Her busy schedule as Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, has not prevented her from fulfilling her responsibilities as wife and mother in the home. Dr. (Mrs) Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on her job, marriage, and expected roles of parents in the home.

What do you think has been the impact of the ‘Japa’ syndrome on the health sector in Nigeria, particularly Oyo State?

The impact is especially evident in our secondary health facilities. We have increased the patient-to-healthcare-provider ratio, which has implications for service delivery quality and the loss of skilled personnel, and this places excessive pressure on the remaining workforce. To ameliorate these conditions, the governor of the state, His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, last year employed 3,933 healthcare workers for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Oyo State. PHCs are the closest health facilities to our communities, and this recruitment ensures that skilled healthcare providers are available at the grassroots level. It also helps to ease the pressure on our secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

You are a wife, a mother, a medical practitioner, and now a public officer. How do you juggle these important roles?

It has not been easy, but God has remained faithful. He has given wisdom, provided the right people, and surrounded me with a strong team that complements my efforts where I am limited.

How supportive would you say your husband is in playing these roles?

My husband has been an incredible source of support. Whenever I have official assignments that require moving around and a driver is not available, he personally takes me. He offers timely counsel and consistently prays for my strength.

Has anything changed about your lifestyle since you assumed public office? Are there habits you cast away or adopt?

Hmm… yes, in a way. I am intentional about spending time at home with my family, especially at weekends. I also pay closer attention to my appearance and use social media more purposefully to keep the public informed about the activities and progress in the health sector across Oyo State.

Do you still cook for your family?

Yes, whenever I am available and not out of town.

Your husband is also in the medical profession. Do you consider this to be a plus or a minus for your profession and marriage?

Being in the same profession as my husband gives us a deep mutual understanding of each other. We relate to the demands of call schedules, emotional exhaustion, the need for strong empathy, shared values, and ongoing intellectual growth.

Professionally, we exchange ideas, support each other in preparing for presentations and examinations, and review cases together while maintaining confidentiality. We also value professional networking and motivate one another to keep growing.

On the family side, this shared background allows for structured parenting, financial stability, and a health-conscious home environment. However, there are challenges as well, including time pressure and the emotional spillover that can come from a demanding career.

Do you and your husband have things you disagree on? What are those things, and how do you find a common ground?

Yes, we sometimes do. For instance, we sometimes differ on how to respond to certain issues. My husband is very calm, and I am not always as calm as he is. There are moments when I feel like taking immediate action, but I try to listen carefully. After we have discussed matters together, we are usually able to agree on the best way forward. Clear communication is essential. At times, we disagree simply because we haven’t communicated effectively. Later, we realised there was a gap that could have been avoided if we had shared information more clearly from the start.

What is your relationship with your children like?

I am very close to my children. At their current stage, my daughters are almost like my sisters. I believe, to a large extent, that they can share anything with me or that I am able to understand what is happening in their lives.

Who do you think should be saddled with the responsibility of teaching a child s3x education?

Charity begins at home, and so does education about s3xuality. The home should be the first place where children learn about s3x education, and it is the shared responsibility of both parents. As we watch them grow into adolescence and become more aware of the changes in their bodies, that is the appropriate time to begin these conversations. We should guide them with accurate, age-appropriate information as they prepare for adulthood and remain open, honest, and approachable when they ask questions.

They say love is blind. As a medical doctor, what advice would you give would-be marriage partners whose genotypes happen to be AS?

Love is not and should not be blind, which is why the courting stage is the time to keep your eyes wide open. One of the basic non-negotiables for anyone considering marriage is genotype compatibility. While allowances can be made for couples who are already married but have genotype issues, this should no longer be a concern in today’s age. Permit me to say that someone whose genotype is not compatible with yours is not God’s will for you. There is someone out there who is your perfect match and will be fully compatible with you. Marriage is a covenant not just between two individuals; it is also a responsibility to bring children into the world in the best possible condition.

What is your take on husband and wife running a joint bank account?

I’ll suggest that husband and the wife have their own separate accounts, and then they can have a joint account for common goals like housekeeping and food materials, children’s school fees, and contributions to different projects.

Do you consider yourself fashionable? What kinds of wear are you most comfortable in?

I wouldn’t describe myself as very fashionable. I usually get advice from my children and those close to me. I feel comfortable in clothing that is modest and not revealing. I am open to any style that fits this. For corporate attire, I just ensure the clothes are properly fitted, even if they aren’t tight.

Your ministry won the Year 2024 ‘Outstanding Performance Ministry’ at the 2025 merit award. How did you feel about the achievement?

I felt good.

How did you achieve the feat?

God truly showcased His work through the ministry. Teamwork, unity of purpose, diligence, shared vision, and dedication were evident in everything we accomplished.

How do you relax?

I sleep. I also spend time with my children when they are around. I watch some movies sometimes.

If you had the opportunity to see God for a minute, what would you tell Him?

Thank you, God, for your ways are past finding out. (Saturday Tribune)

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