Oluwatoyin Oboh is an educationist, parenting and family coach. She holds a Masters’ degree in Business Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; a Diploma in Montessori Education from Modern Montessori International and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Nottingham. She is the Executive Director for Jewels Group of Schools and spearheads Jewels Leading Lights Academy Consult, an educational consulting firm specialising in academic training and leadership advisory services. A certified John Maxwell Parenting and Family Coach, Oboh is the founder of Discipleship Family Academy dedicated to raising disciples through the children, teens, and parent academy. A recognised fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), she established Kingdom Women in Business dedicated to nurturing visionary women who are poised to solve Africa’s challenges and serve as catalysts for global solutions. She is a philanthropist and author of Discipleship Journals and Devotionals for Children. She also convenes the annual Discipleship Bible Bee competition, providing a platform for children to demonstrate their talents and proficiency in God’s word. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she speaks on strengthening families as a crucial unit in society.

As an educator and parenting coach, how important is your role to strengthening families?
As both an educator and parenting coach, my role in strengthening families is paramount. Families serve as the cornerstone of society, providing a nurturing environment where values, skills and behaviours are cultivated. My passion lies in recognising the pivotal role families play in shaping individuals and consequently, society at large. By equipping parents with the necessary knowledge and skills, I aim at empowering them to foster healthy family dynamics, effective communication and positive parenting practices.

Empowering parents with education and guidance are essential tools for parents to navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s world. A solid family unit is the cornerstone of a healthy society. By equipping parents with knowledge and skills, I help them establish strong foundations for their families, fostering positive relationships, communication and mutual respect. Parents also play a crucial role in shaping their children’s development through education and coaching.
I assist parents especially in Jewels Group of Schools in understanding their child’s unique needs, fostering their intellectual, emotional and social growth in nurturing environments. By empowering parents with knowledge and tools to overcome obstacles and adapt to change, I contribute to the resilience of families, enabling them to thrive in the face of adversity.

Tell us a bit about your passion for the family, a crucial unit of society.
As an experienced educator, my passion for families being an integral part of society is intertwined with my passion for education as a force for transformation in society. I recognise the important role families play in shaping a child’s character, values and worldview. Our school aims at working with parents to raise young leaders who contribute positively to society. Our commitment to the family, an important part of society, leads to our commitment to education as a tool of change. Recognising the important role of families in the development of children’s lives and collaborating with parents throughout their children’s education, we strive to create, support and develop an integrated school community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How are you championing this cause? What activities have you been involved with in this regard?
At Jewels Group of Schools, I have actively championed the cause of strengthening families as they stand as my core in this drive and passion. Also, through workshops and seminars, I provide practical strategies and tools to enhance parenting skills and foster positive relationships within families. With community outreaches, I raise awareness about the importance of family well-being and advocate for resources and support services. I develop and disseminate educational resources, which cover a range of topics, including child development, positive discipline and managing family stress, to empower families to navigate their parenting journey with confidence and resilience. Empowering families through education, changing consumption habits and advocacy is critical for meaningful and effective climate action.

What is your take on this in line with this year’s theme focused on climate change?
Supporting the family through education, changing consumption habits and advocacy is imperative for meaningful and effective climate action. This holistic approach recognises that families are not just passive actors in the fight against climate change but active participants with significant potential to drive positive change. Education serves as the cornerstone of empowering families to take action on climate change. When families have access to accurate and comprehensive information about the environmental challenges we face and the actions they can take to mitigate their impact, we empower them to make informed choices and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. Changing consumption habits is another key aspect of empowering families to combat climate change. Advocacy plays a crucial role in empowering families to influence broader social, economic and political structures to prioritise climate action. Families can advocate for policies that support renewable energy, promote sustainable agriculture and protect natural resources, ensuring that decision-makers at all levels of government prioritise climate action and environmental sustainability. The United Nations theme for 2024 International Day of Families is titled ‘Families and Climate Change’. It is important to know that combating climate change requires cooperation and system change. By harnessing the collective power of family as agents of change, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for current and future generations.

As a woman, what should be the role of women in driving this change towards strengthening families?
I believe that as women, our role in changing and supporting the family is very important. Historically, women have been the backbone of the family as caretakers, caregivers and teachers. Our unique perspective, experience and strength enable us to play an important role in supporting the health and well-being of families in the face of change, including climate change.
First of all, women play an important role as role models in the family. We can demonstrate and promote values such as compassion, acceptance and caring for the environment, instilling these values in our children and influencing others in the family. By teaching safety, health and family culture, we set an example for families and communities to live by and foster positive change.
Additionally, women can use their roles as communicators and influencers to advocate for the family in solving environmental and social problems. We can use our voices to raise awareness of the interrelationship between family health, environmental sustainability and safety. We can use our experience as curators, community builders and problem solvers to create effective, inclusive and impactful solutions that meet the needs and preferences of families, especially those impacted by climate change.
Finally, women’s role in driving change and strengthening families continues to move beyond individual action to collective action that fosters collaboration, shared pressure and motivation. By using our leadership skills, advocating for gender equality and supporting decision-making processes, we can make changes that will improve family health, promote sustainable development in society and promote justice and the environment.

How can women effectively manage their families and their careers and still be at their best?
Overseeing family affairs and working effectively are challenging. But this is accomplished through careful planning, support and a positive approach to self-care. Here are some strategies women can use to balance their work and personal lives while trying to look their best:
Set your priorities at work and home and allocate your time and energy accordingly. Learn to delegate tasks at work and home and realise that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Develop time management strategies to maximise productivity and minimise downtime. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars and time-tracking apps to organise tasks, schedule appointments and track important tasks based on their importance and urgency. Build a supportive network of family members, friends, co-workers and caregivers who can help and support when needed. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can reduce stress and make you stronger. Practice self-care that supports physical, mental and emotional health. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish but necessary to maintain your health and performance, both personally and professionally.
By using these strategies and using a good and flexible strategy, women can manage the demands of their work and family while focusing on doing their best. It is important to know that achieving balance is an ongoing process that will require adjustments and revisions over time, but with determination, support and careful self-control, it is possible to succeed in both areas of life.

What drives you for success?
My passion for children to be nurtured in an enabling environment where they can flourish and thrive spurs me to be successful as an educator and parenting coach. I desire to leave behind a legacy that the next generation can build upon and thrive from. Most importantly, I have a purpose to fulfill, an assignment I must carry out. And giving an account of how that assignment was carried out will be required of me by God. This serves as both a driving force for me and an evaluation tool to keep myself in check. This ensures that I am journeying on the right track.