In Interviews&profile March 25, 2017 By Women of Rubies

“I AM INSPIRED BY PEOPLE LIVING WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE WHO FACE UNIMAGINABLE OBSTACLES TRYING TO SURVIVE” – BUKOLA BOLARINWA, FOUNDER- HAIMA HEALTH INITIATIVE

Nigeria records the highest incidences of the sickle cell gene and disease globally with 150,000 children born with SCD each year and 100, 000 of them die before they are 5, because of her personal experience with Sickle Cell and her passion to create greater awareness and support for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Bukola Bolarinwa joined her friend Nkechi Azinge as a partner to run Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) , a non-governmental organisation established to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and related health conditions. While Nkechi is the founder of the organisation, Bukola works in the capacity of the President . Because she knows how important blood is to health care delivery system in Nigeria, Bukola founded Haima Health Initiative, to support hospitals who struggle to find blood in a safe and timely way because of the absence ofblood donors. She shares her inspiring story and the work she is doing through HHI in this interview

Growing Up

I think my challenges as a child made me resilient. I always had a passion for human rights growing up and our motto in my Primary school was “thoughts for others”. This stuck with me and influenced my personality today.

Bukola Bolarinwa!

I am a lawyer, Advocate, president of the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) and founder of Haima Health Initiative. I joined SCAF in 2011 at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari where it was set up by my friend Nkechi Azinge. We both had personal experiences with Sickle Cell and wanted an avenue to create greater awareness and support for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Nkechi’s three siblings live with SCD and she knows first hand the emotional, physical, psychological and financial burden it places on families. She started SCAF to support those who do not have the kind of support her family does. I live with SCD and I have also been lucky to have an excellent support system of family and health care providers but I know this is not the case for majority of people in Nigeria. So we work together with an amazing team of staff and volunteers to carry out activities to raise awareness about SCD and aid those living with it.

Being a Lawyer

I have not stopped practicing per se, I definitely always see myself as a lawyer first and I am hoping to go back into it at a later date. For now I dedicate my time to SCAF and Haima because there are a number of projects we are working on which would be impossible to juggle with practising law full time.

Sickle Cell Aid Foundation(SCAF)

The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation is a youth led non-profit, non-governmental organisation established to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and related health conditions. Nigeria records the highest incidence of the sickle cell gene and disease globally with 150,000 children born with SCD each year and 100, 000 of them die before they are 5. This indicates that there is still a lot amiss regarding awareness and delivery of medical care to people who have SCD, especially the young and indigent.

In 2012, SCAF commenced the Know Your Genotype Campaign (KYGC) which involves carrying out free genotype tests, counselling and sensitisation in the F.C.T. We have so far carried out about 10,000 free genotype tests across 5 States in Nigeria and it remains the largest on-going campaign on sickle cell advocacy in Nigeria. Our activities have reached over 15,000 persons across Nigeria. In addition, SCAF runs the Sickle Cell Club Scheme (SCCS) to set up sickle cell clubs in secondary schools where we also carry out free genotype tests. Students found to have SCD were placed on free drugs and their tuition fees paid.

Haima Health Initiative(HHI)

I started Haima Health Initiative because our Sickle cell beneficiaries often need blood transfusions and would ask us to get them donors. Most hospitals does not have blood in stock or they require a replacement for the one they use. We started by calling our friends and families to donate at hospitals and as more people started heard about us, we decided to help as many people as possible get blood. Haima is the Latin word for blood and is the first of its kind in Nigeria. We have an online database which allows people to register as voluntary blood donors that can be called on in emergency situations. We currently have about 500 registered donors across 8 states in Nigeria who have donated over 300 pints of blood free of charge directly to patients. The goal is to increase the number of voluntary blood donors and create a culture of donation devoid of superstition especially amongst young persons.

What Inspires me

I am inspired by so many things and people. I am inspired firstly by my mother who has taught me patience and perseverance during adversity. I am inspired by Nkechi who is extremely focused and innovative at such a young age. But most of all, I am inspired by people living with SCD and other health conditions in Nigeria who face unimaginable obstacles trying to survive. Living in Nigeria is very stressful for able bodied persons, but living with a disease, disability or physical challenge is a hundred times worse. Inspite of these, we are often the most positive, ambitious and vibrant people you will come across!

My projects and Activities

We have recently published our school’s handbook on SCD which is a fun activity book for teenagers. We are working with the Ministry of Education to incorporate it into as many Government secondary schools as possible as an after school sickle cell club. We are doing this because sickle cell education has to start from a young age to ensure every child knows their genotype and to avoid discrimination. We aim to launch the book in June to mark World Sickle Cell Day and invite stakeholders to help fund this project.

In addition we are working to ensure hospitals have better access to blood using the Haima web and mobile service so that donors are constantly available. Nigeria has a young and largely healthy population and it is abysmal that health care providers are constantly short of blood. We hope to gain funding to embark on more marketing to register and inform more young people on the importance of voluntary, regular, non-renumerated blood donation.

Gratitude from Beneficiaries is my greatest reward

It has to be the gratitude of our beneficiaries who have become a community. A lot of Nigerians with conditions like SCD live in isolation and often do not tell even their closest famliy about their struggles because of fear of judgement or ridicule. When they reach out to us, they find comfort in speaking openly about their challenges and being able to assist them in any way I can is incredibly rewarding, In addition, I am receiving a Commonwealth Youth leader award from the Queen of England in June in recognition of my work and the accolade has been quite exciting.

Challenges

Gosh there are so many! Working in the non-profit sector is very challenging in Nigeria because there are always a lot more people in need of help than you can render. Funding is our primary challenge, as like most NGO’s, we run on donations from individuals and organisations. These are usually inconsistent and make it difficult to plan. We always have more projects than funds so we have to prioritise quite aggressively which can be frustrating.

Secondly, ignorance and misinformation are rife in Nigeria regarding SCD as well as most other health conditions. Often times people with SCD and their families have tried all forms of herbal, spiritual and religious interventions to their ailments before coming to us for help and this diminishes the effectiveness of their treatments. Trying to re-educate the public including health care providers on SCD is a constant challenge.

Finally, most Nigerians do not know their genotype or blood group. In fact I would say that 85% of the population have no idea what it is or are unsure. There is no way that an NGO like ours can work to correct this without the Government making SCD a priority. Implementing a new born screening program so that all babies born in hospitals are tested for their genotype during the immunisation programs has to be made a priority by the Government and we will keep advocating for this. It is regrettable that even though Nigeria has the highest rate of SCD and sickle cell trait in the world, it is not a health care priority allowing SCD to keep contributing a huge percentage to under 5 mortality.

I am a woman of rubies

I would say it is my ability to turn challenges into opportunities, not just for myself but for those around me!

Final word

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a card carrying feminist! Men and women are not the same but both sexes can achieve anything they set their minds to with passion and diligence. Unfortunately we still live in a very patriarchal society where a lot of the rules are determined by men, while women are marginalised socially and financially. However there has never been a greater time to be a woman anywhere in the world as things are improving slowly but surely. I would encourage women to always help each other up and not tear each other down, as we have obligations to further each other if we are to get ahead. I am hopeful that the future will open up even greater opportunities for women.

Kindly add any other information you want to publicise.

For more information on SCAF, our activities, how to volunteer and donate, please visit www.scaf.org.ng or follow us on our social media handles @scafnigeria

To register as a blood donor and save a life please visit www.haimahealth.org.ng

In Career Gems March 25, 2017 By Women of Rubies

STAR ACTRESS & TV PERSONALITY DAMILOLA LAUNCHES “PROJECT ALPHA WOMAN”

Superstar actress and TV personality Damilola Adegbite is reintroducing herself as an “Exercise to Music” instructor as she announces a fitness and wellness initiative for women.

The new initiative is called “Project Alpha Woman” and we love it.

To launch her new project, Damilola has shared some HOT new photos exclusively with BellaNaija showing off her banging body.

Watch Below:

In Interviews&profile March 24, 2017 By Women of Rubies

MEET SELLY RABY KANE: THE SENEGALESE FASHION DESIGNER RECRUITED BY IKEA FOR ITS 2019 FLAGSHIP COLLECTION

MEET SELLY Raby Kane, the Senegalese fashion designer who has been recruited by Swedish retail giant Ikea for its 2019 flagship collection. Selly, whose work has been featured in Vogue and on the back of Beyoncé will form part of a group of leading fashion designers, architects, and illustrators from across Africa who will come together to produce a historic range.

“The creative explosion which is taking place in several cities around Africa right now is something IKEA is curious about,” said Marcus Engman, Head of Design at IKEA. “We want to learn from this and spread it to the rest of the world.”

ENDORSEMENT: Beyonce Wears Senegalese Designer Selly Raby Kane’s signature Kimono and skirt

The project got off the ground through a chance meeting between Engman and Ravi Naidoo, founder of the creative hub Design Indaba, which holds an annual conference showcasing the best of African design.

The two men discussed an Africa range, and Naidoo supplied a list of talents from the Indaba alumni network, covering a range of disciplines from Rwandan architect Christian Benimana to Selly Raby Kane. The designers were invited to a brainstorming session in the woods of Almhult, Ikea’s headquarters in Sweden.

The first prototypes will be on display at the 22nd Design Indaba conference in Cape Town. The pieces will be in stores worldwide in 2019.

Source: Leadingladiesafrica

In Career Gems March 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

5 YEARS AFTER ! CYNTHIA OSOKOGU’S KILLERS BAG DEATH SENTENCE

A Lagos State High Court in Igbosere has sentenced to death Okwumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ezike who were charged with the murder of a postgraduate student of Nasarawa State University, Cynthia Osokogu.

The deceased was murdered by the convicts on July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Lake View Estate, Festac Town, Lagos.

In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Olabisi Akinlade found Nwabufo and Ezike guilty as charged by the state.

The judge held that the circumstantial evidence brought by the state in proof of the six counts of conspiracy, murder and stealing against the accused persons were cogent, complete, unequivocal and compelling.

A Lagos State High Court in Igbosere has sentenced to death Okwumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ezike who were charged with the murder of a postgraduate student of Nasarawa State University, Cynthia Osokogu.

The deceased was murdered by the convicts on July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel, Lake View Estate, Festac Town, Lagos.

In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Olabisi Akinlade found Nwabufo and Ezike guilty as charged by the state.

The judge held that the circumstantial evidence brought by the state in proof of the six counts of conspiracy, murder and stealing against the accused persons were cogent, complete, unequivocal and compelling.

In Career Gems March 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

“SHOULD I BE ASHAMED THAT I HAVE TWO CHILDREN FROM DIFFERENT DADS?” – TOYIN LAWANI CALL OUT HER CRITICS

A few days ago Bellanaija of entrepreneur Toyin Lawani’s new reality TV show “Tiannah’s Empire” and in the comment section, a reader made a comment implying she (Toyin) chose to become a baby mama instead of being a wife.

The proud mother of two didn’t find this comment amusing as she took to her Instagram to publicly address it saying:

?? People will never stop to amuse me! So I should be ashamed that I have two children from different dads????? Do you think any woman is happy having kids with different men??? So if one fails, you won’t try again???? Too many hypocrites in this gidi, losers needs to stop, hating me only makes me get better at my game, this shit don’t get to me, my PR will send them I will read and laugh my ass off, y’all should quit this fucking hate,I don’t care,i love my kids to the moon,Don’t expect me to come online & be telling you what went on in my relationships, it’s between two people & that’s where it should stay, not online for all you blood suckers, if you need to find out about my relationships or learn how to run various businesses, catch up on @tiannahsempirerealitytvshow✌ if you want your relationship to last in Nigeria, please don’t show any sign of it online,they will keep looking for a fault, ur matter won’t rest.

They don’t feed u & your kids, they just sit and judge your life allday, overlooking the impact you are making on various lives, and society. No one is perfect & you have flaws too.Do u think it’s easy for a single mom to raise two kids with International standards alone?? Can you feed 60mouths in a day??

You should throw the 1st stone if you don’t sin. Some people just know how to hide theirs better, i’m me, I don’t hide shit, love me or hate me, i’m still gonna wake up and hustle for my kids & if God wants me to have another baby again before my final surgery, I will do so again with no regrets and you lots can help me count the 3rd baby again, wahala igo lonpa ala’icewater,Go and focus on your own life and problems and leave me and my kids alone, this is why loads of stars don’t put their kids out there, but I’m not going to cover up my kids’ various talents, just because society got something to say, love me or hate me, I’m Still here & will keep working hard to reach my goals, it’s all a dream until you make it happen, joblessness makes people hate, if you are looking for a job, i’m hiring, atleast i give employments and better this country, but you sit behind a toy & waste your data on writing shit about people you can’t level with ?s

See the comment below

In Interviews&profile March 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#INTERVIEW: ”NEVER LET ANYONE MAKE YOU THINK YOU CAN’T BE SUCCESSFUL AS A WOMAN” -WISDOM TOYIN IGBAFEN, SOUL SINGER

Toyin Igbafen is a Soul singer and writer, and also an entrepreneur with interest in women fashion and catering. She has a BSc in Computer Science from Lead City University but decided to opt for music because it has always been her first love.

Childhood

I would say my childhood did prepare me, not like I knew, but the fact that my parents loved music a lot, My dad had all kinds of records from different artists and my mum sings and write songs. So yes growing up with so much music helped shape me into what I do now.

Meet Me

My name is Wisdom Toyin Igbafen, the first of 3 siblings, I studied computer science at Lead City Universty Ibadan. I’m an alternative soul singer/writer with very clear message. I released my first single ‘Beautiful’ in Dec 2015, then followed it up with ‘Mr John’ featuring Johnnydrille in August 2016 and then ‘MOVE’ a collaborative effort with Terry the Beat Prince.
I’m also an entrepreneur with interest in women fashion and catering.

Why I opted for music

Music had always been my first love, music comes to me naturally, so I would say Music choose me.

Inspiration

Like I said earlier, it had always been music, I would sing at every available opportunity and memorize every song I heard. But I was inspired to go into music professionally after I realized it’s the only thing that gets me extremely excited.

Other projects and activities

I’m an entrepreneur with interest in fashion and catering. I have a TV show coming up, that helps discover fresh talents and give them a platform to express themselves. I also have my concert coming up in June and an Extended Play (EP) coming out also in June.

Greatest reward

Personally my greatest reward has been the messages I receive from people about our my music had helped them in difficult times, help to inspire them and serve as a model for female singers to aspire to be the best in whatever genre of music they do.

Where I see myself in five years time

The international Stage. In five years I see myself with a global audience.

Nigerian female artistes I want to collaborate with

There are quite a couple of them, hmm Sinach, Ada, Jadiel, Asa, Shalom, Cill, etc.

On whether Nigerians appreciate female christian musicians enough

I feel they Nigerians love female Christian musicians, look at the likes of Sinach, Chioma Jesus, Jadiel, Ada Nathan, Shallom, Pastor Mercy…they are absolutely loved by Nigerians, so I would say they are appreciated a lot.

I Am A Woman Of Rubies

I’m bold, I stand for change, I am comfortable in my skin, I’m unique, I’m an entrepreneur and I know I am a Woman Of Rubies.

Final words for women all over the world

I will say, believe in yourself and your abilities, be bold, stand for change and never let anyone make you think you can’t be successful as a woman

In self development March 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY: THROWBACK PHOTOS OF ANNIE IDIBIA

Hello WORriors! Today is #ThrowBackThursday and we are throwing back these old photos of actress, Annie Idibia!

In self development March 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

DEBBIE LARRY-IZAMOJE: 2 IMPORTANT LESSONS FROM MY FRIEND’S EXPERIENCE

When we were younger Bisi was probably the prettiest in class. While we tried to deal with the zits that came with puberty, Bisi had gotten a hang of it and became our go to person for advice. She was full of wisdom. Her fashion sense, her poise and diction, how could one person have it all? I remember how guys of all ages tried to talk to her back then, and how she always shut them down before they could say anything.

We became even closer in university and decided that we needed to go for one of those ACS events, since we never went out much. It was a little get together and I remember this guy who seemed like he was 20 years older than us talking to Bisi all through the night.

According to him, he was on holiday in the UK and had somehow found himself in an event meant for just university undergraduates. To cut the long story short, I didn’t see my friend Bisi again that night.

I heard a loud knock on my door the next morning it was my friend Bisi “ahh Debbie, I’ve found the one o,” she said with so much excitement.

See, I had known this girl since I was 9 years old, I had seen guys jump fences and fight themselves to get her attention but she was never moved. As a friend, my first instinct was to ask questions and ensure that this guy was right for her; but for some reason I never asked any question, because over the years Bisi had proven to me that she was very wise in dealing with the opposite sex.

Days, weeks and months passed and my communication with my friend started fading out. I would send messages and her response was always “sorry I was busy.” We barely spoke. Our other friends complained that Bisi didn’t talk to them either, and it was because of this man she was now dating.

I remember scrolling through Instagram and seeing a picture of my supposed friend getting married, my heart skipped a beat. How was Bisi getting married and I had no idea? Was this why she had stopped coming to class? Were the rumours about her dropping out true? My phone didn’t stop ringing that day as our friends all had different reactions to what we had all seen on social media.

We never got answers till I ran into Bisi again 4 years later.

Bisi had married the wrong man. Dropped out of school to marry a violent man, a liar and a cheat. He had warned her to cut all her friends off as she had no business having single friends any more. She had willingly dropped out of school to bear kids for him, as he was getting older but even kids looked like a dream at this point. She had miscarried 3 times because of different instances – one which involved him pushing her down the stairs for not being active enough during her first pregnancy.

As Bisi spoke to me, I could feel my heart breaking, I cried. Who would have seen Bisi and known that she had endured all this?

I asked her how come she was doing so well now after everything she had endured. She said: “Debz, I turned my pain into a project, I knew that I had reached my lowest when I walked out of that marriage, but I also knew that I could only go up from there with the right mindset, I wanted to be able to fend for myself. It didn’t matter what decisions I had made to get here, I wanted to do the right thing moving forward”

Silence Your Giants
Bisi explained that when she decided to leave there were many thoughts that crossed her mind and even family members that told her she’ll never be anything as a divorcee. She said she had to work on her mind, because most times if you can fix your mind, you can fix your life. According to her there will days that you wouldn’t want to get out of bed, but you have to fix your mind on where you see yourself 10 years from now or even 5. After you have reached rock bottom, take time to mourn and keep moving. Don’t stay there. Be intentional about what project you want to turn your pain into and just do it.

Turn Your Pain Into Purpose
Bisi explained to me that sometimes your journey and experiences are lessons for other people. Do not be silent about them. We sometimes go through situations to raise a better generation. Do not let your pain overwhelm you. Focus on ensuring that your pain produces a better you. Whether it is working out again, speaking to people in the same situation and much more.

Sometimes we have to clear away the clutter so we can see what God has planned for us and when He shows you his plans, obey and turn it into a mission that can bless the next person.

“When something bad happens you have three choices. You can let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.” ~Unknown.

About Debbie Larry-Izamoje

Debbie Larry-Izamoje AKA The Entrepreneur’s Best-Friend, holds a BSc in Information management from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. And Msc in management from University College London (UCL). She has also secured certificates in user innovation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Innovation and strategy from Harvard University.
She is on a mission to raise a generation of young established or soon to be established professionals who are more vocal about business difficulties while providing solutions through public speaking, training, workshops and coaching.
She is the founder of Image Boosters a digital communications and strategy agency and the IBL platform a subsidiary of Image boosters limited which is an online business community for young established/soon to be established professionals to ask questions, share concerns and experiences and receive tailored counselling.

http://www.imageboostersng.com/debbieizamoje/
Twitter and Instagram: @dee_larry @imageboosters_
Email: contactus@imageboosters.com.ng

Source: Bellanaija

In Career Gems March 22, 2017 By Women of Rubies

STEPHANIE LINUS’ FOUNDATION CARRIES OUT 35 REPAIRS OF VVF PATIENTS IN KEBBI STATE

The Extended Hands Foundation, a non-governmental organization with sponsorship from NNPC/SNEPCo has completed the successful repair of 35 Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Kebbi State. The pool effort took place at the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development VVF Center in Gesse, Birin-Kebbi and received the co-operation of the Kebbi State Government.

Led by the founder Stephanie Linus, the Extended Hands Foundation team was received by the Governor of the state Dr Abubakar Bagudu and the First Lady Dr Zainab Bagudu. They both paid visits to the women at the VVF Center, showing their support for the cause.

All the repairs have been completed successfully and the women are recovering well.

Stephanie Linus, who spent some time with the women at the VVF Center during the course of the exercise, expressed her appreciation to the sponsors of the pool effort – NNPC/SNEPCo for investing in this cause. She also added that this was the second time the foundation was carrying out such an exercise in Kebbi state.

The team of medical staff was led by Dr Sa’ad Idris, a seasoned VVF Surgeon and former Commissioner for Health in Zamfara State with over 20 years experience in the field. He was assisted by Dr Abubakar Bawa, and other doctors and nurses at the VVF Center.

Against the backdrop of her Child Bride and Fistula advocacy movie, DRY, Stephanie Linus has been taking the message of restoration and hope to real women suffering from VVF. This pool effort goes a long way to show that DRY is more than just a movie, but a tool for touching the lives of women actually living with this condition.

In Career Gems March 22, 2017 By Women of Rubies

FIRST CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE IN NIGERIA LAUNCHED.

The Cece Yara foundation, Nigeria’s flagship advocacy organization in line with its aim and vision to effectively tackle the menace of child sexual abuse is set to open the doors of its ultra-modern relief and support centre in Lagos.

In recent times research has shown that the incidence of child sexual abuse in Nigeria is growing exponentially, statistics precisely state that one in four girls and one in ten boys experienced sexual violence before 18. As a response to these alarming figures, the establishment of the Cece Yara foundation has been a major breakthrough in the fight against child exploitation and sexual abuse. The Cece Yara foundation believes that childhood should be a phase of purity and complete innocence, a period when the character of an individual is formed. The phrase ‘Cece Yara’ means ‘Save the child’ in Hausa language.

The founder, Mrs. Bola Tinubu a lawyer and a staunch advocate for children believes that the future of every child, regardless of gender, race or social background, should be preserved. She is undauntedly ready to take on the fight against sexual abuse amongst children thus her drive and motivation for establishing and running the NGO.

The Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre provides a warm, safe and friendly shelter where survivors will be comfortable enough to rise above whatever experience they have been through. Having taken into cognizance the major problems which could arise from child sexual abuse, the centre is equipped with state of the art facilities tailored to assist the psychological and physical healing process of the survivor with a fully operational 24 hour hotline ready to cater to those in distress.

The foundation strives to put in place programs and campaigns aimed at preventing child sexual abuse, raising awareness on the issue and also giving the children a voice and a support system. The activities and successes of this organization are laudable and truly encouraging. One of the foundation’s recent accomplishments was getting justice for a 6 year old girl who was sexually violated by an adult male. The accused was detained and charged to court in October 2016. On the 16th of February 2017, the Cece Yara foundation claimed justice for the victim and the accused was sentenced to seven years imprisonment without the option of fine.

The Cece Yara foundation played a pivotal role in bringing the sex offender to book while providing legal support and psychological healing to the ‘survivor’ and her parents, through its Victim Advocacy Program. The victory serves as a deterrent to perpetuators of child sexual abuse in the country and a source of succour to survivors and their families

The centre will be opened officially to the public on the 19th of March 2017.

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