Interviews&profile Archives

In Editor's Choice December 24, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Dr. Nothabo Ncube: The Motivational Speaker Influencing Women To Find Their Purpose

Dr. Nothabo Ncube “Dr.Thabo” story encourages others to face and conquer their challenges. She is a Medical Doctor, Inspirational TEDx Speaker, Coach and a Mentor originally from Zimbabwe, now living in Canada.

Her powerful story of loss, struggle and determination encourages this generation to face their challenges and conquer them.

Having lost her mother at the tender age of fourteen, at her mother’s death bed, she made a promise to her to be a doctor in Zimbabwe. Destiny led her to Canada where she and her family found themselves living in Community Housing in Toronto, subjected to social ills that could have deterred her from her path.

Dr. Thabo was selected to attend The Intimate and Interactive OPRAH WINFREY Life class on “You Become What You Believe”, Through a whirlwind of inspirational lectures, round-table discussions and media appearances on platforms like Global News TV, Radio, CBC News Network, and selected Top 4 Immigrant Women of Inspiration/Influencers in Canada by The Canadian Immigrant Magazine.

She positively influences, challenges, and reconnects the millennials with their purpose. She uses incredible wit and candor to empower young girls and women.

Dr. Thabo is on a mission to inspire hope, to be a voice of empowerment, and the bridge to many who are marginalized, powerless and voiceless. It is her intention that through her vulnerable truth they feel seen, heard, and valued.

In this interview with Esther Ijewere, Dr. Nothabo Ncube shares her Inspiring story, and how her encounter with Oprah changed her life.

Childhood Influence

My childhood fully prepared me and set a healthy foundation for all that I am today and all that am yet becoming. Both my parents were teachers, and they both instilled the value of an education from a tender age. `It was my mother’s prophesy over my life that I would one day become a medical doctor – motivational and inspirational speaking is my higher purpose and calling. It is my intention to help the girl child and women to see themselves in a bigger light.

Why Dr. Nothabo Ncube Became a Motivational Speaker

In 2011 I needed money to attend medical school. I so happened to be chatting with a friend who was based in Chicago at the time, she then suggested that I go on the Oprah Winfrey Website to see if there were any bursaries or scholarships available. I followed her lead and went on oprah.com – there was nothing related to scholarships or bursaries, the first thing that popped up was, “Tell us your story – YOU BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE”.

I quickly typed in my story, submitted it, and earned myself a once in a lifetime opportunity of being a part of Oprah’s Life-class. That was the day that changed my trajectory and shifted my purpose awareness. I knew in that moment; I too was called to inspire for positive change and to give people hope.

Here I am now 11 years later, a full pledged INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER travelling the world and sharing my personal story of turning struggles into strength and pain into purpose.

The Journey So Far

The journey has come with twists and turns – difficulties. If it were not for my zeal, I would have long given up. I always say you do not choose the path; it chooses you and it sustains you. I am still going strong with it, evolving with life’s motions. Thankful to live in the space of my calling and purpose. I would not trade the peace and joy that comes with living in the space of my calling and purpose.

Challenges

Some of the challenges I have faced include being resisted and being doubted. No-one ever believes until you have delivered positive results.

How My Work Inspired Other Women Around Me

My work has inspired other women to commit to their healing journey and inspired them to become deliberate creators of their best lives possible.

Other Projects And Activities

I have a young women’s mentorship program which caters to the African girl-child in the continent. We provide them with the right tools and resources to help them pursue their dreams and realize their visions.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I enjoy meeting and connecting with people from different works of life. I believe that through the power of storytelling we can heal individually and collectively.

3 Women Who Inspire Me And Why

My mother – she was a strong fearless woman who through example taught me that all things are possible when you believe in yourself.

Oprah Winfrey – she is the epitome of the manifestations of God’s consciousness and grace.

Michelle Obama – her nurturing warm leadership is awe-inspiring.

Dr. Nothabo speaking — Dr. Nothabo Ncube Speaking

To People Who Judge Ambitious Women

I would say, ambitious women are changing the world and creating a better world for all humans, support them.

To Women Who are trying to find their voice

To support women who are trying to find their voice in society, let’s create programs and structures that help them figure out who they are and create safe spaces which give women the permission to be vulnerable and to show up as they are.

Being A Woman of Rubies

I lead a courageous and fearless life. I am a woman who is true to her purpose and living it out loud unapologetically.

To A Young Person On The Verge Of Giving Up

I would say to a young person who is on the verge of giving up, that they should hold on and that it will get better with time. Each season serves a unique purpose in their journey – that the season they are walking in is preparing, moulding, and refining them for their BIG dream and purpose.

Where I see Myself In 10 Years

I see myself as a voice of change, hope and inspiration all over the world. I hope to one day have my own radio and TV show.

14 Jobs Women Can Do From Anywhere Without experience

5 Monday Morning Habits of Highly Successful Women

Watch: Redefining Leadership

In Editor's Choice December 16, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Blessing Agu: The Opera Singer And Music Teacher Helping People Discover Their Talents

Blessing Agu loved singing and dancing while growing up, and was active in the church choir, she started singing at age 8. At 13, she became the choirmaster of the St Columba’s Catholic Youth Choir, and at 15, she became the church choirmaster. Blessing studied Music at the University of Nigeria Nsukka because of her love and passion for Music. At the University of Nigeria, she represented the music department at events within and outside the University.

The American-based artist is currently a graduate student in the Sacred Music Programme in the University of Notre Dame.

She holds a diploma and bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has worked as a Vocal and Dance teacher at Lekki British School, a Lecturer at St. Gregory Diploma School of Pastoral Music, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, a dance teacher at Learning Ladder Montessori, and a faculty member at HYMNODIA (a reality show centered around the singing of hymns and worship songs).

Blessing has performed in musical concerts and corporate events and played lead roles in operas and operettas with the Comic Opera House, MUSON (Music Society of Nigeria), and AMEMUSO (Abuja Metropolitan Music Society), and the Department of Music, University of Nigeria, and different parts of the world.

The beautiful singer who serenaded the audience with her rendition of the National Anthem at an event in Canada shares her inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere in this interview.

Childhood Influence

I was first introduced to the arts by my elder brother, who was a theatre and film studies student. He took me for rehearsals in his department and allowed me to sing and dance with his course mates. I joined the children’s choir at the age of eight and later joined the youth choir.

Growing up as a church girl, I had numerous opportunities to display my talent in church and school, from singing in the school choir to serving as an altar girl and a lector in the church. I auditioned for lead roles in school performances and operettas in the church, and the various roles I played helped me grow musically.

There were so many activities in the church that involved singing, dancing, acting, speaking in public, and teaching. As a lover of the arts, I participated actively in these performances and learned a lot. Thanks to Rev Sr. Perpetual Ike, who gave me my first singing lessons and prepared me for my musical journey, and to Rev Fr. Patrick Isichie, who gave me a scholarship to study music at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

What Inspired Me to Go into Music

As a gifted kid who could sing beautifully, I wanted to be a professional musician and wished to become better at singing, so I decided to study music to learn from the best.

My Experience as a Vocal and Dance Teacher

Teaching is exciting and fulfilling. The mere fact that I can teach and learn from my students gives me immense joy. Through teaching music and dance, I have reached out to people of various races and colors and learned their culture and way of life through communication with them and sharing beautiful memories through music and dance. Working in various schools as a teacher taught me how to be patient, understanding, and a role model. Listening to kids sing and watching them dance better gives me extraordinary joy.

The Journey So Far

My musical journey has been fascinating and challenging. It takes patience and perseverance for one to achieve musical goals. Since I decided to follow this path, I have turned every challenge and disappointment into weapons that help me conquer my fears and doubts

Challenges Blessing Agu Faced and Overcame

Some people think you do not need to study music to be a good singer or an academic musician. Convincing people on the importance of gaining musical knowledge to be professionals has been demanding, especially when people want to downplay your efforts and commitment to your profession just to make you feel less important because they think anyone can sing.

Classical musical appreciation in some parts of Nigeria is significantly tied to a particular sound they are used to hearing, so it is often challenging to gain a new audience.

The business aspect of music needs to be addressed, and most times, one ends up singing for free and not being appreciated. I struggled a lot as a singer who wanted to make a living from singing. I had to do multiple music jobs just to earn enough. With time, I made good connections and had the opportunity to reach out to more people and advance in my career.

As a beginner, it is most complex and demanding, especially when you need an audience. It gets better with consistency and gaining adequate knowledge in the music business. As a performer, one needs to have a sufficient understanding of the business aspect of music to excel.

The Reception of Society to My Genre of Music

Yes, I do. For some people, classical music is only for the elites. For others, classical music should be played when they feel sad or lonely.

The first time I heard the flower duet from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé over the radio; I enjoyed the sound because it was beautiful. I was young and could not comprehend how a human being could make such a glorious sound. Did I try to make the same sound I heard over the radio? Yes, I did for numerous years because I listened to that similar sound in the church, at school, on the television, in movies, in commercials, and everywhere.

Most of the time, some people do not realize how much they love and appreciate classical music because they listen to it every day.

Some people have not committed to intentionally attending concerts or buying tickets to watch an opera. It does not mean they do not appreciate it; we need more avenues and opportunities to increase the awareness of appreciation. Classical music, which most people think is for the elite, is for everyone willing to listen.

Other Projects and Activities

Aside from singing, I love acting and fashion. I am working on collaborating with some Nigerian movie producers to produce and direct musicals in Nigeria. Also, I am working on some solo works by African composers and preparing for my Christmas solo recital at the University of Notre Dame.

In August of 2022, I launched my fashion brand OMARICHA COLLECTIONS, an African-inspired brand that portrays the beauty of African fabrics. Through Omaricha collections, I have reached out to people of various races and colors who love African prints.

I wish to empower young ladies in Nigeria who are exceptionally talented and want to showcase their designs to the world by collaborating with them to make beautiful designs that would be added to my collections.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Singing makes me feel alive and free. Through singing, I reach out to people and connect with them more profoundly. I am glad I can communicate with people and make them smile through my singing, which is a blessing. And I count myself blessed to be doing what I love, knowing how to do it, and getting paid for it.

Three Women Who Inspire Blessing Agu And Why

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a woman I love and admire because of her role in promoting and supporting the girl child, her inspiring and educational works, which have inspired me to pursue my dreams relentlessly and become the woman that I am today.

Rev. Sr Perpetual Ike: I call her my second mother, mentor, and spiritual director. She gave me music lessons and has, since my childhood, encouraged and supported me throughout my career. Her inspiring stories gave me courage in my down times and motivated me to keep growing, discovering, and evolving.

Ezinne KufreEkanem: From our first meeting in 2019, during the Hymnodia competition, mom Ezinne has taught me patience and perseverance. I have watched how she encourages women to reach for the skies and her continuous support and words of encouragement to young entrepreneurs. Every time I speak to her, a sense of freedom and I am inspired to do more.

How Blessing Agu Used My Passion For Music To Create Room For Other Women In My Industry

At 13, I started teaching dance to young ladies my age and those younger than myself by serving as the altar girls’ president at St. Columba’s Catholic Church. With the help of Rev Sr. Perpetual, we formed a group called the Liturgical dancers, and we traveled to various parishes and schools to teach young girl’s Liturgical dance.

I have featured young and aspiring sopranos on my platforms and collaborated with female classical singers on my “Vocal clinic” show. Nigeria is blessed with many gifted singers. I hope they reach their singing goals and become the professional musicians they admire.

That is why I reach out to as many singers as possible through various vocal workshops within and outside Nigeria to educate them on voice management and stage performance. Now that I live in the United States, I give musical workshops to various choir groups via WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom.

During the Covid19 pandemic in 2020, I taught over five hundred students’ voice lessons. Eighty percent of the students were women. Some became my students and are now performing in various states and on different social media platforms. I am assisting some women in Nigeria with applications for schools abroad to further their studies as professional singers.

I look forward to collaborating with lovers of music to award scholarships to upcoming singers to gain the adequate knowledge required to excel in their careers.

One Thing I Wish To Change In The Music Industry

Equal appreciation of all genders in musical performances and practice. Music is for everyone. Collaborating with musicians of various genres would create deeper appreciation and to a significant extent, foster unity.

What We Should Do Better As A Society To Support Female Artists

We, as a society, need to encourage women in the music industry to pursue their careers relentlessly without fear of rejection and name-tagging. It would be great to invite female musicians to events and pay them as much as the male musicians are paid. Featuring and sponsoring up-and-coming female musicians would encourage more talented singers to follow their path. Not taking advantage of them before inviting them for gigs or paying them would make the world a better place.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I am not common, and my type is rare. I am priceless and precious. I am a blessing to all who come in contact with me. I love life, find fulfillment in helping people achieve their dreams, pursue my dreams relentlessly, and wish the best for others.

To A Young Person Who Is Trying To Figure Out Their Musical Talent

Never stop learning and growing. If you have the resources, get a music coach, or apply to a music school. A music teacher or voice coach would benefit you and make you stand out. The journey will be challenging, but, in the end, you will be grateful you never relented. I wish you the best and hope you never stop dreaming big.

I Grew Up In A Large Family Where It Was Literally Always Like A Movie Set- Eniola Akinbo ‘Niyola’

I Grew Up In A Family Where Music Was Part Of Our Daily Lives-Adegoke Simisola “C-mi”

I Decided To Go Into Photography Fully After I Left The Music Industry- Toni Payne

In Interviews&profile December 19, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Ijeoma Etuk: The Content Marketing Strategist Designing Content Calendars For Professionals

Ijeoma Etuk is the Lead Content Marketing Strategist at InkJay Creatives and Contracts with approximately 3 years of versatility in content writing, proficient researching and editing diverse content. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Ebonyi State University.

How Ijeoma is helping professionals seal deals and bag contracts through her Tailormade content calendar

Ijeoma’s Momentum

She has demonstrated records of accomplishments in proposing, outlining and impacting business owners on the wheels of “Content creation with InkJay” where she has taught over 4000 business owners how to attract their audience as well as target market, build credibility and make sales while engaging, inspiring, entertaining and educating them.

Designing Tailor-Made Content Calenders

She is known to have designed well above 80 tailor-made content calendars for brands/business owners, and these calendars can make any product become your Bestseller. Testimonials of her product/services from her clients make rounds, and her brand thrives on account of the never-ending positive reviews.

To being a content marketing strategist and content writer, Ijeoma has added a Certified Virtual Assistant badge to her badges from African Leadership group.

Ijeoma Etuk’s Socia Media Skills

She can professionally cater to social media management, Email management, Customer service support, Data Entry, Lead generation and General administrative tasks. At work/trainings, Ijeoma’ soft skills would get you. She is a lover of God and works conscientiously.

Charmaine Williams: The First Black Woman Elected To Brampton City Council

In 2018, Charmaine Williams became the first black woman elected to Brampton City Council. As MPP, Since then, she has focused her efforts on making our streets safer, ensuring that families have access to the social and recreational services that they need and want, and advocating for an integrated transportation plan in the region.

Starting Early

Charmaine’s beliefs, values and courage to advocate for people are shaped by her professional and personal experiences. Prior to entering politics, Williams had a 19-year career as a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, Behavioural Consultant and Counsellor.

Being The Voice of The Voiceless

She has been a voice on behalf of families and children of all ages coping with domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, neglect, trauma and other personal challenges.

Charmaine’s Momentum

Charmaine has also worked with several therapeutic programs and organizations like Associated Youth Services of Peel, Youth Substance Abuse Program, Peel Children’s Center and the Reach Out Center for Kids in Peel and the Halton Region.

We celebrate Ms. Charmaine for her tenacity and passion for humanity.

Source: Charmaine Williams

The Intentional Queen, Udunma Nnenna Ikoro Shares Behind-the-Scene Stories of How She’s Building an Empire with Her Content Writing Skills

Udunma Nnenna Ikoro is the Lead Creative Director at Communique ResourceHub, a multiple Amazon Bestselling Author, trainer, and speaker. The graduate of Linguistics and Communication Studies, is also a professional communication, Educational, and Book Project Consultant, Lead Editor, and Content Strategist.

She has a rich teaching experience of 14 years and runs an online English Academy as an English language teacher. Udunma Nnenna Ikoro is an advocate of Education, Youth Empowerment, Innovation in Reading Culture, Women, Cancer Awareness and screening, Volunteering, and a Sustainable Environment.

She is the convener of the TIWA SUMMIT, The Intentional Women Africa Conference and Masterpiece Writers Summit, first held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. She helps writers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and authors birth profitable books and become internationally published authors, especially on Amazon.

She has consulted and published books for many professionals in different sectors. The Multiple Amazon Bestselling and Publisher, who has authored twelve books shares her inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere in this interview.

Childhood Influence of Udunma Nnenna Ikoro

My childhood was a discovery and an indirect preparatory ground for what I do today. As a little girl, I became a children’s choir mistress, wrote songs and poems though never published, then moved to writing stories. I had so many thoughts and insights above my age as a child, and my writing skill was discovered early.

In Primary two, I taught my fellow mates and held after-school tutorials for others which continued in Primary five where I oversaw primary four class in the absence of their teacher and even made notes and marked class work of the pupils in the public school I attended.

Growing up in the city of Aba, Abia State was interesting as I was surrounded by my lieutenants and loved by all as the only daughter. I had the best my parents could provide although our environment did not have many social facilities, we would spend time together with our parents. My Christian foundation coupled with great values and exposure to serving God in truth and sound education made me who I am today.

Inspiration Behind Tiwa Summit and Communique Resourcehub

As an intentional woman, I discovered that many women were living other people’s dreams and living in pain, and regrets and stuck in life and their careers without fulfillment. It was obvious that many challenges and dissatisfaction were linked to no self-discovery, low self-esteem, fears, undiscovered life’s purpose, stereotypes, self-sabotage and more which I explained with their solutions intensely in my book, The Intentional Woman.

Hence, The Intentional Women Africa was birthed to help women appreciate their beauty, strength, find their purpose and enhance their potential then manifest their greatness. I held FREE three days of training, summits, and conferences to help drive home the message of intentional living as a means of manifesting a woman’s greatness.

Communique ResourceHub is my business brand and a communication and publishing consulting company. I was inspired by the fact that I know too much to remain where I was before I stepped forward into social entrepreneurship.

My desire to help people communicate their ideas, stories, knowledge, and experience effectively and error-free, using digital technology on global and local platforms while making an impact, profit and building a legacy inspired me to go into editing, book writing and publishing consultation.

The need to help writers and aspiring authors self-publish their books as I did with Amazon without some traditional publisher’s drama inspired me to start what I do at Communique ResourceHub.

The Journey So Far

It has been awesome though quite challenging and rough. I did not let the challenges break me but brush myself up to play harder and smarter. If you would like to get people to believe in what you do, you should really merit the attention and trust they will deposit in what you do. The hitches opened my eyes to greater opportunities for capacity building, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Challenges

Honestly, these challenges are peculiar to our environment aside from a few.

When I started and till now, people still struggle to believe I can deliver an excellent and standard job because they feel my brand is young, unknown and being resident in Africa. But my results over the years and consistency in creating content that boosted my credibility and visibility helped to reduce that and I have worked with majorly clients outside Nigeria so far, especially in Australia, the UK, the USA, Germany, Belgium, and New Zealand to mention but a few.

The issue of poor electricity supply cannot be overemphasized. It affects our productivity rate and skyrockets our products and services costs too. It affects my work in terms of the overhead cost, pricing, and turnaround time for a job. The cost of marketing to generate fresh leads and prospects is another challenge. Acquiring new upgraded gadgets and maintaining old ones.

How My Work Has Inspired Women Around Me

Many women who have encountered my intentional living message and lifestyle have been inspired to take their lives in their hands and turn it into a legacy. Many have gone ahead to start thriving businesses, build confidence to show up and be heard, and build others in their world.

I preach the message of shining brightly and illuminating others while helping them to shine their lights too because there is greatness in every person on earth.

Today, many call me The Intentional Queen because my life depicts everything about intentionality, results and manifesting your greatness no matter what the story used to be because YOU OWE YOURSELF YOUR GREATNESS. The world will only come around when you make, as they say, “success has many friends.”

Highlights of My Career as an English Language Teacher

I started teaching English Language in 2003, so, it is 19 years now. Being an English Language teacher is a privilege and a golden opportunity for me as a person.

The highlights include;

Being a part of students’ journey of becoming good in English Language.
As a teacher, I remain an English Language student to keep abreast with innovations.
I’ve had the privilege to teach students to attain success in their external and international examinations, especially IELTS.
Continuous learning while teaching others the language.
Raising leaders through other provided opportunities as a social mistress, class teacher, club coordinator, Press and Drama Club, etc.
Transitioning to an Online English Learning Academy tutor and global English language tutor.

Other Projects and Activities

As a multitalented and intentional woman with aspirations, I am usually keen to give life and manifest other parts of me that are the colors of my personality.

Some of my projects include my humanitarian and professional projects at Masterpiece Entrepreneurs and Writers Academy (MEWA). We hold writing competitions, free webinars, and content sharing in our community to help entrepreneurs, and assist writers in enhancing their writing skills to build and publish their digital products.

At The Intentional Women Africa, we hold training, summits, and conferences, and we focus on these projects; Education, Health, STEM and Skills acquisitions especially for underprivileged, unprivileged, living with disabilities women and girl children. We also hold mentoring sessions for secondary children on self-discovery and intentional living then, girl children on menstrual health.

I am also opportune to volunteer for other organizations like Revamp Africa as State Coordinator supporting teaching and mentoring of children in the public schools, UN, and YALI, to mention but a few.

On 17^th December 2022, we will be celebrating our 2^nd Anniversary and conducting a Cervical and Breast Cancers Screening for two hundred women with FREE treatment featuring business, health, Tech and life-seasoned speakers in Lagos, Nigeria.

Being An Amazon Bestselling Author

Becoming an Amazon bestselling author was not an easy journey, but I did it afraid even as a first-time author, in 2017 with my book, Phenomenal Parenting. I got helpful training and knowledge through paid and self-taught courses and research.

I intentionally replicated the same result with my second book which was an answer to questions from my audience on how I achieved bestselling book status. It worked even better. Ever since 2018, I have published many authors and their books hit Amazon bestselling books driving sales. Besides, my twelve books on Amazon are all bestselling books.

What Udunma Nnenna Ikoro Enjoys Most About Her Job

This is an interesting question and one I love to answer at every interview. There are many things I enjoy about my job but what I enjoy most is the fulfillment of serving my world with my expertise, experience, skills and knowledge from the comfort of my home, making an impact, profit and building a legacy as a writer while helping others great the life they enjoy too.

Three Women Who Inspire You and Why

My mum is my top inspiration any day. She is a good example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She is the true Intentional Woman, industrious and kind. Amongst all she taught me, I learnt patience from my mum while the Holy Spirit helped me to become a truly patient person.

To Those Trying to Learn Content Monetization

Writing is an expressive medium of communication. To make your writing craft profitable, your writing must be valuable to your audience. Profits go after values.

Profitable writing solves problems, answers questions, and transforms the reader.

Only a person of value can give value. Improve daily on your craft, write, and have a likable personality from your sharable content. Your content is relatable when it is experiential content. Be visible. Be intentional. Be consistent.

How to Support Women in the Creative and Writing Sector

Women in the creative and writing sector need support in the areas of promotion of their skills and work. If their work could be pushed to the right audience globally and locally, it is a way of appreciation and encouragement.

There is a need for valuable mentorship because it is a huge advantage to the woman who is trying to find her feet in the creative and writing sector.

Funding, purchases, and referral are invaluable support every woman and human being needs to grow and excel in their work.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I am a Woman of Rubies because I am a woman making an impact in the lives of many women all around the world. I have integrity and excellence as my personal and brand values. Daily I do my best to live by them in my relationship with people. I am a gift and unrepentant giver who gives and keeps giving to lift, help and support other people and humanity. I love lavishly and believe in helping others manifest their greatness.

How to Get My Books:

Available at Worital Bookplaze, Roving Heights and other books across Nigeria, Bambooks, Okadabooks, Apples Book and Amazon.

Phone number: 09098028001

How to Reach Udunma Nnenna Ikoro on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnenna-udunma-ikoro-10ab2848

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uikoro

Twitter: twitter.com/ikoroudunma

Instagram: instagram.com/udunmaikoro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/communique.resourcehub

communiquehub@gmail.com

My forthcoming cancer screening charity project:

The Intentional Women Africa’s 2nd Anniversary Conference and Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Campaign.

Date: 17th December, 2022.

Venue: 1-7

Time: 8am

Screening fee: N7000

Registration link: bit.ly/TIWA2CBCS

Further enquiries : tiwacommunity@gmail.com 09098028001

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In Editor's Choice December 10, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Solape Akinpelu is Teaching Women How to Build Generational Wealth

Solape Akinpelu is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder at HerVest, a fintech pioneering inclusive finance for African women through goal-oriented savings, impact investing and credit for smallholder women farmers and women-owned and led SMEs.

With a thriving community of over 25,000 members, HerVest is on a mission to improve women’s lives through greater access to and use of financial services.

The Tech Guru

Solape also doubles as the Chapter Director for Women in Tech® Nigeria, an international organization with a double mission: to close the gender gap and to help women embrace technology.

The Author

Her first book: Stripped: An African Woman’s Guide to Building Generational Wealth is widely celebrated for its actionable strategies that support African women in building and managing generational wealth.

The book serves to answer the burning questions and allay the commonest fears that most African women have when it comes to managing their money and building wealth. It also establishes the need for a mindset reorientation with practical guides and steps to guide African women in trans-generational wealth-building.

It’s available on Roving Heights for Nigerian buyers https://rhbooks.com.ng/product/stripped/

Amazon for international purchase Bit.ly/strippedbook

The Giant Strides of Solape Akinpelu

Solape is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and a member of the Personal Finance Speakers Association (USA). She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and has demonstrated excellence in financial marketing in her former role as Marketing head, Meristem, a top investment and wealth management conglomerate in Nigeria.

A global and sought-after speaker, she continues to lead gender finance conversations online, offline, in print and across leading media publications.

Thank you for using your voice and platform to create room for other Women, Solape. We celebrate you.

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In Interviews&profile December 1, 2022 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGils| Lack Of Funds Is One Of The Challenges Faced By NGOs-Uzezi Ernest

Uzezi Ernest is an Sustainable Development Goals advocate and Fashion Designer with more than five years of social work experience that includes working as a program coordinator, team lead, sponsorship coordinator with NGOs, volunteering in youth advocacy, child welfare, event planning and management for organizations and non-profits.

Currently working as the program coordinator for Street to School Initiative, an NGO with over seven years of experience supporting the educational programs of underprivileged children in Nigeria. She is the CEO of Glorious Apparel Fashion, a bespoke clothing line for women and girls.

Apart from being a fashion designer, Uzezi is committed to educating young people—including young girls—about gender issues, building their capacity, personal development and helping them understand their purpose. She does this by leading sensitization programs in schools and mentoring the young people within her sphere of influence. So far, she has reached out to over 1,000 young people. Uzezi is determined to build uncommon competencies and constantly seeks opportunities to collaborate with great minds.

She shares her Ruby Girl story with the team

Did your childhood prepare you in any way for what you do now? Tell us more about your growing up

My childhood was quite an interesting one. Growing up, I have always been concerned about people and also been volunteering for several positions. As the Assembly Prefect in Primary and Secondary school before I became the Senior Prefect in SSS 3. I have also been fashion conscious since I was a child. When I was about seven years of age, I took one of the window curtains in the house, and redesigned it in my own way to wrap my body, that was fashion to me. More, so I was a very shy person when growing up, I found it difficult to fully express myself in public, however, I overcame that when I began to intentionally face crowds to preach the gospel, deliver seminars to undergraduate and secondary school students.

What inspired you to join advocacy

My advocacy journey officially began as an undergraduate in 100 level. My elder brother has an NGO that advocates for children and vulnerable population so I assisted in outreaches, attended seminars, conferences all about advocacy. My interest began to stir up as I participated in all through my undergraduate days. Going forward, after graduating from the university, I designed a personal development project that advocate for the needs of 466 vulnerable children.

How has the journey been since you started working as a program coordinator for Street to School Initiative?

The journey has been an interesting one, learning, unlearning and relearning.

You’ve been at the forefront of helping NGOs on their program, what are the things you learnt and would you say you have grown?

So far, I have more understanding in advocacy, delegation and team work. And yes, I have grown.

What are some challenges you experience as a social worker?

Some of the challenges I experienced as a social worker is the naive nature of some of the families we work with and also most of the times, there are limited or no funds to implement well-meaning community development projects.

As a youth advocate, what would you want the government to put in place in ensuring our youths are towing the right path?

The government needs to invest into youths that desire to go into entrepreneurship but are limited by guidance and funding. They should organize trainings on entrepreneurship and life coping skills, as well as make available internship opportunities.

If there is one thing you could do to make the world a better place for the next generation of youths and children, what would that be?

I would do all I can to be the best by showing love and offering help ways I can, to all the people and in all the places I can. I would make sure there are employment opportunities for the masses and would also engage young people to venture into creating businesses.

Any final word for young women who aspire to be where you are right now but lacks the opportunity and support?

Search carefully and mingle with such people you aspire to be like. Learn from them, ask questions for clarity. In no time, you’ll begin to attract the support and opportunities you desire.

Mention three women that inspire you and why

My mum, Mrs. Onome Ernest– she is so supportive of my dreams, kind hearted and very humble.
Mrs Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo (Founder, Street to School Initiative) – She has a large heart and is full of so much love to impact humanity for good. Kari Jobe – Gospel Musician – She sings with so much authority and power, her songs bless my soul deeply.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself doing more in empowering young people, bringing them into a place of purpose by God’s grace.

If you were given the opportunity to address a group of young girls just setting out in their career, what will be your advice to them?

My advice to them would be to remain focused, keep learning by serving and standing on the shoulders of giants. More so, never to worry about anything but keep doing the right things!

‘It Is Difficult To Access Funding If You Are Not A Big Name In The NGO Sector’- Aiyekusehin Monisola

In Editor's Choice November 29, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

“Everyone Has A Role To Play In Caring For Older Adults” – Oluwadamilola Grillo

So many of our elderly population are forgotten about or disregarded in the society, but they need love, attention and support to help them enjoy the bliss of old age. Oluwadamilola Grillo is helping to solve that challenge through her Hold The Age Initiative.

With a B.Sc. in Sociology, and having worked in varying capacities with different organisations, Oluwadamilola, a Gerontologist, founded Hold The Age, a remote advocacy center for older adults in Nigeria. Her passion for the older population saw her pursuing a Masters degree in Gerontology and Ageing Studies at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom, under the distinguished Chevening scholarship of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Oluwadamilola established Hold The Age, a remote advocacy and awareness initiative, reaching out to older adults, documenting their experiences after retirement and their health status. She keeps herself up-to-date on aging trends, taking courses from the American Society of Aging, MOOC, and University of Tasmania, Australia, to name a few. Of particular interest to her are the effects of dementia and the overall mental health of older adults.

Hold The Age has social media handles through which people are educated on old age-related matters as well as a blog, www.holdtheage.com, committed to the same purpose. She runs a WhatsApp support group for older adults and young people interested in learning about this stage of life, where discussions about the ageing process are held and an opportunity to chat with various healthcare and social care workers concerning the well-being of older adults is provided.

She is currently the Lagos State Coordinator of The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), West Africa Emerging Leaders Program and a member of the British Society of Gerontology. She shares her inspiring story and some valuable tips on the need to pay attention to older adults in this interview.

Childhood Influence

Growing up, I was fortunate to have had my maternal grandmother live with us. Perhaps, this influenced me subconsciously and started me on my present path. I grew up in Ibadan with quite a big nuclear family, my mum worked in various ministries within the Oyo State Government, and my dad worked as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon/Professor of Medicine. Education is a serious business in my family and my parents ensured we lacked nothing in this area.

We had a balanced social life as we were all exposed to everything that could make us better humans and independent young adults. In all, I had quite an adventurous childhood with my siblings. I left Ibadan to study Sociology at the University of Lagos and took electives in Sociology of Medicine, Gerontology and Sociology of health and illness, these were modules other students had no interest in, there were just a few students taking these electives.

My passion for older adults finally blossomed in my final year as my thesis was on the perception of workers towards retirement and it occurred to me that most people’s later years will be fraught with challenges if there are no preparations made and there are lots of gaps to be filled.

I began to do my personal research on the study of older adults /ageing, assist older adults in my own little capacity and went on to study Gerontology and Ageing Studies at Swansea University. And today, here I am with a social enterprise to help older adults.

The Inspiration Behind Hold the Age

The number one inspiration is the lack of awareness of the challenges of older adults. These challenges present themselves in varying degrees. One is the plight of older adults is accessing social welfare and other basic needs in Nigeria. Healthcare challenges, absence of older adults’ rights in the Nigerian constitution, etc.

I was also inspired by the various changes occurring within Nigerian society, the mass exodus of our youths in pursuit of greener pastures and the dwindling of intergenerational relationship bond that holds families together within the African traditional system, which has made most older adults vulnerable to abuse.

I looked at all these gaps and said to myself, the challenges of older adults are a ticking time bomb that can explode anytime if necessary measures are not put in place, and with an intervention center such as Hold the Age, these challenges can be reduced. The organization is open to collaborators, investors and sponsorship on some of our projects.

Being the Lagos Coordinator of The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria
Cosropin is an organization that has been pushing the passing of the bill for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria as well as ensuring that every organization across Nigeria that is assisting older adults be under a big umbrella where their voice can be heard.

As the Lagos Coordinator, my main role is to register every other body that is working to provide ease of life for older adults and ensure they get the necessary support from the headquarters of COSROPIN in Abuja.

My Commitment to the Welfare of Older Women Serving as Porters in Markets in Ibadan

As the programme Officer for the Center for Growth and Development, I was saddled with a lot of responsibilities and the initiative for the welfare of older women was one of my major responsibilities. I committed myself to this great intervention programme wholeheartedly in order to get the desired result of relieving older women from the strenuous jobs they do by carrying heavy loads in the market.

The centre provided the financial resources to get them alternative work that is not strenuous. The women were provided with kiosks to sell household groceries at their various houses. The initial groceries were bought by the center. This intervention programme improved the quality of life for these women, improved access to health checks, they were taught financial freedom through savings and they were able to sustain their trade by saving the profits made which was injected back into their trade.

This couldn’t have been done without the Management of the Center for Growth and Development especially my boss/mentor, Prof Kassey Garba and her husband.

Certifications and personal growth

I see myself as a work in progress, always striving for personal growth to be a better version of myself a day, week, month or year after. Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, as it provides you the opportunity to network among alumni across over 160 countries.

My Dementia certification is to expand my knowledge and assist me in proffering need-based solutions to my clients and their families on how best to combat the non-communicable disease that researchers are still investigating the root cause and cure for it.

These certifications, in addition to those not mentioned, have broadened my network base, have given me access to a few social capitals through referrals and have also changed my perspectives on the dynamism of individuals as we do not share the same values, culture and traditions. This has helped my personal growth especially to view every individual as a unique entity.

Other Projects and Activities

Hold the Age has quite a number of projects, among them is a TV media program which we are still looking for sponsorship for. We are currently working on a database of volunteers across states in Nigeria to help combat loneliness among older adults, this is quite daunting due to the current security challenges we have in Nigeria at the moment.

We also have various fun social activities for older adults tailored to their needs and status. We also assist older adults to plan their retirement as this is one phase of life that is totally unpredictable.

We train family members and domestic staff on how to care for their older loved ones. We also create content and promote other organisations whose mission is to provide ease of life for older adults, among our other projects.

Challenges of Being a Social Entrepreneur

Accessing finance for some of the projects is a major problem, as investors are looking into what appeals more to young adults, especially in the entertainment industry.

Collaboration is another challenge, in-as-much as we have a set mission, we’ve met some prospective collaborators that want us to change 70 percent of our perspective to suit their own needs which is detrimental to the service Hold the Age renders.

Another challenge is people’s mindset of accessing services for free. Hold the Age has a charity arm and we try as much as possible to assist in our capacity. However, people should understand that a social enterprise is run by financial resources and I’m grateful to my family and friends that have been very supportive of us. Our services are affordable and individual based.

Nuggets on How Children and Society at Large Can Cater for Old People

Everyone has a role to play in caring for older adults. We all need to assist older adults whenever we see them incapacitated in any area; assist them in crossing our busy roads, respect them and see to it that their fundamental human rights are not infringed upon.

Children that are living abroad should ensure they do not neglect their older parents living in Nigeria, I know we are all busy with our lives but frequent communication with our parents goes a long way in helping our parents to feel vibrant and well. Sending money and outsourcing care is not enough, I’ve visited older adults that are presumed to be physically ill only to find out that lack of communication with their children is the cause of their illnesses.

Also, society should stop guilt-tripping children into outsourcing their parent’s care to professional experts. This has more negative impacts on society than we can imagine.

A lot of people are hiding their parents from family and friends, especially those living with dementia due to stigmatization. Confidentiality is very important at Hold the Age, we seek the consent of our clients before publishing content that society can benefit from on our website and social media handles.

The government and society can help by creating more visibility on the plights on older adults as well as proffer solutions to stop stigmatization faced by older adults and their children as regards the mode of care convenient for their loved ones.

Being a Woman of Rubies

From my research about your platform, Women of Rubies is known to celebrate African women who are contributing to nation-building. I believe I’m contributing my little quota by providing ease of lives for older adults within my society. I have seen other women that have been celebrated on your platform and I’m encouraged to do more and be an inspiration for other women, too.

I appreciate your platform for creating such an initiative, as it is important to help nurture other women to optimize their full potential.

Sensitizing society on the misconception that old people are ‘witches’ and ‘wizards’
This misconception stems from a lack of awareness of a lot of challenges that old people face in later years. An example is older adults that are living with dementia, which is oftentimes tagged as witchcraft in some parts of Nigeria.

This is majorly due to a lack of education/awareness on what dementia is all about. We need to have campaigns and awareness programme to sensitize society as we have for cancer awareness and others to enlighten the populace on the various challenges faced by older adults and put appropriate measures in place to tackle elder abuse.

How to Handle Elders and Seniors in the Society

People with little or no knowledge regarding the care of older adults should not hesitate to ask questions from experts such as health workers, social workers, Geriatricians, gerontologists and experts in old age-related matters. We should always remember we would all grow old one day and think carefully about how we want to be treated in our twilight years.

Elder abuse is one area we rarely discuss in this clime and quite a number of our parents are going through one form of abuse or the other, especially from domestic staff. Parents are scared to tell their children about it, too, due to the extent of power some of these domestic staff wield over them.

Family members are not exempted from these nefarious acts, too, there are subtle abuses most older adults are currently facing. Some are done unconsciously and we need to keep enlightening the populace on the plights of older adults in our society.

What Government Can Do Better

The government should build standard and affordable old people’s homes with inbuilt recreation centers for older adults. Create training for people that show interest in caring for older adults and ensure that people that are dedicating their services to the care of older adults are given adequate remunerations. The private care homes should be inspected periodically, not only by the Ministry of Social Welfare but also by the Ministry of Health.

In Editor's Choice November 26, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Meet Magret Isedowo, The Highly Sought-After Make-Up Artist in Canada

A famous writer once said creativity is your best makeup skill, don’t be afraid to experiment with it. Makeup artists are experts at using make-up compounds to tint, conceal, or otherwise alter a person’s look for the purpose of beautification.

Makeup artists use their talents and their tools to makeover, transform, and improve a person’s face (and sometimes their body). Their work corrects imperfections, highlights positive attributes, and remedies issues.

According to Makeupartist edu, The best makeup artists command lofty fees and possess loyal clients, whether they are transforming performers to create an accurate visual representation, or perfecting brides for one of the most important days of their lives.

This is what Canada-based make-up artist Magret Isedowo represents in her sector. A woman who knows her craft and gives it her best.

In this chat with the Women of Rubies team, she shares her Inspiring story, her love for make-up and her spa.

Meet Me

My name is Olufunto Magret Isedowo, born and raised in Nigeria, I’m a Professional Make-up Artist based in Ontario, Canada and while I enjoyed working in all sectors of the Beauty Industry, my passion is Make-up and Facials which led me to start BreezyPro & BreezyLuxeSpa.

The Journey So Far

I explored the Beauty Industry in 2012 which made me enrol in an Aesthetic Program at Everest Beauty College, Ontario Canada. I have a Diploma in Phlebotomy from CJ College, worked in a few laboratories and later enrolled in an Advanced Medical Aesthetics Program at IBI College, Ontario Canada.

Why I Pitched My Tent In The Make-Up Sector

My love for Make-up and Beauty has been with me my whole life, specializing in a wide range of luxurious and personalized beauty services including Make-up, Facials, Micro blading, Lash Extensions, Waxing, Brow Lamination and Lash Lift. Each application I do is assessed according to multiple factors including personality, comfort level with makeup and personal image.

I tailor my work accordingly, the result is a satisfied client that feels as beautiful and unique on the outside as they do on the inside.

Read: 5 Female Make-up Artist In Nigeria Every Woman Should Know

My Aspiration

I love learning new things, being inspired, and connecting with creative people. I take pride in creating beautiful work and hope I can be fortunate enough to do what I Iove for the rest of my life.

Connect With Margaret

Studio Address: 4000 Steeles Avenue West, Woodbridge L4L4V9

Instagram Pages :

Make-up : https://instagram.com/breezyypro?igshid=MTg0ZDhmNDA=

Spa: https://instagram.com/breezyluxespa?igshid=MTg0ZDhmNDA=

In Inspiration November 25, 2022 By Esther Ijewere

Nadia Murad: The Nobel Peace Prize Winner Who Set Up Fund For Survivors Of Wartime Rape

Nadia Murad was born into a farming family in Kojo, Iraq. She belongs to the Yazidi ethnic and religious minority. When she was 19 years old, the Islamic State attacked her village and killed 600 Yazidi men, including several of her family members. ⁣
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Murad and other young women were taken prisoner and subjected to beatings and rape. She managed to escape, however, and make her way to a refugee camp. There she was offered the opportunity to move to Germany, where she now lives.⁣

She was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2018 alongside Denis Mukwege for ”their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”⁣
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On October 30, 2019, Nadia and Dennis set up a fund to provide reparations for survivors of wartime rape.⁣
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The Global Survivors Fund will provide tailored support to help people recover from the emotional and physical trauma they have experienced. This could be in the form of financial compensation, support to access healthcare services or return to education, or assistance with getting somewhere to live.⁣
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The fund will also support governments to set up their own reparation schemes.⁣
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Commenting on the development, Nadia said ”Reparations are a step toward restoring dignity to survivors who often do not have any means to seek justice for the pain and suffering they have endured.”⁣
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”A global fund is an innovative solution to providing survivors with a path towards healing, and it signals that our collective conscience acts in the name of humanity.”⁣

Nadia’s Story

“Nadia Murad is herself a victim of war crimes. She refused to accept the social codes that require women to remain silent and ashamed of the abuses to which they have been subjected. She has shown uncommon courage in recounting her own sufferings and speaking up on behalf of other victims.

“Nadia Murad is a member of the Yazidi minority in northern Iraq, where she lived with her family in the remote village of Kocho. In August 2014 the Islamic State (IS) launched a brutal, systematic attack on the villages of the Sinjar district, aimed at exterminating the Yazidi population.

In Nadia Murad’s village, several hundred people were massacred. The younger women, including underage children, were abducted and held as sex slaves.

While a captive of the IS, Nadia Murad was repeatedly subjected to rape and other abuses. Her assaulters threatened to execute her if she did not convert to their hateful, inhuman version of Islam.

“Nadia Murad is just one of an estimated 3,000 Yazidi girls and women who were victims of rape and other abuses by the IS army. The abuses were systematic, and part of a military strategy. Thus they served as a weapon in the fight against Yazidis and other religious minorities.

Watch: How To Be A Competent Leader

“After a three-month nightmare Nadia Murad managed to flee. Following her escape, she chose to speak openly about what she had suffered. In 2016, at the age of just 23, she was named the UN’s first Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking.” writes.

Source: Nobel Prize.org, Guardian