A passion for politics and security
Interview by ajiya Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye is the Chief Executive Officer of Indigene Global Services Limited. She is also the convener of Buharian Culture Organisation (BCO). The Kogi State indigene and security expert spoke to Tambari about her passion for politics and much more.
HI have a degree in Communications, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Strategy and a Masters in National Security Studies. I am currently doing PhD in Security and Crime Science. I am also the 2005 National Award Winner of American Achievement Academy.
I am a journalist, a security consultant and a community activist. As a consultant, I have engaged with various embassies in Washington DC for Africa. Here in Nigeria, I have also engaged with various agencies. My company is one of the few private companies with recommendation by National Security Agency (NSA) on security matters. Although living in America, I have always followed President Buhari’s political activities. Subsequently I joined the campaign train as the Head of Campaign; Media, to Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the rest is history. Beside journalism, I am a trained security analyst with demonstrated knowledge of major theories, concepts, and methods in national security issues. My strong background in national security studies gives me the leverage to predict leadership decisions and behaviours using models drawn from political psychology. And the ability to write well gives me a competitive edge.
I have served as one of the board of directors of African Affairs Advisory Committee under Isaiah (Ike) Leggett, the then County Executive of Montgomery County, and I have also served as a board member on African American Health Organisation, both in the US.
At the point when it became clear that we were going to win the election, Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, became increasingly concerned about what will happen after Buhari’s presidency. Her worry was if there was no continuation, then all efforts would have been wasted. After she and I discussed on this, I decided to form the BCO with the sole intention to institutionalise Baba Buhari’s character trait and vision; some sort of Mandela of our kind. I figured this will be the only way to uphold Buhari’s legacy.
And I have always known that if you want a record, you keep it in a book. But if you want legacy, you keep it in the people. So the organisation started forums all around the states and outside the country and designed humanitarian activities around it.
I have learnt that people are not always what they seem.
My focus has always been on leadership and service to humanity. I draw the inspiration from God, my conscience and my family: I am inspired by the words of God and often motivated by my conscience. I always do my very best to stay far away from deeds that will cause my conscience to bug me or anything that has the potential to stain my family nametor actions that go against God. My typical day is always hectic.
My kids: they are a blessing from God. I love them to death. We met on a plane on our way from London. His consistency in everything he does. We thank God for the great team and dedicated members of the BCO that continued to do their best to stick it out till today. We have done a great deal of humanitarian work in changing the lives of the ordinary people. And we will continue to do the good work. Get closer to God, nature, I play my nice and cool jazz and I love the oldies a lot. I check my WhatsApp messages when I wake up in the morning and also, before I retire to bed. I love my earrings a lot; I can’t go a day without them. Fake eyelashes. Nigeria and the United States. I listen to music while relaxing from the day’s activities. It helps in calming me down. I love eating kosai, also known as bean cake.