From her mum not given to her unionism ambition to inside details about her campaign as a female aspirant, Adelani Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth popularly known as LIZZY, in this exclusive interview with Nofisat Adedeji of Press Club MAPOLY, reveals a lot about herself, her political ambition and plans as the treasurer of MAPSU.
Excerpt:
What was the feeling like winning your election?
Actually there is always a good feeling when you win anything. I felt great and happy.
Did you at any point had doubt that you won’t win?
In every game of contest, there is a probability of both winning and losing. I had my doubt of winning, that’s because my opponent is also a strong factor. But when God is with you nobody can be against you.
What was your family support like towards your engagement in school unionism?
Hmmmm, my mom was skeptical at first but I later got her full support. I said my mom because my dad doesn’t really have issues with things.
What influenced your decision to contest as a treasurer?
Actually, I was contesting for the post of president but after listening to Babs, I knew a greater Mapoly is obtainable. So I decided to give my full support by working as a team with him. That was when I changed my mind to contest as a treasurer because even with the post you hold, the most important aspect of it is the welfarism of the student populace.
Do you plan to venture into politics after school?
No, this is because I want to be available for my kids and my family.
Who are your political role models?
In campus, I really see OmoIya Kau Kaosarat who was the former Student Union General Secretary as a big role model. And in the outside world, I really do love Michelle Obama. Though Michelle Obama is not really a politician but I can say she ruled the United States.
Some people are disgruntled that the election was not democratic, what is your take on this?
Actually my say on this goes thus: Before the election was to hold, talking about last semester, the DSA called all Students Union aspirants to a meeting. He explained to us that the election was to hold using the Electoral College. This was because for every individual to vote, he or she must be an official member. Official member meaning he or she has to pay the Students Union Dues. But since there was no Student Union Government on ground, we were to use the DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY. This rule was put in place to hold the election. Then the next election to be done democratically. The management has adopted Electoral College method of voting after giving series of reasons for the adoption of such voting method. At first, we went against it, but if we don’t want to continue not having a union then we should just accept it. If it was not accepted, the election won’t hold and if the election does not hold, the democratic election for next session would not hold as well. As I said earlier, the student welfarism, growth and development are my utmost priorities, so if the next session doesn’t have a full democratic election then it was my fault.
Do you like the electoral college used?
Yes, this is because it actually created a medium for the next session to have a full democratic election.
You are the only female on board, what would you say concerning that?
My gender shouldn’t be a setback for me, and as a matter of fact, my success as a Student Union executive will motivate other female student out there, because I have a dream that one day Mapoly will have a female as the Students Union President just like former president of FuNAAB. I believe behind every man there is always a great woman. Here I can say that behind every of the six men on board, there is a great Lizzy.
How do you intend to manage unionism and education without any suffering?
My primary objective here is academic excellence which is my topmost priority. Being the Students Union treasurer is a plus for me. I have actually mapped out my schedule which I intend following, such that one will not affect the other.
From your office as the treasurer, what are the plans you have towards your administration?
I won’t want to use my office as a treasurer but as a female. I have it in mind, speaking to my president, on empowerment not just for the ladies but all the students. And as a treasurer, I made a statement on the day of my manifesto to maintain high standard of professionalism.
Is this your first Treasury role?
No, I was once a treasurer during my ND days for my EED project and I am still the treasurer now.
Rate your leadership skills
8 out of 10. This is because I was born a leader. I am the first child of my parents. I have traits that qualify me to be a leader. But the remaining 2 is because I am not perfect. I stand to be corrected and receive corrections a whole lot.
What would be your words to student reading you?
My word of advice to students is for them to face their primary objective which is academic excellence. Even if other things are added, they should make sure they balance it up. And lastly be a good ambassador of where they are coming from. Trust in God,with God all things are possible.
With Lizzy, everything is Easy 💯
I love you ma’am
A strong woman with the courage
Long live Team LIBERATION