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#Interview | “I love to see successful industrious women hang out” – Oluchi Harrison

Oluchi Harrison is a multimedia
personality with a passion for
connecting industrious women from
diverse industries. She founded the BayLife Travel & Tour company, the first Nigerian all female tour company, with the sole aim of uniting women of different spheres of life, empowering, growing ,mentoring while still having fun.

With a sassy and lively personality, her experience span through a variety of professional services which are, Radio presenting (OAP), TV Presenting, Red Carpet hosting, News Anchoring, Reaction videos, Interviewing, Writing, Scripting and Production Assistance for organizations like EbonyLife Television, Flytime Televsion, First Bank of Nigeria amongst others.

Speaking with Women of Rubies, she shared her journey.

Childhood Influence

My childhood didn’t exactly prepare me for what I do now. I like to think I prepared myself. Growing up, I used to say I wanted to be a chattered Accountant, because I loved seeing my mum dress up and get out to work daily. But I was much more creatively inclined. I was great at Art (This was a Business for me in my first/second year in the university. I’m still a pencil artist today at my leisure), I loved designing and creating things, I was also a face model, I danced and sang a lot as well, I learnt how to sew in home economics and my mum bought me a sewing machine as a gift, then I started knitting sweaters & making beads in my second year in high school – I’d make beaded jewelry, bags, flower vases and the likes. I’d make some for my mum and sell some ( I started making money for myself in high school even though I didn’t need it). I was that kid that was into almost everything, but there was one thing I did effortlessly, I talked. I didn’t just talk, I talked like I was on TV! I’d take some of my textbooks and read it like I was reading the news. I remember doing this with my cousin in different accents, practicing how fluent I was on each accent (both Nigerian accents – Igbo, Yoruba & Hausa – and international accents) – this was in my first year in high school. At my second year in high school, I knew I wanted to study Mass Communication – I used to say I wanted to be a ‘Mass Communicationist’ (lol) until I learnt it was ‘Mass Communicator’. At my second year in the university – studying Mass Communication, I auditioned for my first radio job and I got it, and that was the beginning of my media career.

Inspiration behind BayLife

Honestly, I just love to see successful industrious women hang out (lol). BayLife was born out of the idea to connect the industrious women in my life. If there’s one thing that drives me, it’s seeing another women thrive! The success of another confident woman – it gives me this rush and puts a smile on my face. And I realized in the course of my life and in my line of work that I have had the privilege of meeting some really industrious women who work so hard and hardly have any time for self care.

I was also one of those women and even when I wanted to hang out, I didn’t want to be surrounded by just anybody, I wanted to be surrounded by women who had the same drive as myself, women who would inspire me, women who could understand me, women who could reason on the same level or even higher levels.

And I found out that there were quite a number of women in this same category. I thought about the magic that could come out of these women from diverse industries and my mind could not contain it. At first, it was just going to be a Girls Time Out with the industrious women I knew, who really needed a break from all the hard work to focus on self care, then it became more than just that, it became a unification of the strong force that industrious women are together, it became Magic, it became The BayLife.

On choice of career

I actually didn’t choose it, the career chose me. I was good at a lot of things at the time, but that was what I could build a career of. I was actually an OAP at a radio station when I got invited for a photoshoot at Philip Trimnell’s photography studio. I believe I mainly stood out because of my blonde hair as Philip Trimnell, who is the owner of Music Africa TV, checked out my Instagram (@theiboblondie) and figured I was in radio and then called me to audition to be the presenter for Music Africa TV and that was how I landed my first TV job. I later went on to start my own YouTube channel (The Ibo Blondie) before contracting to FlytimeTV as a presenter. Of course, in between these were other jobs that came up.

Feedback so far on the recently held Baycation event in view of the International Women’s day, impact made.

The Baylifeng on a cruise – Sup With the Queen

The ‘Sup With The Queens’ IWD 2020 Cruise was everything the BayLife is about and more! We had Lawyers who had other businesses, Filmmakers, Bankers, Copy/Creative writers, Business Executives, Civil Servants, Business owners / Serial Entrepreneurs, Stylists, Singers, Media Personalities, Women with NGOs supporting women, Talent managers and more!

The support from women led organizations as well as Nafisa Atiku and our speaker of the day, The Unstuck Mentor, Banke Sotomi, who is a Life & Executive Coach, was overwhelming. It was blissful to watch these industrious women come together to share ideas and opinions, support each other, learn from the amazing Life Coach and share their experiences, all while sipping on some wine having a good time.

Do you think female Media Personality are given enough room to soar?

I believe there are more females in the media as a matter of fact. What we need is more informed media personalities in general because a lot of people this days believe they do not need any training to be on air personalities – they believe it’s just about speaking and looking good.

Challenges 

Professionalism is a major key and under that is a whole lot. Productions (studio & red carpet) sometimes do not come out right due to some unprofessional decisions, which may include not having a productions assistant or a runner and everything that makes for quality production.

You are the official red carpet host for First Bank event, how do you feel being a voice in such a reputable organisation?

I feel privilege to represent such a reputable organization. The FirstBank of Nigeria prides itself in making room for young professionals to soar and being a part of this goal is an honor.

Projects and other activities?

I am majorly working on The BayLife, steadily working on ways to make us better. We have been working on a project, Girl Up! which creates an avenue for industrious women to let their hair down after a month long stress and network in a relaxed atmosphere. This project was supposed to be launched this Easter but we have now postponed it due to the pandemic at hand. We have some Baycations coming up which includes: Girl Up! Cape Verde which is the highlight of the Girl Up! project, Baycation Dubai (Expo 2020) which is an amazing mix of business & pleasure and much more. The new dates of these Baycations would be announced as soon as it is possible to travel again.

What makes you a woman of rubies

I believe my desire to see women prosper in their chosen profession, working alongside their male counterparts and not in competition – this is the passion that founded the BayLife.

Advice for young women out there who want to have a voice in the media, Kindly share some success nuggets to encourage them chase their dreams?

First things first, you must have it in you! It’s important to know that you are fit for the role role you want. It’s just like asking Michael Jackson to be an engineer – he might do it, but may have not been as successful as he turned out. Now when you find that you have it in you, the next step to take is to get properly trained. Don’t just be a TV girl, be an informed journalist/broadcaster, know the job, learn everyday, and the sky will be your starting point.

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“I aspire to be a role model as an artist” – Fagbenro Christiana Boluwatife

Fagbenro Christiana Boluwatife, best known as Tife Chris, is a young creative studying Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. She hails from Ado Odo-Ota, Ogun State. Tife started making art at a very early age of 5, but she developed deep interest at the age of 18 when she learnt how to draw using pencils and started using oil colours. Her passion for Art went deeper when she discovered the beauty in it and not just beauty, but also a way of expressing oneself. She’s a Christian, a lover of science and very active in sports in the likes of swimming and basketball. She shares her Art to the world through stage painting, writing, music and poetry, she is also an active volunteer and a member of few NGOs that aim at making positive impact to the lives of others. Tife reminds me of my years as an undergraduate, her passion and tenacity is unwithered and it’s very reflective in her work and ambience. She shares her journey with me in this exclusive Interview.

Childhood Preparation
MY childhood didn’t prepare me for what I do now, although it played a huge role due to the fact that I was very creative at that stage. I started painting and using watercolours at a very young age but I never for once saw myself doing what I’m doing today. I did those things for fun and never expected them to be a huge part of my life. Growing up was quite interesting and, as a normal child, I have both good and bad memories. I grew up in a strict and competitive environment where everyone had to meet certain standards. There was no one to share my thoughts or emotions with, so I learned to develop myself even when there was no one to talk to. This has made me active in few NGOs so I could give to the society what I couldn’t get. It wasn’t always easy and I got to learn from challenges.

My passion for Art
I wasn’t directly inspired to go into Art, truly, science has been my passion since childhood. I’ve always wanted to be a medical doctor, to help people, that’s where my passion came from. I loved to see people heal, get better. And I never for once thought of going into Art, so nothing could inspire me to venture down the world of Art.

I can only say God made a turn of events to make me see what I was completely oblivious to. At a stage in my life where science wasn’t responding, I was forced to look at the bright side of Art. And since then I’ve been falling deeper in love with Art, all dimensions of it.

My Artistic Journey
I thank God for the journey so far, it’s been wonderful, even though there have been lots of challenges especially due to the fact that I studies a different field from Art, finances as a student and the fact that I ultimately have to balance up my academics first before anything else. I’ve had experiences with lessons I know would be very useful even after I graduate.

Balancing School with Art
That dexterity has been a natural part of me, human beings are very dynamic and when we put our minds to something, no matter how diverse or colossal it may be, you’ll be done with it before you know it. Timing is also very important even though I find it hard sometimes to meet up within the appropriate time, going for lectures at the right time, going to church, creating time for art and writing, meeting up with basketball practice and guitar lessons, time to study, taking few hours to swim and sacrificing time for rehearsals. As long as I have a mental timetable and I try not to overwork myself while creating a compulsory time to rest, by God’s grace I’m able to do just fine.

My Aspiration
The first is to be a successful Artist. Let the world realise your talents can make you stand out. I would also love to travel the world and explore all forms of Art. I really have a lot to learn, I go on the internet and discover lots of amazing works from different artists. I would love to learn as many forms of Art as I can.

I also hope to own an Art firm with a gallery where everyone can be who they want to be and create ideas, use the beauty of Art to make people’s lives better, to make them heal.

Lastly, I aspire to be a role model as an artist, someone who inspires, an artist people can look up to. I want to be happy both in the outside world and with my family and home.

Three women who inspire me to be better and why
Ms. Esther Ijewere, convener of Women of Rubies, Ruby Girls, Rubies Ink and Walk Against Rape and Benita Nnarchortam, personal photographer /SA to the former governor of Ogun state and co-founder, Kuta Nigeria. And my mother, CEO k2cut fashion. These women have inspired me to be better no matter where you’re starting from, they’ve taught me to sacrifice and I’ve felt the love of a woman from them especially on the Ruby Girls page. I love people who break limits and create new ideas and Benita has really inspired me in that area.

Challenges of being an Artist
Time is my major challenge, meeting up with schedule is very hard and sometimes I have to cancel some events and I’m grateful to HRM, my friends because they help me when they can and cheer me to move on when I seem tired. Managing my craft and handling school has indeed been stressful and sometimes I realise I have just little time to myself.

Funding and equipment has also been a challenge, what’s the use of time without money? Getting school materials and Art materials too. Thank God for my parents, my sister and close friends and the fact that I get commissioned works to support myself with. Also, the environment where I’m based as a student doesn’t give enough exposure and insight into Art, they rarely appreciate Art and sometimes volunteering would be depreciated.

Being a Woman of Rubies
I believe I’m special in my own way. Everyone has that hidden talent in them that makes them stand out and unfolding these talents has made me realise I’m a Woman of Ruby. I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.

Dear Young Women,
It’s never too early to start trying, now is best. Don’t let your present state limit you. The only thing you should be afraid of is not to have a dream. If you have a vision, pursue it!

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#RUBYGIRLS| “TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR LIFE AND CHOICES”- OMOOBAJESU ADETUNJI

OmoobaJesu Adetunji is a fourth year medical student at Ladoke Akintola University. She is an outstanding writer who owns her own lifestyle blog where shares bits and pieces of diverse shades of her life in order to inspire her readers. She is passionate about reading, education, health and good living.

Let’s meet you

I’m OmoobaJesu Adetunji. Yes, OmoobaJesu is my real name, birth certificate and all. I’m a 4th year medical student at LAUTECH. I enjoy reading and writing which is one of the major reasons why I run a blog (www.omoobaadetunji.com) where I share bits and pieces of my life with the hopes of encouraging someone else. I care deeply about education, health and good living.

What are your hobbies

I love to laugh! So naturally, I enjoy the company of family and friends as well as good music, movies, and books.

Who and what inspires you

Inspiration for me comes in different forms and from everywhere. I could be walking on the street and be inspired. I could be gisting with my friend and be inspired. I could be in church and be inspired. I think for me, it’s more about letting myself be inspired through every circumstance rather than searching for inspiration.

One accessory you can’t leave home without.

Earrings! I love my earrings.

 You are a medical student yet you own a blog where you write on diverse life principles, lessons and genres. How do you keep up with your several interests and fortes?

Good question. The truth is I don’t know. I just take one day at a time. And I don’t really compartmentalise my life as such. I see it all as a continuum which I must enjoy and stretch to its fullest potential. I also think every aspect of my life helps each other out. Writing helps me be a better student because it makes me happy. Medicine helps me be a better writer because it gives me something to write about. So I don’t particularly feel a need to balance because they all help me to be better. I just go with the flow, one step and a time. And if I notice a tilt I adjust. I know this process seems a little bizarre and wild, but it works for me and it gives me peace of mind.

Your best quote?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?

I really like myself. Is that weird? Maybe, but I can’t think of anything I’d like to change. Except maybe in the area of things to improve on, because there’s always room for improvement. On that note, I would be interested in improving on whatever needs to be improved on per time. For now, to be honest I can’t think of anything.

What was growing up for you like? And did your childhood in any way prepare you for everything you do now?

Growing up was pretty great for me. I used to be very introverted when I was younger so I suffered many depressive episode but I’m happier and lighter now. I love being all grown up. I’m not one of those people that wish they were children again. No, thanks. I like being an adult.

As a child I was always surrounded by books. My dad was a librarian and he loved reading. We had a library in our home and I’ve been reading since I can remember. It was normal to read. It was default mode. I can’t remember when exactly I started writing, but I remember that my essays were always the best in school. There was a time when my English teacher read my eassy out loud in class as an example of how essays should be written. That’s one moment that cannot be easily forgotten.

Now that I think about it, my mom used to give me writing assignments throughout one particular summer break in primary school. That’s when I got really good at writing. Wow. Thank God for my mom! And dad! Awesome people.

Your biggest fear.

I don’t have fears. God has come through for me way too many times for me to be afraid about anything. I’m just relaxed, I have everything that I need to succeed. And I am grateful to God.

The journal of the Ladoke Akintola University Medical Student’s Association (LAUMED): The Girl Child was recently launched in which you played a very active role. What does this journal mean to you as a girl child? And what does it intend to drive home to all young females and the society at large?

The Girl Child Journal to me personally, addresses issues that are exclusive to the female gender while also not completely shunning the Male child. The balance or interplay between the sexes is particularly interesting and important to me because often times the men are ignored, yet we will still as women have to interact with males on an intimate level. I believe there’s a need for education and empowerment of both sexes and the Journal did justice to that, that made me glad.

The Journal is for every girl child, to remind her of her value and importance in her environment. To show her that all that she wants to be, she can be, regardless of the limitations that society might place on her.

 If given the chance to be the president of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

Oh interesting. Two things. Definitely pump all the money I can get my hands on, into the education and health sector. Yup. That’s all and I’m good.

 Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next five years?

In five years, I see myself reaching millions through my writing or/and through other frontiers and as always helping people live their best lives.

 If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

You are beautiful just the way you are. Get to know yourself. Get to love yourself. Begin a real and intimate relationship with God. Be rooted in who you are. Don’t let anyone make you feel any less. Take responsibility for your life and own your choices. And always, keep moving, don’t give up!

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#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM DRIVEN BY THE DESIRE TO CAUSE GREAT IMPACT AND POSITIVE CHANGE IN MY GENERATION” – OLAMIDE MARIAM SOBOWALE

Olamide Mariam Sobowale is a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). She is the president of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. She is the CEO of “Lamie Enterprises,” where she has her own travel agency, “Lamie Travel and Tours.” She also owns “Lamie Kitchen.”

She shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

I am Olamide Mariam Sobowale. I am the second child in a family of four. I am a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an entrepreneur with a travel and tour agency and own a kitchen. I am also the Chapter president for Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. I love God, my family and friends.

 

HOBBIES

I love traveling, cooking, watching movies, being hospitable.

INSPIRATION

I am inspired and driven by the desire to cause great impact and positive change in my generation by contributing my all, no matter how minute it might be to wherever I find myself or whatever I lay my hands upon.

Great women who started achieving feats at a young age also inspire me. I look at them and tell myself that if they can be that successful at such a young age. Then, I can also and even do more.

 

BIGGEST FEAR

My biggest fear is leaving the world or wherever I am without leaving my prints in the sand of time or not being known to have contributed positively to the growth of such a place.

JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS

To be honest, it has not been easy but I started everything as an hobby and beyond work, they are things I am passionate about and love doing. So, that passion drives me even when I’m weary or stressed out. Then, my determination to excel at everything keeps me going.

 

ON BEING THE PRESIDENT OF JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL

Junior Chamber International is the leading network of young active citizens across the globe. It is a non governmental organization that empowers young people to make positive change.

It is indeed a great honour and priviledge for me to be the 2019/2020 chapter president of JCIN, OOU. I understand how demanding this position is and I do not take it for granted. I and my Board of Directors for the year summarized everything we intend to do in our theme for the year, “FILTER’20” which stands for Fun, Innovative and Impactful projects in OOU and its environs, Teamwork which is of great importance to push the collegiate to greater exploits, Efficiency in every of our activities and being Responsive to the needs of members, the school and community as a whole.

 

CHANGE

I’ll like to work on the attribute of procrastination.

 

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

Finishing up work or making use of it as my leisure time to watch movies.

BEST QUOTE

“Service to humanity is the best work of life.”

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

I will change the police system and address the issue of security as a whole.

 

UPBRINGING

Yes, my upbringing prepared me for everything I am today. My mom is a caterer and entrepreneur which exposed me to the art of business, cooking and trade. Watching her laying her hands on different trades and pulling them off effectively braced me for everything I am.
My dad also raised me to be independent and he is always supportive of my projects and dreams.

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

I see myself and my brand, “Lamie Enterprises” soaring high and achieving great exploits. I also look forward to touching other areas and visions under Lamie Enterprises.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS FIVE YOUNGERS THAN ME

If I was given the opportunity to address younger girls, I’ll admonish them to take advantage of the positive sides and opportunities this generation offers and make the best use of it. They should not allow anything derail them from going for anything good they set their minds to. And also to know they are beautiful and amazing in all ways.

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#RUBYGIRLS| “ONE DAY, LIFE WILL WORK IN YOUR FAVOUR IF YOU DON’T LOSE FOCUS” – FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN

Favour Oluwakamimayo Adeosun popularly referred to as “Fefe” is a fourth year undergraduate of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is the first child in a family of four. She is the second female President of VeeCee Success Stories (VSS).

Favour is the Founder of Our Little Gist Foundation (OLGF). She is a great entrepreneur. Favour sees herself as a girl on her own stage and one who likes to add extra to the ordinary.

She shares her Ruby Girl story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

My full name is FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN, I was born in the late 90’s and am the first child in a family of four. Favour is a girl on her own stage, she is the director, the actress, the producer and everything you can attach to a stage. She is a girl who likes to add extra to the ordinary. Favour has this faith that as long as God exists, there is no impossibility and all can be accomplished. My nickname is FEFE, some call me FEFE OF LAW.

INSPIRATION

My inspiration started with Ben Carson but presently Michelle Obama is my inspiration. These two people also like to add the extra to the ordinary. They are passionate about the Masses which I am passionate about also.

Michelle Obama is so passionate about Girls and Women which I am also passionate about which brought the birth of OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION (OLGF) so that this dream can achieved.

My future Home (Marriage) also inspires me, it cautions me to act cos I always put my self in situations that what if I am a wife and this happens or what if I am a mother and it happens, how do I handle the situation or what explanation will I give my husband or kids.

Also my mum is my no 1. Fan, she has always been there to guide, mentor and even still carry me up when I fall down. She had seen me in my lowest self and my darkest self yet she still always stands by me.

 

HOBBIES

I have lots of hobbies, anything I find myself doing, as long as it is fun, is an hobby. I love eating, cooking, writing, acting, being an inspiration to others and be on the stage talking and dishing out what I know to others so far they are ready to listen.

BIGGEST FEAR

My Biggest fear is not making heaven.

 

TO GO BACK IN TIME OR TIME TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE

I would rather travel into the future but also like to correct some mistakes I made while growing up which is to have gotten serious with my self and studies in time but God knows best. I am still happy with where I am and I thank God for where am going.

 

WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WASN’T AFRAID

If I wasn’t afraid, I will change the world.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

I will give Women more space in Government, my reason is because Women are care takers, I know some will mention Diezani but she is One of 100 women out there.

Women always know how to care of things and manage them despite their differences. Infact the country will be so colorful and beautiful. Women are always passionate about what they do and how they do it. They notice things faster than the men most times. And women pray a lot, you will see them going from place to place praying to ensure everything turns out well.

COPING WITH MY POPCORN BUSINESS AS A STUDENT

My customers most times are my classmates and course mates. Most times they get it before classes start. And those who aren’t my classmates get theirs after my classes. My classes always come before the popcorn probably because my customers are my colleagues in the legal profession.

 

ON BEING THE NEW PRESIDENT OF VEECEE SUCCESS STORIES

I feel inspired to do more actually, there is something about me when I am put in charge of something, I never want that thing to fail, I will try my very best till my very last unless it isn’t possible. But I always try to make it possible before impossibility can set in but my conscience must be very clear that I did my very best.

My dreams for Veecee success stories is very big infact I have started making moves personally to see I actualize them. So God helping me Veecee Success Stories will be taken to a better place and more known outside the walls of Olabisi Onabanjo University.

 

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

My books keep me up at night and sometimes watching movies on my phone but personally I deal with insomnia that is, I find it hard to sleep sometimes I take sleeping pills just to sleep not because I feel sleepy.

 

ABOUT MY FOUNDATION, OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION’ (OLGF)

OLGF is a foundation aimed at reaching out to women qnd girls. It was given birth to on June 14, 2019. It consists of a team of 10 founding members impacting the rural city of Ago-iwoye and beyond. The aim is women and girls like I said, I am passionate about women and girls.

OLGF has also successfully helped a woman out of poverty, helping her put food on her table after the demise of her husband and she has 4 kids. We thank God for that success, and we intend to do more by His special grace.

ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT MYSELF

Giving people more listening ears.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

My advice to them will be: “After your parents have given you the right training, train yourself also. Keep learning, have goals. Responsible men are after women with home training and who also trained themselves in the right way not liabilities.

Be independent, don’t have the mindset of depending on any man even rich wives who married rich husbands still work not totally depending on their husbands.

Ensure your goals are reasonable, don’t set unreasonable goals.” I’ll also advice them not to be jealous of the success of their friends because the fact that your friend has made this earlier doesn’t mean you won’t still make it.

Focus on yourself, you are more important to yourself than your friend. Also, don’t be harsh on yourself, you are a queen, you are beautiful and you are the best. One day, life will work to your Favour if you don’t lose the focus.

Separate your friends from acquaintances and lastly put God in everything not some things.

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MEET ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATE OLANREWAJU ONIYITAN

For any economy to grow, necessary support must be given to its SMEs  Olanrewaju Oniyitan is one of the private individuals doing this.

Olanrewaju is the founder and CEO of W-Holistic Business Solutions (W-HBS), which works closely with entrepreneurs, international and local private sector actors, federal and state governments, development agencies, academia, membership-based organisations and non-profits to deliver real impact, value and results through projects supporting economic growth and development.

W-HBS does its work through access to finance, skills development, enterprise development, business advocacy and reforms and gender and social inclusion.

She is also the Project Director for the social impact projects of the firm: Future4Kids Africa and Sustainable Education & Enterprise Development (SEED).

Through SEED, Olanrewaju supports and advocates for schools serving children from low-income families.

With Future4Kids Africa, Olanrewaju inspires children and young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs and out-of-the-box thinkers to make our world a better place for everyone.

She began her career at KPMG Professional Services, working in the Business Advisory and Risk Management Units and since then, she’s worked closely with various businesses, governments, development agencies, academia, associations NGOs and foundations, in a wide range of sectors.

Lanre works as a Private Sector Development Consultant for a DFID/Adam Smith International M4P initiative – Enhancing Nigerian Advocacy for a Better Business Environment (ENABLE) Nigeria – set up to strengthen Business Membership Organisations in Nigeria.

She has worked on several international development projects such as: Business Innovation Facility (BIF); Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN); Growth and Employment in States 3 (GEMS3); Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE); amongst others.

She has also worked with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF); World Bank/Growth and Employment (GEM)-Business Innovation & Growth (BIG); Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN); among others.

She’s also authored two books: “The Twin Jobs Challenge” and “Minipreneur”.

Olanrewaju is also a 2019 participant in the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa programme.

Source: Bellanaija

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READ ABOUT THE COOKIES THAT IS SAID TO ALLEVIATE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS!

Hey ladies, get in here! Do you know that there is a delicious cookie that is said to alleviate period pains? Yes, Konbini.com says so!

Here we go. Tiredness, pains and aches, mood swings… it’s that time of the month again. Wouldn’t it be great if, right at the start of menstruation, someone showed up at the doorstep with a plate of freshly baked, anti-cramps and delicious cookies?

This is exactly what businesswoman Devon Loftus is now offering with Moon Cycle Bakery, a brownie-based home delivery service.

The service works via an app that not only tracks your periods but also allows you to pre-order menstrual pain treats for when you actually need them. These mouth-watering little cakes contain magnesium and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. They are also gluten-free.

If you want to have a go at baking some yourself, here is a recipe from Well and Good:

Gluten-free hazelnut brownies

Makes 12 brownies

Ingredients
2/3 cup chopped 70% cacao dark chocolate
5 Tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
1/3 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
2 eggs
2/3 cup almond flour
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
1 tsp of hazelnut extract
3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with coconut oil.

2. In a small saucepan, melt chocolate and oil over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and maple syrup until mixed well. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: almond flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.

4. Whisk the mixture into the saucepan of the melted chocolate until it’s smooth. Stir in the hazelnut extract. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined, then fold in the chopped hazelnuts. Pour the batter into your brownie pan and smooth the surface.

5. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is still slightly underdone. (The center will set as it cools.) Slice into squares and serve.

culled from konbini.com

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HOW TO STAY POSITIVE AFTER BREAKING UP

As you fall more and more in love, there’s a chance something will come along that sabotages this connection. Maybe it’s a communication issue, or something more serious, such as infidelity or family problems. No matter how hard the couple tries to salvage the relationship, it can still ultimately end in a breakup…and heartache.

Depending on why you and your love broke up, here are tips to feeling positive and as happy as possible after your relationship ends:

Breaking up because you’re incompatible

Many relationships end because the couple is not compatible in one or more ways. Maybe you want marriage but he doesn’t. Maybe he’s not willing to move for your work. Whatever the reason, coming to a point where you realize you both just aren’t compatible usually occurs after the infatuation stage starts to fade. You both realize that the kisses and handholding was really all there was to this relationship.

You’ll undoubtedly feel like breaking up was the best option, but you’ll still feel heartbroken. Here are ways to heal after breaking off an incompatible relationship:

Relax and realize the breakup is no one’s fault – some people are not meant to be together.

Make your life exciting again by getting back into your hobbies and interests (and finding new ones).

When friends or family ask about the relationship, don’t talk negatively about your former parter. Simply explain why you broke up, then change the subject.

It will take time to heal, but knowing that the relationship wouldn’t have worked anyway will help you feel positive.

Ending a miserable relationship

If the relationship is miserable, breaking up is the right thing to do. It can still take its toll on one or both people because it wasnt all bad. A miserable relationship can mean many things: maybe you need more independence or just can’t stand being around someone who is so negative.

Even if the relationship was miserable, there were parts that made you happy which will make the breakup tough. Be sure to do the following to heal after breaking off a miserable relationship:

Lean on family and friends and accept their kind words.

Avoid more misery by giving in or begging the other person to change.

Find a passion that will replace being miserable. Some people may enjoy volunteering and others may want to get a pet.

When infidelity ends a relationship

One of the most common causes of a breakup is because of infidelity. If one partner was unfaithful and the other has a difficult time forgiving, a breakup usually follows. The person who was unfaithful needs to take responsibility and figure out how to prevent this from happening again in future relationships. The person who remained faithful should learn from the experience without developing bitterness that will prevent a happy, loving relationship after taking time to heal.

Here are ways to stay positive after breaking off an unfaithful relationship:

Never take the blame for the other person being unfaithful. If there was a problem, it should have been discussed and not “solved” by seeking love outside the relationship.

Take stock of personal, positive attributes – learn to see the good in yourself.

Get support from counseling.

Build an ego without being too self-centered. This may involve taking a class and learning something new or getting a makeover.

Make (and achieve) personal and positive goals.

After a breakup, everyone needs time to heal. Whether the relationship ended because of incompatibility, being miserable or infidelity, it’s a good idea to focus on personal positives before getting involved in another relationship. Use these tips to help you heal, stay positive and move past your heartbreak.

Source: https://familyshare.com/27456/how-to-stay-positive-after-breaking-up

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HOW TO THINK POSITIVE EVERYDAY

Many of us may have heard of the importance of positivity but few can really tell why it’s important. When we are trapped with a reduced number of choices as a result of emotions coming into play, we make wrong regretful decisions.

So it’s really important to think positive.But… how?

Thousands of articles online teach us how to think positive in the most clichéd ways possible. You should cheer up, crack a smile, look on the bright side of life…blah…blah..blah…

Don’t worry! The tips you are going to see below are nothing like those. We aim to offer some practical and specific tips for you to start making REAL changes.

Start with your posture: sit up straight! It’s more than etiquette

While one may think cultivation of positivity always requires conscious effort, indeed it doesn’t.

Sitting up straight may appear irrelevant to positivity. But a study reveals the association between posture and positive thoughts.

The result shows that people are more likely to generate positive thoughts and recall positive memories when they are sitting up straight.[2]

So, sit up straight right now! Sometimes tiny things in life all contribute to our well-being without us noticing.

Have a teaspoon in your pocket

What else can a teaspoon do other than stirring our refreshing cup of coffee? Well, a Quora user, William Peynsaert, thinks of a brilliant idea to use a teaspoon for our evasion from negativity. [3]

All we need is a teaspoon. Nothing more.

Well, technically, we also need a pair of pants with pockets. In case we are not wearing any.

What we do is to put the teaspoon into either one side of the pocket. Whenever we feel like formulating a negative thought, put the teaspoon into another pocket. Just that simple.

The principle behind is that the action occupies our brains so we don’t have spare resources to bring up any negative thoughts. Usually we are quite impulsive to have negative thoughts and by the time we finished transferring the teaspoon, the urge is long gone and SNAP! We successfully stop a negative thought.

At first we may find ourselves doing it over and over again. But eventually, we will do this less and less.

After all, we can choose whatever utensils or stationery or anything that fit us. It’s just a medium.

It may sound silly but it does work.

Instead of news, read something uplifting in the morning

It is common to watch morning news reports. For the sake of keeping abreast of the latest news. This is definitely good not to block ourselves off the outside world. But, what news is mostly about?

Car crash. Terrorist attack. Natural disaster. All sorts of disheartening incidents.

I am not suggesting us not read any news but a trade off. Devote part of your morning on something more uplifting.

Start our daily confidence programming habit. Instead of news update, begin our day by reading a chapter of an empowering book. We can also go for our favorite spiritually boosting and inspirational materials.

 

List 3 things you’re grateful for every day

It is simple and easy to do. Try to list at least 3 things we are grateful for every day. In the end, we won’t realize how much it helps us.

Researches [4] reveal a multitude of benefits in expressing gratitude on a daily basis. Being grateful is associated with our well-being. It can also improve relationships and help with emotional maturity. Gratitude can simply promote happiness.

It’s true that we can always find dissatisfaction in life. Same to satisfaction. Half-filled and half-empty glass.

It’s actually a piece of cake to find things we can express gratitude on.

Start of weekend. Cats and dogs outside. Hiking trip cancelled. Meh!

Well, at least we have a home sheltering us. We even have Netflix to entertain ourselves.

Or, year review.. NO pay raise. Can it be worse?

You are not sacked, aren’t you? You still have a stable job.

Or even, back to very basic. We are still alive, right? We are still living in this world of mystery and amazement. We still have lots to explore. There’s nothing to mourn on.

There are always angels and devils in our brains. While we are usually the devil’s advocate, try to stand on the angel’s side now.

Use the app “Happify” to cultivate positivity scientifically

Ever imagined an app to ‘happify’ ourselves. An app to delight ourselves and brighten our day?

Then try Happify, an app designed specially for us to handle our negative emotions. It provides us with scientifically-proven tools and techniques to promote our emotional well-being.

It consists of short activities and games for us to relearn situations and be more aware of the subtle little things we should be grateful for.

While we usually the gadgets are taking a toll out of us, it is now possible to cultivate positivity right back from it.

Celebrate your small wins every day

One easy way to start cultivating our positivity is to write down our small wins on a daily basis. And research has reassured the potential benefits of doing so.

Progress is a lot more than just a step closer to success, as Amabile and Kramer suggest. In fact, if we properly record our progress, no matter how small it is, we instantly receive a confidence boost!

Teresa Amabile from Harvard Business School and Steven Kramer read through approximately 12,000 diary entries written by 238 individuals from 7 different companies. The employees were asked to write about their emotions and moods, motivation levels, and perceptions of the work environment as well as what work they did and what events stood out in their minds on a daily basis for 4 months. [5]

The result showed that any accomplishment, regardless of its size, activates the reward circuitry of our brains. Once activated, a chemical dopamine is released and this chemical is associated to the feeling of pride and achievement.

More importantly, the chemical also motivates us to continue on with the taking challenges and to attempt to repeat the same achievement next time. This forms a positive reinforcement loop that makes us more likely to be successful.

So pay close attention to what you achieved. Ran for 400m? Got up 10 minutes earlier? Mark these down and recognize yourself! It’s never too much.

By: Jefferey Lau

For: Lifehack.org

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BUKOLA OGUNYEYE: DON’T MARRY A MAN THAT HITS YOU

Don’t marry a man who has slapped you just “once” in your relationship.

Don’t marry a man who has another lady or ladies in his life while in a relationship with you.

Don’t marry a man who has a character you are not comfortable with.

It is annoying when ladies say “He will change” . Like really?

Listen, Courtship/ Dating is a period for you to know the character, behaviour and values of your would-be Husband ( this post is for Ladies)

Whatever you can’t condone in marriage, whatever you can never put up with in marriage, don’t EVER accept it in your relationship.

Keep moving!

Having it at the back of your mind that a man will change is nothing but stupidity.

If a man will ever change, it is going to be for the worse!

One of the annoying mistakes single ladies make is saying that “No man is perfect”, “He will change” Let me marry this one”.

These are the things worthless Ladies tell themselves. It is worthlessness to settle for just any Penis ( man).

Me, I can’t deal. If you say ” No man is perfect and you go marry an idiot in your quest for marriage, be ready to face the consequences.

In 2017, we should be making a head way and be doing it differently. Enough of stories that touch.

If only Ladies can be wise.

If you are in a relationship where your so called Boyfriend or so called Fiancee is slapping or beating you, you should go have your brain examined!

We don’t want you to bring your Sob stories to us later. Please spare us that shit.

When I talk about marriage , some people with shallow brain will think I hate the Institution of marriage. No, I don’t. Rather, I hate how the desire to marry has made fools out of many women / Ladies.

I can’t comprehend it at all.

If you don’t want to divorce, then you have to be sane and open your eyes clearly now that you are not yet married to that man.

I know shit happens in marriage. I am very aware of that.

That is the reason I will always be very open to divorce and would also Advocate it anytime any day!

Some Nonsense person will say, She is advocating Divorce when she is married.

You see ehn, for that to be popping up in your brain, I don’t think your head is correct at all. #straightface

But………. can Ladies be honest with themselves when it comes to their choice of a Life partner?

Some divorce would never have seen the light of the day if only Ladies refuse to accept shit during courtship!

Many cases of divorce could have been averted.

For the life of me, how do you manage to still stay in a relationship with a “Mike Tyson”?

Some type of men should never have a single goat in their life, let alone a human being!

How do you manage to be in a relationship with a Philanderer?

I was thinking no matter the love Juliet has for Romeo, the moment Romeo, raises his hands to slap Juliet, that love must die immediately but what do I know?

Some men should never be able to get a wife. They ought to remain in their father’s house  wifeless and an object of ridicule for being Gorillas  but these set of men still get wedded every Saturday and their Bride would be smiling like an idiot all over the place. Mtcheeewwwww!

What is wrong with the brain of these Ladies? Is  that how finished they are ni? Is that how worthless they are?

The desire to have a man in your life at all cost is capable of making you become a worthless specie. It will also land you in trouble.

You can’t throw caution to the wind  and expect it not to get messy and messier later.

Ladies, if no one has told you, I am telling you now – Don’t marry a useless and Irresponsible man.

Be single. Singleness is not a disease.

Choose to be single if there are no decent guys again.

Emmmmm, they will come and tell me now ; See o! “she is in her husband’s house but she is telling us not to marry.

Issorite!

Singing in Lagbaja’s voice –

Oju re a ja

Oju re a ja

Pararararan pi ran pa, parararara pin ra……………

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