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PROFILE| MEET CHIEF FOLAKE SOLANKE, THE FIRST FEMALE SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA

Chief Folake Solanke (born 29 March 1932), SAN, CON, is a Nigerian Lawyer, administrator, and social critic. She is the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Nigerian female lawyer to wear the silk gown as Senior Counsel. She is the first Commissioner of Western State, and is a former Chairperson of the Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTBC).

She was the 42nd and the first African International President of Zonta International, an international service organization that focus primarily on advancing the status of women. The 43rd International President was also African.

Upon her return to Nigeria in August 1962, Solanke began her law career at the chamber of late Honourable Justice Michael Adeyinka Odesanya (rtd), while teaching Latin and Mathematics at Yejide Girls Grammar School in Ibadan, Oyo State. Her father died in April 1963. In May 1963, after she was called to the Bar in absentia, she moved to the law office of Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams as junior counsel.

In 1972, Solanke was appointed the first Commissioner of Western State and chairperson of the Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTBC).

In 1981, Solanke became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Nigerian female lawyer to wear the silk gown.

Solanke rose through the ranks of Zonta International, first serving as the District Governor for Africa and then as International Vice-President. In 1988, 1990, and 1994, Solanke ran for election to the International Presidency of the organization (she did not run in 1992). She lost the first two times, but won the third time, being elected in Hong Kong on July 21, 1994 as the 42nd International President, the first non–caucasian, African president of the organization since its establishment in 1919.

Solanke’s autobiography, Reaching for the stars was published in 2007. The book described her as a “Lady of many firsts” and how she rose to prominence in the legal profession.

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MEGHAN MARKLE’S HALF SISTER APOLOGIZES TO HER ON TV

Samatha Markle, half-sister of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has publicly apologized to Meghan Markle after insulting her publicly for months.

Samantha, who had blamed Meghan for the death of their father (who is still alive), apologized during an appearance on “Jeremy Vine On 5.”

She wishes things could be different, she said, and things wouldn’t have played out the way they did had the family been involved in the wedding.

“So I thought in the beginning when we spoke publicly, I thought we were being open-hearted and even favorable and that fell on deaf ears and the media turned it into something it’s not,” she said.

“I was hoping maybe we would have the chance to speak—that she would know I was here. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.” If she were to get the chance to speak to the Duchess of Sussex, Samantha said she would tell her half-sibling it’s “water under the bridge” and recognize their issues spiraled “out of control.”

“I think everybody was hurt at not being included or invited to the wedding,” she said. “But I felt as though it could have all been nipped in the bud had everyone been included and we all agreed to move forward with positive resolve, and the hurt feelings wouldn’t have snowballed.” Addressing her sister directly, she said, “Believe it or not, it doesn’t mean we love you any less.”

Watch video below:

 

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SERENA WILLIAMS GOES TOPLESS TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Serena Williams is participating in an I Touch Myself Project, which was inspired by late singer Chrissy Amphlett, who passed away from breast cancer in 2013.

Serena Williams posted on Instagram:

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month I’ve recorded a version of The Divinyls global hit ‘I Touch Myself’ to remind women to self-check regularly. Yes, this put me out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to do it because it’s an issue that affects all women of all colors, all around the world. Early detection is key – it saves so many lives. I just hope this helps to remind women of that.

Watch below.

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“THERE ARE WOMEN DOING GREAT THINGS IN MALE DOMINATED SECTORS AND EVEN DOING BETTER” – ADERONKE ADESHINA

Ronke  is the Founder of “Shoefetish” a Made-In-Nigeria shoe brand  that is gradually getting recognition abroad, when she started  getting high demands for shoes, she decided to change her brand name  and be simply known as Ronke Adeshina “RA”, fully identifying with her Nigerian roots and making  a bold “Proudly Nigerian” statement as a brand.

The English Language and Literature graduate from the University of Lagos started working at a financial institution right after her NYSC and this greatly influenced her journey into the business of shoe and bag making industry.

According to her;

“I realised that most of the shoes my colleagues and I really loved and needed to get were too expensive and felt I could do better. In 2010, I started making shoes for myself, few friends and colleagues”

She draws a lot of inspiration from Richard Branson’s signature quote; “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later” …and she adds: “especially if it’s in your area of interest or business”.

Ronke is  ambitious, imaginative and adventurous  and  she put all these  in the pieces she creates. The young entrepreneur who sees Oprah Winfrey and the Queen of England wearing her brand one day shares her inspiring story with me in this interview

Growing up

I drew a lot as a little girl and that helped my ability to sketch; making designs a reality now. I enjoyed working with my hands. I once made a purse and skirt by hand; including the stitching.

While at the university, I did a little graffiti on one of my jeans while receiving a lecture and people loved it. I guess I have always been creative.

My love for shoes also started as a child. The first pair of stilettos I bought was when I was in my third year at the university. It cost me a lot (especially my allowance for the week) but I didn’t care…those shoes were beautiful.

 

Meet Ronke!

I am the only girl amongst three boys. I attended the University of Lagos where I studied English Language and Literature.   I have garnered a lot on-the-job experience; I am also self-taught especially in the art of creating embellishments, bejeweled pieces like bead art, bead embroidery, embellishing fabrics with crystals and more. Creating shoes, bags, embellishments and other leather items is something I really love doing especially wedding (traditional and white wedding) pieces for brides and grooms. I get to meet people with different personalities and styles and this I try to incorporate into their products.

 

The “Ronke Adeshina” brand journey

I started posting pictures of my works on Facebook, then I started getting messages from people asking how they could get a pair or two of shoes. I have garnered a lot of on-the-job experience and I am also self taught especially in the art of creating embellishments, bejewelled pieces, bead art, bead embroidery and working with crystals and more.

 

Balancing my 9-5 job  with family and my side hustle

It isn’t easy running a business and family. You can’t do it all. A lot is expected from women: she is expected to perform many roles with apparently superhuman efficiency. I have learnt to delegate duties both at home and work. I have a team of amazing people that makes things easier for me. It’s important to delegate duties /task to people in their area of expertise so as to get the best from them.

 

Work Challenges

Initially, getting capable people to work with was quite difficult. People want money but not ready to go through the process of getting it. Because I am passionate about empowering youths especially the girl child, there was a period I was ready to teach for free but no one came. But over time I have been able to build a team of hardworking staff.  When I just started there were few ladies in the business, so it was quite tasking. But I guess growing up with boys helped a lot.

Getting quality materials to work with here in Nigeria are quite expensive and this tends to affect the cost of products.

other project and activities

I was recently contacted by an NGO. We are working on going to secondary schools (especially girls only schools) to talk to them about the importance of being independent and acquiring one or more skills. We are also going to teach them handwork and I would be teaching them bead art works, embellishments and embellishing fabrics.  Asides this, I do personal charitable works which I intend to keep private.

 

Customer satisfaction is my reward

The excitement and thank you I get when clients receive their purchase(s) makes me happy. The mother of one of the brides I worked with once called to appreciate the pieces her daughter got from us. She couldn’t believe it was handmade; and she prayed and also encouraged me. Most of my clients are referrals from family, friends and clients that have patronized us; I also have customers turn friends. All these and more makes me feel like I am doing something right.

 

Nigerians and patronage of “Made in Nigeria” products

There is still this misconception that made in Nigeria isn’t authentic enough. Well, I cannot blame them because they might have purchased item(s) which did not serve them well. But there are still brands like us and others that produce quality products using original leathers and other materials needed for production.

Another problem is most Nigerians like to be associated with foreign brands that are well known. But what they fail to realize is that these brands have been in existence since the 1950s, some as far back as 1830s. They did not grow to become international brands on their own; they did with the support of their own people. If Nigerians can do the same for their own made in Nigeria products, that would help brands grow and become global too. This will also help generate more jobs for our people and grow our economy. They are trying but more needs to be done.

 

Giving up

The road to building a brand is not easy. I have felt like giving up several times and still do but the love for what I do keeps me motivated. I have learnt a lot while growing the brand: what to do and what not to do. Some experiences shake you but it only makes you better. Running a business is a continuous process. It is just like the popular cliché about marriage being an institution you never graduate from. I am still learning

My Inspiration

Inspirations are everywhere – you just need to open your eyes and breathe in. I am inspired by things I face and work through in my daily life. I get inspired by patterns and colours in nature and love to translate that to products in a new way. I am inspired by the people I meet every day; most especially the ones I get to work with: lifestyle and personality differs with every individual and that is unique. This I tend to put into pieces we create. I am inspired by stories of brands that started as far back as 1803. Most importantly, God is the major source of my inspirations.

Being a woman of Rubies

My life is a story. The ups and downs I have experienced especially while growing my brand is my story. I am still learning because life and business is a continuous phase/process. Every woman is a woman of Rubies: from the road side seller to the CEO; our day to day activities are tales – we all have stories to tell. I hope my story and that of other women, inspires and transforms lives; that is the greatest achievement.

Advice to women going into my line of business

One of my mantras is “You never know what you can do until you try”. No business is off limit for you. There are women doing great things in male dominated businesses and even doing better. You are even at an advantage because it gets you noticed.

At the early stage of my business, people especially men were surprised to see a lady in the shoe and bag making industry. They wanted to see me and always wanted me to give them their orders not my staff. Keep learning new things, do not be intimidated by others and do not be distracted. Mistakes are inevitable but when that happens, do not give up: you just learnt a valuable lesson(s) which is how not to do things; try another method. Put God first and other things follow.

My view of the fashion industry in Nigeria and it’s impact on women

The fashion industry in Nigeria is growing. It is actually much better than years back and more women are getting involved.Women are doing incredible works and since the advent of #wcw (women crush Wednesday) and #womensupportingwomen (women supporting women), we have seen women trying to encourage and support one another. Women in the fashion industry need to collaborate more with other women – it is amazing what we can accomplish when we are in it together.

Women of Rubies is also doing a great job by recognising women doing well in whatever field they are in either big or small.

 

 

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CHISOM WINIFRED: WHY YOU SHOULD ENDURE THAT STRESSFUL JOB

I remember, two years ago, finishing school and itching for something to do. I kept disturbing a friend of mine to find me a job so I could keep busy.

My wish finally came through and he linked me up with someone who ran a media company. I joined the team as a content creator and writer. The ‘team’ comprised of myself and the three co-owners of the company. Being the only and most junior staff, I did everything.

They had a blog which I singlehandedly managed. I had to, on my own, come up with content for seven different columns the blog ran. In addition to this, I managed their social media accounts, manned the email, wrote and sent proposals, attended business meetings, and should we get a new client, come up with marketable content and also add the client’s accounts to the accounts I was managing already.

My salary was peanuts. Literally. Subtracting my transport fare at the end of each month, I was left with next to nothing. Did I mention I also attended events during the weekends? I had to blog about those too. I hated my life then. I was miserable. I remember I’d come home late at night, tired, hungry, exhausted. I’ll wail in my mother’s room and tell her I’m quitting. She’d always force me to eat and let me sleep. The next day, she’d wake me up for work. Her mantra was ‘Winners don’t quit.’ I hated work and the mantra.

I kept the job for a year and six months. I didn’t gain any monetary value working there. Instead, I rapidly depleted my savings trying to keep up but I gained two things: experience and social cash. I learned how to effectively multi-task and be productive. I mastered blogging and content creation. Then also I built strategic relationships (social cash).

Our generation is pressure filled both in the good and bad way. Timelines are constantly filled with people’s success stories. How they achieved one great feat. The number of mobile phone users in the world is expected to pass the five billion mark by 2019. On average, we spend not less than six hours a day on our mobile phones, thus making social media a huge part of our lives. The good part of this pressure is that it pushes you to want yours. You want your own success, thus you work hard. The negative part is you don’t see how these people got to where they are and so there’s no procedure to follow. Take for instance if you want to be a medical doctor, there’s med school; to be a lawyer, law school; but to be a success? There’s no institution.

A point of pivotal notice is that this has made us money driven. We want the results and we want it now. No one is interested in building a relationship or working to learn. We want to work to earn immediately. This creates the doubt and mistrust when someone says “let’s have a partnership”, “be my intern,” “work and learn,” “I can’t pay you now.” The next thought usually is, ‘they want to use me,’ ‘they want me to work for free’ and working for free is definitely not our definition of success.We just want to end up at the top, no room for little steps. While money is important, money doesn’t equate success. The word success has nothing to do with money. Success is the accomplishment of a worthy goal. When you set goals and accomplish them, you’re said to be successful.

Of course, human beings are unpredictable, and the good book rightly says, the heart of man is desperately wicked. You can toil and slave for someone who won’t appreciate you now and even in the future, but we won’t get very far with that mindset. If you intend to pay for everything in life with money, you’ll be paying bills for a long time to come. There are things relationships can get you that money can’t.

I learned one key principle over the weekend from Adebola Williams. On his Instagram page, while speaking on the celebrity wedding between Lala Akindoju and Chef Fregz, he wrote, paraphrased: We managed to set them up for many priceless moments on this journey of love, many of their good friends did their best to make them have the day they truly deserved because are both so full of gifts and they give till empty tank. When you see everyone going above and beyond for this couple, it’s because these ones have sown directly or indirectly and by God they are deserving, reaping in gratitude.

Did you know, statistically speaking, you’re four people away from the person you want to meet? The easiest way to succeed is to invest in relationships. This investment may not pay off now, but it definitely will in the future. Don’t think you’ll knock once and the door will open. Never be embarrassed to invest in quality relationships. Choose your friends; you’ve probably heard, your network is your net worth. Most importantly, sit down and learn, embrace the work. So many times, when great things are about to be dropped into our lives, they may appear in another form, sometimes, very discouraging.

God may decide to encourage you through a little text message from your friend and not from that mentor you admire and hope to connect with. I know it’s not easy, when it seems like everyone around us is having it good, living the life and looking happy. But remember, social media is an illusion, things are not always what they seem.

I dare you to swear, ‘I won’t let a stranger on social media make me feel bad about myself.’

About Chisom Winifred
Chisom Winifred is a creative writer with a flair for freelance articles. She’s currently a content creator for Blueafric Media where she also heads campaigns that focuses on brand introduction, positioning and promotion of its clients.
A red carpet and TV host, she was the red

carpet host for Blueafric media at the just concluded 2017 AFRIFF. Reach out to Winifred on Chisomwinnifred.cw@gmail.com or her blog http://blueprintafric.com/

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JANET JACKSON, LOLA OGUNNAIKE, NAOMI CAMPELL ATTEND THE 2018 GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL

The 2018 Global Citizen Festival held on Saturday night (September 29) at the Great Lawn in Central Park in New York City.

The event was attended by Bonang Matheba, Lola Ogunnaike, Pearl Thusi, Naomi Campbell, Maps Maponaye, Al Sharpton, Nomzamo Mbatha, Ava DuVernay, Cynthia Erivo, Danai Gurira, Katie Holmes, Robert De Niro, and more.

Performers included John Legend, Shawn Mendes, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, Chris Martin, Cardi B, The Weeknd and more.

Global Citizen Co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans was also in attendance.

See the photos below:

Source: Bellanaija

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HOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, MERYL STREEP APPLAUDS JOURNALISTS ALL OVER THE WORLD IN AN OPEN LETTER

Award-winning Hollywood actress, Meryl Streep in an open letter on journalism, praised journalists across the world for their bravery, while calling on everyone to protect, defend and thank them.

“I applaud and revere our female journalists,” she noted in the letter commissioned by PORTER Magazine for its winter issue.

She mentioned Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia who was killed by a bomb planted in a car for reporting on the Panama Papers.

She also praised Mexican journalist Patricia Mayorga and CNN correspondent Arwa Damon.

The letter read in part:

We need to protect, defend and thank the current crop of journalists around the world because they, their scruples and their principles are the front-line defense of free and informed people.

Journalists today, investigative journalists, and especially female journalists, are vulnerable and come under a special scrutiny online.

They must vouch for their stories, put their names on them, and as a result they attract the cowardly, the bullies, the brotherhood of bots and their easily aroused armies of haters.

We need the brave ones out front picking through the field ahead of us for land mines so we don’t step on one, or elect one.

Bravery is terrifying and actual, bravado is a parade. We see enough examples of Braggadocio and Bravado strutting around on the public stage…but true bravery is Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, blown up in her car for reporting on the Panama Papers….I applaud and revere our female journalists – I love them, and their equally undaunted brothers. We need them now more than ever….

The full letter will be available in PORTER’s next issue which can be gotten HERE.

Photo Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

 

 

Credit: Bella Naija

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VICTORIA KIMANI BAGS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH MAYBELLINE

Kenyan songstress Victoria Kimani has signed her first ever endorsement deal and it’s with Maybelline. She revealed that she’s the new face of American beauty line, Maybelline.

She made the announcement on Instagram:

“My first Endorsement deal guys! I’m so glad to finally announce that You are looking at The new face, brand Ambassador for MAYBELINE NY – from Kenya 🇰🇪 Indeed… AFRICA to the World! This is such an honor and a beautiful crowning for me because well…. if you know me, you know that I LOVE MAKE UP and a good face beat !! And When it comes to my dreams …. I am known to MAKE IT HAPPEN! Regardless of language, location, time, Rules, obstacles and hurdles that I face… nothing can stand in the way of A girl on a Mission! #Maybeline Thank you to my namesake in Kenya for fighting for me!!!”

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ABDUCTED DAPCHI GIRL, LEAH SHARIBU’S MOTHER SUES FG

Rebecca Sharibu, mother of abducted Dapchi Girl Leah Sharibu, is suing the Federal Government and demanding the sum of ₦500 million in damages.

Leah Sharibu remains the only girl in captivity after 119 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe State, were abducted in February, 2018.

The abduction was carried out by Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), a faction of the insurgent group Boko Haram.

The Cable reports that Rebecca, in a suit before the Lagos High Court, is suing the Federal Government and asking that they secure the release of her daughter.

Also named in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris.

The suit was, according to The Cable, jointly filed with Daniel David Kadzai and Lift-Up-Now Incorporation, a US-based organisation.

Part of the suit, made available to journalists, asked for an order “directing and mandating the defendants to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the plaintiff from the custody of her captors forthwith.”

The suit also requested for an order “compelling the defendants to employ every means in securing the plaintiff from the custody of her captors; an order compelling the defendants to pay the plaintiff the sum of ₦500 million being compensation for the indignities and human deprivations suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the defendants’ dereliction of statutory duties in securing her release from her captors since the month of February, 2018 till date of this action”.

 

 

Source: Bella Naija

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