Yemisi Abah
13 July 2008
(Page 2 of 2)
We are setting up cottage industries and in doing that we are able to provide jobs for them. But I think the most important thing is when you go there, you are able to cry with them, sing and dance with them, form a bond that really shows that you do care. And to me, in any philanthropic matter, what we need to do to show that we do care, is not just to throw things. You go there and sacrifice that time. It is the most precious thing that I have experienced - that they do appreciate. VPI has been talking to people who can come and build some structures because, we now know that there is a lot of land. We can have sawmills instead of them using their hands to work. We are also in the process of talking to some people that will convert salt water into drinking water.
What keeps you going?
Where do you get inspiration from to do what you do?
It is a calling; it is the right time. I believe it is what God wants me to do. So, whether my husband is Senate President or not does not matter. For these past 30 years, I have kind of paved my way towards reaching this promise. It didn't just start now. And by the grace of the Aalmighty God, there is a link between the mothers and the youths.
The Lord just naturally made it that it was time to form a link with elders. I am a missionary. I believe that this is a calling from the Almighty God and for anybody that comes on board, I say this is your voluntary work to please the Almighty God. You are not only serving Nigeria, you are serving God. So, if you to come on board, with that in mind, the Almighty God is going to release the help you need and in everything. This is my destiny and I am going ahead with it, regardless of any distraction that might come my way. That is my inspiration.
As a mother, what is your view on the role of women in nation building? And what is the Nigeria of your dream?
I go everywhere and I say to all women, "let us be friends. Let us stop back-biting each other. Let us stop competing with each other. Let us be like our counterparts - the men, who are loyal to each other. Let us be as Nigerian communities used to be." Four children are mine and with this I am telling all mothers in Nigeria right now, all those youths in Nigerian Delta are your children. We are the mothers of these youths and we are joining hands with the mothers of these youths who do not have the opportunity that some of us have. Let us dry the tears from their eyes. Then, we will be able to bring up our children to be the leaders of tomorrow that will make Nigeria what the Almighty intends it to be; a peaceful beautiful home for our citizens to be proud to live in and to develop into the highest level.
With your very busy schedule, how do you take care of the home front? And how do you relax?
First of all, my children are grown and they are not here. They are about their life. Then, the home front, of course, itself is very busy. Because, if you are married to someone who is very busy and have meetings till 4am... the home front is what I am doing now. My husband's home front is the whole of the country now. It isn't just our own home. We should see it like that. Then, you know that it is the home front that we are trying to take care of.
For relaxation, I love watching African Magic, and if I have the film especially with the movie; Pride and Prejudice, I relax with that a lot. Sometimes, I read.
What is the next line of action?
There is a lot but I don't want to reveal it in the papers. I will talk to you about that later
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