Nigerians are one of the larger immigrant groups in the UK. How have Nigerians been able to contribute positively to their host community?
Nigerians are one of the most educated Citizens globally. Virtually every family can boast of graduates. All my mother’s children are graduates. Nigerians are also hard working and multi-talented so they contribute as much as possible to their host countries. Nigerians are represented all over the World.
President Buhari has already given a most Nigerians in UK the much needed confidence to return to Nigeria and play their part in reforming Nigeria. Do you share the same notion?
Absolutely, Yes this is a good time to come back to join hands to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
You have contributed so much in the field of mental health in the UK. As a professional in the field, how has it been for you?
I thank God for giving me the professional opportunity to make my contribution in the field of Mental Health internationally for over, 40 meritorious years I enjoyed my 23 years serving Nigerians as the 1st Chief Psychiatric Social Worker and Pioneer Head of Social Welfare at the famous World Health Organization WHO Centre of Excellence for Research and Training for Africa which is the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria I started as a student Nurse on the 1st Nov 1973 and took voluntary retirement in 1997 due to my beloved Husband death Chief Olajide Sanusi The Asiwaju of Egbaland. I was away in London on official study leave when I got the message that he died suddenly. I took up an employment with the NHS and spent another 15 years before I finally took retirement few years ago after I felt professionally fulfilled and accomplished. I enjoyed travelling round the World in my capacity as the Vice President of the World Federation for Mental health for African Region. I made presentations at World Congress in many countries. Egypt 1987, Mexico 1991, Japan 1993, Dublin 1995, There were conferences in London 1998, USA 2006 where l delivered papers.
You were also professionally connected to the renowned Prof. Adeoye Lambo of blessed memory?
Yes Prof. Adeoye and Mama Lambo both now of blessed memory were my greatest professional inspirational champions. They were very supportive and protective towards me and treated me like their daughter. I visited them in Geneva while I had the opportunity represent Nigeria as the Technical Adviser at the World Health Global Assembly in May 1985.The theme was NGOs and their contributions to Health for All. Prof Adeoye Lambo positive influence encouraged me to complete my Post Graduate Diploma at the University of Manchester and a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Kent in 1985.
How essential has the Community organisations been in addressing the issues of Nigerians in diaspora. Especially for fresh immigrants?
We probably have up to 2 million Nigerians in the UK Some are not registered for various reasons so it is not easy to get an accurate figure Some are dual Nigerian – British Citizens, like me. Not everyone is active in the communities until they need help or even some die without any relative claiming them Who pays for funeral Nigerians in Britain should have life insurance and Funeral plans paid for in advance especially those over 60 years old like me. It is not good to become a burden on the community Even though l have excellent and caring responsible children l have paid for my own funeral to lay good examples We should be prepared for any eventuality that does not mean that death will come early but at least you have the peace of mind that you have made good plans to ease any burden at a difficult time.
That is maturity and responsibility that l wish others will adopt. Will writing is also very important otherwise all your properties may be inherited by wrong people or government may take over if no Will is made in developed countries this is not impossible with no qualified relative, nothing is automatic the law is complicated. All the Community Organisations are voluntary and just trying to help, unless one is really passionate like me there is a limit that can be done to solve other people’s problems I have had good and bad experiences so l am cautious now as been charitable can be misinterpreted so one has learnt some lessons about helping others.
What laws would you want the National Assembly pass in favour of Nigerians in Diaspora?
Diaspora to be allowed to freely contribute professional skills in their areas of specialities without any hindrance. Definitely to be given the full Right to vote and be voted for. We now have Nigerians who are politically successful and leading as Mayors, Shadow Ministers, Councillors, Members of Parliament, Member House of Lords in Britain so why not use their wealth of experience to the benefit of Nigeria.
