Inspiration Archives

In Inspiration April 3, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Meet Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo – The First Female Nigerian to Fly the Boeing 767 Aircraft Across the Atlantic Ocean

Meet Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo, inspirational and trailblazing – Nigeria’s first female to Pilot the gigantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner at Qatar Airways and to fly the Boeing 767 Aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean.

Born on the 16th of October 1990 in Kaduna state, Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo is the last born child out of 3 children of her parent. She hails from Ogbomoso in Oyo state.

Adeola began her nursery education at Brighton International School Kaduna, and had a part of her primary education at King International School Rigasa, Kaduna before proceeding to First Baptist Church Primary School Kaduna and finally concluding her primary education at Temitope Nursery and Primary school in Ibadan in the year 2000 due to the religious crisis in Kaduna then.

She started her secondary school at Ibadan Orita Mefa Baptist Model School, then finished her secondary education with First Baptist Model High School Angwan Boro, Kaduna state in 2007.

Her tertiary education began with a pre-degree course at LA done Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) which she didn’t conclude because she had to proceed to the Nigerian college of Aviation Technology Zaria, Kaduna to begin her standard pilot course in the year 2009/2010.

She concluded her standard pilot course in 2011 at Sunrise Aviation Inc. Florida, USA.

She began a part-time course in Transport Management (Bsc) with LAUTECH in the year 2011.

She joined Medview Airlines in 2013 till October 2018, first as a First officer on Boeing 737 classic, and was later upgraded to Boeing 767-300ER. She joined Qatar Airways in October 2018 on the Dreamliner Boeing 787.

Adeola is the first Nigerian female pilot at Qatar Airways and the first Nigerian female pilot to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner across the Atlantic.

Her hobbies are reading (mostly aviation), watching movies and she readily lets the world know “I love God”.

Captain Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo is proof that nothing is impossible, if you put in the work. She says “I believe that we can achieve anything we want with prayers provided we put our mind and heart to it and stay focused.

In Inspiration April 1, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Meet Dr Assumpta Nnaggenda Musana – Uganda’s first woman to obtain a PhD in Urban Planning

Women have consistently proven that they can be and do and achieve what they want to achieve regardless of gender-based limitations.

Dr Assumpta Nnaggenda Musana, Uganda’s first woman to obtain a PhD in Urban Planning is one of such women that has risen over that limitation and is now a beacon of hope to young women all over Africa and the world.

Dr Musana holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Planning and the Environment from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, a Master of Science (MSc) in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Architecture from Kharkov State University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Ukraine.

She is a Architect, Urban Planner and Academic, currently serving as a Lecturer at Makerere University, Department of Architecture and Physical Planning.

She is also a Principal Architect at Technology Consults (TECO) which allows academic staff to work alongside while allowing students to assist in their projects, a practice initiated by former lecturers at Makerere University.

In addition to her work with TECO, her research is focused on low-income housing and settlements in Kampala, Uganda.

Knowing the challenges that she was confronted with throughout her career, she mentors her students to be resilient and assertive against the gender landscape in the industry.

Let Dr. Musana serve as an inspiration to you this month that no dream is too big to achieve.

In Inspiration March 26, 2021 By Women of Rubies

How A 28-Year-Old Social Media Expert Launched a Multi-Million Business During a Pandemic

Navigating life through one of the most historically devastating events of our time can seem impossible. Still, this sharp-witted social media maven has held the world in her palms (literally) and made a pandemic work in her favor. Danielle Paulo is the owner of Creative Haus LLC, a multi-million dollar all-female digital marketing agency, at just 28 years old.

As the closing of businesses struck panic into those around her, Paulo knew that this was the confirmation she needed to turn her passion for social media and digital marketing into a profit. With community being an important aspect of her life, aiding businesses in converting their online presence into sales are what created the spark into Creative Haus — making it a home of creativity, comradeship, and compassion.

Paulo’s deep connection and ties with service and fellowship within her life have contributed to the work she does daily for those around her. 20% of her personal earnings towards community service. So far Creative Haus has been able to feed over 500 homeless veterans on Christmas and New Years’, providing meals including soup, coffee, water, and hygienic essentials using company finances. They have also been able to pay for rent assistance for families in the church who were struggling during COVID, and have provided over 100 PPE items to a small hospital in Los Angeles.

While the Arabica beans at local coffee shops sit brewing under hot water, Danielle has been up and moving since 5 am, bringing the steam as she meets with clients so she can end her busy workdays around 6 pm. Her drive is her alarm clock, and her purpose is her strength to get through each day. Although she may make a load of building a successful company from the ground seem easy to carry on the timeline, she’s here to tell you how she gracefully handles her struggles and successes behind the scenes.

“Taking that leap of faith was definitely terrifying at first, especially in the middle of a pandemic. But I knew that a 9-5 job wasn’t for me and I have always told myself life is too short to be stuck in a job you hate.”

Danielle admits that her biggest fear in starting something new was not being able to expand, dreading that she would feel stagnant taking on her own agency. While social media and digital marketing had been under her belt for about 10 years, she’d never done freelance. She took a leap from security from her stable, high-paying job to a decision made solely on the faith she had in herself and the love she had for her craft.

Although through that leap, she secured a team of women who are always there to advocate for her when things seem to get dark. Paulo says that to keep herself from falling into her own doubts, she made sure to not think too far ahead, and take things one step at a time. Her tip to staying afloat amid the hustle and bustle is to allow yourself space and time to unplug.

“I wanted to start a business because at my last job I didn’t get a break at all. I needed time to focus on my own mental and physical health. It’s actually funny that I say that, because now that I have my own business I actually work MORE hours. But because it is for me, I am more passionate and the work is more rewarding.”

Paulo emphasizes that self-care is an essential task in any work-place, whether self-employed or not. In order to put 100% into your own work, you have to make sure that you are recharging yourself. She also makes sure to pour the same love, care, and patience that she has for herself into her team. Ensuring that all her employees exercise their creative freedom through projects that feel like their own has contributed to the success of Creative Haus in such a short amount of time.

“My goal was to never be a “boss”, I just want to be able to build a space where other creatives can be in charge of their own projects and basically be their own boss. It was never my dream to be a business owner, I just knew I never wanted anyone to tell me what to do. I trust my team to do good work. And because of their good work, I know our clients will always be happy and there will be revenue to fall back on.”

Her goal of fostering a space where creatives are allowed to do the things that they love has been wavering within her mind since she was younger. She was a playground for innovation, falling head over heels for the arts and the things that influenced culture the most. She knew that she would be the one to break traditions in her family, becoming a trailblazer for her own lineage.

“ I grew up in an immigrant household, they came from the Philippines for me to have a better future. There is this stereotype that Filipinos have to be a nurse or a doctor, but since my parents were so young, I told them early on that I didn’t want to go the traditional route.

I applied to fashion school when I was a senior in high school. I was interning in the fashion industry when I was only 18-19 years old. My parents never expected me to follow the traditional account, but they always told me that if I did not have a stable job after two years, I would have to go back to school to do nursing.”

Now, Danielle has the luxury of doing what makes her happy. Though she appreciates basking in her success, she does not want to overlook the things she had to sacrifice to be where she is today. As she recounts the countless hours spent building her brand, Paulo also remembers missing out on quality time with her loved ones and sacrificing many job offers. She’s had quite a journey to the top and is always keen on being transparent about her day to day struggles.

“I’ve failed multiple times. One of the biggest hardships was within the first 3 months, I was sued. I didn’t file the business name/license correctly so it actually affected my taxes. It was difficult for me to inquire about a business loan during a pandemic. When I was seeking sponsorships and investors, no one trusted an unknown agency. Considering that I also do not have a partner, I’ve had to do this all myself. Going through the trials and errors and learning from my mistakes has helped me grow. I knew failure was not an option because there was no way in hell I was going to go back to my previous job.

I wish more business owners would be more honest about their day to day stresses and worries. Along with the times, we do fail day today.”

Even though she does not want to glamorize overworking, she wants aspiring business owners to know that it is not an easy task to build your own company.

“I want to clarify that there is a difference between hard-working and being efficient. Especially during the pandemic, everyone was pressuring people to start a business and make money in other ways. This stigma is something I always hated growing up and still do. Just because you are not a business owner does not mean you are not successful in your own way.”

Along with advocating for any working woman, Danielle created the Creative Haus Agency with the intent to motivate the women who do dream to start businesses of their own. She knows that being part of an industry that is male-dominated can be quite intimidating at times, but doesn’t want that intimidation or the fear of failure to hold any woman back. As a company, Creative Haus brands itself as all-female and with a mission to support other women. Paulo states that until women get paid the same and there is no pay discrepancy between a man and a woman, she will always hire a woman over a man. With this experience, she wants to steer women away from feeling discouraged from pursuing their goals simply because there aren’t too many of us doing it.

Reflecting on her past and present has taught Danielle to appreciate all she has been through. And as she highlights that the road to becoming (SHE)EO was never easy, she wants others that plan to walk in the footsteps of many great, hard-working women to know that “taking risks comes with its challenges, but it also comes with its rewards.”

Source: Baucemag

In Inspiration March 26, 2021 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirl | ‘The Sun Is Centered Around My Life’- Amaka Nwabeke

Amaka Nwabeke who is fondly called Amakason is a poet, fiction writer and ultimately a Christian.
She began performing poetry in 2014 and has since then performed on a number of notable platforms alongside distinguished personalities.

She is the convener of The Spoken Word Poetry Conference (S.W.P.C). A poetry conference which she pioneered in 2014, the very same year she started performing poetry.

In 2020, she released her debut Spoken Word album titled ‘EMERGENCE’, in the same year, she also released her first book titled: ‘THE SUN’

She can be contacted via her social media channels listed below:

Instagram: @amakasonlj
Twitter: @amakason_
Linktr.ee: Linktr.ee/Amakason
YouTube Channel: Amakason
Email: bookamakason@gmail.com

She shares her “RUBY GIRL” story with the team.

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Amakason?

I am a spoken word poet and fiction writer. I love Jesus and consider Him the crust of my identity.

2. What inspired you to venture into poetry and fiction writing?

As cliche as it might sound, God inspired my venture into spoken word poetry. I wrote my first poem on a sad day. When I saw how writing about how I was feeling helped me feel better, I started writing poems consistently. At first, I would just read out from my book to the audience. Then in 2014, I went to Calabar to write an exam and that was where I met the guy that changed my life. He simply just told me that instead of reading the poem from my book, I could try putting the words in my head and then say them without this book. I thought it was pretty cool, and proceeded to try it. At this point, I still didn’t know it was called spoken word poetry or that it even had a name.
I took that guy’s advice and performed a piece the next day to a small gathering of people in Calabar. I didn’t take it too seriously. I was simply just reading my poem without the book. I got back to Lagos shortly after that and was having a chat with my friend Jessica Ibazebo. I can’t remember if it was a chat or even an argument but I do know that she asked me if I had heard about someone called Jackie Hill Perry. I told her that I hadn’t. She proceeded to show me Jackie Hill Perry’s poetry video called Jig-a-boo. I remember watching Jackie perform and feeling a kind of knowing in my heart that I could do what she was doing.

A week after that, I performed my first ‘official’ spoken word poem titled AMAKASON.
How I got into writing fiction is another story on its own. I’ll try and shorten it. We were told to write a drama script in ministry I used to be a part of. It was some of challenge for us to try our hands at script writing. I took the challenge pretty seriously and wrote my ‘supposed’ script. I say supposed because I was later then told by Lekan Aremo who was the drama co-ordinator that I had written a novel not a script. He then told me to try my hands at writing fiction. I shrugged it off at first but one night I picked a book and a pen and wrote a novel of some sort. And I have never stopped since then.

3. You authored your very first book, THE SUN in 2020. What is the inspiration behind it and what does it entails?

THE SUN is a story that was majorly inspired by life in general. Its about a promising girl named Dikachi. Who was born out of wedlock and dropped at the feet of her aging grandmother. The SUN is centered around my life and most of the questions I received after the book came out was, “it is your life story”, “did it happen to you”.
In the book, Dikachi was raised by her grandmother who took care of her in the best if her ability buy couldn’t do much because she was limited in her knowledge and people live or teach you based on what they understand. Technically, it’s about my life but not fully about me just a few things, no writer writer without putting a bit if themselves, so the SUN is a bit of me but not my life story.

4. ‎What is The Spoken Word Poetry Conference(S.W. P. C) about and what are the feats recorded through it?

SWPC is an event where people come together to listen to wholesome amazing poetry accompanied with music and worshipping of God through words, life and everything that comes contact with it.

‎The feats recorded; we had full halls of almost 500 people, likes of Nosa, Folabi Nuel, Gaise Baba come perform. So far, we’ve had 9 editions of consistent community and just gathering people to come hear the word of God, we have people who make SWPC their festival yearly, it’s held first Saturday of every year.

I’m really proud of what SWPC has been able to do particularly because I didn’t know it would get this far, when God told me to do a conference, I remember we didn’t even have a team, I just called a couple of guys asking if they could perform poetry, now we have a 16 man team put together that makes the conference happen. We started very small, first conference was about 30 people in attendance and the first conference was the same year I started poetry in 2014.

5. ‎ As a spoken word poet, how do you get inspiration?

I get inspiration from life, people’s experiences, my experiences, the Bible, and so many other things. I don’t see inspiration as some air that falls on us once a while. I believe that we can be inspired everyday if we are deliberate about seeing life from a place of wonder and awe.

6. What do you do at your lowest moments?

I listen to music. I sleep. I talk to Jesus about how I’m feeling.

7. You released your debut spoken word album EMERGENCE, same year you released your first book. Was it planned and how were you able to pull through the two feats?

No, it wasn’t exactly planned. I didn’t begin the year with either of those two things on my to-do-list. It truly just happened. I had written THE SUN years ago but everytime thoughts of publishing it crosses my mind, I just always developed cold feet. 2020 was just the year where I dammed it all and walked on water.
Releasing EMERGENCE was very time consuming for me. I had to write at nights a lot. Which wouldn’t have been an issue if I was going to be indoors the next day, but I had work during the day. But God filled me with an immense amount of strength and I am truly grateful to Him for that.

8. Most memorable moment while performing on stage?

I was performing a poem at this event in Lagos and a lady was crying in the hall while I performed. I made a mental note to speak to her later to perhaps give her a hug and find out what I had said that hit her that deeply. But unfortunately I forgot. Prayed for her when I remembered though. Never forgot that moment. It made me realize the impact that words can have.

9. What are the messages or themes you addressed in EMERGENCE?

Brokenness, The Lekki Masaccre, Temptations and dying to self, Worship, Competition between creatives and how unwise it is and many more.

10. What are the challenges young writers and poet face in Nigeria? Which improvement will you like to suggest?

Generally poet are not very respected in Nigeria, we have come a long way, I have to say, it’s an art form that people are gradually respecting but we still haven’t gotten to the pinnacle yet. We would get there, some of the improvement is by pulling out great content, working hard to make people realize it’s not a joke, this is serious and a beautiful art. Another issue we have which also stems from the first one that I mentioned which is the fact that we are not as respected is that because we are not as respected, we are not as paid as should. We are underpaid. Some people just think that it’s just poetry, you just write words and put it together and that’s just silly, it’s creativity the fact that I made it simple doesn’t mean it’s simple but shows that I am good at what I do.

Poets need to make demands, if you believe that what you are doing deserves this particular amount call it out. There are unique dynamics to all these things, if it’s free or paid, all I’m saying, we should demand because people don’t know.

11. If you were the President of Nigeria for a day, what would you change?

I would make quality education more accessible to the poor especially at the primary and secondary School level. Emphasis on ‘quality’ though. People shouldn’t have to break the bank to get a good education. I don’t know how possible it is to get that done in a day, but it’s something I will put in the works. Maybe sign a lot of scholarships in one-day.

12. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why.

Jackie Hill Perry, because of how much of an awesome poet she is. I love how ‘herself’ she is.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie because of how well read she is and how she has placed Nigeria on the global map as a writer. I mean, who has 16 honorary degrees from several universities around the world if not an absolute genius. I love her complete courage in standing for what she believes to be true and damning the consequences.

TY BELLO, because of her deep connection to God and vast level of creativity. I love her.

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

It’s always hard for me to answer this question. Plus no one really knows the future. I am at a much better place than where I thought I would be 5 years ago. But, wherever I am in five years, I hope to still be pleasing Jesus. That’s the most important thing.

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

Live like it’s your last day, love without holding back and never let fear dictate what you do or don’t do.

In Inspiration March 22, 2021 By Women of Rubies

11 Powerful Quotes From Black Women to Inspire You.

Nothing beats the power of a black woman. Today at Women of Rubies, we have curated inspirational black women quotes from authors, actresses, activists, and more to help you go through your week.

A black woman’s wisdom is endless. This collection is a fraction of it, featuring quotes from insightful, powerful, and beautiful black women. We hope to inspire you during your day whether you are powering through a workday or enjoying a much-needed self-care day.

Whether you choose to scribble your favorite quote in your journal or repost the quote on Instagram, be sure to record your favorites for any time you need a quick motivation to help you go through a rough moment.

So, here we go:

A reminder that you should not settle for less. “Do not settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.” – Angela Bassett
Silence negativity. “There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.” — Phylicia Rashad
About Failure… “You will be wounded many times in your life. You’ll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God’s way of saying, “Excuse me, you’re moving in the wrong direction.” It’s just an experience, just an experience.” – Oprah Winfrey
Being Courageous… “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
Risks Are Worth Taking… “I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” – Simone Biles
Follow your heart… Don’t settle… “I have always believed that when you follow your heart or your gut, when you really follow the things that feel great to you, you can never lose, because settling is the worst feeling in the world.” – Rihanna
Be relentless… “There have been so many people who have said to me, ‘You can’t do that,’ but I’ve had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach.” – Halle Berry
Let your passion blaze… “Be passionate and move forward with gusto every single hour of every single day until you reach your goal.” — Ava DuVernay
Place premium value on what you do… “When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.” ― Oprah Winfrey
You are limitless! “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” — Dr. Mae Jemison
Make things happen… You can and you should! “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” — Diana Ross

No matter how you define success, self-acceptance is crucial to achieving it. Whether you are on the starting line or half-way through your journey towards self-acceptance, remember that you are not walking alone. Many of the black women featured above have traveled through their own journeys and re-emerged a happier person.

Just give yourself time. Soon, you will reach those personal goals. If you know someone who’s on a similar journey, share with them one of the above quotes through their social media page. Sometimes, all we need is an extra push to keep going.

I hope you find strength and courage to stay afloat this week and beyond.

In Inspiration March 21, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Tolu Adeleke Is Determined To Improve Maternal & Child Health in Nigeria

Tolu Adeleke-Aire is the CEO and founder of ToluTheMidwife. She is an internationally trained, dual-qualified healthcare professional. Tolu is an accomplished senior midwife and nurse. Tolu has over ten years of clinical and management experience.

She completed an MSc in Healthcare Management, after which she worked with the reputable UCL (Department of Nutrition).

Tolu founded ToluTheMidwife to create a holistic experience for families. One that included preparing, supporting and empowering expectant parents as they transition to parenthood. She does this through evidence-based health education.

One parent at a time, Tolu is living her business mantra, “save a mother, save a child, save a community.”

Tolu is a dual certified Nurse and Midwife with over ten years nursing and midwifery experience from hospitals in England and Guernsey. She has cared for and delivered over 1000 mothers and babies.

While still working in England, Tolu visited Nigeria often because she always wanted to move back. During one of these visits, she read an article about the atrocious maternal and neonatal mortality rates. She instantly became obsessed. She struggled to understand why so many women die just because they are having a baby. Upon further research, she discovered many women lack basic evidence-based health education. As a result, she created Tolu the Midwife to fill this gap, with the hopes of saving mothers, babies, and communities.

Prior to relocating to Nigeria, Tolu completed an MSc in Healthcare Management and worked with the University College, London (Department of Nutrition) as a (Band 8) Research Midwife studying breastmilk, the nutrients within and factors which affect and contribute to mothers achieving their breastfeeding goals.

Tolu has a B.Sc in Registered Nursing from Middlesex University and another in Midwifery from the University of Hertfordshire.

In a bid to provide holistic care and support, Tolu also started antenatal classes just for men, #DadsAntenatalNg. Also, upon her return to Nigeria, Tolu was shocked and heartbroken to discover new mothers in Nigeria barely have any professional postnatal support, she decided to host a postnatal support group – Mums & Bubs Brunch.

In 2019, Tolu won the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award for Nursing and Midwifery Excellence.

We celebrate Tolu for her contribution to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria through her holistic system.

In Editor's Choice March 16, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Nadine Ijewere Makes History As First Black Woman To Shoot An American Vogue Cover

London photographer Nadine Ijewere just made history as the first Black woman to shoot a cover for American Vogue

Ijewere is no stranger to firsts; she was also the first woman of color to shoot a British Vogue cover in 2018. When speaking to the cut magazine about the lack of diversity in the industry she said, “When I was studying, there were virtually no female photographers of colour…I feel like in doing this I’m proving to younger girls from a similar background that it’s achievable. It also feels like part of a broader shift within our culture to include far more diversity, both behind the camera and in front of it.”

The Jamaican-Nigerian photographer worked with fellow trailblazer, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, who served as stylist and fashion editor for this historic cover. In January 2021, Karefa-Johnson made history as the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover. As she continues to break down walls, Ijewere hopes her work will pave the way for more Black women in a historically male-dominated industry.

“As a young Black woman, I didn’t imagine that I would one day have the opportunity to shoot a cover for American Vogue. I’m so honored to have been able to work with my fellow sister Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. I hope this encourages Black women that there is space for us to take in this industry,” the 29-year-old said.

Source: Thecut.com

In Inspiration March 16, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Habiba Ali Is Providing Renewabale Energy For Rural Communities

Habiba Ali, the founder/CEO of Sosai Renewable Energies Company, a social enterprise set up to meet the energy needs of rural communities. The company strives to promote the use of affordable and reliable renewable energy products that improve rural livelihoods.

Habiba wanted to solve the problems associated with indoor air pollution especially with women, some facing inefficient fires constantly inhaling an equivalent of 2 packs of cigarettes, that’s why she founded Sosai Renewable Energies Company.

The company, based in Kaduna, Nigeria, provides renewable energy products like solar lamps, water purifiers and solar panels, as well as improved cooking stoves. The company also provides energy consulting services to help bring clean, renewable energy solutions to Nigeria’s budding communities.

In its effort to to have successful women energy entrepreneurs in every community in the North, Habiba established the Matan Arewan Sosai (Women of the North for Excellence) platform with a mission to strengthen the capacity of women in northern Nigeria on the production, sales, service and installation of renewable energy products, empowering them to contribute their quota to support their families and ensure progress towards the sustainable development goals.

Habiba also co-founded the Developmental Association for Renewable Energies (DARE), and is a member of the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air and the Nigerian Energy Network.

Habiba is a 2019 Global Leadership Honoree, 2018 WE Empower Honoree (addressing Sustainable Development Goals 1 (no poverty), 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 10 (reduced inequality),) a VV GROW Fellow and a Global Ambassador Program Mentee. She’s also won the UNDP/BOI Access to Renewable Energies award in 2012; the United Nations South-South Development award in 2013; the DFID Solar Nigeria award in 2016; and the USADF award for Powering Africa 2017.

Habiba was named a Cherie Blaire mentee in 2016 and is a graduate of the Cherie Blaire Road to Business Growth program. She has also been named a Vital Voices GROW fellow, a Vital Voices Global Ambassador’s Program mentee and a World Bank WomenX fellow.

Habiba has a bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance from Bayero University, Kano, a masters in the same discipline from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as well as certificates in social entrepreneurship, community development and sustainable development.

We celebrate Habiba for contributing her quota to making clean energy accessible to rural areas, while empowering women in these communities in the process. We’re rooting for her and her team.

Source: Bellanaija

In Inspiration March 16, 2021 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirl | “Technology Is As Old as The World”- Tiwalade Aderemi

Tiwalade Aderemi is a penultimate year student at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is passionate about the interjection between technology and the administration of Justice in the legal system.
She is an energy enthusiast who believes in clean energy and environmental sustainability.
In 2018, she was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the Law Students Society, OOU.
She serves as the Vice President of the law students society, OOU. She is the co-founder of Tech Savvy Law Students Club,OOU.

In her bid to build cutting edge relevance in the field of law, she has interned at top tier law firms in Nigeria; Omaplex law firm, Hilton Top Solicitors, Digital Lawyers Rights Intiative among others.

She shares her RUBY GIRL story with the team.

1. Let’s know you. Who is Tiwalade Aderemi?

My name is Tiwalade Aderemi, I hail from Aramoko, Ekiti state. I am presently undergoing an undergraduate degree in Law at Olabisi onabanjo University.

2. Has Law always been your dream course? If not, what prompted you to study Law?

Not exactly, during my secondary school days, I always told my parents about my interest in theatre arts. However, my passion for law was inspired by my aunty who is a Lawyer.

3. You’re the co-founder of Tech Savvy Law Students, OOU. Why Tech Law?

Technology is the tool that ensures our relevance in the society.
As a 21st century lawyer, it is expedient to be technology oriented.
In my bid to help students build capacity in the tech industry, I co-founded the technology savvy law students’ club OOU chapter, an organization set up to expose students to the intricacies of technology law.

4. You recently launched a podcast on Energy, “Tiwa Talks Green.” What prompted it and what are we to look forward to?

Tiwa Talks Green (T.T.G.) is an energy series podcast organized to educate the public on the nitty gritty of the energy sector.
I am passionate about causing a change in the energy sector and TTG was founded out of my passion towards enlightening people about the activities in this sector.
Look forward to educative and enlightening sessions on TTG. It’s all about energy

5. Technology Law is an emerging sector in the Nigerian Law practice. What is your advice to students or fresh graduates who want to choose it as a career path? What are the challenges they might face and how can they overcome them?

Technology is an important part of life.
Technology is as old as the world.
Remember, there were times we used typewriter. A typewriter in this century is almost useless but at that time, it was the technology.
For students who are interested in starting a career in technology law, I say technology law is different from technology itself.
Technology law is all about regulating the smooth running of technology users through a law; that is, it is the law that regulates the activities of the technology space.

Thus, technology law includes financial technology laws, crypto currency regulations, digital rights laws, block chain laws, inter alia.

My advise to students who are thinking or considering a career in technology law, is that they read extensively on technology itself, understand several areas in tech and the law that regulates it, take online courses which would further expand your knowledge and do internships at technology firms, or technology companies.
For example, my internship with Digital Rights Lawyers’ Initiative sharpened my tech skills and handed me first hand experience. Also, my internship with Omaplex Law firm, Hiltontop solicitors technology law firms equipped me with requisite skills needed in the technology space.

It is true that technology law is an emerging practice area in the legal profession, and the major challenge to me is not chasing your dreams because of challenges. The answer is this, “start by taking a step and be focused.”

6. You’re passionate about energy and a sustainable environment. How does the legal practice contribute to this area?

A short rhetoric question, is there any sector that doesn’t need law?

Even in our households we have laws, some would say, “we lock our gates by 9pm, anyone that comes after 9pm would pay a fine of N500.”
Again, I say, there is no place that the law is not needed.

The impact of the law has positively influenced the energy sector.
For example, the Petroleum Act of 2010, inter alia, was set up to regulate the activities in the energy sector.
Where there are no laws, the society becomes crimeless and man becomes more brutish, nasty, wicked , and evil.
Hence, it is my submission that the energy sector in my country, Nigeria, is alive because of the legal practice.

7. You’ve won elections into the office of the Public Relations Officer of the Law Students Society, OOU and you’re presently serving as the Vice President of the same society. How has serving at the faculty level impacted you as a Law student and an individual?

My service to the law students society has taught me servant leadership, resilience, teamwork, effective multitasking, courage and strength.

My experience has helped me understand the value of hard work.
Working with other executives has built my teamwork skills, being able to approach issues is a great skill I own all thanks to my service.

As a law student, I have been able to strike a balance between my education and the positions I occupy.
Having to resume weeks before the official resumption, attending tutorials etc. I have learnt excellent multi tasking skills.

However, as an individual, I have been equipped with requisite skills and experience that would help me excellently in my future endeavors

8. You are in your penultimate year? How do you balance your education with the activities and offices you occupy?

Over the years, I have been able to strike an excellent balance with my education and offices I occupy through my multitasking skills. To me, the offices I occupy are registered courses in my “personal course form” and it is compulsory I pass all my courses. To this end, I say my activities, positions occupied all form a part of my LLB.

9. What are the greatest challenges you’ve had to face due to the positions and offices you occupy?

Challenges form part of our success stories. Behind every story, there are challenges and it’s just natural. For me, there are several challenges I have experienced in my several offices.
The major challenge that every administration faces is always finance related. Every administration has a goal, a plan and a beautiful picture of what they wish to achieve. However, getting finances is one of the greatest challenges we face.

10. You love space and recently participated in an hackaton competition where your team won. What endeared you to space and what was the competition like for you?

The DARA BIG DATA Hackathon competition exposed me to a journey beyond the legal profession.
During the competition, I was challenged to expand my learning horizon to experience technology and science at play. Prior to the competition, I restricted myself to only learn the law, however the competition made me understand the interjectory between Technology, Science and the law itself. Working on Sentiment Analysis was an unimagined dream for me in 2020. I wouldn’t have thought to be part of a successful project.

Winning as Team Amazons was something I was prepared for, Sir Andrew never gave room for us to think otherwise. He fed us with inspiring words, making us to believe in our capabilities. I am particularly grateful to him for his immense support and guide all through the competition. I remember asking him to explain python theory over 2times because I was lost.

I am glad that we won and the Hackathon Competition is one of the things that stood out for me in 2020.
I am grateful to the DARA BIG DATA for the support and passion to breed excellence in the space industry.

11. If you were the President of Nigeria for a day, what would you change?

Hmmmmm, this is not a movie, this is reality. Being the president for 24hours cannot change everything.

To be realistic, if I am the President for 24 hours, I would pick just one thing I am passionate about, which is Energy and sustainable environment. Energy is the heart of Nigeria’s economy. I would use 24hours to ensure that there is an adequate provision for renewable energy and also make provisions for the relief of residents who are deserted as a result of oil spill, gas flaring etc

12. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why.

My mother, her spirit of resilience and hard-work inspires me to always be the best version of myself, unrelenting and always strong.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I am inspired by the historical impacts she made as the former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Her great feats in the legal profession is a motivation that as a female, I can also stand out and never stop impacting lives.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and international development expert. I am inspired by her resilience and exceptional excellence which has made a name for the country, Nigeria, globally.

13. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself achieving my dreams of leading a frontline career in the legal industry, making impacts in the energy sector and helping the less privileged.

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

God is the only source of my success thus far, and I am glad to share two things with you today.
Dear teens, it is my advise that you build a relationship with God.
Be focused and don’t get distracted by present gratifications, success comes with a price; godliness, hardwork, excellence, consistency and determination. There are times you’ll feel unhappy, in these times, focus on one thing, God. Don’t give up , at the center of it all, see God only.

In Inspiration March 11, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Nurture Your Child’s Self-Motivation in 8 Simple Ways

Finding motivation can be a difficult task. You have work to do, but it’s easier and more entertaining to scroll through social media pages. With that in mind, you can imagine how much harder motivating kids is.

Think of the times your mom asked you to clean your room. Although you agreed and said yes, you probably went back to goofing off. And your mom probably resorted to nagging because of that.

Talking to your child and getting the results you want is a tricky thing to master. But, with the right mindset and positive speaking, you can help your child develop great internal motivation.

Here are eight ways you can start motivating kids.

Allow Choices

Letting your child have options is great because they get to feel like they have control of their choices. Don’t rely on that old parenting phrase of “because I said so.”

Instilling this kind of independence works doubly well. Firstly, they learn about personal responsibility. Secondly, you’ll be able to teach them how to handle tough situations without relying on you. Don’t be a tyrant with your child. Listen to what they want and work with them, instead of against them.

Use Praise, Not Criticism

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an important one.

Imagine you’ve given a big presentation at work and your boss tells you a hundred things that are wrong with it and how he wants it fixed. That certainly won’t make you want to do better. The same thing is true when it comes to motivating kids.

Scolding your child will not motivate them. So, instead of nagging, try to explain how you would have liked things done. You’re going to have to repeat your explanation if necessary and don’t hesitate to do so.

When your words turn into positive actions, make sure your children know that you appreciate their efforts.

Let Them Try

Watching your child struggle to tie her shoes can be a little frustrating after the eighteenth time. You’ll want to jump in, get it done and move on to the next thing.

But, before you do that, take a moment and breathe. Letting your children try to accomplish something on their own will build up the internal courage to not only complete the present task but also to attempt more difficult ones.

Be Specific

Generic praise phrases like “good job” or “way to go” are nice, but they’re hollow praises. Generic congratulations won’t explain why or what happened.

When acknowledging your children’s effort, try to be very specific about why you’re giving a compliment. Emphasize how proud you are of your children for completing the task and not the task itself. This is also a great way to build their growth mindset.

A growth mindset isn’t focused on one task but the efforts used to complete it. Instead of seeing just a finish line, your children will learn the skills necessary to improve and move toward their goals.

Don’t Ignore Failure

You can’t have success without failure. Consequences are a real thing for children and adults.

At the first sign of trouble, you’ll want to jump in and protect your children. But, doing that at every minor convenience isn’t going to be motivational. Instead, they’ll expect you to always do that. It’s going to be hard, but you have to let your child stumble so that he can find his own footing.

Inspire, Don’t Bribe

Bribes won’t teach kids how to earn something based on their merit and effort. If you’re just offering a treat, then the motivation is just for the reward. For self-motivation, connect with your child’s interests and use them as teaching tools.

Be A Dolphin

Using the dolphin style will help boost your child’s motivation and confidence in their decision-making skills. What sets this style apart is that your goal as a parent won’t just be focused on punishing mistakes or praising triumphs. You’ll need to dive into the middle where you can be both encouraging and authoritative when you need to be.

Pay Attention

Every child is different and how they learn is going to be different, too. Visual learners, for example, aren’t going to really get much out of your lecture on how to clean a bedroom.

See how your child learns and use that as a tip to ignite motivation. If they have to use touch, let them help you with a task while you explain it. Try to find the best learning style for your child and run with it.

In Conclusion

Most people view motivation as a strictly internal process. But, with the right outside encouragement, you can help create a great inner cheerleader for your child. With these tips and patience, you can help make your child stronger both emotionally and mentally. Think of the words you wanted to hear when you were struggling with a tough math problem or feeling stressed about a competition. You can use your experiences to help your child grow a strong core of motivation.

Inspiration