Blog - Page 206 of 462 - Women of Rubies

In self development October 27, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

ARE YOU PUTTING UNDUE PRESSURE ON YOUR CHILD INTELLECTUALLY?

“Parenting is a huge job that comes with so much responsibilities,” says Mrs. Oluwabusayo Adebowale, Director, Inspired Kids Network. You, out of love, desire to give the little humans in your life the best you can afford, you vow to propel them to heights you never attained and see that they become the best that they can be.

This can make parents place perfectionist demands on children. So many parents fall into the trap of comparing children’s developmental milestones. Nothing crashes a child’s self-esteem as fast as direct or indirect comparison with another. The truth is, when you start comparing your child to others, you’ll lose sight of the unique attributes of your child. Children are unique and special in their own way.

“Frankly speaking, the educational system of our country Nigeria has also contributed to this problem, as the emphasis on paper qualification or certification over actual abilities is a major sponsor. Even schools have bought into this philosophy as even toddlers write exams and are graded by position. For this reason, so many parents are desperate to see their children measure up on paper.”

Adebowale said that recently, a mother on a support community for mothers she belongs to, recounted how her husband met a home-schooled toddler who blew his mind away with his knowledge level. “This young child of 21 months could identify his colours, shapes, numbers and could communicate in long fluent sentences. Her husband suddenly felt that their 22-two-month old son who could count up to 30, loved to sing, knew his alphabets and could communicate in a few words was not measuring up. This is the story of many parents, they begin to place unreasonable expectations on children instead of celebrating their uniqueness and letting them learn at their pace.

“They start getting worried that a three-month old isn’t sitting, a 10-month old isn’t walking, a one-year-old has just two teeth, an 18-month-old isn’t talking fluently and so on. Parenting on the overdrive places undue pressure on children to perform. What then happens when they are not able to perform?

“I remember my elder brother slunked into depression and began to contemplate suicide because he had an extra session in the university. Can you blame him? We were brought up with the notion that you were as good as your performance. I hear my dad’s voice in my head now and some of his words ‘Bury your head in your books!’ ‘Why should you come second in class? Does the first person have two heads?’ My father did the best he could at the time, given what he knew. However, we have to do better with the children God has committed into our hands.”The parenting enthusiast and mum noted that some children actually go through the motions and amass knowledge but are oblivious on how to apply it unfortunately.

She continued: “Isn’t that why we have graduates with sparkling certificates in Nigeria who cannot defend their certificates with commensurate practical output? The purpose of knowledge is for life application. Life is more practical than theoretical; if your children have practical wisdom then the theories will just be a piece of cake. Can we teach our children to know things first for the purpose of learning, put the brakes on perfectionism and comparison while celebrating their every effort?

“As a parent its always easy to talk about the things your child is doing right while parading them as a trophy, but what happens when the child doesn’t meet the set expectations? Personally, I think the real challenge of parenting is loving and celebrating our children through their low points. Children who have not learnt to assess challenges and failures well will grow into adults with low self-esteem.

“I strongly believe that if we can groom self-confident children who don’t see a fall as their end, but will rise back with dignity no matter how hard they fall, then we have tried. As parents we need to examine our motives always as over-driving perfectionism parenting could be played out even subconsciously,” Mrs. Adebowale concluded.

In Uncategorized October 27, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

FOLUSO GBADAMOSI: ‘MY GREATEST RECOMMENDATION TO ANYONE HAVING A HARD TIME BALANCING IS TO CREATE SUPPORT SYSTEMS’

Foluso Gbadamosi is the Director, Business Process & Technology, Prime Atlantic Group; Co-Founder at 8191 Solutions and Serving with Love Foundation. Her career spans over 15 years in the Telecommunications, IT and FMCG industries. In this conversation with ADERINSOLA ADENIRAN of Leading Ladies Africa (LLA), Foluso shares her corporate experiences, highlighting how she has integrated her professional pursuits with her personal life, with some success nuggets for women who want to navigate the corporate world.

Tell us a bit about growing up and your upbringing.
I am the first of four children. I grew up in a home with open doors to everyone and parents who expected the best. My parents instilled humility and love for people in ways I find hard to describe. I learnt a lot about being responsible, loving people, the importance of family, being content, being generous and so much more from my parents. The truth is, children learn from our actions more than our words, most of the values I have today are from seeing my parents in action. Gender was never a limiting factor in our home and I was raised to know that nothing is impossible.

You are Director, Business Process & Technology, Prime Atlantic Group and Co-founder at 8191 Solutions that provides technology solutions to SMEs. That is a lot. How did you set out in the corporate world? Did you have a plan from the get-go, or did you just move with the flow?
I entered the corporate world just like most people do: I graduated from University and started working. During my years in paid employment, I have developed a better sense of what I really love and enjoy doing. I am a people-person and traditionally, people in technology tend to be more heard than seen. I believe I’m thriving in the industry while staying true to myself.

You have been in the corporate space for over a decade, based on your experiences, what would you say are the core principles anyone looking to have a fulfilling career must abide by?
I am a strong proponent of self-awareness. If nothing else, I think any professional should work on becoming more self-aware. In Nigeria especially, there’s a tendency to fit people into some sort of mold and many people have a hard time expressing themselves because they think they should be a certain way. While building a career is important, it does not define you entirely so it’s important to be self-aware as you build that career. For instance, you may work in finance-a stereotypically cut-throat industry- and have a very nurturing personality, so while you are “doing deals” and “killing it”, you also find yourself mentoring people in your organization and caring for them in a way other finance professionals don’t and that’s completely fine-you don’t have to fit into the mold. We should not identify ourselves solely by our professions/industries.

Still on career, would you say there are specific challenges females face in the corporate space and if so why? Can you share some recommendations on how to solve these challenges?
I think for most women with children, a major challenge is finding this so called “balance” between work and family. I honestly don’t believe in balance. I think we just have to try our best in every season of life and make the most of our individual circumstances. My greatest recommendation to anyone who is having a hard time balancing is to create support systems. The thing about support systems is that you have to be willing to appreciate, remunerate, motivate and love on those “systems”. For example, if your support comes in the form of a domestic staff, sister-in-law, sister, brother, mum, mum-in-law, dad, cousin, friend or colleague, you must reciprocate by treating them well and being extremely tolerant. If you naturally have a short fuse or are very fussy, you will need to learn to manage that.

A supportive spouse and family are imperative to success in the corporate world. For single women, I strongly advise being very careful when dating and focusing on the right things. The reality is that your choice of spouse is a huge determining factor of your overall success.I should also highlight the importance of networking with like-minded women who keep you focused. If you have vision and I really hope you do, you must always focus on that vision, so you do not lose sight of that which God created you to do. Sometimes, the voices we allow in our space are the very ones that keep us from being all we can be.

What advice do you have for young women stepping into the corporate world- what should they look out for?
I’d advise any young professional to find a career mentor–someone who can provide guidance, perspective and advice, someone who is a source of experienced insight and a sounding board for future plans.

Can you share some career mistakes you have made on your journey and what you learnt from them?
Absolutely. I once used not ‘liking’ a particular subject matter as an excuse to not learn it. To rise in your career, there are many things you will have to learn outside of your technical comfort zone or job function. It is very important to learn those skills when training opportunities present themselves. As you discover areas you’re lacking, be sure to explore training opportunities and cover the cost if your employer wouldn’t. To pay for these training and learning opportunities, you must plan and save. You spend money on what you value!

How do you navigate family, work and other secular obligations? What counts as ‘balance’ for you?
Structure! I am big on structure and I am also big on support systems. I have those in place and alter them as required with each season of my life. Balance for me doesn’t exist, it’s really getting what needs to get done per time per season in my life. There was a particularly slow season of my life where I felt so empty and now, I wish I spent that time more wisely. I think it’s about seeing the bigger picture and seeing everything that is happening in your life as preparation. Balance is also having a supportive spouse, which I have been blessed with. We both pick up where there may be gaps. Particularly with our children, we both do what needs to be done to achieve a balanced life.

Let’s talk about parenting, what has been the highlight of your motherhood journey so far?
I have two daughters and just seeing the sheer God-given differences in them amuses me to no end. I think it’s beautiful and wonderful how God has made us all so different, all for a unique purpose.

You run “Serving with Love Foundation.” What informed its creation and how has the reception been so far?
Serving with Love is almost six years old now and it was created out of a sheer desire to help our community. There are so many problems to be solved around us all and if we all played our part, I really believe the world would be a much better place. The reception has been wonderful, we have received immense support and our membership database keeps growing. This has also helped us really strengthen and expand our various initiatives.

The future is digital, and most of the Nigerian youth are unprepared for the future of work. There is a real need to provide technology training to young children in Nigeria especially those from low-income families, who would otherwise have no access to computers or digital training. We launched a Digital Life After School Program (DLASP) last year and the objective is to bridge the digital divide and provide much needed technology education to children from low-income families, thereby giving them employable skills and an outlet to express their innovation skills.

If you could speak to your 25-year-old self, what will you tell her?
I know you like things to happen quickly but realize that purpose is a journey, mainly of self-discovery–discovering who God created YOU and no one else to be. You are the solution to many problems; you will discover them as time goes on. Make the best of every season of your life, no matter what, there is always something to learn.

A lot of women understand the essence of mentoring but do not know how to seek mentoring /stay mentorable. How would you advise young women to seek mentoring and stay mentorable?
The first step is to determine what the mentor is for, it could be for career, personal, business, spiritual, family, etc. purposes. I have mentors for specific areas of my life. Some mentors may be all-encompassing- covering all areas, but you must not miss out on a great career mentor because you are fixated on having a mentor that covers all areas, for example.

To seek a mentor, you must be as willing to give as you are to take. Don’t be a parasitic mentee. I also see a lot of people who try to outsource their lives to a mentor. Understand that if you want someone to be your mentor, the person is likely a very busy person and cannot handhold or babysit you. Schedule meeting times, maybe monthly or quarterly, and each time, have specific updates from previously agreed ‘next steps’ and specific issues you would like to address.

In seeking a mentor, it’s often a good idea to find someone accessible within your network. If someone declines your request to be mentored for one reason or the other, don’t take it personally. Ask God to help you in your search and keep your eyes opened. You could also explore structured mentorship programs operated within firms for their employees, or by independent organizations, whereby mentors are matched to individuals over a specified period.

Away from career, family and faith- tell us, what does it for you when it comes to unwinding and having fun?
Hanging with my friends, travelling, watching movies, dancing and reading.

What is your greatest pet-peeve?
People not realising who and whose they are, and trying to be someone else. The lack of realization that we were all created for a unique purpose has destroyed many lives. That is my greatest pet peeve.

Source: Guardian

In self development October 27, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

PROJECT 40 FOR 40 PARTNERS, EMPOWERS UNDERPRIVILEGED GIRLS IN LAGOS SLUM COMMUNITIES

While the United Nations has called for concerted efforts and investments in the girl- child education, health, safety and 21st-century skills, no fewer than 44 underprivileged girls in the rural and urban slums of Lagos State have been empowered in different skills.

The empowerment scheme under the Project #40 for 40 Girls Initiative, organised as a give-back to the society under the aegis of Action Health Incorporated (AHI) had girls from different areas such as Mushin, Iwaya, Yaba, Bariga, Makoko among other areas benefit from life skills training including beads making, baking and pastry; wig-making, household agents, make up and other business skills, as they were given start up kits and capital to start up their businesses. This is line with the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child held on October 11 every year, to address the challenges girls face as well as empower them.

The Convener, Project 40 for 40 girls, Adeola Olunloyo, lamented that the Nigerian girl child is often neglected, stressing that there are many girls who are out of school without support from their families and government, thereby making them easy prey to sexual abuse.

She revealed that the unfortunate ones are often abused while they become single mothers without means of getting income to feed themselves and their children, which are the girls the project targets. “These girls that were selected are out-of-school girls, some of them did not finish primary or secondary school, but a few of them have their Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSSCE). The challenge they are having is that many of them are not doing anything, they don’t have help from home and they are easy preys to be sexually abused and exploited, seven of them for instance are single mothers, they already have children that they cannot even cater for,” she divulged.

Olunloyo also lamented that out of school girls are often neglected, noting that while there are calls for youth development, the target is always on graduates who have the needed qualification for jobs, while “these ones cannot even compete with those ones that already have qualifications, they are really at the lower rung of the ladder and they need help to be uplifted out of the situation they are in right now.”

She further called on the government and corporate organisations to invest in youths to make the world a better place for younger generation, rather than investing in things that would only entertain thereby endangering the future of the country. “Right now, if we have millions of girls who are underdeveloped, it means half of Nigeria’s capacity is underdeveloped. So government needs to invest in young people, invest more in providing services that give them information to develop themselves and aspire. For those who cannot go to school, let them learn news skills and let them receive resources to set up their own businesses and they will contribute a lot to their communities and the society at large,” she added.

The Executive Director, Action Health Incorporated, Adenike Essiet, said it is necessary to recognise that people should be given the opportunity to excel, noting that for every woman that has been empowered, the government has lessened the burden of poverty on its shoulder and the economy. “Every girl given an opportunity is contributing to the economy of Nigeria and the economy of the world. My plea to every other Nigerian is to provide and opportunity for any girl down the road. The girls are looking for the opportunity for education, skill learning and to be the best they can be. If we provide that kind of environment they sky is the limit for every girl,” she said.

Commending the initiative, a Community Leader in Bariga, one of the areas where the girls were chosen from, Bamigbade Silas Adedola, said the initiative to empower girls is a good direction because most of them have lost hope of living. “When you teach one girl you are teaching a nation and once these girls are trained and empowered, we won’t have lots of bad eggs on the streets,” he said.

In Interviews&profile October 27, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

ADEDOYIN ADEBAYO: BEING THE CHILD OF SEPARATED PARENTS IS NOT A DEFICIENCY

Years later, while studying and living in a boarding secondary school, I often wondered why kids whose parents were divorced or separated cried and went about with sad faces. That is because I never considered my parents’ separation a thing to cry about.

For most of my life, my parents have been separated. As a little girl, I remember often moving from one place to another, living with different people and changing from one elementary school to another.

When I wasn’t with either of my parents, I lived with relatives – uncles, aunties, grandparents (maternal and paternal) in different locations within the country. So I had the privilege of attending and experiencing life at both public and private schools in Nigeria. You could say I had quite the adventure growing up.

In primary one, I remember being called “fatherless” by a fellow pupil when I was in public school. My guess is that he assumed I was fatherless because he had never seen my dad at the school, and the only person he knew me with was my grandma who worked at the school at the time. The incident made me so sad and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The next time my father visited me at my gran’s, I reported the boy to him and daddy gave me his pictures to take to school and show to the boy that “that’s my father right there”. And oh, I did! I took the pictures to school the next school day and I rubbed it in his face. With that, the boy never had the gut to call me fatherless again.

Majority of my peers and friends at the time spoke a lot about their parents. How their mum and dad did this, how they did that, how they went to this place and that place together. They had lots of pleasant things to talk about and for me to listen to. I remember being internally ashamed a lot because I didn’t have that. So for a very long time, I kept it to myself. I mean, I couldn’t contemplate being the “Doyin” kids talked about in class, hostel and dining hall when the gist of “did you know that Doyin’s parents are “divorced?” came up.

But as I grew, something in me longed for depth. For more. To live. To accept what I have been given, who I am and where I came from. So, I gradually started being open about my parents not being together.

With time, I soon noticed majority of these people began to pity me. Sometimes, I’d meet older people and when the topic of parents came up and I say “No, my parents aren’t together”. Some of them with similar backgrounds will have this really sad look on their face and then go, “I’m also from a broken home so I understand what you’re going through and how you must be feeling. Just stay strong”. But I’m always left wondering what is going on. I mean, “what’s with the talk of ‘broken home’? Can you please not be like this? Nothing is wrong with me. I’m perfectly fine. This right here, what you’re doing now, is what will make me feel bad.”

But then, I realized that the reason some of those people with similar background give pitiful looks while saying things like that is because:

They lack understanding

Some assume that since your parents aren’t together, then automatically you must be a sad person.
Truth be told, the separation of two people who once loved/professed love to each other is a sad thing and it often has an effect on the children. However, the kids don’t remain kids forever. They eventually grow up, realize and come to an understanding of why their parents are not together and they move on with their lives.

A habit of self-pity

For some of these people, they react that way because of a personal habit of self-pity. They could be the type that sit and feel sorry for themselves for a very long time because of unpleasant happenings in their lives.

I believe that as humans, it’s okay to be sad when you go through terrible experiences or witness unpleasant things. What’s not okay is staying in that state forever. You may be tempted to get into the self-pity mode, but don’t fall for it. Don’t accept it. Realize that you’re better off without self-pity.

More importantly, it is better to not give people the chance to plunge you into self-pity by highlighting your deficiencies and rubbing it in your face.

However, if you’re already there, it’s time to get up, take charge of your life and move. I challenge you to leave the self-pity zone and go make beautiful things happen.

In Interviews&profile October 27, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

48 WOMEN WHO ARE CHAMPIONS OF NIGERIA’S BANKING INDUSTRY | GET TO KNOW THEM

The Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) Presents, Female Champions in the Banking Sector.

Women have played and continue to play a key role in Nigeria’s banking sector. To shed light on this instrumental and vital role, the Association of Professional Women Bankers, has created a definitive list of female champions within the industry.

These women have not only been pivotal in the shaping of the sectors regulatory framework but have also created a strong legacy for other women to follow.

Read the list and be inspired

Abiola Adekoya – MD/CEO of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers

Abiola Adekoya is a financial expert with over 18 years’ experience working with leading financial service firms whose activities span across various continents. She is currently the MD/CEO of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers, a subsidiary of the First Rand Group, a leading financial services group in Africa with footprints across the globe.

Adaeze Udensi – Executive Director at Titan Trust Bank Nigeria

Adaeze Udensi is the Executive Director of the bank. Udensi has over twenty-three (23) years cognate banking experience; sixteen of which were spent at Zenith Bank Plc where she rose to the level of General Manager/Group Zonal Head supervising the Commercial Banking and Oil & Gas businesses in Southern Nigeria, which she grew to the second largest portfolio in the bank.

Adaora Umeoji – Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc

With over 20 years of cognate banking and broad executive management experience, Adaora rose through the ranks to her current position. Adaora has at different times participated in high-level Bankers’ meetings with impactful contributions towards the advancement of the banking industry and national economic growth and development.

Adebimpe Olambiwonnu – Group Head, Finance & Performance Management/ Financial Controller, Sterling Bank

Bimpe is an integral member of the finance group and has helped to develop processes for monitoring Sterling Bank’s long-term and short-term financial results. Bimpe began her career at Nigeria’s premier merchant bank, NAL Bank which merged with four other banks to form Sterling Bank.

Adeola Azeez – Deputy Country Head at Deutsche Bank Nigeria

Adeola Azeez is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of professional experience, more than half of which has been as Deputy Country Head/Deputy Managing Director of Deutsche Bank Nigeria, the leading client-centric global universal bank with approximately 30 million customer accounts and activities in more than 70 countries and jurisdictions.

Adobi Stella Nwapa – General Manager, Zenith Bank Plc

Adobi is currently the Group Zonal Head, Ikoyi Zone, with management and supervisory responsibilities over branches and business units in the zone. Adobi joined Zenith Bank in 1990 and has over twenty-eight (28) years cognate banking experience, most of which have been in Senior Management positions.

Aishah Ahmad – Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Aishah Ahmad was appointed Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the 23rd March 2018. As Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, she is responsible for leading the effort to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; one of the principal objects of the Bank as specified within the CBN Act.

Atinuke Leye-Isola – Business Development Manager – Wema Bank PLC

Tinuke Leye-Isola started her banking career with Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Limited in 1988. Holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor of Science, Banking and Finance from Ogun State University now (Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago-Iwoye; An MBA in finance from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers as well as an Associate Member of the Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria.

Bashirat Odunewu – Group Executive, International Banking Group, First Bank of Nigeria Limited

Bashirat Odunewu has over 27 years’ experience across institutional banking, corporate banking, commercial banking, investment banking and treasury in various financial institutions. Until this appointment in January 2016, she was Group Executive, Institutional Banking Group. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and has attended several executive programmes in Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School.

Bola Adesola – Senior Vice Chairman, Africa, Standard Chartered Bank

Bola Adesola is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Limited, Nigeria. Prior to joining the bank in March 2011, she was an Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Plc and prior to that Managing Director of Kakawa Discount House, Nigeria. She also worked in Citibank for 9 years in senior leadership roles in Nigeria and Tanzania.

Bola Atta – Group Head Corporate Communications, United Bank of Africa
Bola Atta was voted one of the top 40 Nigerians under 40 in 2008. She was also celebrated as one of the 100 most influential women in Nigeria in March 2015. She has over 25 years of experience in diverse fields ranging from Banking, Business, Communications, Publishing, Entertainment, and the Media

Bimbola Wright – Group Head Coverage & Corporate Banking Group at FBN Quest Merchant Bank.

Abimbola oversees a team managing the bank’s corporate/investment banking relationships across all sectors. Her 30+ years in banking spans Coverage, Corporate Banking, Treasury, Wealth Management and Strategy. She has contributed to the development of the Nigerian financial market in several ways including serving on the Advisory Committee of the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, and the Code of Conduct Committee of the Money Market Association.

Bukola Awosanya – Group Head, Agric, Export Finance & Solid Minerals, Sterling Bank

Bukola pioneered the Agriculture Finance Department in Sterling Bank. Under her leadership, Sterling Bank became a role model to other Banks in the implementation of Agricultural schemes like the current Anchor Borrowers Scheme, Growth Enhancement Scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria among others which have garnered local and international awards and recognition for the bank.

Chizoma Okoli – Executive Director, Business Banking, Access Bank Plc.

Chizoma has over two decades of cognate experience. Prior to this, she was the Executive Director and Head-Business Development at Diamond Bank Plc. She served as Head of Business Development, Head of Corporate Banking, Divisional Head of Institutional Banking and Regional Manager at Diamond Bank Plc.

Chinwe Egwim – Economist, FBNQuest Merchant Bank

Chinwe is a seasoned Economist with specialisation in Macro Economics as well as Fixed Income analysis. She currently works at FBNQuest Merchant Bank (an arm of FBN Holdings). Prior to joining FBNQuest Merchant Bank, she had similar roles at FBN Capital, Fitch Ratings Milan and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Cornelia George Utuk – Group Head, Legal Services & Administration – Coronation Merchant Bank

As the Group Head and Company Secretariat of the Legal and Administration Group at Coronation Merchant Bank, Utuk’s responsibilities include providing advice and support on matters related to statutory regulations, employee relations, litigation, with the aim of mitigating Coronation Merchant Bank’s legal exposure; leading the development and implementation of the Bank’s legal strategy, as aligned with business goals; coordinating the identification of risks and their implications and advising accordingly; and reviewing the regulations of the organisation.

Dupe Olusola – Group Head Marketing, United Bank of Africa

Dupe made Ventures Africa’s 10 Most Influential Nigerian CEOs Of 2015. Prior to her current role, she was the group Head Embassies, Multilaterals and Development Organizations (EMDOs) and Global Investors Services (GIS) at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. Her professional experience spans various sectors locally and internationally in capacities that encompass private equity from African Capital Alliance, investments and SME experience from Growing Business Foundation, Bloomberg Financial Markets UK, SecTrust (now Afriinvest), Transcorp Corporation and Northern Trust Corporation of Chicago, UK.

Efemena Esalomi – Senior consumer analyst (Africa Frontier Markets) at Standard Bank Group

Efemena Esalomi, CFA, is a senior consumer analyst (Africa Frontier Markets) at Standard Bank Group. Efemena has a proven record of academic and professional excellence, exemplified in graduating cum laude and passing all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program examinations in one seating.

Emem Usoro – Head, Strategic Business Group, Lagos, United Bank of Africa

Emem is currently a Group General Manager. She has over 20 years of banking experience. She has strong capabilities in Relationship Management, Effective Communication and Business Development with a track record of winning and executing high-powered transactions. She has won several high-performance awards over the years of her career and has strong competencies in Corporate, Commercial and Public Sector Banking.

Emily Atebe – Chief Financial Officer, FBNQuest Merchant Bank

Emily has 25 years of financial management experience across sectors including banking, aviation and insurance. Her experience encompasses financial control and strategic planning, financial analysis, banking operations, treasury and investment, risk management, airline revenue accounting, credit analysis and marketing, audit and procurement.

Evelyn Oputu – Non-Executive/Independent Director – Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd.

Oputu currently sits on the boards of several companies in a diverse range of sectors, including insurance, mining, medical services, manufacturing and oil and gas. In 1982, she was headhunted to finding the Treasury & Financial Services Division at International Merchant Bank, before she progressed to Senior Manager & Deputy Head of the Corporate Finance Division.

Folake Ani–Mumuney – Global Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria

Folake Ani-Mumuney is a seasoned Marketer and Communicator. Earlier in her career, she was responsible for Brand Policies and communications at British Airways PLC, across the Europe & Africa region made up of 59 countries.

Folake Sanu – Executive Director of Wema Bank Plc

Folake is an astute finance professional and banker of repute with over 32years working experience in banking, professional accounting and auditing practice. Her experience spans Corporate Strategy, Financial Control, Operations, Technology, Risk management, Audit, Mergers & Acquisitions, Credit and Marketing. She has worked as Chief Financial Officer of Sterling Bank.

Funke Ladimeji – Chief Operating Officer (COO), FBNQuest Merchant Bank

Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji is a uniquely skilled and experienced Investment Banking Executive, with a global career spanning both Markets and Corporate Finance businesses, across multiple regions, products and functional areas. She has an unparalleled track record in driving wallet share and revenue growth, as well as restructuring environments and leading businesses to new levels of success.

Hadiza Ambursa – Executive Director, Commercial Banking- North; Access Bank

Hadiza has over two decades of banking experience from Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank. Her experience covers Transaction Services, Public Sector, Commercial Bank and Corporate Finance. Prior to joining Access Bank in 2003, she was a Relationship Manager Public Sector in Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

Hajara Adeola – Managing Director/CEO, Lotus Capital Limited

Hajara Adeola heads Lotus Capital Limited, a Nigerian pioneer in Shari’ah compliant Asset Management, Private Wealth Management Advisory Services and Financial Advisory Service. She began her career as a consultant at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). From there she joined ARM Investment Managers as a pioneer staff and rose to Vice-President and Head of the Research and Financial Advisory Units. She has over 20 years of international experience in research and analysis, investment management and corporate finance. Adeola is the former President of the Fund Manager’s Association of Nigeria.

Ibukun Awosika – Chairperson, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited

Ibukun Awosika is one of the most recognized female leaders in the Nigerian banking sector. She also serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Chair Centre Group, a conglomerate consisting of 5 companies with interests in several sectors such as manufacturing, retail and bank-way security systems services. She is a graduate of Chemistry from the Obafemi Awolowo University and has several certifications from relevant bodies globally

Iyobosa Sorae – Group Head, Securities Dealing, Coronation Merchant Bank

Sorae is a Fixed Income expert with experience in Fixed Income Trading, Portfolio Management, and Operational Management. As the Group Head of Securities Dealing at Coronation Merchant Bank since August 2015, Sorae’s responsibilities include ensuring and managing the solvency of the bank, market and liquidity risks, profitable investments, and facilitating the development and implementation of activities to contribute to the business’s market share, annual revenue and growth targets.

Lola Cardoso – Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Corporate Strategy and Innovation, Union Bank

Lola joined Union Bank in August 2013 to drive the Bank’s strategy, anchor its overall transformation and support execution bank-wide. With over 17 years of experience providing strategic advice to corporate, start-up, and public sector organisations, she continues to drive Union Bank’s strategic growth priorities and support critical efforts aligned to growth including sustainability and innovation.

Mojisola Bakare – Divisional Head, Corporate Client Coverage Sterling Bank

Mojisola sees a lot of similarities between her two passions; mentoring and banking. They are both driven by relationships and a quest for knowledge. Having spent over 25 years in the banking industry, she has built expertise in business planning, risk management, sales and wealth management.

Mosun Belo-Olusoga – The Chairperson, Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc

Mosun is a seasoned veteran of the banking sector in the country. Having served in various senior capacities at Guaranty Trust Bank, she became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank in July 2015. Belo-Olusoga graduated from University of Ibadan in 1979 with a Second Class Upper Degree and is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya – Executive Director at GTBank

Miriam Olusanya has over 20 years of banking experience that cuts across Transaction Services, Asset and Liability Management, Financial Markets, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) She joined the Bank as an Executive Trainee and rose through the ranks to become a General Manager, a position she held until her appointment as Executive Director.

Ngover Ihyembe Nwankwo – Head Coverage at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited

Ngover is a Corporate and Institutional Banking Executive with 17+ years’ experience in Financial Services across a wide range of functions including, Corporate Relationship Management, Sales, Credit, Transaction Banking, Remedial Account Management and Risk.

Ngozi Edozien, Independent Non-Executive Director – Stanbic IBTC Holdings

Ngozi Edozien holds a B.A in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Ngozi was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Actis West Africa and has served on the Board of Diamond Bank Plc. She is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Vlisco Group and PZ Cussons Plc. Ngozi is a member of the Board Risk Management Committee and the Board IT Committee.

Olamide Adeosun – Head of Finance, Business Management and Investor Relations

Experienced finance professional with 20 years of cross-sector experience (local and international). Highly skilled in; Financial Control, Business Process, Operational Excellence, Change Management and Leadership. Fellow of ICAEW and Associate Member ICAN.

Olubunmi Fayokun – Non-Executive/Independent Director – Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd.

Fayokun is a Senior Partner in the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode and heads the firm’s Capital Markets’ and M&A practice groups. Prior to joining the firm, Fayokun was the Legal Adviser/Company Secretary of Denham Management Limited. Fayokun has served on various committees established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of promoting the development of the Nigerian capital market, including the CMC Rules and Compliance Sub-committee and the CMC Market Infrastructure Sub-committee.

Oluwatomi Ojo, Chief Compliance Officer, Heritage Bank Plc

Olutomi Ojo is a versatile professional with competencies and experience cutting across Structured Finance and Transaction Advisory, Banking, Corporate Governance Advisory and Company Secretarial services, Risk Management, Human Capital Management and recently, Compliance.

Olutomi has a keen legal mind and is renowned for her role in strategic decision making as well as change management processes. She currently heads the Compliance Division of Heritage Bank Plc.

Oluwatomi Somefun – MD/CEO Unity Bank Plc

Oluwatomi Somefun has proven her capabilities both analytical and negotiation skills in the Nigerian banking space. Somefun has over 25 years experience in the financial industry spent most of her career life at Arthur Andersen (now KPMG) and United Bank for Africa Plc.

Oluwayemisi Disu – Director, Heritage Bank Plc

Yemisi has had a successful career with various banks which spanned 25 years, during which she worked in various departments such as Corporate Banking, Foreign Exchange Treasury, International Operations, Branch Banking, Energy Sector, Telecommunications, Oil and Gas (downstream), Public Sector, Credit & Marketing, Audit and Investigation. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCIS), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and an Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Onayimi Aiwerioghene – Group Head, Enterprise Management, Coronation Merchant Bank

Onayimi ‘s core focus is on developing her knowledge and potential in Human Resources, Process Redesign, Business Effectiveness, Strategy Articulation, and Corporate Communications and Branding.
Over the course of her career, she has built a core expertise in HR and strategy advisory, project management and business planning. Her career began in 2007 at Ariosh Limited Nigeria.

Ope Oduwole, Country Head, Private Banking at Sterling Bank

Opeyemi Oduwole is a seasoned wealth management professional with knowledge in both local and international wealth management and advisory services. Having spent over a decade managing High Networth Individuals (HNI) and Ultra High Networth individuals (UHNI) by providing wealth advisory and transactional services both locally and internationally, Ope is currently the Country Head of Private Banking for Sterling Bank, she had previously served as the Head of Privilege Banking for Diamond Bank.

Osaretin Demuren, Chairman at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

Osaretin Demuren served 33 years at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where she held several significant roles in Research, Exchange Control and Trade & Exchange Departments. In 1999, she made history as the first female to be appointed a Departmental Director of the Apex Bank as the Director of Trade & Exchange. In April 2013, Osaretin Demuren was appointed to the Board of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc., as a non-Executive Director, where she served on the Board Remuneration Committee and Chair of the Board Risk Management committee until April 2015, when she was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank.

Osepiribo Ben- Willie, Directorate Head, South bank & Private Wealth Management – Heritage Bank Plc

Osepiribo Ben-Willie is an experienced Deputy General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. She is skilled in Business Planning, Team Building, People Management, Financial Risk, Credit Administration, Investment and Wealth Management and Business Relationship Management.

Oyinkansade Adewale

Oyinkansade Adewale is a Non-Executive/Independent Director of FBNQuest Merchant Bank. She began her banking career with Citibank, where she rose to the position of executive director and CFO for West Africa. She joined Union Bank Plc in 2012 where she was an Executive Director/Chief Finance Director, retiring in September 2018.

Sola David-Borha

Sola David-Borha is the Chief Executive of Africa regions for Standard Bank Group since 2017. She was Chief Executive Stanbic IBTC Bank from May 2011 to November 2012. She is an honorary fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Temi Dalley

Temi manages Sterling Bank’s most valuable resource – the human capital. In addition to the traditional role covering employee benefits and compensation, training and development, employee engagement, recruitment and exit programmes, her background in political science has helped her to build a structured and positive working environment across the bank.

Yemisi Lowo-Adesola

Yemisi is the head of Financial Institutions Business for Nigeria and the extended African region. She is responsible for developing, leading and executing Africa-wide strategic initiatives for the business from Lagos where she is based.

Yetunde Ogunremi – Head, Balance Sheet Management and Treasurer of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited

Yetunde is a qualified finance professional with a demonstrated track record spanning over 17 years in the financial services sector with primary responsibility for managing risks associated with capital, liquidity and market risk in the banking book.

Source: Bellanaija

In Rubygirls October 25, 2019 By Women of Rubies

#RUBYGIRLS| “ONE DAY, LIFE WILL WORK IN YOUR FAVOUR IF YOU DON’T LOSE FOCUS” – FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN

Favour Oluwakamimayo Adeosun popularly referred to as “Fefe” is a fourth year undergraduate of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is the first child in a family of four. She is the second female President of VeeCee Success Stories (VSS).

Favour is the Founder of Our Little Gist Foundation (OLGF). She is a great entrepreneur. Favour sees herself as a girl on her own stage and one who likes to add extra to the ordinary.

She shares her Ruby Girl story in this interview.

MEET ME

My full name is FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN, I was born in the late 90’s and am the first child in a family of four. Favour is a girl on her own stage, she is the director, the actress, the producer and everything you can attach to a stage. She is a girl who likes to add extra to the ordinary. Favour has this faith that as long as God exists, there is no impossibility and all can be accomplished. My nickname is FEFE, some call me FEFE OF LAW.

INSPIRATION

My inspiration started with Ben Carson but presently Michelle Obama is my inspiration. These two people also like to add the extra to the ordinary. They are passionate about the Masses which I am passionate about also.

Michelle Obama is so passionate about Girls and Women which I am also passionate about which brought the birth of OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION (OLGF) so that this dream can achieved.

My future Home (Marriage) also inspires me, it cautions me to act cos I always put my self in situations that what if I am a wife and this happens or what if I am a mother and it happens, how do I handle the situation or what explanation will I give my husband or kids.

Also my mum is my no 1. Fan, she has always been there to guide, mentor and even still carry me up when I fall down. She had seen me in my lowest self and my darkest self yet she still always stands by me.

HOBBIES

I have lots of hobbies, anything I find myself doing, as long as it is fun, is an hobby. I love eating, cooking, writing, acting, being an inspiration to others and be on the stage talking and dishing out what I know to others so far they are ready to listen.

BIGGEST FEAR

My Biggest fear is not making heaven.

TO GO BACK IN TIME OR TIME TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE

I would rather travel into the future but also like to correct some mistakes I made while growing up which is to have gotten serious with my self and studies in time but God knows best. I am still happy with where I am and I thank God for where am going.

WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WASN’T AFRAID

If I wasn’t afraid, I will change the world.

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

I will give Women more space in Government, my reason is because Women are care takers, I know some will mention Diezani but she is One of 100 women out there.

Women always know how to care of things and manage them despite their differences. Infact the country will be so colorful and beautiful. Women are always passionate about what they do and how they do it. They notice things faster than the men most times. And women pray a lot, you will see them going from place to place praying to ensure everything turns out well.

COPING WITH MY POPCORN BUSINESS AS A STUDENT

My customers most times are my classmates and course mates. Most times they get it before classes start. And those who aren’t my classmates get theirs after my classes. My classes always come before the popcorn probably because my customers are my colleagues in the legal profession.

ON BEING THE NEW PRESIDENT OF VEECEE SUCCESS STORIES

I feel inspired to do more actually, there is something about me when I am put in charge of something, I never want that thing to fail, I will try my very best till my very last unless it isn’t possible. But I always try to make it possible before impossibility can set in but my conscience must be very clear that I did my very best.

My dreams for Veecee success stories is very big infact I have started making moves personally to see I actualize them. So God helping me Veecee Success Stories will be taken to a better place and more known outside the walls of Olabisi Onabanjo University.

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

My books keep me up at night and sometimes watching movies on my phone but personally I deal with insomnia that is, I find it hard to sleep sometimes I take sleeping pills just to sleep not because I feel sleepy.

ABOUT MY FOUNDATION, OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION’ (OLGF)

OLGF is a foundation aimed at reaching out to women qnd girls. It was given birth to on June 14, 2019. It consists of a team of 10 founding members impacting the rural city of Ago-iwoye and beyond. The aim is women and girls like I said, I am passionate about women and girls.

OLGF has also successfully helped a woman out of poverty, helping her put food on her table after the demise of her husband and she has 4 kids. We thank God for that success, and we intend to do more by His special grace.

ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT MYSELF

Giving people more listening ears.

WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

My advice to them will be: “After your parents have given you the right training, train yourself also. Keep learning, have goals. Responsible men are after women with home training and who also trained themselves in the right way not liabilities.

Be independent, don’t have the mindset of depending on any man even rich wives who married rich husbands still work not totally depending on their husbands.

Ensure your goals are reasonable, don’t set unreasonable goals.” I’ll also advice them not to be jealous of the success of their friends because the fact that your friend has made this earlier doesn’t mean you won’t still make it.

Focus on yourself, you are more important to yourself than your friend. Also, don’t be harsh on yourself, you are a queen, you are beautiful and you are the best. One day, life will work to your Favour if you don’t lose the focus.

Separate your friends from acquaintances and lastly put God in everything not some things.

In Career Gems October 25, 2019 By Women of Rubies

CHRISLAND SCHOOL SUPERVISOR SENTENCED TO 60 YEARS IN JAIL FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 2-YEAR-OLD PUPIL

Justice Sybil Nwaka of an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court passed on the sentence, convicting Adenekan on a count charge of defilement.

She held that evidence before the court showed that the supervisor was guilty as charged.

Adenekan pleaded not guilty on arraignment on Jan. 29, 2018.

According to PM News, she said:

This defendant is conscienceless, wicked, an animal, and not fit to walk on the streets. I hereby sentence Adegboyega Adenekan to 60 years’ imprisonment. This is the sentence of the court.

Schools should not cover up teachers who sexually abuse children. Parents should not be carried away by aesthetics of schools. This case may just be the tip of the iceberg as a lot of our children are suffering in silence.

Parents should be bold enough to confront teachers and school management because a lot of our children are suffering in silence.

I advise or recommend that the education and social welfare ministry workers should visit schools randomly to give them a check.

Seven witnesses, including the pupil and her mother, testified for the prosecution, which closed its case on March 14.

Credit: Bella Naija

In Career Gems October 25, 2019 By Women of Rubies

ONE-MAN PROTEST FROM PAST KADUNA STATE UNIVERSITY FEMALE STUDENT LEADS TO SUSPENSION OF A LECTURER

A one man protest from an ex-female student has led to the suspension of a Nigerian university lecturer in Kaduna who assaulted her.

The Kaduna State University on Wednesday suspended one of its academic staff, Mr Bala Umar, popularly known as A.B. Umar, for allegedly soliciting sex for grades.

A committee was set up to investigate the allegations against Umar, following a one-man protest at KASU by a female graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The lady, whose name was not given, alleged that Umar, who was sacked by ABU for sexual misconduct and later employed by KASU, was not fit to be a lecturer in any institution.

KASU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Abdullahi Ashafa, who chaired the meeting, said KASU had zero tolerance for such misconduct by its members of staff and would deal appropriately with anyone found wanting.

Ashafa said the university was, therefore, proceeding with investigations into the allegations levelled against Umar.

“Sometimes in the first week of October, a lady who was an ex-student of ABU tweeted that a former staff of the institution who is employed by KASU, had sexually harassed her when he was a staff at ABU.

“She mentioned his name and the vice-chancellor of KASU quickly formed a committee to investigate the issue, not only to clear its name, but to reassure parents and students who are studying here or intend to study of their safety.

“KASU is building a reputable name as a centre of excellence, so such allegations need to be investigated and cleared.

“The incident did not occur in KASU, but the way the issue is being portrayed is like we are providing a safe haven for those whose appointments had been terminated elsewhere.

“Umar was appointed in error; there was no much investigation to ascertain what made him leave ABU at the age of 54.”

Here is what the protester wrote on Twitter

In Career Gems October 23, 2019 By Women of Rubies

KYLIE JENNER MAKES MOVE TO TRADEMARK ‘RISE AND SHINE’ AFTER VIRAL SINGING VIDEO

Kylie Jenner has made a huge step to own the official rights to the catch phrase, “Rise and Shine” after her viral singing video.

Earlier this month, Kylie did a YouTube tour of her office, and while walking into Stormi‘s room where she was sleeping, she began singing “Rise and Shine” to wake her up. The video went viral online and now the mother of one is taking advantage of the wave.

According to documents obtained by The Blast, Kylie filed multiple trademark applications to secure ownership of a slang version of the famous wake-up call … “RIIISE AND SHIIINNEE.”

The trademark would cover belts, pants, coats, dresses, footwear, gloves, headbands, headwear, jackets, loungewear, scarves, sleepwear, socks, swimwear and undergarments … as well as cosmetics.

Credit: LIB

In Career Gems October 23, 2019 By Women of Rubies

REGINA DANIELS SPEAKS ON INITIATION INTO ANIOCHA WOMEN’S CULT

In a recent interview, Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels spoke about the famous initiation into the Aniocha women’s cult after she got married.

The actress while chatting with Vanguard revealed that she wasn’t actually initiated into a cult, rather it was rites held to welcome her into womanhood.

“First of all, I will not call it an initiation, it is more like being welcome to womanhood and for you to be part of that group. It’s an elite group, you must be married and be a woman of substance. I will say I’m even privileged to be part of that group,” she said.

In a recent interview, Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels spoke about the famous initiation into the Aniocha women’s cult after she got married.[Pearlsnews.com]

Regina Daniels got married to billionaire businessman and politician, Ned Nwoko earlier in the year. Her marriage to the politician sparked off a lot of conversation because of the obvious age difference between them.

Credit: pulse.ng