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From Christy Anyanwu in London
Penultimate Saturday, Princess Christian Kujembola, a lecturer, entrepreneur and politician in the United Kingdom put the spotlight on the African heritage at an event held at her Hackney Borough to celebrate the Black History Month, under the auspices of her Bojas Foundation . The occasion, which had in attendance people from different races living in the community was filled with fun and laughter and residents showcased their talents. Princess Kuembola spoke with Sunday Sun at the venue.
What is the essence of you organizing this Black History Month?
Black people have gone through a lot. The past is not what many people would like to celebrate. My ancestors were taken from Africa and sold into slavery. The only reason we do this event is simply to remember what happened many years, years ago. Martin Luther King once said, “One day, I will see Black and White people dine together on the same table. So, today is that day, The black and white people are together now , sometimes they say there’s racism but the racism has really got down now compared to the past. There are blacks in positions where you could not see them before. We have honoured what happened in the past. but now we want to inspire and celebrate the Black History Month just for the black people to showcase their businesses and to come together as one. Obviously, it is a black event, but all ethnic groups were invited, there was no discrimination of any sort.
Is this part of your NGO contribution to the celebration?
First, we don’t call it NGO, we call it a foundation, which is also termed charity and it is a non-profit. Bojas Foundation organises it. I started this last year. We had never celebrated the Black History Month as a foundation, though I celebrated with Black people to showcase their businesses, to and allow people see that.
What was the experience like when you came to the United Kingdom years back?
I came here about 20 years ago. When I came into this country, I started as a cleaner, not that I didn’t have a degree back home, but I had to start from somewhere. Who I am today – becoming a politiciàn and lecturer as well as having chain of businesses has nothing to do with the blacks. It is White people that put me into this position I am today. I’m not putting Black people down. How I became a lecturer is white, how I started my business today is white , how I started my foundation is white. I would not say there is no discrimination but there’s improvement, a big improvement.
Advice to Nigerians who want to come abroad (Japa)
I really don’t want to talk in that aspect because it’s controversial. I don’t like talking about japa because people will use it against me. They are quick to ask, «What are you doing in United Kingdom all these years if the place is not suitable.” Be candid, the amount of money that people have used to come into the United Kingdom, I think they would have used the money to better their lives in Nigeria. Why is it that people in the UK are going from here to set up businesses in Nigeria. If the economy is so bad why are we setting up in Nigeria? Nigeria is a land of milk and honey, people need to see that spiritually. Japa people now come here and noticed that this place is not as sweet as they thought. Each country has got its ups and downs, each country has got their own inflation, especially after COVID-19.
You said you set up businesses in Nigeria, could you talk about it?
I have different businesss in Nigeria the group identity, Bojas World, including Bojas Collections, Spa, Spices and I’m working on setting up Bojas Fashion. I will become a Kimono specialist soon. The brand is opening soon. I have seven businesses here in the UK. I am a lecturer, politiciàn and beautician. Some people call me jack of all trades. Some have said that I should choose one out of the businesses, focus on it and forge ahead. Here in the UK, I am in the British Labour Party.
What was life like growing up?
I was born in the UK and grew up in Nigeria. I was in Nigeria in August this year, and refurbished the whole of the maternity hospital with the support of Hon Olusanya Omirin, a member of the House of Representatives. I love to give, inspire and encourage. But I emulate my biological father , His Royal Highness Babasola Kujembola. He›s my mentor. My pastor here in the UK is also my mentor. He inspires me a lot. A couple of English people in this country have equally helped in my growth.
What inspired you to extend your business from London to Nigeria?
Being a Nigerian, I don’t think we should just establish businesses in the United Kingdom only. We should also bring business back to our roots. And I think part of why I did it was to create employment, and also empower the youth. So that is why I have decided to bring Boja’s Collection to Nigeria. I also sought inspiration from God on the kind of business to establish and God said that I should go into beauty. So Boja’s Spa is about beauty. It started from Spa, but now we included a salon, massage and confectionary. So, if anyone comes in here, it’s a one-stop shop. So there’s nothing that you want to do that we cannot do for you. We sell fashion accessories also. I think that’s what sets it apart from every other spa and salon. That’s what makes it unique from other spas – we do everything together.
So, what’s next for Bojas?
I have an appointment in Malta as well to get a property. So Bojas is going to be expanding. And we pray that one day we’re going to be all over the world.
As a successful entrepreneur, what advice would you give to women who want to go into business and succeed like you?
I would just say, if you want to start, start. No matter how much you have. I started from my own flat. I live in a three-bedroom flat. So whatever you have as a dream, start it. Begin to think about it. Begin to buy it bit by bit. And one day you will begin it. So, I want to tell all women there, if you have any kind of business in mind, please go for it. I know you might be thinking about the finances and everything. Start from somewhere. I started from my own living room. Now look at me.
Given that you are based in London, how do you run your Nigeria business successfully?
I have got fantastic staff. And they have been with me for three years, managing the business. I travel regularly to Nigeria, at least three times in a year. I am able to closely monitor what they are doing. I have confidence in my staff and I know they can keep the business running well.
