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I Aspire To Be A Role Model As An Artist – Fagbenro Christiana Boluwatife

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!

I

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One Of The Most Difficult Things To Do Is Leading People- Kolajo Blessing

Breaking the glass ceiling” is one the best things that came out of Hillary Clinton contesting for Presidency. A tag line she often used during her campaign, to encourage women to take charge and squash their limiting beliefs. Kolajo Blessing is one of such women! She has not just broken through the glass ceiling, but also encouraging other women in her generation to do so.She is the first Female President of OOU Literary and Debating Society and also the first Female President of VeeCee Success Stories, a position she holds in a bid to share stories of young women and men alike, as an undergraduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University. Blessing is also an excellent writer and a great spoken word artist. She recently wowed people with her craft on Instagram when she did spontaneous spoken word session about Slay queens. The double President shares her inspiring journey with Esther Ijewere in this interview.

Childhood Preparation
My childhood days prepared me a lot for what I do today, and the things I will still do in the future. I remember growing up was not so fun for me because I took interest in what my age groups do not enjoy doing which was reading literary texts, so I spend more of my time with imaginary characters in novels. My daddy would trek down to the bookshop to buy storybooks for me every weekend, which I would finish reading before he comes back from work, and that was at the age of seven. I enjoyed watching the news, too, which has served as a platform for my exposure because I grew up in a rural environment.

Being the President of OOU Literary and Debating Society and first female president of Veecee Success Stories
If I’m asked I will say one of the most difficult things to do is to lead people. It was difficult waking up to the reality that there are a set of people looking up to me in many aspects, having to think that any bad decision I make affects many others. Having to do all this, along with achieving my academic vision and personal development, gave me a tough time. However, the experience I had has shaped and moulded me into a better person; leadership isn’t easy but it’s worth it.


Being a student and managing my role
Time management and setting priorities. I denied myself of a whole lot of things; I scrapped my fun time totally and fused it into my creativity. I do not attend impromptu programmes, neither do I go for unnecessary visits. My schedule was church, lectures, library, official meetings and any events where I have been called to perform. It wasn’t easy for me because I am a youth and I have needs, but some prices are worth paying to achieve the goal of self-development, which I did because I had the best results of my life during that period.
Using my position to squash stereotype of women holding powerful positions in the society

I set an example by leading the associations even better than my predecessors who were males, because people were wondering that this small girl cannot do it. Also, I remember that each time an assignment was meant to be given or an opportunity arises in any of the associations that I led, what I did was to conduct a capacity test to pick someone suitable for the job. In most cases, the female members perform better and I do not hesitate to pick them since they have proven themselves worthy regardless of the gender reservations that has been for that position, because I believe women are tools for greatness and not humans that should always occupy the backseat. Also, I write to influence the mind of the society positively about the issue of gender discrimination.

Being a Poet
What inspired my poetry is just the need to express myself in a way that is unique and beautiful. However, when I noticed that I am making positive impact, I started doing more and that is what has brought me to limelight and accord this kind of honour to me. Be on the lookout for many things, by June of this year I will be launching three poetry collections for junior secondary school one, two and three titled “Raindrops” and many other great things shall follow.

Three women who inspire you to be better and why
The number one woman that inspired me a lot when I was a child was Professor Dora Akunyili, she was an intelligent woman, I do watch her speak on NTA when I was young. Also, the words of Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Adichie are energy giving shots to my soul.

Challenges of being an undergraduate joggling so many things at once
Managing people especially when they are older than me was the first challenge, getting people of like minds to work with was my second challenge. Lastly, having to cope with challenges of being a teenager/youth, peer pressures and the likes was so difficult.

Being a Woman of Rubies
I am a Woman of Rubies because I am productive, and I have something valuable to offer my generation and beyond. I am beautiful and strong regardless of the circumstances around me.

To young women who are afraid to live their dreams
Dear young girls, the best motivation you can ever have in life is having a clear vision that will always serve as a drive to your success. Never be afraid to accept challenges, never be afraid to bring those dreams into reality, for only the brave can rule this world and do not neglect the place of God, for his grace will always be sufficient for you.

Values OOU has instilled in me as an undergraduate
The first value is perseverance, the harsh condition of the school and its administrative system has taught me to persevere. I can say OOU, through the people that I have met, gave me the best gift I have now which is poetry.

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“I aspire to be a role model as an artist” – Fagbenro Christiana Boluwatife

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!

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MEET THE NIGERIAN FEMALE NAVAL OFFICER SERVING AS HELICOPTER SQUADRON IN THE U.S

Nigerians are breaking boundaries all over the World.

This is the Inspiring story of Adeyemi, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University who is making us proud in the U.S Navy. She Immigrated in 2009 from Nigeria, and earned her citizenship in 2013.

Today, Adeyemi who is happily married with one child has been commended for her diligence and commitment to service in the U.S Navy. See her Inspiring story below

According to Navy You Outreach ; 2nd Class Adeyemi Planche, a native of Columbus, Ohio, joined the Navy to do something challenging. Now, six years later, Planche serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

Planche is a retail services specialist who is responsible for ordering supplies to meet the needs of sailors.

“I like putting a smile on people’s faces, especially when we work with morale, welfare and recreation,” said Planche.

Planche is a 2001 Dupmos High School graduate.

According to Planche, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbus.

“If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want to,” said Planche.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.

Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Planche is most proud of earning personal recognition from the commodore aboard USS Pinckney.

“We earned a 100 percent score in records management,” said Planche. “This had not been done before, so it was a big deal for us to accomplish.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Planche, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Hopefully, I can start a tradition for my children to consider a career in the military,” said Planche. “I like discipline, and the military definitely provides that. I immigrated in 2009 from Nigeria, and earned my citizenship in 2013. I feel really good being able to serve in the military defending this country. It’s a job I can definitely be proud of.”

Esther Ijewere™©

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#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM DRIVEN BY THE DESIRE TO CAUSE GREAT IMPACT AND POSITIVE CHANGE IN MY GENERATION” – OLAMIDE MARIAM SOBOWALE

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.

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#RUBYGIRLS| “ONE DAY, LIFE WILL WORK IN YOUR FAVOUR IF YOU DON’T LOSE FOCUS” – FAVOUR OLUWAKAMIMAYO ADEOSUN

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.

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“I DON’T ALLOW ANYTHING LIMIT ME FROM GOING FOR WHATEVER I WANT”- ADURAGBEMI AKINTEPEDE

Aduragbemi Akintepede is a nineteen year old undergraduate of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She started writing at the early age of nine and published her first book, a play at the age of fourteen. She has also authored “New Cheese,” a memoir and “Late Last Year,” a short story.

Aduragbemi has a passion for writing, campaigning for women and child rights, acting, teaching and humanitarianism.

One Good Turn” which is her first published book is currently on Ogun State Ministry of Education Science and Technology’s Approved List of Textbooks for use in Junior Secondary Class Two, Literature-in-English text for 2019/2020 academic session in schools across the state.

She shares her inspiring story with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence

My parents are educationists, my dad used to be a civil servant at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology while my mom is a teacher. So, as a little child, I had access to books early. While growing up in primary school, my dad used to have lots of books hanging around the house and some on shelves. I read “Eze Goes to school, Mayor of Casterbridge, Merchant of Venice, Things Fall Apart and books by Wole Soyinka which I didn’t understand but always kept reading. They informed my early writing and I started writing my version of stories as they came to me, in drama, firstly on the plain back of A4 papers not in use anymore at home, then, later I progressed to notebooks when I was admitted into secondary school.

My love for the female gender also grew from my home too. I have two siblings and they are both girls. So, we’re three girls. Our experiences while growing up as children made me love and appreciate femininity. That made me drift more towards the female gender, identifying with their struggles, empathizing with experiences of adult females around me, having a great feeling of joy when females around me are excelling and achieving feats.

My writing journey

I discovered that I love imagining stories and writing them out. Like I said, I started with drama, writing out dialogues. It was fun. Allowing my imagination run wild, writing things I felt should come after another. I had a friend in Junior Secondary Class One then who I write with on notebooks. I wrote my first play in Primary Four. I wrote the second with her. I had graduated to writing stories on notebooks. I would sit with her during break or after exams and start writing. It was our way of playing. Suggesting a plot of action, creating our characters to suit it. Making the dialogue flow. Everything was fun to us.

My friend left my school after our Junior Secondary education. In Senior Secondary Class Two, with the help of my parents, I was able to publish my first book, “One Good Turn Deserves Another.” A publisher advised them to let me publish my stories, so, my play was worked on and I became an author at fourteen.

Started at age 9 and publishing my first book at 14

Looking back, I must say that the journey so far has been God’s special grace. I am not the most creative or talented among my peers, I am still a budding writer but so far God has helped me to transition from then till now. When I started out, writing was a childhood hobby and I had the desire to make great impact, do great exploits even at my young age and that childhood dream is still driving me and I hope younger ones and adults alike can read from me and know that age can never be a determinant or barrier to success.

Being a Government endorsed Author at 19

I must say that being a government endorsed author at such a young age is an incredible honour for me and I’m still in awe of it. I should be the youngest author on the entire list of recommend texts for secondary schools in the state and I feel so honoured. It is also a great encouragement to me and to fellow young people that your age notwithstanding, you can be anything you set your mind to become.

My passion for women, child rights, humanitarian work and it’s Impact

I am passionate about women and children. For women, I recognize and can relate to their strengths, struggles, challenges and flaws.

We have single mothers in our society, we also have women who are married yet single in the actual sense because they bear the entire responsibilities of the home or are denied of marital bliss, love and affection. Naturally, I have a sense of empathy for them and it breaks my heart when I hear sad stories about women being abused, sidelined, going through one pain or the other.

I have always been passionate about the reading culture, mostly for teenagers because I feel it is declining in my generation and it is important to start with the little ones.

I did a revision to my first book early this year shortly before it was adopted by the Ogun state government for Junior Secondary Class Two. I ensured I included lots of vocabularies in it, some of which I learnt myself during the course of writing. It also has questions for each Act in the play. All of these were put in place so that as much as students are reading the didactic part of it with morals being instructed into them, they are also adding to their wealth of knowledge and usage of new words and can also attempt questions on what they have read.

My Goals

I intend to have a book drive in primary and secondary schools firstly in Ogun state where it is a recommended literature text, then, extend it to other states. I also intend to partner with brands mentioned in the play such as Bigi Drinks, Mentos Sweet and Nestlé as well as foundations owned by youths to have book reading sessions, talks, acting out of scenes from the book and also donating books to schools in indigent areas where students cannot afford to buy notebooks not to talk of literature texts.

Other Projects and Activities

I am also a member of organizations which give me platforms to reach out to these category of people I’m passionate about. I belong to Junior Chamber International Nigeria (JCIN), Jesunpadabo Charity Initiative which is a Christian missionary intitiative where people are fed with both the word of God and material needs too, Our Little Gist Foundation where we reach out to the girl child. By God’s grace, I am an executive member of these organizations and my activities in them always bring me a step closer to my dreams.

Balancing it all

I am a Law student in my third year, I don’t really have to give a detailed report to my parents on my academics because they trust me well enough to balance it all. However, I am accountable to my elder sister who is a medical student and also to an older friend of mine. They monitor my grades and academic progress. So, because I know I’ll have to give them a detailed report at the end of every semester, I ensure I perform well.

I also have people who do not cease to remind me to balance everything together. I have seniors in my Law faculty who commend me for doing well in other areas and also urge me to excel in my academics, so, I can be given a platform on my valedictory day to talk about school and my writing as well.

Personally, while following my passion, I always remind myself that I must excel in other areas too. So, I always try to create a balance, write or carry out other activities during semester breaks or periods I don’t have school work to do. I attend tutorials too almost every weekend and so far I have been excelling greatly in my academics.

Challenges

I am a young writer and as much as I really love writing. Most times, I lose interest in finishing up a story I’m working on. I keep procrastinating or waiting for inspiration. So, far, the knowledge that I am to take the first step- start writing, even if I feel inspired at the moment or not has been of great help. It is more like a farmer who keeps waiting for the sun to come out before setting out, he will definitely fail.

I also have a particular person, my older friend whom I mentioned earlier, Lanre Omodele who really keeps me in track. He gives me deadlines to finish up a story I have lost interest in or been procrastinating.

On Giving up

No, there hasn’t. I am passionate about everything I do and that drives me. There are times I feel discouraged or have low moments but there has never been a time I felt like giving everything up. When I’m down, I turn to God for strength, allow myself to drop my fears and worries at His feet and walk into His rest. My parents have also been very supportive. They help out in almost all areas and are fully involved in every process; writing, editing, publishing and marketing. The immense support and sacrifices of my family, adults who believe in me and youths alike keeps me going.

Being a Woman of Rubies

I feel so honoured to be a Ruby Woman and I feel that what makes me a Woman of Rubies is that I don’t allow anything limit me from going for whatever I want and also the courage to always do things afraid. I also feel that my desire to impact and impart younger generations, to be an epitome of the saying, “it is never too late or too early to start something new or achieve great feats,” makes me a Woman of Rubies.

Dear Young Woman….

For young women who are hesitant to take a leap of faith even while being afraid, I will advice them with two of my personal quotes from my second book, a memoir, “New Cheese” which goes thus:

“Work on self discovery and dare to be a new, better and positive version of you than you were yesterday.”

“Embrace you, assess you, celebrate you and above all, love you everyday to know you deserve the newest cheese out there!”

 

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#RUBYGIRLS| “I AM A GIRL WITH TALENTS AND I NEVER WANT THOSE TALENTS TO GO TO WASTE” – ORITOKE ENIOLA ADENIYI

Oritoke Eniola Adeniyi is an undergraduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). She is a third year student in the department of Business Administration. Oritoke is the third child in a family of seven. She loves web surfing, music, writing and reading.

She owns her own YouTube channel where she talks about beauty, hair and lifestyle, showcasing different shades and attributes of a dynamite to the world.

She owns an Instagram page named “Oritoke.dynamite” where she builds her brand, write and design amazing quote pictures.

She shares her Ruby Girl story in this interview.

MEET ME

My names are Adeniyi Eniola Oritoke Lateefat, I am a 300level Business Administration Student of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am the third child in a family of seven.

 

HOBBIES

Web surfing, listening to music, writing and reading.

 

INSPIRATION

Music, pictures and things inspire me in different ways, for example I can see a beautiful painting, get inspired by it and draft a poetry out of it.

BIGGEST FEAR

Losing my family.

 

MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Yes, I started a YouTube channel about two months ago where I talk about Korean BTS. I haven’t been really active on it though I am looking forward to doing more interesting things on it which is generally not going to be in the directions of Kpop stuffs. What actually made me created the YT Channel was because I felt uncomfortable about how idle I was ‘I am a girl with talents and I never want that talent to go to waste, so, I decided it is best to showcase it to the world.’

 

TO SAY THE TRUTH OR LIE NOT TO HURT…

I would rather say the truth in a less hurting way.

ONE THING I WOULD LOVE TO CHANGE ABOUT MYSELF…

The act of procrastinating.

 

WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WASN’T AFRAID

If I were not afraid, I would walk to the presidential villa and tell the president to his face the numerous ways he has failed us.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

If given the chance to be president for a day, I will change the laws that favor the corrupt officials.

I understand that I cannot make a total change in Nigeria if I become a president for a day but surely what I would do is to make adjustment in the rules that favour and caress our corrupt political officials; place them on same level with ordinary citizens.

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

My phone.

 

INSPIRATION BEHIND MY INSTAGRAM PAGE ‘ORITOKE.DYNAMITE’

Nothing inspired me really, I created my handle like every other person. I choose to upload my stuffs there to gain awareness and catch the attention of people that are not within reach. I build my brand there, also write and design quote pictures on the page.

‘DYNAMITE’ means something to be very impressive and that is who I am “full of exciting mysteries.”

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

Starlight.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

My advice to a group of girls five years younger than I am will be for them to try their possible best to build a happy life for themselves and also make sure to leave a mark on earth.

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#RUBYGIRLS| “IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, I SEE MYSELF BEING VERY ACTIVE IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION” – ADEBUNKOLA ESTHER ADEIGA

Adebukonla Esther Adeiga is a 500 level student of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. Driven by the desire and passion to be at service to humanity, Bukola is currently in the race for OOU Student Union Government, Vice President for the 2019/2020 academic session.

She shares her Ruby Girl story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

Adeiga Adebukonla Esther popularly known as Bukola is a 500level student of the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University OOU. She is an aspirant for the post of OOU SUG VICE PRESIDENT 19/20 and this ambition is borne out of the interest of students.

 

INSPIRATION

My greatest inspiration is my love and passion to be at service to humanity. There are two women who inspire me a lot with their words; Ayn Rand in her words “the question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.

Also Rosalynn Carter in her words “A leader takes people where they want to go; A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”

BIGGEST FEAR

My biggest fear is losing anyone dear to me, and also acting below peoples’ expectations.

 

ONE ACCESSORY I CAN’T DO WITHOUT

Earrings.

 

TO GO BACK IN TIME OR TIME TRAVEL TWO YEARS INTO THE FUTURE

I would rather travel two years to the future to prepare ahead for some things.

 

IN MY DARKEST MOMENTS…

I meditate and pray.

 

OOU SUG VICE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CANDIDATE

The idea behind my aspiration for the post of OOU SUG VICE president is not borne out of personal interest but for the good of my fellow OOUITES and to serve to the best of the students’ interest. Hmmm… What I feel I will do differently is seen in the students academics. I noticed our students fail not because they are not brilliant but due to some circumstances that surrounds them both financially and family background. I feel so bad when I see such and I’m interested in working towards that area. Also those who fail based on the victimization from lecturers. Our students deserve the best and I’ll do all in my capacity to ensure they get the best.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY

If I’m given the chance to be the president of Nigeria for a day, I’ll improve aspects of security of the country and also feeding.

 

MY BEST QUOTE

“I decided I can’t pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it -” Serena Williams

 

WISH

The trust and belief from people that I can do it.

 

MY POLITICAL AMBITION

Yes, definitely if I have the opportunity to become the president some day, I’ll be glad to. As Eleanor Roosevelt said and I quote “a woman is like a tea bag you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. And I’ll also urge my fellow ladies that in every situation in life supporting a lady isn’t something we’ll regret doing.

 

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

Wow! In the next five years I see my self very active in the legal profession, politics in the outside world, making my self, family and everyone proud. Also becoming a successful and bright lady.

 

WORDS OF ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

My advice to them will be; in any situation you meet yourselves, never look down on yourself, or feel inferior and have it in mind to be the best you can ever think of or imagine.

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#RUBYGIRLS| “MY BIGGEST FEAR IS NOT MAKING IMPACT” -ADURAGBEMI AKINTEPEDE

Aduragbemi Akintepede is a nineteen year old undergraduate of Law at Olabisi Onabanjo University. She started writing at the early age of nine and published her first book, a play at the age of fourteen. She has also authored “New Cheese,” a memoir and “Late Last Year,” a short story.

Aduragbemi has a passion for writing, campaigning for women and child rights, acting, teaching and humanitarianism.

One Good Turn” which is her first published book is currently on Ogun State Ministry of Education Science and Technology’s Approved List of Textbooks for use in Junior Secondary Class Two, Literature-in-English text for 2019/2020 academic session in schools across the state.

She shares her “Ruby Girl” story in this interview.

 

MEET ME

Aduragbemi Akintepede is a nineteen year old law student, author of three books, the second child of a family of five.

HOBBIES

I love dancing, reading, writing or thinking about my characters when I’m not writing, teaching and acting. I love art and nature also.

 

INSPIRATION

While growing up in primary school, my dad used to have lots of books hanging around the house and some on shelves. My dad was a civil servant and my mom is a teacher, so, I had access to books early. I read “Eze Goes to school, Mayor of Casterbridge, Things Fall Apart and books by Wole Soyinka which I didn’t understand but always kept reading. They informed my early writing and I started writing my version of stories as they came to me, in drama, firstly on the plain back of A4 papers not in use anymore at home, then, later I progressed to notebooks when I was admitted into secondary school.

 

BIGGEST FEAR

Not making impact.

 

CHANGE

I don’t think I’ll like to change anything. Both my flaws and strengths contribute to who I am today. I’ll just have to keep leveraging on them more to become a better version of myself.

 

ON MY FIRST BOOK BEING CURRENTLY IN OGUN STATE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Truly it is a golden opportunity and a great honour especially because of my age. I have always been passionate about the reading culture, mostly for teenagers because I feel it is declining in my generation and it is important to start with the little ones.

I intend to put this opportunity to great use by having a book drive in secondary schools firstly in Ogun state where it is a recommended literature text, then, extending it to other states too. I intend to partner with brands mentioned in the play such as Bigi Drinks, Mentos Sweet and Nestlé as well as foundations owned by youths to have book reading sessions, talks, acting out of scenes from the book and also donating books to schools in indigent areas where students cannot afford to buy notebooks not to talk of literature texts.

 

TO GO BACK IN TIME OR TIME TRAVEL TWO YEARS TO THE FUTURE

I’ll prefer travelling to the future.

 

BEST QUOTE 

“Work on yourself, by yourself and for yourself.

WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT

Writing or thinking about how to move a step further to my dreams.

 

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY 

I’ll address the educational sector in Nigeria at all levels.

 

WHAT PROMPTED ME TO WRITE MY SECOND BOOK, A MEMOIR, THIS EARLY

After undergoing my cheese moving experience as regards my academics, I got “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson from a friend. It prompted me to put my experience down and relay it to others to shine a light to their path by sharing the story of the mountain I climbed.

JUGGLING ACADEMICS, WRITING ,PUBLISHING BOOKS AND ACTING TOGETHER

Honestly, combining everything together has not been easy but I love it when I do not allow anything limit me from going for whatever I want and also the courage to always do it afraid. So, while following my passion, I always remind myself that I must excel in all those areas.

MY BRAND IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

I see myself being fulfilled to a great extent, my desire to impact and impart younger generations being actualized and my name being known across the globe for iconic deeds.

 

MY ADVICE TO GIRLS FIVE YEARS YOUNGER THAN ME

I will advice them from one of my personal quotes from my second book, “New Cheese” which goes thus:

“Work on self discovery and dare to be a new, better and positive version of you than you were yesterday.”

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