Mrs. Juliet Agunbiade an Ibo married to a Yoruba man Mr. Oluwafemi Agunbiade is a media and marketing communications consultant, and an investor in real estate. The mother of two; a boy and a girl is also a lawyer by profession and a business entrepreneur with interest in fashion and hospitality industries.
In this chat with ENE OSANG, of BLUEPRINT Newspapers the lawyer who is also keen in politics and social welfare bares her mind on the current happenings in politics, her business, family and the Buhari Friends Organisation Network (BFON) where she is currently the Publicity Secretary.
You are a member of BFON, what do you do for the
Organisation?
I am the National Publicity Secretary of Buhari Friends Organisation Network (BFON). As the Publicity Secretary I coordinate the media. simply put it that I use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of the Organisation. I work hand in hand with the National Coordinator in planning and organising events which includes, press conferences, sensitization, courtesy visits and other activities. I also network with similar organizations.
Tell us about the BFON
The BFON is one of the support groups registered under Buhari Support Organization. This group was officially founded some 18months ago for amongst other objectives, to use the platform to showcase our chief grand patron and benefactor, President Buhari. To canvas support from the Nigerian electorates for his election as the next President of Nigeria and also after seeing his emergent as the President to also continue with this laudable project in playing the role of sensitizing the Government with regards to the need and desire of the mass poor Nigerians etc. We are known to be if not the most, one of the few publicized groups, that took the campaign of Peresident Buhari's presidential project very seriously, never to leave any stone unturned until our ultimate objective was achieved. This is informed by the fact that We believe in the leadership quality of President Buhari having been tested and trusted. BFON is spread across Nigeria as well as in the diaspora. We are perhaps the only group without financial assistance from anywhere, that has never failed in our collective resolve to propagate the good credentials of President Buhari, and therefore very media friendly. I think even you here can testify to it.
Can I call you a politician?
Every human being is a politician. Politics is played in every aspect of our lives, at home, at work, even in places of worship. As a matter of fact, life itself is about politics. Politics is not just for power grabbing alone, it is also about the distribution of resources for the betterment of all. If being a politician is all about services, yes I am a politician but one with a difference, a politician with conscience, a politician who has the interest of the masses at heart, a public servant. That is what I am.
Does your husband support your involvement in politics?
My husband is very supportive in my involvement in politics and I am so grateful to him. He has been encouraging me in all my aspirations. The secret is knowing how to balance whatever you are doing. I try to take care of my home front. I don't joke with my family, to me, politics is really secondary. Family is the first.
How will your group help President Mohammadu Buhari deliver on his campaign promises?
The organisation is not formed only to Campaign for President Buhari and get him to be the President, we are here to help him actualise his promises. Like I mentioned earlier, we will play the role of creating awareness for his programmes as to how it affects the generality of Nigerians. The change that he is bringing to the table, to keep all the promises on the front burner. For instance, the fight against terrorism, corruption, unemployment, power issue to mention but a few. We will also serve as a watch dog on the implementation of these promises to ensure that these promises are well implemented and where we observe lapses, we will call their attention to it.
So is the BFON politics or a pressure group?
You can call us pressure groups if you like. BFON is a united group aim at championing the course of a common man. To make sure that the change that has finally come will have direct positive bearing in the lives of the average poor and to sensitize the Government on the need to provide services that will enhance a good living standard for the people. You can see that the Organisation is purpose driven. All we do is for the betterment of all. To ensure that the right of an ordinary nigerian is protected and affected positively.
Most people believe that groups like yours only spring up just to get benefits later is that true?
It is not out of place for such insinuations to come up. BFON is one of the support groups canvassing for votes for our benefactor, President Buhari, yet the very best in regards to our spread across Nigeria as well as in the diaspora. We were the only support group, despite lack of funding from anybody, that openly call and requested the delegates to shun money and vote for antecedents and good track record. Today, we can all beat our chests and say we contributed something meaningful in the emergent of President Buhari then as the APC Presidential flag bearer, and now as the President of Nigeria. We are the only support group to declare our unflinching support with continuous sensitization until he won the election. In BFON we are focused and purpose driven, always ready to render our services benefit or no benefit for the betterment of our country. We are ready to assist the government actualise their aim and to ensure the masses are not left out.
How do you get funds to run your activities?
BFON is self sponsored. We raise money within ourselves to fund our activities because of what we believe in which is a better Nigeria.
What is your take on President Buhari's statement 'I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody' do you think he has shunned efforts of those who ensured he became President today as Nigerians have argued?
I believe that it is an open invitation to all Nigerians that party politics and campaigns are over. That it is time for us to all come together as a nation for the betterment of our country irrespective of religion, ethnic and social affiliations and persuasions.
What else do you do beside being a member of BFON?
As earlier stated, I am a wife, a mother, a lawyer and an entrepreneur. I am also a social welfare activists.
How do you manage work and the homefront?
It is not really an easy task but with God on my side I have learnt to manage my time by giving attention to the various activities or events I coordinate. I take care of my homefront and also make sure that other aspects of my life does not suffer. I believe we deserve the best as Nigerians and we cannot keep our fingers crossed and wait for manner to fall from heaven. We have to do the work. so I thank God for giving me the strength to do all I have to do.
Do you face any challenges?
Obviously there are numerous challenge. Being a wife and a mother alone is a lot of challenge not to talk of my job as a lawyer and other activities that I am involve in. You can see that the challenges are enormous.
Do you get frowned at by people as most people believe women shouldn't be too involved in politics? There is much awareness today and there are many women actively involve in politics. Although it is not easy to get the women participate but we are breaking the barriers and with so many women in politics a lot others will be encouraged to join. Like I said earlier, Politics is not just about power grabbing alone, it is about the distribution of resources for the enhancement of the life of the people. You will agree with me that Women are better manager. Wherever women are involved things work better. Even in the Bible God made us a help mates and we have been playing our roles well in the society.
How would you asses women in Nigerian politics?
Women are doing wonderfully well in politics, At the National Assembly level, they have been contributing their quota. Lagos state for instance has always have a female deputy governor. Ogun State too and a few other States. In Taraba state a woman was APC gubernatorial flag bearer, even though she was robbed of her victory,but she made her impact. it shows the consistency and persistence in women. We want to help build the nation and so far we are doing our best.
Do you think the present government will involve women in governance like his predecessor did?
I believe President Mohammadu Buhari will carry women along because a lot of women were actively involved in his campaign. Aside that, we have women who are eminently qualified shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts to hold political offices to deliver on the change promised.
How would you describe the Nigerian politics in general?
Nigeria's politics is maturing, although we are not yet there. We need more professionals from various field of endeavours to participate actively in politics. Since politics is about development and nation building, we need all hands on deck.
You are an ardent President Buhari supporter, do you know him personally?
I don't know him personally but I am aware of his antecedents and track records. I am also working with the people who are close to him. As the National publicity Secretary of BFON,I am opportuned to interact and work with a lot of his friends some of whom are patrons of our organization.
What is your take on Bukola Saraki's emergence as the Senate President? He is eminently qualified just like any other elected Senator and the distinguished Senators has also elected him. The most important thing is for him to do the work he was elected to do regardless of the circumstances of his emergence. Just like the President Buhari has said, his election was in accordance with the provision of the constitution. My advice for all parties is to join hands with President Buhari to deliver on the change Nigerians desire which was promised.
Do you have any leisure time?
Yes I tried to create one because recreation and leisure enhances creativity and productivity. It is also important for healthy living.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy travelling and reading. I also like attending social engagements and time out with d family.
What would you say you have achieved in life?
Achievement in life is multi-dimensional. It could be material, social, educational etc. The most important thing is that ones achievement is touching lives. All I can say is that I am fulfilled but not satisfied. But in it all I thank God for his benevolence.
Where do you vision yourself in the nearest future?
I look forward to being better than what I am today. To have the opportunity to be part of the policies and decision makers in Nigeria and beyond, being able to affect more lives and to also champion the course of the under privileged in our society.
What would be your advise for Nigerian women?
My advice to Nigerian women is to be purpose driven, and to remain steadfast in their pursuit believing that with God all things are possible.
I am the National Publicity Secretary of Buhari Friends Organisation Network (BFON). As the Publicity Secretary I coordinate the media. simply put it that I use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of the Organisation. I work hand in hand with the National Coordinator in planning and organising events which includes, press conferences, sensitization, courtesy visits and other activities. I also network with similar organizations.
Tell us about the BFON
The BFON is one of the support groups registered under Buhari Support Organization. This group was officially founded some 18months ago for amongst other objectives, to use the platform to showcase our chief grand patron and benefactor, President Buhari. To canvas support from the Nigerian electorates for his election as the next President of Nigeria and also after seeing his emergent as the President to also continue with this laudable project in playing the role of sensitizing the Government with regards to the need and desire of the mass poor Nigerians etc. We are known to be if not the most, one of the few publicized groups, that took the campaign of Peresident Buhari's presidential project very seriously, never to leave any stone unturned until our ultimate objective was achieved. This is informed by the fact that We believe in the leadership quality of President Buhari having been tested and trusted. BFON is spread across Nigeria as well as in the diaspora. We are perhaps the only group without financial assistance from anywhere, that has never failed in our collective resolve to propagate the good credentials of President Buhari, and therefore very media friendly. I think even you here can testify to it.
Can I call you a politician?
Every human being is a politician. Politics is played in every aspect of our lives, at home, at work, even in places of worship. As a matter of fact, life itself is about politics. Politics is not just for power grabbing alone, it is also about the distribution of resources for the betterment of all. If being a politician is all about services, yes I am a politician but one with a difference, a politician with conscience, a politician who has the interest of the masses at heart, a public servant. That is what I am.
Does your husband support your involvement in politics?
My husband is very supportive in my involvement in politics and I am so grateful to him. He has been encouraging me in all my aspirations. The secret is knowing how to balance whatever you are doing. I try to take care of my home front. I don't joke with my family, to me, politics is really secondary. Family is the first.
How will your group help President Mohammadu Buhari deliver on his campaign promises?
The organisation is not formed only to Campaign for President Buhari and get him to be the President, we are here to help him actualise his promises. Like I mentioned earlier, we will play the role of creating awareness for his programmes as to how it affects the generality of Nigerians. The change that he is bringing to the table, to keep all the promises on the front burner. For instance, the fight against terrorism, corruption, unemployment, power issue to mention but a few. We will also serve as a watch dog on the implementation of these promises to ensure that these promises are well implemented and where we observe lapses, we will call their attention to it.
So is the BFON politics or a pressure group?
You can call us pressure groups if you like. BFON is a united group aim at championing the course of a common man. To make sure that the change that has finally come will have direct positive bearing in the lives of the average poor and to sensitize the Government on the need to provide services that will enhance a good living standard for the people. You can see that the Organisation is purpose driven. All we do is for the betterment of all. To ensure that the right of an ordinary nigerian is protected and affected positively.
Most people believe that groups like yours only spring up just to get benefits later is that true?
It is not out of place for such insinuations to come up. BFON is one of the support groups canvassing for votes for our benefactor, President Buhari, yet the very best in regards to our spread across Nigeria as well as in the diaspora. We were the only support group, despite lack of funding from anybody, that openly call and requested the delegates to shun money and vote for antecedents and good track record. Today, we can all beat our chests and say we contributed something meaningful in the emergent of President Buhari then as the APC Presidential flag bearer, and now as the President of Nigeria. We are the only support group to declare our unflinching support with continuous sensitization until he won the election. In BFON we are focused and purpose driven, always ready to render our services benefit or no benefit for the betterment of our country. We are ready to assist the government actualise their aim and to ensure the masses are not left out.
How do you get funds to run your activities?
BFON is self sponsored. We raise money within ourselves to fund our activities because of what we believe in which is a better Nigeria.
What is your take on President Buhari's statement 'I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody' do you think he has shunned efforts of those who ensured he became President today as Nigerians have argued?
I believe that it is an open invitation to all Nigerians that party politics and campaigns are over. That it is time for us to all come together as a nation for the betterment of our country irrespective of religion, ethnic and social affiliations and persuasions.
What else do you do beside being a member of BFON?
As earlier stated, I am a wife, a mother, a lawyer and an entrepreneur. I am also a social welfare activists.
How do you manage work and the homefront?
It is not really an easy task but with God on my side I have learnt to manage my time by giving attention to the various activities or events I coordinate. I take care of my homefront and also make sure that other aspects of my life does not suffer. I believe we deserve the best as Nigerians and we cannot keep our fingers crossed and wait for manner to fall from heaven. We have to do the work. so I thank God for giving me the strength to do all I have to do.
Do you face any challenges?
Obviously there are numerous challenge. Being a wife and a mother alone is a lot of challenge not to talk of my job as a lawyer and other activities that I am involve in. You can see that the challenges are enormous.
Do you get frowned at by people as most people believe women shouldn't be too involved in politics? There is much awareness today and there are many women actively involve in politics. Although it is not easy to get the women participate but we are breaking the barriers and with so many women in politics a lot others will be encouraged to join. Like I said earlier, Politics is not just about power grabbing alone, it is about the distribution of resources for the enhancement of the life of the people. You will agree with me that Women are better manager. Wherever women are involved things work better. Even in the Bible God made us a help mates and we have been playing our roles well in the society.
How would you asses women in Nigerian politics?
Women are doing wonderfully well in politics, At the National Assembly level, they have been contributing their quota. Lagos state for instance has always have a female deputy governor. Ogun State too and a few other States. In Taraba state a woman was APC gubernatorial flag bearer, even though she was robbed of her victory,but she made her impact. it shows the consistency and persistence in women. We want to help build the nation and so far we are doing our best.
Do you think the present government will involve women in governance like his predecessor did?
I believe President Mohammadu Buhari will carry women along because a lot of women were actively involved in his campaign. Aside that, we have women who are eminently qualified shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts to hold political offices to deliver on the change promised.
How would you describe the Nigerian politics in general?
Nigeria's politics is maturing, although we are not yet there. We need more professionals from various field of endeavours to participate actively in politics. Since politics is about development and nation building, we need all hands on deck.
You are an ardent President Buhari supporter, do you know him personally?
I don't know him personally but I am aware of his antecedents and track records. I am also working with the people who are close to him. As the National publicity Secretary of BFON,I am opportuned to interact and work with a lot of his friends some of whom are patrons of our organization.
What is your take on Bukola Saraki's emergence as the Senate President? He is eminently qualified just like any other elected Senator and the distinguished Senators has also elected him. The most important thing is for him to do the work he was elected to do regardless of the circumstances of his emergence. Just like the President Buhari has said, his election was in accordance with the provision of the constitution. My advice for all parties is to join hands with President Buhari to deliver on the change Nigerians desire which was promised.
Do you have any leisure time?
Yes I tried to create one because recreation and leisure enhances creativity and productivity. It is also important for healthy living.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy travelling and reading. I also like attending social engagements and time out with d family.
What would you say you have achieved in life?
Achievement in life is multi-dimensional. It could be material, social, educational etc. The most important thing is that ones achievement is touching lives. All I can say is that I am fulfilled but not satisfied. But in it all I thank God for his benevolence.
Where do you vision yourself in the nearest future?
I look forward to being better than what I am today. To have the opportunity to be part of the policies and decision makers in Nigeria and beyond, being able to affect more lives and to also champion the course of the under privileged in our society.
What would be your advise for Nigerian women?
My advice to Nigerian women is to be purpose driven, and to remain steadfast in their pursuit believing that with God all things are possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment