The administration of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is one of the most successful era in Nigeria political field over the past few years, according to many Nigerians and political scholars.
Some even further referred him as marketer for the present progressive administration due to his effort of transforming Lagos state from rejected state to become hub for business environment in Africa.
However, proverb says that ” in the life of every successful men their must a women”. Former First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola , is the women behind the achievement of former Gov Raji Fashola.
Ibadan based annual family faith based series and comedy concert tagged ” Turn it Up with Big B ” correspondent had a chat with former First Lady of Lagos, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola , for their annual ” Turn it Up Chronicles ” magazine in which I was given exclusive right to published it online.
In this exclusive interview, Mrs Abimbola Fashola , speaks on her unforgettable moments and challenges of being first Lady of Lagos State, how she cope as a mother, wife and also mother of the state in her 8 years as first lady lady and many others.
Enjoy!
Greetings Ma, can you let us into your background experiences?
I started my primary school education at Ikotun Nursery and primary school. I had my Secondary School Education at Marywood Grammar School, Ebute-Matta, Lagos and Yejide Girls Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan.
Then, I attended Lagoon Secretarial College, Adisa Bashua, Surulere, where I obtained Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies. To date, I have obtained various certificates in Negotiation and Leadership at both Harvard and London Business School.
You have very strong ties with Ibadan. Can we refer to you as a daughter of the soil?
Yes, I am a daughter of the soil; the daughter of Chief Adewusi Emmanuel Ade-Ojo of the famous Ojo-‘Badan family.
What was your initial reaction when your husband, His Excellency, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), informed you of his intentions to join the race to be Governor of Lagos State?
I was shocked and was lost for words as I never saw it coming or dreamt about it.
How was the experience of being First Lady of Lagos State and how challenging was it being the first lady, wife and mother?
My experiences as a first lady of Lagos State was a great one as it gave me the opportunity to share in people’s joy and sorrows. I was able to express my passion of giving and caring for others on a large scale.
Being a private and very family oriented person, combining the role of First Lady, wife and mother was very challenging. However, it helped me to priorities my activities daily. For example, if I had a previously scheduled appointment and my son says I need to be in his school, there and then I knew that my priority is to my son before the event of the day.
How did you and the children cope with your husband‘s new schedule as the Governor of Lagos State?
My children and I were able to cope with the head of the house being absent most of the times because of his busy schedule, as it was part of the sacrifices we had to pay and our own contribution to achieving his purpose in governance.
We also understood that whatever times we shared as a family was quality time; most especially our birthdays. Today, we thank God for his guidance, wisdom and daily courage.
When you were the First Lady of Lagos, what was the greatest challenge you faced at the initial stage?
The greatest challenge then was how to honour the invitation or show up at the various events and parties. As it was then, on a very busy day or weekend, I attended 4 to 6 various events daily.
How would you rate the performance of His Excellency and his cabinet during his 8 years tenure in different sectors (Education, Sports, Technology, Job creation, Entertainment, Agriculture, Health, etc)?
Rating my husband’s performance in the last 8 years as Governor of Lagos I would say, he came, he saw and conquered. He did not disgrace himself, his family and the entire Fashola family’s name.
He was able to make meaningful and progressive contributions to our society and proved – which was his mission from day one – that only Nigerians can make their country work for the better. I thank the good people of the Lagos for supporting and encouraging him and most importantly God Almighty who was with him and showered him with favour, mercy and above all grace to be healthy and impactful.
What would you consider as your greatest achievement as the First Lady of Lagos State; and if you had another opportunity, what would you do differently?
The rear opportunity to serve and put smiles on people’s faces, fight for the cause of the voiceless and reach out to lots of people brought great joy and fulfillment.
You have an NGO that has been great blessings to many homes. Will the work of the NGO stop or is it a vision you still intend to run?
My NGO, Leadership Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN) is my way of interacting with our youth in order to groom and awaken in them qualities of good leadership, while inculcating in them core and moral values. The NGO is a demonstration of my passion and will continue.
How do you relax and unwind when you were First Lady?
For relaxation, I attend various music, comedy and religious events. That really was tagged ‘’ my me time’’.
How does it feel not being the First Lady of Lagos State anymore? Do you miss the work load or you are happy to catch the break?
Not being the first lady anymore gives me great joy and fills my heart with gratitude to God for that awesome phase of my life. Right now, I am enjoying just simply being ‘Bimbola Fashola.
Would we be seeing Dame Abimbola Fashola stepping out fully into political scene or you will wait to stand as a helpmeet to your husband in his future political offices?
I will not function properly in the political world. I am absolutely happy supporting those called and will give them my 100% support to achieve their purpose.
Looking back at the 8 years of being the mother of Lagos State, tell us one or two unforgettable moment you had?
One of the unforgettable moments was the opportunity to be there for those living with disabilities and sharing our special days (birthdays) with tem yearly.
If you were to have dinner with 6 guests in attendance, who would those guest be and why?
My 6 dinner guest will be 3 friends and 3 family members of mine. They were there with me in prayers, supporting me to be that helpmeet to my husband during his tenure.
What’s your advice for your friends/fans out there; and your favorite quotes?
My advice to my friends and fans out there is to be humble, kind, honest, reliable, principled and generous. Only give what you can receive, be respectful, love others and above all love and fear God.
Credit : Turn it Up with Big B & Turn it Up Chronicles Magazine
Photo Credit: Google Image