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KADUNA HOLDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT, FLAGS OFF HEALTH CAMP

In order to better the lot of women in Kaduna State as well as improve upon healthcare and access to resources, the governor of Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El- Rufa’i and his wife Hadiza Isma El- Rufa’i held an empowerment summit during the week. The Kaduna Women Economic Empowerment Summit, in its second edition, had the theme, “Enabling Access & Participation: Linking Women to Resources”, and was held at Arewa House in Kaduna.

The event which drew the movers and shakers of the state focused on how to empower women so that they gain adequate financial independence as well as protecting the girl-child, whom is highly vulnerable and suspect to abuse.

The Honorable Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Hafsat Mohammed Baba, stated that a healthy and empowered woman is the key to a prosperous future for the state and the society at large, which is why the state is working towards the agenda of gender and social inclusion policy to protect women and female children in the state with the support of the governor.

Partnering with the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development through its medical outreach project, the Power Oil Health Camp Project was on hand to provide free basic medical health check up for the indigenes. The collaboration was officially flagged off by Power Oil Health Team which is already active in 13 locations across the country, offering free basic medical health check up to communities in the area of BMI check, Blood pressure, free medical consultation and would be moving from one local government to the other in Kaduna together with a team of medical experts deployed by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to conduct HIV & Malaria tests.

Commenting on the partnership, Amisha Chawla, Brand Manager, Power Oil said it meant a lot to the brand, as the long term plan is to cover the entire nation, especially the rural areas, promoting good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle amongst Nigerians.

The Honourable commissioner would join the team for mobilisation and to encourage women to take advantage of the opportunity of the free health checks so as to guard against avoidable diseases like hypertension and other heart related issues.

The Power Oil health camp is also in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Health and the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as well as Edo Women for Agriculture.

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HEARTBREAKING: YOUNG KENYAN WOMAN COMMITS SUICIDE AFTER FAILED ATTEMPTS TO FIND JUSTICE FOR HER 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO WAS RAPED BY EX-BOYFRIEND

Brenda Akinyi Waru committed suicide after she was bullied online as she tried to find justice for her three-year-old daughter who was allegedly defiled by her ex boyfriend.

According to Facebook user Syombua Kibue, who shared the story online, the 29-year-old had reported the case at a police station and had slept with a police officer who requested for sex in exchange for help.
She was later disappointed by the police man who didn’t continue with the case but instead, left her hanging.

Not giving up, she turned to a popular Kenyan Facebook page for help, but instead of receiving the assistance she was looking for, she was bullied and taunted by some members of the group who found her story sketchy. 

On Saturday, May 13, Brenda threw herself at an oncoming vehicle along Waiyaki highway near Kabete Police Station and died from the impact. 

Read Syombua’s story below…

“This lady was going through a lot before she took her life,. Her child was molested by someone she knows, she went to the police to get help but unfortunately the police officer requested sexual favors in order to help , in her desperation she gave in but he turned around and left her hanging, on to of all that, she was battling with depression. She went to a popular group online seeking help but her story was too sketchy so people started asking questions. She may have passed on but her child still needs help and justice. A child molester is still walking free”

 

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SET GOALS, EXAMINE YOUR SURROUNDINGS, TAKE RISKS – EDWINA KULEGO

A hybrid of many cultures, Edwina Kulego, then aged 19, moved from Sweden to the United States with the sole intention of pursuing a career in fashion and business. Ten years later, this incredible woman has worked with major fashion brands, and has become a formidable force in the world of fashion and retailing. In this interview, Edwina talks us through her major career milestones and what’s next for her.

Meet Me
Edwina Kulego is a travel enthusiast who blends the two dynamic worlds of International Business and Fashion into her own realm. Born in Sweden to Ghanaian parents, Edwina is a hybrid of many cultures, which enables her to see the world through many different lenses.

I currently manage International Business Development for the largest Fashion Trade Show organizer in the US, UBM Fashion. This role includes helping international fashion brands create pathways into the US market. I am also building my own brand Edwina Kulego and diving into entrepreneurship through public speaking and collaborations. It’s really exciting!

Venturing into Fashion
My love for fashion begun when I started working at Zara in Copenhagen, right after high school. I was looking for work while figuring out collage options and unintentionally fell into retail. While working at the store, I quickly recognized how the clothes and accessories made people feel. It could change their moods from exhausted to happy, give them a boost of confidence and make them feel beautiful. I realized the emotional power of fashion; which is what truly makes it special. After becoming promoted to assistant store manager I decided to move to New York City to pursue my dream of working in Fashion/Business.

 Interning  with three major global brands
My internships at Essence Magazine, Tommy Hilfiger and PROJECT Trade Show were immensely rewarding because they all prepared me for the “real world” in different ways. I started interning at Essence Magazine when I first moved to New York in 2007. I was very timid and shy but due to the strong characters and the determination from the women who worked there, I learned to grow some thick skin. At Tommy Hilfiger I learned the importance of organization and scheduling. While working in the celebrity and fashion department I managed many calendars and also participated in organizing their renowned New York Fashion Week show. Finally, PROJECT taught me the importance of curiosity. One of my former executives always encouraged me to ask questions in order to learn and I still use this advice today.

Speaking of internship, would you say it has its rewards, and would you recommend it?
I would definitely recommend internships. If you are at a crossroads and don’t know what career path to embark on, I would recommend that you intern in the field that you are interested in. Some internships and more rewarding than others but they all teach us some valuable tools or skills that we can apply to our next role. The last company that I interned for hired me and I’ve been with them for eight years now.

You are the International Business Manager at UBM Fashion Group; kindly take us through what a regular day at work looks like for you?
I usually start my day off with reviewing my schedule for the day, week or month. For example, if I have any upcoming travel I will make sure that I have all of my accommodations and meetings booked. I spend a lot of time in the office taking calls or having team meetings. I also spend time out in the market visiting my client’s showrooms and planning for the next season. When I am travelling for work, I am usually conducting presentations and meeting with trade groups to develop new partnerships.

Skills and personal qualities 
Having determination and discipline is a skill that I constantly focus on improving. For example, making sure that I wake up at 6:00am in time for my morning workout session or completing a task before or by the deadline. Being organized and staying on top of things really helps me create balance in my life.

A lot of people say that business isn’t personal but I do truly believe that people choose to do business with the people that they like. Being personable and kind is an attribute that I think has led many of my successes. When you are truly passionate and interested in people; it naturally opens you up to new opportunities

Milestones
Recently being promoted to manage our International Business Development was a huge career milestone for me. I started as an intern in the company and worked my way up through many challenges in order to get to my position today. It’s rewarding to see that hard work does pay off and the importance of patience. In April 2017, we launched our first international show in Tokyo, called MAGIC Japan. This was also a career milestone for me as I had been working on this project for almost three years; it’s a major accomplishment that I am proud to say I was a part of. From a personal aspect I will be celebrating a decade in New York in September. Ten years is a long time to be away from family, but I can honestly say that leaving Sweden at 19 and getting out of my comfort zone was the best decision I have made. The risk taker in me is what has made me the Edwina I am today. Last year, I launched EdwinaKulego.com – my own platform where I can share information and connect with my audience. It’s an amazing feeling!

What I love about my work
I love the fact that I can travel the world while working in the industries that I love; fashion and business. It has taken me a while to get to this place and I am truly embracing it. I also love to dress up, so if I can do that while I’m working; I’m winning.

For women trying to get ahead in their careers, what are the top three things they should learn to do?
Set Goals: You won’t know where you are heading if you don’t have a plan. Start writing things down in order to create a sense of direction.

Examine your surroundings: If the people, places or things around you aren’t uplifting or inspiring you then it’s time to make some changes. Remove the things in your life that are hindering you from getting to your goals.

Take Risks: Everything was impossible until someone did it. I thought I was going to be a lawyer when I was younger. I saw an opportunity within Fashion and I took it. Don’t be afraid to dive into the unknown… it’s fun and you always leave with lesson.

As an African woman trying to make a name for herself in the western fashion space, have there been moments on the job where you felt the need to work harder and produce twice better results than your western counterparts?
The truth is that women of colour always have to work harder and produce better results. Once you realise what you are up against, you strategize and push forward. I have attended meetings where I have been completely ignored even though I was driving the conversation or when I was the decision-maker. The focus would instantly shift to my western, male counterpart. I can’t deny that it’s frustrating and hard at times but I always try to remember that I am paving the way for my nieces, cousins and the generation of young women behind me. On the upside, I am happy to see that there are more African women and women of colour in the Fashion Space. This should be embraced and I believe that if we come together and support each other we can change the standard.

In all of your travels, what fashion city captures your heart the most?
Oh, this is a tough question… my initial thoughts are Lima, Paris, Florence but I would honestly have to go with Accra. Every time I return to Accra I am filled with so much joy and humility. The love for family, culture and heritage reminds me of who I am. I always take a few trips to Mokola Market and buy print fabric that I eventually turn into my own fashion creations.

Drawing from your international fashion exposure, how would you describe the African fashion space?
There is so much excitement and energy coming from Africa right now. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana are producing prominent events and highlighting impeccable designers. I would like to get more involved in the West African fashion space and lend my support to developing that industry and market. Africans are innovative and entrepreneurial at heart; we can make something out of anything. There are so many promising opportunities coming from the continent.

What are some of your favourite African brands, and what makes them outstanding for you?
Christie Brown is a long – time favourite; I appreciate the modernism, attention to detail and unique designs in her collection.
Kahindo – I love her designs because they carefully mix the categories of contemporary and traditional. I think that this is a hard task to accomplish but she does it effortlessly.

Kairosshoppers is an online platform that houses many awesome African designers. I love visiting their site for inspiration and shopping.

You founded your website Engage with Me, as a platform for women to share their engagement stories. What led to its birth?
I’ve always been a sucker for love stories and happy endings. I started Engage With Me years ago and it taught me a lot about the digital space. It also gave me an introduction to online marketing and social media. I have drifted away from the Engage With Me platform and I’m currently focusing more on EdwinKulego.com. I hope to revamp or revisit the site in the future.

We can’t help but crush on your fashion sense. What fashion item is a staple for you?
I love a classic look; you will always find tons of pumps in my shoe closet. I believe that a classic pump such as a suede Manolo Blahnik can upgrade almost any outfit. I am also in love with high waist pants; I have them in all prints and colours.

What would be your first piece of advice to a young African girl who’s looking to toeing the same path as yours?
I would encourage her to think big; start travelling or at least begin reading about the amazing different places in the world. Being diverse and having the ability to adapt in different environments is key in international business. Growing your knowledge of the world will help with building the confidence you need to become a global businesswoman.

Source: Guardian

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DOLAPO SIJUWADE FOUNDATION: TEACHING CONFIDENCE

On Saturday 29th of April, The Dolapo Sijuwade Foundation held its first workshop for the year at the Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy, Lekki.

The workshop themed Confidence; Finding it and Living it, was an educative and fun-filled interactive session as Dolapo gave insightful tips about developing and building self-confidence.

Moriam Ajaga, co-founder of the DS Foundation set the workshop in motion with an introduction of the purpose of the foundation and its work. Participants at the workshop were fully engaged as they shared their experiences about their biggest achievements and participated in practical exercises demonstrating how to display confidence in everyday situations.

Dolapo Sijuwade Foundation is focused on providing social and educational programs as well as individual support for youth in secondary schools and universities. The foundation also seeks to help youths identify their goals and aspirations, encouraging and empowering them to use their talents in the best way possible.

Moreover, parents are not left out; DS foundation ensures to engage with parents by helping them contribute positively to their children’s development whilst maintaining a positive relationship with them.

The DSF workshop is only one expression of the different channels through which the foundation aims to transform the lives of Nigerian youth and the society at large. The foundation will remain committed to equipping youths with the right understanding and resources to make ethical and vision driven career decisions.

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7 THINGS MEN ONLY DO WITH THE WOMAN THEY LOVE

Don’t second-guess if your man loves you. Read these signs and know for sure.

Men and women show that they care in very different ways. If a man is willing to publicly display his love for a woman, he is not messing around. It takes extreme vulnerability for a man to show and express exactly what he is feeling on such a large scale. There are at least 7 things a man will only do for the woman he sincerely loves.

  1. He listens

If you ever think that men sometimes behave like children, you’re not entirely wrong. Most men only concentrate on things they are passionate about. If they love you, your voice is music to their ears and all you have to do is say something that really matters and they are hooked.

The man who really loves you will not only hear you but will pay attention to your words. You will notice that he follows your advice and respects your thoughts.

  1. He fights with you

Yes, that is correct. Fights are not always a sign that the relationship is going through a bad time. If he truly loves you and is invested in your relationship, he will take the time to fight, discuss and find solutions for your relationship. Occasional discussions are a sign that he wants to make things work. You want to find a middle ground where you both can be happy.

  1. He makes sacrifices for your happiness

This is one of the biggest signs that a man loves a woman. If he changes his plans from something he would like to do for something he knows would make you happy, he is showing that he loves and respects you and is willing to always put you first.

  1. He fights for your love

A man in love will take the punches as they come and fight to keep your love. He will weather the coldest winters and the rainiest spring showers just to be with you. A man in love feels lucky to have you in his life and makes it known that losing you is the last thing he would ever want.

  1. He’s proud of your achievements

When a man loves a woman, everything she does feels like his own achievements. It’s almost like the pride a mother feels when their child does something kind or new for the first time. A man in love does not compete with the woman he loves, a man in love wins with the woman he loves.

  1. He thinks you look beautiful even on your worst days

A few weeks ago, one of my coworkers had a cold sore on her top lip. She did not feel comfortable enough to meet her boyfriend that day because she did not want him to see her like that. However, after gathering the opinion of the whole office, the consensus was that if she met up with him with the sore and he did not care, it would be a sign that he was really interested in her for her and not just her looks. When a man really loves a woman, she always looks beautiful no matter what.

  1. He cares about your family and friends because you do

A man in love understands that the people you love are important to you, and if they are happy, you will be too. If he loves you, he will patiently listen as you share detailed stories about your friends’ lives. He will recognize their importance in your life and will offer solutions to their problems with genuine interest.

Source: Famiyshare

 

 

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MEET WUNMI MOSAKU , THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS AT THE BAFTAS

Nigerian-born, British actress, Wunmi Mosaku won at the 2017 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award (BAFTA) for the Best Supporting Actress.

The Zaria-born actress migrated to Manchester, England and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2007.

Wunmi made her stage debut in a production of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s The Great Theatre of the World and appeared in Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Wunmi won for her role in ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’, a true story based on the murder of Damilola Taylor, a ten-year-old Nigerian boy living in Peckham, London and the subsequent trial.

Born in Lagos, Damilola travelled to the United Kingdom in August 2000 with his family to allow his sister, Gbemi to seek treatment for epilepsy before his death in November 2000.

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VANESSA ONYEMA: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH AN EX

What’s the angle when exes decide to bestie up?

Maturity has been trashed and misinterpreted in several ways, which I myself cannot comprehend. It’s kind of funny that when I decide that the best way to move out of a bad situation and regain my sanity, is always classified as immaturity.

One very unfortunate thing about feelings is that it is quite hard to kill it. Even the so-called maturity can never kill it. But you know what can try? Distance! And a lot of it.

When the reason for separation is on mutual grounds, it is okay to decide to stay friends. Maybe ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’ But when it goes beyond that, it becomes a problem; you get stuck. You get hurt.

When it gets bad, you run.

Social media is so easy, but as humans we always choose to walk on the path of complication. Instead of rubbing the good life in each other’s faces, use the block button! If seeing stuff, gets your day cranked up, if it makes you feel bad and spend hours on a page with a rush of rage, use the block button!

It’s not immaturity, it’s smart thinking. You don’t need anyone seeing how happy you have become. You don’t need that kind of validation. If you need to show how much you have moved on, or how excessively happy you are, then that happiness is forced. Trust me if you are truly happy, it will be seen. It must not come from you.

Why stay friends with an ex when you are tearing apart inside? Why hang on to someone who probably didn’t see you worthy of a try, who didn’t think you deserved a second chance? Are you thinking a magical friendship will jump-start feelings?

The more you hang in there playing confidant and leaning shoulder, the more disposable you become. The more you try to play it cool, the more you find yourself as a sitting duck. You are pushed to talk about your feelings, because it never left. Then, it ends badly and puts you in a messy situation.

Whenever you become less available, less predictable, when your life can’t be quoted, that’s when you become important.

Don’t get me wrong: I am not saying be enemies, or possibly send a firing squad after an ex because of a broken heart, but keep your distance and heal with time.

You can stay friends after you heal, or better just move along with your life. An extra baggage of worry doesn’t help all because you want to prove your maturity.

A mature person is not one who does things because of approval, or what people will say. A mature person is one with a mind of their own.

 

Source: Bellanaija

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WOMAN RISING! #BBNAIJA’S DEBIE RISE & BASSEY JOIN FORCES ON NEW SONG , LISTEN!

Oh Yes! She is on the rise!!

Debie Rise is here with a brand new single, produced by Mekoyo. It’s titled ‘Joy & Pain” and it features Bassey who was her fellow housemate at the BBNaija ‘See Gobbe’ reality show earlier in the year.

‘Joy & Pain‘ is a slow tempo, feel good tune. It was unveiled at her Risers appreciation party in Lagos last night.

Listen and Download below:

 

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AWP NETWORK HOSTS LEADING AFRICAN WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY

The African Women Power (AWP) Network recently hosted leading African women in technology to an engaging conversation on what it means to be a woman in technology.

The conversation explored the challenges and the progress made so far in the STEM fields with regards to women and girls in Nigeria.

Stakeholders were invited to join the conversation, which was led by Mary Olushoga, Founder of AWP Network. In attendance were Saudat Salami, Founder, EasyshopEasycook.com; Tolulope Adeyemo, Program Director, The WAAW Foundation; Nkemdilim Begho, Founder, FutureSoftware Resources; Abisoye Ajayi of Pearls Africa and the honorable Ubong King

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NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE FACE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA – JUST OMOMO IBE

Just Omomo Ibe  is a business strategist and a work life balance expert. She help individuals especially women  identify the various opportunities in their business to make more profit and create a balance between their work and personal life, so they can chase their dreams and make money while at it. The business coach  who is also a banker is living her dreams despite been an employee. The young catalyst is living solely on the principle of defying the norm to achieve extraordinary results. She talks about her passion and work life balance in this educative interview.

Not so rosy Childhood

I had a bitter sweet experience, growing up for me taught me so many things about contentment, resilience, hard work and focus. As kids we grew everything we ate, when other kids were having fun we would go to the farm,in all these periods my parents always taught us the importance of living in your lane. I wanted all the great things of life, great shoes, nice school bags and toys etc.

Since we couldn’t afford them financially I found succour in the fact that I was excelling academically and that when i grow up i would buy myself everything I desired. So yes having to be a contributor to the family prepared me to be able to add value in every area I find myself.

 

Who is Just Omomo Ibe?

Just Omomo Ibe, is married to my high school sweetheart and yes we have two beautiful children. My greatest joy in life is being able to nurture children and instil values in them. My desire to nurture lead me to start teaching women how to live the life of their dreams irrespective of their schedules. I love been around women who build others up because it’s in doing so that you can truly grow.

Being a Business Coach

As a business strategist I help businesses  bridge the gap between potential and performance, simply put I help you identify the various opportunities for growth and profit. No matter how well your business is doing there are so many areas you haven’t tapped that would help you operate at the optimum and of course more profit.

What we do is to analyse your business and draw out a visible growth plan.

As a work life balance expert i help you deconstruct your otherwise busy schedule and teach you to integrate all aspects perfectly so you can chase your God given dreams and make money while at it.

My Inspiration

My number one inspiration is President Barack Obama, I love the way he commands the stage when he speaks, he further explains the importance of just allowing your talents pave way for you.

I can almost say he spoke his way to the WHITE HOUSE.

Then Oprah Winfery. I also have a talk show that is aired on you tube, and Oprah has taught me that you can truly change lives by sharing knowledge from experts around the world with people.

In other words if you have access to an important person that can add value to your audience, by all means let them share from their wealth of knowledge. Be a blessing to the world and you would be blessed in return.

Motivation

This for me is a journey of purpose. Speaking and teaching gives me joy, most rewarding is when people are blessed by your message or the value you bring to the table.

Rewards

Your voice is unique, it doesn’t matter your educational background or your qualification. If you have a message there is someone out there that needs to hear it to survive and your job is to go out there, find those people and speak to them. Once you do the rewards are priceless.

Challenges

Truly it can be challenging to juggle your role as a wife, mother especially when you have toddlers and then a career.

You need to pray to God for a loving and supporting spouse because you may not be able to do it alone without breaking down.

You must also be weary of distractions, in your pursuit of your dreams,  everything may seem like the real thing but prayerfully seek Gods face for directions both in business relationships, the choice of a mentor and the right application of your ideas.

I have seen a lot of women start well and end badly because of poor judgement and bad associations.

 

Other Projects

Recently I wrote a book “RULE AS A BOSS,ROCK AS A MUM,SLAY AS A WIFE”, the book is actually a step by step guide to creating a work life balance for women to enable them chase their dreams and make money while at it. see below link to the book.  https://okadabooks.com/publication/my-publication

We also created a ROCK, RULE,SLAY CONFERENCE and we are starting the 1st edition in Abuja Nigeria by august. The Just Ibe Show also has room for partnerships and sponsorship including adverts for start-ups.

 

Positivity overcomes any Challenge

In chasing your dreams most times you would have to spend your own money to finance it until you can start making returns. When i first launched the show it was costing me so much and bringing in little. It was very frustrating, than i met a lady who reassured me that it would only get better, that is why I always stress the need to surround yourself with positive people

 

Are Nigerian Women Business Oriented?

 

Nigerian women are great business women, look around you everything we thought was impossible women have made it possible. Pap is now been exported, moi moi, pounded yam, fufu, amala, stockfish, ugu leaves, the list is endless.

Nigerian women are revolutionizing the face of entrepreneurship in Africa, just give us a mole and we would make an anthill out of it. I love my country and i love my Nigerian women..

 

I am a Woman of Rubies

Women of Rubies nurture people to growth, we support one another genuinely and that is my overall mantra. I live by genuinely supporting my sister.

Advice to Women

Whatever you feed your mind with would occupy your thoughts and that my friends is what would manifest in your life. So it’s pretty easy, ask yourself where do you want to be in 5 years?

What resources do you need to achieve this? Start feeding your mind with those resources and gradually your life would take that shape.

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