Extolling the Virtue of Resilience
L-R: Producer, Book on Review, Classic FM, Mr. Benjamin Okoh: Author, Imperfectly Awesome, Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye; Friend of the author, Mr. Emmanuel Edi-Bala and Moderator, Mrs. Funmi Akinsola during a book reading and signing session with Bamigbaiye held at Rovingheights Store in Lagos
Yinka Olatunbosun
In her new memoir, ‘Imperfectly Awesome: Embracing and Becoming a Wholesome You,’ Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye opens up about her life’s journey in a most inspiring yet honest way. Page by page, she recounts stories of resilience, self-acceptance, and growth, citing her personal experiences of confronting life’s challenges head-on while finding strength through self-love.
At a recent book reading and signing session at RovingHeights, Landmark Event Centre Lagos, Dr. Bamigbaiye captivated her audience, reading in a warm and relatable tone that mirrored the book itself. She spoke freely about her childhood experience, festive seasons in her grandmother’s house, and balancing motherhood and a corporate career. Through each chapter, she shows how she turned life’s challenges—what she calls “lemons and more lemons”—into opportunities for personal growth.
One interesting moment exists in memory of a short-lived romance with a man named Kabir. After a memorable dinner and weeks in a relationship, he suddenly told her, “I have been thinking lately, and I have come to a difficult conclusion. I think it’s best for both of us if we end this relationship.” Quick to fade was the pleasure of enjoying an ambiance of romantic dialogue alongside a sumptuous meal.
In the book, Dr. Bamigbaiye reflects on how society’s standards made her doubt herself. She reveals the pressures of trying to meet those expectations, especially as a black woman, and shares how she learnt to start each day by reminding herself of her worth. With her head raised high and a glance in the mirror, she reminded herself of who she is: “When I began to recognise my worth, I woke up each morning with a sense of purpose, knowing that I was the captain of my life. ‘I can’t’ only fuels my desire to subdue limitations and surpass expectations.” Through this journey, she found a renewed sense of purpose and the courage to overcome limitations.
Bamigbaiye, through the self-help book, emphasised the need to always ask for help when the need arises. The memoir also showcases stories of balancing motherhood and work life. She compares her daily juggling act to a music conductor, using one hand to rock her baby and the other to manage her office tasks. Dr. Bamigbaiye shares how her mother’s support during these times was essential, helping her navigate young motherhood without feeling alone.
“I dealt with challenges as a young mom without help, but thank God for mother’s love that gave me wings to fly and cheered me on every step of the way. My mother was always available and willing to run to my aid.”
Dr. Bamigbaiye’s career journey has been anything but smooth. At her first job, she was the youngest employee, a role that earned her a reputation for being overzealous. When the company restructured, she was one of the first to be laid off. She describes the experience as if “the warmth of hope” was replaced by “a weight of desolation.” Yet, instead of giving up, she found a new career as a university lecturer. This role came with another challenge: overcoming a speech impediment that had affected her since childhood. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes, she took the challenge “one word at a time,” slowly building her confidence as a speaker.
Throughout the 201-page book, Dr. Bamigbaiye suggests that imperfection can be a launchpad—a force that pushes people toward becoming their best selves. Her memoir is filled with moments of humour, wisdom, and hope, making it relatable for anyone navigating life’s ups and downs.
In her final message to readers, Dr. Bamigbaiye urges everyone to embrace who they are, flaws and all, and to never stop growing: “Life may not always play in tune, but you can still find your own rhythm and dance to it.”
