Our colleagues are itching to know a little more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood background and growing up?
I was born in the 80s. I attended my primary education at the University of Lagos Staff School and secondary at Queen’s College. I studied Economics at the University of Lagos.
Growing up, I was mostly around boys because of the close age gap between my four brothers and me.
I am from Edo State, but I have lived almost my whole life in Lagos; I only moved to the Eastern part of Nigerian during my NYSC year.
So, we’ve seen you a couple of times when you come into work in your biking outfit. What does it feel like to bike to and from work, and why did you decide to do this?
Biking is an exciting sport. It is unfortunate as it’s uncommon in Nigeria as it is in many western countries. Still, it makes me feel like I am literally killing ten birds with one stone – working out on my way to work, saving money on transportation, inspiring many people to keep fit, saving precious time usually wasted waiting for a cab, keeping in shape, maintaining my figure, getting time to reflect on my day’s work, connecting with realities I won’t get to see in a car, getting to work punctually, growth in self-discipline and lastly releasing stress.
What inspires you to keep fit?
Three things inspire me:
My sisters – the support they give by providing the right diet and cheer to maintain stability in my mind and body.
My Boss – Mr Elumelu, still pushing a conscious, healthy lifestyle at an advanced age.
And lastly, the satisfaction experienced from the previous work out.
Has the pandemic influenced any changes to your routine, and what does that look like?
Frankly, in the past two years, I had basically lost my routine. The pandemic did not also help at all. I had an irregular schedule at the beginning, and this also made me gain weight. However, in November, I changed that lifestyle and began using the resumption at 9.00 am to my advantage by taking long walks in the mornings.
Seeing we are all colleagues and share a somewhat similar work routine, we’d like to know what your typical weekend is like and what you do for fun?
Honestly, my weekends are busier than my weekdays. I wake up at 6.00 am and get ready for Mass, return at about 7.30 am, start chores for the week cooking and laundering for my family – then I commence my volunteer work at 11.00 am, which concludes at 6.00 pm. I would basically say that is what I do for fun. I work with children between the ages of ten to seventeen and support them in character formation using activities like games, mentorship, studying, and team bonding sessions; over time, I see the progress they make, which gives me lasting joy and deep satisfaction.
Most of us can relate to falling off track after deciding to take up a new routine. How do you ensure to keep a healthy diet routine consistently?
Well, I don’t really have that as a problem. I love well-made vegetables. I don’t miss eating rice or carbs, so I won’t say it is a struggle to keep off eating harmful foods.
Sometimes, however, I am tempted to eat things I really should not be eating, and three things keep me in check. One, I think, “JUSTINA, CAN YOU INTENTIONALLY DRINK RAT POISON?” So, I mentally imagine all the harm I am about to do to my body, and I keep off. If that does not work, I also say to myself, “WHY BAG CALORIES FOR WHAT YOU DID NOT ENJOY?” So, since I already know I enjoy veggies more, I just shrug my shoulders and move on. Lastly, I say, “GIRL, THIS IS NOT THE LAST TIME IN LIFE YOU WOULD GET THE CHANCE TO EAT THIS NICE THING, WAIT TILL THE NEXT TIME”- this works the most. The only time I fall easily, and these tricks don’t work is if it is popcorn in any form😁
Would you rather go skydiving or go running?
Definitely sky diving, and I have been looking so much forward to the opportunity.
We celebrate World Health Day this month; what’s one thing the Covid-19 pandemic has made more prominent for you?
A perfect schedule does not necessarily lead to working out. I had more than enough time on my hands during covid, and I did not move a muscle; it was not until the HH Walkathon that I realised that I could push myself as though nothing else mattered because of a reward. This made me disappointed in myself – seeing how I made a material reward push me to something I should already have been doing in the first place – so I started to get those lazy muscles to move. I realised how much harm I had done to myself by not adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Any final comments on how to stay safe and active while social distancing?
Some colleagues call me Jonny Walker because I am always on the move. I would say to everyone – MOVE. Rather than send someone to get your coffee, go yourself. You would be amazed at how many steps you can cover in a day.
Are you for or against the COVID-19 vaccine? Why?
Well, I am pro-covid vaccine. It’s the only solution to the devastating situation of the pandemic. It will definitely improve with time, but I encourage everyone to get it once they get the opportunity. I am on this side of the fence (pro-covid vaccine) because of my experience with vaccines. We fight it initially and later succumb because we need it to keep safe.
