Category: Sunday magazine

IT’S been weeks of celebration, taking stock, counting the pains and the gains for female activists and group. Topmost on the agenda is how to create new opportunities and upscale activities using technology, science and creative arts.

While some took a search light at the many challenges, others took time to count the many blessings looking for new ways to develop and make life better for girls in different communities. The searchlight beamed on issues that matter to girls amongst governments, policymakers and the general public, and more opportunities for girls to have their voices heard on the global stage. At the center of the discussions are ways to make girls powerful agents of change.

Reason: To be born a girl-child in most parts of the world comes with its own disadvantages and difficulties which are increasingly faced by females in a world that is progressively biased towards the rights and future of the girl-child. This holds true particularly as it relates to the opportunities available to the girl-child, who appears to have the deck stacked against her and fewer chances to excel. One glaring constraint is the lack of access to affordable, inclusive, and qualitative education which is a basic right.

In addition, there are issues of early marriage, sexual and gender-based violence, lack of educational opportunities, lack of funding, child-labor, trafficking, early pregnancy, poverty, illiteracy, harmful gender stereotypes, male gender preferences, insecurity, disabilities, discriminatory laws, ingrained socio-cultural and religious beliefs, economic and political discrimination.

Her Ability hub celebrated the 2022 International day of the Girl child with school girls and role models inspiring the young one to work towards a brighter future. The speakers spoke extensively around the theme: ” Our time is now, our right our future”.

The colorful event had students representatives from more than 30 schools talking about their experiences and what being a girl child meant to them. On her part, the founder, Her Ability Hub, Mrs Omoayena Odunbaku informed that the event celebrates the girl child by bringing successful women to share their experience with the girls.

In his Opening remark, Hon.Desmond Elliot, Member Lagos State House of Assembly stressed that “The world is yours to own”. He added that building a man is like building one person but building a woman is like building a nation. “A day is coming when a female gender will be on that presidential seat. In the ancient times men have always been ruling”.

In his message, Mr. Ademola also from Her ability hub spoke on Externality effect. “This occurs when an individual or entity takes up an action and that action affects everyone within and around that person positively or negatively”.

On her part, Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaye, author, poet and CEO Modupe’s Kitchen talked about the importance of reading and writing. She explained that it is very important for the girl child to have good reading and writing skill.

To buttress her point, Kalejaiye identified books like Americana by Chimanda Adiche that girls can read. Professor Taibat Lawanson also gave a Keynote address on Digital generation; your generation. “As a girl child, you need to make use of the internet for the right things not for yahoo yahoo. The internet is neither good nor bad but what you feed is what it would produce for you”.

She therefore advised the girls to be careful of whom they choose as their role models or mentors. They should use the internet to broaden their knowledge and not vice versa.Ms Afolabi Adediwura  Aina who is the grand prize winner OMOH essay competition also gave a word of advice to the girls that they should keep on pushing, practicing and making efforts because one day, it’s all going to count. She also shared her experience with the girls and hoped to see them at the top. Presentation of medals, awards and prizes were done to children who took part in the competition.

Members of the International Women’s Society (IWS) also had an exclusive event to celebrate with girls from two secondary schools.

At the Lekki premises of the International Women Society founded in 1957, members came together to talk about the gains and opportunities as well as focus on STEM now STEAM education and the girl child.

The hall painted in blue and white was agog  with students of Rubygold British School and Sharon field schools with their teachers as the President  Mrs. Ifeoma Monye and some past presidents , Board members and facilitators took them through practical sessions on how to use technology and they also came out with amazing display of robots performing different task.

A group of students were formed around ten tables and they were given legos in different colours, other tools with a guide and instructions and trainers who took them on what to create within specific time frames. With great excitement they got cracking and started to construct based on the task. It was quite inspiring, interest sparked and an opportunity for some to consider actually going into robotics.

Robotics advocates say these programs provide a way for school-age girls to get exposure to the field while also discovering their passion for STEM-based career, a priority that should be on the national agenda to increase participation.

They explained some terminologies, definition of the robots, the importance of artificial intelligence, advantages and how it would help women and girls to scale up and make a difference”.

On her part, the current president of International Women Society, Mrs. Ifeoma Monye talked extensively about the challenges faced by women in different sectors, other limitations, opportunities and some of the recent achievements. The scenarios painted all meant to identify new trends and opportunities that would help to take the girls closer to their dreams. “Two thirds out of the 774 million illiterates in the world are women. Nig with a population of 200 million has approximately 14 million students, the highest in the world. Girls make up about 60 per cent of that figure”.

The session ended with female achievers like Ego Boyo, actress, Gbemi Sasore publisher and Dr. Mrs. Taiwo Taiwo, educationist, seasoned real estate’s practitioner sharing experiences to motivate the girls as well as Book reading of My Mother’s daughter.

Deborah Ojo is a realtor and CEO of DeborahHomes. She is passionate about educating buyers and sellers on the real estate process, mentoring and supporting other entrepreneurs.
Throughout her career, she has helped countless people retire comfortably, helped young families realize their dream of home ownership and managed investment portfolios for investors both locally and abroad. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she goes down memory lane to recall how it all started, opportunities, challenges and more.

TELL us how you became a Realtor?

When I decided to follow my passion, I went back to school to become a licensed Real Estate Agent in Ontario (Orea College). After I gained the required knowledge, skills and competencies to assist buyers and sellers then I went ahead to take additional courses to become a Real Estate Broker.

What was the experience like at the beginning?

The industry is very competitive especially when you are new, the only way experienced agents will collaborate with you is if you can become a volunteer assistant. Well it wasn’t entirely a bad idea except that I was a mature student who needed flexibility of work hours and income to sustain my family. So, I decided to stand on my two feet, paid for lots of training and eventually created a niche for myself.

What were you doing before that experience?

Just before Real Estate I was a teacher  and I have heard many times that teachers succeed more in real estate than most other careers, something I didn’t know at the time I started. You see how all things work for good.

What are the other things that occupy your time now?

Well, family is a huge part of my life so I try to spend as much time with them as I can.

I also pamper myself by going on expensive vacations to see the world.

What are the challenges you encountered in the sector?

Often, balancing work and family obligations for me. Real estate is demanding and often requires a great deal of personal sacrifice. Late nights, long hours, and weekends are all part of the gig, especially in the early stages of your career.

What are some of the memorable moments in your life and career?

So many memorable moments for me, one of my principles is to make all moments count. So, I have many of them from time to time. The recent ones are last year, when I received an award.

What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

Most larger brokerages that I have heard of or seen are led by men.

So breaking into the old boys’ club is more difficult for women than men. A lot of women sadly experience discrimination in the workplace culture of most brokerages.

An archaic work culture still survives in many brokerages which often conflicts with a woman’s priorities. Women who choose to seek a healthier work/life balance, for instance, often face criticism from both men and women. They can be overlooked for advancement for choosing to prioritize time with family, or taking extended parental leave.

Changing the culture in established brokerages is necessary in order to effect meaningful change in roles and opportunities for women.

How would you compare the experience in Nigeria and in the Diaspora?

Well, if you are talking about experience in terms of Real estate in both Canada and Nigeria, the truth is I don’t have an in depth knowledge in Nigeria but from what I have learned from people, currency in Nigeria is not stable. So, a lot of people will make money in the Nigerian market and invest it here in Canada mainly for capital preservation.

What are the new areas that you are looking at?

I am looking for opportunities to expand into other markets including Nigeria.

I have heard about the Nigeria Real Estate market but I have never really actively considered it but now I am open to business opportunities especially in Real Estate in my home country.

Tell us about the people you admire?

Tyler Perry inspires me alot, he believed in himself even when his own mother did not believe in his dreams. Today he is one of the most wealthy black people on earth.

Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

Many people and many things have influenced me but the greatest influence I have is God, our relationship is personal and He got me during thin or thick.

As funny as this might sound I study Jesus as a businessman, the way he marketed, influenced others, his work ethics etc  is beyond inspitaration to say the list.

What is your definition of style?

I like the underground stuffs, normal everyday life while displaying your God-giving talents. I appreciate the simplest things of life, those are luxury to me.

How would you assess the performance of the average Nigerian woman today?

Nigerians in canada, I can talk about; we are resilient, humble and hardworking and we are breaking barriers in our career. Nigerian woman no dey carry last and I am very proud of us.

What message do you have for young people who want to go into the sector?

Keep your head down and learn the business in and out, so you can genuinely serve your client. People are smart, they know who is genuinely interested in their transactions. For example when people come to DeboraHomes, they come to us for education and lots of tough love, Our clients come to us for two things, truth and accountability.

What lessons has life taught you?

Walk your own path and do not let anyone dictate what you can or cannot do. Everyone seems to have an opinion on how I should talk, dress, what business ventures to go into next but if you listen to them, they will disappear when you need them most. And I learnt that everyone always have an agenda, so it is my job to make sure I protect my agenda, do me, make sure my cup is full because I can’t fulfil my true calling by dancing to their musics and agendas.

Looking at your experience, how can people plan effectively for life after retirement?

Let’s be clear, Retirement doesn’t necessarily happen only when you are 65 and older, people can be forced into early retirement before they are ready e.g. health reasons.

Plan for retirement as early as you can; a lot of people face poverty during retirement because lots of them don’t start planning early, many think they have time. I started planning in my twenties and you can guess it, most of my retirement is in real estate. Don’t just put money away for investment, invest it and early too, compound interest is an important tool that you can capitalise on to build your retirement fund but you need lots of time.

If you are to advise those in authority in Nigeria, what would you tell them?

I would advise them to use the power of their office to unite Nigeria against local and external forces, we are stronger together.

They should also create a path for diaporans to come home to bring their knowledge and experience back home. Many people I know will be willing to come home if there is electricity and safety back home.