By Enyeribe Ejiogu
Twenty one years have passed since Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, was pulled down from the position in a high stakes power game over spurious allegations involving the acquisition of vehicles.
Today, Nigerians like Dr Efe Anaughe, frequently read about the humongous, mind-blowing looting being perpetrated by male politicians in the Executive and Legislative arms of government. Such Nigerians now believe that Etteh deserves an apology for the humiliation she went through in the heat of the saga.
Anaughe is a lawyer, human rights and gender activist. She is the founder, Warien Rose Foundation and Convener, Women Active in Politics. Her story shows that a determined person who is diligent in pursuing a worthy vision that has potential to transform and impact lives positively, will definitely achieve it through hard work, discipline and financial prudence, especially if the God Factor attracts the favour of individuals and corporate bodies.
Anaughe, an Abuloma Girl, is a typical product of the Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma, Rivers State. Her success story is intimately associated with grit and clear headedness. In this interview, she gives us a peek into her life and reveals her driving passion.
Firstly, you attended Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma, Rivers State. So, paint a picture of a typical Abuloma girl. What’s so special about Abuloma girls?
Our Principal at the time, Mrs. Agwu, was like our ‘Mother’ and she instilled good values in us. She taught us to have confidence in ourselves and always exhibit a sense of self-worth. She encouraged us to believe in ourselves, our abilities, and our uniqueness. An Abuloma girl must show resilience and adaptability, and be able to cope with challenges, adapt to change, and view failures as opportunities for growth. Our principal promoted the culture of love for learning, independence, and encouraged us to make informed decisions about our lives and future. After secondary school, I went University of Lagos to study Law, which helped me greatly in getting a solid grounding for what I am doing now.
After going to the university and being called to the Bar, how did you start building your career?
I embarked on a career path that has been deeply rooted in the non-governmental organization (NGO) sector. Although I demonstrated a strong aptitude for litigation, particularly in criminal matters, my passion for humanity ultimately prevailed, drawing me into the humanitarian space where I have dedicated my efforts to making a positive impact.
How did it progress to where you are now?
Navigating the non-governmental organization (NGO) space has presented numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, my commitment to serving humanity has remained unwavering. This passion, which began during my high school years, ultimately led me to establish the Warien Rose Foundation. Through this organization, we have made significant strides in education, empowerment, and job placement, operating within our means.
As a grassroots organization with a strong focus on gender equality, we have developed various initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women. However, despite our dedication and impact, we often face significant funding constraints, hindering our ability to scale our efforts.
We urgently require support and resources to continue our vital work. I invite like-minded individuals and organizations to collaborate with us, helping to bridge the funding gap and amplify our collective impact.
How would you characterise the impact of your various activities through the multiple platforms you are involved in?
The impact of my various activities across multiple platforms has been profoundly transformative and far-reaching. Through our diverse initiatives, including Women Active In Politics, Domestic Violence Anonymous, Women in Business and Export, Women Living with Disabilities, Our Cooperative for Women and Youths, Warien Rose Academy, and others, we have created a robust ecosystem that empowers individuals, fosters community development, and drives positive social change.
The testimonials from our beneficiaries serve as a testament to the tangible difference we’ve made in their lives. Our multifaceted approach has enabled us to address a wide range of needs, from promoting women’s leadership and economic empowerment to providing support for survivors of domestic violence and advocating for inclusivity and accessibility.
Our impact can be measured in the lives transformed, the communities strengthened, and the futures brightened. As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our engagement, we remain committed to creating a lasting, positive impact that resonates across generations.
What motivated your decision to start Women Active in Politics? Would you say that women have made significant progress in Nigeria’s political space?
My decision to start Women Active in Politics was motivated by the glaring disparity in representation and opportunities for women in Nigeria’s political landscape. Despite comprising approximately half of the population, women remain woefully underrepresented in leadership positions. This realization sparked a sense of urgency and responsibility within me to contribute to bridging this gap. Through Women Active in Politics, I aim to empower women with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to participate actively in politics and decision-making processes. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and equitable political environment that values and reflects the diversity of Nigerian society.
Regarding the progress of women in Nigeria’s political space, while there have been some notable advancements, we still have a long way to go. Women’s representation in politics remains below the global average, and significant structural barriers persist, hindering their participation and progress. However, I remain optimistic about the prospects for women in Nigerian politics. With initiatives like Women Active in Politics and other organizations working tirelessly to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, I believe we can create a more just and representative political system for all Nigerians.
You have had a long association with Festac Town. What are your thoughts about FESTAC and what do you long to see concerning Festac Town going forward?
Growing up in Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria, holds fond memories for me. My father, a diplomat, was allocated a house there in the early 80s. I recall its beauty, cleanliness, and well-planned infrastructure.
However, Festac Town now faces significant environmental and infrastructure challenges. I am disturbed by the deplorable state of 402 Road. The damaged sewage systems and abandoned buildings have created health hazards and diminished residents’ quality of life. The key issues include poor infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and public amenities that are in disrepair; environmental degradation in the form of blocked sewage systems and waste channels that pose health risks and lack of maintenance. In addition, abandoned infrastructural facilities have become an eyesore in the community.
There is a clear and present need for the Festac Town to undergo massive infrastructural renewal that will result in the reconstruction, repair and maintenance of roads, drainage systems and public amenities in the multi-ethnic and socio-economically diverse community. Part of the renewal will involve environmental remediation resulting in the clearing of blocked sewage systems and waste channels.
For these things to happen successfully, there has to be active community engagement with residents being involved in the decision-making processes. Again, there has to be sustainable urban planning, which will balance development with environmental conservation. As should be expected, the Federal Government which owns Festac Town through the Federal Housing Authority as well as the Lagos State which collects tax from the residents of the community, need to create suitable and viable economic empowerment initiates that will support local businesses as well as set entrepreneurship programmes.
By addressing these challenges, Festac Town can reclaim its former glory and once again become a thriving, sustainable community. I urge the authorities to take action and involve residents in the decision-making process.
You recently got a doctorate in Business Administration. That has been inspirational. At what point did you decide to pursue it and what motivated your decision?
As I reflect on my path, I realize that pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship, Switzerland, was a pivotal moment. It ignited a fire within me to make meaningful difference in the lives of women and marginalized communities. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles women faced in the various Communities I lived in. Their voices were silenced, their opportunities limited, and their potential untapped. I knew I had to act.
My passion for empowerment was fueled by four key drivers: (a) empower women by amplifying their voices and creating opportunities for them to thrive; (b) I was determined to bridge the gap by addressing systemic inequalities and promoting inclusive development; (c) make strategic impact by leveraging business acumen for social change, and pursue personal growth to enhance my leadership and expertise. The experience and benefit I gained from the doctorate degree programme led to the establishment of Warien Rose Academy which is now accredited by Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship, Switzerland.
Again, through Warien Rose Foundation, we have founded several initiatives that have become my pride and joy. These include, Women Active in Politics, through which women are empowered to take on leadership roles and participate in the political process; Women in Business & Export, an initiative supports women entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed; Women & Youths Cooperative, which fosters financial inclusion and cooperative development, thereby creating economic opportunities for women and youths. I have also been involved in other women-led initiatives that support education, healthcare, and social justice programmes, which address the unique challenges women face. My doctorate research took me on a profound journey, that enabled me explore the intersections of business, gender, and social impact. In the course of that, I discovered gender-sensitive approaches to economic empowerment; inclusive leadership models that promote diversity and equity and strategic partnerships that drive sustainable development. This journey has equipped me to drive gender-equitable initiatives that create lasting change; mentor women leaders and empower them to reach their full potential; advocate for policy changes that promote social justice; collaborate with organizations that share my vision for a more equitable world. I am convinced and strongly believe that together we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, especially women
Given your involvement in championing the cause of women in the political space, and seeing the humongous, mind-blowing looting being perpetrated by male politicians in the Executive and Legislative arms of government, how do you feel about the treatment given to Patricia Etteh?
Patricia Etteh’s tenure as Nigeria’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives was a groundbreaking moment for women in politics. She broke barriers, paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps. However, her experience also exposed the challenges women face in male-dominated political spaces. Etteh’s story serves as a reminder that women in politics still face numerous obstacles. By working together, women can create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape for women.