"Don't let your dream die"

Eilojie Omobude, part 6 Medicine, current President Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association (IFUMSA), recently won the highest seat in the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA), the largest students’ association after NANS. He shared the story of his loss previous year and his eventual victory this year, with Samson Ademola

You have quite interesting experiences of Campus politics. Can you share that with me?
I have a saying, “service is the rent you pay for a living”. My ability to gather and make things happen triggers me to wanting to exercise it. That has been my driving force. Almost all the positions I assumed in life, I had to contest twice. I contested twice to win my seat as the President, Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association (IFUMSA), I first lost and then at the second trial, I won. I also lost the NiMSA Presidential seat last year before the victory I recorded this year. I not only win but God arranges it that I work with the choicest of executives.

Your story is like that of the famous American President, Abraham Lincoln. But don’t you think the scenario paints power greed?
Well, I would like to say that my story is entirely different from that of Abraham Lincoln. For me I contest same seat twice before winning. So, it’s peculiarly an Omobude thing. A friend once told me he won’t cast his vote for me in future if that’s my first outing. People have different reasons for contesting leadership seats: some for curriculum vitae; others for experience or to impact lives. There was no time since my part 1 that I was not involved in one thing or the other. I was the brain behind la Charla, a fast growing news outfit in Obafemi Awolowo University. I single handedly founded the Edo Students Association also in OAU. Our achievements here in IFUMSA ever since I assumed office attest to the fact that I vied for those seats not as a power monger but as one who wants to effect change.

How did you feel those time you lost your first contests?
I must confess, each time I lose election, it bothers me. But unlike what politicians in this part of the world, I pick my phone to call the winner of the polls to congratulate them and to tell them I can work with them. I worked with the erstwhile NiMSA President before his demise. I did also with the erstwhile IFUMSA President. What keeps me going is my passion to serve humanity and to effect changes. Past leaders always complain of no money but we’ve been able to reach out to our alumni. They are everywhere. When they see that you call a spade a spade, they will help.

What achievements have you made in office as the incumbent President of IFUMSA?
Actually, we’ve achieved several firsts. Some of these include:
IFUMSA Health Awareness, rallies, health talks, and best-ever annual package kit. You
See, any time I recontest a lost seat; I look at the need reality of the association, as with the need. That does not mean I campaign on a total new scheme. So, it’s not all desperation.

How do combine your academic pursuit with your leadership roles?
Yes, this is a question I ask myself too. Like I said, I’ve been involved in extra-curricular since my part 1, and I never had a reseat in medical school. I think it’s been God because I am not the best of student in my class. I also don’t trivialize on my academics. Academics is not something my parents take lightly. I don’t study when my peers do.

{b:How do you cope with managing both IFUMSA and NiMSA?
}That’s a serious question. I love both associations. I can’t be in NiMSA without first being in IFUMSA. I will be handing over IFUMSA very soon so that I can focus my attention on NiMSA, as the remaining projects are almost settled. I’m just one among many supports. Thanks for a good provost of the College of Health Sciences.

What competitive edge do you have over your opponents in polls?
My kind of product is the simple but quality sort. With due respect there has been past IFUMSA Presidents but we’ve been able to achieve many firsts: IFUMSA Health Awareness (IHAP), Medical Fun, interactions and Feast day, Functional website, Constitution Amendment among other completed projects. Also our magazine will soon be out. We also hope that by the time we’ll be leaving office, we’ll be handing-over a bus. All these are sustainable projects. I assess myself from time to time based on policies, programs and projects.

Thanks, can you render your parting shot to youths like you who have suffer political losses?
Don’t give up. If you are really sure you want to serve, don’t disappoint your people. You can contest several times, but don’t let your dream die. I will like to say my shout-out to all Medical students in the country.