womenofrubies - Women of Rubies

In Interviews&profile March 13, 2018 By Editor

#PROFILE| MEET PROF REMI SONAIYA, NIGERIA’S ONLY FEMALE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN 2015

Oluremi Comfort Sonaiya is a Nigerian politician, educationalist and writer. She was Nigeria’s only female presidential candidate in the 2015 presidential election under the KOWA Party , she has also declared her desire to run for president again in 2019 under the same party.

Oluremi Comfort Sonaiya was born March 2, 1955 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state. She completed her primary and secondary school education at St. Luke’s Demonstration School, Ibadan, and St. Anne’s School, Ibadan.

In 1977, she graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she studied French.She later obtained a Master of Arts degree in French Literature from Cornell University in the United States, and another master’s degree in Linguistics from a university in Nigeria in 1984.

She returned to Cornell in 1988 to pursue a Ph.D. in Linguistics. After which she returned to continue lecturing in the Department of Foreign Languages of the Obafemi Awolowo University which she had joined in 1982 as an Assistant Lecturer. She became a professor of French Language and Applied Linguistics in 2001.

Political Career

In 2010, she retired from her position at Obafemi Awolowo University and became politically active, joining the KOWA Party where she was voted its National Public Relations Officer and went on to be the party’s candidate for the 2015 Presidential election.At the election, she received 13,076 votes and finished in 12th place.

Mrs. Sonaiya contributes regularly to Nigerian media discourse. she is currently a columnist with The Niche, a weekly (Sunday) newspaper. She has published three books on the Nigerian (and African) condition: A Trust to Earn – Reflections on Life and Leadership in Nigeria (2010); Igniting Consciousness – Nigeria and Other Riddles (2013); and Daybreak Nigeria – This Nation Must Rise! (2014).

She also a recipient of various international research grants and fellowships, including the French Government Grant for Advanced Researchers and the German Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship and the first Nigerian to be appointed as the Ambassador Scientist of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, a position she occupied from 2008 to 2014. In 1986 she received the American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Sonaiya is married to Babafunso Sonaiya, a professor of Animal Science, and they have two grown children and two grandsons.

Credit: fabwoman.ng

In Career Gems March 13, 2018 By Editor

FG PRAISES MO ABUDU, OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE, AND CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

The Federal government has congratulated Mo Abudu, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Chimamanda Adichie for winning the Variety Magazine awards.

According to Variety Magazine, these women are among the top 50 women doing extraordinary things on the worldwide stage.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 11, 2018, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed described the women as iconic women in the creative industry.

He also congratulated author, Chimamanda Adichie for her novel, Americanah, which was listed in the New York Times’ list of 15 remarkable books by women that are ”shaping the way we read and write fiction in the 21st century”.

Lai Mohammed said the already well-adorned cap of Chimamanda Adichie had been further festooned. The minister said the women were role models whose achievements would inspire a generation of young Nigerians to also do extraordinary things.

“Of more importance is the fact that these women’s achievements have transcended gender, nationality or race, placing them on the profound class of global, timeless achievers,” he said.

He further stated that the great honours bestowed on the women would further focus world attention on the nation’s burgeoning creative industry, thus placing it on the right pedestal to take the world by storm.

Credit: Pulse News

In Career Gems March 13, 2018 By Editor

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE SELECTED AS ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS OF THE DUKE’S UNIVERSITY’S HONORARY AWARD

Chimamanda Adichie has just been chosen as one of the six recipients of the Duke University’s Honorary Award in Durham, North Carolina come May 13th.

She will be joined by fellow recipients, the CEO of General Motors, Mary Barra; former Durham, Mayor William Bell; Phil Freelon, lead architect for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Dr. William Kaelin, professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School; and Attorney Russell M. Robinson II.

These six are have proven to be exemplary leaders in their various profession. While describing the selected recipients, the president of the University, Vincent E. Price said,

“They each have been bold leaders in their respective fields, and their work has enriched and improved our lives. I am delighted to have the honour of awarding their degrees, and I am certain that the graduating Class of 2018 will be inspired by their example”.

While citing some of her accomplishments, the University noted that Adichie’s book, Americanah was selected as Class of 2018’s summer reading assignment while they were in their first-year.

Credit: stargist.com

In self development March 13, 2018 By Editor

“I PLAYED PROFESSIONAL TABLE TENNIS UNTIL I WAS SEVEN MONTHS PREGNANT” -OLUFUNKE OSHONAIKE

Table tennis star, Olufunke Oshonaike has taken to her Facebook page to reveal about all the struggles and challenges she has faced in life. She also revealed how she was physically, sexually, emotionally and mentally abused by a man that was 10yrs older than her and how the man duped her of all her properties and money because she opened her bank account in his name!

She wrote,

“My name is Olufunke Oshonaike(God gave me to my parents to take care of) . I’ve really been loved and well taken care of by my parents . After getting a lot of discouraging messages from lot of people , though not new to me , I’ve decided to let you know a little about this super woman 💪🏼😊.
I started representing nigeria at the age of 14. I give God almighty the glory for this talent and all that I’ve achieved today . This are some of the downs in my life that made me a strong woman;

When I was in primary 6, I ran out of school to play a competition at Rowe park and I was seriously caned by my teacher but I never gave up on Table tennis.

I was always booed every time I played a competition back then in nigeria because I was very shy! I asked why and I was told that I was proud, arrogant, blunt and I don’t mix with people. I’m talking about funke at the age of 13 till 19. I cried a lot ,went through a lot, and there was even a time the crowd was going to stab me in Lagós because I defeated there darling Biola Odumosu my arch rival back then at Rowe park. My Nos 1 fan, my dad consoled me and still never gave up on table tennis in nigeria. My decision

I left Nigeria after my diploma course at University of Lagos to pursue my professional career, that was my decision even when I was advised not to go.

I left italy after 4yrs to Germany in 1998 bcos I wanted more, that was my decision.

I got pregnant during my career and I was confused on what to do, but I kept it and I was still playing professional TT(Table Tennis) till I was 7 months pregnant which is like a taboo in nigeria! I even played African championship and won it , though nobody knew I was pregnant! That was my decision .

I gave birth to my first child 2003 and I played all Africa games the same year and won 4 gold medals for Nigeria. My child was barely 6 months old. That was my decision.

I went to see my boyfriend of 10yrs relationship and I saw him sleeping in a bed with her girlfriend! I was heartbroken !The next day I had to travel to Australia, Sydney 2000. I cried all the way from Nigeria to Australia but I never gave up on men and my training. That was my decision

I was physically, sexually, emotionally and mentally abused by a man that was 10yrs older than me . This man beat me ooo for more than 3 yrs and I remembered always going to Unilag with a battered face but I still never gave up on TT , men or living. That was my decision
I was duped of all my properties and my bank account was in his name(olodo funke). I left everything without looking back and I started my life all over again. It was very hard for me, but that was my decision

I fell in love again with my best friend here in Germany , 3 months to our wedding, he went to nigeria on holiday and he was shot by armed robbers ! I went through hell here in Germany without him. I mourned him for 2yrs, stopped going to nigeria because of him but still never gave up on TT and living . That was my decision.

I’ve been spending my money to represent nigeria lately and I can’t remember the last time I’ve been paid any allowance or the last time I was awarded for winning for my country. I’m very hurt about a lot of things that’s happening in sports in nigeria but because of the love I have for my country, I’m still trying my best to keep on keeping on. That’s my decision .

I was born in the 70s and I know one thing for sure that people born in 70s don’t give up on things easily. We learned ‘ise ni OGUN ise Mura si ise ore mi…….’. . So to some of you discouraging me, you’re just encouraging me indirectly because I’ve gone through a lot in my life that has made me stronger than you. Live your life and allow others do the same. I ain’t giving up on my dreams because of some no life, no dream people. TOKYO 2020, HERE I COME.”

Read her post below.

In Interviews&profile March 10, 2018 By Editor

“AS A MINISTER OF GOD AND A PREACHER, ONE MAJOR CHALLENGE HAVE FACED IS GENDER ISSUE” – PASTOR FUNMI DANIELS

Pastor Funmi Daniels is the Founder of the unveiled woman network, a ministry with the mandate to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus thereby becoming true kingdom ambassadors, through the unveiled woman network, she holds yearly conferences for Ladies.
She is an associate pastor at Covenant light Church, pastoring alongside her husband. She has been actively involved in various church planting projects and evangelistic outreaches.
She has a passion to see people rise from the lowest points of their lives to a life of purpose and significance. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and has been involved in several trainings.She is happily married to her husband Mr Ovie Daniels and together they reside in the city of Lagos Nigeria.
In commemoration of the International Women’s day, I bring you the inspiring story of a woman who hit rock bottom several times in her life but today she is helping other women rediscover their true worth and value and also Press for Progress.

Childhood Influence
I would say yes though it wasn’t directly. Childhood was a bit bumpy and I faced quite a lot of issues that young girls face today. I battled low self-esteem, I never felt I was pretty, I didn’t believe in myself and I constantly felt others were better than me. Whenever anyone complemented me about something, I always saw it as flattery rather than a complement. This went on for a while which made me extremely vulnerable during my teenage years. It affected my academics as well because I never saw the possibility of being top of my class. When I became of age, with the mentorship of the wonderful people in my life I began to develop a stronger self-confidence. I no longer defined myself by other people’s standards. I saw myself the way God sees me, and I began to believe in myself all over again. Seeing the negative impact those wrong mindsets had on me, I felt pulled towards helping ladies who are presently faced with what I faced. The passion to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus became stronger and that’s what led to the start of the Unveiled Woman Network, a ministry that is focused on helping women rediscover their true worth and value. To a large extent I would say my childhood played a major role in what I am about today. The passion to make an impact in lives and mentor ladies who rise up to be bold, confident and courageous is right at the pinnacle of my heart.

Meet Me
My name is Funmi Daniels. I’m a mass communication graduate. I’m married to my darling, wonderful and amazing husband Ovie Daniels and together we are associate pastors at Covenant light Church. Asides being a pastor, I run my own organisation called the Unveiled Woman Network and through that platform we organise yearly conferences both in the city of Lagos and on campuses. The organisation has been running now for 5yrs. Alongside I organise a mentorship class for women of purpose who want to live significant lives.

Inspiration behind the Unveiled Woman Network
The Unveiled Woman Network is a ministry with a mandate to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus thereby becoming true kingdom ambassadors. Our Core values Dignity, courage, character, love & spirituality.
Our Mission is to build a network of women with a strong Christ consciousness who represent God’s kingdom in various spheres of life and reach out to abused and emotionally broken women with the message of God’s love and grace
Passion to see people rise from their lowest to a life of purpose
As earlier stated, my personal experiences fueled most of what I do today. I was a lady who though loved God dearly but was confused about life and an emotional wreck. In my life’s journey I hit rock bottom on several occasions, but God in His love reached out to me and made me into who I am today. So based on how far I have come, I am committed to helping ladies who feel their lives would never amount to anything, to see their true and authentic self. And not just ladies but men as well because I pastor men too. When a person discovers the inherent potentials he/she carries, there is a stronger motivation for such a one to rise and live the life of significance he/she has been called to live.

Challenges
As a minister of the gospel and a preacher, one major challenge I’ve faced is the gender issue. Due to our culture and tradition, men (though not all men) don’t find it easy receiving from a female minister or be pastored by one. Though I lead men but often times the ‘ego thing’ always shows up. Some men are already coming to terms with the knowledge that when it comes to God working through human vessels, He can choose to work through either the man or woman. There is neither male nor female with God. So basically, this is the major challenge I’ve had to face and like every other challenge, it’s an hurdle you have to learn to jump over if you want to remain relevant and fulfil purpose.

Pastoring alongside my Husband
Pastoring in Covenant light Church has been an amazing journey. A prayer everyone should pray is to have a pastor who is personally committed to your growth and development. My pastor – Pastor Nuel Manufor is one man of God has used to sharpen me into the person I am today. In my crude form, he saw the treasures in me and constantly empowered me to rise above the limiting beliefs in my mind. He constantly gave me assignments that were way beyond me, so I can stretch and reach for more. He never looked at the fact that I was a lady….he believes a woman can also carry out tasks that men are involved in. Growing under his tutelage has been an adventure and it was his mentorship that made me decide I won’t settle for anything less than God’s best for my life in marriage. When I met my husband, He wasn’t a member of my church. He was a campus pastor in another church when we met so there was the little concern on my part on how I will leave my church to join him as the custom is. I chose to pray about it and I allowed God’s will to be done.

Other Project and Activities
There are books presently being worked on which will be published soonest. In the month of May, we will be having an online campaign called the #Hergracestory campaign. It’s a campaign where different women will post their grace stories on social media with the #Hergracestory. We had one last year and a lot of lives were positively impacted through it. It’s all about Real Women! Real Stories and Real Victories!

Greatest Reward
My greatest reward is the testimonies of transformed lives. I’ve seen prostitutes become purposeful and successful business women. I’ve seen abused ladies become mentors to other ladies. I’ve seen single moms pick up the pieces of their lives and make significant progress. I’ve seen bitter women become channels of joy to others. I’ve seen the worst of people become better and that for me makes a whole lot of difference. It’s a privilege God gave me and I’m forever grateful. When someone sends me a text message about how his or her life is better because of my involvement, it touches my heart. That for me is the greatest reward anyone can give me.

Unveiled Woman Network in the next five years
I see Unveiled Woman Network becoming a household name with global recognition due to its impact in lives both within the country and across the continents. We have plans to engage in projects like helping sex workers have a chance at a better life, community outreaches and global conferences to empower the millennial woman. As for me I see myself with a larger sphere of influence and a wider global coverage for more impact. My joy is to keep touching lives.

Giving up
Several times! I’ve passed on several opportunities to quit especially times when the going was tough. Times when I had my personal struggles but yet had to stay committed to the set goals. Times when it felt like things weren’t moving as fast as it should. I remember in 2012 when I had my very first unveiled woman meeting. It was supposed to be a gathering of about 50 people but it ended up being a gathering of 8. I felt so discouraged that I wasn’t excited about taking pictures. Some people I shared the vision with back then weren’t excited about it. I literally felt the ministry won’t see the light of day. I was so discouraged that I did nothing about the vision till 2014. God surrounded me with people who fired me on in the pursuit of the vision. I planned another conference with the goal of having about 150people but at the end we were about 60 people in attendance. The discouragement wanted to set in again, but God used the people around me to help me see the brighter side of things. Today the network has reached about two thousand ladies via its online groups and onsite meetings. I look at what God is doing now through the network and I’m elated. If I had quit, I won’t be here having this interview. *smiles*
Who Inspire you to be better
My Mum

Unveiled woman Conference
The Unveiled Woman is organizing the third edition of its Valued, Treasured and Loved Conference on Good Friday 30th Mar, 2018. We have an amazing line up of speakers like Rev Jumoke Adeyemi, Pastor Mildred Okonkwo, Pastor Folashade Fadeyi, Pastor Lola Tewe and my humble self. It’s a FREE conference and it would be my joy to have everyone there. The theme for the conference is LIMITLESS. The goal is for everyone who will be present at the conference to leave with a better and higher version of themselves. There is much more to us than we know…we just need to reach deeper and not stay within our comfort zones.

Being a Woman of Rubies
My desire to help women see the gem within them. Every woman is a walking treasure and as many as I come across, I’m committed to helping them see that.

Final word for Women all over the world
Be your authentic self. Don’t try to be like anyone else. God has made you unique with potentials that when harnessed will be a blessing to lives. Don’t be caught in the competition-game. The only person you should be better than today is the person you were yesterday. Make Christ your anchor and follow every of His leading. As long as you don’t stop or quit, you will get ‘there’.

In Career Gems March 8, 2018 By Editor

#METOO: FIVE NIGERIAN WOMEN SPEAK UP

As part of the year long series, As Equals, by CNN, women from lesser developed countries are sharing their own stories of gender inequality, sexual assault and harassment. Even though the #MeToo and TimesUp movements started in the US, countless women from all over the world can relate to the distressing stories being shared.

Three brave women: Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Brenda Uphopho and Eurel Nwafor (Photo: CNN)

2017 was a pivotal year for Nigerian women and women’s rights movements revealed some disturbing details of the commonness of sexual harassment and assault of which thousands of men and women around the world partook in.

CNN is now also giving Nigerian women a louder voice, allowing them to share their #MeToo stories. Watch these strong Nigerian women – Brenda Uphopho, Eurel Nwafor, Chichi Ogbonnaya, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi and Omodasola Omibeku – share their survival stories below:

1. Brenda Uphopho

Brenda, a festival producer from Lagos is one of the five women who shared their sexual abuse stories with CNN.

According to her, she was assaulted three times by three different men but she never found the nerve to tell anyone until it was dawn on her that her teenage daughter was fast growing up in the same world that soiled her purity.

Watch Video of her talk below

2. Eurel Nwafor

The 22-year-old said she was raped in August 2017 after some opposition union members stormed her former place of work.

She was working as a personal assistant at a market in Lagos at the time of the incident. We have her video below

3. Chichi Ogbonnaya

Chichi, another victim, was defiled at 10 years old by an ‘uncle’. Ogbonnaya was sent to live with the man by her mother, who could not afford to take care of her.

4. Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi

In 2010, young Seun now 27, was working as a volunteer in a local election when she was asked to register underage voters. Her refusal to carry out the illegal request landed her in trouble.

She said one of the candidates in the election tried to make her juicy offers just to make her budge which led to the unfortunate situation.

5. Omodasola Omibeku

At age 6 years old, another victim, Omodasola was first abused by a distant relative.

The man lived with them in her family house, which she said was full of “aunties and uncles, some not even blood relatives.” We have her video below.

Credit; CNN, konbini.com, fabwoman.ng

In Career Gems March 8, 2018 By Editor

NIGERIA’S BOBSLED AND SKELETON ATHLETES MEETS PRESIDENT BUHARI

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, March 7 received the country’s bobsled and skeleton athletes who competed at the just concluded 2018 Winter Olympics.

Bobsled and skeleton athletes Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, Akuoma Omeoga and Simidele Adeagbo made history as the first Nigerian representatives at the Winter Olympics.

Seun-led bobsled Nigeria’s women’s team started the winter sports themselves from scratch without the help of government before Simidele joined in as a skeleton athlete.

Buhari hosted Seun Adigun and Simidele Adeagbo at the State House on Wednesday (Instagram/Seun Adigun)

After their historic participation at the Winter Olympics, Suen and Simidele were received on behalf of their teammates by Buhari at the State House on Wednesday.

Buhari gave them the Presidential Handshake and commended them for their selfless quest to make history for Nigeria.

Buhari hosted Seun Adigun and Simidele Adeagbo at the State House on Wednesday (Instagram/Seun Adigun)

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also present to meet the women.

“Words cannot express the joy and honour I feel after being received by the Honorable President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria,” Seun said after the ceremony.

The women had been hosted earlier by Sports Minister Solomon Dalung.

Seun Adigun and Simidele Adeagbo were earlier hosted by Solomon Dalung (Instagram/Seun Adigun)

“Thank you Honorable Sports Minister Solomon Dalung for additionally having a personal reception for our BSFN athlete representatives. Abuja, you have been wonderful. Nigeria, greatness and positivity shall continue to lift you higher. Amen,” Seun added.

Although the Nigerian women finished the Olympics without a medal, they won accolades for their historic outings for Nigeria.

Simidele was the first to get on the ice in Pyeongchang but could not finish in any medals’ place after four Heat races.

Nigeria’s women bobsled athletes also raced in four Heats but failed to finish in medals’ places.

They also all achieved personal bests at the Olympics; the bobsled team reached a personal best of 52.21s while Simidele raced a personal best of 52.21 seconds in Skeleton.

In self development March 8, 2018 By Editor

CHRISSY TEIGEN WRITES ABOUT POST PARTUM DEPRESSION

Model Chrissy Teigen, wife of John Legend and mother to 22 month old baby girl has opened up on post partum depression and her sincere wish that she not experience it with this second pregnancy.

While writing for April’s issue of Glamour magazine an essay on her past bout of postpartum depression, heavily pregnant Chrissy also revealed how she had battled with post partum depression and how she had no body to warn her or school her on it.

She said;

“Before this, I had never, ever in my whole entire life had one person say to me: ‘I have postpartum depression,’ ” writes Teigen on Instagram.

She added that she struggles with the term itself, “because the word depression scares a lot of people. I often just call it ‘postpartum.’ ” Maybe I should say it, though. Maybe it will lessen the stigma a bit.”

I didn’t know I had it. I knew I had an incrediblelife, and an incredible husband, and family, and all the resources necessary, and I knew I was personally unhappy, but I didn’t think anything was wrong with it because I just assumed that that’s the way it was.

You have a kid, you’re sad, you lose those endorphins, and that’s the way it is.”

Teigen had to have a ‘sit down’ talk with herself and come clean about what was really going on. She wishes one thing had been done differently with her past experience,

I do wish more people had spoken up around me. It took me to finally sit myself down because I think it’s hard for people to point something out.”

emphasizing, “Postpartum does not discriminate. I couldn’t control it. And that’s part of the reason it took me so long to speak up.”

She went on to say in the writing, “I’m speaking up now because I want people to know it can happen to anybody, and I don’t want people who have it to feel embarrassed or to feel alone. One thing I know is that-for me-just merely being open about it helps.”

Sourcd: fabwoman.ng

In Career Gems March 8, 2018 By Editor

‘CELEBRITY POLICE OFFICER’, IFEDOLAPO BADMOS BECOMES CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

Superintendent of Police, the Public Relations Officer and spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Ifedolapo Opeyemi Badmos, popularly known as ‘Celebrity Police Officer’, has announced via Instagram that she has been promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police.

She said:

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hardwork! I’ve always known and understand that there is no shortcut to success! It takes HARDWORK. Please be informed that your’s faithfully has been promoted to the rank of “Chief Superintendent of Police” (federal chief, no other chief compared to it😀na joke I dey oh)

I sincerely appreciate the Police Service Commission, our indefatigable Inspector General of Police, my immediate boss AIG Adamu Ibrahim and all of you good people out there that i serve, for counting me worthy to be moved to the next level!”

See Instagram post below;

In self development March 7, 2018 By Editor

HOW 91 YEAR OLD DOROTHY STEEL LANDED A ROLE IN THE MOVIE ‘BLACK PANTHER’

Dorothy Steel, who started acting at age 88, amazingly got a role in the biggest grossing film at the moment ‘Black Panther’.

It is noteworthy that the 92-year-old Atlantan got her big break when she was 91 years old, landing a role in the mega hit movie as the Merchant Tribal Elder giving advice to the King of Wakanda. She told WSBTV in Atlanta that she didn’t even pursue acting until she was 88!

Casting callbacks don’t usually happen the way it did for Steel who submitted her audition and within an hour got a callback for a role in the blockbuster.

And of all the movies, Dorothy Steel ended up being cast in one of the highest grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe releases of all time, on her first try!

Talking about being cast in the movie, she said:

“If anyone would have told me I would be an actor, I would’ve said you got to be out of your mind.”

“Chadwick [Boseman] the King. Every day, he would make sure if I was on the set, he would come by and make sure he gave me a big ol’ hug and kiss.

“We were one big melting pot of Black people and we knew we were doing something that had never been done before.”

Dorothy Steel also told the Atlanta station that she believes the female heroes in the film helped the movie break records at the box office.

Steel said her role as Tribal Elder was fitting, especially because on set she also doubled as the resident grandmother.