Dr Abubakar Jimoh is currently the Director, Pub­lic Relations and Protocol Unit of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administra­tion and Control (NAF­DAC) and only recently turned 50. Jimoh goes down memory lane dur­ing a media parley and said “Looking back in retrospect, I can see the hand of the Almighty God in my life.” Moving from one field of endeavour to another, with journal­ism being one of them, he eventually found himself at NAFDAC.
He is grate­ful that his experience in journalism prepared him for his current job and recalls what the fight against counterfeit drugs is like. For instance, he won’t forget in a hurry his battle with a Chinese businessman producing substandard drugs in Nigeria which NAFDAC eventually won. This chat was also an opportunity to know his favourites. Excerpts:
Favourite food?
Well, my favourite delicacy is jollof rice with fish. My parents know me for that and it’s been the same when my wife took over.
Favourite drink?
I don’t take alcohol. My favourite is any soft drink which people call women’s drink. I take soft drinks de­spite the sugar content.
Favourite colour?
My favourite colour? Well, I love red. I don’t know why, red is so loud.
Favourite leader?
Well, that is a difficult one to say. I am still in public service and won’t want to go into that. My favourite leader is one with a sense of mis­sion to be fulfilled and im­pact positively the society.
Favourite holiday spot?
In NAFDAC, you don’t talk about holidays. I am not a holiday person because while you are there, the other half is at work.
Favourite music?
I am not a music person but in recent times I take to music because of the media blitz surrounding it.
Favourite author?
The Wole Soyinkas and Chinua Achebes of this world are my literary idols and I love biographies a lot.
Favourite attire?
I am not a suit man except in recent times when I go for international conferences and have to do suit. I am a traditional person. I love kaftan and a fitting cap when I am free.
Favourite design­er?
If I am not given to music, you should know naturally that I am not a fashion freak.
Favourite quote
Having gone through different experiences in life, I am driven by one philosopher who says, “The purpose of life is to seek happiness.” Our pur­pose in running around is to seek happiness and I think that philosopher is correct. Rich or poor, hap­piness is the key.
Favourite car?
Any Toyota model would do.