How I Became Obasanjo’s ‘Self-appointed’ Personal Assistant, UK-based Nigerian Lady Recounts

Ololade Adeyanju/

A UK-based Nigerian lady, Aminat Sule, has recounted how she seized the moment of a chance encounter with former Nigerian leader, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to become his personal assistant.

She shared her experience on Twitter via @Aminatsule_ to encourage young people to not always wait for opportunities to come their way but strive to create one for themselves.

Read her account below:

I set a goal for myself to become the youngest first female foreign affairs minister for Nigeria. For someone who was born in the UK. It sounded quite radical right?

I had anchored & produced a TV show called Youth and Politics and was fortunate enough to interview leading politicians one of them being @YakubDogara. Due to a lack of funding, my show could no longer be aired on National TV.

Shortly after this happened I was told by a learned colleague @dayo247 about an event hosted by @ChathamHouse called “Re-Writing Politics to Africa’s Advantage.” President Obasanjo was one of the panelists.

I was determined to serve one of the greatest leaders in Africa. So I positioned myself front row. I sat in the seat reserved for a @thesundaytimes journalist – my apologies your correspondent arrived late.

I made eye contact with Mr Olusegun the entire event. From start to finish. Once the event was over. Guests and fellow panelists wanted to take pictures and engage with Pres. Obasanjo.

I stormed onto the stage and said, excuse me: “No more pictures! Can we get him into a private room, with a glass of water? In 10 minutes he’ll resume to discuss matters and entertain the press.”

He followed me & when we got into the room he asked: “Whose daughter are you?” I responded “My father isn’t anyone you know. He’s just a normal Nigerian citizen who relocated to the UK for a better life.”

He chuckled and said, “so how can I help you?”

I said, “well I’m your new PA. I’m going to serve you.”

I’ve been serving him since that date.

Moral of the story: Opportunities don’t always come to you. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities.

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