According to Aminat Sule, a Personal Assistant to Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, she set a goal to become the youngest first female foreign affairs minister for Nigeria.

Born and raised in the UK, her goals sounded absurd to her and scared her to bits but she still hoped and believed in herself. Narrating how it all happened, she shared her experience in a Twitter thread which I am sharing with you in this written blogpost.

According to her, “Due to a lack of funding, my show could no longer be aired on National TV. Shortly after this happened I was told by a learned colleague @dayo247 about an event hosted by @ChathamHouse called “Re-Writing Politics to Africa’s Advantage.” She continues the story as follows:

President Obasanjo was one of the panelists. I was determined to serve one of the greatest leaders in Africa. So I positioned myself front row. I sat in the seat reserved for a @thesundaytimes journalist – my apologies your correspondent arrived late.

I made eye contact with Mr Olusegun the entire event. From start to finish. Once the event was over. Guests and fellow panelists wanted to take pictures and engage with Pres. Obasanjo.

I stormed onto the stage and said, excuse me: “No more pictures! Can we get him into a private room, with a glass of water? In 10 minutes he’ll resume to discuss matters and entertain the press.”

He followed me and when we got into the room he asked: “Who’s daughter are you?” I responded “My father isn’t anyone you know. He’s Just a normal Nigerian citizen who relocated to the UK for a better life.” He chuckled and said “so how can I help you?” I said “well I’m your new PA. I’m going to serve you.” I’ve been serving him since that date.

The moral of the story is, opportunities don’t always come to you. Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities.