Chioma Nwokedi-Momah: How I balance roles as mother, lawyer, author, career woman

By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye

Chioma Nwokedi-Momah is a multifaceted woman who integrates her roles as a public policy lawyer, author, parenting coach, corporate strategist, and mother of four.

In this interview with Saturday Sun, she shares her secrets to a balanced and purposeful life. Chioma integrates faith, family and career while inspiring others to live intentionally and make a meaningful impact on the world. She dives into her strategies for time management, prioritising family, and fuelling her passions, including the “Let’s Encourage A Reading Nation” initiative, which aims to provide children with access to quality books and promote a culture of reading. She also offers valuable insights for parents navigating modern challenges and advice for women striving to excel in multiple roles without feeling overwhelmed.

With your extensive background as a public policy lawyer and author, how do you prioritise your various roles, including being a mother of four?

Of all the roles I play, being a wife and mother is the most important to me. It’s the foundation upon which everything else rests. With God’s help, I work hard to ensure I’m present for my loved ones while thriving in my career and expressing my passions as an author, coach, and speaker.

This requires being intentional about my commitments. For example, I’ve learned to evaluate opportunities carefully. If a commitment will take me away from my family for extended periods or overlap with significant family milestones, then I may turn it down. To me, success isn’t just measured by professional accolades—it’s about nurturing the relationships that truly matter.

Balancing these roles requires continuous reflection and adjustment. Some days are more challenging than others, and I may feel stretched thin. But knowing my priorities keeps me grounded. I also remind myself that no one can be everything to everyone all the time. Some seasons call for focusing on family, while others allow more room for professional growth. It’s all about finding harmony rather than chasing perfection.

What specific strategies do you employ to balance your professional commitments with family life?

Time management is a skill I’ve had to develop over the years, especially with four children and a multi-faceted career. One major strategy is limiting distractions. Social media, for instance, can easily become a time drain if not managed carefully. Periodically logging out or setting strict time limits ensures that my focus remains on what truly matters—my family, career, and personal growth.

Another vital strategy is learning to say “no” to certain tasks and engagements. This is really important and over time, I’ve realised that saying no can be vital to ensure I protect the time and energy I need to be effective in my core priorities.

I also employ the use of tools for organisation. Planners and journals are non-negotiables in my daily routine. I schedule everything—from professional meetings to family activities and even downtime. Technology helps too. Setting alarms, using reminder apps, and maintaining a digital calendar ensure I stay on top of my commitments.

Outsourcing and delegation have also been game-changers. For example, I’ve learned to trust others with tasks that don’t require my direct involvement, whether it’s ordering a meal that would take forever to prepare or leveraging professional support for projects. Accepting help doesn’t diminish me; rather it enhances my capacity to focus on what only I can do.

What inspired you to start the “Let’s Encourage A Reading Nation” initiative, and how do you integrate this with your other responsibilities?

I have always loved books and as a child, I would read books over and over again. My love for books has taught me so much and led me to start writing as well! As an author, I’ve had the privilege of conducting book readings in schools across Nigeria, as well as in the UK and US. During one visit to a public school in Abuja, I realised that many children in public schools lack access to quality books. It was a profound moment for me, and I knew I had to do something about it. This was part of the motivation behind the “Let’s Encourage A Reading Nation” initiative.

The goal of the initiative is simple yet impactful: to provide children with access to books and foster a culture of reading. Through this foundation, we organize book readings , book drives and donations, distributing books to children nationwide. Many of these books are authored by me, but we also collaborate with other parents to give us their fairly used books as well as organisations to expand our reach.

For instance, we recently partnered with Team M31 Foundation—where I sit on the board—to donate books to a rural school in Ekwuli-Mmili which is my mother’s hometown. This is just one of several schools the foundation has donated books to and along with book readings that have been conducted in over 40 schools, it’s been inspiring to see the impact on children.

Managing this alongside my other responsibilities is possible because of the support I receive from my team who help coordinate logistics, to my family who supports the vision.

Promoting literacy isn’t just a project for me—it’s a deeply personal mission. As a voracious reader who has experienced how books can change one’s life by sparking curiosity and creativity, I want to ensure the magic of literacy is witnessed by as many young minds as possible.

As a parenting advocate, what are the key challenges you see parents facing today, and how do you address them in your coaching?

One major challenge is the lack of parental involvement. In today’s fast-paced world, many parents find themselves overwhelmed by work and other commitments, leaving less time for meaningful engagement with their children. The effects on the family unit can be profound, with children often feeling disconnected or unsupported.

To address this, I’ve made it a mission to equip parents with practical tools and strategies. I host coaching sessions and organise an annual “Purposeful Parenting” conference. This event brings together parenting educators and experts to share insights on being more present and intentional as parents. It’s been heartening to see how these sessions have positively impacted families.

I also coach and mentor career women through my flagship program, the Butterfly Project. This initiative is tailored to help women balance their professional aspirations with their roles as mothers. Through workshops and online sessions, we address topics like parenting, career growth, and building healthy relationships.

Additionally, I’ve created an online community via my handle “@chiomahmomah” on Youtube, Instagram and Whatsapp where parents can exchange tips, share experiences, and support one another. This sense of community reminds us that we’re not alone in this journey. Parenting is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding roles we’ll ever undertake.

Can you share a typical day in your life that illustrates how you manage work, family, and personal time?

My day usually starts around 5.30am—with Bible reading and prayer. This helps me set the tone for the day and helps me focus on my priorities. Afterward, my family and I pray together before diving into the morning routine.

By 7:30 am, I’m out the door, dropping off my youngest child at school before heading to work. My commute is far from idle—I use it to read, draft articles, or create content for social media platforms where I engage with working parents.

My 9-to-5 job in policy and government relations keeps me busy during work hours, but I’m intentional about maximizing productivity to avoid taking work home unnecessarily.

Evenings are reserved for family. Whether it’s catching up on the day’s events, helping with homework, or enjoying a meal together, this time is sacred. Before bed, I often write in my journal—a therapeutic practice that helps me reflect and unwind.

On weekends, I prioritise self-care. A monthly spa day is a ritual I cherish, as is spending time with friends. While consistent exercise is sometimes a challenge, I stay committed to staying active in ways that work for me.

Organisation and preparation are my keys to managing a dynamic life. By planning the day before and starting early, I ensure that no matter how full my schedule gets, I am not overwhelmed.

What drives you to pursue multiple career paths while also being actively involved in raising your children?

Living a purposeful life is my biggest motivator. I believe God has given each of us unique gifts, and it’s our responsibility to use them fully. For me, this means being present for my children while also pursuing my passions and helping others fulfil their potential.

I’m deeply inspired by the people I coach and mentor. Seeing others, especially women, unlock their potential and thrive energizes me. Coaching, speaking, and writing are not just professional pursuits—they’re expressions of my purpose.

Balancing multiple roles isn’t without challenges, but the vision of creating a meaningful impact keeps me going. Whether it’s through my books, coaching sessions, or policy work, I strive to leave a legacy that inspires others to live intentionally and purposefully.

Who or what has been instrumental in supporting you as you juggle your various roles?

My foundation has always been my faith in God. He’s my anchor and ever-present help. My husband has also been a tremendous source of support, along with my children who also give valuable counsel and support as they grow. Their encouragement and partnership have made all the difference in my journey.

My siblings have consistently shown up for me and my family, providing emotional and practical support when I’ve needed it most. I’m also incredibly grateful for the domestic help I’ve had over the years, as well as supportive neighbours and friends who’ve become like extended family. I cannot talk about support without mentioning my late parents, Sam and Bibi Nwokedi who were super supportive when I was a young parent, their support was invaluable. It truly takes a village to manage everything, and I feel blessed to have had such a reliable and loving support network over the years.

What advice would you give to women trying to navigate multiple roles without feeling overwhelmed?

My first piece of advice is to take things one step at a time. Pace yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Feeling overwhelmed? Pause, take a breath, and refresh—it’s okay to take a break.

Organisation is key. Having a plan makes all the difference in how smoothly things run. Finally, let go of the idea of being a “superwoman.” You don’t need to do everything at once to lead a fulfilling life. Give yourself grace, and celebrate your wins, no matter how small.

How do you see the role of literacy in child development? And what impact do you hope your books will have on young readers?

The saying “readers are leaders” is no cliché but indeed a proven truth. Early literacy lays the foundation for academic success and helps children develop broader perspectives, critical thinking, imagination, and empathy.

Through my books, I aim to instil a love for reading while teaching valuable lessons about culture and values. For instance, my first book, First Day at the Big School, offers representation which children in the diaspora rarely see, such as Nigerian foods like moinmoin and pap, as well as seeing their Nigerian names. My latest book, Fun Trip to the Zoo, shows children our rich  Nigerian wildlife and heritage. By making reading both educational and enjoyable, I hope to inspire children to see books as windows to new worlds, ideas and to promote inclusion.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for both your professional career and personal life in the coming years?

I envision a future where my work creates an even greater global impact. Whether through policy, coaching, or literacy advocacy, I want to continue touching lives positively while deepening my connections with my family.

Professionally, I aim to scale my initiatives to reach more people worldwide. It’s all about creating a legacy of purpose and inspiring others to do the same.