In addition to being an activist, Karimot Olabisi Odebode practices law. She is the creator of the poetry book “A woman has many names” and the founder of the Black Girl’s Dream Initiative (BGDI). She talks about her passion for Ibadan, her poems, her activism, and her involvement in politics in this conversation with KINGSLEY ALUMONA.

You work as an activist, writer, and lawyer. How did it all start?

My passion for literature, the law, and activism all sprang from my love of people, in my opinion. I set out to accomplish something that would alter society for the better, and those three people found me. For justice, the law is the status quo. The legal system is the average person’s best chance for justice if you feel wronged. Writing has revolutionized history through revolutionary acts. You can engage in a wide range of topics with your pen while offering solutions. Even in and of itself, activism is revolutionary. It involves standing up for both other people and yourself. These all enable me to have an influence on society.

You were raised in Ibadan. Was there any personal or general experience, while living in the city, that motivated you to become an activist?

Yes. Ibadan is a stunning and historic city where I was raised. The history of Ibadan itself promotes responsible leadership. It is a metropolis that birthed and is still breeding many men and women who have rewritten the history of this nation. Ibadan has produced many talented people in different fields.
It’s not by accident that Ibadan is known as the city of firsts. My experience of living in this city and being aware of its constituents is sufficient to inspire me to continue fighting for justice.

How long have you been composing and reciting poems as a poet? And how important do you think poets are to Nigerian society and culture?

Since I was a young child, I have written. However, I will state that I began writing poetry approximately eleven years ago, initially in Yoruba.

I began giving performances in 2013. I guess my first public performance that I can distinctly remember was my secondary school valedictory service at Queen’s School, Ibadan. I had mesmerized everyone with a Yoruba poetry performance.

I carried on writing after enrolling at Obafemi Awolowo University. I was a member of other literary and poetry groups, including PoeticHood ─, a poetry club that met on Sundays to discuss poetry and have our own poems performed on various themes.

Poetry is the art of using words to express reality. Therefore, poets play a crucial part in Nigerian sociocultural life that should never be undervalued. Poetry has discussed social issues through their artistic mediums. Poets have influenced societal developments with their words and continue to do so.

Your poetry collection, “A woman has many names,” was just released. When did you begin penning the poems, and what served as their inspiration?

My first poetry collection, “A woman has many names,” was released on March 8, 2022, International Women’s Day. There are 107 poems in the collection that cover topics including self-worth, love, nationalism, and women.

Some of the poems were written when I was in my second or third year of college. I also penned a couple of poems this year. The poems draw inspiration from the poet’s own life experiences, social relationships, and societal perspectives. The majority of the themes in society serve as inspiration for my works. I usually use my poetry to advocate for causes.

What do you mean when you say, “A woman has many names”? Could you elucidate it using a true anecdote of a woman you know?

‘A woman has many names’ is the story of every woman and every human being. It is conveying to women that they are multi-named and that they are free to be anybody or anything they want to be. Additionally, it tells children that they are ‘Ubuntu’ because other women are, and that they are free to identify with the women who have influenced society and their own lives. The truth and the tale of every woman and every human being is that “a woman has many names.”

Which three things do you hope the poetry will teach readers?

I want children to understand how valuable they are and that, as long as they have faith in themselves, anything is possible.

I want kids to understand the value of compassion and that they should treat others and themselves with kindness.

Beyond that, I want them to understand how to be upset without being disrespectful. This is so because feeling angry is the beginning of change.

The Black Girl’s Dream Initiative was founded by you. Explain it to us and the reason you started it.

I am the founder of the non-profit Black Girl’s Dream Initiative (BGDI), which strives to advance gender equality and education. We accomplish our objectives through the use of technology, athletics, art, advocacy, and research.

We teach secondary school students the skills of argument, research, and public speaking as the organizers of the “Ibadan Schools Debate Training and Competition.”

I started BGDI because I’m passionate about education and because I want to give teens—especially girls—a platform to succeed.

Many women think they can perform tasks better than males can. How do you feel about this? And do you think that more women in leadership positions and in politics can improve Nigeria from where it is today?

Indeed. I think a woman is capable of doing anything a guy can. and perhaps perform it more effectively.

Additionally, I think that one way to advance our country is for more women to assume leadership and participate in politics. Women are leaders and builders. They frequently take the lead with empathy and complete the task at hand. We need compassionate leaders who, when making decisions, keep in mind how their choices may effect future generations. I am here for women leading, and that is one of the things I do as an advocate.

Have you given politics any thought? How would you make sure that women’s rights and voices are respected if you were the president of Nigeria?

Yes, I have considered a career in politics. Through politics, we accomplish our goals. We can discuss all day long, but if the task is not done, we won’t be able to observe any progress. I will one day run for political office.

If I were elected president of Nigeria, I would make sure that existing laws protecting women’s rights are properly carried out in addition to enacting new ones. Additionally, I’ll support equitable representation for both sexes in leadership roles.

Which three aspects of Ibadan are your favorites? And what three aspects of the city would you like to see improved by the populace or the administration?

Ibadan has three things that I adore: its history, its scenic beauty, and its inhabitants.

The three areas I would like to see improvement from the people and government are: (1) additional infrastructure projects that will put the city on the map worldwide; (2) young people pursuing their goals; and (3) the government helping young people in their endeavors.

What other occupations or engagements require your time and attention in addition to writing and BGDI? And how do you handle the tension that comes with these commitments?

In addition to mentoring young girls, I provide consultation on other projects for various organizations. In addition, I host and moderate events and give public speeches.

I make an effort to treat myself to breaks by unwinding. I’m revitalizing my body, mind, and brain by doing that.

Your collection of poems was released on International Women’s Day (IWD). In light of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Gender equality today for sustainable tomorrow,” what advice would you provide to women in Nigeria?

You can be anybody or anything you choose to be, dear Nigerian woman. Never accept anything less. Take off and demonstrate your abilities to the world.