Timipre Wolo likes to introduce herself as a woman of faith and purpose. She is a lawyer, entrepreneur, humanitarian and international speaker. The Founder of the Centre for Gender Equality, Education & Empowerment (CGEEE) and MD/CEO TFN Energy is from Bayelsa State and born into a family of 5 children. In this interview with Tambari, she shares her perspective on life and why your background is not the determining factor on how far one can go in life. She also emphasis that everyone is responsible for the outcome of their lives.
Educational background
I started my primary education in Port Harcourt and completed same in Bayelsa. My secondary education was also in Bayelsa State before obtaining my first degree in Law from Ambrose Alli University and subsequently a Masters Degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Career background
I am currently the MD/CEO TFN Energy and Founder of the Centre for Gender Equality, Education and Empowerment, a nonprofit organization established to promote women representation in leadership and to empower vulnerable women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa region. I am also the visionary of the Sisters of Faith and Purpose.
Prior to my current roles, I served in the Legal Department of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and subsequently as Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary, before becoming the youngest member of the PTDF management. During my time at the Fund, I led the team that successfully initiated various capacity building programmes and collaborations with various institutions globally that impacted the lives of youths across Nigeria. This includes pioneering the Fund’s Special Training and Education Scheme, which created opportunities for foreign undergraduate scholarships as well as training young Nigerias as helicopter pilots in the Petroleum industry.
Growing up
Growing up was a lot of fun. My parents were very hospitable and charitable people who were passionate about helping others. Things took a dramatic turn in my family with the loss of my mother while I was barely 12 years old.
Life lessons
I have learnt that with education, diligence and Faith in God, there is no dream too difficult to attain and that your background is not the determining factor of how far you can go in life. It’s just a matter of realizing that you are responsible for the outcome of your life and being able to push through adversities and staying focused on your dreams and aspirations.
Aspirations growing up
To become an oil and gas lawyer and someday be able to positively impact my family, community and country at large and by extension the world at large, in that order.
Fond childhood memories I cherish
Taking up acting roles in the Children’s Church headed by my mother at the time.
Favourite kind of music on replay
Gospel Music
First App I check
My Bible or Apple Music App
What you wouldn’t be caught wearing
I would not be caught wearing see through outfits or clothes that expose my body in public.
Best travel destination
Tokyo, Japan because of its technology and hospitality.
How I relax
I listen to my favourite genre of music, read an inspirational book, watch a movie on Netflix or go to the spa for some pampering.
Best food
Banga Soup with fresh fish
My definition of style
My style is a little conservative, but elegant and classy.
Favourite fashion designer
Liz Florentina
Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes
Hermès, Christian Dior
Mum’s advice that stuck with me
If you take your education seriously, work hard and have a lot of faith, you can be whatever you want to be when you grow up.
Favourite sport, colour and weather
Golf, I love the game of golf. For colour, pink is my favourite colour and for weather, I love the spring.
Favourite day of the week
Sunday, spending time in God’s presence and then still having time to relax and prepare for the week.
Favourite book
My Bible, it’s like a compass that gives me direction for my life.
Beauty routine
I drink lots of water and eat lots of fruits.
Looking back at your life, what would you tell a younger you?
To trust in the Lord with all my heart, my soul and my might.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, traveling, photography.
