Hon. Lady Blessing Nwaoba, the amiable Founder of Rescue& Restore People Initiative (RESPI), and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Community Relations, is a lively yet firm personality. She is a humanitarian, passionate about teenage mentoring and social entrepreneurship and has written some books and write-ups on her works. We celebrate this amazon at 50, as she talks about her life, passion and turning the golden age.
Amara Iwuoha
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Hon Lady Blessing Nwaoba aka Lady B. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo state on Community Relations Okigwe zone. I hail from Amainyi ward in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo state and is happily married to Sir Peter Nwaoba, a renowned banker of the Nigerian Apex Bank now retired into business. I spent twenty years in the banking and financial management sector and voluntarily retired since 2014 to pursue my passion of giving back to the society. Through my NGO Rescue & Restore People Initiative (RESPI) and the Inner Wheel Club l have been involved in Humanitarian and issues of rehabilitation and Re-orientation. I took to Teenage Mentoring and Social Entrepreneurship with my book “The Eagle” which I recommend to teenagers in Senior Secondary schools. I hold a Higher National Degree in Secretarial Administration, post graduate degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), specializing in Human Resources and has done a lot of training in the areas of Finance, Taxation, Banking, Corporate Governance, Negotiation and Leadership skills, Security, Investment management and International Marketing. I have attended Leadership Programs of London Academy Business School, Manchester Business School, among others. I am actively involved in partisan politics and believe strongly in gender mainstreaming and inclusive governance
What made you to veer into politics after working so long in the banking industry?
I saw a gap in the representation of my people that I aspire to fill. Our people need honest and passionate leaders in all strata of leadership and after 20 years of banking experience, l consider myself well-grounded to give my people the much desired quality representation.
You have been into politics for a while. Do you feel women are being given the long deserved recognition in Nigerian politics?
It is getting better by the day. A lot of people are beginning to see women as equal partners in the political world. My Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma gave a lot of women the opportunity to serve in the Imo State Expanded State Executive Council, and I know that in the next eiection he will support more women to the parliament.
Who would you say played a pivotal role in making you the woman you are today?
Yes. Apart from my lovely parents, my husband Sir Peter Nwaoba played a huge role. He gave up everything to support my dreams, political and otherwise. He is an encourager. He married me at age 22 and molded me into a virtuous woman. I owe him a lot of gratitude.
Most people feel that women who are into active politics are not capable of keeping their homes. What are the critical factors required to sustain a good marriage while in politics?
My dear, I defer from this position because a lot of women politicians are now able to strike a good balance between their careers and their homes, especially when you are blessed with a good family and an understanding husband. You have to invest in domestic help and spend quality time with your family anytime you have the window. Also try to be prayerful because prayer is always the key. Thereafter, allow the Almighty God to do the rest.
You obviously love to dance, which is a delight to watch! What is your average day like, from when you wake up in the morning till when you go to bed?
Oh yes dancing is my hobby. I enjoy music from hip-hop to gospel to traditional music. As for a typical day for Lady B, before I hit the bed I will check the Governor’s itinerary and that will determine my movement the next day. I am not an early riser except if there is a state function or Executive meeting at the exco chambers. Otherwise, l will get off the bed about 7.30am, say my prayers, take a shower, take light breakfast with a glass of smoothie and I am off to work. I attend to my daily routines; meetings and appointments; brief my staff and get reports from my Community Relations Officers in different LGAs. I also attend to visitors and update my social media profiles. Sometimes, I visit my political zone or prepare memorandum for His Excellency’s attention. I usually eat heavy lunch and then take veggies and fruits at night.
You look very fabulous for your age, how do you maintain your looks and figure?
First of all, Good health and looks come from God our creator. In addition, I endeavour to eat well… Very particular about intake of calories. I take my vitamins regularly. I do minimal exercise. More so, I have a thankful spirit. To God be the glory.
Do you have any favorite African designer and what do you think of our Nigerian designers?
Yes. Samples are more in Abuja and very recently I am Brand Ambassador of Dapresh Collections in Owerri. They make all my clothes. In all honesty, the Nigerian designers are very creative in nature and can compete very favourably with their counterparts around the world.
What three words best describe you?
Laughs…. I will leave that to you to describe me.
What endearing trait do you have that people do not know about?
I love springing up surprises. A lot of people underrate me because of my humility.
Do you have a pet project that you take delight in?
Oh yes, my teenage mentoring program, my food bank project and a lot more, which are powered by my Non-Governmental Organisation. Restore Peoples Initiative (RESPI).
In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?
I write a lot and l enjoy browsing and chatting. I have some books and write-ups to my credit.
What is your favorite food?
I used to eat too much of rice especially with Ofada stew and Ofe Akwu. But, somehow I have soft pedalled now.
Who is your role model?
Rev Mrs. Nches Iredu, Founder Sisters Fellowship International (SFI). She inspires me a lot with her teachings and several humanitarian acts.
Lastly, what advise will you like to give to our esteem readers on your philosophy of life.
Life is short. One is expected to give account of each day and make it easy for those who will write one’s obituary on the last day.
At 50 do you see yourself a fulfilled woman?
I am very thankful and grateful to God for whatever I have achieved. I have lived a life of impact. As a banker, politician, appointee of government, political leader, church worker, author, social entrepreneur, wife, mother, humanitarian and what have you. God has blessed me all round.
Do you find anything lacking in today’s youths that you think should be addressed urgently?
They lack mentors. They are not ready to tap into the secret to wealth creation because they lack patience. There is no short cut to prosperity. You must climb the ladder until you get to the top.
It is our pleasure interviewing a woman of substance, Lady B
Thank you for having me and God bless.
