UK Born Nigerian, Aminat Sule, has revealed how she positioned herself to become a self-appointed Personal Assistant to Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Short Thread: about how I met Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and became his self appointed PA. pic.twitter.com/wrIQoxZExD
— Aminat Sule (@Aminatsule_) August 12, 2020
Aminat also shared that she has a set goal to become the youngest first female foreign affairs minister for Nigeria despite being born in the UK even if “it sounded quite radical”.
She recounted meeting with Obasanjo at an event tagged “Re-writing Politics to Africa’s Advantage” hosted by Chatham House where he was one of the panelist after being told by a colleague.
At the event, she positioned herself at the front row at a seat reserved for The Sunday Times journalist who arrived late and made eye contact with Obasanjo all through the event.
“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,” Aminat said.
Obasanjo then followed her and when they got into the room he asked: “Who’s daughter are you?”
She 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,” Aminat shared.
Moral of the story: Opportunities don’t always come to you. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities.
