Meet Eniola Olowo, the dynamic Vice President of the National Association of Business Administration Students (NABAS) at Obafemi Awolowo University (2023/2024). A Part 3 Business Administration student, Eniola has made waves by transforming her role into a platform for impactful leadership.
From ensuring a warm welcome for new students to tackling the complexities of managing people, her journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication. In this edition of Personality of the Week, we dive into her inspiring story and uncover how she’s shaping the future of NABAS and beyond.
In today’s Spotlight edition, we featured Eniola Olowo, a name synonymous with strength, determination, and visionary leadership. As the Vice President of NABAS, Eniola has not only embraced the challenges of her role but has also turned them into opportunities for growth—both for herself and the students she serves.
One of her standout achievements has been her commitment to ensuring new students feel at home on campus. Through her efforts, she’s created a welcoming environment that sets the tone for their academic journey. But her path hasn’t been without hurdles. Eniola opens up about the challenges of managing people, conquering her fears, and consistently delivering results that inspire her peers.
In the spotlight with Eniola Olowo
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Eniola Olowo, the Vice President of NABAS, OAU. As a Part 3 student at Obafemi Awolowo University, I’m passionate about growth, learning, and self-improvement.
I enjoy reading, particularly self-help books and academic materials.
Capturing memories through photography is another hobby of mine. I love putting smiles on people’s faces and creating positive experiences for those around me.
As a Chartered Manager in view, I’m committed to excellence and continuous learning.
I initiated the NABAS LADIES FORUM, a platform aimed at fostering growth and development within our department.
I value accountability, humility, and positive relationships. I dislike defensive or condescending behavior and believe in embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth.
I’m always excited to connect with like-minded individuals, try new experiences, and explore new ideas.
How have you used your role as Vice President to create meaningful changes in the Business Administration department?
One of my most notable accomplishments as Vice President is the revival of the NABAS Ladies Forum, empowering young women to become independent, responsible, and socially aware individuals.
I also introduced the NABAS Welfare Check article, a weekly publication promoting wellness, self-care, and productivity.
This initiative demonstrates my commitment to supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, I ensured a seamless transition for freshmen through comprehensive orientation programs, providing guidance on settling in, file management, and navigating the school system.
I’m committed to achieving even more before my tenure ends, continuing to drive positive change and enhance the student experience.
Can you share the story of what sparked your interest in politics and leadership? Was there a defining moment that set you on this path?
My interest in politics and leadership was sparked by a combination of personal experiences and exposure to current events.
Growing up, I was fascinated by the way politics shapes the world and affects people’s lives. One defining moment that set me on this path was when I took on a leadership role as Vice President in my church.
This experience not only deepened my understanding of politics and governance but also gave me hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Through my involvement in NABAS, I initiated projects like the NABAS Ladies Forum, which aims to empower young women to become independent, responsible, and socially aware individuals.
I also introduced the NABAS Welfare Check article, a weekly publication promoting wellness, self-care, and productivity.
These experiences have not only sparked my interest in politics and leadership but have also given me a sense of purpose and direction. I’m excited to continue exploring ways to make a positive impact and create meaningful change in my community
Every leader faces challenges. What’s the toughest challenge you’ve encountered in this role, and how did you overcome it?
As a leader, I faced numerous challenges. One of the toughest was motivating people to work towards a common goal. I knew that my vision was right, but I struggled to convince others to share my passion.
To overcome this, I focused on building relationships with my team members. I listened to their concerns, made them feel included, and empowered them to take ownership of their work. This approach helped me gain their trust and cooperation.
Another challenge I faced was leading individuals who were older than me. I had to balance showing respect for their age and experience with the need to hold them accountable for their work. I achieved this by communicating effectively, being respectful, and focusing on the issue at hand rather than making personal attacks.
Finally, I struggled with considering everyone’s opinions and needs. I realized that trying to please everyone would hinder my ability to make progress. To overcome this, I prioritized the greater good and made decisions that benefited the majority. I also communicated clearly with my team, explaining the reasoning behind my decisions and ensuring that everyone was on the same page.
By adopting these strategies, I was able to overcome the challenges I faced as a leader and achieve my goals.
Is there a personal or unique story from your time as Vice President that has stayed with you? Something that truly defines your journey?
As I reflect on my time as Vice President of Business Administration, I’m still in the early stages of my journey. While I’ve had various experiences and encounters, I haven’t yet pinpointed a single story that defines my path.
However, I’m excited to see how my role evolves and what challenges and triumphs lie ahead. As I continue to grow and learn, I’m confident that a defining story will emerge, one that will encapsulate my experiences, lessons, and accomplishments as Vice President.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your leadership journey so far, and how has it shaped your decisions?
The biggest lessons I’ve learned in my leadership journey so far are:
1. You can’t control how others perceive you: No matter what you do, you can’t dictate how others feel or think about you. The best approach is to focus on doing your best and knowing that your efforts are genuine.
2. Don’t seek validation from others’ opinions: People will always have something to say, regardless of your actions. As a leader, it’s essential to avoid letting others’ opinions define your self-worth or dictate your decisions.
3. Think critically and strategically: Effective leadership requires thoughtful decision-making. As a leader, it’s crucial to think critically, considering multiple perspectives and potential outcomes, rather than simply following emotions or public opinion.
What advice would you give to students who aspire to take on leadership roles or make an impact in their communities?
To students aspiring to take on leadership roles that make an impact in their communities, I offer the following advice:
1. Pursue a leadership path you’re passionate about: Focus on an area you love and are knowledgeable about. This will enable you to make a meaningful impact.
2. Play to your strengths: Go for what you’re good at, excellent at, and knowledgeable about. This will help you make a positive difference.
3. Understand the benefits and challenges of leadership: Recognize that leadership roles come with both advantages and disadvantages. Be prepared for the responsibilities and challenges.
4. Self-awareness is key: Before taking on a leadership role, understand yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. This self-awareness will help you navigate the demands of leadership.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that keeps you motivated during tough times?
“Believe you can and you’re half way there.”
What’s your long-term vision for the politics? How do you hope to be a politician when you get out of school?
I understand the concept of long-term vision in politics, but my approach has been more focused on achieving immediate goals, such as getting the right person in position. Nevertheless, I remain open to exploring leadership opportunities that come my way.
My true motivation for entering politics was to drive positive change and implement meaningful ideas. I saw leadership as the most effective way to make a lasting impact, which is why I got into politics in the first place. While I didn’t initially plan to pursue a long-term career in politics, my experiences have shaped my perspective and continue to guide my decisions.
Have you had any mentors who guided you along your journey? If so, what’s the best piece of advice they ever gave you?
Yes, I have a mentor. The best piece of advice they ever gave me was You’re the only one stopping yourself
What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know but would find inspiring?
My willingness to step out of your comfort zone and take on leadership roles, despite not initially planning to pursue a long-term career in politics.
My motivation was to drive positive change and implement meaningful ideas. I desire to make a difference, rather than personal gain or ambition.
Who will you like to see next on this blog, you can nominate them in the comment below.
