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Justice Mabel T. Segun Bello
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Hon. Justice Mabel T. Segun Bello: Beacon of Legal Brilliance and Leadership

In the field of justice, there exist individuals whose careers radiate with brilliance, serving as beacons for others to emulate. Hon. Justice Mabel T. Segun-Bello stands prominently among these distinguished figures, acclaimed not only for her profound expertise as an adjudicator but also for her captivating persona as an inspirational speaker and educator. Let us explore the exceptional voyage of this experienced adjudicator, accomplished author, skilled arbitrator, and adept mediator.

Early Life and Education

Born on the 20th of April in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello embarked on her educational journey that spanned primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Jos, Plateau State. Her academic pursuits laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors, shaping her into the remarkable individual she is today.

Professional Ascension

Justice Mabel’s ascent in the legal arena began with her call to the Nigerian Bar in January 2001. Under the tutelage of the notable Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, she honed her skills at L.O. Fagbemi, SAN & Co. Temitope Chambers. Her quest for knowledge and diverse experiences led her to a brief stint in the banking sector, where she gleaned specialized skills in risk asset management and credit administration.

Transitioning back to the legal sphere, Justice Mabel held various leadership positions, including Vice President of the Law Students’ Society at the University of Ilorin and Treasurer and later Financial Secretary of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja. Her dedication and expertise garnered recognition, earning her awards for outstanding leadership and impact.

Judicial Career

In April 2022, Justice Mabel’s illustrious career reached new heights with her appointment as a Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. Prior to this appointment, she served diligently as a Magistrate and District Court Judge with the FCT High Court of Justice Abuja for 18 years. Her tenure saw her rise to the position of Chief Magistrate and later as Deputy Chief Registrar and Director for Oaths, where she pioneered the first-ever Digital Affidavit Registry Management System (ARMS) in the Nigerian Judiciary.

Beyond the Bench

Justice Mabel’s impact extends beyond the courtroom. She is a member of prestigious organizations such as Rotary International, advocating for peace, education, and sanitation. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through her memberships in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.

As a sought-after conference speaker, Justice Mabel imparts her wisdom on soft skills and specialized training, leaving a lasting impression on diverse audiences. Additionally, her contributions to the Faculty of GOTNI Leadership Center and her authorship of the book “Handbook on Common Court Orders and Directives” underscore her dedication to leadership development and legal guidance.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Justice Mabel finds joy in her family life. Happily married to Dr. Olusegun Bello, a medical doctor, she is blessed with three children who undoubtedly inspire her pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, Justice Mabel T. Segun-Bello exemplifies the epitome of a trailblazer in law and leadership. Her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of justice both inside and outside the courtroom. As she continues to inspire and empower others, her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

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Vivian Ekwegh
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Vivian Ekwegh: Redefining Resale And Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

In the dynamic landscape of business innovation, Vivian Ekwegh stands as a trailblazer steering the ship of Declutterdotcom into uncharted waters. As the formidable CEO of this transformative venture, she has not only reshaped the perception of household item resale but has also become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Let’s unravel the remarkable journey of Vivian Ekwegh, the visionary leader shaping the contours of e-commerce.

A Visionary Leader’s Genesis: From IT Sales to Declutterdotcom’s Helm

Vivian’s journey into the world of household item resale is rooted in her passion for finding unique, quality items at affordable prices. From her early days of spotting bargains to launching her first-grade thrift business in 2018, Vivian’s vision evolved into the creation of Declutterdotcom in 2019. Her goal was clear—to bridge the gap between the price of new and used items, creating a convergence platform for sellers and buyers. What began as a personal passion transformed into a thriving online platform that has since grown to be the foremost declutter company, facilitating the sale of used items while allowing buyers to save on quality household goods.

Vivian Ekwegh Declutterdotcom

Strategies for Success: Building a Clientele of 60,000 in Four Years

In just four years, Vivian has strategically positioned Declutterdotcom as the go-to platform for household item resale, boasting an impressive clientele of over 60,000 customers. The journey involved re-educating people about used items, creating a niche market for barely used items, and leveraging her network as a brand ambassador. The foundation of integrity, quality sourcing, and trust-building has made Declutterdotcom a success even without a physical location, thriving purely in the online space.

A Fusion of Expertise: IT Sales, Digital Marketing, and Academic Brilliance

With six years of experience in IT sales and digital marketing, Vivian’s trajectory in the tech industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early career milestones include being the Business Lead for Cisco sales at Technology Distributions and later serving as the Sales Account Manager at Cisco Nigeria. Armed with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin, Vivian seamlessly melds technological expertise with business acumen, contributing significantly to the growth and success of Declutterdotcom.

A Trailblazer Beyond Business: Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Beyond professional accomplishments, Vivian Ekwegh has become a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to lead in business industries. Challenging traditional norms and consistently breaking barriers, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “Just START!” Her journey underscores the transformative power of ambition, determination, and strategic thinking.

Vivian Ekwegh Declutterdotcom
Vivian Ekwegh, Founder- Declutterdotcom

Combatting Online Scams

Addressing the escalating issue of online scams within the declutter resale space, Vivian delves into the challenges posed by fraudulent activities. Emphasizing the imperative for a collaborative effort, she stresses the necessity for legitimate vendors to work together, educating clients to recognize potential scams and collectively preventing any deceptive practices in the industry.

To know more about Vivian’s work, Follow her on Instagram

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Dorothy B. Gilliam: Pioneering the Path for Women in Journalism
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Dorothy B. Gilliam: Pioneering the Path for Women in Journalism

INTRODUCTION TO DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam is a trailblazer in American journalism who has made significant contributions to the industry. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1936, Gilliam grew up in a segregated society and faced many challenges as a young woman of color.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Gilliam pursued a career in journalism and became the first African American woman to work as a reporter at a major newspaper. Throughout her career, Gilliam has worked to increase diversity and inclusion in newsrooms and has mentored countless young journalists.

In this blog, we will explore the life and legacy of Dorothy B. Gilliam and examine the impact of her work on the industry and society as a whole.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s early life and career shaped her worldview and inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. Gilliam attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she studied journalism and became involved in the civil rights movement.

After graduating, she worked as a teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, and later as a public relations specialist in Washington, D.C. During this time, she became interested in journalism and began taking classes to improve her skills. In 1961, she was hired as a reporter at The Washington Post, starting a career spanning several decades.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Throughout much of the 20th century, women faced significant barriers to entry into journalism. Many newspapers and magazines had strict gender roles, with women relegated to writing about “soft” topics such as fashion and cooking.

Women were often not taken seriously as journalists and were frequently subjected to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Despite these obstacles, women like Dorothy B. Gilliam persevered and fought for equal opportunities in the industry.

Gilliam’s success as a journalist paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in the field.

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CAREER AT THE WASHINGTON POST

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s career at The Washington Post spanned several decades and covered many important issues. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and education and worked to increase the representation of women and people of color in the media.

In 1972, she was promoted to assistant editor, making her the first African American woman to hold an editorial position at The Washington Post. Gilliam’s work at the newspaper helped to shape the national conversation on issues such as race, gender, and social justice, and her impact on the industry continues to be felt today.

IMPACT OF HER WORK ON WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s work at The Washington Post and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in journalism have impacted the industry. Her commitment to telling the stories of marginalized communities and her dedication to increasing representation in newsrooms inspired many young journalists to follow in her footsteps.

Gilliam’s work helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, more women and people of color are working in journalism than ever, and the industry strives for greater diversity and representation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION RECEIVED 

Throughout her career, Dorothy B. Gilliam received numerous awards and honors for her work in journalism and advocacy. In 1983, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Special Local Reporting for her coverage of school desegregation in Washington, D.C.

She has also received awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Women’s Media Center, and the International Women’s Media Foundation,

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to diversity and inclusion in journalism are far-reaching and enduring. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing newsroom representation and creating a more inclusive media landscape.

Gilliam has mentored countless young journalists and has worked to create opportunities for women and people of color in the industry. Her work has helped to diversify newsrooms and ensure that the stories of all communities are represented in the media.

 

BOOKS AUTHORED BY DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

In addition to her work as a journalist, Dorothy B. Gilliam has authored several books on race, gender, and journalism. Her first book, “Paul Robeson: All-American,” was published in 1976 and explored the life of the African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist.

Her other books include “Skin Deep: Black Women and White Women Write About Race” (1996), which she co-edited with Julia P. Johnson, and “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America” (2019), which chronicles her own career and advocacy work.

Books Authored by Dorothy B. Gilliam

 

LEGACY OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s legacy in journalism and advocacy has been significant. Through journalism, she helped shape the national conversation on civil rights, education, and social justice issues. She also fought for greater diversity and inclusion in newsrooms, mentoring young journalists and advocating for more excellent representation of women and people of color.

Gilliam’s advocacy helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, her legacy inspires and guides journalists striving for more significant equity and representation in the industry.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to journalism have been significant and far-reaching. As a trailblazer and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion, she helped break down industry barriers and create a more equitable media landscape.

Through her work as a journalist and author, she brought attention to important issues such as civil rights, education, and social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of journalists who seek to make the media look more like America.

As we progress, we must remember and honor the trailblazers like Dorothy B. Gilliam, who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

 

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20-YEAR-OLD KRISTINE BECOMES FIRST BLACK FEMALE PRESIDENT OF HARVARD’S 145-YEAR NEWSPAPER

In January 2019, a Liberal arts student from New York born to immigrant parents, will become the first black woman to lead Harvard University’s Crimson newspaper in its 145-year history.
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THREE NIGERIAN WOMEN LISTED ON BBC 100 WOMEN LIST FOR 2018

The BBC has released its BBC 100 Women list for 2018, which celebrates 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world.

The list includes leaders, trailblazers and everyday heroes from over 60 countries, ranging from age 15 to 94.

Nigerians on the list include:

Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, the 33-year old Social impact entrepreneur, who is the founder of GirlsCoding, an NGO that teaches girls how to code, design and build websites that help solve problems in their communities. Abisoye is also one of the 10 finalist for the CNN Hero Award for 2018.

Amina J Mohammed, 57 – Deputy secretary general, United Nations, Nigeria.

Amina is a former minister of environment in Nigeria and has previously been a special adviser to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Bola Tinubu, 51 – Lawyer, Nigeria.

Bola is a corporate lawyer who established the first free children’s helpline in Nigeria – Cece Yara Foundation

Chidera Eggerue, 23, The UK-based blogger – ‘Slumflower’ is a best-selling author and activist behind the social media movement #saggyboobsmatter, driving new conversations about perceptions of women’s bodies.

Other Africans on the list include:

Fatma Samoura, 56 – Fifa secretary general, Senegal.

Fatma is the first woman and the first African to hold the position of secretary general of Fifa.

Nimco Ali, 35 – Writer and activist, Somaliland

Nimco is an award-winning FGM (female genital mutilation) activist.

Noma Dumezweni, 49 – Actor, eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland).

Noma is the first woman to play the adult version of Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, playing in London’s West End and Broadway, New York.

Shrouk El-Attar, 26 – Electronic design engineer, Egypt. Shrouk is a refugee and full-time engineer, who uses belly dancing to raise awareness and campaign for the rights of the LGBT+ community in Egypt.

Raghda Ezzeldin, 26 – Free-diver, Egypt.

Raghda is a record-breaking free-diver, who descends to extreme depths without breathing apparatus.

Mamitu Gashe, 72 – Senior nurse aide/fistula surgeon, Ethiopia.

Mamitu is now an internationally certified fistula surgeon, after being treated for fistula (an injury which can occur in childbirth) herself.

Thando Hopa, 29 – Model, lawyer, activist, South Africa.

Thando is a diversity and inclusion advocate. Cast in the Pirelli calendar 2018, she is the first person of colour in South Africa to have featured in the publication.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, 35 – Environmentalist and advocate for indigenous people and women, Chad.

Hindou is an indigenous woman of Chad, advocating for the protection of the environment and for the rights of indigenous peoples on an international scale.

Helena Ndume, 58 – Ophthalmologist, Namibia.

Helena has performed sight-restoring surgeries upon 35,000 Namibians, free of charge – many of her patients now call her “Namibia’s miracle doctor”.

Olivette Otele, 48 – Professor in History at Bath Spa University, Cameroon.

Olivette is a historian and memory scholar who works on European colonial history and post-colonial legacies.

Brigitte Sossou Perenyi, 28 – Documentary producer, Ghana.

Brigitte is an award-winning documentary producer, who told her story of being a Trokosi – a practice that sends girls to serve priests in shrines as payment for the “sins” of their family – and being trafficked from Togo to Ghana.

Juliet Sargeant, 53 – Garden designer, Tanzania.

Juliet is a doctor-turned-garden designer working to make “places that feel as good as they look”.

Ruth Medufia, 27 – Metal worker, Ghana.

Ruth is a female welder who lives in an urban slum community and aspires to be a role model for young women in the construction industry.

See other names on the list below:

Esraa al-Shafei, 32 – Executive director of not for profit Majal.org., Bahrain.

Esraa has founded a diverse number of digital platforms to give a voice to those under-represented in the Middle East and North Africa.

Svetlana Alekseeva, 18 – Model, Russia.

Svetlana survived a fire that burned almost half her body and now works to help people with scars feel positive about their bodies.

Lizt Alfonso, 51 – Director and choreographer, Cuba.

Lizt has created an internationally recognised fusion dance company which has performed in hundreds of cities across the world.

Isabel Allende, 76 – Author, Peru.

Isabel, who was born in Peru to Chilean parents, is the world’s most widely read Spanish-language author and has sold more than 70 million books in 42 languages.

Boushra Yahya Almutawakel, 49 – Artist, photographer and activist, Yemen.

Boushra is the first female Yemeni professional photographer, whose work has been featured in international publications and acquired by the British Museum.

Alina Anisimova, 19 – Student programmer, Kyrgyzstan.

Alina leads the Kyrgyz Girls’ Space School, which aims to send the country’s first satellite into space.

Frances Arnold, 62 – Professor of chemical engineering, bioengineering and biochemistry, US.

Frances is the recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, and her work on enzymes is used in laboratories, making everything from advanced medicines to biofuels and laundry detergents.

 

Continue reading at https://www.bellanaija.com/2018/11/abisoye-ajayi-akinfolarin-amina-mohammed-bola-tinubu-named-in-bbc-100-women-for-2018-see-full-list/

 

Credit: Bella Naija

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JANELLE MONAE TO RECEIVE THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD AT BILLBOARD’S 13TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN MUSIC EVENT

Billboard’s 13th annual Women in Music event is set to hold on Dec. 6 in New York City and according to Billboard, Janelle Monáe is one of the people who will be honoured at the said event. Janelle Monáe will accept the trailblazer award.

The Trailblazer award is awarded to a female artist who acts as a music industry pioneer by using her platform to spotlight unheard voices and break ground for future generations of performers.

In the past decade, Monáe has worked to redefine how a black woman can be represented in popular culture. Her album Dirty Computer peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and the record’s sci-fi-inflected accompanying film project of the same name shows she has no limit in exercising her creativity in new ways.

 

 

Credit: Bella Naija

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CELEBRATING TARA DUROTOYE AT 40, THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZER

In Nigeria, the beauty industry has grown by leaps and bounds. A report by Euromonitor projected the Nigerian beauty and wellness market to value about $3 billion in 2017. Beyond the figures is an amazing woman, Mrs Tara-Fela Duroye who pioneered the beauty industry in Nigeria.According to a report by  Festus Iyorah .

In the late 90s, just after Nigeria’s return to full democracy in 1999, civilization had taken its toll on every sector: the telecommunication sector was booming, the banking sector had already earned the trust of Nigerians, the entertainment industry featuring the likes of Tony Tetuila, The Remedies and The Plantashun Boiz, was the rave of the moment mix.

No one talked about the beauty industry. It was left bare, untapped. No one noticed or saw prospect in it except a 20 year-old law student, Tara, who at that time was juggling the demands of law school with an overlooked, untapped beauty business no one believed in. Then she launch her start up, house of Tara with little capital and of course no studio.

From Oprah Winfrey to Nigeria’s Folurusho Alakija every entrepreneur’s have experienced myriads of challenges while building their businesses. Ms Durotoye case was not different. In the beginning, the main challenge tempting to rip off her dream, her vision was getting a space to operate; a makeup studio that would see to the demands of customers. At first she started from her living room, a makeshift studio where she did test make up for her customers. Sometimes, she would go from house to house to do make up for brides until 1998 when she finally opened her first studio, a rented boy’s quarter.

“I rented a location because I felt a need that some of my brides coming to my home needed more privacy while I did their test makeup,” she said in an interview.

In 1999 she launched the first ever bridal directory and in 2005 she established the country’s first makeup school, launched the Tara Product line and hosted Nigeria’s first Make-up conference in 2014.

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Close up: Who’s Tara Fela-Durotoye

Tara Fela-Durotoye is the Creative Director and CEO of House of Tara International. Aside from being a certified lawyer, she recognizes the need for self-improvement, updating herself in the beauty industry by pursuing a course tied to make up at Charles Fox, Convent Garden, London.

In the early months of the year, March, 6, 1977, Tara was born in Lagos into the family of John Ejegi Sagay and Felicia Omaghomi. She started her elementary education at Command Children School, Victoria Island and was offered admission at Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Ojo. From there she proceeded to Lagos State University where she bagged a degree in Law.

In a society where the quest for pursuing white collar job is rife, one would expect Mrs Tara to be in the chambers, pursuing a vision related to her course of study, law.

But she didn’t.

Today, House of Tara has built an empire in the beauty industry with franchise spread across Nigeria and West African countries of Senegal, Ghana and Benin Republic. She has won many awards and recognition including Forbes Young Power Women in Africa, the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, and the Future Awards Young Person of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year among other awards.

In December 2016, she was recognized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) as the Inspirational woman of the year. The award recognizes pacesetters in Lagos state irrespective of their tribes or ethnic affinities.

Her work and profile has been profiled on several international platforms including the New York Forum Africa (NYFA), France 24, Bloomberg and CNN African Voices, a weekly show that highlights Africa’s most engaging personalities.

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House of Tara: More than a brand

Today, House of Tara International has become a household name in the developments of makeup, perfume and accessories created to meet the needs of Africa’s booming beauty market. With over 3,000 representatives and over 20 stores, House of Tara competes with international brands like MAC and Maybelline.

Furthermore, House of Tara brands promotes Nigeria’s culture and inspiration to young people. Mrs Fela Durotoye has gone beyond creating a unique brand to inspiring young African women. She believes African young women should be trained and mentored.

“For us, our brand is one that promotes our culture, ethnicity and language. It is also a brand that has empowered young women for financial independence,” she told Nigeria’s BusinessDay in an interview.

This birthed the Nigeria’s first make up school, the House of Tara Makeup School founded in 2007. The school has trained over 3,000 female graduates who are active players in African beauty industry.

Few years after establishing the Makeup school, Tara launched the Tara Product line, a brand that promotes ethics and ethnicity, by empowering young women for economic independence without moral compromise. The Tara Product line comprises a range of professional toolkit including eye shadows, eye liners, powders, lip gloss and foundation.

Beyond House of Tara Makeup School, Tara initiated the Tara Orekelewa beauty representative initiative. This initiative which seeks to make young women financially independent succeeded in empowering young ladies, about 4000 ladies in the tertiary institution.

Recently, she started the Tara Fela Durotoye series, a concept initiated by her mentor, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. The series was inspired by the fact that Mrs Awosika had seen the impact that the time she’d spent with Ms Durotoye had, so, she felt that there is a need to mentor more young women—to shape their purpose in life, how to be successful at work, how to make the right choices for a spouse and tips on wealth creation and management.

“One of the greatest things about the TFD series is that we are “Paying it forward”. If you have attended in the past, you are encouraged to pass on the teachings to a group of younger women in your network to create a ripple effect,” she said in an interview last year.

Source:  LeadingLadies Africa

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