BORN on July 4, 1966, in Zaria to Delta Igbo parents, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin bestrides rights activism like a colossus. Christened Josephine at birth, she grew up in Ilorin, where she had all her education up to university level. In 1996 she earned her Ph.D. in History and Policy of Education from the University of Ilorin. Married to Yinka Odumakin from Osun State, her foray into human rights activism blossomed when Ibrahim Babangida-led military administration was locking up critical voices. She was arrested and detained over 17 times at different locations in Ilorin, Abuja and Lagos. The executive director, Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Studies; president, Women Arise for Change Initiative; chairman, Task Force, Citizen Forum; spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and founding member Save Nigeria Group tells DANIEL ANAZIA what fashion means to her. What is your definition of fashion'It is being simple, neat, comfortable and decent in what you wear. Not gown that an aide would have to be folding the end, eyelashes of a masquerade or heavy jewelries ' such adornments do not necessarily make one elegant; neither is it about going with the crowd or 'copying the latest,' but being comfortable in what you wear. I align with mantra, 'your dress is the way you are addressed.'StyleI love trousers, shirts and T-shirts. I wear them most times because they make me smart and comfortable. I made up my mind to always wear trousers after being beaten at a rally in Ilorin. I fell inside the gutter and my skirt was torn.Favourite colour Poker white and black.Favourite piece of clothingTrousers! They are like my companions. I wear them always for rallies, church, relaxation and even at sleep. Favourite designer(s)Smith (Nigeria) and Ralph Lauren. Favourite signature scentI hate the smell of perfume. While growing up my parents made me realise there was no need for it. Also, my church, Redemption Herald Evangelistic Ministry preaches against it. Evangelist Agbenike would always tell us it is only used for dead bodies; so, I grew up with such hatred. At times, I feel like throwing up when I perceive the smell of any.Most expensive item ever bought and its cost value' A wristwatch; it is worth $300. I can't do without a wristwatch because I'm time conscious. Sometimes, when my phones are switched off, I depend on my wristwatch. What would you not be caught wearing'Make-ups and bikini. I have never used make-ups since my birth and I will never. I'm also at war with bikini. How often do you improve on your wardrobe'Twice a year. What is on shopping list for the month'Toothpaste, face wash, oil sheen, face towel. Body grooming habits and careI walk out and do sauna bath, I don't applymake-ups or keeplongfingernails; neither do I applybody cream when it is rainy season. I only do it during harmattan, and even at that, I use Vaseline. I use very simple and mild toilet soap. Favourite foodSteam rice, salad served with fish stew. Turn onHonesty, transparency and good leadership.Turn offImpunity, pride and greed.What would you consider as fashion faux pax'Bad colour and outlandish make-ups. What is sexy in both men and women'The smart and sharp clothes you wear. Choice travel/holiday destination I love beach resorts because of their natural ambience. They provide detachment from the hustle and bustle of the cities. It is lovely listening to the ocean sing with no background noise.Craziest thing ever done in lifeFacing an armoured tank during Abacha's dictatorship. The late Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti, other comrades and I had gathered at Yaba for a rally, the soldiers were everywhere and even directed their armoured tank at us. I walked to the front of it with the late Chief Gani and faced the vehicle. Philosophy of lifeDon't ignore any situation; you can do something to improve on it.InspirationI draw inspiration from God's word.What would you like to change in Nigeria, if given the opportunity'The culture of waste, we spend too much on ceremonies and throw away resources that would have been used to help the needy. People spend a lot of money hosting parties to impress others without knowing that if a party is held on a Saturday people will only talk about it till next Saturday ' that is just one week; whereas if that money is invested in assisting the needy, it will linger on for a lifetime.
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