Follow Us on Google
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Former first lady of Imo state, Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha is the founder of Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) a Non-Governmental Organization. She told Daily Sun recently in an interview, in Lagos, that women shouldn’t continue accepting things that are unfavorable to them, simply because they want to align with some traditional beliefs. She also spoke about women right to inheritance.
There are some cultural biases and traditions that relegate and prevent women from inheritance. What can you say about it?
As a woman, it is important that you know your rights and understand how to engage in traditions. Laws are made by humans. You cannot keep accepting things that are unfavorable to you because you want to align with some traditional beliefs. Culture may influence our value but as a woman, you need to challenge cultural expectations that women should be responsible for things that men are not. Women are equally as capable as men in terms of success.
Women have rights to own properties. Although, there are customary laws that disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her father’s property but it all depends on whom you are dealing with.
No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her father. Despite the judgment of the court in granting permission to females to participate in inheritance right, there are still traditions that prevent women from such inheritance. The case is of very significant value to Nigerian women because the Nigerian judiciary has experienced a chequered history on this issue. in light of the various customary laws in some parts of the country which prohibits women from participating in such inheritance.
What has life been since you left as Imo state first lady?
I will say I have been on holiday. I have time to relax a bit as compared to the pressure of work that comes with the office, especially when you have to attend to the needs of the state. You can only provide support to ensure that the work is done, regardless. I have programmes lined up for the year. This month, from May 22-23, we have a conference for women. The theme is “Women Be inspired”.
When a woman is inspired, a lot of changes take place and there is substantial growth.
Would you say that Nigerian women take care of themselves like their counterparts in other parts of the world, considering their financial constraints?
Money is not actually needed before one can take care of herself. Taking care of yourself could just be your ability to make out time to rest. Having healthy habits are the best ways to avoid disease, prolong your life, and live more happily but in the chaos of a woman’s daily life, healthy living may take back seat due to chores, work, busy schedules, and more.
For many women, the demands of modern day life make it increasingly harder to get a good night’s sleep. Nigerian women are heavily burdened. We are not doing as much as we ought to do in taking care of ourselves. The only way we can do better in our role as mother and wife is to be healthy. I advise women to make out time to care of yourself.
Women in the older generation lived longer compared to today’s women despite the facilities to enhance their health and beauty, what is responsible for this development ?
Beauty starts from the inside. The inner peace of a woman represents her beauty. I am glad that we are in an environment where women are taught how to take care of themselves. Older women used to spend more time in their later years functioning independently than men, without needing help taking care of themselves or managing basic household activities, presently the younger generation are too stressed and can no longer live actively based on the disease they develop from chaos and other stress.
Can you share the secret of your good looks?
I believe that feeling beautiful has a huge impact on our self-esteem and confidence. A beautiful person would always look good. I find time to take care of myself, no matter what I do. I ensure I get enough rest. I go to the spa to get a good massage. I would equally have one today before I leave. It is important as a woman, to have a spa experience.
After a massage, you won’t have any issues with pain. Most women suffer from arthritis, rheumatism among other pains. Pains are caused by accumulated stress. Once in a while, give yourself a treat and take good care of yourself. When you are not stressed as a woman, those unexpected pains will not arise. I travelled down to Lagos from Abuja and would have a good massage. Having a deep massage is not luxury but a necessity.
Can you tell us about your project at Women of Divine Destiny Initiative, “WODDI”?
Well we have been involved in so many activities since we left government house. Although, my family has a foundation but it is my initiative. I started it before I became the First Lady of Imo State.
When I became the wife of the governor, I just thought I should still go on with that.
By the way, I am passionate about women and their wellbeing. If the woman is fine, her family would equally be good.
That was why I came up with the initiative to gather people to approach God through prayers and, of course, educate them with the scriptures and help them become the women God wants them to be.
In my foundation, we have some offshoots. One is: She Needs a Roof Project. This is a project created to put a roof over the heads of widows and orphans. Having been able to travel far and wide, I came face to face with the living conditions of these widows and orphans. Some of them are living in homes where you cannot expect human beings to inhabit. Our need access exercise revealed that it had affected them psychologically.
What is your parting word for women?
I basically believe women should take care of themselves. It is important that a woman is empowered but must live healthy to control things. Find time to unwind. There are words of wisdom that have seen us through some of our hardest times and one of the greatest joys in life is passing them on.
You must become an advocate for yourself, particularly when it comes to business or career. The company you keep should contribute to your well-being.
You should learn to embrace change. Having therapy and life coaching reminds me that change is inevitable. One needs to start seeing it as a good thing. There is a constant flux of change and going against it, means going against the natural cycle and flow of the way you work.
How can a woman remain young and healthy?
Women in their 20s feel young and robust, but their metabolism begins to slow down in their 30s. This is one of the reasons women want beauty advice in order to remain young and energetic. Women can benefit from a variety of beauty recommendations, including drinking enough water and eating a well-balanced diet. Ethical PP is not just for the physical therapy but the inside beauty. I recommend this beauty parlour to take care of your emotional, spiritual and physical needs. Women need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drinking loads prevent weakness and help the skin to glow. Keeping the body replenished will avoid dry, flaky, and dull skin.
Toxins are deactivated and removed from the body with the help of healthy meals. To eat a balanced diet, women must include vitamins and proteins in their meals. A well-balanced diet promotes a healthy complexion and way of life. It is important for women to exfoliate their skin once a week. The skin keeps shedding dead cells every week. Exfoliate your skin to keep it fresh and healthy.
