Mrs Roli Bode George, is a woman of many parts. She is a politician, entrepreneur, administrator and mentor, among other things.
She recently launched the RBG Concept, a conglomerate of Nigerian businesses, including SMEs and young start-ups, leveraging on social and interpersonal networks and comparative advantage to get ahead and succeed in the business world.
What is RBG Concept about?
We are trying to get young people together to celebrate African style. We have different young entrepreneurs just starting business together. It’s like a network, a consortium of young entrepreneurs. Everything we do is made in Nigeria. We have hats, undies, ready-to-wear T-shirts, jewellery, and other items. All are ready-to-wear. I tell people that you don’t have to have a shop to make money. You can leverage people through networking, on social media. Everybody is a leveller in social media. The main aim is to make young people thrive in their respective businesses. We have a lounge. We have a studio. We have a printing press, and we have a bakery. We already have a lot of businesses in this consortium and we just decided to consolidate the fashion line.
What lessons have you learnt about life?
To be true to yourself. To try and help others and help people to thrive as you are growing up because you might need them sometimes.
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As female boss of NDLEA, how did you cope?
The good thing is that I was trained by the Americans. They took me into the bush for six weeks. They trained me in firearms. They also trained me in combat. I’m the highest female tactical officer in the whole of Nigeria. There’s no higher officer in the whole NDLEA. I am the highest female tactical officer in Nigeria as I speak. The truth of the mater is that, if you are going to do a job well, you need to go and train. Americans are really good. They gave me proper training. There was no special treatment. In fact, if they are taking you to the bush, you carry your gun yourself. They did a good job. They helped me. They gave me all the guidelines. I was trained in arms, I was also trained in surveillance, as a tactical commander. The Nigerian system is good but our institutions are not strong enough. If it’s the training, I’m a straight shooter. I can take anyone down from anywhere because I was trained. That’s the good thing about NDLEA; they trained everybody that wanted to be trained. It was easy because I was trained. People around me were very helpful.
What is your take about women in Nigerian politics, especially female representation in the 2023 elections?
Politics is an expensive thing. In Nigeria, it is politics of money. You really have to be strong-willed. You have to wield a lot of political influence or have money. Unfortunately, we don’t have that. What parties need to do, like PDP, they do waivers for the cost of the ticket for women. You only have to pay a token or for expression of interest. Other things are free. Secondly, women are our own worst enemies. We have to learn to network. Women have to learn to go together. They can be in the same business and you can leverage on where you have competitive advantage. In the process of outsourcing things to other people as women, we can come together. All of us would push. You see men, they go out to drink on Friday nights. Women also need to find a way to meet and sign their own future. Where do the women go, where do they meet? I have been in politics for 16 years.
You look beautiful and gorgeous. What is the secret?
Jesus. I think God has just favoured me in that aspect. I don’t do any special thing.
Fashion-wise, what is your kind of style?
I like to be glam. Looking glam makes you powerful as a woman. Dressing well is power. Knowledge is power. Having God in your life is power. So, style is a combination of a lot of things.
Where would you say is your favourite holiday destination?
I would say Egypt. I had my honeymoon in Egypt and it was really fun. It was really romantic and I’m kind of attached to Egypt and Paris. If I’m stressed, I go to Paris. I think it’s a lovely city. Between Egypt and Paris, I’m not sure which one is my favourite.
