Dragging my bag towards a seat at the airport, Eneni was the prettiest lady sitting down at the waiting section. I wanted to say hello, but I just wasn’t sure if she was a YALI participant so I just kept moving. It turns out she was actually a YALI participant and she’s what we call “A beautiful lady with a powerful brain…” I simply call her the “Lady Leader.” Let’s know more about this great lady.
1. Let’s know you more…
My name is Enenimiete Yvonne Awotua-Efebo (not as tongue twisting as you think) most people go with Eneni Efebo. I am a medical doctor from Nigeria, an aspiring preventive and social pediatrician passionate about making a positive impact. I strongly believe it is our duty to leave the world in a better state than we met it and it starts with our immediate environment.
2. Tell us a woman in the entire African continent who inspires you the most and why?
My mum Prof Onyaye Kunle Olowu is my most inspiring African shero. Currently a professor of pediatrics and a consultant neonatologist, she is one of the strongest women I know. She has strong values, she is focused, purpose driven, disciplined, a go-getter and a lover of God. She doesn’t let life challenges stand in her way, I’ve watched her show strength in the toughest situations, seen her get power and not abuse it, she is a genuine leader. I’ve seen her face light up when she has a dream or idea and I’ve watched her share her vision with everyone willing to listen. She leaves a positive trail everywhere she goes and I have never met anyone with a bad story. She is an amazing mother too. Supports her kids, encourages every action, makes sacrifices whenever she has to without thinking twice. Lets us know we are a priority. She is my shero.
3. What do you do?
In the past year during my national youth service, serving as the vice president of my medical and health community development service group, working with the other members of the team we organized free medical outreaches for individuals in the rural areas. I also volunteer with other non-governmental organizations such as OMOMI (a maternal and child health mobile platform), quick medical consults to provide free health care, administer vaccinations and deworm children. I am currently working on an empowerment program and my focus will be on teenage girls.
4. When you’re in heaven, what would you like to be written on your tombstone back here on earth?
“Rats and crawling animals not allowed inside,” just kidding — “A life well spent.”
5. What are your expectations from YALI?
I expect being a Young African Leadership Initiative participant will give me the necessary training and mentoring as well as the opportunity to network and exchange innovative ideas with other young professionals like myself. The knowledge gotten from this training will be taught to others and together we will implement necessary action in the communities, the nation then Africa at large making the world a better place for the next generation and beyond.
Meet other African Sheroes
