23 years old Musawenkosi Saurombe, is Africa’s youngest female PHD degree holder.  She was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in neighboring Botswana. She gained admission into the university at age 16 after skipping a grade in elementary school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at North-West University. At 19, Saurombe completed her first degree, advancing immediately to her post-graduate studies and receiving a Master’s degree with distinction at the age of 21. She graduated with a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology from South Africa’s North-West University (NWU). Her PhD thesis looked into the talent value propositions for academic staff members in higher education. And it was recently admitted by NWU, making her the youngest person to graduate with a PhD.

Saurombe  presently works as a postdoctoral fellow at the university’s campus in Mahikeng, where she is responsible for the teaching and supervision of postgraduate students. Notwithstanding her busy schedule as a teacher and researcher, Saurombe finds time for community service, mentoring young people, especially girls, to set their sights on the future and believe that they can be absolutely anything they want to be.

She said,

”If I had listened to what people will say about my age, gender, or race, I would not have taken some of the steps that I took. My father had to sell his car just to get me through my third year of study and also the general social challenges, usually being the youngest in my class. I never thought I will be the youngest woman to have a Ph.D. in Africa. I never thought that at the age of 23, I will have a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology. As young people, it is very important to accrue the right character traits. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are substandard, under par, or unworthy of having a dream, so be daring, be bold, and be aggressive in your pursuit of success. I am defined by my African name ‘Musawenkosi’, which means ‘God’s grace’, and indeed my life continues to be a story of God’s grace.”

Olabanke Banjo is a writer, Digital strategist and all round creative. A graduate of Foreign Languages (French) from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife Osun State, Olabanke always stood out as an artistic child with an unmitigated interest in literature and fine arts.

Childhood

I have always been inclined to arts and crafts from my early years. As a child, my mother nurtured my flair and talent for the arts by buying me paint brushes whenever she travelled and enrolling me in Art clubs to encourage me in building my skills. I can recall having a number of sketch pads when I was just 9 which contained drawings of Beyonce, rock band Green Day and Disney characters. My childhood fostered my creativity and love for the arts to a large extent.

My interest in arts

My interest in arts is actually not limited to just furniture making from recycled items. I also perform on stage from time to time, I draw/doodle and I also dance. I like to say art and creativity were planted in my DNA right from conception, it is a God-given talent. When I try to explore other fields; I find myself always being drawn to the Arts. It is and will always remain one of my first loves.

I was selected out of over 400 students to participate in a Unicef programme at the age 10…

At the time, I was very nervous and surprised that I was even chosen. But looking back, the experience helped tremendously in boosting my self-confidence and opening up my creativity. I am indeed grateful and glad that I auditioned and was selected.

Inspiration

I became inspired to start using tyres to make bespoke furniture sometime last year. I have always been a lover of the arts and have dabbled in several art-related handiwork like bead making, bag making and greeting cards making to mention a few. However, last year May, while living with my elder sister in Lagos, I came across a pile of about 20 used tyres in her compound. Her neighbours intended to dispose of them because they had been lying fallow for almost 2 years. But being a lover of revamping old items, I asked them to give me the tyres. The initial idea that popped in my head was to make a coffee table, so I did the necessary research on recycling and reusing of old tyres. Then I made a coffee table for myself and when I saw the response from people, I came to a conclusion that this could be a way to reduce environmental pollution while also being a profitable business venture.

Challenges

Production is really the main challenge for now, especially being a startup. There are a lot of equipment and resources Cyrus45 needs for seamless production. But I believe God is more than able. I will not run it with my blood but by His Grace.

Other project and activities

I am working on launching a new collection of furniture soon, most likely in November. I am also working towards having a mini art exhibition next year. But my long term plan is to change the general perception of Made in Nigeria products by creating more functional and avant-garde furniture and art designs. I look forward to being named one of the game-changers in the creative industry.

Greatest reward

My greatest reward is knowing that I am fulfilling purpose through what I do and also impacting my society positively.

Nigerians appreciate people with creative mind enough…

I think there is growing appreciation and interest in people with creative and unconventional ideas. Appreciation of the Arts or creativity has not been a thriving idea in our culture but with the influence of the western world, we are gradually beginning to not only accept the idea but also own it.

How I felt when my story went viral…

My first reaction was overwhelming surprise. It was a mixed feeling of excitement, joy, shock and anxiety because as much as I wanted exposure, I didn’t expect that immense level of reception and interest from Nigerians. Frankly, the Lagos State MSME Exclusive fair opened a huge door for me, giving Nigerians a glimpse of the uniqueness of my products.

Do Nigerians utilise social media positively enough? 

I will say Nigerians can try to utilise social media more positively. There are a good number of men and women who are leveraging on social media as a means of making positive impact and empowering people. However,  we can’t shut our eyes to the fact that many spend more time using social media as a tool for cyber-bulling, trolling and endorsing negative ideologies.

Who or what inspires me to be better

God inspires me to be the best I can, He created me for a specific purpose and I am driven by my resolve to fulfil that purpose. I also believe that it is my responsibility to leave the world better than I met it, for the sake of the next generation. I am also inspired by great, resilient women such as Jumoke Adenowo of AD Consulting and Ibukun Awosika, First Bank of Nigeria Chairman and CEO of the Chair Center.

I am a Woman of Rubies

Being an inspiration and motivation to young African women to be the best they can be, using my gifts to contribute towards impacting my society positively and being a role model to every woman who has been told by the society that she is not able.

Final word for your young women who are still trying to find their voice in the creative industry

Do not let fear of striking out keep you from exploring your talents and creativity. I once read a woman should be two things, who and what she wants to be. Keep your focus on God and you will surely stand out. Finally, be you, be original because everyone else is taken.

Esther Otomi (popularly known as Esther Tom), is the lead stylist and CEO of Game Of Fros natural hair hub. She has a Bachelors Degree in Choreography and a Maters Degree in Media Studies but chose to focus on her passion which is natural hair styling.

In this exclusive interview with Women Of Rubies, she talk about how she left Calabar for Lagos, the interesting name ‘Game Of Fros’, and more.

Read her interview below;

Childhood
Did my childhood prepare me in anyway for what I do now? Not in a million years! Growing up as an average Nigerian female child, the time line was the usual… It had to be, get a university degree in medicine, law or journalism, or a number of other jobs that were considered “professional”, finish your NYSC, get a job, get a husband, have babies, and you have lived life. I would never have imagined myself in this position and without a care in the world.

Meet Me
My name is Esther Otomi, I’m 26 years old, the last of a family of 5. I majored in Choreography for my Bachelors degree and proceeded to Media Studies for my Masters degree. I’m a born artist by nature. All i want to do is create! I live very simply and try to keep a low profile (i think…Lol). I hate to dress up, I’m not your typical “ladyish” lady. I dress for comfort and keep it true to my personality. I’m a lover of myths and legends, I love Rock ‘n Roll, animation and books!

GameOfFros
Game of Thrones! Yes! Hahahahahahaha…Pardon me, I just couldn’t hold that in! Obviously that’s where Game of Fros came from. We are passionate about Natural Hair Styling. We believe in natural hair as a voice, as a mark of identity, as a crown that needs to shine. For too long we have seen our natural hair as a burden, as an unkempt load of rubbish that we must constantly hide under weaves. Not that wearing weaves is a problem, but when you spend and cater more to your bundles than what is under, then we have a situation. The purpose for which Game of Fros is designed for is to showcase how versatile and sophisticated our Kinky /Curly hair is capable of being, and also to make your natural hair journey stress free.

How I met Mo Abudu…
Big shout out to Aunty Mo! I came to Lagos 2nd week in November, 2016. Frankly, my intention was to work here for the whole December and return to my base which was Calabar. Coming with two pairs of jean and 4 shirts, you could tell how unassuming i was. I would go to Ebonylife Studios to style hair for Arit Okpo. When i count my blessings, I count her thrice. She’s the reason I packed my bag and left Calabar without a second thought. She would say, “Esther, don’t be a whale in a pond”. I would style hair for a couple of other ladies as well in the studio. One day, Emily (works at the studio) called me saying “my M. D. said she likes my hair, ” and there I was saying
“Which MD?” She goes, “Mo Abudu”. And I let out a loooonnng laugh of disbelief. Emily calls again after some days saying the same thing, my reaction was the same. Then Mo Abudu’s personal assistant called me to book
an appointment on her behalf. At that point, my legs went limp and I had to hold on to something, all the while thinking, “Is this really happening???” This was a lady i grew up watch on TV with my mum. I was about 16 then. Now I’m going to be working with her?! I didn’t know what to expect. But i gradually eased into it. Aunty Mo is a one strong woman. I watch her make things happen and I think to myself, how much willpower can one person have?! She is inspiring and one heck of an amazing client.

My experience on the set of the movie Wedding Party2…
Yes indeed! To be part of the crew of a record breaking movie , not only was I honored, it expanded my work experience. From waking up early, closing late, getting barely two hours of sleep, to eating food you’ve never seen before! You’re not only dealing with hair, you’re dealing with personalities from a different race, a different country. It opened my eyes to realize that experiencing different cultures is wealth in itself.

What and who inspire me
I really cannot say who because alot of people inspire me in different aspects of life. But as for what inspires me, I’m certain it is fear of not fulfilling why I was made. I strongly believe I live for a purpose, and everything I do, everywhere I find myself, are all a means to an end. When i say a prayer, I always ask that whatever it is that will be a hindrance to fulfilling my purpose be taken away from me. When you’re 6 feet under, what matters is the lives you touched regardless of how little it was.

Challenges…
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, challenges pop out behind you like VOILA! Being that we offer home services exclusively, challenges include traffic, weather condition especially when it rains, impossible clients who think you have an attitude or who think you’re a fraud when you tell them you’re policy of down payments. I totally understand. It is human nature to be skeptical especially when your environment does not offer anything different.

On giving up…
Hahahahaha was there a time I didn’t?! Entrepreneurship is hard! I rephrase, Entrepreneurship in Nigeria is hard! You must have a plan, a model, a policy that you must stick to. This is important when building a brand reputation. It doesn’t matter who calls you rude or arrogant. Consistency is key. No one gets to see the tears alot of us shed behind closed doors, the fear in taking a business decision, how we calculate our gains and losses, letting go of the people we once called ‘friend’ or ‘lover’ because you realize how much time you wasted being unproductive with them. Still we go to sleep and wake up with high spirits ready for the chase!

I am a Woman of Rubies
I believe I have impacted people in my own little way. It could be one, could be two, I have no idea, but I believe it didn’t come from a place of plenty. It came from that little criss-cross of my fingers. It got better from every trial and error. It grew from every constructive criticism encountered. I never had it all figured out. I’m human. At times I procrastinate, at times I take impulsive decisions. When the chips are high or low, passion keeps me going.

Final words to women
Dear Woman out there, I haven’t walked in your shoes, I do not know where it pinches, but do not kill your dreams because of what people will say. People never stop saying. You will not always get what you request, sometimes you have to disobey, you have to break hearts, you have to go against the norm because you know where your happiness is. Until you grow into this awareness of self, you will continue to live other people’s lives and on your last day on earth, who you are will meet who you could have become. Cheers!

In 2013, Folafoluwa Oginni, then 17, emerged the overall best pupil in the May/June 2012 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) when she scored the highest grade (Grade 1) in all her eight subjects, including English and Mathematics.

In 2017, Folafoluwa, now 21, kept the flag flying by becoming the best graduating student from the University of Heterfordshire after she finished her Law degree without getting even a B till her final year.

She just graduated with a perfect score of 5.0 GP thereby setting a new record in the university and also becoming the first Nigerian Valedictorian in the University.

She shared photos of her WACE result and her result from ths university, on social media.

See photos below:

Nana Yaa Ohenewaa Kuffour is 14 year old girl who is nonverbal and has autism but despite her condition, is determined to become one of the most inspiring people on earth.

With a condition such as autism, Nana Yaa is turning her life around with the support of her family, discovering an inner potential and a recent photo shoot directed by celebrated Ghanaian Photographer Kwaku David & Photo Model, Afi Antonio.

With an inspiring mum and mentor, Mrs. Mary Kuffour, who is a Professional teacher, now a special needs teacher and an early interventionist for children with speech and language difficulties, Nana Yaa says she is ready to turn her hobby into a career.

According to Prince Akpah, she was born a healthy baby, before her mother discovered the health condition of her daughter when she turned 5.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is popularly referred to as Autism, is a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. It is now known that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental factors.