Interviews&profile Archives

In Interviews&profile March 10, 2018 By Women of Rubies

“AS A MINISTER OF GOD AND A PREACHER, ONE MAJOR CHALLENGE HAVE FACED IS GENDER ISSUE” – PASTOR FUNMI DANIELS

Pastor Funmi Daniels is the Founder of the unveiled woman network, a ministry with the mandate to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus thereby becoming true kingdom ambassadors, through the unveiled woman network, she holds yearly conferences for Ladies.
She is an associate pastor at Covenant light Church, pastoring alongside her husband. She has been actively involved in various church planting projects and evangelistic outreaches.
She has a passion to see people rise from the lowest points of their lives to a life of purpose and significance. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and has been involved in several trainings.She is happily married to her husband Mr Ovie Daniels and together they reside in the city of Lagos Nigeria.
In commemoration of the International Women’s day, I bring you the inspiring story of a woman who hit rock bottom several times in her life but today she is helping other women rediscover their true worth and value and also Press for Progress.

Childhood Influence
I would say yes though it wasn’t directly. Childhood was a bit bumpy and I faced quite a lot of issues that young girls face today. I battled low self-esteem, I never felt I was pretty, I didn’t believe in myself and I constantly felt others were better than me. Whenever anyone complemented me about something, I always saw it as flattery rather than a complement. This went on for a while which made me extremely vulnerable during my teenage years. It affected my academics as well because I never saw the possibility of being top of my class. When I became of age, with the mentorship of the wonderful people in my life I began to develop a stronger self-confidence. I no longer defined myself by other people’s standards. I saw myself the way God sees me, and I began to believe in myself all over again. Seeing the negative impact those wrong mindsets had on me, I felt pulled towards helping ladies who are presently faced with what I faced. The passion to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus became stronger and that’s what led to the start of the Unveiled Woman Network, a ministry that is focused on helping women rediscover their true worth and value. To a large extent I would say my childhood played a major role in what I am about today. The passion to make an impact in lives and mentor ladies who rise up to be bold, confident and courageous is right at the pinnacle of my heart.

Meet Me
My name is Funmi Daniels. I’m a mass communication graduate. I’m married to my darling, wonderful and amazing husband Ovie Daniels and together we are associate pastors at Covenant light Church. Asides being a pastor, I run my own organisation called the Unveiled Woman Network and through that platform we organise yearly conferences both in the city of Lagos and on campuses. The organisation has been running now for 5yrs. Alongside I organise a mentorship class for women of purpose who want to live significant lives.

Inspiration behind the Unveiled Woman Network
The Unveiled Woman Network is a ministry with a mandate to help women rediscover their true worth and value in Christ Jesus thereby becoming true kingdom ambassadors. Our Core values Dignity, courage, character, love & spirituality.
Our Mission is to build a network of women with a strong Christ consciousness who represent God’s kingdom in various spheres of life and reach out to abused and emotionally broken women with the message of God’s love and grace
Passion to see people rise from their lowest to a life of purpose
As earlier stated, my personal experiences fueled most of what I do today. I was a lady who though loved God dearly but was confused about life and an emotional wreck. In my life’s journey I hit rock bottom on several occasions, but God in His love reached out to me and made me into who I am today. So based on how far I have come, I am committed to helping ladies who feel their lives would never amount to anything, to see their true and authentic self. And not just ladies but men as well because I pastor men too. When a person discovers the inherent potentials he/she carries, there is a stronger motivation for such a one to rise and live the life of significance he/she has been called to live.

Challenges
As a minister of the gospel and a preacher, one major challenge I’ve faced is the gender issue. Due to our culture and tradition, men (though not all men) don’t find it easy receiving from a female minister or be pastored by one. Though I lead men but often times the ‘ego thing’ always shows up. Some men are already coming to terms with the knowledge that when it comes to God working through human vessels, He can choose to work through either the man or woman. There is neither male nor female with God. So basically, this is the major challenge I’ve had to face and like every other challenge, it’s an hurdle you have to learn to jump over if you want to remain relevant and fulfil purpose.

Pastoring alongside my Husband
Pastoring in Covenant light Church has been an amazing journey. A prayer everyone should pray is to have a pastor who is personally committed to your growth and development. My pastor – Pastor Nuel Manufor is one man of God has used to sharpen me into the person I am today. In my crude form, he saw the treasures in me and constantly empowered me to rise above the limiting beliefs in my mind. He constantly gave me assignments that were way beyond me, so I can stretch and reach for more. He never looked at the fact that I was a lady….he believes a woman can also carry out tasks that men are involved in. Growing under his tutelage has been an adventure and it was his mentorship that made me decide I won’t settle for anything less than God’s best for my life in marriage. When I met my husband, He wasn’t a member of my church. He was a campus pastor in another church when we met so there was the little concern on my part on how I will leave my church to join him as the custom is. I chose to pray about it and I allowed God’s will to be done.

Other Project and Activities
There are books presently being worked on which will be published soonest. In the month of May, we will be having an online campaign called the #Hergracestory campaign. It’s a campaign where different women will post their grace stories on social media with the #Hergracestory. We had one last year and a lot of lives were positively impacted through it. It’s all about Real Women! Real Stories and Real Victories!

Greatest Reward
My greatest reward is the testimonies of transformed lives. I’ve seen prostitutes become purposeful and successful business women. I’ve seen abused ladies become mentors to other ladies. I’ve seen single moms pick up the pieces of their lives and make significant progress. I’ve seen bitter women become channels of joy to others. I’ve seen the worst of people become better and that for me makes a whole lot of difference. It’s a privilege God gave me and I’m forever grateful. When someone sends me a text message about how his or her life is better because of my involvement, it touches my heart. That for me is the greatest reward anyone can give me.

Unveiled Woman Network in the next five years
I see Unveiled Woman Network becoming a household name with global recognition due to its impact in lives both within the country and across the continents. We have plans to engage in projects like helping sex workers have a chance at a better life, community outreaches and global conferences to empower the millennial woman. As for me I see myself with a larger sphere of influence and a wider global coverage for more impact. My joy is to keep touching lives.

Giving up
Several times! I’ve passed on several opportunities to quit especially times when the going was tough. Times when I had my personal struggles but yet had to stay committed to the set goals. Times when it felt like things weren’t moving as fast as it should. I remember in 2012 when I had my very first unveiled woman meeting. It was supposed to be a gathering of about 50 people but it ended up being a gathering of 8. I felt so discouraged that I wasn’t excited about taking pictures. Some people I shared the vision with back then weren’t excited about it. I literally felt the ministry won’t see the light of day. I was so discouraged that I did nothing about the vision till 2014. God surrounded me with people who fired me on in the pursuit of the vision. I planned another conference with the goal of having about 150people but at the end we were about 60 people in attendance. The discouragement wanted to set in again, but God used the people around me to help me see the brighter side of things. Today the network has reached about two thousand ladies via its online groups and onsite meetings. I look at what God is doing now through the network and I’m elated. If I had quit, I won’t be here having this interview. *smiles*
Who Inspire you to be better
My Mum

Unveiled woman Conference
The Unveiled Woman is organizing the third edition of its Valued, Treasured and Loved Conference on Good Friday 30th Mar, 2018. We have an amazing line up of speakers like Rev Jumoke Adeyemi, Pastor Mildred Okonkwo, Pastor Folashade Fadeyi, Pastor Lola Tewe and my humble self. It’s a FREE conference and it would be my joy to have everyone there. The theme for the conference is LIMITLESS. The goal is for everyone who will be present at the conference to leave with a better and higher version of themselves. There is much more to us than we know…we just need to reach deeper and not stay within our comfort zones.

Being a Woman of Rubies
My desire to help women see the gem within them. Every woman is a walking treasure and as many as I come across, I’m committed to helping them see that.

Final word for Women all over the world
Be your authentic self. Don’t try to be like anyone else. God has made you unique with potentials that when harnessed will be a blessing to lives. Don’t be caught in the competition-game. The only person you should be better than today is the person you were yesterday. Make Christ your anchor and follow every of His leading. As long as you don’t stop or quit, you will get ‘there’.

In Interviews&profile March 7, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET 19 YEARS OLD ENIOLA ABORO, THE FIRST NIGERIAN MODEL TO MAKE AN INTERNATIONAL DEBUT FOR PRADA

19 years old Eniola Abioro, a finalists at the Few Model Management maiden competition, has become the First Nigerian to make an international debut for Prada during the Milan Fashion Week!

Eniola was discovered by the director of Few Models director, Bolajo Fawenhimi, in 2017 while working as an intern in a private primary school in Lagos. She was convinced to participate at the maiden edition of Few’s Next Face where she emerged as one of the top 5 finalists.

The young model has also made appearances on top fashion runways around the world since her Prada debut, at Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Feragammo, Yves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne and Loewe. She was recently named by Vogue as “one of the strongest new faces on the runway”

In Interviews&profile March 3, 2018 By Women of Rubies

NEVER STOP BUILDING UNTIL THAT PURPOSE COMES TO FRUITION – IFUNANYA IGWE

Ifunanya Igwe is a radio presenter and voice over artiste popularly known for hosting “The Midday Show With Ify” on Lagos Talks 91.3. Born and raised in Nigeria, Ify attended Corona Secondary school and graduated from The University of Capecoast in Ghana with a degree in psychology,She took a break from the world of science to focus on her interest in media. One of her major goals as a broadcaster is to raise the bar for women in the broadcasting industry by empowering women through her work.

With her zeal to inspire the world, she began a project called Inspiration To Live (@inspirationtolive_ng) where she sends out a weekly podcast With inspirational words to touch lives.

She was one of the presenters for the live broadcast of the largest gospel concert in the world, “The Experience” In her words “I seek to leave an outstanding legacy in the world and help as many women as I can, by challenging them to be more and accepting the fact that they are enough. She shares her story in this interview.

Growing Up
I believe everyone’s past prepares them for their future whether directly or indirectly. I would say mine was the later, certain experiences and encounters shaped my interests and led to me to pursue my current career path. Getting into broadcasting wasn’t just about me talking or being in front of the camera, although all that is nice. There are specific areas I am passionate about that I have chosen to lend my voice to using my broadcasting platform and I believe all this was as a result of my childhood, teenage years and part of my adult years.

Ify!
I was born on the 11th of November, I’m the last born of 5 children, a graduate of psychology from the University of Cape Coast and a food lover.I grew up enjoying the best of both worlds, starting from a not so silver spoon to a beautiful life my parents worked so hard for my siblings and I to have.
I call myself a creative because I’m constantly creating and looking for avenues to create and my creativity isn’t limited to a particular area, it cuts across different spheres. My satisfaction in life comes from the joy of others and I always strive to ensure that I’m a source of joy because that’s what my heart feeds off.

Taking a break from science to focus on Media
I have a couple of interests and I believe they all have their set times to be explored. The four years I spent in Cape Coast, Ghana was to focus on my interest in psychology afterwards I delved into the broadcasting path because of my interest in it and very soon I will be exploring others interests. Now this is not to say that I’d abandon psychology and broadcasting, rather eventually in the nearest future I’d strike a balance between these interests and figure out how to bring them under one umbrella to function simultaneously.

Trying to keep my head up in a competitive industry
The first challenge was knowing that I had a huge responsibility on my shoulders speaking to people everyday and understanding that my words could change the lives of people. This made me question if I was cut out for such a huge responsibility, however as time went by I was able to grow in confidence and strength. Another challenge was that this industry is quite saturated and competitive which is not so much of a negative thing because it constantly puts me at the edge to keep growing and improving. Also, getting into this industry I realised that brands were more focused on working with specific personalities who had been in the industry for a while and so it was difficult for newbies like me to explore certain terrains. This actually made me understand the importance of building my brand to the very best it can be.

Motivation behind my programme “Inspiration To Live”….
I’ve always had a passion for inspiring and transforming lives. There was a period I was just interning at the company which I currently work, hoping they were going to hire me however, time kept passing by and I wasn’t really getting feedback about being retained.
Due to this uncertainty, there were times I’d wake up and not be motivated to carry on because life wasn’t just going the way I wanted it to go, then I’d listen to some sermons to elevate me which helped.
So I woke up one morning thinking about other people like me that would wake up and not have the motivation to keep moving. I started recording some inspirational words on my phone which sounded pretty nice then I decided to add some music in the background which made it even nicer. I later spent some time on YouTube learning how to edit audio recordings in order for the podcasts to be of good quality.That’s how Inspiration To Live was birthed. Words to inspire people to live everyday.

Other project and activities?
Most of the projects I’m working on now, I can’t really say much about them but what I can say is that I’m transitioning to TV and I’d be doing that alongside my radio job.

Changing lives…my greatest reward
Hmmm! My utmost desire is, changing lives for the best because I believe there is nothing more beautiful than being the reason someone’s life is transformed. I’ve received several emails and calls on air with people telling me how much of an inspiration I’ve been to them through my show. For me, that is absolutely beautiful.

Also, I had an instance where someone called my show saying that he was about to take his own life. At that moment I was in so much shock but I had to put myself together, speak to him, then called the Lagos State Emergency numbers and I also reached out to an initiative that deals with such cases. Today that man is alive, getting better and he sent me an email appreciating me for everything. To me, that was priceless.

In five years
I see my brand expanding and exploring international terrains.

Giving up isn’t an option
There were times and I’m sure there’re still times that I’d want to give up, that’s just how life is. It has its ups and downs and during those downs, one of the most common things is having those moments when something I like doing. I believe my job is pivotal in changing not just the lives of people but my country Nigeria and because of this knowledge, I know giving up is not an option. I always have to remind myself that all this is not about me, it’s much greater than me and there’s a lot of work to be done.
One key thing that I never try to do is to do it on my own because I know God brought me here and rather than lean on my own strength and understanding which will eventually fail me, I lean on Him because I know He’d always see me through.

Who and what inspires me to be better
It’s the lives that need to be transformed, it’s the current state of our country and it’s the knowledge of greater possibilities that inspire me.
Knowing that people depend on the words that I speak on air to navigate their way through their businesses, relationships, spirituality and life in general, that keeps me pushing to better myself. Also knowing that there is so much more that can be achieved, and with me being an inquisitive young woman, I keep pushing the mark to see how far I can go and how better I can become.

I am a Woman of Rubies
It’s those experiences that have broken me, built me and transformed me into the woman I am today that seeks to bring hope, Love, beauty and change to my generation.
It’s the time I’ve spent in God’s presence and listening to all He says I am and all He has called me to be that has made me realise all that I have within me and as a result, I have become the woman I am today.
So, My Experiences + My God have made me this woman!

Final word for young women all over the world
Listen, you are so much more than your past and your current status.
Always remember that there was a specific purpose in which you were brought into this earth for, never stop building until that purpose comes to fruition.
A wise woman once said; “The goal is not to live forever but to create something that will”.

In Career Gems February 27, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET FEMALE CYCLIST, HUANG SHUANG WHO RODE FROM MOROCCO TO LAGOS

A Chinese female cyclist, Huang Shuang, has cycled from Morocco to Lagos, Nigeria, within five months.

Huang, also known as CICI, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that she was inspired to embark on ‘`cycling around the world’’ after riding around her country.

The cyclist said that her experience in China motivated her to begin global cycling in America where she covered about 5,500 km in two months.

“I am glad that I have also been able to ride from Morocco to Lagos, Nigeria.

“ This is an indication that irrespective of our sex, we can achieve anything we set out to do.

“The whole idea about my cycling started when, one day, I decided to embark on a cycling trip around my country, China.

“After the trip around China, I was motivated to take my first cycling around the world to America, where I covered about 5,500km in two months.

“Now, I am in Lagos from Morocco, after I flew from America to France, where I cycled around Europe for four months, before taking ferry from Spain to Morocco,’’ she said.

Huang said that she always travelled with money, noodles, tent, sleeping bag, clothes and bicycle repair accessories.

The cyclist, who left Morocco for Lagos on Sept. 6, 2017, said that her trip was fascinating though she experienced tiredness, robbery, accidents and sleeping under bridges and in gas stations.

Huang told NAN that she crossed the desert within six days and was well received by many African villages.

The cyclist said that, sometimes, she happily ate local meals made by the villagers.

”I have happily sung and danced with children in different African villages and communities where I passed the nights or stopped to cook.

“I have seen the most beautiful sunset, the most stunning mountain views, breath-taking lakes and virgin forests across Africa.

”My trip has also exposed me to many African children still living in poverty, hunger, without education and basic amenities,’’ she said.

The Chinese said that she would be cycling to about 33 countries in the next three years, adding that she would continue her cycling from Lagos to Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, East Africa and some other countries.

Huang said that her cycling was also informed by her desire to interact with children in African communities before inaugurating a free lunch for them in 2018.

The cyclists said that she hoped to raise some money for the benefit to about 2,000 children.

Source: Pulse

In Interviews&profile February 26, 2018 By Women of Rubies

IBIDUNNI IGHODALO OPENS UP ON HER INFERTILITY JOURNEY AND HER FOUNDATION IN NEW INTERVIEW

In the interview, Ibidunni opened up about her own fertility journey which led to the birth of her foundation. From personally going through IVF 11 times, the societal pressure from in-laws and friends, to finding happiness in the joys of women who passed through her foundation as well as in her daughter Keke, Ibidunni’s interview is emotional and so powerful.

We have a few excerpts of the interview below

On her journey leading to the birth of her foundation

It was born out of pain. When you’ve waited… when you get married you expect to just have children and everything just works out fine for you. But, when you start to wait… First year you’re not pregnant. I honestly thought, first six months I would be pregnant. I just thought, ‘ok, ok, it will come it will come’. I waited a year, two years and then I started getting worried.

On if her husband was worried

No he wasn’t. He still isn’t. He keeps saying, ‘God is going to do it and whatever God is going to do, let it be left undone’. So I held onto that.

On feeling the pressure to take action

You know as a woman you never want to sit down and not do anything. So I started… I got worried, I’d go to the hospital, and I’ve been on this journey for 11 years now. It’s been tough. Especially because, in our society, they don’t spare you. They. Society. I mean, in-laws, friends. Sometimes it’s not intentional. It’s not on purpose.

But when you are waiting on God for a child, you’re so sensitive that the little things that people do gets to you. They might not even know that it’s getting to you. And everybody is running around, doing school runs… your friends that you got married together, you guys are together, their kids are coming to yours and you get back home at night and it’s just you alone.

On still waiting for her bundle of joy

Yes. (Adesuwa: But you’ve forgotten the waiting). Oh, totally. I’m not waiting anymore. I’m a mother of many. My foundation has twins… I have three kids from my foundation, I have a daughter, a beautiful daughter God has blessed me with. (Adesuwa: So you adopted a daughter). Yes. My goodness she’s a gift. She’s beautiful.

On the desire for a family

It gets to a point where you just really want children. You want company. I mean your husband is your friend, he’s your best friend, but you guys go to work together, you guys come back… After a while you want to plan a family. You just want people. You want kids around you.

On starting up a foundation to help other couples

Like I said, it was out of pain. After going through IVF 11 times. 11 times is not a joke when you’re doing IVF and I just woke up one morning on my birthday (I usually have this thing I do on my birthdays, I sit down, I pray, I have a conversation with God… ‘Last year of my life, I achieved this, I’ll love this to happen’… I write things down and we talk) and I said to him, ‘You know what, I am not doing this IVF again. How you’re going to do it, I do not know and I do not care but I am trusting you completely. And I heard something, ‘In the meantime, just go ahead and help as many people as you can’.

I thought I didn’t hear properly and I thought to myself, ‘I should help other people while I wait’ and honestly, I felt life. I felt like, this is why I was born. And the meaning of my name is Ibi dunni, “sweet to give birth”, “sweet to have” and for the first time it was as though my life was playing in front of me. And I said ‘ok, I will obey this voice’.

And I didn’t know how I was gonna do it, I didn’t have a clue, it’s never been done before, so I just said to God, ‘I’m trusting you on this journey, and I’m going to obey you completely and totally. You have to promise me something, that every single woman and every single couple that walks through this foundation, mentions this foundation, sees this foundation, you must give them a child’.”

Watch the full interview below

In Interviews&profile February 24, 2018 By Women of Rubies

“I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING OTHER BUSINESSES GROW – ACHENEYO HELEN ASIMEGBE

Achenyo Helen Asimegbe is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Stylemark Mall, a retailer of high-quality children’s clothing and accessories. She is also the CEO of Stylemark Pro Enterprise (Capacity Development Centre), which trains Entrepreneurs, small business owners and start-ups.

With a strong background in banking and a MBA, Helen continues to add to her learning through a number of local and international certificate training programmes, including courses at the University of Leeds, University

Helen is a partner in the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative and is currently contributing to Goal 2- Zero Hunger, by coordinating regular supply of food and other materials to orphanages and Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja.
In pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, Helen has mentored over 3,000 men & women and also encouraged them to start businesses ,of which most of them are doing excellently well .

She was selected as the Networker of the year at the EDC organized Market Access 2017 in Abuja and the most inspiring/influential entrepreneur (Worldbank Womenx CEM 14 2016).
She wss an Observer at the 20th session of The Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters, New York (2017). The former banker turned mentor and business coach shares her success story in this educative interview.

Early Preparation

I had an amazing childhood, my Dad ensured I got quality education and was selfless enough to put me in really great schools. So with that even from a tender age I was really focused, my goals where clearly defined, like I will always tell my mom, I wanted to be a banker, because she was at one time a banker, and I admired her. So even from being little, I dreaded failing exams, so I always gave my best shot in everything I do, and I kept reminding myself, that to be this ‘’banker’’ that I wanted to be ‘’good grades good grades’’.
So having a very good foundation, by attending great schools, and having people around me that I could look up to/admire really helped in giving me a clear vision of where I wanted to be and the profession I wanted for myself.
So yes, my every moment from my childhood was part of the preparation process.

Meet Helen
I am a serial entrepreneur and the MD/CEO of Stylemark Mall, Stylemark ProEnterprise Hub/founder of SME Springboard.
I have 5 years experience in Banking, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, I am a certified Entrepreneurial Manager, I am an Advocate for the UN SDGs, am currently contributing to SDGs Goal 8-Decent Work and Economic growth, I also advocate for Goal 2:Zero Hunger, I have over the past couple of months (from 2017 till now) been lending my voice by taking supply of food stuff and other items to orphanages and Camps for Internally displaced persons in Abuja/Nigeria, to show love and give support.

I devote a lot of time to self development, by taking courses both from institutions in my homeland, and overseas, such as University of Leeds, University of London & London Business School (Coursera), Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) Of the Pan Atlantic University.

I never miss an opportunity to attend networking events/conferences anytime I get the opportunity to, as it gives me a unique opportunity to meet brilliant minds like myself, such events that have made a lasting impact on me, are;SME Springboard, Youth Assembly at the United Nations,AU ECOSOCC Youth Stakeholders Summit, Conference for Emerging Entrepreneurs-U.S Consulate General Lagos, Access Bank W-Academy-Seminar for Women Entrepreneurs, Unido & HP Learning Initiative For Entrepreneurs(LIFE).

I am very passionate about helping other businesses grow, I am a Mentor to quite a number of startups in my community, and I took it a step further by creating a Facebook group called SME Springboard, which is a platform I use to connect with millennials from all over the world, and I share contents on Entrepreneurship, various opportunities, and things to inspire them.

Stylemark Mall and Stylemark Pro Enterprise
At Stylemark Mall, we retail high-quality children’s clothing and accessories. And Stylemark Pro Enterprise Hub, is a capacity development centre, which trains Entrepreneurs, small business owners and start-ups.

The products of Stylemark ProEnterprise Hub are SME Springboard, and Stylemark Ads Space

Vision to locally manufacture and export children’s clothes
Yes, I have a vision to locally manufacture and export children’s cloth, I want to launch my own clothing line, proudly made in Nigeria, to be sold locally, and to be exported to other countries in Africa. Am working on it, and am praying all my plans fall in place.

Challenges
Well as an entrepreneur, there are lots of hurdles, from knowing which idea exactly to work with, and then the thought of how to start marketing, then to shortage of cash most of the time as a startup, to seeking knowledge of how to really start and run a business, then looking at customer retainership etc.
I have been through quite a lot, and it’s just normal, for every small business to face some of these challenges, the most important thing is to find ways to solve each one that springs up, and keep moving letting nothing at all stop you.

My experience as a Business mentor
Oh yes, I have been a mentor on the TEEP program from 2016 coming, my role as Mentor to startups that where peered with me, was for me to provide guidance and support, and have a genuine commitment towards making the relationship work and supporting the growth and development of the Mentee.
It’s been an awesome experience there is nothing more fulfilling like lending a helping hand to someone who probably is currently faced with something you went through at some point in life.

Other Projects and Activities
I coordinate a ‘business networking group’ on Facebook named SME SPRINGBOARD which i use as a platform to inspire as many millennials as i can globally and help them transform their ideas into profitable businesses thereby adding to their respective nations’ GDP.
I partner in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative and am currently contributing to Goal 2- Zero Hunger, by coordinating regular supply of food and other materials to orphanages and Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja.

On January 1st 2018, I selected 10 young female startups for a Startup Give Back Program I put together, as a way of giving back to society.
These ladies have gone through an extensive two weeks online training, and they have all been assigned Mentors to help guide them in their entrepreneurship journey.

I hosted a GEW event/SME Springboard (conference) in 2016 and 2017. SME Springboard is an MSME-focused event where start-ups and other entrepreneurs benefit from Capacity Building, Mentoring, Access to finance, Markets’ access and business networking.
I am a member of Toastmasters International Club-Where leaders are made.

Greatest Reward
There is no form of reward that can ever be as great as having the privilege to impact other lives, and having a platform to share your story. For me, that’s the highest form of reward and I would keep lending my voice.

Giving up
Good question! I must confess a couple of times I felt like giving it all up, but you see, I still didn’t give up, its why I can share my story. I wake up every day and have to be a cheerleader to myself because I don’t have an option, I have to keep going, and then I sing it in my head that it will get better. So lately I had to force myself to the point of admitting that I don’t even know what the word give up means!

Who and what inspire you to be better!
I have friends and family, who are my biggest motivation, I keep going because they’ve got my back, and they constantly reaffirm their support to me, and this helps me a lot in my journey.
I also have very excellent role models that I admire and learn from, Michelle Obama,Oprah Winfrey, Mo Abudu,and a lot more.

What makes you a woman of Rubies
I am, bold and beautiful, highly innovative, ambitious, consistent, confident, empathetic, and a goal getter.

Dear Woman….
No matter how badly you feel like giving up, do not throw in the Entrepreneurship White Towel

In Interviews&profile February 22, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET DOCTOR CHIMDIUTO OPARAJI, THE OVERALL BEST GRADUATING STUDENT FROM MADONNA UNIVERSITY

Instagram user and medical doctor, Chimdiuto Oparaji has graduated as the Overall best graduating student from Madonna university, and she has been Inducted into the Nigerian medical association today.

She took home prizes for the following: ‘Best in pediatrics, Best in obstetrics gynecology, Best in internal medicine and Best in community medicine.

The excited doctor went ahead to share series of photos from the ceremony acknowledging that it was only God’s grace that brought her this far.

See her Instagram post below

Source: fabwoman.ng

In Interviews&profile February 17, 2018 By Women of Rubies

GIVING BACK AND TOUCHING LIVES ARE TWO OF MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMNTS IN LIFE – MARILYN OMA ANONA, PHILANTROPIST & TV HOST

Marilyn Oma Anona is a multimedia and social entrepreneur. She is a gifted writer, actor, public speaker and the host/producer of the phenomenal talk show “Omaliving Show “.
She is the CEO of Poshmarilyn Media and also run an humanitarian outfit known as THE RIGHT STAGE PROJECT, that seeks to empower and provide lasting solutions to nagging issues in the society and also focused on young people in public schools , school drop outs , vulnerable women and less privileged in the society.
Marilyn has also led several campaigns aimed at making our society better, especially on sexual assault and jungle justice. She is currently working on developing her own TV platform, publishing a book and producing a feature film. The multi-award winning philanthropist and TV girl shares her passion and why she believes so much in the power of giving back, in this mind blowing interview.

My Childhood shaped me
My childhood was a beautiful one. I had parents that will go to any length to provide for my siblings and I with what we need and want. We wore the best clothes and went to the best schools. I had a very resourceful mother so even with little, she came up with things that made us appear as though we were from super rich homes. So I grew up lacking nothing.
My childhood and upbringing no doubt shaped me, nurtured me in ways that make people who have come in contact with me, eager to see my parents. The strong values which I hold on to today were instilled into me by my parents. Things like Love, compassion, hard work, integrity, charity, humility and honesty were instilled into me by my parents. I got charity, love and compassion from my mother while I got hard work, humility, honesty from my father.
My dad believes so much in honesty and hard work. One of the things I grew up hearing him say is; “TO WORK IS TO PRAY”… not to bore you.

Who is Marilyn!
My name is Marilyn Oma Anona. I am a young Nigerian woman from Abagana, Anambra state. The first in a family of 7 kids. I am left handed which was something I had some difficulties with while growing up. I attended Federal government girls’ college Ibusa and had my university education at Anambra state university. My initial plan was to study medicine and surgery. Everyone expected me to become a doctor but I knew it was not my calling. Even as a teenager, I always told my mother I wanted to be on TV, talk while people listen, be a lecturer or something. When my dad got home one day to announce happily that Madonna university had given me admission to study medicine… I blurted our; “Daddy, what if I don’t want to be a doctor?” He was pained and told me I am sick and his enemies had bewitched me(laughs)
I am happy I am not a doctor now because I would have made a bad one practice wise. Right now I am on the path that gives me joy and ample fulfillment and I pray daily to God to help me become the best in my chosen field.

Inspiration behind THE RIGHT STAGE PROJECT….
The Right Stage is something that was born out of the natural zeal to really make impact and help the needy. It was not instituted for money making. When Omaliving Show (my talk show) started and was being aired on AIT, I watched a couple of the episodes. The buzz was enormous. People were happy but I felt so ordinary. I was not so satisfied. I said to myself; “Marilyn, how can you just be doing same old thing that everyone is doing? You claim to want to inspire people to be at their best, discover themselves. So what of those who don’t have access to the TV? How do they benefit?”
It was in 2015 in the month of March. I got to the office and called my PA (Late Augustina Enechile Abraham) to my office. I told her, “Nne need to be able to reach these people who fit into the target audience of the Omaliving Show but don’t have access to the TV or the social media. I want a platform that can reach them”. We did a slight brainstorming and right there, I chose the name ‘The Right Stage’.
Our first target became the public schools in Nigeria. We started with the FCT on May 5th 2015. 10 public schools benefitted from this. Scholarship, school items were given to the students. We took them on excursions and also got them involved in activities all aimed at self discovery and inspiration. We have been able to visit 3 other states; “Nasarawa, Niger and Benue” and we are preparing to do more. As time passed, we expanded to community outreach projects and so far, the impact has been so overwhelming.
This new year, we already have programs lined up with the aim of empowering our beneficiaries who are young children and the less privileged generally.
So what inspired THE RIGHT STAGE is the knack for real impact. To develop our human capital. To inspire and touch lives.

Challenges
Challenges are part of life and as such I know that every field of endeavor is faced with its unique issue. On a personal level as a young entrepreneur and business person, the major challenge I have is lack of support, sponsorship for my TV talk show and of course, my Foundation.When you don’t have the adequate support, it feels like you don’t know what to do. I remember after the production of OMALIVING SHOW season 1, we started scouting for the corporate sponsors. There was no corporate head office of any reputable company I didn’t enter in Lagos. Promises and promises and nothing done even when you have a very good product. At the end of the day, the ones who claimed to be interested asked for the show to get to say 3 seasons or more on air to ensure continuity etc.
The major challenge in this line is lack of sponsorship and manpower.

My phenomenal talk show “Omaliving Show “…
Omaliving Show has inspiration as its major theme. The show is all about inspiring young people to be better and this is achieved by helping them discover themselves, inculcating values into them, treating nagging issues, and lots more.
Another unique aspect of the show is, while other shows are all about interviewing “celebrities” Omaliving show seeks to bring unsung heroes to the limelight so it is not your regular show. We have been off the cable TV for over a year now, but we have been on YouTube. Part of our plans is to get back on conventional TV this year 2018.

Other project and activities
Marilyn Oma Anona is involved in a lot actually. I am very multitalented. But to avoid choking myself, I draw a plan and goals per time.We have been able to do quite a lot. Campaigns such as; Campaign against jungle justice, Campaign against sexual assault, Seminar against rape, Campaign against domestic violence, March against societal vices, etc.
I have also produced a series. And in this year 2018, I have about three movie projects lined up. Apart from being a TV talk show host and humanitarian, I am a public speaker, event host, actor, writer, producer and social activist.

Greatest reward
I have not reached any peak and have not received any reward yet. My greatest reward is yet to come. Though I have 9 awards of recognition for the things I have been doing, done and still doing… but that is not the greatest! The brand has not touched as many lives as I want. It has not sunk into the lips and minds of people in my country Nigeria, it has not gone global, it has not done enough. I am not talking rewards yet because the work I am sent to do is barely done.

My brand in the next five years…
In the next five years, Oma as a brand would be a global one. One reputed for helping young Africans discover themselves, attain success while still maintaining positive values. A lot of campaigns and massive empowerment projects would have taken place and we would have an institute that takes care of national orientation and empowerment of young Africans.
My multimedia company would have grown and a TV channel on the best cable TV too. These are some of the dreams and goals and by God they will be on ground in five years time.

On giving up
Give up? No! To be honest, I have never felt like giving up but I know I have been in situations and tough times where I felt so bad that I am yet to see the results of my hard work. Sometimes I feel like I need a person to direct me because I don’t know it all but I have never thought of giving up. I am very certain it will all be worth it in the end.
Who and what inspire me to be better
The people who look up to me…the fact that I am seen as a role model, people have seen worse and today are strong pillars, the fact that I have been mocked and laughed at, my father and siblings, my unborn children, also because I want to leave a strong legacy. These are some of the things that inspire me to be better.

I am a Woman of Rubies
I am a Woman of Rubies because I hold on to positive values while aspiring to be a big force. I have not allowed negative circumstances to change the person I am.

Final word for young women all over the world
Be you…You are enough to be felt! Challenges will come…It’s ok to cry but never stop looking up and striving! Be a positive role model…Be mindful of the things you consume! Be classy…Be a good woman!

In Interviews&profile February 16, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET 19-YEAR-OLD SABRINA SIMADER, KENYA’S FIRST FEMALE ALPINE SKIER AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS

A record number of eight African countries are taking part in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Out of all the 12 African athletes there, Kenya has one representative: 19-year-old Sabrina Simader who’s the first female alpine skier out of the country to compete in the Olympic Games.

(Photo: AFP/JIJI)

Like most African athletes at the games, Simader grew up overseas in Austria – a country with some of the best winter destinations in the world. She took advantage of her environment, got herself through training and eventually qualified for the Winter Olympics last February.

Although her father is Austrian, she decided to represent Kenya instead. But it was a bit of a challenge for her. According to her, skiing isn’t well-known in Kenya and this rubbed off badly on her organization. Yet, she pulled through, thanks to the support from her extended family.

Carrying the Kenyan flag at the opening ceremony of the Games last Friday, Simander was accompanied by Philip Boit, the first Kenyan to take part in the Winter Olympics.

UN Environment recently appointed her as the UN’s first Mountain Hero, to help draw attention to emerging environmental issues in mountain regions such as climate change, waste and loss of biodiversity.

Credit: konbini.com

In Interviews&profile February 12, 2018 By Women of Rubies

MEET 14-YR-OLD FALMATA WHO ESCAPED BOKO HARAM SUICIDE MISSION TWICE AFTER ABDUCTION

14-year-old Falmata has narrated how she escaped death after she was sent on two separate suicide missions by two different sects of deadly Boko Haram.

Falmata narrated how she was first abducted by the insurgents at age 13 and escaped while she was on a suicide mission but ended up in the hands of another sect group after which she was sent on a fresh suicide mission again.

Falmata said she was 13 when the insurgents abducted her and took her to a makeshift camp, where she also met other girls her age.

“The young girls were put in the tents. There were nine in mine and we had to sleep on big mats.

“At first I wanted to escape but there was no chance,” she said.

Continuing she said: “We were scared that soldiers would storm the camp at any time and not spare us, the women, because they would think we were the fighters’ wives,” Falmata said.

Falmata said she was presented with two options: marry a fighter, or go on a mission but she had opted for the mission.

Her first mission

Falmata narrated that during her stay in the camp of her first abductors, she was approached by armed men who instructed her to prepare herself for an important task.

“All I was thinking was, ‘Is it for marriage or what?’ But you can’t ask why you’re getting this done. Instead friends just console you and tell you to be patient.”

The survivor said she had a bomb strapped around her waist with an instruction to go and kill non-believers and go straight to paradise.

“I was so scared that I started crying. But they kept telling me to be patient, to accept that this is what life is about.

“(They said) that on reaching paradise, everything would be better,” she said.

Falmata said she alongside two other girls were strapped to explosives and were taken to the outskirts of a village.

She further said while armed with homemade detonators, she and the other girls were ordered to walk towards the busy areas for the mission.

The first escape

Falmata narrated that while on their way to her first suicide mission, she and the two other girls had decided against the attack and fled for safety.

The teenager said she and the two other girls asked a stranger to help her remove the belt, and subsequently went off down a dusty road.

However she ran out of luck few hours after.

Her second abduction

Female suicide bomber (File Photo)

(Onobello)

Further sharing her experience, Falmata said she ran out of luck while trying to escape the first suicide mission as she met with two men, who belonged to another sect of Boko Haram.

She was subsequently abducted again by the insurgents.

The survivor explained that at the second camp, life was much similar to the previous one with the same routine, same ideology and same fate.

After about a month, Falmata was again presented with a choice – marriage or mission.

And again, she told the fighters she would go for the mission and shortly after they left her, Falmata successfully escaped.

“I met some farmers and asked them to help me remove the belt. I told them I was being forced to carry out a mission, but that I didn’t want to do it,” she said.

Falmata said the farmers helped her get rid of the belt and she later joined a group of hunters who allowed her to travel with them across the woods.

Falmata’s journey home

Trying to find her way back to Maiduguri, Borno state capital, and to her family, Falmata narrated how she and the group of hunters were ambushed by the men of Boko Haram.

Luckily, Falmata managed to slip away into the forest.

Narrating her experience in the forest she said: “I didn’t know the forest. Every little sound would scare me, so I kept moving. I’d sleep on trees when I could.

“I think I spent a whole week without food. I would drink stagnated water and also use this water to wash my hands and feet when praying.

“I would pray two or three times a day whenever I could find water. I was so scared, but God helped me and I reached a town.”

She said a local family later gave her shelter for a few days and also helped her return to her family in Maiduguri.

Source: Pulse News