“I Don’t Harbor Resentment Against Anyone,” Says Blessing Osuobeni, AFAS Elected Welfare Director

Jolaade Ifeoluwayimika

AFAS Press: Could you introduce yourself?

Bara: My name is Osuobeni Blessing Ebikapuador also called Balarado, Bara for short..

AFAS PRESS: Can you walk us through everything that’s happened since you first expressed interest in the post up until now?

Bara: During the campaign when the forms were still out, I found out about an opening for the Welfare Director and because of my interest in it, I went for it. It’s actually a kind of new office so not many people were aware of the office. I showed my interest in this office about 2 days to the deadline of the sales of forms and I guess it was even on the day of the campaign because 3 days later, we had our screening. All these happened and I went through the process of campaigning, screening, manifesto night, press night and the day of the election came and although I was the only one contesting for that position, I did well and I was voted in. I will say that all of these are nobody’s fault as it was a miscommunication that wasn’t properly addressed on time. The FLC had in mind that it was the previously amended constitution that would be used for the election unknown to them that it has not been authorised. This constitution was also used by the electoral committee. It was on the day of the inauguration that we found that the current constitution didn’t provide for my office. Actually, a question about CPS was asked by the president-elect which led to another question and then, the staff adviser had to clarify that the previously amended has not been approved by the students’ division in the university level as it hasn’t finished the processing so, the current constitution specifies what will be used. He also said it’s not something that cannot be corrected and he suggested the passing of a bill in the FLC. It was because of this that I was not inaugurated that day. Later on, the FLC had not been inaugurated so we could not start the billing process immediately and we were already close to the beginning of the semester when they had their inauguration. During the third sitting this semester, I was called and the Speaker suggested to the house about passing a bill on the floor of the house to be made into a law.  

AFAS PRESS:What sparked your interest in pursuing that position?

Bara: It was like I could see myself accomplishing something very nice. My manifesto also talks about it. Before I heard about the position, the committee I was based in has something to do with welfare. The welfare’s office is to manage the wellbeing of the faculty and the students at large and making it a conducive environment for students and all those around. Another aspect that welfare is concerned with is sensitization. It’s about making aware of certain activities, illnesses, and hygiene procedures for the betterment of your health. Welfare is not only about sanitation, it’s about the basic well-being of the students. The mindset that they have to read must be stable. There’s something we call Awareness Month. This is when people are made aware of things relating to their health. Sensitization also eradicates stigmatization. All these spurred my interest in the office.

AFAS Press: How did you initially react when you learned about the controversy surrounding the Constitution?

Bara: I got the information on the day of the inauguration. I was already dressed and I already wrote my name on the inauguration form. It was just left for me to be sworn in. When I got hold of this information, I was not happy. I was taken aback and speechless. 

AFAS Press: Do you harbor any resentment towards anyone involved? Who do you believe is responsible?

Bara: No resentment at all. I’m more concerned with solving the issue on the ground so I can start my work. The severity of the issue dawned on me when I was about to start my sensitization by dropping some graphics. I was very prepared for this and the awareness theme for July was Men’s Mental Month I was already prepared but I was told that I couldn’t go on because I hadn’t been inaugurated. It’s a miscommunication on the part of the FLC and the management. At the end of the day, we are where we are!

AFAS Press: What are the consequences of not having a welfare director in this association?

Bara: I feel it’s already taking a toll and it’s more like the person who ran for the social director made his manifesto solely on the part of a Social director so imagine him merging the duties of the welfare director with his. He didn’t plan for that. He cannot be blamed because he didn’t initially plan for it. There are events to keep the faculty alive, he’s burdened with the responsibility to take care of the welfare of the faculty. It should be expected that one way or another, one part will suffer as one will become more balanced than the other. His attention has been divided and there is a reason for the initial separation of these offices. 

AFAS Press: Do you think the management is willing to take action, and are the members prepared to pass legislation that establishes the position of welfare director?

Bara: To be frank, it could go both ways. It could go in my favor and against me. It would be bad for me to just accept my gate as my goals and what I want to give to the faculty will not be accomplished. It’s better to at least try. Also, I have faith that it will go well. It’s all about convincing the house about the necessity of the post. It’s always a process.

AFAS Press: Are there any limitations in carrying on your duties as the association’s welfare director?

Bara: There will be limitations to do anything for now. It’s quite complicated. There’s only so much I can do.

AFAS Press: How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about these developments and your future actions, given that many people are unaware of the situation?

Bara: I feel the Press reaching out to me is a big step on its own. I’ve been trying to solve it quietly all this while but it would have been a faster process. I’ll try my best henceforth to make sure everyone is informed. I also feel it’s my fault that things are like this. I didn’t push it the way I was expected to push it. The fact that most people aren’t aware just shows that I didn’t do enough. I thank the Press for reaching out to me and I’ll also make good use of the Press.