From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Barrister Herietta Obinna Uzoh, is the wife of Philanthropist and Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, Dr Obinna Uzoh.
Uzoh, an indigene of Imo State who clocks the golden age of 50 today, told Saturday Sun in Abuja that she has no single regret at 50.
Amongst other issues, the property guru also said at 50, she has done well for herself and that looking at how God has brought her far in life, she is grateful to God.
You will be 50 tomorrow (today). How does it feel to be 50?
I am just so happy and very overwhelmed to see this happening because it has been long coming. We have been expecting this 50 for a very long time now. So, I give God all the glory to see this day.
Are there things you planned to achieve before now that you could not achieve?
Well, the truth is that I thank God so far. I have really achieved a lot because it is not easy. In this day and age, a lot of other things can really disrupt somebody from achieving what he or she wants to achieve, but in my case, I would say I have really done well for myself so far. To God be the glory!
So, you don’t have any regret at 50?
I don’t think I have any regret. It has been a long journey, but so far, so good, yes, I thank God I have really done well.
Is it possible not to have any regret?
Well, it depends on the individual and it depends on what you really want to achieve. Some people have a lot of things that they feel they want to achieve, while some are ok with whatever it is that they have been able to achieve. So, for me, I thank God and I give God the glory. Knowing where I am coming from and where I am today, I thank God and I believe I have really achieved a lot.
How was growing up like?
Growing up was not an easy journey because my parents are like normal, modest family and I would say I was not a silver spoon child. But through struggle and all of that, I was still able to make it to a good extent that I am now. I give God all the glory. It is not an easy thing, but I am happy that I am able to achieve to this extent.
What decision are you taking at 50? Are there things you used to do that you won’t do anymore?
I don’t think there are things that I used to do that I feel I would not want to do again. But I would want to reduce my food intake because I know I like food and I eat a lot. So, I would like to go more into exercising to keep fit.
How is it like for a lawyer to be married to a colleague?
I am a lawyer by profession and I am also very much into property. I am a lawyer, my husband is a lawyer and my son is also a lawyer. We just understand each other and respect each other’s views and move on like that. We don’t have any problem as lawyers living together.
How does it feel to be Dr Obinna Uzor’s spouse?
Dr Obinna Uzor is a nice person; he is a very good person and I thank God for bringing him into my life because he contributed so much to my achievements. And he is a very warm person. I wish the world will know the kind of person he is. He is a very simple, easy-going, God fearing, a very loving husband, he respects me and we communicate very well and he is a very selfless person. He is my friend really. All these put together is what has taken us this far and these are the things one needs. Love is not just enough. These are the things one needs to be able to make it in marriage or in whatever endeavour.
How long have you been together?
We have been together now for about 32 years.
How have you been able to manage him and the rest of the family?
Like I said, he is a very easy-going person. He doesn’t stress me and whatever it is that I want to achieve, he tries to support. He is a very supportive person. And the kids too, they are very warm. My children are very understanding and they are very lovely kids. I have seven of them of which four of them have already graduated and I have the other one who is in the university and I also have other children who are still schooling. They are very supportive kids and I thank God for giving me such lovely kids. I really appreciate all their efforts put together, including their father.
Given a second chance, will you still marry your husband?
Of course, given a second chance, I will marry him again because like I said, he is a very lovely person to be with. He is really.
Has your husband’s involvement in politics brought you discomfort in any way?
Not really because I am not actually out there. Rather, it has exposed me more and exposed the kids. But all the same, we are still our normal selves the way we are. So, we don’t have any problem with it at all.
My husband is somebody that loves politics and it is not like he is just loving politics. He is someone that wants to come out to help his people through politics because he knows what they want and he knows he can meet their yearnings just the way he was able to make it in business. So, he knows the main thing that they need and he wants to come out and help them to achieve that. I am not a politician, but when you find yourself with somebody like that who knows what he wants and really wants to achieve it, I don’t have a choice than to support him, which we all do. The kids and I are always trying to be supportive so that he can get to his destination. And by the special grace of God, he will achieve that.
Your husband is running for the Senate in Anambra on the ticket of Labour Party. What is our take on this?
By the special grace of God, this time around, he will make it through because it is something that he desires and it is something that he has been working hard to achieve for close to 20 years if I am not mistaken. He started it in 2002. His home state is a very difficult state really, but he has been trying his best. This time around, I believe that by the special grace of God, he will achieve it because Labour Party is a good party and it is a party that we will have to watch out for. And if the people really want a change in this country, they should all work with Labour Party because I know that they have something good for us in this country.
Your husband is also involved in philanthropic activities. How have you been assisting him?
My husband is always a giver. He loves it and it makes him happy. He likes to make people happy and sees smiles on people’s faces. So, he has done a lot of all that, even building a Church in my village and other things; hostel and scholarships that he has been giving out to people that need help.
Myself, I am also a giver. I came into his life and I found out that he loves doing that. And in my little way, I love giving also. So, I do things for people as well like building a chapel in my husband’s place and I did a lot for my family too. I also have some people that I am supporting through school.
How do you relax?
I play a lot with my kids, the ones that are at home, and I engage in exercises and watch movies. I am not the type of person that engages in too much reading, but sometimes, I glance through to know what is happening.
What is that fashion accessory that you can’t do without?
I love nice jewelleries like ear rings and necklace. If you say wristwatch, yes, but good ones. I am not really into bags because I like to be free; I want my hands to be free and I don’t like anything that will be so difficult for me to carry. I might even forget my bag somewhere if I take it out because I am not really into bags. I love good shoes too.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I have been to so many places like the Holy Land (Israel), America, London, but for a change, any good place in Africa. I have really travelled wide and my children schooled in the United States and did their masters in London. So, I have been to so many places, including Paris.