Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

Olufunmilayo Wakama, nee Coker is a household name in Nigeria. As Manager News at the NTA headquarters in Abuja, she had cut a significant following for herself, well ahead of her assignment in Ogun state as the first female chief press secretary for Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Funmi cannot escape public attention, she is also a beautiful woman, who had brought news to our homes, for no less othan 23 years.

In her reflection on her assignment in Abeokuta, she described Governor Ibikunle Amosun as a very hardworking, focused and decent man,who thinks all the time about how to modernise Ogun State.

Mrs. Funmi Wakama

” I thank God for the wonderful opportunity of working with the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who in his quest to get the best hands to work with him, without any prior relationship, sought me out. It is indeed a privilege to have passed through this ‘Political College’, under the leadership of His Excellency. I also thank him for the opportunity to serve my State, in this capacity.

“All he eats and breathes is about Ogun State and how to modernize it. His dream is to take the state to greater heights by making it a highly industrialized and safe haven for the citizens and investors alike. This he has been able to do successfully. We have all learnt to key into his vision because his passion is highly infectious.

“His energy level is indescribable and we have tried to catch up with him. Everything must be Ogun standard, which is the benchmark for minimum irreduc­ible standard for development in the state. I have found him to be very honest and sincere with the people. He has kept his social pact with them. Even his adversaries, in spite of themselves, have at various times acknowledged his vision and passion.

“Working with him is not a walk in the park, I must confess. It requires a lot of hard work and energy. You must be dedicated and share his passion. A governor who would not want to stay away from his duty post because of his passion to serve the people. We even have a joke around here that he rushes back from his trips outside the state in order to ensure that the beautiful bridges he constructed will not disappear and in return, he says that he is governor of Ogun State and not of Abuja or elsewhere. These are senior jokes, so we all keep straight faces and do not laugh.

“I must confess that it has been very challeng­ing but most importantly, it’s been about service to the good people of Ogun State. Sometimes I look back and wonder how I was able to make it this far, because you are the CPS to such a hardworking governor who effortlessly walks several kilometers without showing any sign of exhaustion or tiredness. And I don’t mean pleasure walks, but real hard work, which entails inspection of projects far into the night, person­ally ensuring that things are properly done.

“During the campaigns, we traversed the length and breadth of the state. We campaigned in the 236 wards in all the 20 local government areas. We held meetings with interest groups and so many associations. We consulted with our royal fathers and other leaders of thoughts. They said that they have never witnessed such transformation as under the present administration.

“The young, old, male, female, are always swarming around him; wanting to see, touch and just behold the face of the master builder of our time. They do not get tired of seeing him. We have been able to deliver largely on the five-point agenda which are affordable qualitative education; effi­cient healthcare delivery; increased agricultural production/industrialisation; affordable housing and urban renewal and rural and infrastructural development and employment generation”,she revealed.

The former Manager News in NTA headquarters in Abuja,who was the first person to be appointed officially by the governor in 2011 described the days working with Amosun, hectic.

“To work with him, one must be full of energy and vitality and believe me when I say this; there are days when we are in the office till 1:00 am and sometimes beyond and I don’t mean receiving visitors at the Government house. You must be on top of your game, because he does not suffer fools gladly. You must be full of energy like I said earlier and be ready to work. He is a man driven solely by his passion to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Ogun State.

“On our first day at work, the governor and his team from the Transition committee, inspected the entire secretariat. Yes, you need to know the Oke Mosan secretariat to appreciate this. As a TV gal, who had no knowledge of what I was in for, I was all dressed up and in a pair of Stiletto shoes, thinking it was going to be ‘all about Media Relations and Management’, don’t forget that I came in from a background of glitz and glamour, having worked in the television industry for twenty three years. I have since found out that it is not a tea party. That man is a workaholic and can kill”,she jokingly said.

On how she felt when the governor contacted her for the job,the Abeokuta born veteran broadcaster hinted,
“honestly, my first reaction was how did he know about me? I then called my husband to inform him.

“At the dinner table, we discussed it extensively, looking at the implication on the family and how I would cope since we had never lived apart. It was of course imperative for me to do a lot of research on him.

“I asked questions from those who should know and everyone kept saying, he is a very decent, hardworking professional,thorough,who is well focused and I have found all of that to be true. What they probably forgot to mention is that the man is a workaholic”.

The elegant woman,who will turn 50 next year never looked bored or tired when it comes to work, as she reminded that they attended six to seven assignments in a day,but despite that,she will consult with her media team to decide on which to give prominence for publications.

There is no single day,that one will not read about the activities of the governor in the newspapers, she said

Asked to mention the most unforgettable and memorable day in her four years working with the governor,she sighed. But instead of recounting one such day, she spoke about several incidents.

“We owe a lot of the successes we have recorded so far to the governor’s political dexterity. Let me put it this way, as part of his determination to rid the state of criminal elements, he has on several occasions, commando style, led operations to quash their activities,two of such readily come to mind.

“One was when a prominent religious leader was abducted and we went in hot pursuit of the abductors and within a few hours, they had to quickly drop their victim. Another was when he went in chase of an armed robber in the company of some security personnel at the secretariat.

“These two incidents are unforgettable. It is heartwarming that one is working for a governor who can best be likened to a good merchandise in the hands of an accomplished advertiser. What happens to such a product? It rules the market. It not only gets its fair share of the market, but eats into other markets and that explains the increase in the rate at which there has been an influx o f multinational, multibillion naira range companies to Ogun State.

“The single largest American government investment in the country outside the oil industry berthed here in Agbara, Ogun State. As at the last count, we have close to 60 of such big companies. Imagine the exponential increase in SMEs and job opportunities for our people. Don’t forget that investors would put their money where it is safe. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, though,from a different political party from my boss, has commended him openly at public events, times without number.

“On my memorable experiences,there are several really, but winning the second term election tops it for me. His victory is a vote of confidence and approval of his performance in office by the good people of Ogun State and as his Chief Press Secretary, I must have invariably done my job with some measure of success.

“My joy knew no bounds when we commissioned the international standard six-lane road at the Ibara/Ita-Eko/So­kori/Totoro Axis in May 2012,by January the following year, we commissioned the first ever flyover bridge constructed by any government since the creation of the state.

“With a sense of joy and happiness, I felt proud that history was being made and I was a part of it. Of course, we have gone ahead to build several others, but those are specific days that I will not forget in a hurry.

“Another memorable occasion was the sweet dance of victory, immediately after the results of the elections were announced on April 12,2015. I also felt proud that I was a part of those who made it happen”.

The first female spokesperson for a governor in the country said that the terrain is more challenging from where she was coming from.

“broadcast journalism was my forte and I can do most things literally with my eyes closed,but here, you learn something new virtually on a daily basis. Office politics is also different; it is more challenging here because of the dynamics of the environment”,she hinted.

Asked to comment on whether the governor has been misunderstood with his various programmes and projects by the opposition,she stated that leadership is about hard decisions, which could make one step on people’s toes.

According to her, in as much such decisions are taken in the overall interest of the majority,there is no cause for alarm,opined that in pursuing such leadership philosophy, it is possible for a leader to be misunderstood.

“Let me put it this way;Mr governor is a Rotarian at heart,he answers the Rotary four way test in all that he does. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship and will it be beneficial to all concerned? These are some of his guiding principles. His Excellency has always made himself clear. For him, it’s all about the good people of Ogun State. He will do anything to impact their lives positively. That was the reason this administration embarked upon massive infrastructure development in the State, such that can only be compared to what you see off the shores of this country,he does not do things in half measures.

“He has in addition to the massive roads in our various cities and towns, opened up rural roads, including the longest stretch of 110km; the Ilara-Egua-Tombolo-Oja/Odan road which cuts across four local government areas in the Yewa axis, which is in the West Senatorial District of the state. The road like similar ones, is to improve the movement of farm produce to ready markets, thereby creating wealth and job opportunities.

“The State has therefore created enabling environment for viable economic activities thereby encouraging the growth of SMEs. Look at our Model Schools, they are a sight to behold. We visited one of the Green houses the other day, and I could not believe what I saw! The vegetables were so beyond! That’s what we mean, when he says “Ogun Standard”, it is the minimum irreducible standard for development in the State.

“In the area of commerce, almost 60 multinationals in the multi billion naira range have established presence in Ogun State, since the inception of this administration. One can only imagine the multiplier effect on the lives of our people; jobs created, small and medium scale industries added, change of landscape and scenery, just to mention a few. Ogun State is now the place to do business.

“Like he says “If you are not in Ogun State, you are not in Nigeria, and if not in Nigeria, you are not in the West of Africa and very soon, the continent, itself. I say this because, we have the deepest seaport in Africa, here in Ogun State and with an All Progressives Congress government at the centre, it is as good as done”.

“From day one, he told us at the executive Council meeting that he wants to house Lagos, he wants to move and feed Lagos. We have been able to provide affordable housing. As for feeding Lagos, the Eggua Rice fields, the Green House projects I mentioned earlier and our various Farm Settlements and Farmers’ Markets are there for all to see. These are hard facts and incontrovertible.

“To demonstrate how our administration intends to move Lagos, he has already signed an MOU with a Chinese firm, for the Ogun Light Rail System, which will take off in the second term. Add that to the different Mass Transit Schemes in the state; the long and short Buses as well as the Taxis.

“In the area of security, most people have taken it for granted that the state had serious security challenges before the advent of this administration. It is not for nothing that the Cleen Foundation; a reputable Non Governmental Organization adjudged the state as one of the best in terms of Security.

“This administration has committed huge resources to the procurement of state of the art Armoured Personnel Carriers, APC as well as other motorized security vehicles and gadgets. As you well know, people’s needs and wants are insatiable and governance is work in progress, which involves judicious use of scarce resources. The good people of Ogun state should look forward to more dividends of democracy as we go into the second term in office”,she promised.

On her relationship with her constituency,Nigeria Union of Journalists,the Correspondents Chapel and other media outfits in the state during her stay in office as the governor’s spokesperson,she described her partnership with them as
a pleasant walk in the woods experience.

“The state NUJ and Correspondents’ Chapel members have all been very supportive. I recall in the early days of the administration during my consultative meetings with the various bodies, they noted that a woman had never held the post prior to my appointment and pledged their full support to ensure that I succeed and they kept their promise. I remain indebted to them all. In essence, minor incidents that could have degen­erated were nipped in the bud.

“They gave me heads up on events and situations that could be potentially combustible and these I passed on to the appropriate quarters. My job description and schedule go beyond writing of releases and articles. I believe it includes but not limited to engendering good relationship between my principal and those who assist me in publicizing his good works.

“I do not have a medium and do not own the media houses. These are the people who do it for me so, I must respect them and give them the attention they deserve at all times. As a PR practitioner and from experience, you disrespect and ignore the Press at your own peril.

“As for the Press crew, you can say that I am their mother then. They love me to bits and I equally accord them their due respect.

“I remember on two different occasions when the governor met with the various media groups and they wouldn’t allow me to speak. They would just burst into songs and applause at the mere mention of my name, such that my boss was taken aback. On the second occasion, he had to ask them, why and they chorused “Wakama se eniyan”, meaning “Wakama is a good person.” So, media management is a complete package”,she revealed.

Reeling out her background,she said, “I was born as Olufunmilayo Yetunde Coker in 1966 in Lagos and now known as Olufunmilayo Yetunde Wakama. I am a graduate of Mass Communication from the Ogun State (now Moshood Abiola) Polytechnic, also went through the portals of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Lagos as well as the University of Abuja,where I obtained respectively in these institutions; a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Masters in Public Administration. I must mention that in my educational cap is a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the Business Education Examination Council, Lagos.

“Then known as Funmi Coker, my exceptional industry and dedication to duties did not go unnoticed both within and outside the NTA. I won at different times, the Divisional Best Worker Award; Best Worker Award and the General Manager’s Commendation among others. In 1991, under the then Col. Raji Rasaki’s administration, I was appointed Member, Advisory Committee, Lagos State Government Commission on Women.

“I began my career in journalism in July, 1988 at the then Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Channel 7, Lagos, that was after completing the mandatory one-year industrial training programme. Let me veer off a little, I had a stint in Advertising at Promoserve Advertising, on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos. Then, Prince Kehinde Adeosun, “the man with the golden voice”, was Chairman; Mr Allan Olabode, was the Managing Director and Mr Lolu Akinwunmi, was in the Creative Department.

“I had my first break in broadcasting on Radio with Prince Adeosun, when he asked that I be paired with him to do a Radio commercial. Bright eyed young kid that I was, I got into the Studio, ARREM Studios, in Surulere and did my bit.
It became an instant hit and everybody wanted me; Insight Communications, Rosabel, etc. I guess I made a bit of money from those commercials.

“Back to how I got into television broadcasting, I got invited by a family friend to an audition at NTA Ikeja, Channel 7 to be precise. Fortunately for me, the Controller Programmes, Mrs Shade Bankole, entered the Control room where the audition tape was being previewed and requested for me. She in turn handed me over to Mrs Seyi Olusanya; the Head of Presentation, who became my mother then and took me under her wings.

“I sat with her for just three days in the studio where she put me through the rudiments of television broadcasting. Believe me, she put me on air in three days and a star was born! The rest like they say is now history.

“Upon return of the country to constitutional democracy in 1999, I was posted to the Lagos State Governor’s office, Alausa, attached to the then Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, with oversight responsibilities to Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa. Mr Dele Alake, was the Commissioner for Information and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, was the Speaker of the House at the time.

“I was later transferred to the Lagos Network Centre. I recall how I was auditioned for the Network News by Mrs Elizabeth Nze-Uzuokwu, who was the Head of Presentation, NTA Network News. After a few days, she called and said I was to take the news the following morning on a new Programme that was to debut on the Network Service at 7:00am. I was therefore the first News Anchor on AM Express, which became an instant hit among Television viewers in Lagos. Late Uncle Yinka Craig, was the Producer/Presenter, alongside Marian Arthur, now Mrs Anazodo.

“I worked as Senior Editor, at the NTA Network, Lagos; charged with editorial duties for bulletins emanating from the Lagos Network Centre as well as anchoring major news and special events. I must pay due respects to Mr Bayo Awosemo, who was the News Producer I was attached to. Uncle B, like we all called him, is another workaholic. I guess some of my exceptional talents saw my transfer to NTA Network Service, Abuja, where as Principal Reporter/ Editor, I had editorial responsibilities for news broadcasts on the National Desk reporting national and international events as well one of the administrators of NTA News online website.

“In 2007, I was promoted Assistant Manager News, NTA International – an elite station of the NTA, taking full editorial responsibilities for production and transmission of news of international flavour to the station’s international audience and a Member of the Station’s Editorial Board. In January, 2010, I was promoted Manager News and Current Affairs, NTA Headquarters, Abuja.

“Without being immodest, a gold fish, they say, has no hiding place, I was invited for an interview by an international organisation; the International Republican Institute (IRI), an agency of the United States’ government under its USAID programme and appointed its first Programme Manager, Media and Outreach, Nigeria Office in August, 2010. There, I was responsible to the Resident Country Director, overseeing and executing the organisation’s media and outreach policies and programmes, which included developing and conducting capacity building for media organisations, journalists and relevant stakeholders. You can therefore see that I have a lot of firsts. ‎
“The job actually prepared me for my present appointment, which to a large extent involved interacting with the media, political parties, elected public officials as well as Civil Society groups, of course, regarding our media activities and programmes.

“In addition to several awards and commendations in my kitty, is a special recognition by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as a Special Celebrity Marshal, Woman of the Media by National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Female Leadership Forum and other awards too numerous to mention.

Commenting on her fashion style, the beautiful, intelligent, stylish and broadcaster of high repute disclosed that style means different things at different times to her.

She asserted that occasions determines her outfit,concluding that,the environment in which she find herself oftentimes determines her sense of style at any point in time.

She is married to an Okrika born Civil Engineer,a graduate of the University of Lagos and ardent supporter of Manchester United FC of England.

Funmi Wakama disclosed that they both met through a mutual friend,revealed that her husband’s background coupled with hers has been the source of the happiness of the family.

“He was born and bred in Lagos,he is from a very warm, caring Christian background. He is therefore God fearing, kind, loving and a wonderful father to our two boys. Apart from caring for and about his family,his other passion is football. He has allowed me to be me,he has encouraged me to flourish in my chosen career and has been a very strong pillar of support. We all happily living to the grace of God.

While advising future spokespersons in the country,Aunty,as she fondly called by jiurnalists in Ogun State said,”my advice to them is to remain focused and maintain a firm belief in themselves. Such persons must be committed and loyal 110%,it pays off if you work with a discerning boss like mine.

“Irrespective of the usual office politics, if you are loyal and committed, your principal would have absolute trust in you. You must accord media practitioners the respect they deserve,they really can make or mar you, I guess I have learnt a lot while interacting with the media at the highest level.

Recalling what the governor told them at the executive council meeting week after the election, she believed better days are ahead for the good people of Ogun State.

“Contrary to one’s expectation, he announced to us after appreciating our efforts at the state executive council meeting that the second term is going to be twice as much and there was pin drop silence. So, better times await the good people of the state in his second term”,Wakama quoted Amosun to have promised.

On any regret working under the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, she responded sharply,”Like most adventures in life, you win some, you lose some, but the show must go on. Honestly, with hindsight, which is always 20-20, I would have done a lot of things differently. I wouldn’t have trusted so much because, the disappointment is usually huge when otherwise trusted allies fails you”,she submitted.