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Application Opens For Female Enterprise Challenge | Why You Should Apply

Founder of the AGS Tribe, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti has announced that applications for this year’s AGS Enterprise Challenge is now open. The yearly Enterprise Challenge is the first of its kind pitch competition for women entrepreneurs that contribute to the Nigerian economy. Launched in 2018 to showcase, empower and fund female led businesses across Nigeria, it has since then showcased and empowered countless female entrepreneurs through an online pitch competition.

Since inception, the competition has successfully given out grants to six women entrepreneurs across the country and these businesses have grown exponentially since their win in a short amount of time.

Speaking with The Guardian, Durosinmi-Etti said the competition is designed to promote the birth of more businesses that can end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

“The competition will ensure that female led startups gain exposure, valuable feedback and grants to take their businesses to the next level. The programme would include a pitch competition, presentations from business experts and a question and answer session. The goal is to build a network of inclusive businesses and opportunities for collaborations that would assist with promoting business sustainability across Africa over the next 10 years.”

Among the winners for the 2018 edition were Olabanke Subair (Cyrus45), Titi Medunoye (Milky Express) and Tunde Oni (Smileon Foods) while 2019 winners were Tabitha Abimiku (Virtuous Pads), Maryam Salami (Mobaby Care) and Oluebube Akah (Aga’s Wholesome Foods). According to the organisers, this year’s edition, which is sponsored by Platform Capital, promises to be bigger and better.

“We are taking the whole process online and we look forward to meeting amazing female entrepreneurs from all over Nigeria. To qualify, your business has to be running for at least a year, you must be earning revenue already, must be a woman and said business must be operational in Nigeria.”

She revealed that the winner would smile home with a N1.5m grant, mentorship, global accelerator and opportunity to get $100k in equity funding and workspace whilst the first runner up would get a million Naira in grant money, mentorship and workspace with the second runner up going home with half a million Naira, mentorship opportunity and a workspace.

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The society we live in is not fair to women – Senator Uche Ekwunife

Senator Uche Lillian Ekwunife is popularly known as Iyom, which is one out of many honorific titles she has garnered over the years as a result of her public-spirited and political activities. Mrs. Ekwunife has been a constant factor as far as politics is Anambra State is concerned.

Although she stumbled twice on her way to getting into an elective office, but since 2007 when she succeeded by being elected as member representing Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, she has not looked back.

Who is Uche Ekwunife, politically speaking, is therefore, no longer a question anybody could ask in Anambra State or even in Nigeria.Having become a political heavyweight champion by virtue of defeating a national chairman of a political party on two occasions on her journey to the Senate, Ekwunife has become an authority, especially concerning the challenges women face in their search for a space to contribute their quota in the country’s public policy formulation and implementation.

But, what are those things people don’t easily recognise about Senator Ekwunife? In her words: “Well, I will say that I am just a woman that God’s grace, mercy and peoples’ grace has singled out not just in politics, but also in every area of my life.

“I came into life just like every other human being, I have my stories and challenges, but above all, same God’s grace and people have enabled me to stand out successfully.”

In Nigeria’s practice of constitutional democracy it has always been said that there are many impediments to women participation in politics. How did Senator Ekwunife overcome those challenges, especially the ones that revolve around economic and social hurdles, including culture and tradition?

“First and foremost, I had to deal with identifying that being a woman is not an impediment, rather a blessing. If men can succeed, so can women,” she said, adding, “The society we live in is not fair to women.

“Some of us that are where we are now had to rise above economic and social odds that are stacked against women. I remember as a young girl, after school I will go to a particular salon to help make ladies’ hairs and raise some extra money to augment my out of pocket allowance from my mum. My mother had all-girls children and she taught us early in life to be very prayerful and to be hardworking, never to depend on anyone for our needs.”

Talking about growing up years, were there things she dreamed of and dreaded about life, “yes,” she says, noting, “As a Child, I fantasied a lot about things, but one thing I dreamed most was to succeed in leading people, especially to ease the burden of the girl-child and the vulnerable in the society.

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Stephanie Busari Selected As 2020 World Fellow At Yale University

Yale has announced the 13 people chosen in its class of 2020 World Fellows program, a global leadership development program at the university.

Among the 13 is the multi-award-winning journalist and editor at CNN Worldwide, Stephanie Busari. She heads up CNN’s Nigeria bureau where she pioneered CNN’s first digital and multiplatform bureau. She also reports on-air for CNN International and led the network’s 2019 Nigeria presidential election coverage. Stephanie oversees CNN Africa’s digital editorial and operational strategy, crafting a new narrative for Africa and chronicling the continent’s changemakers and innovators.

Stephanie joins a network of 359 Fellows, representing 91 countries. Sharing the news on her Instagram, writing excitedly:

2020 is not cancelled for me! I have a triple celebration this year. 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
I beat Covid. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
It’s my birthday next week 🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️ AND I have just been named a Yale World Fellow 💪🏾💪🏾
WON’T HE DO IT????!!!!
God always shows up for me. I am forever grateful and give him all the GLORY. ❤️❤️❤️

Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean clergyman who founded #ThisFlag Citizen’s Movement to challenge corruption, injustice, and poverty in his country, is also included in the list.

Also included in the list is Edwan Ngum Tah, an attorney and civil litigation expert working in Cameroon. She is also the Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law, Cameroon and has partnered with the Center for Democracy and Development, West Africa to document cases of human rights violations by state and non-state actors in their fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.

And Hyppolite Ntigurirwa, a Rwandan artist, activist, and founder of Be the Peace, an organization focusing on the use of art to halt the intergenerational transmission of hate and to promote the power of cross-generational healing. He is a Peace Ambassador for One Young World, Peace Scholar and his work has been covered by global media including BBC, NPR, SABC, and Dutchwelle.

The World Fellows program is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation.

Each year, the University invites a group of exemplary practitioners from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.

The mission of World Fellows is to cultivate and empower a network of globally engaged leaders committed to making the world a better place. The program is part of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master’s program in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs and an undergraduate major in global affairs.

World Fellows is committed to three main goals:
• Leadership: To strengthen the knowledge and skills essential for global leadership

• Service: To provide an opportunity to serve others through sharing knowledge and
experience, and collaborating on initiatives

• Network: To grow a global community of people with shared values, connected to each other and to Yale.

See the full list and biography here.

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Ufuoma McDermott & Ifeyinwa Mogekwu Are Mamador’s Latest Brand Ambassadors

Food giants, PZ Wilmar Foods recently unveiled notable Nollywood actress, Ufuoma McDermott, and popular Food blogger and Chef, Ifeyinwa Mogekwu of Ify’s Kitchen as ambassadors for its premium Masterbrand, Mamador.

Following the announcement, superstar actor, Ufuoma and amazing Chef Ifeyinwa will now represent the Mamador Masterbrand, across all its marketing campaigns as it repositions to encourage the enjoyment of tasty and nutritious meals as a means to also promote family togetherness and bonding.

Speaking on the engagement, Marketing manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo, said “Ufuoma and Ifeyinwa have proven to be strong and passionate women, with admirable talents and principles, whose positive lifestyles inspire many, each and every day. Ifeyinwa as a chef inspires many, not just on how to enjoy tasty meals but also how to prepare them, while Ufuoma inspires many career moms, as she manages the work-life balance to bond with her family and sustains an excellent family unit.”

Exciting times are gradually coming back, as this shows there are still many positives to take out of the year 2020. The new ambassadors took to their Instagram pages to share their excitement with their fans!

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Sinach Has Been Nominated For 2020 Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the 51st Annual GMA Dove Music Awards, and “Way Maker“, the critically-acclaimed song written by the award-winning Sinach has been nominated in three categories.

Sinach has been on the gospel music scene for quite a while now and she is unarguably one of Nigeria’s most successful gospel artists. “Waymaker” originally released in 2016, recently gained massive popularity following performances by The Elevation Worship and other Christian rock bands. Her unique sound and back-to-back hit songs, led her to become the first African to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters Chart.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, she says:

It is encouraging to see how my songs have become impactful in the lives of many who listen to me. “Way Maker” was written when I was facing a challenge and it became a source of encouragement.

Sinach joins a long list of international nominees at this year’s award including Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Kanye West, Gloria Gaynor, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more.

“The GMA is honored to continue its legacy of celebrating our diverse creative community and the music that moves us and ministers to us all, especially during these trying times,” GMA President Jackie Patillo said in a statement.

Winners will be announced on TBN on October 30, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, in lieu of the annual live awards show, the show will consist of pre-recorded performances and acceptance speeches.

Congrats Sinach!

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Woman Born With Two Vaginas And Two Wombs Defies The Odds To Have Miracle Baby

A woman born with two wombs, two cervix and two vaginas has defied the odds to welcome a miracle baby after being told she had a 90% chance of miscarrying.

Eleanor Rowe, 36, discovered she had a rare congenital abnormality that only one in a million women have by accident in 2013. In her early 30s, still single, she decided to freeze her eggs. She went to a London clinic for two harvesting cycles. At the clinic, the sonographer mistakenly thought she had come in for IVF treatment, so a 3D scan of her womb was carried out and it showed an abnormality which led staff to believe she may have two wombs.

She was referred to Princess Alexandra Hospital where an investigative operation revealed she also had two cervix and two vaginas. The condition, known as uterus didelphys, is a rare congenital abnormality that developed when she was a fetus.

She said:

“When I was first told about it I was just really confused. I thought how could I have gone through life and not know? When I would go for smear tests, nothing was picked up. It was just by chance that it was picked up.”

In 2015, doctors removed the wall that divided the vaginas, leaving her with two cervix and wombs. but said she would be unlikely to carry children.

Eleanor said:

“They said getting a baby to full termination would be a process and that every time I would get pregnant it would help to stretch out the womb. I was also told that there was a 90 per cent chance I would miscarry. That was horrific to hear.”

But Eleanor defied the odds when three years later, she married technology consultant Chris and they got pregnant after trying everything to raise their chances.

 

Woman born with 2 vaginas and 2 wombs defies the odds to have miracle baby

 

She said:

“We were also told Japanese black beans were good for fertility. So I was eating them like there was no tomorrow. I tried to revamp my diet too by cutting out processed foods and even changed what cosmetic products I used.”

According to Metro UK, two months after the ceremony, Eleanor fell pregnant in her right and weaker womb. The fetus was attached to the thin dividing wall and she suffered a miscarriage in the first trimester. The baby hadn’t miscarried naturally though, and Eleanor was forced to spend eight hours “giving birth” in the hospital as doctors were reluctant to operate on someone with anatomy like her’s.

Eleanor said:

“Even though I had been warned about the difficulties I would face it was still devastating. But this was the first time it had really hit home and it was a reality. My baby had died but my body hadn’t naturally miscarried.”

When the couple attended a funeral service for their miscarried child, Eleanor discovered she was pregnant again.

Her pregnancy was “high risk” and at 24 weeks, she discovered she had also contracted obstetric cholestasis, a serious liver disorder which can result in stillbirth. But Eleanor beat the odds and gave birth to Imogen Rose via C-section on July 9 2019.

The new mother says she wants to use her story to encourage other women who are struggling to have babies.

 

 

Credit: LIB

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Waje Covers New Issue of Modern Woman Magazine

For Modern Woman Magazine‘s second edition, the spotlight is shone on the sustained success of a dedicated humanitarian, an amazing Pop; R&B singer and songwriter, and she’s none other than – Waje.

The superstar, whose vocal range is said to cover three octaves, cemented her position as one of Nigeria’s biggest acts to watch when she released her single, “For A Min“.

With a music career of over a decade, Waje, whose real name is Aituaje Iruobe, is in a league of her own. Her debut album titled “W.A.J.E” was released on the May 1, 2013, via a historic live Google+ hangout with fans joining in from around the world, which trended globally at no 4 on Twitter.

She proceeded to release 2 albums afterwards, the latest being the “Red Velvet” album.

In case you didn’t know she’s the first child and daughter of the family, well, now you know. And as a teenager, she sang in choirs, gained a scholarship at the Word Of Faith group of schools because of her gift. She studied Social Work at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Played in concerts, camp meetings and fellowships. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, Waje honed her music skills and was soon a popular performer in the state.

In 2012, the singer-songwriter started a platform WAJE SAFE HOUSE with the goal of collaborating with NGOs every quarter to amplify their causes which included being THE VOICE for women and children by tackling issues around Education, Health, Good governance, Gender-based violence and many more.

WAJE has collaborated with the following NGO’s:

  • One.Org: “Poverty is sexist” and “make Naija stronger”, and she continues to be an ambassador for One campaign.
  • She performed at the foundation launch at the African Leadership Academy in S.Africa.
  • She was invited with other African leaders to attend the Mandela lecture given by President Barack Obama.
  • She was featured on CNN African voice for The African Women project in 2014.
  • In 2018, she was selected as one of Lancôme’s heroes in Nigeria.
  • She featured on Forbes Woman Africa in 2018
  • UN: She performed at the United Nations youth climate summit 2019, UN women day of global activism, giving a lecture on the importance of the most marginalized population affected by conflict and natural disaster.
  • Purple: The 50/50 campaign.
 EIE: As an RSVP ambassador championing good governance in Nigeria at the 2019 elections
.
  • WAJE has received over 20 awards and nominations worldwide including a Channel O Music Award, 4 World Music Award nominations just to mention a few.

Credit:
@themodernwomanmag
Cover: @officialwaje
Project Curator: Tolani Aremu
Glam: @artistry_by_tolani
Millinery: @christinesatelier
Creative Director: @emmanuelarewa
Photography/ Art Dir: @spotlightpi

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Real Reason Sudan Criminalized Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Sudan has Criminalized carrying out Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), making it punishable by three years in jail.

According to UN, about 87% of Sudanese women aged between 14 and 49 have undergone some form of FGM. In Sudan it is not uncommon for women to get the inner and outer labia, and usually the clitoris, removed and FGM can result in urinary tract infections, uterine infections, kidney infections, cysts, reproductive issues and pain during sex.

Before now, there has been a global trend towards banning the practice. However, according to a Unicef report carried out in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, the practice is still being widely carried out, despite the fact that at least 24 of these countries have legislation or some form of decrees against FGM. FGM was already illegal in some Sudanese states but these bans were widely ignored.

BBC Sudan analyst Mohaned Hashim notes that there have been previous attempts to ban FGM across the whole country but parliament under long-time leader Omar al-Bashir rejected the recommendations. Women were at the forefront of the movement that toppled Mr Bashir in April 2019. Campaigners accused the former government of discriminating against women in various ways – including preventing women from wearing trousers.

In November, Sudan repealed a restrictive public order law that controlled how women acted and dressed in public. The FGM amendment to the criminal law was approved on 22 April, Reuters news agency reports and under the amendment, anyone who performs FGM either inside a medical establishment or elsewhere faces three years’ imprisonment and a fine.

Source: BBC

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Naomi Osaka Is Highest Paid Female Athlete In History Ranking $37.4million

22-year old tennis star Naomi Osaka is now the highest-paid female athlete in history, according to Forbes. She reportedly earned $37.4 million over the last 12 months from prize money and endorsements, setting a new all-time record for a female athlete that broke the previous record of $29.7 million Maria Sharapova earned in 2015.

Osaka surpassed 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams, who has been the highest-paid female athlete in the last four years with earnings from $18 million to $29 million. This year, Osaka raked in $1.4 million more than Williams.

In September 2018, Osaka beat Williams in a remarkable U.S. Open women’s final. It was one of her two grand slam wins to date, the other one was at the Australian Open in 2018.

Osaka, who was born in Japan and raised in the US, initially struggled with her shyness, making it hard for her to appear in interviews and interact with other people, players, and fans. But now, she is making the most out of her platform.

In fact, she has been receiving a number of deals with several sponsors. She currently has 15 endorsement partners and a lucrative apparel deal with Nike.

More than that, Osaka ranks 29th in the top 100 highest-paid athletes, joining Williams who ranks 33rd, making them two of the only female athletes in the list.

Source: Forbes

 

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