Soft spoken with a charming smile, Karimot Odebode is every inch a modern version of the traditional African woman endowed with the ability to multitask and get results. With administrative experience as the hall secretary of Akintola sports hall and Lord Scribe of the Poetic Hood; a group made up of highly inspirational poets in the faculty, to volunteer missions alongside numerous NGOs and organizations in her kitty, the multi-talented poet from Oyo State, Nigeria, is definitely no stranger to challenges.
Having amassed a wealth of experience along the way, Karimot makes an attempt to pave the way for a better society with the Trailblazer Mission premised on CONTINUITY and INNOVATION. In a brief chat with the publicity team of the Radiant Justice CShambers, Lady Kay (as she is fondly called) takes us through her vision for the society and why a female presidency coming a decade after the golden era of Jumoke Ajayi, is a step in the right direction for LSS.
Excerpts
Please tell us a little bit about yourself
KARIMOT: I am Karimot Odebode, a part 4 LAW student at Obafemi Awolowo University. I'm the 2nd of 4 children born to the family of Mr. & Mrs. Odebode of Ibadan, Oyo state. I'm an award winning poet and I also volunteer for some non-governmental organizations on projects that correct the ills in the society. I'm also the Hall Secretary for Akintola hall of residence. Impact and Service to humanity have been my driving force.
JC: "The Trailblazer Mission" which has been trending has been linked to you as its "Lead Strategist". Can you tell us about it, its ideals and intentions?
KARIMOT: The Trailblazer mission is not just a political movement; it is a MISSION which is based on VISION to impact our society. We believe that each and every member of our society is a trailblazer, as that, we are championing this mission to create exposure and experience for our society members. The Trailblazer Mission is set to create the best student experience for our society members. Over time, as sthe Lead Strategist of this mission, I have had the opportunity to work with top persons in different sectors such as entertainment, politics, and entrepreneurship. With this, I have created a great network which I intend on using for the benefit of our society. Our society is the greatest and we will work very hard to make it the best law society. At the trailblazer mission, everyone is a strategist. This modus operandi is what we intend on using for our society because we believe leadership is servitude. We want a society that makes everyone count.
JC: Word going around says you are interested in a key position aboard the LSS Executive Council when the next set of executives come on board
KARIMOT: The development of our society is one of the things that keeps me on my toe. To achieve that dream society, we need to leave the comfortable corner of our room. I am not interested in a key position. I am concerned and ready to press forward our society. This I want to do by serving in the capacity of the President of the Law Student Society after The Revirescent Team.
JC: What inspired you to run for the office of the President of the LSS?
KARIMOT: To achieve that change we envisage, we need to stop being passive. Everyone has the love for the society. But are we ready to channel our resources for the growth of our society? Impact and Service to humanity have been my inspiration so far. My passion is entwined in both and this is why I want to actively pay my own quota to the society by serving my people.
JC: Does the Trailblazer Mission seems to infer that the society has not been on the right path?
KARIMOT: Since the inception of this noble society, every executive members, as history will have it had contributed immensely to the development of this society. God forbid when the quality of excellence dwindles. Our society has always been on the right path and it is our vision to maintain and increase the quality of excellence. The Trailblazer Mission is premised on CONTINUITY and INNOVATION
JC: As an aspirant to the office of the 56th President of the LSS, what does a Female Presidency portend for LSS?
KARIMOT: A female president has a lot for the society and God be praised when that aspirant is Karimot Odebode. The Karimot Odebode I know is a purpose driven personality who is ready to uplift our society. We all know that female has the amazing quality of multitasking. We can do a whole lot at the same time, and we wouldn't deny the fact that the organizing and strategic skill of female is topnotch. A wonderful example has been entrenched in the history of our society with the name Jumoke Ajayi who in the year 2008 ruled our society in much dignity. The child of that noble administration is the cozy Resource Centre we find refuge in now. A decade (10) is enough to rewrite history and bring the best for our society. A female aspirant in person of Karimot Odebode has the right NETWORK to channel our society to the great path.
JC: What makes the Trailblazer Mission distinct from others?
KARIMOT: Every other is unique but I can always talk for myself. The belief and the genuine love for our society is what makes us unique. We believe leadership is not just about followership but servitude. Our mission and vision is worth diamond and many more.
JC: As the only female amongst the contestants vying for the position of President, how confident are you of victory at the polls?
KARIMOT: The power belongs to God and the people. Who am I to be confident in tomorrow? Tomorrow will come with its color but what we want is that people should see the goodness in our vision and nothing more or less. It is not in our capacity to declare ourselves - victorious. I am always confident in my person and what I have to deliver but in people's decision, it is for that day to come.
JC: Given the fact that it's been a while since a lady presided over LSS affairs except as a deputy, and the men have not performed poorly over the years, some might feel that the almost 'conventional' arrangement of a male president and female deputy be stuck to in the forthcoming election. What is your take on this mindset or line of thought?
KARIMOT: We cannot keep doing something the same way and expect a different result. The female was there and she did excellently well. Everyone is entitled to their thought but what I will implore us is to keep an open mind.
This is not a fight of the sexes. I am a lover of humanity and I regard people in that manner. What matters most is you're human before you are female, male, black or red. So far, the vision and passion is there. Let's trail blaze our society together. What matters at the end is result. Normal is normal, excellent is excellent. Let's do it the excellent way.
JC: What do you consider the greatest challenge to the average IfeLaw student and how do you intend to abate or eradicate it?
KARIMOT: Experience and Exposure is key. We won't stay forever in IfeLaw. The Trailblazer Mission tends to create a channel that connect undergrads to the outside world and letting them know the opportunity out there with our numerous projects / programmes.
JC: Do you mind giving us a hint of the programmes and projects in the trailblazer mission?
KARIMOT: To give a hint, our project/programmes are based on CONTINUITY and INNOVATION. They will also provide the best student experience for our society members. We intend on introducing impact programmes that carry every member of the faculty along
JC: Moving on to the national scene, do you think the Anti-Corruption war of the current administration is still on course especially in the light of revelations like the Ikoyi Billions and MainaGate which fingered the Attorney General of the Federation and even had the President been dragged into it at some point?
KARIMOT: Well, I would say the war is still on course as revelations like these (irrespective of who is involved) will make people like us know who the real thief is. When the war was waged, I know they didn't mean it to affect the woman on the street selling bole or the Okada rider. Its persons we've entrusted the country with that would definitely perpetrate the act. If it's going off course for them, then its right on the path for that Nigerian on the street.
JC: What's your philosophy of life?
KARIMOT: Success has a way of distorting your view. Keep winning, don't wallow in yesterday's success.
JC: Your mentor(s)?
KARIMOT: I have a great deal of people I tap a bit of everything from. So I can go on riling a 100 names but then I will limit to a few - Brymo, Debola Williams, Ibukun Awosika
Aside poetry, what other hobbies do you have?
Guest: Apart from Poetry, I found a great deal of joy in Volunteering. I also read.
How do you unwind to ease off the stress of the day?
Guest: I listen to music, especially Asa, Brymo and Beautiful Nubia
JC: Social media contacts
KARIMOT: FB - Odebode Karimot
Twitter - @lady_kayrimah and Instagram