ABH DECIDES 2022: “I am passionate about females” – Miss Oderemi Gbemisola, aspirant for Female Affairs Ministry

It appears that Brownites are feeling the heat of the elections even more as the Manifesto Night approaches. The ABH Press met with an aspirant for the Female Affairs Minister, Miss Gbemisola Oderemi to hear what she has to say to Brownites.

Hello, I am Rachel. Can you introduce yourself, please?

Thank you for having me. I am Oderemi Oluwagbemisola. I am a 500 level Medical Student at the University of Ibadan. I am going for the post of the Female Affairs Minister of Alexander Brown Hall.

Alright. It is nice to meet you. Have you been in the political sphere before now? Well, student politics, not APC and PDP.

I have been on several committees but I have not officially been in a political position before.

Okay. So why did you decide to venture into politics at this time?

I want to make an impact in the lives of female Brownites and I think this is a better avenue for me to do that.

Why did you choose the Female Affairs Ministry for your debut in politics?

I am passionate about females and I want to make an impact on Brownites.

Outside of politics, what organizations have you worked with so far?

I was a member of the DOKITA Editorial Board and since 2018, I have also been a member of the UCH Sinfonia.

Okay, thank you. What is your take on feminism and gender equality?

Feminism to me just means gender equality, both genders having equal rights and equal access to the same kind of opportunities.

So what is your personal view about it?

That is my personal view – equal opportunities for males and females.

Do you agree with it?

Yes, I agree with it.

 Let me paint a scenario real quick. If a female Brownite comes to meet you to report that she was being harassed by a guy at a Bonfire night, how would you handle it? Let’s stick to verbal harassment and threats for now.

Thank you for that question. I would take her to a private place and listen to her side of the story. I would also listen to the other party’s side of the story. Because it is a sensitive matter, I would not want to take decisions alone. I would communicate with one or two people, perhaps members of the Executive Council, and take the most proactive decision after we have discussed it.

Thank you. What kind of woman would you say you are? What is your personality like?

I am reserved but for things I am passionate about, I am very dedicated to them. I am a resourceful person and a creative person as well.

As you may be aware, the Female Affairs Ministry was almost scrapped in the last tenure. What innovative ideas are you bringing to revive the Female Affairs Ministry if you get elected?

I would like to talk about my plans for the Female Affairs Ministry at the Manifesto Night.

Alright, so you don’t want to give us even a tip of the iceberg. That’s okay. What’s your plan for the ABH Biz Expo? Should we expect an improvement on what has been obtainable in the previous years or would you perhaps, want to have it scrapped?

I do not think the ABH Business Expo should be scrapped. Yes, I have plans for it, which I would also like to talk about at the Manifesto Night.

Okay. So you are insisting that we wait until the Manifesto Night. I shall look forward to it then. Although you are running unopposed, why do you think Brownites should vote for you?

Yes, I am running unopposed but I think Brownites should vote for me because I am passionate about females. I plan to make an impact in their lives and I would be dedicated to it.

Politics aside, what is your favourite thing to do in your free time?

I swim.

Oh, you like swimming. Should we perhaps expect swimming lessons for Female Brownites? I am just asking as a concerned female Brownite.

(Laughs) Well, I would keep that in mind.

Thank you. That would be all for now.

Thank you for having me.