Chief Emilia Ezeude is virtuous and enterprising. Her passion to empower the less privileged and downtrodden led her into politics. She is determined to work for her party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as she said, “My focus now is to project the image of my party, PDP, to a level that people will be able to see it as the best party that is second to none.” In this interview, she reflects on her life and concludes it’s been worthwhile.
Could you tell us more about yourself?
I’m from Amichi in Nnewi Local Government Area of Anambra State and I’m married with children. My marriage was contracted via a referral, because a person that knew my family recommended me to my husband and he married me at the age of 18. I didn’t know him but my parents consented that I marry him. My husband is from a royal family.
Were you into any relationship before your marriage?
No, I was not into any relationship. My parents were disciplinarians so I concentrated much on my studies.
What’s your motivation to go into politics?
I’m passionate about helping people. I derive joy in putting smiles on people’s faces. I have given orphans scholarships. In fact, I have been helping the less privileged and downtrodden. There are some people that are on my payroll and I see that day in day out, the needy ones keep increasing. It occurred to me that I may not be able to continue doing this all alone that I should go into governance in order to help humanity more. I believe that God being on my side, He will orchestrate things to work out for me.
You vied for your party’s nomination for you to contest a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Can you tell us more about that?
I vied for my party’s nomination to contest the Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency II but I lost out during the primary. Even though I lost, I didn’t see myself as a loser, because I am still in the party and working for the party.
Will you still seek your party’s nomination for the same seat in 2019 or decamp to APC?
It’s still a very long time for me to determine that now. My focus now is to project the image of my party, PDP, to a level that people will be able to see it as the best party that is second to none. PDP has always been my ideal party. The crisis in the party will not make me decamp. In every party, there will always be crisis. Crises are to be resolved. PDP has learnt its lesson and will come out even stronger.
Sometime ago, you were given a chieftaincy title; can you tell us about it?
Yes, Ndigbo gave me the Adadioranma title, which was bestowed on me by Eze Ndigbo Mushin, having seen my political activities in mobilizing Ndigbo in Lagos during the last election, which produced two Ndigbo as members in the House of Representatives and a member in Lagos State House of Assembly today. I was the chairman of Ndigbo PDP, Lagos Campaign Council and at present PDP Lagos State Assistant Secretary. I worked tirelessly for that and I am still working.
What are your immediate goals?
My aim is to project the party as the best and most liberal party in Nigeria that gives individuals opportunity when they know your integrity and quality no matter your tribe.
Again, my aim is to reorient my people and encourage them to be in politics so as to be part of governance in Nigeria, for an average Igbo man believes only in business.
Madam, you are a beautiful woman, can you tell us the secret?
Moderation is important in all you do in life. I advise women to stop abusing their bodies with chemicals. God created us beautiful in our different colors. To keep a beautiful and healthy body, people should eat right, I mean balanced diet, exercise, free your mind and have a clear conscience in your doings and then with the grace of God in your life, your beauty will radiate.
What does style mean to you?
My experience of style is wear whatever that makes you comfortable. I don’t believe in being trendy. Just look for what will fit you. I love simplicity and appearing cute and keeping a healthy life and neat environment.
You recently hosted an empowerment programme, how did it go?
The programme was organized to empower about 320 people in Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA. We gave out food items to people and used the opportunity to organize a Christmas party for them. Hope for All Africa Foundation, a non-governmental organization gave me an award in recognition of my roles in serving humanity.
Which are your most memorable moments?
My most memorable moment was the day I was confirmed pregnant and the day I gave birth to Ifeatu my first child. The thought of having a baby thrilled me. I was looking forward to motherhood and when I gave birth, I couldn’t sleep. Looking at my baby gave me great joy.
Which is your saddest moment?
Do I really have any? God has been so faithful to me. Oh! The day my mother died, it was like the world collapsed on my head. I never believed she would die. People have been dying but the day my mother died, I knew the reality of death.
What has life taught you?
My experience of life is that there is God and He is faithful. God truly exists and He rewards those who trust in him. I believe in hard work and determination for they pay. One should be focused in life, be sincere in all your doings for these are vehicles to success.
I’m successful today, because people believed in me and my straightforwardness has actually paid off.