From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Toyin Belawu Adisa is the daughter of the late Major General AbdulKarim Adisa, former military administrator of Oyo and Imo states, who also served as Minister for Works and Housing.
In this interview, she talks about her childhood, life without her father, his unfulfilled dreams and most especially, her grandmother’s foundation which has offered succour to many less privileged people in the society. She also talks about her love for Nigeria’s military.
What was it like being the daughter of late Major General Adisa?
I had a very normal life right from childhood. My life was straightforward – from school back home. If I had to go anywhere, I went with my grandmother. I was not allowed to visit my classmates. I would say that I am a bit freer now but still so much a home person. You will never find me at parties. I’m always engaged in humanitarian activities.
What is the impact of these on your life?
There is no negative impact really. It’s a normal life, trust me.
I’m sure your late father must have had good dreams for the country before he died. Do you mind sharing some of them with us?
I’m sure he did but unfortunately my father died when I was five years old. I can’t really talk about his vision because I was still so little. I’m sure he really had a lot of good plans. As the Works and House minister he did a lot as I was told.
Since you were still a toddler at the time, your mother must have told you a lot about him?
Apart from my mother, a lot of people say good things about him. I think he was a great man from the compliments I hear from people and other Nigerians.
You have mentioned your grandmother a number of times. Did you spend most of your happy hours with her ?
I can’t talk about my life without her. My life was surrounded by her. She was like my mother and mother’s mother combined. My childhood has her face, her legs and hands in it. My mother was young when she had me. So we were just like sisters. My grandmother was in charge waking me up to go to school. She was there for all the routines – attending any special events, taking me to the hospital and many other things you can think of.
How is your foundation doing?
It’s okay but I will not place five stars on it because it belongs to my grandmother and I’m part of it. We are doing our best. After visiting orphanages, we still keep our communication with them. As the project manager, I receive several letters from them. Recently, we sent money to about three orphanages, to provide additional support and enable them sustain operational activities.
What has been the motivation to run such a foundation?
The foundation belongs to my grandmother, Keziah Ugonma Opara (Kez Opara). She’s the founder and chairman. The foundation started off on 3rd January 2025 with visits to some orphanage. Then we fed women and children in Abuja during Ramadan. I feel like that’s my playground and a happy stage for me. Visiting the less privileged really makes my day and gives me peace of mind.
Certainly each one of them you visit would stand out in one unique way. Can you share your thoughts about one or two of them?
After sending cash to one of the orphanages recently, I received a thank you message from the proprietress. She told me that they didn’t have money to feed that weekend. She said the money I sent saved them from starving. I was touched by it.
Do you have any plans to expand on the current status?
I would say God’s time is the best. He alone can decide.
I understand that your mother is Canadian…
Yes, she is from Toronto.
With that connection and open advantage, I wonder why you preferred to remain here helping the less privileged?
Nigerians who are leaving must have their reasons.
But you have the opportunity on a platter of gold. Why have you not thought of that?
I have never thought my life is different even though I have a Canadian passport. I have never thought of running away from Nigeria. Even when I travel, I always come back, especially because of the less privileged ones I have to take care of through the NGO.
In this life, everything is possible.
In that case, do you have any plans of becoming a politician someday?
Like I said, anything is possible, but let me say that I once thought of joining the army. I thought of joining the direct short service, but today I’m no longer talking of the short service. So, anything can happen.
But do you like politics?
It’s okay, I don’t see anything wrong in it.
Do you have any female role models in politics?
I would pick Her Excellency, Samira Bawumia, wife of the former Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia. I like her behaviour, fashion, and style. She’s an elegant woman and I like the way she carries herself. Most of all, she’s a humanitarian. I love that lady .
What’s your general view about Nigeria?
I pray it gets better. I pray God gives the leaders more knowledge to lead this country. We need a lot of unity among ourselves. Women should learn to be united.
How do you feel about the insecurity in the country? Do you think the military is living up to expectations?
Yes, please, our officers and soldiers are trying their best. These military officers and soldiers you’re talking about risk their lives for us. They don’t get to see family members often. They spend most of their time in the forest with no network or water. They should be appreciated.