Breaking out of my shell to improve the lives of women
Jamila Babuba, a lawyer, has worked for 18 years in the Adamawa State House of Assembly. She is a frontrunner in the struggle for the passage of the Adamawa Equal Opportunities Bill, sponsored by the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development and Integrity, in conjunction with the United Nations. Due to her courage, commitment and dedication to work, she was given three traditional titles – Gimbiyar Njoboliyo, Jaruma Jimeta and Tauraruwa Chika Soro Adamawa. She has declared interest to represent Yola-North/South and Girei in the House of Representatives. In this interview, she shared her story.
IFamily background come from a family of five. My dad is Malam Wesley Babuba, a retired journalist. He worked in the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Yola. My mum is Hajiya Asma’u Salimu, a former clerk to the Adamawa State House of Assembly. I am an indigene of Yola-South but was born and brought up in Jimeta. I have worked in the Legal Department of the Adamawa State House of Assembly for 18 years.
Although I was a science student, as God would have it, I have a degree in Public Law (LLB) from the University of Maiduguri, after which I went to the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja. I was called to the Bar in 2009. I served in the National Assembly, precisely, the Committee on Justice, House of Representatives.
I founded JABU Foundation because I have compassion for helping people. I am presently contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives. Career background I am not a practising lawyer; however, I represent the Adamawa State House of Assembly in civil suits. I do some legal drafting and offer advice generally. I also represent my department in women activities of the UN-Women. Challenges faced in life I have not really faced challenges, but coming out of my shell was a big deal. Life lessons My life lesson will be, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Most rewarding part of your career I can say that being called to the Bar is the most rewarding part of my career. I think it was huge. As a lawyer you understand a lot. I have always said that if you really want to know much about life, you have to study Law first before going for some other discipline. Also, the fact that I have a Foundation has given me a lot of courage to aspire to represent my constituency in the National Assembly. Growing up I was the favourite; the table was always turned to my side. I so much loved my privacy, though I had friends. As an introvert, interacting as a child was difficult. But it is not like that anymore. I now interact with lots of people.
Aspirations as a child
I have always aspired to be a beauty queen and a model. I used to be very slim when I was a child. My mum told me that when she gave birth to me, my dad said she had given birth to a baturiya. While growing up I would do things like a model. I do not know how I changed to being a lawyer. I am also into fashion. Fond childhood memory you miss most I miss being taken care of by my mum. Top 5 on your wish list The first is to represent my people at the National Assembly. The second is to have a good family and children; then study more and have good friends. Tell us about your traditional titles Because of the courage and hard work in me, Gimbiyar Njoboliyo was given to me by Malam Jibrilla J. Njome. Jaruma Jimeta was given to me by His Royal Highness Mohammed Inuwa Baba Paris, while the third title was the Chika Soro Adamawa, which was given to me by Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Mustapha, the Hakimimin Yola. My friends call me a three-star general because of the three titles. Favourite music I love Rhythm and Blues (R&B), international and Nigerian. First app you check in the morning and the last before going to bed The first app I check is usually my Facebook. That is where I do some of my political activities, so I have to check who posted what. I also make contacts. I check my Instagram as the last app because I post pictures and videos there. Favourite fashion item I love jewellery because they make a statement, especially when you are fully dressed.
Flats or heels?
I love heels because its adds to my height. Wearing heels gives you the looks you really want. Most expensive fashion accessory My most expensive fashion accessory is my wristwatch (Rolex Watch is a good one). What you wouldn’t be caught wearing I would not want to be caught wearing my pyjamas; I do not really like that. Favourite travelling destination
I like travelling to Dubai because almost everything is in their malls. How you relax I relax with my phone. I surf the internet on my phone, searching for new information and all that. I learned to love cooking, too as a way of relaxation. Favourite quotation My favourite quotation is “destiny.” This life ends easily. You might say you want to be something, but if you are not destined to get it, it will never happen. Likewise if you are destined to get something you will definitely get it. Favourite food I love beverages. I do not really like solid food. Definition of style I dress based on my mood. I do not really go with the vogue. I wear what I feel comfortable in. Favourite designer I do not have a favourite designer. Favourite perfume I love Ouds and Euphoria perfume. Favourite bag and shoe I love Chanel bags and any good shoes like Louboutin. Mum’s advice that stuck with you She always inspires and motivates me; always wants me to be proactive. I know I am insightful, but she wants me to always be at the forefront of everything. She has helped me tremendously to come out of my shell. Favorite colour My favourite colour is peach. Pink is a little bit much to me, so I decided to look for a lighter colour; that is how I came about loving peach. I also love the purple colour because it is royal.
THIS LIFE ENDS EASILY. YOU MIGHT SAY YOU WANT TO BE SOMETHING, BUT IF YOU ARE NOT DESTINED TO GET IT, IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN