Giving back to society is my passion

IEducational background started primary education at Adrao School, Lagos and proceeded to Corona School, also in Lagos. But I left for England and continued my secondary education at Kingsley St. Michael’s school, Rosemead School and Millfield School. Then in 1981, I went for my tertiary education in the United States, at Mills College at Oakland, California, where I got a my Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History. I moved back to Nigeria and went for my LLB at the University of Ibadan and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, where I was called to Bar in 1989. Career I started at Holy Child School for Girls in Lagos for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. Afterwards, I worked at Godfrey Amachree, Ogbemi and Co, a law firm where I became senior partner. I also worked in the Niger Delta Development Commission, where I was the assistant director, Directorate of Youth, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs. When I left the commission in 2007, I started my own company, Dachree Continental Limited, which is a multi-discipline professional company that deals in business management, investment, restructuring and strategising. I’m also the company secretary and director of Clematrix Limited, a mining and exploration company. I’m also a board member of the Julie Donlie Kidney Foundation and the legal adviser of Global Voice of Women Organization. Right now, I’m currently running for AMAC chairman under the Young Democratic Party (YDP).

How the gender factor has played a role in your career

Anybody that is a female definitely has to be ten times better than a man. I have worked with a lot of people around me. But I let them know that I am equally as capable as they are in doing anything. Despite my age, I’m still always on top of things. I don’t want people to look at me because of my gender. I want to be seen as a leader. Challenges I don’t let anything challenge me. I look at them as hurdles and jump over them. Growing up career Giving back. My reputation is of being a giver. Anybody that knows me knows that they can approach me with their problems and I’ll try and help them solve it. And now, with my political ambitions, I hope I’ll be able to help more people. A lot of people may be in the position to help, but they don’t. Aspirations growing up We had role models back in the day. While growing up I wanted to be like my parents; hardworking as well as giving. My stepmother also had qualities I admired. She was very principled and hands on. But because of my family background, I gravitated towards law. Most cherished gift The gift of giving. I got that from my mother, Otunba Nike Oluwole. I noticed that it brings me so much joy. Now in politics, when I visit the houses of traditional rulers, I see the state they are in, and the fact that many other politicians had gone and seen them and didn’t do anything about it shocks me. When I repainted it for them and redid the little I could do, the appreciation they showed was heartwarming. Having money is nothing if you don’t give back. Top things on your wish list I think I need to be closer to God. That’s my biggest wish. Once you have God, everything else falls into place. I don’t think I need anything more than that. The fact that there’s someone looking out for you is more than enough. First app you check in the morning/bedtime My business app. I hate gossip blogs. Money is important; without it you can’t do anything. Favourite fashion items Anything Afrocentric. I’m ethnic at heart.

Flats or heels?

For now I’m a flats person. Comfort is key at this stage in my life.

What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?

Anything that’s too inappropriate.