Tonto Dikeh is an entertainer, entrepreneur, and a philanthropist.  She studied Petrochemical Engineering  at Rivers State University of Science and Technology. She runs a Non-Governmental Organization, Tonto Dikeh Foundation, that gives support to young girls that have been raped, molested, or assaulted.

She talks about her Foundation-Tonto Dike Foundation, her son, motherhood, etc. Read more about her interview with Women Of Rubies, below.

Inspiration behind my Foundation-Tonto Dikeh Foundation

The inspiration behind my Foundation came from several things. Firstly, my personal experience as a female in this very uncertain society plays a big part. Going through a lot of unspeakable things as a girl. Things I wouldn’t want others to face alone. This gave me the deep inner craving to help others. In addition to this, i am blessed to have a big platform in which almighty God has blessed me with through my years of hard work as an entertainer. I wanted to use this for more than just the mediocre things people would usually do. Creating the Tonto Dikeh Foundation was the most fulfilling way I could think of using my platform to spread the message of love and empowerment. Overall, I would say there are many things that inspired me so when all these factors came together over time, I felt I had more than enough inspiration to pursue the great vision for the Tonto Dikeh Foundation.

Inspiration behind the give-back school project

Actually, we are not giving back to just one thousand students, we are giving back to as many students as we possibly can no matter the number. I told my wonderful team that although 1000 may be the number, it is but a short term goal of our foundation. There are millions of children we must strive to reach. There are millions who need us, and there are millions we must not disappoint. Children are the key and I’m not talking about the DJ Khaled type (laughs) What I mean is that they are the key to opening the right door for our nation to change, grow and prosper.  The inspiration came the most important book to me, my Bible. The book of Psalms talks about how children are a heritage from our Lord, and how they are a reward from Him. Furthermore the book of Proverbs goes on to instruct us to start children off, on the way they should go and they shall not depart from it even when they are old. These wise teachings let me know that my focus should be in giving children the right start. The great Mother Teresa once said that rather than protesting against war she would rather protest for Peace. This made me realize that rather than complaining about the shortcomings of the government or the lack institutional help for our children, I should rather focus my energy on providing them and creating awareness for them. Just as Jesus used a few loaves of bread and a few fishes to touch millions of people till date, so will our foundation. We will use this starting 1000 children as a point of contact to reach millions more.

What inspires me as a woman

This is a tough question. As a woman I am inspired firstly by my God. I’m inspired by His unconditional Love for me and my fellow women. I am inspired by the huge responsibility He gave us in the ability to nurture and harbor a baby’s life in our body. There is nothing more unique and special than that. Furthermore I draw inspiration from other women. When you hear of great women like Oprah Winfrey or Rosa Parks, you cannot but feel inspired as a woman. When you hear of our African mothers such as the great Funmilayo Kuti or Winnie Mandela or Mummy Dora Akunliyi and Obiageli Ezekwesili, you will gain strength and confidence in their achievements. Women are the backbone of the world. Without us, many things would not function. God bestowed great responsibilities upon us. And with great responsibilities he also bestowed on us the power needed to see out those responsibilities. My inspiration as a woman is endless. Every day I wake up to a new inspiration. Everyday something new lets me know how blessed I am as a woman. Waking up to my son, King, is my first reminder. In addition, my inspiration also comes from within me. Within my ability to help other women. That is what gives me confidence. These are but a few things that inspire me as a woman.

What changed my perception of Life, as a new mum

Wow! How do I translate the excitement into words (laughs) Being a mum has changed my perception of life in numerous ways. Firstly, it made me appreciate life even more. The gift of life and all it comes with. Being a mum has unlocked a new level of Love I never fully understood before. A level that surpasses any conditions or shortcomings. The kind of love that doesn’t give space to negativity. The kind of love that one can only feel as a mother. I love my son more than anything and being his mum has given me the strength to fulfill so many goals and visions. I feel that if you can handle being a mother, you can handle practically anything, and I mean it! This has broadened my perception of life in such an amazing way. Being a mum let me know that there is more to life than holding on to unnecessary baggage. Whether it be an emotional or physical battles within yourself. Or an insecurity you may have. I focus my love on my son and that leaves no room for any thing else. I want him to be a able to stand among his peers in future and say “that is my mum” and feel proud about it.

Greatest reward

There are two ways I feel can really explain my greatest rewards and the first one is my Son. I feel that my son is the greatest reward I got from God. You know, only God can see our hearts. Human beings do not have that ability. So I strongly feel that because I left my heart for God rather than the judgmental people of the world, God gave me the greatest reward of having a child.
Secondly I feel that my supporters are also my greatest gifts. I would not be who I am if God did not give such loyal and supportive friends family and supporters. They go all out for me every time. They make me feel as though we are all connected. And this is what got me through a lot of lonely times. A lot of times where I suffered in silence emotionally and physically. They make me love what I do and I appreciate them. That is why they are who I also consider my greatest reward.

Challenges I’ve faced with running my Foundation

Our biggest challenge is that we are growing too fast. We are making an impact at such an alarming rate that we have to quickly adjust in order to keep up with our ever growing targets. I guess you could say it’s a wonderful challenge to have. But also, just like any other organisation we also face some minor things such as  accountability and making sure every target is fulfilled to the best of our ability and knowledge. Also, we have to make sure the things we do for communities are maintained and well cared for properly. We also have to make sure the resources are not used in unacceptable and unapproved ways that do no correspond with our goals. Thankfully I have a great team of blessed individuals who do their best all the time to make sure we keep to our promises on time and efficiently. You can follow them on our social media @t_d_foundation. Apart from these few little things I would say we have had a blessed journey so far and we give God the glory for that as we continue to soar like an eagle.

On Nigerians’ benevolence

Yes, I definitely think Nigerians are benevolent enough. I speak for every Nigerian because in all the things we face being a Nigerian citizen, we still find a way to help each other. There have been many occasions in recent years whereby Nigerians have pulled together to make a change and help out their fellow citizen. Whether it be a sick individual or creating awareness for a wrong doing such as the case of domestic violence, we as Nigerians have come together to help and make a difference. It has not been easy for us. Many past events have crippled our nation and almost made us almost totally hopeless, but we still keep going. We still pull through together as one. We still find a way to pull each other up. Yes, we can do better but let us appreciate the little that we have achieved together so far. I get inspired when I see my fellow people helping each other because I know how hard things are here. We just need to hold and keep doing what we can little by little. We are all we have and our society is not going to get any better unless we keep up with the benevolent attitude we already have. Regardless of what people may think of Nigerians and our characters, I know my people and we are good people. God bless my people.

I am a Woman of Rubies

It is a great honor to even be considered as one. I do not feel I have done enough yet. Nevertheless, thank you very much for nominating me. Just as the word ‘Rubies’ is derived from the Latin word ‘ruber’ which historically portrays deep emotions like love and Power, I also feel I have done what I can, to inspire these great emotions in my followers and will continue doing that. I am doing all I can to inspire and spread love whilst empowering others. I do not fear the challenges that may come in doing so because as Maya Angelou stated ‘ I may come as one but I stand as ten thousand’. I have no reason to fear in my journey because I have great women behind me. Women that have done it before. Women that broke boundaries. Fellow Women of Rubies, I too have a story to tell and will keep on inspiring others to do the same. I too, have many obstacles I have faced and conquered. This makes me a certified Woman of Rubies.

Final word for  women all over the world

You are special. Every single one of you. No matter your color, physical appearance, background or disabilities, you are all special. During my recent work in the disabled colony situated in the village of Karamajiji, I encountered a woman unable to use her hands or legs yet they introduced me to her as one of the most influential members of the community.  I asked her how she survived up till now in such a society and in her Hausa dialect she replied and told me to simply “use my head” . As they translated it to me I initially thought it was a rude remark until they explained what she was saying properly. She was trying to explain that she didn’t rely on her physical inabilities or insecurities. She didn’t let that stop her, instead she found a different way to achieve everything she wanted to. I was touched. This reinforced my preaching that a woman’s power is not just in her physical appearance but in what she has inside of her. Her heart, her brain, her emotions her love and her faith. My fellow women, these are all you need to make an impact in the world and nobody can take these away from you. I love you all and Have a great year.