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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Shares Heartfelt message amidst covid-19 pandemic

While sharing that she lost her closest aunt who died from a brain aneurysm last week, describing it as a “devastating tragedy”, she also disclosed that she is now reminded everyday of how fragile and breakable humans are. Her worries each time her doctor husband leaves for work, when her daughter coughs and her throat itches, stating that “this is a time to cope in the best way we can”.

Read her heartfelt note:

Last week, my family suffered a devastating tragedy, the very sudden death of my closest aunt, from a brain aneurysm. One day she was well and happy and the next day she was gone. Our time is filled with pain whose cause still does not feel fully true. We cry and yet we feel as though she is not really gone.⁣⁣
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And it is more surreal to grieve a sudden death in these strange times when the world has shut down, places once full are empty, heavy with the ghosts of silent gatherings, and across the world people are dying alone. Coronavirus is a menace in the air, a menace inside our heads. Every day I am reminded of how fragile, how breakable we are.⁣⁣
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My husband is a doctor and each morning when he leaves for work, I worry. My daughter coughs and I worry. My throat itches and I worry. On Facetime I watch my elderly parents. I admonish them gently: Don’t let people come to the house. Don’t read the rubbish news on whatsapp.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
This is a time to cope in the best way we can. There are moments when our spirits will sag. Moments when we will feel tired after doing absolutely nothing. But how can we not? The world as it is today is foreign to us. It would be strange not to be shaken to our core.⁣⁣
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I cannot imagine thinking of over-achieving, or of accomplishing more than usual, when all around you the world as you know it has changed, perhaps never to return to what it used to be. And yet we must continue to go on day by day. We must choose to live. And to do so we can set small goals. Like drink more water, if you’ve spent the past ten years wanting to be more hydrated. Like learn something every day, no matter how small. Like call loved ones – not text them, call them. Like help someone – with a small cash transfer, an encouraging message, a shared laugh.⁣⁣
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I believe in allowing myself to feel what I feel. But endless negative feelings are enervating. And so to manage it I give myself time to feel what I am feeling – an hour, or two, or three, or four – and then when the time is up, I try to push my mind into a different territory. It doesn’t always work. But it’s worth trying for when it does work.⁣

In these pandemic-blighted times, living with a medical professional who so far has diagnosed two positive cases, in an American state being told to brace itself for an onslaught of more cases, my goal is to feel anxiety but not allow it fester into paranoia. And what helps me is knowledge. The news can be emotionally exhausting, and can inflame anxiety, but it is important for me to educate myself. I am always careful about my news sources, and I always keep in mind that there is much still unknown about this coronavirus. I will share links to articles in my stories.

And I make an effort not to read only about the coronavirus. I have just started reading ‘Selected Poems’ by Kenneth Fearing and a wonderfully honest memoir, ‘Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning’ by Cathy Park Hong.

I am listening to the great Bill Withers, may he rest in peace.
I wish you all strength and as many moments of tranquility as possible.

 

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These Women Are Representing Nigeria in Water Sports at the 2020 Olympics

Rowing is a type of sport done on water. It involves propelling a boat with the use of oars. In preparation for the 2020 Olympics, the secretary-general of the Nigeria rowing, canoe and sailing federation declared the commissioning of 20 rowing boats denoted by Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC to the federation.

Canoeing, also done on water, involves paddling a light, narrow boat with a single-bladed paddle.

Ayomide Bello, who is 17 years of age, has become the first female canoeist from Nigeria to qualify for the Olympics after winning the C1 200 event at Africa’s Tokyo 2020 qualifiers in Morocco. She also won gold in the C2 women’s final with her partner at the event in Rabat. In 2018, Ayomide Bello competed at the Youth Olympics in Argentina in 2018. Nigeria’s only previous Olympic canoeist is Warrington-born Jonathan Akinyemi, 30, who competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.

Nigeria’s Esther Tamaraebi Toko is set to make history at the Olympic Games when she becomes the first home-based Athlete to represent Nigeria in rowing. Esther Toko qualified for the games at the 13th African Rowing Championships, the African Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Tunisia last year.

Alongside her partner and Team Nigeria captain, Michael Moses, she won individual bronze in the coastal rowing event at the first-ever African Beach Games in Cape Verde in 2019. They also won silver in the mixed team event.

The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXII Olympiad is an upcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo.

Meet the boss babes who will represent us at the coming Olympic games in Canoeing and Rowing:

Nigerian women are making their mark across all sectors in the country and sports is not left out. For the first time ever, Nigeria will be sending its first female canoeist and first (female) athlete in rowing to the Olympics 2020 in Tokyo.

Rowing is a type of sport done on water. It involves propelling a boat with the use of oars. In preparation for the 2020 Olympics, the secretary-general of the Nigeria rowing, canoe and sailing federation declared the commissioning of 20 rowing boats denoted by Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC to the federation.

Canoeing, also done on water, involves paddling a light, narrow boat with a single-bladed paddle.

Ayomide Bello, who is 17 years of age, has become the first female canoeist from Nigeria to qualify for the Olympics after winning the C1 200 event at Africa’s Tokyo 2020 qualifiers in Morocco. She also won gold in the C2 women’s final with her partner at the event in Rabat. In 2018, Ayomide Bello competed at the Youth Olympics in Argentina in 2018. Nigeria’s only previous Olympic canoeist is Warrington-born Jonathan Akinyemi, 30, who competed at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.

Nigeria’s Esther Tamaraebi Toko is set to make history at the Olympic Games when she becomes the first home-based Athlete to represent Nigeria in rowing. Esther Toko qualified for the games at the 13th African Rowing Championships, the African Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Tunisia last year.

Alongside her partner and Team Nigeria captain, Michael Moses, she won individual bronze in the coastal rowing event at the first-ever African Beach Games in Cape Verde in 2019. They also won silver in the mixed team event.

The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXII Olympiad is an upcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo.

Meet the boss babes who will represent us at the coming Olympic games in Canoeing and Rowing:

Ayomide Emmanuel Bello

She is a home-based Nigerian female paddler in the event of canoe 200m and 500m single race. Born on 4th April 2002, she is from Arogbo town in Ondo state. She attended Adekunle Anglican Primary School Makoko and proceeded to Wesley Girls Secondary School Yaba but had to drop out of school after the death of her father to support her mother with the family fishing business and also work part-time as a hairdresser. She was first discovered at the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin first as a swimmer before crossing over to professional canoeing. She has represented Nigeria at various international competitions and was ranked 8th in the world at the 2018 Youth Olympics Games in Argentina. Her achievements include:

  • Africa Games 2019 ( 4 Gold Medals)
  • Africa Canoe Championship Egypt 2019 ( 1 Gold and 1 Silver Medal)
  • Open international canoe sprint Championship India 2019 (1 Gold and 3 Bronze Medals)
  • African Youth Games Algeria 2018 (2 Gold Medals)

She will be representing Nigeria at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo Japan.

Esther Toko

She is a home-based Nigerian athlete in professional Rowing. She was born 28th of March 2000 and hails from Arogbo in Ondo state. She has represented Nigeria in various competitions. Some of her achievements include:

  • Africa Coastal Rowing, Cape Verde 2019 ( 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal)
  • West African Rowing Ragatta Cote D Ivoire 2018 ( 1 Silver Medal)
  • Canoe Sprint African Championship Morocco 2015 (1 Gold and 2 Bronze Medals)

Esther will be representing Nigeria in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo Japan.

Aside from Canoeing and Rowing, Nigeria is also qualified to participate in:

  • Basketball – Men’s Tournament
  • Men’s Track & Road Events: 400m, 200m, 100m
  • Women’s Track & Road Events: 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m
  • Men’s Shot Put
  • Women’s Long Jump
  • Women’s Freestyle Wrestling

We wish these ladies the best in the coming events.

 

Photo Credit: Nigerian Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation. 

Source: Bella Naija

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#RubyGirls | “I grew up in the soil of unconditional love and selflessness” – Ademiluyi Favour Titilope

ADEMILUYI Favour Titilope is currently a 300 level student of the prestigious Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

Growing up as a litterateur and debater, she has had modest achievements, awards and scholarship trip outside the country.

Over time, Favour has held several positions and is currently the Assistant P.R.O & Assistant General Secretary, CLASFON, OOU; the Deputy Information-Technologist, Legal Magnates & Company, OOU; the Financial Secretary and Assistant General Secretary, Infinity Foundation, OOU, among others.

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Favour?

Warm greetings. *ADEMILUYI FAVOUR* is God’s Noble Progeny, who is fully awake to and heading forward, in the actualization and manifestation of her true being and essence.

She is phenomenal, resourceful, and “Excellence-driven.”

2. Who and what inspires you?

1. My purpose, visions which are birthed by the Holy Spirit, a product of God’s will.

2. My Dad – He is an exemplary leader; a perfect description of humility, integrity, service and excellence.

3. You have been outside the country on a scholarship trip on two different occasions for being the best French student in your secondary school. Which countries are these? And how was your experience?

Quite funny! Although I was given a scholarship trip precisely to Togo on 2 different occasions for being the best French Student in Secondary School 2 & 3 respectively, I couldn’t embark on the journey.

For the first scholarship trip, my parents didn’t allow me go, for reasons best known to them.

For the second scholarship trip, although I had my valid passport and yellow card, I couldn’t embark on the journey as the trip clashed with a National Debate Competition at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. ‘Being the debater that I am’, I chose the competition over the trip.

To God be the glory, I and my team emerged winners. I was the Chief Speaker for my school in the Debate competition, and I was awarded the Most Eloquent Speaker. Consequently, we (I and my team) were to be invited to Botswana for another competition, but this sadly didn’t see the light of the day.

However, my Dad surprisingly arranged another trip for me to Porto-Novo, while I was waiting for OOU’s Post UTME result to be out. It was a 1-3 month(s) study trip alongside some 300 level Nigerian Undergraduates (who were French students).

It was a remarkable experience. I was opportune to visit Le Temple du Python in Ouidah; Le Muséum Nationale, the ‘Sea of No Return’ et. al.

More importantly, I won the First Prize in the “BAIN LINGUISTIQUE EN FRANÇAIS” PROGRAMME (2017), and I was accordingly recognized by Le Président (the Vice Chancellor), INSTITUT UNIVERSITAIRE PANAFRICAIN (IUP), PORTO-NOVO.

4. Your best quote?

“You were born to stand out, stop trying to fit in,”
Roy T. Bennett.

5. How was growing up like for you? Did your upbringing contribute in anyway to who you are today and positions you hold?

I grew up in the soil of unconditional love and selflessness. I was (and is still) surrounded with hugs, motivation and unshakable faith in me from my parents. My Dad has always been my Special Friend, and my mum has always been my Superheroine. They have always been there for me.

Although not without hurdles, my upbringing has been an exclusive mix of grace and bliss. This has had a massive impact on me; I have grown to believe that I can do and achieve anything I set my heart to do and achieve.

Also, my Dad, who happens to be one of my mentors, has groomed and is still grooming me to an enviable stage. I grew up attending meetings with eminent Personalities, dining with Professors & Vice Chancellors, sampling and proof reading Ph.D thesis. I grew up interacting and working with great minds. This has indeed awaken the consciousness of responsibility and invoked the spirit of leadership in me.

6. You have held several positions and have never disappointed in blazing the trail right from childhood. You are currently the Assistant P.R.O & Assistant General Secretary, CLASFON, OOU; the Deputy Information-Technologist, Legal Magnates & Company, OOU; the Financial Secretary and Assistant General Secretary, Infinity Foundation, OOU, among others. How do you juggle all of these offices with the demands of studying Law?

Truthfully, although it has not been so smooth, it has been God all the way.

The key is discipline, as it requires a big sacrifice on my part. I endeavour to prioritize, set and stick to routines.

I have no doubt that there are more responsibilities coming my way. This will definitely require more balance; I’m always trusting God to perfect this delicate balance.

7. Mention 3 Women who inspire you and why

The world is full of inspiring women, and I consider myself so lucky to be inspired by the following women:
1. My invaluable mother – Victoria O. Ademiluyi
2.Mother-in-Israel, RCCG – Pst Mrs Foluke A. Adeboye
3. Former First Lady, United States of America – Michelle Obama

1. I grew up watching a live superheroine, whose unique nature constantly inspires me. My invaluable mother is a beacon of resilience, who has overtime instilled in me and my siblings a hard work ethic, and has motivated us to grow without barriers.

Leading by example, my mother repeatedly emphasizes the need to uphold the values of dignity, integrity and service. Victoria O. Ademiluyi is a blessing to me and the world at large; she is exceptional and phenomenal in every aspect.

2. Being a woman of virtue, Pastor Mrs Foluke Adenike Adeboye has continually inspired me and many others. Her calm and warm personality, alongside her sterling leadership qualities even as a real spiritual mother, who has the love of God, is indeed at the heart of some really inspiring lessons for all.

3. The graceful personality of Michelle Obama often leaves me completely enamoured. She is an iconic fashionista whose intelligence, grace, values, beliefs and leadership qualities infuse lives and set an example of how an ideal lady should be.

Her contagious positivity constantly inspires me and many others to prioritize self-care, use our voices for change, and be ourselves – unapologetically.

8. One thing you will like to change about yourself.

Honestly, I don’t want to change myself. I have grown to embrace who I am and to love myself unconditionally.

I simply want to grow and improve myself, even in my originality. I simply want to change my flawed actions, even in my originality.

Just like Mark Manson said, “Trying to change yourself—that is, who you are—will inevitably lead you to fail and feel hopeless. But if you instead focus on changing your actions without worrying about how it changes you as a person, real change becomes much simpler.”

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

I most humbly will adopt the recommendation given by my Dad during his Inaugural Lecture on 10th March, 2020.

I will ensure to establish a National Planning agency which will redirect Nigeria’s development agenda from a ‘project basket approach’ to development. This will create something more comprehensive which will focus on correcting the social and spatial imbalances/inequalities that have sunk the majority of Nigerians into poverty.

The idea is to redesign Nigeria to amplify the linkages within the political and economic structures, as well as redesigning the polity to dismantle the colonial heritage of inequalities which have hitherto negatively affected the development of Nigeria (Ademiluyi, 2020).

10. What keeps you up at night?

The zeal to make landmark impacts, reform lives and transform the world positively. The zeal to fully live, express and manifest my true being and essence. The zeal to implement and fulfil my visions, my purpose; all these keep me up at night.

11. You have a great penchant for research, writing, public speaking and linguistics. You also represent OOU’S Literary and Debating Society in competitions and events. How do you prepare and develop yourself for these activities?

I simply toil upward in the night.

Just like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow POET said, “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

12. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

By God’s grace, if He tarries, in the next 5 years, I see myself as a Ph.D student.

I also see myself fulfilling purpose and making the world a better place.

I see myself maintaining a stronger bond with God.


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

If I was opportune to address a group of girls five years younger than I am, my advice will go thus:
“You are who you are, and there is no one else like you. Each person is a unique magnificent being. Do not be your illusory self. Accept yourself for who you truly are, and truly connect with your individual authentic self. Celebrate your essence. With sheer openness and in genuineness of your authentic expression, work from within – that is, from inside-out. To compromise the integrity of your individual authentic self is to falter in the face of mediocrity and conformity.”

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Coronavirus: Buhari’s daughter returns home after self-isolation

A daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari has returned home after undergoing 14 days self-isolation. It was revealed that the daughter showed no symptoms of the deadly coronavirus but heeded the medical advice to people coming into the country from high-risk countries.

An elated first lady said it was a thing of ‘joy’ to receive her daughter after being away from the family for two weeks.

“It is a thing of joy & gratitude to Almighty God to reunite with my daughter after she had been in isolation for 14 days immediately she landed in Nigeria. While I’m wishing all those infected for a speedy recovery, I pray for the end of this,” she wrote.

In a statement by Aliyu Abdullahi, media assistant to the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, said the young lady came out normal and healthy and was received by her mother.

“I’m happy to inform you that the young lady in question, Mr. President’s daughter, has successfully completed her isolation period of 14 days and she’s normal, very healthy and well.

“She has since this afternoon rejoined her family, the mother, her Excellency First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari personally received her.

“The lesson here for Nigerians and other parents to learn is that this is a child with all the privileges one can ever think to have in the country but the parents and the daughter insisted in following the NCDC protocol,” the statement read.

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This is Zulu Sofola, The First Female Professor Of Theatre Arts In Africa

Zulu Sofola was the first published female Nigerian playwright and dramatist. Sofola was also a university teacher and became the first female Professor of Theater Arts in Africa.

Born in Isele Uku to the Okumabua family, Zulu had her primary and secondary education in Nigeria before traveling to the United States for her university education.

She bagged a BA in English at Virginia Union University and an MA in drama from The Catholic University of America.

She returned to Nigeria to start her career as a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a Ph.D.

A singer, dancer, and a creative playwright, Zulu wrote and directed many plays for stage and television. She published over ten plays, which includes, The Deer and The Hunters Pearl, Eclipso and the Fantasia, King Emene, Memories In the Moonlight, Old Wines Are Tasty, The Operators, The Showers and The Wizard of the Law.

She was criticized for being a liberal feminist because her plays analyzed the ill-treatment of women in African societies, however, she is well-known as a brilliant writer.

Zulu believes that people should be respected because they are humans and not for their gender. Her work also explored the culture and traditions of Nigeria’s history.

Zulu received many scholarly awards and distinctions both nationally and internationally.

She was the first woman to hold the Chair and Headship of a theatre department as the Head of the Department of the Performing Arts of the University of lIorin.

In 1988, she represented Nigeria at the first International Women Playwrights Conference. In 2002, the National Prize for Creative Writing was named after her and her plays are still read and performed across Europe, North and South America, and Africa.

Sofola’s most frequently performed plays are Wedlock of the Gods (1972) and The Sweet Trap (1977),[7] She died in 1995 at the age of 60.

Zulu met and married her college lover, Adeyemi Sofola. Six months after the death of her husband, Zulu died on September 5, 1995.

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Grandmother With Parkinson’s Disease Still Greases Her Granddaughter’s Scalp

Before beauticians introduced their fingers to our childhood scalps, our mothers, grandmothers, older sisters or aunties tended to our tresses by greasing our scalp. Nowadays its all about oils, curl puddings and butters, but back then, Murray’s or Blue Magic was the choice for Black women. We’d find a seat on the floor between their legs and their growing fingers would christen our hair.

For Star Danielle — who went viral after a video of her grandmother Cester (who goes by @GrammyCDubb on social media), greasing her scalp made its way to TheShadeRoom — those moments are common. Star’s grandmother has Parkinson’s disease — a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness and unbalances in individuals who have it. The disease hasn’t stopped her from carrying on their tradition they started when she was just a little girl.

“My grandmother is basically my best friend,” she told us in a candid chat. “It’s kind of complicated — by blood, she is my great, great aunt. She adopted my mom and later became my legal guardian. She is my great, great aunt, grandmother, and mother.”

But they got even closer in the last two years when she got diagnosed with cancer on top of Parkinson’s, which Star says she’s had since she can remember.

“It doesn’t stop her from doing her daily needs as far as shower, eating and cooking. Her greasing my hair is good for her — it keeps her hands active and moving.”

Star says her grandmother taught her about haircare and was the gardener who keeps her hair fertilized and healthy with her growing hand. She laughs recalling the time her hair broke off when she went to live with her biological mother. “I was so upset.”

Cester also raised other children who weren’t her own. She has four adopted daughters.”You wouldn’t even know because of the bond we all have.”

In many Black families, the grandmother is the matriarch of the family, leading the rest with her wise tongue, scripture for every situation and caring nature. Like Cester, who has raised over “100 children,” she is the head of a big village. We praise all our grandmother’s. They’re gems.

Source: WomenAfrica

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Nigeria’s Oil Baroness Folorunso Alakija Shares On What Makes Tomorrow’s Billionaires

Folarunsho Alakija is one of the only two female billionaires in Africa. She is the vice chair of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil exploration company with a stake in Agbami Oilfield, a prolific offshore asset. Famfa Oil’s partners include Chevron and Petrobras. Her first company was a fashion label.

She shared her thoughts to FORBES AFRICA on what makes tomorrow’s billionaires, and how Africa can utilize entrepreneurship.

“There are a lot of business opportunities in Africa that do not exist in other parts of the world, yet Africa is seen as a poor continent. The employment constraints in the formal sector in Africa have made it impossible for it to meet the demands of the continent’s working population of which over 60% are the youth. Therefore, it is imperative we harness the potential of Africa’s youth to engage in entrepreneurship and provide adequate assistance to enable them to succeed.”

“Several governments have been working to provide a conducive atmosphere which will promote entrepreneurship on the continent. However, there is still a lot more to be done in ensuring that the potential of these young entrepreneurs are maximized to the fullest. Some of the challenges young startups in Africa face are as follows: lack of access to finance/insufficient capital; lack of infrastructure; bureaucratic bottlenecks and tough business regulations; inconsistent government policies; dearth of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills; lack of access to information and competition from cheaper foreign alternatives.”

She stated on the importance of having government and non-governmental coming together to tackle this challenges.

“The governments of African nations should provide and strengthen its infrastructure (power, roads and telecom); they should encourage budding entrepreneurs by ensuring that finance is available to businesses with the potential for growth and also commit to further improving their business environments through sustained investment; there must also be a constant push for existing policies and legislation to be reviewed to promote business activities,” she stated.

On the needed attributes for tomorrow’s billionaires she said;

“There is no overnight success. You must start by dreaming big and working towards achieving it. You must be determined to succeed despite all odds. Do not allow your setbacks or failures to stop you but rather make them your stepping stone. Develop your strengths to attain excellence and be tenacious, never give up on your dream or aspiration. Your word must be your bond. You must make strong ethical values and integrity your watchword. Always act professionally and this will enable you to build confidence in your customers and clients.”

Full interview here

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Meghan Markle, Prince Harry close UK offices, bid final good bye to royalty

Megan Markle and Prince begin their royal free life from today April 1. Taking to Twitter, the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English also shared an automated response from the pair, indicating the transition is in effect.

“Many thanks for your email. The office for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex has now closed,” their automated message read as shared by the royal editor, Rebecca English of the Daily Mail. Their Buckingham Palace royal office, officially ended yesterday

On Monday, the Sussexes posted a final message to their 11.3 million followers on Instagram.

“Thank you to this community – for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon. You’ve been great!” the message read. “Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of one another.”

 

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OkayAfrica releases its list of 100 incredible african Women in 2020

According to OkayAfrica

This is to say that these women are building infrastructure, both literally and metaphorically, for future generations in Africa and in the Diaspora. And they are doing so intentionally, reaching back, laterally, and forward to bridge gaps and make sure the steps they build—and not without hard work, mines of microaggressions, and challenges—are sturdy enough for the next ascent.

Our honorees use various mediums to get the job done—DJ’s, fashion designers, historians, anthropologists, and even venture capitalists—but each with the mission to clear the road ahead for generations to come.

CAREER

Genevieve Nnaji, Zozibini Tunzi & Kiki Mordi make OkayAfrica’s 100 Women 2020 List celebrating Incredible African Women

BellaNaija.com

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2 weeks ago on

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

OkayAfrica has released its annual “100 Women” list which celebrates incredible African women, from novelists, media mavens, historians and much more, the women on this year’s list are laying the groundwork for other women to follow.

According to OkayAfrica

This is to say that these women are building infrastructure, both literally and metaphorically, for future generations in Africa and in the Diaspora. And they are doing so intentionally, reaching back, laterally, and forward to bridge gaps and make sure the steps they build—and not without hard work, mines of microaggressions, and challenges—are sturdy enough for the next ascent.

Our honorees use various mediums to get the job done—DJ’s, fashion designers, historians, anthropologists, and even venture capitalists—but each with the mission to clear the road ahead for generations to come.

This year’s list includes amazing women like Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, PiggyVest co-founder Odunayo Eweniyi, international DJ Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy), Hollywood’s Danai Gurira, BBC journalist Kiki Mordi, and so many more.

These women are shaping and changing narratives for young black women.

Check over here to read about the women.

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Nigerian TV Host, Tobi Akingbade Shares Her Scary Symptoms After Surviving Coronavirus

Tv host Tobi tested postive after been in contact with a confirmed case. She further revealed her condition and experience, with having a swollen gland, persistent cough, fever and always felt tired thereafter.

Read her tweets below;

I survived coronavirus. Spent nearly 2 weeks indoors + in quarantine as my body fought it off. Yesterday, I took my first steps downstairs, headed straight to my garden + took a deep breath Wasn’t gonna share this online but I’ve been encouraged to share hope & good news 1/18

Because a lot of us may not get access to Covid-19 testing kits and calls with NHS 111 feel scripted, I’ll share my experience. It may help someone. These were my symptoms… 2/18

Day 1: I’d been informed that I was in contact with someone who had been in contact with someone with covid-19. Nothing serious I told myself, but I decided to social distance anyway. Later I found out I’d been in direct contact with a confirmed case 5 days before. 3/18

Day 2: I develop a very dry cough. And a swollen gland I developed 2 days before Day 1 became very prominent. The cough was persistent making speaking for longer than 40 secs hard. I was extremely fatigued. I’m anaemic and well acquainted with tiredness but this was chronic 4/18

Day 3: A good night sleep did not help. My chest was painfully tight, at first I blamed work anxiety. I developed a fever (was hot + cold at the same time). I struggled to walk and my breathing became shallow + difficult. The muscles in my neck began to ache. 5/18

Day 4: The scariest day. Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a truck in my sleep and then thrown of a cliff. The muscles in my face ached. The muscles in eyes hurt. Every muscle hurt. My persistent cough became extremely painful. Developed a painful migraine. 6/18

Day 4: Still with a fever and cough. On this day I became frightful of how my body would force itself to sleep. My breathing was worrying and I feared the worst. I called NHS 111 who confirmed my suspicions and instructed me to self-isolate in my room as I don’t live alone. 7/18

Day 5: I slept a lot. Keeping my eyes open was painful and a core. Wore sunglasses to use my phone. The sunlight made my migraine worst. My body ached and my breathing became worst. Coughing didn’t help. I could feel my lungs getting heavier, every breath got shorter. 8/18

Day 6: Painkillers did not stop the pain. Also stockpiling trends meant even my pharmacist could not help. Was scared to sleep as my breathing was not improving. Could not hold my breath for more than 2 secs. 9/18

Day 7: I became alarmed when I noticed I lost the ability to taste food. Nearly passed out brushing my teeth as it was obstructing my breathing. NHS were too overstretched to help. At this point I was begging God, I didn’t want to die this way 10/18

Day 8: Twitter said that running a humid shower would help breathing. It did for me. I drew my curtains for the 1st time, still needed sunglasses. Body aches stopped. Migraine not so persistent. Coughed less but it was a nauseous and brought up yellowy phlemg from my lungs 11/18

Day 8: Still breathless from just sitting up, sharp pains in my chest but migraine improved. Body temperature back to normal. Coughed about twice a day. Found the strength to find hope. 12/18

Day 9-12: Saw improvements slowly. Was able to hold my breath for 8 secs now. Slept less, was able to WFH at times. Called NHS again due to a scare with breathing, unable to get medical assistance but the problem solved itself. Became physically restless on Day 11 13/18

Day 13: Walked down the stairs for the first time. Thanked God and walked around my garden. Wasn’t sure I’d remember what fresh air would feel like. 14/18

I know the staff at NHS did everything they could for me with the limited resources they had. On a normal day, I would have been accepted into A&E. It was touch and go. Also, I was not tested. 15/18

I’ve lost several days of my life to this illness. Many others have lost their lives. You can do your part by staying at home, stop joking around & take it seriously. I’m a healthy 28 year old & it hit me hard. I’m grateful to have recovered but I will continue to do my part. 16

 

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