By Osamudiamen Ogbonmwan

Gloria Iweka, a Princess of Obosi in Anambra State and an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), is a delightful personality anytime, anyday! Never one to shy away from any topic. Iweka is what many would describe as an accomplished woman. Recently, she teamed up with Charles Oputa, aka Charly Boy, to found a monthly all-gloss magazine called “Charly Boy.” In this interview, Iweka not only told us why she is co-publishing a magazine, she also let us into her private world. Happy reading

Would you describe yourself as a politician?

Every Nigerian should actually be a politician, either in the sense of participating as a responsible citizen or in terms of actively going into a political office. But if you talk about me going out there to canvass for votes, I’ll tell you that I have no such wish for now.

So how did you find yourself working under two Presidents?

Well, I knew former President Obasanjo way back when we started the school, Bells. I was co-proprietor with him for a short while. When he came on as President and I listened to him, I thought this is a man who would change the country and I would want to be actively involved in it. So I asked Chief (Emeka) Anyaoku to tell him that there is someone he knows that would want to work with him. Not long afterwards, I was given a letter of appointment and asked what I would want to do. I said then that I would want to work in the National Orientation Agency. When he asked why, I told him that I thought Nigerians needed an orientation. I went there as a Special Assistant but when I discovered that it was sort of a dead-end, because I couldn’t operate, I reported myself back to the Villa and I was asked to work in the office of the Chief of Staff as Senior Special Assistant on Presidential Matters. I took care of the President’s everyday work, fix his appointments and so on. After he (Obasanjo) left, the new president specifically wanted the Chief of Staff who I was working with, to stay back. We stayed back for about a year and a half to transfer our experience to the new people.

With the wealth of knowledge you’ve gained all these years, first as a proprietor and second, working in a privileged position with presidents, why did you decide to go into publishing?

It is not just publishing. At first, I came in to be a consultant to the Charly Boy Foundation. You know Charly Boy has come to build his brand which is distinct and spectacular and has an amazing network with the youths. This is an area that has suffered neglect. When he approached me about structuring the Foundation, I was interested. I chaired an award event that he organised and then when he came up with the idea of co-publishing I was intrigued. Even though I have a first degree in Chemistry, I have a creative side I have never really tested. It was an opportunity to actualise a dream that has been dormant. Through the media you can influence and through the years I felt I had gathered enough wisdom and have something to contribute. I felt we need a change.

The CharlyBoy Magazine has published three editions so far. How would you say the reception has been?

I never expected so much work. It has consumed me. We have been coming out every two months but from next month it’s going to be monthly. I found out that my thought is always on it. We are quite happy with how it is doing so far, because each edition that comes out is better than the last. We will keep improving until it takes its place with international magazines. The reception has been amazing. We found out that the second edition was mopped up immediately it came out. The third is taking same shape and people are already asking for it, even though it hasn’t hit the newsstands yet.

Some people are wondering why of all people you could have worked with, you chose Charly Boy.

Well, people keep asking me that question and I say, why not him? In fact, it only makes sense that it has to be him. He stands out. For even asking this question that means for you he stands out. He draws attention and opens doors. With him by your side, he has already done much of your work. He is focused and has a passion for the youth, and of course the masses. I felt this is a vehicle I can jump in and actualise my dreams. Some people say he is weird but I don’t see it. All I see is a very clever young man. He’s got courage and strength and he is a perfect gentleman who runs a beautiful home. We speak the same language and I am not too far from what he is doing. If I had chosen to do what he is doing now in my younger days, I could have easily been a biker or a punk. But I didn’t. He has used his chosen path for a good purpose. So, I have absolutely no problem with him. In fact, I am very happy with him. He has a way of making you be yourself. Many people around him grow.

The belief that most Nigerians do not have a reading culture, coupled with the fact that newspaper and magazine business is gradually diclining has made many media outfits go under, don’t you think it will also affect your investment?

Definitely Nigerians are not a reading public. You should go to India, for example, which used to be a third world country but has now left us behind. It is a pity. These days, the young ones are interested in more of visuals. That is why when you look at the magazines that are thriving here they are more of albums. We like watching televisions and we do a lot of talking . It is dangerous because if you talk much, you can’t do much. In the days of old, our past-time was used for reading. It is unfortunate. Really, that is why I became interested in publishing. I want to be part of those who will encourage reading. If you look at our magazine, we publish with the mind that most people can not read. We use a lot of colours, picture and big prints and a lot of movements. We toil to bring in a lot of creative writers, so that from the start it grips you. By this, we hope we will encourage more people to read and recover the act of getting pleasure through reading.

Some people say that at N1,500 your magazine is on the high side. What can you say to this?

We have given high quality and we want to keep it. We also do not want to lose our sense of duty. We have to recover some of our money. The content is targeted at people who can afford it. The magazine is durable and can go around. When one person finishes another can pick and read. Advertisers are sure of our magazine. The content and quality we provide will not disappoint you.

Do you sometimes miss working with the government?

Not in the least. I was so tired when I left that I really needed to rest. It was grueling. I leave for work by 8a.m and never left the office before 8 p.m and there was no break, especially during President Obasanjo’s time. You dare not make a mistake. I never went around to look for favours or contracts. My job was a desk job. I was paid salary. While everyone thought I must be very rich, I had no money in my pocket. The job was interesting and I was fulfilled by it but really, I was grateful when it ended. I have no regret.

Obviously, in many ways you have shown that you are not the showy type. Based on this, do you think you’ll enjoy the spotlight Charly Boy will bring you?

Of course. I told you that I do my things based on choice. In the Villa, I chose to be in the background even though I had a strong desk. I am already enjoying it. Anytime we are together, eyes are on us. Its fun. Its no harm. I am going to convert it to a useful exercise.

How do you joggle your task as a housewife and your work as a publisher?

All my children are grown and gone out. Even my last baby, the Olympic medallist in Taekwando is gone. I was married to Senator Uche Chukwumerijie. We are divorced so I tease my friends that I am a housewife married to my house. So, I am actually free. There is no man to take care of.

Tell me about your family?

I have seven sons and one daughter. They are all grown as I told you. The very last of them is the Olympic medallist. His twin brother is a medical doctor. One of my sons is a scientist. He is one of those building our satellite. One is a lawyer working with Agip, one is a manager with Lufthansa Airlines and another work as an accountant. My daughter did her first and second degrees in Fine Art and Interior Designing, respectively. She is married and is in America with her family. One of my sons has actually passed on but I still count him because he was grown when he died in a road accident. Their father is currently a Senator. He is somebody I respect a lot, but we were not able to hit it off harmoniously so we decided to separate peacefully. There is no bitterness between us and we are friends.

How long were you married to the Senator?

We were married for 13 years. Separated in 1986 and divorced around 1989 or so. I had to change my name back to my maiden name, that’s why I am Princess Iweka.

After so many children why did you two choose divorce as a final option?

There is no reason why a woman can’t have the dignity to be herself. Very many women stay in homes where they are bruised and battered and still are so afraid of staying alone. Many of them feel if they are not married then they are not respected. I have tried to make the case for women that a good marriage is the best option; when it becomes bad you don’t have to stay. Don’t even say you are staying because of your children because they will be bruised and battered with you in that home. If you separate, you maintain your dignity and protect your children. They will grow up responsible like my children. Friends ask me why I have such children, even though I have a broken home and I tell them that my home is intact. They have two homes– their father’s and mine– that are peaceful. Those women who are miserable should move away.

But many of those women who leave don’t find it easy as some do?

That’s true. It’s a tough work to stay alone as a woman and maintain your dignity and self-respect. When you succeed at these you’ll find that your children will be proud of you; every other person, even the husband that left you, will think of you with respect.

Would you say when it comes to the relationship you had with the Senator, you chose wrongly?

Well, if you make the mistake of marrying a person whose nature contradicts your own, well, like I have always said, he is square while I am round. No matter how much you try, we will never fit. It is neither of our faults, it is just that we chose wrongly. If you can’t maintain harmony, separate. I talk about this to help women.