Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

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

#INTERVIEW | “I AM AN INSPIRATION TO A LOT OF WOMEN OUT THERE WHO THINK SO LOW OF THEMSELVES” – DR. ADEDUN OLUWO, “DOCTORPRENEUR”

Dr. Adedunmola Oluwo is a Medical Doctor and an entrepreneur. Despite her hectic schedule as a doctor, she still runs four different business ventures all at the same time. She is a baker, a makeup artist, a cook, and a hair stylist. Yes… all that while undergoing the gruelling task of going through med school. Dedun’s multi-faceted reach into the world of entrepreneurship was the result of her determination to survive economically – as a student. This grew into something else when the spectrum of services she provided increased, and she became beholden to the needs of her customers. Her work ethic is admirable, and behind it all she says was the unwavering love and support of her mother, brothers and friends. In 2016, Dedun was recognised as the “Young Person of the Year” by the Future Awards. Here is her motivating interview with Women of Rubies.

Childhood

I learnt how to cook from my mum and I learnt how to make hair anytime I visit the salon for my weekly change of hairstyle. So in a way, those two prepared me for Dedun Cooks and Hair by Dedun. The remaining skills were acquired in my late teens and early adulthood years. In terms of the business acumen, I guess I got that from my Mum and brothers. They are all entrepreneurs and my mum did that alongside her tedious job as a Civil Engineer.

More about me
Aside from being a Doctorpreneur, I believe I’m an outgoing and highly driven lady who believes in helping others in a bid for all to achieve one major goal, growth. I’ve been told I’m strict but I’ll prefer to use “disciplined”. I’m my own critic, so before someone tells me something negative about a thing or two I’ve done, I most likely already know and as a result, I can get defensive even when I know I’m wrong. Aside from all these, I’m just a simple lady who loves her faith and strives everyday to always be better than the previous

On being the recipient of the “Young Person of The Year Award” 2016

I was filled with joy to say the least. When I got the phone call, I was in shock and I’m sure the caller must have felt my out pour of emotion. Reason being that I really didn’t think I would ever be nominated for an award in Nigeria that soon, because I was just visiting the country at that time. I also didn’t think my story really reached people like that until the nomination confirmed that. It later got me thinking that if one can focus on what one has to do instead of fighting for recognition, the recognition you deserve will eventually find you.

Inspiration

To be honest, there was no major inspiration to start my first business other than the need for extra stipend. As the business progressed and I branched out to more ventures, the one thing that kept me going was this sentence, “I am not a failure”. I believed every word and used them to push me forward regardless of Medical school and it’s trials.

What or who inspired me to be “More”

My Family, my faith and myself. I wanted to be more to make my family proud. I wanted to be more because God created me to be a game changer and a shining light. I wanted to be more because I saw the potential in myself and strongly believed that I was not built to be a lazy being.

Greatest reward

The positive feed backs especially when I’m told I’ve turned their thinking capabilities around. When you can think more of yourself, nobody will do it for you and in return, nobody can poison your mind against you.

Challenges
Back in Medical School, my biggest challenge was time management and saying “No” to orders/appointments when I know fully well that I can’t say yes.I just moved back to Nigeria and logistics is killing me. Aside from this, I’m trying to figure out how I can combine everything. It’s a different ball game now and in a way, I have to start from scratch.

Other projects and activities
I launched a new project in January, the Dr Dedun’s Mentorship Program. After getting loads of requests from potential mentees for mentorship, I figured I should do it the right way. It’s going quite well and it will run in batches for eight weeks. The next batch registration will open in April. Other than that, I’m currently enrolled in the MDCN license program to become a registered Doctor in Nigeria. It’s pretty hectic for me now but after that is over, I will be back to my normal schedule with business and work.

Nigerians views on female entrepreneurs
Men believe women are the weaker sex, they’ve put us in a box that we can’t run businesses, whether small or big, because we are sentimental and not rational. There’s a rise in female entrepreneurs in the country and we will rise to the level that they will finally see that we can run businesses successfully while strutting in heels too.

I am a Woman of Rubies
I am an inspiration to a lot of women out there who think so low of themselves and retract their mind from thinking they can achieve anything they want to. I am an inspiration to students especially female students out there that want to have small businesses while in school but think they can’t do it because of parents, friends, lecturers etc. I am an inspiration to every woman out there that wants to be great, I have paved the way for those behind me to stand up and walk on the road to greatness. My program has made me realize that to be a game changer, you need change agents. I am creating the change agents and I will continue to if I truly want to make a difference in my world.

Final word for women all over the world
Your success solely depends on you but you have to take the first step. As you begin the journey, always remember to take God along and don’t leave anyone that needs you behind. We were all made for greatness, for success, but until you tap into those, you will never accomplish what you were made for, your purpose.

Website: www.drdedun.com <http://www.drdedun.com/
Email: hello@drdedun.com <mailto:hello@drdedun.com
Instagram: @dedun05
@dedunscakes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrDedun <http://www.facebook.com/DrDedun>

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

#PROFILE | MEET AUDREY ITERITEKA, THE 18-YEAR-OLD ORPHAN WHOSE COVER OF BEYONCÉ’S ‘HALO’ WENT VIRAL

An 18 year orphaned African teenager has gone viral after her school friends posted a video of her singing a cover of Beyoncé’s Halo.

Audrey Iteriteka, a high school student from Burundi has become an international sensation… being called “the biggest musical phenomenon that the country has ever seen”. People are even starting to call her “Beyoncé of Burundi”.

The orphaned teenager apparently agreed to record the song for her friend who was leaving for another part of the country. Audrey sat in a sparsely furnished schoolhouse and belted an a-capella rendition of the song that will absolutely knock your socks off.

For Audrey, singing is so much more than entertainment. When she was living in the orphanage, singing was her way of dealing with the emotional ups and downs that plagued her every day.

Iteriteka, is currently studying modern literature at the Lycée Sainte Therese Gitega, and says she usually sings just for her own pleasure and wasn’t expecting the video to be such a hit.

“I was very happy and surprised at the same time,” she said during an interview.

Audrey remains humble about her future as a singer, but at the same time is proud to represent Burundi and inform people about her beautiful home country.

Check out the awesome video below:

In Career Gems February 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

SERAH MAKKA APPOINTED AS ONE CAMPAIGN’S COUNTRY DIRECTOR

ONE Campaign has appointed Serah Makka as its Nigeria Country Director.

The ONE Campaign is an international, nonpartisan, non-profit, advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, by raising public awareness and pressuring political leaders to support policies and programs that are saving lives and improving futures.

Serah is a development professional who is passionate about social equity and justice.

She began her career with the Fate Foundation USA, supporting the first Nigerian non-profit organization focused on entrepreneurship training to create employment.

Following that, she worked as a strategy and evaluation consultant with Boston-based FSG Social Impact Advisors where among many things created an expansion strategy for a global microfinance organization, enabling a merger between two health-related nonprofits.

In 2006, Serah’s passion for social justice and girls’ empowerment led her to an assignment to teach girls English in Kabul, Afghanistan. Upon returning to Nigeria, Serah worked at the Tony Elumelu Foundation providing technical support to the Office of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

After that role, Sera worked as Policy and Innovation Manager with Enhancing Financial Access and Innovation (EFInA), a DFID and Gates Foundation funded Nigerian nonprofit focused on deepening financial inclusion among the low-income population in Nigeria.

Serah holds a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and a BA in Economics and International Studies from the University of North Florida, graduating summa cum laude.

She was nominated by the Young People in International Affairs as one of the top 35 Under 35 Young African Leaders in International Affairs.

She is currently a Trainer at the Africa Institute for Public Policy based in Nigeria. Serah is a gastronome and nature-lover who believes there is nothing a good book and a cup of tea cannot soothe. Please join me in welcoming Sera to ONE.

Serah will take over from Edwin Ikhouria who had served the organisation for three years and is leaving to pursue other career interests.

During his time with ONE, Edwin led the Nigeria campaign efforts that included Do Agric, It Pays, Poverty is Sexist 1.0, Global goals, and the current Make Naija Stronger campaign.

“He has served in this role with utmost dedication and has helped establish a constant and formidable presence for ONE in Nigeria amongst other achievements. Edwin will be with us until end of February 28th to enable a smooth transition.

We will miss him as he has been a true force of nature, as he leaves the campaign, he will stay close to the ONE team as part of our valued alumni of Nigeria advisors. Please join me in thanking Edwin for his incredible to the work of ONE in Nigeria and global,” a statement by Nachilala Nkombo, the interim Executive Director of ONE Africa said.

In Career Gems February 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

PICTURES FROM THE BAYWOOD CONTINENTAL LIMITED PRESS CONFERENCE

BAYWOOD CONTINENTAL LIMITED (BCL) recently held a Multi-media Business Press Conference which was attended by representatives from the Print, electronic and social media.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, President/CEO of the company described the event as an opportunity to share the company’s vision and business agenda with broad-ranging stakeholders within and outside Nigeria

Baywood Continental Limited is a wholly Nigerian owned integrated Oil & Gas Technical Service Company; ISO 9001: 2008 Certified incorporated in 1989 as a Procurement Company. Key strategic and organisational decisions taken with respect to maximizing the available opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector enabled us to position the company to become a frontline player in the sector.

BCL as a major EPC company has corporate offices in Nigeria and Canada operating in segments and business portfolios in such areas as onshore/offshore large-diameter Pipeline design and Construction, Process Facilities Design and Construction, Storage Tank Construction, Upgrade and Rehabilitation, Onshore/Offshore Structures Fabrication, Installation, FPSO Operations & Maintenance as well as Oil and Gas Facilities Operations and Maintenance.

BCL has made massive investments in all key sectors of our operations in order to sharpen our competitive edge and re-enforce our leadership position in these areas. This is in line with our corporate mission to be the ‘’Provider of Energy Services that meet and exceed client expectations ALWAYS’’.

This we have been able to achieve by constantly evaluating the business dynamics to position the company for optimal growth whilst maintaining profitability with a staff strength of over 1000 comprising some of the most experienced and competent personnel in the industry. We have made significant investments in our human capital and will continuously seek to leverage the skills and competences of BCL staff in our pursuit of excellence in performance standards.

Over the years, our company has achieved a widely acclaimed track record for excellence in our project deliveries with a number of INDUSTRY FIRSTS. BCL is the first to have engineered, designed and constructed the largest on-shore gas pipeline in Nigeria for TOTAL Exploration & Production. This project being BCLs’ flagship under OML 58 Upgrade Obite-Ubeta-Rumuji (O.U.R)is a 42” X 46km gas pipeline a major artery supplying gas to ALAOJI power plant for power generation to the grid as well as gas supply to NLNG.

Additionally, BCL is first to carry out RIVER CROSSING through HDD of the largest bore pipe of 1km crossing through SAMBRERO RIVER. It is a record setting feat in the Nigerian Oil Industry by an indigenous company. BCL has also demonstrated an impressive capacity in our project delivery records viz,

We have constantly supported our clients towards ensuring value- for- money audit in such areas as facility upgrade and construction enabling them to produce, process & export through the export terminals where we have held our own. These terminals include and not limited to

Escravos Terminal operated by Chevron
Forcados Terminal operated by SHELL
Bonny Terminal operated by SHELL
AKPO FPSO Operated by TOTAL in deep water
Sea Eagle FPSO Operated by SHELL

Each of this terminals supports NNPC and her joint venture partners thereby ensuring that Nigeria’s production and export quotas are achieved in alignment with national economic objectives. This clearly shows that Baywood Continental Ltd is THE LEADER in the industry.

BCL is a proud foremost member of PETAN (Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria) and won the 2014 Industry Achievement Award. We provide service support for all the major International Oil Companies in Nigeria such as Shell, Total, Chevron and have won many industry-relevant awards in Technology and Safety. To date BCL has achieved over 30 million man-hours with an industry unparalleled ZERO FATALITY record while providing cost-effective and fit for purpose solutions for our Client’s projects in challenging onshore and offshore locations.

Baywood Continental Ltd fully acknowledges that operational, economic, environmental, public, and social issues are all integrally relevant to our immediate and future business objectives. BCL will therefore continue to design and implement a broad range of corporate social responsibility programmes focused on creating and sustaining values for stakeholders.

As a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility we always strive to affect positively the lives of our host communities by providing employment, transportation, water supply and affordable health care such as in Escravos, Forcados, Bonny Island, Emuhuoa, Obite, Rumuji to mention but a few of our work locations. BCL also sponsored ‘’The Baywood Golf Tournament’’ at the Ikoyi Club to promote health and wellness among Nigerians.

The future for Baywood Continental Ltd is extremely exciting and we are looking to upscale our operations especially, Marginal Fields, acquisition of matured Oil fields from Oil Majors and explore new frontiers in the Energy sector such as cluster power generation using abundant gas for upcoming new cities and towns. Baywood Continental Limited is re-branding to achieve a brand equity balance between current and projected profile of the company. We have developed the broad and specific elements of the company strategy to actualize this vision. Therefore, the BCL organizational brand is one to watch out for, we will be more active across the print, electronic and social media platforms within the nearest future.

Let me conclude by thanking the gentlemen of the media for their wonderful support for Baywood Continental Ltd over the years. We will continue to nurture the harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between our company and the media now and into the future.

Thank you and God bless.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe

l-r :

Greg Ugwueze : GM Business Development

Ine Wiche : Company Secretary

Osita Ngwu : Chief Operating Officer

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe : President & CEO

Gbenga X-adebija( MD of Ashton & Layton)

Regina Obanya ( Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser)

In Career Gems February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

40 WOMEN DIE OF BREAST CANCER DAILY IN NIGERIA

The Executive Director, Ovie Brume Foundation, Adeola Awogbemi, has said that 40 women die of breast cancer each day.

Awogbemi stated this during a walk organised by the organisation for pupils as part of activities to mark the World Cancer Day 2017 in Yaba, Lagos.

According to her, cancer constitutes a major challenge to development, undermines social and economic advances throughout the world, hence the need to raise awareness on the disease, which is rapidly becoming a global pandemic.

To reduce the number of women dying of breast cancer and to ensure that the disease is detected early, Awogbemi advised that preventive measures should start from childhood.

She said, “We feel strongly the need to educate people about the pandemic and stem the tide by making information available to people.

“It is not the cancer that is really killing them but late detection. Most people are in denial, so they fast and pray for it to go instead of treating it. If you detect it early, you can still treat it and survive it.

“When it comes to preventing cancer, it is wise to educate the young ones. Perhaps if they start preaching this gospel, if they start creating awareness in their schools and communities too, people will become aware.”

Also at the event, the Country Occupational Health Coordinator at Lafarge Africa Plc, Okoronkwo Chimobi, said that cancer had become a social problem.

According to her, Nigerians should be worried about the alarming increase in the number of women that have been diagnosed with the disease.

She said, “A woman is like the foundation of the family. She’s a wife, sister and mother and once cancer takes her out of the equation, the whole pyramid suffers. Most men who lose their wives to breast cancer find it hard to pick up the pieces of their broken lives.

“Awareness is crucial, if we want to prevent these deaths. If you educate a girl, she will pass on the knowledge to her mother and the community. There is a vaccine against cervical cancer. It should be given to young girls who have not been initiated to sexual intercourse. We need to vaccinate these children and tell them that if they delay in having sexual intercourse it can protect them from this disease. ”

Source: Punch

In self development February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

GLORY EDOZIEN : HOW TO MAKE A NIGERIAN MAN HAPPY

So before I proceed with the usual banter that accompanies my vlogs, I guess I should say two things. The first is, Happy Valentine’s Day! May love always be in your life!

The second is a bit of a confession. Although this is a love/relationship styled vlog, I actually recorded it MONTHS ago but for some reason never released. And given we are smack bang in the season of love, it seemed appropriate to do so now.

This video is actually a sequel to an earlier vlog “How to make a Nigerian woman Happy” which you can watch here (link- https://youtu.be/WmFbOzo9snI). To create this video, I called quite a number of male friends and I was surprised by how simple and quite frankly ‘basic’ they claimed their requirements for happiness were.

As you watch this video, remember that every relationship is different because the people who make up these relationships, differ in backgrounds, character and many other things, so it is important to first understand your partner. It also always helpful to actually have an upfront conversation- ask him or her- what makes you happy? How can we both make our relationship, marriage or friendship a happy one?

So do you think you make your man happy? Please feel free to share some tips and tricks in the comments section or email me on glory@inspiredbyglory.com and if you haven’t done so already, please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel @inspiredbyglory. Catch ya later!

Thank you!

See you next week!

In Interviews&profile February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE |MEET FUNKE OPEKE , FOUNDER OF MAIN STREET TECHNOLOGIES & CEO OF MAINONE CABLE

Funke Opeke is the founder of Main Street Technologies and CEO of Mainone Cable, a communications services company. She attended Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, followed by a Masters degree at Columbia University in Electrical Engineering.After which she pursued a career in ICT in the United States. She was once the Executive Director of the Wholesale division of Verizon Communications in New York.

She returned home, Nigeria, to tackle ICT problems starting with an attempt to revitalize Nitel, which at that time was Nigeria’s incumbent fixed and mobile operator. The attempt didn’t yield much except birthing the idea to create a cable company when she saw the absence of submarine cables.

After pledging all her savings, facing more challenges of raising capital for the start up cable business, carrying out in-depth foundational works, feasibility studies, business plans and technical plans, Main One Cable Company become more tangible. Although the company at that time was to be built over a 2-year period, from inception to launch, with a total investment of US$240 million, Funmi Opeke had to seek investors, both global and local, to help make the dream a reality.

One of the things that kept her going in the midst of challenges was her determination to keep moving forward with the idea. There was no going back for her. So she became relentless in engaging more persons who could help fill the financing needs that the company needed. Often times, Funke came across persons who doubted the success of such a business in Nigeria but she didn’t let that stop her. She was never bothered about the glaring truth that she was a woman in a business path that was dominated by men. She kept her focus and ran with her dreams.

Today, Main One cable has succeeded in signing over 100 customers across Africa. The cable company has landing points in Portugal, Ghana and Nigeria and branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Funke Opeke believes that if everyone can think about how they can utilize the opportunities and the assets that they have to generate value then they would be successful in any business.

Source: Woman.ng

In Career Gems February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

“ I STARTED SELLING PAPERS AT 9, TWELVE SCHOOLGIRL WHO HAS BEEN SELLING PAPERS TO PAY HER SCHOOL FEES

Vicky, who said she started selling newspapers when she was nine years old and in Junior Secondary, JSS III in WAPI, disclosed that she made on the average N500 and N600 proceeds daily from the venture.

“I also gave the regular (daily) for N50.00 and sports newspaper for N20.00 to those who came here to read and return the paper and still sold the paper to those who wanted to buy,” she said.

She said her school runs two sessions and she attends the afternoon session, which affords her time to sell newspapers in the morning before leaving for school.

Gov Ayade used to buy papers from me: “Many prominent people live in this area, commissioners, House of Assembly members, judges, businessmen and even the present governor of our state before he became governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, used to buy papers from me,” she further said.

When there’s breaking news…“If there is a breaking news, before I get here, people are waiting for me, but some days, especially during the rainy season, because of the bad roads, papers arrive here late, except during weekends whether bad road or no bad road, the van drivers do manage to get here on time since the papers are produced early,” she said.

What I used my money for: What does she use the money for or does she hand it to her parents? “No,” the fair-skinned girl retorted, adding that she used the money to meet her needs in school and pay her fees, except when there was urgent need at home and her parents had no money, then she could help out.

Her words: “I use the money to meet my school needs, but sometimes, I help at home when my parents ask me to, may be they have no immediate cash at that time.” She said she was yet to decide if she would continue being a vendor after her education, but for now, the business was quite lucrative.

Source : Vanguard

In self development February 15, 2017 By Women of Rubies

NIKE ADEDOKUN : DEAR WOMAN, YOU DESERVE MORE….

Ladies, you have been praying about your new relationship. You even chose to pray when he started misbehaving.

You asked God to show you signs if you should marry him or not.

Suddenly, his mild bad attitudes became worse. He even maltreat and abuse you more. He doesn’t respect you and doesn’t bother about your welfare.

You have been asking him what went wrong and he says nothing or talks down on you.

You have been fasting and praying more for greater signs and wonders and after every prayer, his attitudes become worse.

What else do you want?

Greater miracles? Unseen signs and wonders?

The problem is not that you can’t see the signs, you just expect a change because you’re deep in love. You are obsessed.

The love is not the problem, he is not the issue too, you just haven’t discovered who you are what you want and what you deserve.

You even think you don’t deserve better. You are so used to being abused and you have embraced it more. You keep projecting your insecurities but you think you are just a slaying Queen.

Take a look at your past and your present. Observe the patterns, notice the emotional instability and ask yourself questions that can preserve your future.

Don’t get carried away by the internet and it’s societal pressure of what a woman is.

Don’t read fashion magazines alone, read quality books too.

Your life is more than what you see now. You are a treasure waiting to be found.

Pause and seek within. You deserve more.

Don’t limit yourself to the experiences you have had with friends and men while growing up.
You need to sort out your issues and inner demon before it consumes you.

I know what it feels like to be insecure and have low self-esteem. It’s not a good pace to be. I know what it means to seek for validation from men and relationships but that’s not what you need yet. Let God fill your heart and give you a sense of purpose and essence. Work on your values and what you project. Talk to someone if it’s not doable by you.

Enough of nudity, promiscuity, abusive relationships and purposeless life.

It’s time for you to evolve.

We can connect on: adenikeadedokun@gmail.com if you need to talk about it.

In self development February 15, 2017 By Women of Rubies

OPE TAIWO :4 MORNING ROUTINES THAT PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS

The beautiful things about morning is that they largely determine the rest part of the day. To keep that get-fit momentum going all day long, start your day off right with these morning habits that will motivate you even more.

GET SOME SUN

Basking in the sun’s rays can help you drop pounds. Why? Morning light helps regulate your internal clock, which aids your sleep schedule (crucial for weight loss). Morning sunshine also contains higher levels of blue light, which has the strongest effect on your circadian rhythm. You only need 20-30 minutes of morning sunlight between 8 a.m. and noon to get in on these benefits!

GET IN A MINDFUL MOOD

Mindfulness is a key strategy when it comes to weight loss. It’s all about taking a focused, intentional approach to your life by really tuning in to your body and mind. Even better, it can stabilize your emotions, potentially making you less likely to give into stress-based eating. Take a few minutes at the start of each day to sit quietly and focus on the rhythm of your breath.

CHANGE UP YOUR COMMUTE

Driving to work is easy, but it may not be best for your waistline. A study published in the journal BMJ shows that people who walk, bike, and take public transportation have lower BMIs and body-fat percentages than those who depended on their cars to get to work. Even walking to the closest bus stop or train station can be beneficial.

GO HIGH-PROTEIN

While the jury’s still out on whether breakfast is essential for weight loss, a healthy dose of protein in the morning looks like it can help you drop pounds. Protein takes a long time to digest and pushes your body to secrete the gut hormone Peptide YY, which helps increase feelings of fullness.

Photocredit : kokofeed.com

Women of Rubies