Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, recently elected as Chairman of Jaba Local Government Area, has a notable academic and professional background. Her educational journey began at Aduan One Primary School in Kafanchan, where she completed her First School Leaving Certificate in 1993. She proceeded to Government Girl Secondary School, also in Kafanchan, and earned her Senior Secondary Certificate in 1999. Driven by her passion for education, she obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in English Language and Social Studies from the Federal College of Education, Zaria, in 2003. Later, she attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science in 2014 and followed it with a Master’s degree in Information Management in 2016. She is currently advancing her studies with a Master’s in Library and Information Science at the same institution and has broadened her expertise with a Certificate in Latex Allergy from Social Care Online Training in the United States, earned in 2022.
Hon. Larai’s commitment to professional growth is evident through her affiliations with several prestigious organizations. She is an active member of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Her dedication to community service is also showcased in her role with the Police Community Relations Committee (Zone 7) and her involvement as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Asokoro. These associations reflect her dedication to continual learning and community engagement.
In the realm of business, Hon. Larai is a successful entrepreneur. She serves as the Managing Director and CEO of LAJ-Cute Mansion Ltd, an interior design firm that provides innovative and stylish design solutions. Additionally, she founded Mebeyya Whong Nig Ltd, which focuses on fabric importation, event management, and travel services. Through her venture LAJ Collections, she has made her mark in the fashion industry, offering a diverse range of clothing, jewelry, and accessories that showcase her business acumen and style sense.
Hon. Larai’s public service career has also been impactful. She is currently the Senior Special Assistant on Social Investment Programs to the Governor of Kaduna State, as well as the Programs Manager for the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme. Her roles include involvement in various committees dedicated to developmental and social investment initiatives within the state. Her commitment to the public sector extends to her candidacy under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, representing Jaba Constituency. Following her electoral success, she is set to be sworn into office on October 31, 2024.
Her dedication to growth and leadership is further illustrated through her participation in numerous training sessions and conferences. These include programs such as Food System Transformation at Henan University of Technology in China (2024), Advocacy and Project Management Training with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in 2024, and Collaborative Strategies for Successful Libraries in 2017. She has also engaged in community policing initiatives, gaining insights from the Effectiveness of Community Policing program in 2020. Through these trainings, Hon. Larai has honed her skills in leadership, resource mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic planning, equipping her to lead with clarity and a strong vision for the future.
