Interview with a PDP chieftain
ADEZE OJUKWU
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Mrs. Felicia Mbanaja-Hadjesmaili is the National Deputy Chair of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) USA, the National Deputy Chair of PNF USA, President of FAHMA Humanitarian Organization, Int'l and the Chief Executive Officer of a thriving medical equipment company in Dallas, Texas. When she came to the US, she was a 19-year-old full of dreams. How did she make it? She spoke to our ADEZE OJUKWU in the USA on her success story and other critical national issues. Excerpts:
Anambra State crises seems to be deteriorating? What are your views?
For a start my opinion is that this it is not a PDP issue. This is a national problem that deserves a holistic approach. It should not be treated in isolation. But most importantly if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has shown credibility in the eyes of the country, why should we question a result posted by them? Are we disputing their credibility? I would attempt to suggest that they allow the governor to assume his position and finish his term. If his people do not believe he deserves to be their governor, come next election, my advice is for them to vote in a free and fair manner.
Who should be blamed?
I can't sit here and point fingers at who I think is to be blamed. We have passed that stage. At this point I think we simply need to put our heads together and arrest this crisis. The PDP leadership has not been able to resolve this issue, because like I mentioned earlier, it is not a PDP issue. It requires the federal government to step in and make the right decision. There are other people involved in this chaos that belong to other political parties I believe. INEC, first of all, has to ensure that every loose end is tightened. Also our people should vote according to credibility, not by the money flashed at them or put in their pockets. With all these put into practice we should be able to avert this kind of crises.
Now let's get personal. Who is Mrs. Felicia Hadjesmaili?
On September 9th, 1967, Sir Chief P.C. Mbanaja and Lady Chief A. A. Mbanaja, gave birth to a set of twin baby girls, one of them happens to be me, Mrs. Felicia Ahunna Mbanaja-Hadjesmaili. I am from Nnarambia Ahiara, in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA in Imo State Nigeria. Due to the nature of my dad�s job, we traveled pretty much around the country. My dad was a senior executive in African Continental Bank (ACB), for over 30 years, and wherever he went, we went. My mother, a headmistress, also got her fair share of travelling. I spent part of my childhood life in Lagos State. I attended Our Lady Of Apostles Private School, Yaba, Lagos.
I completed my primary school in Kano state, attended St. Louis Private School, Kano. I attended Owerri Girls Secondary School, from 1979-1984, after which I attended college of Agriculture, Umuagwo. In 1988 I left for the United States for further studies.
From September of 1998-1990, I attended Cooke County College, in Gainesville, Texas and studied Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. Subsequently I attended Brookhaven College, studied Child Development from 1992- 1995. Presently, I am pursuing a degree in Business Management, specializing in Economic Development, at the Our Lady of the Lake University, in Dallas, a Catholic, private University. I should be rounding up by 2005 Fall semester. In all, I have been in the states for 16 years. I am married to Mr. Yusuf K. Hadjesmaili and we are blessed with three wonderful children -- Crystal Onyemaechi Shevah, Shaine Nnayelu Shahram, and Courtney Chinasa Shazad Hadjesmaili.
I met my husband in August of 1995. We later got married in 1997 and for the first two years of my marriage was dedicated to parenting and other domestic duties. I spent a lot of time with the children. I had to put a break on my education at that time but later resumed and also ventured into business. I own a medical supply and equipment company.
What is your family background?
I come from a middle class family and was brought up in the Catholic faith. My parents are knights of St. Mulumba. I had a wonderful childhood, I have four sisters, and one brother, Arch, Tony Phil-Mbanaja, who contested for Imo State Deputy Governorship, last election. We were fortunate enough to have all that we wanted -- big thanks to my parents. I thank them for all the values they instilled in us, it has gone a long way in our lives. My father always told us that we are the architects of our own lives. You can say that again.
How did you start your business?
Twins Medical Supply Company was established in 1988, in Dallas, Texas. I started the business with $3,000 cash, and about $3,000 worth of furniture. When the idea came to me, I gave it a lot of thought and then I pooled money from my savings. My husband came up with the rest of the capital. After six years in business, I have an annual revenue of about $350,000 or thereabout. I consider that great success.
What exactly does your company do?
We deal on medical equipment and supplies, sales and rentals. We sell mostly healthcare products for use in the comfort of your home or in treatment facilities, like the clinics, private doctors offices, and hospitals. These include some equipments like manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, walkers and canes, respiratory equipments like the oxygen concentrators, c-pap, by-pap machines, diagnostic equipments/supplies, which includes blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, ultrasound machines, etc., Billy Lights, for babies born with jaundices, hospital beds and all kinds of mattresses, hydraulic patient lifts for transfer of patients from point A to point B. Our supplies include diabetic supplies, incontinent supplies, ostomy and urological supplies, X-ray films, syringes and needles, wheelchair ramps -- for both indoors and outdoors (these come in manual and hydraulic forms). We carry over 7,000 products lines. One thing that makes my company unique from most of them here is that we also render maintenance and repair services, and we deliver straight to your door. Over here in the U.S., we sell primarily to the government. We have branches in Nigeria and Iran also, where we sell on contract bases. I am the chief executive officer of the company while we have about four regular staff.
Who are your clientele?
Apart from selling to the local, state, and federal governments and their agencies, and various private insurance companies, here in the United States, we also sell to individuals periodically. Individuals only make up a small percentage of our clientele.
Why did you venture into business?
I came to the United States at the age of nineteen. After working for other people for so many years, I started nursing the feelings of being my own boss, which is the ultimate for any working class individual in the U.S. It gives you financial freedom. For working moms, it allows you the flexibility to spend time with your children and family.
What are the challenges you are facing in your business and other areas?
Being a foreigner and black in America, I faced some difficulties like any other immigrant. My business industry is highly competitive and demanding too. Being a woman puts one in a disadvantaged and a minority position. I experienced a lot of constraints and challenges. In addition one is equally haunted by the Nigerian get-rich-quick stigma that haunted us everywhere we go for business or for pleasure.
Does your family approve of your business?
Certainly. My older sister, who happens to live in the same city with me, encouraged me to get into this industry based on her knowledge of the business. She volunteered to educate me on the business. As a matter of fact, I started the business with my twin sister, who has now gone on to set up one of her own. As you can see the business is in the family.
Did you find it difficult raising the initial capital for your business?
Not really. It took a little time and effort, that's all. Like I said, I didn't need too much money. I did not have inventory, I ordered based on the demand, and I had the privilege of utilizing the system of buying on credit, that we enjoy here in America.
Do you have plans to invest in Nigeria?
I definitely would love to invest in Nigeria. But it will be at the appropriate time. I have a burning desire to create jobs in Nigeria through investments as soon as there is a conducive environment over there. As you may know, no one would want to invest in a less conducive environment. I believe coming home to invest would be a fulfilling venture, only if we can be guaranteed the assurance of getting paid for the job. The sanitation industry is an area I would like to concentrate on, simply because nobody talks about it. The country needs serious investments in this area.
How have you fared in this business?
It has been tough but I have made considerable progress. The company is growing steadily and has offered employment to a number of people. There is still room for more growth.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business?
Well, aside from commending their bold step into financial independence, I would encourage them to be prepared to face challenges that come with the volatility of business and commerce. One should also put God first in all. It is also wise to be public-spirited without losing one's business ideals and focus.
You are the President of FAHMA Humanitarian Organization, Int'l, National Deputy Chair of PNF USA, and National Deputy Chair of PDP USA. How did you get to these top positions?
It came by providence and hard work. Once I have a vision I pursue it with all diligence. I have always had this dream to serve community and country. One thing led to the other. It started from these ideas which later manifested into specific projects geared at public service. The humanitarian aspect of my life is a quality in me that I cherish to a great extent. Growing up, my dad nicknamed me "Humanitarian", because of my love and desire to reach out to people in need, and as I got older, I continued to exercise these gifts of charity. Over time I established a humanitarian organization.
My involvement in PNF USA, and PDP USA, emerged from my deep concerns about the situation in Nigeria. I often reflect on the nation's condition, with a view to making my contributions to its development. As an Igbo woman, I am equally concerned about the Igbo progress, so I joined the PNF, which is a Political Pressure Group for the Igbo cause.
Similarly I am in the PDP to serve the Nigerian nation. We all need to pool our resources together in order move our country forward. If each and every one of us puts in their drop of water, sooner or later, we will make an ocean. Collective contribution towards building a stronger nation is what we need.
Why did you really join active politics?
Politics is part of human life. I see politics in all that I do. Life is full of politics. But most importantly I am in active politics just to serve my country.
Most women often find it difficult to participate actively in politics. What was your experience?
Like I said earlier it was tough. Power does not come easily. It is a very competitive terrain and we just need to learn the rudiments of the art of politicking. However, it is archaic for anyone to still think that it is still a man's world, with all due respect to those who might disagree with this position. For crying out loud we are in the 21st century. I have had to face quite a few discriminations, but I have made it a point not to be intimidated by that. Nigeria's political process cannot go too far without the participation of women in all aspects of the welfare and growth of our country. In our meeting last year with President Olusegun Obasanjo in Houston, we stressed the significance of women's participation in the political development of our country. He called on all to throw aboard the notion that women are only good in the kitchen and the bedroom. The position of women worldwide is advancing in all spheres of life and Nigeria should not be left behind in this movement.
What is FAHMA Humanitarian Organization Int'l?
FAHMA, is a coinage from "Felicia Ahunna Hadjesmaili Mbanaja Anthonia"; it is a combination of my name and my mother's name - Mbanaja Anthonia. She has been a source of inspiration to me. In terms of its scope and activities, FAHMA is a non-profit, charitable organization aimed specifically for the less privileged. We assist the poor and needy by providing start-up funds for women and men for business. This assistance goes a long way in empowering them financially. We also feed and clothe the needy, and provide treatment for some handicapped individuals. One of the pioneers of this organization, who has been instrumental to the success of this organization thus far, is my good friend, Sir Iyke Ginigeme.
What are your roles in FAHMA Humanitarian Organization International PNF USA, and PDP USA?
I am the President of FAHMA, and I generally oversee the welfare of the organization. I ensure the smooth-running of the day-to-day activities of the organization basically. I am the national deputy chair for PNF USA, and my job is to assist the National Chairman in various aspects of his job, which entails, assuming his duties when he is indisposed. Also, I am the national Deputy Chair of PDP USA. My job is quite similar to that of PNF USA, the only difference is that we do quite some traveling around and outside the country, attending meetings and various political activities, quite a lot to do.
Do you see your role or activities in FAHMA Humanitarian Organization Int'l, PNF USA, and PDP USA as empowering women in politics?
Over the years I have used my position in business and politics to help women. This is the 21st century, and women cannot afford to be relegated to the back seat any more. A home without a woman is a house. Nevertheless women ought to contribute their quota to the family as well as the society. We all need each other. I therefore acknowledge the support of my fellow politicians especially men for their immense contributions to my political victories so far, even when my opponents were all men. I see this as a new beginning for women in Nigeria. Women have founded NGOs like they call them in Nigeria, but I have hardly seen a female national deputy chair, in any political party, or pressure group in Nigeria. This is a humble feat which I hope will inspire other women I often urge my fellow women across the country to explore new opportunities. There should be no boundaries. It is okay to be a housewife, but if you feel or know that you have a lot to offer your country, please do not hesitate to step up so that together we can make a positive impact in the political process of this country.
How do you cope?
I run quite a hectic schedule, with the kids, family, my business, my organization, PNF, and PDP. It is not easy. Being able to do all these and still smile is driven by your heart's desire. When you have a hunger to give back to the society, by whatever means possible, you simply do not feel the burden. I give all the glory to God.
Nigerians especially those resident in the US are appalled at the nation's current political experience. What are you views?
It is a sad situation and I personally hope for a change considering that we have the human and material resources to make considerable progress as a country. Nigeria is our country and we must pull it out of its present state.
Do you have a political ambition in Nigeria?
There is tremendous pressure on me right now. Several people have suggested that to me, I may consider it. For now, I am trying to get acquainted with the political terrain in the country. Meanwhile I am exploring several opportunities to contribute to the economy.
How would you rate the southeast governors?
I do not think they are doing badly. Particularly, since I come from Imo State, a lot needs to be done. I am hoping with time, things will begin to look better there. One more concern I have is the condition of state roads and the unbearable sight of what we call "Imo Airport" in Owerri. I believe it calls for immediate face-lift. I hear the contract has been awarded. If so, to God be the glory. If they can in my opinion lay more emphases on sanitation, they will definitely be back again.
With this very busy schedule do you find time to relax?
You know, they say, "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown". I attend a lot of meetings, considering the fact that I partake in a lot of community programs, whenever I get the chance; I spend it with my family. I enjoy quiet times, watching movies or documentaries.