The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Woman

  • ‘Woman, define yourself by impact, not gender’

    ‘Woman, define yourself by impact, not gender’

    Mauryn Uba-Osaretin, Project Manager, GSR 360 Ltd (Southsouth region), is a purpose-driven woman with a heart for impact, a mind for innovation, and a soul anchored in faith. She wears many hats—professional and creative—but at the core, she is someone committed to growth, excellence, and helping others rise. In this interview with Assistant Editor, EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on how leaving her banking job for project management in male-dominated construction industry became the most defining choices of her life

    Being a woman

    Being a woman means strength wrapped in grace. It’s the power to nurture and build, to carry both visions and others without losing yourself. It’s resilience, beauty, and boundless possibilities.

    Beauty to me

    Beauty is simply authentic. It radiates from within—through kindness, confidence, and the courage to stand fully in your truth. It’s less about appearance and more about involvement.

    Growing up for you that impacted the woman I became

    Growing up, I was surrounded by strong voices of discipline and tough lessons in commitment and perseverance. Those early experiences shaped my values—hard work, integrity, and compassion—and taught me that challenges are often hidden opportunities.

    My role as a site project manager

    Project management is more than charts and checklists. It is where analysis meets action. Every decision you make has consequences, and that responsibility has deepened my strategic thinking over the years. Unlike materials, human behavior is dynamic. Managing diverse personalities in an environment (Nigeria) where law enforcement is often weak is no small task. But through patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal relationships, I have found ways to lead teams through challenges and toward success.

    My journey into world of project management, particularly in the construction industry

     My professional journey didn’t start in construction or oil and gas. It began in the banking hall, helping people manage their money and guiding them towards smarter financial decisions. I spent nearly seven years in the banking sector, and though I loved serving people, I often felt constrained. The industry’s slow pace of technological advancement meant that even simple operations could become frustrating. Over time, the routine took its toll on me. It became boring and I needed to ventilate. I longed for creativity, purpose, and something that challenged me differently. So, I took a leap.

    The challenge of this career swap

    Leaving banking with no guaranteed alternative felt like jumping into the unknown, but that decision became one of the most defining choices of my life. I ventured into advertising for two years, a bold transition that awakened new parts of me. And then, as life often does, another opportunity came, and I found myself in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) field within the oil and gas sector.

    This shift was not only technical and high-stakes but also culturally challenging. Working in a male-dominated industry could have been intimidating, but I chose to focus on competence rather than comparison. I pursued certifications, built my confidence, and showed up every day to prove my capability; not to others, but to myself. Eventually, I transitioned into project management, a field where I have worked across construction and oil and gas for the past six years. Each project, whether large-scale or community-based, has tested me, stretched me, and rewarded me in equal measure.

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    My experience in a predominantly male industry

    In conversations around gender sensitivity, I always ask to be seen first as a human being. Labels create limits, but performance and professionalism open doors. Many still haven’t realised that life itself is inclusive — not by design, but by nature. I have seen women break boundaries in fields once thought inaccessible. And I have also experienced the resistance and assumptions that come with working in a male-dominated industry. Still, I don’t lead as a woman but as a professional. Yet, I recognise the unique strengths women often bring to the table — attention to detail, emotional intelligence, multitasking — all of which are crucial in project management.

    I am optimistic about more women entering this space, particularly as new certifications in engineering and environmental sciences make it easier to build a career path outside traditional roles. As a change maker, I have met a few young women in the field and always encourage them to show up intentionally. Having a certificate is one thing; using it to make a difference is another. Women should not define themselves by gender but by impact. I remind them that their work — their projects — can change lives, improve infrastructure, empower communities, and light up their corner of the world.

    You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives. A well-executed project can do that, too. Every role matters. We, in GSR 360 Ltd {Global System Resources 360 Ltd) as a friendly partner, our project is our pride. When we stop chasing rigid ambitions and instead embrace life’s unfolding possibilities, we tap into a far more powerful force: purpose. I don’t measure success by titles or timelines but by growth. And as I look ahead five or ten years, my greatest hope is that through collective commitment and professionalism, we will elevate industry standards and restore dignity to the labor force.

    Managing not so educated skilled labourers, especially men

    Beyond planning and performance, I have learned that mental health and social instability are often invisible variables in project success. In Nigeria, economic uncertainty, societal pressure, and daily stressors take a toll on workers. These issues manifest in the workplace affecting productivity, motivation, and interpersonal relationships. As leaders, we must not ignore these realities. Creating psychologically safe spaces and offering emotional support is as important as managing timelines and budgets. Another challenge is the erosion of work ethic due to a rising “get-rich-quick” mentality. What we face now isn’t just unemployment. It is employable. Competent and committed workers are becoming harder to find, and it affects every layer of project delivery. Whether you’re looking for an artisan to fix a tap or a supervisor to oversee a site, reliability has become rare.

    That’s why I believe we must raise awareness about the dignity of labor and invest in up-skilling our workforce.

    Enhancing project management sub-sector through technology

     Just like in any other sector, technology has brought in a lot of new dimensions that one would ordinarily not be able to do. Managing multiple sites in different locations has become more efficient and less costly. Project management software has streamlined our operations from tracking milestones to assigning individual tasks. What once seemed impossible due to geographical constraints is now entirely feasible. We now measure productivity in real-time and enhance collaboration across borders.

    Poor quality or abandoned projects are something we can relate to in Nigeria and recently has gotten to its climax, but with the enforcement of proper project supervision either through the financial system- Advance Bank Guarantee (APG) and Bonds there’s hope for the future that the industry standards will improve tremendously. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated innovation. It changed not just “how we work, but how we think”. The crisis forced many of us to embrace smarter, more agile approaches to leadership, supervision, and delivery. While it brought its share of challenges, it also reshaped the future of work for the better.

    My advice to aspiring young women in the field of project management

    The most important lesson I have learnt is that possibility is not a privilege. It is a perspective. When you show up open-minded, committed, and ready to grow, you will find doors where others see walls. My journey has taught me that every career switch, every project challenge, and every sleepless night contributed to a bigger story; one of resilience, evolution, and impact.

    Whether you are just starting out or reinventing yourself like I did, never underestimate your ability to make a difference. Your profession is more than a job; it’s a vocation. It is a call to light candles in your corner and help illuminate the world. You can make the change you desire in whatever profession you are, achieve success and be satisfied, as well.

    Juggling personal/family life with my career

    Balance isn’t always perfect, but I’ve learned to be fully present in each moment. I prioritize my family first, delegate, and give myself permission to rest. My family love grounds me, and my work fuels me—together, they inspire the best version of me.

    Relaxation

    I find joy in simple things— walking in nature, listening to my favorite songs, or having long, laughter-filled conversations with loved ones. Those are my resets.

    My fashion style

    My style is a blend of classic elegance and modern simplicity. I love looks that are timeless yet bold, refined but never afraid to make a statement. I gravitate towards structured yet fluid silhouettes—pieces that celebrate decency with confidence. I feel most comfortable in outfits that reflect both strength and softness such as clean straight jeans and well-tailored Ankara.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    A well-tailored Ankara—it instantly elevates any outfit and reminds me to carry myself with poise.

    What’s next

    I’m stepping into a season of expansion—both personally and professionally. Whether it’s joining a new initiative (climate change campaign – one million tree initiative), mentoring the next generation, or simply evolving, I’m walking forward with purpose and an open mind.

  • ‘Being a woman should be considered a blessing’

    ‘Being a woman should be considered a blessing’

    Dr. Saeedat Bola Aliyu is a distinguished literary scholar that is playing a major role in the 2025 edition of Africa’s most prestigious prizes – The Nigerian Prize for Literature and The Nigerian Prize for Literary Criticism. She is the chairperson for the two prizes sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited. As academic leader and the university orator, Aliyu combines academic work with being the director of the University Relations and the director of the Centre for Language Immersion and Translation at Kwara State University. In this interview with Assistant Editor EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her passion, the prizes and other issues.

    Being a woman

    A woman is that specially-made human whose very existence is an invaluable part of the world. Being a woman should be considered a blessing by everyone, as within the soul of a woman is care, love, growth, initiative, and compassion, all of which is what the world needs. For instance, I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter, scholar, teacher, and an administrator, all rolled in one.

    Growing up for you that impacted the woman you became  

    I grew up in a close knit family. With six older siblings, I had all the company I could need as a kid. I especially had access to stories they would all tell about their day or their friends. I guess this is why family means a lot to me.

    My passions for the use of oral traditions in African environmentalism and cultural identity/criticism

    I strongly believe that our indigenous cultures hold answers to a lot of our challenges. We have so much in these indigenous traditions than we are making use of. The reason is not farfetched; colonialism of the mind! We continue to believe that our ways are barbaric and rather embrace foreign cultures and expect such impositions to solve our peculiar problems. My research into environmentalism, for instance, has shown that within our cultures are inroads to how sustainable environments can be achieved.

    I am also passionate about a safe, happy world where everyone has a sense of belonging.

    My journey into the world of literature as a career

    I have always loved listening to or reading stories. It was not a surprise to family and friends that I would end up doing what I had always loved since I was a child. What I have tried to do differently has been to be interdisciplinary in my career as a literary scholar. You know, I read other disciplinary concerns into literary works. Most of my research has been on environmental literature, with forays into the world of psychoanalysis, culture, gender, and popular culture. All these have continued to broaden my horizon and have encouraged greater insights in what I research and how I teach students. My scholarly work explores the intersection of literature, environmental justice, and cultural identity, with notable research on the literary representation of figures like Ken Saro-Wiwa and the use of oral traditions in African environmentalism.

    As much as I love stories, I prefer to read other people’s stories than tell my own. I chalk this down to being a conservative introvert.  I have jointly edited a number of scholarly books in the field of literary scholarship.

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

    Paying to publish creative works! It is appalling to me that a writer would go through the process of writing a book, then, still pay to get the work published! It is a disservice to all creative minds, who go through the tedious process of creating a work of art to still pay to get the work in a form for the public to read.

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    Role of literature in promoting social change

    In traditional African societies, literature played that role alongside entertaining people. In contemporary times, writers are challenged to gain a readership that would engage with their works. Be that as it may, African literature still retains the role of promoting change in society. There are a myriad of issues in contemporary society, and every writer somehow finds a way to address one or more of these issues in ways that point society to the right direction. I am yet to read that African text, which would valourise evil or not punish antisocial behaviour.

    My role as a judge in 2025 the Nigeria prizes

    My role is clear-cut. Be part of the team to identify the winning entry while guarding the prestige of the prize through impartial adjudication. On what to look out for in this year’s prizes, I’d say we should keep our fingers crossed on that.

    On ensuring that AI sensitised scripts/books do not make the shortlists/winning works

    AI has come, and it is now a part of all we do. We acknowledge this but draw a clear line between ethical and unethical use of Artificial Intelligence. As scholars who deal with written works from students, writers, and other scholars; as voracious readers; as people who are familiar with how generative AI works, we have the skills to identify artificially generated work or even to identify when a certain part of a book is AI generated.

    Juggling the home with my careers

    I am very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive spouse who celebrates my successes even more than I do. I owe a lot to my husband’s support and his readiness to pick up any slack that my schedule may cause. His support has been invaluable as I wouldn’t have been able to achieve even a fraction without his prodding. More often than not, he is the motivator, challenging me to go on and reach for the peak.

    Important things aspiring authors, particularly young women, must consider

    • Understudy and know the art of writing. This can be done by reading works by excellent writers.

    • Take all the time to perfect the writing and not be in a haste to publish. Many a time, excellent stories are wasted by undue haste to get the book out.

    • Be conscious of the cultures and ideologies propagated in their works.

    On the notion that book people are not interested in fashion

     This cannot be totally true! I am not sure there is anyone who is not conscious of or interested in fashion. We all have fashion trends we love or abhor. So, one way or the other, we are interested in fashion. I am very much a “book person,” and I follow fashion trends as much as I can.

    My thoughts on beauty

    Beauty is subjective. That is why people think “book people” aren’t fashion conscious. Beauty to me means a balance in colours and features. Beauty is comfort. It is elegance.

    My favorite style to wear

    I love simplicity. I am fortunate to have both physique and features that make embellishments particularly needless. I love African fabrics as they provide varieties of colours and shades that help the wearer fit into any occasion. Any fashion trend that compromises comfort is a no-no for me.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    A wrist watch, but it has gone beyond being a fashion item to being a functional part of my dressing.

    What I do for fun

    If I am not reading a book or stories on my phone, I would be listening to music and singing on the top of my voice.

    What’s next for me

    Each day brings new things, new challenges, and opportunities. We would just have to wait and see. But I am excited to be a part of such a lofty prize as the NLNG.

  • Man jailed 14 years for molesting 78-year-old woman

    Man jailed 14 years for molesting 78-year-old woman

    Justice Rahman Oshodi of an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Friday, June 7, sentenced a man, Lawal Moshod, to 14 years imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 78-year-old woman (names withheld), now deceased.

     The judge convicted the defendant of a one-count amended charge brought against him by the state for the rape of the woman.

    The defendant had earlier pleaded not guilty when arraigned on May 13, by the prosecution, Mr B. E. Okeowo.

    The defendant was re-arraigned on May 30, 2024, on an amended one-count charge bordering an attempt to commit sexual assault by penetration contrary to section 262 of the criminal law of Lagos State.

    The amended information was read to the defendant on May 31, 2024, to which he pleaded guilty.

    The judge asked the defendant whether he understood the content of his guilty plea and the obligation of the court to give out the maximum sentence on the charges.

    Lawal admitted he made the plea bargain voluntarily and was satisfied by the advice of his counsel.

    Earlier, during resumed proceedings yesterday, the prosecuting counsel told the court that she called two witnesses, two IPOs and exhibits were tendered to prove his case.

    Okeowo urged the court to sentence the defendant according to the plea bargain agreement dated May 30, 2024.

    Delivering judgement on the matter, Justice Oshodi said that the defendant was charged on a lone count of rape through information dated August 26, 2019, which was filed on September 9, 2019, and he pleaded not guilty to it on May 13, 2022.

    “The defendant met the survivor a 78-year-old woman, now deceased, in Maryland, on January 2, 2019, she had dementia and could not find her way home.

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    “The defendant offered to assist her as it turned out it was a deliberate act to abuse her sexually.

    “The defendant took the 78 years old survivor to a secluded area and raped her. Some Good Samaritans heard her cry and mobilize to rescue her”

    She was taken to the police station and it was confirmed that the survivor was bleeding through her private part and bruises on her face.

    “She was later taken to Mirabel Medical Center for examination. The medical examination result was received as exhibit F in evidence which documents physical trauma and forceful penetration of the survivor’s vi.rginal.

    The prosecution counsel B. E Okeowo informed the court that both parties have entered a plea and sentence agreement dated May 30, 2024.

    Oshodi asked the defendant if he had anything to say to the court,

    “Forgive me,” Moshod said.

    The defendant’s counsel Oyebanji Yusuf pleaded to the court to tamper justice with mercy.

    “He is remorseful towards what he has done, I plead to this honourable court to tamper justice with mercy. He committed a very grievous offence considering the age of the victim”

    The prosecution counsel Okewo urge the court to sentence Beth defendant according to the plea bargain.

    “My lord we urge this honourable court to sentence the defendant according to the plea bargain. The plea bargain agreement does not reduce the gravity of the offence committed by the defendant.

    “The victim was 78 years old, she only sought help from the defendant he took advantage of it and raped her which caused the victim a lot and laid her to her death”

    She further added that this will send a powerful message and signal to society.

    “My Lord this will send a powerful message message and signal to the society that sexual abuse will not be tolerated in the society.”

    “We also asked that his name should be registered in the sexual offenders register”

    Oshodi sentenced the convict to 14 years imprisonment on the one-count charge after considering the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and defence counsel.

    The judge said the 14 years imprisonment would commence on January 2, 2019, the day he was remanded.

    Oshodi stated that though the victim is dead already one can imagine the pains of a 78-year-old woman suffering from dementia.

    “One can imagine the pains, suffering and anguish you inflicted on her, her family will live with that painful reality”

    The judge ordered the convict to be returned to the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Center and for his name to be included in the Lagos State Sexual Offenders Register.

  • Woman love yourself, regardless of prejudice

    Woman love yourself, regardless of prejudice

    Tosin Adeyemi, a co-partner of B/Rated Productions, is one Edo woman who is proud of her heritage.  Tosin, who is an alumna of the La Cinefabrique Film School, Lyon, is one experienced stage actress with guts. She rose from being the “Queen of the night” at the Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) 2014 to becoming the festival producer 10 years after. Her directorial debut entitled The X Chromosomes, a five-woman play on things unsaid and what women want in their lives, has continued to receive nice reviews. She shares her journey with EVELYN OSAGIE

    My pursuit of acting as a career

    I always loved acting. For me, acting has been interesting and fun. It’s what I hoped for and more. I actually owe it to my dad and my sister. At a time I wanted to study Law, then I changed and said Mass Communications, but my dad and our first born said: ‘You already do all these performances (singing, dancing, and acting), why don’t you just do Theatre Arts’. That was the beginning of my journey towards becoming a professional. I studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, and went further to other institutions to study for Film and Television. I am an alumna of the La Cinefabrique Film School, Lyon in France. Today, I am the festival producer for the Lagos Theatre Festival. And I’ve since steered the wheel of theatre and film industry at a steady pace, and here I am.

    I am also into modelling voice audiobooks, audio dramas, acting in films and television series, and in commercials.

    Growing up impacted the woman I became

    Growing up for me was interesting. I’m from a family of four girls and one boy from Edo State; and I am very proud of my heritage. I am from a strict background. You can’t imagine how strict our parents were. My Mom brought us up in a very disciplined way; and now that I am married I still practice her teachings till date. I remember as early as when I was nine years old, I had already joined the Sunday school choir; and there were seasons where we would have to go to other parishes for overnight competitions. I remember my mother not being comfortable with releasing me to go out for the ministrations but I was an integral part of the performances. She would always hand me over to someone older in the choir and then, she would let me go after much pleading from the choir members almost every time. Eventually, she became more comfortable, especially as she saw how much progress I was making and got to watch me perform.

    My passion

    I am passionate about a few things. Whether it’s my work as a thespian, God, love or justice, the desire to thrive and live a life of happiness and fulfillment is what fuel my passions.

    Being a woman

    Being a woman is instinctively being a giver, a caregiver and a nurturer. For some, that may be a lot but for me, it simply means that as a woman I have been blessed with the ability and capacity to love myself, regardless of societal prejudices, and give love to my surroundings and to have the understanding that the energy I give out will impact my life positively, if not in the immediate but, eventually. And I bring that love into my work as a thespian.

    My most memorable moments as a thespian

    As an actress that is committed to telling stories that make you have a willing suspension of disbelief, I have had lots of memorable moments. I have so many good moments but I don’t think anything beats the I-am-proud-of-my-daughter look on my mother’s face every time someone tells her they saw me on television or at a show performing. Also, I have been privileged to be on television series, films, audio books and theatre productions, such as House of Gaa, Ricordi (Season 2), Schooled, Dilemma, She, Motherland the Musical, Mamma Mia the Musical, Queen Moremi the Musical, Olurombi the Musical, Kakadu the Musical, Lie to me Dan, Oluwashola (The Story of Us), Operator Gaga, The audition, Queen of the Night and lots more. My Directorial debut is entitled: The X Chromosomes was staged at Terrakulture in 2021. Each of the projects I have been involved in come with its own exciting experience but I cannot forget in hurry my stint in Moremi Ajasoro in Queen Moremi the Musical, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters; and Queen of the Night’ by Wole Oguntokun. These two productions taught me a lot in many ways and impacted my life and career positively.

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    There’s this on-top-of-the-world feeling when you are acknowledged, recognised and appreciated for the work you’ve done.

    Contribution of the festival to Lagos cultural landscape

    LTF has been a part of us for nine years. That is nine years of funding, support and tremendous growth. Every festival, we have people from all over the world come to the Hub (Freedom Park) right here in Lagos to partake in the cultural celebration that is the festival. At Lagos Theatre Festival, we promote our culture by combining every single thing that is African and present it to you for your appreciation. Providing this platform for emerging and established artists to continue to produce impactful work has been the objective of the Festival, and we are committed to keep running with this vision.We have hosted nine festivals, with over 203 productions, 52workshops/panels and over 590 shows. We have reached over 42,800 physically and over 770 million online. A huge feat, if I must say so myself. We curate plays, concerts, poetry sessions, workshops that reflect our traditions, beliefs , culture, society and more.

    My journey as festival producer

    It has been a great experience. It was a lot of work and I honestly cannot begin to explain how hectic it was! But I was so excited and challenged. My desire to be and do better kept me going. It is indeed a huge feat to be able to produce a festival on such a large scale. I produce the play, Before I let you go for B/Rated Productions; and an entire festival at the same time. Being festival producer Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) 2024 tested and groomed me in so many forms and I sincerely cannot wait for LTF 2025! But my journey as festival producer for LTF 2024 this year’s edition started 2023. Towards the last quarter of last year Mrs. Lydia Idakula, who is LTF artistic director, reached out to me.

    My advice to aspiring thespians

    One, have the talent and be willing to be a tool, because as an actor, you are the tool: your body and your voice are tools. Be ready to work, ready to learn, then go for it. If you have the opportunity to study at the university, go ahead, and if you cannot, take courses on the side, or join a group/troupe, as training is important.

    My thought on beauty

    For me, beauty is really comforting in your skin and your body.

     My escape

    I eat ice-cream, watch a lot of movies and spend lots of time with the ones I love.

    My fashion style

    My fashion style is minimalist and essentially for my comfort. I’m a blend of androgynous, chic, athleisure, and sometimes boho. It really depends on how I decide to dress for the day.

    Fashion item I cannot do without

    Perfume

    What’s next for me and for the LTF

    After a long hiatus, LTF 2024 was a success. Moving on, the team intends to work on projects that will involve the community, leading up to the call for applications for LTF 2025 later in the year.

  • Souled Out marries girl-woman crux

    Souled Out marries girl-woman crux

    It was an entrancing experience, the night poet, Wana Udobang, also known as Wana Wana, took her audience on a poetic journey.

     The stage at Rele Gallery, Ikoyi, literally came alive with soft music – a sexy accompaniment to Udobang poetic vibes that paid homage to her past (childhood), present and future. Music producer, Femi Leye and other guitarists added spice to the evening’s event.

    Udobang’s poems are known to bring to the front burner the plights of girl child and women, while also highlighting their strengths. The evening renditions, tagged: Souled Out, was no different. Her performances drew from personal experiences of domestic abuses.

    You could call the renditions, a marriage of girl-woman crux – as before her poems championed the causes of girlhood and womanhood where motherhood was placed in the poetic dock of the poet. And in the poem, In Conversation with my Mother, she says: “The easiest person to forgive is your mother”

    Like a skilled enchantress, her lines mesmerised her audience as she recounted chapters of sexual and physical abuse, resilience, etc. It was interesting the way her words thundered through the silence of her audience with her poetic purgation that gave rise to the diverse feeling – rage, sorrow, joy, love and pain. Perhaps, her greatest strength was her ability to engage her audience in a deeply interactive manner that gives each person a unique connection with the poet and each of her poems.

    The evening renditions were divided into two parts and ended with an interactive moment. In the first part, the poet was dressed in a pink top and purple skirt, and went in an orange gown in the second part of the renditions.

     From ‘family portrait’ to ‘girlhood’ to ‘open your mouth and spit it out’ and to the very end of her renditions, “20”, Udobang had very punchy lines that are essentially food for thought. Lines like “When you become a woman, your body will become a goldmine…,” “Mom said driving is how women run from their deaths to keep their children alive,” evoked mental images of female protagonists in movies or novels who have to run for their lives from their abusive husbands or partners…,” “Learning is a way for me to survive…,”

    This poet, who is also a filmmaker, and television personality, spoke of her passion for learning new things in between her rendition, saying: “A part of me wants to keep learning. My mother insisted that I should learn how to drive even when I didn’t have a car to drive.”

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    The poet also revisited the issue of her body size in her poem, “Confidence.” Like most plus-sized girls, one could feel the poet’s pulse as she journeyed into her childhood as a fat child when she was in secondary school, “In the boarding school, I got a lot of beating because, as a fat girl, it was deemed that I didn’t feel pain from beating because my skin had some extra flesh.”

    Her poems not only recalled her experiences, they paid credence to her tales of survival, tolerant resilience and protest against the poor treatment of the girl child and women. Poems like “Reimagined”, “We made it”, “Take me back”, “Sister Circle”, among others. -From Ode to Puff Puff, to Catfish, the evening renditions took a different twist when the poet took her audience to the kitchen. The narrative poems were also metaphors of the plights and resilience of women and girls. Udobang’s romantic poem, “20,” articulated a sense of positivity brought about by enduring love.

    Undoubtedly, with Souled Out, of poems that tell her personal memoirs, she has proven to be a poet enchantress. Udobang, who lives in Lagos and London, has released three spoken-word albums titled Dirty Laundry, In Memory of Forgetting, and Transcendence. Her work as a performer has taken her across Africa, Europe, and the US, along with working on commissions for Edinburgh International Festival and Deutsches Museum in Germany, among others. In 2021 she was awarded the International Writing program residency at the University of IOWA.

  • A woman is more than a superhero

    A woman is more than a superhero

    Jennifer Daniel, a product designer/founder, UX Resource Hub, is a firm believer that gender can never stop women from doing exploits or succeeding. Her expertise cuts across the information technology and finance sectors. Daniel, who used to own a fashion brand called ‘Jennifer Daniel’, designed beginner-friendly UX courses for aspiring UIUX/product designers. It is accessible for free. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her fashion, passion and foray into product design.

    It’s been a decisive journey to be honest. When I was younger, I thought I was going to be a doctor. I was all medical and stuff until I found myself in Mass Communications. I worked in a media company then I realised I wasn’t really doing what I truly enjoyed. Then product design came and I instantly fell in love.

     My thought on beauty

     Beauty is a definition from various perspectives. Very subjective. Maybe physical, mental, depending on what angle. Basically, the simplicity of life.

     My fashion style

     I’m more of an elegant fashion person. I’d describe myself as a fashionista. I used to own a fashion brand called Jennifer Daniel which I will resuscitate in the future. I have days I wear a whole lot of black and days I wear a lot of colour bust. My go-to outfit will be a body con or a black on black on black pant and jacket shirt.

     Fashion item you cannot do without

     Jewelry just adds a lot bust to my outfit. Love it!

     My special interest in product design

     I’ve always loved design. I went from fashion design to doing social media posters and stuff. Then I heard about UIUX and what it entails and I knew that’s what I was supposed to be doing. Design is my core focus. It frames the way we think and approach life in an empathetic form. I have a couple of designs to my credit from my previous works. Right now, I’m working with an amazing team at one of the payment card establishments in Nigeria to rebirth their app to further make payments and services seamless for millions of global users. I now have over three years of valuable experience.

     Challenges on my tech journey

     One of the major challenges I face often is balancing users and business goals. I have to always put a balance between creating an intuitive user experience and meeting the business objectives. I don’t want to delve right into this because we will sleep here.

    Read Also; Cash transfer, best way to fight poverty, says Minister

    Inspiration behind my designs

     Being able to solve complex problems into digital solutions users can interact with is what inspires me a lot. The part of product design I enjoy most is the brainstorming and iteration part. It makes me learn from diverse perspectives and gain new insights into solving user experience (UX) problems.

    Gender should never stop a woman from succeeding

    I really don’t have any preference working with men or women. They are both unique in their ways. I don’t look at gender differences. I work with a balance of both genders and it’s been the best team ever. In the world we are in, being a woman is more like being a superhero to be honest. In fact, most employers now are seeking female talents because our creativity, strategic thinking level combined with empathy approach is amazing. A whole lot of women are doing amazing things; some have either founded or built some of the best products globally and helped companies gain traction both women in my field and outside of my field. I think 80 per cent of women now have a strong mindset and are goal getters. I can’t wait to see more women do exploits.

     My foray into product design

     My foray into the world of product design led to my building the first of its kind UX resource hub that allows aspiring UIUX/Product designers learn the field step by step for free. At the beginning, my life was framed by empathy. I have passion for helping others like me because I knew my struggles while I was about to delve into the field. My story should encourage young ones that you can train yourself to become an expert in any field and your age does not matter. Today, my expertise cuts across sectors such as information technology, E-commerce and finance sectors, etc. But it was not always so. I had to research and study widely. For instance, I watched a lot of YouTube videos, took online courses and practiced with real life research to be able to become an expert in design. Currently, I work as a product designer at Interswitch Group, one of Nigeria’s leading Fintech corporations. I actively contribute to the cross-functional collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the Quickteller app to further make payments and services seamlessly for millions of global users. This is not to brag but to encourage women and young ones that nothing should stop their dreams. And I am happy that I am giving back to the community through the hub.

    Inspiration behind building your free UX resource hub

     As I’ve said, setting up the UX resource hub was inspired by my passion for humanity. A lot of people have reached out to me about how they struggled. The number of messages I got was already growing high and I thought this was the best way to give back because if I’m being honest, nobody really helped me while I was learning. If I had someone that did what I did, I’d be more than grateful to them. To fully set it up, in two months, I learnt how to use a software called ‘webflow’ on Udemy and kept practicing to build the website; so I can build a website that stands as a learning platform for aspiring and existing UX designers in tech. Today, designers can learn product/UIUX design; find inspiration and guidance in the field for free. I also took an initiative to create a self-study planner that helps them plan their learnings while using my website. The turnover was massive and I knew that I had done something very unique. Our UIUX or products Design give users several options to explore. We made sure to put out all the information and learnings that will help them. Some people might decide they want to specialise in their career as an UX writer, UX Researcher, Ui designer, Product designer, UX designer, Information architect, and so it’s broad. But I gathered them into one.

     My escape place

     Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new activities and own an online art gallery called Subway Africa. I enjoy watching movies a lot. And definitely having a beach time.

     Next place to conquer

     Definitely more to conquer. Not just in Nigeria alone but Africa, the UK, a lot of other countries in diaspora. Building and shaping their economies to create products that push wealth and innovation.

  • Woman flees after killing husband with pestle

    Woman flees after killing husband with pestle

    A mother of three, Mrs Tayelolu Solomon, is on the run after using a pestle to kill her 65-year-old husband identified as Mr. Felix Solomon.

    The woman killed her husband while he was asleep at their GRA residence in Ondo town.

    One of their son, Ibukun, who witnessed the killing, said their parents had been having issues and the woman would always threaten to kill their father.

    According to him, “my mother killed my father with a pestle in my presence and took to her heels. She used the pestle to hit his head when he was asleep.

    “On that day, a minor argument ensued between them that resulted in a fight. After the fight, my father went to lie on the chair and my mother hit his head with the pestle.

     “He became unconscious in the process and fell down from where he was sleeping. My mother used the pestle to hit my father’s head three times and he later died.

    Read Also: DSS arrests two women with 1,000 rounds of ammunition

    “When my mother saw that my father was already unconscious, she hid the pestle at the back of our house and ran away.

    ”I alerted some of the residents, who rushed my father to hospital. But he later died. His body has been deposited at the morgue.

    “My mother had three children for my father and I’m the last child.”

    A family member who pleaded anonymity said they had been making efforts to settle the incessant fight between the couple before the killing.

    He said: “The woman had been threatening to kill her husband whenever they were fighting. And the deceased informed us about the threats. But we never knew she would carry out the act.

    “But this time, she took laws into her hands and killed our brother for nothing. She must be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

    Police spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, could not be reached for comments.

  • An extraordinary woman who tried everything

    An extraordinary woman who tried everything

    When I was eleven, I pleaded (or maybe demanded) that my mother allow me to attend boarding school. The common entrance exam results had just been released, and judging by my score, I was qualified to attend the elitist Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) in Benin City, Edo State. I didn’t know back then that my mother’s meager salary as a teacher was insufficient to cover the expenses. But somehow, she made it happen.

    When I was twenty-one, I was selected to participate in a six-month youth exchange program sponsored by the British Council and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in the United Kingdom. For the first three months, I volunteered as a researcher in a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, U.K. For another three months, along with other youth volunteers (eight British and nine Nigerians), we spent another three months volunteering in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. These experiences influenced my career choice in global development, and my mother’s investment in helping me gain independence early on built my confidence and grit.

    I never got a chance to connect these dots with my mother through a reflective reminisce because, on June 26, 2023, four days before my 39th (thirty-ninth) birthday, she transitioned from this precarious world as we know it.

    My mother

    My mother, Princess (Mrs.) Margaret Otayo Ehidiamen, née Oseghale, was a lover of life. She cultivated every second of it, sharing her life and light with others. Born to the royal family of Omontuemen Okojie, my mother grew up in Uromi, Edo state. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Grammar School Uromi; Mary Mount College (OLA), Agbor, Delta State; and College of Education Abraka, Delta State (which has evolved into Delta State University); and the University of Ibadan, where she earned her educational certificates.

    My mother pursued careers in sports and teaching. She represented her schools in many sporting events, including swimming, track, long tennis, and badminton. Her athletic prowess was well-known to many, and she often talked about how she took part in a track competition while pregnant.

    My mother married my father, Asia Ehidiamen, at an early age, and they had seven children (six surviving children) in good wealth. I am the sixth (technically, the seventh) child, and the two greatest gifts I received from my parents are a good name (good character) and a quality education.

    Growing up, I enjoyed being called a teacher’s daughter and all the extras that came with the title, such as not paying for the famous PTA levy, not being punished by other teachers, and not being mishandled by peers or bullies at school. From my mother, I learned the art and act of being strong and tenacious. As a teacher, she spent years contributing to the human capital development of the youths in Uromi before moving to Lagos State, where she continued to work as a teacher, then elevated to the position of assistant headmistress and retired as a headteacher (headmistress) after 35 years of active service as a civil servant. Many accolades/awards of excellence distinguished my mum’s career as a teacher. I have had one or two people stop me on the street or send me messages on Facebook to ask if I am Mrs. Ehidiamen’s daughter. They would then recount how their lives were impacted positively by my mother’s classroom influence in primary school. It is always very inspiring to take it all in.

    Multi-dimensional problem-solver

    My mother was undoubtedly a hardworking, multi-talented woman who invested time in solving multi-dimensional challenges in her community. Even though she was a teacher by profession, she expressed her entrepreneurial acumen and talents through other channels. My mum was a talented singer and thrived as a chorister at the Church of God Mission, where she first embraced the gift of Salvation and generously propagated the gospel of Christ to others, including her family members. She was a hair stylist (she owned a Salon in the early years). She was a farmer (in Uromi), and many years later, she still enjoyed keeping a small garden (in her house in Akute/Magboro).

  • Woman faces N4.5m gold investment fraud charge

    A woman, Ijeoma Udeabor, who allegedly obtained N4.5 million under the guise of investing it in a gold multi-level marketing (MLM) online business, was yesterday arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    Udeabor, 33, was arraigned by the police before Mrs. O. O. Oshin, on a three-count charge of fraud.

    Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), George Nwosu, alleged that Udeabor committed the offence in January 2017 in Lagos.

    He said Udeabor obtained N4.5m from two women under the guise of investing the money in Swiss Golden Investment, an online investment that purportedly deals in buying and selling of gold bars.

    The court heard that Udeabor promised the complainants, Mrs. Chika Okoli and Mrs. Ifeayinwa Ukanna that she would refund their capital with an interest of N1.5 million each after 60 days of investing the capital.

    Nwosu alleged that the defendant obtained N2.25 million from each complainant through her Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) account.

    Udeabor pleaded not guilty.

    Her counsel, Mr. I. E. Okoroafor, applied for the defendant’s bail “in the most liberal terms.”

    Okoroafor prayed the court to allow him stand as surety for the defendant, saying he was aware of the implications of such decision.

    He presented his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, Call to Bar Certificate and Bachelor of Laws (BL) Certificate to prove his preparedness to guarantee Udeabor’s appearance for trial.

    In a bench ruling, Magistrate Oshin granted the defendant N200,000 bail with one surety in the like sum, among other conditions.

    The case continues on June 3.

     

  • Woman accused of battering maid

    Residents of Andrew Alebe Street, Iyana Ishashi, a Lagos suburb, have appealed to the government and civil rights movement to rescue a child from being mistreated by her boss.

    The woman, purported to be a soldier’s wife, was alleged to have injured the maid identified as Ulunma, whose poor parents were said to be in their village in Imo State.

    The latest abuse on the minor reportedly occurred at 10, Andrew Alebe Street, off Okemoro in Iyana Isashi, Ojo, which left the girl, aged 10, with body injuries and fallen teeth.

    Ayo Fatimoh, who shared the incident on social media, alleged that the woman was a terror in the neighbourhood, as she boasted that her husband was a soldier.

    Fatimoh said the case of serial abuse on the minor had been reported at Ishashi Police Division, but the police seemed helpless in handling it.

    The police reportedly advised the residents to expose the incident, to attract the attention of relevant government agencies and prevent murder.

    But the Army described as unfounded, claims by the woman that her husband was a soldier.

    It urged the police to arrest and prosecute her.

    Read also: Court remands three for alleged robbery, kidnapping

    Spokesman for 81 Division, Laolu Daudu, a Lieutenant Colonel, advised the police and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene, to rescue the child.

    He said: “This is a terrible case of child abuse and molestation. The woman should be brought to book irrespective of whoever her husband is. Her claims are unfounded, as her name, the purported soldier-husband’s name or rank or other details are not stated.

    “Soldiers and their families live in barracks where there is zero tolerance for such inhuman act. It seems there is a deliberate attempt to use every opportunity of negative incident like this to smear the good image of the Nigerian Army, which is uncalled for.

    “I hail the media for their good work. They should, however, not publish such stories casting unfounded aspersions on soldiers and their families.

    “In this particular case, I advise that the attention of the Police, National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies be called, to save the traumatised child.”

    Contacted, police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said the woman was arrested on August 16 last year and later arraigned.