Yakolo is the daughter of Mohammed Indimi, prominent businessman and founder of Oriental Energy Resources, a privately-owned Nigerian oil exploration and production company. She spoke about her father’s love for the Qur’an, relationship with family, and more. Excerpts:
Daily Trust: What kind of father was your dad when you were growing up?
Yakolo Indimi: My dad has always been the world’s greatest. Growing up, we didn’t have many friends but we had family. He takes great joy in making us happy by travelling with us everywhere. I especially treasure memories of a trip to Disneyland. We still gather as family over lunch and travels.
DT: Which of his traits would you say you have inherited?
Indimi: He’s a sterling character and I’d be honoured even if I had only 10 percent of that.
DT: Was there any pressure to always live up to his name?
Indimi: There was never any. I can’t even say if being an Indimi has opened or closed doors for us, but one thing I know is that we take great pride in bearing the name.
DT: What is the relationship with his children and grandchildren like?
Indimi: He loves his grandchildren and will do anything for them. We are all very close. He is wonderful with children.
DT: If he wasn’t a businessman, what other career do you think he would have excelled in?
Indimi: Being a father (laughter).
DT: Children tend to be mischievous. Growing up, what phrase did your dad use to caution you or your siblings?
Indimi: We weren’t mischievous growing up because we wanted to make him proud. But one phrase he told me when I was a child and it has stayed with me is: “Do not worry about what you cannot control, everything comes from Allah and always remember that one day we will return to him.”
DT: How does he relax?
Indimi: Outside on the lawn, with us around him, drinking tea. He loves his tea.
DT: What is his favourite sport?
Indimi: He loves the game of golf and plays it with such relish.
DT: What is your dad’s favourite food?
Indimi: Brabisco and Miyar Kuka. It’s a Kanuri meal.
DT: What kind of book does he read?
Indimi: He loves to read the Holy Qur’an.
DT: Tell us one positive thing people don’t know about your dad?
Indimi: He is a quiet person and he likes to observe his surroundings. He is also a good judge of character.
DT: As a mother, what parenting method of his have you imbibed?
Indimi: My father believes in letting us learn our mistakes and we appreciate that. If he hadn’t done that, we would never understand why he said no. I do that with my kids, too.
DT: What misconception about him would you like to put straight?
Indimi: My father believes in letting us learn our mistakes and we appreciate that. If he hadn’t done that we would never understand why they said no. I do that with my kids, too.
