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In Interviews&profile December 1, 2022 By Ruby Girls Nigeria

#RubyGils| Lack Of Funds Is One Of The Challenges Faced By NGOs-Uzezi Ernest

Uzezi Ernest is an Sustainable Development Goals advocate and Fashion Designer with more than five years of social work experience that includes working as a program coordinator, team lead, sponsorship coordinator with NGOs, volunteering in youth advocacy, child welfare, event planning and management for organizations and non-profits.

Currently working as the program coordinator for Street to School Initiative, an NGO with over seven years of experience supporting the educational programs of underprivileged children in Nigeria. She is the CEO of Glorious Apparel Fashion, a bespoke clothing line for women and girls.

Apart from being a fashion designer, Uzezi is committed to educating young people—including young girls—about gender issues, building their capacity, personal development and helping them understand their purpose. She does this by leading sensitization programs in schools and mentoring the young people within her sphere of influence. So far, she has reached out to over 1,000 young people. Uzezi is determined to build uncommon competencies and constantly seeks opportunities to collaborate with great minds.

She shares her Ruby Girl story with the team

Did your childhood prepare you in any way for what you do now? Tell us more about your growing up

My childhood was quite an interesting one. Growing up, I have always been concerned about people and also been volunteering for several positions. As the Assembly Prefect in Primary and Secondary school before I became the Senior Prefect in SSS 3. I have also been fashion conscious since I was a child. When I was about seven years of age, I took one of the window curtains in the house, and redesigned it in my own way to wrap my body, that was fashion to me. More, so I was a very shy person when growing up, I found it difficult to fully express myself in public, however, I overcame that when I began to intentionally face crowds to preach the gospel, deliver seminars to undergraduate and secondary school students.

What inspired you to join advocacy

My advocacy journey officially began as an undergraduate in 100 level. My elder brother has an NGO that advocates for children and vulnerable population so I assisted in outreaches, attended seminars, conferences all about advocacy. My interest began to stir up as I participated in all through my undergraduate days. Going forward, after graduating from the university, I designed a personal development project that advocate for the needs of 466 vulnerable children.

How has the journey been since you started working as a program coordinator for Street to School Initiative?

The journey has been an interesting one, learning, unlearning and relearning.

You’ve been at the forefront of helping NGOs on their program, what are the things you learnt and would you say you have grown?

So far, I have more understanding in advocacy, delegation and team work. And yes, I have grown.

What are some challenges you experience as a social worker?

Some of the challenges I experienced as a social worker is the naive nature of some of the families we work with and also most of the times, there are limited or no funds to implement well-meaning community development projects.

As a youth advocate, what would you want the government to put in place in ensuring our youths are towing the right path?

The government needs to invest into youths that desire to go into entrepreneurship but are limited by guidance and funding. They should organize trainings on entrepreneurship and life coping skills, as well as make available internship opportunities.

If there is one thing you could do to make the world a better place for the next generation of youths and children, what would that be?

I would do all I can to be the best by showing love and offering help ways I can, to all the people and in all the places I can. I would make sure there are employment opportunities for the masses and would also engage young people to venture into creating businesses.

Any final word for young women who aspire to be where you are right now but lacks the opportunity and support?

Search carefully and mingle with such people you aspire to be like. Learn from them, ask questions for clarity. In no time, you’ll begin to attract the support and opportunities you desire.

Mention three women that inspire you and why

My mum, Mrs. Onome Ernest– she is so supportive of my dreams, kind hearted and very humble.
Mrs Oluwatosin Olowoyeye-Taiwo (Founder, Street to School Initiative) – She has a large heart and is full of so much love to impact humanity for good. Kari Jobe – Gospel Musician – She sings with so much authority and power, her songs bless my soul deeply.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see myself doing more in empowering young people, bringing them into a place of purpose by God’s grace.

If you were given the opportunity to address a group of young girls just setting out in their career, what will be your advice to them?

My advice to them would be to remain focused, keep learning by serving and standing on the shoulders of giants. More so, never to worry about anything but keep doing the right things!

‘It Is Difficult To Access Funding If You Are Not A Big Name In The NGO Sector’- Aiyekusehin Monisola

In Inspiration July 23, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

As A Creative, The Lockdown Has Been A Blessing- Divine Mumeh

Divine Favour Osomujie-paul Mumeh, also known as DF or Divi. is a lover of God. She is a Law student, content creator, a youtuber and a Podcaster, birthed out of her love to talk to people and communicate her own view.

She is the CEO of lashes by divi, where she sells quality lashes for affordable prices.She loves talking, engaging in self development conversation and loves reading alot.

Who is Divine Favour?

Divine Favour Osomujie-paul Mumeh is a 400l student of Law at Rivers state university(RSU). She is a lover of God, a jovial and goofy fellow.

She is a content creator, vlogger, (Ilahi’s empire on YouTube), and also a Podcaster (Coffee time with Divi).

2. Who and what inspires your creative flow?

My creative flow is inspired by God, by my environment, my creative flow is also inspired by myself. I desire to continuously impact lives and because of that I keep on pushing.

3. How has the covid-19 pandemic affected you as a student, creative and business owner?

Covid-19 has affected me greatly as a student because since it’s inception into Nigeria, schools have been shut down and education has being on a pause, especially for students in the public schools.

As a business owner, it also has a negative effect because due to the interstate lock down, delivery of products have been low. At a point the whole business was on a hold.

As a creative, the lockdown has been a blessing, this is because now people are at home, there is less workload, and people are looking for platforms to keep them engaged during this period.

4. You vlog with your YouTube channel “Ilahi’s Empire” and recently started a podcast last December “Coffee Time With Divi”. What birthed both and what do they border on?

When I was undergoing the process of self discovery, I realized that there was nothing I liked to do and I am not like those very fortunate to know what their talents are. I realized within that time that I loved to talk, I didn’t know and still don’t know if it counts as a talent but anytime I am talking, I am happy, so I decided to rebrand my talking and make it useful, also before that time I had always dreamt of having a YouTube channel, and I kept waiting for the right time, then one day I just woke up did makeup and I started a relationship series shot 7 videos that day and started uploading.

My podcast was also birthed by my desire to talk. My YouTube channel and my podcast borders on Relationship talks, lifestyle, Vlogs and also me sharing my views on trending topics.

5. Major challenges young creatives and entrepreneurs face in Nigeria?

I think the major challenge young creatives and entrepreneurs face in Nigeria is that they tend to put themselves under pressure by comparing themselves with bigger brands that have toiled to be where they are, I believe your starting stage is a stage to acquire all the experience you need, make mistakes and get forgiven.

6. What has Covid-19 pandemic taught and opened your eyes to?

Value. It has taught me value, the world at large is on hold, but people are still relevant and still making it big in these times, the big question is: Is what you are doing adding value to people around?

7. What is one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?

My unserious nature.

8. List three women who inspire you and why?

Michelle Obama: She inspires me to be that successful woman behind a successful man, her love and support to her husband is overwhelming.

Tara Durotoye: She was amongst the pioneers of makeup brands in Nigeria, I like her perspective to life.

My mom: She is the strongest woman I know and she inspires me to be strong.

9. What inspired you to start your own beauty line: Lashes by Divi. Any plan to expand it to more beauty products? Challenges when you started and any till now?

I actually learnt how to do make-up and during that period I got interested in makeup products so when I had the opportunity to start I took it, yes if money comes I plan to expand to more beauty products.

Getting a good customer base is a huge challenge

10. If given the chance to be the Chief Justice of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

Go through the cases of those in the prisons and the innocent ones, apply for pardon for them.

11. Did your upbringing in any way prepare you for everything you are into today?

Yes it did. Character wise, and also my love for business grew from staying in my mom’s shop and selling for her.

12. Where do you see yourself/your brand in the nest 5years?

I see my brand becoming a household name, a brand that offer value to people globally.

13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

You are a queen don’t settle for less.

In Interviews&profile February 7, 2020 By Editor

Ruby Girls| Ayodele Oluwatobi – “My biggest fear is to live without making an impact.”

Ayodele Oluwatobi is a 400 level student of Caleb University studying Business Administration. She is currently the Programs Officer for Vision Spring Initiative, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for gender equality and women empowerment. She is passionate about ending violence against women and girls in Nigeria and during her holidays and even in school she volunteers her time and skills to ensure the goals of the initiative is being met.

Oluwatobiloba is an editor for Men Who Inspire, an online platform that celebrates men around the world.

*1. Let’s meet you. Who is Ayodele?*

My name is Ayodele Oluwatobi and I’m a 400 level student of Caleb University studying Business Administration.

*2. What are your hobbies?*

I like writing, watching football and communicating.

*3. Who and what inspires you?*

I’m inspired by my gender. To be a woman who constantly makes a path for other young women and girls to follow.

*4. What is your biggest fear?*

My biggest fear is to live without making an impact.

*5. You are the Programs Officer for Vision Spring Initiative, an NGO for gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria. To what extent do you think gender equality is being practised in Nigeria? Do you consider yourself a feminist and what prompted your advocacy for gender equality?*

We are far from reaching our goal of gender equality in Nigeria majorly because of laws and policies that have handicapped the freedom of choice for women. I consider myself a feminist after I’ve watched how women are being treated in my environment, felt and experienced the treatment myself, I’ve resolved to work to achieve the objectives of feminism which is equal treatment and opportunities for both genders.

*6. Your best quote?*

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.- Martin L. King.

*7. You are an editor for Men Who Inspire (MWI) which was convened by a female, Esther Ijewere. Can you briefly tell us about MWI and also how it intends to change the narrative about males in the African society?*

MenwhoInspire is an online platform that celebrates men all over the world. I joined MWI from inception 2018 and it’s been an exciting journey. We have since 2018, celebrated men of different races and color. In Africa, there are so many misconceptions about men and we have used and still using our platform to change that.

*8. What keeps you up at night?*

My phone and of course a good book.

*9. If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?*

For a day, I’ll sign all pending Bills related to the advancement of women and girls.

*10. You’re passionate about ending violence against girls and women in Nigeria. What does this mean to you? And how do you intend to achieve this?*

It means everything to me to live in a society free of violence where women and girls are not blamed for being raped or abused. To achieve this, I’ll as I’ve been doing intensify on my advocacy, writing and every other channels I can use in ending violence against women and girls.

*11. How are you able to manage your time with your studies and other activities you’re involved with?*

The most important thing is to be accountable and focused. When it is school time, I try as much as possible to be less involved in other activities and when I’m on holidays I focus on what I’m passionate about.

*12. Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next 5 years?*

I see myself in the next five years living in a society where women and girls can be whoever they want to be without being judged and abused and I’ll be happy knowing I contributed and still contributing to that achievement.

*13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?*

My advice will be not to be scared to live. You are the most beautiful and the best version of yourself. Believe in your dreams and watch yourself move mountains!

In Interviews&profile December 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

14-YEAR-OLD SPELMAN STUDENT WHO MADE HEADLINES MAKES DEAN’S LIST IN HER FIRST SEMESTER

The culture cheered for 14-year-old Sydney Wilson earlier this year when she made headlines for being one of the youngest students admitted to Spelman. Now we’re celebrating the successful completion of her first semester.

Wilson has a full course load filled with classes like Population Biology, Big Questions Colloquia and African Diaspora & The World, but she’s managing it all. She’s ending the semester on the Dean’s list with a 3.76 GPA, a huge accomplishment for any college student, much less one just entering their teenage years.

Wilson’s parents first noticed her superb academic abilities when she was in the second grade. By the time she was 10-years-old, she was enrolled in high school and by 13-years-old she had officially applied to Spelman.

She began courses at the elite historically Black college and university this fall, living on campus just like any other college student. She majored in biology, a career path she hopes will lead to being able to cure illness in humans. And now, she’s finished her first semester with flying colors.

Wilson spoke to Because of Them We Can about how she’s been able to manage it all saying, “There have definitely been some ups and downs but the ups certainly outweigh the downs. It was a little hard in the beginning being away from my family but luckily I got to see them often. I am now able to see how the semester has impacted my life, refined my character and gifted me the ability to see things from different perspectives.”

She said she’s really looking forward to next semester now that she’s more settled in. And we’re looking forward to continue cheering her on!

Congratulations Sydney! Keep reaching for the stars!