ABH ELECTION: An Interview with Osaretin Vanessa Ehiorobo, Deputy Hall Chair Aspirant

With just a week left until the Alexandra Brown Hall election, campaign activities have reached a fever pitch—both within the hall and across various departmental WhatsApp platforms.  Brownites are gearing up to decide who will lead them into a new administrative year, and the race for the post of Deputy Hall Chair is proving to be particularly competitive.

In this exclusive interview, Osaretin Vanessa Ehiorobo, a 500-level MBBS student vying for the position of Deputy Hall Chairperson, shares her vision, experiences, and what she hopes to bring to the table if entrusted with the mandate.

Let’s begin with introductions. Could you kindly tell our readers a bit about yourself — your name, program of study, and a little about your background?

Osaretin Vanessa: Thank you for having me. I am Osaretin Vanessa Ehiorobo, a 500-level MBBS student here at ABH. I would describe myself as easy-going and friendly with a flair for art and creativity, which has translated into hobbies like graphic design and photography. I also enjoy attending and planning events. I am currently running for the post of Deputy Hall Chairperson in the upcoming ABH election.

Can you share more about the position you’re contesting for and what it entails?

Osaretin Vanessa: I’ve been privileged to work closely with the current Deputy Hall Chairperson and and have also gained insights from past hall executives to understand the scope of the position. According to the constitution, the Deputy Hall Chairperson’s roles include deputizing for the Hall Chairperson and ensuring thorough planning and successful Hall Week events.

Although the job description might sound basic, it actually involves a significant amount of work. From my interactions and experience so far in the hall, I have come to understand that it’s crucial to have a Deputy Hall Chairperson who is reliable, hardworking, and efficient. This person must be able to not only support the Hall Chairperson but also keep other members of the Executive Council in check to ensure that the hall runs smoothly and Brownites’ well-being remains the utmost priority.

What motivated you to contest for the post of Deputy Hall Chairperson?

Osaretin Vanessa: I consider myself someone who likes to get involved wherever I find myself. I look for opportunities to ensure things are done well and work effectively. I’ve served in Alexander Brown Hall for the past three years since I crossed, and I’ve grown very passionate about the hall despite all the challenges we’ve faced in recent times.

The duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Hall Chairperson align very well with my personality and the skills I’ve acquired over the years. My track record reflects these skills, such as finance management, event organization, networking, and so forth. I believe this makes me a perfect fit for the role, enabling me to serve Brownites and add value to the office of the Deputy Hall Chairperson.

You’re currently the Female Affairs Minister. What would you say are your biggest achievements and challenges in that role?

Osaretin Vanessa: As the Female Affairs Minister, I have organized quite a number of events and fulfilled most of the plans outlined in my manifesto when I was elected. One of the major highlights was the recently organized Ladies’ Night skills acquisition workshop, which saw a large turnout of participants learning different skills such as bead making, makeup application, and event decoration. It was a fun and wholesome evening of learning and bonding, and I consider it a major highlight among the various events we have hosted.

Regarding challenges, this tenure has faced peculiar ones, particularly the recurrent blackouts and the stress they have caused. We have directed our finances and fundraising efforts toward providing alternative comfort and welfare for Brownites throughout the power outages. I would say those were the major challenges affecting the implementation of all the plans for my ministry.

The Deputy Hall Chair works closely with the Hall Chair. How would you describe your collaborative style and your approach to resolving disagreements?

Osaretin Vanessa: Over the years, I’ve volunteered and served in various organizations and capacities. Even in my current position in Alexander Brown Hall, I’m no stranger to teamwork and communication. I’m a very open-minded person who likes to identify gaps and communicate with the appropriate offices to ensure things get done. If that approach doesn’t work, I try to escalate issues and make sure they are ultimately resolved.

The role of Deputy Hall Chair requires working across ministries, especially during Hall Week planning, and I am confident in my ability to foster healthy collaboration and ensure things run smoothly. Additionally, I am open to suggestions, flexible in my approach, and I value feedback regarding my work and duties. I communicate effectively when issues arise and work toward prompt solutions.

Speaking of Hall Week — one of the key responsibilities of the Deputy Chair — how do you plan to ensure wide participation and representation during the events?

Osaretin Vanessa: Planning a successful Hall Week begins with early action — early fundraising, early publicity, early involvement. My experience in publicity and logistics will be key here. I intend to involve all departments in ABH and ensure their voices are represented through active collaboration with PROs and other stakeholders. To maximize participation, I would involve skilled and competent Brownites in the planning process to bring the best experience for all and encourage greater participation from the members of the hall.

Beyond Hall Week, what else do you bring to the table?

Osaretin Vanessa: Beyond Hall Week, the Deputy Hall Chairperson must ensure that the well-being and interests of Brownites remain the highest priority. This includes household duties like ensuring a smooth accommodation process and prioritizing the welfare of Brownites across all departments.

I also aim to develop a robust alumni network that would help foster capacity-building events, connect Brownites with professionals in different fields, and provide events promoting social, intellectual, cultural, and sporting activities and interests.

I will collaborate with other ministries in the Executive Council to execute events that promote these key areas. My primary concern would be improving the living conditions of Brownites through welfare initiatives and addressing common issues they face in the hall. I intend to find sponsors and willing Brownites who can help alleviate these problems and make life easier for residents. I will share more detailed plans during the manifesto night.

And finally, what message do you have for Brownites as they prepare to vote?

Osaretin Vanessa: I would like to encourage Brownites to be actively involved in the elections and to beware of propaganda during this period. If they have any questions or need clarification, I am always approachable and open to answering them. I urge everyone to vote wisely and make informed decisions based on tested records, concrete plans and demonstrated service and passion.

Thank you so much for time!