‘Pushing women to the forefront of leadership’
NEVER TAKE A MAJOR DECISION UNDER DURESS OR PRESSURE
Hansatu Adegbite is currently the executive director of Women in Business and Management (WIMBIZ). The second, out of four siblings two boys and two girls - hails from Kano State. Although her late parents were indigenes of Kano, she has grandparents from diverse backgrounds, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. She shared her story with Tambari.
IEducational background started nursery education at Air Force Nursery School in Kano but relocated to the United Kingdom (UK) for most of my primary education, at Bousefield Junior School, London. However, I had my last year in primary school back in Nigeria, at Air Force Primary School Kano, where I finished as the first overall best student in academic performance. I was also the assistant prefect of the Red House. My secondary school education started thereafter as a member of the second set of the Air Force Girls’ Military School in Jos, Plateau State (the first all-girls military school in Africa). While there, I occupied a number of leadership positions, such as the provost marshal (disciplinary prefect in military terminology), drama president, chief usher of the Fellowship of Christian Students, and assistant red squadron provost, to mention a few.
I am extremely passionate about my secondary school alumni. I served as the national chairperson of the Air Force Girls’ Alumni Association of Nigeria (AFGAAN), popularly known as the Association for Ex-Junior Air Women (Ex-JAW). I proceeded from there to the University of Abuja as a member of the second set of the Business Administration Department. I served as the first female president of the Nigerian Universities Association of Management and Business Students (NUAMBS) in my final year. I was also the vice president and head of drama of the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) while in university. After my first degree, I obtained an action learning Master in Business Administration from Business School, Netherlands International and served as a member of the Foundational Governing Council of its alumni association. Since then, I have gone through various local and international trainings in business skills and non-profit management. Career I started my career at the United Bank for Africa Plc in the Kaduna-North branch. I relocated from there to the Abuja branch. As a young mother, I resigned to focus on childcare as requested by my husband at the time. I started and ran a business in children’s event management, known as Festive Friends Limited. I did that for 10 years in Abuja. I had to close it down when I relocated with my husband to further his education in the UK. I have invested over 25 years of my life volunteering in various organisations and developing most of my leadership, teamwork, organisational and people management skills. Working in a volunteer role for many years helped to keep me focused and selfless. I worked as the head of administration in International Computer Driving License, (ICDL) Nigeria/SAA, and a training associate in Howes Consulting Group and BSN Nigeria. After spending over 15 years in Abuja, I relocated to Lagos last year to take up the position of the executive director of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), an organisation that I have been closely affiliated to for over 17 years and have been a member for over 12 years. I have always believed in the vision and mission of WIMBIZ, aimed at inspiring and empowering women to attain leadership positions. Challenges I have not faced challenges professionally, but personally. Growing up I grew up with a single mum, who was hands on in parenting. She was a disciplinarian and very hardworking. She gave us the best local and international education she could afford and instilled strong values in us. She also raised us to be content and loving as siblings. Life lessons Never take a major decision under duress or pressure. Have the guts to stick up to what you believe in and place value on yourself as an individual. Most rewarding part of your career All my learning experiences whether good, bad or ugly because they have shaped me in many ways. Aspirations growing up To build my version of Disney world in Africa, a festive city. Joys of motherhood Motherhood is the epitome of true love. Top things on your wish list To own properties, have sustainable multiple streams of income, meet Oprah, visit three Sandals resort and work overseas. Favourite kind of music on replay Soul and contemporary R&B First app you check in the morning/ bedtime WhatsApp. Favourite fashion items Tunics, trousers/jeans and suede shoes. Flats or heels? Definitely flats. What wouldn’t you be caught wearing? Hot pants, miniskirts and tube tops. Best travel destination and why?
The first one is the USA. There is always a new discovery on every trip because it is very vast and adventurous. Every state is like a country. So the USA is more like a collection of countries with so much to explore and see for years. I also love it because Disneyland is there. The second is Dubai because it’s created as a wonderland to meet different people’s needs. How do you relax?
Watching my favourite TV series, especially investigate, legal and medical ones, visiting nice restaurants, restful breaks in very nice hotels and holidays. Favourite quote People come into your life for reasons, seasons or a lifetime, so never consider a
PLACE NO LIMIT ON YOUR DREAMS AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCT BECAUSE IT TENDS TO BE YOUR WARNING SIGNAL AND SAVES YOU FROM A LOT OF HASSLES IN LIFE
reason, season or person as a lifetime friend; you could be burnt or disappointed in the process. Learn to let them go when the reason or season they came into your life is over. It is great wisdom. Favourite food Yam. Definition of style Smart casual. Favourite fashion designer Ruth Olajide of Rootz Fashion in Lagos. Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes I am not a designer-focused person. I use any perfume, which scent I like and it is available to me per time. And I finish a bottle before starting another one. I don’t carry handbags; just laptop bags. And I love comfortable black flat shoes, especially suede.
Mum’s advice that stuck with you over the years Be content. Favourite sport, colour, car and weather Athletics. Green is my best colour, it calms me. I love it so much. Any really nice black jeep. Definitely, sunshine. Favourite day of the week Tuesday, because it is the day I was born. And it is less stressful after an intense Monday at work. Beauty routine I have none. Role models Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Bishop David Abioye and Pastor Mary Abioye. Looking back, what would you tell a younger you?
Live life to the fullest! Do not live to please people, no matter what. Do all you desire in your heart to do for yourself. Place no limit on your dreams and trust your instinct because it tends to be your warning signal and saves you from a lot of hassles in life. Advice for women Never take a critical decision under an external pressure with a superficial time constraint. Know your capacity for pressure and pain. And when you cannot take it anymore, run for your life and sanity. Do not tolerate unhappiness, sorrow and pain for too long because it can be a matter of life and death if you treat it lightly. Believe in yourself and determine to make your life worth living.