Category: Sunday Interview

Angela Chioma John, known with the sobriquet Annjay, is a singer, model and beauty entrepreneur. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she recalls how it all started, initial challenges and the things that make her tick.

What does life as a musician mean to you?

Life as a musician cum beauty entrepreneur has been quite challenging so far. But in spite of the challenges, it has also been very interesting and inspiring in different ways. I get inspired from different things and learn a lot in the process.

I have produced a lot of songs and I am still doing more. I am not going to quit music; I’ll keep it flowing because of the passion I have for it. My fans will hear me soon. I always find a way to strike a balance between my two worlds; music and business. My passion for music is forever.

My typical day starts from home, to office and then I move on to attend different business meetings. Sometimes, I wish 24 hours is not enough for a day; it should be extended to like 30 hours or more (laughs).

What gives you inspiration to do the things you do?

God and myself. My hard work inspires me a lot. This is very important especially each time I look back to where I was coming from. All the experiences, lessons and opportunities inspire me to forge ahead and never be a failure.

I like beauty products too and I can spend my last kobo on them. As a teenager back then, if I wanted to buy any beauty product and my money was not complete, I usually went into instalment agreements with them and when the payment was complete they would hand over what I paid for to me. I love to use quality and expensive beauty products and that is what I offer to my clients now.

What were some of the challenges encountered on the job?

So far, it’s been good but challenging. Interestingly, the challenges are what you need to take you to the next phase in life and they have been very useful for me. So, I thank God for everything. These days, music or modelling can’t pay all the bills. That’s one of the major reasons I do other businesses by the side and this has been another interesting learning curve for me.

On the business side, there has been a number of memorable moments networking and meeting the needs of our clientele. For me, the major challenge is the bad roads, because we do more high demand supplies across the 36 states of Nigeria. In addition, there is also the dollar exchange rate and custom duties is another big issue the government should look into.

How do you cope with them?

I just try not to let them weigh me down. I have a vision and mission, they keep me up tight. If it gets so tough, I present it to God on bended knees.

Tell us about your career. When was the turning point for you?

My music career has been a slow but steady journey. I’m not done with music yet but I’m taking my time to do things right. I’m not in a rush to release unpleasant songs.

My fans should expect more cool sounds and good music from me. So I’m yet to experience that banging turning point.

For my business, my turning point would be when my Abuja outlet was opened for business.

I derive maximum satisfaction in providing quality products for all fashion lovers at home and abroad. That’s why I decided to extend my brands and services to my fans in Abuja.

We are growing daily, so most definitely, the need for more branches would arise. We are currently looking at expansion to places like Port- Harcourt and Asaba.

What lessons have you learnt on the job?

It has been a very wonderful journey and the experience has been awesome. One big lesson learnt over the years is the fact that dishonesty and pride don’t pay. I can’t deal with anyone that portrays any bit of these attitudes. Even the Bible says ‘pride goes before a downfall.’

Tell us about life as an entreprenuer

I went into beauty business because I like it and it’s part of my profession as a singer and a model. I actually started this business before I went into journalism but then it was not as big as it is now. Annjay products is an international brand now and I am proud of the achievements we have recorded. We still have a number of things lined up and we are working on them. At the moment, we have our clients all over the world.

The latest Annjay product is Cura Sunglasses. It is the best of its kind. Cura launched into the Nigerian market few weeks ago. The truth of the matter is that journalism prepared me for everything I’m today.

At a point, I could no longer combine both because my hands were full. I stopped working as a journalist and ventured into full business. But, I must say that my passion for journalism is still intact.

Let’s compare when you started and now, what has changed?

A lot has changed and positively too. I’m proud to be a Nigerian but more proud to be a Nigerian entertainer. We are going global; from Beyonce featuring our artists in her album, to other countless international collaborations.

Burna Boy just got Grammy awards nomination. We are getting there. I love the vibe. It is very positive.

What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the entertainment sector?

It is so sad that a majority of Nigerians love wack songs, but with good beats. They don’t care what the musician is singing, as far as it is a danceable beat. So, if you’re doing good songs, Nigerians wouldn’t look your way, unless you join the trend to sing unpleasant and moral deficient lyrics. However, we need more ever green songs like that of Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, Onyeka Onwenu and the likes.

What is your definition of style? How would you access Nigerian designers?

I haven’t worked with any Nigerian designer before, but that doesn’t mean we are not going to work together in the future.  I like Lanre Da Silva, Zizi Cardow and Mai Atafo.

I have international designers who I wear their clothes, shoes, bags and perfume and haven’t met them personally before.

What are some of the items that you treasure most in your wardrobe?

I love high heels, jean trousers, wristwatch, and sunglasses. I like skinny dresses; skinny jeans pants and sneakers, shorts and shirt. I always want to look very smart and simple despite being on the slim side.

How do you relax?

I drink water every morning, eat a lot of fruits to keep my skin radiant and beautiful. I also exercise regularly to keep fit. I also love listening to cool music and reading some motivational books.

Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models

For simplicity and humility, I like Shan George and Kate Henshaw a lot. I also love the boldness of Tonto Dikeh. They are good people and I admire them a lot.

If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?

Be yourself. You have all it takes to excel. In addition, I would also tell them not to be bamboozled by what you see on social media. It is not all that glitters that is gold.

What’s new? What should your fans expect in 2020?

By the grace of God, we will all witness 2020. It’s going to be a season for new things; new business opportunities, new products, new sounds and many more.

Tell us about some memorable moments working in the entertainment sector

It has been a combination of so many things. I have experienced the good and bad moments but I thank God because the good moments overshadow the bad ones. Also, I am happy that I didn’t let some people’s negativity to stop me from moving. I recall many years ago when Morgan Entertainment boss, Chief Emeka, wanted to sign me to his label. Someone went there and tried to spoil things. I thank God for my life and I have forgiven the same fellow. And because of that experience, I have been treading cautiously in the industry.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian entertainment scene?

We are growing everyday and there are lots of young people coming into the industry. I strongly believe that in a few years time, the Nigerian industry will take over all over the world. Although I must say that there are a number of challenges that include envy but that should not deter you once you have a mission and vision for yourself.

So, what changes are you looking forward to?

It is a great place to be in and the sky is not even the limit for many. Peace, love and unity; that is all the industry needs now.

What are the things that you treasure most in life?

The things that I treasure most in life are my parents and my businesses. They are my greatest source of inspiration, the things that keep me moving and forging ahead on a daily basis.

What won’t you do in the name of fashion?

I can never go completely naked in the name of fashion.

Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Deputy Governor, turns 50 today. In this interview with OSAGIE OTABOR, he speaks about how early life activism and democratic struggle of the ’90s shaped his life.

How do you feel at fifty?

I feel great. How time flies, it’s been a life of struggle, a life of getting things done for people facing oppression. My life has always been about struggle and when I mean struggle, it started right from secondary school till date. I have been an activist from secondary school, where I learnt to fight oppression. From childhood, I like to be of help to people and share my things, so when I grew up they were not surprised that I take people’s issues even more than I take my own.

What was your background like?

I came from a very humble home. My father was a very humble man. He died as a pastor and my mum was a teacher in the primary school in Etsako in Edo state. You know what it means to be a teacher in those days and the child of a teacher. I was celebrated and I was always feeling highly placed; but most importantly, I went through a tutelage of knowing what is your right and what is not your right. My parents were Roman Catholic till I left secondary school. They left for Charismatic Renewal and later they established their own church but I remained a Catholic. I didn’t join my father at Glory of God Ministry. My father was very liberal and gave us the courage to do what we believe in. Another thing that he did and which I also cultivated from him is that he gave all of us Muslim names. His father was a Muslim and he converted to Christianity. He gave me Momodu.

Tell us about growing up?

I started struggle from secondary school. I remember when my father followed me to school to beg the school authority and he had to sign an undertaking on my behalf. I led a struggle for improved meal. Right before my father, they asked that if such a thing happened again, would I protest? I said yes innocently, not knowing that I was supposed to say no. And my father gave me a dirty slap. After secondary school, I went into playing football; I didn’t go straight to university. I left Kaduna in 1989 to Edo State. That was my first visit to Edo. Father said I should go and experience home. Every evening, we used to play football and one day somebody invited us to Akure. I was one of those that were picked in that youth tournament at Ekpoma, alongside Yakubu Ayegbeni and others. I ended up in Water Corporation Akure. Later, I followed the coach to Abuja to play for Federal Ministry of Works later Foreign Affairs and Nigeria Prison Service; and then I sat for JAMB and got admitted into University of Jos. After graduating, I started my private work as an accountant and then I delved into politics.

Back in school, I co-ordinated the “Abacha must go” of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS alongside the late Gani Fawehinmi. I held a lot of rally at Plateau Township Stadium and the one I cannot forget is the one I joined Gani in Yaba, where we were all arrested and we ended up in Gasua Prison, Zamfara. I was released courtesy of a journalist who wrote about my plight. That is why I am always appreciative of journalist. On another occasion, I was arrested and taken to the DSS state headquarters where I was kept with Brigadier General Oladipo Diya. If you check my record from Obasanjo’s time till date, you’ll see that I have always been on the side of the people and that led me into politics. As president of NANS, I joined comrade Adams Oshiomole to stage the first ever strike that crippled this country when Obasanjo announced increase in pump price of petroleum. NANS started that strike. There was also the struggle to reinstate 965 expelled and rusticated students during the military junta. I delved into politics and joined Oshiomhole to rescue Edo State from the hands of the godfather. I have won all my elections apart from the first one in 2003 where I was announced winner and four days later it was changed. I thought as Deputy Governor, the struggle has stopped for us to continue delivering the dividends of democracy but as you can see the struggle started by Oshiomhole is still on.

How did you meet your wife?

I met my wife during the struggle. She was the Vice President of Student Union Government, Federal Polytechnic Auchi. I was in Auchi to campaign for my election for NANS Presidency. The president was not around; it was the vice president now my wife that received us. I campaign and left. When they discovered I was from Edo State, they formed an alliance to support me. They had thought I was Hausa because I was representing University of Jos. Besides, they knew me by Shaibu and not Philip. She was surprised when I told her I am from Jattu. She came to Bauchi where the election held and gave all her support. I also came to attend her programme as NANS president.

She invited me for the Students’ Union Week. That was when I recognised her as a potential wife and I started visiting. It was on the 6th visit that I told her I wanted to marry her. She was like ‘really?’ You just come and say you want to marry me? She thought I was joking but the next time I visited, I told her I wanted to visit her parents. I didn’t know I was to inform my father first. I went to see her parents and her father asked me, ‘You don’t have parents?

Will there be an end to the fights against oppression?

The fight against oppression seems to be an everlasting fight. The military psyche is still very fresh. A lot of people are still not democratic in their thinking. We have people who think they are democrats but they are more autocratic than the military. I thought it was over as a Deputy Governor, but something always comes up. At 50, I made up my mind that maybe God created me to fight oppression. All the positions I have handled from secondary school to NANS to the House of Assembly, I have stood against oppression.

Even in the House of Representatives, I created a movement called the House of Commons to fight oppression. Those of us that were not given committees decided to form a union. As Deputy Governor, I thought I was just to hide behind the governor but I found out that the struggle for the emancipation of Edo people from The Godfather is still continuing. The joy I have is that no to godfatherism has come to stay in Edo. We thank Oshiomhole for leading that struggle. We are helping him to sustain it.

How would you describe Oshiomhole?

He is one person I will continue to respect. He is my father and nothing has changed. What has changed now is that people are now able to read my role as a son and my role as a politician. We have political differences, no doubt about that; but it has not changed our relationship. Even when he made some statements that suggest what I am not, I refused to reply because when the chips are down; it is me that will still say I am sorry – whether he is right or wrong. He is the one talking and I am not talking. I am comfortable with him talking. That shows I was properly brought up by my father and by him. The other one he thought me that I refused to use is that godfather does not have age. We must kill them. Father and son will definitely come back together. Politically, now we might be in different space. I am not the first son that will disagree with his father politically and I will not be the last. The good news is that it has not changed relationship of father and son. We are on recess politically.

How will you described your relationship with Governor Obaseki?

I am one person that has advantage than Oshiomhole and Obaseki. I have learnt from Comrade certain style of leadership. I am learning another style of leadership from Obaseki. One part of governance I learnt from Comrade is the communist aspect of governance. I am learning the capitalist aspect from Obaseki. You can imagine how effective I will be if I have to combine both. My relationship with Obaseki is like senior brother and younger brother. I had that feeling at the beginning of how I would cope, being my first time under somebody? But as we moved on, I began to understand him and he is able to understand me.

Were you at anytime scared for your life?

If I knew what I know about government and its enormous powers back then, I would not have taken some of the risks I took. Imagine me telling Obasanjo, ‘You are the president of Nigeria and I am the president of 40 million Nigerian students.’

At 50, what message do you have for your followers?

Just believe, trust in God and do what is right. Don’t get indoctrinated into negativity. The easiest way to attain any height is to be consistent. Be yourself and you can attain your dream. Work towards it and pray

Majority of them were not born with any physical challenge, but fate played a fast one on them. As a result of this, they encounter myriad of challenges, ranging from stigmatisation, to discrimination, job loss, failed relationships… to mention a few. But, like everyone else, they have hopes and dreams. Most importantly, they have chosen not to beg but work with their hands, while some are even employers of labour. OMOLARA AKINTOYE recently had an encounter with these group of people who purposed in their heart to make a lemonade out of the lemon life threw at them.

Quite a handful of them were not naturally born cripple, but became so as a result of measles, while others claimed their situations were offshoots of spiritual attacks. Only one said he was born cripple. However, they are united in determination to live a fulfilled life and are, as this reporter found out during a recent interaction with them, making headways in spite of everything.

It was the occasion of the monthly meeting of the Joint Association of People with Disabilities for Physically Challenged, JONAPIC, at Ayantuga Health Centre, Mushin, Lagos.

First to speak was Mrs. Sarumi Joseph, formerly a clerical officer at the News Department of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Victoria Island Lagos. She is a seasoned television personality, having featured in different popular NTA drama series, including Second Chance, Village Headmaster et al. She lived a fun-filled life… until diabetes dealt her a tough fate.

“I bled for five years just like the woman with issue of blood,” she began. “I used piece of cloth, towel and pad to pack myself to prevent the blood from staining my pant. I went to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where a doctor confirmed that I was diabetic and advised that I went for a surgery.

“The day the surgery was to be performed, they could not get my hospital file and I was in pains.  I was rushed to the Mints Hospital at Sabo, Yaba and the surgery was successful. The third day, I was discharged from the hospital but it didn’t end there. God instructed me to set up an organisation to cater for fellow disabled people.

“I had to sell my Volvo car and my husband had to sell his own car too – because we had no other means of raising funds. I needed two artificial legs, with each costing  N1.5m, to enable me to go back to my normal job, I am an actress.”

Joseph however has a complaint about the society. “There is a way people look at us as beggars. Sometimes when you ask for help, the mere look you get speaks a lot. Instead of making us happy, they literally remind us of our condition.”

“I received a call from former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s sister. I could not tell her that I was on admission, I told her that I was flying down from Abuja and asked her to pay the money into my account. I sneaked out of the hospital to meet with her. I joined a group, Joint Association of People with Disabilities (JONAPIC) for physically challenged at Mushin; it is a chapter under the Mushin  Local Government and its parent body is Lagos State Government for Disability Affairs (LASODA), funded by the Lagos State Government.”

“We go to churches and social gatherings to entertain guests by singing and praising God, and the guests, amazed at the way people who have no legs and arms praise  God, consciously convert to serving Christ.”

Asked what they want the state government to do for them, Mrs. Joseph said, “We want the state government to help us with automatic wheel chairs that we can operate with ease to aid our movement. Our challenges differ; they should help us with other walking aids. The government should integrate us in the society; we need a land where we can build a home for ourselves. We need a bus that can be taking us for soul winning evangelism. Like I said, I need artificial legs to go about my normal actress job. Each artificial leg costs N1.5m.

Jimoh Aminu, a cobbler from Otun Local Government Area of Ekiti State’s story is different. “I had chicken pox at the age of five, which led to my disability. What my parents did was to enrol me in a vocational centre to learn the art of shoe making before I relocated to Lagos in 1983.”

But Aminu is faced with a bit of issues. “I do not have major tools to work with, and this is affecting my trade because I am losing customers. Most times, I have to go to another cobbler to do finishing on my jobs and I have to pay. As a result, I make little or no gain to assist my wife’s business. I also need a well-equipped shop – I currently work from my small room, so I can work better and be able to support my wife, pay my children’s school fees, house rents and other basic needs.”

Taofeek Odusanya, also a cobbler’s case is however exceptional. He has never walked in his entire life. He was crippled right from his  mother’s womb. “I was born cripple. My mother told me I was always crawling with my stomach and chest  on the bare  floor. I was taken to the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos,  all to no avail.

Odusanya, who presently lives in Mushin, Lagos, spoke of how young girls have been taking advantage of his situation, pretending to fall  in love with him, all in a bid to milk him of his hard-earned money. He told The Nation of how he fell in love with a secondary school girl, who turned him into a meal ticket but eventually broke his heart, aborting his pregnancy and ditching him.

“She wept bitterly that her parents would not accept the pregnancy; she threatened to terminate the pregnancy; I begged her not to and she insisted that her parents would kill her if she kept the pregnancy. She eventually aborted it. She saved up the money I was giving her for feeding to terminate it.”

That was one of several other cases. “Presently,” Odusanya lamented, “I don’t have any girl as a lover.”

Oluwole Odunusi, also a cobbler, got married in 2015 but the union is yet to be blessed with a child. Even though he never went to school, Odunusi, an indigene of Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State, is fortunate to land a teacher as wife. “I would ever remain grateful to God for sending a woman, a teacher that loves me the way I am. I was not born cripple; I was one year old when I had Polio. My mother told me that I was given an injection which made me cripple.”

“I am a shoe cobbler, I make new shoes at the frontage of my house and I thank God that I get my daily bread from there. I thank God that my wife was sent by God. If there is money to equip a shop for me, ideas will flow to create new shoe designs.”

Mr. Jeje Samson, a tricycle (Keke NAPEP) operator had his one leg amputated after a motor accident that almost took his life on April 16, 2018 along Oshodi-Agege Motor Road. “When the accident occurred, I was in a state of coma for more than a month. Till date, I cannot explain how it happened but I give God the glory that I am alive. I was a driver among the civil servants that were disengaged from service with the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing in 2004, when Olusegun Obasanjo was the head of state.

Eventually I was taken to the Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, where my leg was amputated.”

Tobi Igbomani’s case is strange in the sense that she claimed her mother told her that a strange wind caused her disability.

“I was three years old when I visited my grandmother in the village in Oyo State. I was playing and the wind blew and I fell down. My parents did everything possible to make me walk to no avail. Later, I was absorbed into a rehabilitation centre in Ibadan for one year to acquire a vocational skill. After my graduation, there was no money to establish my choice skill, so I started selling provisions. I got married to a security man from Akwa Ibom State and we have three children. I am happily married to my husband.  The last birth I had was through a Caesarian Section. I spent a lot of money and had nothing left to restart my business.”

Oluwatoyin Ashafa, a resident of Igando in Lagos, said her case was spiritual, “I am a teacher in a private school. I also double as a computer operator. My mother told me that when I was born, my right leg was in a curved shape and I was taken to Igbobi hospital. The first time I had surgery, it was stitched; but as soon as I arrived home, the stitches started to loosen. This continued each time I went to the hospital and came back home. After the last surgery, I could not walk with my leg and I had to support myself  with a  walking stick. Also, I could not stand for long.”

Asked about her marital status, she said, “When men ask my hand in marriage, after a while they will not show up again. At a point, one of the men impregnated me but on hearing the news that I was pregnant, he ran away and I never saw him again. Unfortunately, the baby was stillborn. Another man came into my life, he presented me to his mother, but his mother reprimanded him for bringing home a woman with one and half legs.”

According to Pius Abiodun, a native of Badagry, a reckless commercial driver caused him to lose his two legs. A bit reluctant to tell his story, Abiodun said, “I had the accident six years ago along Mushin-Oshodi Expressway. I was doing something at the back of a bus when a commercial bus came from nowhere and hit me from behind. I had my two legs amputated at Igbobi. As a family man, I still drive a commercial bus specially designed for drivers with disabilities. But I need a commercial bus of my own to sustain my family. I implore the government to support me. If the government decides to give a target under the period in which I will complete the repayment, fine. ”

The Nation also had a chat with 29-year-old Taiye and Kehinde Ayelangbe, a set of twin, who have refused to part ways in spite of the challenges of one. Kehinde spoke on behalf of Taiye, her sister because her tongue is twisted and couldn’t speak with clarity.

“We are twin sisters. She is Taiye and I am Kehinde Ayelangbe from Kwara State. I am married with two children. Our mother told us that after giving birth to us, Taiye suddenly fell ill and was taken to Igbobi  hospital and she was on admission for 15 years.

“Mother has tried, she has spent so much, even sold her landed property and now age is not on her side. I am left to look after her. We need help from well-meaning Nigerians. My sister sells drinks and sachet water but she needs a refrigerator.”

I lost my hand to a Guillotine machine – JONAPIC chairman

When The Nation visited Ayantuga Health Centre at Mushin, where Joint Association of People with Disabilities for Physically Challenged, JONAPIC, holds its monthly meeting, there were over 40 members in attendance.

Its chairman, Adeleke Timothy Williams, a civil servant and principal accountant with the Lagos State government said also shared his story. “I was less than 13 years when I had the accident on January 30 1980. I was a printer; there was an electrical problem that developed within the Guillotine machine or cutting machine and the wire had issues, triggering the blade to trap both the plank and my hands. I tried to remove my hand but couldn’t and it eventually cut my hand into two.”

On how he met his wife, “We worked together with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. She was a new staff in my office, I was supposed to pay her and I did not, because we had some issues. She went to call other people to beg me and I eventually paid her. Later, she left the place and we lost contact. One day, I was driving I ran into her. We got talking, exchanged pleasantries and started chatting on phone. We developed feelings for each other and we got married over ten years ago.

” I told her that any time I visited female friends, they usually cut of relationship with me; but she vowed to marry me despite my challenges. She said if her parents opposed out relationship, she would run away.

“When the accident occurred, washing my clothes became a problem, you know you could not wash with one hand. My siblings who promised to assist me did not. What I did was to start practising to use one hand to wash my clothes and I was able to do it, which amazed them.

“After the accident, I went back to school to obtain a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from the Lagos State Polytechnic in 2002.”

Speaking on his re-integration, Williams said, “I must give thanks to former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. When our case for placement got to him, he asked them, ‘Do you want them to go and be begging on the road? He ordered that we should be assigned to the radio room. I was in the radio room for eight years before I was redeployed to Account Department because of my Accounting background.

“We have an NGO, JONAPIC that is funded by the state govt; we have LASCODA  at the national level and we have at each local government.

On his advice to parents with physically challenged children, Williams said, “Don’t be shy and keep them in the house, bring them out. We have over 40 members and I have been chairman for 5 or 7 years. We do not encourage our members to beg for alms on the streets. When we see any of us begging on the street, we talk to them to stop, that it is not a good thing.”

Ashley Mariam Yusuf is a model who is passionate about her career as well as touching the lives of people around her. In this interview with ATANDA SHERRIFF, the energetic lady who is from Agatu LGA of Benue State opens up on her passion, charity work, inspiration and more.

Tell us about life as a model

I graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where I studied Theatre and Performing Arts. I am the third child in the family. My hobbies include reading, watching movies, travelling to new interesting and educative places and most importantly helping people.

At the beginning, it was very challenging, a new experience for me because it was the first time I contested. Even though I received immense support from my family especially my mum who believed strongly in me, the fact that I was a zonal queen at my first trial 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 was important. She urged me to try again, and never give up.

There was also a time in my life when I learnt so much, from my fellow contestants, the staff of the Peace Ambassador Agency and everyone around me. I sincerely appreciate each and every one who took out time to teach me a thing or two as it has gone a long way in making me the woman I am today.

Let’s compare when we first started and now; what has changed?

When I first started, it was a new experience, all about learning even though I am still learning. Now, I have found my feet. I no longer model but I am now pursuing a higher calling that is tailored to helping the less-privileged with my foundation.

What are the memorable moments in your life and career?

The first would be when I graduated from the university in 2010. It was a watershed moment that I will forever cherish. Another was the first time I contested for the Miss Ambassador for Peace beauty pageant. Even though I fell short at my first trial, it was a landmark moment in my life. Another notable moment was the first outreach I engaged in with the Mariam Ashley Foundation in 2018. And most recently the conclusion of my book on human trafficking and sexual violence. These are some of the remarkable events in my life.

What was the first memorable job that you did?

That has to be the first outreach I carried out as the founder of Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation. It’s one event I must say I cannot forget easily. It has always been my desire to help and thus when I embarked on that outreach I was so fulfilled.

What lessons did you learn from that experience?

Being human is all about others. We should live our lives daily to help those who are in need. Our wealth, time, skill and everything we have acquired is a gift which we ought to share to humanity and not just use for our selfish interests. I believe that each and every Nigerian who can, should engage in such an outreach as this would definitely bring out the human nature which we all have.

Who or what inspired you to go into modelling?

Naomi Campbell is someone I look up to. I look up to her as a model and even though I have paused to pursue the growth of my foundation I still look up to her in much more ways than modelling.

How did this experience influence your life?

It built my confidence and self-esteem. I now know I could be whatever I wanted to be. It made me know also that all I needed to do was believe in myself and that breaks the glass ceiling.

Tell us about current or future projects you are working on

Currently, I am focused on my campaign against human trafficking and sexual violence. It began in Abuja on the 20th of August, 2019 and I am working to take it to all 36 states of the federation. I also just finished a book, a short novel on human trafficking which targets people of all ages and ideal for kids who are the next generation. They need to know about the challenges in the society today.

What challenges have you experienced so far and how did you overcome them?

I have faced and am still facing many challenges; they include financial and emotional. I have so much on my mind in terms of helping the less-privileged in our society. The major challenge I am faced with now is the campaign against human trafficking and sexual violence which I am working tirelessly on.

When you are not working, how do you relax?

I read a book or listen to slow music. A movie can sometimes suffice.

Who are some of the people you look up to?

My mother is a great woman. She has been a pillar of support and encouragement to me. She has contributed immensely towards making me who I am today, that doesn’t exclude the immeasurable contributions of my father. But she has been there in almost every capacity and I am forever grateful to her for all she has done.

What advice would you give young people who aspire to be like you?

Believe in yourself, have a dream and pursue it relentlessly. That’s the surest and most straightforward way to the top. There are no shortcuts or alternate means to such an end other than the aforementioned points.

How would you assess the performance of women in the sector you are operating in?

They have been super. I feel so proud being a woman when I witness the immense strides these females have made and are making. On a scale of 1-10, I will rate them at 9.8, they have WOWED me, sincerely.

Tell us three fascinating facts your fans may not know about you

First I am left-handed. Secondly, I am very shy; and thirdly, I am a foodie.

What are your memories growing up?

Plenty. I even can’t recount now as they are so many. One of which was my trip to South Africa. Also my time in secondary school when I played football and participated in various sporting events. Let’s leave this for some other time, or perhaps when I write my autobiography.

How would you assess Nigerian designers?

They have improved remarkably. Over the years they have become global brands and have become a force to reckon with. I am immensely proud to be a Nigerian at a time like this.

Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models

They amaze me. Naomi Campbell and every other individual I admire are the fuel that fires me to do better. I am always on the lookout for whatever they do, I read about their activities and so on.

Let us talk about your education

As I said earlier, I studied Theatre and Performing Arts at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Kaduna State. I finished from Government Girls Secondary School Dutse. I still want to further my education to Masters level, as I have a strong desire for education.