Posted by Chinenye on Fri 18th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
A woman with years of experience helping families in some of Nigeria’s toughest areas has suddenly found herself in the political spotlight.
(Hajja Bintu Konto. Photo by Peoples Gazette Nigeria)
Hajja Bintu Konto is a public health expert and humanitarian worker with over 30 years experience in Nigeria.
She trained as a nurse and midwife, holds a master's degree in public health and has taught community health to young professionals.
Most of her career was spent with Catholic Relief Services, where she worked across the conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
She focused on health, nutrition and sanitation programmes, particularly helping internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities.
She speaks English, Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, Fulani and Bura, which helped her bridge gaps between government, local leaders and communities.
Since retiring from Catholic Relief Services, she has held several leadership roles, including positions with Nigeria's Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism and as national treasurer of ACOMIN, a civil society group focused on malaria, immunization and nutrition.
Labour Party has chosen her as its vice presidential candidate, banking on her deep understanding of healthcare challenges, her work with women and children, and her experience in regions hit hardest by insecurity.