Women of Rubies
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Meet the Nigerian Microbiologist Who is Determined to Find the Cure for COVID-19

A young lady microbiologist has taken it upon herself to seek a cure for the novel coronavirus.
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Known on Twitter as @unofficialbibi she makea her intentions known while sharing photos of herself in a laboratory, stating how she intends to staying in the lab till she finds a cure for the disease.

She wrote: “As a Microbiologist….
. “I have entered the lab and I won’t leave until I find the cure for Corona virus…. #FightCOVID19 .
. “Wish me luck. Don’t forget to wash your hands and stay safe.” #coronavirus

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Meet the young female doctor who suspected the first coronavirus case in Nigeria

A young female known as Dr. Amarachukwu Kalu Allison has been  appreciated for her help in containing the corona virus.

Allison who is a doctor with Lafarge Cement Company led to the early diagnosis and timely containment of the first infection in Nigeria. According to the Ogun state ministry of health, Allyson played a huge role.

Alison in response to the government’s tweet thanked God “for intuition and knowledge” and her teammates’ safety who worked alongside her at that time. She went on to say a prayer for health workers who have paid the supreme sacrifice around the world and families who have lost a loved one to the virus.

The state government also appreciated Lafarge for its cooperation in managing the spread of the virus in the state.

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Tomi Odunsi shares some inspiration with Anyone Who Has Suffered Loss with her Mother’s Day Message

She shared how her new baby makes her fell amazing, and wished every hero out there mothering a happy day. She wrote:

Happy first Mother’s Day to ME!!! After 4 horrible miscarriage experience and losing my beloved cousin Funmi to cancer, God restored me in everyway.

HE came into my life unexpectedly mysteriously and my world is filled with so much joy.
In my few weeks of being a NEW Mum , it’s been very interesting and yet amazing, all worth it.

To all who have experienced lose, God will restore YOU!

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers in every capacity of mothering. You are a HERO!

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Ijeoma Thomas-Odia: How to Help your kids boost their immunity

With the deadly Lassa and Coronaviruses currently in the country, there is need to ensure that our children’s immune system are in good shape. For children; their immune systems are just like an antivirus warning message; it’s needs an update every so often, says Ifeyinwa Omesiete, a Pediatric nutrition consultant based in Lagos.

Mostly because children are explorers and are more susceptible to many illnesses as their immune system isn’t strong enough to fight a lot of infections. Between the ages of zero to six years, the average child would have had over 20 different cold/viral infection cases (this is excluding bacterial infections). This number may seem alarming but it’s expected and that is why building their immune system needs to be at the top of every parents to-do list.

According to Omesiete, there are three major but simple ways to boost the immunity of any child. They may seem ordinary but with consistency; they have proven to be very effective.

Water Intake: From the first day of life, every child is exposed to fluids; be it breast milk or formula. The reason is mainly because the body is made up of at least 70 per cent of water, you should also ensure proper circulation of blood and nutrients; the body’s water content needs to be maintained. Between six months to a year, the minimum water intake should be 250-500ml daily. Between one to two years, every child should consume at least 750ml of water. Ages two to four years, at least a liter of water, and from four years upwards, at least two liters of water. Low water intake can decrease oxygen flow throughout the body and it also decreases the effective removal of toxins from the body which overtime can weaken the immune system. One of the easiest ways to get any child to drink water is by setting the example. So, as a parent, drink more water in the presence of your children and keep drinking water accessible and in plain sight.

Spirulina: Spirulina is a natural blue green algae (cyanbacteria) that is an incredible source of absorbable nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. Taking about half a teaspoon spirulina daily is the equivalent of 1 egg or ½ a banana or 300ml of Milk. Spirulina is a complete protein and an excellent source of Vit A, B12, B2, B3, Iron, Zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. It provides the body with antioxidants, which are key in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Simply put, what you cannot get your child to eat in their diet, spirulina will do the trick.

Fruits and vegetables: This is almost cliché, but not to be taken for granted. A lot of health professionals educate parents about the importance of fruits and vegetables in a child’s diet but let’s look at this from a nutritionist’s standpoint. A daily serving of a variety of fruits and vegetables provides fiber for proper digestion of foods, phytonutrients like beta-carotene which turn into Vit A in the body, and Minerals like Iron which increase the absorption of Vit C in the body to fight infections.

A missed serving causes a decline in the nutrients listed above which when they are depleted begin to deplete other nutrients like Zinc, potassium, calcium and so on. That’s why when a child who lacks these nutrients is exposed to a virus or bacteria; quickly gets infected and doesn’t have strong immune cells to fight. For children who do not like vegetables; there can be blended or juiced with fruits. They can also be made into popsicles or even baked. The trick is to get creative with the approach of serving them.

In conclusion, Omesiete said that every child deserves a fighting chance against infections and with these three ways, every parent is sure of kicking their child’s immune system up a notch.

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I sacrificed medical school to be sex therapist – Deborah Ajayi

Everybody has their childhood fantasies and most often than not, life offers other choices, which often take by hook or by crook. For one of Nigeria’s most popular and prosperous body and sex therapist, Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi, the Chief Executive Officer of Omoshola’s Place, her passion overtook her fantasy.

Her fantasy was to be a medical doctor but her passion which was fueled by entrepreneurial flame burned through to the surface. So, rather than being a doctor, she’s a sex therapist and an entrepreneur of note. She recounts her story in a recent interview.

“While growing up whenever I was asked what I wanted to be in future, I would always say a medical doctor. But later I got a strong conviction that entrepreneurship is a better path for me. I actually strived to be a doctor and in 2016/2017 I got admitted into Bingham University where I was studying Medical Physiology, but schooling there was quite expensive hence I dropped as the school and its environs couldn’t encourage my career.

“I was paying over a million naira per session. I felt it was too expensive. I had a savings of 700,000 in 2018 and decided to invest it in my business rather than waste my time in school.

“I said to myself my first outlet will be in Maitama, Abuja. I went round and saw a place for 4,500,000 yearly (extreme) but I wanted it. I spoke to the management and pleaded for them to allow me pay monthly. I drove from Abuja to Jos where the landlord was based to explain myself and my vision. He saw me as a kid and encouraged me by accepting my terms (This was the push I needed). After paying 500,000 I had less than 200,000 left and I needed to fit the salon.

“I went to the popular Wuse market in Abuja and took equipment on credit and promised to pay back and due date, I knew I was going beyond my boundaries but this is what I wanted. I was a debtor for months, I sold my first car (Honda accord 2002) to pay salaries and settle debts. The first few months were horrible as my income in a month was 15,000 or less and I needed to pay four staff 30,000 each. I had enough reason to give up, but no, I didn’t,” she said.

That was the birth of Omoshola’s Empire which houses other concerns like HBG Beauty Salon and Cloud 11 Beauty Salon, among others.

The Omoshola’s Place Chief Executive Officer sells aphrodisiacs with a touch of spiritualism. She also owns a farm in Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory where she rears livestock. She owns a body enhancement spa in Maitama area of Abuja as well as a salon and body spa in Dubai known as HBG Beauty Lounge at the Dubai Investment Park. And recently she launched the biggest African salon and spa in Dubai (Jumeirah).

Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi was born on July 11, 1996. She’s a native of Ijero local government area of Ekiti State but raised in Ojota, Lagos State.

She attended Victory Home School, Lagos where she finished her primary education. At 9 years of age, she left for Abuja to join her dad and attended Junior Secondary School, Apo and concluded secondary education at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja.

She also attended several high institutions in Nigeria but never finished until she relocated to Dubai where she’s currently a part-time student in IMT Business School, Dubai, UAE.

She shuttles between Abuja and Dubai to run her empire of businesses.

Source: Guardian

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#Rubygirls | “Service to humanity is the best work of life” – Blessing Adekoya

Blessing Adekoya is a final year law student of Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is a member of OOU Law Clinic, TAG Leaders Hub (Next Elites) and Junior Chamber International, Nigeria OOU Chapter where she is currently the Vice President 1.

Blessing owns her Fragrance and Perfume outlet named “Scenty Scents.”

 

*1. Let’s meet you. Who is Blessing?*

Blessing is the apple of God’s eye, a beautiful and inspiring young lady.

*2. What are your hobbies?*

Well, I love reading great books,listening to people, planning, eating and yes sleeping if that’s an hobby (laughs).

*3. Who and what inspires you?*

I would say God because I’m still in awe of him. The kind of love he showers on us despite all our imperfections sometimes leaves me shocked and confused.

Also I’m inspired by everyone who despite the odds are still sane and manage to be successful.

*4. What is your biggest fear?*

Having regrets. Waking up everyday and realizing I could have achieved something but I didn’t maybe because I didn’t put in enough efforts. I have been there before, it’s a place I don’t want to be again.

Blessing Adekoya

*5. You’re the Vice President 1 of Junior Chamber International, one of the top leading organizations of youths not just in Nigeria but all over the world. It is mostly conceived as an organization of Law students alone. How true is this? How has its membership helped you as a person and what can you say about opportunities the organization present or has presented to young citizens?*

Junior Chamber International is a non governmental organization of youths between ages 18-40. It is mostly conceived as an organization for law students because of the ‘Chamber’ in it’s name but it’s for all youths not law students alone.

JCI has helped in my self development. It has helped with getting rid of my shyness as I can address a large audience now , JCI has broaden my mindset and most importantly taught me that “Service to humanity is the best work of life”

JCI has a lot of opportunities to offer young citizens; Individual, Business, Community and International opportunities.

*6. One accessory you can’t leave home without.*

A big smile on my face.

*7. Your best quote*

Your Abnormal will be the new normal.

*8. You are the CEO of Scenty Scents. What prompted it? And what has been the major challenge so far?*

Actually it was prompted by the need to have more. I didn’t want to rely on allowances from my parents alone so I started the brand. I’m glad I did because it meet needs in a way, helping people’s personal hygiene and boosting their self confidence.

My major challenge so far is the stress of being an entrepreneur, there is a lot more to it than it meets the eye.

*8. What keeps you up at night?*

Being nocturnal, I work better with the quiet. I do house chores, read books, learn new things and surf the internet.

*9. If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?*

The Police Force. There is so much to be looked into in that aspect.

*10. Country or city you’ll love to visit soonest?*

Dubai

*11. You are a member of TAG Leaders’ Hub(Next Elites). What is its aim? Any activity or programme you have been able to achieve through it?*

The essence of the creation of The Next Elites is to create a group of individuals who are Godly first and then, captains of industries or high government office holders who would help re-align the country and the world towards the proper functionality they should be at.

There is a lot to be achieved this year based on strict monitoring. Our thinking horizon by books we have been exposed to, financial, health, religious, relationship goals are being achieved.

*12. Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next 5 years?*

The name ‘Blessing Adekoya’ will be known for being a young lady with the difference. My brand will become bigger and better by God’s grace!

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

You need to get out of your comfort zone. Stretch yourself. Try out things that would propel you to fulfilling your destiny. It doesn’t hurt to try. You can’t afford to settle for what you think is safe.

Everyone has the ability to be a winner. The fact that you fail some challenges doesn’t make you a failure, it’s only an opportunity to prepare better for the next challenge and tap into unseen potentials inside of you.

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Angela Tabiri: Lady who moved from the slums to PhD holder in math

From one of Ghana’s known notorious slums to the University of Glasgow to earn a PhD in Mathematics, Angela Tabiri is a good example that resilience and determination scale even the most daunting hurdles.

Being the last of six girls, Angela’s paradigm, while growing up was largely shaped by not just her social setting, but also the absence of gender roles enabled by cultural expectations of what men and women are predetermined to do and eventually become. This shaped her pattern of thought regarding what she wanted to become and in spite of her humble start in life, Tabiri walked a mighty dream.

Tabiri graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2019 with a PhD in Mathematics and gained massive media attention.

Source LegitNews

 

 

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Nicole Martinez’s Goal Is To Raise Awarenes About Black Women In Tech

Many women obviously are not are not pursuing a career in the tech field. 

Nicole Martinez is an American web developer and graphic artist. In a candid moment with Black Enterprise shared her career as a tech woman.

“I’ve always enjoyed art and being able to bring my imagination to life. I have to say that this career found me,” she said.

“Growing up, like most people, I was following what everyone else was doing. Going to college for a degree that I am currently not using and trying to find a “good job with great benefits,” as my family would say.”

“For extra income, I started a wedding stationery business using the graphic design skills that I developed over time. Almost right away after starting my side hustle, I got laid off from my day job. But when it came time to find another job, I knew there was no turning back and I fully immersed myself into the business, making it my full-time job. My wedding stationery company led me to work with women in business and helping them brand and market their business by teaching them how to use tech such as pixels, analytics, web development, and more,” said Martinez.

She aims to inspire more women on this field, “I want them to know that they have a place in tech. Not only that, but they can make more than enough to support themselves.”

“The one statement I hear the most is, “I am happy I found you because I don’t know anyone who looks like me and does professional work I can hire.” My goal is to not only help educate but also to bring awareness that black women in tech are here, and not only are we here, but we are also able to handle the job in a professional manner,” said Martinez.

One of her near future plan will be to launch a seasonal podcast called “” to teach women how to start their business, handle their business, with God’s guidance.

“This podcast will be a 12-episode podcast with different guests each episode. I am extremely proud and excited for this podcast. 80% of the guests are black women in business who are experts in their field. Now women have a destination to find information; they need to grow their business,” she said

She encouraged women to never give up.

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What Pregnant and Nursing mothers should know about Corona Virus

As pregnant women and nursing mom’s are not excluded from the risk of getting infected, proper measures should be put in place to help avoid this virus.

A certain Medical Doctor has shared tips some tips for new parents and pregnant moms.

Pregnant Women risk and the Virus

The physiologic and immune changes that women undergo during pregnancy lead to an increased risk of infections. For example, we know that pregnant women who get influenza are at an increased risk of getting viral pneumonia.

As of now there are no reports of the virus being able to cross the placenta to affect babies during pregnancy (vertical transmission), nor are there any cases of babies contracting the virus during labor and delivery. There have been reports of a possible association between COVID-19 and preterm labor in China, but there are no other known pregnancy complications at the present time,” she said.

There is a possibility that pregnant women who are “high-risk” due to problems such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes may be at higher risk of COVID-19 related complications, but there have not been enough documented cases in pregnant women to come to conclusions in regards to this.

It’s really important that pregnant women who think they might have COVID-19, or have been exposed, contact their obstetrician or midwife for guidance on how to proceed. In addition, any pregnant woman with cough, fever, and shortness of breath should be evaluated in person ASAP.

Breast feeding folks and the likely risk they face

There are no known cases of COVID-19 being passed from mother to baby via breastmilk. Breast milk samples from Chinese mothers with coronavirus that have been tested have not found the virus in milk.

Breastfeeding helps to bolster your baby’s immune system and is one of the best ways that you can help prevent your baby from getting coronavirus. So at this time it’s recommended to continue breastfeeding, even if you have been exposed.

 If Breast Feeding Mom Is Exposed  

  • Wash your hands before touching and feeding your baby.
  • Wear a mask while breastfeeding.
  • If pumping, make sure to wash your hands before pumping and thoroughly clean pump parts after each pumping session.
  • Consider having someone who is well feed your baby pumped milk.

To protect yourself during pregnancy:

  • Be diligent about practicing good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after being out in public.
  • Do not come in close proximity with people who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and/or exposed to coronavirus. Limit contact with others who are currently sick (i.e. with a fever and cough). Consider avoiding places and gatherings with large crowds.

To protect your newborn:

  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer every time you touch your baby.
  • Limit visitors in the first few weeks after giving birth and make sure that people who have recently been sick and/or possibly exposed to COVID-19 do not visit.
  • Breastfeed, if possible, to help bolster your baby’s immunity. Even partial breast milk will make a big difference in helping your baby to fight off infection!
  • If you are pumping breast milk, make sure to clean and disinfect your pump and all parts before and after every use.
  • Call you baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about his or her symptoms, including a fever, quick breathing, cough, and/or refusing to eat.

Myths to avoid

One myth is that pregnant women should avoid hospital births due to a risk of contracting the virus at a hospital. It’s important for pregnant women to continue to get regular obstetric care with their doctor or midwife, and continue to plan for a hospital delivery, especially if one’s pregnancy is “high risk.”

Another myth is that babies cannot get the virus. While the chances of a newborn getting sick from the virus are low, there is a risk of community-acquired spread. Thus people who have recently been sick and/or might have coronavirus need to stay away from newborns.

The third myth is that coronavirus is “just like the flu” and nothing to be worried about. This is a brand new virus to which none of us have immunity, there is not a vaccine available, and the fatality rates in all countries are higher than the rates for the seasonal flu.

Thus far there have only been two newborn babies in China with documented coronavirus infection. Overall, the mortality rate for this virus is very low in infants, children, and women of child-bearing age compared to the elderly and other “at-risk” populations.

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‘Self Made’ Movie In honour of American’s first black female Millionaire

‘Self Made’ is a Netflix series Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker who was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. Walker was considered the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and wealthiest self-made woman in America at the time of her death in 1919.

The role will be played by Octavier Spencer.

Walker is known as the woman who set the standard for black female entrepreneurship in the haircare industry in America—Sarah Breedlove— affectionately known as Madam C.J Walker.

At a time of slavery, when most women had no rights, Walker had a vision for her life. This vision came after she experienced hair loss due to stress and weathering.

This would later overcome her career as a washerwoman, help her overcome poverty, create thousands of jobs, and provide generational wealth for her family

The series is written by Nicole Jefferson Asher with co-showrunners Elle Johnson and Janine Sherman Barrois.

Inspired by the book On Her Own Ground written by her great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles marks the first time Walker’s story is being brought to the screen.

 

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