Hon.(Princess) Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole Speaks On Life At 50

She is in a very happy mood right now. She will soon be 50, and her dad is 1OO. For Hon Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole it's a double celebration and she plans to celebrate it. She has every cause to celebrate. She herself is an accomplished woman. She is a seasoned politician who has proved her mettle over time. She has been in the legislative arm of government before and also the executive arm. And she gave a good account of herself.

As she turns 50, how does she feel? What is on her mind, we asked her a few days ago?

And she told CityPeople her reflections on life at 50.

Hon.Omowunmi says she is happy."It feels great to be fifty! It’s an amazing experience and i am glad to get to this golden age. I give glory to God for His grace and mercy that kept me all these while, seeing this beautiful moment is wholesome."

I have gone through several hurdles in life, both pleasant and unpleasant. Look at me! Today am here, I am alive, Glory be to God.

 

Her dad is 100. What is the feeling like?"My Papa turned a 100years on 12th June, breaking the family record as the first centenarian of the Eddo Dynasty. His children are happy seeing him age gracefully as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Just recently I stopped him from driving, he still feels young and wants to do everything by himself. Have never seen such an energetic old man in my life.No dementia or health issues. He is so blessed by God. You will desire longevity when you meet my dad. He’s very active, holds conversations, he’s good looking…This I believe runs in the family."

 

Why did she decide to celebrate the 2 birthdays together? "There are three moments in human life that warrants celebrations: when we were born and when one dies. The only moment left between birth and death is when we are mature to take certain decisions about your life, like celebrating weddings, birthdays, etc.

 I believe every day is worth celebrating. I choose this moment to express my gratitude to  God for every single day of these 50yrs of my existence. Thanks to my family and all my loved ones for not giving up on me. I don’t really like calling attention to myself, but you’ll agree with me that fifty years is not a joke!"

Looking back at life at 50, does she feel fulfilled? "Looking back in time, I am grateful to God for everything around me. God has been so good to me and my family, no doubt about that, and I know that the future is very promising. I have a wonderful husband, lovely children and grandchildren. A few years ago I couldn’t stand at par with my peers academically but today all that is history. Have been privileged to work for both private and public sectors. I was appointed to serve at the executive and also elected as a member of the legislature for eight consecutive years. Experience has taught me to have a second address. I can boldly say that I have a second address as a business owner or a potential classroom lecturer. All these cannot be achieved without the grace of God Almighty.

He knows the future and purpose of every human being. I believe we can only stop when we get to our final destination. No politician will advise me to retire at 50 years, so it’s not over until I win."

 

What has been her staying power?"My ideology about politics has kept me in power. I believe politicians need to change their approach. Jumping from one party to another, cross-carpeting and anti-party behaviour has to stop. Strengthening our democracy the political class must be disciplined. Especially in cases when a politician can’t find what he wants in one party and then jumps at the next available party to contest. I have been contesting consistently along the progressive agenda since 1999. Ever since I joined AD In 2003, have never looked back. In 2003 as a member of the Alliance for Democracy, I got on board. During President Tinubu’s second term as Governor of Lagos State in 2007 I was elected into the State Assembly representing Oshodi/Isolo2, 20O7-2011 AC and ACN.

In 2017, I was appointed as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State under the APC government, in the first term of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. And later, I chaired the Governing Council of the Fed. Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara.

Some people will say that I’m lucky, I agree with you! But don’t forget that I only mentioned my wins, not my losses. I lost several times; I lost twice as a Councillor, I lost twice for House of Assemblies, lost twice at House of Representatives and I lost once as a Senatorial aspirant, I spent money yet didn’t leave my party. Don’t expect it to be rosy all the time. Nothing good comes easy in life. Asiwaju once said to me when I went to him crying, he said: “Mowunmi, if you can’t stand the heat leave the kitchen”. Since that very day, I told myself I will not leave the kitchen. My eyes have been on the goal, with no room for distractions.

Thank you Mr. President for that tonic, it has helped me, going forward. Patience,

loyalty and honesty are virtues that we must imbibe if we really mean business.

 

She says what has helped her is having faith in God! "With prayers, we can move mountains. One with God is a majority. I have a supportive family. My husband and kids are my strength. All thanks to God for having them in my life. My siblings guide me with love and prayers. To be honest, am blessed with a powerful team all glory be to God."