Leave the world better than you met it – Febisola Okonkwo
Febisola Oladimeji Okonkwo is the Executive Director of Shelter Home for Vulnerable Kids “Tabitha Home” and a Nongovernmental organization “Help Initiative”. She was born on August 15, 1966 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Oladimeji as the last of nine children. She is a social entrepreneur, social worker, a child protection expert, as well as vulnerable women and children advocate. Through her innovation in developmental programmes, Febisola has been able to empower women, advocate for gender equality, build capacity for young people, empower schools, engage in rural community trainings, create kids club for vulnerable children, initiate economic advancement association for vulnerable communityy women and their families and mentorship programmes,g amongg others. She is the author of a best-selling book ‘Roses of my Passion’.
IEducational background
have a BSc Communication and Language Art from the University of Ibadan; MSc in Communication and Language Art from University of Ibadan; Diploma Early Childhood Education, MSc in Social Work;and PGD Early Childhood Education all from the University of Ibadan.
How has your work developed you?
Nothing gives me joy and enough satisfaction the way charity work does. What I do interests me and makes me happy. I enjoy meeting the needs of less privileged people, especially those that cannot help themselves. I visit refugee camps.
How was growing up like?
I’m the last of nine children; my dad was a church organist and a community teacher while my mum was a businesswoman. I grew up amidst love and care from my parents, older siblings and several cousins.Life then was home, church and school. Everything seemed perfect because my family protected me.
Lessons life taught you
Let your passion add value to other people. Be it for profit or not, for business or passion,if it is not adding value to other people, then it is not worth it. Lessons life has taught me is that life stinks and it’s the same time amazing: life is full of complexities and challenges but then God’s love surpasses it all. Aspirations while growing up I wanted to be a lawyer or a nurse but ended up being a social entrepreneur. Fond childhood memories you miss My dad was a community teacher. In those days, many people came to him for counselling so our house was always busy. I miss boarding school, Girl Guides, church choir. Sometimes, I think abou about it but you can’t be a child forever.
What have been your challenges in life?
M My challenge, I would say, is work related. Bein Being able to convince people about what I do has b been a major challenge for me. Some people don’ don’t believe in Not-for-profit organization; som some people believe many are doing it for their own personal gain. Because many people are s selfish, it makes it difficult to convince the peop people that there are few genuine ones.When I work with people, I ensure I am as transparent as po possible. I let them know what my intensions are and how I am out to support them, our bene beneficiary and donors.
What is your typical day like?
My typical day is wake up, meditate, pray, exercise, go for a walk and get ready for work exerTh
Three fashion accessories you would always have on you. Wristwatch, perfume and earrings Best e travel destination Dubai Best mode of relaxation Il I love listening to music reading and dancing. La Last good book read and how it impacted you?
‘B ‘Becoming’ by Michele Obama. It explains how a career woman can balance work and fami family. I was able to learn a lot about resilience, and how to manage life in turbulent times and navi navigate my purpose in life.