Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In self development December 3, 2018 By Women of Rubies

GOVERNOR AMBODE URGES WOMEN TO RISE ABOVE THE ‘WEAKER SEX’ TAG

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday, November 31st 2018, urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents, saying such was necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) held at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Governor Ambode said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognize the fact that the world was changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change that would in turn cascade into every strata of the society.

According to the Governor,

“the world is changing everyday and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to as the “weaker sex”.

“So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against. Every woman can be an agent of change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence.

“From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and our country, against all odds.

“There will always be odds facing us; odds against our aspirations, our dreams, our objectives. But we cannot use these as excuses. The world we live in today does not take excuses. The world does not recognize efforts but results. So, against all odds, we must push forward, with a strong desire, and determination to succeed.

“I know our women face a lot of odds. Different, difficult challenges come your way every day. But my message to you today; and I am sure that is the message of this Summit, is that you can overcome all the challenges and triumph in all your endeavours,” Governor Ambode said.

Credit: LIB

In Career Gems December 3, 2018 By Women of Rubies

SUPERMODEL NAOMI CAMPBELL LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL CALLED ‘BEING NAOMI’

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has launched a YouTube channel!

Called “Being Naomi,” the supermodel intends to share her life with all her fans out there, especially the ones in Africa.

Speaking to a Wizkid tune playing in the background, Naomi shared clips of herself through several milestones in her career.

WWD reports that Naomi intends to share a livestream of the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg on her YouTube, and will on December 13 be telling the story of how she was discovered in a feature titled “My Journey.”

“I am honored to be able to share my life on YouTube and to have the unique opportunity to communicate my story in my own voice,” Naomi said, sharing that there’s no reason to keep all that’s happening in her life to herself.”It’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

In Career Gems December 3, 2018 By Women of Rubies

ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT REACH AGREEMENT OVER CHILD CUSTODY

The former couple had been at loggerheads over their kids since Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016.

According to the BBC News on Saturday, December 1, 2018, a lawyer confirmed that the exes have reached a compromise but it has not been stated how their kids — six in number will be shared.

Jolie and Pitt have 3 biological and 3 adopted children between them.

The actors who met in the year 2004 on the movie set of “Mr & Mrs Smith”. They went on to stay together for 10 years before tying the knot, and eventually filed for divorce in 2016.

In Career Gems December 1, 2018 By Women of Rubies

DIAMOND BANK GETS APPROVAL FROM CBN TO OPERATE AS A NATIONAL BANK

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Uzoma Dozie, said this in a statement signed by the bank’s Head of media, Ezechinyere Anyanwu on Friday in Abuja.

According to Dozie, the move was part of Diamond Bank’s strategy to focus on Nigeria’s significant opportunities.

He said that the change in the license means Diamond bank can expand product services to Nigerian consumers.

Dozie said: ”With this approval the bank will cease to operate as an International Bank.

“The re-licensing as a national bank supports Diamond’s objective of streamlining its operations to focus resources on the significant opportunities in the Nigerian retail banking market, and economy as a whole.

“The move follows Diamond’s decision to sell its international operations, which included the disposal of its West African Subsidiary in 2017 and Diamond Bank UK, the sale of which is currently in its final stages.

“The change to national bank status also enables the bank to maintain a lower minimum capital requirement of 10 per cent as against 15 per cent required for international banks.

Dozie said that the approval would enable the bank to deploy more capital for stronger growth in the quarters ahead through additional investment in technology platforms.

He said it would also enable the bank deploy funds to customer acquisition and expansion of loans to the critical sectors of the economy.

According to Dozie, the move to a national banking license marks a continuation of a strategy to focus on Nigeria’s significant fundamental trends.

This, he said included a large under banked population and Africa’s biggest economy.

He said: ”By focusing and optimising our resources towards Nigeria and the priority area of retail banking, we will be better positioned for longer term growth and greater profitability.

“The reduction in minimum capital requirement also increases our capacity to expand the quantum of business and product services we can offer consumers.

“It will also represent a key step in strengthening our financial position.

“This development does not affect the bank’s ability to offer services to its clients in international locations.

”Rather, with focus on its domestic business being priority, the bank also intends to pay down in full, the Eurobond loan of 200milliin dollars at maturity in May 2019.

According to the chief executive, there will be no refinancing of the loan.

He said this was because of the intent to pay down with foreign exchange generated from its internal operations, a reflection of the solidity of its operations and funds flow in the last few years.

He further said that top quality services to international customers would continue through the bank’s digital channels and network of correspondence banks.

Credit: Pulse

In Career Gems December 1, 2018 By Women of Rubies

KEBBI GOVT BEGINS YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION

Flagging off the campaign on Thursday at Gwandu, Gov. Atiku Bagudu, said more than two million people were being targeted.

Bagudu said the second round of vaccination became necessary following reported suspected cases of yellow fever in the state and neighbouring states.

“In March, the first round of yellow fever vaccination was conducted in eight LGAs of the state following reported suspected cases of yellow fever in Kebbi and other states of the country.

“In view of the danger posed by yellow fever to the health of the people, the Kebbi State Government has collaborated with the Federal Government and our development partners, notably WHO,UNICEF and GAVI to conduct second round of yellow fever mass campaign in 13 LGAs of the state beginning from today,” he said.

Bagudu assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with development partners in the fight against yellow fever and other preventable diseases in the country.

The governor thanked the development partners and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their support in the campaign.

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Umar Kambaza, said the exercise would cover Argungu, Augie, Arewa, Aliero, Dandi, Birnin Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo Bunza, Jega, Zuru, Dakaba and Danko Wasagu Local Government Areas.

He explained that children from nine months up to 44 years would be vaccinated against yellow fever in the state.

Kambaza called on eligible people to make use of the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, a representative of NPHCDA, Abuja, called on stakeholders to cooperate and mobilise people for the campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign would last for 10 days and would take place in 847 vaccination posts from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8.

Credit: Pulse, NAN

In Career Gems November 30, 2018 By Women of Rubies

FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA LAYS FOUNDATION FOR 250-BED TEACHING HOSPITAL IN OSUN STATE UNIVERSITY

Billionaire businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija and chancellor of Osun State University, has laid the foundation for the 250-bed teaching hospital she is donating to the university.

This is in fulfillment of the pledge she made shortly after her appointment as the Chancellor of the university in 2016 by the Governor of the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola.

“The decision to lay the foundation of the Teaching Hospital today is deliberate. Deliberate in the sense that I agreed with the proposal of the University Management that the foundation laying ceremony should coincide with the 7th convocation ceremonies and more importantly, as a mark of honour to the dynamic Governor of the State and Visitor to the University, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola before he leaves office,” she said.

She continued:

The idea for this hospital was borne out of my love for the young ones, mothers and indeed humanity. The event of today is the fulfilment of my pledge when I was appointed Chancellor by the Visitor to the University, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. In Nigeria today, there are few children’s hospitals. If our children who are the future of this country do not have access to timely and qualitative medical services, then where lies the future of this country? We must do everything in our capacity to ensure that our children and teens have everything necessary for them to grow and excel, and one of such necessities is good healthcare services.

The Facility when completed will consist of a world class Community Health Unit,
Maternity& Neonatal Medicare, Research & Diagnostic Laboratories, State of the art operating Laboratories, cutting edge Diagnostic Imaging, inclusive of C.T Scan, M.R.I Scan Facility, Ultra-Sound Scanning Facilities, X-ray and Radiotherapy Suites, Lecture rooms, Necropsy and Morgue.

Credit: Bella Naija

In lifestyle November 30, 2018 By Women of Rubies

OAP, TOSYN BUCKNOR FINALLY LAID TO REST

A funeral service was held at Harvesters International Christian Center located in Lekki which was attended by friends and family members of the deceased.

The service was kicked off by the choir of the church as they entertained the congregation with some melodious instrumentals. It was followed by the opening prayers by Pastor Taiwo Bolodeoku of JoshVille. A number of celebrities where present at the funeral service including, Ali Baba, Banky W, Ebuka, MI Abaga, Kemi Lala Akintoju, Toke Makinwa and a host of others.

» moreThe choir of Harvesters International Christian Center singing to the congregation (Instagram/COSONNigeria)

The first reading was taken by Tosyn Bucknor’s husband, Aurélien Boyer who read from 1st Thessalonian 4:13-18which was followed by a tribute by him. He went on to eulogise his late wife and spoke about her death has made him have a second thought about taking his religious life seriously.

» moreTosyn Bucknor laid to rest (Instagram/COSONNigeria)

The second reading was taken by Funke Bucknor, sister of the deceased which was taken from 1st Corinthians 15:35-50. After the reading, Funke paid an emotional tribute to her late sister.

» moreThe congregation singing one of the hymns at the funeral service (Instagram/COSONNigeria)

The service was anchored by the Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center, Bolaji Idowu who went on to deliver a sermon where he said Tosyn Bucknor had moved on to eternity and is in a good place.

» moreThe congregation at Tosyn Bucknor’s funeral service (Instagram/COSONNigeria)

After the sermon, the pastor brought other visiting pastors including Pastor Ituah Ighodaro of Trinity House, Pastor Godman Akinlabi of Elevation Church and a host of others to pray for the family of the late Tosyn Bucknor.

A private internment followed immediately after the service.

Credit: Pulse

In Career Gems November 30, 2018 By Women of Rubies

BEYONCE WRITES LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO NELSON MANDELA

South African newspaper, Sowetan has published a letter written by Beyoncé and addressed to the late Nelson Mandela.

The letter sees the 37-year-old singer thanking Mandela who passed away in 2013 for teaching her life lessons that she can pass on to her children. She also writes of her conversations with the political leader, and how it will be an honor for her to perform at the forthcoming Global Citizen Festival that tributes him.

Read below:

Dear Madiba by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Dear Madiba,

I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard.

It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality.

I remember taking that walk with you back to the prison on Robben Island where you spent 18 of those imprisoned 27 years. I recall your measured but focused steps in as you recounted the stories of the struggles, the sacrifices and your resilience. You smiled as you talked to a crowd of artists and their guests, including my mother, who first told my sister and me about the great Nelson Mandela. In that moment I truly understood your heart and humility.

You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans.

As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own.

Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Source: stargist.com

In Career Gems November 29, 2018 By Women of Rubies

AFTER YEARS OF DATING SECRETLY, KATIE HOLMES AND JAMIE FOXX ARE GETTING MARRIED!

Celebrity couple, Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx are reportedly set to get married in Paris after years of keeping their relationship a secret.

A source told Radar Online on Wednesday, that the pair are planning to tie the knot in City of Light

Their insider said:

“Paris is the city where they decided to go public with their romance after years of sneaking around.

Jamie’s been a handful ever since they started secretly dating in 2013 — but Katie’s convinced him to settle down, and they’re ready to make it official”.

“Katie has waited a long time to marry Jamie, and she’s now made it clear where she wants to get married and when,’ the source told Radar Online. ‘She’s desperate for a winter wedding in the City of Light”.

Credit: LIB

In Career Gems November 29, 2018 By Women of Rubies

STEPHANIE LINUS’ EXTENDED HANDS FOUNDATION GIVES FREE MEDICAL SURGERY TO 25 WOMEN LIVING WITH VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA

A total of 25 women formerly living with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) have received free repair surgeries, giving them a chance to live normal lives again. This life-changing event was carried out courtesy of a recent Extended Hands Foundation’s pool effort in Sokoto state sponsored by SNEPCo/NNPC.

Since its inception, the goal of the Extended Hands Foundation founded by star actress and producer Stephanie Linus has been to restore hope and put smiles on the faces of women. For some years now, the foundation has been focused on helping women with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) – a serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth – and giving them a chance at living normal lives through free repair surgeries.

With a generous sponsorship from SNEPCo/NNPC, the foundation completed the successful repair of 25 Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients at the Maryam Abacha Woman and Children (VVF Hospital) Sultan Bello Rd, Sokoto. All the repairs have been completed successfully and the women are recovering well.

The team of medical staff was led by Dr Sa’ad Idris, a seasoned VVF Surgeon and former Commissioner for Health in Zamfara State with over 20 years experience in the field. He was assisted by Dr Halima Bello a VVF surgeon, Chief Medical Director Dr Lawal Bello, Chief Matron Hamsai Abdullahi Wisso, and other doctors and nurses at the VVF Center.

As noted by the medical team, most of the women who were repaired had very complex cases of fistula resulting from botched surgeries carried out on them by inexperienced doctors. Some of the women had damaged wombs and tubes which caused a continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault. These women had been living with this condition for a varying number of years and finally got dry after the surgeries.

Against the backdrop of her Child Bride and Fistula advocacy movie, Dry, Stephanie Linus has been taking the message of restoration and hope to real women suffering from VVF. This pool effort goes a long way to show that DRY is more than just a movie, but a tool for touching the lives of women actually living with this condition.

See photos below: