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In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

RIHANNA AND LUPITA NYONG’O TO CO-STAR IN NEW MOVIE FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Last month, Twitter users started a campaign to have Grammy winner Rihanna co-star in a movie with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o after a photo of the both of them was posted by one Twitter user. Another user quoted the tweet and said:

That comment caught the eye of the Oscar winning Kenyan star and she tagged Rihanna to the comment saying, “I’m down if you are @rihanna”. Rihanna replied her saying “I’m in Pit’z” (Lupita’s nickname).

Another fan mentioned the idea to Insecure producer Issa Rae and she instantly replied with a meme indicating that she’s down for it.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that after dramatic negotiation session at the Cannes Film Festival, Netflix has nabbed the film project which is expected to be directed by Selma director Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae is also said to be in talks for the screenplay.

Quoting sources, EW said Issa Rae is already working on the script and the studio is eyeing a production start of 2018 after DuVernay completes her current film.

Source: Bellanaija

In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Editor

WOMEN PLEDGE TO BOOST LAGOS ECONOMIC GROWTH

A large number of women in politics, trade and business on Thursday said they would partner Lagos State in its quest for economic growth and development.

They added that such would ensure that oncoming generations of women found a space to fully realise their potential.

The women reached the resolution at a symposium organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, in Lagos, as part of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the state

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Bolanle Ambode, at the event, with the theme, ‘The Contribution of Women to the Development of Lagos in the Past 50 Years,’ said women had played important roles in politics, commerce and other professions, adding that in the next 50 years, women would do more.

She said, “The women of Lagos State will not draw back. We will do more to help the state maintain its position as first among equals.”

The Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule, said the anniversary was an avenue for women to do more, especially by supporting programmes of government.

She said, “The government will also provide opportunities so that more of our women can be actively involved in the process of decision-making.”

The Senator representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District, Oluremi Tinubu, said more could still be done to advance the cause of women and society.

“We still have some women without access to education, while others are desperately in need of support to lift them out of poverty.

“We must devise a holistic strategy to equip women to become more relevant,” Tinubu said.

Also in attendance at the symposium were the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Nike Akande, and the Special Assistant to the President on Diapora Matters, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Editor

9TO5CHICK EMPOWERMENT NETWORKING EVENT FOR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

Two of Nigeria’s foremost women empowerment platforms Inspired by Glory, a personal development hub for women and Her Network, a networking platform for women, recently hosted career women to an evening of networking games, career development conversations and lively debates.

9to5chick is a product of Inspired by Glory dedicated to providing skills for career women to thrive in the workplace. The aim of the event was to create opportunities for professional women to network within and outside their sectors, learn key tips to excel in their careers and discuss issues that impact directly on women in the workplace.

The event which took place at Eve Restaurant in Victoria Island, featured career development tips led by high powered career women such as Peace Hyde, Forbes West Africa Correspondent, who shared tips on networking tips for career women; Chioma Dike, Senior Special Assistant, Lagos State Ministry of Women’s Affairs, who spoke on how women can support each other in the workplace and Toyin Awesu, Head Marketing and Communications, United Capital, who shared visibility tips for career women.

The event also featured conversations, which tackled hot button career issues faced by women such as harassment and discrimination against women in the workplace and surviving in male dominated careers.

Participants at the event commended the organisers for a highly impactful event, with one attendee remarking “it was an evening well-spent, with stimulating conversations” and another noting “I didn’t expect to enjoy myself as much as I did, it was great learning from speakers while meeting and making new friends.”

In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

KADUNA HOLDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT, FLAGS OFF HEALTH CAMP

In order to better the lot of women in Kaduna State as well as improve upon healthcare and access to resources, the governor of Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El- Rufa’i and his wife Hadiza Isma El- Rufa’i held an empowerment summit during the week. The Kaduna Women Economic Empowerment Summit, in its second edition, had the theme, “Enabling Access & Participation: Linking Women to Resources”, and was held at Arewa House in Kaduna.

The event which drew the movers and shakers of the state focused on how to empower women so that they gain adequate financial independence as well as protecting the girl-child, whom is highly vulnerable and suspect to abuse.

The Honorable Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Hafsat Mohammed Baba, stated that a healthy and empowered woman is the key to a prosperous future for the state and the society at large, which is why the state is working towards the agenda of gender and social inclusion policy to protect women and female children in the state with the support of the governor.

Partnering with the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development through its medical outreach project, the Power Oil Health Camp Project was on hand to provide free basic medical health check up for the indigenes. The collaboration was officially flagged off by Power Oil Health Team which is already active in 13 locations across the country, offering free basic medical health check up to communities in the area of BMI check, Blood pressure, free medical consultation and would be moving from one local government to the other in Kaduna together with a team of medical experts deployed by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to conduct HIV & Malaria tests.

Commenting on the partnership, Amisha Chawla, Brand Manager, Power Oil said it meant a lot to the brand, as the long term plan is to cover the entire nation, especially the rural areas, promoting good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle amongst Nigerians.

The Honourable commissioner would join the team for mobilisation and to encourage women to take advantage of the opportunity of the free health checks so as to guard against avoidable diseases like hypertension and other heart related issues.

The Power Oil health camp is also in partnership with the Ogun State Ministry of Health and the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as well as Edo Women for Agriculture.

In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Editor

HEARTBREAKING: YOUNG KENYAN WOMAN COMMITS SUICIDE AFTER FAILED ATTEMPTS TO FIND JUSTICE FOR HER 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO WAS RAPED BY EX-BOYFRIEND

Brenda Akinyi Waru committed suicide after she was bullied online as she tried to find justice for her three-year-old daughter who was allegedly defiled by her ex boyfriend.

According to Facebook user Syombua Kibue, who shared the story online, the 29-year-old had reported the case at a police station and had slept with a police officer who requested for sex in exchange for help.
She was later disappointed by the police man who didn’t continue with the case but instead, left her hanging.

Not giving up, she turned to a popular Kenyan Facebook page for help, but instead of receiving the assistance she was looking for, she was bullied and taunted by some members of the group who found her story sketchy.

On Saturday, May 13, Brenda threw herself at an oncoming vehicle along Waiyaki highway near Kabete Police Station and died from the impact.

Read Syombua’s story below…

“This lady was going through a lot before she took her life,. Her child was molested by someone she knows, she went to the police to get help but unfortunately the police officer requested sexual favors in order to help , in her desperation she gave in but he turned around and left her hanging, on to of all that, she was battling with depression. She went to a popular group online seeking help but her story was too sketchy so people started asking questions. She may have passed on but her child still needs help and justice. A child molester is still walking free”

In Interviews&profile May 23, 2017 By Editor

SET GOALS, EXAMINE YOUR SURROUNDINGS, TAKE RISKS – EDWINA KULEGO

A hybrid of many cultures, Edwina Kulego, then aged 19, moved from Sweden to the United States with the sole intention of pursuing a career in fashion and business. Ten years later, this incredible woman has worked with major fashion brands, and has become a formidable force in the world of fashion and retailing. In this interview, Edwina talks us through her major career milestones and what’s next for her.

Meet Me
Edwina Kulego is a travel enthusiast who blends the two dynamic worlds of International Business and Fashion into her own realm. Born in Sweden to Ghanaian parents, Edwina is a hybrid of many cultures, which enables her to see the world through many different lenses.

I currently manage International Business Development for the largest Fashion Trade Show organizer in the US, UBM Fashion. This role includes helping international fashion brands create pathways into the US market. I am also building my own brand Edwina Kulego and diving into entrepreneurship through public speaking and collaborations. It’s really exciting!

Venturing into Fashion
My love for fashion begun when I started working at Zara in Copenhagen, right after high school. I was looking for work while figuring out collage options and unintentionally fell into retail. While working at the store, I quickly recognized how the clothes and accessories made people feel. It could change their moods from exhausted to happy, give them a boost of confidence and make them feel beautiful. I realized the emotional power of fashion; which is what truly makes it special. After becoming promoted to assistant store manager I decided to move to New York City to pursue my dream of working in Fashion/Business.

Interning with three major global brands
My internships at Essence Magazine, Tommy Hilfiger and PROJECT Trade Show were immensely rewarding because they all prepared me for the “real world” in different ways. I started interning at Essence Magazine when I first moved to New York in 2007. I was very timid and shy but due to the strong characters and the determination from the women who worked there, I learned to grow some thick skin. At Tommy Hilfiger I learned the importance of organization and scheduling. While working in the celebrity and fashion department I managed many calendars and also participated in organizing their renowned New York Fashion Week show. Finally, PROJECT taught me the importance of curiosity. One of my former executives always encouraged me to ask questions in order to learn and I still use this advice today.

Speaking of internship, would you say it has its rewards, and would you recommend it?
I would definitely recommend internships. If you are at a crossroads and don’t know what career path to embark on, I would recommend that you intern in the field that you are interested in. Some internships and more rewarding than others but they all teach us some valuable tools or skills that we can apply to our next role. The last company that I interned for hired me and I’ve been with them for eight years now.

You are the International Business Manager at UBM Fashion Group; kindly take us through what a regular day at work looks like for you?
I usually start my day off with reviewing my schedule for the day, week or month. For example, if I have any upcoming travel I will make sure that I have all of my accommodations and meetings booked. I spend a lot of time in the office taking calls or having team meetings. I also spend time out in the market visiting my client’s showrooms and planning for the next season. When I am travelling for work, I am usually conducting presentations and meeting with trade groups to develop new partnerships.

Skills and personal qualities
Having determination and discipline is a skill that I constantly focus on improving. For example, making sure that I wake up at 6:00am in time for my morning workout session or completing a task before or by the deadline. Being organized and staying on top of things really helps me create balance in my life.

A lot of people say that business isn’t personal but I do truly believe that people choose to do business with the people that they like. Being personable and kind is an attribute that I think has led many of my successes. When you are truly passionate and interested in people; it naturally opens you up to new opportunities

Milestones
Recently being promoted to manage our International Business Development was a huge career milestone for me. I started as an intern in the company and worked my way up through many challenges in order to get to my position today. It’s rewarding to see that hard work does pay off and the importance of patience. In April 2017, we launched our first international show in Tokyo, called MAGIC Japan. This was also a career milestone for me as I had been working on this project for almost three years; it’s a major accomplishment that I am proud to say I was a part of. From a personal aspect I will be celebrating a decade in New York in September. Ten years is a long time to be away from family, but I can honestly say that leaving Sweden at 19 and getting out of my comfort zone was the best decision I have made. The risk taker in me is what has made me the Edwina I am today. Last year, I launched EdwinaKulego.com – my own platform where I can share information and connect with my audience. It’s an amazing feeling!

What I love about my work
I love the fact that I can travel the world while working in the industries that I love; fashion and business. It has taken me a while to get to this place and I am truly embracing it. I also love to dress up, so if I can do that while I’m working; I’m winning.

For women trying to get ahead in their careers, what are the top three things they should learn to do?
Set Goals: You won’t know where you are heading if you don’t have a plan. Start writing things down in order to create a sense of direction.

Examine your surroundings: If the people, places or things around you aren’t uplifting or inspiring you then it’s time to make some changes. Remove the things in your life that are hindering you from getting to your goals.

Take Risks: Everything was impossible until someone did it. I thought I was going to be a lawyer when I was younger. I saw an opportunity within Fashion and I took it. Don’t be afraid to dive into the unknown… it’s fun and you always leave with lesson.

As an African woman trying to make a name for herself in the western fashion space, have there been moments on the job where you felt the need to work harder and produce twice better results than your western counterparts?
The truth is that women of colour always have to work harder and produce better results. Once you realise what you are up against, you strategize and push forward. I have attended meetings where I have been completely ignored even though I was driving the conversation or when I was the decision-maker. The focus would instantly shift to my western, male counterpart. I can’t deny that it’s frustrating and hard at times but I always try to remember that I am paving the way for my nieces, cousins and the generation of young women behind me. On the upside, I am happy to see that there are more African women and women of colour in the Fashion Space. This should be embraced and I believe that if we come together and support each other we can change the standard.

In all of your travels, what fashion city captures your heart the most?
Oh, this is a tough question… my initial thoughts are Lima, Paris, Florence but I would honestly have to go with Accra. Every time I return to Accra I am filled with so much joy and humility. The love for family, culture and heritage reminds me of who I am. I always take a few trips to Mokola Market and buy print fabric that I eventually turn into my own fashion creations.

Drawing from your international fashion exposure, how would you describe the African fashion space?
There is so much excitement and energy coming from Africa right now. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana are producing prominent events and highlighting impeccable designers. I would like to get more involved in the West African fashion space and lend my support to developing that industry and market. Africans are innovative and entrepreneurial at heart; we can make something out of anything. There are so many promising opportunities coming from the continent.

What are some of your favourite African brands, and what makes them outstanding for you?
Christie Brown is a long – time favourite; I appreciate the modernism, attention to detail and unique designs in her collection.
Kahindo – I love her designs because they carefully mix the categories of contemporary and traditional. I think that this is a hard task to accomplish but she does it effortlessly.

Kairosshoppers is an online platform that houses many awesome African designers. I love visiting their site for inspiration and shopping.

You founded your website Engage with Me, as a platform for women to share their engagement stories. What led to its birth?
I’ve always been a sucker for love stories and happy endings. I started Engage With Me years ago and it taught me a lot about the digital space. It also gave me an introduction to online marketing and social media. I have drifted away from the Engage With Me platform and I’m currently focusing more on EdwinKulego.com. I hope to revamp or revisit the site in the future.

We can’t help but crush on your fashion sense. What fashion item is a staple for you?
I love a classic look; you will always find tons of pumps in my shoe closet. I believe that a classic pump such as a suede Manolo Blahnik can upgrade almost any outfit. I am also in love with high waist pants; I have them in all prints and colours.

What would be your first piece of advice to a young African girl who’s looking to toeing the same path as yours?
I would encourage her to think big; start travelling or at least begin reading about the amazing different places in the world. Being diverse and having the ability to adapt in different environments is key in international business. Growing your knowledge of the world will help with building the confidence you need to become a global businesswoman.

Source: Guardian

In Career Gems May 23, 2017 By Editor

DOLAPO SIJUWADE FOUNDATION: TEACHING CONFIDENCE

On Saturday 29th of April, The Dolapo Sijuwade Foundation held its first workshop for the year at the Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy, Lekki.

The workshop themed Confidence; Finding it and Living it, was an educative and fun-filled interactive session as Dolapo gave insightful tips about developing and building self-confidence.

Moriam Ajaga, co-founder of the DS Foundation set the workshop in motion with an introduction of the purpose of the foundation and its work. Participants at the workshop were fully engaged as they shared their experiences about their biggest achievements and participated in practical exercises demonstrating how to display confidence in everyday situations.

Dolapo Sijuwade Foundation is focused on providing social and educational programs as well as individual support for youth in secondary schools and universities. The foundation also seeks to help youths identify their goals and aspirations, encouraging and empowering them to use their talents in the best way possible.

Moreover, parents are not left out; DS foundation ensures to engage with parents by helping them contribute positively to their children’s development whilst maintaining a positive relationship with them.

The DSF workshop is only one expression of the different channels through which the foundation aims to transform the lives of Nigerian youth and the society at large. The foundation will remain committed to equipping youths with the right understanding and resources to make ethical and vision driven career decisions.

In self development May 22, 2017 By Editor

7 THINGS MEN ONLY DO WITH THE WOMAN THEY LOVE

Don’t second-guess if your man loves you. Read these signs and know for sure.

Men and women show that they care in very different ways. If a man is willing to publicly display his love for a woman, he is not messing around. It takes extreme vulnerability for a man to show and express exactly what he is feeling on such a large scale. There are at least 7 things a man will only do for the woman he sincerely loves.

He listens

If you ever think that men sometimes behave like children, you’re not entirely wrong. Most men only concentrate on things they are passionate about. If they love you, your voice is music to their ears and all you have to do is say something that really matters and they are hooked.

The man who really loves you will not only hear you but will pay attention to your words. You will notice that he follows your advice and respects your thoughts.

He fights with you

Yes, that is correct. Fights are not always a sign that the relationship is going through a bad time. If he truly loves you and is invested in your relationship, he will take the time to fight, discuss and find solutions for your relationship. Occasional discussions are a sign that he wants to make things work. You want to find a middle ground where you both can be happy.

He makes sacrifices for your happiness

This is one of the biggest signs that a man loves a woman. If he changes his plans from something he would like to do for something he knows would make you happy, he is showing that he loves and respects you and is willing to always put you first.

He fights for your love

A man in love will take the punches as they come and fight to keep your love. He will weather the coldest winters and the rainiest spring showers just to be with you. A man in love feels lucky to have you in his life and makes it known that losing you is the last thing he would ever want.

He’s proud of your achievements

When a man loves a woman, everything she does feels like his own achievements. It’s almost like the pride a mother feels when their child does something kind or new for the first time. A man in love does not compete with the woman he loves, a man in love wins with the woman he loves.

He thinks you look beautiful even on your worst days

A few weeks ago, one of my coworkers had a cold sore on her top lip. She did not feel comfortable enough to meet her boyfriend that day because she did not want him to see her like that. However, after gathering the opinion of the whole office, the consensus was that if she met up with him with the sore and he did not care, it would be a sign that he was really interested in her for her and not just her looks. When a man really loves a woman, she always looks beautiful no matter what.

He cares about your family and friends because you do

A man in love understands that the people you love are important to you, and if they are happy, you will be too. If he loves you, he will patiently listen as you share detailed stories about your friends’ lives. He will recognize their importance in your life and will offer solutions to their problems with genuine interest.

Source: Famiyshare

In Career Gems May 21, 2017 By Editor

MEET WUNMI MOSAKU , THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS AT THE BAFTAS

Nigerian-born, British actress, Wunmi Mosaku won at the 2017 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award (BAFTA) for the Best Supporting Actress.

The Zaria-born actress migrated to Manchester, England and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2007.

Wunmi made her stage debut in a production of Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s The Great Theatre of the World and appeared in Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Wunmi won for her role in ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’, a true story based on the murder of Damilola Taylor, a ten-year-old Nigerian boy living in Peckham, London and the subsequent trial.

Born in Lagos, Damilola travelled to the United Kingdom in August 2000 with his family to allow his sister, Gbemi to seek treatment for epilepsy before his death in November 2000.

In self development May 21, 2017 By Editor

VANESSA ONYEMA: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH AN EX

What’s the angle when exes decide to bestie up?

Maturity has been trashed and misinterpreted in several ways, which I myself cannot comprehend. It’s kind of funny that when I decide that the best way to move out of a bad situation and regain my sanity, is always classified as immaturity.

One very unfortunate thing about feelings is that it is quite hard to kill it. Even the so-called maturity can never kill it. But you know what can try? Distance! And a lot of it.

When the reason for separation is on mutual grounds, it is okay to decide to stay friends. Maybe ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’ But when it goes beyond that, it becomes a problem; you get stuck. You get hurt.

When it gets bad, you run.

Social media is so easy, but as humans we always choose to walk on the path of complication. Instead of rubbing the good life in each other’s faces, use the block button! If seeing stuff, gets your day cranked up, if it makes you feel bad and spend hours on a page with a rush of rage, use the block button!

It’s not immaturity, it’s smart thinking. You don’t need anyone seeing how happy you have become. You don’t need that kind of validation. If you need to show how much you have moved on, or how excessively happy you are, then that happiness is forced. Trust me if you are truly happy, it will be seen. It must not come from you.

Why stay friends with an ex when you are tearing apart inside? Why hang on to someone who probably didn’t see you worthy of a try, who didn’t think you deserved a second chance? Are you thinking a magical friendship will jump-start feelings?

The more you hang in there playing confidant and leaning shoulder, the more disposable you become. The more you try to play it cool, the more you find yourself as a sitting duck. You are pushed to talk about your feelings, because it never left. Then, it ends badly and puts you in a messy situation.

Whenever you become less available, less predictable, when your life can’t be quoted, that’s when you become important.

Don’t get me wrong: I am not saying be enemies, or possibly send a firing squad after an ex because of a broken heart, but keep your distance and heal with time.

You can stay friends after you heal, or better just move along with your life. An extra baggage of worry doesn’t help all because you want to prove your maturity.

A mature person is not one who does things because of approval, or what people will say. A mature person is one with a mind of their own.

Source: Bellanaija