In Career Gems June 18, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Anto Lecky Launches “Edo Babes Are Fly” Initiative

To commemorate June 16th as International Day of the African Child, media personality and entrepreneur Munirat “Anto” Lecky has revealed plans to launch the Edo Babes Are Fly Initiative to promote girl child education, empowerment and skills acquisition, and reduce the rate of gender-based violence and sex trafficking in Edo State. Through her NGO, Anto Lecky alongside Musleehat Hamadu, plan to use the Edo Babes Are Fly Initiative to combat the many issues facing women from Edo State. Edo State is known as Nigeria’s capital for human trafficking, especially of young women and girls. According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), 94% of women trafficked to Europe from Nigeria are from Edo State.

To kick-off, the initiative is celebrating history made and history in the making by paying homage to great women who have shaped and are shaping Edo history and Nigeria at large with an educational tribute photoshoot featuring some favourites in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

These women include: Anto Lecky herself as Queen Idia, the Queen Mother and a cultural symbol of modern-day Nigeria; Jemima Osunde, Physiotherapist and Actress, as Princess Elizabeth Olowu, the first female bronze caster in Nigeria; Idia Aisien, Actor and TV Host, as Mabel Dorothy Segun, broadcaster, author, and first Nigerian woman to play table tennis; Arese Ugwu, Author and Executive Producer, as Osaretin Demuren, First Female Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank; Vanessa “Vandora” Williams, TV Presenter and Influencer, as Prof. Lilian Salami, current and second female Chancellor of the University of Benin; Linda Osifo, Actress and Brand Ambassador, as Aisha Yesufu, socio-political activist and convener of Bring Back Our Girls Movement; Winfrey Dania Okolo, Media Personality and Lawyer, as Omosede Igbinedion, lawyer and youngest female member into the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives (Nigeria).

Anto Lecky says her initiative will celebrate Edo women both home and abroad who contribute immensely to the betterment of society and also spur the younger generation to attain greater heights. She noted that the tribute photo shoot is a reminder of the giant strides that women of Edo extraction have made, and continue to make.

“I’m inspired by the stories of all of these women we are paying tribute to, and my colleagues who were so earnest to be the muses for the project. All of these women are role models for girls around the world. We decided to pay homage to these women, while encouraging other Edo women that they are “fly”, and can soar above any stereotype” She said

She also revealed that the Edo Babes Are Fly initiative is one of the many works the Live Wire Project will be championing. “We plan to host impactful events on key days, and offer educational & skills acquisition resources.” “We hope to share the stories of survivors of sexual violence and trafficking. We also hope to partner with international organizations and to amplify the efforts of domestic organizations that need celebrity backing.” She further added.

Anto Lecky is not new to celebrating Nigerian and African women. She hosts a talk show on Ogelle Africa titled “She’s A Boss” celebrating African women who strive and thrive; and has paid tribute to some of her favorite women in the Nigerian entertainment industry on International Women’s Day.

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connect with The Live Wire Project on Instagram @thelivewireproject or email livewireprojectng@gmail.com.

In Career Gems October 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Here Are 6 Iconic Images From #EndSARS Protests Across The World

While the protests were ongoing, certain photographers caught some iconic moments which have since been popularized on social media.

EndSARS - Iconic Shots. [Twitter] — EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

On Sunday, October 11, 2020, the EndSARS protest peaked as Nigerians across the world unified their voices in fighting the scourge of police brutality. They were also supported by foreign figures like Drake, Lil Baby, Tion Wayne, Santan Dave and more.

While the protests were ongoing, certain photographers caught some iconic moments which have since been popularized on social media. For what they mean and in those moments, they exemplify the Nigerian need for freedom and our unified voices in the struggle to win.

Here are our favourite seven shots;

6.) Mr. Macaroni sleeping on the floor

Debo always loved a good protest and here, he is one of the few to propel these protests to this level.

EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

While this would have made sense as a victory parade, we will still take it. While checking the picture, play ‘F*ck the Police‘ by NWA.

5.) Wizkid with his fists in the air

EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

According to Ogbeni Dipo, before Wizkid got to the Nigerian High Commission in London on October 11, 2020, it was a total chaos. His presence calmed things and his shots were taken.

4.) Standing on a mobile Police station while waving the Nigerian flag and an #EndSARS white flag on the same stick. He was also dressed like a skier. MAD!

EndSARS – Iconic Images.

This represents loving Nigeria while striving for something greater, while also trampling on the police. On the stick he holds, the Nigerian flag is below a white #EndSARS flag. His fashion also embodies the struggle.

It is poetry in motion. Long live the Lekki toll gate blockage.

3.) Running for your life and still not having the police

EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

In Abuja, peaceful protesters had hot water sprayed on them. But in those moments, two beautiful women who were also protesting produced an iconic moment.

While running from the scene of the assault, someone captured the hot water they were trying to avoid. One of those girls then gave a middle finger to the police van while backing it. That is an amazing evidence of the struggle.

2.) Kiki Mordi

EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

Kiki Mordi exemplifies the fight for justice. The Emmy-nominated journalist pulled up to the Ajah, Lagos protests on a Mack truck while leading a call-and-response.

This is the kind of shot you show your kids.

1.) Aisha Yesufu A.K.A statue of #EndSARS

EndSARS – Iconic Shots. [Twitter]

In Career Gems August 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

AISHA YESUFU COVERS GUARDIAN LIFE MAGAZINE

The co-convener of the “Bring Back Our Girls” Movement, Aisha Yesufu, known for her fearless stance on National issues, is the latest cover lady of Guardian Life Magazine as she talks about being a girl child in Northern Nigeria, feminism, religious faux, marriage and being a “BBOG” warrior.

Born in Northern Nigeria, where the female child is expected to keep mute on certain issues, little Aisha Yesufu was already breaking the rules by speaking out whenever there was injustice.

Read excerpts from her interview:

On growing up, she says:

“Even though my parents or adults were angry at me for speaking up especially when it does not favour them; when they had that need to have someone that was unbiased to look at issues, they would call me.”

“I have the gift to look at issues from both sides even when I am involved and when I am not. I am able to tell people, “okay look at it like this”. My mother would always say, ‘nobody wins in your court’, but in that same court when they want the issues to be told plainly, they would come.”

On Feminism and Marriage:

“I am very, very lazy. My parents used to say, ‘Is everything book?’ Even when my husband proposed, I told him, I am lazy and I hate housework, I hate cooking and he was ready to go with it.”

“I set systems in place to work for me. I hire and pay people to make me jobless. By the grace of God, I will never work for anybody so I have time on my hands.”

“Being brought up to expect that a man that will take of you, it was my husband that taught me to be financially independent so that I can have control over my voice and not be dependent.”

On being a Bring Back Our Girls warrior;

“Growing up, the average Nigerian was taught that you should not question elders. They grew up with how not to question authority and it went on through school. Now that they have become adults, they have used government to replace parents so they don’t question authority.”

“Fortunately, we are seeing more movements like BBOG inspire them to stay on course. They are realising that the office of the citizen is actually the highest office in the land. They are realizing that we don’t need permission from the police to protest but protection.”

“Whatever I am doing today, I am fighting for that little girl that I was that yearned for help, that begged to be helped with a textbook so that I can read and pass my exams. If I ever give up that fight, I will be giving up on myself.