Mrs. Bridget Asindi-Ajala is the Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Women Mobilisation and the Director, Contact and Mobilisation, Diaspora Affairs for the state’s Integrity Group.
A proud indigene of Oshimili South, she was born on the battleground of the Nigerian Civil War, where a soldier cradled her in his arms and foretold her greatness. Even as a seven-year-old who had never been to Lagos, she boldly declared her ambition to take her family overseas.
In this interview with Rita Oyiboka, she reveals the motivations behind her remarkable path, the marks she has made along the way and her mission to uplift women.
Can we meet you?
My name is Bridget Asindi-Ajala, an indigene of Oshmili South Local Government Area, Delta State. I am presently the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Women Mobilisation. I’m also the Director, Contact and Mobilisation, Diaspora Affairs of the State Integrity Group.
This group collaborates with Rt. Hon Sherrif Oborevwori to drive the vision of the MORE Agenda and state first Lady’s You Matter Charity Foundation. My role is to serve as the eyes and ears for the diaspora, connecting them to government initiatives here in Delta State. When you mention diaspora matters, could you elaborate on what that entails for the group?
Our group is committed to promoting the MORE Agenda both within Nigeria and internationally. Because I’ve lived in Canada for over 30 years and only recently relocated back to Nigeria, I help bridge the gap between our people abroad and initiatives back home.
The diaspora plays a significant role by providing financial and other forms of support for community development. I’m essentially the liaison between the diaspora and the government, keeping everyone informed and involved in development efforts.
From what you’ve described, you have a background in politics. Can you tell us how you got into it?
Oh, yes, I’ve been politically inclined since my school days at St. Brigis Girls Grammar School in Asaba. Back then, I served as the Games Prefect and Man O’ War Captain. After secondary school, I attended Plateau School of Accountancy and Management Studies (fondly called PSALMS) where I studied Secretarial Studies before getting admission to the University of Jos (UniJos) for a law program but only completed one year due to the long strikes at the time.
In 1990, I secured a visa to London and continued my education there where I attended Enfield College and gained a degree in Computer Science.
What was your political journey like overseas?
In the UK, my involvement in politics was somewhat limited. As a student, I actively participated in campus activities and was involved in student unions. I also engaged in community programs related to the girl child and women’s welfare. I even joined various charity organisations. It wasn’t until I moved to Canada that I got heavily involved in local politics, working closely with provincial ministers and participating in campaigns.
When I got married and had kids, I slowed down for a bit, but my political life took off there. However, I always had my eyes set on Nigeria. As a young girl, I promised myself I’d have my children abroad, get all my documents in order, and then return to Nigeria to do politics the proper way.
That’s interesting. How did your political journey in Nigeria play out?
When former Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, won the governorship elections in 2015, I wanted to come back to Nigeria, but my kids were still growing. I needed to get them through university, where they could handle their own responsibilities. In the midst of all that, my husband passed away. So, I was left managing the children, making sure they were stable before I could fully dive into my political ambitions.
During that period, I was coming back and forth to Nigeria. Far before that, in 2006-2007, I participated in the presidential elections in support of Atiku Abubakar and the AC (Action Congress) party. At that time, I was the woman leader representing Oshimili South. I worked closely with them, running campaigns even with Atiku’s wife.
But when the ballot came out and Atiku was disqualified, I went back abroad. I didn’t return to politics until Sen. Okowa’s second governorship term when I ran for a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly, but didn’t win.
By then, I had already bought property in Nigeria, so I wasn’t just coming to stay in hotels or with family, I had a base. My children were grown, finished school, and doing their own thing, so I could come to Nigeria more freely. My passion for politics and driving the women’s agenda has always been there, but I just wasn’t given a chance, until now.
Now that you hold the position of Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation. What has been your achievement?
Yes, I got my appointment almost a year ago, in December, and resumed in January. Since then, I’ve been actively working with women in my ward. About three weeks ago, I distributed some bags of garri and other empowerment items to the women. For over a decade, I have been sharing food items and providing empowerment support annually to my community, even before I took on the role of Special Assistant.
I’ve been holding regular meetings with them, particularly the women. I ask them questions like, “What are your most pressing needs?” and “What skills do you have?” For instance, some women tell me they fry akara every morning, making about N3,000 daily. But all their earnings go straight to buying food for their children, leaving them with no savings. We have curated a list of these women with small businesses to potentially create a system where we can provide them with sustainable empowerment funds.
You’ve mentioned your political journey and how far you’ve come, but let’s talk about your other career paths.
Yes. I bagged my Computer Science degree in the UK and relocated to Canada where I got married and had children. Following that, I embarked on a two-year Practical Registered Nursing (PRN) program. However, I realised that working with blood wasn’t for me, even though I continued in that field for a while. I have a passion for education, so I returned to school to study as a Legal Assistant, leveraging my background in secretarial studies.
From there, I became a legal clerk for a law firm and simultaneously pursued a part-time course in social work. This led me to work with autistic children and those with disabilities because I recognised a significant need in that area.
My career has largely revolved around the social aspect. Having become a social worker, and I pursued a degree in Criminal Justice. This allowed me to work with youth, particularly those facing challenges like delinquency and substance abuse. I’ve spent a lot of time counseling these young people, going to court on their behalf, and collaborating with probation officers and social workers. I have had such a well rounded life experience. In fact I think I should write a book.
What would that book be about?
I’d like to title it “Women Can Strive After All.” The inspiration for that title comes from my childhood experiences. Growing up, I always told myself, “I can be…” That mindset has shaped my journey.
What influenced that “I can be” attitude? Did anyone or any event in your childhood inspire that?
My mother played a pivotal role in shaping my confidence and aspirations. I was born in 1969 during the Nigerian Civil War, at St. Brigis Grammar School, amidst chaos as soldiers were fighting nearby. When a soldier approached my mother, he promised to assist her with the delivery on one condition: she had to give birth to a girl. As fate would have it, I was that girl. The first person to hold me was that soldier, who cleaned me and proclaimed, “This child will be great.”
That moment became a foundational story for me. Being the fifth of nine children, I grew up believing I was destined for something greater. Even as a child, I dreamt of taking my siblings abroad, long before I had ever set foot in Lagos, let alone traveled outside Nigeria. Ultimately, I became the first in my family to venture overseas, fulfilling that dream and bringing my family along with me.
You’ve shared so many successes and triumphs, but have there been challenges that have tested you along the way?
Yes. It wasn’t a smooth sailing. My father passed away when I was only 13, leaving my mother to raise nine children on a teacher’s salary. We often struggled to eat more than once a day. Despite the hardships, I held onto the belief that something better awaited us in the future.
Even while living with my aunt, I faced difficulties and was often treated differently by my cousins. Yet, I used those experiences to fuel my determination.
What is the philosophy behind your success?
I don’t believe in unhealthy competition because I fear failure. I prefer to be challenged to accomplish tasks that others doubt I can achieve.
That is why I feel very sad when I see young girls selling their bodies for money because they don’t realise what they can achieve with their minds.
Even while I was pursuing higher education at the University of Jos (Unijos), I ventured into business. I sold fabrics. Most Fridays, I would take a night bus to Aba, arriving at the market by Saturday morning. I would spend the whole day shopping for fabrics. By Saturday night, I would take the bus to Kano, where my sister lives, and sell my goods at various banks. I would also meet Alhajis who bought fabrics for their wives. By Tuesday, I am back in class. I bought my first car at 20. Affording a visa then was easy and I was an ardent saver. That entrepreneural spirit has always been in me and I advise women to adopt that same ‘can do’ personality.
What are your future aspirations in politics?
I envision myself advancing in the political arena, with aspirations to become a Member of the House of Assembly or even a senator one day.
With such an impressive list of degrees, do you plan to bag any more degrees?
Absolutely, I’ve applied to Admiralty University in Ibusa to pursue a law degree.
When you are not politicking, how do you unwind. What are your hobbies?
I love sewing. I have always been fascinated by fabrics. Even though I am prudent with my finances, I know how to spoil myself too. I love going to the movies and shopping.
What message do you want to share with youths, especially women?
Be yourself. Don’t try to impress anybody. Make God the center of your life.
