Tope Mark-Odigie, a renowned transformational speaker and award-winning television host, is making waves not only in the world of entrepreneurship but also through her impactful initiatives in the beauty industry.
With over a decade of experience as a television host, Tope has seamlessly transitioned her passion for societal growth into innovative solutions that address unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.
Tope Mark-Odigie is the driving force behind “ewabela,” an outfit of professional makeup artists. Through Ewabela, Tope has empowered and trained over 500 women in the art of makeup artistry.
Tope’s love for makeup is a personal indulgence and a profound mission to uplift and empower women. In her own words, she expresses, “I love makeup, I sleep, eat, and drink it. I’m what you will call a makeup freak. I am passionate about teaching and generally impacting knowledge.”
Tope Mark-Odigie’s mission is to inspire growth and create positive societal change. Leveraging her expertise as a speaker and entrepreneur, she has successfully ventured into empowering women with tangible skills beyond traditional realms. The impact of her makeup empowerment initiative reaches far and wide, touching the lives of countless individuals.
Her impact extends beyond her professional ventures. As a passionate advocate for good governance, she actively engages with corporate organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to develop effective solutions to unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.
Tope is not only a transformational speaker and television host but also a visionary entrepreneur committed to fostering economic inclusiveness and empowerment. Her journey unfolds as a narrative of innovation, impact, and advocacy, creating a ripple effect that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches.
Follow her via her Facebook page: Tope Mark-Odigie to know learn more about her work.
Positive thinking is a mental and emotional state of mind that focuses on the good and expects positive outcomes. Staying positive can be tough. Positivity can start to wain when you are bombarded with a succession of negativity, failures, disappointment and heartbreak.
Every challenge you face withdraws from your energy, resilience and a little bit of your faith. Once your positive energy is depleted, pessimism slowly begins to creep in and take hold.
If you want to stay positive when facing challenges and negative situations, here are 10 things you can do to help revive your positive energy:
1. Perform random acts of kindness
Finding ways to put a smile on the face of others affects you just as much as it affects them. It takes the focus off of you and your problems and allows you to be a positive force in the lives of others. Doing good for others makes you feel good. It lifts your mood, improves self esteem and self-worth and it serves as a small distraction from your current challenges.
2. Take a mental break
Exhaustion is the silent killer of positivity.Learn to take breaks when things get overwhelming. Do something that gives your mind a break from whatever challenge you are facing–and that could just mean taking a nap.
2. Develop an attitude of gratitude
Noticing and appreciating the positives in our lives is a great way to lift your spirits and provide yourself a mental boost. Start to practice gratitude by being thankful for the simple things in life.
4. Laugh
Laughter truly is the best medicine for most of what ails us. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Find a way to laugh–often. Watch a comedy, spend the evening with your crazy friend who knows how to keep you in stitches.
4. Hang around with positive people
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” The bottom line here is our behavior and thought patterns mirror those we hang around. Choose carefully who you allow into your circle.
5. Look for the silver lining immediately
Trying to force optimistic thinking amidst emotional turmoil or a bit shocked usually don’t work that well.
Training yourself to look for the lesson and find the bright spot not only eases the burden a little, it also slowly begins to transform your entire thought process.
8. Breathe deeply
Breathing exercises help expel toxic air from your body and refills your body and more importantly–your brain with fresh air. It clears your mind and allows you to regain mental clarity. One moment of clarity at the right time can change everything.
9. Don’t dwell on negativity
Avoid dwelling on downers. Downers bring you down!
Focusing on negatives isn’t just unpleasant, it also makes you less effective in tackling other tasks you face. Negativity produces more negativity.
Bad things happen–try not to replay them over and over and fixate on un-pleasantries. Play positive scenes in your mind instead.
10. Engage in positive self-talk
Talk to yourself. Tell yourself things are going to turnaround and will work out in the end.
Say it out loud. Speaking what you believe out loud reinforces and strengthens the message. You say it and hear it simultaneously.
Esther is an activist, Writer, Columnist, Author and editor-in-chief & founder -Women of Rubies. She is passionate about issues that affect women and children.
Oluchi Harrison is a multimedia
personality with a passion for
connecting industrious women from
diverse industries. She founded the BayLife Travel & Tour company, the first Nigerian all female tour company, with the sole aim of uniting women of different spheres of life, empowering, growing ,mentoring while still having fun.
With a sassy and lively personality, her experience span through a variety of professional services which are, Radio presenting (OAP), TV Presenting, Red Carpet hosting, News Anchoring, Reaction videos, Interviewing, Writing, Scripting and Production Assistance for organizations like EbonyLife Television, Flytime Televsion, First Bank of Nigeria amongst others.
Speaking with Women of Rubies, she shared her journey.
Childhood Influence
My childhood didn’t exactly prepare me for what I do now. I like to think I prepared myself. Growing up, I used to say I wanted to be a chattered Accountant, because I loved seeing my mum dress up and get out to work daily. But I was much more creatively inclined. I was great at Art (This was a Business for me in my first/second year in the university. I’m still a pencil artist today at my leisure), I loved designing and creating things, I was also a face model, I danced and sang a lot as well, I learnt how to sew in home economics and my mum bought me a sewing machine as a gift, then I started knitting sweaters & making beads in my second year in high school – I’d make beaded jewelry, bags, flower vases and the likes. I’d make some for my mum and sell some ( I started making money for myself in high school even though I didn’t need it). I was that kid that was into almost everything, but there was one thing I did effortlessly, I talked. I didn’t just talk, I talked like I was on TV! I’d take some of my textbooks and read it like I was reading the news. I remember doing this with my cousin in different accents, practicing how fluent I was on each accent (both Nigerian accents – Igbo, Yoruba & Hausa – and international accents) – this was in my first year in high school. At my second year in high school, I knew I wanted to study Mass Communication – I used to say I wanted to be a ‘Mass Communicationist’ (lol) until I learnt it was ‘Mass Communicator’. At my second year in the university – studying Mass Communication, I auditioned for my first radio job and I got it, and that was the beginning of my media career.
Inspiration behind BayLife
Honestly, I just love to see successful industrious women hang out (lol). BayLife was born out of the idea to connect the industrious women in my life. If there’s one thing that drives me, it’s seeing another women thrive! The success of another confident woman – it gives me this rush and puts a smile on my face. And I realized in the course of my life and in my line of work that I have had the privilege of meeting some really industrious women who work so hard and hardly have any time for self care.
I was also one of those women and even when I wanted to hang out, I didn’t want to be surrounded by just anybody, I wanted to be surrounded by women who had the same drive as myself, women who would inspire me, women who could understand me, women who could reason on the same level or even higher levels.
And I found out that there were quite a number of women in this same category. I thought about the magic that could come out of these women from diverse industries and my mind could not contain it. At first, it was just going to be a Girls Time Out with the industrious women I knew, who really needed a break from all the hard work to focus on self care, then it became more than just that, it became a unification of the strong force that industrious women are together, it became Magic, it became The BayLife.
On choice of career
I actually didn’t choose it, the career chose me. I was good at a lot of things at the time, but that was what I could build a career of. I was actually an OAP at a radio station when I got invited for a photoshoot at Philip Trimnell’s photography studio. I believe I mainly stood out because of my blonde hair as Philip Trimnell, who is the owner of Music Africa TV, checked out my Instagram (@theiboblondie) and figured I was in radio and then called me to audition to be the presenter for Music Africa TV and that was how I landed my first TV job. I later went on to start my own YouTube channel (The Ibo Blondie) before contracting to FlytimeTV as a presenter. Of course, in between these were other jobs that came up.
Feedback so far on the recently held Baycation event in view of the International Women’s day, impact made.
The Baylifeng on a cruise – Sup With the Queen
The ‘Sup With The Queens’ IWD 2020 Cruise was everything the BayLife is about and more! We had Lawyers who had other businesses, Filmmakers, Bankers, Copy/Creative writers, Business Executives, Civil Servants, Business owners / Serial Entrepreneurs, Stylists, Singers, Media Personalities, Women with NGOs supporting women, Talent managers and more!
The support from women led organizations as well as Nafisa Atiku and our speaker of the day, The Unstuck Mentor, Banke Sotomi, who is a Life & Executive Coach, was overwhelming. It was blissful to watch these industrious women come together to share ideas and opinions, support each other, learn from the amazing Life Coach and share their experiences, all while sipping on some wine having a good time.
Do you think female Media Personality are given enough room to soar?
I believe there are more females in the media as a matter of fact. What we need is more informed media personalities in general because a lot of people this days believe they do not need any training to be on air personalities – they believe it’s just about speaking and looking good.
Challenges
Professionalism is a major key and under that is a whole lot. Productions (studio & red carpet) sometimes do not come out right due to some unprofessional decisions, which may include not having a productions assistant or a runner and everything that makes for quality production.
You are the official red carpet host for First Bank event, how do you feel being a voice in such a reputable organisation?
I feel privilege to represent such a reputable organization. The FirstBank of Nigeria prides itself in making room for young professionals to soar and being a part of this goal is an honor.
Projects and other activities?
I am majorly working on The BayLife, steadily working on ways to make us better. We have been working on a project, Girl Up! which creates an avenue for industrious women to let their hair down after a month long stress and network in a relaxed atmosphere. This project was supposed to be launched this Easter but we have now postponed it due to the pandemic at hand. We have some Baycations coming up which includes: Girl Up! Cape Verde which is the highlight of the Girl Up! project, Baycation Dubai (Expo 2020) which is an amazing mix of business & pleasure and much more. The new dates of these Baycations would be announced as soon as it is possible to travel again.
What makes you a woman of rubies
I believe my desire to see women prosper in their chosen profession, working alongside their male counterparts and not in competition – this is the passion that founded the BayLife.
Advice for young women out there who want to have a voice in the media, Kindly share some success nuggets to encourage them chase their dreams?
First things first, you must have it in you! It’s important to know that you are fit for the role role you want. It’s just like asking Michael Jackson to be an engineer – he might do it, but may have not been as successful as he turned out. Now when you find that you have it in you, the next step to take is to get properly trained. Don’t just be a TV girl, be an informed journalist/broadcaster, know the job, learn everyday, and the sky will be your starting point.
Fagbenro Christiana Boluwatife, best known as Tife Chris, is a young creative studying Geology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. She hails from Ado Odo-Ota, Ogun State. Tife started making art at a very early age of 5, but she developed deep interest at the age of 18 when she learnt how to draw using pencils and started using oil colours. Her passion for Art went deeper when she discovered the beauty in it and not just beauty, but also a way of expressing oneself. She’s a Christian, a lover of science and very active in sports in the likes of swimming and basketball. She shares her Art to the world through stage painting, writing, music and poetry, she is also an active volunteer and a member of few NGOs that aim at making positive impact to the lives of others. Tife reminds me of my years as an undergraduate, her passion and tenacity is unwithered and it’s very reflective in her work and ambience. She shares her journey with me in this exclusive Interview.
Childhood Preparation
MY childhood didn’t prepare me for what I do now, although it played a huge role due to the fact that I was very creative at that stage. I started painting and using watercolours at a very young age but I never for once saw myself doing what I’m doing today. I did those things for fun and never expected them to be a huge part of my life. Growing up was quite interesting and, as a normal child, I have both good and bad memories. I grew up in a strict and competitive environment where everyone had to meet certain standards. There was no one to share my thoughts or emotions with, so I learned to develop myself even when there was no one to talk to. This has made me active in few NGOs so I could give to the society what I couldn’t get. It wasn’t always easy and I got to learn from challenges.
My passion for Art
I wasn’t directly inspired to go into Art, truly, science has been my passion since childhood. I’ve always wanted to be a medical doctor, to help people, that’s where my passion came from. I loved to see people heal, get better. And I never for once thought of going into Art, so nothing could inspire me to venture down the world of Art.
I can only say God made a turn of events to make me see what I was completely oblivious to. At a stage in my life where science wasn’t responding, I was forced to look at the bright side of Art. And since then I’ve been falling deeper in love with Art, all dimensions of it.
My Artistic Journey
I thank God for the journey so far, it’s been wonderful, even though there have been lots of challenges especially due to the fact that I studies a different field from Art, finances as a student and the fact that I ultimately have to balance up my academics first before anything else. I’ve had experiences with lessons I know would be very useful even after I graduate.
Balancing School with Art
That dexterity has been a natural part of me, human beings are very dynamic and when we put our minds to something, no matter how diverse or colossal it may be, you’ll be done with it before you know it. Timing is also very important even though I find it hard sometimes to meet up within the appropriate time, going for lectures at the right time, going to church, creating time for art and writing, meeting up with basketball practice and guitar lessons, time to study, taking few hours to swim and sacrificing time for rehearsals. As long as I have a mental timetable and I try not to overwork myself while creating a compulsory time to rest, by God’s grace I’m able to do just fine.
My Aspiration
The first is to be a successful Artist. Let the world realise your talents can make you stand out. I would also love to travel the world and explore all forms of Art. I really have a lot to learn, I go on the internet and discover lots of amazing works from different artists. I would love to learn as many forms of Art as I can.
I also hope to own an Art firm with a gallery where everyone can be who they want to be and create ideas, use the beauty of Art to make people’s lives better, to make them heal.
Lastly, I aspire to be a role model as an artist, someone who inspires, an artist people can look up to. I want to be happy both in the outside world and with my family and home.
Three women who inspire me to be better and why
Ms. Esther Ijewere, convener of Women of Rubies, Ruby Girls, Rubies Ink and Walk Against Rape and Benita Nnarchortam, personal photographer /SA to the former governor of Ogun state and co-founder, Kuta Nigeria. And my mother, CEO k2cut fashion. These women have inspired me to be better no matter where you’re starting from, they’ve taught me to sacrifice and I’ve felt the love of a woman from them especially on the Ruby Girls page. I love people who break limits and create new ideas and Benita has really inspired me in that area.
Challenges of being an Artist
Time is my major challenge, meeting up with schedule is very hard and sometimes I have to cancel some events and I’m grateful to HRM, my friends because they help me when they can and cheer me to move on when I seem tired. Managing my craft and handling school has indeed been stressful and sometimes I realise I have just little time to myself.
Funding and equipment has also been a challenge, what’s the use of time without money? Getting school materials and Art materials too. Thank God for my parents, my sister and close friends and the fact that I get commissioned works to support myself with. Also, the environment where I’m based as a student doesn’t give enough exposure and insight into Art, they rarely appreciate Art and sometimes volunteering would be depreciated.
Being a Woman of Rubies
I believe I’m special in my own way. Everyone has that hidden talent in them that makes them stand out and unfolding these talents has made me realise I’m a Woman of Ruby. I can achieve whatever I put my mind to.
Dear Young Women,
It’s never too early to start trying, now is best. Don’t let your present state limit you. The only thing you should be afraid of is not to have a dream. If you have a vision, pursue it!
OmoobaJesu Adetunji is a fourth year medical student at Ladoke Akintola University. She is an outstanding writer who owns her own lifestyle blog where shares bits and pieces of diverse shades of her life in order to inspire her readers. She is passionate about reading, education, health and good living.
Let’s meet you
I’m OmoobaJesu Adetunji. Yes, OmoobaJesu is my real name, birth certificate and all. I’m a 4th year medical student at LAUTECH. I enjoy reading and writing which is one of the major reasons why I run a blog (www.omoobaadetunji.com) where I share bits and pieces of my life with the hopes of encouraging someone else. I care deeply about education, health and good living.
What are your hobbies
I love to laugh! So naturally, I enjoy the company of family and friends as well as good music, movies, and books.
Who and what inspires you
Inspiration for me comes in different forms and from everywhere. I could be walking on the street and be inspired. I could be gisting with my friend and be inspired. I could be in church and be inspired. I think for me, it’s more about letting myself be inspired through every circumstance rather than searching for inspiration.
One accessory you can’t leave home without.
Earrings! I love my earrings.
You are a medical student yet you own a blog where you write on diverse life principles, lessons and genres. How do you keep up with your several interests and fortes?
Good question. The truth is I don’t know. I just take one day at a time. And I don’t really compartmentalise my life as such. I see it all as a continuum which I must enjoy and stretch to its fullest potential. I also think every aspect of my life helps each other out. Writing helps me be a better student because it makes me happy. Medicine helps me be a better writer because it gives me something to write about. So I don’t particularly feel a need to balance because they all help me to be better. I just go with the flow, one step and a time. And if I notice a tilt I adjust. I know this process seems a little bizarre and wild, but it works for me and it gives me peace of mind.
Your best quote?
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?
I really like myself. Is that weird? Maybe, but I can’t think of anything I’d like to change. Except maybe in the area of things to improve on, because there’s always room for improvement. On that note, I would be interested in improving on whatever needs to be improved on per time. For now, to be honest I can’t think of anything.
What was growing up for you like? And did your childhood in any way prepare you for everything you do now?
Growing up was pretty great for me. I used to be very introverted when I was younger so I suffered many depressive episode but I’m happier and lighter now. I love being all grown up. I’m not one of those people that wish they were children again. No, thanks. I like being an adult.
As a child I was always surrounded by books. My dad was a librarian and he loved reading. We had a library in our home and I’ve been reading since I can remember. It was normal to read. It was default mode. I can’t remember when exactly I started writing, but I remember that my essays were always the best in school. There was a time when my English teacher read my eassy out loud in class as an example of how essays should be written. That’s one moment that cannot be easily forgotten.
Now that I think about it, my mom used to give me writing assignments throughout one particular summer break in primary school. That’s when I got really good at writing. Wow. Thank God for my mom! And dad! Awesome people.
Your biggest fear.
I don’t have fears. God has come through for me way too many times for me to be afraid about anything. I’m just relaxed, I have everything that I need to succeed. And I am grateful to God.
The journal of the Ladoke Akintola University Medical Student’s Association (LAUMED): The Girl Child was recently launched in which you played a very active role. What does this journal mean to you as a girl child? And what does it intend to drive home to all young females and the society at large?
The Girl Child Journal to me personally, addresses issues that are exclusive to the female gender while also not completely shunning the Male child. The balance or interplay between the sexes is particularly interesting and important to me because often times the men are ignored, yet we will still as women have to interact with males on an intimate level. I believe there’s a need for education and empowerment of both sexes and the Journal did justice to that, that made me glad.
The Journal is for every girl child, to remind her of her value and importance in her environment. To show her that all that she wants to be, she can be, regardless of the limitations that society might place on her.
If given the chance to be the president of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?
Oh interesting. Two things. Definitely pump all the money I can get my hands on, into the education and health sector. Yup. That’s all and I’m good.
Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next five years?
In five years, I see myself reaching millions through my writing or/and through other frontiers and as always helping people live their best lives.
If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?
You are beautiful just the way you are. Get to know yourself. Get to love yourself. Begin a real and intimate relationship with God. Be rooted in who you are. Don’t let anyone make you feel any less. Take responsibility for your life and own your choices. And always, keep moving, don’t give up!
Olamide Mariam Sobowale is a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). She is the president of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. She is the CEO of “Lamie Enterprises,” where she has her own travel agency, “Lamie Travel and Tours.” She also owns “Lamie Kitchen.”
She shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.
MEET ME
I am Olamide Mariam Sobowale. I am the second child in a family of four. I am a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an entrepreneur with a travel and tour agency and own a kitchen. I am also the Chapter president for Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. I love God, my family and friends.
HOBBIES
I love traveling, cooking, watching movies, being hospitable.
INSPIRATION
I am inspired and driven by the desire to cause great impact and positive change in my generation by contributing my all, no matter how minute it might be to wherever I find myself or whatever I lay my hands upon.
Great women who started achieving feats at a young age also inspire me. I look at them and tell myself that if they can be that successful at such a young age. Then, I can also and even do more.
BIGGEST FEAR
My biggest fear is leaving the world or wherever I am without leaving my prints in the sand of time or not being known to have contributed positively to the growth of such a place.
JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS
To be honest, it has not been easy but I started everything as an hobby and beyond work, they are things I am passionate about and love doing. So, that passion drives me even when I’m weary or stressed out. Then, my determination to excel at everything keeps me going.
ON BEING THE PRESIDENT OF JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL
Junior Chamber International is the leading network of young active citizens across the globe. It is a non governmental organization that empowers young people to make positive change.
It is indeed a great honour and priviledge for me to be the 2019/2020 chapter president of JCIN, OOU. I understand how demanding this position is and I do not take it for granted. I and my Board of Directors for the year summarized everything we intend to do in our theme for the year, “FILTER’20” which stands for Fun, Innovative and Impactful projects in OOU and its environs, Teamwork which is of great importance to push the collegiate to greater exploits, Efficiency in every of our activities and being Responsive to the needs of members, the school and community as a whole.
CHANGE
I’ll like to work on the attribute of procrastination.
WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT
Finishing up work or making use of it as my leisure time to watch movies.
BEST QUOTE
“Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY
I will change the police system and address the issue of security as a whole.
UPBRINGING
Yes, my upbringing prepared me for everything I am today. My mom is a caterer and entrepreneur which exposed me to the art of business, cooking and trade. Watching her laying her hands on different trades and pulling them off effectively braced me for everything I am.
My dad also raised me to be independent and he is always supportive of my projects and dreams.
MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
I see myself and my brand, “Lamie Enterprises” soaring high and achieving great exploits. I also look forward to touching other areas and visions under Lamie Enterprises.
WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS FIVE YOUNGERS THAN ME
If I was given the opportunity to address younger girls, I’ll admonish them to take advantage of the positive sides and opportunities this generation offers and make the best use of it. They should not allow anything derail them from going for anything good they set their minds to. And also to know they are beautiful and amazing in all ways.
Favour Oluwakamimayo Adeosun popularly referred to as “Fefe” is a fourth year undergraduate of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is the first child in a family of four. She is the second female President of VeeCee Success Stories (VSS).
Favour is the Founder of Our Little Gist Foundation (OLGF). She is a great entrepreneur. Favour sees herself as a girl on her own stage and one who likes to add extra to the ordinary.
She shares her Ruby Girl story in this interview.
MEET ME
My full name is FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN, I was born in the late 90’s and am the first child in a family of four. Favour is a girl on her own stage, she is the director, the actress, the producer and everything you can attach to a stage. She is a girl who likes to add extra to the ordinary. Favour has this faith that as long as God exists, there is no impossibility and all can be accomplished. My nickname is FEFE, some call me FEFE OF LAW.
INSPIRATION
My inspiration started with Ben Carson but presently Michelle Obama is my inspiration. These two people also like to add the extra to the ordinary. They are passionate about the Masses which I am passionate about also.
Michelle Obama is so passionate about Girls and Women which I am also passionate about which brought the birth of OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION (OLGF) so that this dream can achieved.
My future Home (Marriage) also inspires me, it cautions me to act cos I always put my self in situations that what if I am a wife and this happens or what if I am a mother and it happens, how do I handle the situation or what explanation will I give my husband or kids.
Also my mum is my no 1. Fan, she has always been there to guide, mentor and even still carry me up when I fall down. She had seen me in my lowest self and my darkest self yet she still always stands by me.
HOBBIES
I have lots of hobbies, anything I find myself doing, as long as it is fun, is an hobby. I love eating, cooking, writing, acting, being an inspiration to others and be on the stage talking and dishing out what I know to others so far they are ready to listen.
BIGGEST FEAR
My Biggest fear is not making heaven.
TO GO BACK IN TIME OR TIME TRAVEL TO THE FUTURE
I would rather travel into the future but also like to correct some mistakes I made while growing up which is to have gotten serious with my self and studies in time but God knows best. I am still happy with where I am and I thank God for where am going.
WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WASN’T AFRAID
If I wasn’t afraid, I will change the world.
IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY
I will give Women more space in Government, my reason is because Women are care takers, I know some will mention Diezani but she is One of 100 women out there.
Women always know how to care of things and manage them despite their differences. Infact the country will be so colorful and beautiful. Women are always passionate about what they do and how they do it. They notice things faster than the men most times. And women pray a lot, you will see them going from place to place praying to ensure everything turns out well.
COPING WITH MY POPCORN BUSINESS AS A STUDENT
My customers most times are my classmates and course mates. Most times they get it before classes start. And those who aren’t my classmates get theirs after my classes. My classes always come before the popcorn probably because my customers are my colleagues in the legal profession.
ON BEING THE NEW PRESIDENT OF VEECEE SUCCESS STORIES
I feel inspired to do more actually, there is something about me when I am put in charge of something, I never want that thing to fail, I will try my very best till my very last unless it isn’t possible. But I always try to make it possible before impossibility can set in but my conscience must be very clear that I did my very best.
My dreams for Veecee success stories is very big infact I have started making moves personally to see I actualize them. So God helping me Veecee Success Stories will be taken to a better place and more known outside the walls of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT
My books keep me up at night and sometimes watching movies on my phone but personally I deal with insomnia that is, I find it hard to sleep sometimes I take sleeping pills just to sleep not because I feel sleepy.
ABOUT MY FOUNDATION, OUR LITTLE GIST FOUNDATION’ (OLGF)
OLGF is a foundation aimed at reaching out to women qnd girls. It was given birth to on June 14, 2019. It consists of a team of 10 founding members impacting the rural city of Ago-iwoye and beyond. The aim is women and girls like I said, I am passionate about women and girls.
OLGF has also successfully helped a woman out of poverty, helping her put food on her table after the demise of her husband and she has 4 kids. We thank God for that success, and we intend to do more by His special grace.
ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT MYSELF
Giving people more listening ears.
WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME
My advice to them will be: “After your parents have given you the right training, train yourself also. Keep learning, have goals. Responsible men are after women with home training and who also trained themselves in the right way not liabilities.
Be independent, don’t have the mindset of depending on any man even rich wives who married rich husbands still work not totally depending on their husbands.
Ensure your goals are reasonable, don’t set unreasonable goals.” I’ll also advice them not to be jealous of the success of their friends because the fact that your friend has made this earlier doesn’t mean you won’t still make it.
Focus on yourself, you are more important to yourself than your friend. Also, don’t be harsh on yourself, you are a queen, you are beautiful and you are the best. One day, life will work to your Favour if you don’t lose the focus.
Separate your friends from acquaintances and lastly put God in everything not some things.
For any economy to grow, necessary support must be given to its SMEs Olanrewaju Oniyitan is one of the private individuals doing this.
Olanrewaju is the founder and CEO of W-Holistic Business Solutions (W-HBS), which works closely with entrepreneurs, international and local private sector actors, federal and state governments, development agencies, academia, membership-based organisations and non-profits to deliver real impact, value and results through projects supporting economic growth and development.
W-HBS does its work through access to finance, skills development, enterprise development, business advocacy and reforms and gender and social inclusion.
Through SEED, Olanrewaju supports and advocates for schools serving children from low-income families.
With Future4Kids Africa, Olanrewaju inspires children and young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs and out-of-the-box thinkers to make our world a better place for everyone.
She began her career at KPMG Professional Services, working in the Business Advisory and Risk Management Units and since then, she’s worked closely with various businesses, governments, development agencies, academia, associations NGOs and foundations, in a wide range of sectors.
Lanre works as a Private Sector Development Consultant for a DFID/Adam Smith International M4P initiative – Enhancing Nigerian Advocacy for a Better Business Environment (ENABLE) Nigeria – set up to strengthen Business Membership Organisations in Nigeria.
She has worked on several international development projects such as: Business Innovation Facility (BIF); Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN); Growth and Employment in States 3 (GEMS3); Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE); amongst others.
She has also worked with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF); World Bank/Growth and Employment (GEM)-Business Innovation & Growth (BIG); Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN); among others.
She’s also authored two books: “The Twin Jobs Challenge” and “Minipreneur”.
Olanrewaju is also a 2019 participant in the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa programme.
Hey ladies, get in here! Do you know that there is a delicious cookie that is said to alleviate period pains? Yes, Konbini.com says so!
Here we go. Tiredness, pains and aches, mood swings… it’s that time of the month again. Wouldn’t it be great if, right at the start of menstruation, someone showed up at the doorstep with a plate of freshly baked, anti-cramps and delicious cookies?
This is exactly what businesswoman Devon Loftus is now offering with Moon Cycle Bakery, a brownie-based home delivery service.
The service works via an app that not only tracks your periods but also allows you to pre-order menstrual pain treats for when you actually need them. These mouth-watering little cakes contain magnesium and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. They are also gluten-free.
If you want to have a go at baking some yourself, here is a recipe from Well and Good:
Gluten-free hazelnut brownies
Makes 12 brownies
Ingredients 2/3 cup chopped 70% cacao dark chocolate
5 Tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
1/3 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
2 eggs
2/3 cup almond flour
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
1 tsp of hazelnut extract
3/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or spray with coconut oil.
2. In a small saucepan, melt chocolate and oil over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and maple syrup until mixed well. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: almond flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
4. Whisk the mixture into the saucepan of the melted chocolate until it’s smooth. Stir in the hazelnut extract. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined, then fold in the chopped hazelnuts. Pour the batter into your brownie pan and smooth the surface.
5. Bake at 350 degrees 25 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is still slightly underdone. (The center will set as it cools.) Slice into squares and serve.
As you fall more and more in love, there’s a chance something will come along that sabotages this connection. Maybe it’s a communication issue, or something more serious, such as infidelity or family problems. No matter how hard the couple tries to salvage the relationship, it can still ultimately end in a breakup…and heartache.
Depending on why you and your love broke up, here are tips to feeling positive and as happy as possible after your relationship ends:
Breaking up because you’re incompatible
Many relationships end because the couple is not compatible in one or more ways. Maybe you want marriage but he doesn’t. Maybe he’s not willing to move for your work. Whatever the reason, coming to a point where you realize you both just aren’t compatible usually occurs after the infatuation stage starts to fade. You both realize that the kisses and handholding was really all there was to this relationship.
You’ll undoubtedly feel like breaking up was the best option, but you’ll still feel heartbroken. Here are ways to heal after breaking off an incompatible relationship:
Relax and realize the breakup is no one’s fault – some people are not meant to be together.
Make your life exciting again by getting back into your hobbies and interests (and finding new ones).
When friends or family ask about the relationship, don’t talk negatively about your former parter. Simply explain why you broke up, then change the subject.
It will take time to heal, but knowing that the relationship wouldn’t have worked anyway will help you feel positive.
Ending a miserable relationship
If the relationship is miserable, breaking up is the right thing to do. It can still take its toll on one or both people because it wasnt all bad. A miserable relationship can mean many things: maybe you need more independence or just can’t stand being around someone who is so negative.
Even if the relationship was miserable, there were parts that made you happy which will make the breakup tough. Be sure to do the following to heal after breaking off a miserable relationship:
Lean on family and friends and accept their kind words.
Avoid more misery by giving in or begging the other person to change.
Find a passion that will replace being miserable. Some people may enjoy volunteering and others may want to get a pet.
When infidelity ends a relationship
One of the most common causes of a breakup is because of infidelity. If one partner was unfaithful and the other has a difficult time forgiving, a breakup usually follows. The person who was unfaithful needs to take responsibility and figure out how to prevent this from happening again in future relationships. The person who remained faithful should learn from the experience without developing bitterness that will prevent a happy, loving relationship after taking time to heal.
Here are ways to stay positive after breaking off an unfaithful relationship:
Never take the blame for the other person being unfaithful. If there was a problem, it should have been discussed and not “solved” by seeking love outside the relationship.
Take stock of personal, positive attributes – learn to see the good in yourself.
Get support from counseling.
Build an ego without being too self-centered. This may involve taking a class and learning something new or getting a makeover.
Make (and achieve) personal and positive goals.
After a breakup, everyone needs time to heal. Whether the relationship ended because of incompatibility, being miserable or infidelity, it’s a good idea to focus on personal positives before getting involved in another relationship. Use these tips to help you heal, stay positive and move past your heartbreak.
