allure 31 May 2020

INTERVIEW
on Facebook. She mentioned it as a new platform that
she wanted to use to build her business and I simply
went to check it out. At first, I was afraid because I
wasn’t even social media savvy, but I was intrigued at
how with the touch of a button, I could have the world
come to me.
Could you recount your experience for those
reading about you for the first time?
November 10, 2000, is a day I will never forget even
though this is the 20th year. I ran away from home and
eloped against my family’s wish. I was 22-year-old, still
in the university and with no guarantee of what was
ahead.
My pparents took a tough decision and made it clear
that since I chose my path, I had to live with it. I can’t
even begin to share what my family went through in that
season just because of that singular decision.
In 2009, I made a bold decision to walk away from
the union. By age 31, I was divorced with two sons and
wondering what to do with my life. It was a truly dark
season and I slowly had to pick-up the pieces of my life.
So, what has happened since then?
So much has happened in the 11 years since I
walked away. I got reunited with my family and my dad,
mum and siblings continue to be my greatest pillar of
strength. I am so grateful to them for the gift of
forgiveness I received, knowing how deep the wounds I
cut were. We share such a special bond today that an
outsider would never imagine a time when things fell
apart.
In 2013, I found love again. Today, I am happily
married to my husband Richard, a soon-to-be world
renowned Chef, and we have been blessed with two
more children.
From your experience, what do you think of the role
of parental consent in marriage; in choosing a
partner so to speak?
This is not a one size fits all response so no one
misses my point. Personally, I made a terrible mistake
not listening to my parents and I know many might
consider this old school but being a parent today, I
understand the importance of honour. It’s possible that
there are extreme cases where the parents may really
not mean well but I believe in the multitude of
Counselors there is safety.
Wisdom is profitable for direction and when push
comes to shove- find the voice of reasoning. There may
be people who can listen and share a different
perspective with your parents. At the end of the day,
choosing a partner is your decision but getting to honor
your parents is also crucial in the process.
Let us talk about growing; what was it like and what
part of it forms your most cherished moment?
Growing up is filled with so many beautiful
memories that I cherish to this day. I was born in Zaria,
then my parents moved to Warri before I turned one. I
am the first girl among six children. I like to think of
myself as “Daddy’s Girl’ although my sisters and I are
all Daddy’s Girls. My father never treated us any less
because he had all five of us and just one son. My only
brother remains a strong support for all his little sisters
and I am truly thankful. My mum was a professional
teacher and a disciplinarian too.
In 1989, my father was transferred to work in Brunei
Darussalam and I spent the most part of my teenage
years there. One of my most cherished moments
growing up would have to be my 12th birthday. My
school had organised a mountain hiking exhibition to
Malaysia and my father gladly supported that trip.
Unknown to us, the tour company had carried a
birthday cake up the mountain and as we got to the rest
house at 11,000ft above sea level, they woke us up for
a celebration. It was my 12th birthday and right there on
Mt. Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia, I
celebrated my special day. I am still trying to beat that
record. I am open to any ideas for my 42nd as it will be
30 years this August.
I want Africans
to let go of the
‘dark continent
narrative’;
trash the labels
and step from
the backstage
to center stage.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I love to spend time with my family and friends that I
call Soul Sisters. They are in different parts of the world;
but, every moment spent together is treasured. I love to
read books that inspire me. I am a book addict. Don’t
ever take me shopping and start from a bookstore; be
rest assured that will be the only store we would step
into until it’s time to go home.
Your favourite travel destination?
I’m torn between New York and Dubai simply
because they are cities that inspire me. I draw a lot of
inspiration from my surroundings and you just can’t see
enough in these two cities.
What’s your most priced and cherished fashion
item?
Is it okay to say I don’t own any that I will term most
priced and cherished? I love to look good and
everything I own that helps me achieve that is on the
list.
What won’t Naomi ever be caught wearing?
A bright yellow dress...for now.
May 31, 2020 / 5