You are not done with pageants…
Currently, I am working on a huge project which is the Centenary Pageant. We want to find one lucky young lady who will be a visual living symbol of Nigeria’s amalgamation. She will be a representative of all things good and patriotic about Nigeria. She will reign for a hundred years and for the rest of her life. This pageant will take place every hundred years and it’s quite a phenomenon. We want someone who is versed in our culture and embodies everything Nigerian.
You studied politics at the University of Essex. Are you interested in politics?
When I came back to Nigeria, I did not think I was interested in politics but when you are living as a woman in a developing country, every aspect of your life is political. Every single decision you make is political. I realised that I live and breathe politics, I also realised that I have a lot to learn about Nigerian politics. I am quite a political being but I am also of the firm belief that you must make a success of your own life first before volunteering your life to the political terrain.
What drives you?
The sheer honour of unadulterated passion drives me to success. I don’t embark on any project that I am not crazily passionate about. I live, breathe and dream every of my projects. I sleep and I get ideas. I wake up to scribble madly on a notepad by my bedside. The love for my country Nigeria drives me. I want to develop my country, I want to be part of the people that have shaped Nigeria and I believe I am doing my own little bit.
When the going gets tough, do you consider quitting?
That never happens because I was not born to quit. I keep going and my staff and other people I work with, say I am a solutions-based person. If I hit the road block I just take another route. Where I exist, there is no such word as quitting.
What do you consider before taking up projects?
I don’t go looking for projects, they come looking for me. I love challenges, I love conquering.
Looking back at all you have achieved, which gives you the greatest joy?
The satisfaction of knowing that I have made a difference really does. Let’s look at my last two projects, one of which is the Miss Nigeria project. Here was a brand that was shoved into the gutter. No one wanted to touch it but I picked it, cleaned it up, got first line sponsors involved and put it back on the pedestal that it belonged. I did that ahead of my contractual time which is three years. I achieved this in two years. When I have achieved what I have, I move on to the next project and let other people have a go.
If you did it so well and ahead of time, why was the franchise taken away from you?
I did not have to leave the pageant and it was not taken away. We signed an agreement from the beginning and my contract was three years. In three years, you can only do two pageants. My agreement expired that January.
What makes you tick?
My employees call me wonder woman because they reckon that there is nothing I can’t fix. I don’t know what makes me tick. I think I have to take a sabbatical and think about it.
As a role model to many, which people did you look up to as a child?
Growing up, I only looked up to my mother and my teachers. My mother was a huge fashion and style icon to me.
You must have taken after her…
If I am still considered a style icon, then definitely.I remember sitting in Ibadan on my mother’s dressing table with powders and so much more. She had something called Visible Difference and I learnt about make-up and skincare from my mother’s dressing table. She used to dress so special. I also idolised my teachers and that was the only reason I did so well in school- I wanted to please my Maths tutor. The only way I could do this was to get good grades even though I hate adding up. I also love my father’s business mind and work ethics. I loved the fact that he could put things together.
Can you recollect your days in Ibadan?
I vividly remember us playing outdoors and I remember always getting into trouble because I had brothers who were into climbing trees and my mother insisted on always having me in dresses because she wanted a girly daughter. But I would climb these trees with my brother.
As a victim of endometriosis, where did you derive the courage to speak out?
I can speak because I don’t see myself ever as a victim. I know that I am privileged, totally blessed and I am grateful for all my blessings from God. At the same time, I accept the challenges He throws in my way. Then, you also have to understand why you have those challenges. There is nothing like being able to educate people and if you can improve just one life, if you can help just one young girl by letting her know, she is okay, she is not alone, she is not cursed and that it can be managed, she will be able to live a wonderful and fruitful life; then I am happy to talk as the spokesperson and face of endometriosis. I have lived with it since I was 11 years old and I am now 47.
In your estimation, what are the secrets to being successful?
It is hard work. You have to put in the hours and be determined. No one strikes gold immediately and you have to keep at it. Nothing good in life comes easy. There is no such thing as a glass ceiling, go for it and break it and do anything you want. You can achieve anything you want but get the best education.
What qualities do you admire in people?
I love women who work hard. They usually become successful and you tend to see me with them. I can’t stand liars and can’t deal with them.
How do you keep fit?
When I turned 40, I produced fitness DVD ‘Fit, Forty and Fabulous.’ I had gone through a huge health challenge and exercise helped me cope with it and all I did was document all that I did. Right now, I have not worked out for months. I have taken a hiatus.
Who are your style icons?
When I came back to Nigeria, it was all about beauty, fashion and style icons .You look for role models or icons along those lines and I tended to look towards Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana . I was interviewed once and someone said; all your style icons are dead.
How did you cultivate your style?
I did not cultivate any style, I just dress. My mood and where I am going to determine what I wear.
You look at least two decades younger…
Someone told me she read somewhere that I had Botox. Don’t they know that if you have Botox injections, your face can’t move? Look at me, my face moves and creases. I give the credit for my looks to God for my good genes. When God gives you something, you look after it.
How do you relax?
I like lying in bed and watching television. I have three favourite things — sleep, TV and food. You can lure me with food.
Do you think you are often misunderstood?
The ones that matter understand me. The people that I work with trust me not to run away with their money. I am just okay and I work very hard to earn life’s comfort. I am neither the most beautiful woman in Lagos nor am I the first to be blessed with good looks.
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