By Uzo Ugwunze
A US-Based Nigerian Professor , Author and a Psychologist, Dr Mrs Felicia Ekwutosi Okeke-Ibezim has expressed concern over the way Nigerian people always elect old people.
While she acknowledged the fact that old people have experience, nevertheless, the younger generation needs to be given a chance to govern in order to bring in new and fresh ideas, innovative skills and all it takes to navigate the digital world.
In an interview by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ led by Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, at her Enugu Residence, the Awka-born philanthropist and a prolific writer who previously taught at Federal Polytechnic. Oko, in the early 90’s, advocated that Nigeria copy the minimum age for a candidate to run for presidency to be 35 years and maximum of 70 years. For Governorship, she suggested a minimum age of 30 years.
Dr Felicia Ibezim decried the corrupt practices and narcissistic behavior of many Nigerian leaders, without caring for the sufferings of the struggling masses. She calls for conscientious, responsible and selfless leadership in Nigeria.
Married in Amaigbo, Imo state to late Dr David Ikechukwu Ibezim, Dr Felicia Ibezim described Nigeria as an “amalgamation failure” stated that she has little or no faith in illusionary one Nigeria, stressing that Regional Autonomy may be answer to the beleaguered country’s problems.
A successful real estate investor and a philanthropist who built a free multi-purpose 2 -story halls and Event center for her community in Awka
which generates income for the community, has also previously built the first free solar-powered Library and Computer Center in Amaigbo, to help youths and women and men in the village to learn how to navigate in the digital world.
Dr Ibezim also has scholarship programs for students from struggling families.
Described as “enyi ndi ogbenye”, Dr Felicia has given some young widows in Amaigbo some monetary assistance to start a small business or add to their existing ones.
In addition to being a multi-faceted, multi-talented woman of substance, Dr Felicia Ekwutosi Ibezim is a fashion icon. She models for fun, both African fashion and contemporary western styles. She wanted to change the narrative that professors need not to dress in only unflattering clothes. She wanted to teach young girls that they could be beautiful, brainy, hardworking , fashionable and with a good heart.
In her You Tube Channel titled, Social Conscience, Dr Felicia explores and creates awareness of the social political, psychological and cultural issues in the Society.
Q: As an estate developer, how do you handle the challenges in the real estate sector?
A: Real estate is not easy because you have to deal with contractors, government regulations and many other issues. Personally, what I specialise in is buying foreclosed or distressed houses. Sometimes the government or financial institutions put such properties up for sale at lower prices and that is where I come in. I buy them, fix them and either rent them out or sell them. In the past, I used to buy, fix and rent them out, but what I mostly do now is buy, renovate and sell.
Q: What is your position on reserving seats for women in the National Assembly?
A: One of my programmes is advocating for women and youths. I am the type of person who does not always follow conventions. I strongly support women’s inclusion in government because, in my view, they tend to compromise less. Women also consider many things because they have children and families, and that perspective is important in governance.
We need more women in politics, like Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi State. Look at what she is doing; we need people like her. Men should give women the opportunity to lead, but often the men with money bags dominate politics and make it difficult for women to emerge.
To answer your question directly, absolutely yes, women should be allowed and encouraged to participate fully in the governance of the nation.
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