‘Why you should have an identity as a woman’

Olori Aishat Omowunmi Lawal is the second wife to Oba Munirudeen Adeshola Lawal, the Timi of Ede land, Osun State. In this interview with she shared her life experiences.

IEducational Background had primary education at The Apostolic Model School, Offa, Kwara State, after which I attended Nawairudeen Grammar School, also in Offa. After my SSCE I moved to Zamfara State to further my education. I obtained my National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration at Abdul Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, Zamfara State. Immediately after my HND, I was posted to Osun State for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme and was subsequently posted to Ede North Local Government Area for primary assignment. That was in 2013. I got married in 2014. After my marriage, I furthered my education in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State. I used my HND to enroll for a postgraduate diploma in Management Science. I used that to get my NBA in Financial Management. And I am almost done with my Bsc in Accounting. Career background I only had the experience of my industrial training programme, which I did at LeadWay Insurance, Ibadan, Oyo State, and my NYSC at Ede North Local Government, Osun State. Challenges Alhamdullilah! The challenges aren’t really that serious. Or let me say, no challenges; just normal stress.

What was growing up like?

While growing up, your body and brain change to prepare you for doing all sorts of things in the future, such as being in love, driving a car, having a baby, having a job, being a friend etc. Growing up was really great. Challenges in the past made me stronger, and here I am. I think I have achieved all I wished for. I am still looking forward to better years. Life lessons There is time for everything. At a certain age you will find stability in your life, so work hard when you are young. People living around you are at liberty to talk about you, but they won’t be able to help. Do not bother about what people think; that is not your problem. Also, no matter how good or bad you think your life is, wake up each day and be thankful for life because someone somewhere is fighting to survive. Fond childhood memories

There was a time I swallowed a fruit seed and was greatly scared that a tree would grow in my tummy. I usually faked being asleep so I could be carried to bed. I also remember how I would rush to get a window seat in a car/bus. I closed the fridge extremely slowly to see when the lights went off. Again, I used to think the moon followed our car. It was fun waiting for the school bell to ring. I miss the yearly Salah holidays to my hometown.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?

Encouraging myself and striving to add to the development of the company and advancing through promotions and gaining more responsibility is a suitable reward for me Your aspirations growing up Being exposed to managing a team and being able to gain new skills that are applicable to future career opportunities were my aspirations. In few years to come, I would love to be a true chief executive officer of my own business. I look forward to being a successful businesswoman. Joys of motherhood It might be physically impossible to count the ways a mother expresses her love. Where loving warmth meets a teachable moment is where you will find a mother confidently wielding her superhuman ability to be everything you will ever need. With a knack for adapting, she goes from teacher to comforter, to selfless giver in a matter of minutes - an awesome thing to witness. When you are a mother you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.

How did you meet your husband?

We met in Ede during my NYSC days. He got attracted to my mode of dressing. He approached my local government

Tambari, inspector and spoke to him about me. I was easy to be described because of my dressing and conduct. That was where he contacted me. He later asked me out. I prayed over it and realised he was the one. We started our journey in 2013 and got married in 2014. That was how I became the wife of Oba (Dr) Munirudeen Adeshola Lawal, the Timi of Ede.

What is your most attribute of his?

cherished

Honesty. Favourite music on replay I love listening to Wasiu Ayinde Barrister, Adekunle Gold and Davido.

What are the top 5 things on your wish list?

Becoming a successful business woman. I would like to experience what it is like to work. I would also like to travel abroad with my siblings. I would love to became a philanthropist. And own an orchard. Those are the five things on my wish list. First app you check in the morning and evening WhatsApp Instagram Favourite fashion items Shoes, bags and jewellery

Flat or heels?

and

I prefer moderate heels and slippers. I don’t like high heels. Most expensive fashion accessory Jewellery What wouldn’t you be caught

wearing?

Skinny wears. Best travel destination and why US, UK, Dubai.

What is your favourite quote?

My favourite quote is, “May Allah make it easy.’’ How do you relax I deserve to save some time for myself. I go to Gym every Sunday morning to work off the stress. You know exercising releases endorphins. And after then,I drove home and take a warm bath. I turn off my phone and get a good sleep. And sometimes, I get out of the house to go to the pool side to relax. I listen to music that i can close my eyes and breathe along with. Favourite food My favourite foods are rice and noodles Your definition of style Right from time, my personal style has been modesty and comfort. I explore styles online and appreciate creative works of designers out there. I should just say I have this sense of combining colours. This becomes part of me due to my interest in modest fashion and giving it back to the society because I know the society is watching me. I love to look good at all times.

Favourite perfume, designer bag, shoes

I love Channel perfume. I also love Gucci, Italian and Zara bag and shoes.

Mum’s advice that has stuck with you over the years

My mum used to say, “Treat others the way you wish to be treated, with kindness, respect and dignity. Do your duty, even if there’s no reward for it. This, too shall pass. Show me who your friends are and that’s who you are. And her best advice was: Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.” God bless her for me.

Favourite sport, colour, car and weather.

I love soccer, white, latest Carney and any kind of jeep, and sunny days. Favourite days of the week Fridays because it is Jumuah for Muslims. Beauty routine It is important to drink a lot of water because it does wonders for your skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and healthy. But after a good night’s sleep, we can actually be on the verge of dehydration. So start your beauty routine first thing in the morning by getting out of bed, going to the kitchen and drinking 12 ounces of water.

It is also necessary to exfoliate once a week. Our body continuously produces new skin cells. The old ones are sloughed off over the course of the day. Those dead skin cells sometimes don’t slough off as quickly as we would like and can actually clog pores and leave your skin looking older than it actually is.

Again, regardless of your age and skin type, your skin needs moisture to look and feel healthy. That’s why a moisturiser should be the next step in your daily beauty routine.