Fashion Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rikaoto By Me, Maryam Elisha has recently been crowned as the Sarauniyar Matan Rafin Zuru of her community in Kebbi state.
The new Royal title makes the former Beauty Queen turned Fashion designer the First Female Queen in her community.
It has been a continuous rise to the top for Elisha. In 2023, the fashion designer who is famous for styling Beauty Queens, especially Chidinma Adetshina was decorated as Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration from Prowess University, Delware, United States. And now from a beauty Queen to a Royal Traditional Queen.
In her post on social media, she said, “Dear friends and family, I am delighted to announce that our community has deemed it fit to recognise me by putting some responsibility on my shoulder and to celebrate female excellence achievement in Zuru Kebbi.
“It pleases me to tell you that on December 23, 2024 I was crowned the ‘Sarauniyar Matan Rafin Zuru’ at the special gardening of dignitaries and well wishers in a Turbaning Ceremony that qualifies the title right in the Palace of His Royal Highness Alhaji Hamza Muhammad Sarkin Rafin Zuru.
“Special thanks to Kebbi State governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, i will also like to appreciate my very own king Sarkinq Rikoto ( the family i am originally from ) Sarkin Dubai, other dignitaries respectively.
“I would like you to join me in celebrating my cultural heritage and background as I journey as the First Female Queen in my community , this is not small, It is a big deal to me, particularly because such title is not given to women in my area but today my people are bending rules to accommodate, and celebrate female excellence, and inclusivity in community and nation-building,” she stated.
She explained that that the new responsibility would enhance her commitment in ensuring the well-being and harmony of the community.
The role would require her contributions in community development advocacies on projects, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, by partnering with government agencies and organisations.
“I will serve as a custodian of culture and heritage while providing leadership to the community. Another important thing i will be directly involved with is conflict resolution, especially among women, ensuring peaceful coexistence and upholding traditional values.
“As a culturally preserving agent in the community, I will play an important role in participating in cultural festivals, ceremonies, and practices that preserve the community’s identity.
“I will also serve as an intermediary between our community and the government, ensuring our people’s voices are heard in policymaking and implementation,” she added.
She added that the new role would not require a change in her appearance given that she has already been a well dressed lady.
“I have always been a well-dressed lady who covers and respect my cultural ethics, but not with standarding, the title will further permit me to now wear royal attire especially on public outings or traditional festivals and since I am a fashion designer, I can be creative about it to further beautify my culture. I strongly believe that when I’m at work in my factory or having meetings with clients in respect of my fashion business, I may not have to wear the royal attire.”
