In a candid interview reflecting on her illustrious career in public service, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, the former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State, offers a refreshing and empowering perspective on navigating gender barriers in male-dominated spheres.
“I was born to be a boy because I was nurtured by boys,” Akinbile-Yusuf remarks, asserting that her childhood experiences prepared her to confront any challenge head-on, unfazed by societal gender norms or perceptions.
The 50-year-old pharmacist, who served in four different ministries between 2015 and 2023, attributes her tenacity and unwavering determination to her upbringing among five older male siblings and a strict, disciplinarian mother.
“My mother made me the strong, independent woman I am today because of the kind of training she gave me,” she says, acknowledging the pivotal role her upbringing played in shaping her character and perspective.
Reflecting on her formative years, she recalls the profound impact of her late father’s untimely demise when she was just 12 years old. While his doting affection threatened to mold her into a pampered princess, her mother’s strict guidance instilled a sense of self-reliance and resilience that would prove invaluable in her later pursuits.
“Whatever it was going to cost me to be a university graduate, I must achieve it,” she recalls, underscoring the unwavering resolve that propelled her through the adversities that threatened to derail her aspirations.
Akinbile-Yusuf’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals. From juggling her studies as a newly married woman and a mother to overcoming the challenges of losing her father at a tender age, she emerged victorious, fueled by the promise she made to her father – to become a university graduate.
Moreover, Akinbile-Yusuf’s upbringing in a polygamous household instilled in her a deep respect for diversity and an understanding that individual differences should never be a source of division or discrimination.
“Whether you are a Christian or Muslim, it is none of anybody’s problem,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s beliefs while extending kindness and respect to others.
This unwavering belief in her capabilities and worth, coupled with her resilience and determination, has propelled Akinbile-Yusuf to remarkable heights, shattering stereotypes and inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves without fear or compromise.
As she navigated the male-dominated realms of politics and public service, Akinbile-Yusuf’s perspective on gender dynamics remained steadfast: “We are all human beings and equal. If I can survive the tyranny of my brothers then, there is no way any man can stand in my way of progress, simply because I am a woman.”
Her story is a beacon of hope for women navigating male-dominated fields, reminding them that with determination and an unshakable belief in their abilities, they can surmount any obstacle and achieve their dreams, defying the limitations imposed by societal norms and expectations.
In a world where gender biases and societal constraints often hinder progress, Akinbile-Yusuf’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of self-belief, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth and empowerment.
