Dr Ronke Ojo is the founder of Teenage Club Foundation, Ibadan, a non-governmental organisation that takes care of the underprivileged, especially youths and children. She is a lecturer at the Department of Adult Education, University of Lagos. She speaks on the activities of her foundation, background and how she has been able to balance motherhood, career, marriage and ministry. Excerpts:
What was the inspiration behind Teenage Club Foundation, Ibadan?
My childhood experience spurred me into establishing Teenage Club Foundation in 2009. I had a very rough experience growing up. My parents were stack illiterates. I came from a very poor background in a village called Eleepo. My hustling experience while growing up, the determination to help others and engage those that are suffering, especially youths, inspired the birth of TFC.
How far has the foundation gone in fulfilling its goals and objectives?
Teenage Club Foundation is involved in a lot of activities in terms of empowering youths to becoming better persons in life and in their various fields of expertise. So far, the foundation has empowered five youths who were picked from the streets, either as hawkers or destitutes who had no homes. For those who had homes, but had to drop out of school because of lack of funds, we follow them to their parents to seek their consent in taking over their schooling or apprenticeship expenses, of which they agreed. Four of them are in the vocational training centres as apprentices while the fifth just finished her Junior Secondary School examinations and going to SS1.
How is the TCF funded?
The foundation is funded by personal contributions of the committee members who are 17 in number and from family, friends and people who align with the vision and its furtherance.
How would you describe your husband?
My husband is a gentle, but principled person. He is very accommodating and nice. He is so loving. I cherish him.
How did you meet him?
I met him when he was a teacher typist and I was a trainee in his shop. I had concluded my training under him when he proposed to me. My friend and I went to visit him in his shop when we jokingly asked him when he was going to get married. He replied by asking me to get him a wife. I went back to him to tell him I didn’t get any, it was at that point that he proposed. But because we don’t marry outside our church then, I didn’t take the proposal seriously. When I discovered that he was serious and persistent, I prayed about it and got God’s consent in a dream, since I was already a Christian from my secondary school days. And that was it. We got married and the union is blessed with four children.
How many years have you been married to him?
We’ve been married for 24 years now.
Your husband is a politician, lecturer and pastor, how have you been coping with his busy schedules?
I’ve always known my husband to be a hardworking man. He’s so busy, but I’ve been coping. Whenever he chooses to relax, we both do and always enjoy time together, especially on Sundays, after closing from church.
How was growing up like?
Haa!. That’s a long story. My growing up experience was not palatable. In fact, it was my background that spurred me into establishing the foundation. I grew up with my grandparents who were illiterates. My grandmother sold cola nuts. My parents were financially handicapped, so I had to hawk kolanuts for my grandmother then so that we could eke a living. Often times, I trekked barefooted from the village I lived to my school, I had a particular dress I was used to wearing then. It was my only dress and I bought my first pair of slippers in 1977 from the proceeds of cola nuts I sold. This pair of slippers I used till I got to Lagos. I lived with families and friends after I left my grandparents’ house to Lagos, where I was taken to further my primary education after my mother discovered that I was poor in my studies. I was not brilliant at all in primary school. Other pupils in school disliked me because of my small stature and poor performance. I lived a lonely life that lacked care and love. I felt much emotional trauma growing up because I didn’t stay with my parents.
Your education background?
I attended Ibadan District Council (IDC) Primary School, Eleepo, in Akinyele Local Government between 1970 and 1976. But I could not leave the village until September, 1977 when my aunt brought me to Ibadan for my father to fix me up in a higher school. My father who was a taxi driver, left me in the house, because according to him, I was too young to learn any trade, and being a girl he could not afford to waste his money to send me beyond primary school. He took care of my primary education, but he didn’t want me to go beyond primary school. So, in December 1977, I left Ibadan for Lagos to live with my elder sister who enrolled me in an evening class to prepare for entrance examinations into Modern Commercial Secondary School, Oyingbo. So, I started hawking eggs for my sister. I sold five to eight eggs crates daily and almost forgot about schooling. In September 1978, my father returned me to Ibadan. Another bleak future sort of for me.
In December 1979, I found myself in my uncle’s house, Chief Niyi Adelu, a politician who enrolled me in IMG Primary School Orita-Aperin now Olubadan Primary School in January 1980 till now, I still could not fathom how I remained undaunted in the face of the challenges I went through. Getting to that school, it seemed like a miracle, as I started performing brilliantly in my weekly tests and examinations. This endeared me to my class teacher, who encouraged me by taking me through my studies. Then, late Chief Bola Ige was the governor of old Oyo State. He gave primary school pupils automatic admission, including free textbooks, stationery and bags. I finished secondary school in 1985 and specialised in Arts subjects. We also started paying school fees, as education was no longer free when Bola Ige-led administration was overthrown. I had to labour for bricklayers on site to pay my school fees at that point. It was the truth of God’s word that carried me through, as I remained focused and determined to go to school. Mrs Funke Agagu, the wife of ex Ondo State governor, who was the vice principal of my school, Olubadan High School, stood in for me then, when I was unable to balance the payment of my WAEC fees, I sat for WAEC three times in different schools, of which I had all my results except Mathematics. I read Education/CRS in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 1992. After a year, I changed to English Language Education. I went in for my Masters degree in Adult Education in 1996/1997 session. In 1998, I proceeded to do my PhD at the University of Ibadan, which I did for 10 years. I bagged my PhD in 2008.
As a career woman, pastor, wife and mother, how have you been joggling all responsibilities without one affecting the other?
My husband has been wonderful for his support. Being a pastor is a big task, but I’ve never been caught unawares. Before I finally married my husband, I had seen him in a dream ministering to a large crowd and being a partner with him in the ministry, I support and pray for him always. I place my priorities right by drawing timetable. I take care of my home as I should and God has always been my strength. As a politician’s wife, I take time out to honour invitations from my husband’s colleagues and attend some political gatherings together.
What is your take on abuse in form of child rape?
Yes, child rape is a very serious societal ill that shouldn’t been taken with kid gloves. Very many mothers don’t have time for their daughters or girl-children. If mothers monitor their daughters, they are less likely to be abused. Mothers should be vigilant and watchful of their children. I had a horrible experience in that regard, but I thank God my monitoring and vigilance rescued the situation. Even, male children should be monitored. The home should also be spiritually inclined. Governments should work more to prevent the too porous society of ours. Our young girls should also stop exposing their bodies.
What is your take on couples keeping joint accounts?
Sincerely, I like the idea, but my husband doesn’t like it. I think it curtails each of the partners against extravagant spending and encourages savings too.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Simple and nice. I wear what suits me and makes me comfortable. I dress to feel good, not provocatively.
What is your favourite food?
Yam and sauce.
What advice would you give to youths who intend to get married?
They should seek the will of God and must not jump the gun or rush into sexual relationship with a partner. Then, compatibility is very important, in terms of physical attractiveness. Education is also key to lasting marriages, as both partners should be compatible professionally. Graduates should marry graduates and they should constantly upgrade their educational status to remain relevant and attractive to each other.
In choosing partners, understanding is also key. Women should make themselves attractive to their partners, while men should always show love to them.
Message to the womenfolk?
I appeal to the women to guide and teach their children how to lead godly lives. Mothers have a lot to do in nation building, so I implore them to cooperate with the government of the day and do their utmost best to support leaders to move the country forward and also fight corruption. Give godly advice to your children and inculcate discipline in them.
What was the inspiration behind Teenage Club Foundation, Ibadan?
My childhood experience spurred me into establishing Teenage Club Foundation in 2009. I had a very rough experience growing up. My parents were stack illiterates. I came from a very poor background in a village called Eleepo. My hustling experience while growing up, the determination to help others and engage those that are suffering, especially youths, inspired the birth of TFC.
How far has the foundation gone in fulfilling its goals and objectives?
Teenage Club Foundation is involved in a lot of activities in terms of empowering youths to becoming better persons in life and in their various fields of expertise. So far, the foundation has empowered five youths who were picked from the streets, either as hawkers or destitutes who had no homes. For those who had homes, but had to drop out of school because of lack of funds, we follow them to their parents to seek their consent in taking over their schooling or apprenticeship expenses, of which they agreed. Four of them are in the vocational training centres as apprentices while the fifth just finished her Junior Secondary School examinations and going to SS1.
How is the TCF funded?
The foundation is funded by personal contributions of the committee members who are 17 in number and from family, friends and people who align with the vision and its furtherance.
How would you describe your husband?
My husband is a gentle, but principled person. He is very accommodating and nice. He is so loving. I cherish him.
How did you meet him?
I met him when he was a teacher typist and I was a trainee in his shop. I had concluded my training under him when he proposed to me. My friend and I went to visit him in his shop when we jokingly asked him when he was going to get married. He replied by asking me to get him a wife. I went back to him to tell him I didn’t get any, it was at that point that he proposed. But because we don’t marry outside our church then, I didn’t take the proposal seriously. When I discovered that he was serious and persistent, I prayed about it and got God’s consent in a dream, since I was already a Christian from my secondary school days. And that was it. We got married and the union is blessed with four children.
How many years have you been married to him?
We’ve been married for 24 years now.
Your husband is a politician, lecturer and pastor, how have you been coping with his busy schedules?
I’ve always known my husband to be a hardworking man. He’s so busy, but I’ve been coping. Whenever he chooses to relax, we both do and always enjoy time together, especially on Sundays, after closing from church.
How was growing up like?
Haa!. That’s a long story. My growing up experience was not palatable. In fact, it was my background that spurred me into establishing the foundation. I grew up with my grandparents who were illiterates. My grandmother sold cola nuts. My parents were financially handicapped, so I had to hawk kolanuts for my grandmother then so that we could eke a living. Often times, I trekked barefooted from the village I lived to my school, I had a particular dress I was used to wearing then. It was my only dress and I bought my first pair of slippers in 1977 from the proceeds of cola nuts I sold. This pair of slippers I used till I got to Lagos. I lived with families and friends after I left my grandparents’ house to Lagos, where I was taken to further my primary education after my mother discovered that I was poor in my studies. I was not brilliant at all in primary school. Other pupils in school disliked me because of my small stature and poor performance. I lived a lonely life that lacked care and love. I felt much emotional trauma growing up because I didn’t stay with my parents.
Your education background?
I attended Ibadan District Council (IDC) Primary School, Eleepo, in Akinyele Local Government between 1970 and 1976. But I could not leave the village until September, 1977 when my aunt brought me to Ibadan for my father to fix me up in a higher school. My father who was a taxi driver, left me in the house, because according to him, I was too young to learn any trade, and being a girl he could not afford to waste his money to send me beyond primary school. He took care of my primary education, but he didn’t want me to go beyond primary school. So, in December 1977, I left Ibadan for Lagos to live with my elder sister who enrolled me in an evening class to prepare for entrance examinations into Modern Commercial Secondary School, Oyingbo. So, I started hawking eggs for my sister. I sold five to eight eggs crates daily and almost forgot about schooling. In September 1978, my father returned me to Ibadan. Another bleak future sort of for me.
In December 1979, I found myself in my uncle’s house, Chief Niyi Adelu, a politician who enrolled me in IMG Primary School Orita-Aperin now Olubadan Primary School in January 1980 till now, I still could not fathom how I remained undaunted in the face of the challenges I went through. Getting to that school, it seemed like a miracle, as I started performing brilliantly in my weekly tests and examinations. This endeared me to my class teacher, who encouraged me by taking me through my studies. Then, late Chief Bola Ige was the governor of old Oyo State. He gave primary school pupils automatic admission, including free textbooks, stationery and bags. I finished secondary school in 1985 and specialised in Arts subjects. We also started paying school fees, as education was no longer free when Bola Ige-led administration was overthrown. I had to labour for bricklayers on site to pay my school fees at that point. It was the truth of God’s word that carried me through, as I remained focused and determined to go to school. Mrs Funke Agagu, the wife of ex Ondo State governor, who was the vice principal of my school, Olubadan High School, stood in for me then, when I was unable to balance the payment of my WAEC fees, I sat for WAEC three times in different schools, of which I had all my results except Mathematics. I read Education/CRS in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 1992. After a year, I changed to English Language Education. I went in for my Masters degree in Adult Education in 1996/1997 session. In 1998, I proceeded to do my PhD at the University of Ibadan, which I did for 10 years. I bagged my PhD in 2008.
As a career woman, pastor, wife and mother, how have you been joggling all responsibilities without one affecting the other?
My husband has been wonderful for his support. Being a pastor is a big task, but I’ve never been caught unawares. Before I finally married my husband, I had seen him in a dream ministering to a large crowd and being a partner with him in the ministry, I support and pray for him always. I place my priorities right by drawing timetable. I take care of my home as I should and God has always been my strength. As a politician’s wife, I take time out to honour invitations from my husband’s colleagues and attend some political gatherings together.
What is your take on abuse in form of child rape?
Yes, child rape is a very serious societal ill that shouldn’t been taken with kid gloves. Very many mothers don’t have time for their daughters or girl-children. If mothers monitor their daughters, they are less likely to be abused. Mothers should be vigilant and watchful of their children. I had a horrible experience in that regard, but I thank God my monitoring and vigilance rescued the situation. Even, male children should be monitored. The home should also be spiritually inclined. Governments should work more to prevent the too porous society of ours. Our young girls should also stop exposing their bodies.
What is your take on couples keeping joint accounts?
Sincerely, I like the idea, but my husband doesn’t like it. I think it curtails each of the partners against extravagant spending and encourages savings too.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Simple and nice. I wear what suits me and makes me comfortable. I dress to feel good, not provocatively.
What is your favourite food?
Yam and sauce.
What advice would you give to youths who intend to get married?
They should seek the will of God and must not jump the gun or rush into sexual relationship with a partner. Then, compatibility is very important, in terms of physical attractiveness. Education is also key to lasting marriages, as both partners should be compatible professionally. Graduates should marry graduates and they should constantly upgrade their educational status to remain relevant and attractive to each other.
In choosing partners, understanding is also key. Women should make themselves attractive to their partners, while men should always show love to them.
Message to the womenfolk?
I appeal to the women to guide and teach their children how to lead godly lives. Mothers have a lot to do in nation building, so I implore them to cooperate with the government of the day and do their utmost best to support leaders to move the country forward and also fight corruption. Give godly advice to your children and inculcate discipline in them.
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