By JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

Otunba Ayora (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, OON, is a woman of many firsts. She was the first female President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria-ICAN, and also the first female Chairman of any bank in Africa, having served as the Chairman of UBA in 1984.

In 1993, she was appointed Minister for Commerce & Tourism in the interim national government, and she has continued to be active even in her 70s. A past President of the Soroptimist International Club of Eko, Lagos, she hosted both old and new members of the club recently, to mark the club’s 30th anniversary. There, Vista Woman had a chat with this illustrious lady from Ijebu-Ode.

Enjoy!!

What would you say is your ideology of life?

My tenet is to make a difference, and I particularly strive to make a difference in any organization or situation I find myself because it is important for me to leave a legacy of achievement and excellence. My penchant for that cannot be compromised in any respect, either in the corporate world, my private life, with my children, amongst my friends, etc.

I have principles that I keep to. However, I pray for God’s guidance in most things that I do because that is very important. Otherwise, you will falter! I wouldn’t say I have never faltered, but the irony of life is that in the process of making mistakes, we learn.

*Otunba Bola

You’re said to be concerned about the well-being of women and children. How have you shown this over the years?

I have a foundation called Ayora Trust Foundation which is a multi-faceted foundation in education, religion, arts, mediation and various charitable works. I believe one has to leave a legacy of helping and empowering other people to better themselves and actualize their dreams.

Often and again, some people come to us even when they are not truly in need, but with wisdom, we’ve over the years been able to discern who is actually in need and who is telling lies. For our educational arm, we have a panel for testing the academic performance of  our proposed beneficiaries, and their true background.

When was Ayora Trust Foundation established?

It was formally established about five years ago, but before then, I did a lot of undocumented charity works. I decided to establish it formally so as to authentically leave a legacy for my children as they get on in years, and so that they also would know what to do even when I’m gone. All of my children are trustees of the foundation, and they will keep on when the time comes.

To what extent would you say the foundation has affected lives?

A lot of people have benefitted from the foundation. We go as far as providing accommodation for people. But the truth is that administering to people’s needs comes from the heart; you have to examine where the needs actually are so that you are not deceived into trying to satisfy needs that are not in existence. So, we have a proper system for selecting who we are going to help.

Have some people tried to take advantage of  your kindness?

It’s very painful to admit this. But the fact is that when you help somebody who goes on to tell someone else, the other may decide to take your generosity for wanting to purge yourself of some misdemeanors. I am however always ready to tell people that I am not a Governor X or B. I am me! I have worked hard all my life as a woman, and I am proud of my heritage and the things that I have been able to do.

Not everyone may know where I’m coming because I do not live my life on the pages of newspapers, so I don’t hesitate to let people know that I worked hard for my money. I cannot be like people who say negative things to themselves that they do not have money. Rather, I make it known that I have money because I have worked hard, but I do not have stupid money or money to waste. Maybe my profession has something to do with that anyway. I always make sure I channel my resources objectively.

May we know about your early years?

I started my life as a Grade-II teacher at Zawan Girls Catholic Primary School in Jos. At the age of 19, I became a headmistress. I was told that this came because I had done very well at my examinations; scoring the highest number of credits.

I later went to England to do my A Levels and then my degree course. I graduated in 1963 with a B.Sc Economics at London University. Later on, I studied Chartered Accountancy, and became the first Nigerian female graduate Chartered Accountant of England and Wales, and of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria-ICAN.

I’ve had a chartered career both in the public and private sector and I’m very grateful to God for the opportunities. I’m still active, trying to do a few things and to leave a good legacy for my family.

You’re a woman of many firsts; what traits have helped you achieve all that?

Traits that have helped me are diligence, hardwork, being true to myself, holding-on to my dreams, never letting myself be discouraged, and trusting in God. These traits are very important and necessary for any man or woman who wants to get on in life. You don’t let anybody derail your boat! Stay focused, and if you know you’re going on a wrong path, try as much as possible to make sure you’re back on course. Listen to advice from elders because nobody knows it all.

Looking at your achievements, would you say gender discrimination does exists?

Over the years, I have suffered some gender discriminations. I have been told to my face by some organisations that they have no room for any woman! But I never allowed myself to be discouraged! I have been boss to a number of men who tell me: “I have a woman like you at home!”, but I let them know that I am not the woman in their houses!

I do my best to show that I have the intelligence and the intellect to hold on to my position. That’s why I always advise people to be sure they merit whatever position they are given.

Didn’t your marriage pose any distraction like some women claim?

Marriage needs good management even when you’re more educated or successful than your husband. You need to give your husband the respect that he deserves for him to allow you pursue your goals.  I’ve been married twice.  I’m glad for the experiences God has put me through because they’ve made me a better person.

What’s your advice to women?

Never expect anybody to do anything for you because you’re a woman. Show that you deserve what you ask for, and have a good stance both in terms of moral and intellect. Be humble, look good, and when you open your mouth to talk, make sure you say things that won’t strip you of your self-respect.