PROF ROSEMARY OGU: A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE MAKING IMPACT IN THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL SECTOR

Professor Rosemary Ogu is a distinguished Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the University of Port Harcourt/University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and an associate Faculty at Ariadne Labs, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.

Graduating with distinction (MB.BS) from the University of Benin in 1999, she pursued her residency training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from 2003 to 2008. Her dedication and expertise earned her fellowships from the West African College of Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FWACS, FMCOG). She also has a Master’s degree (MSc) in Reproductive Health from the World Bank Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), University of Benin (MScRH).

A prominent advocate for Reproductive Health, Prof. Ogu has led research activities, sensitisation campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and public talks on radio and television. She actively participates in implementation research for adolescent and women’s health and has authored over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Prof Ogu was co-Investigator of the Increasing Women’s Access to Skilled Pregnancy Care to Reduce Maternal/Perinatal Mortality in Nigeria – one of the Implementation Research Team Proposals funded by the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa, a $36 million program funded by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Prof Ogu was the Principal Investigator of the Ford Foundation-funded Increasing Access to Youth Friendly Services in hard-to-reach Areas of Rivers State and the World Diabetes Foundation Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Control Program in the Niger Delta Region WDF16-1347.

Currently, Prof. Ogu serves as a Faculty Board member of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, the Apex Institution for the training of postgraduate medical doctors and dentists, and is the National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, the umbrella association of all female medical and dental doctors in Nigeria. Married with children, she remains dedicated to advancing healthcare, education, and advocacy for a better world.

Explaining what inspired her career choice and how she has been able to take her career to an enviable height, the outstanding medical practitioner said, ” My career choice was inspired by my dad. I wanted to do computer science, I wanted to do a four-year course and go get married, and then my dad says, no, you this girl, I know you are very intelligent, you’re one of the best girls in the state, you should go do medicine. I started medicine and I fell in love with medicine, then obstetrics and gynecology came almost during the final year in medical school, where I met one of my mentors, Professor Friday Okonofua, who is the champion of maternal health. And I said, if a Professor could be doing all this for women’s health, then what am I doing? So that’s how I went into the residency program, did obstetrics and gynecology, and the rest is history as you see.

” The journey has been great. I love my work. I don’t call it work, it’s my passion. It’s my passion. I get to teach medical doctors and medical students. I get to look after women. With the Medical Women’s Association, I get to go into communities and advocate, teach and service delivery for women.I also interface with government and non-governmental organisations. So my career has been beautiful. It’s been nothing short of phenomenal.
I have gone through the rounds from a baby doctor to a house officer to a youth corper, and then a resident doctor, consultant obstetrician- gynaecologist, senior lecturer and professor, all within 20 years of graduation. I became a professor in 2018.”

Dedicated and intelligent, her professional reputation has become inspiration for young medical practitioners, especially female who are desirous of making a mark in their chosen fields. When asked about the personal principles that sustained her growth, she replied: ” I would think discipline, diligence, dedication, and passion. Because if you don’t like what you’re doing, then you can’t do it. Because there’s no reward, so to speak. Right now I am earning the equivalent of less than $1,000 a month. Who does that to a professor? But that’s what I’m earning. That’s what the country pays me. But we are here. We are working. And somebody is saying, don’t japa, meanwhile people can’t take care of their basic responsibilities. But I love this country and this work. And I know that if we leave, we create more gaps. So that conscience, dedication, interest to help, that’s what keeps us here.”

An advocate of women empowerment, she stressed that that Nigerian women in medical practice have made remarkable impact. In her words, ” I think women are doing great. They are doing fantastically. Let me talk about medical field. Let me talk about Professor Hadiza Galadanci and Professor Bosede Afolabi. These are women who’ve done so much just in the medical field and there are many more. I’ve just talked about obstetrics and gynecology. If we talk of internal medicine, public health or mental health, we have women doing great things and as National President of the Medical Women’s Association, I want to bask in the glow of their achievements. Because we’re celebrating women and they’re doing so well. I’m so proud. In Mental health, we talk about Dr. Maymunah Yusuf-Kadiri, our shrink. She’s our national publicity secretary She’s doing so much.”

In spite of Nigerian women’s increasing impact in nation building, Prof Ogu believes that with more conducive environment and empowerment, they can record greater achievements. On the challenges facing the women in Nigeria, she explained that women are very different from man, and the cultural and societal expectations have placed more responsibilities on their shoulders.

” You’re very different from a man. You are the nuturer, carer, and bearer. Those are extra responsibilities. If you go home today as a woman, by the time you get home, you probably enter the kitchen or get to help the children with their homework. You have to take care of the home and look after the children. Have you done your homework? You have to make sure is there food at home and all that.

” The man gets home and probably has no home chores. So what I’m trying to say is, there’s a lot more responsibilities on women. And so for you to really do well, wherever you are, you have to do extra work because sometimes people look at you and say, oh no, don’t give her responsibility. She can’t do it. The woman is not actively groomed. So for her to get groomed, she has to fight extra hard. She has to do more work.”, she explained.

On the qualities she thinks women who want to become exceptional in their fields can acquire to get to the highest rank, she advised : ” What I would say is to be disciplined and to have a routine. To have a plan and be intentional about things. Have your sleeping time. When you sleep well, your body rebuilds itself. And you’re able to do things better than others. Be kind to your body in the kind of things you do. Alcohol, cigarette smoking, caffeine. You don’t need those things. Drugs and recreational drugs, you don’t need those things. Those things will derail you and you will eventually pay the price. So the best thing is to focus on the tripods for good health. Check your emotions. Be kind and nice. Smile. It helps you, then food.

” Eat the right foods. Don’t eat because the food is there. Eat because you need to eat. Eat Vegetables, fruits, water and get adequate sleep. Yes, you are busy. Yes, you have a thousand and one things to do. If you keep doing four hours sleep, it will eventually break you down. Prioritise then improve and pay attention to your social connections and also exercise. You can do that for 30 minutes a day. Walk, if you have a swimming pool, swim, or dance. As you wake up, plan your day. Communicate with your maker, ask for guidance and direction intentionally. ”

For pregnant women who are engage with home making and their careers, she added : ” Be kind to yourself. Go for antenatal. You cannot be pregnant and not register for antenatal and save towards your delivery or have health insurance. Please, if you’re a woman out there within the reproductive age that is 15 to 45. Go and get health insurance. When you have registered for health insurance and have been with your health insurance provider for like six months, if you get pregnant and you deliver, it’s free. Some insurance firms are taking premium of 15,000. Get health insurance so that when you have an issue, you can get care. Paying out of pocket is expensive. So my advice for pregnant women are get health insurance, register for antenatal care, look after yourself. Plan your delivery, the hospital. Plan where and who will take care of you after delivery. ”

IME UDO: A STANDARD BEARER PASSIONATE ABOUT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Her uncommon passion for tourism development, inventive judgement and development- focused approach to project execution have distinguished her. Ime Udo, Honorary Special Adviser, Culture & Tourism, Akwa Ibom State Governor is a standard bearer whose contributions to nation building cannot be ignored.

In this interview she granted in response to her recognition by The Guardian, she shared insights on her background, passion for tourism and other issues.

Can we have an insight into your background?

I am an Ibibio woman from Ikono LGA in Akwa Ibom State, married to an Annang man from Ikot Ekpene LGA, also in Akwa Ibom. My early education spanned several places, including Lagos, Bauchi, and Akwa Ibom state, with my postgraduate studies completed in Lagos. I began my professional journey at Michael Stevens and Associates, a management and consulting firm, before diving into the tourism sector.

My passion for tourism blossomed as I took on leadership roles in the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), serving as General Secretary, Vice President, and the immediate past President. I have been a member of the executive council at the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) since 2018. Through my career, I have carved a niche in the tourism industry, eventually becoming the CEO and Founder of Leadway Tours and Travel Ltd. Presently, I also serve as the Honorary Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, where I leverage my entrepreneurial experience to navigate Nigeria’s dynamic tourism landscape.

Entrepreneurship is often described as an adventure for the challenge-driven and strong-willed professionals, what inspired your journey into Tourism management, and how has the journey been?

Reflecting on my journey into tourism management, it’s fascinating to note that I initially had no background in this field. My entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when I left my role at Michael Stevens. I came across an advertisement for travel management Executives, which piqued my interest. After a competitive selection process among over 300 candidates, I secured a position and quickly rose to become a manager within months.

The journey has been enlightening, filled with both challenges and triumphs. My work has emphasized the immense potential of tourism for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. My adaptability and commitment to innovation have been key in crafting meaningful travel experiences and advocating for the growth of Nigeria’s tourism industry.

What personal values can you ascribe to the height you have attained as a professional?

The principles that guide me in my professional journey are integrity, diligence, passion, and a willingness to learn. Integrity ensures my decisions are rooted in honesty and fairness, while diligence and passion drives me to work tirelessly, even in the face of challenges. My faith in God and Jesus Christ as my Lord and saviour has also been a cornerstone, providing strength and a belief in perseverance and excellence.

How would you assess the performance of women in the Nigerian corporate world, especially in the government offices and in politics, in the last 5 years?

In the past five years, the performance of women in the Nigerian corporate world, particularly in government and politics, has been commendable. Women have demonstrated dynamic leadership qualities, bringing empathy and resilience to decision-making. Currently, women hold approximately 35% of managerial positions, reflecting a growing influence in leadership roles. Notably, leaders like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala exemplify this progress on a global scale.

Moreover, my state Governor, H.E. Pastor Umo Eno, has made significant strides in advancing gender inclusivity, achieving a 60/40 ratio in leadership roles. This proactive approach has empowered women to make substantial contributions to governance.

Can you highlight the major challenges being faced by female professionals in Nigerian?

Despite the advancements in inclusivity, female professionals in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges, often rooted in societal perceptions. Myths about women’s capabilities in high-pressure roles which lead to diminished trust and fewer advancement opportunities. There is also the issue of Cultural expectations around family responsibilities that create imbalances, limiting professional growth. Persistent gender bias also exists, where women may be overlooked for promotions or leadership roles, undermining their confidence and contributions. However, despite these obstacles, Nigerian women are excelling in various sectors, proving that barriers stem more from societal beliefs than from actual capabilities.

What other qualities can you say about women who wants to hold the position of leadership should possess?

I would advise that Women aspiring for leadership positions should cultivate adaptability and emotional intelligence. The ability to pivot in response to changing circumstances is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment. Emotional intelligence fosters better team dynamics and communication.
Confidence is essential; women must believe in their expertise and assert themselves in decision-making spaces. Building supportive networks and seeking mentorship are vital for personal and professional growth. These qualities will enable women to lead effectively in an interconnected and competitive world.

What advice do you have for young women and girls who are looking up to an outstanding personality like you?

To young women and girls looking up to figures like myself, I advise embracing collaboration and partnerships. Greatness is rarely achieved alone, so building strong relationships with mentors and like-minded individuals is essential. Be assertive in your pursuits, set clear goals, and work diligently towards them.
Invest in your education and continuously enhance your skills, as this will distinguish you in a competitive landscape. Understand the importance of timing—know when to speak up and when to listen. This balance of assertiveness and discernment will equip you to navigate both personal and professional challenges successfully. With dedication and resilience, you can achieve lasting success.