Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In self development October 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Motunde Sotiminu: How To Stop Comparing Yourself To Other People Online

Never before in history have we had people’s lives or “highlights” glaring before our eyes. It used to be that we would have to go to the neighbor’s house to catch up on the gossip and the whereabouts of Lola or Kyshira. We could go for days without knowing about anyone’s business and if the person happened to be a celebrity, we were lucky to get it on the news or magazines. But as for the everyday woman, her business was her business. If I didn’t want to know what was going on in her life, I didn’t have too. Nowadays, it seems as if the world with instant messaging and social media has done a 360. I have Kyshira’s baby shower pictures in my face and I know that Lola is on holiday in the Bahamas and not only that, that she’s looking good, she’s lost weight, paid off her debt, and is traveling the world making passive income. Suddenly, I know all about my friend’s business and I begin judging and comparing myself to her. Well, why can’t I lose weight like she did, or look at me, I’m swamped in debt whereas Lola has paid off her student loans and is turning up in Nassau, Bahamas? And the cycle of self-pity, sadness, depression begins.

As much as social media is a force for good and has brought amazing opportunities for the majority of us, it has also shown its “other side” and the negative effects that can occur if we don’t watch out, guard our hearts, and lay down those boundaries.

So, how do we deal with comparison in the online space?

1. Set Boundaries

The same way one is encouraged to lay down boundaries in our relationships is the same way we have to lay boundaries on social media. And guess what? I love it. My favorite buttons on these social media platforms, especially Instagram are the MUTE, BLOCK, UNFOLLOW, RESTRICT, REPORT buttons. LOOL. I had to include the Report button lool because some people are crazy out here with the hate, trolls and all the negative energy. Sis, I encourage you to make full use of these buttons. They are there for a reason. If you know a certain person’s “highlights” are making you feel a certain type of way when you scroll through their posts or watch their stories, UNFOLLOW them. If they happen to be someone close to you or those types of people who will direct message you after you unfollow them lol, the MUTE button comes to the rescue.

The MUTE button is my favorite button. If I feel like a particular “influencer” or even a close friend is blowing all her vacation highlights on my timeline, sis becomes MUTED. And I encourage you to do the same. I know this may seem harsh or callous but it will save you in the long run. Guard your heart sis. Protect your mental health. Some people on Instagram are obsessed with showing us they have what we don’t have and so we have to quietly MUTE them. This way you save yourself from going down the rabbit hole of self-pity, comparison, depression, low self-esteem etc. We already have enough to deal with in 2020. We don’t need Kyshira living our best life to keep us down on ourselves. Again, guard your heart. You know the things you see that get you all worked up and in a funk, so take “precaution.”

2. Remember Social Media Is A Highlight Reel

I know we hear this so often that it becomes so cliche but sometimes I feel we need to hear this reminder again. Social media is a collection of “highlights”. Not too many people post their “low lights” on Instagram. It is a highlight reel. And it doesn’t make sense comparing your “lowlights” or your reality to someone else’s highlights. The grass is always greener on the other side. Social media is far from one’s reality. The truth is that no one’s life is perfect. Life is a roller coaster consisting of good and not so good moments. And happiness is being able to find joy and peace during this rollercoaster. Not everyone smiling on Instagram or Facebook is happy in real life. Some people are comfortable with putting up facades; when you get to know them better, you find out that not all that glitters is gold. So whenever you see yourself going down this trail of comparison, remember, you don’t know the full picture. And even if that’s the full picture, they always have ‘ish they are dealing with. And going with this perspective, you learn to be happy for people. You learn to be happy for them in the good times knowing the bad times do pop along the way. Again, perspective is super important.

3. Remember Everyone Is On Their Own Unique Journey

This has been a huge lifesaver for me; realizing that my journey is not going to be like Kyshira’s or Lola’s. We all have our own unique paths and that’s where the beauty lies in; being able to appreciate the differences in everyone’s journey. Kyshira might be engaged at 21 and have three kids before 30. That’s Kyshira’s path and that’s awesome, celebrate with her knowing you have your own unique journey and it will not always look like Kyshira.

Life would be so boring if everyone had similar journeys. Imagine how the world will be if we all looked like models or we all finished college and got our dream jobs at 21, got married at 27, quit our jobs at 30, and purchased our homes at 32. Life will be super boring. And God is a God of variety. Some people are naturally skinny, others are super curvy; some are happy with working a 9-5 for the majority of their lives while others are born to be entrepreneurs. We are all different. Let’s embrace our differences and appreciate our own unique journeys.

There is no one like you in this world. You have something that no one else has to offer. This is what makes you unique. Why don’t you celebrate and thrive being yourself? Why do you want to be like Kyshira or have her journey? You are beautiful just the way you are. Embrace and celebrate this.

With the instant accessibility to the “highlights” of people’s lives, it is important we guard our hearts, remember social media is a “highlight reel” and that everyone’s journey is different.

How do you deal with comparison in the online space? I would love to know your thoughts, feel free to drop them in the comments.

Source: Bauce Mag

In Editor's Choice October 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#EndSars: Naomi Campbell, Yvonne Orji, Viola Davis, Tina Lawson, Others Are Taking A Stand with Nigerians

The past few days, protests have been happening in every state, city and town in Nigeria, and Nigerians in the diaspora are also joining in the fight for change.

To show solidarity, various celebrities have joined protests or voiced their support for protestors on their online platforms.

Celebrities from Kanye West, Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis and Trey Songz are speaking up, taking action against the #EndSars and police brutality movement happening in Nigeria and across the world. These stars that we know and love have shown that they’re willing to stand up for what’s right and that the future of Nigeria and all of its citizens matters to them.

The horrifying story of Nigerians, especially the youths in the hands of SARS is sparking protests around, and other countries around the world. Many stars are using their social media platforms to speak out and share their emotions about the ongoing movement.

This is evidence that your voice is being heard all over the world.

Scroll down to view your faves joining the protests.

Yvonne Orji

Jidenna

Jackie Aina

Naomi Campbell

Viola Davis

Ms Tina Lawson (Beyoncé’s Mum)

Kirk Franklin

Diddy

Stef London

Kanye West

Trey Songz

Chance the Rapper

Nasty C

City Girls

Estelle

Cardi B

Jennie Jenkins

Source: Bellanaija

In Inspiration October 9, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirls | “Over Saturation Of The Vlogging Space Is A Major Challenge For Young Nigerian Vloggers”- Pamilerin Eniolorunda

Pamilerin Eniolorunda is a graduate of the Mass Communication department, Joseph Ayo Babalola University. She is a Communication Officer, Vlogger, Writer, and Poet.

She has an interest in meeting new people, public speaking, writing and gaining more knowledge.

Pamilerin is deeply passionate and aspires to be a distinctive professional with an impact.

She shares her “Ruby Girl” story in this interview.

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Pamilerin Eniolorunda?

I am Oluwapamilerinayo Eniolorunda, a communications officer, a poet, script writer and a vlogger.

2. What skills prepared you for practice in the Communications field?

The skills that prepared me for the communications field… Hmmm, I think it was my ability to think fast, build and manage relationships, my love for reading, speaking, and writing, and more.

3. Describe your channel in one word?

My channel in one word, Informative.

4. To what extent did your degree as a graduate of Mass Communication contribute to the startup of your vlog?

My degree played a big role in my vlogging. I learnt how to edit videos, handle cameras, and act on the principles of a communicator. Thanks to my degree, I knew the requirements and had the skills needed of me to start my vlog.

5. How do you research for new contents?

I research for contents by watching and following the trends, conversing with my subscribers to know what they want and also watching lots of youtube videos. I spend most of my time watching videos and thinking of how to do them better.

6. What inspires your writings?

Everything around me inspires me. Stories, people, things, environment, everything! Over the years I have been able to create a bond with my environment and everything around me.

7. What are some challenges you face as a communications officer/vlogger?

One of the challenges I face as a communications officer/vlogger is trying to work out a schedule that is beneficial both my corporate field and vlog. The corporate field is quite demanding but it’s also very important to churn out contents for my viewers. Fortunately, I am doing an excellent job in creating a balance and fitting into both.

8. What was growing up in a Nigerian home like for you? Did it in any way contribute to everything you do now?

Growing up in a Nigerian home is a blessing. Having three sisters helped me to boost my confidence level and self-esteem. My mum as a teacher is a loving disciplinarian, she always corrected with love and is not the cane, broom, belt or wire kind of disciplinarian. My dad as an auditor made me financially conscious of how I spend and what I spend on, he equally corrected me with love when I was wrong or misbehaved. I would say I couldn’t have gotten the training and morals I have outside Nigeria.
Yes, my upbringing has contributed a lot to who I am character-wise and behavioural wise. I see beauty in everything everyone call mistakes, I see love as the way of life too.

9. How do you cope with viewers who dislike your content?

Experience in speaking and writing has made me realise that not everyone will like what I do, everyone has their opinions and that in the words I speak and write, I have the power of persuasion.

For every negative feedback, I acknowledge the receipt of the message and try to make the other party reason with me and also make them understand that there are different phases of life.

10. If you were to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what would you change?

President for a day?
This is a difficult question, but if I was one I’ll make new laws and policies that positively affect the masses, make a few changes in the Constitution, and also make a rule that the laws I made must not be changed till it’s practised for over 4 years. 24 hours seem short, but this is all I’ll work towards achieving.

11. Do you feel there is pressure in getting more subscribers and more views? How do you handle this?

Yes, I feel pressured sometimes. But I understand that its a gradual process and I try to do better as I produce new contents. I know that one day the number of subscribers will skyrocket beyond my expectations. I keep praying its soon too.

12. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why?

My mother, Mrs Eniolorunda, she inspires me to be a better version of myself. I admire the processes and approaches she uses in all she does. She has taught me to love all, live right, and trust God.

COO, Venture Garden Group – Mrs Eniolorunda and Media Mogul – Mo Abudu appear to me as models, a motivation that there is space for all genders at the top, that women can be who they want to be regardless of the society, and that what really matters is who we are and the position we want to acquire.

13. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I want to be a distinctive first-rate communication and leadership professional, respected media personnel, a motivator and an agent of positivity. I plan to be in a position where my counsel is/will be needed to run the country or the most important sectors. I plan to be a leader recognised in the most profitable and beneficial aspect of life (religion and career). I wish to apply extensive knowledge in the service of communities and countries I am privileged to associate with.

14. What are the challenges young Nigerians in your niche face and what do you think can be done to improve this?

Over saturation of the vlogging space is one challenge, in the sense that one has to work extra hard to get viewership for the content published. Also, having an increase in the numbers of subscribers is another challenge. But the goal is to never give up… Tiny drops of water makes an ocean.

15. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of young females five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

My advice to them is to take innovation very seriously. It is important to learn to think outside the box be bandwagon outside educational ins, situations want strategic thinkers. There are tons of problems waiting to be solved so following the bandwagon is not necessary.

Also, my advice to them is to embrace Tech as much as possible. It is important to know the basics of the tech ecosystem and career paths because the future is tech.

In self development October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

3 Things You Should Do If You Feel Like Your Life Lacks Purpose

You might come to a point in life where you feel you haven’t achieved anything and you’re ashamed, but there’s no need to worry! There’s never time for you to turn your life around for the best, and it’s something that everyone should strive to achieve. Sometimes the changes you want to make are simple, and sometimes they’re incredibly difficult but the key is to not think about the work ahead, and instead the benefits.

Lose the attitude

Most people struggle with improving themselves because everything requires a high amount of effort. First of all, just try to consider what your life could be if you just stuck to a great routine. Once you have your personal ideas in mind, why should you slack at achieving it? It’s your life that you’re slowing down, and potentially your life that you’re ruining. Think of why you want to make the change, and what you want to leave behind. Believing in yourself is what’s going to power you and bring you to make the changes you want, don’t let there be any doubt.

Expand on yourself

It can be quite easy to give up and change your mind mid-way through your school life, and there are many people out there who aren’t putting their qualifications to good use. If you’re looking to make changes in your life, now might be the time. Depending on what you’ve already done, might be looking to go to medical school, or maybe returning to education like a university to follow a career path that you regret not doing. It’s never too late to follow your goals, and if the opportunity is there for you, you’ll wish you never passed it up!

Drop the bad habits

There are many habits out there that can hold you back. Not so much when it comes to career, but your health especially. Anything from smoking to a terrible diet can affect how you feel on a day to day basis, and it’s something that everyone should try to get out of at some point in their lives. This is one of the harder challenges to overcome, but it’s something you should if you’re truly looking for a greater lifestyle. Becoming a more active person can also help you to become more motivated too, and it’s proven that physical exercise can help you mentally, meaning you’re likely to have a more positive outlook on life.

It’s your life to lead, which means it’s up to you to make the most of it. Just because you feel like your life won’t get better, or there’s no way for you to improve, doesn’t make it true. There are many opportunities out there for everyone, big and small, so take a good look at what you’re currently doing and think of how you can better yourself. Giving yourself at least some kind of goal and working towards it is a step closer to an improved lifestyle, and helps you feel satisfied once you achieve it.

Source: Baucemagaine.com

In self development October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

6 Helpful Habits That Will Make You Feel Calmer

Modern life can be stressful and make you not feel calm at all. We work non-stop from nine to five, and even outside this time, we are constantly bombarded with a barrage of emails, social media notifications, and anxiety-inducing news headlines. We are living in the data age, and our lives can seem like a constant stream of information pouring into our heads. At times it can be overwhelming.

It is no wonder then that more and more people are struggling with their mental health. Almost half of all adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. We could all do with a little more calmness in the world, but it is becoming harder and harder to find.

If you are struggling with the worries and stresses of today, it is possible to find some peace. By making a few subtle adjustments to your daily life, you will feel calmer and better equipped to deal with life in the digital age.

1. Cut down on technology

Our overuse of technology is one of the biggest contributors to mental health problems today. Excessive consumption of digital media, in particular social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, can make us feel stressed, anxious, depressed, and low in self-esteem. By cutting out unnecessary technology use, you can replace these negative feelings with more positive ones. Read a book in your spare moments instead of scrolling aimlessly through social media. Invite a friend for coffee rather than texting. Choose the analog over the digital at every opportunity, and you will feel the calming benefits instantly.

2. Exercise

Exercise is the best natural mood-booster there is. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day will get your endorphins flowing, which helps to reduce stress and makes you happier and more productive. Not to mention the added levels of self-confidence that come with being fitter and stronger.

3. Spend time in nature

The mental health benefits of the outdoors are well-documented, but not enough people appreciate the advantages of spending a little time in nature. Going out for a lunchtime walk or taking the scenic route home can make you feel calm and peaceful and send any worries packing.

4. Socialize

People with a stable social network of friends and family have stronger mental health than those that are more isolated. Socializing with loved ones adds to your sense of self-worth and can make you feel more confident and stress-free. It also provides a medium to share positive experiences or emotional support to help you through tough times.

5. Eat better

Food is fuel for the body, so it should come as no surprise that what you eat has a direct influence on how you feel. An unhealthy diet full of fatty, oily foods will make you feel lethargic, tired, and irritable. Feel happier and at peace by adopting more healthy, balanced food habits. Plenty of fruit and vegetables will give your body the nutrients it craves while cutting down on alcohol and caffeine consumption will have an enormously positive impact on your anxiety levels.

6. Meditate

You don’t need to be an expert in things like chakras or Advaita Vedanta to experience the benefits of meditation. All you need is a quiet place to sit and focus on your breath. Just ten minutes of meditation a day can make you feel calmer, more confident, and increase your attention span. There are plenty of guided meditation apps to help you get started.

Source: BauceMagazine

In Inspiration October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Meet Simi Nwogugu, The New Chief Executive Officer Of JA Africa

Simi Nwogugu, the executive director of Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa, effective November 2020.

As a regional CEO, Simi will provide leadership and strategic execution for JA’s youth development agenda in Africa. She will drive JA’s regional initiatives and programs, including the organisation’s expansion into new markets while securing the partnerships and resources needed for JA’s education and digital skills development programs on the continent.

Simi will also join the JA Worldwide Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Governors.

Acknowledging her new appointment, Simi said in JA Worldwide’s official announcement:

This offers an exciting opportunity for me to work with my colleagues across the continent to expand JA’s mission to empower young Africans for a successful future. It is my goal to increase the impact of our work to significantly reduce youth unemployment and poverty across the continent.

I’m grateful to the board of JA Africa and JA Worldwide, for entrusting me with this responsibility and look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners to make it a reality.

“JA operates in Nigeria because of Simi’s vision”, the official announcement states. “Today, JA Nigeria has grown to become one of the strongest JA offices in Africa, reaching 1 million out-of-school youth across 36 states in Nigeria”.

Simi embodies the values of JA, showing the boundless potential of young people. When she founded JA Nigeria in 1999, dictator Sani Abacha had just died, leaving a damaged education system and an economy in recession. Simi believed JA was exactly what the country needed to inspire and educate young people to become change agents for Nigeria’s future. For three years, she set to work building JA operations in Nigeria, while also building a culture of philanthropy among organization partners and a culture of volunteering among individuals.

8 things to know about Simi Nwogugu:

She was born and raised in Nigeria.
A graduate of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
She’s a Goldman Sachs alum.
She also holds a professional certificate in Organizational and Executive Coaching from New York University.
Simi was first introduced to JA during her time working at Goldman Sachs in New York City.
She quit her lucrative private-sector job at age 24 to move home to start-up JA operations in 1999.
Simi went back to the U.S. in 2002 to attend Harvard Business School, but she continued to serve as a board member for JA Nigeria, bringing programs from Harvard to JA, including the Venture in Management Program.
In 2016, she returned to the role of Executive Director

Read more about Simi’s career and JAN’s impact at jaworldwide.org

Congratulations, Simi. We wish you all the best!

In Career Gems October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Lala Akindoju Is Giving Us The #BlackGirlMagic Vibe On The Cover Of TW Magazine

Nigerian thespian Lala Akindoju is the cover star for TW Magazine‘s September 2020 Issue.

On their Instagram they shared:

New Cover Alert!!!🙌🏾

To get you ripe & ready for episode 2 of @thesmartmoneywomantv 💵 (airing Episode 2 on @africamagic showcase Ch. 151 at 9 PM … reruns on Sunday 6pm!) we have a juicy cover for you!

@lalaakindoju is TSMW’s ‘Adesuwa’ as she graces our Special Issue for September 2020!

We dive into her role, wearing the hats of Actress & Producer on the project and being ready for more! We also have some pretty Smart Money Saving Tips from @smartmoneyarese herself and more!!!😍

The full magazine is available at www.twmagazine.net

Credits

Look 1: Floral Dress, Moofa Designs @moofadesigns

Look 2: Floral Suit, Wild Kulture @wildkulture

Look 3: Yellow Gold Playsuit, Moofa Designs @moofadesigns

Look 4: Pink Tulle Dress, 3and4Fashion @3and4fashion via @experiencezazaii

Photography: @emmanueloyeleke

Hair @hairbybeesroots.

Makeup @prospottedmakeover

Hair Styled: @vaavavoom .

In Career Gems October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Donald and Melania Trump Have Tested Positive For COVID-19

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump announced that he and his wife, Melania both tested positive for the coronavirus.

This is coming months into a global pandemic and in the final stretch of his re-election campaign.

At 74 years old, Trump falls into the highest risk category for serious complications from the disease, which has killed more than 200,000 Americans and more than 1 million people worldwide. His infection with the disease could prove to destabilize in an already fraught political climate, and stock market futures tumbled on news of Trump’s infection.

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!” Trump tweeted shortly before 1 a.m. Friday. Later, the first lady wrote on Twitter that she and her husband were “feeling good.”

In a memo seen by CNN, the President’s physician, Sean Conley wrote that he received confirmation of the positive tests on Thursday evening.

The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence. The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions.

Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any further developments.

The President had said late Thursday night that he planned to quarantine after one of his closest aides, Hope Hicks, tested positive for the infection, bringing the disease into his innermost circle.

In Inspiration October 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirl| “Covid Made Me Realise There Are So Many Things We Have No Control Over” – Ikanna Okim

Ikanna Okim is a phenomenal young woman who believes that she is equipped with everything needed for a new Africa.Ikanna is the movement leader of the No-FGM campaign against female genital mutilation in communities in Akwa Ibom state where the practice is rampant. A student leader, she is currently the President of the LAWSAN Bar Association, University of Uyo Chapter.

Ikanna Okim is also the Teennation Country Lead for Nigeria and Head of Legals. Ikanna is a prolific writer and has authored five books which have reached over 1,400 young people in Nigeria.

As a result of her commitment to correcting social ills, she was conferred the honour of a Fellow of the African Young Leadership Fellowship in 2018 and in 2020 made it to the nominee list of Community servants in Akwa Ibom State.

Ikanna, the academic aficionado, has also acquired certifications from different institutions around the world including University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, Negotiation studies certificates from University of California, Irvine Extension; and Yale University.
She is a child of God and a preacher of the gospel of Jesus. Her life principles are integrity, responsibility and transparency.

She shares her RUBY GIRL story with the team .

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Ikanna?

Ikanna is a young woman eternally saved by Jesus Christ. I believe that because of Christ’s permanent residence in me, I have all it takes to change the world, Africa in particular.

I am a final year Law undergraduate. I work closely with teenagers, women and girls to ensure teen inclusion in global and national development as well as create a voice for women and girls in Africa.

2. What inspired your writing at such an early age?

My dad! My dad is an ace writer and veteran journalist. I grew up reading his works (although by force, initially). Some privileges were attached to reading what daddy says you should read. So we read a lot and were inspired to write too. My younger brother is even a better writer than me. So, we all write. Good writers should also be good readers. Reading influenced my writing.
Then I began to look around me, my society and I found ills. I started infusing a voice against those ills into my writing. I’m someone who doesn’t see wrong and let it pass. So I began to speak through my writing all at a very young age. I wrote my first story book at 10 and I was encouraged to keep writing then I published when I was 19.

3. Your recently published a book (Black Syrma) what is the inspiration behind it and what does it entail?

Black Syrma is my voice against Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage. Black Syrma is a story of Kepuaolisa, a young African girl, tied in the complicated ropes of obnoxious African practices. I am an Africanist but I do not accept all practices just because I am an Africanist. As a matter of fact, I believe that we should do all we can to make the African tribe enjoyable so that we can have more people appreciate their heritage. Moving for the abrogation of ill practices is not the same as denying your heritage.
So, as African as I am, I consider ill customs unacceptable. Actually, there has been tremendous progress regarding eradicating Child marriage and female genital mutilation. They are now crimes where I come from but implementation is poor. Law enforcement agents will not go into the bedrooms of people to check whether girls have been mutilated or not. So I decided to take the approach of a mentality shift by publishing a book on that and leading a campaign in the local languages people understand.

“I began to look around me, my society and I found ills. I started infusing a voice against those ills into my writing”.

4. You led a Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) campaign, what was the response gotten from the outreach?

That campaign! We flooded the streets and a major market in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, my Local Government Area. A lot of people said we were wasting our time because Uyo is a civilised town and nobody practices such culture but that’s a big lie! While we campaigned, people sent us out of their shops. They almost drenched us in water for preaching against what they have been practising. A woman told us that girls who are not mutilated end up becoming prostitutes. In Uyo town! I sent out message on social media for people to stop thinking FGM was not in Uyo town. It was and still is!
However, we had some positive reponses. Many people told us that they never knew that FGM had long term effects so they promised never to mutilate their children again. The high point for us was when a girl who was supposed to be mutilated the next day was saved from it because we spoke to her mother and she changed her mind about it.
Girls and women have a right to their sexual and reproductive health. Removing the clitoris or any form of mutilation deadens her organ, leads to complications and may ultimately lead to death. No woman deserves that.

5. As the LAWSAN President of UNIUYO, what has been your achievement so far in office?

Being a female President itself is one of my achievements because by that, I broke a jinx of women in my faculty always contesting for Vice-Presidential seats and reserving the 001 positions to the males.
Asides that, I have spent the majority of my tenure out of school because of the pandemic. Nevertheless, I have achieved all my manifestoes save for two of them which I will do by God’s grace when school resumes.
I carried out an internal restructuring by creating departments which never existed in LAWSAN Bar to make students feel closer to the government and carry out activities which they have interests in.
We also had a street campaign against Child Labour in Uyo before the lockdown. This campaign was informed by children selling purewater and drinks to us during school hours. It didn’t sit well with us when there are free/ low budget schools in Akwa Ibom state. So we carried out that campaign as our voice against it. We spoke to the guardians of these kids and they promised us to adjust.
During the lockdown, we have had 3 major virtual events including our Law and Social Change event which lasted all through the month of July, for 31 good days.
We also acquired slots for some of our members who have interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution to take a course on Commercial Mediation free of charge with Mediation Academy.
The pandemic lockdown didn’t deter us. We have done so much that I can’t tell all. Thank God.

“Being a female President itself is on of my achievements because by that, I broke a jinx of women in my faculty”

6. What has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the most and what did you learn from it?

My school! I should have bagged an LLB two months ago but it was halted. That’s painful but I was able to make good use of the lockdown by taking professional courses, doing virtual internships and making sure my life is moving forward and indeed it has been my busiest year. I do not have a wasted year.
I have learnt that there are so many things one has no control over but those things one can control, one must control them well.
I can’t make the government reopen schools but I can control what I do with my time this period. At least that is within my power.

7. Aside being an author, student and leader, how do you unwind and what else do you do?

(Laughs) My friends think I am a boring person. Well, that’s their business. I watch movies for fun. My favourite genres are comedy, crime & investigation, Christian and legal procedural movies.
I also like to go out with my friends. I know a lot of people but I have a very small circle. Hanging out with them helps me unwind. Some bars of chocolate have to be present though. I love chocolate.

8. What is your highest and lowest point as a student, author and leader and how did you overcome them?

I hate feeling overwhelmed. I could get so overwhelmed that I won’t be able to do anything. I just stare at the ceiling for hours, leaving overflowing heaps of items on my to-do list.
When it gets like that, I apportion time to each activity or work I have to do. That way, I have some control over my time and it eases off anxiety. Time management is key for me.

9. What would you like to change about yourself?

I am a limited edition. There is nobody in the world like me. I appreciate all my strengths and weakness as part of the package called Ikanna. However, I subject myself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He is in charge of my life. Whatever He doesn’t consider cool enough, He brings it to my notice and we work together to get better.

10. What are the challenges young writers and author face in Nigeria? Which improvement do suggest?

Money! Money is a serious challenge. Young writers, please don’t wait for funding before you manifest your gifts. Don’t wait for a competition with prize money attached. Don’t also wait for platforms! Create your platform. I private-published my first book when I was 19. I had already gathered an audience on Facebook. My cover design was sponsored by a fan. My editing was done for free by a professional editor who had seen my work and believed in me. I didn’t spend a dime.
Create your platform.

11. If you were the Chief Justice of Nigeria for a day, what would you do and change?

(Laughs) Rome was not built in a day so will the justice system in Nigeria not be built in a day. It’s a whole long process but we can take one step at a time. Our justice system requires a near revamp.
If I were to be given that position for a day however, I will communicate my vision to the stakeholders in that system. From there, work can begin.

12. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why?

Mmanti Umoh, An erudite management consultant, the woman with the highest Intelligence Quotient I know. Molested at an early age, Mmanti drove her way to becoming one of the most influential women in Africa. Her story and her life inspire me to never allow circumstances of life dictate what I become.

Indra Nooyi, former CEO of Pepsi Co. A friend of mine told me to look up one of her videos one day and I was wowed. That was the beginning of my admiration for her. She inspires me big time. She is a role model for real.

Dr. Utibe Alex- Okoro, my elder sister and a medic. This woman is an embodiment of the word ‘complete’. A complete woman. She inspires me daily to live my best life and supports me heavily. What’s more? I love her so much!

13. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

This pandemic has halted many things but nevertheless I hope to be pursuing a PhD in Law, living out purpose and enjoying the grace of God.

14. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

Hey girls, be intentional! Stop wasting time sleeping, chatting away or allowing boys exploit you. Girl, you’re more! There’s a lot in you than you can see right now. God is just at your door. Open the door for Him and let Him handle you.
Be more!.

In womenofrubies January 21, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Tope Mark-Odigie: Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship and Makeup Empowerment

Tope Mark-Odigie, a renowned transformational speaker and award-winning television host, is making waves not only in the world of entrepreneurship but also through her impactful initiatives in the beauty industry.

With over a decade of experience as a television host, Tope has seamlessly transitioned her passion for societal growth into innovative solutions that address unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.

Tope Mark-Odigie is the driving force behind “ewabela,” an outfit of professional makeup artists. Through Ewabela, Tope has empowered and trained over 500 women in the art of makeup artistry.

Tope’s love for makeup is a personal indulgence and a profound mission to uplift and empower women. In her own words, she expresses, “I love makeup, I sleep, eat, and drink it. I’m what you will call a makeup freak. I am passionate about teaching and generally impacting knowledge.”

Tope Mark-Odigie’s mission is to inspire growth and create positive societal change. Leveraging her expertise as a speaker and entrepreneur, she has successfully ventured into empowering women with tangible skills beyond traditional realms. The impact of her makeup empowerment initiative reaches far and wide, touching the lives of countless individuals.

Her impact extends beyond her professional ventures. As a passionate advocate for good governance, she actively engages with corporate organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to develop effective solutions to unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.

Tope is not only a transformational speaker and television host but also a visionary entrepreneur committed to fostering economic inclusiveness and empowerment. Her journey unfolds as a narrative of innovation, impact, and advocacy, creating a ripple effect that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches.

Follow her via her Facebook page: Tope Mark-Odigie to know learn more about her work.

Women of Rubies