Interviews&profile Archives

In Interviews&profile May 15, 2019 By Women of Rubies

“I AM ALWAYS INSPIRED BY WOMEN DOING GREAT THINGS” -BOLAJI OLUWADUNSIN

Bolaji Oluwadunsin Precious is a final year student of Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State. She is also the CEO of Dunsin Craft Collection Company @Dunsincrafts, a fashion brand aimed at using creativity to advance fashion and style. It specializes in using Ankara fabrics to make several products such as Souvenirs for events and conferences, Laptop bags, Handbags, Backpacks, Document holders, Notepads, etc.

She has trained about 200 females in the art of Crafts with Ankara to make up to 8 products in 2018.

Childhood

I was born in Ibadan but grew up with my dad at Abeokuta. My parents got divorced when I was 3 and my dad took custody of all 5 of us. I’m the 4th child.

After few years, my mum took custody of my younger sister and I. Growing up wasn’t so adventurous.

Inspiration behind Dunsin Craft Collection

The fear of poverty inspired me. There is a saying that ‘Worst situations bring out the best in people’…. I am a living example. I channelled that energy into what I love, Craft. I can make so many things with my hands, that’s why there is “Collection” at the end of my brand name.

Training of over 200 females in the craft of ankara..

I trained over 200 females in the craft of Ankara and the impact has been very strong. Months after the training, about half of them called me and chatted me up to express their gratitude and to also informed me of their progress. DCC is already working on a platform where we can do more.

The reception so far…

It has been amazing! The African fabrics (Kente/Ankara) has always given our products uniqueness and beauty!! Everyone, I mean everyone that sees the Ankara designed products are always wowed and show interest in them.

Inspiration

I am always inspired by women doing great things (Oprah Winfrey, Linda Ikeji, Michelle Obama, Alakija). I make researches online to see products other African countries make and I get motivated.

Greatest reward

Recognition as the Number one Accessory Designer in Ondo state. Top blogs and Website carried the feat.

Challenges

The major challenge I face, is balancing academics with business. I’m in my finals at FUTA. Others are financial which has made me put in for grants and apply for international applications where my business can be funded for more exploits.

On winning the Entrepreneur Of The Year award

I am encouraged to do more. To aspire more. To keep pushing. If I could get this award, I know greater things are on the way.

On giving up…

I have entertained the thought of giving up countless times. I would tell myself “why don’t you just marry a rich man” …. Lol. But then, the fear of marriage scares me sometimes, so it’s not an option. There are times when I would have less than a thousand naira in my account and make no sale for weeks. It’s been God holding me up.I just want to be like those I look up to and to inspire a lot of ladies too.

I am a Woman Of Rubies

My goals. My vision. My strength. My feminine power. My determination. My fighting spirit. My ability to keep moving forward even when nothing made sense.

Final word for women aspire to go into my line of business

Nothing is ever easy. So expect difficult situations. Always plan, so nothing takes you by surprise. Don’t stop believing in yourself, its dangerous. Run from anything/anyone negative. Eat and rest. Ask for help when you need it. Go out and connect with other entrepreneurs. Your biggest client might be into tech. Make research on what you do regularly. Love and Pray.

– DCC is a fashion brand aimed at using creativity to advance fashion and style. It specializes in using Ankara fabrics to make several products such as Souvenirs for events and conferences, Laptop bags, Handbags, Backpacks, Document holders, Notepads etc

In Interviews&profile May 14, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

“DON’T GO INTO BUSINESS BECAUSE YOU WANT TO OUTDO ANOTHER PERSON”- ADEFUNKE ANURUKEM

Adefunke Anurukem is the Managing Director of Auto Dome Limited, one of the very few female entrepreneurs operating in the male-dominated Nigerian automotive industry. She talks about the challenges and motivation in a business majorly run by men

Let’s meet you please
My name is Adefunke Anurukem, an alumnus of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Fate Foundation and Education Development Centre (EDC). I am the Managing Director of Auto Dome Limited. Auto Dome is a one-stop shop for all automotive needs. Our services include automobile sales, provision of after sales services, fleet management, logistics and sale of car care products. I am also the current president of the Women in Automotive Sector Association (WASA), our aim is to bring together all women in the automotive business and discuss our challenges, fears, future aspirations, and proffer solutions. We provide assistance and empowerment to new women entrepreneurs in the automotive business.

How many years have you been into this business?
I have over 17 years experience working in the automotive industry in Nigeria. I worked with several Nigerian automotive franchises before branching out and starting Auto Dome in 2010.

How has the exchange rate affected the automobile business?
Our business is solely dependent on foreign exchange, since most of the cars are produced and assembled outside the country, as a result, exchange rate fluctuations over the past few years have significantly affected the Automobile industry, with the 2015 devaluation of the Naira being the worst hit. Another challenge faced by the automotive industry is the increase in Custom duties, which has significantly increased the cost of doing business. In the face of these challenges, we at Auto Dome have had to re-strategise and optimise our business processes in order to stay afloat.

How has your experience been like in relation to the number of years you’ve been in the industry?
The business climate in Nigeria is ever evolving. When we started Auto Dome in 2010, we had our own fair share of challenges. We made some mistakes, because we were naïve in some areas of our operations. Initially, our focus was solely on car sales, but after careful analysis of clients’ demands over the years, we have added a range of services and products.

Now that we are over eight years in the business, we are looking at opening more branches nationwide and signing a franchise deal to represent a reputable international brand here in Nigeria. One key factor in setting up a business in any industry is to have first-hand industry knowledge, product knowledge, and understanding of government policies and how it affects your industry. In my experience, business has been challenging, interesting, tasking, but very fulfilling, in spite of all the odds against business owners in Nigeria. Everyday comes with its own unique challenges that you must device a unique ways to solve. However, solving tasking problems in business expands your capacity to face more and get good results

How did you grow the business and what were the challenges?
Growing the business has been solely by the grace of God and passion for what I do. Whether it’s car sales, servicing, leasing, fleet management or selling care products, were solving problems and adding value. As an ambassador of my brand, the most important thing has been to identify customer needs and provide solutions that best suit them. By doing these we have been able to grow the business over the years. Challenges growing up were majorly pressure from the society seeing you as a woman and setting limits on how far you can reach. Moreover, I have always loved to challenge myself and tread where others are afraid to tread. I try to not see any limit to what I can achieve, and that has continued to give me the energy to conquer challenges.

What are your inspiring feedbacks?
Oh! I’ve had some interesting feedbacks in my time.
You hear things like, “Wow! A woman selling cars? “You behave like a man!’ At first I used to feel offended but as I grew in the business I began to see it as a compliment. Also some clients have come back and said “I find you very professional in your dealings.” Some of the most important customer feedbacks, however, are expressions of satisfaction with products and services, repeat purchases from clients and good referrals. These are key for us and we get loads of such.

Where do you see your business in the next five years?
In five years, we would have opened more branches, in at least three more Nigerian cities and have become a franchise holder for Nigerian-assembled automobiles with specifications cutting across the board, thereby adding to economy growth in the country.

What’s your advice to younger ones?
Keep your eyes on the ball. There are a lot of distractions out there, but remain focused and have a plan. Don’t go into business because you want to outdo the other person. Develop a passion for what you do, because when the tough times come that’s what will sustain you. Lastly, always have a CAN DO spirit and believe in yourself because the sky is just the starting point.

What is your motivation?
Firstly, God, because without him I am nothing. I also have a solid family support, without their constant love and affection, I would have been much more affected by the highs and lows of business life. Thirdly, myself, I am a self-starter, you are the only one who can pull yourself from your inner strength genuinely. Finally, I have other mentors, accountability partners and colleagues in the industry that I look up to. I also read articles, books and reviews of selected role to stay motivated.

To what extent have you leveraged on technology in growing your business:
I cannot over emphasize how much technology has helped in growing our business. In the early years sales were made mostly by personal contact. In that regard, a lot of staff were required to go out and look for prospective clients, which in itself proved quite difficult, because information was not readily available. However, with the improvements in digital technology, business can be done faster and at lower operational costs. The advent of interconnectivity and globalization (the early days of the fourth industrial revolution) has been phenomenal! We have been able to transact business successfully with numerous customers all around the world, thereby growing our clientele base. It is so amazing that we have even made major sales off of WhatsApp Status updates!

I am sure there are still a lot of positive technological advancements to come and we at AutoDome will continue to strategically position ourselves in order to harness its power to achieve our aims and objectives in this business.

By: Maria Diamond for Guardian

In Interviews&profile May 14, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

‘BEING FULL-TIME MUM AND ENTREPRENEUR IS DOABLE’- NKECHI IDINMACHI

Nkechi Idinmachi is the Creator and Marketing Communications Manager at Pages&Ink Limited, an organisation focused on working with SMEs to enable them leverage digital tools to grow their businesses online, attract their target customers while also delighting them into becoming happy promoters of their organisations’ products and services. Having overcome the obstacle of feeding her preemie baby with multiple food allergies, she’s showing other mums the way on her Instagram page @babychefng and through her upcoming Cookout, helping them take charge of their children’s nutrition with her numerous baby friendly, allergen free recipes made with Nigerian food ingredients. She is also the founder of Herlibrary for Learning and Empowerment Foundation, an NGO that builds libraries, provides books and learning resources for public schools in eastern Nigeria. They recently completed their pioneer Library project at Udo Primary School, Ogbunike, Anambra State. Idinmachi is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University with a degree in German Language, a certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications from IE Business School, Spain and a certificate in Child Nutrition and Cooking from Stanford School of Medicine. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA she shares her passion for being an entrepreneur while combining with her duties as a mum.

How important is leveraging on digital tools to growing a business?
The importance of digital tools in growing a business cannot be over-emphasised. It is the most affordable, convenient and effective way for any business to boost its visibility. I have seen first- hand how a business can go from local to international in a few short months by strategically leveraging digital tools. When I resumed at my previous place of employment, their only digital footprint was a redundant website. I created and infused fresh content, redesigned the website and began optimising it for search engines. Shortly afterwards, we began to receive calls from huge facilities management companies in the USA, South Africa and from other companies abroad who were bidding for FM contracts with multinationals and were in search of a partnership with a Nigerian FM company. This demonstrated to me the efficiency of digital tools in providing business owners the best chances for competition, survival and opportunities beyond their reach.

What led you to setting up Pages and Ink Limited?
Shortly after getting married in 2016, it became clear that my husband and I both had crazy schedules which saw us leaving the house as early as 5:00am and not getting home till about 8:00p.m. I was frightened by the thought of bringing a child into that chaotic routine and so I decided that I would resign just before we were ready to start a family. My husband was reluctant initially, knowing how driven and ambitious I am. He didn’t want me feeling frustrated and unfulfilled as a stay-at-home mum, but I began planning an exit strategy, anyway.

At the time, my job role as a Marketing Communications executive for one of Lagos’ top facilities management companies gave me a lot of fulfillment, so I decided to develop my skill sets further in the field and took an online course in Integrated Marketing Communications, from IE Business School. After registering the business, Pages and Ink Limited, I spread word about it and landed my first clients. I would get home at 8:00pm and work till 2:00 am on my “side hustle” and then leave the house a few hours later to my full-time job. By September of 2016, I realised I had made over twice my salary from my “side hustle!” I think it was then that my husband believed that I was determined to make “working from home” work. Then the miracle happened. I informed my boss of my decision to resign and he asked me what my reasons were and I told him about my new company. He was happy and requested I consult for the company. I am very grateful to Mr. Wole Aderogba for the opportunity, which marked the official beginning of the journey.

Do you think businesses need online presence to thrive?
According to a recent research, 45 per cent of global consumers say they shop for goods and services online. The trend has grown exponentially in Nigeria as more people now increasingly shop from their homes and offices. With the current trend, if you are a “brick and mortar” business without an online presence, it won’t be long before your competition that has gone “click to brick” takes over the market. Creating a comprehensive online presence is the key to building a thriving, sustainable business. However, it isn’t enough to just be present online, you must be active and leverage on digital tools – optimise your website for search engines, get social, create relevant and appealing content, engage your online community. Put out valuable information to establish your brand as an expert in your industry. You have to invest the necessary time if you want to be successful in building a formidable online presence.

As a ‘Mumpreneur’, how would you describe this concept?
This means that I am a full-time entrepreneur and a full-time mum. It is my way of promoting self-employment and showing other qualified women who have left their professions to become full-time mothers that they don’t have to feel stuck. There is a way to juggle home and a professional career if one chooses to.

What was your drive as the founder of Herlibrary?
I grew up in the village in Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. Like most places in that region, there’s sadly not much going on in terms of development and empowerment of the girl child. The ultimate achievement expected by your parents and peers is (thankfully) a university education and a husband; better still, one from “the abroad”. Books saved me; they opened my eyes to opportunities beyond my background and enabled me to dream big.

With a decline in reading culture, what is the impact of your project with the NGO?
I don’t quite agree that the reading culture in Nigeria is declining. With the growth of mobile users, I think it is growing instead as people are constantly on their phones reading. We read blogs, Instagram captions, twitter posts, e-books and other digital content because they are available. I strongly believe that if books are made available to young Nigerians, books that pique their interest, they will read. This is why my NGO, HerLibrary, is doing our best to provide books from a varied genre in the rural communities in eastern Nigeria, to expose them to a world beyond their background. We also run book clubs where they read mostly fictional books that teach kids about entrepreneurship.

As a marketing communications expert, what is your advice to business owners with dwindling sales and at the verge of packing up?
Get digital, define your niche and target market, create terrific content that would be appealing to them, get social and engage. Learn the best practices and use them. Be consistent, it’s hard but totally worth it.

What is your advice to women on pursuing their dreams and managing the home-front?
My advice is to just try; it is not enough to dream or wish. You have to do the work and put in the effort. Getting organised and scheduling activities and tasks in your home will give you the sanity and peace of mind to pursue your dreams. Stop undermining yourself. You can do it. Start small if you do not have the means to go all out. Do what you can, where you are, with what you have, without excuses. The best time to do it is NOW and yes under your present circumstances. If it gets overwhelming, step back a little bit and attack it again.

How do you unwind?
NETFLIX. I enjoy watching reality shows, cooking shows. I love to read, too. I am currently reading Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere. It’s a great book and I highly recommend it to every woman who wants to make an impact.

What is your philosophy of life?
Everything I am, everything I have is from God and for him. It’s in him that I live and move and have my being. Without him, I am nothing.

By: Ijeoma Thomas-Odia for Guardian

In Interviews&profile April 30, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

I WANT TO BUILD AKWA-IBOM INTO THE NEXT NOLLYWOOD LOCATION LIKE LAGOS – ANIEBIET FRANCIS

Aniebiet Francis is a dynamic and rising Nollywood actor, script writer and a producer from Ikot Obong in Ikot Ekpene Local Government of Akwa Ibom State. She is a graduate of Genetics and Biotechnology from the prestigious University of Calabar. Her passion includes entertainment, humanitarian services, community building and youth empowerment.

She has featured in blockbuster Nollywood flicks like Hush, Hotel Majestic, Daddies Girls, Newman Street, Iquo’s journal etc. She also has also produced two movies: One Bright Morning and The List.

She is the founder of Conscience Alive Foundation and Orange Film Boot Camp. She is currently working on her next PET project U40 Eveprenuers, a platform that sets out to harvest under forty female entrepreneurs, unite and groom them into successful CEOs.

Her other projects include; #EverySecondCountsNigeria ian awareness campaign for a rapid and effective response for accident victims and other hazards, #BrideNotCommodity a campaign to save the girl child from the claws of exploitative traditions that encourages exorbitant marriage lists from bride’s family. Orange Film Boot camp is a capacity building and empowerment platform that offers free trainings for aspiring and budding nollywood practitioners in Akwa Ibom. She shares her journey and some of the challenges of being a Nollywood actress in this interview.

Growing up

I was raised by mum as a single parent, this experience opened me up to the challenges of life, womanhood etc, hence I grew up wanting to be a voice of the voiceless.

Meet Me

I am an actor by default but a circumstantial graduate of Genetics And Biotechnology. I veered into science because of lack of academic/ carrier counseling in Nigeria, but no matter how hard you try, passion will always have its way. Producing is a craft I dabbled into because I want to use movies as a tool fo buildin a better society by telling stories that matter, stories that addresses issues that plagues our society, like THE FINAL LIST, ONE BRIGHT MORNING.

Being an Actor & Entrepreneur

It is a smooth sail…Acting gives me the face and voice to speak and be heard, the fame to champion humanitarian causes, Entrepreneurship gives me funds to counter fund my humanitarian projects, while soliciting for sponsors and partners.

Reception

For someone that relocated to Lagos in 2014 and was able to feature in two MNet series and a few major series like NEW MAN STREET, DADDIES GIRLS, AKPOS AND FRIENDS etc, I would say the reception has been encouraging.

My Inspiraton

Mo Abdu, Emem Isong and Genevieve Nnaji. I am Inspired by My love for my mum, my passion to save/serve humanity, Hatred from people.

Challenges

As an actor, my location is a challenge, we have less movie/Tv productions in Akwa Ibom, but that is self inflicted challenge. I prefer to stay here and build my state into the next nollywood location like Lagos, Asaba, Enugu etc. As an entrepreneur, capital and competiting with several big brands.

Reception of the society

Though there is still that erroneous perception that every female slept her way into the industry,a good percentage of the society is very receptive.

My Movie

The final list is can campaign to save the girl child from the claws of greedy family members. It tells the story of outrageous marriage list, the effect on the girl child, the family and the society at large.

Giving up

If I say no, I would be a blatant liar….yes I do feel like giving up sometimes, but I have more reasons to succeed outnumbers reasons to give up.

Being a woman of rubies

Because I have mastered the art of making things that came break me to bless me.

Advice to women

Hone your skills, don’t be desperate, have patience, be passionate and serve God.

In Interviews&profile April 28, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

THIS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR RECEIVED 39 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES AND $1.6 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

Jordan Nixon hasn’t decided on where she’ll go to college yet, but she already has quite a few options to choose from.

The Douglas County High School senior was accepted into 39 colleges and universities, plus received over $1.6 million in scholarship offers, reports FOX 5. Receiving her first acceptance from Grambling State University, the honor student is a member of the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy and is the co-captain of her school’s cheerleading team.

After a school trip to Greece and Italy, Nixon, who is also involved in a club for young business leaders, was even more inspired to pursue a major in international business. While she applied to over 50 schools, here are the colleges and universities that she’s been accepted to so far:

1. Alabama State University
2. Berry College
3. Central State University
4. Clark University – Massachusetts
5. Coppin State University
6. Edward Waters College
7. Emmanuel College – Massachusetts
8. Florida International University
9. Florida Southern College
10. Georgetown College – Kentucky
11. Georgia State University
12. Grambling State University
13. Hampton University
14. Harris-Stowe State University
15. High Point University
16. Howard University
17. Johnson & Wales University – Rhode Island
18. LeMoyne-Owen College
19. Lincoln University – Missouri
20. Livingstone College
21. Loyola University – New Orleans
22. Mississippi Valley State University
23. Nova Southeastern University
24. Oglethorpe University
25. Queens University of Charlotte
26. Rollins College
27. Simmons University
28. St. Edwards University – Texas
29. Stetson University
30. Tuskegee University
31. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
32. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
33. University of Tampa
34. University of Virgin Islands
35. Valparaiso University
36. Virginia Union University
37. West Virginia State University
38. Wofford College
39. Xavier University – Ohio

“I wanted to challenge myself,” said Nixon. “That was the most important thing for me, just to show others anything is possible and that anyone can accomplish it, too.”

Congratulations, Jordan! No matter what college you choose attend, we know your excellence will continue to shine.

In Interviews&profile April 23, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

PEGGY ALFORD SET TO BECOME FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO JOIN FACEBOOK’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Facebook recently announced that it will nominate PayPal executive Peggy Alford to join its board of directors, making her the first African-American woman to sit on the board.

The announcement comes shortly after former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault became the first African-American to join the social media giant’s board last year.

“Peggy is one of those rare people who’s an expert across many different areas – from business management to finance operations to product development,” Black Enterprise reports Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg saying in a statement. “I know she will have great ideas that help us address both the opportunities and challenges facing our company.”

Alford, who serves as SVP of core markets at PayPal, is a Silicon Valley veteran who has held executive positions at many companies including eBay and Rent.com. Prior to stepping into her current role, she served as chief financial officer and head of operations for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which is the philanthropic organization founded by Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.

“What excites me about the opportunity to join Facebook’s board is the company’s drive and desire to face hard issues head on while continuing to improve on the amazing connection experiences they have built over the years,” she said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Mark and the other directors as the company builds new and inspiring ways to help people connect and build community.”

While Facebook’s efforts to diversify its board are a step in the right direction, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson tells USA Today that the Black board members now have a responsibility to speak up and out on the issues that impact the Black community.

“They must review its civil rights policy, social justice policy and the pathway for growth in the company,” he said.

In Interviews&profile April 1, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

CHUKWUNETA OBY: VICTIMS OF OUR EMOTIONAL DAMAGE…

Sometimes, all a lady seems to just want is a husband material, the type of man that comes with the right values, etc.

Then, when such a man seems to come her way, she realizes that he is a husband material quite alright, just that he lacks that “swag”, that sexiness, that “fine boy” edge…that excites. And he ends up being roundly abused!

Therefore, a man who has only treated a woman well ends up being paid back with ingratitude. All these and more have simply taught me that some of us are simply victims of our emotional damage. When a man is not mean to them and has not treated them badly… they don’t feel complete. Playboys seem to hold a permanent magnet of sorts on them. A decent guy is not easily appreciated by them.

Even after going through a harrowing experience in the hands of a man that has been mean to her, as soon as she catches her breath…she finds her way back to him-for more experiences.

The proclivity towards bad boys has a strong hold on most women. Yet we all know that it takes stability of (attitude) for a relationship to succeed…anything contrary leaves a trail of heartbreak and tears behind.

There are men that deafen one’s hearing with “wife material requests” but the moment a decent lady comes their way-they get bored faster than fast and begin to yearn for the wild ones. People, to whom “goodness” is lost on, get their kicks from being saddled with unpleasant characters.

One of my friends had been on my neck to help find him a wife.

When it seemed to me he was serious enough, I decided to show him some pictures of a few friends that are still in the singles market.

I didn’t bother asking him too many questions about the qualities he wants in a lady because experience has taught me that some of them can tell you all you want to hear-just to impress and make you conclude they’ve got their heads properly screwed on their shoulders-even when their body language is pointing to the things (freaky in nature) that are left unsaid.

So, I decided to come to my own conclusion by watching him. I observed that CHARACTER was not in the picture (yet) for him and he bluntly confirmed my worst fears by telling me that once he is OKAY with a lady’s looks-he can easily tolerate her character…

Interestingly, his past failed relationships have a similar trend (IN YOUR FACE looks –amongst the ladies), judging from the pictures of his EX (es) that he showed me. My only worry is that he continued to let LOOKS be the sole determinant of his choice of a marriage partner.

I expected him to veer from this norm for once and see if he can get a different outcome. That is my opinion, though!

He has made his choice and I have never stopped praying for the success of that “setting” because my humble neck is seriously at stake here-should anything go awry. I am the one that’s going to receive “you are siding with him/her’’ bullets from both sides, when things get out of hand and one has to intervene.

However, if you find yourself frustrated that all your niceness has not yielded results in your love life, please don’t fall prey to the mentality that you have to give up “being good” to attract someone.

Being less than yourself won’t fulfill you. Also, perish the thought that whom you love should love you back. Actually, no one owes you their affections because you feel you are good. Everyone’s heart is theirs to give at their own discretion and it cannot be demanded.

A friend once said: “Most Nigerian ladies don’t appreciate a good or gentle man because most times 99 per cent of men and women carry the baggage of the last bad relationships to the new one. They already expect the worse even before it happens. Yes, experience is a good teacher, but we stick more to the past and destroy the present and future in our relationships. Another thing is the attitude of “I will get and take what I can immediately first and forget about tomorrow’’. A wise man once told me and I quote “life and happiness is a journey and not a destination.”

But, this concludes it for me: ‘’Nigerians take everything as a destination, our life, our job, our family and love life, all as a destination. The situation in Nigeria has also changed the dynamics of relationships, most guys see women as commodities and women see men as opportunity to get and better their lot. We should look at relationships as a selfless venture for the one we love.’’

In Interviews&profile March 26, 2019 By Women of Rubies

MEET TANZEELA QAMBRANI, PAKISTAN’S FIRST FEMALE LAWMAKER OF AFRICAN DESCENT

Pakistan went to the election voting a month ago and among the legislators selected is a lady of African plunge assigned to a women’s reserved seat at the regional parliament of southern Sindh region.

Tanzeela Qambrani originates from the Sidi, a community made up of a larger part of individuals of African descent.

Qambrani’s progenitors originated from Tanzania simply like the ancestors of numerous Sidi individuals, who are accepted to be either the descendants of slaves conveyed to Asia by the Portuguese or traders and pilgrims.

“My father told us that his grandparents had been brought to Sindh now around a century ago from Tanzania. That’s why one of my sisters is married in Tanzania,” she said.

Photo: Daily Messenger

The Sidi have managed to hold onto their roots and cultures but still face racial discrimination.

“As a tiny minority lost in the midst of local populations, we have struggled to preserve our African roots and cultural expression, but I look forward to the day when the name Sidi will evoke respect, not contempt,” Ms Qambrani, told the BBC.

Qambrani, a member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of Benazir Bhutto, was nominated by Bhutto’s son Bhutto Zardari, making her the first Sidi to join parliament.

Photo: Twitter

It is not the first time the mother of three who holds a postgraduate in computer science has held political office. She has served as a local councillor in Badin, where she comes from. She, however, says the new position comes with a lot of responsibility and expectations.

“I can already feel the weight,” she said. “I’m a Sidi, and all these middle class, lower-middle class and working class Sidis know that I’m one of them. And this means there will be expectations.”

In Interviews&profile March 25, 2019 By Women of Rubies

LEADING LADIES AFRICA: NIGERIA’S 100 MOST INSPIRING WOMEN IN 2019

This week, Guardian Woman continues the list of its annual #100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria list for 2019. For the fifth consecutive year, the list features 100 Nigerian women drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and sectors who are deliberately impacting their world and local communities through the power and strength of their ideas and achievements. Women who are making great strides in the world of Business, Politics, Advocacy, Governance and Enterprise. “It’s perhaps our most diverse list yet,” says Francesca Uriri, Founder, Leading Ladies Africa.

Funmi Oyatogun- A travel experience designer and founder of TVP Adventures- a one-stop-shop for exciting travel experiences across Africa. Through TVP Adventures, Funmi plans and creates bespoke trips on social media where she has a huge following. But beyond that, Funmi also creates immensely useful travel infographics and materials that are useful for travelers, tourists, and those looking to learn about new places in the world.

Gbemi Adefuye (Toni Tones) is a Nigerian actor, photographer, singer, and radio host. She recently starred in Kemi Adetiba’s ‘King of Boys,’ where she gave a stellar and critically acclaimed performance as the younger Eniola Salami. Gbemi studied Marketing and Economics at the University of Lancaster in the UK, and then returned to Nigeria in 2009 to explore her ambition for show business. She does photography work both behind and in front of the camera. She has appeared as an actor in the Web TV series “Gidi-culture” and in several films including “It’s Her Day” in 2016.

Glory Osei- Founder of Femfunds, a growing organization with a goal of providing women in Nigeria with interest free loans and free skill acquisition. She is also the CEO and Co-founder of Divergent Enterprise, Land Lagos and PorkMoney.com. Glory is also a travel blogger who chronicles her travel escapades formerly under the name Nigerian Abroad on her social media page.

Habiba Ali- Managing Director and CEO of Sosai Renewable Energies Company, one of the largest distributors of renewable energy in Nigeria. Sosai Renewable Energies provides renewable energy products like solar lamps, water purifiers and solar panels, as well as energy consulting services to help bring clean, renewable energy solutions to Nigeria’s budding communities. Habiba also co-founded the Developmental Association for Renewable Energies (DARE) and is a member of the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air and the Nigerian Energy Network.

Ibijoke Faborode – Head of Agritech and Healthcare Advisory, West Africa with UK Department for International Trade. There, she leads on International trade facilitation and investment advisory between the UK and 6 principal West African markets. She is an astute professional, gender advocate and change-maker; with a decade of cross-geographical experience spanning various fields including Agribusiness consultancy, Policy Advisory, International Trade Facilitation, Investment Promotion, Pan-African Media Management and International Business Development. In 2017, she led the very first bi-lateral agri-focused dialogue between the UK and Nigeria in London, which attracted over 100 delegates from Nigeria including the Agric Minister, eight State Governors and multilateral bodies such as the Africa Development Bank in a bid to promote opportunities in Nigeria’s growing agric space. She also currently co-chairs the Women’s Network at the High Commission. Prior to this, she worked with The Africa Report, Groupe Jeune Africa: a Paris-based pan-African media group as Regional Business Development Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.Her passion for driving social change and touching lives led to the recent creation of The Social Change Network (TSCN), Africa – a non-partisan, non-profit civic engagement organization focused on promoting social change and inclusion across Africa.

Ife Durosinmi Etti – Author, Entrepreneur and young global leader with over 10 years of management and leadership experience working in the fashion, marketing and manufacturing industries. She holds a first degree in Biochemistry and an MBA in Global Business. Prior to moving back to Nigeria in 2012, she worked with Arcadia Group Plc, a British multinational retailing company headquartered in London and Aspire Acquisitions. She later joined Nigeria Breweries (Heineken Operating Company in Nigeria) as a Young African Talent (YAT) and transitioned to their Corporate Communications Department as Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Support Manager where she successfully managed various corporate social responsibility and sustainability projects.

Ifedayo is also an associate member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). With her passion for women and children, she launched Parliamo Bambini and Philos and Zoe, startups disrupting the baby and child industry through locally manufactured furniture and clothing for children with the aim of reducing poverty, empowering the youth and promoting access to quality education in Nigeria and Africa. She is also very passionate about women and youth contributing to national development, so she launched a platform called the AGS Tribe to democratise opportunities for entrepreneurs across Africa and the AGS Enterprise Challenge, to empower female entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship and training.

Ife Diary of a Naija Girl – Editor of Diary of a Naija Girl- a personal website that houses her contemplations on various issues including lifestyle and social commentary. She is also the Executive Director and founder of DANG Network- a revolutionary storytelling company that specialises in solid content creation and media production.

Read full list here https://m.guardian.ng/guardian-woman/leading-ladies-africa-nigerias-100-most-inspiring-women-in-2019-2/

In Interviews&profile March 25, 2019 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET OYEYIMIKA ADEBOYE, CADBURY NIGERIA PLC’S FIRST FEMALE MANAGING DIRECTOR IN 50 YEARS

Oyeyimika Adeboye has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, the first woman to clinch that position since its establishment over five decades ago.

The company made the announcement in corporate disclosure on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday.

Adeboye takes over from Amir Shamsi, who moves on to a new role within Mondelēz International, the parent company of Cadbury Nigeria.

Meet Oyeyimika Adeboye

Oyeyimika Adeboye is a chartered accountant, who joined the Board of the Company in November 2008, as Finance and Strategy Director, West Africa.

According to Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Adeboye’s appointment attests to the Company’s commitment to promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

Prior to joining Cadbury Nigeria, she was the Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Nigerian Bottling Company Plc.

She previously worked for the erstwhile Accounting and Tax Practice of Arthur Andersen & Co as well as the United Kingdom Accounting practice of Midgley Snelling & Co., Chartered Accountants.

“Adeboye has an impressive track record in finance, strategy and business administration both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” the company said.

She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria.

Adeboye has a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Economics and Social Studies from the University College Cardiff, Wales and executive management education certification from the Institute of Management Development (IMD), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Credit: pulse.ng

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