In 1995 Comfort Idika Ogunye emerged as the first and only female national president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs).That experience opened her eyes to so many opportunities and she became passionate about empowering other women. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she takes you down memory lane, lessons learnt,turning point in her career, mediation practice, mentoring female students in tertiary institutions across the country and more.
What are some of the experiences running the Female Leadership Forum (FLF)?
My experience running the Female Leadership Forum for one decade has been exciting and fulfilling. I feel very proud to say that today, the students’ community organisation, is still working around its mandate.
The focus is, to integrate female students in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions in a process of leadership skills development and then involvement.
The aim is expand the scope of female participation in students’ representative platforms like Students Union, Faculties and Departments associations. FLF believes that acquisition of leadership skills by many female students on the micro level over a period of time is a prerequisite for the ability of a good number of them to successfully play leadership roles on the macro level in the future.
Delightfully, a good number of FLF members are actively involved in politics today and at all levels.
Remarkably, the current National Woman Leader of APC, Dr. Beta Edu was a coordinator of FLF University of Calabar Chapter.
What inspired the idea?
The idea was first inspired by my election as first female president of NANS in 1995. At that time, there were many organisations working around economic, social and political concerns of women. However none of the women Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) focused specifically on the very important concept of female leadership skills development and capacity building.
Second, the low level of female participation in campus politics was also a trigger. Available statistics at that time revealed that female students made up less than 3% of those elected or appointed into student’s leadership positions in Tertiary Institutions.
Third, was the global campaign for women’s empowerment. The United Nations, many of its agencies and ditto the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do affirm fundamental human rights, including equal rights of men and women to participate in politics and governance.
What are some of the lessons learnt over the years?
I have learnt that embracing change and adapting to it is a gradual process. Women who dare to struggle have a very high hurdle to cross.
With clarity of purpose, vision, sustained efforts, focus and resilience they will breast the tape.
The 2023 elections are around the corner. What advice do you have for Women especially those running for political office?
My advice for women running for political office in 2023 is related to my previous response. It is important to identify and clarify your interest, build networks and synergies because politics is mass driven and largely influenced by number. Be focused and take your shot, even if you don’t win, keep trying. With “I CAN “mindset you’ll definitely get there.
What are some of the changes that you will like to see in the country?
I would like to see a strong and resilient economy, enhanced security, quality education and a sincere commitment to legal and policy reforms. I will be delighted to see a constitution with a real and workable federal structure.
You are the first and only female President of NANs (National Association of Nigerian Students). What does this mean to you?
It means a lot. That leadership roles and responsibilities can be discharged by anyone (male or female). I want to see more female students in that elevated position.
What are some of the memorable moments leading Nigerian students?
My tenure coincided with the reign of General Sani Abacha. Some of the memorable moments for NANS at that time, was our collaboration with Pro-Democracy Organisations to end military rule in Nigeria. NANS agenda for ACAREF (Academic Reforms), a struggle still being waged by ASUU and Academic Freedom (promoting freedom of association and resisting the ban on democratic Student Unions and campaign against cultism) were memorable moments.
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How would you assess the performance of NANs recently?
Change is constant. NANS leadership over the years has been laid back in its strategies and responses to crucial issues on education and state of the nation. Despite the challenges, very recently the current NANS leadership stood by ASUU by protesting against government inaction to the prolonged strike.
You are also a Lawyer married to a frontline lawyer and activist. Howhas he inspired and influenced your personality?
Jiti and I complement each other in positive ways. I am not in competition with him or anyone else. While he carved a niche for himself in public interest litigation and other remark able aspects of law, I do more of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). I am a certified Mediator and member of the panel of Neutrals of the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse.
What are some of the things you share in common and areas where you are different?
We share a common vision for a great Nigeria, imbued with peace, progress, prosperity, fairness equity and justice.
How can government help to make things better for women and the youths?
To make things better Government should pass the rejected Pro Equality (Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill). It is important to have a legal framework that fosters inclusion. And for young people, implementing the National Youth Policy is imperative. Recall that the policy promotes the health, social, economic and political well-being of young men and women.
What would you describe as the turning point in your life and career?
Well my life is work in progress and I take each day as it comes. Motherhood, working consolidating the FLF initiative, training as Certified Mediator, completing my LLM degree programme and my current position as Vice President – Association of African Women for Research and Development (AAWORD Nigeria) are significant.
How would you assess the performance of women in mainstream politics?
There are no women in mainstream politics in Nigeria. This assertion may be regarded as my subjective opinion, but it is our reality. Yes, there are a few women in public positions who are doing well, but that does not mean they call the shots. We are familiar with the statistics and data on women’s representation. It is very very low. Apparently many women have records of outstanding performance in banking, military, education, medicine, law, business and other laudable careers. In politics the reverse is the case. The numbers are regressing and sadly so. Only about 5.8% of women occupy political offices, their impact in terms of assessment is like a drop in an ocean. The patriarchs are the landlords of the power estates in Nigeria, women are still striving for accommodation or inclusion.
Tell us about some of the lessons learnt working on Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
Working around the ADR process has been very insightful. One important lesson for me, is that, a lot of disputes can be settled or resolved outside the traditional adversarial process of litigation- Out of Court. As a mediator I have learnt how to use variety of skills and techniques to help parties negotiate and reach a settlement, quicker and cheaper. Mediation agreements are not coercive because parties resolve their issues by consensus. Interestingly I have learnt that the ADR system is very wide, it is gradually becoming an inevitable component and response to administration of justice.
What was your experience during COVID 19. Did it make you do some things differently now?
The pandemic hit the world like a tornadoe. Thankfully, we pulled through. For me, the lockdown at the initial stage was very challenging because no one wants to be restricted. However, something positive came through in respect of my mediation practice. In tackling the challenge of social or physical distancing, the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse (LMDC) in collaboration with ODR/europe offered an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Training around June 2020. I gained alot from that experience and I am still using the skills acquired from that training till date. The lockdown also made me adjust my spending, especially on essentials.
What dreams did you have while growing up?
Well, I grew up in a good and stable family. As a child, I didn’t have dreams in the real sense of the word. I just towed the path my parents set me. My late father was the first person from his village to attend a university. So he valued education and I was encouraged to go to school and I did. Learning is a lifetime endeavour and I am committed to it. Becoming an adult, meant that I was evolving and gradually I became conscious of who I was and of course had personal aspirations. I have achieved 60% of that. The rest is in progress, with slow but steady strides I will get there by God’s grace.
What are some of the principles that guide what you do?
The golden rule for me is to do to others as you will have them do to you. I also believe that it is important to make an impact and add value no matter how little.
What are some of the things that you would like to do in future?
In future my plan is to own a business and be a legislator.
What type of books do you like to read?
When it comes to reading, I love Biographies and book on History.