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Women of Rubies

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Azuka Nduaguibe the CEO of Clara’s Corner, is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University where she specialised in painting. After youth service in 2006, she started a luxury gift notebook business called Beautifully African which was sold in then Nu’metro stores nationwide and also used as wedding souvenirs.

She started working in advertising in 2008 while running the business simultaneously which got her a scholarship from Goldman Sachs to attend an entrepreneurship course in Pan African University.

In 2013 her passion for food and bright colours drove her to start a food and lifestyle blog called Clara’s Corner where she shared her twists on popular dishes and also created original recipes of her own. In 2014 she started taking short food courses such as cocktail making, pastries and cake making including food photography which landed her a contract to create an 80 recipes book for Mr Chef Nigeria in November 2015 while still working in advertising.

Finally in April 2016 Clara’s Corner launched its first product – Joly Yogurt, a healthy yogurt brand uniquely made from skimmed milk, thick, creamy with real fruits incorporated into it, comparable to foreign yogurts like yoplait.

It is a low sugar, low fat brand suitable for the lactose intolerant. Joly Yogurt has unique flavours like Green Tea, a unique blend of ugu and mint leaves, delicious and titillating to the taste buds.

In June 2016 she launched Cranola, a best selling sugar free granola mix, which is especially a favourite among millennial shoppers. Meet Azuka, a multi-talented artist with a unique sense of taste, a trait she inherited from her late mother Mrs Ngozi Chukwuma who was a one-time Maggi Cooking Competition winner in 1989.

First of all, I think this question is ridiculous! None should be acceptable in a relationship.

However, I’ve been noticing this question trending on a couple of platforms and just recently, someone asked me the same question.

It’s quite sad that women are mostly on the receiving end of this. Statistics show that women are most often the victims of domestic violence in relationships, and they are also the ones who get cheated upon most times. The fact that this question is even being considered in the first place goes a long way to show that we as women need to do more in empowering ourselves financially. We must also build our confidence and self-esteem, and tell ourselves (including our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends) that we shouldn’t just wholeheartedly accept such undesirable treatment simply because we are women.

I do not really want to go into a rant about this, but this is how I feel.

How about you? What are your thougths on this topic?

Source: http://www.stephaniedaily.com/beating-or-cheating-what-is-a-deal-breaker/

Two leading female empowerment groups in Nigeria are planning a joint programme for professional women.

Tagged “Career Conversation and Cocktails,” the organisers of the programme, Inspired by Glory and Her Network, a foremost networking platform for women, said it would afford career women to network with like minds in a relaxed atmosphere.

“The event…promises to be bags of fun! From speed networking games, lively debates, career conversations, giveaways and off course cocktails, you can be sure of quite a memorable time with like minded women and stimulating conversations,” the organisers said in a statement.

“Light but impactful career development tips will also be given by Forbes West Africa Correspondent, Peace Hyde, senior special assistant to the commissioner of women’s affairs in Lagos State, Chioma Dike and head, marketing and communications, United Capital, Toyin Awesu.”The programme which is set to hold on May 11 at the Eve Restaurant 234b Adeola Odeku Road, Victoria Island attracts N2, 500 registration fee.

Many times, we think that famous and successful people achieved success overnight or that they got it handed to them on a platter of gold. That’s absolutely wrong! In most cases, people who achieved success failed several times before. What makes them stand out however is the fact that they did not give up even after being rejected.

Today, I’d like us to encourage ourselves with the stories of these 5 famous people, with the hope that their remarkable stories would inspire us:

  • Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star in 1919 because, his editor said, he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”
  • Oprah Winfrey was fired as an evening news reporter because she couldn’t keep her emotions from her stories.
  • Elvis Presley was told by the concert hall manager at the Grand Ole Opry that he was better off returning to Memphis and driving trucks.
  • Henry Ford went broke five times with his early businesses which all failed.
  • Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four, and couldn’t read until he was seven.

Today, their success stories are being celebrated all over the world because they dared to try again.

Do you have any other success story you want to add? How do you encourage yourself when you’re feeling rejected?

 

Source: http://www.stephaniedaily.com/5-famous-people-who-were-rejected-before-achieving-success/

The ‘Ojuloge’ monument unveiled by the Lagos State Government on Thursday is to celebrate womanhood and educate the public on how to discourage violence against women.

Gov. Akinwumi Ambode said this during the unveiling of the structure erected at the open intersection between the National Theatre complex and the Nigerian Breweries complex at Iganmu, Lagos State.

Ambode was represented at the event by the Lagos State Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule.

Ambode in his speech said, “The commissioning of this monument is also part of the activities to celebrate Lagos @ 50.

“The structure depicts the beauty of the Lagos woman and seeks to educate the public that our culture does not tolerate any form of abuse of our women.

“The abstract monument, called ‘Ojuloge,’ conveys a sense of style and fashion as well as depicts the concept of a beautiful Lagos woman.”

The governor said the statue, alongside other monuments across the state, represents an important part of Lagos State’s commitment to promoting tourism.

He said, “This will serve as an important tourist attraction and also tell our stories to visitors in a creative manner. The statue represents who we are as a people. It also represents our heritage which can be preserved for generations coming behind us.’’

Ambode  however, urged the public to protect the statue against vandalism through inappropriate and unauthorised contact to guarantee its longevity.

Also, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Adebimbe Akinsola, said that ‘Ojuloge’ was just one out of 19 structures to be inaugurated across the state.

“Since the inception of this present administration, there has been tremendous development in all sectors across the state transforming Lagos State to an Iconic city, “she said.

The commissioner also assured residents of the state that the six art theatres would soon be established.

NAN

Itoro Eze-Anaba, Founder of the Mirabel Rape Crisis Center was honoured at the AWP Network ‘Get Connected’ Forum for her dedication, service and commitment to women and girls empowerment in Nigeria. Founded in 2013, the Mirabel Centre is a sexual assault referral centre established to provide free holistic, high quality medical and psychosocial services to survivors of sexual assault and rape. The centre is managed by Partnership for Justice and is located at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Mary Olushoga, Founder of the AWP Network states, “In 2015, Itoro Eze-Anaba was listed as a ‘AWP Network Power Woman’ for her work. That same year, her organisation was recognised by the AWP Network as one of 14 leading organisations changing the lives of Nigerian women and girls. I am indeed honoured to have established a platform that recognises African women and girls serving their local communities. My team and I were very excited to put this Forum together, as such conversations are needed in a society that does not fully recognise sexual assault, harassment, and violence as crimes against humanity.”

Olushoga continues, “We are glad to establish a platform that allows us to hear directly from those doing the ground work. Those who do this work are usually not recognised. These organisations struggle with everything from funding to staff recruitment. We hope that we can continue to shed light on their work so that the government, private organisations and volunteers can continue to support their efforts. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to provide a platform for leaders, for women, doing amazing work in their various communities, and especially to Itoro, thank you for all that you do and for inspiring the next generation of African women and girls.”

Eze-Anaba stated as she received her award, “Thank you to the AWP Network for honouring me with this award. It is really a pleasant surprise. Thank you to AWP Network founder, Mary Olushoga for the opportunity to speak about my work, my passion and commitment providing hope to survivors of rape and sexual violence. Also, thank you to my staff for all of the work that they do.”

On this day, the AWP Network hosted a panel on Sexual Harassment and Assault in the Workplace,’ it was at this event that Eze-Anaba received her award. Speaking on the panel were the following stakeholders, Jolaoluwa Ayeye, Representative of the Stand To End Rape Initiative, Iheoma Obibi – Ashoka Fellow, Feminist and Founder of Intimate Pleasures, Nigeria’s first online adult novelty shop, Blessing Timidi Digha-Omolere – Women Deliver Young Leader, Feminist, and girl-child/sexual reproductive health and rights advocate, who came all the way from Ondo state to Lagos for the event. This event took place at the JobMag Center in Yaba, Lagos.

Nollywood divas, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Monalisa Chinda, and Mary Uranta recently took to their respective Instagram pages to share new photos adorning their native attires to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Rivers State. Putting up a photo of them together, Ibinabo said:

It’s Rivers State Golden Jubilee…come celebrate with us #soulsisters #togetherweshine #onelove❤️ @monalisacode @maryuranta@charlesgranville @walteranga@realoraye @danielkdaniel@memrysavanhu @charlesnovia

 

Forbes Afrique dives into the world of the Business of Luxury in Africa, a business Forbes describes as a billion dollar industry in Africa, with Jennifer Obayuwana as the cover star.

In West Africa, that market is ruled by Polo Limited, a 30 year old business responsible for the proliferation of luxury goods. With locations in Nigeria and Ghana, Polo Luxury is at the forefront of luxury sales in West Africa. Despite the economic outlook in Nigeria, this is an industry that has maintained consistency in the African Sector.

 

On her special approach to management and women leading differently than men: Firstly I would say being a good listener. While a majority of decision-making rests
with the leader, there is so much to learn from one’s teammates when you patiently listen to their views and opinions. Secondly, I would say service. All great leaders (women alike) should serve others. This is at the heart of Polo Luxury’s success as a
whole. In response to the latter part of the question, I strongly believe that women lead intuitively. In my opinion, Women in high-level positions exhibit the same leadership behaviors as their male counterparts.

Full interview on Forbes Afrique

In the Forbes Afrique cover story,
Cartier Africa CEO, Alessandro Patti says,

“We (Cartier) see Nigeria as a strategic market with great potential. Being very satisfied with the results with our partner Polo Luxury Group, it was natural to opt for a long-term vision. In 2016, a Cartier watchmaker area was installed in the Polo Avenue at Hilton’s multi-brand in Abuja. Over the years, Nigeria and Cartier have developed a strong relationship and we are proud of the development of our activities. Our clientele is made up of connoisseurs looking for the know-how, beauty, creativity and elegance that make Cartier’s success. As far as watchmaking is concerned, generous diameters and complicated movements are preferred.”

The second season of the show will kick off in a couple of weeks and it has been revealed that singer Yemi Alade will be replacing 2Baba as one of the coaches on the show.

She will be joining Patoranking, Waje and Timi Dakolo who reprise their roles as coaches who critique contestants’ performances and guide their teams of selected artistes through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

According to the M-net West Africa team, 2Baba has left the show to pursue other commitments.

Are you excited for season Two of “The Voice Nigeria”?

Auditions for the second season of The Voice Nigeria recently held across Nigeria in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu, and preparations are in top gear for the show’s return to television.

OAP Uwanma Odefa is out with a new Vlog where she shares her thoughts on love, life and everything in between, and this time she’s sharing 5 places to find true love.

She says:

Thanks to Banky W and Adesuwa who have shown that true love can be found anywhere, including your DM! Though they’re not the first, they’ve made sliding into the DM of your crush less tasteless. Let’s examine 5 places to find true love in the 21st Century.

https://youtu.be/3Kg6WG_o7dE