Women of Rubies
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“MY HIJAB IS MY IDENTITY” – NIHMATALLAH AKASHAT, LAWYER & TV HOST

Nihmatallah Akashat is a Lawyer, Wife , Mom and one of the beautiful faces on popular daytime show “Your View”. The graduate of Law from the Lagos State University; stands out daily with her Hijab on our screen, reflecting the beauty of inclusion and showing us that the hijab is not an hindrance in anyway to women fulfilling their God given purpose.She shares her inspiring story and the challenges of being an influential figure in this interview.

Childhood preparation

Nothing prepared me for this career path. This is because I didn’t plan to be a tv host. However, I had always been opinionated and my expressions accommodated by my dad especially. This gave me an edge at my very first audition. I had something to say about all the topics I was thrown because I had been encouraged to have an opinion about everything. I watched Yourview from the beginning and hoped they will consider having a Muslim co-host. So I will say, I was inspired because I was a Muslim and Islam was not being represented well at the time I joined.

My Hijab Identity

My hijab is my identity. Without it I cannot appear in public among non family members. It is a religious covering yes, but for me it’s about functionality. Also part of the program setting is to have women from different cultures and beliefs on a show. We are glad to reflect that and show the world that every woman regardless of their ethnic background and religions counts.

Still a Lawyer

Yes, I am still practicing law. I am now managing partner cynosure practice barristers and solicitor. A law firm I co founded in 2016

Being  a wife, Mom, TV Host and managing it all

It is the grace of God and setting of the right priorities. Family first and most pressing career need next. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the show or the firm. I have a support system also to help with my children and a very supportive husband.

My Inspiration

The life of the Prophet Muhammed is my inspiration. Even though he was a great leader he related and was touched by the ordinary people. I made it my model and it’s worked for me. I am inspired by the realistic success stories of ordinary people.

Challenges

Yourview has made me very influential but not yet rich however it gives the impression that am both rich and influential. This have made a lot of people come to me for help for every single kind of problem. Infact my pro bono cases are more than I can take. This is a major challenge for me. I am  constantly, trying to say no . It’s very hard to explain to people that your job isn’t proportional to your bank account. sometimes.

On giving up

A few times I have felt like giving up. Especially, when it concerns family. However, I am patient with the situation and find the will to continue again.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I think that will be the fact that I am resilient. I am a fighter. I don’t give up.

Advice to aspiring Muslim TV host

My advice to  aspiring Muslim tv host. Trust yourself and be unapologetically Muslim. You can achieve that by acquiring a balanced knowledge of your religion and any other discipline of your choice. The confidence comes from the knowledge and the acceptance of your way of life which is Islam. Sell your religion wherever you go by being an ambassador of Islam.

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“I AM NOT ASHAMED TO BE A  NEWSPAPER VENDOR”- LAMIDI OPEYEMI

Someone once said the happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything, This is what Lamidi Opeyemi’s life journey is all about. When you meet her you would think she has it all going well for her till you hear her story. Her zeal and optimism seems to be her secret weapon.

At the age of 10, she sold pepper alongside her mum in their small community in Osun state, Nigeria, this in no little way set her entrepreneurial life journey;  from washing clothes for people to making coconut oil, starting a mini importation business and selling Newspaper on Sundays. Opeyemi has refused to stay down, she rose  from the ashes of adversity to take responsibility of  her life.

In this interview, she reveals how she is balancing her role as an entrepreneur,  wife and mother to a brilliant cerebral palsy child and still keep her head above water.

 

Growing up

My childhood prepared me for what I do, I was born and brought up in Kuta Ayedire local government in Osun state. My late mother was a pepper seller, she introduced me to the business when I was 10 years old i did it till i finish secondary school.

Being a newspaper vendor

After my son treatment in 2015, my husband business crashed, he became a full-time newspaper vendor, I was also forced to stay at home because my first son is living with a medical condition called cerebral palsy (a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscles tone, motor skills, and posture caused by brain damage that occurs during childbirth or early years of life) he’s fully depending on us to do everything, my husband doesn’t earn much and we have a lot of bills to pay. I started the mini importation business but noticed that I need a business that can bring money every day, I added shea butter business to it, I told my husband that I also want to start selling paper at Ppl bus stop on Sunday since the owner of the paper stand doesn’t sell on Sunday. My mother in law,  sister in law and neighbors daughters are always at home on Sunday and help with my special need child while I go and make ends meet.

Managing my business and motherhood

It is very tough i spent most of my time in my mother in law house since she is the only one i can trust with my special needs son, i also make sure my business doesn’t affect my Kids and marriage in any way.

Being a mom to an amazing special needs child.

Yes, I have a 4 years old son(DEMILADE) Living with cerebral palsy fully depending on others to do simple things. Alhamdulillah, I thank God for His mercy upon us, I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone , Thanks to my ever supportive mother in law, who often times take care of him when I go about my business.

My Inspiration

 My special needs kid and Mothers of special needs kids who are thriving in their chosen career Inspire me .I am most Inspired by several philanthropist whom I’ve never met but play important roles in my life from a distance, it has also encouraged me to give back In my own little way.

Challenges

Lack of funding for  my business is my biggest challenge as my I  need good capital to be successful in all my business ventures, not to mention epileptic power supply and the challenge of moving my coconut products.

Giving up

I have felt like giving up countless times because I feel I’m too young for what I’m facing . However, I always encourage myself that giving up is not the best option.

Being a woman of rubies

I am a Woman of rubies because against all odds, I am making something out of my life regardless of the balls life has thrown at me. I joggling so many business to be a good mom and support system for my husband, whom I respect and honour so much. I am not ashamed of my hustle, i thank God for “nothing can stop me spirit in me” i refused to be a burden to someone else. I am someone’s role model.

Word of advice to who want to go into the coconut oil business

My advice to them is to value their integrity more than money, if you value your integrity you won’t dilute your oil, be resilient and love what you do.

Advice for special needs parents

I will advise them not to be so desperate in looking for a miracle, love your child, focus on his or her ability, talk to your child’s doctor on how you can help you, child. Remember you are not alone in this journey, social media could be helpful if you use it wisely search for support groups for your child diagnosis, seek for help when you need it most, empowerment is important to have a legit source of income. Take care of yourself take a break when you need it most.

The society and reception of Special needs kids

Our society is not well sensitized about special needs children. We need an inclusive society where people with disabilities will have access to what people without disability have access too, some people still believe that disability is contagious which is not true, we need wheelchair accessible motors in our roads, school owners need to learn more about disability so the can give chance for our children with disabilities to have quality education, our leaders need to intervene in our children well being,

Cerebral Palsy

October 6 is World cerebral palsy day, wear green in honor of children and adult living with cerebral palsy , remember cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, motor skills and posture as a result of brain-damaged that occurred at birth or the first 3 years of life. Cerebral Palsy has no cure but therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy e.t.c. could improve their lives. There are so many people living with cerebral palsy who are  lawyers, doctors, and serial entrepreneur.

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#HAIRNETCHALLENGE: ESTHER IJEWERE PROMOTES SELF-LOVE THROUGH “HAIR NET”

On August 18, Esther Ijewere, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Rubies Ink Initiative, posted a picture of her makeup free face with a hairnet on her head, with a goofy caption to promote self love.

See post below:

 

The goofy post apparently didn’t sit well with a ‘concerned’ Facebook follower who believed a ‘woman of class’ shouldn’t be posting a picture with hairnet, so she sent a lengthy message to rebuke Esther.

See the message below:

I woke up to this 👇👇👇 in my Inbox. I removed the names of the people she mentioned to avoid conflict.

“Esther I have been seeing your post and to be candid I am highly disappointed in you and I have to bear my mind as someone who I’ve been following you for at least 8 years.

Your last post with the Hair net comes in very bad taste for woman of class. I wanted to reach out last week as well when you posted about the Fuji guy and wondered if your account had been hacked , then I saw you responding to comments.

This is very disappointing for a women’s advocate. Please pull down the photo and picture. People like ××××××××× won’t do this. Go on their timeline and see what they share daily to Inspire other women.

I just felt I should say this as I have been bothered, even had to talk to ×××××××× since you seem close to her and asked her to pass the message.

Have a good evening dear.”

That message inspired the #HairnetChallenge. Esther created a plot twist out of the message by launching the #HairnetChallenge to preach self love and encourage women to be themselves.

With the likes of Patricia Nwanyioma Sparkle, Defunke Adewunmi, Rahmatallahi Muh Awwal, and Olasunkanmi Momooreoluwa championing the Challenge by posting pictures of them wearing their hairnets, more people were encouraged to upload pictures of them proudly wearing their hairnets.

See photos below:

Patricia Nwanyioma Sparkle

 

Olasunkanmi Momooreoluwa

 

Rahmatallahi Muh Awwal

 

A man also particiapated on behalf of his girlfriend

 

Omolabake Bode Matthew, Bims Oreofe, Defunke Adewunmi, Sparkle Diva, Patricia Nwanyioma Sparkle, and other anonymous donors, all donated rewards in cash and kind to winners of the #HairnetChallenge.

At the end of the challenge, Kehinde Bukola won with 131 Facebook likes. 2nd winner was Ononye Lauretta Onyeka, and the 3rd winner was Blessing Awulotu Felix. The winners all got their rewards in cash and kind.

 

At the end of the Challenge, a whole lot of women were left feeling more proud of and loving themselves the more, which was the sole purpose of the Challenge.

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“I WAS NEVER SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AT ANY POINT IN MY CAREER “- TOBY GREY

The Nigerian music industry is evolving and music stars are also re-inventing themselves,, fans get to enjoy diverse sounds and unique music from different genres, some are infusing culture into their craft while others reflect the pop side. Toby Grey is a mix of both.

The young music star started out at the age of 16 and is best known for her creativity, passion and stage presence. She recently went viral when she did a cover of Kizz Daniel’s Music Challenge, using it as an avenue to expose some of the ills in the music industry and speaking up for female artistes who are silent victims of sexual harassment. A topic many shy away from for fear of being blacklisted in the Industry.

She recently released an EP titled LOVE IN LAGOS where she teamed up with two of Nigeria’s best producers to re-register her presence in the Music story and also project Lagos state in good light.

While the Music star is very sad female artiste don’t support eachother enough, she is willing to do her bit to support upcoming female artiste and show the world that the sky is wide enough for everyone to soar and prosper.

The beautiful graduate and multi-lingual, shares her Inspiring story with me in this interview.

Growing Up

I grew up in a household where music was always played. My mum loved to sing and my dad? Well I knew he loved music but I don’t remember him being a great singer. I remember listening to Fuji, APALA and some western songs every Saturday while doing house chores and singing along. All through my childhood I loved to dance even before I knew I could sing. So in a way, my love for music validated my passion for music.

The impact of starting out at age 16

Starting early helped me learn faster and understand the techniques behind singing. The things I learned when I was 16, I probably wouldn’t have the patience to learn them now if I didn’t then. But again, I didn’t have a choice cos I had do it right and the only way was through learning.

Combining school with music back in the days

It was not easy at all. Sometimes I missed classes or important events. But I always had it at the back of my mind that my education comes first! Also, I had really supportive friends who studied with me whenever I felt stuck. It’s crazy because you have classes, and you have lectures, and you have tests to write, and you have a project to defend or you any other academic stuff know like that and so you have to learn to combine multiple activities and get the best out still. It was hard mixing music with school, I mean music is a very jealous profession and school takes a lot of time and so doing those things together hand-in-hand was a big challenge to me. But I’m glad am over with it, I’m so glad, I’m so glad but nevertheless I’m proud to have been through these process cuz it makes me appreciate what I have. Not everybody has the opportunity to go to school but if you are fortunate enough to go to school just stay in school and if you are also fortunate enough to have people around you that can guide you know, through the journey, music and education, it’s amazing.”

The journey so far..

The Nigerian music industry, I feel like, you know people say a lot about the music industry. They are like it’s hard to blow, it’s hard to do this. Yes those things are true but the hardest part is the finance. I mean I am an indie artiste and I can say that for sure. It’s really, really hard financing yourself well but with the help of my family and supportive people I’m glad to be where I am today. There are people who say Oh Tobi let me see how I can help or I work here let me see how I can tell somebody to help you do this or do that and that’s how we’ve gotten certain things done. So it’s been very challenging trust me but I thank God because where I am today, I can say it’s only through God’s grace. A lot of people have been trying to get into that market, and well I am not saying am there yet, but it’s a work in progress so I thank God.”

My Music

All my songs have played a role in putting me out there over the past few years mostly because each song is unique and opens me up to a different audience each time.

Addressing the Sexual assault rumor in Kizz Daniel’s Music Challenge

I was never sexually assaulted at any point in my career. One of the purposes of the song was to make people aware of the ills females have to go through sometimes in the industry. Alot of the victims are scared to speak up for fear of being stigmatized and judged. Some will probably not be able to perform at big concerts and shows If they ever come out with such news.

Sexual harassment of female artiste in Nigeria and the way forward

I think it is totally appalling and unfortunately it has been in existence for a very long time. As a starting point to curbing it, females should be sensitized to know that it’s okay to speak up if they are in that situation. It may be hard but being brave and bold to speak could go a long way in gradually eradicating sexual harassment.

Challenges of being a female artiste

The major challenge has mostly been finance. Music is a very expensive business and being female even makes it more challenging because not only do we have to spend more, even society has certain expectations that affect our expenses. This also makes it hard for labels to invest in a female artiste.

Female artiste & support for eachother

Sadly, the answer is No, we don’t support ourselves enough.

New Music

I recently put out an EP titled LOVE IN LAGOS where I teamed up with two of Nigeria’s best producers – DJ Coublon and Tyemmy to put together my first body of work. The EP houses 6 tracks and portrays a variation of love songs which could be considered as atypical i.e. not the regular ‘boy meets girl’ story line. Also, one of the songs is dedicated to the ever vibrant and dynamic ‘Lagos State’ and transcends to the core aesthetics of the songs in terms of vibrancy, fun and creativity. It presents a twist of traditional, alternative, trap, folklore, pop and comic vibes all produced, written and recorded in Lagos state, Nigeria. The EP is also available on every digital platform.

Being  a Woman of Rubies

I may not be perfect, but I inspire people especially women to do more, be more and believe in themselves because every woman is special.

To young women who want to go into music..

I would say, perfect your craft because it’s not enough to have a talent for singing. Keep working on yourself, believe strongly in yourself because bad days will come when you feel like you’re not good enough and you just feel like giving up. Your belief, good friends or family you can rely on will see you through. Lastly work hard, be humble, be hungry for success and pray!

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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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“PEOPLE STILL THINK THOSE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL CAN’T LIVE LONG”– ABIMBOLA OGUNMEKAN

Our greatest test is being able to help someone while going through our own storm. This is what Abimbola represents to the many lives she is saving through her WarriorStory Initiative; a nonprofit community of people living with sickle cell diseases.

Abimbola, being a sickle cell warrior herself is helping other warriors fight and win.

Through her platform, she provides education, counselling and advocacy for sickle cell health and  shares stories of warriors with the aim of inspiring others and also provide  free medical service  for the first three months, after which patients can attend by paying a token as monthly subscription to access care.

Abimbola, who holds a post graduate diploma in Biomedical Engineering, decided to start up a business in health & technology called Toyo Meditechs.

Toyo Meditechs provides sales, installation, maintenance, repairs, and training in the use of medical devices and equipment, as well as Hospital Facility Design and maintenance. She birthed this SME due to her keen interest in health and technology and her experiences as a regular hospital visitor

The beautiful warrior shares her inspiring story with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence

Growing up, I always wanted to be in the medical field, infact I wanted to be a Medical Doctor, but as you can see I didn’t end up becoming a Medical Doctor. I remember always mixing “herbs” any time any of my family members was ill and trying to “treat” them lol… All the while growing up I dint know I have Sickle Cell Disorder, I just knew I had medications I had to take on a daily basis, my mum made sure I had to take them regularly and I remember I used to have pain episodes that most times landed me in the hospital but I dint know what it meant.

It wasn’t until I got admission into the university that I found out during the medical screening that was when I understood what the medications and the occasional pain episodes.

Thankfully my parents are comfortable enough to enable me access good healthcare.

Inspiration behind Warriorstory Initiative & Toyo Meditechs

I started WarriorStory Initiative as a way to get away. I had just finished my Post Graduate in Biomedical Engineering and I dint have a job but I had been a bit opened about my health condition on social media, so I used to get DMs from people asking questions like “I heard you guys die at a really young age”, “is it true your crisis ends at the age of 21?”, “I heard I can catch SCD by touching someone that has it”, etc; those DMs made me realize how much people were still ignorant about Sickle Cell Disorder, so I decided to use WarriorStory Initiative to educate people on this disorder, to inspire other SCD warrior as well as to create a safe space for SCD warriors so they know they aren’t alone in this battle.

For Toyo Meditechs, I studied Biomedical Engineering, and after school, before I got a paying job, I started volunteering for some hospitals to gain experience. I also realized I have a passion for it and I could start a business in it to keep myself busy till I got a paying job. I also started it because, as a regular hospital visitor, I experienced a lot of lapses in our healthcare system, like; non-functional machines, poor facilities, not enough professionals to handle medical equipment, long waiting time, etc, I wanted to find a way to promote using engineering/technology to better healthcare, hence; Toyo Meditechs.

Sickle Cell Disease sensitization

To be honest, we still need a lot more sensitization and awareness in Nigeria. A lot of people (even the educated ones amongst us) are not “health literate”; it’s not just Sickle Cell Disorders but other health conditions.

You’d be surprised a lot of people still think people living with SCD can’t amount to anything or can’t live long; I mean there are people living with sickle cell that are 30, 60, 70, 80 and even 90years. There’s Aunty Toyin Adesola who is over 50 years, there’s Mama Alakija, she is 94years, there’s also Bukola Bolarinwa, Oyesola Oni, Timi Edwin, Tobi Olusesi, Ibunkunoluwa Imabong-Abasi Ajayi, Ik Oleka, Halimat Mogaji, etc; these people are young and are doing very well for themselves in their varying careers and businesses.

 Other projects and activities

I recently launched a multidisciplinary led sickle cell clinic. In the course of advocacy and sensitization, I realized a lot of warrior can’t access affordable healthcare services and the ones that can afford don’t want to attend clinics because of the long processes in the hospital. I gave it a thought and bounced the idea off with some friends in the medical field as well as a consultant hematologist who introduced me to other consultants in other areas of medicine that care for Sickle Cell patients.

The clinic allows SCD patients to have access to different consultants (ranging from hematologist, orthopedic surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist) in the same place and on the same day.

One Warrior story that has motivated the most

Hmmm…. I recently stumbled on a video where one of my favorite YouTubers; Sisi Ope opened up and shared her journey living with sickle cell. I could relate to every single experience she shared; from regular hospital visits, cancelling appointments/hangout last minutes, disappointing people, encounter with people that don’t understand, etc., but what inspired and motivated me is how she always picked herself up and bounced back, she dint let the condition put her down nor stop her from achieving whatever she wanted to achieve.

Work Challenges

My job can be quite demanding sometimes, most times physically draining, like climbing fleets of stairs, supervising, facing Lagos traffic and the distance from home to work, etc, which can trigger a pain crisis but I’m learning to balance my health, knowing when to slow down and take a break.

On giving up

Yes, there has been a couple of times I felt like giving up, especially when I have crisis back to back, or my health gets in the way of me achieving some things, sometimes I just get tired of fighting, but I’m grateful for the wonderful support system I have been bless with; they have always supported and encouraged me even when I feel like giving up.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I believe I’m a Woman of Rubies because my life, my work no matter how small or short has inspired at least one person and make them know that they can also do whatever they want despite living with Sickle Cell.

To Women living with SCD

LIVE and always do what makes you happy.

Living with Sickle Cell doesn’t mean you can’t get married nor have children or achieve your goals. These things will happen in their own time just believe.

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“I AM COMMITTED TO ENDING ALL FORMS OF NATURAL HAIR DISCRIMINATION IN AFRICA” – CHIOMA JOY EZECHUKWU-ALAEBO

Natural hair advocate; Chioma is a 26 year old young entrepreneur and final year student of Abia State Polytechnic, studying Public Administration.

Her unfortunate experience with hair relaxers and dyes launched her into advocacy. Chioma, who had spent the last three years of her life growing a healthy natural hair, is a social innovator who creates awareness on natural hair advocacy. She founded Black Hair Community and other online platforms where she has trained more than 1000 women across Africa how to grow healthy natural hair with ease. She also launched her cosmetics brand; Favent Beauty Cosmetics in 2017, Because of her passion for Natural Hair Care Education, and published her first book “Healthy Hair Secrets” same year. A book that explains what every woman’s healthy hair checklist should be.

Chioma is committed to ending all forms of Natural Hair Discrimination in Africa and encouraging African women to embrace their natural hair. She is currently working on a Natural Hair Documentary in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (10) that will expose the hair discrimination against African women and their children.

On the 25th of May, 2019, she hosted the first ever Natural Hair Growth Hangout in Aba, Abia State, where she had guest speakers and lots of natural hair lovers in attendance, the event went viral on Facebook and opened her up to more opportunities globally.

In her words: “Our hair is more than just hair. It is our identity”.

The beautiful “Naturalista” who is also happily married to her supportive husband shares her story with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence

My childhood really prepared me for what I do today. I was born into a family where mum was a petty trader and dad , a carpenter; I was faced with visiting the markets after school. Though, I had always wanted to be a lawyer, my childhood and environment rather prepared me for business and entrepreneurship. After secondary school, I couldn’t further my education immediately because of lack of funds. I was left with getting a job at Tonimas Nigeria Limited Aba to work as a factory worker. My experience in that company left a vacuum in my life that being just an employee will never fill. My stay there was one of the things that inspired me to be a business owner. Not just a business owner like a mere trader. But, to become a company owner. I stopped aspiring to be a lawyer immediately. And started dreaming to own a company of my own. The saying that our environment influences our thoughts is so true. I saw how a company is being managed , how jobs are being created, and how money is being made. As an 18 year old Igbo girl, It affected my thought pattern.

Inspiration behind your Black hair community initiative and my  book Healthy hair secrets

When i was in JSS 2, I wrote one funny novel in form of a drama. I will say reading lots of books in primary school inspired the writing of the novel then. And, I have always wanted to be an author but don’t really know what to write on. I grew up knowing that the novel I wrote then was a trash compared to the books I see people publish. So, I had to let that aspiration of being an author die. Fast forward to 2017, I met a phenomenal lady by name Edirin Edewor on Facebook who advertised a free webinar to teach young people how to write a book with ease and publish it on Amazon. I had to grab the opportunity immediately. At the end of the power packed webinar, I learnt all that I need to actually become an author and I bought her book ” A-Z of E-book Publishing “. Having created a niche for myself in the Beauty Industry already, I decided to write a book that will give answers to numerous questions asked by various women concerning natural hair growth. Healthy Hair Secrets which is a hair care checklist, is a book I’m still proud I wrote. All thanks to Edirin Edewor

Reception

My journey into the Natural Hair Care Industry since 2016 to this point has been a roller coaster. Sometimes, I feel so bad and frustrated because of what I encounter daily on this journey. When i was starting, I reached out to some women who are already in the Natural Hair Care Industry to learn one thing or the other from them as a newbie. I got turned down and ignored by most of these women that I had to push myself harder learning most of the things I know today on my own. It was frustrating. It affected my self-esteem and confidence. I felt I wasn’t enough. The mental note this experience created on my mind is still fresh that I hardly go to women to seek for help or advice today. The experience made me determined and I am happy with the great reception I get daily from my customers, clients and prospective ones, I believe that the world is actually my stage. I’m just scratching the surface now. More grounds to conquer.

My Inspiration

The hunger to solve the Natural Hair problems faced by African women, and the successful stories of African business women all over the world inspire me to never back out of this journey but stay put in working hard and smart.

Greatest reward

Apart from being awarded the 2017 Start-up of the Year by Vision Alive Foundation after I launched my cosmetics brand- Favent Beauty Cosmetics, my greatest reward for what I do has been the recommendations and referrals I get daily from my customers and clients. They keep telling everyone about me. They keep announcing me to the world. They keep recommending me whenever someone laments about her natural hair. To many, these things may not be rewards. But to me, the recommendations and referrals are my greatest rewards for what I do.

Challenges as a Natural hair advocate

Not having a physical school here in Nigeria that offers Trichology ( the study of human scalp). Though there are online schools that offer this course, having a Nigerian physical school that teaches this will make a lot of sense. It is the foundation of every hair care business and should be offered in Nigerian schools just like every other courses. The absence of this is really affecting the natural hair care practice in Nigeria. Also, not being able to solve the problem of a client after trying out possible solutions is really challenging though I refer them to certified Trichologists. Getting natural hair women that are open to collaboration and partnership is tough. Really tough. But we will keep digging.

Media should do more

The media platforms and social media influencers in Africa are not helping in projecting the advocacy for natural hair. They will charge you to feature your works on their platforms. When you write to them to invite you to a radio show for you to educate the African women on the dangers of using unsafe hair care products like relaxers and permanent dyes or how to take care of their hair, they will ask you to pay them. When you can’t pay them, you won’t be featured and  a lot souls keep living in ignorance.

My Natural hair documentary project in line with the UN SDG

I got the inspiration for this project after coming across and witnessing first hand a lot of abuses faced by myself and other African women just because of our God given natural hair. When I returned natural, I was bullied by my coursemates in school but I was able to pull through. That wasn’t the case of my younger sister who is also a victim of  hair discrimination, verbal abuse and bully .The Natural Hair Documentary will  tell the story of Afro hair as an African identity, the dread hair discrimination against African women and their children, the emotional, physical and verbal abuse faced by African women and their children just because of their Afro hair, the inequality eating deep into our society just because of Afro hair, and the way forward. In line with the United Nation’s SDGs (10 target 3), my team and I are working to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard through this documentary project.

Being a Woman of Rubies 

My story! Yes, my unique story is and will remain an inspiration to so many women out there. My goal is to use every possible medium or platform to solve the natural hair challenges  faced by African women being my greatest weapon, and my inspiration to be a natural hair care giver and problem solver. All these attributes make me a Woman of Rubies.

Appreciation of black women “Naturalista”

We are not well appreciated at all! The verbal abuse, bullies, hair discrimination, mockery, assault, etc, it’s so alarming. Who did we offend? Why the hate? Why can’t we enjoy growing our God given natural hair ?

Advice for women who are having trouble with their r natural hair way and basic natural hair tips for beginners

Moisture is the Key! And to keep your hair moisturised, it is imperative to know the porosity level of your hair. Hair Porosity which simply means the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, is what actually determines the products your hair needs and what your hair care regimen should be. Growing a healthy natural hair will become easy for you when you learn to treat your hair rightly. Stop using hair products because every other person is using it. Find out what actually works or can work for you. First step is carrying out a porosity test on your natural hair.

HOW TO TEST YOUR HAIR POROSITY LEVEL:

* Wash your hair thoroughly to get rid of any product buildups and air dry.

* Cut out a strand of your clean hair.

* Drop the hair strand in a glass of water.

* Pay attention to see if it sinks or floats.

* If it floats, it is low porosity hair.

* If it sinks, it is high porosity hair.

* And if stays at the middle of the water, it is normal or medium porosity hair.

Congratulations, now you know the porosity level of your hair.

This will help you know the products and hair care regimen your hair needs.

Advice for young women who want to go into my line of work

Hey Queens! My advice for you is a simple one. Do not stop learning. Be knowledgeable. Be your greatest cheerleader. Equip your brain. Remain focused. Volunteer and intern when you see an opportunity to do that. Attend events and network with like minds. Read books. Finally, invest in your personal development in any way that you can because  personal brand sells faster. The world is your stage. See you at the top.

You can join my Facebook group (BLACK HAIR COMMUNITY) or follow my personal blog instagram page (@naturalhairadvocate) and my business page (@faventbeautyorganics) to learn natural hair tips that are result oriented and works.

Growing your natural hair can be very easy when done the right way.

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“I AM COMMITTED TO ENDING ALL FORMS OF NATURAL HAIR DISCRIMINATION IN AFRICA” – CHIOMA JOY EZECHUKWU-ALAEBO

Natural hair advocate; Chioma is a 26 year old young entrepreneurand final year student of Abia State Polytechnic, studying Public Administration.

Her unfortunate experience with hair relaxers and dyes launched her into advocacy. Chioma, who had spent the last three years of her life growing a healthy natural hair, is a social innovator who creates awareness on natural hair advocacy. She founded Black Hair Community and other online platforms where she has trained more than 1000 women across Africa how to grow healthy natural hair with ease. She also launched her cosmetics brand; Favent Beauty Cosmetics 2017, Because of her passion for Natural Hair Care Education, and published her first book “Healthy Hair Secrets” same year. A book that explains what every woman’s healthy hair checklist should be.

Chioma is committed to ending all forms of Natural Hair Discrimination in Africa and encouraging African women to embrace their natural hair. She is currently working on a Natural Hair Documentary in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (10) that will expose the hair discrimination against African women and their children.

On the 25th of May, 2019, she hosted the first ever Natural Hair Growth Hangout in Aba, Abia State, where she had guest speakers and lots of natural hair lovers in attendance, the event went viral on Facebook and opened her up to more opportunities globally.

In her words: “Our hair is more than just hair. It is our identity”.

The beautiful “Naturalista” who is also happily married to her supportive husband shares her story with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence

My childhood really prepared me for what I do today. I was born into a family where mum was a petty trader and dad , a carpenter; I was faced with visiting the markets after school. Though, I had always wanted to be a lawyer, my childhood and environment rather prepared me for business and entrepreneurship. After secondary school, I couldn’t further my education immediately because of lack of funds. I was left with getting a job at Tonimas Nigeria Limited Aba to work as a factory worker. My experience in that company left a vacuum in my life that being just an employee will never fill. My stay there was one of the things that inspired me to be a business owner. Not just a business owner like a mere trader. But, to become a company owner. I stopped aspiring to be a lawyer immediately. And started dreaming to own a company of my own. The saying that our environment influences our thoughts is so true. I saw how a company is being managed , how jobs are being created, and how money is being made. As an 18 year old Igbo girl, It affected my thought pattern.

Inspiration behind your Black hair community initiative and my  book Healthy hair secrets

When i was in JSS 2, I wrote one funny novel in form of a drama. I will say reading lots of books in primary school inspired the writing of the novel then. And, I have always wanted to be an author but don’t really know what to write on. I grew up knowing that the novel I wrote then was a trash compared to the books I see people publish. So, I had to let that aspiration of being an author die. Fast forward to 2017, I met a phenomenal lady by name Edirin Edewor on Facebook who advertised a free webinar to teach young people how to write a book with ease and publish it on Amazon. I had to grab the opportunity immediately. At the end of the power packed webinar, I learnt all that I need to actually become an author and I bought her book ” A-Z of E-book Publishing “. Having created a niche for myself in the Beauty Industry already, I decided to write a book that will give answers to numerous questions asked by various women concerning natural hair growth. Healthy Hair Secrets which is a hair care checklist, is a book I’m still proud I wrote. All thanks to Edirin Edewor

Reception

My journey into the Natural Hair Care Industry since 2016 to this point has been a roller coaster. Sometimes, I feel so bad and frustrated because of what I encounter daily on this journey. When i was starting, I reached out to some women who are already in the Natural Hair Care Industry to learn one thing or the other from them as a newbie. I got turned down and ignored by most of these women that I had to push myself harder learning most of the things I know today on my own. It was frustrating. It affected my self-esteem and confidence. I felt I wasn’t enough. The mental note this experience created on my mind is still fresh that I hardly go to women to seek for help or advice today. The experience made me determined and I am happy with the great reception I get daily from my customers, clients and prospective ones, I believe that the world is actually my stage. I’m just scratching the surface now. More grounds to conquer.

My Inspiration

The hunger to solve the Natural Hair problems faced by African women, and the successful stories of African business women all over the world inspire me to never back out of this journey but stay put in working hard and smart.

Greatest reward

Apart from being awarded the 2017 Start-up of the Year by Vision Alive Foundation after I launched my cosmetics brand- Favent Beauty Cosmetics, my greatest reward for what I do has been the recommendations and referrals I get daily from my customers and clients. They keep telling everyone about me. They keep announcing me to the world. They keep recommending me whenever someone laments about her natural hair. To many, these things may not be rewards. But to me, the recommendations and referrals are my greatest rewards for what I do.

Challenges as a Natural hair advocate

Not having a physical school here in Nigeria that offers Trichology ( the study of human scalp). Though there are online schools that offer this course, having a Nigerian physical school that teaches this will make a lot of sense. It is the foundation of every hair care business and should be offered in Nigerian schools just like every other courses. The absence of this is really affecting the natural hair care practice in Nigeria. Also, not being able to solve the problem of a client after trying out possible solutions is really challenging though I refer them to certified Trichologists. Getting natural hair women that are open to collaboration and partnership is tough. Really tough. But we will keep digging.

Media should do more

The media platforms and social media influencers in Africa are not helping in projecting the advocacy for natural hair. They will charge you to feature your works on their platforms. When you write to them to invite you to a radio show for you to educate the African women on the dangers of using unsafe hair care products like relaxers and permanent dyes or how to take care of their hair, they will ask you to pay them. When you can’t pay them, you won’t be featured and  a lot souls keep living in ignorance.

My Natural hair documentary project in line with the UN SDG

 I got the inspiration for this project after coming across and witnessing first hand a lot of abuses faced by myself and other African women just because of our God given natural hair. When I returned natural, I was bullied by my coursemates in school but I was able to pull through. That wasn’t the case of my younger sister who is also a victim of  hair discrimination, verbal abuse and bully .The Natural Hair Documentary will  tell the story of Afro hair as an African identity, the dread hair discrimination against African women and their children, the emotional, physical and verbal abuse faced by African women and their children just because of their Afro hair, the inequality eating deep into our society just because of Afro hair, and the way forward. In line with the United Nation’s SDGs (10 target 3), my team and I are working to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard through this documentary project.

Being a Woman of Rubies 

My story! Yes, my unique story is and will remain an inspiration to so many women out there. My goal is to use every possible medium or platform to solve the natural hair challenges  faced by African women being my greatest weapon, and my inspiration to be a natural hair care giver and problem solver. All these attributes make me a Woman of Rubies.

Appreciation of black women “Naturalista”

We are not well appreciated at all! The verbal abuse, bullies, hair discrimination, mockery, assault, etc, it’s so alarming. Who did we offend? Why the hate? Why can’t we enjoy growing our God given natural hair ?

Advice for women who are having trouble with their r natural hair way and basic natural hair tips for beginners

Moisture is the Key! And to keep your hair moisturised, it is imperative to know the porosity level of your hair. Hair Porosity which simply means the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, is what actually determines the products your hair needs and what your hair care regimen should be. Growing a healthy natural hair will become easy for you when you learn to treat your hair rightly. Stop using hair products because every other person is using it. Find out what actually works or can work for you. First step is carrying out a porosity test on your natural hair.

HOW TO TEST YOUR HAIR POROSITY LEVEL:

* Wash your hair thoroughly to get rid of any product buildups and air dry.

* Cut out a strand of your clean hair.

* Drop the hair strand in a glass of water.

* Pay attention to see if it sinks or floats.

* If it floats, it is low porosity hair.

* If it sinks, it is high porosity hair.

* And if stays at the middle of the water, it is normal or medium porosity hair.

Congratulations, now you know the porosity level of your hair.

This will help you know the products and hair care regimen your hair needs.

Advice for young women who want to go into my line of work

Hey Queens! My advice for you is a simple one. Do not stop learning. Be knowledgeable. Be your greatest cheerleader. Equip your brain. Remain focused. Volunteer and intern when you see an opportunity to do that. Attend events and network with like minds. Read books. Finally, invest in your personal development in any way that you can because  personal brand sells faster. The world is your stage. See you at the top.

You can join my Facebook group (BLACK HAIR COMMUNITY) or follow my personal blog instagram page (@naturalhairadvocate) and my business page (@faventbeautyorganics) to learn natural hair tips that are result oriented and works.

Growing your natural hair can be very easy when done the right way.

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“PACKAGING OKPEHE AND LOCUST BEANS THE WAY I DID STILL AMAZES PEOPLE”- AKOH ROSE OJOCHIDE

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well, That’s the Rose Akoh Story, Populary known as the “Okpehe woman”, Rose is a content developer and civil servant. The 35-year-old entrepreneur and Kogi State indigene recently launched her local spice brand Chide’s Spice, powdered Okpehe (Prosopis Africana). The Sociology and Business Administration graduate from the Universiy of Abuja, shares her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind her brand with me in this inspiring interview.

Childhood Influence
All that I am today, and will be tomorrow would be hugely Influenced by my upbringing. I was privileged to have had a father who could see the future, he knew the importance of quality education, independence, and enlightenment, and he did all he could to ensure that I and my siblings had all of that and more.

Being creative and innovative was his forte, and he’d always want you to be on your toes doing one good and productive thing or the other.

He instilled discipline and the fear of God in us. Even though because of work he lived in other states different from where we settled, his authority and influence was so huge you’d think he lived with us daily. My father was a great man, I wish he was here to do this with me, he was a great historian, and I would have gotten alot of insights from him. But he is no more. Powdered okpehe came to be because of who he nurtured me to be.

Inspiration behind my Okpehe brand
The major inspiration is to make it’s handling and usage very easy.Most people who know okpehe, know that its final form is either round balls, or rectangular shapes. This is usually very hard to pound, and does not properly dissolve well in food. Drying it properly and grinding into a final powder, does not only allow for its easy and comfortable usage, it also makes it easy for one to move around with.

Okpehe naturally has a very strong smell because of its fermentation process. But this is hugely contained with my kind of packaging. Until you open the pouch or bottles, you may never perceive anything. I simply provided an easy way of using the spice, and a more comfortable way of carrying it around. Also, this is an attempt to promote an age long important food condiment. Hence the slang “okpehe to the world”

Being a civil servant and Entrepreneur
This doesn’t affect my work in anyway, as I am still very punctual at work. Even before I ventured into this production, I engage in other activities once I close from work at 4pm.

Also, the raw material is sourced and processed by my mother, Mrs. Grace Akoh, she does this in another state different from the one I live in, I only supervise the packaging, and sometimes distribution, because I have workers who I may only have to speak to on the phone to get things done. I love my Job, and I’m optimistic about the potentials it holds.

Reception so far
It has been overwhelming. I’m yet to meet anybody who has any complaint about the product. All the reviews I’ve gotten have been fantastic. Anybody who sees it starts saying, “Why didn’t I think of this? It’s so good.” Everyone has something positive to say about it. Even those who don’t know about it are asking what okpehe is, and I get to explain to them, and how organic it is. It has been accepted really well, and it’s translating in the demands we’ve been getting.

My business in 5 years
I see it doing very well because it’s a genius idea. I went to an office and the lady was making it sound like I invented the spice itself, and not the processing I did. The credit she gave me for it was incredible. I honestly see it employing so many people and I’m really excited about that because a whole lot of people don’t believe in entrepreneurship. There are challenges, yes, but nothing comes easy. I have encouraged a lot of people already. So, I want to expand almost immediately because with the demand we have so far, there’s no way one person can handle it. Getting distributors across all the states is my first and immediate step. Somebody has already gone to the US with some, and people in the UK are already demanding for it as well. And we are definitely going to be exporting almost immediately.

Nigerians and support for budding Entrepreneurs
Well! I think its a 50/50 thing. This is so because friends, family members and some members of the public may want to purchase your products just to encourage you, others may only patronise you because you are satisfying a need. On the other hand, some persons would not give budding Entrepreneurs a chance to prove themselves, they’d rather go for bigger and older brands, irrespective of the fact that a budding Entrepreneur’s product may be better.

Challenges
Systemic challenges aside, Finance to produce in commercial quantity is being considered. As a new product, market penetration is key, this means that one has to ensure a widespread distribution of the product. Also, for now, all of the processing is being done manually, and it takes a longer time to dry properly. We are in the process of acquiring machines to make things easier. better and faster. Another major challenge i’m certain most budding entrepreneurs face is the lack of physical cash, as one would likely be investing in ideas, equipment and anything that would make the business grow better.

On giving up
It has never crossed my mind! Birthing powdered okpehe has been very interesting and fulfilling for me, not financially, but it’s being rewarding all the way, and I intend to look on the bright side . The acceptance of the products and the encouragement from many people has been inspiring, it fuels me to do more, and better.

Being a Woman of Rubies
I have set a precedence for other women to follow. Fear stops many persons from taking any step. I’ll always say “do things afraid”

Packaging okpehe and locust beans the way I did still amazes people, because everyone who knows it, knows how unhygienic it is usually packed. I believe that this move has encouraged, and would keep encouraging more people to take steps and do something.

Other projects and activities
I also run an advocacy-based NGO with focus on women and children. This has helped me to reach out to many indigent families periodically. I have a volunteer force, and we do wonderful things every month.

Final words for women who want to go into Okpehe business

Just ensure that you have a plan, don’t rush into a business because it appears fun and attractive out there, having a good knowledge about a product, its industry and it’s marketability is very important. Also, every budding Entrepreneur should try to ask questions and be informed. And upgrade the product subsequently.

Facts about Okpehe
This age long condiment can be used to cook any food, and it is used just like any other seasoning out there. It gives food a very rich taste. One very unique thing about Okpehe is that it hardly goes bad, it can be used over a long period of time and it would still be as potent as the day it was produced.

Okpehe aids digestion, and good eyesight. It is important to know that okpehe and locust beans, though very similar, are two different spices. Okpehe is made from prosopis Africans seed, and it is common among Igala’s Igbo’s and the Idoma’s. Idoma’s and igala’s call it Okpehe, while the Igbo’s call it Okpei. Tiv’s call it Gbaaayeh+

Locust beans on the other hand is commonly eaten as a seed, however, they are tribes that prefers it grinded into powder. It is called Ugba by the Igbo’s, idoma’s and Idoma’s. Youruba’s call it Iru. While Tiv’s call it Nune.

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“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A BILLIONAIRE TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT” – OLUWATOLA ASSAN

In 2006, Tola had  the privilege to travel to the United States to further her education, she graduated in 2010 and obtained a bachelor  of science in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University, In 2012 , she obtained a Master of Business Administration in general management and a a second Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management in 2013, both from same university. While attending college, she was inducted into academic honor societies such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi due to excellent academic performance.

Today, she is  an entrepreneur and the Founder of Fortunate Hands foundation; A non-governmental organization with a vision to care and help improve the wellbeing of the less privileged children. Growing up, her mother not only ensured going to church was compulsory, but she also made her  apply what was preached in the church to her daily life, this informed her decision to give back and start an NGO In 2015;where she gives hope to kids in rural areas, enroll them in school and also give them scholarships.

Tola is running her organisation passionately and also combining her educational knowledge for positive results. The young humanitarian who works 9 to 5 alongside running an NGO, shares her aspirations with me in this inspiring interview.

Growing Up

 I was born in Lagos to the family of Stephen & Moji Assan. I am the 4th of 4 children so I grew up around siblings. Growing up, my parents didn’t have it all, but we were okay. I attended a boarding house in Epe called Lagos State Model College Igbonla; where I attained my high school degree. The boarding house experience wasn’t exactly pleasant but one common theme between staying in a boarding house and living at home during the holidays was church.

Church was a must while in school and my mum also made sure I went to church while I was home for the holidays. I remember one consistent topic even back then was giving and its benefits, that principle stuck with me and surely has some impact on what I do today.

Inspiration behind Fortunate hands

I always knew I wanted to help others but founding an NGO for that purpose was never in the plan.

I got the inspiration for fortunate hands from a couple of things of which spending time with God would have to come first. I started attending church at a very young age and giving is one of the principles that stuck with me, I can say for a fact that helping the needy comes with benefits.  One day I was spending time with God through his word and he directed me to the bible verse that says, “Carry each other’s burdens”. As soon as I read that, I got the vision for fortunate hands foundation; a vision to care and help improve the wellbeing of the less privileged children.

Prior to the NGO being formed, I would render a bit of help to others here and there, but it got to a point I realized I wanted to do more.  I know I am failing if I am able to count the number of lives I have touched.

 I have to admit I also got some of my inspiration from beggars on the streets, especially those with their children. Each time I walked or drove past them, I felt the urge to help them.

I also get continuous inspiration from the events we have in slum areas; the atmosphere is always the same. The kids always seem so content despite their living condition and I feel joy in my spirit just spending time in such areas and having fun with them.

Nigerian’s and  Philanthropy

Only a few Nigerians genuinely support the type of work and this is a good medium to create more awareness. For some reason, most people are unaware of the slum areas that exist, and Lagos alone has about 14 of such areas. According to trading economics, 50.2% of Nigeria’s population lived in slums and this number can only have increased due to a growing population. Other Nigerians who are aware of such areas have concluded that the improvement of the wellbeing of those who stay in such areas dwells with the government and do not see it as their responsibility. The truth is, one doesn’t need to have billions of Naira to leave an impact in such areas; a little goes a long way. Today the support is quite minimal, but I am sure we will get there as we continue to create awareness.

Balancing it all

 Balancing a 9-5 job, a business and a non-governmental organization keeps me very busy. I am not a perfectionist, but I like to be on top of things, I am cognizant of the fact that nobody can treat your business like you so I try to do as much as I can myself. When we have events for the foundation, I get help from the project coordinator and that goes a long way in keeping a balance. I also try to audit my time daily that way I know where I need to focus more time and what activities I need to cut out of my day to maximize my time. I make sure to have “me time” and take a break when I need to.

Challenges

Challenges from a nongovernmental organization standpoint are numerous. Getting people to buy into a vision they just don’t understand can be discouraging and that is why being passionate about what you do is pivotal to the longevity and impact of the organization. There are a lot of hurdles we have to cross to make a good impact which shouldn’t be so. The biggest challenge comes from the government, they make it difficult to do simple things like enroll kids in school because they require a few letters and approvals; In 2018, the organization was able to enroll a few kids to school in the Ajegunle community and while I thought we just had to select kids, take them to school and make a payment, that sure wasn’t the case.

 Another common challenge we face is with the community heads of these slum areas; most of them act as though they are doing you a favor by letting you visit their community.

On giving up

The thought of giving up is an inevitable temptation in life but Christianity has helped me to see it as a no option. Severally, I have thought about just saving up my money for other things that some of my mates own but then I am reminded that is not an option because helping the needy does come with benefits, though not immediate but eternal.

Sometimes I get burned out between running a business, doing a 9-5 and planning events for the organization but I am like I said, giving up is not an option.

In March 2018, I lost Tomi my 15-year-old niece after a brief illness and that was really a trying time because we were very close. Severally I went to church and would remember her during worship and just run out crying, I would go into the toilet at work and cry because I couldn’t focus. This incident did impact my following through on enrolling few kids in school, I wanted it to be for her.

Being a Woman of Rubies

When I hear the word Rubies, precious comes to mind and every precious thing takes time to be created.

That brings me to the bible verse that talks about been “Fearfully & wonderfully made”, which happens to be the theme of our next event in Makoko. I am a woman of rubies because I am fearfully & wonderfully made by God, I hope to be able to make every life touched feel the same way. 

Advice for women

Dear woman,

You can do anything as long as you are willing to put in the work and go through the hurdles

You can start that business today using funds from your paycheck

You can renew your mind by constantly reading books

Never assume the other person knows, verify by doing your own research

Never be afraid to ask questions from people doing well in that field you want to go into

Build your network and

Remember, you don’t have to be a billionaire to make a positive impact.

As long as you put in the work and never give up, you are unstoppable.

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