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Monica Tanee is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Univerity of Portharcourt, She was all over the news last week when she posted a picture of herself smoking cat fish on her Facebook page, a business she started while serving in Ondo state not minding the stress, humiliation and low patronage. She almost gave up on the business after her service year but later kicked it off with encouragement from her business partner ;Yinyegha Tiki who owns the firewood oven she uses in smoking fish. Monica’s biggest Inspiration is her late dad who passed away last month, in her words: “My dad didn’t have any formal education but he gave me my first degree, I will do all I can to make sure I don’t disappoint him”. The hard working orphan who also lost her mum 11 years ago shares her inspiring story with me in this exclusive interview.

Childhood
My childhood influence what I do today because my parents were seriously involved in buying and selling while I was young.
More about my fish business
I started my catfish business during my NYSC year, at 32 Artillery Brigade Barack Akure, Ondo state where I did my first primary assignment(ppa) . I studied how to trained fish, I trained some batches of catfish with a fellow youth corp members before my passing out. We harvested and took the fresh catfish to (TIkIFISH ) for his unique processing method, which is not common in Rivers state, that guarantees sand and smoke-free, tasty smoked fish. So I decided to partner with him.

I once had a fish pond…
The fish pond was in Ondo state, I rented it for a period. But because of the nature of thief and pest, I decided not to continue since I was done with my service year. it was really a wonderful experience

Challenges
The high rate of waybill from Ondo state, and poor rate of my customers not paying their debt at an agreed date. There are also series of harassment from male customers.

Other project and activities
I plan to attain professional certification in Chemical Engineering. I am also into beads making and accessories.
The reception so far…
It has been very fine and encouraging, I have a good relationship with my customers and they truly believe in my business and also refer people to me from all over the country.

On giving up
There have been times when I felt like giving up. For instance, when friends see me as a fishmonger after graduating as a Chemical Engineer. Last month, I lost my beloved daddy and I felt I already lost everything in life, living a life without parents that gave me inspiration. All the same, I thank God for everything.


How I market my smoked fish…
No, I don’t have a shop for now. I market my business through words of mouth to friends, family, neighbours and I also make use of the social media. I also go out to the market to network.

Inspiration
I got my inspiration from my dad, he is my role model in life. He was able to make it in life without higher education. He was able to give me my first degree. And I believe by the grace of God I can do better
through Christ that strengthens me.

I am a Woman of Rubies
As a Woman of Rubies, I believe in working with my hands to take care of my family, friends, and myself when there are needs. If I should throw the questions back to you.

Final word for young budding female entrepreneur and women out there
Self-determination is one major key they should work with. As for me, I told myself I’ll not stay idle after my service year, even though what I’m doing is not related to my field of study. My parents have tried a lot for me and it is high time I start doing something to take care of myself, so I can stop depending on them because my younger ones are still in school. At the point where I took the decision, I remember this portion in the Bible (2 Chronicles 2:27 and Deuteronomy 28:12). Secondly, let them rise up and be self-employed in any little entrepreneur’s skills they have. For those that are currently jobless, I’ll encourage you to pick a business or skill of your choice and start working on it, don’t be ashamed. Seriously speaking, hard work pays especially for a woman, you will gain respect from family, friends and even your husband. During a time like this, they will meet different kinds of person on their way up, some are ready to bring you down with discouragement and bad advice. Who you choose as a mentor and the people that give you
advice, matters a lot. Also listening to your spirit is one thing they should not overlook.
Lastly, they should not remove daily prayer in every ramification of their life, also payment of Tithe.

Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite who is married to actor, Chris Attoh, has revealed that her son, Brian Attoh, momentarily stopped breathing during birth and had to be in the ICU for days.

She revealed this via her Instagram birthday message for her son who clocked three on August 31, 2017. She also posted a picture of little Brian in ICU after his birth.

See her post below;

“My joy and pride I remember a moment when I was about to have you. We couldn’t hear your heartbeat for quite a number of seconds.

One of the nurses tried her best to look calm but I could tell she was afraid. That must have been the longest I ever held my breath…and then suddenly, we heard your little heart beating loud and clear!

I was only allowed a few seconds to hold you after I met you, and then you were put in the ICU for days afterwards.

I serve The living God and because I am sure he will never fail me, I speak long life, prosperity, good health and happiness into your life. You will enjoy ALL the blessings of the Lord in the land of the living and you will find immense favour amongst all men and our God.

Happy 3rd birthday son. Mummy loves you too much. #first fruits.”

Chioma Omeruah best known as Chigul is a Nigerian comedian, singer and actress who is known for her accents and comedic characters.

Omeruah was born in Lagos to Igbo parents, but moved away whilst still a baby. She was the second of four children of Air Commodore Samson Omeruah.

She attended two Air Force secondary schools one in Jos and later in Ikeja, Lagos. She briefly attended a university in Nigeria before she left to study, at her father’s request, Criminal Justice in America. This was not a success so she left after two years to study French Education at Delaware State University. She is a linguist and speaks a number of languages. She returned to Nigeria after twelve years in America.

She initially became a singer under the name C-Flow but this has been subsumed by her characters – principal of which is Chigul. Chigul speaks in a strong Igbo accent. Chigul was first heard as a recording of the song “Kilode” sent by herself to her friends but the sound was soon re-sent around Nigeria.

Omeruah has twelve characters but she is known as “Chigul” after her most well-known invention. She has been interviewed and lauded by a number of media outlets. She had given a TEDx talk. She has also appeared as a character in couple of Nollywood films like, Road to Yesterday, The Wedding Party 2, Banana Island Ghost.

In 2015, she appeared as a guest on the single “Karishika” by Falz, and as since appears on other tracks. She has also appeared in numbers of commercial adverts.

 

 

Women Of Rubies celebrates you, Chigul!

Ms Chimamanda Adichie, the young Nigerian accomplished writer and author has been honoured with the ‘Doctor of Letters’ degree at the University of Edinburgh Scotland, United Kingdom. The honorary doctorate degree was presented to the writer by the university’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, at a special ceremony at the school’s St Cecilia’s Hall – Scotland’s oldest concert hall. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie At the ceremony, O’Shea stated that the award was given in recognition of Ms Adichie’s achievements as an author and public intellectual. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 5, 2017 received a similar honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his achievements as a public servant with strong commitments to equality and diversity.

Following the award presentation, head of the Scottish government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, interviewed Chimamanda about her work and ideas at an event at Edinburgh International Book Festival in association with the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University. Earlier in the year, Adichie was elected as a Foreign Honorary Member into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and bagged another honorary degree from Haverford College, Pennsylvania in the United States of America in May 2017.

“It is lovely to be in this place, which is hallowed. I feel very fortunate to be included among the people who have been honoured with a degree from this University,” Adichie said.

Proposing Adichie for the award of the degree, Dr Barbara Bompani, Director of the Centre of African Studies, said there are many stories of the influence that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s work has had on the lives, thoughts and creativity of others. According to the director of the Centre of African Studies, Dr Barbara Bompani, Chimamanda, through her writing, advocacy and public engagement, “inspires all of us to better understand our own, and other peoples’ stories.”

During her visit, Chimamanda met with a group of African students participating in a scholarship programme at the university.

Source: Vanguard

RnB/Pop icon Beyonce has pledged her support to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, where she is from.

According to Houston Chronicle, Beyonce said she’s working closely with her foundation BeyGOOD to work out a plan.

She said:

My heart goes out to my hometown, Houston, and I remain in constant prayer for those affected and for the rescuers who have been so brave and determined to do so much to help.

I am working closely with my team at BeyGOOD as well as my pastor (Rudy Rasmus at St. John’s in downtown Houston) to implement a plan to help as many as we can.

BeyGOOD was launched in 2013 during the Mrs. Carter World Tour. It partners with global charity organizations to get people employed and provide clothing, housing, food and other philanthropic provisions.

Meanwhile, TMZ reported that Beyonce’s pastor in Houston, said that Beyonce has been silently making great impact in Houston without declaring it to the world.

Read TMZ‘s post below;

”Beyonce doesn’t name names or drop dollar amounts, but she’s still having a huge impact in Houston … with the help of her longtime pastor.

Rev. Rudy Rasmus from St. John’s United Methodist Church told TMZ how he and Bey are mobilizing to help Hurricane Harvey victims, but added she commonly keeps her charitable efforts undercover. Might sound weird, but he says Beyonce’s just not flashy … that way.

Remember, Kevin Hart called out Bey and Jay-Z to donate to $25k. There are also rumors she’s already given $7 million, but Pastor Rudy — who performed the Carters’ wedding — says don’t expect her to confirm any of that.  

As for what he and Bey are doing for evacuees … he explained what Houston’s going to need most in the coming days.”

Actress, Onyii Alex, has come out to defend Nigerian women after a Nigerian man put up a photo of MMA fighter Connor McGregor, citing a supposed history of the fighter with a woman who allegedly helped him when he was a nobody. The Nigerian man asked this question:

“Do y’all think Nigerian ladies can support a man like this without nagging and bragging about what she did for you blah blah blah.”

 

Check out Onyii’s opinion:

”Reality Check!!! Nigerian women have always and still continue to stay and stick by their men during their down and low times. Naturally, the Nigerian girl has been groomed to be loyal to a man through thick and thin. The question should be; when our men finally make it up the ladder, do they reciprocate that loyalty to their women? Or do they jettison the lady who has stuck out their necks for them for years and jet off with the Molato, Kim-Kardashian-shaped, Beyonce-looking, Blac China-contured kinda girls. They instantly erase the memory of that dexterous and resilient girl that stood by them every step of their struggling lives….Matter-of-factly, there are myriads of Nigerian women who are bread winners in their homes with their husbands being well and alive but never say a word of it…”

The former wife of the Ooni of Ife Olori Wuraola has finally confirmed that her marriage to the reining Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has crashed. She made this known on her Instagram page a few hours ago where she released an official statement.

 

See her full statement below;

 

“OFFICIAL STATEMENT

We have got to stop this culture of shaming and vilifying women with false stories of infidelity & nefarious behavior. The spreading of false information (through “sources” afraid to be identified) is the mark of cowards and a cover up for guilty parties to justify their horrific actions. There is absolutely no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility- on my end. What I can confirm, is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love & exhale gratitude. My journey continues as a Humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence & abuse with the United Nations. No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence & manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies: Get out and seek immediate help! We’ve seen this movie before.

Women being dragged in the press & blamed for everything under the sun. This behavior is unacceptable. I urge those involved to be mindful of their actions for the eyes of our Almighty God are always watching. The seeds of slander is a cancer that harvests to eat away the souls of the planter. The throne is sacred and the attempts to tarnish the name of a Queen, in defense or on behalf of a silent King makes all involved look terrible.

Remain dignified in all you do. It’s not the end of the world, but the start of a new chapter and you must turn the page with grace. The world is watching. As I bid adieu to this chapter, my wish to you all is to step into your lives – boldly & fearlessly, the way God intended and live not just by words, but through example. The best chapter in our lives is the one we are writing now. Thank you for your love and support. With peace, love & light, -Her Highness, Zaynab Otiti Obanor.”

Toke Makinwa, a 32-year-old multi-media personality, best selling author, and actress, has made the list of The 100 Most Influential Africans 2017. She took to her Instagram page to announce the good news.

She wrote:

Yesssssssssssssssssss!!!! And it just keeps getting better 🙏
I am an African Brand, God’s little star ⭐️ this just made me so overwhelmed with gratitude. You said you’ll make me a praise on the earth, a reflection of your light, you said you will clothe me with strength, you will establish me and you promised not to leave me nor forsake me🙏 it’s all about you Jesus, at the start of this year while I was seeking your direction you told me to think beyond Nigeria, think Africa and you kept your word 🙏
I’m a city set on a hill, I am one of the 100 most influential Africans, #MIYA100 #styleinfluencer2017 #TMissababygirlforlife #TMtotheworld 🇳🇬