Women of Rubies
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ZIMBABWEAN BORN, VIMBAI CHAPUNGUHE BECOMES FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO WIN MISS LONDON TITLE

Zimbabwean born Vimbai Chapungu has been crowned Miss London 2019 and is noted to be the first black woman to hold the title.

A Masters student at a top university in London, Vimbai has a passion for learning about the world and the people in it.

She hopes to use her platform to raise awareness about development issues and hopes to empower communities.

Vimbai, aged 24, recently took part in the Miss England Final held in Newcastle where the contestants underwent everything from a Sports Round and Talent Round to an eco-wear round and even a general knowledge quiz.

She qualified as one of the 50 finalists out of other 20,000 women that entered this year’s competition.

The winner was Bhasha Mukherjee, a 23-year-old junior doctor from Derby, who will now go on to compete at Miss World which is this year being held in London on Dec. 14.

As the first Black woman to have the Miss London title, Vimbai took advantage of this by wearing her natural hair during the Miss England finals to highlight natural beauty to the audience, where she was placed in the top 3 of 55 for the bare-faced model title.

Her Master’s thesis is about the Natural Hair Movement, which is a social phenomenon that seeks to empower Black women to wear their hair in its natural state, as opposed to chemically processing/relaxing their hair which has adverse health issues.

She also highlights in her dissertation, the negative connotations regarding natural hair in institutions, stating “Black hair is still being policed in today’s society, and it is only now that people are talking about it, thanks to the few women who have fought for the normalization of natural hair”.

Vimbai is also a co-director of a charity known as Blessed to ReachOut – which is currently working on a school-feeding programme and dormitory building project here in Zimbabwe. She hopes the children around the world have better access to education as “the most important thing is to provide a better chance for every child to make a difference in the world in his or her own way”.

 

 

 

Credit: fabwoman.ng

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ENTREPRENEURS NEED ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES – FUNKOLA ODELEYE

Funkola is the Co-founder and CEO at DIYlaw – a legal technology company committed to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs through the provision of accessible and affordable legal services and free legal and business resources, Funkola is also the Corporate-Commercial and Intellectual Property lead at The Longe Practice LP (TLP), an entrepreneur focused law practice. Funkola is able to identify with her clients having been involved in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including founding a grocery e-commerce business.

She has a background in commercial & corporate law firm practice with years of in-house counsel experience in investment banking. Funkola’s legal experience prior to founding TLP and DIYlaw cuts across capital markets, investment advisory, compliance and securities.

Funkola has a Masters in Finance and Financial Law from the School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London in addition to her LLB from the Lagos State University and BL from the Nigerian Law School.

In 2018, Funkola represented DIYLaw and Nigeria at Pitch@Palace Commonwealth which took place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. She pitched to an audience which included Prince Andrew, The Duke of York and various Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries and emerged one of the winners.

In May 2019, she led the DIYLaw team to the United Nations and presented and exhibited at several different forums during the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. She is an Obama Leader, having been chosen as a 2019 Obama Africa Leader and also an Innovating Justice Fellow of The Hague Institute for the Innovation of Law (HiiL). In her words “Entrepreneurship is the most sustainable solution to unemployment”

She shares her inspiring story and some legal nuggets with me in this interview

Growing Up

I grew up with my 2 sisters in a family where both our parents are entrepreneurs. Transitioning from secondary school to university and during university holidays, we had to work for my parents. That was the only guarantee to getting a flight ticket for summer holidays.

This taught us discipline and the value of hard work and I will also say that it exposed me to entrepreneurship. I guess it’s not surprising that my sisters and I have various entrepreneurial pursuits.

Inspiration  behind DIY Law

Our vibrant and hardworking youth demography in Nigeria is our biggest inspiration at DIYLaw. Things have really shifted and the youth are breaking away from parent-pleasing that makes them unhappy. We now see a lot of professionals who are in sports, entertainment, hospitality and are generally following their dreams. Even a lot of people with 9 to 5 jobs have “side-hustles”, vlogs, tech companies, you name it.

These are the people who need accessible and affordable legal services; they are constantly on-the-go building the next big thing and can’t be bugged down with complexities.

Why I am focusing on Entrepreneurs

My co-founder (Odun) and I realized in 2014 that the sector was underserved and that was really all we needed to quit our day jobs and start a law firm focused on entrepreneurs. Prior to that, we were both informally advising entrepreneurs in our circles like our family and friends and we had seen all kinds of missteps, bad decisions and lost opportunities because entrepreneurs didn’t have their legal affairs in order.

Knowing the contributions of entrepreneurs to job creation and the economy, it would have been a disservice to do nothing and so I have now made it my life’s mission.

Being an Obama fellow with ties to other notable Organizations

Being recognized by these various organisations validate the work that we do. Beyond money, it’s the fuel that I need to keep moving. Knowing that someone somewhere values the work that we do and believes in the changes that we are trying to spark, helps me keep head above water on the not-so-good days.

Also, some people don’t take you seriously enough until they realize that someone else or a notable organization does. I am grateful for these coattails I have been able to ride; they have opened some doors and given us access to other opportunities.

Women who Inspire me

There are too many women who inspire me. If I had to mention just one, it will be my mother – Oluyemisi Ani; even though she is 65, she still works extra hard. She is never satisfied with yesterday’s achievement; she sets new challenges for herself everytime and she just goes for it.

If I had to mention more though 😊, it will be Serena Williams for her determination and rising above her challenges with going back to work and giving her best after having a baby; Michelle Obama for everything that she stands for and Sara Blakely for being a constant reminder that being dogged, knocking on every door and having fun yields good results.

Nigerians and appreciation of female lawyers

I honestly don’t think we are treated any differently from our male counterparts. Law is such a prestigious profession and I think we are all accorded the level of respect we deserve whether male or female. I haven’t ever walked into a meeting or a courtroom and been silenced because I am female.

I think being female is a gift that all women should try to take advantage of. My co-founders and I never hesitate to tell people that we are “an all-female founded” tech company and we get people ooh-ing and aah-ing and showing more interest when we use that line.

That being said, I won’t deny that generally there is workplace harassment and that there are small-minded people who don’t take women seriously or show them respect.

Challenges

I can’t think of any. Just like I think that we get our due like our male colleagues, I think we equally face the same challenges but I can only speak from my own experiences and I won’t say that as a matter of fact.

On giving up

Too many times; it is really difficult being an entrepreneur.

The number of “no-s” that I have received, shut doors, emails that begin with “unfortunately…”, “we are sorry to inform you…” make me want to just pull the curtains and say “show is over”. Having a great support system such as co-founders who remind you why you are on the journey, family who let you cry on their shoulders and care about your welfare and employees who step up on your off days, keep me going.

There are too many things that make running a business very challenging in Nigeria, like epileptic internet service and stand-still traffic. Those little things that distract us from our focus also have the tendency to make us want to throw in the towel.

Being a woman of Rubies

I honestly don’t know what makes me one. I just strive daily to be an excellent leader, excellent co-worker, excellent wife, excellent mother, excellent daughter, excellent sister, excellent aunt and excellent friend. If I fail at any of it, it wouldn’t be from not trying.

Advice for Entrepreneurs, from a legal perspective                       

Getting it right from the beginning is very important. Put your books in order, file your tax returns, honor your agreements. Don’t wait until your big break is around the corner before you start scampering to do the right thing. The cost of non-compliance is more expensive than complying.

 

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“MANY PEOPLE THINK THE MEAT INDUSTRY IS A DIRTY JOB” – DERIN ELERAN

Derinsola, popular known as ‘Deerin Eleran” runs a meat shop named Deerin Meat And Food Product, a business she started after her sales girl ran off with all her savings. According to Derin, alot of people felt she was crazy to think she could thrive in a male dominated field, but Derin focused on her goal.
Before venturing into the meat business,  she had worked as a cabin crew,  customer service officer/Account Maintenance officer in First bank, and a Para-legal in a Law firm, and she is used the experience she gained from these sectors to run her company and become a successful Entrepreneur.
In this interview with Women of Rubies, she talks about her passion for making money and the plot twist moment that changed her narrative.
Childhood
I will say my childhood prepared me for what I do now. I have been surviving on my own since i was 9. I was not born with a silver spoon so I did any legitimate job in order to survive.
How I started the meat business
About two years ago, I was running a restaurant business and I usually got meat for some of my customers. One day I was at the abbatior and i told my goat meat vendor that I wanted to cut the meat by myself. He was shocked and he asked me if I had done it before and I said no but I was willing to learn, and that was it. Starting the meat business was not easy though. I just plunged into the business. My kids always inspire me also. I can’t afford to let them them to go through what I have gone through in life.
Inspiration
I can say my kids inspire me. They are very important to me. After l left my banking job, I got an offer with Access Bank but I was posted to the Head office while I was staying on the Mainland. I ended up not taking the offer because my kids would suffer for it. I chose my kids over my career. And also, the meat industry is a lucrative one, though people think it is a dirty job,  but like the saying “inu egbin lowo wa”😆.
Balancing my career and home front
Managing my business and single-handedly taking care of the kids hasn’t been easy but God has been faithful. I make sure my business doesn’t affect my kids and the home front.
Inspiration
Few years back, I left the banking industry and went into plaintain chips production. I wrote a post on Greenland asking to get a cutting machine at reasonable price. Sis Olu Bunmi and Sis Defunke Adewumi might remember this. God used three women to bless me. I was able to train about 50 people on how to make plantain chips, for free in other to give back to the society.
This act of kindness by women who didn’t know me from Adam  impacted my thinking and made me to want to do more. They encouraged me to be better.

Challenges
Part of the challenges I am currently experiencing as an entrepreneur is funding. The meat industry is a very big one and ROI is amazing. If there is capital for me to do this,  people will be amazed by how I will turn it over. Secondly, getting trustworthy staff is very challenging. Once bitten twice shy. In terms of manpower, I am facing some challenges too.
On giving up
I have never felt like giving up. I am my greatest critics and irrespective of the situation, I have never felt like giving up.
I Am a Woman Of Rubies
I am vigorous and confident because God is behind me. Because my calling is unique. And i am also an inspiration to a lot of youth,  both male and female. I have had several people mailing me for advice and guardian. I feel i have a pact to play.
Words of advice to women
My advice to young women out there is,  whatever you set out to do,  do it diligently. Do not pay attention to naysayers. Opinions will not pay your bills, nor feed you. Stop procrastinating,  just plunge in. If you have to go dirty,  go dirty! I mean dirty in accordance to God will. If it is akara (bean cake) you set out to sell,  sell it with pride. But please be distinct,  be unique,  be different from your contemporaries who are doing same thing as you.
Be shameless about your pursuit of greatness and God will crown your efforts. So plunge in now and do not procrastinate,  start NOW!!
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MEET ZULFAT SUARA, THE NIGERIAN IMMIGRANT WHO MAY BECOME TENNESSEE’S FIRST MUSLIM LAWMAKER

If all goes well for her, this Nigerian immigrant Zulfat Suara a candidate for at-large member of the Nashville Metro Council in Tennessee, US will become the first muslim to become a lawmaker in the state.

Nigerian Woman Zulfat Suara Set To Become The First Muslim Lawmaker In Tennessee, US

Suara will be running in the general runoff election on September 12, 2019, after advancing from the general election on the 1st of August.

According to TN Holler, Zulfat is one of the 15 candidates running for 5 at-large seats on the Metro Council in the August election.

The report added that she’s the first Muslim woman to have ever run for any position in the state of Tennessee, running in 2014 in Bolivar for school board.

If elected, she’ll be the first Muslim lawmaker ever elected in Tennessee.

 

"MEET ZULFAT SUARA – Candidate for Metro Council At-Large"

NEW VIDEO: "MEET ZULFAT SUARA, Candidate for Metro Council At-Large" — Zulfat would be the first Muslim EVER elected in Tennessee. She has persevered through intense hate online, just endorsed by the Tennessean. (Boost Paid for By Friends of Zulfat Suara, Samar Ali – Treasurer) "I believe we're one humanity – we breathe the same, we hug the same, we smile the same." – ZulfatPlease watch and share. For more on Zulfat, visit her website: https://zulfatsuara.com – ELECTION DAY AUGUST 1

Posted by The Tennessee Holler on Monday, July 22, 2019

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ADEFOLAKE ADEKOLA: WE NEED TO STOP USING SNIPER ON OUR FOOD IN NIGERIA

We need to use Integrated Pest Management systems to effectively control pest and prevent illegal use.

I once came across a video of a woman trying to buy stockfish from a man. She was asking him why he uses Sniper to preserve the stockfish, and he said, “Everybody dey use am, nobody dey wey no dey use am.” Shock gripped me as I watched the video. Then I quickly remembered a rumor I had heard, that this same sniper was used to preserve beans.

A few days prior to that, a lady had used Sniper to wash her hair and died in her sleep. Sniper is a pesticide not food preservative. We need to understand that sniper is intended for use as a pesticide for crops. Farmers and traders shouldn’t use it to preserve food.

Pests, which are organisms that attack food, crops and livestock, can become a menace to farmers if not properly mitigated against or handled. They are disease-carrying organisms that destroy farmlands, clothing, buildings, etc. Examples of pest are: termites, caterpillars, mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches, bedbugs, weeds, snakes, rats. Pests are not generally harmful; they are only harmful when they are detrimental to plants, animals or humans. They can be beneficial under different circumstances or conditions. These pests often lead to a low crop yield for farmers, because of destruction of their produce before harvest, or even while in storage. Hence, the reason pesticides are used to curb their impact on crops and animals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined pesticides as a universal name given to different forms of chemical compounds used to kill pests. Fungicides, biocides, herbicides and insecticides are all forms of pesticides used. There are several pesticides that have been banned in Nigeria, but Nigerians, for selfish reasons, continue to use them on food, crops and livestock. Examples of these banned pesticides are: Aldrin, Carbamates, DDT, Toxaphene.

Environmental & Health Effects of Pesticides

  1. Pesticides pollute water, which can lead to the death of waterbodies such as fish.
  2. They lead to soil pollution that accumulates in the soil for up to 20 years or more, and may appear in the food chain (bioaccumulation and biomagnification).
  3. Air pollution is a major effect of pesticides, and can lead to severe health problems.
  4. The health effects of pesticides are limitless, because one health problem can lead to another. Examples are: skin diseases, respiratory problems, food poisoning, cancer and can eventually lead to death.

There are three main ways pesticides can be introduced to humans. They are: dermal (skin), oral (mouth) and inhalation (nostrils) exposures. Now traders have started using it directly on produce [fresh fruit and vegetables grown for the market] to prevent pests without informing the buyers.

Although the use of pesticides is necessary, it is to be used under policies and guidelines that have been approved by the regulatory bodies responsible. Which is why the proper implementation of Integrated Pest Management is needed urgently in Nigeria.

So what is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

As defined by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.”

Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations defines IPM as “the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment.”

IPM is an effective way of handling pest management, using methods such as pest-resistant plants, natural predators, and other methods. They can be cultural, mechanical, physical and biological. There are different pest strategies and tactics that can be used to effectively eliminate pest problem, without farmers or market individuals using it directly on food products, which can cause harm to humans. Some steps such as intercropping with aromatic herbs to prevent insects, crop rotation and pruning, are examples of strategies in IPM.

While speaking with the Environmental Safeguard Specialist of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) Project, Oyebankole Agbelusi, he mentioned the importance of IPM in Nigeria. Lack of adequate knowledge on the effects of the wrong usage of pesticides or the usage of banned pesticides is what has led some Nigerians to use pesticides, such as sniper, to preserve dry fish and other food produce in the market, and even go as far as using it on the human body.

Most recently, it is being used as a suicide drug, which has led to hundreds of death across the country. Around June this year, it was published across media outlets that the Senate is looking to ban sniper as a pesticide in Nigeria. Our problem is beyond the banning of one pesticide. What then happens to the one the market traders use on our food that causes diseases which lead to death. The difference between suicide and this is: suicide is an individual decision, but the use of sniper and other pesticides on food directly is Nigerians slowly killing fellow Nigerians because of their pockets. 

We as citizens of this great nation need to do better. Just like the woman that sent the video of the man using it in Oyingbo market, we need to report such cases and take necessary actions. Most importantly, we need to use Integrated Pest Management systems to effectively control pest and prevent illegal use.

Source: Bellanaija

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ARIT OKPO ANNOUNCED AS NEW HOST OF CNN AFRICAN VOICES

Arit Okpo is the new host of CNN African Voices.

She will help usher in the new chapter of the program dubbed African Voices Changemakers, airing from Friday, August 9th.

The news was shared on the official twitter handle of CNN Africa. The tweet says

Meet the new host of African Voices – Arit Okpo (@menoword). She will help usher in a new chapter of the program dubbed African Voices Changemakers. It starts tomorrow!

 

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“GROWING UP, I FELT MEN WERE MONSTERS” – IFU ENNADA

Ennada pleaded for redemption as she narrated a scenario that played out in her head after she saw a ‘shirtless hot guy’ from her balcony.

The reality show star revealed that she suffered a variety of abuse in the hands of relatives, a former employer, people she trusted and also grew up in an environment where men beat their wives for no reason just to prove a point. All these took a toll on her and left thinking that men were monsters while growing up.

Ifu Ennada also revealed that sometimes she imagines herself having kids through a surrogate just so she won’t disrupt her life and future with the problems that come with being in a relationship with a man.

She wrote;

 

My people I think I legit need redemption. So this just happened – From my balcony I saw a shirtless hot guy and went “oh my goodness, this guy is sweet…” I started thinking of the things that could be, but in that same breath I quickly said “abeg nothing dey there jare, dis one go be like the rest.”
—
—
When I went back inside I reflected on my actions and just marveled at how far I’ve come in blocking men out of my life. Do you know that sometimes I imagine myself having kids through a surrogate just so that I don’t disrupt my life and future with the problems that come with being in a relationship with a man?
—
—
But can anyone really blame me? I grew to watching and hearing countless news of 72 year old men raping 3yrs old girls and getting away with it. Sadly, this is still a norm in my country. I grew up in an environment where men beat their wives for no reason just to prove a point – I still can’t tell what the point is. I have suffered a variety of abuse in the hands of relatives, a former employer and even people I trusted. As a young child everywhere I looked, the society made it seem like only men had the power to make wealth and even the women didn’t help… So how can anyone even blame me for the way that I am? —
—
Growing up I felt men were monsters, it also didn’t help that the government was/is run by mostly men who have eveything but good thoughts for Nigeria, so I was a very f*cked up kid even though I was/am a bright Star. I was a Rebel. —
—
I have been trying to make adjustments but I don’t think my redemption will happen in one day.

 

Growing up I felt men were monsters - Ifu Ennada

Credit: LIB
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“I WAS FORCED TO SIGN LETTER COUNTERING RAPE CASE AT GUNPOINT” — BUSOLA DAKOLO

Celebrity photographer, Busola Dakolo in a new report has revealed that the police forced her to sign their invitation letter at gunpoint.

While speaking in an interview with UK Guardian, Dakolo narrated how she was forced into a van by some armed men who mandated her to speak with their superior officer in Pidgin language.

She also recounted how she was handed a document containing allegations of “criminal conspiracy, falsehood, mischief and threat to life” to sign.

According to her, the contents of the letter were not levelled against Fatoyinbo but against her and her husband.

“One was holding a gun and the second, a letter. They told me they were from IG’s (inspector general of police) office in Abuja and that I needed to sign this letter and acknowledge it,” Dakolo said.

The incident, she said, occurred after a tinted mini bus followed her while she was driving into her home in Lagos.

“Our culture doesn’t allow speaking of these sorts of things against anointed men of God. They’d rather hide it, and the party that is being victimized tends to live with that self-blame,” she said.

“The damage on the survivor is extremely terrible but the society, the church, keeps sweeping things under the carpet.”

 

Credit: fabwoman.ng

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NIGERIAN DESIGNER, MOWALOLA OGUNLESI COMMISSIONED TO DRESS THE ICONIC BARBIE DOLL FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Anyone who had a Barbie doll growing up was rightfully obsessed with dressing them up in different ways.

Now, Vogue has commissioned six young fashion designers to dress the icon in their signature style, with one of them being Nigerian designer, Mowalola Ogunlesi. 

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A post shared by Mowalola (@mowalola) on 

Mowalola launched her eponymous brand nearly two years ago, and has since styled Solange for Dazed Magazine; Skepta’s hazy “Pure Water” video; Nike’s Naija World Cup kit launch; and Grammy-winning rapper, Drake, who was spotted wearing a custom Mowalola jacket.

Now, for the brand’s latest dose of international acclaim, Mowalola got to dress Barbie in her signature style, which is best described as free-spirited. This certainly translates to Barbie’s latest look – a neon green tie-dye co-ord, which is a part of her S/S20 collection.

Speaking about her designs and her Barbie to Vogue, Mowalola said:

“Mine is a world where everyone is free in terms of what they wear, in terms of how they think, and my women aren’t threatened by anyone – they are taking back their power.”

She is a Mowalola superhero – strong, captivating and ready to have a really good time. I want to be wherever she’s going.”

Here’s a photo of the original Mowalola piece:

(Photo: Vogue/Mowalola)

 

Credit: konbini.com

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KAY OYEGUN TO SCRIPT MOVIE ADAPTION OF ‘CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE’

Last year, Nigerian-American author, Tomi Adeyemi‘s bestselling debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone had its film rights acquired by Fox/Disney, with award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker, Rick Famuyiwa chosen to direct.

Well, the rather impressive streak of hiring Nigerian-American talent for the film continues, as Deadline reports that Nigerian-American writer, Kay Oyegun (This Is Us) has been tapped to pen the script for the upcoming movie.

(Photo: AWFJ)

The report goes on to say that the studio is looking at making this the first feature property to be produced by Lucasfilm since the Disney acquisition that isn’t part of the Star Wars or Indiana Jones franchise.

Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie Adebola, who at six years old watched her mother get murdered. Ten years after the raid that made her an orphan and banished magic from her people, Zélie finally has a chance to make things right.

As for Oyegun, her star is certainly on the rise. Earlier this year, her feature spec, Assisted Living, was the subject of a bidding battle that was won by Paramount Pictures. Her work on This Is Usalso nabbed her the award for ‘Best Writing in a Dramatic Series’ at this year’s the NAACP awards.

The sequel, Children of Virtue and Vengeance, comes out on December 3.

(Photo: Fiercereads)

 

Credit: konbini.com

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