FEMINIST FRIDAY – Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

By Bernadette

we can do it

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY

As a continuation of celebrating diversity in April, I would like to introduce you to my friend, Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha.  One of the wonders of blogging is that it has expanded my vistas and allowed me to meet such interesting and culturally diverse people from all over the world.  Jacqueline is a fellow blogger who is originally from Nigeria.  Her blog is A Cooking Pot and Twisted Tales.  She uses this platform to support fellow bloggers and to raise awareness of the many  ongoing cultural inequalities and problems in the world.  Here is Jacqueline’s story in her own words:

I like to describe myself as a Jacqueline of all trade and a mistress of nothing. Everything is work-in-progress in my life, including me. Nothing is finished for, there’s always room for more improvement.

If all is finished, then that means that I am done on this side of the great divide. I believe that I still have a pretty long way to go with hammering myself into a worthy state before toddling off to sing angelic lullabies.

I was born in Nigeria in the mid 70’s, to a family with one of the best parents that I could have ever asked for.

My growing up years was in University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus. A close-knit community where everyone knew what you had for breakfast, lunch and dinner and pretty much any shenanigans that you got up to. Back then, an honorary auntie could feel enough righteous indignation and would help to straighten you out before sending you home to your parents who will cement the straightening with their own dose of reprimanding.

As a young lady in High school, I was involved in a number of social and community activities. From Church work to participating in dramas at the local theatre, speaking at regular debate contests and contribution to the young writer’s club. At the initial stage, these artistic flairs propelled my interest to further my university education in Theatre or Communication Arts, however, due to the general inclination back then, that artists in Nigeria had no bright future, I leaned towards studying law.

My education in law was closely followed by several professional courses, in Public Relations, Chartered Secretary, and Administrators, an associate degree in the French Language as well as a Diploma in Translation. French is a language that I find not only romantic, but everything just sounds decadently delicious in French even when they are shouting.

Fast forward to my career path and like I had indicated right from the onset, I have done so many things.

I started my working life at The Embassy of Tunisia in Lagos as the Personal Assistant to the Ambassador and after a brief stint in France, I returned and joined the Embassy of France also in Lagos.

My position working with the Cultural Attaché to the Embassy of France paved an opportunity to join The Delegation of the European Union in Abuja, Nigeria. It was a job that offered a lot of training and travel opportunities and during this point in time, I met my dear husband, who whisked me off to the altar after a six-month whirlwind courtship. Our union will turn 16 years in November and we are blessed with three beautiful children.

The natural process of having babies with a stillbirth and several miscarriages in-between meant juggling family life along with my career, cycling through different jobs as I sought to find that which suited my family lifestyle a lot better.

I held job positions ranging from Archivist, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Public Relations Officer, Administrative Manager, Records Manager to School Registrar.

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Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha you rock!

About Bernadette

I live in the small town of Haddonfield, NJ. I am at an age in my life when I seem to spend time thinking and musing about life. These musings are usually stimulated by my walks through Haddonfield, my reading of books and fellow bloggers, and my interaction with my group of fabulous family and friends.

22 Responses

  8. Olga

    Amazing story of a woman that has experienced the world is a unique way. Multi-talented and a fascinating person. I see a memoir in the future. Ha ha! Jacqueline’s words of wisdom speckling her blog are inspirational. Glad I got to know her better, Bernadette. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  10. bliterarycom

    Very interesting piece, and what seems like an adventurous life.It must be great to understand french, i have been trying to teach myself , unfortunately i have been too busy to concentrate. Thank God summer is here, and since i am on break from University , i hope to take lessons. Once again , great article, nice meeting you Jacqueline.

    Like

  11. DaisyWillows

    Well, I already follow Jaqueline. I ever knew how much of a brain you are. A true inspirstion to all women and men. Losses are what they are but I’m so glad you opened up a bit more. IA feel I

    Like

  12. DaisyWillows

    Well, I already follow Jacqueline. I ever knew how much of a brain you are. A true inspiration to all women and men. Losses are what they are but I’m so glad you opened up a bit more. I feel I KNOW you better. Great blog btw x

    Like

  17. Stephanae V. McCoy

    Thank you Bernadette for sharing Jackie’s story with us. Like some of your other readers I also follow her and came here to read the article. Jackie, you are such a well-rounded person with an amazing background, it’s a pleasure knowing you.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Soul Gifts

    Having met and come to know a bit about Jaqueline through following her blog, it was interesting to read more about her personal history. I have no doubt that she will continue to spiral her way through life inspiring all she meets along the way.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. LydiaA1614

    Bernadette, thank you for sharing this wonderful profile of an amazing woman. Jackie, you know I care deeply for you and thank you for all the support you have given me in various ways over the few months we have “known” each other. It feels like you are a forever friend and this post let me know just that much more about you!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Nedoux

    Hi Bernadette,

    I really enjoyed reading this interview, I follow Jackie’s lovely blog. It was very nice to get to know more about her.

    Lol @ “honorary auntie” . Indeed, in Nigeria it takes a community to raise a child, there were many honorary aunties and uncles ready and willing to instill discipline even before one had a chance to get home and receive scolding from one’s parents. XD

    Like

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