaborate and strengthen this “circle of humanity.”

Legal Guidelines for Assisted Reproduction

The legal aspects of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) were also addressed. Guest speaker Babayemi Olawole, a legal expert, advised couples seeking surrogacy to “always choose gestational surrogacy,” warning that traditional surrogacy grants the surrogate mother biological rights to the child.

Olawole reassured attendees that while Nigeria lacks a specific statute governing ART, the practice is supported by the Constitution’s provision for private and family life. He advised couples to ensure consent forms are signed with the surrogate mother at multiple stages of the process and to avoid the temptation of knowing the surrogate personally.

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From lending her voice to one of Nigeria’s most iconic love songs to becoming a Nollywood powerhouse, Shaffy Bello continues to inspire with grace and glamour.

A Star with Many Faces and Talents

Shaffy Bello (born 8 October 1970) is a Nigerian actress and singer whose influence in the entertainment industry has spanned more than two decades. Known for her captivating presence both on and offscreen, she embodies a blend of artistry, elegance, and resilience. Her journey began not as an actress, but as a singer — her soulful voice helping to define Nigerian pop culture in the late 1990s.

The Voice That Captured a Generation

Bello first gained public attention in 1997 when she lent her vocals to Seyi Sodimu’s chart-topping hit “Love Me Jeje.” The song became an instant classic, beloved across generations for its romantic rhythm and heartfelt lyrics. Her contribution not only introduced her widely to Nigerian audiences, but also marked a defining moment in the evolution of contemporary Nigerian music.

Education, Upbringing, and Background

Shaffy Bello was born in Nigeria in 1970, but she spent much of her early life in the United States, where she completed her formal education.

Though details about her specific schools and degrees are not widely published, her time abroad shaped her outlook — particularly in terms of style, discipline, and ambition. She has spoken in interviews about returning to Nigeria to pursue her career, despite the challenges of separation from her children and family while abroad.

Family, Marriage, and Sacrifices

Shaffy Bello is a mother of two children — a son and a daughter — who have spent parts of their lives abroad.

She was married to Mr. Akinrimisi from 1995 until around 2020. The marriage ended in divorce, which she has said was by mutual agreement. She’s spoken openly about the sacrifices made: leaving her children and husband in the U.S. to relocate to Nigeria to pursue her acting career. That meant periods of separation and difficult decisions, but she has expressed that she does not regret the choice because it enabled her to follow her passion.

Transition to Acting and Nollywood Stardom

After her musical breakthrough, Shaffy moved into acting. Her first major film was Eti Keta, a Yoruba‐language film, which helped solidify her presence in the Nigerian film industry.

In 2012, she landed roles in television series including Tinsel (as Joanne Lawson) and Taste of Love (as Adesuwa). Since then, she has featured in numerous productions in both Yoruba and English — titles like When Love Happens, Gbomo Gbomo Express, Chief Daddy — showing her versatility across genres.

A Fashion Icon and Role Model

Shaffy’s style is often praised for its elegance and boldness. Her red-carpet looks, mastery of vibrant colours, and graceful presentation have made her a fashion icon. She often combines traditional African aesthetics with contemporary fashion in a way that reflects her personality and roots.

Mentorship and Impact

In recent years, Shaffy Bello has taken on a master-class role, sharing her experience with younger actors and creatives. During her “What I Know” masterclass, for example, she spoke about integrity, purpose, consistency, and her journey — including hardships and triumphs.

She often frames her work not simply as performing, but as impacting people — using her platform to encourage others to hold fast to their dreams and to understand the costs and rewards of creative careers.

A Legacy of Grace and Artistry

Today, Shaffy Bello is not just a veteran actress and singer; she is a symbol of reinvention, perseverance, and authenticity. Her journey challenges stereotypes about age, relevance, and what a creative woman can be. Whether through voice, film, fashion or mentorship, she continues to evolve and inspire.

References:

1. Shaffy Bello — Wikipedia.

2. “Shaffy Bello: Acting is not my purpose but impacting people” — The Guardian Nigeria, January 2024.

3. Ripples Nigeria, “Actress Shaffy Bello reveals how she sacrificed her family in pursuit of fame.”

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