– Stella Fubara Obinwa

Stella Fubara Obinwa is a Nigerian doing exploits in United Arab Emirates.You would feel her presence at the last Akwaaba tourism fair in Lagos. Obinwa is the Director of International Operations at the Dubai Department  of Tourism, Commerce & Marketing.This Nigerian is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of the Dubai Tourism Sector. She is responsible for the operations of Dubai Tourism in Africa, in line with the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub. She was visible and heard at the last Akwaaba event in Lagos. She spoke with Effects on her mission to the tourism expo, her lifestyle and others.

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I’m responsible for African countries and to drive visitors from Africa to Dubai. I have been in Dubai for a couple of years. Prior to going to Dubai, I lived in Nigeria for about 20 months. I was the  Chief Business Development and Product Officer for Wakanow.com. I did that for 12 months. Before that, my career as a youth was while I was in the United States of America. I have been into travels and tourism for about 20 years. I started from the United States where I was born and raised.

How did it all begin for you?

I read Finance and Accounting by degree. That was what I majored in for my college degree. I started my career working for Delloitte & Touche. I was assigned to different clients and that was when I got involved in travels and tourism business and resolved that was what I wanted and I went into it fully. In 2003, I moved to Florida, USA, to take up the role of Project Finance Manager at Walt Disney in Orlando. It was one of the most visited vacation resorts and entertainment complexes in the world.

Why did you return to Nigeria?

My kids are grown up and have left me and I felt it was time for a new experience and Wakanow offered me a job. That was what brought me back to Nigeria

Having lived and worked in the US all your life, how have been coping with the working environment here?

It was a little bit of a challenge. The employee/employer environment is different here than it is in  the United States. ditto, the work conditions. Anybody returning from another country will have to adjust to the new environment. It is not only in lifestyle, electricity, water, driver, there’s a lot you have to deal with. I did my 20 months and I thought I wanted to try another country.

How has it been in Dubai?

Of course,  considering the amenities and facilities and the infrastructure, Dubai is one hundred per cent. The only downside about Dubai is that I don’t have a family or friends there. All I do is work. Apart from that, Dubai is a very comfortable place.

So, why are you in Nigeria?

I’m in Nigeria to represent the government of Dubai through Dubai tourism. We attended the 18th edition of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market held at Eko Convention Centre. I came from Dubai with about 10 other companies to showcase Dubai to Nigerians and improve the visitation by Nigerians to Dubai. I came with Dubai Healthcare Authourity, North Tours, Adonis Tourism, Thumbay Hospital, Iranian Hospital, American Hospital, Alpha Tours and Dubai College of Tourism.

How is your typical day like in Dubai?

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I’m at work for the better part of the day. I have a fifteen- year old daughter who lives with me in Dubai. I have a lot of work to do and  I’m very occupied.

How was growing up like? Are you Ibo?

I’m not. I hail from Rivers State. I’m from Opobo in Rivers State. Growing up was great. I’m the second of seven children born to HRH Prof. Dagogo Michael Fubara  and my mum HRH Dr. Vinolia Sotonye Fubara (nee Peterside) are both alive. They have been married for 53 years. My dad is a professor and my mum is a doctor of psychology. We are a close knit family, I had a great childhood. I was born and raised in the US.

So you don’t know much about Nigerian culture?

When I was about 10 years old, my parents returned to Nigeria with us. My father was a professor at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. I did my secondary schooling at the Federal Government College, Enugu. I was there for three years after which I moved to Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma where I eventually completed my secondary education. I had two years of my university education here before I moved to the United States.

What has life taught you?

Human beings are different and we need to appreciate this, rather than criticise what differentiates us from others. I’m not talking about moral differences here. I’m talking about preferences like: do you like whites? Do you like blacks? Do you drink alchohol? Do you like travels? Do you like garri or rice? Those preferences vary from one person to another. These are not enough reasons for conflict. I have also learnt that the biggest protection one can have is from God. You can do your very best in life, there must be something you believe in; something that protects you.  For me, it’s our Lord Jesus.

You are a stylish person, What is style for you?

I hate shopping. My friends will tell you that they help me to do the larger part of my shopping. Sometimes, I like to be very conservative. But once in a while, I would make a little noise with my dressing but for the most part, I like to be professional and I like to be comfortable. I don’t follow fashion at all. For me, everyone has style, your style remains with you all your life. Fashion comes and goes. it’s always better to be conservative than being too loud.

You don’t look like a big mummy?

I have grown up children of 23, 21, 20 and 15 years. I have two boys and two girls. As for my look, I think I take after my parents. My mum is 73 but she can pass for a woman of 60 years plus. My dad also has a full head of hair. He jogs everyday on the thread mill.  I try to go to the gym three or four times every week.

What informed this long dread you’re wearing?

When I was in corporate America, I had relaxed hair like everyone else. I had to visit hair salon every week but that in itself was a burden and it cost money. When I departed from corporate America, I thought about what I could do to my hair and would not give me stress. Since I’m not good in all these hairstyles, I decided to wear dreadlock. I started with the short hair, now it’s really long. I have never worn a wig in my life and I’m happy because I learnt that the wigs cost hundreds of thousands of Naira.

What is fashion for you, must it be designer?

Absolutely not. Don’t buy what you can’t afford and don’t buy because it is designer. If it doesn’t look good on you please don’t wear it. There are some shoes, bags, dresses that you would think, who created that and for what reason? Your dressing needs to complement you and your personality. If it complements you and your personality, it’s okay and if you can afford it, buy it. I can find a low brand dress if it fits me perfectly and looks great, I’ll buy it. I don’t care if its 20 dollars or 200 dollars. Its not the price that matters.