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Category: New Woman

ActionAid launches good governance forum

A Non-Governmental Organization, ActionAid Nigeria, has launched an inclusive forum that seeks to increase government effectiveness, accountability, and transparency at local and state levels in Enugu State.

The forum, tagged, ‘Inclusive Forum For Accountable Society ( IFAS),’ a nonprofit making group, also seeks to create opportunities for sharing and learning best practices in participatory governance and increase citizens’ participation in the budgetary process.

It is made up of change-makers from all spheres of life including government officials, civil society organizations, community leaders, market traders, women groups, people with special needs, the media, and others.

Speaking during the meeting of the group in Enugu, Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, said the forum was established to bridge the gap between the people and the government, where the people come together to address the major needs of their communities.

Mamedu, who was represented by the head of programmes, ActionAid Nigeria, Celestine Odo, lamented that most Nigerian citizens do not know their rights and that they do not know that they can hold the government accountable.

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”You have the right to ask questions on what the government is doing. You have the right to ask questions about what you have in the budget.

“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the rights of the citizens. The right of expression, freedom, and that of association. So, the citizens have the right to know what is in the budget, understand the processes and how the budget is articulated. The different stages from planning, and implementation to the monitoring stages. In fact, the citizens should be part of the budget process.

“The process starts with the budget office organising town hall meetings across the communities. It is through this town hall that the priorities of the citizens are now filtered out and go into the budget from the local, state, and federal levels”, he said.

The manager, social mobilisation, , ActionAid, Nigeria, Seun Akioye while speaking on sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) disclosed that ActionAid Nigeria had intervened in poverty eradication in Enugu state and most part of the country through women mobilization and empowerment on agro- economy that saw them receiving seedlings to improve their yields.

April 27, 2024
When Thailand marries Nigeria

“Dear sisters, sit and grab yourselves a drink or snack, I have hot gist for you…plenty gist!” That was an excited Sexy Lola, who would often arrive late, welcoming other members of the Women Corner gang who joined us at our usual spot under the Ebelebo Tree, last Sunday.

I know the gist she wanted to tell but others, except Tamara, didn’t. I pretended as if I didn’t know myself so that the gist can be sweet, because no one tells it like Lola does.

“Lola …Lola…Lola has come again,” taunted Tinu as she strolled in with a tray in hand that she covered with napkin – it contained her baked noodles pizza, or so she called it.

“Relax. Grab a sit, Tinu. Let me gist you of the Thailand festival we attended yesterday. What is that in your hand,” asked Lola, nothing misses her attention.

“Oh, it’s my treat for us this evening. I call it my baked noodles pizza. It has an Asian root. I found it on YouTube.”

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“Oh-oh-oh YouTube again…not another of those you people specials wey dey purge belle. You should have told us to take purgative before coming, na,” cried Ada, who had already helped herself with a slice of the snack immediately Tinu dropped the tray.

“Ada, be calming down, o. I’ve made it for my kids and they loved it. I assure you that you’d ask for it. Better grab yourself another slice before you regret it.”

We watched as Ada took a bite, and held our breath as she stopped chewing, closed eyes and kept an expressionless face.

“Ada what?” Mummy Fawaz asked.

“Ada wetin dey happen na,” queried Tamara. Even Tinu had a worried look on face as Christabel added, “why not spit it out, instead of you to die.”

And suddenly, Ada started chewing very fast, opened her eyes and said, “you must give me this recipe,” while laughing.

“So why were you silent? You almost gave us a heart attack,” I said angrily.

“I was trying to savour the moment, while wondering what it tasted like and what she put in it. It has a blend of pancake and jollof rice taste.” By this time, I and the others were struggling to grab a slice.

“Don’t worry I still have more in the oven,” Tinu assured, and seeing that as her cue, Lola continued with her gist. “Ehen, like I was saying, you should have seen the Thailand festival we attended yesterday. Like Tinu’s pie, I mean, Tinu’s Noodles pizza,” which has Asian root but has a blend of the taste of pie and jollof, according to Ada, the festival was a marriage between Thailand and Nigeria.” She turned and looked at Tamara and I as if seeking for approval.

And without thinking, we both said: “Yes”.

And then, she continued, stealing the show from me and Tamara who was also in attendance. I had invited Lola and Tamara to the event which a friend had invited me to. But Lola and Tamara seemed to have enjoyed themselves thoroughly. “If you ask me, I’ll tell you, Nigeria and Thailand have a lot in common. I mean the cuisines at the festival were similar to ours. Aside a few twist here and there, they could pass for ours.” Tamara and I shook our heads as we took a slice each from Tinu’s second tray of pizza special.

“Take for instance, they have soups that could pass for our own pepper soup. The fun part was that we met Dame Danjuma there, and she was so warm and homely. And she expressed the same observation too when Evelyn chat her up. What about the music. Let me Evelyn to explain,” she said, turning to me.

“Don’t worry, they can read about it once my report is out,” I replied her as she moved to the table to grab a slice but was greeted with an empty tray.”Wey my pizza?”

Silence.

April 17, 2024
‘I am changing the negative narrative of Edo girls’

Osariemen Angel Asein is a young woman on an assignment to change the negative narrative of Edo women. Known for breaking records and championing causes like human trafficking and climate change, Osariemen has earned her spot with the greats with her audacious attempt at the Guinness World Record longest read-aloud marathon. She reportedly went from 200- to a 230-hour read-a-thon. This student of Marine Biology at the Lagos State University (LASU) is an Brand Ambassador of Orange Corners and Ambassador for Orange Corners, a business mentoring initiative of Netherlands. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her attempt and more

Growing up that impacted the woman I became

I was born in Upper Sakponba, Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. I attended Imaguero Secondary School for secondary education. I am currently a final year student of the Department of Fishery and Aquatic Biology, Lagos State University (LASU). Growing up, I faced challenges that shaped me into the woman I am today. These experiences instilled in me resilience, empathy, and determination to make a difference in my community and the world at large.

Being a young woman in today’s world means embracing challenges, breaking barriers, and using my voice to advocate for positive change. It’s about resilience, determination, and empowering others.

My passion

I’m a Marine Biology student with a passion for advocacy. I have love for the environment and the girl child: I pride myself of being an activist who is very dedicated to the girl-child’s education and championing causes like human trafficking, irregular migration, and UN SDGs, particularly focusing on goals 1, 2, 4, 10, 13, and 14. These are things I’m already working on. I would love to have a foundation that would cater for these things. But I started by focusing on them during my read-a-thon in Benin. In addition to books on Benin-related topics, I also read materials on human trafficking, irregular migration, and UN SDGs, particularly focusing on goals related to poverty, hunger, quality education, reduced inequalities, climate action, and life below water.

I am also a product manager by profession, although I’m still a student. I am also very much involved in school politics: I was the speaker of the association before becoming the president. I am currently the President of National Association of Fisheries Students LASU Chapter (NAFIS-LASU).

My passion for Benin and choice of holding it there

Benin holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I’m from. I grew up in Upper Sokponba in Benin, where many of the issues I advocated for are prevalent. My passion for Benin stems from a desire to contribute to positive change and uplift my community, contributing my quota in changing the negative narrative around Edo youths, especially about our Edo girls.

Impact of the world record episode on my life

Completing the Guinness World Record has been a life-changing experience. It has opened doors to new opportunities for advocacy, raised awareness about important issues, and inspired others to take action. But for me, it was not just about winning the Guinness World Record; I just used Guinness as a platform to elevate my voice to cry out for Edo and Nigerian youths as a whole.

My success secret

The secret to my success lies in the ability to surmount the challenges I encountered which included physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, and staying motivated during the marathon reading.

The ability to rise above the storms lies in passion, perseverance, and a strong support system, i.e. it was the overwhelming support that I got from all corners. One key lesson I learned is the importance of resilience and pushing past limitations. And one of the strongest support system that God brought my way, apart from my family, team members and PR agency (GeniusHub), was Greg Ogbeifun, an engineer. Seriously speaking, if I hadn’t met him I am not sure the whole thing would have worked. He is so passionate about impacting the youth, especially those of Edo State, that he literally carried the matter on his head. He went out of his way to make sure every single issue we encountered was nullified: be it financial or technical. The solar power I used for the days I read as well as other financial needs were bankrolled by him. I was just a girl who came from school with a dream; he made sure that dream became a reality. And that was what actually gave me the mental strength for the feat. It was through him I met the Governor, Godwin Obaseki physically. Pa Ogbeifun made sure I spoke about my attempt and passion at his 73rd birthday and the inauguration of his apartment Cee-Jackson Apartment where the governor was in attendance. And my governor who is very passionate about anything positive, especially when it comes to the youth, immediately donated N10 million to my foundation. So, I was able to pull through by staying focused on my goals, managing my time effectively, and surrounding myself with supportive individuals.

My world record journey from conception

The journey was not easy at all. The preparation had its ups and downs; there were times it felt like it won’t be possible but my passion to make a difference by doing my bits in changing the negative narrative of prostitution by the Edo girl-child kept me going. I conceived the idea of the marathon reading to raise awareness about critical issues and inspire change. I applied to Guinness World Record body in June 2023 and got approval from them in November that same year. From conception to execution, it was driven by a desire to make a difference and spark conversations about pressing social issues. When I first decided to do it, initially, some people close to me questioned the feasibility of the endeavour and expressed concerns about the physical and mental toll it might take. However, I remained steadfast in my commitment and, ultimately, gained their support.

My advice to girls and women alike

My advice to youths and girls/women alike is to believe in themselves, pursue their passions relentlessly, and never underestimate their ability to effect change. In 2023, I was privileged to be one of the five student Ambassador for Orange Corners, an initiative of Netherlands, where I received mentorship, was taught leadership, business as well as entrepreneurial skills. We organise projects and events in order to teach university students in Nigeria entrepreneurial skills so they can build their business even while in school. It is essential to stay informed, speak up for what you believe in, and support one another in the journey towards a better future.

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Nigerian youths are not lazy; they are filled with untapped potential and creativity waiting to be harnessed. To unleash their energies, we need to invest in education, mentorship programmes, and create more opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.

What next

Breaking records and championing causes for womenfolk is just the beginning. I am committed to undertaking more projects and initiatives that empower girls and women, challenge stereotypes, and promote gender equality. Already, I have several projects in the works, including advocacy campaigns, community outreach programmes, and collaborations with like-minded organisations to drive positive change. In fact, one of the exciting projects, I have in the works is “WordWiz: The Literary Pursuit of Edo’s Brightest.” It’s a major spelling bee competition spanning primary and secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. In order to make reaching the schools seamless especially as I am very passionate about one of her campaigns, which is tagged “Every child a reading champion”, I am hopeful for a partnership with the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa Oviawe, who has been very supportive to me so far. I have adopted the tag actually because it really resonates with what I am doing. The competition would kick off on May 6 and culminates in a grand finale on May 27 to commemorate the Children’s Day. Through WordWiz, we aim to celebrate literacy, foster a love for reading, and showcase the intellectual prowess of Edo’s youth. And it is opened to both private and government schools in the state.

My thoughts on beauty

Beauty to me is about inner strength, resilience, and kindness. It’s not defined by outward appearances but by the goodness of one’s heart and the impact they have on others.

My fashion style

My fashion style can be described as versatile and practical. I love mixing casual pieces like t-shirts and jeans with traditional attire for a unique look that reflects my cultural heritage.

Fashion item I can’t do without

One fashion item I can’t do without is my Edo hand beads. I wear them with almost all my outfit, it’s my statement accessory. It adds a touch of personality to any outfits and completes the look. I am always proud to showcase the Edoness in me.

April 10, 2024
Another reason for April self-care

Last Sunday was World Health Day and another reason that makes April special. The change in climate conversely impact our body system, a day like that brings the spotlight on the need for us as women to pay attention to our health.

And that is where self-care comes into play. You’d wonder why the constant emphasis on self-care. Whether at home or the office, our health and peace of mind should not be toyed with.

So, are you ready for some self-care this April? Julie Cohn “April Self-Care Challenge for women”, should start you up with new ideas to be the best you can be, mentally and physically!

“Celebrate the new season with some fun and ambitious self-care challenges and make your physical, mental, and emotional health a priority in this new April self-care challenge,” she says, while telling you why you need self-care in April:

”Self-care is important for everyone, but it is particularly important for women because we tend to put others ahead of ourselves. We are shaking off the dregs of winter; Spring has sprung, so April is a great time to invest in yourself. Why?

• Stress: April is a busy month for many people, as it marks the start of spring and tax season. Women are often tasked with managing multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and household chores. This can lead to increased stress levels, which can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Engaging in self-care practices can help women manage stress and improve their overall well-being.

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• Weather: The nicer weather eliminates any excuse not to get more active physically because of the cold and fresh in-season fruits and vegetables are in abundance.

•Allergies: As spring begins, the weather starts to warm up, and flowers begin to bloom. While this can be a beautiful time of year, it can also trigger allergies in some people. Women who suffer from allergies may need to take ex

April 10, 2024
Apple drink and the Bobrisky in us

“Hello ladies! What’s popping?” Entered Tamara with a smile and tray full of glasses, each filled with juice. I scanned the tray to see what kind of juice it was. “Hmmm, there comes Tamara with one of her mysterious recipes,” I whispered to Sexy Lola, who swallowed a laugh before asking, “Hey there, Tamara Baby, what goodies do you have in your hands. I hope they have a ting of alcohol in them, I feel I need some spirit tonight.”

“Lola dear, it’s apple juice with a blend of ginger. It has no alcohol but I promise you that you’ll like it. Besides, all the health benefits, the ginger in it would give you that kick you are looking for.”

“Great, because I’m ready for a fight tonight. I’m ready for Ada and Christabel today,” said Lola as she grabbed herself a drink just as Tamara placed the tray on an already arranged table by the side of where we were sitting.

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon; some few minutes to four. A shadow of leaves has fallen over our usual spot, creating a calm ambiance for relaxation. It was also a day the world was commemorating it’s Health Day with diverse activities. But, our tribe chose to relax under the Ebelebo Tree; while reminding ourselves of the significance of self-care among other gossips.

Tamara entrance put a halt to the heated argument over Bobrisky recent incarceration between Lola and Barrister Ada. Even though it was only for a minute, it seemed to give them ample time to catch their breathe. For a second, I thought the whole episode had ended, only for Tamara to stir up the hornet’s nest by inquiring: “What were you girls arguing about?”

“Don’t mind Lola and Tinu jare. They were kicking against the arrest of Bobrisky. And I don’t blame them because there is a Bobrisky in all of us…” But Ada’s statement was followed by a unanimous “God forbid it…” by almost everyone in the group including Lola.

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Ada laughed and explained, “I’ll tell you what I mean. In this age of globalisation where the world is a global village, we have all taken for granted the values that make us who we are as Africans – values which have at its root self-worth, self-respect, love for self and society/humanity. And it is seen in our attitudes and conducts.”

She continued: “Nowadays all of us want to trend. We’ve watched people drowning in destruction and instead of helping will be shooting videos with a mind of getting likes and followership. We watch those who should be role models misbehaving online and we urged them on; while secretly plotting how we ourselves will overtake them in it. As women we must begin to draw back; reexamine ourselves and what we place value on and how we are training our children.”

“I didn’t see it that way. Indeed Ada, I know where it all begin – trying to trend and win more likes and followership can be very detrimental. Ask me and I’d tell you what keeping up with the influencer hype has cost me. Evelyn, you know na. But it’s a story for another day,” Lola said, while turning to Tamara, “I love this drink. You must teach me o.”

April 10, 2024
Easter Bazaar and leftovers

Welcome another beautiful month, April! There’s a certain appeal that comes with season leaves a foretaste of excitement in one’s imagination. Last weekend, Easter happened upon us with a twist.

Remember the biblical story of Jesus and the 12 baskets, in which the multitude ate and there were leftovers; that was what played out when the ladies of the Women’s Corner decided to hold a garage sales to raise money for diverse just courses that we believed in on Easter day.

The day met us prepping up for the sales with each of us bring what we had. We woke up very early to set up for the day after deciding to use our usual spot under the Ebelebo tree as our site a night before.

“Let’s make it a day to remember,” Sexy Jola said as a spread table cloth over one of the large tables; while Tamara and Tinu took care of decorations. I joined Cordelia to arrange some wares on the ground close to side of block.“Are you sure we don’t need canopy,” Ada asked a third time after returning from surveying the parameter from the second floor.

“We are good, Ada. Even though I’m no weather forecaster I don’t think it won’t rain today,” Christabel, whose idea it was to hold the garage sales as the vice chairperson of the Estate executives, responded under the weight of some boxes she was bring from her husband’s jeep. She said many families are finding hard to make ends meet. “It would be nice to put some smiles on people’s faces this Easter by holding the sales with highly subsided prices to include clothes, shoes, home essentials and foodstuffs, etc.” Mummy Yinusa was asked to supply some food items.

And as her thought crossed my mind, she walked in with three truck pushers, bearing the foodstuffs. “Oya, Evelyn, come join me to help offload these,” Ada called out to me. I drag Lola along with, angry that she had to call me for such heavy task. Perhaps, seeing that the task was getting too tedious for the ladies, our men and the kids joined us and took over, while we ran off to prepare for the sales.

Like the multitude at the sermon on the Mount did not expect they would go home with belle filled to the point of leaving behind twelve basket leftovers, that was experience by the time I joined the pack downstairs. Everywhere was buzzing with people and activities. I found that many more things had been brought. The garage sales had become an Easter Bazaar with some person buying things twice or thrice the going price. Although we had visitors from all walks of life, we had a mixed crowd with some executive guests supporting the course; with donations and just picking a thing or two in return.

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“Guess sharing the flyer on our different platforms paid off after all,” I muttered to myself as I approached the crowd. By the time it was evening, the crowd seemed to have changed to those who were there for window shopping alone. “How come our new set of customers are just pricing and not buying anything,” Tinu complained silently to Ada who informed her that to put smiles on their faces, the Estate excos had deliberately invited very low income families too. But they were asked to come in by 3.30pm. As if listening to our conversation, Christabel alerted us. “It’s time ladies.” We gave each family and individuals things for little or nothing at all. We made sure each person left there with almost every range of products on display. By the time we were done, we gathered at Christabel’s place for an after party, recounting with joy the day’s activities.

April 3, 2024
African woman must redefine herself and recapture her essence

Meet Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, a highflyer by all accounts. This professor of English is a writer, former joint-winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature (NPL) sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited and currently the prize’s advisory board chair. Whether as an academic, writer, wife or mother, she is one woman who tackles every phase of life with a deep sense of commitment. Adimora-Ezeigbo, who is married to Prof. Chris Ezeigbo, has five decade experience in marriage. In this chat, she shares her secrets of successfully balancing the various parts of her life with EVELYN OSAGIE.

Being a woman

I’m delighted and grateful to be a woman and have played my role as a woman to the best of my abilities. I include here my roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, etc.

Growing up that impacted the woman I became

I grew up in a happy home with five siblings and loving and responsible parents who educated their children and treated us equally – two males and four females. I was raised in a family where women were strong and hardworking. My two grandmothers were strong women and my mother was strong, enterprising and responsible.

My passions that led to my career pursuit

I started writing in secondary school. My father encouraged me to be a writer and bought me a typewriter and sent me to learn to type during the holiday at a Commercial Institute.

Notion that book people are not interested in fashion

I don’t agree with it. However, I don’t follow fashion foolishly, but rather adapt it to suit my temperament and style.

My thoughts on beauty to you

When I think of beauty, two ideas come to my mind – beauty in human beings and beauty in things or places. First, which concerns me here, beauty is the quality someone has that makes them attractive to look at and to know or be with, and they include their physical presence, character and attitude.

My fashion style

For me, fashion means wearing clothes that suit my personality and make me feel comfortable. I like dressing in local materials as well as foreign ones so long as I look good and attractive in them. I’m not a fashion freak but I like to dress well.

Fashion item can’t do without

I don’t think there is a fashion item I cannot do without. The way I live my life, I adapt very easily. For me, there’s hardly anything that is indispensable.

My secret of being successful in family

As for marriage, I’m blessed with a good and stable marriage to a remarkable and intelligent man, Prof. Chris Ezeigbo. And we are blessed with children and grandchildren. We celebrated our golden jubilee anniversary on December 22, 2023: that was 50 years of married life. It’s a rare blessing. To God be all the glory. There is no secret; success in marriage demands commitment, tolerance, unconditional love and mutual respect; and, of course, God’s grace.

Juggling the home front with all other aspect of my careers

It was, indeed, hard to juggle a job with kids and housework in the past, but even now that my children have grown, I’m still juggling with a lot of things, including being a scholar, writer, judge, board chair, wife and mother. I’m still teaching full-time (though on contract) and supervising students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, on the judging panel of some prizes and on the Board of Directors or Trustees of some organisations, including a bank. The most important thing is that I’m enjoying what I’m doing and giving them my best attention. All you need in multitasking is to be organised and to prioritise your family life and other responsibilities. As I always say to my mentees: be organised, and know when to say no.

Women writers that inspired your pen

I have read the works of several female writers from all over the world – Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Pacific etc. Probably these writers and their works might have had vicarious influences on me, but I’m not sure that any of them “inspired my pen” as you put it. One thing I can say with certainty is that if you have the aptitude, the talent, the passion, and you read a lot, you’re likely to become a writer. It’s an overwhelming compulsion you cannot evade.

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Feminism: Where does the African woman draw the line

Feminism is a principle or ideology that posits that men and women should have equal rights in every sphere of life, including law, family, religion, politics, society etc

Many female scholars in Nigeria and Africa have theorised on feminism as it relates to Africa. For example, I propounded a feminist theory which I aired or presented in 2002 at the International Conference on African Literature at Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany, which became known worldwide in feminist scholarship and circles as Snail-sense Feminism and was published, in 2012, as a Monograph, by the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, entitled “Snail-sense Feminism: Building on an Indigenous Model”. Most feminists in Africa prefer to be called womanists or African feminists, to differentiate their brand of feminism from Western feminism which sometimes could be radical and is different from the African way of life. Feminism is culture-based, for a people’s culture or way of life defines or affects their brand of feminism.

The African woman must look inwards to redefine herself and recapture her essence and what makes her unique and special. This is part of the process of decolonisation that many feminist scholars, theorists and writers are advocating today.

Ways the prize is promoting women

The Prize promotes Nigerian literature and writers. It does not discriminate against any gender. Any Nigerian writer – male or female – is entitled to submit their work for the competition. The criterion for winning is excellence. And the book judged the best among the shortlisted works wins the prize. As a matter of fact, a number of women have won The Nigeria Prize for Literature and they are Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo and Mabel Segun (joint winners), 2007; Kaine Agary, 2008; Chika Unigwe, 2012 and Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuoba, 2021.

My escape

Reading good books for pleasure relaxes me. I also relax by watching good films, listening to music or singing hymns. I love to play with my grandchildren and tell them stories.

What’s next for you

I have a number of projects I’m involved in and I face them squarely, trusting in God’s grace to accomplish them.

April 3, 2024
Meet women steering banking wheels

If the banking sector were a runway, the visionary women leading 10 of the nation’s top banks would compete favourably with anyone across the globe. But it is not just their beauty that they are applauded for. They are brains mixed with beauty. Before now, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) positions in the Nigerian banking sector seemed to be the exclusive preserve of men. The tide is turning in favour of women who have steadily climbed the ladder of chief executive officers in banks. CHINAKA OKORO and EVELYN OSAGIE write.

More than ever before women are bringing their A-Game to the table of their career. While distinguishing themselves in diverse sectors, they are breaking records in fields formerly the exclusive preserved of men. One of such sectors is banking.

Currently, Nigeria has 25 major banks with the number of female chief executives soaring from just one in 2019 to 10 in 2024. This represents 36 per cent of Nigerian major banks’ chief executive officers. Welcome to the age of the banking Amazons.

Women are taking over

Happily, over the past two decades, the Nigerian banking landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, catapulting many industry players onto the global stage. Amidst this dynamic shift, marked by two recapitalisation exercises and a surge in foreign investments, one of the most profound changes has been the recalibration of human capital. This transformation has opened doors for female bankers to assume leadership roles, steering banks to unprecedented success.

At a time when the notion of a female bank CEO was but a distant dream, pioneers such as Cecilia Ibru of then Oceanic Bank shattered the glass ceiling. Since then, a wave of exceptional women, including Funke Osibodu, Sola David-Borha and Bola Adesola, have followed suit, ascending to the helm of some of some leading banks.

It is now becoming appealing and commendable to have more women in top management positions. The sector is sure to see more women in top management positions in banks, giving gender-mandated regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which recognised the positive impact of gender parity on the economy.

However, experts have maintained that advancement towards gender equality and inclusivity in corporate governance in the sector mark a welcomed exodus towards an improved balanced and diverse leadership landscape.

Meet women steering the wheels in banking sector

Currently, 10 of the country’s top banks are led by visionary women, embodying strong leadership qualities and driving exceptional financial performances. Among them are Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank, Yemisi Edun of FCMB, and Miriam Olusanya of GT Bank, each leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, a lawyer-turned-banker who was appointed as the CEO of Fidelity in 2021, has steered Fidelity Bank towards unprecedented heights. Under her leadership, the bank has maintained high asset quality and a robust balance sheet, consistently earning accolades from leading rating agencies. Fidelity Bank’s financial statement for 2023 was nothing short of impressive. This remarkable growth is a testament to Onyeali-Ikpe’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Fidelity Bank’s recently released condensed unaudited financial statement for 2023 was very impressive. The bank has expressed its desire to play in the international market. And most notably, in 2023, it acquired the United Kingdom subsidiary of Union Bank to show its intent, even as it reiterated plans for further acquisitions on the Continent.

Hear what Onyeali-Ikpe told Bloomberg: “The strategy is for us to move our footprint outside Nigeria and compete favourably with our peers. In the next three years, we should be able to be in six countries by doing at least two yearly.”

This strong financial performance has endeared the bank to capital market investors as reflected in the sustained interest in its shares on the NGX.

Yemisi Edun of of FCMB Group

Following her appointment in 2021, Yemisi Edun wasted no time in making her mark as the leader of FCMB Group. She has a background in finance and extensive experience in the banking sector. With a staggering 72 per cent growth in Profit before Tax in 2022, Edun’s strategic acumen has propelled FCMB towards unprecedented success. In the 2023 financial year, the group achieved gross earnings of N516.8 billion, representing an 82.6 per cent growth over the previous year.

Edun’s leadership has not only consolidated the bank’s liquidity position but has also created new avenues for growth and expansion. FCMB recorded a 206.9 per cent growth in net income in the 2023 financial year to N95.52 billion as against the N31.13 billion recorded in 2022. Total assets grew by over 48 per cent to N4.41 trillion from N2.98 trillion. Edun has consolidated the bank’s liquidity position and exploit growth opportunities.

Miriam Olusanya of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)

In July 2021, Miriam Olusanya made history as the first female to direct Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. Olusanya’s leadership prowess was on full display as GT Bank posted remarkable financial performances in Q3 2023, reporting a 155.2 per cent Profit before Taxation of N433.2 billion. With a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group and the London Stock Exchange, GT Group’s metrics speak volumes about Olusanya’s foresight and operational excellence.

Bolaji Agbede of Access Holdings

Bolaji Agbede, acting group CEO of Access Holdings, took over on February 13, following the death of Herbert Wigwe, the company’s former GCEO. Agbede has worked in banking operations, customer relationship management, and human resources management departments for over 27 years. Beginning her career in 1992 as an executive trainee, she worked her way up to manager in 2001 at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she also held various positions such as vault custodian and relationship manager. She subsequently served as CEO of JKG Limited, a business consulting firm, in 2003. Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an assistant general manager and was responsible for managing the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies. She also headed the bank’s human resources department between 2010 and 2022 and was appointed the company’s founding executive director, business support, in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990); and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Cranfield University in 2002.

Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank

In a more recent indication that women are inching steadily toward achieving gender equality in Nigeria, another female from Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, is the latest to shatter the glass ceiling as she assumes the role of Zenith Bank’s first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Those who have close contact with her have said that her journey showcases the strength and capability of the girl-child, urging for their rightful inclusion in every sphere of society.

Adaora’s ascent within Zenith Bank is said to be evidence of her unwavering determination and exceptional abilities. From her humble beginnings as a youth corps member in the 90s, she showcased unparalleled prowess by securing significant business deals that propelled Zenith Bank’s growth. Her achievements, which surpassed the expectations of her peers and superiors alike, underscored the indispensable value of talent and merit, regardless of gender.

These women CEOs, alongside their male counterparts, exemplify the transformative power of inclusive leadership. As Nigerian banks continue to harness the full potential of their human capital, irrespective of gender, they pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Ireti Samuel-Ogbu of Citibank Nigeria

Ireti Samuel-Ogbu, appointed in September 2020, doubles as the CEO of Citibank Nigeria and Citibank’s country officer for Nigeria and Ghana. Before being appointed CEO of Citibank Nigeria, Samuel-Ogbu was the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) head, payments and receivables, treasury and trade solutions (TTS) under Citi’s institutional clients group (ICG) based in London, UK. She has also served as a non-executive director on the board of Citibank Nigeria Limited. For the past 32 years, Samuel-Ogbu has held various posts across Citi’s businesses in the UK, Nigeria and South Africa – having worked in each of the countries twice.

Samuel-Ogbu obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, UK, and has an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK.

Halima Buba of SunTrust Bank

Halima Buba, MD/CEO, SunTrust Bank, was appointed the MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank in January 2020. Halima Buba, is a seasoned banker with over 22 years of cognate experience obtained from working in All States Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Inland Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc, and Ecobank Nigeria Limited. Buba was co-founder and former executive director at Taj Consortium — an organisation of young dynamic technocrats and financial advisory experts, from 2017 until 2020 — before her appointment to SunTrust Bank. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maiduguri and an MBA from the same university.

Yetunde Oni of Union Bank

Yetunde Oni, in January 2024, was appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the MD/CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria. Until her appointment with the bank, Oni was a financial services leader with a successful career spanning over 30 years, holding senior positions in international and local banks, and focusing on emerging markets. Before she made it to the top, Oni had an 11-year stint at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated as a relationship manager, from 1994 to 2005.

In September 2014, Oni held the position of pioneer head of commercial clients at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited, before becoming the lender’s MD and country head of commercial banking in West Africa in 2017. In January 2021, Oni achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first female MD/CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone. Oni is a University of Ibadan graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and has an MBA from Bangor University, Wales.

Kafilat Araoye of Lotus Bank

Kafilat Araoye was appointed in 2020 as the MD/CEO of Lotus Bank. She started her career in 1988 at National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc (now Conoil Nigeria Plc), and moved in 1990 to GTBank, as the pioneer head of HR.

Her last position at the firm was general manager and group head, human resource group — a position she exited in 2015. Subsequently, Araoye moved to XYZ Outsourcing and Management Consulting Limited, from 2015 to 2020. Araoye holds a first degree in history from the Obafemi Awolowo University and a master’s degree in industrial relations and personnel management from the University of Lagos — graduating as the best student in her class.

Tomi Somefun of Unity Bank

Tomi Somefun was appointed MD/CEO of Unity Bank Plc in August 2015. Before her appointment, she served as the executive director overseeing the Lagos and south-west business directorates, and the treasury department of the bank. She has 35 years of experience in the private sector, 26 of which are in the banking industry.

From 1982 to 1986, she worked as a senior audit assistant for KPMG, which was the beginning of her nearly 40-year journey to become the formidable banker she is today.

After working for a few more years as a senior auditor at Arthur Andersen, she left in 1989 to become an associate at Ventures & Trusts Limited. Veering into the banking sector, she began working with Credit Bank Limited, before joining UBA Group, where she served as the MD/CEO of two significant UBA subsidiaries, including UBA Pensions Custodian, a start-up company, which was founded with her as the pioneer.

She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1981 with a bachelor of education in English language.

March 27, 2024
When not lost in book world, I’m experimenting in the kitchen

Twenty-three-year-old Shalom Shaba, the director of Publishing at Gemspread Publishing, is one young woman dedicated to ensuring that African stories, particularly those of the womenfolk, find a voice in the world. Born in the historic city of Ibadan, Shalom comes from a lineage steeped in the book industry. She is the daughter of one of Nigeria’s publishing legends, Steve Shaba. Like her father, Shalom is becoming a strong voice to reckon with in the industry. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her journey, her love for teenagers and more.

Being a woman, me

I think my life is best summed up with these — God addict, book lover and storyteller.

For me, being a woman means to have a high sense of responsibility; to be responsible for yourself and for others around you. Being a woman entails sacrifice, purposeful mess and passion.

My sense of style

I’ll like to think that I am conscious about how I look. It’s very important to me that I dress well and look good and I wear what suits me. I think my fashion style will be corporate casual. I love looking comfortable but corporate. I’ve recently been tilting towards African prints though.

My thought on beauty

I think beauty is how you feel on the inside that somehow reflects on your physical appearance.

What fuels your passion for creativity

My passion for both creative writing and inspiring teenagers is actually fueled by a need to tell stories that will change narratives, story that will cause teenagers and people in general to reflect on their actions and make better decisions. This passion inspired my Eureka Initiative and The Book Haven Project, Through my words, I craft beautiful yet simple narratives that capture the essence of Nigerian stories. Whether I’m writing or I’m speaking with teenagers, my goal is always the same, changing narratives. I think that reading literature was also informed by this same passion. I immerse myself in an average of 100 books each year, and encourage young ones to read. In the words of Dr. Patrick Bindle, “the way we understand the world is by reading about it.” Books changed my life and it made sense to just study literature.

My growing up that impacted the woman you became

My childhood was particularly interesting. I grew up around books so it really influenced me and helped me build a healthy reading culture. I come from a lineage steeped in the love of literature. My journey with words began in the cream-colored pages of books, a journey that led me to study literature at Obafemi Awolowo University. I also grew up under parents who raised me to be self-aware, responsible and hardworking and these are some of the principles that currently guide my life and way of thinking. Most importantly, I grew up learning that God is the most important factor and this is how I live my life.

Following my father’s footprints

I get this question a lot and I’ll just say Steve Shaba being my dad is a privilege I do not take for granted. His name has opened up many doors for me and the fact that I have a front row seat to see his creative process and watch how hard he works and the passion he puts into his businesses, makes me know that I can’t do anything less. I’m constantly challenging myself to learn from him and of course, achieve even more feats.

Being a director at a Publishing brand at a young age

Serving as the Director of Publishing has been very challenging and humbling. However, Gemspread Publishing started because of a passion to promote the best emerging and established African talent, which I totally subscribe to represent.

I started interning in my teenage years and I gathered a lot of experience along the way. However, it’s completely different now that I’m actually the one overseeing how things are done. I’m positive that it’ll get easier with time. And we are out to make a difference. Hence, Gemspread Publishing has adopted a completely different publishing model. While we offer paid publishing services to our clients, we’re into trade publishing. We sign authors and cover the publishing costs. Some of our titles are “Ka Chi Foo Nu” by Harachi Nnamchi, “A Hot Lagos Afternoon” by Promise Onyekachukwu and “Of Musical Affairs” by Nyambura Mwangi.

Challenges

One challenge will be, having to deal with some people I’ve had to work with disrespecting me because of my gender. Another would be a bit of a knowledge gap. As to how I’ve handled both, I think I’m well aware that some people will always be sexist so I just let my work speak for itself and then I do a lot of reading, watching videos and asking questions from others more experienced than I am.

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One thing I’d love to change about literature in Nigeria

I absolutely love Nigerian literature and I’m not sure there’s anything I’ll like to change about it. However, in terms of the Nigerian publishing industry, what I’ll love to change is how we embrace technology and innovation.

Our niche as a publishing house

I think what is most unique about Gemspread Publishing is our commitment to get rid of the constraints of traditional publishing. We understand how challenging each stage of publishing could get, especially for emerging writers. This is why we have adapted a new age publishing model where the process from manuscript submission to getting the published book to your readers is seamless. We provide all the publishing processes, including and especially marketing and sales, distribution within Nigeria and other African countries and author branding. No, we are not concerned with a specific gender.

Three important things aspiring women author must know

Firstly, be sure of what it is you want to be known for in the industry. Whether a writer or a publishing professional, you must create a niche for your craft. The fact that you’re a woman means people would automatically want to think that you might be incompetent, and be very good at what you do. Secondly, ensure that you’re the best that you can be.

Thirdly, don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn from those that have gone ahead of you and seek mentorship.

Notion that Nigerian youths are lazy

I believe that Nigerian youths are extremely tenacious, innovative and driven people and there are so many examples to prove this. I think support, in terms of finances, platforms, exposure, will go a long way to harness their energies and creativity.

My escape

I read (laughs). When not lost in the world of literature, you’ll likely find me experimenting in the kitchen. I also love to cook, watch a good movie or hang out with friends.

Fashion item I can’t do without

Earrings. I cannot go out without them and they have to be conspicuous.

My kitchen experiments

I ran a food business in Ibadan for a year when I was fresh out of university. So I experimented a lot with food and serving people nice meals. I think my most recent kitchen experiment, if I can call it that, would be the Asun rice I made last week but with a secret ingredient.

What next

What’s next for me will be more learning, maybe a masters and PHD in publishing (laughs). For Gemspread Publishing, it will be to keep promoting the best of African fiction through our books and promoting Ma Keke, a monthly flash fiction contest that aims to reward emerging writers.

March 20, 2024
Circular beauty: upcycled ingredients in cosmetic products

Through the use of natural and organic extracts from plants, flowers and seeds, companies producing natural and organic cosmetics have traditionally contributed to bringing more naturality and sustainability in the market. The increasing consumer demand for more sustainable products and the renewable qualities of natural raw materials are a perfect match to bring even more circular beauty on our shelves.

In the last years, many cosmetic companies have started to look into upcycling discarded raw materials that can be reused for the production of cosmetics: coffee grounds, olive oil waste or fruit peels are perfect ingredients for upcycled natural scrubs, soaps and lip balms. By reusing as much as possible the precious natural resources from our soils, cosmetic companies can help reducing our impact on the environment by supporting a more circular beauty that is good for our skin and for the planet.

What is “upcycling”?

Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials or discarded objects into new materials or products. Food and beverage waste represent the main source of materials that can be upcycled into beauty products, particularly into natural and organic cosmetics since these often contain food-grade ingredients that have rich properties for the skin…

Upcycled ingredients: too good to go to waste

According to a 2011 report for FAO by the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology, roughly one-third of the food produced for human consumption globally is lost or wasted, which translates into 1.3 billion tonnes of wasted food per year[1]. The main causes for retail food waste are limited shelf life and aesthetic standards for food (i.e. food products that are edible but that don’t pass “the beauty test”), while consumer food waste is mainly caused by poor meal planning, excess of buying and confusion over “best before” and “use by” claims.

What materials can be upcycled into cosmetics?

They include olive oil waste, citrus extracts (particularly orange and lemon peels), coffee and cacao beans waste, tea waste, etc. Dried fruit seeds discarded from the juice and jam industries can also be cold pressed and transformed into precious essential oils, which are a key ingredient in many natural and organic cosmetics. Even extracts of grape waste from wine production can be used for pigmentation in natural hair dye and colour products.

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“Basically all food waste materials that have a positive effect for the skin can be upcycled”, says Maximilian Munz, co-founder of C!RCLY, a German brand of upcycled cosmetics.

The possibilities of using upcycled ingredients in cosmetics keep growing as technical innovation develops, facilitating the reinsertion of both discarded and wasted food materials in the production of natural and organic cosmetics. Nowadays, the upcycled cosmetics offer is mainly represented by scrubs, peelings, oils and soaps, but some companies are researching how to develop upcycled perfumes and other cosmetics. As the use of materials derived from food waste in cosmetics grows, so will the sustainable profile of the cosmetic industry at large.

More collaboration between industries and consumer’s growing appetite for circular beauty products “good for people and the planet” will define the development of the upcycled cosmetic’s segment in the coming years.

• Culled from https://natrue.org/circular-beauty-upcycled-ingredients-in-cosmetic-products/ and written by Ana Ledesma, Communications Officer at NATRUE

March 20, 2024