Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In self development March 14, 2019 By Women of Rubies

10 POWERFUL TECH WOMEN DOING BIG THINGS IN NIGERIA WITHOUT A BACKGROUND IN CODING

The business of tech continues to be redefined by innovators in a wide array of professional fields. Some are developers, with extensive backgrounds in programming. However, many of the people growing tech-enabled businesses, have little to no work or academic experience in the field.

From art and law, management to finance, the non-techies below, have all discovered a way to use their unique expertise to create value for customers through technology.

Sandra Oyewole
Partner & Head, General Practice Group, Olajide Oyewole LLP

Complex, ever-changing laws and regulations that guide the use of technology, require someone knowledgeable to help navigate the legalese. Sandra Oyewole, a lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, is a Partner at Olajide Oyewole LLP, where she heads the intellectual property, technology and telecommunications areas for the firm.

Technology’s impact on all sectors has made it imperative for her to consider digital technology when advising clients, citing the evolution of music distribution for redirecting her focus to technology, “The crash of the CD and the rise of digital distribution of music was a trigger for me in terms of technology.”

For women considering a career in technology, Sandra offers her two favourite quotes, “Rome was not built in a day.” and “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Lola Kassim
General Manager, West Africa, Uber

Good management is vital to the success of any company, inside or outside of tech. Lola Kassim, has found a space within one of the world’s top tech companies, leading the Uber West Africa team, overseeing operations, marketing, communications, legal and policy for the organization in two countries.

Before Uber, Lola worked with McKinsey & Company and the Liberian government, but was drawn to the world of technology because it has “the power to
impact lives and enhance how we live day-to-day.”

“Don’t feel that you need to have a tech-heavy background to succeed in the industry. Learn about things you’re interested in and explore your passions. You can’t predict now where your experiences will lead you to along the way. So dive in, and make the most of all opportunities to grow,” she advises.

Mohini Ufeli
Media Manager, Paystack

Mohini Ufeli’s superpower is multimedia storytelling. As Media Manager for Paystack, she leads media efforts for the rapidly growing, Lagos-based, fintech company crafting stories that create an emotional connection between the brand and its customers. Before Paystack, Mohini held a similar position with Andela, another tech company.

Mohini “fell into Nigeria’s tech scene by serendipity”, after a photo shoot with Andela developers led to her employment there as Media Manager. “Own your voice. You have value and perspective to add to the conversation,” she says.

Lexi Novitske
Principal Investment Officer, Singularity Investments

When tech companies require investment, they look towards venture capitalists and other financial funnels that help funds flow. Lexi Novitske is the Principal Investment Officer at Singularity Investments, a firm that has invested in several African tech startups including Paystack, Flutterwave, mPharma and Asoko Insight.

According to Lexi, she is “investing in and partnering with African entrepreneurs that will change the world. Strong talent driving new tech models in Africa would generate the continent’s next wave of economic growth.”

Lexi arrived Nigeria in 2012 and managed investments at Nigerian private equity firm Verod Capital Management. Before Verod, she worked at New York-based Sandler O’Neill Asset Management.

Lexi points out that risk aversion, a trait that is identified with women, make female-backed businesses solid investments.

Temie Giwa-Tubosun
CEO, LifeBank

Coming up with life-saving services is one half of Temie Giwa-Tubosun’s job. Management is the other. The Founder and CEO runs LifeBank, a company that leverages technology to improve access to medical products in Africa, and says she looked towards technology when she decided to improve access to life-saving blood and oxygen resources after a traumatic experience.

Having worked at different management roles in the health sector, including stints at the United Nations and the Lagos State Government, her knowledge of the health sector was a key differentiating factor for starting her company. She already knew the market and had the right relationships. When asked for her thoughts on women in technology, she responds, “We are just getting started.”

Damilola Marcus
Art Director, Dá Design Studio

Damilola Marcus and her Dá Design Studio team make things look good. Working in the space where aesthetics and tech intersect, they create the visual branding technology companies need for products and collateral. “Design and technology have ‘problem-solving’ in common,” says Damilola, who holds her passion and knowledge of design as a strength.

“Chase excellence,” she recommends. “It is extremely important to find a niche and own it. The easiest way to do this is to do what you love and learn it hard.”

Anike Lawal
CEO, Mamalette

Not being a techie did not stop Anike Lawal, CEO and Founder of Mamalette, from finding a tech-enabled solution to a social problem. After having her child, Anike’s interest in building a community of mothers led her to explore connecting via technology.

The Mamalette web-based platform delivers information about health services in local communities and provides support for expecting mothers, as well as infant care. Although she worked in business development and has a master’s degree in law and accounting, Anike decided to learn the basics of coding and graphic design when she started her business. Currently, she provides strategic and operational direction for Mamalette, while also managing programs and activities.

On getting more women to consider using tech to build products they need, My pet peeve is seeing men building and developing tech platforms for women or mothers, that could have been built by us.”

Solape Hammond
Co-Founder, Impact Hub Lagos

Developing tech products or services is one thing, developing a model that sustains the business is another. Impact Hub Lagos is part of a global network that provides the support and community emerging entrepreneurs need while growing their businesses.

Solape Hammond, CEO and Co-Founder of the co-working and innovation space, has a background in management consulting, strategy and social entrepreneurship. “I worked for one of the world’s largest technology consulting firms and saw firsthand how technology transforms businesses. This led to a determination to do the same for startups. To help new businesses solve problems in new innovative ways and scale fast.”

At Impact Hub Lagos, Solape works with entrepreneurs to accelerate their businesses, and contributes to ecosystem initiatives such as hackathons, innovation roundtables and studies. She encourages women seeking a career in technology to be bold, “There’s never been a better time.”

Eloho Gihan-Mbelu
Managing Director and CEO, Endeavor Nigeria

Eloho Omame Gihan-Mbelu is a former investment banker and private equity investor. As Managing Director and CEO of Endeavor Nigeria, she supports startups by mentoring high-impact entrepreneurs leading tech ventures. Meeting founders like Sim Shagaya of Konga and Tayo Oviosuof Paga, “who were building pioneering tech companies in Nigeria and were determined to succeed against all odds” helped her understand the value of mentorship for founders early in their journey. Under her leadership, Endeavour supports tech companies like BitPesa, Cars45 and Paga.
“Don’t wait until you have all the answers or even know all the questions, to build an effective network,” she recommends for those considering a tech career.

Tosin Dada-Faniro
Head, Startups (Lagos Innovates) LSETF

Government participation in infrastructure innovation is an important part of impacting communities. Tosin Dada-Faniro gets to do this as Head of Startups for Lagos Innovates, a set of programs, initiated by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), aimed at making it easier to build a successful tech startup in Lagos. With a strong background in finance and project management, Tosin finds that she is “in a unique position to make a difference” through technology. “Women deserve a seat at the table. We have worked hard, continue to work hard and we should not be afraid to put ourselves out there.” Tosin says.

This post is brought to you by TechCabal and BellaNaija

Culled from Bella Naija

In Career Gems March 14, 2019 By Women of Rubies

FOUNDER, STAND TO END RAPE, OLUWASEUN AYODEJI OSOWOBI NAMED AS COMMONWEALTH YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019

Osowobi, who also Regional winner for Africa & Europe for Excellence in Development Work in SDG5: Gender Equality, also received a prize of £5,000, which she will use to expand her activities in Nigeria.

She was presented the award by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Osowobi, a survivor of sexual violence, set up Stand to End Rape Initiative to provide support to women, men and young people who have experienced any form of gender-based abuse.

Ayodeji Osowobi and Patrica Scotland

Osowobi was selected from 16 finalists and four regional winners. More than 500 people from across the Commonwealth were nominated for the award.

She said:

This award reminds me that when young people don’t look away in the face of injustice, and say ‘no’ to cultural biases, we have the capacity to create change because we are magic.

Winning this award encourages me to keep working hard to build a safe community for women, girls and men in Nigeria and that my story is valid.

To my team and I, the award is a reminder that our work is seen, felt and should not stop now.

Our organisation provides medical, legal, mental health and psychosocial support, and empowerment services – depending on the requirement. In certain instances, we provide shelter access and financial support to survivors.

Having experienced sexual violence myself, I understand the cultural barrier of speaking up, and the lapses or lack of services available.

This award is a reaffirmation that elimination of sexual violence in Nigeria and other Commonwealth Countries is important and a core agenda of the Commonwealth Secretariat as we work towards achieving a ‘Connected Commonwealth’.

S.T.E.R Initiative

✔@StandtoEndRape

· 14h

Our founder, @AyodejiOsowobi is #Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019 and also Regional winner for Africa & Europe for Excellence in Development Work in #SDG5: #GenderEquality
She was presented with the award by @PScotlandCSG and will use the prize to expand our activities.

S.T.E.R Initiative

✔@StandtoEndRape

Peep the glow and prideeeee .
Read more about her and the awards belowhttp://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/nigerian-woman-named-commonwealth-young-person-year-abuse-support-programme …#CommonwealthYouth #CYA19 #StandtoEndRape pic.twitter.com/UgdjetJeyt

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Credit: Bella Naija

In Career Gems March 13, 2019 By Women of Rubies

VETERAN RAPPER, MISSY ELLIOTT TO RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Veteran American rapper, Missy Elliott, who will become the first female Hip Hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June, is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music alongside pop royalty Justin Timberlake and conductor Alex Lacamoire.

The Berklee College Of Music made the announcement via Twitter.

According to the school’s website, Berklee President Roger H. Brown will present Elliott — a 5x-Grammy Award winner with nominations spanning three decades — Lacamoire and Timberlake with honorary Doctor of Music degrees at Berklee College of Music’s commencement ceremony on May 11 at Boston University’s 7,000-seat Agganis Arena.

This year’s honorary doctorate recipients are being recognized for their “achievements and influences in music and for their enduring global impact.”

Credit: LIB

In Career Gems March 13, 2019 By Women of Rubies

BEVERLY NAYA’S DOCUMENTARY, ‘SKIN’ TO OPEN iREP DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

Skin’ the full feature documentary by Beverly Naya has been chosen as the opening film of the 2019 iREP documentary film festival.

Naya made the announcement on her official Instagram account few days ago and later confirmed it to Pulse in an interview.

“I mean this is an honour for us and a very big step for ‘Skin’. Our documentary was selected and has been chosen as the opening documentary film,” Naya told Pulse.

The documentary featured Eku Edewor, Diana Yekini, Phyno andBobrisky as some of the Nigerian celebrities that shared their views on colourism.

‘Skin’ is a documentary on colourism by Beverly Naya directed by Etim Effiong.

The documentary was revealed as one of the officially selected documentary films of this year’s iREP International Documentary Film Festival.

The annual international documentary film festival celebrates the best of documentary films in Africa and beyond.

For 2019, organisers noted that nothing will be different as the film festival kicks off on March 21, 2019, till March 24, 2019, at Freedom Park, Broad Street; and Nigerian Film Corporation, Ikoyi, Lagos.

1/1 Happy International Women’s Day from me and @NIVEA_ng ; the official sponsor of the Skin Documentary premiere! I am delighted to announce that the exclusive premiere of @SkinTheDocumentary is happening on 31st March, 2019. Beyond excited! More details coming soon…💙 #NiveaLovesSkin #SkinTheDocumentary #BeNayaLTD

In self development March 13, 2019 By Women of Rubies

CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE DESIGNS ‘FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION’ MEDALLION FOR FOUNDRAE

The writer tells Vanity Fair in a chat that proceeds from the sales of the neckpieces will go to PEN America, whose mission is to protect worldwide free expression.

Adichie explains the meaning of the design:

I was thinking about what I wanted to remember of this time. We’re living in a time where I feel a sense of urgency because—and it’s not just America—I think the Western world is moving to the right. I sometimes wonder if this [is] what 1937 was like, where people in Europe felt this sense of a shift. The reason that I find it really troubling is that the idea of dehumanizing your fellow human beings has become almost acceptable and casual. The crossed arrows represent the idea of living passionately and living knowing that our time here is short and that we need to make the most of it. I feel that every morning, actually. Every time I look at the pendant I want to think about this urgency—and that one must live in a way that is meaningful.

I grew up thinking of America as a place where certain things would never happen, politically. I no longer think that because all of the things that happened in Nigeria when I was growing up, which was a military dictatorship, are happening here. You can just sense it, there really isn’t the rule of law. You get the sense that institutions are not as strong and resilient as you thought, you even get the sense that the president can just bring in anybody from his family to become part of [the] government in a way that makes no sense. That’s classic in many African countries. I’m mourning an idea of America that I used to hold very close.

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, FEMALE REFEREES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE 2019 UNDER-17 AFCON

CAF has decided to appoint female referees for this year’s Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

(Photo: Under-17 AFCON 2019 via Twitter)

As you may know, the Under-17 AFCON is exclusively a men’s tournament. So, this decision is particularly groundbreaking, as it will be the first time female referees will handle men’s tournament at the continental level.

According to the CAF website, the appointed female referees are Jonesia Kabakama from Tanzania, Mary Njoroge from Kenya and Lidwine Rakotozafinoro from Madagascar. They will join 26 male officials to undergo a training course in Casablanca.

Credit: konbini.com

In Interviews&profile March 12, 2019 By Women of Rubies

“I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN PEOPLE WILL PROUDLY WEAR ‘FOLUKE’ THE SAME WAY THEY WEAR GUCCI ALL OVER THE WORLD” – FOLUKE AKOSILE, CEO, HOUSE OF LAWOF

Akosile Foluke is the brain behind House Of Lawof a female fashion brand that clothes women, empower female undergraduates, coach aspiring female entrepreneurs and blog about fashion.

She studied Chemical Engineering as both first degree and masters degree.

In this interview with Women Of Rubies, she talks about her brand ‘House Of Lawof’, projects, and her goals.

MEET ME

My name is Foluke Akosile. My mother give birth to me after all hope was lost medically, people that know the circumstances surrounding my birth call me a miracle.

I am a very simple but principled adult. I have gone through some very rough patches in life but God sustained me.

I will say basically Foluke is just a simple next door girl.

INSPIRATION BEHIND HOUSE OF LAWOF.

Though I was referred to as being stylish during my school days at the University of Benin ( I even received an award to that effect), it never crossed my mind to go into the fashion business. I was looking forward to graduating and getting a job in the oil and gas sector.

Starting this journey was a calling, I was lying on my bed in school when God ministered to me and directed me to start female fashion business.

I started out with selling imported female wears to my flatmates, course mates, friends of friends without a thought that someday we will have a clothing line with our label.

IMPACT OF MY WORK

The part of my work where I will say I have impacted most is the scheme I started in the year 2016, House Of Lawof Female Undergraduates Fashionpreneurial Scheme (HOLFUFS).

What this scheme is all about is that we reach out to female undergraduates that are willing to start a female fashion business in school but dont have start up capital and help them to start up by giving them goods at production cost and on credit. They get goods from us at the prices we produced them, put them up for sale at their own prices and pay us after they have sold their goods.

I am happy to see female undergraduates key into this opportunity.

I started House Of Lawof as an undergraduate, making money in school made life easier, after school I didn’t need to join millions of youths waiting for white collar job. I decided to start this scheme so that several girls too will not be stranded in school financially and can also continue making money after school without waiting for someone to employ them.

We also do drop shipping, we allow women that need a side business but dont have the time to use pictures of our products to source for customers. When they get customers, the customers pay them, they remove their profit pay us and also shift the delivery to us. It’s a very convenient way of making money on the internet, all they have to do is to get clients while we do the leg work.

Aside this, we also do a yearly House Of Lawof essay competition for undergraduates, the winner goes home with a cash price.

These are the little impact of my work.

CHALLENGES

House Of Lawof in 2016 started a made in Nigeria female clothing line “Foluke by House Of Lawof “.

Our clothes are ready to wear and they come in various designs and sizes. At first the major challenge was how to convince Nigerians to wear Made in Nigeria clothes but thankfully presently more ladies are buying and wearing Foluke by House Of Lawof .

The only challenge we are facing now is publicity, with the right publicity we will conquer more grounds.

MY DRIVE

My drive is to become a Nigerian brand that will be acceptable all over the world. I look forward to the day when people will proudly wear Foluke the same way they wear Gucci all over the world.

OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES.

I have a couple of projects that I am working on, there is an aspect of fashion that fashion entrepreneurs in Nigeria are not paying attention to, myself and my team are working on bringing that aspect to light. When we unveil the project we will let you know.

Also we are working towards having a fashion show where made in Nigeria wears can be showcased for the world to see this year.

GREATEST REWARD
My greatest reward for now is when people say “if not for your name/label on the clothes, I won’t have known they are made in Nigeria, they are really beautiful”

If you see me at such moment you would think I won lottery.

MY BRAND IN FIVE YEARS

I leave that in the hands of God. Like I said earlier I never knew a business I started with N20,000 would grow this big, so I let Him lead and I follow. Though I have plans mapped out but in my life and entrepreneurial journey, God’s Will remains the ultimate.

RECOGNITION FOR WOMEN.
I am passionate about the female gender, luckily my business is female oriented. Women are getting more recognition all over the world, though it can get better but in all I will keep pushing for women’s recognition in my own little ways.

MY INSPIRATION.
My inspiration is God and my family.

BEING A WOMAN OF RUBIES

What makes me a Woman Of Rubies…my passion to make as many girls/women as possible to become financially empowered.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS.
Keep praying, keep pushing, be honest, don’t give Up, the sky is your starting point. For aspiring entrepreneurs I will say just start, start without capital, start with the little you have, start from somewhere, always remember that time waits for no woman.

In Career Gems March 12, 2019 By Women of Rubies

U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SUES U.S SOCCER FEDERATION FOR GENDER DISCRIMINATION

The United States Women’s Soccer Team (WNT) has filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), marking a monumental step in their long-running fight for equal pay and equal playing conditions. Arguably even more dramatic? The fact that the news comes just three months before the ladies kick off defending their Women’s World Cup title in June.

In the lawsuit filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, all 28 members accused the federation, their employer, and the head of all United States soccer, of years of “institutionalized gender discrimination,” according to the New York Times . The players, including big names like Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe, are upholding that this such inequity can be seen not just in their paychecks, but also “nearly every aspect of [their] work conditions,” including but not limited to, where and how often they played, the medical treatment and coaching received, and traveling conditions.

And so, it seems pretty understandable that they’re not holding anything back-going as far as to remind the USSF that they have openly admitted to “purposeful gender discrimination” even in the instances where the WNT earned more, played more, won more, and earned more championships-all of which garnered higher TV audiences-compared to the Men’s National Team (MNT).

USWNTPA’s statement on the Lloyd Morgan et. al v. USSF filingpic.twitter.com/wt7l8IYAAG – USWNTPA (@USWNTPlayers) March 8, 2019

If you’ve been keeping up with these players’ path to justice, then this might sound familiar. That’s because the recent lawsuit claims mirror similar accusations made in a 2016 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed by five players: Lloyd, Morgan, Rapinoe, Beck Sauerbrunn, and former player Hope Solo. Three years later, there was still no resolution or “noticeable action,” per the NYT , so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the ladies took the next step and even more action: suing.

The WNT has won three of seven all-time Women’s World Cup titles, including the last one in 2015, and the U.S. has won gold four times in the six Olympic Games where soccer has been played. The MNT? They took third place in the first World Cup back in 1930 and didn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Credit: Pulse

In self development March 12, 2019 By Women of Rubies

“WOMEN, WEAR WHAT YOU WANT TO WEAR” – CHIMAMANDA ADICHIE

Chimamanda Adichie has advised women to do whatever pleases them including wearing whatever they like.

She made this known during an interview with CNN‘s special program on Africa, ‘African Voices.’ The award-winning author said it is important that women do not have to do anything to please anyone.

“Wear what you want to wear. I say that as kind of a joke. But in a larger sense, I think it would be, don’t think you have to do what people want you to do. Increasingly, in part of growing older for me, I’m 41, and when I was 30, when I was 27, I think I was a lot more invested in kind of thinking about what people expected and what people wanted. And I think it’s mentally exhausting to do that.

“And, you take away from yourself, the energy that you could have used to do things that are actually meaningful to you. Now, I feel old and wise and I would say to that younger version of myself, and actually, I’ll say also to young women all over the world to, it’s so important not to think that you have to perform for somebody else. It’s really important to, what I like to call own yourself,” she said.

Credit: pulse.ng

In self development March 12, 2019 By Women of Rubies

SEVEN FEMALE FILMMAKERS WHO ARE MAKING IMPACT ON THE NIGERIA’S MOVIE INDUSTRY

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, Pulse Movies highlight some of the most inspiring female directors and producers who are making impact in Nollywood industry, in no particular order.

Mo Abudu

Ever since Mo Abudu ventured into filmmaking, she has turned herself into a reputable auteur and a force on both the big screen.

Mo Abudu is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and films. [Instagram/MoAbudu]

Her magic wand produced top Nollywood blockbusters like ‘The Wedding Party’ franchise, ‘Fifty,’ ‘The Royal Hotel Hibiscus.’ Abudu was also responsible for some TV production that includes ‘The Governor,’ ‘Desperate Housewives Africa,’ ‘Sons of the Caliphate,’ and ‘Fifty the Series.’

‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘The Wedding Party: Destination Dubai,’ which grossed hundreds of millions of Naira, are huge success currently ranking as the top two highest grossing Nollywood movies.

In 2017, Abudu was mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television alongside Angelica Guerra (Latin America), Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner(United Kingdom).

In 2018, Abudu made headlines again with ‘Chief Daddy’ after which she got herself a seat as one of the academy directors for the prestigious Emmys.

Biola Alabi

Biola Alabi is notable for spearheading the berth of one of Africa’s biggest movie awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, while she worked with Multichoice Nigeria.

Managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting Firm, Biola Alabi

After her exit from the cable TV company, Alabi began working on her production house, Biola Alabi Media. The company delved into movie production and have successfully found space as a major player in the industry.

With the production of ‘Banana Island Ghost’ and ‘Lara & the beat,’ the company has made an impactful contribution to Nollywood.

Alabi went a step further to host a TV show on Arise Network. She has since been a host of the TV station coverage of the Academy Awards, Oscars since 2017.

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba carved a niche for herself after shot series of music videos for top Nigerian musicians that included Olamide and Niyola.

Kemi Adetiba has become a leading light for several female filmmakers with her success.

A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Adetiba has worked as an On-Air Presenter, TV show host before she started shooting music videos.

A filmmaker, and television director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, and BET, Kemi Adetiba made her entry into Nollywood when she worked on ‘Wedding Party 1’ for EbonyLife films.

Adetiba was also responsible for some issue based series and documentaries that include ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘King Women.’

The success of the feature film saw her making her second feature film, ‘King Of Boys,’ a political thriller that ruled 2018.

Aside from breaking her own record with ‘The Wedding Party 1,’ Adetiba was listed as a game changer in 2019.

According to a Nigerian economist, Bismarck Rewane, Kemi Adetiba amongst the 15 people who he believes will shape the country’s economy.

Tope Oshin

Tope Oshin was the only female director on M-Net’s hit soap opera ‘Tinsel’ in its first five seasons – she shot about 350 episodes of the show.

Tope Oshin’s movies in 2018 got several movie awards nominations.

She has produced and directed several acclaimed movies such as ‘Fifty,’ ‘Journey to Self,’ ‘In Line’ among others.

She is also known for directing series such as ‘Hush,’ ‘Hotel Majestic,’ ‘The Apprentice Africa,’ ‘Shuga’ (Season 3 and 6).

Oshin has also directed several short films including ‘The Young Smoker’, ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘New Horizons.’

In 2016, she directed the documentary, “Amaka’s Kin: The Women Of Nollywood,” a memorial to influential filmmaker Amaka Igwe, who died in 2014, and had before her death, paved the way for most female filmmakers.

In 2017, she shot the critically acclaimed movie, ‘We don’t live here anymore’ and in 2018, she returned to the cinemas with ‘Up North.’

Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is one of the accomplished Nigerian movie stars with mentions in international media.

Genevieve Nnaji made a first with her movie, ‘Lionheart,’ which was released in 2018.[YouTube/MPM Premium]

The actress has featured in over 200 movies since her career kicked off 20 years ago. She also featured in the film ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ based on Chimamanda Ngozi’s book of the same name about the Nigerian-Biafran War from 1967-70.

In 2015, Nnaji made her debut as a producer when she co-produced ‘Road to yesterday’ which she also featured in.

In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the movie, ‘Lionheart.’ The movie became the first Nollywood movie to be acquired by Netflix before release. It was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and got good reviews.

Nnaji has since signed a management deal with a top US talent management firm and has been working on new grounds to break into Hollywood.

Bolanle Austen-Peters

The managing director and founder of renowned Arts and Cultural organisation, Terra Culture, Bolanle Austen-Peters ventured into filmmaking with “93 Days,” a stirring depiction of how the deadly Ebola virus was contained in Lagos.

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directorial debut, ‘The Blings Lagosians’ features top Nollywood actors. [Instagram/TheBlingsLagosians]

Bolanle Austen-Peters Production is popular for producing critically acclaimed musicals such as “SARO the Musical,” “WAKAA!” and “FELA and the Kalakuta Queens.”

In 2018, Bolanle Austen-Peters took it a notch higher as she made her directorial debut by shooting her second feature film, ‘The Blings Lagosians.’

Biodun Stephens

Biodun Stephens resigned her job as an On-Air Presenter to study filmmaking and scriptwriting at the London film academy.

Biodun Stephens is a filmmaker and writer that has been impacting the Nigerian movie industry. [Biodun Stephens]

Upon her return, she immersed herself into making a change in Nollywood and partnered with Koga Entertainment to make the movie, ‘The Visit,’ which went on to open doors for her.

Working with several individuals, Stephens made headlines again with the interesting drama, ‘Picture Perfect’ in 2017.

In 2018, Stephens joins Tope Oshin as one of the female filmmakers working with M-Net and Multichoice Nigeria to create content for Africa Magic.

Stephens is billed to released a faith-based feature film, ‘Joba’ in 2019.