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Esther Ijewere

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In self development By

Farida Yahya: Ready To Launch That Online Business? Take My Simple Idea Verification Test

Please note that every startup’s story is different. However, I’d like you to remember this: “If your products or services are high-quality, solves your target market’s problems and reflects your passion, the probability of achieving a profitable business is high.”

COVID-19 crisis has brought a change in the economic landscape. Like you, a lot of people are thinking of either starting a new business online or pivoting from what they used to do.

Do you have a great idea and want to become a business owner in these times? Just before you dive into it, are you sure that your idea is viable in the market? Before investing in a new business, the most important step to take is to assess your idea’s viability.

From my experience, these are just markers and not the general rules. Today, I’ve compiled a list of idea verification questions you must ask yourself to assess your business’ chances of success.

 

Have you done a full self-analysis?

 

Market research doesn’t have much significance if you are not well equipped to meet the demand of the market. This is why self-analysis is important. The questions you should ask must help you dig deeper than the surface and help you develop a plan to build your business as a solution to your target customer’s pain point. Additionally, asking these questions and getting the answers to them would help lay your business foundation.

Below are the examples of questions you should ask yourself before you start talking to others about your business:

  • Why do I want to start a business?
  • What problem does my business solve?
  • Where will I find my target customers?
  • How do I identify them online?
  • What digital skills do I have?
  • What are my business goals?

One go-to method I use and recommend is to write down the answers in a book or journal. This will help solidify your thoughts and serve as blueprints for laying the foundation of your business.

Do You Know Your Competitors?

Every business has competitors, irrespective of whether they are direct or indirect. There are people and brands who have built a strong digital presence long before this crisis, so naturally, customers will trust them.

Identifying your competitors would help you know what they are doing and how your business can stand out from the crowd. Looking at what other businesses in your niche or industry are doing will give you valuable insights into how to run your proposed business without suffering from losses.

A smart business owner should understand other businesses’ strategies and not get too caught up in what its competitors are doing.

Have You Evaluated Your Social Capital?

I’m sure that we all heard the saying, “It takes money to make money”. While the phrase might sound cliché, its meaning still holds till today. But online, social capital built from trust and proof are the currency you will need to build a successful digital brand.

Most times, you’ll use a combination of your personal stories and collaborations with trusted brands to convince customers to buy from you. You must create a digital sales funnel that highlights how the money will be spent and marketing strategies for generating revenue, despite the current times.

Have You Analysed the Pulse of the Market?

One of the best ways to validate your business idea is via your target market. How do you achieve this? The first step is to define or identify your target market. Your target market are people who will be interested in what you have to sell.  After identifying them, the next step is to conduct effective market analysis on a small group (also known as a focus group).

Check out some of the ways you can test your business idea with target customers:

Have a focus group

A focus group consists of a small section of your identified target market that use your products or services and provide feedback. Using focus groups, conducting surveys and interviews show what consumers think about your business idea before you invest in it.

Ask groups on social media

Thanks to the internet and social media, you can seek validation or get people’s opinion about your business idea. From Facebook  groups to WhatsApp and even Telegram, social media practically puts your target market at your fingertips, you can conduct a survey or run a poll to assess people’s general perceptions and if they think you should do anything differently.

Set up a crowdfunding page

If necessary, crowdfunding pages are also great for determining your business idea’s viability. Crowdfunding websites offer more than just investors. You can also gain valuable reactions, observations, and advice from like-minded individuals. Bonus: You might be lucky to find someone who wants to invest in your idea.

Using small groups to test your business idea determines consumer’s impressions about what you have to sell. If the small market tests are successful, there’s a good possibility that your business idea will be accepted by a larger audience.

How do you really know if your business idea is viable?

Unfortunately, while there’s no one way to determine a business success, careful planning, excellent marketing strategies and enough capital to get the business off the ground would go a long way.

Please note that every startup’s story is different. However, I’d like you to remember this: “If your products or services are high-quality, solves your target market’s problems and reflects your passion, the probability of achieving a profitable business is high.”

One last thing, ask yourself these questions:

  • Desirability (target market) — will customers want it badly to buy it?
  • Feasibility — can I build/execute it?
  • Viability —will the profit I will make from it be greater than the expenditure I used to create or build it?
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Olabisi Animashuan: How To Support A Friend In An Abusive Relationship

In recent times, the rate of reported domestic abuse and death by intimate partner cases have skyrocketed. The raging pandemic has even become a fuelling agent as 80% of the report incidents took place during the Covid-19 lockdown. The internet, especially Twitter, also recorded the largest reports of domestic abuse and deaths in recent times as victims had tried to seek help and justice against their abusers. Agencies that provide sensitive services and help to victims of domestic and sexual violence also testified to the alarming increase rate of calls received since the pandemic.

The head of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi testifies to the fact that since the beginning of the lockdown on 30th March 2020 in Lagos, the agency now receives an average of 13 calls per day for just one of their hotlines compared with the 8 -9 they have been receiving before (extracted and translated from an article on BBC Pidgin). The absence of excuses to leave the vicinity of their abuser further heightened the situation. Before the lockdown, the victims had a little ‘protection’ or ‘break’ by going to the office, school, running errands, or other excuses that took them from the house.

Though many victims are just realising that there is no shame in sharing your ordeal with organizations that can help, many still, for the fear of being judged, embarrassed and ridiculed, keep their ordeal to themselves, hoping to still make things work. Unfortunately, very few of such people make it alive of such relationships if they eventually decide to leave.

In May 2020, the hashtag ‘#whyIdidnotreport’ trended and thousands of women shared their various reasons for staying in a toxic relationship. A large number had said their partner had pleaded over and over after each abuse; some might go as far as threatening to commit suicide if they left. Others had said they had devoted their lives to making the relationship work and did not know where to start over again. For many other women, especially the ones with children, they had chosen to stay for the sake of their children and because they didn’t have the financial capacity to care for themselves and their children. While some others chose to stay because they have been told over and over again that “it rains everywhere”, they only had to endure and manage their own storm. These women in their own rights had valid reasons for choosing to stay.

This article is to help us help our friends escape a toxic relationship, and help them get justice. Feminista Jones, in her article published on Zora “What to do if your friend is being abused” said

“Being a good friend means being mindful of how you speak about domestic and intimate partner violence around others because you never know if someone you love is being abused. Saying, “I don’t get why they just don’t leave. How stupid can you be?” can alienate your best friend who goes home to an abuser every day and you have no idea. Instead of expressing frustration, focus on empathy, and supportive language. “It’s so hard to leave abusive relationships. I hope you know that if you’re ever in this situation, you can come to me. No judgments.”

That’s the first step to getting them to open up. Assuring them of our love, understanding, and support without judgments.

Taking a peek at the unfortunate news of the gruesome murder of beautiful and bright Olamide Alli Omajuwa, the founder of The Pearl Academy, by the hands of her long-time lover and the father of her children, who then cowardly took his own life, evading the consequences of his actions. The horrific details of her murder sent shivers down the spines of many Nigerians. Days after her death, a WhatsApp chat, and VN had been released by a close friend. The chat indicated her doubts about the relationship and oncoming wedding, though she hadn’t gone into details of the causes of her doubts. Had the friend known things would turn out the way they did, she would have attempted to do more; have sort help on her behalf from the right places.

Educating yourself about laws and procedures as well as agencies that help people in abusive relationships cannot be overstated. Sometimes, calling the police may not always work as such cases may be treated as a family affair which can be settled amicably until the issue escalates enough to demand their attention. Agencies such as Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative(WRAPA), Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA), Project Alert on Violence Against Women, just to mention a few, have helplines that are available all around the clock. Some platforms like Amnesty International Nigeria (@ainigeria), Women at Risk International Foundation (@warif.ng), also have seasoned professionals willing to help, while Women of Rubies (@womenofrubies), a platform that tells the tales of an everyday woman, can help refer to counsellors and therapists.

Another way to help is by encouraging your friend to discreetly take pictorial, audio, or video evidence of times the abuse occurs. For instance, your friend could take an audio recording of her partner threatening or hurling verbal abuses. Pictures of injuries sustained after a physical abuse or even a video of your partner in rage will be very useful in making a solid case. This of course has to been done discreetly, because if discovered, this could lead to more abuse. A journal with dates, time, and issues leading to the abuse should also be kept. This will serve as documented evidence, should she eventually decide to take the legal route.

It is not sufficient that your friend keeps these pieces of evidence as anything can happen. The abusive partner can find them and destroy them, having your documentation as a backup will make a strong case, Times you felt your friend sounded off and she dismissed it as “coming down with something”, other times you notice a bruise or swelling and she just says she tripped fell or mistakenly ran into the wall. Recordings of times she trusted you with what was going on. Each insult, each punch, each blow, note them down and keep it in a safe place. Better still, send to the Cloud, that way, even if you lose your phone, you still have your evidence. This may seem invasive, but as long as you’re doing this with the right intentions, you are on the right track. It is also encouraged that these evidences are backed up to an online storage service like Google drive or Microsoft one drive.

Many women in abusive relationships, especially those with kids, find it difficult to leave due to the inability to provide for their kids and themselves. This is a great advantage to their abusers as they will dwell on this fact. Also bear in mind that most abusers would isolate their victims, stop them from associating with family and friends so that they have no one to share their ordeal with or even seek financial assistance to escape the abuse. Financial preparedness is a huge factor in leaving an abusive relationship. As a good friend, having a piggy bank designated for supporting your friend’s escape will be a step closer to helping her gain her freedom. Independently saving a thousand a month till your friend takes the bold decision of leaving the relationship. Just like every other escape, a bag containing a new phone, sim card, some clothing items, important documents, some cash, and some other things will be a valuable gift when the time comes.

Remember, just like opening up about an abusive partner is not an easy task, so is the decision of leaving an abusive partner. This is because they had earlier shared some good times and a lot of emotional manipulation may have been put to play. It takes a lot of strength to leave a toxic partner because, at some point, you begin to doubt yourself. They may wonder if things would change if you exercise a little patience, or perhaps give them some more time to change. The victim’s trust in you to open up is enough, unless it seems really dangerous, don’t push them too hard. The essence of   evidence is not to make the decision for them yourself, but to support them legally when they are ready, to help them get justice.

Lastly, don’t forget to fervently pray for them. That they are strengthened enough to walk away. That they see their value through God’s eyes and act on it. Then pray for their healing. May their healing be swift.

Written By: Olabisi Animashuan

 

Works cited:

Jones, Feminista. “How to Support a Friend in an Abusive Relationship” Medium. Zora. 28th May, 2020. https://zora.medium.com/how-to-support-a-friend-in-an-abusive-relationship-5d58b5bcb392

BBC: “Coronavirus domestic violence: Surviving lockdown wen you dey trapped with your abusive partner”.  BBC. 10th July, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-52675405

 

 

 

 

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“I Felt Violated When I discovered I Was Circumcised As A Little Girl” – Lolo Ihesie

Nigerian Activist Lolo Ihesie has revealed she recently discovered she was circumcised as a child and that makes her feel violated and hurt.

Her mother disclosed to her about being circumcised after she saw her teaching her younger sister about Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) and its implications.

According to her mother, every woman  in their family was subjected to female genital.

Lolo Ihesie added that despite being circumcised and not having a clitoris head , she has been able to play around it to find her G spot.

She advised ladies to ask their mother about being circumcised or visit a gynaecologist to find out.

Posting a photo of herself ,she wrote on Instagram;

“At 3 months old, my family cut out my clitoral head (FGM1) because they didn’t want me to grow up to be promiscuous.

This was never disclosed to me till I was an adult whilst I was educating my younger sisters about FGM and its implications.

Naturally, I am curious about my body and I teach about sex and pleasure – I noticed that I didn’t have a clitoral head but never wanted to believe that it was due to FGM
I assumed I just didn’t have a thick clitoral tissue even though direct stimulus to the clit hurts and I need to work around the clitoris to find my pleasure spot since the external tissue where most of the pleasure spot is located was cut.

I feel violated and incredibly hurt by this discovery but at the end –  It has given me insight as to why I am where I am and why my message about violation against women is important to me.

I am an igbo girl and this is common in igbo land.

My mother said it was done to every girl she knows including her-  mothers did it to their daughters.. some still do.

I encourage you to speak to your mothers and ask if they cut you or go to a gynecologist to inquire.

I share this because I need other young girls to see that FGM does not define us or our sexuality.
We deserve pleasure!
You can work with your body to learn what gives you that pleasure no matter what! ”

 

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In Editor's Choice By

Feminism Is Not Hatred Towards The Male Gender – Toke Makinwa

Popular Nigerian OAP and entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa in a recent tweet said that Feminism is not hatred towards the male gender.

She said this in respond to some followers who insinuated that she and Tonto Dike hates men.

Toke replied that she does not hate men, but ‘I hate patriarchy and I speak against “male privileges” ‘

She opined that feminism is speaking against patriarchy, it is inclusion and some men are in support of it.

She tweeted ;

“Know the difference and set yourself free.

Feminism is not hatred towards the male gender, I just can’t stand the male privileges that exists.

It is speaking out against patriarchy, it is inclusion and there are men who support feminism too.”

 

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In self development By

Toyin Abraham Celebrates 3 Years Of Reinventing Self

Nollywood actress and movie producer, Toyin Abraham has celebrated three years of re-inventing herself.

The 37-year-old took to her Instagram page to remind fans of when the journey began, adding that it has been one massive journey of change and faithfulness of God.

She wrote: “There was a Toyin Aimakhu then Toyin Abraham happened three years ago. Let’s not forget the ”new” Toyin is just three years ago. It has been one massive journey of change and faithfulness of God. What a journey!

“Living my life at my pace and being at peace with my pace.”

The ‘new’ Toyin emerged when she changed her name three years ago. Her last name used to be Aimakhu.

According to her, initially, it was a family decision to change the name but she resisted because of her brand.

However, with several controversial events associated with her then, she finally made the decision to go with the family change.

Toyin termed it a different and better brand.

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Nigerian Writer, Wana Udobang Selected For Prestigious International Writing Programme

Nigerian writer, artist and broadcaster, Wana Udobang has been selected to participate in the 54th International Writing Programme (IWP) Fall Residency at the University of Iowa, courtesy of the United States Department of State.

The 11-week course will have Wana alongside 29 other writers from across the globe in the world’s oldest and largest multinational writing residency. The participants will give readings and lectures that share their work and cultures collaborate with artists from other genres and art forms, and travel to interact with audiences and literary communities across The United States.

In addition, the residency will provide the writers with a one-of-a-kind inter-cultural opportunity to forge productive relationships with colleagues and translators, and take part in the vibrant social and academic life of the University of Iowa as well as the larger American literary scene.

Sharing her joy at the development on Twitter, Wana said: “Your girl is going to be an international writing programme resident in IOWA in the spring next year. Still pinching myself. Hugging face❤”

United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo congratulated the Nigerian writer on her acceptance into the residency program. According to her, the goal of the IWP Fall Residency is to provide outstanding writers with a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.

“This is an extremely competitive program and we are proud to have you represent Nigeria,” she said.

“Your accomplishments as a poet and writer are well-known and we hope this is an opportunity for you to take time to focus on your writing, connect with well-established writers from around the globe, learn more about the United States, and contribute to literature courses both at The University of Iowa and across the country.”

Wana Udobang popularly known as Wana Wana was born in Lagos, Nigeria.

She graduated with a first-class degree in Journalism.

She worked as a radio presenter and producer at 92.3 Inspiration FM in Lagos, Nigeria for over six years and hosted the television show “Airtel Touching Lives”. She is the producer of the documentary “Sensitive Skin” a documentary film about the skin condition, Psoriasis.

She is a public speaker in the areas of gender advocacy, youth mentorship and is a well sought after moderator in the creative and cultural space.

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In lifestyle By

Before You Eat Too Much Salt Here Are The Long-Term Effects

Eating too much salt over a long period of time may bring on several health issues.

May raise blood pressure
Research suggests that salt-rich diets significantly increase blood pressure and that lowering the salt content of a person’s diet can help lower their blood pressure levels.

For instance, two large reviews report that a reduction in salt intake of 4.4 grams per day may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the top and bottom numbers of a reading) by up to 4.18 mm Hg and 2.06 mm Hg respectively.

However, the observed reductions were close to two times larger in individuals with high blood pressure, compared with those with blood pressure in the normal range.

Moreover, these effects are thought to be significantly stronger in salt-sensitive individuals than in those who are not salt-sensitive. Obesity and aging are also though to amplify the blood pressure-raising effects of salt-rich diets.

May increase stomach cancer risk
Several studies link a high salt diet to a higher risk of stomach cancer.

A review including more than 268,000 participants suggests that those with median salt intakes of 3 grams per day may have up to a 68% higher risk of stomach cancer than those with median salt intakes of 1 gram per day.

Another study further suggests that people with high salt intakes may have a two times higher risk of stomach cancer than those with lower intakes. Still, this study doesn’t clearly define what is considered high or low salt

The mechanism behind salt’s effect on stomach cancer isn’t fully understood.

However, experts believe that salt-rich diets may make a person more vulnerable to stomach cancer by causing ulcers or inflammation of the stomach lining.

Effect on risks of heart disease and premature death
The link between salt-rich diets, heart disease, and premature death is still somewhat controversial.

Some studies suggest that high salt intakes cause a rise in blood pressure and a stiffening of blood vessels and arteries. In turn, these changes may result in a higher risk of heart disease and premature death.

For instance, one 20-year study notes that participants who consumed less than 5.8 grams of salt per day had the lowest mortality rates, while those who consumed more than 15 grams of salt per day had the highest.

However, others suggest that high salt diets have no effects on heart health or longevity and that low salt diets may actually increase the risk of heart disease and death.

These differing study results may be explained by differences in study design, methods used to estimate sodium intake, and participant factors, such as weight, salt sensitivity.

While it’s possible that eating too much salt doesn’t increase the risk of heart disease or premature death for everyone, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Eating too much salt in the long term may raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of stomach cancer. It may also increase the risk of heart disease and premature death, although more research is needed to confirm this.

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Javicia Leslie Makes History After Being Named First Black ‘Batwoman’

Actress Javicia Leslie is making history after being cast as the first Black “Batwoman” by television network The CW, Variety reports. 

Leslie is an upcoming actress, known for her roles on CBS’ “God Friended Me,” BET’s “The Family Business,” and the film “Always a Bridesmaid.” Now the starlet will play the lead role as “Batwoman” on The CW. 

The trailblazing actress plays  Ryan Wilder, a new character on the show described as “likeable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.” Wilder will replace Kate Kane, formerly played by Ruby Rose. Ryan spends years living a life of crime and becomes known for her fighting skills.

“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said. 

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In Inspiration By

Madeline Swegle Is U.S. Navy’s First Black Female Tactical Jet Pilot

Madeline Swegle just made history by becoming the United States Navy’s first Black female tactical jet pilot. 

wegle’s best friend, Alissa, shared the news  along with celebratory images on Twitter stating, “ just my best friend making history.”

The Chief of Naval Air Training also acknowledged the historic feat with a tweet.

“BZ to Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle on completing the Tactical Air (Strike) aviator syllabus. Swegle is the @USNavy’s first known Black female TACAIR pilot and will receive her Wings of Gold later this month. HOOYAH!”

The Virginia native completed her Tactical Air Strike Aviator course with VT-21 Redhawks in Kingsville, Texas. 

Senator Kamala Harris joined hundreds of others in praising Swegle for her accomplishments and its impact.

“Congratulations Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle! You’re paving the way for young girls everywhere,” Senator Harris tweeted.

It took 110 years to happen, but Swegle has blazed a permanent trail that will inspire Black girls to continue to break the mold and soar high. 

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How Widline Pyrame Created Dolls With Afro Hair To Encourage Little Black Girls To Love How They Look

30-year old Widline Pyrame has created a line of dolls with Afro hair to empower little black girls to love how they look.

Growing up, Widline hated her tightly curled hair and wanted to have straight hairs like the one she sees in magazines and on dolls. So, she decided to straighten her hair by using her mother’s hair relaxing products but her hair fell off.

She was nine when the incident happened but it was etched in her memory.

“I struggled with my self-esteem and confidence as a child.I thought I wasn’t beautiful enough because of my dark skin and hair texture, which led me to want straight hair so badly”, she told Dailymail

However, everything changed when her uncle bought her and her sister a black doll to share. They were so shocked because they never knew a black doll existed.

While training to become a social worker, she became more exposed to the concept of self-love and decided to help young black girls to avoid the negative self-image she had as a child. So, she created her own range of black dolls with an Afro.

“When children are playing, they want to see something that represents themselves. I believe little girls seeing dolls that look just like them would help with the pressure of skin bleaching and the pressure to change their hair texture”, she said.

She takes inspiration from African and Haitian cultural designs, with each of the dolls wearing traditional dresses. Widline wants her customers and their children to feel represented, visible, comfortable and unique.

Source: Woman.ng

 

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