This week, the spotlight is on Engr. Miracle Arimobi, a dynamic force in female youth empowerment, blending her passion for politics with a solid foundation in engineering. As Special Assistant to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori on Female Youth Development, Arimobi is dedicated to uplifting young women and spearheading initiatives like “The Power of Her,” aimed at changing the narrative of women in politics across Delta State. In this interview with RITA OYIBOKA, Miracle shares her inspiring journey from childhood influences to groundbreaking efforts in female empowerment.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Miracle Arimobi, Special Assistant to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Female Youth Development. I am also an engineer by profession. I graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering from Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Additionally, I have a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Production and Material Engineering and another PGD in Civil Engineering and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
Beyond that, I have acquired various certifications in areas such as Human Resource Management, Health Safety and Environmental (HSE 1, 2, 3) and Project Management. I am also a proud member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Were there childhood influences that informed your path toward politics?
Yes, my upbringing played a big role. My father is a pastor and my mother passed away when I was just five years. I grew up in a family of six- five girls and my dad. Losing my mom at such a young age meant I had to step up early and take care of my younger siblings. I learned that, as a woman, sometimes you must take on leadership roles, especially when there is not a father or male figure around. This experience built my resilience and independence, but it wasn’t the sole reason I ventured into politics.
How was it starting in politics?
I started my political journey at 16 in a village called Ebedei, in Ukwuani Local Government Area;although I am originally from Owa-Alizomor in Ika North East Local Government Area in Delta State.
During my school years, I served as the president of the National Association of Metallurgical and Material Engineering Science Students and I was also active in campus politics. I once planned to run for the Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidency, but due to campus politics, I had to shift my focus.
Starting in politics at such a young age was exciting and challenges as well. Most of my peers weren’t engaged in local politics, but I was already deeply involved. It provided me with exposure and opportunities that I might not have had otherwise. While my family was financially stable, my community also played a significant role in my development, supporting me both emotionally and practically.
What motivated you to empower women and create “The Power of Her”?
I have always been passionate about women’s empowerment and youth development, particularly in uplifting young girls and women in Delta State and beyond. This aligns with my love for politics. Over the past eight years, I have been driven by a desire to create positive change. Although I have a passion for business and run a media company, among other ventures, my political involvement takes precedence because it allows me to engage with those in power and make a meaningful impact in the society.
Many young women need just a small push to achieve great things. I often tell those who approach me that getting into politics isn’t as difficult as it seems, provided you have the right mentors and guidance. Without proper mentorship, politics can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can reach your goals, whether running for office, contributing to governanceor improving your community.
This is what inspired me to create “The Power of Her.” We are launching the programme in October, accompanied by a five-year policy document that outlines our goals for the future. The programme aims to empower at least 1,000 girls with leadership skills, governance knowledge, self-development tools and practical skills such as entrepreneurship.
What is your passion for empowering women rooted in?
I am passionate about seeing more women involved in governance and in positions where they can make laws and policies. If women arenot adequately represented at the legislative level, it becomes harder to pass laws that favour women. While men can and do pass laws that benefit women, there are certain issues such as rape that women legislators may naturally have a better understanding of.
Who was your biggest mentor when you started climbing the political ladder?
One of my greatest mentors has been Dame Edith Okowa, wife of the former governor of Delta State. About eight years ago, I heard her speak at an empowerment programme and her words had a profound impact on me. Since then, I have admired her work, particularly her O5 Initiative, She has been an inspiration to me ever since.
What are some challenges you have faced in your political career?
I have faced numerous challenges, especially in balancing my career, studies and political ambitions. Society often imposes limitations on women, but through determination and the right mentorship, I have been able to overcome many of these obstacles.
Recently, I have encountered stress and intimidation. Some people try to silence or discourage me because I am a woman. I have received threats, but I don’t let them deter me. These threats are often meant to intimidate me, but I stay focused on my goals. Gender bias is another persistent challenge; people often underestimate women’s abilities in leadership. Despite these difficulties, I remain committed to improving and serving my community.
What achievements or important moments stand out for you?
One significant achievement was encouraging a young woman who was hesitant to run for a political position. She feared she wouldn’t win because no woman had held that office for 12 years. I advised her to believe in herself and she won! This is a huge source of pride for me. Additionally, I have been able to help many young women access training and opportunities through various empowerment programs, and they are now thriving.
As a prominent figure in female political empowerment, how do you balance tokenism with merit in political roles?
In a predominantly male environment, it is easy for women to be seen as token representatives but when you demonstrate focus, effectiveness and consistency, your work speaks for itself. True leadership goes beyond fulfilling quotas; it’s about building alliances, advocating for change, and mentoring others. Authentic leadership shines through and perceptions of tokenism fade when you consistently show competence and dedication.
What are your thoughts on the idea that women can be their own biggest obstacles in politics?
I have seen both positive and negative attitudes among women toward other women. This issue isn’t limited to politics; it’s a broader reflection of individual behaviors. However, we are working to change the narrative. Our goal is to foster unity and support among women rather than undermining one another. By focusing on empowerment, we can shift these outdated perceptions.
What challenges have you faced in implementing female youth development policies?
One major challenge has been the lack of a supportive team, although recently, I have been fortunate to work with a dedicated and encouraging group. People often resist change, especially due to cultural norms and traditions, which makes it difficult to push forward. Financial constraints and limited access to networks are also obstacles, but having a governor who prioritizes women’s issues has been a tremendous advantage.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have made a significant impact on women’s empowerment and created lasting changes in the community. I also see myself continuing as an advocate for women’s issues while contributing to societal progress. I hope to be married and have children as well.
How do you balance your numerous responsibilities?
Balancing multiple roles requires setting clear priorities and managing your time effectively. It’s not always easy, I recently experienced burnout due to stress and had to take time to rest. I also work from home when possible to reduce commuting stress. Knowing your limits and delegating tasks to a reliable team is essential.
Not every woman is like you, with such a clear vision and goals for their political position. What advice would you give to women who find themselves in positions where they feel they are not being utilized to their full potential as mere figureheads?
For women in positions where they feel underutilized, here is my advice: Take initiative. Identify the gaps within your role and look for ways to fill them. Remember, finding a problem does not get you paid, but solving one does. Many tech companies thrive by solving problems and being rewarded for it. If you wait for tasks to be handed to you, you may miss opportunities.
Instead, actively seek out projects where you can add value. Propose new projects, take on additional responsibilities and suggest improvements that align with your skills and passions. Even if your efforts do not always lead to immediate success, creating opportunities through your hard work can lead to greater fulfillment.
Volunteer for high-visibility projects and engage with initiatives that are critical to your organization. Make your goals and aspirations known to your team and leaders. Communicate clearly about the areas where you feel underutilized and express your desire for more meaningful work. Seek feedback regularly to understand how your contributions are perceived and to identify areas for growth.
Enhancing your skills is also crucial. I did not stop at my HND in engineering; I continued my education and took various courses to broaden my expertise. This ongoing development helps me stay relevant and effective in my role.
