The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday Interview

  • ‘In the society that we live in today, women have to strive harder than a man, that is the reality’ – OLUWATOYIN ABOSEDE TAIWO

    ‘In the society that we live in today, women have to strive harder than a man, that is the reality’ – OLUWATOYIN ABOSEDE TAIWO

    Justice Oluwatoyin Abosede Taiwo is a judge of the Lagos High Court. She is passionate about the wig and gown and has a track record of excellence.

    Recently, you discover the other things that occupy her time each time the amazon puts her wig and gown aside. It was a day for counseling, mentoring and empowerment with the theme, ‘Strive for excellence.

    “A little sleep, a little slumber (ALSALS) has been around for some time. It’s not a new organisation and the ladies in the crowd can vouch for that. Some of them have been with us for about 10 years when we started from the grassroots. Felicia is the head of empowerment; she started when we were at a place at Ijora. We use to use the CBT center and then we moved to a church and from there we eventually moved to a place here. Then we got a better place and we went across to somewhere in Karimu street and that is where we are now.”

    Happily Taiwo goes down memory lane to talk about her passion, touching lives and more.

    “It gives me great pleasure to be here and I know that the sky is the limit. I want to particularly thank the Administrator for putting this training program together. For without her I don’t think this training program would have taken off. As you all know I am a judge, I cannot be here all the time. There is no way that I can be in court, do Baba Ijesha and come here too. These are the things, and I really appreciate Joy and Felicia’s efforts. And all my staffs, they have been very very good, very loyal and hardworking. And the students love them and that is what empowerment is all about. So, I encourage all to strive for excellence.”

    She continued:” The theme for today’s event is striving for excellence. And we know what excellence is, it is better than average or above average. Excellence is doing the best you can in whatever situation that you are in.

    So, what does it mean to always strive for excellence?”

    At this point, Justice Taiwo asked the ladies in the house a number of probing questions and they responded with great enthusiasm.

    In the session which very interactive session, they responded in English and the three major Nigerian languages.

    She the continued saying “perfection is different from excellence, we are not striving for perfection but we are striving for excellence. As my sister has said, when you build up a woman, you build up a nation. That is what we are doing here, and a Little Sleep, a little Slumber like I have always said is Christian base. If you go to proverbs 6:10, you will find the vision of the organisations “. She took the women through the bible passage to remind them about the importance of hard work, perseverance and determination to excel.

    “That is where we got the name of the organization.

    Can you excel when you fold your arms or sleep all day. Everybody needs sleep, we need sleep as human beings, we need energy, and we need to relax our body, soul and spirit. I know some people sleep and sleep, they can sleep from 8am to 12noon. By the time the cock crows, my eyes are open from 4 o’clock. We need the sleep, we need to rest our bodies a little, and it says a little sleep to reject poverty. We want excellence in our health; we want excellence in our body, in the place of work”.

    Taiwo goes on to buttress her explanation with vivid illustrations and examples.  “If you call yourself a tailor, be the best you can be, and this is what I tell my staff. Be the best secretary that you can be. That is what excellence is all about. Be the best that you can be, don’t be satisfied with less, be satisfied with more. If you do not strive for excellence, your walk would be long and wide.”

    Excellence, she informed is a struggle, that is why we have to strive. “In the society that we live in today, women have to strive harder than a man that is the reality.  Now a woman has to struggle harder than the men and that is what is on ground. If you don’t strive, then your poverty would creep up to you. You can compare this to an armed man with a gun that is how poverty would shoot you in the face, and will find your poverty standing before you. That is what an armed man does, he would pursue you and there is nothing you can do if you do not strive for excellence.

    While painting scenarios about the need to be passionate and focus, Taiwo advise the women never to give up and always do an appraisal of where they are where they want to be in the career, business and life in general. “That is what a little sleep, a little slumber is all about, we want you to excel. We have several departments and we want you to excel individually in the department that you have chosen for yourself. Don’t be satisfied with average. Even I strive for excellence everyday because I know that the judgments I wrote 20 years ago when I was just starting, I cannot compare them with the substance that I write now. I read, I go on the internet, I compare, and I pursue excellence, knowledge.”

    Justice Oluwatoyin Abosede Taiwo

    Taiwo added that: So the same should apply to all of you. If I ask you if you use the internet, the response would be that my phone doesn’t have this and that. I don’t want to hear it. Get up and live up to expectations, have a standard, don’t let life leave you behind and you must pursue it. And don’t do it today and then relax tomorrow, saying I’m tired”.

    She strongly believes that it is important for all hands to be on deck to transform the lives of poor and vulnerable women in the society. Her words: “If we continue to wait for the government to right all wrongs, society’s decadence will only increase. Women who have better orientation and exposure are more instrumental to a society’s well-being than women who are not. This is what we are set to achieve – making Nigerian women, especially those in low and middle – income areas, productive.”

    Oluwatoyin was born in London to the late Mr. and Mrs. Pratt in September 1957 and she is from Lagos State. She had her primary education at All Saints Church School, Ibadan, Oyo State. She graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B). She later attended the University of Lagos where she earned a Master’s in Law (LL.M).

    Taiwo has been a member of several professional associations among which is the Magistrates Association of Nigeria where she was the National Vice President. She was also Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the association.

    She has won several recognitions and awards due to her philanthropic work. ALSALS was named as Best NGO of the year 2021 at the Africa Lives Development Awards in Kigali, Rwanda. She has also received the Symbol of Hope Award, Nigeria; the Unseen Guest Award by MRA/LofC Nigeria and the Inspiration International Award in South Africa.

    The event also witnessed presentations from others like Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Odetoyinbo of MRI. She took time to0 go back memory lane recalling her personal experience, challenges of early life and her determination to excel. “One trait that we believe in is unselfishness. There are so many unemployed people everywhere. I started school in the 40s and it was during the war. All of us in that city in Ifo would trek to school in Oke-ila. We the girls were very industrious nothing like boyfriend. We were very focused. There was discipline them. You must think of how to multiply things, they to use the training well and see how you can help yourself and others”.

  • ‘Why I educate and empower girls’

    ‘Why I educate and empower girls’

    To commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, the Association for the Education of Young Girls last week held an all-girls conference, where teenage girls were enlightened on the significance of the day and why they should believe in themselves and go after their dreams, irrespective of the obstacles. Gboyega Alaka reports

    ”I feel more emboldened to go after my dreams. I feel like I can achieve anything I set out to achieve, with God on my side.”

    “I learnt that I can be great, that I should go after my dream and never give up. I am a stronger girl psychologically.”

    I learnt that as a girl, we should not allow anybody to tell us that we cannot do what other genders can do”

    The above are some of the takeaways espoused by secondary school pupils at the Young & Pure conference held in Amuwo Odofin Local Government to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child.

    The event, which was organised by the Association for the Education of Young Girls, an initiative of Mrs Juliet Keshinro, and educator and influencer, in collaboration with Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh Foundation and Amuwo Odofin Local Government, had the theme: ‘Changing lives. One Girl at a Time’; and had about 200 secondary school pupils from about seven schools participating.

    According Mrs. Keshinro, the organisation was founded to cater to the need of girls and is committed to empowering, educating and advocating for the girl child.

    “We believe in the girl child and that every girl has a voice and should be given a chance. We know that there is a lot of subjugation in the society; we know that girls sometimes are limited because of their gender and that they are not given enough opportunity to excel. So what we do is to ensure that they get educated; that they have the capacity to do whatever they believe in. We teach them that their belief system is important; that they should believe in themselves that they have the capacity to be whatever they want to be. There is no job that is gender-based – whether engineering, architecture or plumbing; so what we say to them is that you can be the best in whatever you want to be.”

    A self-confessed pro-girl activist, Keshinro said she is inspired to do what she does by just being a girl. “I’ve always been a pro-girl. There is this saying that girls don’t fight for girls; I am not in that group. I believe that when every girl is given a chance, they can achieve anything. I was given a chance. Somebody discovered me; told me that my voice was powerful enough to speak and fight for the cause of the girl child.”

    The Association for the Education of Young Girls is ten years old; in those ten years, Keshinro said it has impacted thousands of young girls. “We actually started with community outreach, and we had projects done. What we do is go into the communities; we actually started in Ajegunle in 2011. There, we found that there was the need to educate them; so we did a lot of community outreaches. We gathered the schools and taught different things, from skills acquisition, to conferencing…. We were training them in catering, hairdressing; anything that could empower them financially. We are very particular about their passion; so what we do is to put energies into their passion, build it, and harness it, so that they can be financially empowered.”

    Said Keshinro: “The more a girl is exposed to information, the better she becomes. That’s why we don’t stop informing them; that’s why we don’t stop talking; that’s why we don’t stop gathering. I particularly like this gathering, the International Day of the Girl Child; because it gives us the opportunity to educate and inform them of who they are, what they are and what they can become, irrespective of who gave birth to them, where they find themselves or their experiences in life. No room for excuses.”

    Next to this programme, she said is to raise a Young and Pure Club. The club has a platform, where they communicate, send information, have timeout to talk and generally share experiences and look for ways of empowering members. One of the success stories of the organisation, Keshinro pointed out would be Miracle, a young lady discovered from Ajegunle and empowered with catering skills who now runs a catering establishment, Mires Confectionery in FESTAC Town.

    “That’s not all, in January she’ll be graduating from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) with a degree in Business management.” Keshinro beamed.

    Other highlights of the day were speeches from Mrs Piboere Okukulabe, a lawyer; Mrs Opeyemi Buraimoh, wife of the Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, who graced the event with her husband, Engineer Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimo; Oluseyi Ramon, a former student of Keshinro and Mrs Damilola Banire, a presenter on Silverbird Television

    Okukulabe’s message revolved around the three keywords of ‘Empower, Educate and Advocate’. She told the attentive teenage girls: “Do not let anybody tell you, you cannot do it. Be self-discipline, be focused, believe in yourself and never give up.”

    Appreciating the initiator for a well-conceived and well-timed programme, Engr Buraimoh, who spoke on the sideline at the event, said, “God created the girl child specially. Without them, the world is not complete. Every government that wants to do well must make sure that our mothers, our sisters; our young girls are given roles as they grow in life.”

    To the young girls, he said, “There is no limit to what a girl child can become in life. Discover yourself at a younger age and have the will power to actualise your dream or who you want to be in life. Nobody can stop you; even your gender cannot stop your aspiration in life.”

  • I avoid oily foods and red meat

    I avoid oily foods and red meat

    Ashley Mariam Yusuf is a former beauty queen, entrepreneur and philanthropist who has a large heart for the poor. In this encounter with Sheriff Atanda, she talked about her beauty secrets and the things that make her glow.

    THE secret of my good looks is that I rest when I need to do so. I shower morning and night. I always use the right treatments for my body. In addition, I don’t smoke and I consume alcoholic beverages occasionally.

    Going to the Spa to pamper her body has been worthwhile. “I visit the Spa at least twice a month”. She added: “I take particular notice of my facial treatments, as I said earlier. I shower twice a day and I do visit the salon for my first pedicure and manicure regularly “.

    Eating right is also very critical for Mariam and there are a few things she avoids in her meals.” This includes oily foods, red meat and inorganic sugars”.

    Indecent dressing and the behaviour that accompanies it are things the actress won’t do in the name of fashion. “I am not heavily dependent on makeup. I only apply makeup occasionally! I have two favorite makeup artists. They are @beautyby_jammie and @glam_drop! They are both in Lagos”.

    Exercise routine works for her and she skips a lot to keep fit.

    Her hair gets the necessary attention to create that first impression always. “I love to braid my hair. I braid a lot! Women should learn to carry their natural hair from time to time, there is this beauty you get when you are on your natural hair as a woman as against the synthetic hairs we buy and fix.”

    One other asset that makes looking good easy is her beautiful figure. “As for my shape I was born like that o, I didn’t touch my body, no surgery or whatsoever.

    I love women who know what fits them, you see a lot of women wearing clothes because that is the new trend, not minding the fact that they don’t look good in that outfit. Always  put on outfits  that fits you as a woman, it boost’s your confidence”.

    Mariam continued: “It is borne out of the need to solve the identity crisis African women are faced with. We ought to learn to be proud of what we have. If you observe today, the trend is all about female’s with ample backsides which, permit me to say is an African feature. And you can even find Caucasian and Oriental females trying to possess this through surgery. This should let you know that what we have should be cherished and not looked down on.

    We must appreciate it and love it and know that our features are unique to us and gives us our own beauty. The aforementioned races all have nice hair’s and light skin complexion and they pride themselves in that. We should appreciate what they have but hold ours in higher esteem because not only is it unique to us, it’s also a thing that they envy”.

  • Music is my first love – Omatu

    Music is my first love – Omatu

    Omatu is a Nigerian/Austrian designer who has styled some International celebrities. She is also a songwriter, singer and entrepreneur. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on her passion for fashion, initial challenges and working with International celebrities and more.

    TELL us how you got into fashion?

    It was meant to be! I have always been creative since childhood and I always wanted to be in the industry! Fashion fascinated me since day one.

    What was the experience like at the beginning?

    It was tough!!!!! I thought I knew it all and fell several times! I had no mentor so I jumped into the cold water. I lost a lot of money and time because I had no clue about the business side of fashion, but that was the best teacher for me, it definitely made me stronger and wiser.

    What are some of the memorable moments in the sector?

    I jumped into cold water and took off to Los Angeles.

    Back then when I was making baby steps, I had nothing much to offer but my talent and actually was able to meet, greet and style international celebrities as a completely unknown designer.

    It’s been an awesome journey with memories and recognitions that I treasure.

    In spite of the challenges posed by COVID I won the business award in the category fashion despite the pandemic in 2020.

    I designed for Michelle Williams, destiny’s child – for the VH1 15th Annual ‘Diva simply Singing Benefit’ Concert. Others include,

    Lil Mama, rapper and actress for the movie premiere ‘when love kills’ Miami.

    I also worked with Nazanin Mandi – fashion editorial and image video for Nude Magazine Los Angeles.

    In Nigeria, Seyi Shay is a good friend of mine and she represents my fashion pieces  at public appearances. Also super model Agbani Darego wore one of my dresses and the late Kim Porter  at the  annual lifeball event in Vienna.Other clients that I treasure   include Waris Dirie – fashion Magazine editorial Vienna,  Adelaide Kane, actress  and  fashion magazine editorial Los Angeles, Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City  when she attended an award  in Vienna. I have a lot  of B list celebs as well but I think we  are good.

    What inspires your designs?

    Traveling and music inspires me a lot. Exploring different places and cultures are very inspiring for me, as I get to see a variety of new things. I take what I what I have observed and experienced back home and it becomes not only a beautiful memory but also an inspiration.

    When listening to music I often create my own music video in my head and imagine the items the performers would wear in it.

    That’s why I prefer to listen to a new song first, before watching the actual music video.

    What are the challenges you encountered?

    The pandemic was one them. It changed my ways, my thinking, the way I act. I had to reinvent Imaatu. I had to let go of all the things I was used to and think of a new strategy.

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

    Nobody from the outside can be critical about the fashion industry in Nigeria. They are doing very good and the designers are simply divine!

    Tell us about your experience in music?

    I love music; it’s actually my first love!

    I used to sing and write, infect, I still do but time is not allowing it as my hands are full with Imaatu.

    Making music is a therapy for me it calms me and I can express myself differently. You can check me out on soundcloud.com/omatufulani.

    What are the new areas that you are looking at?

    Everything is still new for me as I am still recovering from the several lockdowns we had this year.

    The future is bright and I am happy that I was able to keep up despite the pandemic.

    Tell us about the people you admire?

    There are a lot of people i admire, especially my dear friends and loved ones.

    We went through good and bad times and  I learnt a lot from them. Some I’ve lost along the way and some will stay with me till the end and I can continue to admire them.

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

    My mother.

    What is your definition of style?

    First of all you can’t buy style! Style is a feeling expressed through different outfits and accessories put together. It can be individually expressed because taste has no limits.

    For me personally style is breaking the rules of my comfort zone without compromising my comfort zone!

    Do you have people you are Mentoring. What has been the experience?

    Yes, and its a lovely experience for me and to see her grow makes me so happy.

    I wish I had a mentor when I started my label, it would have prevented me from some of the mistakes I made.

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

    Never say never! Unless when it comes to giving up – never give up!

    Consistency is one of the keys to success. Do not listen to people who are not in your field, they can’t tell you how to run your business in the fashion industry, when they are in a complete different sector.

    Don’t be ashamed to have a 9-5 job while building your empire. As a matter of fact keep it as long as you can as it pays your bills (rent, groceries and others )so that you can concentrate on your fashion.

    Start working in a fashion store, study the customers – how often do they come back, what the best is selling item, and you will learn a lot.

    There is nothing wrong to work out of your apartment before you spend on a fancy boutique with high rent, unless you know your sales figures forecast and that it will pay off, stay humble and let your work speak for you.

    Know your brands worth, do not go down with your prices. You get what you pay for, customers who want quality will pay for it.

    You also need to watch out with producing too many items in advance, make sure to have an order or a cash-deposit before you do so. Trust me if they want it they’ll wait for it especially if it’s good quality.

    Stay true to yourself and follow your gut feeling. You will make mistakes, you will lose money, you will share tears and you will think of giving up. But I promise you all this makes you stronger and wiser and even more ready to build your brand and shine!

  • As a young boy I followed beauty queens like Omasan Buwa – Oteri Agboro

    As a young boy I followed beauty queens like Omasan Buwa – Oteri Agboro

    Oteri Agboro is the President and initiator of Mr and Miss Campus International.  He has contested and won a number of pageants over the years, helped to produce pageants, fashion shows and groomed young talents to pursue their dreams especially in the entertainment sector. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde he recounts how it all started, memorable moments, opportunities and more.

    Tell us about the Campus pageant that you initiated?

    It started 7 years ago and is called Mr and Miss Campus International pageant.  It is a pageant that encompasses students from universities, polytechnics, Colleges of Education and even monotechnics. It is created for students to come together and brainstorm on where they need to focus on the greater task of becoming excellent citizens of the country of whom the Nation would have expended its natural and material resources in anticipation of their own services to the country in return.

    And in this pageant, the focal point is where contestants wear convocation gowns and they do real life presentations.  They write real projects and on that day, they would be made to present what they have written .While they are in Camp, we make sure that everything about the project goes in line with what real Projects should be like and the ones who should be doing the  Presentation  will have the six elements of creative writing in  it. This are form, language, melody, thought, spectacle and conflict. They should be able to engage the audience.  They also talk about the problems associated with teaching and learning on Nigerian campuses. And that sets it apart from other pageants.

    Did you ever contest or participate in a pageant yourself?

    Before I got admission to UNILAG, I was always opportune to watch regular pageants and when I got into school it got better.  I remember in 1996, they were organising  Mr NAFO in my department in UNILAG. I contested and won and the next thing was that I contested again for my hostel, El Kanemi hall and I won that same year. I also contested for the Mr of my faculty and became the Mr of the Faculty.  I also tried Mr UNILAG and I was the first runner up the following year. What would you describe as the turning point in your life and career?

    For me, I would say that I had been instrumental in helping people with their pageants that was when we started indigenous pageants in Nigeria. Most of the pageants that you see right now in Nigeria like Mr Tourism, Mr Universe, Nigeria, Mr Ideal Nigeria and Mr and Miss Nigeria International I was involved.  I produced their first and second editions and some third editions.  But the turning point for me was being able to actually start my own. I have produced fashion shows, done Nigeria’s Next Super model, two or three editions with Mrs Joan Okorodudu but the turning point for me was when I was able to start my own pageant and I could now infiltrate the way I felt pageants should be  done into it.

    Read Also: LARA RAWA: Inside my world of cocktails

    Tell us about your targets and what makes this pageant different from others?

    My targets actually are students on campus and being able to take the pageant to the core North and it is acceptable makes me happy.  This is because they see that the more important part is building students, giving them the opportunities to showcase the talents that they have in this particular area of pageants which is the intellectual part, ability to talk, communicate with the audience. The ability to express themselves, speak freely and not the ones that they do with regular pageants.

    What are the challenges?

    We create an enabling environment for these students to actually come together and even interact while they are in camp. While in camp they learn different skills. We also have different people coming to teach them as well as having the opportunity to meet different students from different campuses and creating great confidence in them.

    Again some students are introverts and that period when they would be in camp they would learn a lot. They will learn how to live with people and be in good communication process with contestants. It would also help them develop boldness and the issue of stage fright would be a forgotten issue.  It also helps them know how to write Projects.  The benefits are actually endless. They have a lot to learn, dealing with people, public presentations, writing proposals and acquiring online skills. Things that would actually prepare them for the future. I remember a contestant four years ago. It was at the camp that she learnt about nail making, how to fix nails. She came to me saying she wanted to start the business on campus. We gave her money to start and she is doing very well at the moment.

    What advice do you have for Nigerian youths?

    I always tell Nigerian youths that you are on your own. You are whatever you can make out of your life. The government has not put  things in place to make life better for you. So, I always tell people to think out of the box. It is not what you learn when you are in school but the things you pick up. Be the best version of yourself, just keep pushing.

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

    I owe it all to Ben Murray Bruce.  I remember from the first day that I watched MBGN in 1996, when Linda Chuba Ikpeazu won I was impressed.  As young boy, I was following Omasan Buwa, Bianca Onoh, Nike Osinowo, Sabina Umeh and others. I never knew that they had anything for men but when I  got to school I discovered that there were pageant for men. So, I started taking part in pageants. Ben Murray Bruce influenced my life not just in the area of pageants but entertainment generally.

    What is your definition of style?

    Style for me is just simplicity, being able to combine and be simple.  Fashion is dramatic, expensive and ever daring in our eyes. But style is simplicity and class. If you peep into my wardrobe, you will see designer perfumes.  I love wrist watches and jewellries.  I love accessories. I’m a lover of perfumes. I love rings basically

  • LARA RAWA: Inside my world of cocktails

    LARA RAWA: Inside my world of cocktails

    Lara Rawa is a lawyer, entrepreneur, mixologist and initiator of the Lagos Cocktail Week.  In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up about life as CEO of Eventi, inspiration and the things she did to survive during the lockdown last year and more.

    You are a very stylish person. What is your definition of style?

    For some people religion is a lifestyle because that is what they do, that is what they live by. For some people, lifestyle is fashion because they just like to look good. For others drinking and fine dining is a lifestyle because they like to go out, eat different things and they like to drink. For some it is the flashy life, they want flashy cars and more. So, lifestyle depends on the person’s perspective about life. It is very wide and it depends on where you stand.

    What are mixologists and events experts what is the focus of the Lagos Cocktail week this year?

    This is our 7th edition and the 7th edition should have been held last year but due to the pandemic, we couldn’t do the 7th edition. Also, there is a twist the competition this year. What we usually do for the grand finale is to have one winner but because we want to boost the morale of the bartenders because they were deeply affected in the hospitality industry by the pandemic last year.

    We planned to have different challenges for different brands and for the brands to also give them the prize. We also insisted that the prize should be cash prizes and they agreed with us. So, today the bartenders have picked the ballot to know what challenges they will be participating in and also hear from the brands regarding the competition and what the challenge prize will be.

    Seven years down the line, how has it been?

    Initially, it wasn’t easy but I knew where I was going and you need to show people that vision.  So, it wasn’t easy but I believed that with consistency and hard work this brand has seen the positivity of the Lagos Cocktail week and what we stand for. Our three pillars include education, information and entertainment.  And we have always done that. I am glad that the brands believed in the vision and they have always supported the vision. There are people as well who believe in the vision and who have always supported the vision as well.

    So, I am grateful for their support and that is what has propelled the Lagos Cocktail week to this extent.

    Where are you coming from?

    I think Cocktail found me. I just like to drink cocktails and I think  I started my own business about 12 years ago but I  am also a mixologist. I am an entrepreneur as well.  I have my cocktail brand and it is called the Eventi cocktails and we are into lots of events. Whilst I was doing this, I felt that I wanted to do more in the industry and that was how I stumbled upon London Cocktail week and then I went to London Cocktail week as a volunteer to work with them.

    Whilst I was in London with them, I was also thinking of how to do the same thing in Nigeria and I started the Lagos Cocktail week.

    Apart from money what are some of the other challenges?

    It was for people to understand what you are doing because that is key. The platform has always been for bartenders.  So, I look around today and see the Presidents of the Bartenders Guild as well the Events and beverages Association.  These are the umbrellas, the platforms where you have the bartenders and seeing them here means that we are doing the right thing.  Now that the understanding, the sky is not just the beginning for us.

    The sector is congested with many who are not certified.  Do you intend to regulate the sector?

    That is the job for the Associations to do. The entry into the industry is quite low, easy entry-level and there are so many things that you would see. I believe that part of the objective of the Associations is to put in stringent conditions for entry. I believe that this is something they would look into and do eventually.

    Read Also: ADEDAYO OJO: I have had to fire staff for lateness

    Is there someone who inspired you in your family?

    No. It is just me. I studied Law at the University of Lagos.  I have an LLB and I went to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. I also went to the University of London, Queen Mary. I have also started International business Law and I am currently a student at the Lagos Business School where I am studying for my MBA. I love to read, I love cerebral things.

    What are the challenges?

    Initially, it was funding but I always would work on hanging fruits. I started small and I would go to hotels and tell them to support me. They will give me the support and I would manage it, tailor it to soothe what  I  have. I always believe in humble beginnings because that is the way you can now tell the story.  I am glad that I started the way I did because I never lose sight of my objective and I can see happy bartenders. That is the joy for me. When I go to bars and see them they are excited, which means you are impacting lives. Getting them to compete and winning monies that they can use to start something.

    Tell us about the highlights of this year’s event.

    The highlight is with the bars. We have those who are tier one bars who are partners with us. This means that the owner sees value in what you are doing. Once they support you the other bars will be motivated to be there. The second one is the Conference which is for the people in the Business.

    Even though the International Speakers could not fly in because of COVID-19, quarantine and the protocols in different countries, I am glad they agreed to do it online. Technology has made things easier. They will zoom into the fantastic hall. We also choose a topic that is meaningful and impactful to the lives of the attendees in terms of COVID-19.  I went through diversification during the pandemic.  There was no event and the big question was what do I do, how do I make money or how do I fend for my family. That was something a lot of them went through.  How do we give you the knowledge required to start thinking of the diversification process?

    I partnered with Enterprise Development Centre to send in their teachers to teach. So, it is not just to have motivational speech. No, let us teach our hands to work and access finance. One of our brands is also doing 6 Master classes. Another thing that I am excited about is the bar battle. Initially, the bar battle used to happen the same day as the conference and there was little time for the competition. This year we have ensured that and they can battle in confidence.

    Tell us about the things you did last year during the lockdown?

    I started bottling my drinks. Interestingly, I have had the machine but I never looked at it.  At the point when I got the machine, I didn’t think that there was going to be COVID.  So during the period, people would call me and I get into my kitchen and would make the drinks and package them. At least something came in and that is the diversification that we are talking about.

    Let’s talk about the bar battle, what inspired this?

    In 2016 I went to one of the bars and was asking how we could engage bartenders. So, I  said let’s do a  Bar battle, I knew what I wanted and we started. Luckily, some people believed and I decided to focus on competition.  This year, I focused on the bartenders because they did well, so we opened it up for people to send their entries.

  • ‘How I overcame my weight problem with dance and Yoga’

    ‘How I overcame my weight problem with dance and Yoga’

    For Fatima Umar Shehu, it was a torturous road to weight loss from an excessive size and weight that had become an embarrassment. However her discovery of Yoga and dance turned out her saving grace and panacea. It also became a passion, paving way for her Rhythm and Flow Studios, where she is CEO and now helps others to overcome her once-upon-a-time problem. She shares her  inspirational story with Yetunde Oladeinde.

    What do you do when your weight becomes an embarrassment onto you and people actually poke fun at you even to your face?

    Give up? Resign to fate and wallow in your misery, or pick up yourself and seek solution? These, in a nutshell were Fatima Umar Shehu’s reality and options until she found Yoga and dance and fought herself out of what had become a huge wall of misery around her.

    According to Shehu, CEO Rhythm and Flow Studios, a dance and Yoga studio, her weight problem started years back, when according to her, she used to be overweight.

    “I used to be overweight and was always having issues with my butt and knees. At a point, I had to use the wheelchair and I had to re-learn to walk because it was very  bad. That was between 2012 and 2013. We then travelled out of the country and at a point I felt popping drugs was not it. I was on medication and I was taking painkillers two or three times a day.”

    At that point, Shehu said her weight was hitting one hundred kilogrammes, even though she isn’t such a tall person.

    “And because I am not tall, I was carrying my weight in the wrong places. My hips was 58! Can you imagine this small frame carrying such a weight around my mid-section.  My hips, my butt, my tummy; everything was big. And so, I was putting a lot of pressures on my knees and my back.

    Then, she moved to Brunei, the tiny oil-rich Middle-East country famed for its super-rich Sultan. There, she started going to the gym, hoping to force down her weight and give herself a better life. But it wasn’t a tea-party.

    “I started going to the gym and I can tell you that the first few weeks were horrible because I come back in pains; but I continued. At the gym I realised that  most of them were men and I would go to the back because if I was in front,  people would be telling me that ‘Fatima your  bumbum is distracting  us’ . At the back, I wasn’t quite enjoying it but I endured.

    “In 2015, I was made the Chairperson for Nigerian Independence Anniversary celebrations in that country. I had alwaysloved dancing and we did a dance drama that everyone loved. We had a theme and I went for the celebration and it involved dance drama basically. I did the choreography for the programme and after that, people would say to me, ‘Fatima, we didn’t know you could dance so well, please teach us.’

    Fatima Umar Shehu
    Fatima Umar Shehu

    “That was how I started. Before I travelled, I was into oil and gas, which as you may well know, is hectic. I felt I needed something to balance. So, I started attending the studio for Yoga classes. From attending Yoga classes, one day I saw an advert asking people to enrol for training as a coach and I went for it and here we are!”

    Continuing her narrative, Shehu said, “That was in 2016. It was not easy but it never crossed my mind to quit. You know why? Because we were all women. We were supporting one another and I was the oldest amongst them and the fastest. Actually, I was not well at the time; I had just had surgery and there were some poses that I couldn’t do during the  training. But I didn’t  mind. We have different types. First, is Hatha Yoga; it’s traditional yoga modes, normal poses and breathing exercises for beginners and advanced separate classes. Then I had another class forBurn Yoga. What we do here is to take the normal yoga poses, concentrate on the path that you want to work  out; for example the tummy for women. You can be slim but your tummy is big and you are not healthy and your internal organs will not be working properly. We teach the yoga and intensify on a specific problem areas for the body. We have another type of Yoga which is  called Vinyasa, meaning you flow. For that, you are not a beginner and you have to flow with the modes and go with the beat. It is advanced. This type of Yoga increases your flexibility, your stability, your mental state and your awareness of your body and your surroundings. This is Yoga on your side and then I teach dance to balance it. Yoga is more of calmness, serenity and that is why you need dance. There is the Curative Yoga; this is Yoga for pains at all levels.

    Speaking of dance and its role in her road to improving her body shape and excess weight, Shehu said, there are different types of dance. “There is Poloxing; this is a combination of boxing; Pilates, which are stretches and dance. And then I do another dance which is Soca, where we dance to Caribbean music, which is sensuous and has energetic  moves. It’s a kind of sensual dance, and as women, you need to feel good about  yourself. You find out that there are also some parts of the body that when you move them, you don’t need all the herbs for  this and  that. As women, when we age and enter menopausal stage, you find out that even the lubrication your body normally secretes kind of decreases. Not that you would not enjoy sex but those things that would  make it comfortable are no longer there or are not enough. So, instead of going for medication, the exercises that you do like pelvic improvement, belly dance; would activate that part of your body and you will be feeling good about yourself and then your body is ready. Then there is another dance I do that is called ‘Dance for  Nations;’ like African dance, Arabian dance and Bollywood dance. We also have the Aerobic Cardio Steps and Dance as well as Circuit Training, which includes endurance, resistance and body conditioning in a high intensity manner.

    Problem to passion

    Is it then safe to say hers is a case of problem to passion?

    Her answer is, “Yes, it has become a passion; because I saw the effect on me. My hip size now is 41. You can imagine going from 58 to 41. I have seen people who are less than 80 years of age looking aged because their internal organs are suffering. You see them having  loose skin because the weight  loss is drastic. But when we do it gradually, the  natural way is better. This is because  you did not add that weight in a day. You have to give yourself time. That is what I do, prepare the body. What we also do is to have a community because my class is online. We have a WhatsApp group where we interact. Even when we come for class, we join early and chat before we start the class. After the class, sometimes we sit and chat  because it has become a community. Overtime, I  have  realised that it is important to get in touch with  somebody who is also experiencing what you are experiencing.  I am also a mental health  facilitator.  So, having a relationship with someone outside your normal  circle  helps you to  build  bonds. Apart from this classes, there is a free session that I do which is called  Pillowtalk. I do this once every month – every third Saturday, in Nigeria. This includes  sex, how to take care of yourself, your mood, your mental wellbeing, why you should exercise, what type of exercise or why it is not working for you. Like the last one we did, there are people who have been exercising for ages. They practically live in the gym but there are no changes.

    Before dance

    Asked what she was doing before she discovered dance and Yoga, Shehu said she was into oil and gas. “I had my company; I was into diesel. Before that, I was a teacher at an international school. I taught pre-school and  creative arts for the other classes.

  • My 100-year odyssey, by centenarian ex-railway man

    My 100-year odyssey, by centenarian ex-railway man

    This weekend, family and friends are celebrating Pa Augustine Olajide Shodunke, who clocks 100 years. Beyond that they are acknowledging a life of accomplishment, of service to humanity and God. Gboyega Alaka had a most interesting chat with the centenarian ex-railway worker.

    The first surprise takeaway of this encounter with 100-year-old Pa Augustine Olajide Shodunke, is the fact that he still reads without glasses. In an age when even toddlers use glasses as visual aids and it is taken that every forty-something and fifty-something must wear glasses, at least to read, the old man surprised this writer, when he effortlessly read from his bio data without glasses.

    But that is just one of the numerous surprises/miracles that Papa, a former Railway man, former Customary Court judge and a staunch Catholic and Patron CMO of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, Boys Town, Ipaja, Lagos, epitomises. It goes without saying that even clocking 100, which as he sat down for this interview, was just three days away, is a miracle. Not many people, especially in the urban centres, where he has lived most years of his life, live to be 90, much less 100.

    Also, his voice, though feint and hoarse, remains audible, so much that this reporter had no hassles transcribing the interview. Aside that, his thoughts and expressions are still well organised and coordinated and he responds to questions accordingly. Yes, on one or two occasions, he beckoned on his son, who incidentally is his namesake, Sir Augustine Ayodele Shodunke, to remind him of some facts or help confirm certain statements; but he remained in charge all through.

    Above all, though stooped, Pa Shodunke still feeds himself and walks upright. To the surprise of this reporter, he came out to the balcony of his Alimosho storey building, where this interview was to hold, walking without much help and identifying virtually everyone present.

    Miracles, miracles? Yes. Even Pa Shodunke agrees; and that that’s why he bursts into a song of praise the moment this reporter throws the first question about the secrets of his longevity.

    First, he says “All glory goes to God.” And then he launches into the song: Iyanu l’Oluwa… (Wonderful, Marvellous is the Lord…). Owing to his Catholic heritage, where he is founder and active member of so many groups, he rarely misses any opportunity to praise or give credit to God.

    “Even I do not understand,” he begins in a sober but clearly grateful tone, “but whatever God wants to do, He does. One important thing I can say is that God has a mission for me. If you look at my brief bio-data (he hands this reporter 2-page printed copy), you will see the many accomplishments God has used me for.”

    Almost immediately, he switches into a deep, reflective mood: “Very unfortunately; God does as He wishes. The person, my partner, with whom I started my life’s journey, has departed this world. My wife, Aduke Shodunke, left this world at the age of 85. She died about five years ago. But I’m grateful for others that God has surrounded me with. One of them is this woman here, Mrs H. O Adeshina. (She had come to visit.) Unfortunately her own husband has also passed; but she has maintained the cordial relationship we’ve always had, visiting me regularly and even bringing me gifts.”

    Good old railway days

    Always eager to talk about his days as a Nigeria Railway Corporation worker, where he worked for 35 years and rose to the position of Station Manager, Pa Shodunke says with a smile, “Those were interesting days. As a Railway worker, you got transferred a lot. As a result, you hardly get to stay enough time with your family. I worked in Ibadan; I worked in Ilaro….”

    Labouring to recollect the numerous towns/cities work took him, he solicits the assistance of his son, who incidentally shares same first name with him, Sir Augustine Ayodele Shodunke, who eagerly chipped in: “You were also in Shakwatu in Niger State. That was where our second to the lastborn, Titi, was born. He was also in Zaria; and Jebba. It was in Jebba that I saw a fish so big that you couldn’t finish its head, no matter how famished you were.”

    Suddenly remembering, Shodunke senior adds, “Yes, I had two children in Zaria.”

    Both father and son laugh in recollection.

    Asked why the Railway System of transportation was so popular back in his day, and only struggling to regain popularity under the current government’s intense rebuilding efforts, the Centenarian pauses for a minute, then says pointedly, “You see, the railway was slow. It was slow but safe. For us as staff, there was lots of joy and camaraderie that made working on the train enjoyable. There were hardly boring moments and we were so close and did things together. We ate together, drank together, and did lots of running here and there together in good spirit.

    “I’m not sure that’s still the case with the system. Back then the train operated manually, we used coal; I learnt everything is now done by the pressing of buttons. I spent 35 years in the system before retiring. Thereafter, I went to work as a Customary Court judge in Ikeja. I became President of Grade ‘A’ Customary Court Ikeja and retired after ten years. Again, I was invited to come and preside over another court as Justice of the Pace; but I excused myself. I told them I needed to rest. Then I was about 70 years of age.

    Aside the love they shared, what else made working in the railway system worth their while?

    “Oh they paid well; particularly if you worked overtime. The proceeds of working Saturday and Sundays of the month, when paid together at the end of the month, were almost equivalent to your monthly salary. So it was as if we were earning double salary. It was a lot of money and a motivation that didn’t make you feel whatever discomfort that came with the job.”

    Why then did things change? Such sweet vibes no longer emanate from those working in the system.

    “Later, payment became irregular. Even before I left, things had began to wane. But the overtime was still a motivation and attraction. Also, it was  managed by white people all that time and they were fair and straightforward. Though promotion was rare and far between, if you worked hard enough for them to notice you, you would get promoted. Besides, not many people worried about not being promoted; the overtime payment compensated for any kind of disappointment. In the first place, weren’t we there to make money? And we did make money in the context of that time.”

    Read Also: Herbs saved Nigerians from past pandemics, says centenarian

    How did he cope with the detachment from his family all the while he was being transferred to far flung places?

    “My wife and children were all based in Lagos; Sabo, Yaba precisely. They all had to be in Lagos principally because of their education. It was a sacrifice and I’m glad we were able to give them quality education. They all went to Catholic schools. Ayo here is a builder by profession; he actually built this house (Papa’s house). He’s a testament to the type of education we were able to give our children. We were blessed with seven of them, although two have gone to be with the Lord.”

    At this point, his son again chips in: “My elder sister departed at 51; then my younger brother had a fatal accident and died at age 34.”

    Pa Shodunke continues, “I am also a product of quality education; I finished from St Gregory’s College. Before then, I had attended St. Patrick Catholic School, Yaba; St. Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute Metta and Government School, Okesuna, Lagos Island. Back in our time, the standard education was going to college. Once you went to college, you were okay; this whole craze for university was not necessary. You either finished in Standard Four or Standard Six. I finished in Standard Six, and with that you’re good to go. And jobs were so easy to come by. In fact, with that level of education, you were a hot cake. As a matter of fact, the only higher institution then was Yaba Higher College.”

    For someone who was always away from home, he surely must have encountered lots of temptation from the female-folk. Did he father children from any of the women in any of those cities?

    Pa Shodunke laughs, shakes his head and said with a straight face: “I never fell into that temptation. If I had, my children would have half brothers and that would eventually constitute a problem for them as they grow up. Such things breed unnecessary division and rancour.”

    But how did he overcome the temptation, considering that money, like he said, was not a problem?

    Again he laughs and says, “You are correct. The temptation from women was always there. Even up till this moment, if I want to womanise, the opportunities are there. Some women still want me to look their way. While my wife was alive, and even after she had passed, women made passes, but that was never in my focus, never part of my life. I happen to be in so many Christian societies; most of them I even spearheaded or founded; so I must not be found doing such things.”

    Asked to compare Nigeria of today with Nigeria of his youth and active days, Pa Shodunke’s face lightens with retrospection and then he says, “Nigeria of that time was far more peaceful. There weren’t so many people in Lagos, but there was love and neighbourliness. People loved each other and we did things together. We were our brother’s keeper. Whatever affected your neighbour affected you. Most importantly, the city of Lagos was safe. You could move at anytime because police were everywhere watching the neighbourhoods. Also, there was streetlight everywhere and you had no reason to fear anything.”

    How about the bad boys, surely they must exist even then?

    “There were no bad boys. Rascality, the type that we have now was non-existent. Children were well brought up; so there was near-zero chance of having any of them turning out as hoodlums,” he replies assuredly.

    What then changed the world? How did Nigeria get here?

    “The reason everything has turned upside down” Pa Shodunke reflects, “is because parents are no longer able to control their children. Back then, parents were in charge of their wards and the children obeyed. Also, there was unity in the home. Father and mother cooperated because of their children and they were fair to them all. Even your next door neighbours were your brothers/sisters in Christ. So, I blame the situation today on failure of parenting.

    “Also, children of nowadays are overambitious. There is no love. The only love that exists now is love of money. Young people want to make big money and acquire expensive, flashy things. Even pastors are not able to keep their pastures in check. People hear word of God but they rarely put it to use. I thank God particularly for the kind of children He gave me. They listened to us as we groomed them, and that is why they turned out right.”

     

    Back to base

    Following his retirement, Pa Shodunke says he gradually began considering coming back home. Home of course was Lagos, even though he is originally an Egba indigene born in Erunwon, Ake, Abeokuta on August 28, 1921. He also delved into a brief history of how his house on Alimosho Road was built fifty years ago.

    Pa Augustine Olajide Shodunke and Family

    “When my mind started telling me to come back to Lagos, I sold my house in a housing estate in Bodija. Houses in that estate had been bought mostly by workers on transfer like myself. The money was not much, but it was with its proceeds that we built this house. Ayo here built it; you know he is a builder. Then, this whole place was a deep forest and my family were reluctant coming here. They said it was bush and couldn’t come to terms with living all the modernity in Yaba to come and settle here. We even used to trek here then because there were no roads or vehicles.”

    Not able to resist the temptation, Ayodele again chips in rather loudly: “In fact, I was the one who was particularly against it. How could I leave all the modernity and life in Yaba, to come and live in this forest? But, as you can see, all that is history now,” he smiles.

    With longevity always come pleasant and not too pleasant experiences, so we asked how the old man has coped with losing some of his beloved ones.

    Again, switching to that sober mood, Shodunke said, “Everything boils down to faith in God. God does as He wishes. And once one has that belief, it will be easy for him to cope with whatever fate brings to him. I thank God for those who are alive today; they are doing their level best to care for me and make sure I get the best. As you can see, preparations are in top gear for this centenary birthday celebration, and they are taking care of all the expenses.”

    About COVID-19 and the lockdown that has kept his generation away from church, he again says, “Whatever God brings forth for a man; he should praise and thank Him. Now I can no longer attend church but our Pope (Pope Francis) has recommended that we follow mass on television, which I do religiously. At other times, I go to the altar and do my devotion. I also spend long hours in prayers, praying for my beloved ones.”

     

    Lifestyle

    “A few years ago, a doctor told me that I should stop eating eba. Since then, I stopped eating eba along with other largely starchy foods. But I eat semovita; I eat rice; and vegetables. I don’t eat much anymore though. However, I drink Guinness Stout. In the absence of that, I drink Legend. Also I take Alabunkun regularly for my body pain.”

    His son would again chip in that papa, before COVID-19, was ever agile and always on the go.

    “It is age, and the lockdown, which has relaxed his muscles, that stopped him from going to church. Even before I bought my own car, Papa had bought about three cars, principally for me to take him to church on Sundays; and to family gatherings on Saturdays. On occasions when we delay for one reason or the other, we’d just discover that he would have taken a bus to church ahead of us. He detested anything that would delay or come in between him and going to church early.”

    Pa Shodunke was born into a Muslim family in Abeokuta. He became a Christian when he went to live with his uncle, Mr Babatunde Akinsowon, who migrated to the Cameroons, where he settled and became a staunch Catholic. One of his sons, Stephen Akinsowon, Papa revealed, became a reverend father. Much later, his mum converted to Christianity. According to him, she was converted into the Catholic faith and baptised at Regina Mundi, Yaba. She also died and was buried there. His dad, however, remained devoted to his Muslim faith until he passed.

  • RONKE EDUN : Creating Sabali Stiches was walk in the park

    RONKE EDUN : Creating Sabali Stiches was walk in the park

    Ronke Edun is a designer and CEO of Sabali Stitches. She is also a multi talented entrepreneur who is passionate about food, arts, logistics and more. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about her creative style, memorable experiences and life as Denrele Edun’s sister.

    Let’s talk about life as a designer?

    Life as a designer is interesting.  Let’s just say I stumbled into it by accident. As an Art lover, I have always known that I was going to tread the artistic path with my brother but as a Business.

    I started by running a Logistics company and I am still doing this. I would say that the inspiration came while I was growing up. My Mum had a great eye for detail and great inspiration for fashion despite not being Nigerian (she’s half Indian and Mauritian). It was exciting because she was very aware of Naija Fashion. We all learnt the art of tying our geles to church at age 5.  This was also a complete outfit with our Oleku wrappers. My older brother ensured we were in heels all the time. So I grew up in a Fashion-forward environment. I constantly braved the odds to wear anything I wanted to wear. We grew up in a family house with so much bickering and relatives constantly dictating what not to wear) and I didn’t give a damn.

    Creating Sabali Stitches was a walk in the park; I wanted Looks that were fun, not too serious but serious enough to get compliments!

    How would you assess Nigerian designers at the moment?

    Nigerian Designers are fast putting the Fashion Stratosphere on the Global Market. What I mean here is that if the likes of Michelle Obama can rock Maki Oh then we are doing very well. Also having the likes of Theresa May rock Emmy Kasbit, OprahWinfrey with Will and Jada Smith also  patronising our  Deola Sagoe, then what more are we saying here?

    Nigerian designers are rewriting history and changing the narrative.

    If we can even have our very own Mayowa Nicholas walk the Victoria Secrets Runway, then the Nigerian Fashion scene is doing something right! Despite the madness of the country, the chaotic economy and the haphazard way of living, we still try to find inspiration and be in tune with our inner creative genius! Power to the Nigerian designers, our Ministry shall never run down!!!!

    How do you relax?

    Can you ever relax in Lagos? Relax ké? That’s a tall order! But I try. I like to party, hang out at the beach, throw barbecues (I can grill a mean fish with all the spices), watch TV (Africa Magic especially for a good laugh) and swim. Let me check if they’ve cleaned the pool this morning sef! Overall, we don’t relax in my household but we find ways to cheat being busy for relaxation.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    Books ké? I don’t like books. Leave the reading culture to my older brother. The endless library of books in our house all belong to him. Growing up, he coerced into reading a lot of Fiction (else we wouldn’t get treats or go out with him) but here’s the crazy part… once we are done reading, he will give us a blank jotter to briefly summarise the book. Argh! When it comes to books, I’m an A plus guru with Accounts, Book Keeping and counting money!

    You are also creative with food. What are some of the experiences making edibles?

    It’s been interesting and I would say that what inspired me is the creativity that I see around me.

    Most mothers are great cooks; did you get the inspiration from your mum?

    Yes, I got a lot of the skills from her. My mother suffered for us, she faced a lot of challenges in my family house. It was a disaster. She gave us the best love ever, no matter the situation on ground. My mum is very spiritual and she is a great mum. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and my siblings.  I also run a logistics company called Aderonke logistics. This I run in partnership with Jumia foods as well as Konga. I make edibles as well and it’s been an interesting journey. I also do lots of other things too. I find all this engaging and interesting because I am a very creative and smart person. I always strive for the best and I strongly believe that anything is possible. A lot has happened in my life but I thank God.

    What are some of the things that you share in common with your brother, Denrele?

    I admire a lot of things about my brother. He is a strong, free spirited personality. He is my role model and his personality is boom for me. He also has a great sense of humor and he is very intelligent. He has so many sides to his personality and this include being very funny, he is also very observant; he cares a lot about people. In addition, he is always ready to help everyone once it is within his power, always ready for anything. I must say that he’s got a good heart, very emotional, a big winch you don’t want to mess with.

    Ronke Edun
    Ronke Edun

    I also admire him because he has a great career, he’s a Gemini, and he eats well but never gets fat. One other interesting aspect is that he is always ready for the camera. He knows how to shut people up with such much scrams, he’s so smart, and you don’t want to lie to him because he will catch you.

    He is a Gemini and most times I don’t want to see his other side. Sometimes, he says I’m his worst nightmare and I’m the maggot in his Apple. I think not everyone deserve him. We share a lot in common especially body sizes, clothes shoes and brain. However, he tolerates anything but I don’t tolerate nonsense.

    What do you admire about his style and personality?

    So many things. He has a lot of great achievements and I am really grateful to God for that and more.

    Do you make some of the things that your brother wears?

    Yes, I make some of his clothes.

    Who or what inspires the things that you do?

    No one inspires me .I inspire myself.  I would say that I do my things my way.

    Let’s talk about the changes that you will like to see in the sector?

    I will like to grow internationally and worldwide.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    I am a blot driver as well; I do a lot of things.

    Tell us about your role models, people you admire in your career or in life?

    I admire nobody but myself. I got no role models

    Let’s talk about mentoring and the memories from your experience?

    I don’t have one.

    What are some of the principles that guide what you do?

    For the principles that guide what I do, I would say everything and anything.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    I would say that life taught me the hard way. I never grew up with love in my life. I learnt the hard way

  • FIFEHAN OSIKANLU: Young people can be unstoppable

    FIFEHAN OSIKANLU: Young people can be unstoppable

    Fifehan Osikanlu is a co-founder, Principal Partner Eden Venture Group. She is a multitalented disruptor and social impact architect committed to empowering young people, women and entrepreneurs in the creative sector. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about the challenges, working with influencers, SME’s, what government can do and across various industries in US and Africa.

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

    I would like to see more male public and private sector leaders and influencers being bolder about using their voices and platforms to advocate for and support Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria. Also like to see

    Policy changes when it comes to accessing resources, transparency around how these policies are developed, and including more female voices across demographics.

    Thirdly, I would like to see Monitoring and Evaluation reporting on the implementation of existing policies and holding policy makers accountable when set goals are not met. Also, there should be Private sector investment and support to enforce internal and external structural and systemic changes where possible.

    Lastly, it will be have religious and cultural leaders in society advocating and promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment, getting involved in advocacy campaigns and holding political leaders accountable using their platforms to galvanize the population to take action.

    You work with influencers, how does this motivate you?

    It is incredibly encouraging when I see artistes like MI, Dija, Chigurl, WAJE and BankyW using their  platform, spending time, money and resources to advocate for gender equality and WEE. Seeing them pouring into the lives of young women and men is a huge motivation.  It motivates me to move forward in the work I am doing as it shows me that they truly care about the wellbeing of their millions fan base.

    How can the government help to make things better for women?

    Government should allow more women to actively participate in policy making and not just in implementing them or as the people doing the grunt work and heavy lifting.

    This can be done by actively supporting NGOs, appointing more women into positions of power and not just support roles. This should be positions where they are actually in control of policy and decision making. Policymakers in positions of power should be more representative of the population, inclusive and equitable.

    Also, there should be more male leaders speaking out and advocating on behalf of women.  Men tend to pay attention to each other and also outperform each other. So while waiting for a more gender balanced leadership cabinet, having people like President Buhari, Governors and other male lawmakers advocating for issues affecting Women, would significantly shift mindsets and ultimately actions.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    I spend a lot of time working on mental health awareness, advocating for mental health and holistic well-being.

    However, the bulk of my time is spent seeking ways to support underrepresented entrepreneurs who include women, creative and cultural entrepreneurs and technology entrepreneurs in our global society. I help by supporting underserved entrepreneurs to nurture and grow their businesses by connecting them with supporting resources.

    What would you describe as the turning point in your life and career?

    Turning point was when I left my very comfortable job in the US exactly 10 years ago and decided to come and serve my people – in particular women and girls.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to come into the entertainment sector?

    I think the first thing is to stay humble, no matter how talented you are. The second is to lead with love. You cannot go wrong when you lead with love. That does not mean you should be a ‘mumu’ or allow people take advantage of you. Leading with love just means your intention is to be loving, kind, patient, empathetic and forgiving.

    Also, the four agreements should be studied and embodied. Thisinclude: do your best always, make no assumptions, be impeccable with your word, take nothing personally and watch out for imposter syndrome: Understand that you are unique. Everyone is unique and so you need to spend a lot of time understanding who you are, focusing on you, and your inner person. Not worrying about what is going on outside because that is where you are going to get distracted and derailed. It is important for young people to get to know themselves in a very deep way as that is the only being you can actually trust – Your intuition or Holy Spirit or inner self – however you choose to sew it, get to know that person, develop a relationship and trust that person.

    Tell us about your role models, people you admire in your career or in life?

    I shy away from calling people my role models because it connotes that you are trying to emulate or copy the person. I don’t think that is a healthy way of developing yourself.  I would say however I have a lot of people that inspire me and my mother tops that list.

    A formidable woman scientist of many firsts both at home and abroad, she is a wellspring of knowledge, creativity and inspiration and to see her at 83 still active and sharp, is awe inspiring!

    The second person is the average bread or garri seller in the market.  Every time you come to her shop, she is always smiling and kind. They remain kind in spite of all that they have to deal with. Those are the people that inspire me and I would want to be more like.

    What are some of the principles that guide what you do?

    The four agreements. They are my guiding principles. The other is to do no harm, but take no shit. The reason thisresonates with me is because I struggled a lot especially speaking up against injustices that were done to me. I  realised that the more silent I am about these injustices, the more they are likely to be perpetuated.  So, they need to be brought to the fore and be addressed.

    What are some of the things that you would like to do in future?

    One of them is to have a Leadership development school or academy specifically for the creative industry but at the intersection of technology and social impact, for boys and girls. This will center on gender equality, the creative arts, technology and essentially social work and development.

    The other thing is to own a fund or be part of a fund that supports these underrepresented and marginalized entrepreneurs.

    If you had to advise Nigeria Youths today what would you tell them?

    They should find a way to start their mental health and wellness journey as soon as possible. If they understand how significant mindset programming and trauma deeply influence the way we think and act, they would immediately do all they could to unlearn certain mindsets that do not serve them?

    Also understanding the role culture plays in the way they are raised and being willing to do the work to disrupt these outdated mental models.

    I strongly believe young people in this country can be unstoppable if only they understood that they are incredibly powerful and that power resides within them. Once they understand the power of the mind, they would know that it is important to get their mental health in check. One of the things that I would like to do is write a book about the Power of the Mind in achieving your dreams.

    The other thing I would tell them is to actively exercise in their Civic rights through voting and keeping up to date with policies and laws that affect them and putting pressure on their local government leaders and legislators to take appropriate action where needed.

    How do you relax?

    I love dancing, I love music. Music helps me relax. I also love watching romantic comedies, dark comedies and some horror films…I think because it helps me unplug from the everyday stressed.  When I am extremely stressed meditation helps and after meditation I put music on and everything is better.

    Most of the time, I relax by trying to switch everything off and just meditate. Or, I could just be reading one line of the scripture, reciting it in my mind and understanding it.

    Also spending time with really close friends and family just acting goofy and being silly, sharing jokes and sometimes getting deep. For some getting deep is stress inducing so don’t try this at home.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    I like to read books that have fantasy but with a purpose e.g the alchemist.  Books that tell interesting stories like fiction, science fiction, self development, professional  books and even romance.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    The biggest lesson life has taught me is that nobody knows anything.  No matter what you have read, no matter how many Ph.ds you have or how old you are. It has taught me to be constantly open to learning.  I am a student for life; never would I call myself an expert. Growing up with a professor and PhD holder as a mother, I felt like an over achiever but life taught me that I know nothing.