In a field largely dominated by men in Northern Nigeria, a Gombe-based artist, Rukayya Ibrahim Adamu, is quietly redefining the face-painting business while balancing marriage and motherhood.
Rukayya, a 26-year-old mother of one and a canvass painter, told WikkiTimes that she ventured into face painting after five years of working with canvass art, driven by the absence of such services in the State.
“When I started, there were no face painters in Gombe. Now, I know of about three,” she said. “I love creativity, especially when it is appreciated.”
The artist, who is the founder and chief executive of Waheeda Painting, said her decision to diversify was informed by the need to fill a gap in the local creative industry and explore new opportunities beyond traditional canvas painting.
Contrary to common assumptions, Rukayya said marriage and motherhood have not hindered her career, crediting her progress to the support of her husband.
- Re: Bala Mohammed, The Reformer Who Delivers: Why Continuity Matters in Bauchi. A Rejoinder
- Five Fulani Killed on Way to Market in Plateau
- Fact-check: Do Qur’anic Verses Cited By A Cleric Oblige Muslims to Vote Only for Muslims?
- Three Herders, 50 Cattle Killed in Plateau Attack
- How Terrorist Groups Repurpose Commercial Drones for Combat Operations in Nigeria
“My partner is very supportive, which is important in businesses like this because face painting is time-consuming and often requires spending long hours at events,” she said.
Face painting, she explained, is typically patronised during social and festive events, requiring artists to be physically present for extended periods. On Christmas Day 2025, she and her assistant provided face-painting services to children and women at Brave Rock Park in Gombe.
According to her, as a Muslim woman, she restricts her services to children and women in line with her religious beliefs, excluding men from her clientele.
Despite these limitations, she described face painting as a viable source of income, noting that she can earn up to ₦30,000 in a day during festive periods.
However, she acknowledged that the business is not without challenges, particularly in current economic climate, where some customers complain about pricing.
“Many people feel the cost is high, but it reflects the materials, time, and effort involved,” she said.
Rukayya encouraged young and passionate artists, especially in Gombe, to explore face painting as a business opportunity, noting that demand remains high while the number of practitioners is still limited.
“There is room for more people in this line of work, especially here in Gombe,” she said.
