Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In Career Gems May 21, 2017 By Women of Rubies

MEET WUNMI MOSAKU , THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS AT THE BAFTAS

Nigerian-born, British actress, Wunmi Mosaku won at the 2017 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award (BAFTA) for the Best Supporting Actress.

The Zaria-born actress migrated to Manchester, England and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2007.

Wunmi made her stage debut in a production of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s The Great Theatre of the World and appeared in Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Wunmi won for her role in ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’, a true story based on the murder of Damilola Taylor, a ten-year-old Nigerian boy living in Peckham, London and the subsequent trial.

Born in Lagos, Damilola travelled to the United Kingdom in August 2000 with his family to allow his sister, Gbemi to seek treatment for epilepsy before his death in November 2000.

In self development May 21, 2017 By Women of Rubies

VANESSA ONYEMA: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH AN EX

What’s the angle when exes decide to bestie up?

Maturity has been trashed and misinterpreted in several ways, which I myself cannot comprehend. It’s kind of funny that when I decide that the best way to move out of a bad situation and regain my sanity, is always classified as immaturity.

One very unfortunate thing about feelings is that it is quite hard to kill it. Even the so-called maturity can never kill it. But you know what can try? Distance! And a lot of it.

When the reason for separation is on mutual grounds, it is okay to decide to stay friends. Maybe ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’ But when it goes beyond that, it becomes a problem; you get stuck. You get hurt.

When it gets bad, you run.

Social media is so easy, but as humans we always choose to walk on the path of complication. Instead of rubbing the good life in each other’s faces, use the block button! If seeing stuff, gets your day cranked up, if it makes you feel bad and spend hours on a page with a rush of rage, use the block button!

It’s not immaturity, it’s smart thinking. You don’t need anyone seeing how happy you have become. You don’t need that kind of validation. If you need to show how much you have moved on, or how excessively happy you are, then that happiness is forced. Trust me if you are truly happy, it will be seen. It must not come from you.

Why stay friends with an ex when you are tearing apart inside? Why hang on to someone who probably didn’t see you worthy of a try, who didn’t think you deserved a second chance? Are you thinking a magical friendship will jump-start feelings?

The more you hang in there playing confidant and leaning shoulder, the more disposable you become. The more you try to play it cool, the more you find yourself as a sitting duck. You are pushed to talk about your feelings, because it never left. Then, it ends badly and puts you in a messy situation.

Whenever you become less available, less predictable, when your life can’t be quoted, that’s when you become important.

Don’t get me wrong: I am not saying be enemies, or possibly send a firing squad after an ex because of a broken heart, but keep your distance and heal with time.

You can stay friends after you heal, or better just move along with your life. An extra baggage of worry doesn’t help all because you want to prove your maturity.

A mature person is not one who does things because of approval, or what people will say. A mature person is one with a mind of their own.

Source: Bellanaija

In Career Gems May 21, 2017 By Women of Rubies

WOMAN RISING! #BBNAIJA’S DEBIE RISE & BASSEY JOIN FORCES ON NEW SONG , LISTEN!

Oh Yes! She is on the rise!!

Debie Rise is here with a brand new single, produced by Mekoyo. It’s titled ‘Joy & Pain” and it features Bassey who was her fellow housemate at the BBNaija ‘See Gobbe’ reality show earlier in the year.

‘Joy & Pain‘ is a slow tempo, feel good tune. It was unveiled at her Risers appreciation party in Lagos last night.

Listen and Download below:

In Career Gems May 20, 2017 By Women of Rubies

AWP NETWORK HOSTS LEADING AFRICAN WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY

The African Women Power (AWP) Network recently hosted leading African women in technology to an engaging conversation on what it means to be a woman in technology.

The conversation explored the challenges and the progress made so far in the STEM fields with regards to women and girls in Nigeria.

Stakeholders were invited to join the conversation, which was led by Mary Olushoga, Founder of AWP Network. In attendance were Saudat Salami, Founder, EasyshopEasycook.com; Tolulope Adeyemo, Program Director, The WAAW Foundation; Nkemdilim Begho, Founder, FutureSoftware Resources; Abisoye Ajayi of Pearls Africa and the honorable Ubong King

In Interviews&profile May 20, 2017 By Women of Rubies

NIGERIAN WOMEN ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE FACE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA – JUST OMOMO IBE

Just Omomo Ibe is a business strategist and a work life balance expert. She help individuals especially women identify the various opportunities in their business to make more profit and create a balance between their work and personal life, so they can chase their dreams and make money while at it. The business coach who is also a banker is living her dreams despite been an employee. The young catalyst is living solely on the principle of defying the norm to achieve extraordinary results. She talks about her passion and work life balance in this educative interview.

Not so rosy Childhood

I had a bitter sweet experience, growing up for me taught me so many things about contentment, resilience, hard work and focus. As kids we grew everything we ate, when other kids were having fun we would go to the farm,in all these periods my parents always taught us the importance of living in your lane. I wanted all the great things of life, great shoes, nice school bags and toys etc.

Since we couldn’t afford them financially I found succour in the fact that I was excelling academically and that when i grow up i would buy myself everything I desired. So yes having to be a contributor to the family prepared me to be able to add value in every area I find myself.

Who is Just Omomo Ibe?

Just Omomo Ibe, is married to my high school sweetheart and yes we have two beautiful children. My greatest joy in life is being able to nurture children and instil values in them. My desire to nurture lead me to start teaching women how to live the life of their dreams irrespective of their schedules. I love been around women who build others up because it’s in doing so that you can truly grow.

Being a Business Coach

As a business strategist I help businesses bridge the gap between potential and performance, simply put I help you identify the various opportunities for growth and profit. No matter how well your business is doing there are so many areas you haven’t tapped that would help you operate at the optimum and of course more profit.

What we do is to analyse your business and draw out a visible growth plan.

As a work life balance expert i help you deconstruct your otherwise busy schedule and teach you to integrate all aspects perfectly so you can chase your God given dreams and make money while at it.

My Inspiration

My number one inspiration is President Barack Obama, I love the way he commands the stage when he speaks, he further explains the importance of just allowing your talents pave way for you.

I can almost say he spoke his way to the WHITE HOUSE.

Then Oprah Winfery. I also have a talk show that is aired on you tube, and Oprah has taught me that you can truly change lives by sharing knowledge from experts around the world with people.

In other words if you have access to an important person that can add value to your audience, by all means let them share from their wealth of knowledge. Be a blessing to the world and you would be blessed in return.

Motivation

This for me is a journey of purpose. Speaking and teaching gives me joy, most rewarding is when people are blessed by your message or the value you bring to the table.

Rewards

Your voice is unique, it doesn’t matter your educational background or your qualification. If you have a message there is someone out there that needs to hear it to survive and your job is to go out there, find those people and speak to them. Once you do the rewards are priceless.

Challenges

Truly it can be challenging to juggle your role as a wife, mother especially when you have toddlers and then a career.

You need to pray to God for a loving and supporting spouse because you may not be able to do it alone without breaking down.

You must also be weary of distractions, in your pursuit of your dreams, everything may seem like the real thing but prayerfully seek Gods face for directions both in business relationships, the choice of a mentor and the right application of your ideas.

I have seen a lot of women start well and end badly because of poor judgement and bad associations.

Other Projects

Recently I wrote a book “RULE AS A BOSS,ROCK AS A MUM,SLAY AS A WIFE”, the book is actually a step by step guide to creating a work life balance for women to enable them chase their dreams and make money while at it. see below link to the book. https://okadabooks.com/publication/my-publication

We also created a ROCK, RULE,SLAY CONFERENCE and we are starting the 1st edition in Abuja Nigeria by august. The Just Ibe Show also has room for partnerships and sponsorship including adverts for start-ups.

Positivity overcomes any Challenge

In chasing your dreams most times you would have to spend your own money to finance it until you can start making returns. When i first launched the show it was costing me so much and bringing in little. It was very frustrating, than i met a lady who reassured me that it would only get better, that is why I always stress the need to surround yourself with positive people

Are Nigerian Women Business Oriented?

Nigerian women are great business women, look around you everything we thought was impossible women have made it possible. Pap is now been exported, moi moi, pounded yam, fufu, amala, stockfish, ugu leaves, the list is endless.

Nigerian women are revolutionizing the face of entrepreneurship in Africa, just give us a mole and we would make an anthill out of it. I love my country and i love my Nigerian women..

I am a Woman of Rubies

Women of Rubies nurture people to growth, we support one another genuinely and that is my overall mantra. I live by genuinely supporting my sister.

Advice to Women

Whatever you feed your mind with would occupy your thoughts and that my friends is what would manifest in your life. So it’s pretty easy, ask yourself where do you want to be in 5 years?

What resources do you need to achieve this? Start feeding your mind with those resources and gradually your life would take that shape.

In Career Gems May 18, 2017 By Women of Rubies

LCCI EMPOWERS WOMEN WITH COOKING GAS CYLINDERS

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has distributed cooking gas cylinders to some women in Lagos State as part of its empowerment programme.

The Chairman, LPG Group, LCCI and Executive Director, Chimons Limited, Mr. Baylon Duru, said the initiative was an extension of what they did with Eko Gas scheme where the group was able to distribute close to 20,000 cylinders during the administration of the immediate past governor of the state.

Duru, who spoke during the distribution of the cylinders at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Navy Town, said, “The state acquired those cylinders; we, from the chamber and ministry of energy and mineral resources, collaborated to make sure that the cylinders were distributed throughout the local governments and local council development areas to people that really required them.

“So, when we had some of them left, there is no need to keep them; we decided to do what at the group termed ‘cylinder evangelism’ where those leftover cylinders would be taken to Lagosians through the churches and mosques.”

While describing the initiative as a continuous thing, he said, “We keep doing it as our corporate social responsibility because the first people that are exposed to the dangers of crude sources of energy like charcoal, firewood and kerosene are the women, and these affect their health so much.

“So, this initiative is to empower the women; one, let them understand the importance of the LPG, which we have told them is better than kerosene, charcoal and firewood, and they will cook faster; their kitchen will be cleaner; and they will save a lot of money using the LPG.”

Duru said with what the Federal Government and the industry stakeholders were doing, the price of cooking gas would come down.

He said, “The price of a 6kg cylinder, which is about N2,400, will be less than that and our aim is to drive it down to about N1,000.”

In Career Gems May 18, 2017 By Women of Rubies

BEYONCE & JAYZ ARE OFFICIALLY A BILLION DOLLAR COUPLE

Jay Z and Beyonce’s combined income have crossed the billion dollar mark, according to Forbes.

According to Forbes:

Beyoncé and husband Jay Z are set to welcome twins this summer, joining their daughter Blue Ivy, 5. Buying new baby equipment shouldn’t be much of a problem: Beyoncé and Jay Z are now officially a billion-dollar couple.

Per Forbes’ list of America’s Wealthiest Self-Made Women–released today–Beyoncé, 35, has amassed a personal fortune of $350 million. The total for Jay Z, 47, has soared to $810 million per last week’s ranking of hip-hop’s richest acts (he trails No. 1 Diddy by just $10 million).

That brings the couple to a combined net worth of $1.16 billion and counting.

Couple’s goals.

In Interviews&profile May 18, 2017 By Women of Rubies

GOSPEL ARTISTES MUST UP THEIR GAME TO ATTRACT CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP – JUBILEE PRAISE

Gospel artistes have really ‘upped’ their game to meet up with the competitive and changing environment, which has seen corporate sponsors and promoters opting to support other genres to leverage their businesses.

This ‘upping’ has so revolutionalized gospel music that, save for the lyrics, it has received much criticism from people who feel that gospel music has been taken too far and too wide to a point that differentiating it from secular music is difficult.

They believe that the gospel industry is driven by the desire to reap profits and attract corporate sponsors at the expense of evangelism.

Beyond the criticism, there is no doubt that gospel music has been upped in terms of standard and professionalism like the secular’s – but despite that, there is little or no presence (at all) of endorsement deals or corporate sponsors and promoters, who incidentally, swarm on secular artistes like bees on honeycomb.

With these sponsors’ coldness to the gospel music, many gospel artistes are now finding it hard to survive or switching to other opportunities to eke a living – these are worrying signs indeed for the gospel music industry.

With a view to unravelling the reason for this dearth of corporate sponsorship, the Women of Rubies was privileged to run into the pretty ‘JUBILEE’ – a fast-rising gospel artiste, who just organized a successful gospel concert (IGNITE).

She talked on that and more….

Why Jubilee? Is that your stage name or real name? If it’s your stage name, what’s the concept behind it?

Jubilee is my stage name; my real name is Akinboboye Oluwafunmilayo Helen. Jubilee is a name God gave me few days to my 25th birthday. Then, I was thinking it was a name of a business but 5 years down the line, it became a burden and God used a brother for me to birth Jubilee.

Let’s meet you and your kind of music.

My name is Akinboboye Oluwafunmilayo Helen; I’m in my early 30s. I have an OND in Mass Communication. I am from Ondo town in Ondo State. I am the 2nd in a family of 4.

How long have you been in the music ministry (you know it’s a ministry and an industry altogether)?

I started singing in the children choir at the age of 8 and since then, have graced so many platforms. I once had the privilege of backing up Ron Kenoly, Sammie Okposo and a few other notable gospel artistes, but I started my ministry 4 years ago.

Have you released any album, or working on one? How soon do we expect it?

I have already released a single titled: MARVELOUS GOD. I have no album yet, but working one or two more single tracks this year with the help of God.

Are you a ‘performing musician’ or a ‘performing worship/praise leader’? Many people seem to get confused about both?

I am not a performing musician or a performing praise leader – I am a minister with God’s mandate to liberate, restore and inspire people of God to rejoice in spirit and in truth.

You recently organized a programme (IGNITE) – how would you grade the turnout and performance?

It was an awesome experience! God blew my mind with the success of that programme. I received several testimonies during and after the programme. The turnout was incredible. It was a confirmation that God is with me.

Has your music been favourable to you so far?

Yes, because God is with me always. He has got my back and performs everything He has spoken to me about the ministry. I am grateful to Him always.

What’s your assessment of the Nigerian Gospel music Industry so far?

We are doing well so far but people are not encouraging us. Sponsors are not forthcoming. So, we make use of what we have, to do what we need to do.

What is your genre of gospel music?

I don’t have any, sincerely. I talk to God per ministration and He gives me key songs to do. I do worship songs most of the time.

Are you on any label or under any management?

No, I am not. I am under God’s label and management.

If you where asked by a major recording company to do a collaboration with any Nigerian gospel artiste, who would that be?

That will be Wole Oni or Cobhams Asuquo.

Who is your most influential international gospel act?

Kim Burrel

There has been this misconception about gospel music and secular music, sometimes you get to listen to some gospel music and you be like “is this really a gospel music?”, some gospel songs are rap and some sounds very ‘worldly’ – what’s your definition of gospel music?

God knows who He has called. Heaven alone will judge. I don’t talk to judge others. I do my thing the way the Spirit inspires.

The gospel music seem not to be capturing the attention of the corporate industry in terms of endorsements and brand modelling, what do you think is the problem and what do you proffer as a solution?

We are not doing things merely to attract their attentions. That is not our primary mandate. But gospel artistes also need to improve on the quality of their production, including video. Because it is gospel does not mean it shouldn’t be of excellent. This is one area I am hoping to make a huge difference. It is the only way we can get corporate sponsors to take us serious.

Are you married or in any relationship?

I am not married. I am relying on the direction of the Holy Spirit with regards to relationship.

You are a pretty woman, how have you been able to cope with advances from your male fans?

My male fans are a part of the people God has sent me to minister to. So, I consider every contact an opportunity to minister. I do not see advances from male fans as a problem or challenge. Rather I see it as an opportunity to fulfil the mandate God has given to every believer.

The Money or The Message? These days, if you don’t do music for the money, you do it for the fame. Did you also look at the fame part of it and the money and said “I will do it”?

Both are important. The message is more important than the money. I will never compromise the message for money.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

Organizing IGNITE posed a lot of challenges. But I thank God for His faithfulness. I thank God because today I can testify to the success of the concert. I thank God for all the helpers He used to make the concert a success.

How can we get to follow you on social media platforms like facebook, Instagram and twitter etc?

JubileePraise on Facebook, jubilee_praise on Instagram and jubilee_praise on Twitter. I can also be reached on: 09058999082, 09098949690

In Interviews&profile May 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

HOW CHINENYE EZEAKOR IS HELPING AFRICAN GIRLS GET INTO THE TECH INDUSTRY

Here’s a weird statistic for you: The percentage of women working in tech has decreased since the ’90s. So basically, technology fields have become more male dominated as more women have joined the work force.

In the ’90s, women made up more than a third of the tech workforce, but that number has since dropped to just over a quarter in the past 20 years.

Over half of the professional workforce is female, but women make up only a quarter of all jobs in computer and math professions – and that needs to change because if we’re being honest, girls kinda run the world.

A homegrown solution

Born out of this need to see more African girls in science and engineering disciplines, Chinenye Ezeakor founded African Sisters in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (A-SISTEM) — a platform where young girls can interact with female professionals in the science, technology, engineering and mathetmatics (STEM) industry

Chinenye organizes outreach programs for teenage girls by focusing on areas such as energy, ICT and physical sciences; as well as organising workshops and training programs to expose them to potential mentors.

Speaking about what inspired her to create A-SISTEM, Chinenye said:

“I believe that given the right opportunity, orientation and guidance, the pipeline of young African women venturing into STEM related disciplines will be increased.”

Since A-SISTEM was founded, over 500 girls have been impacted by her program – and the numbers only keep growing.

Source: Konbini.com

In Career Gems May 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

FG GRANTS IARA OSHIOMHOLE, 334 FOREIGNERS NIGERIAN CITIZENSHIP

A total of 335 foreign nationals were on Tuesday in Abuja granted citizenship by the Federal Government after statutory clearance and due diligence by the relevant security agencies.‎
‎
The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau,‎ who presented the certificates of citizenship to the foreigners, charged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Iara Oshiomhole, wife of former Governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole‎, who is from Cape Verde, was one of the recipients.

Dambazau in his remarks said that the 335 applications were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in January, out of the over 500 foreigners that applied.

He explained that 245 of the foreigners approved were granted Citizenship by‎ Naturalisation while 90 were by Registration, mainly foreign women married to Nigerians.

“Let me say that application for the Citizenship of Nigeria which can be by Naturalisation or Registration is provided for in Chapter 3, Sections 26 and 27 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ the minister explained.

The minister said that the approval was part of government’s effort on the “Ease of doing business in Nigeria” and boosting Nigeria’s image in line with international best practice.

He tasked the “new Nigerian citizens” to be of good conduct, respect the rights and customs of their communities and contribute to the development of Nigeria.

Damabazau said the last time such ceremony was conducted was in December, 2013 and pledged to ensure its sustenance on an annual basis for proper scrutiny.

Dr Lamabert Shumbusho, from Rwanda, who responded on behalf of the recipients, thanked the Federal Government and pledged their loyalty and commitment to the development of Nigeria.

Other recipients include nationals from Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, China and some African countries, most of whom are business moguls who have been operating in Nigeria for years.

The Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are charged with the responsibility of processing applications for Naturalisation from foreign nationals who have stayed/lived in Nigeria for a minimum of 15 years and those by Registration who are mainly married to Nigerians.

Connect with us

Women of Rubies