You need more than love to have a happy home — Kofoworola Awobamise

Mrs Kofoworola O. Awobamise, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State, a Masters in Adult Education from the University of Lagos and another Masters in Public Administration from Lagos State University, Lagos State . In this interview by TAYO GESINDE, she speaks on her journey to the top of her career and why women should be givenvel playing ground.

What was growing up like for you?

I thank God for my parents; my dad was from Lagos State, Chief Funso O. B. Blaize, he’s late now. He was a lawyer, and my mum, Mrs Melodia Remilekun Blaize (nee Obasohan), was a full time housewife. I had a good childhood. I looked back and I am happy. I grew up with my paternal grandmother, Mrs Labisi Gwendolyn Blaize (nee Moore), a Sierra Leonn, because my father was not around most of the time. My grandmother was very strict, but very loving. You were not allowed to behave anyhow. She would tell us; you are a lady, you are not allowed to sit like that or you are not allowed to chew like that.  I had a good upbringing. I attended a public primary school in Ebute-Meta, then went to Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive College at Ikoyi. I had a stint at the Federal Government College, Benin. From there, I got admitted into the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State for my first degree in English Education and Master’s Degree in Adult Education at University of Lagos (UNILAG) and another degree in Public Administration at Lagos State University of (LASU), Lagos State. I am a member of many professional groups and a fellow of the Institute of Public Administrators in Nigeria (IPAN), NIM, CIPM and so on. I have four children, three boys and a girl. Two of them are doctors and the girl has a Masters in Management Science and works for the Federal Government. My baby is studying Architecture.

What informed your choice of career?

I actually studied English at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where I was a student activist. When I graduated, I taught and I became a Vice Principal, then crossed to the ministry, where I was an administrative officer. Later, I got to the top and became a substantive director and was then appointed a permanent secretary in the ministry.

Being a PS, especially in Ministry of Information and Strategy, what has been the challenge so far?

It is quite challenging being the mouthpiece of the state government on its activities and policies, but thankfully, we have been on top of it all by His grace.

Looking back as a teacher, could you have imagined you would be a PS?

Yes. I have always had it in mind that I would get to the very top and by the time I was getting tired of the classroom, I moved from teaching, despite being a vice principal of a secondary school; Victory High School, Ikeja, Lagos State, to the ministry, so I could get more fulfilment in January, 1997, because I’ve had my fulfilment as an educationist. The Lord has been good, I got my acts together, went back to school again for another Master’s degree in Public Administration and that put me in good stead in my new calling. It has been wonderful working with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is highly visionary. In fact, he is in a hurry to get things done, so everybody is on their toes to get things done.

How were you able to combine the home front with your career?

It has been God all the way. By the time I had three children, getting them to school was quite challenging because then, I was living at Abule Egba and their school was at Surulere. It was a tough time for me. Also, I had to pack their breakfast and lunch in their lunch bags because they had to be in school by 7:30 a.m. If they were late, they would not be allowed into the school. So, we had to wake up and leave the house before 6: 00 a.m. and we coped. Thank God, it is history now. It is challenging for mothers to combine careers with the home front. It is even more challenging now because the cost of living is higher in Lagos now. However, we all have to learn to do work and home, balancing that one will not affect the other. Priorities have to be set and there must be cooperation between husbands and wives, because they both need to work to be able to have the economic power to help their children and themselves. So, there must be full cooperation between husbands and wives. For me, it is a bit easier now; my last child is in the university now, while the others are married. But I know that for up-and-coming ladies, it is a bit difficult for them. As earlier said, there must be cooperation between the couple. It is not now that my husband will be looking for, ‘where is this woman,’ ‘it is 10 o’clock, she is not here,’ because he already has that understanding. In fact, he retired as a director at the federal level, so he knows how it is. And a lot of other men would, because they want food on the table and they can’t do it alone. So, you need to cooperate with her for her to be able to complement anything you are bringing home. To have a smooth family, cooperation is it! It is much more than love.

What is your take on this belief that women are not yet given fair representation in public governance?

The thing is, if you want it, go for it. Nothing stops you from getting there. It is women that have always been against women really. Yes, it is a male-dominated society, that is cultural, but you can turn things around in your favour too. We don’t have to sit back and say; “let them give it to us”: we are to earn it. We have to push for it. In Lagos State, for instance, women are not left behind. But if they need to have their meetings at night and you say you can’t leave your husband’s bed, who loses? So, don’t go for it. I like a level-playing ground: if you are giving a man this chance, give me the same chance too. If I prove my mettle, let me have it. Don’t say I am a woman, especially those that have stopped bearing children. For those still bearing children, you have to decide on what is good for you and your home. If you have made your home, you have a stable home already, then your spouse can be part of it; he will take you to the nocturnal meeting and bring you back. He knows why you are there.  That is the way I see it.

Then, what will you say is the most defining moment of your career?

The high moment of my career was the day I was announced a permanent secretary in this state.  I was in far away Abuja, at the time the Head of Service called me to break the news. I was shocked. I screamed; “me! Head of Service, me”! I was told why are you screaming? Your friends are here with me. They are all happy for you. It was a thing I thought I will not get again. I was advancing, it was not coming and all I have known since I came in had been work, work. That was supposed to be the icing on the cake. I thank God for it.

What advice do you have for women?

I just want to encourage women to see themselves first as human beings that need things and they should go for the things they need. Be focused, you are not supposed to live in the shadow of anybody. Have a vision for yourself, what you want to become and work hard at it. I don’t believe the sky is the limit; it is the beginning. It won’t limit you if you are not limiting yourself. Have a very high self-esteem to be able to achieve what you want to achieve. They don’t have to make noise, empty barrels make noise. Quietly do what you do and God will bless your endeavour.