By CHRISTY ANYANWU
Chief (Mrs.) Carolyn Akum Ufere is the General Manager (Servicom) at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). She functions as NPA’s nodal officer for efficient service delivery in the ports. Ufere is a seasoned and astute administrator. She has previously held the positions of General Manager Superannuation and Investments; General Manager, Special Duties; Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex (being the first woman to occupy the position in its 103-year existence) and Personal Assistant (Human Resources) to the then Managing Director of NPA, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, between 2004 and 2007, among other positions.
She has earned several awards and recognitions in the maritime industry from reputable bodies.
Ufere also initiated and co-founded the non-governmental organization, Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA) in 1993. Recently the organization marked its 25th anniversary. As the incumbent president of COFFHA she shared her favourites with Sunday Sun.
What is your favourite colour?
Pink and red. I love sharp and vibrant colours. They make you stand out at any point in time.
Favourite food?
I’m not really a foodie person. I like to pick here and there, even snack once a while. But I like fruits. I eat fruits a lot.
Favourite sports?
I love swimming. But the nasty experience I had growing up made me to switch my interests to tennis. As young people, my female schoolmates playfully pushed me into water. My mother chastised me; she said that water as calm as it is can be deep and also swallow a human being effortlessly without anyone knowing that someone is under. What she meant is that someone easily drowns in water. That experience alone is something that has not left my memory.
Favourite holiday spot?
I love Los Angeles. It is a celebrity city. Going to the beach is quite exotic and nice. You enjoy walking through the sand and then you have a lot to choose when you go to Hollywood for instance and the shops. I love shopping.
Favourite fashion accessories?
I love jewelry. I’m not into fashion jewelry such as earrings, neckpiece, bracelets, and rings. I love real jewelry – gold and silver.
Favourite car?
If I can afford one, I love exotic cars. I have always been a Mercedes Benz person. I love all types of Mercedes Benz cars.
Favourite book?
I love reading. The Bible still remains my favourite. Going through the word of God gives you calmness; it makes you see life differently and your perception of life changes. Even if you are going through challenges by the time you read the word of God you are calm. You don’t get agitated about so many things happening around you. You become a bit philosophical. I have found a lot of solace in the word of God.
Favourite leader?
I have always admired Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. She likes competing with Hillary in my choice of women who have what it takes to make you begin to model yourself after them.
Favourite weather?
Mild weather. I’m not a cold weather person
Favourite music?
I like every kind of music. I’m not so particular about anyone but I love the one that is danceable.