Born on June 16, 1959, Hajia Bilqis is a devout Muslim widely celebrated for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to community welfare.
Regardless of religious, political, or social affiliations, she has built a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer, generous philanthropist, and development advocate.
Hajia Bilqis began her education at Ansar-ud-Deen LGEA Primary School in Offa, obtaining her certificate in 1971. She attended Ansar-ud-Deen Secondary School, where she earned her West African School Certificate in 1976. She then proceeded to the School of Basic Studies (SBS) at the Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, completing her Cambridge A-Levels in 1979.
In 1983, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Bayero University, Kano. Her academic journey continued with a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry, in 1994. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Criminology at the University of Ilorin.
Hajia Bilqis Jumoke Sanni’s public service career spans nearly three decades, during which she held several strategic and leadership roles:
Education Officer, United Secondary School, Ilorin – Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (1984–1987)
Principal Administrative Officer, Kwara State Ministry of Health (1992–1995)
Project Secretary, Rural Water Supply Agency (1995–1997)
Executive Secretary, Special Task Force on Rural Water Supply (1997–2000)
Acting Director, Agency for Mass Education (1999–2001)
Acting Director, Ministry of Women Affairs (2001–2003)
Assistant General Manager (Admin/Corporation Secretary), Kwara State Water Corporation – the first woman to occupy the role (2003–2007)
Committee Secretary, Recovery of Government and Poverty Alleviation Loans (2004–2006)
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives (2007–2009)
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources (2009 until retirement)
Her record of trailblazing service and administrative excellence has left a lasting impact on public sector governance in Kwara State.
Political and Civic Engagement
Beyond her civil service career, Hajia Bilqis has remained a committed political actor and community leader:
Member, Elders Caucus/Stakeholders, Offa LG APC (2019–Present)
Secretary General, Kwara State APC Women Progressives (2021)
Secretary, Kwara State Reconciliation Committee (2022)
National Delegate, APC National Convention (2022)
Welfare Officer, Mobilisation Committee, APC Campaign Kwara (2022)
Secretary General, Association of Kwara State Retired Permanent Secretaries (2019–Present)
A widow and proud mother, Hajia Bilqis Jumoke Sanni balances her public service with a strong personal commitment to faith and family.
Her elevation to the NCDC board is seen by many as a reflection of her integrity, dedication, and the trust she has earned over decades.
As Executive Director of the NCDC, Hajia Bilqis Jumoke Sanni is poised to play a central role in coordinating developmental efforts, addressing the challenges of insecurity, and improving infrastructure and welfare across the North Central geopolitical zone.
Adesina Ademola Quadri is a correspondent at News Bulletin Nigeria
