womenofrubies Archives

In Career Gems February 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

SERAH MAKKA APPOINTED AS ONE CAMPAIGN’S COUNTRY DIRECTOR

ONE Campaign has appointed Serah Makka as its Nigeria Country Director.

The ONE Campaign is an international, nonpartisan, non-profit, advocacy and campaigning organization that fights extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa, by raising public awareness and pressuring political leaders to support policies and programs that are saving lives and improving futures.

Serah is a development professional who is passionate about social equity and justice.

She began her career with the Fate Foundation USA, supporting the first Nigerian non-profit organization focused on entrepreneurship training to create employment.

Following that, she worked as a strategy and evaluation consultant with Boston-based FSG Social Impact Advisors where among many things created an expansion strategy for a global microfinance organization, enabling a merger between two health-related nonprofits.

In 2006, Serah’s passion for social justice and girls’ empowerment led her to an assignment to teach girls English in Kabul, Afghanistan. Upon returning to Nigeria, Serah worked at the Tony Elumelu Foundation providing technical support to the Office of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

After that role, Sera worked as Policy and Innovation Manager with Enhancing Financial Access and Innovation (EFInA), a DFID and Gates Foundation funded Nigerian nonprofit focused on deepening financial inclusion among the low-income population in Nigeria.

Serah holds a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and a BA in Economics and International Studies from the University of North Florida, graduating summa cum laude.

She was nominated by the Young People in International Affairs as one of the top 35 Under 35 Young African Leaders in International Affairs.

She is currently a Trainer at the Africa Institute for Public Policy based in Nigeria. Serah is a gastronome and nature-lover who believes there is nothing a good book and a cup of tea cannot soothe. Please join me in welcoming Sera to ONE.

Serah will take over from Edwin Ikhouria who had served the organisation for three years and is leaving to pursue other career interests.

During his time with ONE, Edwin led the Nigeria campaign efforts that included Do Agric, It Pays, Poverty is Sexist 1.0, Global goals, and the current Make Naija Stronger campaign.

“He has served in this role with utmost dedication and has helped establish a constant and formidable presence for ONE in Nigeria amongst other achievements. Edwin will be with us until end of February 28th to enable a smooth transition.

We will miss him as he has been a true force of nature, as he leaves the campaign, he will stay close to the ONE team as part of our valued alumni of Nigeria advisors. Please join me in thanking Edwin for his incredible to the work of ONE in Nigeria and global,” a statement by Nachilala Nkombo, the interim Executive Director of ONE Africa said.

In Career Gems February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

40 WOMEN DIE OF BREAST CANCER DAILY IN NIGERIA

The Executive Director, Ovie Brume Foundation, Adeola Awogbemi, has said that 40 women die of breast cancer each day.

Awogbemi stated this during a walk organised by the organisation for pupils as part of activities to mark the World Cancer Day 2017 in Yaba, Lagos.

According to her, cancer constitutes a major challenge to development, undermines social and economic advances throughout the world, hence the need to raise awareness on the disease, which is rapidly becoming a global pandemic.

To reduce the number of women dying of breast cancer and to ensure that the disease is detected early, Awogbemi advised that preventive measures should start from childhood.

She said, “We feel strongly the need to educate people about the pandemic and stem the tide by making information available to people.

“It is not the cancer that is really killing them but late detection. Most people are in denial, so they fast and pray for it to go instead of treating it. If you detect it early, you can still treat it and survive it.

“When it comes to preventing cancer, it is wise to educate the young ones. Perhaps if they start preaching this gospel, if they start creating awareness in their schools and communities too, people will become aware.”

Also at the event, the Country Occupational Health Coordinator at Lafarge Africa Plc, Okoronkwo Chimobi, said that cancer had become a social problem.

According to her, Nigerians should be worried about the alarming increase in the number of women that have been diagnosed with the disease.

She said, “A woman is like the foundation of the family. She’s a wife, sister and mother and once cancer takes her out of the equation, the whole pyramid suffers. Most men who lose their wives to breast cancer find it hard to pick up the pieces of their broken lives.

“Awareness is crucial, if we want to prevent these deaths. If you educate a girl, she will pass on the knowledge to her mother and the community. There is a vaccine against cervical cancer. It should be given to young girls who have not been initiated to sexual intercourse. We need to vaccinate these children and tell them that if they delay in having sexual intercourse it can protect them from this disease. ”

Source: Punch

In self development February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

GLORY EDOZIEN : HOW TO MAKE A NIGERIAN MAN HAPPY

So before I proceed with the usual banter that accompanies my vlogs, I guess I should say two things. The first is, Happy Valentine’s Day! May love always be in your life!

The second is a bit of a confession. Although this is a love/relationship styled vlog, I actually recorded it MONTHS ago but for some reason never released. And given we are smack bang in the season of love, it seemed appropriate to do so now.

This video is actually a sequel to an earlier vlog “How to make a Nigerian woman Happy” which you can watch here (link- https://youtu.be/WmFbOzo9snI). To create this video, I called quite a number of male friends and I was surprised by how simple and quite frankly ‘basic’ they claimed their requirements for happiness were.

As you watch this video, remember that every relationship is different because the people who make up these relationships, differ in backgrounds, character and many other things, so it is important to first understand your partner. It also always helpful to actually have an upfront conversation- ask him or her- what makes you happy? How can we both make our relationship, marriage or friendship a happy one?

So do you think you make your man happy? Please feel free to share some tips and tricks in the comments section or email me on glory@inspiredbyglory.com and if you haven’t done so already, please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel @inspiredbyglory. Catch ya later!

Thank you!

See you next week!

In Interviews&profile February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE |MEET FUNKE OPEKE , FOUNDER OF MAIN STREET TECHNOLOGIES & CEO OF MAINONE CABLE

Funke Opeke is the founder of Main Street Technologies and CEO of Mainone Cable, a communications services company. She attended Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, followed by a Masters degree at Columbia University in Electrical Engineering.After which she pursued a career in ICT in the United States. She was once the Executive Director of the Wholesale division of Verizon Communications in New York.

She returned home, Nigeria, to tackle ICT problems starting with an attempt to revitalize Nitel, which at that time was Nigeria’s incumbent fixed and mobile operator. The attempt didn’t yield much except birthing the idea to create a cable company when she saw the absence of submarine cables.

After pledging all her savings, facing more challenges of raising capital for the start up cable business, carrying out in-depth foundational works, feasibility studies, business plans and technical plans, Main One Cable Company become more tangible. Although the company at that time was to be built over a 2-year period, from inception to launch, with a total investment of US$240 million, Funmi Opeke had to seek investors, both global and local, to help make the dream a reality.

One of the things that kept her going in the midst of challenges was her determination to keep moving forward with the idea. There was no going back for her. So she became relentless in engaging more persons who could help fill the financing needs that the company needed. Often times, Funke came across persons who doubted the success of such a business in Nigeria but she didn’t let that stop her. She was never bothered about the glaring truth that she was a woman in a business path that was dominated by men. She kept her focus and ran with her dreams.

Today, Main One cable has succeeded in signing over 100 customers across Africa. The cable company has landing points in Portugal, Ghana and Nigeria and branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Funke Opeke believes that if everyone can think about how they can utilize the opportunities and the assets that they have to generate value then they would be successful in any business.

Source: Woman.ng

In Career Gems February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

“ I STARTED SELLING PAPERS AT 9, TWELVE SCHOOLGIRL WHO HAS BEEN SELLING PAPERS TO PAY HER SCHOOL FEES

Vicky, who said she started selling newspapers when she was nine years old and in Junior Secondary, JSS III in WAPI, disclosed that she made on the average N500 and N600 proceeds daily from the venture.

“I also gave the regular (daily) for N50.00 and sports newspaper for N20.00 to those who came here to read and return the paper and still sold the paper to those who wanted to buy,” she said.

She said her school runs two sessions and she attends the afternoon session, which affords her time to sell newspapers in the morning before leaving for school.

Gov Ayade used to buy papers from me: “Many prominent people live in this area, commissioners, House of Assembly members, judges, businessmen and even the present governor of our state before he became governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, used to buy papers from me,” she further said.

When there’s breaking news…“If there is a breaking news, before I get here, people are waiting for me, but some days, especially during the rainy season, because of the bad roads, papers arrive here late, except during weekends whether bad road or no bad road, the van drivers do manage to get here on time since the papers are produced early,” she said.

What I used my money for: What does she use the money for or does she hand it to her parents? “No,” the fair-skinned girl retorted, adding that she used the money to meet her needs in school and pay her fees, except when there was urgent need at home and her parents had no money, then she could help out.

Her words: “I use the money to meet my school needs, but sometimes, I help at home when my parents ask me to, may be they have no immediate cash at that time.” She said she was yet to decide if she would continue being a vendor after her education, but for now, the business was quite lucrative.

Source : Vanguard

In self development February 15, 2017 By Women of Rubies

NIKE ADEDOKUN : DEAR WOMAN, YOU DESERVE MORE….

Ladies, you have been praying about your new relationship. You even chose to pray when he started misbehaving.

You asked God to show you signs if you should marry him or not.

Suddenly, his mild bad attitudes became worse. He even maltreat and abuse you more. He doesn’t respect you and doesn’t bother about your welfare.

You have been asking him what went wrong and he says nothing or talks down on you.

You have been fasting and praying more for greater signs and wonders and after every prayer, his attitudes become worse.

What else do you want?

Greater miracles? Unseen signs and wonders?

The problem is not that you can’t see the signs, you just expect a change because you’re deep in love. You are obsessed.

The love is not the problem, he is not the issue too, you just haven’t discovered who you are what you want and what you deserve.

You even think you don’t deserve better. You are so used to being abused and you have embraced it more. You keep projecting your insecurities but you think you are just a slaying Queen.

Take a look at your past and your present. Observe the patterns, notice the emotional instability and ask yourself questions that can preserve your future.

Don’t get carried away by the internet and it’s societal pressure of what a woman is.

Don’t read fashion magazines alone, read quality books too.

Your life is more than what you see now. You are a treasure waiting to be found.

Pause and seek within. You deserve more.

Don’t limit yourself to the experiences you have had with friends and men while growing up.
You need to sort out your issues and inner demon before it consumes you.

I know what it feels like to be insecure and have low self-esteem. It’s not a good pace to be. I know what it means to seek for validation from men and relationships but that’s not what you need yet. Let God fill your heart and give you a sense of purpose and essence. Work on your values and what you project. Talk to someone if it’s not doable by you.

Enough of nudity, promiscuity, abusive relationships and purposeless life.

It’s time for you to evolve.

We can connect on: adenikeadedokun@gmail.com if you need to talk about it.

In self development February 15, 2017 By Women of Rubies

OPE TAIWO :4 MORNING ROUTINES THAT PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS

The beautiful things about morning is that they largely determine the rest part of the day. To keep that get-fit momentum going all day long, start your day off right with these morning habits that will motivate you even more.

GET SOME SUN

Basking in the sun’s rays can help you drop pounds. Why? Morning light helps regulate your internal clock, which aids your sleep schedule (crucial for weight loss). Morning sunshine also contains higher levels of blue light, which has the strongest effect on your circadian rhythm. You only need 20-30 minutes of morning sunlight between 8 a.m. and noon to get in on these benefits!

GET IN A MINDFUL MOOD

Mindfulness is a key strategy when it comes to weight loss. It’s all about taking a focused, intentional approach to your life by really tuning in to your body and mind. Even better, it can stabilize your emotions, potentially making you less likely to give into stress-based eating. Take a few minutes at the start of each day to sit quietly and focus on the rhythm of your breath.

CHANGE UP YOUR COMMUTE

Driving to work is easy, but it may not be best for your waistline. A study published in the journal BMJ shows that people who walk, bike, and take public transportation have lower BMIs and body-fat percentages than those who depended on their cars to get to work. Even walking to the closest bus stop or train station can be beneficial.

GO HIGH-PROTEIN

While the jury’s still out on whether breakfast is essential for weight loss, a healthy dose of protein in the morning looks like it can help you drop pounds. Protein takes a long time to digest and pushes your body to secrete the gut hormone Peptide YY, which helps increase feelings of fullness.

Photocredit : kokofeed.com

In lifestyle February 14, 2017 By Women of Rubies

ARIYIKE WEEKLY : WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL VAL’S DAY PRESENT FOR YOUR BELOVED?

Last week, Ariyike listed out the things NOT to give your boo on Val’s day and she promised to be back this week to tell us some gift ideas for Valentine’s day. Watch this hilarious episode of Ariyike weekly as she gives us gift ideas for Valentine’s day.

Join the conversation and tell us what you want for Val’s day and your ideal Val’s day Present for your beloved.

In Career Gems February 14, 2017 By Women of Rubies

WOMANESS SKINFOOD LINE PRELAUNCH “VAL” GIVEAWAY

Omaness Skinfood is an African-inspired beauty brand that offers a range of exquisitely natural skin and hair products. The products are handcrafted with a hero indigenous ingredient of shea butter and other naturally derived active ingredients locally sourced from Nigeria and other African communities

Omaness Skinfood combines the wealth of Africa’s natural oils, simple century-long skincare tradition and modern technology to create products that deliver on value and result.

The products are great for variety of skin and hair types.

From sustainably sourcing active indigenous ingredients from artisan producers to local production and community empowerment, Omaness Skinfood is building a truly African brand that fosters beauty, wellness and livelihood.

This month, Omaness Skinfood is celebrating its prelaunch with a giveaway of mini sized products to 50people.

Body Butter Soufflé
Creamy Body Scrub
Moisturizing Body & Hair Oil

Follow the steps in the AD to win

In self development February 14, 2017 By Women of Rubies

TALE ALIMI : 6 YEARS TO BECOMING….

I grew up in a nice middle class home.

Growing up in a middle class family had its pros and cons.

The pros were:

We had just enough to eat
We had just enough clothes to wear
We had a roof over our head
We had a good enough school to attend
We lived in a secure enough environment

In a country where over 70% of people live below one dollar a day, having those five things made you privileged!

I remember being driven around in my Dad’s staff car(official car in the military) and looking out of the window at the crowd in Oshodi(a busy area in Lagos) which was not so far from our home in Airforce base Ikeja and wondering why people had to go through so much stress to make a living….

Little did I know that some years later I would join that crowd as I made my way in life…

Which leads me to the cons:

A false sense of security that made you want to stay safe and remain there forever.
A fear of dreaming big and wanting more; you were already in the top 30% so what more could you want?
Just enough became good enough!

One day I got fed up and told my sister that this was the curse of the middle class; just enough to keep you going, but never more than enough to give you the best life had to offer…

I wanted more!

My journey to searching for more led me through mountains, valleys, heart breaks and breakthroughs which mainly started to come when I developed a relationship with God and found my purpose.

6 years ago after a pseudo recovery from another heartache that life threw my way, I decided I was going to write a book!

For me, writing has always being therapeutic and the book was going to empower people to live their best lives and find their purpose.

5 years ago, I wrote a book with and about Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye in what was supposed to be a series titled ‘The Empowering women series’. It was a great adventure, but distribution and awareness creation was a herculean task as social media had not opened up as it has now.

I shelved the series and kept on living my life and doing my work…..

I knew I was going to write again. About what, I did not know.

As my work as a business coach progressed, I thought it was logical that I wrote a book about how to grow a successful business. However, I began to remember how I felt all those years when I said to myself; there has to be more!

I started remembering the questions I was asked by several people about how to find their work that they could make into a profitable passion. It became clear to me that people were looking to find their niche.

I kept that in mind as something I would possibly write about to give people a practical guide to find their niche and turn it into a profitable passion.

However, I did not have a book title…..

Last year April, I began to feel restless, I had that same nagging feeling in my heart that there must be more, I realized once again that I was not living to my fullest potential.

I was letting fear rule again, the curse of the middle class was haunting me again…just enough was becoming good enough!

I took some time off to think, strategize and pray and one day, I woke up with a word in my heart; UPLEVEL!

I had never searched for that word before so I was curious. According to the urban dictionary, Uplevel means to grow in areas you have been previously stagnant.

I knew it was my word! I knew I had found my call to action! Most importantly, I had found my book title.

The other day, someone called me the Uplevel queen. I smiled because I realize one word has really made such a significant impact on my life and it is time for me to share it with the world.

The book is titled “Uplevel-find your niche, share your story, build your tribe and profit from your passion”.

My goal through the book is to take you on a journey to uplevel. I provide both inspiration and practical exercises that will guide you to find your niche, teach you how to craft a compelling story, show you how to build a tribe of raving fans and customers and then guide you to profit from you passion as you serve the world at your highest potential.

Uplevel is a call for you to raise your standards, to awaken that part of you that ‘life happened’ has shut down. It is also a practical guide to show you how to do this.

The book is slated to be officially available on the 6^th of March 2017, however we have opened it for pre-orders for the next two weeks (13^th to 28^th of March) for people who want to enjoy the special privilege of getting it first at a discounted price and also get some special bonuses with it.

I will be doing free and exclusive uplevel book workshops in various cities in Nigeria. Our first workshop is slated for Sunday March 26^th in Lagos and we already have some amazing brands partnering to make it an amazing experience.

If you pre-order the book, you will be on the priority sitting list.

I want to go on this journey with you to Uplevel and I want us to partner, if you are ready to start the journey, you can learn more, watch videos and pre-order your copy of the book at www.talealimi.com/uplevelbook.

It is your time to raise your standards and Uplevel!

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