Ishmail Saidu Kanu’s story is one of resilience, determination, and steadfast support from his family. Born into a humble home where hard work was the norm, Ishmail’s early years were shaped by the daily routines of struggle and sacrifice.
His grandmother, Yainkain Samura, was the backbone of their family, running a cookery business at Circular Road, Government Wharf, and Albert Academy School.
She worked tirelessly to ensure that the family was fed and that the children could attend school. When his grandmother passed away in 2003, the responsibility of continuing the business fell onto his mother, Musu Kamara.
“My mother was my pillar,” Ishmail shares, looking back at the sacrifices she made to see him through school. “She would give me her last cent just to see me in school and university.”
Despite the immense challenges, she kept their small cookery business running, and with it, the hopes of a better future for Ishmail. His mother would always make sure that he had everything he needed to succeed.
Every day, Ishmail carried bowls of soup and rice on foot from Circular Road to Government Wharf, working tirelessly to serve customers. He fetched gallons of water, washed dirty plates and spoons, and even went to Dove Cut Market to buy ingredients for the next day’s meals.
Afterward, he would return to the cookery shop, unloading the goods and preparing for another busy day. He would then take a bath behind the Navy compound and iron his uniform. Finally, he was ready to walk from Government Wharf to Albert Academy for his classes.
Through it all, Ishmail never lost sight of his dream. “I told my mother that my dream was to become a lawyer, and I have fulfilled that,” he says with a proud smile. It was not just the daily grind that kept him going, but the belief that education could change his life and the lives of his family.
Ishmail’s father, Edward K. Kanu, also played a vital role in his journey. He sold his land to help fund his son’s university education, showing the depth of his commitment to Ishmail’s future. Both parents have been steadfast in their support, and their sacrifices have paid off. After completing his law degree, Ishmail went on to attend law school in 2023, where he emerged with outstanding results.
“I will always be grateful to my parents,” Ishmail reflects. “They have been the strength that carried me through. They will surely reap what they have sown.”
Today, Ishmail stands as a testament to the power of hard work, family support, and an unshakable belief in oneself. From a boy who once carried soup bowls on foot to a lawyer fulfilling his dreams, his journey is an inspiring reminder that with dedication, anything is possible.
