Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Amina Bukar, a mother of five from Muna Moforo, Nigeria, plays a significant role in her community as a leader and small business owner. She is involved in teaching other mothers how to prepare nutritious porridge for their children, addressing the issue of malnutrition in Nigeria where over 25 million people face extreme hunger.

Originally from Marte, Amina and her family were forced to flee due to violence in 2014. "My husband placed me and the children in a pick-up truck and asked us to go my auntie’s house," she recalls. The sudden displacement left them with few possessions.

Upon settling in Muna Moforo, Amina joined a Catholic Relief Services program that provided essential food supplies, enabling her family to maintain healthy diets during their transition. “Before we didn’t have the money to buy sardines or even eggs to eat well,” Amina notes.

Amina launched a food grinding business and began selling specialty foods at the market, such as hibiscus drinks and gingerbread palm fruit. Her efforts have been successful enough not only to support her own family but also allow her to assist other women in starting businesses.

Her husband Garba praises her commitment: “[Amina] is always here, listening to the women and their concerns.” This dedication led to her being nominated as a lead mother in the village. Through empowering others, Amina contributes significantly toward combating hunger within her community.