Finding Inner Strength, Princess Abiodun Omotade Speaks On Her Coping Mechanisms While Advising Other Widows
Widowhood is not a desired status but what do you do when it is thrust at you? You will need to find inner strength and rise above it. Princess Abiodun Folasade Omotade, 54, lost her husband, Olaseni Ayodeji Omotade, a former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industries and Federal Capital Territory, in the ill-fated Bellview Air Crash of October 22, 2005.
The Ogun-born highly connected mom-of-3 would readily introduce herself as a full time businesswoman; one who makes out time to unwind when it’s needed.
Though widowed, Abiodun is a woman of substance who runs a conglomerate of businesses. She is focused and not one to be pushed aside in the crowd.
A close relative of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Princess Omotade nee Madojutimi is an inspiring story of endurance, staying focused and a heart that desires success without fear or favour.
The pretty mama recently granted Kemi Ashefon an interview about her personal life as a widow, mother and a successful businesswoman. From experience, Princess Omotade also dished out some words of advice to fellow widows.
How would you describe yourself?
I see myself as a pretty lady, smart, intelligent, hardworking woman, and honest, decent and responsible mother.
On the loss of her husband…
“That remains indelible in my heart. My husband was Olaseni Ayodeji Omotade. He died as a Permanent Secretary of a federal ministry in Abuja. He was a good man, handsome, calm, loving husband and responsible father to his children, decent and generous to a fault.
He was polished too. He was more than a husband but a friend who allowed me pursue all that I needed to succeed in business. He never hindered me in any way as a businesswoman.”
On how life has been for her without him…
“In every challenge in life, there is a lesson to learn. For 13 years now, I have gone through the school of life. I’ve gone through the good, bad and the ugly sides of life.
But when God is with you, no man can fight you. I have God who is the husband of the widow and father of the fatherless. Yes, I might be going through a lot, God still talks to me that He loves me and He will not allow me to be disgraced.”
Her advice to widows….
I always tell widows to take care of their children first and not think of remarriage after the death of a spouse. Remarriage should not be a priority.
First, you should think of your children’s education, shelter and their welfare. There are many men who want to sleep with you as a widow. In fact, there are some gold-diggers who want to have you and take all the money you have as a widow.
In 2005, I suffered double blow of tragedy. As I was mourning the loss of my husband, I was also mourning the death of a very dear person—Stella Obasanjo. Stella Obasanjo played the role of a mother in my life. The day she died, was also when my husband died. It was a big blow.
That I survived all those occurrences was a miracle. But in this society, women are still constantly facing challenges at home, work and society.
Well, I still harp on hardwork. You are nothing without a means of income. I’m an advocate of women taking the reins in politics, business and other fields. Women should be hard-working, we should also learn to support one another in times of need and shun jealousy.
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On how she juggles business with other aspects of your life
I am a full time businesswoman. I am into shipping, oil and gas, manufacturing. I got my shipping license in 1994 and I have an office in Apapa. I also tried diverting to running a bureau de change which I still do with an office in Ikeja.
I have a bag-weaving factory in Sango Ota. To the best of my knowledge, I have 12 companies with staff working for me. Actually, I don’t sleep early and could be awake till late in the night, but that doesn’t stop me from waking up before 6am.
My kids are grown up now. My routine is simple—after my prayers, I check my diary to see where I need to touch—whether my office in Apapa, Ikeja or the factory in Sango. I believe in hard work and can go the whole hog in attaining success in business.