About Muryar Matasa Initiative
A youth-led non-governmental organization amplifying youth voice and building opportunities across Nigeria.
Board of Trustees
Meet the distinguished leaders and advocates guiding Muryar Matasa Initiative.
Sani Inuwa Danmusa
Sani Inuwa Danmusa is a seasoned educationist and administrator with a distinguished track record in leadership, educational administration, and strategic management. He previously served as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, and Director of Admission Guidance and Training in the Katsina State Ministry of Higher Technical and Vocational Education. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics and is dedicated to promoting disability inclusion.
Elizabeth Adams Oyarese
Elizabeth Adams Oyarese is an education and inclusion leader with over 14 years of experience building inclusive systems within the educational ecosystem. She mainstreams disability inclusion, gender equality, creative development, and climate action. She serves as Chairperson of the MMI Board of Trustees and is the Founder of Linking Circles Academy. A Mandela Washington Fellow, Elizabeth is an Associate of the East Side Institute, New York, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered).
Abdul Hamidu Abdullahi, PhD
Dr. Abdul Hamidu Abdullahi is a Professor of Development Administration based in Zaria. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees representing West Africa at the International Association of Community Development (Scotland), which holds a seat at the United Nations. He is also the Chief Operating Officer of the Initiative for Orphans and Vulnerable Persons in Gyellesu, Zaria.
Ejiro Sharon Okotie
Ejiro Sharon Okotie is a development professional, counsellor, and Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) expert. Blinded at the age of eleven following Cerebrospinal Meningitis, she has leveraged her lived experience to champion the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women and youth. She holds a Bachelor's in International Studies and Diplomacy, three Master's degrees, and is the author of the memoir "Beyond the Darkness".
Ismail Usman Gangara
Ismail Usman Gangara is a journalist who studied Mass Communication at the Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic. He serves as the director of the Umar Ibn Khattab Online Islamiyyah Learning Center and is pursuing a B.Sc. in Political Science and International Relations. He conducts research in law, modern health, and religion, and studies governance and political development in Nigeria.
Saratu Samaila Hamidu
Saratu Samaila Hamidu is a passionate social entrepreneur and community advocate based in Katsina State. Committed to youth development, inclusion, and civil advocacy, she established the Muryar Matasa Initiative to amplify youth voices, champion skills development, and drive the social and economic inclusion of marginalized groups, with a primary focus on persons with disabilities (PWDs). Under her guidance, the initiative has spearheaded advocacy campaigns for the domestication and full implementation of the Disability Act in Katsina State, established cooperative partnerships, and successfully organized inclusive youth entrepreneurship and sports festivals.
Our Team
The dedicated members executing the mission of Muryar Matasa Initiative daily.
Nasir Dauda
Hajara Sani
Ahmad Idris Nuhu
Ibrahim Umar Danmurai
Simon Ishaya
Ibrahim Bature
Almustapha Ahmad
Our Story
Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI)was founded by Saratu Samaila Hamidu, a passionate social entrepreneur and community advocate who saw the urgent need for structural youth empowerment and disability inclusion advocacy in Northern Nigeria. "Muryar Matasa" is Hausa for "Voice of the Youth", representing our primary purpose: to be a microphone for youth challenges and a driver for youth-led solutions.
Established as a response to rising unemployment, low digital literacy, and the marginalization of persons with disabilities, MMI has grown from a local support group in Katsina to an impactful NGO executing advocacy campaigns, trade exhibitions, and community support actions. We believe that if you give youths the right tools, platforms, and advocacy backing, they will lead the nation into prosperity.
Our Vision
To foster a society where every young person—regardless of physical ability or socioeconomic background—is educated, skilled, self-reliant, and actively participating in community development.
Our Mission
To empower youth through advocacy campaigns, capacity building, inclusive entrepreneurship programs, and direct social support to secure sustainable livelihood options.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide our work, our decisions, and our commitment to the community.
Youth Leadership
We are youth-led and youth-focused. We believe in the leadership potential of every young person.
Integrity & Transparency
We maintain the highest standards of trust and transparency in our operations and financial management.
Innovation
We embrace technology and creative thinking to solve complex social and economic community challenges.
Inclusivity
We provide opportunities for all, with a strong focus on the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities.