Interview

What I won’t forget as a public servant —Abimbola Olufunke Yusuf

A chartered accountant and accomplished public servant, Abimbola Olufunke Yusuf, is the immediate past Director of Finance and Accounts, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. She shared the story of herlife with TUNDE ADELEKE. Excerpts;

What was it like serving in the public service for three and a half decades?

Reflecting on my career in retirement, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work I was able to accomplish. It allowed me to contribute to the financial integrity and accountability of government operations while supporting the overall mission of serving the public. I had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally to make a meaningful difference. I had the privilege of working on diverse projects, collaborating with talented colleagues and witnessing the positive impact of sound financial management. Now in retirement, I look forward to new adventures and the chance to enjoy the fruits of my labour while cherishing the memories and relationships formed during my time in public service.

What was your growing up like?

Growing up for me was fun and adventurous. I was born on 14th October 1963 into a Christian home of the late Albert Olatunde Fabunmi and Madam Grace Anike Fabunmi of Obalu Quarters, Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State. My mom is an Ijesha woman. I am the second child and second female of six children, I grew up in a strict and loving home.

My father was a renowned civil servant, who started his career as a lecturer at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife. From there, he joined the National Sports Commission. He retired as the Director, Institute of Sports. My mother was a trader. Both parents are disciplinarians and strict.

My early years were a time of exploration, learning and growth. Looking back, my childhood played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The values and lessons learnt during those early years have continued to influence my life and I am grateful for the support and guidance I received from my parents.

What about your educational background?

My educational experiences have provided a strong foundation for my career and personal development. They have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my chosen field and I continue to be a lifelong learner, pursuing opportunities for further education and growth.

I started my educational pursuits at the Staff School, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife. I spent a year at Surulere Baptist School, Surulere, Lagos. I had my secondary education at Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti, after which I obtained a National Diploma from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and a Higher National Diploma from the famous Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State. I bagged my Master in Business Administration (Finance) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State. I am a Fellow, Institute of Certified National Accountants; an Associate member, Chartered Institute of Taxation and a member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

What does your career history look like?

My career history as an accountant has been both diverse and rewarding. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in various accounting roles, gaining valuable experience and expertise. I began my career in accounting in October 1991 with Lagos State Teaching Service Commission. While my mates were taking up employment with the private sector, where I equally had job offers, I had to settle grudgingly for the civil service due to family commitments. I worked for just one year with the commission as a Local Education District (LED) Accountant at Surulere and Mushin districts respectively before I joined the Federal Civil Service on 21st December 1992 at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

I came in as the Drug Revolving Fund Accountant at a time government was trying to eradicate the ‘out of stock syndrome’ for drugs in federal hospitals where I honed my foundational accounting skills, including financial statement preparation, reconciliation and data analysis. After six years, I became the Budget Officer of the hospital, a position I held for 10 years (1998 – 2008). I prepared the hospital’s budget –capital, overhead, personnel and revenue and managed the budget process vis-a-vis the hospital work plan; complying with government policies for adequate funding, and at the same time, reporting on the hospital’s financial statement.

Later, I was transferred to head the Billing Unit of the hospital called the Assessment Unit, where I spent four years (2008 – 2012). During my tenure, the Internally Generated Revenue of the hospital increased tremendously. From this unit, I was moved to head the Salaries unit, from 2012 to 2015. I was at the forefront of the successful implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) in June 2013.

In 2015, I was at the forefront of the successful implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) of the hospital in accordance with government regulations. Throughout my career, I consistently stayed updated with the latest accounting standards and technologies to provide the highest level of financial expertise to my employers. I take pride in my ability to analyse financial data, communicate complex financial information to non-accountants or find practical solutions to financial challenges.

I rose through the ranks in the hospital; by December 30, 2015, I became the Head of Finance and Accounts, and later became the Director of Finance and Accounts, from 1st January, 2020, a position I held until 15th October, 2023 when I proceeded on my statutory retirement. Altogether, I spent 31 years, nine months and 14 days at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. I am excited about the opportunities for further growth and development in my career and look forward to taking on new challenges.

Can you recollect the toughest assignment you handled in the course of your career?

Sincerely, there is no assignment that is not tough. For instance, the budget process was indeed a very tough assignment, making adequate provision for both recurrent and non-recurrent, so that the institution will not lack funding, particularly in the area of personnel. I also sought guidance and insights from colleagues and mentors to ensure that I was approaching it from multiple angles. The process was demanding and there were moments when it seemed overwhelming. However, I persevered by staying organised, breaking it into manageable parts and seeking support.

Ultimately, through determination, I was able to achieve, meet deadlines, resolve complex issues and deliver solutions. It was a significant accomplishment that not only benefited the institution but also boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. This assignment taught me that even in the toughest situations, a combination of perseverance, resourcefulness and willingness to seek help can lead to successful outcomes.

How did you find love?

Finding love was a beautiful and unique journey for me. I believe that love often comes when you least expect it and for me, it was not an exception. I met my husband, Engr. Mufutau Olumide Yusuf during my Higher National Diploma days at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. We started as friends and with time, our friendship evolved into a deep and loving relationship. We got married during my National Youth Service Corps year on 20th July 1991.

Our journey together has been filled with countless beautiful moments and challenges that we have faced together, and growth as individuals and as a couple. I am grateful to God for the love and happiness that we both share and have found together. We are blessed with beautiful children, all adults, doing well in their chosen fields.

How were you able to effectively combine official demands with your duties at the home front?

Combining my official demands with my duties at home has been an essential aspect of my life and it is a skill I have developed over the years. I believe that open communication, effective time management and a strong support system have been key to my ability to maintain this balance. I maintain a well-organised schedule which includes both my professional responsibilities and family commitments. This involves setting clear priorities, creating ‘to-do’ lists and utilising tools or apps to manage tasks effectively. I also plan ahead whenever possible to minimise last-minute conflicts. Additionally, I rely on a strong support system, including my husband and family members. This helps me with the flexibility to meet my professional demands without compromising my responsibilities at home.

Do you have any experience you regard as unforgettable?

Yes, I have had several unforgettable experiences that have had a profound impact on me. One of them was my involvement in the introduction of the transmission to automation of the payroll through the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in my department. This was a significant project, and I had the responsibility of being the implementing officer.

The process was initially a bit cumbersome, but with the support and assistance of my colleagues, both within and outside my institution, as well as our collective teamwork, we were able to navigate the challenges seamlessly. This experience taught me the value of collaboration, adaptability, and perseverance. It has had a lasting influence on my perspective and my approach to problem-solving. It serves as a constant reminder of the potential for growth, learning, and transformation in life, and I carry its impact with me in everything I do.

Additionally, another unforgettable experience occurred during the period when the Abuja Airport was under rehabilitation, and travelling to Kaduna from Lagos became the alternative route. The only feasible mode of transportation was by train to Abuja. Missing the train meant having to use the road, which came with concerns about security and meeting tight deadlines. This was a challenging time as I had to make frequent trips to Abuja from Lagos.

I feel truly blessed that despite the uncertainties and obstacles, everything went smoothly. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of adaptability and staying composed under pressure. They have also highlighted the significance of planning and the ability to face unexpected situations with a positive mindset.

What adventures were you involved in as a youth?

I had the opportunity to embark on several exciting adventures that have left a lasting impact on me. I engaged in volunteering activities. This helped me to give back to the society and taught me the value of helping others. I belonged to a jogging club which has helped me to keep fit and imbibe the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Also, I had memorable road trips with my family. These journeys were filled with laughter, music and the joy of discovering new places. While I may have grown older, the adventurous spirit I developed during my youth continues to be a guiding force in my life.

What’s your favourite food?

Nothing specific. All I want is a good, healthy and tasty meal that I find incredibly delicious and satisfying. I don’t forget to balance my diet.

What’s your choice of music?

My choice of music is diverse. I particularly enjoy Christian music and oldies. I find this appealing because of the spiritual and emotional connection. The hymns, rhymes and the lyrics set one on track. I also appreciate a wide range of music beyond my preference. I believe that different types of music have their own unique charm and can be suitable for various moods and occasions.

How do you unwind?

Sincerely, I don’t unwind initially. I am a workaholic who is very passionate about my work. As time went by, I began to unwind in a few different ways, depending on my mood and the available time. Some of my favourite includes listening to music. Music has a therapeutic effect on me. I enjoy listening to my favourite songs or discovering new songs. It helps me relax and improve my mood. Another way is spending quality time with family members and loved ones, and having a good conversation. Occasionally, I like to relax by watching movies or catching up on a TV series. It’s a good way to unwind and be entertained. Also when the opportunity to travel.

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