The Nation Newspaper

Category: Women in Action

  • Meet ‘Big Feet Shoe’ owner empowering young women

    Meet ‘Big Feet Shoe’ owner empowering young women

    Chisom Nwachukwu is the Chief Executive Officer of Big Feet Shoe, which is revolutionising the footwear industry in Nigeria. With a hands-on approach, Chichi, as she is popularly called, not only designs and makes shoes herself but also empowers the  young ones, particularly women. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her passion for fostering a new generation of artisans and more

    Beauty to me

    Beauty is a combination of qualities that pleases the senses or the mind. It can be found in nature, art, and people. It often reflects harmony, balance, and individuality. Ultimately, beauty is subjective—what one person finds beautiful, another might not. It’s all about perception!

      Growing up that helped me become the woman I am today

    Growing with big feet, I was always frustrated because I couldn’t get my shoe size. But today, I am happy that it is no longer my story. I am excited that I am helping to solve this problem for so many women across the globe. I find it exciting crafting many of my designs from scratch.

      My inspiration

    I was inspired to enter the big feet shoe market due to personal experiences, like struggling to find stylish options in larger sizes. For a long time getting big size shoes (i.e. size 40 to 46) has been the biggest challenge. Many retailers don’t stock larger sizes; and big sizes often come with a premium cost. Also, fewer trendy styles are available in larger sizes, along with inconsistencies in sizing – variations between brands often lead to confusion.  There are also quality issues in which some brands compromise on quality for larger sizes. The outlined drawbacks became my inspiration that led me into the industry.

    When I noticed the gap in the market, I wanted to empower others like me with similar needs. A passion for fashion and a desire to promote inclusivity then drove me to create a brand that celebrates all foot sizes. I then began making shoes myself; sourcing the materials locally and internationally. I also import already made shoes from China and Turkey to meet diverse customer needs.  In my opinion, blending local craftsmanship and international influence allows one’s brand to stand out in a competitive market. But making shoes by myself comes with its own challenges.

     My challenges

    Some of the challenges include sourcing for quality. Long-lasting materials for shoe production can be tough due to limited local suppliers. The few suppliers often offer high-quality materials. And this brings me to cost. Quality materials can be expensive, impacting production costs, which ultimately impacts the cost of each shoe. Also importing materials comes with its own challenge – one is faced with delays and tariffs.  Ensuring uniform quality from suppliers can also be difficult; not to mention market demand, i.e. high demand can lead to shortages of quality materials.

    Read Also: Drama as Senate panel rejects ministry’s memoranda on Ajaokuta Steel

      Navigating business and family life

    That has never been a problem. I am able to navigate my business and family life very well. Being able to balance business and family life can be challenging for a businesswoman. The key is prioritising tasks with lists helps manage work and home duties effectively. Setting clear boundaries between work and family time is crucial, as is maintaining open communication with both family and colleagues. Delegating responsibilities at home and work can ease the load, and don’t forget to make time for self-care to recharge. Finding this balance is key to thriving in both areas!

     My passions other than shoe making

    If I was not into shoemaking, I would have definitely gone into fashion designing, along with bag making and jewelries. So, don’t be surprised, I also sell jewelry and bags. That being said, I like to combine my passion for shoemaking with a focus on youth empowerment. For me, it is not just about creating stylish footwear. It’s about building a future where local talent thrives and communities grow. And we, at Big Feet Shoe, empower local youths, particularly women, by employing and training them in the art of shoemaking. Our commitment to skill development is targeted at fostering a new generation of artisans in the community. And this is where the government comes in.

     The role of government in boosting the shoe industry

    There is little individuals can do to raise more women to go into and thrive in the shoe making business. But the government has a huge role to play as well supporting those of us who are already in it. The government can boost Nigeria’s shoe industry by providing grants and loans: financial support for startups and small businesses. Also, they can look into tax incentives by reducing taxes for local manufacturers. They can also offer training programmes/ workshops for skills development. There is also the need for infrastructure development, such as improving transportation and logistics. Last but not the least, there is a need for a national reorientation with regards to promoting local brands by encouraging citizens to buy locally made shoes. These steps can foster growth and innovation in the industry and make the sector one of the major revenue earners in the country.

     My fashion style

    My fashion style is simple and classy. I can definitely be considered a fashionista. Fashion isn’t just about bold trends; it’s also about how you carry yourself and make timeless pieces shine. Elegance in simplicity can be a powerful statement!

     Fashion item I can’t do without

    I can’t do without sunglasses.

      My advice to young women entrepreneurs

    My advice to young women entrepreneurs is believe in Yourself: confidence is key.  Also, do well to network: build connections and seek mentors. Thirdly, stay resilient: embrace failures as learning opportunities. In the same vein, keep learning; stay updated on industry trends. And don’t forget to keep a balance between your work and personal life; prioritize both work and personal well-being. Lastly, trust your journey and keep pushing forward!

     Future plans

    My future plan is to expand my business globally.

  • Party Jollof and family planning wahala (2)

    Party Jollof and family planning wahala (2)

    Welcome back. Where did I stop? …Ah yes… the pandemonium that broke out at the housewarming ceremony of Mummy Innocent, a member of the Women’s Corner now based abroad.

    Remember me saying that incident left an unresolved question over who should undergo family planning measures between the man and the woman. It also revealed a very funny but thought-provoking drama. I’ll get to it soon.

    But back to the uproar that disrupted Daddy Innocent’s speech. Without waiting to see or hear what was pursuing the man that crashed our party and took with him our party Jollof rice and chicken, I ran for cover like others. I followed Sexy Jola, who was running in front of me without any shoes on into an uncompleted compound.  Thank God the place was cleared and there were no snakes or dangerous rodents or bad boys there.

    It took us a while to catch our breaths; but when we did, Jola asked: “What was that? Wetin make us dey run…Evelyn, do you know?”

    “If you ask me, na who I go ask,” I replied Jola, wondering why she was asking me. Just then, Christabel the Fashionista joined us with her Bone Straight wig in her hand.

    “Haba, Christabel, you too?” Jola teased.

    “Me too? As how Jolaolu? You nko? Was it not because I saw the two of you and others running that I also ran.”

    “Liar…Liar!” Jola accused her.

    Read Also: #OneNigeriaUnity Fabric competition to promote national unity, competition – First Lady

    “Did you not see what happened? One cannot come and die… in a no-man’s land for that matter. I saw you both running this way and followed (laughs). Safety first my friend…leave wig matter,” Christabel said without being apologetic about it.  Just then, we spotted Barrister Ada running with her gele in one hand and a shoe in the other. “Ada…Ada…Ada…,” we called, with Christabel waving her wig at our lawyer friend but almost blinding me in the process.

    “Take it easy na. No go blind person o,” Jola warned and continued as Ada reached us, “Our legal luminary, I didn’t know your petite legs could run so fast (laugh). One minute you were sitting next to us, and the next one, you were ahead of us. But where did you go; how come I reached here before you?”   We all laughed as she teased our friend.

    “My sister, someone kicked my shoes away from my hand. And in the mad rush when I tried to pick it up, I only found one leg of shoe. I just took it and ran. Leave my legs o. Short or no short, even my sister Chioma Ajunwa, the award-winning sprinter, would not have been faster than me in this race (laughs). But what just happened …why were we running? Ah, my chicken…? Are you sure the remaining coolers of food are still safe,” Ada said, while catching her breath.

    “You see why I said we should have eaten a few plates immediately after we finished cooking. But Tamara and Tinu refused when I suggested it. Where are they now sef,” queried Christabel.

    “Let’s go and find out. I think the coast is clear now,” I advised.

    We came out to find we had ran a long way from the compound of our hosts.

    As we walked back, the street was littered with food. Rice, wraps of swallows, assorted meat, and takeaway packs, etc., commanded the attention of passersby. “Does this mean some people carried their plates of food with them or was the whole thing a ploy to allow miscreants in the area to have access to the food,” I wondered to myself. 

    And as if reading my thoughts, Ada lamented, “Are you girls seeing what I’m seeing, I hope it’s not what I’m thinking o”.

    “If what you are thinking is whether the whole incident was a ploy to get at our food, then you are right, after seeing all the plates of food that is what I am thinking. But I don’t want to believe things have gotten so bad that parties are now under siege. Evelyn D’Poet that’s an idea for a poem. You can title it: ‘Party jollof under siege’ (laughs),” and as if by telepathy, Jola’s words got us walking very fast, especially when we also saw that a crowd seemed to have gathered in front  the celebrators’ compound. On getting there we were met with a shocker…

  • Women in pursuit of greener environment

    Women in pursuit of greener environment

    They turn waste to art…to style and more. They are change drivers – each are globally celebrated for being mouthpieces of Mother Earth for their innovative advocacies. In this write-up, EVELYN OSAGIE spotlights four Nigerian women who have become strong voices for the environment.

    A call for action

    From forests and dry lands to farmlands and lakes, all over the world, ecosystems are threatened. Every passing day, large amount of lands are getting lost to environmental degradation. Making investment in ecosystems has huge profits, environmentalists say.

    2024 will mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. But the fight to restore, recreate the environment began in 2021. According to UN Secretary General, António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, “We cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, revive water sources, and bring back soils. We are the generation that can make peace with land. Land restoration is a key pillar of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, which is critical to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

    The world is big on turning waste to wealth. This year’s World Environment Day 2024 slogan, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration”, says it all.

    Meet the mouthpieces of Mother Earth

    In Nigeria are women who have consistently raised their voices for the environment. They are of different ages.  Welcome the advocates of a greener earth. 

    Travel into the worlds of four women who have literarily become strong advocates for Mother Nature through their the environmental sustainability campaigns.. Three of them are artists. They are Foluke Micheal, Akpoghene Caroline Useh, Jumoke Olowookere and Olufunke Esekhalu Ojukwu

     Foluke Micheal

    Michael is a globally acclaimed advocate whose works of environmental advocacy has transcended the arts as well as other sectors. Her projects have won recognition globally, including the United Nations SDG Award as Innovator and the University of Salford Alumni Achievement Award.

    She is the CEO of Caterina de’ Medici Africa, Foluke is committed to propelling Africa’s transition to a Green Economy. With a passion for combating climate change, Foluke’s projects, such as Solution17 Art for Climate Action and Naija Climate Now, have received support from the UN and Diplomatic Missions.

    Her initiative “Solution17 for SDGs” has been recognised twice by the UN as an exemplary practice for SDG implementation. In 2023, she led a Tech-Driven Art for Climate project in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s trades with EU hits 35b euros

    Foluke collaborates extensively with Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka on various children’s and youth projects, including The Vision of The Child. She spearheads initiatives under CYCDI to realise the #2030Agenda for Sustainable Development, such as Solution17 for Climate Action and the Green Entrepreneurs platform.

    She was recognised as the Hero of Climate Action by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in October 2020.

    Foluke’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation among children and youth is evident in her work, aiming to prepare them to lead positive changes in the future.

    Jumoke Olowookere

    Jumoke is an EcoPreneur with over 10 years of experience in the Education Sector both in the public and private institutions, locally and internationally.

    Her Vision for 2025 is to train Two Million children in Functional Upcycled Art and Empower 200,000 unemployed Youths and Widows in Africa.

    She is one of a growing number of Nigerians, using waste material to make art and fashion to highlight the damaging impact of waste on the environment. She is passionate about enlightening and engaging children and adults in best practices around waste management, recycling and upcycling by creating training and resources around them. She recycles and upcycles a range of waste materials (car tyres, used plastic, cloth, wine corks, corn husks) into colourful everyday items – from roofing and flooring materials to artsy decorative items.

    “We have a long way to go to get to that sustainable world without waste. We need to get up and take responsibility for our waste.” Two years ago, the 44-year-old former visual arts teacher spoke as United Nations member states were meeting in Nairobi to agree plans for the first global treaty to tackle plastics pollution.

    She has also partnered with several companies in planning and executing sustainability events for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events. Jumoke is a graduate of University of Ibadan where she bagged her first and second degrees.

    She is also the Founder of The Waste Museum, the first in Africa to showcase Circular Economy of Zero Wastes of Plants, Animals and Humans located in Moniya Ibadan.

    Jumoke is currently the Creative Director at African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub(ACSSH). Through this initiative, over 100 homes now grow their own #organicbackyardgarden, harvesting fresh chemical-free herbs, fruits and veggies, eating and living a healthier lifestyle with their families since Covid19 hit. Her Target on this is 10,000 homes.

    Jumoke is an Alumni of Academy of Women Enterpreneur by the US Mission in Nigeria, an Alumni of Global Enterpreneurship Training West Africa by Hangdong University South Korea,  among others.

    Caroline Akpoghene Useh  

     Caroline   is a Nigeria visual artist who expresses herself through diverse mediums. She is a sustainable artist with a passion for promoting a greener earth through art.

    For this painter, “art is humanity, so is humanity a piece of art that educates, advocates, protests, projects, questions, challenges, provokes and deciphers our behavioral actions”.

    Through her art, she is helping to curb environmental disturbances as well as sensitising her audience on an alternative means to waste management. The exploration of these objects has broadened my sense of humans understanding as reflects shades, class, look, creed and volume that are unified to encourage accommodation and compassion.

    Her works consist of upcycled (for artistic value or creative upcycling) items from kitchen utensils, footwear, phone cases, clothing, and other mediums. In the course of her work, she says she often get many awkward stares from locals while sorting through trash on the streets of Lagos.

    In her quest to find a distinctive way of expressing herself, she employs the use of found objects in creating her works with the background knowledge of mixed media as an alternative to painting. With this, she is able to stir up conversations between her works and the audience.

    Born on 1994 in Isoko South Delta State, she is a graduate of Auchi Polytechnic Auchi Edo State in 2019.

    She resides in Lagos and has had exhibitions and art competitions to the credit of her career.

    Caroline had a mentoring programme with the Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) under the tutelage of Miss Nanuses Desiree 2022/2023.

    She has had exhibitions and art competitions to the credit of her career. She was one of the ten finalists of Next of Kin Series 5. Others included Art in and for Transformation 2022; Thought Pyramid Art Centre (Sustainability Table series), etc.

    Olufunke Esekhalu Ojukwu

    Olufunke is a visual artist who specialises in creating art from recycled materials but always enjoys exploring and including other materials in my art creations.

    She is a painter and installation artist known for her large-scale portrait of world renowned personality Prof. Wole Soyinka using plastic bottle tops. Olufunke, who currently lives and works in Lagos, is a multimedia artist, a graduate in Painting from its prestigious art school Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

    Her works has been shown within Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

    Of her style, she says: “I show another side of what I do. I intend to explore this art further by using bottle covers of drinks to produce art. I see the discarded bottle covers simply as pure art material… The colours of discarded plastic bottle covers make my art appear like a mosaic.”

    Her art is inspired by everyday scenes, sights, situations, emotions, people, colours, shapes and forms of different kinds gives the nudge to create and make tangible and mostly beautiful, thought provoking art.

    Her art speaks her thoughts and experiences many times her ideas are personal experience followed by the effects on the society.

    Born in 1981 and raised in Lagos State, the artist and mother of three has spent years using her art to help keep the environment clean. She uses discarded bottle covers to create artwork in unique. She takes pride in using recycled materials, such as discarded bottle plastic covers and pure water sachets, because, according to her, it helps to maintain a clean and safe environment. 

    Some notable exhibitions and competitions she has featured in include: Within Our Grasp, National Museum, Lagos in 2005; Female Artists on Rampage, Aina Onabolu Hall, National Arts Theatre, Lagos in 2007;  Looking out from within,  solo exhibition ,JCAA, Onikan Lagos in 2022; and The lay of the Land, group exhibition, The art room parkhaust, south Africa in 2023, etc.

  • Budget friendly tips for May

    Budget friendly tips for May

    No matter how you see, the first day of May usually set the pulse for the fifth month of the year. Even though May Day, which is the International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day in some countries, is used to celebrate the working classes, there is something about it that spells “work…work…work.

    But wait… let’s pause, breathe in and out and relax. Find time each week this month to kick off your shoes, go barefoot and relax, especially if one is in a paid employment.

     Given its pulse, let’s journey into this month while exploring at pocket friendly tips, health & wellbeing, as well as empowerment (business/workplace), etc.

    Read Also: Why investors reluctant to commit funds to filmmakers, by Femi Adebayo

    Let’s begin with some pocket friendly tips for eating healthy in May. I read a couple of articles on it and decided to share Khadijat Okanlawon’s “Eating Healthy on a Budget: A Nigerian Foodie’s Guide to Affordable Nutrition”. She says: “We all know that jollof rice and pounded yam are delicious, but sometimes eating healthy in Nigeria can seem like an expensive dream.”

     With the recent hike in the price of fuel, transport fare, among other things, every woman must put on the coat of an economist along with that of a homemaker in order to success navigate this new month. Not to worry, Okanlawon has five tips that would keep you afloat the times:

    •Market Adventures: Instead of going for the fancy imported stuff, explore your local market for fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies.

    • Embrace Our Flavors: It’s not only fun but often more affordable than eating out.

    • Plan the Naija Way: In Nigeria, we love our soups and stews, so why not plan your soup pot for the week? It’s cost-effective and ensures you have a tasty and nutritious meal every day.

    •Snack like a Pro: Nigerian snacks are legendary, but they don’t have to break the bank. Opt for affordable, healthy options

    •Laugh and Learn: In a land where we appreciate humor in everything, why not make cooking an adventure?

    In the end she says: “Eating healthy in Nigeria doesn’t have to drain your wallet… We can enjoy our traditional dishes while staying nutritious and budget-friendly.” For further reading, visit:  https://medium.com/@okanlawonkhadijaat

  • Abacha…Life is too short

    Abacha…Life is too short

    ‘My Sister. There is something about the delicious Abacha that not only wakes a sister’s taste bud but turns a very boring evening to a sweet and savoury one,” Christabel was saying last Saturday as Ada and Tamara were dishing out plates of the Abacha delicacy from Igboland, popularly called “African salad.”

    Although we weren’t celebrating anything in particular, we were celebrating ourselves. This was coming after a post by Christabel on May Day, urging us that while we run around to make ends meet we should also learn to celebrate ourselves and every moment life throws at us.

    Taking the bull by the horn, Ada then announced on our group chat that she’d be marking a unique anniversary on May 4.

    “Ehen Ada! What are we celebrating sef… I know it’s not your wedding anniversary…,” Mummy Fawaz asked as she took the plate of Abacha filled with assorted meat from Tamara.

    “It’s not, but May 4 has a special place in my calendar. It’s the anniversary of the first date I and Daddy Ifeanyi ever went on. I remember the day like yesterday. And fast forward to the future, it was also the day I first got the news that I was pregnant after waiting for five years. And as Christabel mentioned, it’s important to recall those moments that marked a turning point in our life. Life is too short and that’s why I’m celebrating this day. Incidentally, this is the first time I’m intentionally marking the day,” Ada responded. And her face lit up with a smile as Ifeanyi, the son in question, walked in with two packs of chilled canned malt.

    Read Also: Lady set to become first African to ride motorbike from Kenya to Nigeria

    We all smiled too as he greeted us and handed the malt to his mother who asked that they be shared immediately. I wanted to ask Lola if it was necessary to get Ada a gift and noticed her eyes were following the malt in Ifeanyi’s hand and shoved her on the side before she got caught staring. But the move made Lola mad and she yelled, “Evelyn, what is it na? Is it a crime to look?” and as she saw Mummy Ibukun strolling pass to nowhere in particular, she called out to the celebrator, “Abeg, Ada, I hope the malt is just for us, members of the women’s corner o. We don’t want trespassers to come and short our rations o.”

    “Loollaa,” we all shouted.

    “Abeeggi! I know why I’m saying it o. Because some troublemakers should not be seen where there is peace…,” Lola stressed. And seeing she was about to unearth the bad blood between her and her next door neighbor, Mummy Ibukun, Christabel stepped in to make light of the situation.

    “Lola…Lola… Lola the fighter. When would you and Mummy Ibukun stop behaving like children? Abeg, you people should not bring your family problem to spoil the mood. Mummy Ibukun, come and join us na.”

     “Thank you, our amiable Vice Chairlady. I didn’t know you all were here. I’d wanted to see Tinu, but her children said she was here. That’s why I came.”

    “So why were you walking past us like a monitoring spirit,” Lola asked.

    “Lola that’s enough. Can you both go pass whatever grudges you’ve had? Life is too short to be malicious. So what would you advise your children, if they are the ones behaving like this,” I retorted, tired of Lola’s misbehaviour.

    “Back to our gist jare. Ada, I didn’t know you also waited before getting pregnant. I waited for seven years too before having the twins. It’s truly worth celebrating,” Mummy Fawaz said and turned the conversation to Ada again.

    “Nobody would believe both of you ladies went through such. I celebrate you all as I celebrate myself too. I celebrate your stories, your victories and more… You must both tell us the full story someday,” Tinu said while calling for a toast.

  • Tola ‘the sickle cell warrior’ turns pain to passion

    Tola ‘the sickle cell warrior’ turns pain to passion

    Some may call her a survivor. But she dubs herself a ‘warrior’. After a near-death experience, she turned her pain into a passion. Meet United Kingdom-based property lawyer Tola Olatunji, the sickle cell ‘warrior’, who is currently in Nigeria to inspire and empower people living with the condition.EVELYN OSAGIE writes on her pain-to- passion story and more

    Tola Olatunji is a fighter. And it is not because she is a lawyer. Tola has had to brace up against the challenge of living with sickle cell anaemia to become an accomplished lawyer, mother, founder of Rock Bottom Sickle Cell Initiative and author of Rock Bottom. Rock Bottom is a memoir inspired by her personal experience as a sickle cell survivor, especially from her last crisis which was further complicated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bedridden for three months, the author escaped death only by the skin of her teeth.

    Her beginning

    Tola, originally from Benin City, Nigeria, now resides in the United Kingdom where she works as a property lawyer. Growing up with sickle cell and three siblings, two of whom are sickle cell warriors, Tola has witnessed firsthand the challenges of living with the disease. 

    Read Also:Sickle cell: Nigerian surgeon develops compression therapy for leg ulcers

    Hear her: “It’s a constant fight daily. Fighting it daily is not easy. You have to wake up every day to fight. It means having to choose each day not to allow the pain to keep you down.  For instance, growing up in Benin, I don’t remember being in class at all during my primary school days. I was always sick. I don’t remember attending any sort of exams; I was always doing my exams at home. And I was always in and out of hospital a lot. To have come this far with care and support of my family, I can say I’m God’s favourite child. But you must say ‘no, it won’t stop me today’, each and every day.”

    And having to fight and win each day, like Tola does, is no mean feat. Little wonder then that she dubs herself a ‘warrior’.

    “I took my drugs, fought against it and I am here. When one is constantly fighting, it means one is a warrior,” she said.

    After a near-death experience that left her believing she might never walk again, Tola had to relearn how to walk, a journey that profoundly impacted her perspective on life. “It was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was in law school then. It was very difficult. I had COVID and bedridden for three months. I had to learn the things that my body can take.”

    Her inspiration

    Motivated by her struggles, Tola felt compelled to share her story by writing Rock Bottom, thereby offering encouragement to others facing similar hardships.

    And while recognising the lack of sickle cell foundations in her hometown of Benin City, she saw an opportunity to raise awareness and provide support to those in need by establishing Rock Bottom Sickle Cell Initiative.

    Last Saturday, May 4, she formally unveiled the book and her non-profit to a selected audience at the Horatio Marquee, Akhionbare Street, GRA, Benin City, by 10am. Partnering with Edo State Centre for Women and Youth Development on unveiling of her initiative, the event was attended by dignitaries led by Edo State’s First Lady Betsy Obaseki, who was the special guest of honour.

    Her foundation

    Her non-profit focuses on providing supports for sickle cell warriors. Through her dedication and passion, Tola strives to touch lives and make a difference in the lives of sickle cell warriors, ensuring they are not limited by their condition. Her mission, she says, is not only to educate others about sickle cell disease but also to build a community where warriors feel understood and empowered.

    “I want to reach out to a lot of warriors. I created the foundation to help people like me. That experience made me think there are a lot of people going through the same. We don’t have to live a limited lifestyle because of sickle cell. We have to live our full lives. There are people living their full lives. My siblings and I are doing well.”

    Tola says she believes in collective effort in making a difference in the lives of people with sickle cell. Besides her collaboration with Edo State, she is also working with others, such Dr. Suchitra Kataria, the Singapore-based specialist behind the “My Sickle Care” App. Such a move demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for better access to diagnoses and care worldwide. Their joint efforts in SCD education and counseling with the government and UNICEF in parts of India highlight a global approach to tackling the challenges of sickle cell disease.

    According to her, the support of the First Lady underscored the importance of community engagement and government involvement in addressing sickle cell disease. By facilitating connections between stakeholders and contributing to efforts to reduce the prevalence of the disease, “Her Excellency’s collaboration would strengthen the foundation’s impact at a local level. With such partnerships in place, Rock Bottom Sickle Cell Initiative is poised to make significant strides in its mission to support sickle cell warriors and raise awareness about the disease”.

    Her book

    Tola’s courage knows no bounds. Tola’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in creating positive change. Despite the pain and challenges she faced, she bravely chronicled her journey in her book, Rock Bottom, inviting readers to experience her trials and triumphs alongside her. Sharing such deeply personal experience requires immense bravery, but Tola’s determination to inspire and uplift others drove her to relive her most difficult moments.

    The book raises awareness by offering eye-opening tips on sickle cell anemia, inspiring warriors of the disease and enlightening the public that being a victim of sickle cell isn’t a death sentence.

    “In this tell-all book, Tola lays bare the struggles of sickle cell warriors, the UK medical system, the importance of family and friends and how much is hidden in the details of what is required to recover from a near-death experience” says one of the blurbs.

    In a media chat with reporters in Lagos, Tola spoke of the inspiration behind the book and the reason for having the launch in Benin — she was born and bred in the ancient city.

    “So, I wrote the book because I wanted to tell my story. I decided to write the book while I was recovering from hospital. So they had discharged me and I thought, you know what?, it’s good to tell my story because it was a life- changing experience for me, and maybe somebody’s going through the same experience. This was in 2022, a few months after I got out of hospital”, the property lawyer said.

  • Women marathoner’s strategies and opportunities

    Women marathoner’s strategies and opportunities

    HE hall was filled to the brim. It was the gathering of who is who in the Nigerian sports sector. The event was the Access Bank 2024 Lagos City Marathon and you could feel the excitement in the air. Men and women took turns to talk about their expectations, and preparations for the 9th edition of the Marathon.

    Dignitaries in attendance included Lekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, Lagos State; Victor Etuokwu, Deputy Managing Director, Retail North, Access Bank Plc,  Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Head marketing of 7up Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunleye Kia motor and Three Crown Milk.

    The success is traced to the collaborative effects in the past 9 years and efforts being put in place to have a wonderful edition next year for the 10th edition.

    Foreign participants coming top became the bone of contention at a point.

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    Mr Yusuf Alli, the technical manager who has been working on a template to get better, takes you through the process” When we started we were looking for runners all over the world. Now, we have to pick runners from the top 300 all over the world. In the past four years, we have gotten silver medals all over the world. It has been very difficult for runners from this part of the world to get the silver because we are fighting to get ratings between us and the other countries. The first is the weather, it is not conducive to our marathoners. So, when you are rating, put it at the back of your mind, weather conditions. So, we are still starting. For the first time, we are 88 in this race”.

    The trajectory interestingly, hopes to get better. “ There was a 13-year-old girl who did well three years ago. She has gone on to win in Kaduna with record time. Last year, she was also in jos and we hope it gets better. I agree with you that it is a challenge. The effort to start beating our brothers from Kenyan and Ethiopian is for all of us. We must work hard to win and get the dollars”.

    Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, representative of the state government of Secular economy and Climate change. “Kudos to the administration before and how far we have come. The landscape just gets wider and wider and the scope bigger and bigger. Our vision is to make Lagos the most sustainable city on the earth. Our mission is to drive a secular economy, empowerment, and the ability to create growth opportunities. We want to optimize a good level of efficiency”.

    Dolapo Sonubi of Brilla Media, “ There is a Diversity that I see every time. The experience is always elevated. You can see the passion of everyone who has spoken. You can see the passion, interest, and excitement for the tournament. I admire everything that the event stands for, there is the sports entertainment, the interest in healthy bodies.”

    One other issue that stood out was the fact that Nigerian women were becoming more competitive in sports. Interestingly, they are doing well in the competitive sport but there are gaps when it comes to women’s participation at the Marathon.

    That takes you down memory lane looking at the challenges and opportunities for the women then. By the 1970s, the Olympic Marathon had come a long way from the dusty roads of Athens. Yet women were still not allowed to compete and the struggle to establish a women’s Olympic Marathon was itself something of a long-distance race.

    Before the 1980s, there were no women’s distance races in the Olympics. In the Moscow Games, the longest race for women was the 1,500 meters, which had been instituted in 1972. Women had been excluded from track and field competition altogether until 1928 when the longest race was the 800 meters. Despite a world record by winner Lina Radke of Germany, many of the competitors had not properly prepared for the race and several collapsed in exhaustion. This led Olympic organizers to consider the race too strenuous for women. The president of the IOC, Count Henri Baillet-Latour, even suggested the elimination of all women’s competition from the Games. Such a drastic move was not taken, but until 1960, when the 800 meters reappeared, no race over 200 meters was contested by women in the Olympics.

    This is not to say there was no tradition of women’s long-distance running. Women had been forbidden from participating in the ancient Olympics. A woman who was caught even as a spectator at the Games could face execution. But women in ancient Greece held their festival to honor the goddess Hera every five years. Only one athletic event was a short footrace.

    When the Olympics were revived in 1896, women were again excluded. But, in March of 1896, Stamatis Rovithi became the first woman to run a marathon when she covered the proposed Olympic course from Marathon to Athens. The following month, a woman named Melpomene presented herself as an entrant in the Olympic Marathon. Race organizers denied her the opportunity to compete. Undiscouraged, Melpomene warmed up for the race out of sight. When the starter’s gun sounded, she began to run along the side of the course. Eventually, she fell behind the men, but as she continued, stopping at Pikermi for a glass of water, she passed runners who dropped out of the race in exhaustion. She arrived at the stadium about an hour and a half after Spiridon Louis won the race. Barred from entry into the now-empty stadium, she ran her final lap around the outside of the building, finishing in approximately four and a half hours.

    In September of 1981, the IOC met in Baden-Baden, Germany, and made several important decisions. They elected the first women members of that body in its eighty-four-year history. After a powerful speech by middle-distance runner Sebastian Coe, they voted to allow the ruling federations for each Olympic sport to set their requirements for Olympic eligibility, clearing the way for marathoners and other athletes to receive prizes and endorsement money while remaining eligible for Olympic competition. Amid all these decisions, they voted on the recommendation of the Executive Board concerning the women’s marathon race. Lost in the headlines about the end of amateurism at the Olympics and the selection of Seoul and Calgary for the 1988 Games was the fact that women had finally won the right to compete in an Olympic Marathon.

  • My fictional heroines are inspiration to women

    My fictional heroines are inspiration to women

    For Janet Chineye Eze, writing is a dance with her inner self that connects her to her readers, particularly women. The author of two captivating books: Nnenna (a novel) and The Kayan of the Mata (short stories), is a woman of many parts passionate about women. In this interview, Ms Eze shares how her passion is fueling her life’s endeavors as a registered nurse, the owner of CJAY beauty cosmetics and the founder of ADOPT Initiative nonprofit. EVELYN OSAGIE writes

    Growing up, my parents’ upbringing had very strong impact on me. My siblings were equally as determined, full of zest for life as I am. These had lasting influences on my personality. It was not all rosy, we also had our struggles, but the good times far outweighed the struggles. In fact, my childhood has made me a family-oriented person.

    Being a woman

     To be a woman is being sure of whom you are, confident, assertive yet kind, having a strong sense of identity, while leaning into ones femininity, and building people around you also. Also being a woman is to biologically experience all the physiological, features that make up the anatomical construct of the woman, and biologically belong to the female gender category.

    Motivation behind my passion for women

    As a woman I advocate for women’s rights and I’m passionate about them pursuing their dreams, asserting their voices intelligently but with wisdom; and working in spaces they were unable to in the past. I am passionate about creating impact and empowering people, not just women, but most importantly adolescents, to achieve their utmost potentials in life. This passion is the motivation behind my going into nursing, cosmetics, and now, writing.

    Navigating the worlds of writing, nursing and beauty

    The three – beauty, nursing and writing are somewhat related in that they involve touching lives one way or the other. I am dedicated to promoting health and well-being through creative writing. My journey extends into a multitude of other realms, each driven by passion and purpose.

    My writing experience is a blessing. My joy as a writer lies not just in the final product but in the journey itself. As an author, I am not confined to one existence; I revel in the symphony of emotions I can evoke on my readers. It’s a profound connection – an invisible thread that links me to the hearts and minds of those who engage with my work. It’s a dance with my inner self, a melody sung by the depths of my soul.

    In addition to my literary pursuits, I’ve also embraced a role as a registered nurse. This profession allows me to offer support, empathy, and care to individuals in need.

    Furthermore, my love for beauty and cosmetics has led me to venture into the world of makeup. I’ve started my own makeup line, CJAY BEAUTY, where I create products that not only enhance beauty but also empower individuals to express themselves artistically and confidently.

    My thoughts on beauty

    Beauty is an inward feeling and confidence that grows from within and radiates on the skin. Igbo si na Ana esi n’ime malu mma puta ezi – an Igbo proverbs beauty first starts from the inside before it glows on the outside. This quote also applies to character, so there are different meanings to it. Hence, beauty to me is both character, personality, aura and then personal physiological charm. As one who is into the beauty/cosmetics world, beauty is not just a tool of empowerment for me or an opportunity to be a vendor of colourful items used to enhance beauty.

    I believe every woman, in fact, every human being is beautiful; and should pay more attention to ones looks. And beauty products can help to enhance and maintain ones good looks, especially in times of extreme weather conditions, hormonal imbalances during ageing, menopause, menstruation, emotional downtimes and middle age crisis. I believe women should look good and I’ve made it my business, hence, I chose beauty products marketing as another tool of empowerment. 

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    Womaness in my books – Nnenna and The Kayan of the Mata

    The stories in books are profoundly relevant because they illuminate the intricacies of being a woman in a world filled with expectations and obstacles. My fictional heroines serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the strength and determination required to overcome adversity. Their stories provide a mirror through which readers can reflect on their own experiences, perhaps finding solace in the fact that they are not alone in their journey.

     In Nnenna I tell the poignant story of a young girl whose search for love leads her down a perilous path. This novel explores the depths of human emotions, the complexities of family relationships, and the trials that women often face in their pursuit of love and fulfilment, especially in marriage. Nnenna’s journey serves as a powerful allegory for the vulnerabilities many encounter in their lives.

    The Kayan of the Mata is a collection of short stories that takes a multi-faceted approach to shed light on various unspoken issues that they confront daily. These narratives tackle a spectrum of subjects, from societal expectations to domestic struggles and everything in between. They offer a raw and unfiltered perspective on the often challenging aspects of womanhood, resonating with the universal experiences of women from all walks of life.

    Ultimately, I aspire that my stories serve as a source of empowerment and enlightenment for women, fostering a sense of solidarity and encouraging them to be courageous and resilient.

    My fashion style

    I’m a casual person: I love comfort, anything free that allows me room for expression but also stands out. I love traditional attires in jumpsuits, free-flowing gowns and trousers. I am not a skirt person. I also love Afro themed outfit and hair. Call me ‘Team Natural’.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    I cannot do without my lip gloss and my lashes. Whatever the weather, my lip must pop and my eyes must glow.

    Next on my radar

    The future is ripe with potential, and I’m wholeheartedly embracing this journey of exploration and expansion. I currently have several exciting plans in motion in that regard. Beyond writing, nursing and cosmetics, I’m setting my sights on the culinary world and considering an investment in a food business. This exciting endeavour is a testament to my passion for creating delectable dishes that bring people together. I envision a future where I can share my love for food with a broader community and create memorable dining experiences. I am also excited about my Initiative, the ADOPT Initiative (Adolescent Development Outreach & Programmes for Transformation), a nonprofit which is an offshoot of my humanitarian endeavours. I have been actively involved in the humanitarian space for over seven years now and my interest is the development of adolescents, especially those who are in correctional centres and vulnerable communities. I look forward to a systematic approach to solving the issues of education, literacy and poverty.

  • ‘I‘ve not forgotten each smile of thousands of kids I photographed’

    ‘I‘ve not forgotten each smile of thousands of kids I photographed’

    If the lens was a trigger, then award-winning photographer Yemi Disu’s shot creates warmth; it does not hurt. With over a decade experience, Disu, founder and creative director of Four23photography, is one of Nigeria’s top women photographers who are pulling their weight in the sector, bringing her femininity into the profession. She is celebrated for her foray into child and family photography; and for inspiring women. The graduate of Business Administration shares her photography foray and more with Evelyn Osagie

    Being a woman is complex and multifaceted. She combines many roles – mother, home manager,   breadwinner and career – while fulfilling a range of social, cultural, and gender expectations. Bringing it home to my field, the photography sector is mostly dominated by men, but we, the women photographers, are pulling our weight.

    What makes my photography different is me, Yemi Disu, my personality. I bring my femininity as a woman – characterised by our warmth and softness – into my job, while remaining professional.

    My greatest influence

    Firstly, my parents’ upbringing had a huge impact on the woman I’ve become. I thank my parents for their guidance and training while growing up. My secondary school, command secondary school, Kaduna, also had a great impact won me. When I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer 

    My photography journey

    Photography has always being a part of me and after working 5 to 9 and not feeling fulfilled, I decided to try something new and found my love and passion for photography.  My journey began over a decade ago as a budding wedding photographer. It was not long after that I was opportune to take part in a programme comprising of 12 female photographers in Nigeria known as ‘The Xperspective’ and participated in two exhibitions organised by the Goethe Institute in Nigeria showcasing my work and other female photographers in 2011, the exhibition was titled “Battle Scars”. In 2011, I also participated in an exhibition event at NIPHEC; and in 2013, I participated at the First World Photography Day in Nigeria.

    My foray in child photography

    I have being a photographer for over a decade and the journey has being great with all its ups and downs.  But I found my love in child photography early in my journey.

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    I discovered my love for children while capturing moments of them as they grow, and built a business around it. Starting this line of business was not easy in an environment where I had to educate parents and individuals on the need to document their children’s growth. Taking pictures of newborns, young children, first birthdays, and family portraits gives me joy. In the course of my career, I have photographed over a thousand families and thousands of children. And it has been amazing meeting and growing with them, particularly children. But I never forget each smile. For instance, last week, I photographed a 10-year-old, whom I first photographed when he was one. I have been featured on television and magazines  to talk about my experience.

    I appreciate the journey so far because it made me who I am today. Every challenge over the years has made me to be a better person.

    Challenges encountered

    Photographers in business face several challenges. Competition is a major challenge: the photography industry is highly competitive, with many skilled professionals vying for clients. Standing out and finding a niche can be challenging. Marketing and Visibility is another challenge.

    Exceeding clients’ expectations is crucial. Embracing new technologies and techniques while staying within a budget can be a challenge. The next is time management. Finding inspiration and staying passionate about the work are an ongoing challenge. For me, navigating these challenges requires  talent, business acumen, marketing skills, and a strong work ethic. I am still single, but I know family life can very demanding;  so, I have started learning how to manage my time in preparation for my future family.

    My memorable moments

    I have a lot memorable moments, but the most important one is seeing my clients smile after seeing their images we created.  Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything, 

    Inspiration behind my lens

    I do because it captures what I focus it on.

    My achievements so far

    Being able to grow my business over the last decade  from a hobby  has been exciting. Some of my works have been featured internationally.

    Point of throwing in the towel

    I have had slowdowns in my business, shorted of man power and during COVID-19 I almost wanted to go back to 9 to 5 job.

     Beauty to me 

    Beauty is subjective and varies from person to person and culture to culture. Like they say: “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”. Beauty to me is what brings me peace. Beauty is kindness. 

     Fashion style

    I am a Jeans and t-shirt girl. My style is mostly what makes me comfortable. In summary, simple and nice.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    Trainers and crocs

    My escape

    Watching TV and attending Owanbe

    My new project 

     I have a new business line that I am growing called Ydee natural. Ydee natural has beauty line (shea body butter) , Natural honey and my love for plants

  • Pants’ care

    Pants’ care

    Proper cloth’s casual pants are a great wardrobe staple for anyone’s closet, and they’re extremely easy to care for. They’re super versatile, as they can be dressed up with a blazer or styled more casually with a polo or t-shirt, and you can customise the fit and design them however you like. In general, casual pants are an easy, less–formal alternative to our dressier tailored trousers, and the washing method you choose and care you take of them can enhance their desired appearance over time.

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    • Proper Cloth’s casual pants are garment washed during production for a softer and more relaxed feel and to minimise potential shrinkage over time. As with denim, we recommend washing them every few wears—not quite as often as you wash your shirts. Launder them at home with cold water and like colors on your washing machine’s delicate or hand-wash setting, and then hang them to dry. We don’t recommend using bleach or hot water as this can cause fading and shrinkage. Shrinkage may vary depending on the fabric type and the heat of the dryer, but it’s best to avoid the dryer completely.
    • Air drying your chinos will, of course, leave them a little wrinkled once they’ve dried, but the wrinkles will naturally disperse with wear. Alternatively, you can remove the wrinkles quickly with a steamer.
    • If you prefer to have your Proper Cloth casual pants professionally cleaned, we recommend a wash and press rather than dry cleaning. Note, however, that professional cleaners tend to iron or press garments pretty aggressively, which may result in a sharp crease in your casual pants. If a slightly more dressy look is your aim, professional cleaning may be the way to go.
    • All of the buttons on Proper Cloth pants are shanked for extra durability, but if for some reason you lose one a spare button can be found sewn on the inside of the pants. If you need another button, reach out to our Customer Experience Team for a replacement.