A woman of focus, drive, determination and will power – Bunmi Oke

 Educational background

I started primary school in both the UK and Nigeria and then Holy Child College Obalende, Lagos and Queens College Lagos for my O’level and A’level respectively and then University of Lagos where I graduated in Social Sciences in 1985. 

 Career background

My career started in 1985 during my NYSC at Triumph Publishing Company Kano, and a full time job at Grant Advertising (then the Affiliate of McCann Ericson Worldwide in 1986). I then moved to LTC Advertising (J. Walter Thompson Affiliate) for an accumulation of 10 years and short stint abroad. After that I worked in Abuja at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) as the pioneer Chief Public Affairs Officer from 2002-2005. Then I had the opportunity to pioneer the professional operations of 141 Worldwide in 2005 where I was the CEO.And I made history as the second female President of AAAN and as a fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), the only current female practicing fellow of the four in the country to date. I am also an Executive Council Member of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), amongst other voluntary organisations where I contribute my quota.

On being an accomplished woman

Sincerely, there is ‘grace’ for the race of life. I practiced as a martial artist whilst at Queens College and UNILAG and stopped short of a ‘black belt’. But the lessons of focus, drive, determination and will power have stuck for life. I got into advertising by divine orchestration (as I intended to be a journalist), but my husband’s friend who later became my boss in 1986 encouraged me to ‘tilt’ to advertising due to my innate skills and as they say, the rest is history.

What growing up was like

Growing up was a mixture of global and local experiences, both sweet and not so sweet situations. My father was very influential in developing my foundation of self-confidence as a veterinary surgeon practicing in the UK. He taught me that gender is irrelevant as he always showed me how a lady can do things, like climbing a tree and putting on a pair of shorts;to ignore negative comments and fight back for what you believe in with knowledge. My father used to cook and plait my hair as a child so I do not have a stereotypical father and so naturally, I could not be a stereotypical woman.

 My parents’ separation and our movement to Nigeria gave me a lot of culture shock. I ended up growing up with my paternal aunt and her family who gave us a lot of training but the environment and style were a bit alien to me as an 8-year-old, but it also shaped my life today into understanding the Nigerian culture.

 Challenges faced in life

‘Challenges make champions’, this is my mantra. So I face challenges with a positive mind set, (trusting God not to allow us face anything beyond our strengths). In my profession we deal with challenges of all sorts daily as a service company – from timelines not met, staff not being productive, clients who are “difficult”, business mistakes,association issues, etc. My basic nature is that I do not accept no as an answer. Tell me how to solve the problem; don’t just tell me the problem. So thinking on our feet in a creative manner works all the time. I apply the same philosophy in my personal life. How do we overcome is my mind set be it school runs, to food supplies, to attending to guests, to buying clothes or travel plans, to school fees.

I also believe that “happiness” and humour are a choice, so in solving problems focus on how to be happy and pleasant too. I also believe there is a time for everything; time to talk and time to keep quiet, time to pursue goals, time for holidays, time for hard work and time for fun. Life pans out sometimes as we desire, so desire great and good things and trust God.

The most rewarding part of my career

So far, the best is yet to come (as I believe “greater is the end of a matter than the beginning” as this is scriptural). However, seeing clients satisfied, brands growing, staff well paid on time, and industry issues achieved are very rewarding in phases. I love to achieve my objectives and I am result driven as I find achieving my goals whether big or small rewarding.

Aspirations growing up

I wanted to be financially independent and empowered as I noticed that families where mothers/ wives, worked always seemed to be better-off financially. This contribution from women (big or small) helped balance out tough times and reduce the pressure at home. I found that women who are full time housewives with no other source of income apart from the hubby sometimes could run into brick walls in keeping family standards when there were financial issues. I also always wanted to be free to make up my decisions and take responsibility for my life through my own choices.

Fond childhood memories

I believe in enjoying the moment so childhood should be enjoyed as a child and not endured. Same with marriage, work, raising children, etc. so I do not like to cry over spilt milk. I enjoyed the best of my childhood, as it presented itself like playing in the park, going out for family drives and to different beaches in the UK, playing board games and team games/acting plays with my siblings and cousins. Even now at middle age, I want to enjoy this period before progressing gracefully and enjoying my old age.

Typical day

A typical day is in phases for me. I am now at the beginning of the “empty nest” season where my children have started work life. So my routine is very much with my husband (thank God for that). My routine is have a cup of coffee with hubby in the morning, chat a bit, plan and pray then head out to work, socialise, organise my different roles at home. I also use Facebook and FaceTime to contact my children, clients, business associates and church members then I have my dinner, reflect and sleep.

 I am very non-conventional so my routine can change monthly, quarterly, depending on my personal and professional objectives. 

My most cherished gift 

I am a very sentimental person in a very funny way. I cherish thoughtful gifts. I have a camel in my office and a fuchsia pink pillow my colleagues in the office gave me that touch on what I cherish, like colour. I am quite good at keeping what I value.

 How I met my husband

I met my husband when I was 20 going to 21 years at a girl friend’s 21st birthday party. I did not realize then that it was a divine set up as my husband was invited to this party just to meet me by his friend who was so sure I would be at the party. We met, chatted, discussed and dated for about 4 years and got married on April 15. 1989 – 28 years ago – and we are thankful for the opportunity to share our lives together.

My most cherished attribute of his

He is very dependable, caring, reliable, responsible and supportive. Naturally you would love these qualities and fall in love.

Top 5 on my wish list

For continued good health, sound mind and prosperity; peace in the world; better work opportunities and