Chief O. Modupe Akintola, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, is a lawyer with 40 years' practice under her belt. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

In her native land, her title is Ye Ye Awishe, or the one who speaks with authority. She is Chief Olufolajimi Modupe Akintola, Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica.

A lawyer by profession, she trained in England and finished her studies in Nigeria. She practised law for 40 years.

"I have always been involved in international relations because I had taken part in the International Bar Association (IBA)," she explains.

Her first job was in journalism where she worked with Radio Nigeria as a programme assistant. But that only lasted for six months before she went off to study law.

"I did enjoy my practice. I started off with advocacy then I branched out to solicitorship. I enjoyed meeting colleagues from all parts of the world," she says.

CHANCE TO SERVE

When she appeared before the senate committee, she was asked where she would like to spend her posting as protocol dictated. She expressed a desire for Jamaica.

"I had spent so much time in Europe that I would rather come to this side to work with my brothers and sisters and see how they are faring," she said. After the necessary consultations, she was appointed to the island.

May of this year will mark three years in the post as high commissioner. She was appointed by political appointment in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. She explained that her term will end after the next election.

During her tenure, she has worked hard to continue the building of relations between both nations. Nigeria's first female Senior Advocate (equivalent to a Queen's Counsel for us) lectured at the Norman Manley Law School. The high commission is always represented at various cultural events and generally whenever requests for assistance are made, they try to oblige. There is also an ongoing programme between the countries which involves volunteer nurses.

HEALTH CARE

"The Nigerian Government pays their expenses and their passage while the Jamaican Government finds their accommodation and provides health care," she explained.

Before she departs, her interest is to continue to increase the cultural exchange between both countries.

"The problem is the air link between our countries because there is none. To get to Nigeria from here, you have to go to Europe; you'll be travelling for two days," she reasoned. Her desire is to see more interaction between Africans in the diaspora and those on the continent.

CELEBRATING OUR HISTORY

Though Nigerians do not celebrate Black History Month, their national day celebrations in October mirror our February activities.

"We come out to inform and sensitise especially the young ones that this is what our heroes fought for. Children especially like to hear her speak at the various events and see her in traditional dress.

"It's good to celebrate the freedom and remember those who had worked hard to make it possible like Garvey, Bustamante and Nanny," she said.

One of her biggest joys is to take her various guests around the island. She does this because like in Africa, she is of the view that the foreign media doesn't always portray Jamaica in a balanced light.

THE FUTURE

When she returns home she will continued work with Families United, a non-governmental to organisation she founded in 1992 which seeks to bring together families that have been separated. As for Jamaica's future, she suggests we have one cog to put in place.

"If the men are more involved in family life, there will be less crime because their concentration will be on their home. You have to be responsible as the head of the family because everything starts from the home," she concluded.