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#PROFILE| MEET DIVINE NDHLUKULA, FOUNDER OF THE FIRST SECURITY PROVIDER COMPANY TO BE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ISO

Divine Ndhlukula is a Zimbabwean businesswoman and farmer who was born on February 5, 1960 in Gutu, Zimbabwe. She has gained wide recognition for her entrepreneurial skills, having built an over 4,000 strong employee base from the humble beginning of her garage. She has an MBA in Business Administration from Midlands State University and another MBA in Business Administration also, from Women’s University in Africa, in recognition of her effort in business leadership and efforts on gender equality.

 

She started SECURICO, a security company, in Dec 1998 right in the cottage of her small home in Harare with 4 employees, after she realized that there is a gap in the market for a service and quality oriented security services provider. SECURICO is the Zimbabwean manned security company to be certified to the internationally acclaimed ISO9001:2008 Quality Management System. SECURICO is also the largest employer of women in Zimbabwe – currently 900 outside government. It is one of Zimbabwe’s largest security companies. The Harare-based outfit is a market leader in the provision of bespoke guarding services and cutting-edge electronic security solutions.

She is also the Managing Director of DDNS Security Operations (Pvt) Ltd. This is the holding company for SECURICO SECURITY SERVICES; Canine Dog Services and MULTI-LINK P/L, an electronic security systems company.

In an interview with a Zimbabwean newspaper she said,

I thought there was a gap in the industry. Companies that were there were not living up to the needs of the clients. The industry was renowned for wild cat strikes and guards generally were perceived as the lowly-paid in any sector. I wanted to change the perceptions and create a niche in which people could carve out a career and I knew I needed to go in with a different approach and that approach was going to make the difference , the people had to be key or central feature of the vision.

Some of her awards and recognitions includes, Empretec Entrepreneur of the Year 2001 and Empretec Entrepreneur of Decade (Services Sector) 2002, Manager of the year 2005 for Zim Institute of Management, Celebrate a Sister Business award 2006, Institute of Directors Zimbabwe Director of the Year (SMEs) 2008, Institute of Directors Overral Director of Year(Run Up) 2009, Zimbabwe Women Filmmakers/UNifem Business Award 2010, National Quality Awards Company of the Year 2011, Zimbabwe’s 7th Best Employers 2010 and 7th Best Employer again for 2011, Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship 2011 Grand Prize run by Legatum and Omidyar, among others.

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#PROFILE | 9 FEMALE FILMMAKERS CHANGING THE FACE OF NOLLYWOOD

Nollywood is wearing a new feminine look and we are loving it! These awesome breed of female filmmakers are giving life to the Nigerian film industry and pushing film beyond its limits. We call them the table turners! They inspire us and we can’t help but celebrate them.

  1. Tope Oshin Ogun

She is a foremost filmmaker who prides herself as an Amaka’s kin. She kicked off her career as an actor and now sits as one of the most highly regarded and influential female directors in Nollywood. Her most respected works include box office record breaking movie Fifty, Journey to Self, Till Death Do Us Part, Hope and popular TV series such as Tinsel and Hotel Majestic. She is indeed giving the male folks a run for their money.

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  1. Kemi Adetiba

Kemi is Nollywood’s latest superwoman! She made a ground breaking entrance into the film industry by directing 2016’s most watched and talked about romantic comedy, The Wedding Party. She is popularly known for her award winning directorial skills in music videos. She is a fierce visionary and we can’t wait to see what’s next up her sleeves.

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  1. Blessing Effiom Egbe

Blessing is successfully carving a name for herself as one whose films we can always anticipate. She is a model turned actress, award winning producer and CEO of B’Concept Network Production. Some of her film releases include Two Brides and a Baby, One Room, This Thing Called Love, Iquo’s Journal, popular series Lekki Wives and much anticipated The Women.

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  1. Stephanie Linus

Stephanie is more than just the looks. The model-turned-actress and producer has carved a spot for herself as one of the most inspiring filmmakers in Nollywood. In 2015, she got film lovers and critics gushing about her self-directed movie, Dry, where she strongly kicked against the societal abuse of the girl-child. The movie won her commendations from international film bodies as well as global awards.

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  1. Omoni Oboli

Omoni makes us keep wanting more. When it comes to acting and directing, she makes the best of both worlds. She made her directorial debut with her 2014 movie, Being Mrs Elliot, which won her ELOY Awards’ Big Screen Actress of the year. Since then, there’s been no looking back. Her most recent film exploits include Wives on Strike, The First Lady and Okafor’s Law.

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  1. Michelle Bello

She has had her feet in TV and music productions. Her first self-produced and directed 2007 feature film Small Boy got two nominations at the American Black Film Festival and two awards at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Her second 2013 feature film Flower Girl won the ‘Best African Film’ at the 2013 Black International Film Festival and ‘Favourite New Nollywood Film’ at the UK Screen Nation Film and Television Awards 2014. It also earned her the ‘trailblazer’ award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

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  1. Funke Akindele Bello

She is definitely one of Nollywood’s favourite female producers. In 1998, she made her acting debut in United Nations’ Sponsored TV Series I Need to Know. By 2009, she got her major industry break through the production of her award winning highly hilarious movie Jenifa. At present, she writes, co-directs and produces Jenifa’s Diary, a TV series and sequel to Jenifa, which is enjoying massive audience view in and outside the country.

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  1. Mildred Okwo

She is a foremost film producer and critic. She has made quite a stay for herself in the industry and has become known for her excellently creative way of telling the typical Nigerian story through film. She serves as a member of the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee. Her directorial exploits include multiple award winning romantic-comedy film, The Meeting and the recently released film Surul’ere.

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  1. Mary Remmy Njoku

The actress turned filmmaker took Nollywood by a bang in 2016 with the twin launch of her Film Studio, Rok, and SKY TV Channel, Rok on Sky. The Channel which prides itself as airing ‘awesome originals’ aims to promote African story contents to the world. The studio’s popular productions include TV series such as Husbands of Lagos, Bloodline and Single Ladies. She is definitely set to take Nollywood places.

Source: LeadingLadies Africa

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NIGERIAN BORN AYOBAMI ADEBAYO HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2017 BAILEYS WOMEN’S PRIZE

A Nigerian writer, Ayobami Adebayo has been listed as one of the 16 finalists of the 2017 Baileys Women’s Prize for fiction writers.

The Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction is one of United Kingdom’s most prestigious literary prizes, annually awarded to a female author of any nationality for the best original full-length novel written in English, and published in the United Kingdom.

This year, out of 189 submissions, 16 books were longlisted with Ayòbámi Adebayo as one of the three debut writers in the list.

Adébáyò is also the only West African nominated, for her book, ‘Stay With Me,’ which is a devastating story of love and motherhood in Nigeria.

Delighted at the news, Ayobami tweeted,

“I’m so STUNNED and HONOURED to be in such wonderful company! I snoozed the alarm for about two hours this morning and woke up to the news. I might snooze the alarm FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.”

The Baileys prize has been won in the past by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in 2007.

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UN ANNOUNCES NEW APPROACH TO TACKLE SEXUAL ABUSE

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the UN will not be associated with the vile and vicious crimes of rape, sexual violence, exploitation and abuse in any way.

Guterres stated this in the Secretary-General’s report, ‘Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: A new approach’, outlined a victim-centred strategy that is rooted in transparency, accountability and ensuring justice.

The Secretary-General’s report particularly focused on preventing and responding to such abuses committed by those serving under the UN flag, like the peacekeeping personnel.
“Such acts of cruelty should never take place. Certainly no person serving with the United Nations in any capacity should be associated with such vile and vicious crimes.
“Let us declare in one voice: We will not tolerate anyone committing or condoning sexual exploitation and abuse. We will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the UN flag,” he said.

Guterres said that promoting gender equality throughout the UN system, including its missions and peacekeeping forces, would help advance parity and at the same time decrease incidents of abuse.

“Let us do so in the name of all who look to the UN for life-saving protection and support – and on behalf of the tens of thousands of UN personnel around the world who deliver that assistance with courage and commitment to the highest ideals,” he stressed.

He noted that exploitation is also deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination.

The report focused is based on four tracks, including the rights and dignity of victims;and ending impunity for those guilty of crimes and abuses.

Others are drawing on the wisdom and guidance of all those who have been affected, civil society, local communities and others to strengthen and improve UN’s efforts; and to raise awareness and share best practices to end the vicious scourge.

The report also emphasised the need to engage with UN member states and called for a high-level meeting on sexual exploitation and abuses in 2017 on the margins of the general debate of the 72nd session of the General Assembly.

The report further noted that the UN chief would seek member states’ support to establish a system-wide consolidated confidential repository of case information to be placed under the supervision of the Special Coordinator on Improving UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

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ALL THE WOMEN WHO WON AT THE AMVCA 2017

This year’s  African Magic Viewers Choice Awards took place last week Saturday and below are the outstanding women who went home with awards!

MEG OTANWA
She won the best actress in a drama (Hush)

SOMKELE IDHALAMA
She won the trailblazer award.

 

DEBORAH ANUNGWA
She won the best actress in a comedy (Hustle)

 

 

EBELE OKARO ONYUIKE
She won the best supporting actress

 

FUNKE AKINDELE-BELLO
She won two awards. The best actress in a comedy and the best TV show (Jenifa’s Diary)

 

RITA DOMINIC
She won the best actress in a drama.

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CIARA LOOKS POWERFUL AS SHE POSES FOR HARPER’S BAZAAR

Ciara has released new maternity photos for an interview in Harper’s Bazaar and they are HOT! Harper’s Bazaar magazine describes Ciara as “more powerful than ever”.

The soon-to-be mum talks about her growth in the music industry, growing up tough, her pregnancy, the importance of women supporting other women.

See excerpts below.

On Russell Wilson supporting her: If someone’s not supporting you and your vision and your dreams —whether it’s your relationship partner, your friend, whomever, then you’ve got to make sure to keep it moving. If people aren’t lifting you up, even if you’re the strongest person in the world, eventually it does chip away at you. You don’t even realize that you’re losing yourself. And that’s the scariest place to be in life… I don’t want to lose myself. I love myself too much. I love life too much.

On growing up tough: Before, tough was kind of like, if something happened that was wrong, I’d just keep moving. It was a bit of a challenge, you would build friendships, and then you’d have to say goodbye. I do think part of that made me kind of tough. Emotionally tough. The truth of it is, it helped me with being able to accept cutting things off… Which I think is a good thing; maybe it could be a bad thing, because it can make you cold in that way.

On baby Future’s reaction to her pregnancy: He’ll randomly pull my shirt up and be like, ‘I want to see the baby.’ ‘Hello, baby. How you doing, baby? I love you, baby. Okay, talk to you later, baby. Bye, bye.’ Then he’ll kiss me on my belly and put my shirt back down.

On women supporting other women: There’s this unspoken word: love. When you meet successful powerful women, you show each other love, because it is a tough environment.

On being all about family right now: I’m just super excited about this time in my life. Like, Oh my gosh, I can see my son running around, and soon it’s going to be two of these creatures running around! Our hands will be full of non-stop action.

Read more here.

Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar

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CELEBRATING NIKE AKANDE, FIRST NIGERIAN WOMAN TO BECOME MINISTER OF INDUSTRY

Dr. Onikepo Olufunmike Akande, OON was a director of both the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria, (NICON), and Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NIDB),now Nigeria Bank of Industry.

Dr. Akande is an accomplished Management and Business Consultant as well as a successful industrialist and seasoned administrator and Accountant by training. Dr. Akande was the first woman honourable minister of industry in the Federal Government of Nigeria in December, 1997. She … has been a Director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc., since February 06, 2012.

Dr. Akande served as a Director of Union Bank of Nigeria plc from April 4, 2008 to December 31, 2011. Chief Mrs. Akande served as a Director of Union Bank. In 2003, the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) was bestowed on her in recognition of her outstanding virtues and services to the country.

Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Onikepo Nike Akande is the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and honorary life Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

She Studied at University Tutorial College London and also Studied Accountancy from University of North London from 1965 to 1968. She also attended Postgraduate programme from Harvard Business School Boston USA, management courses from Oxford University United Kingdom and management courses from Institute for Management Development in Lausanne Switzerland

She is married with children to Chief Adebayo Akande

 

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5 FACTS ABOUT THE VAGINA THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Most women feel that they know their body and how it works. There are some facts however that may be lost on most about the vagina.

1. The vagina has a pH level. A healthy pH level is between 3.5 and 4.5. There are many outside factors that can change the pH level. When outside factors such as blood, semen, lubricant, or bacterial vaginosis are introduced, the pH level drops, making it become more acidic. The pH drops naturally when ovulation is happening  so that a few “little swimmers” will be able to reach the egg for fertilization.

2.  The vagina relies on good bacteria to keep things in check. The bacteria Lactoballicus is a good bacteria that is found in foods such as yogurt with live cultures. This bacteria will help to fight off infection and keep things running smoothly.

3. The vagina is made up of muscle. These muscles must be strong to withstand intercourse and childbirth. After surgeries such a hysterectomy, age, and childbirth, the muscles are not as strong as they used to be. Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscle again. This exercise is done by clenching the muscles as if you were trying to stop a flow of urine. The best part is that you can do these exercises any time of the day.

4. There is a production of mucus that some confuse with an infection. Right around ovulation, the mucus becomes thicker to accommodate sperm. It can have the appearance of some type of infection, and if you are not sure, see a doctor.

5. It comes in all shapes and sizes. The plastic surgery business is booming, and some people will have almost anything tucked if they think it doesn’t look right, including the vagina or other parts around it.

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