HANDLING PUBLICITY AND SIMPLICITY
Interview with Mrs. Apoki
Interviewer: How are you, Mrs. Apoki?
Mrs. Apoki: I’m fine, thank you.
Interviewer: I’m so glad you’re willing to do this interview today. How do you cope with the kind of messages I preach? Back in the days when we were at ABA, I used to follow you to various programs. I was usually scared by the way you preached because you often came across as harsh to the people. I’m grateful now that I don’t follow you as much, so you can say whatever you want without me feeling the need to say something about it. But, most of the time, we are all human beings, and at times, we care deeply about what those close to us think. I comment on national issues, and sometimes I get very worried.
Mrs. Apoki: Yes, actually, I don’t like publicity. When I see you comment on national issues, I usually tell you, “Please don’t talk about politics. Just stay neutral. Don’t comment on it.” The reason is that people can be wicked, and I don’t want them coming after you. But honestly, I can’t control it.
Interviewer: How do you handle popularity and publicity?
Mrs. Apoki: Most of the time, I don’t put myself out there, especially in public. I prefer not to be noticed, so I stay in the background. But even then, people still pick me out, even when I try to stay low-key.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that you like simplicity and don’t prefer flamboyant dressing. Why is that?
Mrs. Apoki: I’m not used to it.
Interviewer: Occasionally, I see you engaging in small businesses, selling products in small quantities—maybe for 10,000 Naira, 5,000 Naira, or 20,000 Naira. One might expect that at your level in life, you wouldn’t do such things.
Mrs. Apoki: Yes, many people say that. When they see me preparing coconut candy or other things, they often remark, “Madam, you’re bigger than this.” But it’s just part of who I am. Even though I’ve achieved bigger things, I don’t disregard the things I started with. I believe they also contribute to what I’m doing now, so I don’t let them go.
Interviewer: So, what would you like to say to Dr. Apoki today, on Father’s Day?
Mrs. Apoki: I’m wishing Dr. Apoki a long life, prosperity, and more success. I’ve seen that he’s now going global, which is something he always wished for himself. I thank God because this is the kind of life he always wanted, and now it’s becoming a reality.
Interviewer: Any special plans for your guide today? Today is Father’s Day.
Mrs. Apoki: As my husband, yes, something special. You usually take me out on Mother’s Day and children’s days, so if you take me out today, I’ll do something different.
Interviewer: Okay, so where are we going?
Mrs. Apoki: We’re going to the eatery in front of this place. Make sure you surprise me!
Interviewer: People, you’ve heard Mrs. Apoki. If she doesn’t perform, I’ll come back here. I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki.
