Elsie’s inspiration for Unisex Hair Growth was sparked during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a woman going through menopause, she found herself battling with not just hormonal changes, but the stress of lockdown and homeschooling two sons one with Autism and the other preparing for A’Level exams. As she saw her once beautiful hair thinning, she embarked on a quest to find a solution.

This led Elsie to delve into a two-year extensive research on the benefits of natural plants and oils for damaged hair and dry scalp and discovered natural products across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania. Combining her findings with her passion for creating effective solutions, Elsie began experimenting with formulations in her kitchen.

With the help of her intelligent son, Christian, the birth of Opal – a revolutionary unisex hair growth serum – marked the turning point for El’Rog. It is UK cosmetic-approved and uniquely formulated with 14 natural products such as black rice, green tea and rosemary.

Not stopping at hair care alone, Elsie recognized the neglected realm of beard care. Observing that many men failed to give their beards the attention they deserved, El’Rog extended their range to include products like the popular Citrine men’s beard growth and moisturising oil, which is also UK cosmetic-approved.

Today, El’Rog’s products have found their way into Amazon’s FBA in the UK and will be across Europe and Africa by the summer of 2024. Products can be shipped to Africa via her website. With a commitment to creating natural and effective solutions, El’Rog has become a trusted name for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their hair and unleash their full potential.

Beyond her success with El’Rog, Elsie’s professional background brings immense credibility to her brand. With over 25 years of experience in business change and transformation, she has led high-profile projects across various industries, spanning banking, finance, insurance, retail, payment card, and government sectors.

Elsie Rogers’ journey from personal struggle to global hair care success exemplifies the power of persistence, insight, and the determination to create products that truly make a difference. As El’Rog continues to expand its reach, it is clear that Elsie’s passion and transformative vision will remain at the heart of this exceptional brand.

Finally, to forge stronger ties with our customers who may face import expenses, we are eager to extend our affiliate programme to Africa, specifically Nigeria. We are elated to welcome individuals who wish to partake in this opportunity and engage with our brand, while also mitigating any potential financial hardships associated with import fees.

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Teach For Nigeria (TFN), a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing education inequities by building a movement of leaders from diverse academic fields to teach in underserved communities as full-time teachers, has launched applications for its eighth cohort of fellows.

The Teach For Nigeria fellowship is a two-year paid commitment that mobilises fresh graduates and professionals as Fellows to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Fellows harness their leadership skills while designing solutions to address the everyday struggles of placement schools and communities.

Prior to their placement, each cohort participates in an intensive six-week pre-service training. The training exposes fellows to the organization’s theory of problem and change, its vision, mission, and core values. Fellows are also trained in 21st-century teaching pedagogy, leadership, and entrepreneurship while undergoing a community immersion experience.

In their classrooms, fellows not only have the opportunity to teach but also deepen their understanding of the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria. They engage and work collectively with community stakeholders to change the trajectory of children in their placement communities. The fellowship goes beyond improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills; it offers fellows the chance to teach today and shape the future of countless children in low-income communities.

Since its inception, TFN has recruited, trained, and placed at least 1,500 exceptional young leaders in over 600 schools across Lagos, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo states. The organization has also impacted over 300,000 students and boasts a growing network of 835 alumni.

Teach For Nigeria is also part of the Teach for All Network, a growing group of locally-led, independent organizations in over 60 countries with the shared purpose of expanding educational opportunities for children worldwide.

Fellowship Benefits And Eligibility Criteria

The Teach For Nigeria 2024 Fellowship offers a wealth of benefits and requires specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must be Nigerian nationals aged between 18 and 35, have completed their NYSC service on or before July 2024, and hold a university degree with at least second-class honours. Accepted fellows will receive a gross monthly stipend of N94,990 for two years, including holidays.

Additionally, they will have the opportunity to pursue a Professional Diploma in Education program through a scholarship. Fellows will gain access to mentors and continuous professional development, enabling them to design and execute social change projects while benefiting from mentorship and networking opportunities with professionals across various industries.

Application Process

The Teach for Nigeria Fellowship selection process has multiple rounds of applications for each cohort. An applicant can apply only once for any cohort. The application involves essay writing, an aptitude test, a telephone interview, group assignment, and a physical assessment, including a mock teaching session. The 2024 fellowship application closes on March 29, with the application outcome and next steps communicated via email.

How to Apply

You can apply for the Teach for Nigeria Fellowship here

The TFN Fellowship Experience

Speaking at the recruitment launch event, Folawe Omikunle, the Chief Executive Officer of Teach for Nigeria stated,

Fellows commit two years to transforming academic and non-academic outcomes for the children during the fellowship. After the two-year fellowship, they continue to unleash their leadership towards addressing the barriers and issues identified while in the fellowship

On the opportunities available for Fellows after the two-year program, Folawe noted,

A number of our alumni have now launched social enterprises, leading successful and growing social enterprises and social impact organizations. We also have some of them working in policy, while others transitioned into working with the government.

Odedeji Gbeminiyi Abisola, a TFN alumna and panelist at the recruitment launch, said,

I went to the Teach For Nigeria pre-service institute as Mrs. Odedeji but came back as a brand new teacher-leader. The fellowship changed the trajectory of my professional journey, helping me to see beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Speaking on the kind of support he received as a Fellow, Kazeem Adekunle Abdulrasak, an alumnus of the fellowship and one of the panelists stated,

The support I receive at Teach For Nigeria started even before I resumed in the classroom. Teach For Nigeria gave me the platform to become part of a community of committed people.

Olukoya Tititobiloluwa Praise, a Teach For Nigeria student, also recounted how her teacher uses video clips and charts to teach and how she learned politeness from her teacher.

The theme of this year’s fellowship is “Teach Today, Shape Tomorrow: Your Leadership Matters Now!” targeting young leaders committed to tackling the country’s most difficult challenges and unleashing the potential of all Nigerian children. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit here to apply.

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There’s a saying that when someone does exceedingly well, they deserve their praise. Tobi Amusan has a heart full of champion’s spirit and has done exceedingly well. Over and over again, she has proved that she is not just a runner who runs swiftly, but who breaks records – even her own – and scoops medals. We call her the golden girl of 100m hurdles.

Here’s a rundown of her world championships so far:

At just 18, Tobi Amusan announced her arrival on the athletics scene with a double gold medal performance in 2015. She dominated the 100m hurdles at both the African Junior Athletics Championships in Ethiopia and the African Games in the Republic of Congo.

In 2018, Tobi made history as the first Nigerian to win gold in the Commonwealth Games in 100m hurdles at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. She also won a bronze model in the 4x 100m relay with her teammates, Joy Udo-Gabriel, Blessing Okagbare and Rosemary Chukwuma.

Later in the same year, she won her first African Championship at the 2018 Asaba African Championship and a gold medal in the 4 × 100m relay.

In 2019, at her second African Games in Rabat, Morocco, Tobi blazed over the hurdles to win a gold medal in a record of 12.68 seconds.

In the same year, at the 2019 World Championship in Doha, Qatar, Tobi set a personal best in the 100m hurdles heats and semis but finished fourth in the final.

In 2021, she broke a 23-year-old African record by Glory Alozie, clocking 12.42 seconds to become the first Nigerian Diamond League champion at the Zurich Diamond League. This historic feat earned her the coveted diamond trophy and $30,000.00.

In June 2022, Tobi Amusan solidified her reign as the African 100m hurdles champion, retaining her title at the 22nd African Championships in Mauritius with a time of 12.57 seconds. She didn’t stop there, she added another gold in a victorious 4 × 100m relay.

In the same month, she proved her dominance with an amazing top-tier finish, clocking 12.41 seconds at the 2022 Wanda Diamond League in Paris.

The same year in July, in Oregon, Tobi broke the 100m hurdles world record in the World Championships semifinals, becoming Nigeria’s first world record holder in athletics. Though she didn’t claim the legal record in the final, she secured her first World Championship title.

Still, in July, she won the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Stockholm Diamond League, with an impressive time of 12.52 seconds.

In September, she set a new record as the first Nigerian to win the Diamond League title in 12.29 seconds at the Zürich Diamond League final event. What a perfect way to wrap up the year.

2023 was the year that tested Tobi. She started the season strong with 12.34 seconds in the 100m Hurdles at the Silesia Diamond League Meet on July 12. However, she faced a hurdle with a temporary anti-doping suspension, later cleared by the Disciplinary Tribunal.

2024 so far…

On January 5th, Tobi broke the African women’s indoor record in the 60-metre hurdles with a time of 7.75 seconds at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston and in February, she won the women’s 60mH at the Meeting Lievin in France clocking in at 7.77 seconds.

At the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana, Tobi won a gold medal in the Women’s 100m Hurdles finals. This is Tobi’s third consecutive 100m hurdles gold medal at the African Games. She also won gold in the women’s 4 ×100m relays final. 

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In honor of International Women’s Day, The Star Network Podcast is featuring and celebrating select leading women in business for the month of March, aligned with their community theme, #AuthenticallyYou. They kicked off their lineup with a discussion on Public Relations in Africa featuring Redrick PR and Herconomy – a savings and investment product.

There are so many young people building incredible things; their mission is to share their work, voices, and provide listeners with the opportunity to learn, connect, and draw inspiration.

Listeners can subscribe to their YouTube channel (@thestarnetworkpod) and to their audio recordings on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Additionally, you can get access to exclusive business insights by signing up for the newsletter here.

About Star Network Podcast

The Star Network Podcast series (“TSNP”) is a Business Podcast & Community dedicated to supporting individuals in achieving their business aspirations. This is accomplished by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creatives.

Through these narratives, the belief is that listeners can find inspiration and guidance to kick-start their ideas or connect with like-minded individuals within the community.

Host & Founder: Zephia Ovia-Ikem has curated a lineup of African CEOs and brilliant minds across various sectors such as Fintech, Data aggregation, Mental health advocacy, etc., to share their journeys, practical steps to getting work done, and general well-being advice.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for The Star Network Podcast

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The launch-themed “Young Leaders Summit” included head girls and assistant head girls in private and public secondary schools in Abuja.

Hosted by journalist and media personality Adeola Ademokoya, the event began with an introduction to The Pride’s mission, vision, and purpose. Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu, who spearheads the initiative, spoke on behalf of the Ojiudu Foundation about the foundation’s commitment to empowering young girls to become successful women in the future. The Initiative name draws its inspiration from the strength and majesty of a lion’s pride, as reflected in the foundation’s logo.

Her speech captivated and inspired the audience of young girls, their teachers, and the speakers. Sharing her journey to finding her path and becoming who she is today, Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu’s passion and dedication to empowering young girls and debunking stereotypes about what women can achieve were palpable.

Adaeze Ossai, Internal Auditor at Niger Delta Power Holding, spoke at the launch of the Pride event on February 29, 2024, at The Cans Park, Abuja

 The first set of speakers, Adaeze Ossai, Internal Auditor at Niger Delta Power Holding, and Kenechukwu Chukwu, Community Manager at Jobtech Alliance, spoke on the importance of appreciating access and relationships. The girls were encouraged through the stories the speakers shared to ensure excellence in everything they do as well as committing to help others on their way up. Unable to attend, Dr Munirat Antoinette Lecky, founder of The Live Wire Project, expressed her commitment to empowering the girls by sending a video where she shared candid insights and personal lessons and addressed the need to protect themselves from societal pressures.

Be respectful and be excellent in everything you do. When people fall short, don’t be quick to pull them down. Let’s empower and help each other at all times.

(L-R) Doosuur Tilley Gyado, COO of SoMe Solutions; Nabila Aguele, Former Special Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning; Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu, Founder, of Ojiudu Pride; and Jacqueline Suowari, an internationally recognised artist, at the launch of The Pride event on February 29, 2024, at The Cans Park, Abuja.

Following a lunch break, the event continued with the second set of speakers, including Jacqueline Suowari, an internationally recognised artist; Doosuur Tilley Gyado, COO of SoMe Solutions; and Nabila Aguele, former Special Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, who shared the incredible stories of how they had to push through the barriers and carve a path of success for themselves. Their stories shed light on the importance of diligence, grit, determination, and commitment on the path to success.

The young girls and teachers were given opportunities to ask the speakers questions. Every speaker inspired and empowered the girls with their responses and shared practical advice from their wealth of experience. The school teachers were encouraged to stay committed to raising the next generation of women leaders with dedication, love, and support.

To close off the event, Jennifer Okeke Ojiudu delivered a heartfelt closing remark, expressing gratitude to all speakers, teachers, and young girls for their participation and support of the launch of The Pride. With a renewed sense of inspiration and empowerment, guests embraced the opportunity to network and make meaningful connections.

With the success of the launch of The Pride, it’s evident that this incredible event has left an indelible mark on all who attended. The Ojiudu Foundation, through The Pride, is on a transformative journey to continue to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of phenomenal women leaders.

For those who missed out on this remarkable event, stay tuned for future gatherings, initiatives, and opportunities to connect with The Pride.

About the Pride

The Ojiudu Foundation, steadfast in its dedication to empowerment and development, is expanding its reach with the introduction of a specialised initiative, “The Pride.”

This initiative is designed to not only empower young women but also to act as a fervent advocate for female inclusion and a platform for amplifying female leadership. Drawing inspiration from the strength and majesty of a lion’s pride, as reflected in our foundation’s logo, The Pride aims to spotlight female leaders and mould young women into future leaders, fostering their growth and resilience in the face of challenges. Find The Pride on Instagram

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for The Pride Initiative 

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In a candid LIVE conversation powered by NIVEA, Nollywood actress Ini-Dima Okojie, actress and TV personality Mimi Onalaja, fashion-tech pioneer Sophia Ike-Onu, and 2x creative director Derin Fabikun, unravel the layers of their friendship, sharing insights on the intricacies of cultivating and sustaining healthy female bonds.

Hit the button below to watch:

 

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When asked what the secret to the health and length of their friendship is, Mimi said:

Grace and love are the core foundation of our friendship. Our knowledge of each other has also helped us allow ourselves to grow. The love stays constant and never wavers. We have grown in our knowledge of each other and it helps us try our best to love each other as the other person likes to receive.

On handling conflicts in friendship, Sophia encouraged participants to squash disagreements respectfully, without name-calling.

Trusting your friendship helps you navigate the times when your friend(s) can’t be present; giving and extending grace to your friendship. Allow yourself to be themselves without them conforming.

— Sophia Ike-Onu

Have an open line of communication.

— Ini Dima-Okojie

When asked how they have successfully navigated their friendship for so long, they all said: “At the core, let everything be rooted in love”.

 

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When asked to share their advice for people looking to cultivate healthy friendships, they said the following:

Sophia: “Trusting your friendship helps you navigate the times when your friend(s) can’t be present; give and extend grace to your friendship.”

Derin: “Create an atmosphere for your friends to relax and rest on you. It’s okay to leverage your friendship.”

Mimi: “In cultivating friendships, it’s very important that you’re not quick to cut people off. Be willing to extend grace and leave room for the possibility of growth. Seek first to understand before you pull the plug or end the friendship.”

Ini: “Allowing each other to have our mini ritual within the group without allowing jealousy to find a rooting.”

If you want good friendships, start by being a good friend and embodying kindness. Be the person that you want other people to be to you.

— Derin speaking about attracting great friendships

Have you watched the conversation yet? Hit the button below watch if you haven’t:

 

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The post Ini Dima-Okojie, Mimi Onalaja, Sophia Ike-Onu & Derin Fabikun Unravel 2 Decades of Amazing Friendship | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Have you ever tried typing a word in your native language, like “uwa” for mother in Hausa or “chakula” for food in Swahili, only to find that something’s off? You change your keyboard, yet it doesn’t display your words accurately. The typeface may even look strange.

You’re not alone. This is a common frustration many face when trying to express themselves in their mother tongue. It is also a major reason that Chisaokwu Joboson created the “Ojuju” typeface, “Many typefaces do not cater to African languages,” he says. “Ojuju was designed to support 514 African indigenous languages. So this means a lot of letters (or glyphs) in your language alphabet which you would usually not be able to type easily in many typefaces can be found in the “Ojuju” typeface. Africans mustn’t feel uncatered for in the grand scheme of things concerning design and communication and the Ojuju typeface is one out of many to help solve that, aside from being a pretty-looking font.”

Of the 7,000 languages spoken globally, 6,700 are indigenous and at risk of disappearing every two weeks, according to UNESCO (The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). Nigeria and Cameroon are among the countries with endangered languages.

Given these challenges, especially in a digital era, people should be able to find their languages on a keyboard that caters to their communication needs. The necessity for suitable fonts and keyboards in preserving African languages, whether on the internet or in print, is more critical than ever.

The “Ojuju” typeface addresses this gap and contributes to the promotion of indigenous African languages.

“We are moving towards an era where digital communication in indigenous African languages will be possible. For example, Africans will be able to use apps that have an option for their languages, just like Asians do. Learning will also be digitally possible in African languages. Achieving this requires creating structures that enable African languages to thrive, and African typography is at the centre of this effort.”

The choice of the name for the typeface, “Ojuju,” draws inspiration from Chisaokwu’s childhood fascination with African Masquerades. In Nigeria, “Ojuju” is a popular word to refer to masquerades. When deciding on a name for his typeface, he knew he wanted it to reflect his memories of masquerades.

“As a child, the mention of this name would have us kids either running away to hide or running toward the masquerade to catch a glimpse. Whenever I visited my hometown in Enugu, I would see the village masquerades and be captivated by their intricate identities, swift movements, fiery looks, and intriguing stories. When Google Fonts approached me to design a typeface with African essence, I was already exploring type design and searching for ways to create contemporary fonts that could support African languages. And so I chose the name “Ojuju” for my typeface. It is an easy-to-remember name that rolls off the tongue as well.”

Less than a year ago, @jobosonchisa talked about the importance of pushing African identity in design at the Untitled Design Conference.

Earlier this week, he published his vision in form of Ojuju typeface inspired by African masquerades.

A typeface for Africans by an African. pic.twitter.com/DdcO6HSFZj

— (@jideszn) March 2, 2024

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Every day is a great day to celebrate women! However, on March 8, the world makes it official with International Women’s Day (IWD).

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.

This year’s campaign theme is “Inspire Inclusion,” emphasizing the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society. It aims to unite women to pave the way for a future where all women have opportunities to thrive. The concept of inclusion also involves an actionable commitment that enriches our communities, workplaces, and societies.

The campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality, calling for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected. “Inspire Inclusion” encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those in the Nigerian Event Industry, which has contributed significantly to the Nigerian Economy.

The rise of event management in Nigeria’s economy can be attributed to factors such as the increase in disposable income, leading to a rise in demand for events and celebrations, as well as our diverse culture and a wide range of celebrations. Consequently, there is a constant need for professionals who can organize and manage these events effectively.

As the world comes together to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day, it’s essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of these Top 30 Women Leaders. They have invested a significant amount of energy, time, and total dedication to their craft, contributing to the development of the Nigerian Events Industry.

About BusyBee Excellence Awards:

The BusyBee Excellence Awards were created to celebrate true excellence in the Nigerian Events industry, an offshoot of the prestigious Africa’s largest summit, The BusyBee Event Business Summit—a conference held yearly in November.

In the spirit of celebrating true excellence, BusyBee Excellence Awards are pleased to unveil the Top 30 Female Leaders who have shaped the Nigerian Event Industry since its inception to date.

Take a closer look at the experiences of these exceptional women and the impact they are making in the industry nationwide.

1. Yewande Zacchaeus  Founder, Eventful Limited.

Yewande Zacchaeus, CEO of Eventful Ltd, a prominent events planning and consulting company in Nigeria, holds a Law degree from the University of Lagos and an LL.M. from Cambridge University, England. Transitioning from a successful career in law and banking, Yewande founded Eventful Ltd in 2002, emerging as a pioneer and market leader in the Nigerian events and venue management industry.

Yewande’s passion for transforming events in Nigeria led to the creation of notable brands, including The Food Souk, The Beauty Souk, The Fashion Souk, and The Street Souk—annual, highly anticipated events on the Lagos social calendar. In 2015, she received the Game Changer Award from THISDAY Newspapers for her groundbreaking contributions to the Nigerian event planning industry.

2. Funke Bucknor-Obruthe Founder, Zapphaire Events

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, the dancing event planner and CEO of Zapphaire Events, is also the author of The Essential Bridal Handbook and the mind behind Funke Says. Her company, Zapphaire Events, stands as one of Nigeria’s foremost event planning and management firms, earning accolades for innovative approaches in events for clients like Coca-Cola HBC, Samsung Electronics, and Google.

With over two decades of experience, Funke has garnered awards for her dedication and creativity. As a pioneer in Nigeria’s event industry, she attributes her success to self-belief, courage, hard work, and focus. The spirit of excellence propels her to continual achievement, serving as an inspiration to women globally. She is also the convener of the Event Experience Africa (TEXA), an annual conference fostering education and collaboration among professionals in the African Event industry for sustainable businesses.

3. Ibidunni Ighodalo Founder, Elizabeth R Events

The late Ibdunni Ighodalo was a renowned event management expert and co-pastor of Trinity House Church. She founded Elizabeth R and the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, supporting families with infertility challenges. Known for her legendary event management skills, her company, even after her passing, continues to provide comprehensive services, including The Dorchester, a 3000-capacity event hall in Lagos.

Through her foundation, Ibdunni Ighodalo funded IVF treatments, bringing joy to families and preserving marriages. She passed away in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on June 14, 2020. May her soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.

4. Omolara Akinosho-Akande CEO, Just Weddings/JW Events

Omolara Akinosho-Akande, CEO of Just Weddings/JW Events, is a pioneer in the Nigerian Event Industry. Starting Just Weddings in 1999, she quickly transformed it into a trusted name for dream events in Nigeria.

Known for creating chic, elegant, and fun events, JW Events is hailed as the “WOW” factor company in full-service wedding planning and unique event designing. Omolara is also the Founder of the Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers in Nigeria (APPOEMN).

5. Gbemisola Ope, CEO, Omega Events Company

Gbemisola Ope, an Events Professional with over 17 years of experience, excels in Events Management, PR, Human Resources, Customer Relations, Budget Event Design/Concept, and Procurement. Her expertise spans weddings, seminars, end-of-year parties, and product launches for top individuals and corporate organizations in Lagos.

Gbemisola’s career started with Adex Advertising (Chicago, Illinois) as a Public Relations Associate, followed by roles at First Data Corporation (Houston, Texas) and Trafalgar Energy Holding LLC (Houston, Texas). She then moved to the United Kingdom to work with City & Guilds (London) before establishing Omega Events in Nigeria, where she currently leads her team. She also serves as a Board Member of APPOEMN.

6. Olufunbi Akinsoye, CEO Dunamis Events

Olufunbi Akinsoye, CEO of Dunamis Events, has been orchestrating seamless events since 2000, accumulating over 20 years of industry experience. Her unwavering passion and dedication to enhancing the event sector’s growth are immeasurable.

Funbi, the recipient of numerous accolades such as the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) and Entrepreneur Amazon of the Year, has impacted over 300 entrepreneurs through her training school. She actively mentors budding event entrepreneurs, contributing to women’s empowerment and inclusivity.

Beyond her professional achievements, Funbi engages in humanitarian efforts, notably spearheading the Ijora-Badiya Feed 5,000 project with Restructure Africa. As a Founding Advisory Board member for Feed a Mouth Initiative, an NGO, she continues her commitment to philanthropy.

Currently serving as the President of the Association of Professional Party Organisers & Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), Funbi’s quest for excellence extends across various spheres of life.

7. Adefunke Kuyoro CEO of TWC Events Services

Adefunke Kuyoro, CEO of TWC Events, is renowned for her expertise in organizing high-profile weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Known as Mrs. K, she served as the Immediate Past President of APPOEMN and passionately enriches the industry’s knowledge base through TWC Academy, training hundreds of entrepreneurs.

An experienced CEO in the events services industry, Adefunke is skilled in Event Management, Weddings, Anniversaries, Sponsorship, and Wedding Planning. Additionally, she currently chairs NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), Lagos Chapter. Her commitment to creating memorable experiences and attention to detail mark her as a key figure in the event management sector.

8. Ayiri Oladunmoye Founder/CEO of Oaken Events Limited.

Ayiri Oladunmoye, Founder/CEO of Oaken Events Limited, brings over 15 years of experience in the Events Industry. As the Executive Director of Corporate Planning and Management at Del-York Group, one of Africa’s largest event companies, this former banker and Human Resource expert have carved a niche for her brand through skill, creativity, and dedication.

Ayiri’s journey in event planning began when she organized her wedding in 2002, leading to the establishment of Oaken Events in 2009. The company, specializing in full-service event design, consultation, and management, reflects Ayiri’s dedication, creativity, and orientation.

Noteworthy achievements include founding and hosting Atinuda, an Event conference raising standards in the African event industry, and establishing the African Silent Heroes Foundation and Ora Rae Hope Alive Foundation.

Renowned for flawlessly executing high-profile events, Ayiri ensures a personalized touch and utmost confidentiality for her clients, solidifying her reputation in the industry.

9. Bisi Sotunde. Managing Director, BusyBee Events

Coach Bisi, an award-winning International Events Planner and MD of BusyBee Events in Lagos, is a prominent force in the industry, excelling in corporate functions, weddings, and parties for over 15 years. A certified management consultant, business coach, and mentor, she is a facilitator in events management and entrepreneurship.

Known as the ‘Jagaban’ of the Nigerian Events Industry, Bisi’s influence has built strong brands within the sector. She serves as an International Mentor for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria) and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Recognized for her impact, Bisi has represented Nigeria/Africa in conferences sponsored by the Dubai Economy and Tourism Board and Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Board.

Bisi led a team to the Dubai Global Wedding Excellence Retreat in 2023, fully sponsored by the Dubai Government. Her numerous awards include Event Planner of the Year 2023, Top 50 Influential Icons in Nigeria, Most Supportive Coach of the Year, and Golden Mentor of the Year.

Through BusyBeeAcademy, she has trained over 2000 event professionals and is the convener of the BusyBee Event Business Summit since 2017. Bisi also leads the Thriving Business Network – The Well-Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT), a community for forward-thinking event professionals with over 350 members across Nigeria and the Diaspora.

10. Kehinde Iyiola. CEO, Finesse Events

Kehinde Onabanjo Iyiola, fondly known as Kenny, is the creative mind behind Finesse Events and White Stone Hall in Ikeja, Lagos. Known for her beauty, intelligence, and joviality, Kenny is a symbol of self-discipline, determination, and hard work in the hospitality industry.

With a focus on delivering WOW experiences, Finesse Events has successfully managed notable events, including the 60th birthday ceremonies for President Bola Tinubu, the burial of  Seyi Makinde’s mother, and the coronations of prominent figures like Oba Saheed Elegushi and Rasaq Okoya.

11. Bisola Borha. CEO, TrendyBe Events

Bisola Borha, CEO of TRENDYBE EVENTS Production, is a globally recognized creative wedding and experiential event planner. Before launching her own company, she accumulated 5 years of corporate experience at NLNG and CDIL.

Bisola’s significant contributions to the Event Planning Industry in Nigeria have earned her prestigious awards, including Top 100 Event Planner in the World (2022/2023) and Event Management Company of the Year (2018). Since establishing TrendyBee Production in 2013, she consistently breaks boundaries, garnering international and local acclaim for creating unforgettable event experiences. #DreamBigDoBig

12. Adeola Okeshola. CEO, 2706 Events

Adeola Okeshola, CEO of 2706 Events, is a renowned Principal Experience Manager in the bespoke event planning industry. As a trained investment banker with experience at Citigroup UK and Chapel Hill Denham, she specializes in crafting exquisite events, including marquee weddings, destination weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

Recognized on the Destination Wedding Planners Top Planner 2023-2024 list, Adeola is the ‘go-to’ wedding expert for couples seeking unforgettable experiences. With a passion for innovation and impeccable creativity, 2706 Events consistently exceeds expectations, delivering lasting memories for special celebrations. For Adeola Okeshola, the motto is, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.”

13. Mosunmola Nicole Akinwamide. CEO, IPC Events

Mosunmola Nicole Akinwamide, known as MNA, is the visionary CEO of IPC Events, with over 15 years of crafting unique and mind-blowing event experiences worldwide. A trailblazer in the Nigerian event industry, MNA disrupts with creative expressions, a formidable mind, and cutting-edge innovations. As a multiple award-winning event producer, she is renowned for her elegant style, attention to detail, and the ability to create magical experiences engaging all the senses.

MNA, also an accomplished author, holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Lagos and is an alumna of the Pan Atlantic University of the Lagos Business School. Beyond entrepreneurship, she is a mentor and teacher, passionate about empowering the next generation of event planners. Recently, she launched INVENTAA, an exclusive online platform for event professionals and entrepreneurs.

14. Ifeoma Stella Okoye CEO, STM Magical creation

Ifeoma Stella Okoye, an internationally certified event planner and beauty artist, transitioned from a legal career to found STM Magical Creations Ltd seven years ago. Known globally for detailed event experiences and subtle beauty, she also serves as a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria Business School and established the STM Magical Creations Event Academy in 2021, recognized as the premier Event Training Academy in South East Nigeria.

Apart from her detailed, creative, and professional approach to event planning, Ifeoma is a renowned educator and talented beauty artist. Facebook acknowledged her company as one of the leading SMEs in Nigeria in 2016, appointing her to the Facebook Council of Nigeria.

She holds positions such as the Education Officer for EOPANSE and membership in APPOEMN. Ifeoma has received numerous awards, including Event Personality of the Year and Makeup Artist of the Year at the Xperience Womanity Awards in 2015. She has been a featured speaker at events such as the African Global Events Industry Summit, She Leads Africa, Facebook, and EOPANSE.

15. Queen Ohamara. CEO, Qmara Vie Planners:

Queen Ohamara, CEO of Qmara Vie Planners, a luxury event planning company based in Abuja, offers stress-free event management, catering to diverse individual and corporate tastes. With a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Abuja, she transformed her love for organizing and creative design into a successful career.

After gaining valuable experience in the events planning industry, Queen launched Qmara Vie Planners in 2015, focusing on providing bespoke hands-on management and planning experiences. Over nine years, she has organized high-profile events nationwide for both corporate and private clients.

Recognized for her achievements, Queen Ohamara was featured in Forbes Africa Magazine in November 2019 and highlighted in The Rising Woman Series. Her company specializes in adding sophistication and luxury to events with a modern touch, consistently integrating the latest techniques and technologies while maintaining a warm and personal approach.

16. Lara Hans. CEO, The Planning Company.  

Lara Hans, Creative Director of The Planning Company in Abuja, brings over a decade of event management experience to her role. Previously working with renowned companies like Red Sapphire Nig. Ltd. and Blue Velvet Décor, Lara honed her skills in event design, logistics, vendor management, marketing, and brand communications. Holding degrees in Health Science and Social Care, as well as Peace and Conflict Resolution, she establishes a personalized and comfortable atmosphere for clients throughout the planning process.

Lara’s notable achievements include leading the team for the First Pan African Health Summit in Africa. Wedding Planner World Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 10 Trending Event Planners in 2017. Lara has also participated as a panelist in events like The Event Experience Africa 2019 (TEXA). Known for her commitment and integrity, she ensures The Planning Company maintains sincere and open relationships with clients and vendors. Outside work, Lara enjoys traveling and reading.

17. Tolu Akinlade. CEO, The Chimera Company

Tolulope Akinlade, the CEO/Event Director of the Chimera Company, stands out in the dynamic world of African event planning and hospitality. Renowned as the “Doyenne of events,” she brings over a decade of exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Tolulope is also the convener of the African Hospitality and Event Management Conference (AHEM-C), dedicated to advancing the growth of the Hospitality, Events, and Tourism industry across Africa. She recently hosted a luxury Masterclass in Abuja/Lagos featuring renowned Lebanese Wedding Designer Walid Baz as a facilitator.

18. Doubra Emein, CEO, Brad E Events

Doubra Emein, CEO of Brad E Events, seamlessly shifted from accounting to the events industry after graduating from OAU, Ile-Ife. Established in 2010, her company, based in Warri, Delta State, is renowned for planning and executing remarkable events in the South-South region of Nigeria. Doubra is also the Founder and convener of The Business Women Connect (TBWC), an initiative dedicated to motivating, teaching, encouraging, and fostering a community of businesswomen in the Niger Delta region.

19. Sharon Madueke. CEO, Shamol Experience

Known as the ‘QUEEN OF THE EAST,’ Sharon Madueke, CEO of Shamol Experience, received the 2021 Award of Excellence in the Eastern Region. Her innovative approach to traditional wedding events in the South East has reshaped the event landscape. Shamol Experience, based in Enugu and expanding into Lagos, Abuja, and the Diaspora, operates Destination Experience by Sharon, catering to destination events.

20. Chidinma Francis, Chrystal by Chee

Chidinma Francis, CEO of Chrystal by Chee, is celebrated as The Undisputed Queen of the East. Her International Event Professionals firm, based in the South East, Abuja, and Lagos, specializes in curating Unforgettable Experiences. Notable achievements include organizing the reception for former President Buhari’s visit to Imo State for a police officers’ conference and retreat in 2022.

21. Kikelomo Idowu, CEO, Kyksie Drapes Events

Kikelomo Olayeni Idowu, CEO of Kyksie Drapes Events and Interior, boasts over 16 years in the event industry, winning awards for her 360-degree expertise in event styling, interior designs, planning, and coordination. Based in Ibadan, she caters to high-profile clients such as FCMB, Coca-Cola, Olubadan of Ibadan, Alaafin of Oyo, and Chief Kuye’s family. Kikelomo runs The Mind Club, focusing on positive thoughts, emotional well-being, and mental health, and is a recognized leader in the industry.

22. Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi. CEO, Ifectiv Touch

Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi, CEO of Ifectiv Touch, is a tech-savvy event professional, Package with Sense Coach, Author, Speaker, and Digital entrepreneur. With over a decade of experience, she offers full event planning, ushering, VIP hospitality, and virtual/hybrid event management through Ifectiv Touch.

As the founder of The Event Managers Community and Lead Coach at Ife’ctiv Touch Academy, Adeife empowers event managers, especially women, by providing mentoring, networking opportunities, and genuine insights into the industry. Her mission is to guide event professionals in taking their businesses online for global impact and wealth creation.

23. Ebunlomo Taiyese Boluwatife, CEO, NPU events

Ebunlomo Tayese Boluwatife, an event consultant, and Founder of NUBE Events & Logistics Ltd, a renowned event planning firm, boasts vast experience and a diverse clientele. Trained at the prestigious Wed Academy and certified by (APPOEMN) and the Rental Association of Nigeria, Ebunlomo has successfully organized high-profile events in Nigeria. She has garnered numerous awards for her entrepreneurial skills, making her a vibrant personality in the event industry within the southwest and beyond.

Ebunlomo initiated MY GRAND EVENT OGUN STATE, an annual event vendor exhibition, aiming to create awareness and provide a platform for event vendors and business owners in Ogun state. Her philanthropic nature extends to inspiring young ladies to enhance their skills and pursue their dreams. Recognized for her exceptional service delivery and contributions to the event industry in Ogun state, Ebunlomo remains a driving force in the field.

24. Abidemi Abisola Adeyemi, CEO, Tammys Event
Abidemi Abisola Adeyemi is the CEO of Tammys Event and Tammys Event Training Academy, boasting over 10 years of industry experience. Renowned for handling large-scale corporate and social events, including clientele like the Ogun State Government, she has become the go-to event planner in the region. Abidemi is also a trained facilitator in event management, decoration, and entrepreneurship. Recently awarded The Most Influential Industry Leader, she is a leading event professional shaping the business landscape in Ogun State.

25. Maryam Haruna, CEO, Chocolate Signature Events
Maryam Haruna, CEO of Chocolate Signature Events in Kaduna, specializes in wedding planning with a range of services such as budget creation, bridal consultancy, vendor sourcing, and venue selection. Recognized in 2023 as one of the Top 10 Northern Queens in the Event Industry by Thisday Lifestyle Magazine, she continues to bring her expertise to the forefront of the industry.

26. Stella Abiodun Akinola, CEO, Damleky Events
Founded by Stella Abiodun Akinola 26 years ago, Damleky Events is a leading brand in Ekiti state’s events and hospitality industry. The organization boasts a modern 2000-seater multipurpose hall, over 50 staff, and numerous awards, positioning it as a trailblazer in event planning and management in the region. Damleky Events has successfully hosted 1,000 events across 30 states and the federal capital territory, training over 350 direct and indirect individuals.

Recognized for excellence, efficiency, and ingenuity, Damleky Events is the preferred choice for party organizers in Nigeria. Mrs. Akinola currently serves as the Western Regional Leader of the Well Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT) Community.

27. Chioma Obiefuna, CEO, Kristafield Events

Known as The Fairy Godmother, Chioma Obiefuna is the CEO of Kristafield Events and the Convener of The Event Clinic. Her innate talent for creating stunning table décor and room settings, combined with a flair for colors and patterns, led her to pursue expertise in events.

Having attended various seminars, including EDGE School in Lagos, Chioma mastered the intricacies of event management. She honed her skills under the tutelage of events institutes in Lagos and Cotonou, establishing Kristafield Events in September 2010.

Renowned for wedding and event planning, Chioma extends her influence through knowledge-sharing at masterclasses and seminars. As a teacher, facilitator, and mentor, she launched her personal brand @thefairygodmother_ng during the COVID period, offering brand and personal consulting for Eventpreneurs. Chioma’s endeavors include authoring ‘The Money Well,’ releasing podcasts, and winning the Event Planner of the Year Award in February 2020.

“I started my business because I love weddings and have a passion for planning weddings and events. I have planned and coordinated several weddings and events.

I have such a passion for helping people bring together a vision, seeing it through to the end, and being able to sit back and see the joy, laughter, and love it brings. My experience, organizational skills, attention to detail, creativity, and ability to manage situations earned me the name, ‘the fairy godmother'”

28. Nike Akinyemi, CEO, Kolony Events

Nike Akinyemi, renowned as the queen of décor, stands as one of Nigeria’s premier Event Decorators, boasting a decade of experience. Specializing in luxury weddings and corporate events, she garnered recognition by serving high-profile individuals and multinational corporations. Launching her business in 2011, Nike secured Lagos state government as a major client in 2014.

Overseeing 1,000 events, Nike has become a mentor to aspiring decorators, guiding over 50 students in event decor. Expanding her ventures in 2017, she ventured into Events Decor Rentals, amassing a collection of decor assets. In 2019, she received the Best Party Props & Shop Company Award from APPOEMN, where she currently serves as the Finance Director.

Nike’s innovation shines as she elevates event designs with captivating, larger-than-life props. From eye-catching installations to imaginative decor, her creations promise unforgettable experiences for clients.

29. Maria-Pamela Nwonu, CEO, Nwandos Signature Events

Maria-Pamela Nwonu, the dynamic CEO of Nwandos Signature Events, holds degrees in Statistics from UniAbuja, a Master’s in Statistics from the University of Lagos, and an M.Sc. in Computing and Information Technology from Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom.

With a passion for design, Maria-Pamela seamlessly transitioned from Science to Art, aspiring to be a successful designer. Her vision is to transform every event into an everlasting dream by meticulously attending to clients’ desires, particularly known for creating fairytales and magical ambiences at events.

Known for her strategic mindset gained from her experience at MTN, Maria-Pamela emphasizes work-personal life balance. She thrives on her love for research, empowering her to build Nwandos Signature Events into one of Nigeria’s top-recognized decoration companies. The brand’s uniqueness and professionalism make Nwandos a prominent name in discussions.

30. Ibidunni Layade. CEO, Dunnice Events & Catering 

Ibidunni Layade, popularly known as DUNNICE, is a leading figure in Nigeria’s events industry. Starting her entrepreneurial journey in 2006 with a focus on Events & Interior Designs, she has successfully managed over 1,200 events. Beyond her business success, she actively mentors upcoming entrepreneurs in the events industry.

During the 2020 lockdown, Ibidunni diversified her business by introducing Food Trays, Appreciation Trays, Food in Bowls, and Celebration Boxes. She serves as a Private Chef, promotes Organic Spice Cooking, and offers training on cooking without stock cubes. Committed to a healthy lifestyle, she ventured into fruit styling and honed her design skills through training.

Ibidunni is an expert in florals and provides floral arrangements for other decorators through her brand, Dunnice Events. Featured in publications like This Day, Business Day, and The Nation, she is a member of APPOEMN and actively supports the events industry, creating job opportunities for youths.

As a prominent member of the Thriving Business Group – The Well-Watered Garden Tribe Nation (WWGT), she received The Most Supportive Industry Leader award in 2023. Married to a supportive partner, Ibidunni Layade is a proud mother of incredible children.

For more insights into the dynamic world of events and to stay connected with industry leaders, follow them on Instagram @busybeeeventssummit or visit their website at www.busybeeeventsummit.com

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International Women’s Month is a time to celebrate and recognize women’s achievements, resilience, and contributions across Nigeria and Africa, particularly those who have been lending their voices in the film industry to tell stories that matter to us.

Female creators have made great strides in shaping the creative industry, and Netflix is shining the spotlight on their remarkable contributions both onscreen and behind the scenes, propelling the film industry to global heights.
Leading female film producers, directors, actors and members of the Nigerian film community came together in Lagos, Nigeria for the ‘Her Voice, Our Story’ International Women’s Day event in collaboration with Mo Abudu of EbonyLife TV to celebrate the unique perspectives and remarkable stories of African women in the creative industry.

Speakers in the discussion including Netflix Director of Content in Africa Dorothy Ghettuba alongside Bolanle Austen-Peters (Man of God), Hamisha Daryani Ahuja (Namaste Wahala), Chichi Nworah (Shanty Town), and Peace Hyde (Young Famous & African) discussed their experiences as women in the creative industry and their efforts to portray strong, real-life female characters.

“At Netflix, we want our stories to reflect as many lives as we can. This is why we are not just passionate about the stories we tell, but the people who tell them and the people we tell them for. We are happy to work with the female powerhouse in the creative industry and bring to life the awesome projects that reflect their stories and promote our culture,” said Dorothy Ghettuba, Netflix’s Director of Content in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This event, aimed at celebrating and honouring inspiring women both in front of and behind the camera, and the diverse storytelling by and about women, heralds an exciting and diverse slate of upcoming films and series.

The upcoming lineup of female-led Nigerian stories spans various genres and themes in new local films and series from Mo Abudu, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Kemi Adetiba, Chichi Nworah, and Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, set to launch on the service in 2024:

• Òlòtūré: The Journey (series) – Working undercover as a sex worker in Nigeria, a young journalist out to expose corruption fights for her life as she forges a path to Europe.
  Key cast: Sharon Ooja, Omoni Oboli, Beverly Osu, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Daniel Etim Effiong, Amarachukwu Onoh, Stan Nze, Bukola Oladipupo, Patrick Doyle, Bucci Franklin and Wofai Fada.
  Executive Producer: Mo Abudu
• Baby Farm (series) – Adanna, a young pregnant woman, unknowingly entrusts her unborn twins to a high-profile NGO, only to discover she’s become a prisoner of a sinister Baby Farm. As she fights to escape the clutches of the ruthless Doctor Oliver Evans and his wife, her fierce determination threatens to expose their dark operation, changing the lives of her fellow captives forever.
  Key cast: Rita Dominic, Joseph Benjamin, Onyinye Odokoro, Genoveva Umeh, Langley Kirkwood and Jenny Stead
  Executive Producer: Mo Abudu
• Postcards (series) – Four conflicted Nigerians in India find identity and acceptance as they face their fears and desires through a journey of love and self-discovery
  Key cast: Sola Sobowale, Tobi Bakre, Rajniesh Duggall, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Rahama Sadau and Nancy Isime
  Director & producer: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja
• House of Ga’a (film) – Set in 18th century old Oyo Empire, Ga’a is an ancient biopic based on true life events surrounding Bashorun Ga’a, a ferocious and feared Prime Minister/kingmaker who became more powerful than the kings he enthroned.
  Key cast: Femi Branch, Mike Afolarin, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Bimbo Manuel, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Adebayo, Gabriel Afolayan, Jide ‘JBlaze’ Oyegbile, Seun Akindele, ⁠Yemi Blaq, Adeniyi Johnson, Muyiwa Ademola, Willam Benson, Gbenga Titiloye and ⁠Kunle Coker
  Director: Bolanle Austen-Peters
  Producers: Bolanle Austen-Peters and Joseph Umoibom
• To Kill a Monkey (series) – Efemini, a down-on-his-luck everyman whose life changes forever after a chance meeting with an old friend. Forced by circumstance to suppress his principles and explore a life of cybercrime, he finds himself making ever-greater moral compromises to stay ahead of the consequences of his new choices… and broadening tastes.
  Key Cast: Bucci Franklin, William Benson, Stella Damasus, Bimbo Akintola, Micheal Ejoor, Chidi Mokeme, Lilian Afegbai, and Sunshine Roseman
  Director & Producer: Kemi Adetiba

Fan-favourite reality series Young Famous and African will also be returning for its third season later this year while the girls of Parkhurst High School returned for their fourth season of School & mayhem on Blood and Water.

There are more global stories showcasing strong women that launched or will stream on Netflix this Women’s Month including Furies (1 March), Damsel (8 March) and Shirley (22 March), starring Regina King, in the story of the first Black congresswoman and political icon, Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the U.S.

Also, check out the International Women’s Day collection featuring over 3000 titles globally, celebrating the diverse and inspiring stories of women who are leaving their mark on the world. Explore the collection through the URLs (/internationalwomensday, /IWD, /internationalwomensmonth) and sub-navigation menus, including genre and category selection.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Netflix International Women’s Day

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As the electrifying energy of the AFCON gripped Africa, the Nigerian national team displayed unwavering grit and dazzling skill, conquering opponents with their prowess, and ultimately reaching the prestigious AFCON final. Though their quest for gold fell just one step short, securing a coveted silver medal, their spirited performance has rekindled the flames of national pride.

The Super Eagles have left an indelible mark, proving their potential and uniting the nation in a shared passion for the beautiful game. Simultaneously, Tech powerhouse TECNO is stepping onto the pitch with a game-changing mission to transform dilapidated football fields across Nigeria

TECNO has unveiled ambitious plans to contribute to developing sports infrastructure. TECNO aims to renovate football fields across Nigeria, creating modern, state-of-the-art facilities that meet international standards.

The initiative goes beyond the physical renovation of football fields; it is a commitment to fostering football development at the grassroots level. The renovated fields are envisioned as hubs for talent identification, nurturing aspiring football stars, and promoting sports excellence. TECNO’s project emphasizes community engagement, aiming to create spaces that host football matches and serve as community centres. These spaces will facilitate sports education, fitness activities, and cultural events, fostering a sense of unity and pride within local communities.

Despite the conclusion of the AFCON tournament with Nigeria as runners-up, the passion for football remains strong and unwavering across the nation. Initiatives like the planned football field renovations highlight a shared commitment to fostering a thriving football culture in Nigeria.

As they transform, they symbolize a renewed infrastructure and a testament to the enduring spirit of football in Nigeria. The synergy between the AFCON journey and TECNO’s vision paints a compelling picture of a nation united by the passion for the beautiful game and the determination to build a brighter future for its sporting community.

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Chairman and CEO of Fair Life Africa

Fair Life Africa Foundation, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation mandated to empower people for a fairer life, has been hosting Valentine Brunches since it commenced its child sponsorship initiative, Disadvantage to Advantage, in 2014.

The first Valentine’s Brunch was held at their office in Gbara Lekki and was sponsored by Airtel Nigeria in 2015. Over the years, the tradition of hosting their children and inviting sponsors to meet with them has been kept up, and it has always been a beautiful affair.

This year, the organisation took it a step further, inviting members of the public, civil servants, and corporate giants, to come and be a part of the celebration of love and goodwill. This year’s Valentine Luncheon was tagged “an event to raise awareness and sponsorship for children in need, empowering them to achieve their potential”.

It was a grand affair at the Standard Alliance Event Hall, where many guests of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fair Life Africa Foundation, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor OON, congregated to support this laudable work.

Among them were: the distinguished, newly appointed Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Samuel Mariere, Prince Austin Enajome-Isire, Chief John Onojeharho, Elder Uba M. Donatus, Deacon Osaro Eguasa, Oluwagbenga Adedayo Bamimore, Arch. Olumide Olabode, Agnes Umoroko, Osah Obaro, Babatope Okusanya and Maria Michael Ogenyi, representing Ugo Okafor, the MD/CEO of Suntrust Oil, proud sponsors of this year’s luncheon.

Chioma Oparadike, Dipo Daramola, Oluwagbenga Bamimore, Chief John Onojeharho, Orhue Imosemi, Deacon Eguasa, Ufuoma Emerhor, Olorogun Emerhor, Prince Enajemo-Isire, Elder Uba, Agnes Umokoro, Arch Olabode and Babatope Okusanya

Hon. Dipo Daramola was also in attendance, as a representative of the Honourable Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Ganiyu Olusegun Dawodu. He shared a passionate speech written by the Commissioner to encourage the efforts of the Foundation. Other notable personalities in attendance were Sam Adebayo, representing Arielle Ajibade, Fair Life Africa’s newly elected trustee, Chief Fadipe, the proprietress of Pinefield Schools Lekki,  Musriq Adegbite, representing Damilola Emmanuel, the GM at Lagos State Waterways Authority, Pastor Shamal Emmanuel Adeolu-Olaiya, the lead pastor of Grace and Glory Tabernacle, Lekki, Pastor Ijeoma Adesanya, Funke Benson-Ajala, and Yemisi Wada, founder of Haven for the Nigerian Child, who gave the keynote speech, “Working Together for Lasting Impact.”

Yemisi Wada Speaking

The four-hour event started with mocktails and small chops distributed to the guests and children as they arrived and settled in. Pastor Shamal said the opening prayer, followed by a welcome address by the Chairman, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor OON.

In his address, he celebrated his beautiful daughter, Ufuoma Emerhor, as the Visioneer behind Fair Life Africa Foundation, expressing his pride at all she has been able to accomplish through the charity and personally.

Ufuoma Emerhor speaking

“Ufuoma, popularly known as Ufuomaee, is the renowned author of The Naive Wife Trilogy and The Marriage ABCs, which were launched together in a ceremony in August 2021. Copies of The Marriage ABCs were included as gifts for all the guests to take home with the belief that it would help many homes.”

34 children sponsored by the organisation, and their guardians, were present. Some could not make it because they were away at university or lived far away. Malik Kanabe, a beneficiary of The Spring Initiative, a novel initiative to help more people facing desperate challenges in the country, was also in attendance.

Ufuoma spoke about the various initiatives Fair Life Africa Foundation has run since its inception, starting with the Care Continuity Challenge Initiative, through which they worked with street children, reconciling them with their families after a short term of rehabilitation. She also spoke of their newest Big Brother Initiative, which addresses the needs of students in university, offering those bright and committed sponsorship to complete their studies. Ufuoma invited some sponsored children to come on the stage and give their testimonies, and it was an emotional experience for all. The children were so grateful.

Precious and Joy gave a short poem presentation about the Experience of the Nigerian Child, Chioma, another sponsored child, read a poem she wrote in appreciation of the Fair Life Africa Foundation, while four brothers, Olaitan, Sulaiman, Mustapha, and Ridwan, sponsored by Pinefield Schools since 2015, also spoke of their experience and gave testimonies.

Lunch was served with soft drinks and juices, as the guests were serenaded by a live band.

Chief Onojeharho speaking

Chief Onojeharho wrapped up the programme by appreciating all the sponsors of the event, and their partners in raising awareness, The Nigeria Network of NGOs, Nairabox, and BellaNaija, as well as the amazing child sponsors that have enabled Fair Life Africa to continue this child sponsorship programme and have been sponsoring children since 2015.

Some notable child sponsors are Shiv Lila Polymers, Indian Golfers Foundation, Phillips Akindele & Co, Porter’s World Consult, Pinefield Schools, Oriki Group, and GlobalGiving. The Damilola Emmanuel family, who couldn’t make it, were represented. They sponsor two children with Fair Life Africa. Ijeoma Adesanya and Funke Benson-Ajala also sponsor children with Fair Life Africa and were in attendance.

“Fair Life Africa Foundation would like to use this avenue to say a very big thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, either by sponsoring a child with us, donating towards the event, buying a ticket, raising awareness, and/or attending. We are especially grateful to Chukwuemeke Ndego, Orhue Imosemi, and Chioma Oparadike for all the hard work they put into planning and executing this event, and in general, as staff and volunteers of the organisation.”

“We are deeply encouraged by all your support and motivated to keep up the good work. We look forward to getting more interest in our work and collaborating with more well-willed Nigerians to make a difference in our country and the world at large.” – Fair Life Africa Foundation

To learn more about their different initiatives and how to support their work, please visit their website.

For financial support, please contact them via email at contact@fairlifeafrica.org or send them a message on WhatsApp – 08058711125 / 08092832745.

Elder Uba and Hon.Mariere

Elder Uba, Hon.Mariere, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Prince Enajemo Isire, Chief John Onojeharho, and Deacon Eguasa

FLA Kids group

Hon Dipo Daramola

Joy and Precious

Henry Nwoko and family

Yemisi Wada and Ufuoma Emerhor

Olorogun Otega Emerhor Speaking

Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Chief John Onojeharho, Samuel Mariere

Otega Olorogun Emerhor, and Prince Enajemo Isire

Olorogun Otega Emerhor

Prince Enajemo Isire, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, and Deacon Eguasa

Ufuoma Emerhor and Chukwuemeke Ndego

Ufuoma Emerhor and Ijeoma Adesanya

Ufuoma with Blessing and her sponsor, Funke Benson Ajala

Volunteers Favour, Kemi Abiyeola and Victoria Akpan

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In a rush of dopamine, images of unity and sheer star power adorn the pages of the new British Vogue, crowned with a legendary cover that marks the end of an extraordinary era under the stewardship of its outgoing editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful.

 

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For six and a half years, the iconic Edward Enninful — a Ghanaian, the first male, and the first black editor of the publication — has steered British Vogue with unparalleled grace, vision, and a commitment to diversity. As he bids farewell to his role to embark on a new global journey with publisher Condé Nast, he leaves behind an awe-inspiring legacy on the landscape of fashion and media.

Edward dedicated his final cover to women, whom he says have shaped British Vogue for close to 108 years, and have informed every moment of his six-and-a-half-year tenure at the publication.

For his grand finale, he orchestrated a monumental gathering of iconic figures — described as a sisterhood of megastars featuring 40 of the world’s busiest leading ladies, from Oprah Winfrey to Serena Williams, Naomi Campbell, Victoria Beckham and Miley Cyrus, each of them a legend in her own right — to capture the essence of his tenure in one mesmerising image.

 

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Vogue’s March 2024 issue is an ode to women and a fitting herald for the upcoming International Women’s Month.

When the initial idea for the cover was ignited, there was only one question: would 40 of the most booked and blessed women on earth actually make it to one studio in Manhattan, on one day in December, to take one image together? Spoiler alert: they came. From London, New York, Paris, Milan and Los Angeles, they materialised as if from a dream. Because who else could get 40 of the greatest talents from fashion, Hollywood and beyond in one room for a show of unity but Edward?

— British Vogue

 

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Vogue’s 40 cover stars all came into a room in Manhattan on one day in December 2023 for this epic shoot. It was the biggest set Edward had been on in his vibrant career, he said

Everyone was in the highest of spirits and it was fun to witness even the most worldly of stars’ jaws hit the floor at a never-before-seen gathering.

Explore the fashion spread below and visit Vogue.co.uk to learn more. Vogue’s epic March issue will be available on stands from February 13th, 2024.

 

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To get one of these women on a cover takes months. To get 40? Unheard of

— Miley Cyrus

 

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It was clear to all of us on the team that no one woman could or should encapsulate these past few years for the magazine. What we needed was a group, to lean into the power of the collective to bring to life what I hope has been a daring, disruptive and evolutionary period in Vogue’s history.

— Edward Enninful

 

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Fashion can change the world if you have someone who is using it purposefully and intentionally

— Oprah

 

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The 40 Vogue Icons featured are: Adwoa Aboah, Adut Akech, Simone Ashley, Victoria Beckham, Selma Blair, Naomi Campbell, Vittoria Ceretti, Gemma Chan, Jodie Comer, Laverne Cox, Cindy Crawford, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Debose, Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn, Paloma Elsesser, Karen Elson, Cynthia Erivo, Linda Evangelista, Jane Fonda, Kaia Gerber, Gigi Hadid, Salma Hayek, Iman, Maya Jama, Jameela Jamil, Karlie Kloss, Precious Lee, Dua Lipa, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kate Moss, Lila Moss, Rina Sawayama, Irina Shayk, Anya Taylor-Joy, Christy Turlington, Amber Valletta, Serena Williams, and Oprah Winfrey.

 

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Legacy is an unusual concept to consider (certainly when you are in the middle of your life!) but I hope you will all forgive me for a moment as I – and the 40 legendary women who feature on the cover of the March 2024 issue of @BritishVogue – reflect on what has been a joyful, profound and invigorating chapter.

— Edward Enninful

Hit the button below to watch 40 Vogue Icons remember Edward Enniful’s British Vogue:

CREDITS

Photographed by @StevenMeiselOfficial and styled by @Edward_Enninful with hair creative director @GuidoPalau, make-up creative director @PatMcGrathReal, nails by @JinSoonChoi, hair colourist @LenaOtt, set design by @MaryHoward_SetDesign at @MHS_Artists, production by @ProdN_ArtAndCommerce and executive producer @RukRichards. With thanks to @JimmyMoff, Lars Nordensten, @HookPropsBK and @HighLineStages. For @BritishVogue

Film Credits

Director & Editor: @Kloss_Films
DOP: @GaryBardizBanian
BCAM Operator / Gaffer: @EricSorenson
1st AC: @Commancheapache171
DIT: @FuzzyPictures.TV
Key Grip: @DonnieJamesRicketts
Sound: @Bricks_Theme
Production: @SamBren31 at @TodayMgmt
Director & Edit Assistant: @KynzaKJ
Colourist: @MaxFergusonHook @TimeBaseDarts
Sound Mix: @Reflec__
VFX: @Kithrwd & #DylanWynne
Motion Graphics: @CreativeArthur
Music: @HaleZero
Stylist: @Edward_Enninful
Hair Creative Director: @GuidoPalau
Make-Up Creative Director: @PatMcGrathReal
Nails: @JinSoonChoi
Hair Colourist: @LenaOtt

The 40: @AdwoaAboah, @AdutAkech, @SimoneAshley, @VictoriaBeckham, @SelmaBlair, @Naomi, @Vittoria, @GemmaChan, @JodieMComer, @LaverneCox, @CindyCrawford, @MileyCyrus, @ArianaDebose, @CaraDelevingne, @JourdanDunn, @Palomija, @MissKarenElson, @CynthiaErivo, @LindaEvangelista, @JaneFonda, @KaiaGerber, @GigiHadid, @SalmaHayek, @The_Real_Iman, @MayaJama, @JameelaJamil, @KarlieKloss, @PreciousLeexoxo, @DuaLipa, @GuguMbathaRaw, #KateMoss, @LilaMoss, @RinasOnline, @IrinaShayk, @AnyaTaylorJoy, @CTurlington, @AmberValletta, @SerenaWilliams, @Oprah, @AnokYai

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

The post LEGACY: 40 Megastars Cover British Vogue’s Epic March Issue in Honour of Ghanaian Edward Enninful appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

This is the second year of the eagerly awaited award ceremony, celebrating TikTok creators for their talent and creativity. During December 2023, TikTok fans were asked to vote for their favourite creators on the TikTok app, and winners were chosen by public vote and a TikTok judging panel, with one winner emerging from each category.

Nine(9) Nigerian creators were nominated in 5 different categories with creator @olaoflagos_ bagging a Trailblazer of the Year nomination. Sensational gamer khalamanja_ was also nominated in the Gaming Creator of the Year category.

Bianca Sibiya, Head of Content Operations for TikTok in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasises the significance of acknowledging talent: “TikTok champions creativity and connects people globally. Our platform empowers anyone to become a creator and share their stories. These awards are designed to inspire, guide, and empower the next generation of talent to take Africa to the world.”

Set for February 9 at Vodaword in Midrand, Johannesburg, this event is more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a tribute to the individuals shaping the cultural and digital landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa, setting new cultural trends, and influencing social narratives.

See the full list of the nominees below:

Sports creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa
Nezcatt (South Africa)
stoneavenuee (Nigeria)

Gaming creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa
khalamanja_ (Nigeria)
_someothergirl (Kenya)
tacticalceza (Nigeria)

Entertainment creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sachi_himes96 (South Africa)
Lifestory328 (Kenya)

Lifestyle and Education creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa
Foodstakenya (Kenya)
_iremide (Nigeria)
SiyaBunny (South Africa)

Trailblazer of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa
OfficialKinuthia (Kenya)
@olaoflagos_ (Nigeria)

Africa Rising creator of the year in Sub-Saharan Africa
Afrolecia (Haircare South Africa)
Nairobidisclosure (Food Kenya)

Publisher of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa
PulseNigeria247 (Nigeria)
Startimeskenya (Kenya)
Foodiesofsa (South Africa)
WWTaste (South Africa)
PulseSports (Nigeria)
jointribe_gg (Nigeria)
Netflixnigeria (Nigeria)

Song of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa
Tyler ICU & Tumelo_za – Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)
Inkabi Zezwe, Sjava & Big Zulu – Umbayimbayi
Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin 99 – Yahyuppiyah(feat.Pcee, EeQue & Chley)
Guchi & Loud Behaviour – Notice Me
Pcee, S’gija Disciples & Zan’Ten – Kilimanjaro ( Feat. Justin 99, Mema_Percent & Mr JazziQ)
Khaid & Boy Spyce – Carry Me Go (Sped Up)
Khaid – Anabella (Sped Up)
Asake – Lonely At the Top
Spyro – Who is your guy?
Adekunle Gold & Zinoleesky – Party No Dey Stop
Jux & Diamond Platnumz – Enjoy
Jay Melody – Sawa
Platform TZ – Wivu
Alikiba – Mahaba
Bruce Africa – You

Beyond entertainment, these awards underscore the economic empowerment fostered by TikTok. They highlight the platform’s role in nurturing diverse talents from various backgrounds and countries, contributing significantly to the burgeoning digital economy in Africa.

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Fate whispers to the warrior, “You cannot withstand the storm.” The warrior whispers back, “I am the storm.”

2023 was a wrecking ball but I took it in my stride like it was nothing. For basketball heads, you know what it means to play 48 minutes on a torn meniscus. I still went hard in the paint even when the game was rigged. Yes, I am still standing on business but there were a bunch of feelings I couldn’t shake, disrespect that I shouldn’t take. These days, I sit on my balcony and reflect on the past year – what worked for me, and lessons learned, and this new year.

Little Miss Consistent

If there is one thing you must hack this year, it’s the discipline of consistency. One way I define maturity is the ability to maintain momentum. As a child, whenever you felt sleepy, you continued to lie down in bed. However, as an adult, you know the consequences of a little sleep and a little folding of hands – hence you wake up even when you still feel sleepy. You cannot be great at anything if you only do it when you feel like it or only when it’s convenient. Eccentric entrepreneur, Elon Musk, has a rather interesting name for one of his business interests – The Boring Company. I am not as fascinated by its operations as I am with its name; it underscores the point that some of the brilliant innovations or outcomes we enjoy today were underpinned by putting in hours of work on something seemingly boring. Engineers drawing up designs for cars might appear boring to you but driving a V8 car is never boring.

My BTS is full of doing boring stuff like watching stuff on YouTube for hours, reading big books, practising my craft or attending masterclasses but my creative output is never boring, no cap. People are shocked when I tell them I am not a great writer but rather a consistent writer – I write whether it’s convenient or not. At the end of last year, I checked my column on the backend and I realized in four years, I had churned out over 100 essays on BellaNaija. I never would have thought of doing that much when I started but I achieved it one essay at a time. Intensity is doing too much, consistency is the new cool.

Wetin Man Never Talk?

In reviewing some of my previous pieces to see how I can improve and better serve the community, I inadvertently saw some very stark predictions hidden in plain sight. All before-the-fact.

In April 2022, I penned a paragraph that aged rather well, “They will cry and complain about their economic challenges but when they see a savvy candidate, they will say “this one dey speak too much English, shey na grammar we go chop?” In July 2022, I wrote, “Maybe the establishment calls you naïve because the structure it is bragging about is a political euphemism for election rigging, rented crowds, voter suppression, thuggery, and vote-buying.”

In October 2022, I shared that “those who allow themselves to be divided by religion and ethnicity during the electioneering season will be reunited in their poverty after the elections.” As a cap off, I wrote  about the post-election behaviour of your favourite intellectuals, influencers and political jobbers, “What they won’t tell you is that they have cashed out on the low and will move to a country where things work to continue enjoying the life of their heads.”

Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself!

We all know that most brands or products inevitably undergo some kind of evolution or iteration but we somehow don’t think such a concept applies to us as humans. Recently I listened again to HOV’s monster verse on DJ Khaled’s God Did. It wasn’t just rhythm-accented poetry, it was cloth talk on a very profound level. Shawn Corey Carter shared a bit of his life’s story in the most artistic way possible – the book of Hov. Hidden behind the entendres, witty references and soulful rendition were gems. Hov evolved from living at Marcy Houses to being a household name, from living in the projects to producing one of the biggest music projects in the sporting world, like the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and from being a hustler in Brooklyn Bay to being the businessman.

“Please Lord, forgive me for what the stove did” – Hov acknowledges his not-so-pretty past and seeks redemption, perhaps not just for what he did but for the damage it may have left in its wake. It’s okay to have done stuff that you might not be proud of but hiding it and pretending it never happened will only hurt you. Take back your power by owning what you did while also sharing how you have turned a new leaf. “I just got a million off a sync, without riskin’ a million years tryna get it out the sink” – this is OT from the OG. Hov shares how he had since gone legit, and now makes more money with relative ease and all without the occupational hazards that come with the gangster life like Lucky Lefty. Although he still has his street smarts, he explains that his business model has changed – offering hope to those looking to leave that life. Everyone has a backstory, never allow yourself to be defined by your history but by your destiny. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programme.

Tomorrow Is More Expensive

Nobel Prize winner, Milton Friedman, had a very graphic definition of inflation: “Inflation is the most destructive disease known to modern societies. There is nothing that will destroy a society so thoroughly and so fully as letting inflation run riot.” You could almost swear that he was referring to Nigeria here because last year we all saw our purchasing power greatly eroded by inflation numbers that had never been seen before in modern history. Inflation is a thief of value; effectively ensuring that you need more money to buy the same basket of goods and services. One of the signatures of money is its capacity to be a store of value. Unfortunately, our local currency cannot pick a struggle. Why our Naira is almost not worth the paper it is being printed on is not just that it’s weak but also because it’s volatile. That means, it’s bad enough that the value of the Naira is doing badly against major global currencies like the Dollar, Pound Sterling, Euro et al. It is so bad that its weakness cannot even be relied on; one day it’s extremely bullish, and the next day it’s extremely bearish.

What this means amongst other things is that prices of especially consumables have gone through the roof and your savings cannot save you because while it’s safely tucked away in a bank vault, inflation has stolen most of its value. These voodoo economic policies aren’t helping either; instead of moving from consumption to production, the political class has doubled down on its mindless profligacy. This may sound unpatriotic but it makes economic sense; if you can, avoid having large amounts of money in Naira. Look for low-risk liquid securities or assets to protect your wealth. So if you want to buy something now, you might as well go ahead and get it because yesterday’s price is not today’s price.

The post Mfonobong Inyang: My Reflection on The Past Years & The New Year appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It was a sea of purple at the prestigious Lagos Continental hotel on Saturday 27th January, when Oriflame Nigeria launched her first quarter catalogue of products for 2024.

MD/CEO, Nikola Baroli, was the first to take the stage as he declared the event open by reflecting on the successes of the brand in the past year – several catalogue launches, local and international conferences with all-expense paid trip for over 100 Nigerians to celebrate their success in the business, a consumer promo worth over 100 million naira including a brand new Hyundai Creta SUV, sponsorship of the most watched television show, Big Brother Nigeria among others.

He also shared highlights of exciting things to expect in 2024. He spoke about Oriflame’s impact over the past 10 years and hinted about the brand’s messaging direction – Reach Your Happy Place.

Oriflame wants to help you (our brand partners) reach your happy place; my happy place is right here in Nigeria with the amazing people, sharing the energy and smiles. You, the brand partners are changing people’s lives in amazing ways by putting smiles on everyone’s face with Oriflame products, he said.

He went on to describe his three years stay in Nigeria as nothing short of rewarding, stating enthusiastically how he can’t wait to celebrate Oriflame’s 10th year in Nigeria by October this year. The rest of the management team Subrayanman Gunda, Technical Director, Oluseyi Abiri, Operations Manager and Adesewa Okeyinka, Marketing and Sales Support Manager shared their happy place as well.

The Marketing and Sales Support Manager, Adesewa Okeyinka, expanded on the new global brand direction – Reach Your Happy Place.

We all have different happy places, but whatever your happy place is, Oriflame has the right products and a dependable business opportunity to take you there and stick with you every step of the way, said Adesewa

She linked this global theme with Oriflame Nigeria’s 10-year celebration theme 10-years of Transforming Lives saying;

Over the past 10 years, we have transformed the lives of numerous Brand Partners who have keyed into the vision of the brand and they now thrive in their happy place.

She then handed over proceedings to the host of the occasion, Kunle Remi And in his usual dapper self, Saro, the Anikulapo crooner set the ball rolling as he quipped, “the only brand that can bring me out of my house after a fantastic weekend, chilling with iyawo mi, it can only be Oriflame”.

The recently married Celebrity Host and Actor went on to announce Oriflame Nigeria’s 15 top selling brand partners for 2023, which included several beautiful, amazing and inspiring women.

The #1 brand partner in 2024, Oladunni Clara Aderinboye, speaking after her recognition, said;

Oriflame has been able to build a beautiful community of ladies building each other up and celebrating each other’s wins, I am so glad I spent my money on Oriflame 10 years ago, she enthused.

While the Swedish beauty and wellness giant went on to unveil external beauty products including Novage+, Love Nature and Tender Care, Irene Awa – products specialist, Oriflame Nigeria, highlighted Oriflame’s deep understanding of both outward and inner beauty.

This was underscored by the unveiling of Wellosophy – a new wellbeing formulation available as – Wellosophy Multivitamin for Man and Woman, Wellosophy Astaxanthin & Bilberry Extract, Wellosophy Omega 3, Wellosophy Wellness Pack Man and Woman and Wellosophy Meal Replacement for weight control.

Joining Irene to discuss the intrinsic benefits of Wellosophy was Dr. Peter Odunuyi, who elaborated on the need to lead a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercises and good nutrition into one’s daily routine to reduce the chances of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cardiac failure, all of which have become a healthcare menace ravaging the country, even among younger people.

Wellosophy Meal Replacement for weight loss works with exercise and a healthy lifestyle; it’s a calorie deficit product with a specified diet plan, he added.

Also, in attendance were Fredrik Ahsberg, head of the Political and Trade section, embassy of Sweden in Abuja, Sarah Ibru, Business Promotion Officer for the embassy of Sweden in Lagos and Ugo Boni, the Italian Consul General in Lagos, who spoke about what the top 100 Oriflame brand partners can look forward to when they travel to Rome later in 2024, as the ancient Italian city will welcome Oriflame’s top 100 brand partners.

Many brand partners testified about their amazing experiences with Oriflame and the opportunity to travel the world. More than 1 million people in Nigeria met Oriflame in the past 10 years. Nigeria is the fastest growing market in the world for the Swedish conglomerate.

Brand partners who had been with Oriflame since inception in 2014 were also rewarded for their commitment to the brand.

I stepped forward while everyone else was falling back. I stepped forward and that is why I am here today. I wanted to change my life. I wanted freedom from my job. I wanted to plan my schedule. Be intentional. Step forward.

Take that one step because you don’t know where that step can lead you. It can lead you to your happy place. Oriflame gave me a life that I can only dream of. Reach high and the higher you reach, the faster you reach your happy place, were the words of ecstatic 10-year partner Kemisola Ajetunmobi.

The occasion reached a crescendo with the unveiling of the next Oriflame Face of Nigeria 2024. Outgoing queen; Perpetual Ukadike thanked the brand for a successful ambassadorship for 2023, which saw her star in the brand’s BB Naija TV commercial. Miracle Chidimma Ezeonwu was crowned as the new face of Oriflame Nigeria 2024, and her tenure was greeted with a cheque of N250,000, with the top two runners-up also going home with N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

The curtains closed with the recognition of new brand directors who won N400,000 each, with a plethora of Oriflame products given to guests at the occasion. It was indeed a happy place for all partners and guests.

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Dr. Yemi Olawaiye, Founder, Yeloto

In a thrill of motivation, excellent students from JS1-SS2 classes were awarded scholarships and certificates of recognition.

In its characteristic gender sensitivity, Yeloto’s scholarships were awarded to the best female student and the best male student in each class from Jss1-SS2 in the 2022–23 academic session.

Also, in recognition of outstanding leadership, senior prefects’ boys and girls in 2022/23 were also duly recognised.

The best female student in JS1 went to Okeowo Oluwadarasimi, while the best male student in JS1 was Ogunsola Emmanuel.

The best female student in JS2 was Oriowo Ireoluwa, while the best male student in JS2 was Adebanjo Adebiyi.

The best female student in JS3 was Adenuga Grace, and the best male student was Oginni Daniel.

The best female student in SS1 in 2022/23 went to Abdullahi Kehinde, while the best male student was Gabriel Kelvin.

The best female student in SS2 was Osiegbu Patience, while Osadare David was the best male student.

The Otunba Joseph Adedokun Olawaiye Memorial Scholarship, which is a leadership recognition award named after the father of the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Yeloto Inc., Dr. Yemi Olawaiye, was awarded. The senior prefect boy and girl went to, Adetunji Lydia Adeniji and Moreyibi Ayomide David, respectively.

Before presenting the awards, Sunkanmi Idowu challenged Mayflower School students to continue to live up to the ideals of the school and keep the flag flying.

In response to Yeloto Inc.’s scholarship awards, the principal of the school, Oyekan, commended the charity gestures. According to her, Yeloto Inc. has been consistent with its scholarship awards for the past 12 years.

The Yeloto African Children Foundation, an organisation founded by Dr. Yemi Olawaiye, is said to be committed to improving the overall well-being of children in Africa.

For more information, visit their Website, Facebook or Instagram page.

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Women-led foundation Safety for Every Girl (SFEG) has called for entries for the 2024 National Essay Competition, inviting women and girls to lend their powerful voices to address period poverty in Nigeria. Participants can submit their entries for free at their website.

Themed “Innovative Solutions to Combat Period Poverty in Nigeria”, the 2024 National Essay Competition is part of SFEG’s multifaceted approach to celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 remarkably. This initiative combines the essay competition and a revolutionary Period Summit scheduled for the 6th of March 2024, creating a powerful platform for community voices to enhance inclusivity and equity.

It also serves as an avenue for young girls and women to unleash their creative brilliance, contributing their voices to shattering economic barriers, thereby creating an invaluable impact on the lives of the girl-child across generations.

“This year’s essay theme is a crucial topic aimed at sparking a wave of meaningful discussions and imaginative ideas that have the potential to provide concrete solutions to period poverty in Nigeria”, said Chioma Nwigwe, Founder of Safety For Every Girl and convener of The Period Summit.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, MTN, Tenece, and Platform Branding Company, for their support in making this impactful initiative possible. Together, we strive to inspire a collective effort towards inclusivity and equity, empowering a future where every girl can embrace her full potential,”

She added, inviting more individuals and organisations to join the movement to shape change and champion menstrual equity across Nigeria.

Competition Details

The competition is divided into two categories – Teen (13-19 yrs ) and Adult (20-35 yrs), offering substantial cash prizes to the winners.

Teen Category: 1st Prize: N400,000; 2nd Prize: N250,000; 3rd Prize: N150,000

Adult Category: 1st Prize: N750,000; 2nd Prize: N400,000; 3rd Prize: N200,000

• Interested participants are to write on the topic “Innovative Solutions to Combat Period Poverty in Nigeria”.
• All essays must be submitted to their website.
• The competition closes at 11.59 pm WAT on the 15th of February 2024.

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Wearing a custom Prada red technical satin column gown featuring a voile knotted drape detail, matching red satin pumps and a piece of Boucheron,  Ayo elegantly graced the red carpet in subtle glam styled by Daniel Goldberg. See below:

 

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She is best known for voicing Missy on Big Mouth and portraying Sydney Adamu on The Bear — the role which earned her the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Check out her acceptance speech below:

 

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Credits

@ayoedebiri

@prada

@fashionbombdaily

@goldenglobes

@cbstv

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

The post Nigerian Ayo Edebiri Wins Big in Custom Prada at the 81st Golden Globe Awards appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Globally celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie officially introduced her inaugural children’s book, “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,” at an event tagged “Christmas Magic With Chimamanda” at the Alliance Française Ikoyi. The event was a vibrant tapestry of colours, joy, and a shared love for reading.

Split into different segments from afternoon till night, the well-attended event converged diverse individuals, ranging from political and business luminaries to celebrities, book lovers, writers, and art enthusiasts, to revel in the magic spun by one of the world’s literary giants in her first-ever foray into children’s literature.

Speakers and dignitaries included Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and his running mate, Sen, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed; Chairman at Metis Capital Partners & Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, Hakeem Belo-Osagie; Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili; Chairman at Abumet Nigeria, Bella Disu; and Senior Pastor of The Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, among others.

“Your children are not reading because you’re not reading,” said Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie during her brief remarks, emphasising the importance of reading.

She highlighted the critical role of books in nurturing critical thinking, a vital skill that is much needed in today’s changing world.

Addressing the theme “Why Reading Matters,” Former President Olusegun Obasanjo underscored the need to revive the reading culture in the nation, stressing that “we must read to internalise and gain wisdom.”

In a pre-recorded telecast, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo lauded Chimamanda for venturing into children’s literature, emphasising that

“getting children to read early is possibly the most priceless thing one could ever do for a child.”

Hosted by book reviewer and Channels Book Club host Kunle Kasumu, the event featured a dynamic Q&A session with Chimamanda, who took the time to answer guests’ questions randomly picked from a lucky dip by the event anchor.

There was a fun area for younger guests to engage in loads of “read & play” activities, including fun dances with Santa, bouncy castle sessions and the painting of a giant sketch of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” done by the children and presented to Chimamanda as a gift at the end of the event. \

Young and old attendees left the event with gifts and cherished autographed copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” and got to engage and take photos with the beloved author.

The event was supported by Tomi Juice and Black Stallion Energy Drink, which provided drinks for all children and adult guests. Thanks to the individual support from VFD Group and Casava Insurance, who donated 100 copies of the book respectively, children from less privileged schools and communities will have their copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf”. Some children were also transported to and from the event to enjoy the fantastic activities.

The night marked not just a book launch but a cultural celebration, resonating with Chimamanda’s belief in the transformative power of storytelling and reading.

 

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You smell wonderful

— Adele said to Chi

Hey BellaStylistas,

This post is about how Providence orchestrated a beautiful connection between multi-award-winning English singer-songwriter Adele and the ever-gorgeous New York City-based Nigerian content creator and entrepreneur — Chinyere Chi-Chi Adogu.

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Chi-Chi, who has been a long-time lover of Adele’s music, spontaneously decided to travel to Vegas on a solo trip to see Adele’s concert. She said on Instagram:

48 hours ago, seeing @Adele in concert was just a thought, an idea, something that I thought would lift my spirits. I’ve never taken a solo trip before, let alone attend a whole concert alone but something in my heart kept telling me to just do it, you won’t regret and I didn’t! This experience was priceless, the amount of people, strangers at that lol, rooting for me was priceless. I ultimately took myself on the best date I’ve been on this year!

Adele spotted the elegantly dressed Chi amidst the crowd, said hello to her and complimented her fragrance… Thus went their conversation, hit the button below to watch:

 

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Cheers to more self-sponsored solo dates…  and becoming the woman of my dreams, BellaStylistas.

Get ready with Chi for the event as she puts on a black backless halterneck dress with a plunging neckline from RAT & BOA which she paired with an embellished JW PEI handbag, Dior earrings, and Swarovski bracelets. Chi topped her makeup with a poppin’ red FENTY lippie while rocking black French curl braids from her brand — Chi’s Luxe Braiding Hair.

For the perfect finish, she sprayed the magical Libre Le Parfum YSL Fragrance.

 

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The soft life is a head-to-toe experience so let’s get started with your hair!

— Chi’s Luxe Braiding Hair

Every detail matters: a woman’s hair, makeup, outfit and fragrance determines the kind and quality of attention she can get. Thanks to Chi, we’re inspired to doll up for our next concert experience. Hope you are too.

Until then, stay stylish.

Credits

BellaStylista: @the_real_chi
Dress: @ratandboa
Lips: @fentybeauty
Bag: @jwpei_official
Fragrance: @yslbeauty
Hair: @chisluxebraidinghair
Earrings: @dior
Bracelets: @swarovski

Looking for more African fashion and lifestyle updates? Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com now!

The post All The Juicy Style Deets That Got Chinyere Chi-Chi Adogu Personally Interviewed by Adele in Vegas | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Reflecting on the year’s end has become a personal tradition, an opportunity to share insights with the cherished BellaNaija family and a tailored self-assessment. The landscape of 2023 unfolded with an array of events, spanning from the pivotal elections and governmental transitions in Nigeria to the global challenges of inflation and the transformative wave of artificial intelligence sweeping through the workforce worldwide.

Amidst this backdrop, I am grateful for the journey we embarked on together through five impactful articles. From discussions on crafting a fulfilling career and gauging success to the intricacies of building a meaningful professional path, we explored the nuances that truly matter. The timeless wisdom shared in career lessons from my father’s 35 years in civil service and the art of healing from career disappointments added depth to our conversations.

As we draw the curtains, I find it fitting to encapsulate the year’s essence through my reflections. Together, let’s unravel the tapestry of 2023 and glean insights that will undoubtedly shape our perspectives as we step into the promise of a new year.

Manifesting Through Words

I encouraged everyone to capture their aspirations for the year in a video in the article I wrote at the beginning of the year on the creative power of words. Recently, I revisited mine, astonished to find every spoken word had materialised. This reinforces the profound truth: Words don’t die. Speak your desires into existence; watch your subconscious align with the universe.

Election Insights

A foray into elective office enlightened me. Beyond technical competence, voters are drawn to candidates who resonate with their social construct. The vibe, language, and demeanour wield more influence than problem-solving prowess. Understanding this dynamic is key to navigating the political landscape successfully.

Personalising Your Journey

While collective endeavours are impactful, your journey’s uniqueness is paramount. External influences can divert you. Amidst the social media showcase, self-honesty is crucial. Assess your path, set personalised goals, and remember, what works for others may not be right for you. Personalising your journey, be it spiritual, social, or professional, empowers you to run your unique race.

The Value of Patience

Moving isn’t always the answer; sometimes, staying is. Rushing into change without proper analysis can lead to paralysis or unpreparedness. Your current position might be a vital stage in your journey, a preparation ground. Reflect on the ‘why’ before making a move, ensuring it aligns with your purpose and long-term goals.

Appreciation for Leadership

Cherish impactful leaders; their departure might reveal how much their energy fueled your growth. Celebrate them while they’re present, for their influence extends beyond your awareness.

Loyalty in the Workplace

Loyalty, both to individuals and visions, is a valuable asset. It takes time to build and pays off. While loyalty to a person is commendable, loyalty to a cause or vision is even more significant. However, be mindful; that loyalty can incur costs, especially during leadership transitions.

The Myth of Perfect Timing

Waiting for the perfect time can be counterproductive. There’s no ideal moment; you must act. Perfect shouldn’t become the enemy of good. Procrastination in anticipation of perfection can lead to missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and unrealized initiatives. Embrace imperfection and take decisive action. As we conclude the year, we should allow the lessons to guide us into a future filled with purpose, resilience, and personal growth.

The post Wunmi Adelusi: Reflecting on The Lessons Shared Through the Year with My BellaNaija Family appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa is back with a new episode of MAKEOVER with ENI. See how Tiwalade Blessing Adetuwo — an accountant, entrepreneur and single mum who was nominated by her friends transforms into a glam queen with her 8-year-old champ,  courtesy of Eni and his team.

This is such a heart-warming episode, For the reveal, Blessing is seen in a multi-coloured floral pleated dress paired with long lush hair and full glam while her son rocks a mint buttondown shirt on black trousers and shoes.

Hit the button below to watch:

 

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Tiwalade is a single mum of an 8-year-old, she says being a single mum is not the easiest task at hand but it’s moments like these that make her extra grateful.

See pictures from their shoot below:

 

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Before Meets After

 

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Credit: @enioluwaofficial x @makeoverwitheni

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

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Rise, a program that finds promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes, hosted an event on Friday, December 1, 2023, to inspire and empower secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria. Themed “Rise and Impact”, the event helped raise awareness about the 2024 Rise Challenge and encouraged applications from promising Nigerian youth.

The event was moderated by Nigerian influencer Jola Ayeye and featured real-time conversations about the Rise Challenge and its benefits, testimonial sessions from past Nigerian Rise Winners, as well as engagement with Rise partners to foster innovation, social entrepreneurship, and global citizenship and encourage participants to apply.
Rise seeks out talented individuals aged 15 to 17 and empowers them to work on solving humanity’s most pressing challenges with an annual program, the Rise Challenge. The program provides a range of benefits to its Global Winners, including need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to career development resources. Interested applicants can apply by visiting the website.

With Rise Global Winners emerging from Nigeria annually, the country has proven to be a home to some of the most talented and innovative young people globally. Since its inception, Rise has identified and supported more than 300 Global Winners from around the world, including 13 from Nigeria. These remarkable young leaders are working on a wide range of projects, from developing sustainable solutions to promoting education access for girls, amongst others.

The “Rise and Impact” event is part of Rise’s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach and identifying exceptional young leaders from diverse backgrounds and grassroots communities in Nigeria. Eight schools from Lagos were present at the event: Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Keke Senior High School, Government Senior College Agege, Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School, Lagos Baptist Senior College, Sango Senior Secondary School, Agege State Senior High School Oyewole, and Vetland Senior Grammar School.

To further ensure that more promising Nigerian youths have access to the opportunities offered by the Rise Challenge, Rise works with local partners Ingressive 4 Good and Build Nigeria. During the event, Ingressive 4 Good provided a live demo registration exercise for interested registrants to commence registration before the deadline, January 17, 2024. Rise, through the partners, is poised to offer the support and resources applicants need to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world, irrespective of background and academic experiences.

Unlike many traditional applications, Rise uses videos, projects, and group interviews so applicants have multiple opportunities to showcase their potential. For applicants with low or no access to technology, Rise offers an alternative pathway through a paper application. The call for applications for the 2024 Rise Challenge is ongoing and applicants are urged to complete their application by January 17th, 2024. For more information, visit www.risefortheworld.org.

This content has been published for free as part of BellaNaija.com‘s commitment to youth, education, healthcare and community development as part of our corporate social responsibility programme

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Enninful is the first black editor ever to helm a Vogue. Earlier in the year he was named global creative and cultural adviser of Vogue, after 6 years as editor-in-chief of British Vogue and the European editorial director of Condé Nast,

Watch his special award moment below:

 

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Tagged The Fashion Awards 2023 Presented by Pandora, it celebrates the very best innovators and creatives in fashion, whose work in the past year has significantly shaped the industry.

The event took place on Monday 4th December 2023, returning to the iconic London venue, the Royal Albert Hall. As expected, it brought together a global community in London — the home of fashion creativity — to amplify leaders of change, celebrate excellence in creativity and support the next generation of creative talent.

The Fashion Awards serves as the main fundraiser for the British Fashion Council (BFC) Foundation, which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry through its focus on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring to lead the global economy in creative, responsible and inclusive business.

Credit: @britishfashioncouncil

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

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As we approach December 7th, 2023, the LoveWorld nation eagerly anticipates the 60th birthday celebration of an influential spiritual leader in the world, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. This milestone not only answers the question of how old Pastor Chris is but also marks a significant moment in his life.

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to reflect on how he has profoundly impacted the LoveWorld community and the world at large.

Pastor Chris Takes Philanthropy Beyond Boundaries.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his church, Christ Embassy, or LoveWorld as it is also called. Through the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), he has positively affected millions of lives around the world. His philanthropic actions, such as providing humanitarian aid in times of crisis and supporting education and healthcare initiatives, exemplify the essence of giving back.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International launched relief efforts, distributing food and essential supplies to vulnerable communities globally. This initiative not only provided immediate relief but also showcased Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering.

“Rhapsody of Realities”: A Source of Transformation
In light of how old Pastor Chris is, one of his enduring contributions is “Rhapsody of Realities,” a daily devotional that has transcended language barriers and touched millions of hearts worldwide. This devotional has become a wellspring of inspiration, faith, and spiritual growth for countless readers.

“Rhapsody of Realities” is more than a book; it is a catalyst for transformation. Readers have shared numerous stories of how this devotional has changed their lives, instilling hope and deepening their relationship with God. It stands as a testament to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s commitment to nurturing spiritual growth on a global scale.

How Old is Pastor Chris, and How Does He Impact People?
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s impact goes beyond the written word. His live events, such as the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, Christmas Eve services, and New Year’s Eve services, draw millions of people seeking spiritual renewal and healing. These events create an atmosphere of faith and expectancy, where miraculous healings and life-changing encounters with God are commonplace.

For instance, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, a global online healing program, has witnessed countless testimonies of people receiving divine healing from various ailments. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s faith and the tangible presence of God during these events continue to inspire hope and faith among attendees.

Empowering Youth Leadership: Age is Just a Number
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome recognizes the importance of empowering the youth, and he does so through initiatives like the Future African Leaders’ Awards (FALA). These awards recognize and support outstanding young leaders in Africa, equipping them with the resources and mentorship needed to make a substantial impact in their communities and beyond.

By promoting youth leadership and excellence, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is sowing the seeds of positive change in Africa, inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose and integrity. For Pastor Chris, it does not matter how old a person is. What matters are the dreams and ambitions of the person.

Guiding the LoveWorld Community
Each year, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome provides a theme and direction for all Christ Embassy members. This guidance serves as a unifying force, aligning the community’s spiritual focus and mission. It creates a sense of purpose and unity among millions of believers worldwide, reinforcing the LoveWorld nation’s commitment to spreading the message of Christ’s love.

During the New Year’s Eve service on December 31st, 2022, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome unveiled a prophetic message for 2023 – the “Year of the Prolific Church.” This theme carries profound significance and serves as a guiding light for the LoveWorld community and believers worldwide.

Celebrating with the LoveWorld Community: So How Old is Pastor Chris?
As December 7th approaches, the question of how old Pastor Chris is has been answered, and the LoveWorld community eagerly looks forward to celebrating Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s 60th birthday, just as they have done every year. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection as they honor their beloved spiritual leader. The LoveWorld nation unites in celebration, acknowledging the ageless wisdom, love, and dedication Pastor Chris Oyakhilome continues to share with the world.

This year’s celebration holds even more significance as the pastor reaches this milestone age. It is a testament to his enduring impact, not only on the LoveWorld community but on humanity as a whole. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift generations to come, strengthening the LoveWorld community and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

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Photo Credit: Forbes

Forbes has released its annual 30 Under 30 list which features trailblazers that cut across all industries and span from the United States of America down to Africa. The list highlights revolutionaries and innovators who are changing the world in the areas of media, art & style, food & drink, education, science, music, sports, healthcare, and a number of other industries.

The list includes Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent, such as co-founder and current CEO of Kippa Kennedy Ekezie, Nigerian American content creator Drea Okeke, founder of ISE-DA Adefolakunmi Adenugba, and founder and designer Tia Adeola, Instagram Strategic Partner Manager Amala Okpala, VP of Digital Marketing and Communications of the NAACP Chinonye Vanessa Mbonu, Co-Founder and CEO of Solideon Oluseun Taiwo, Investment Strategist at Churchill Asset Management Saheedat Onifade and more

Other names on the list include reality star and model Kendall Jenner, comedian Matt Rife, rapper Latto, “Wednesday” actress Jenna Ortega, actress-singer Renee Rapp, TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, rapper Ice Spice, and more.

The list is put together by Forbes writers and editors, along with experts and previous winners as judges, including Swizz Beatz, Ayo Edebiri, and Wemimo Abbey. The selection process scrutinized factors such as funding, revenue, social impact, inventiveness, and potential. Notably, nearly half of this year’s list identifies as a person of colour, slightly lower than last year’s 49%. In a remarkable shift, Gen Z representation surged to 22%, marking the largest contingent of Gen Z honorees on the list. Interestingly, the majority of listmakers are founders or co-founders of companies, while others are entertainers or creators building their own brands. This year’s class carries a collective student debt of over $10 million, double that of the Class of 2023.

Last year’s honorees included Elsa Majimbo, Ayo Edebiri, Arike Ogunbowale David Iya, and Joshua Nzewi.

See the full list here.

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TIME has unveiled the honourees of its first-ever TIME100 Impact Awards Africa, celebrating exceptional individuals who have made a profound impact across various sectors. These visionaries have demonstrated unwavering dedication to driving positive change in Africa and beyond.

The 2023 TIME100 Impact Awards Africa honourees are:

• Danai Gurira, actress, playwright, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
• Ashley Judd, author, actress, and social justice humanitarian
• Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities
• Sherrie Silver, founder of the Sherrie Silver Foundation
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
• Fred Swaniker, founder and CEO of the African Leadership Group

“We are deeply honoured to recognize the inaugural class of 2023 TIME100 Impact Awards Africa honourees for their transformative contributions,” said TIME Chief Executive Jessica Sibley.

On Friday, November 17, TIME will host the inaugural TIME100 Summit Africa at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together a diverse group of speakers from the TIME100 community and beyond. This high-level gathering will foster discussions on critical solutions to pressing global challenges, offering insights from both regional and global perspectives. The Summit will also explore ways in which individuals can collectively contribute to shaping a brighter future.

Notable speakers at the summit include Karim Beguir, CEO of InstaDeep; Aya Chebbi, Former African Union Envoy on Youth; Kate Kallot, Founder and CEO of Amini; Bogolo Kenewendo, Special Advisor to the UN Climate Change High Level Champions; Emi Mahmoud, Poet, activist, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador; Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa at WRI; Sindy Zemura-Bernard, CEO of the Southern Africa Embrace Foundation; and Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative.

“The TIME100 Impact Awards underscore TIME’s commitment to honouring individuals who are driving positive change across the globe,” said TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs. “We are excited to join forces with this exceptional group of leaders and welcome them to our global TIME100 community.”

Following the Summit, an invitation-only gala will be held to honour the Impact Award honorees. The evening will feature appearances by actor and host Bonang Matheba, along with other distinguished guests and members of the TIME100 community. The event will also showcase a special dance performance choreographed by honoree Sherrie Silver.

Learn more about the honorees here.

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Movember is a series of conversations and events held every November to address a myriad of issues that men face. Whilst I was primarily inspired by Movember, the imperatives contained herein aren’t limited to my gender. Many people are going through a lot and I can relate, so I write as one who is touched by the feelings of your infirmities. This is no attempt to aspire-to-maguire my way out of the stark realities; I’m not here to give you hope without strategy or to anaesthetise you from the hard knocks you have been dealt with. I’d rather share insights that I trust will give you perspectives. Joseph’s story is most apposite because it’s layered with touchpoints that are crucial for contemporary living.

Joseph, A Dreamer

If anyone had told me that my dreams would put me in trouble, perhaps I wouldn’t have been so verbose in my younger days. This is the OT that Joseph didn’t get. He shared his dreams with those that should almost statutorily co-sign on his aspirations but they hated him more. You need to understand that misery loves company and your audacity to be different might be seen as a threat by those you have moved with all your life because, in some twisted way, they imagine that your success is their loss. They might not explicitly express it but their attitude to your big talk is giving, “How dare you!” On the flip, it was good that Joseph blabbed because God used the hatred of his brothers to move him closer to his destiny. Whether you choose to announce your dreams or keep them on the quiet, remember that they are valid either way.

Joseph, A Slave

His brothers had an evil plan to take Joseph out but they stopped short of actually killing him. Instead, they sold him off and also sold a dummy story to their father about his whereabouts. Joseph found himself in the house of Potiphar, who was head of the king’s guards in Egypt, the hegemony of its day. Notice, the love of Jacob, Joseph’s father, at best gave him a coat of many colours but the hate of his brothers brought him into proximity of his destiny. I’m not here to glorify slavery or any other unfortunate situation but specifically in Joseph’s case, that was his route to greatness. Life hardly makes sense to us in real-time, we only understand it when we later connect the dots. Most of our biggest breaks come on the back of personal adversity. A new nation often emerges from the crucible of despair because when people are united in their sufferings, they will speak in one language that transcends ethnicity, religion or partisan affiliations.

Joseph, A Prisoner

Joseph got his master to trust him to the point that whatever he said the inventory was, Potiphar took his word for it. It’s quite oxymoronic for a slave to be given freedom of oversight, Joseph was exceptional. However, light doesn’t just shine to dispel darkness, it inadvertently causes heat and occasionally attracts flies. His boss’ wife saw that one of Joseph’s love languages was acts of service, na so she wan add physical touch – she no wan let the poor boy breathe. I’m sure Joseph told Madam, “Mrs Potiphar, calm down!” May you never be tempted, na there you go know say there is a big difference between the gifts of the spirit and the fruits of the spirit.

If you ask me, Potiphar knew his wife was lying because Joseph had an impeccable character. He only imprisoned Joseph to save his face, that’s why Joseph ended up in the royal prison instead of one for common criminals or worse, the gallows. Establishments are terrible at taking Ls, they are the real sore losers. Even when they know you are innocent, they will screw you over. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but they screwed him over with technicalities. It’s like Fury vs Ngannou, the judges announced one person as the winner via a curious split-decision but the other person was crowned the people’s champion. Ditto for the 2023 Ballon d’Or. Go and ask Saul, he sat as king but the people had a sworn loyalty to David. If e didn’t dey, e didn’t dey.

What happens when we get the opportunities we have craved for? Will we do it the right way or will we become the very things we once criticised? You know one of the saddest things in life? Many people who say they are oppressed today don’t hate oppression, they just hate being oppressed. Their dream is to replace their oppressors one day.

Joseph, An Economist

After helping his fellow inmates interpret their dreams, one of them would remember Joseph for his uncanny expertise when a particular Pharaoh – this refers to a cultural title for kings, not a personal nomenclature. That’s why later in the story another Pharaoh emerged who didn’t know Joseph – and had a disturbing dream which none of his wise men could deconstruct, Joseph didn’t need to pray before addressing the king. Do you know why? Prayer is great but prayer is not the master key. Prayer has a revelatory function but sound decision-making is a pre-condition for success and it’s a universal law that governs the material earth.

You cannot sell cocoa and then use prayer to become richer than the person selling chocolate; in deciding not to refine yourself or whatever you are offering, you have also effectively decided to operate at a lower level on the food chain. Joseph has the best of both worlds – he combines spiritual intelligence with sound economic management. This is the challenge most people of faith have. Some are too spiritual with little or no technical skills. Joseph did not use spirituality to mask his incompetence, talmbout, “I command this economy to experience exponential growth!” Instead, he decided to create a sovereign wealth fund and saved a chunk of the country’s gross domestic product.

Pharaoh’s reaction to Joseph’s submission is metaphoric of how first-world nations think; he put Joseph in charge based on merit. Conversely, third-world countries would have rejected Joseph’s appointment as prime minister simply because he isn’t from their ethnicity, religion or partisan cult. They would rather the economy sunk than allow a competent outsider to manage it excellently. I’m sure some intellectuals after listening to Joseph’s brilliant economic roadmap will come on Elon Musk’s X and say something like, “na statistics we go chop?” Woe betide any society that lacks imaginative leaders in times like these, there will be no tears to cry for them.

Joseph, A Messiah?

Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, is the one who carries the pre-incarnate messiah in his loins but he doesn’t get enough PR for that which then makes Joseph look like the star of the story. Nonetheless, Joseph does manifest the signatures of a messiah. Joseph is easily the captain of Shege FC because my guy eyes don see things. Also, he’s relative to those he was called to redeem. When the famine drove everyone including his long-lost family to Egypt, he effectively redeems them from death and brings them into Goshen. Third, he’s touched by the feelings of their infirmities. Seeing the despondency on the faces of his brothers, who eventually bow to him as his childhood dreams suggested, broke him. He spoke nicely to them and gave them extra portions and royal whips to transport them home. He cried so hard that everyone in the palace became terrified because it was a rarity.

There are three powerful tests that men must pass just like Joseph did; Power, Money and Sex. People of faith know them as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Joseph didn’t abuse his power whether as chief steward in Potiphar’s house or as prime minister. He also didn’t mismanage money in both capacities. Joseph preferred jail time over betraying his master by sleeping with his wife. Interestingly, Jesus, the Messiah, also passed these three tests or temptations. Jesus was tempted to abuse his appetite or physical needs – sex is just a metaphor for all kinds of appetite – he refused to turn stone into bread. Jesus was tempted with power, he refused to jump down from a mountain and abuse his privilege as the son of God. Jesus was tempted with earthly riches, he refused to bow down and kiss the ring.

I know we haven’t always covered ourselves with glory but, trust me, to be a man is not a day job. The pressure is wild; most men would never publicly admit but it’s killing. So if you see me anywhere, just squeeze something for my hand. We gather dey for the matter.

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In a world filled with potential, every child deserves the opportunity to receive quality education and build a brighter future.

Bethesda Child Support Foundation is primarily concerned with implementing education-oriented programs aimed at securing academic scholarships for out-of-school children living in slums and poor communities. In the past 22 years, the foundation has partnered with individuals and corporate organizations to provide scholarships for over 10,000 beneficiaries and has built 5 schools in 4 communities across Lagos and Ogun State.

Project 200: Transforming Lives Through Education
Project 200 is a remarkable initiative with a simple yet profound mission: to secure sponsors for 200 underprivileged children eager to attend the Bethesda School, a beacon of hope in a community with limited educational opportunities.

Project 200 is driven by an ambitious goal: to secure sponsors for 200 children in just 80 days. By sponsoring a child, you provide access to education, setting them on a path to a brighter future.

Why Sponsor a Child?
Sponsoring a child is an investment in the future. You change a life, empower communities, and create a ripple effect that positively impacts countless lives.

How You Can Help?
– Sponsor a Child: Make a direct and lasting impact with a sum of N 60,000 (for second and third terms).
– Spread the Word: Share our mission to help us reach our goal.
– Fundraise: Organize events to support our cause.
– Volunteer: Contribute your time and skills.

Join this incredible journey to provide hope, education, and a brighter future.  For more details, click here to visit the website or call Lanre Abu on 08027344809.

 

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Nigerian artist Lola Mewu has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent painting, clocking in at 72 hours. She surpassed the previous record of 60 hours, set by Roland Palmerts of France in 2013.

Mewu began painting on Saturday, October 28, 2023, and continued until Tuesday, October 31. She created a variety of artworks during her marathon, including many that feature nostalgic childhood scenes. Some of her paintings have already been auctioned off.

She did it !!!! 72 hours
Lola broke and set a new Guinness world record for the longest painting marathon and she’s still going!!!
Lola is attempting to break her own record #lolamewuspainthaton #lolamewuspaintingmarathon pic.twitter.com/iNtldw3e9T

— Oyinlola (@lola_mewu) October 31, 2023

 

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Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Lola!

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Blessing Manafa is an enthusiastic and motivated data analyst with a particular interest in marketing, communications, strategic partnerships, and business development, with over 7 years of experience. Her background and experience merge consumer marketing campaigns, partnerships, and regional on-ground knowledge with data analytics to better inform decision-making for effective marketing initiatives

A high note experience in her journey in the music consumer marketing industry was during her time as Head of Digital Strategy & Content at Cool FM where she, alongside others, initiated and executed marketing strategies for Apple Music Radio – Africa Now with then-host DJ Cuppy, as well as Apple Music & Shazam 3 for 3 campaign. Initiatives across performance marketing, influencer marketing, OOH, TV, and digital marketing were deployed to achieve a notable 7% increase in the number of Apple Music subscribers and Shazam app usage in West Africa.

The following year, Blessing transitioned to Clout Africa, where she served as the Head of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in delivering outstanding projects. These included Clout Mag, featuring rising Afrobeats stars such as Ayra Starr, Oxlade, Zinoleesky, and Lojay. Additionally, she was instrumental in the success of Clout Awards, celebrating music artists and creators from West and Southern Africa. Her work also involved collaborations with artists like Gyakie, Blxckie, Fave, and more. Notably, Blessing commissioned one of Clout Africa’s most noteworthy commercial advertisements, featuring Veeiye, a Big Brother Naija alumni, as the star.

In 2022, Blessing joined emPawa Africa, founded by the business mogul and music superstar, Mr Eazi. Here, she had the opportunity to create and execute marketing strategies for artists such as Joeboy, Mr Eazi, Fave, Minz, Nandy (Tanzania), DJay (Ghana), and others. Her success extended to exciting releases like Mr Eazi’s ‘Patek,’ Joeboy’s ‘Body & Soul,’ and more

When asked her thoughts on African music today – She said

Afrobeats, Afropop, Afro-fusion and Amapiano are slowly and quickly becoming Africa’s biggest exports reaching parts of the world that have never quite reached in the past 5 years. The next 5 years is set to be even more crucial to the African music industry as increased appeal, more attention and funding floods in – this opens up the frontlines for both established & emerging music artists to make their marks on the world as well as make a ton of profit.

I am excited about the future for music and also for professionals like myself who have in their unique ways drawn from their robust experiences in Marketing, Artist and Repertoire fused with the ability to visualize & draw key insights from music streaming data – now positioned to efficiently close the existing gap between music listener habits, music data and music marketing through cutting edge initiatives.

In October 2023, Blessing was appointed as the Digital Services & Partner Manager for Sony Music – West Africa, home to artists such as Mayorkun, Gyakie, Morravey, and global stars like Davido and Wizkid. Considering all that Blessing has accomplished in her 5+ years in the music industry, there is eager anticipation of the great feats she will accomplish in her new role.

Based in Lagos, she will work alongside the major’s team across Africa to oversee all elements of the internal digital services agency, providing support to marketers and partner relations teams to create highly effective and efficient marketing plans. The aim is to reach and engage music fans and audiences with the goal of increasing streaming revenue for SMEA.

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The post The Music Storyteller: Blessing Manafa’s Journey with Afrobeats appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Elites from Nigeria and Ghana gathered in grandeur and style for the 8th Emerging Men of the Year (EMY) Africa Awards, held at the Grand Arena in Accra, Ghana, to celebrate distinguished gentlemen in diverse fields making an impact in society.

Hosted with grace and charisma by Nancy Isime and Nathaniel Attoh, this event transcended expectations by recognising not only men but also women who have made profound contributions to society. It was a night characterized by glitz, talent, and a profound sense of inspiration, underscoring the relentless pursuit of greatness and purpose that defines Africans.

From the vibrant blue and red carpets, graced by dignitaries, business executives and entertainers, to the exquisite dinner and electrifying performances from Efya, Cobhams Asuquo, and Camidoh, the 8th EMY Africa Awards was a testament to the organisers’ commitment to excellence.

The awards celebrated luminaries and leaders from diverse domains, ranging from the glittering world of entertainment and the dynamic field of entrepreneurship to the noble realm of philanthropy and the hallowed halls of academia. It was a night of inspiration, with each award bestowing recognition upon the remarkable contributions made by its deserving recipients.

Some of the notable awardees include:

• Dele Momodu for a special recognition as the foremost cultural ambassador between Nigeria and Ghana
• Mr. Eazi: Young Achiever award – Male
• Black Sherrif: Man of the Year -Music
• Olugbenga Agboola: Man of the Year – Technology
• Beatrice Agyemang: Woman of the Year
• Alex Apau Dadey: Man of the Year

The EMY Africa Awards also took a moment to honor youths making a difference in their communities, providing them a platform to share their stories and inspire others through the Hamza Hakiel El Kharroubi Youth Changemaker Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to, Ablade Glover, a distinguished individual whose life’s work has profoundly impacted society, serving as a beacon of hope and an inspiration to young people.

Kojo Soboh, the Executive Director and founder of EMY AFRICA, expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, attendees, and nominees for making the event a success.

The 8th EMY Africa Awards was not just an evening of celebration but a showcase of the continent’s potential and promise. As always, the awards brought together a diverse group of people, fostering networking, collaborations, and discussions that will undoubtedly lead to more significant positive change. We are grateful to all our partners, friends and sponsors

For more information about the EMY Africa Awards, please visit emyafrica.com

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for the 8th EMY Africa Awards

The post Elegance and Excellence: Highlights from the 8th EMY Africa Awards appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Photo Credit: @mydadsboss for tfaafrica

Tobi Bakre, Veekee James, Victor Fatanmi, Omonhinmin Ilooise, Seyi Oluyole, and Pelumi Salako were among the winners at The Future Awards Africa 2023, which was held yesterday, October 22, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

Hosted by Vee Iye and James Gardiner, 25 winners emerged at this year’s event, with trailblazers selected across their communities in categories ranging from social activism to business, and entertainment.

Photo Credit: @mydadsboss for tfaafrica

Tobi Bakre won the Prize for Acting, Veekee James won the Prize for Fashion, Victor Fatanmi won the award category for Technology, and Omonhinmin Ilooise won the award for On-Air Personality.

The Future Awards Africa is a prestigious awards ceremony that celebrates young, diverse, and innovative young Africans between the ages of 18 and 31, who are making a difference through social good, social enterprise, and creativity.

Photo Credit: @mydadsboss for tfaafrica

In addition to the winners mentioned above, other notable winners at The Future Awards Africa 2023 include:

• Prize for Lawyers — Seyi Bioku Benjamin
• Prize for Journalism — Pelumi Salako
• Prize for Agriculture — Emmanuel Negedu
• Prize for Education — Uchechi Rochas
• Entrepreneurship — Lukman Shobowale
• Prize for Governance — Hakeem Onasanya
• Prize for Intraprenuership — Precious Akpan
• Prize for Dance — Seyi Oluyole
• Prize for Arts and Literature — Morenike Olusanya
• Prize for Photography — Opeyemi Femi Oke
• Prize for Film — Ife Olujuyigbe
• Prize for Music — Asake
• Prize for Service to Young People — Melody Fidel
• Prize for Service to Young People — Bosun Tijani
• Prize for Creative and Innovation — Hauwa Lawal
• Prize for Young Person of The Year — Hilda Baci
• Prize for Content Creation — Samuel Animashaun Perry (Broda Shaggy)
• Prize for Health and Wellness — Mmekidmfon Umanah
• Prize for Community Action — Idris Bilyaminu Ndasadulau
• Price for Advocacy and Activism — Osariemen Grace Omoruyi
• Prize for Professional Service — Phoebe Dami-Asolo
• Prize for Sport — Victor Osimhen

The post #TFAA17: Tobi Bakre, Asake, Veekee James and Victor Fatanmi Among Winners at The Future Awards Africa appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ndidi Nwuneli, Co-Founder of AACE Foods, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award, making her the second winner of the Bold Woman Award In Nigeria; while Tarebi Alebiosu, Founder of QShop, became the first winner of the Bold Future Award in Nigeria. These awards acknowledge their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, innovation, and ethical leadership.

In conjunction with the award ceremony, Veuve Clicquot officially launched the Bold Open Database, a game-changer for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Women entrepreneurs need more than ever visibility to succeed, the Bold Open DataBase is allowing them to connect and be visible to the media and investors. As such, Nigerian female entrepreneurs were invited to register here and join an illustrious community of women worldwide who embody the spirit of Madame Clicquot.

The spirit of female entrepreneurship has been ingrained in Veuve Clicquot’s DNA ever since Madame Clicquot took the reins of the Maison after the death of her husband in 1805. In a time when most women neither worked nor held a bank account, she brought innovation and creativity to the champagne industry—inventing the first vintage champagne as well as the first rosé.

Earning the title of ‘Grande Dame of Champagne’, her extraordinary legacy is the driving force behind the champagne house’s enduring commitment to supporting and celebrating female entrepreneurs. This commitment first took the shape of Bold by Veuve Clicquot in 1972, a programme designed to increase inclusion, impact and visibility for female entrepreneurs. The Bold Woman Award was created to spotlight women in business, and later in 2014, the Bold Future Award was established to encourage young, emerging entrepreneurs.

“The Bold Woman Award is more than an accolade; it’s a catalyst for entrepreneurial revolution. It spotlights women who excel in their fields while championing ethics and inclusion. Their stories inspire future generations to fearlessly innovate. And today, we celebrate Madame Clicquot’s vision and the determination of these remarkable women, committed to fostering a future where female entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond break barriers and transform industries.” says Carole Bildé, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Maison Veuve Clicquot, LVMH.

Apart from the award ceremony, there was also a panel discussion based on the 2023 Bold Barometer study. In 2019, Veuve Clicquot created its Bold International Barometer, a groundbreaking study that provides a detailed and insightful picture of the state of female entrepreneurship around the world. For the third edition of the study in 2023, over 49,000 people were surveyed in 25 countries across five continents to gauge their vision of entrepreneurship by women. This year’s discussion was premised on an insight from the study that – Female-owned businesses in Nigeria are strong and growing however, most of them are focused on sectors that deliver low income.

Moderated by actor and presenter, Michelle Dede, the panel featured Adia Sowho – Chief Marketing Officer, at MTN NIGERIA, Mitchell Elegbe – Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Interswitch; and Yanmo Omorogbe – Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Bamboo; where they discussed on the topic “How Can We Inspire the Emergence of More Female Role Models in Tech?’’.

The award ceremony brought together leading businesswomen to network, connect and engage in meaningful conversations around entrepreneurship. The keynote speech delivered by Olatowun Candide-Johnson – Founder of GAIA Africa – provided a moment of inspiration where she challenged the audience to “remain ambitious & dogged in their entrepreneurial pursuit”; entertainment was provided by Eko Pearl Orchestra and Havfy a spoken word artist.

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During her solo session — Embracing My Unique Identity In The Digital Era —  Tomike Adeoye, one of Nigeria’s mega influencers, unveiled how she embraces her unique identity to create impactful and authentic content with global reach from Nigeria.

The award-winning Content Creator/Brand Influencer, TV/Radio Presenter, Actress and Entrepreneur shared her transformative journey of self-expression, storytelling, and building a strong personal brand. In her candid, jovial and down-to-earth style, she highlighted the importance of honouring God, cultivating faith, humility and self-awareness, telling how these factors have led to her remarkable success.

 

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Credits

BellaStylista: @tomike_a
Photos: @insignaonline
Videos: @bellanaija

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post Embracing My Unique Identity In The Digital Era: Recap Tomike Adeoye’s Session At #BNSDigitalSummit23 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nonye Udeogu at BNS Digital Summit 2023

Sandra Omoregie — one of the Leads at BellaNaija Style, introducing the speaker — Nonye Udeogu on stage at BNS Digital Summit 2023

During her 10-minute solo session — How I Made My First Million As A Fashion Influencer — Nonye Udeogu delved into her inspiring journey as an award-winning Nigerian Fashion Influencer. She shared insights on how she harnessed creativity and authenticity to establish a substantial online presence and attain remarkable financial milestones.

 

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Nonye expanded on the strategies, challenges, and defining moments that continue to propel her towards success and profitability in the fiercely competitive world of influencer marketing.

Hit the button below to watch a wrap-up of Nonye’s experience at our summit:

 

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See more lovely pictures of Nonye below:

Credits

BellaStylista: @thisthingcalledfashionn
Outfit: @mimmikasu
Bag: @florianlondonuk
Photography: @klalaphotography
Videography: @reelsbytreasure

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post How I Made My 1st Million As A Fashion Influencer: Recap Nonye Udeogu’s Session At #BNSDigitalSummit23 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Editor’s note: For the next 3 months, we’ll accept and publish students’ experiences on Nigerian campuses through the #BNCampusSeries. Beyond the four walls of the classrooms, so many things happen on campus, and our goal is to document the various aspects of this phase. The BellaNaija Campus stories will explore academics, finances, love, school anxiety, mental wellness, relationships, and everything in between, and we invite you to be a part of our effort to share the diverse experiences of campus life.

In 2018, Ameerah Yakub, a student of Counsellor Education at the University of Ilorin quit her passion for acting when she had issues with her mental health. But a random test helped her find her way back. Read her story!

I have always wanted to become an actress. Although I struggled with my mental health, I started acting and making funny videos in 2016, and this made me happy and fulfilled. During that time, I was also studying Mass Communication at the polytechnic

In 2018, I got my first acting gig with a popular actress but my mental health conditions got worse, and I couldn’t perform properly. I had just started practising my religion and rather than focus on my career, I decided to focus on the peace of mind that comes with my religion, so I quit acting. However, this affected my mental health more. I had trouble describing my condition. I couldn’t specify whether I was happy or sad. To be honest, I’ve had issues describing my emotions since I was a child. This was what  spurred me to study Counsellor Education at the University of Ilorin. My intention was to receive help for myself, and then gain the necessary tools to help children who face similar challenges.

When I got admission to the University of Ilorin in 2018, I was indifferent about it. In my 100-level days, I’d make people laugh but when I got back to my hostel, I’d cry my eyes out. I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know what it was. It was a really trying moment.

As a Counsellor Education student, I started learning more about mental health problems; the causes, effects and treatments. I learned from classes in school and I’d go online to read more about it after class. I tried to seek help but it seemed as though I was seeking attention, but learning about it helped me point out the kind of help I needed.  

All this while, I had avoided going back to acting, but in January 2020, I acted on stage in school for a minor course that was mandatory. It was a test and somehow, I got to play the lead character. The day we performed was the first day I felt genuinely happy in school since I got in. I felt butterflies in my belly. Then and there, I knew a part of me missed acting for film. That day, it seemed I had found an essential part of me that had long been lost.

I decided to start all over again but in a different way. I decided to put my pains into my crafts and make them valuable. In June 2020, I started acting and creating content again. I understood I couldn’t pour from an empty cup, so I sought help. Omo! Therapy is expensive. I was lucky to get a therapist who agreed to work with me even when I didn’t have a dime to pay her. The kindness of my therapist is one of the reasons I always extend kindness to others.

From my school programme, I had the opportunity to work at different secondary schools and this allowed me to connect with kids from different backgrounds. I realised I was right about my life purpose – to heal and be there for kids.

I was receiving therapy, studying Counsellor Education at the university, finding time to learn and work on my craft, and getting to know who I truly was. In the process, I realised that there was more to me. I could teach well, I cast news in Yoruba and English fluently, I could make voiceovers, I could anchor events in extraordinary ways (my lecturers can testify, haha) and I believe there’s still more to me. I mean, there was a time I attempted suicide. Now, I’m really thankful for the grace of another chance.

(August 15, 2023) Ameerah and friends on #back2school day during the Final Year Week

Life on campus is such a great experience; you discover and rediscover yourself. Now that I’m leaving, I’m anxious about the life outside but I am certain that I’d leave as a different person, and not my old self.

The post #BNCampusSeries: Studying Counsellor Education Helped Ameerah Yakub Attain Mental Wellness appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Toyosi Etim Effiong

According to the magazine, “The issue is in honour of Toyosi’s dedication to globally spotlighting Nigerian cinema and culture. In this exclusive cover story, our readers will gain an intimate insight into Toyosi Etim-Effiong’s remarkable journey and her visionary approach to the Essence Film Festival. Her passion for celebrating Nigerian cinema and its talented filmmakers and actors has drawn widespread acclaim and provided an invaluable platform for Nigerian storytellers to shine on an international stage. Toyosi Etim-Effiong, a multifaceted media personality and entrepreneur who has worked in the media space for over nine years, is actively working on creating partnership and collaboration opportunities between Nollywood and the film and TV industry in the West. Toyosi used her influence to champion causes dear to her heart, including promoting women in the film industry and sharing authentic African stories. Her efforts have bridged the gap between Nigeria and the global film community and fostered a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich culture.”

Toyosi’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s storytelling, culture, and accomplishments in the film industry was demonstrated at the Nigeria Day event during the Essence Film Festival. This highly anticipated celebration, which took place during the Essence Festival in New Orleans, served as a platform for people to experience African cinema and its influence on worldwide culture.

In this feature, Toyosi Etim-Effiong shares her incredible journey and discusses how her work exemplifies the transformative influence of individuals who are dedicated to making a significant impact on society through their passion and unwavering commitment.

 

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See excerpts of the interview below:

Taking on big ideas requires a lot of energy physically, mentally, and emotionally – in all ways. How do you stay motivated to keep going?

Meditation, prayer and counsel keep me going. I’m very aware that what I’ve been called to do is bigger than me. If it was only about me, I could wake up one day and decide to tap out but meditation keeps me constantly reminded that there are other people’s livelihoods and breakthroughs attached to what I’ve been called to do and that keeps me motivated.

What was a significant highlight and major lesson learned from the experience of getting Nollywood to Hollywood via the Essence Festival?

A significant highlight of bringing Nollywood to Hollywood through the Essence Festival was the recognition of Nollywood’s impact and potential on the global stage. This collaboration not only showcased the talent and creativity of African filmmakers but also emphasized the demand for diverse storytelling in the entertainment industry.

The more events like this are organized, the more we see the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and representation showing that when industries come together to share resources, expertise, and stories, they can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive entertainment landscape that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Can you describe in your own words who you think Today’s Woman is?

Today’s Woman is self-aware. She’s a water walker; with her nothing is impossible. She understands that she’s a piece of a larger puzzle and occupies her space gracefully and with no apologies. Today’s woman deftly establishes systems and structures that enable her to maintain a seamless balancing act in her life.

 

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Read the latest issue of Today’s Woman Magazine here.

The post Toyosi Etim-Effiong Graces the Cover of Today’s Woman Magazine appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Two Nigerian teachers, Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya, have been shortlisted for the top 50 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize 2023. This prestigious award, organised in partnership with UNESCO and Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organisation based in the UAE, received over 7,000 nominations and applications from 130 countries worldwide.

The Global Teacher Prize, which comes with a USD 1 million award, aims to recognise exceptional teachers who have made a significant contribution to the profession. It also highlights the crucial role that teachers play in society by showcasing inspiring stories of teachers who have transformed the lives of their students.

Peace Sule

As a teacher, Peace Sule is driven by her belief that knowledge is essential to progress. She has made significant contributions to achieving educational objectives through her innovative and distinctive teaching methods, creative approaches, selfless service, and willingness to make sacrifices in the classroom. Outside the classroom, she has conducted adult and literacy education programmes to address the needs of individuals who have not received formal schooling. Since 2013, she has also consistently been recognised as the ‘Best Teacher’ or ‘Most Resourceful Teacher’ under the guidance of 10 different principals across various schools.

With the Global Teacher Prize funds, Peace plans to establish a pioneering robotics and artificial intelligence institute in Africa, create a floating school to ensure uninterrupted access to education in flood-prone areas and establish a vocational institute that nurtures students’ talents in acting, music, dance, and fashion design.

Stephanie Akinwoya

Stephanie Akinwoya became a teacher because of her mother’s passion for teaching chemistry. During her undergraduate studies in rural schools, Stephanie observed that numerous female students had a hesitancy towards STEM subjects. As a result, she established the Girls-Pro-STEM initiative to cultivate interest in STEM among girls in public secondary schools. Stephanie collaborated with global organizations to offer training, assistance, and guidance to more than 200 girls. A lot of these girls have subsequently represented their schools in national and international competitions.

His Excellency, Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares said, “Congratulations to the teachers who have secured a place in the Top 50 list of the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. Teachers are the driving force behind progress, inspiring and shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. In addition to imparting knowledge, the role of teachers needs to be redefined as coaches, mentors, and facilitators who can empower their students to achieve their full potential by instilling in their students the values, skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to contribute solutions to the global challenges facing humanity and thrive in our ever-changing world. We value our long-standing partnership with the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, which celebrates the tireless efforts and incredible accomplishments of teachers around the world and their role in driving human development.”

Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education said, “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya. UNESCO is a proud partner of the Global Teacher Prize because teachers deserve our great recognition. They inspire and prepare children and youth to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Their efforts play a leading role in transforming education for the future.”

Applications and nominations for this year’s Global Teacher Prize opened on May 6, 2023, and closed on June 25, 2023.

Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation said, “Congratulations to Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya. The Global Teacher Prize was launched to highlight the importance of education in tackling the great challenges ahead, from climate change to growing inequality to sweeping changes in technology.”

The prize is open to working teachers who teach children who are in compulsory schooling or are between the ages of five and eighteen. Teachers who teach children age 4+ in an Early Years government-recognised curriculum are also eligible, as are teachers who teach on a part-time basis and teachers of online courses. Teachers must spend at least 10 hours per week teaching and plan to remain in the profession for the next 5 years. It is open to teachers in every kind of school and, subject to local laws, in every country in the world.

When teachers apply for the Global Teacher Prize, they are evaluated based on their teaching methods, innovative solutions to tackle local issues, ability to produce measurable results, impact on the community outside of the classroom, contributions towards creating global citizens, efforts towards improving the teaching profession, and recognition from external sources. Later in the year, the top 10 finalists will be announced, setting a higher standard of respect for the teaching profession. The winner will then be chosen from this group by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, which comprises prominent individuals and will be announced at a later date.

If you nominate a teacher, you will need to provide a short explanation online as to why you think they deserve the recognition. Should the teacher be chosen, they will receive an email informing them of their selection and inviting them to apply for the prize. The application process is available in English, Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian.

The post Two Nigerian Teachers, Peace Sule and Stephanie Akinwoya Shortlisted for the 2023 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Sandrah Tubobereni wearing TUBO RTW

In preparation for the summit, Tubo’s fabulous team put together three (3) stunning looks featuring exquisitely tailored teal blue pieces including the Becky Skirt, Adunni Pants, and Imani shirt from her recently launched DAMASK collection via her ready-to-wear brand — TUBO RTW

The Becky Skirt is a back-zipped fitted mini skirt which she first paired with an oversized button-down white shirt layered with a sultry black lingerie. She then switched into her straight-cut Adunni pants with a saddle detail pocket around the waist paired with the same oversized white shirt before swapping the latter for a TUBO RTW Imani shirt — a long-sleeved damask corporate shirt with false pockets and button details which she ultimately paired with delicate offwhite silk pants from LOEWE.

Dissing foundation, concealer and powder, Sandrah slayed a glowing bare face with microbladed brows and luscious lips with flawlessly laid frontals to tie up her look. Get ready with TUBO in the video below, hit the button to watch:

 

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Which of these Corporate Baddie-themed looks did Tubo rock to the summit? Keep scrolling to see:

Sandrah Tubobereni speaking at the 4th Annual BellaNaija Style Digital Summit

Impact is at the very core of my personal values and I am always happy to share my experiences so I can save the next entrepreneur the cost of mistakes I already made. Thank you @bellanaijastyle and @ecobank_nigeria for giving me the platform to pay forward.

— said Tubo on Instagram

 

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At the summit, Tubo delved into her inspiring journey in the fashion industry to unveil relevant lessons for success. The multi-award-winning globally acclaimed fashion designer is best known for her creative impact on traditional African bridal design, transforming the indigenous into coveted contemporary masterpieces.

She shared how she found her power within this niche quite in a serendipitous manner. For a young lady who has done nothing more than a short 3-day course in formal fashion education, Sandrah Tubobereni has defied the odds; switching from a flourishing career in Business Development and Finance to Fashion, she leveraged her knowledge across the board to build one of Africa’s most remarkable clothing brands today.

Sandrah Tubobereni at BNS Digital Summit 2023

After making her industry debut in 2014, Sandrah Tubobereni built the TUBO brand organically, from her bedroom in Dolphin estate, Lagos, with very little to no funds to start with, but just a vision and core values that she was dedicated to.

Bootstraping intelligently and leveraging what’s accessible through collaborations, in 2017, she released her first official fashion projection – a collection inspired by the acknowledgement of what a woman embodies – showcasing the TUBO Woman.

Creating a cohesive collection that communicated a visual metaphor of the Fragility, Femininity and Strength of Women, she birthed the anti-fictitious womenswear label. This sophisticated collection received a lot of accolades and carved the brand’s unique space in the Global Fashion industry as it was sought after at home and abroad.

Sandrah Tubobereni at BNS Digital Summit 2023

Through her designs, Tubo brings to the fore, an appealing innovation in fashion, a distinct silhouette and chic prêt-à-porter fashion clothing. According to Tubo, her focus on community development and hunger for a better Nigeria entrenches her creativity and ability to do greater things in the industry.

See more of Tubo at the 4th annual BellaNaija Style Digital Summit below:

Sandrah Tubobereni at BNS Digital Summit 2023

Sandrah Tubobereni speaking on “The Business of Fashion in Nigeria” Panel with BellaNaija’s Mary Edoro, The Style Infidel, and Olufunke Afolabi at BNS Digital Summit 2023

Sandrah Tubobereni on stage with BellaNaija’s Mary Edoro, The Style Infidel, and Olufunke Afolabi at BNS Digital Summit 2023

Sandrah Tubobereni at BellaNaija Style Digital Summit 2023

Credits

BellaStylista: @tubobereni_
All the outfits from @tubortw (available at www.tubowoman.com) except the  cream silk pants @loewe
Shoes: @theluxeshopper
Photography: @insignaonline × @klalaphotography

Looking for more African fashion and lifestyle updates? Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com now!

The post Sandrah Tubobereni Dons 4 Impressive Looks For The 4th Annual BellaNaija Style Digital Summit appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

On Sunday, September 24, the versatile actor Tayo Faniran and the ever-graceful actress Idia Aisien took the stage to unveil the nominees for the 17th edition of The Future Awards Africa. This year’s theme, “Defying Odds, Inspiring Greatness,” aptly captures the essence of the event.

 

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The list of nominees is an impressive showcase of individuals who have excelled and broken barriers in their respective fields. It includes notable names such as content creator Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Guinness world record-holding Chef Hilda Baci, acclaimed entrepreneur Jumoke Dada, Nigerian track and field sensation Tobi Amusan, singer-songwriter Asake, popular comedian Broda Shaggi, MTV VJ search star Omonhinmin ‘ILO’ Ilooise, and many more.

The organisers have curated a list that truly embodies the spirit of defying norms and leaving an indelible mark on youth culture across the continent. The nominees span 25 categories, totalling 128 individuals, who have undergone three rigorous judging stages.

Who will emerge as the 25 award winners?  See the complete list of nominees below:

Young Person of the Year

• Hilda Baci — Guinness World Record Holder
• Oluwaseyi Moejoh — Climate Change and Youth Development Activist
• Victor Osimhen — Professional Footballer
• Rena Wakama — Coach of D’Tigress
• Precious Eniayeka — Founder at Stellar Initiative
• Enioluwa Adeoluwa — Content Creator

Education

• Aliu Toluwani Victor — CEO of Royal foundation Africa
• Sultan Akintunde — CO founder and CTO AltSchool Africa
• Demilade Adelaja — SDG Youth Advocate
• Adaora Nwodo — Tech Content Creator
• Uchechi Rochas — Director General of Rochas Foundation

Professional service

• Oghenerukevwe Toka — Social Media Manager, Consultant, and Coach
• Phoebe Dami-Asolo — Marketing and Commercial Professional
• Olubukayo Ewuoso — Digital Marketing Officer
• Muhumuza Brian — Intercontinental Publicist
• Fatima Jimanate Umar — Development Group Impact Analyst

Law

• Bioku Benjamin — Legal Manager at Sahara
• Chidi Odoemenam — Senior Associate at Rendeavour Nigeria
• Damilola Wright — Lawyer
• Toyin Aiyepola — Lawyer

Entrepreneurship

• Nathan Nwachukwu — CEO of Klas
• Lukman Shobowale — Real Estate Expert
• Jumoke Dada — Award-winning Entrepreneur
• Victor Ehindero — A Visionary Tech entrepreneur
• Miracle Nwachukwu — Interior Designer
• Victor Adegbile — CEO at Land Republic Limited
• Bella Victor — Chairman of Lander Estate
• Bright Sekoni — CEO of Audacia Properties
• Sandra Chukwudozie — Founder & CEO – Salpha Energy
• Noah Ibrahim — Co-Founder – Eatnow.ng

Agriculture

• Emmanuel Negedu — CEO of AgriLife youth
• Joshua Ifezue — Founder of Jofez Agro
• Joshua Okpata — Exxon Mobil Undergraduate Scholar

Technology

• Weevil Company — Hansel Okeke and Germaine Okeke, Founders of Weevil Company
• Victor Fatanmi — CEO of Fullgapco
• David Onilude — Tech Enthusiast
• Yanmo Omoregbe — Co-founder and COO of Bamboo
• Goodness Kayode — CEO of Sendchamp
• Shodipo Ayomide — Engineering and Developer Relations Leader
• Iyinoluwa Deborah Raj

Photography

• Chika Onuu — Photographer and Videographer
• Opeyemi Femi Oke — Photographer
• Deji Oluokun
• Ngozieme — Photographer
• Akindele Ibukun — Lead director for VISUALCHEF.HO
• Bolarinwa (Horlaof Lagos) — Owner of HOL Academy

Advocacy and Activism

• Muhammad Kolo Muhammad — Play Metro
• Odanye Kehinde — Youth Advocate
• Osariemen Grace Omoruyi — Founder of Restorative Justice for Africa
• Tobiloba Osogbiye — Public Affairs Officer

Sport

• Victor Osimhen — Footballer
• Tobi Amusan — Nigerian track and Field Athlete
• Asisat Oshoala — Footballer
• Michelle Alozie — Footballer
• Mary Busayo Olatunji — Squash Player
• Ese Brume — Athlete

ON-Air Personality

• Emmanuel Onwuka — Journalist
• Ilowitdflo — TV Presenter
• Karen Dimkpa — Queen of Pop Radio
• Laila Johnson Salami — Co-Anchor on Arise TV
• Anita Akuffo — Host and a Presenter
• Adesola Balikis —Radio Presenter

Journalism

• Deborah Tolu Kayode — Communications Specialist
• Akinlade Abiodun — Writer
• Pelumi Salako — Freelance Journalist
• Ore Ogunbiyi — Economist

Intrapreneurship

• Tutu Adetunmbi — Content Marketing Consultant
• Solomon O. Ayodele — Head of Innovation at WEMA Bank
• Ernesto O. Dibia — Medical Laboratory scientist
• Victor Okpala — Manager of Spotify
• Precious Akpan — Businesswoman

Health and Wellness

• Mmekidmfon Umanah — Business Executive
• Dr Princess Ike — Public Health Optometrist
• Emmanuel Oni — Businessman
• Victor Amusan — Health Tracker

Fashion

• Uyiosa Omoregbe — Owner of NASO Clothing Brand
• Rhoda Aguonigho — Fashion Consultant
• Thebetsile Thebe Magugu — Fashion Designer
• Veekee James — Fashion Designer
• Gbemisola Okunlola — Founder of ALONUKO

Film

• Abdulazeez Greene — Cinematographer
• TG Omori — Music Video Director
• Ovi Odiete — Nollywood Actor
• Nora Awolowo — Producer, Cinematographer, and Filmmaker
• Steven Ndukwu — Travel and Real Estate Content Curator
• Ife Olujuyigbe — Filmmaker
• Niyi Fagbemi — Filmmaker
• Ifan Michael — Filmmaker

Acting

• Mike Afolarin — Actor
• Rahama Sadau — Actress
• Moshood Fattah — Actor
• Emeka Nwagbaraocha — Actor
• Ama Qamata — Actress
• Olumide Oworu — Actor
• Tobi Bakre — Actor
• Genovevah Umeh — Actress
• Scarlet Gomez — Actress

Content Creation

• Layi Wasabi — Content Creator
• Fisayo Fosudo — Visual Storyteller
• Eniola Korty Olanrewaju — Filmmaker
• Salem King — Content Creator
• The Wisdom Man — Content Creator
• Maryam Apaokagi — Comedienne
• Samuel. A Perry ( Broda Shaggi) — Comedian

Music

• Ayra Starr — Singer
• Asake — Artist
• Libianca — Cameroonian Singer
• Aya Nakamura — French Singer
• Tay C — French Singer and Songwriter

Governance

• Hakeem Onasanya — Head of Startups
• Igunbor Sarah — Senior Assistant to Edo State Governor
• Mustapha Isa Ozo — Managing Director of A Public Relations and Digital Communication Company
• Seun Olufemi White — Lawyer
• Rukayatt Shittu — Journalist
• Khalil — Halilu

Community Action

• GodsFavour Ahimisi — Game Changer in Community Action
• Ndasadu lau Idris Bilyaminu — Founder of YapDfAfrica
• Chioma Ukpabi — Founder of SUWK
• Salawu Azeez — Climate Activist
• Iresalewa Muhammed Bello — Founder of Nimah Andreh

Arts and Literature

• Haneefah Abdulraman — Writer
• Michael Dubby — Entrepreneur
• Morenike Olusanya — Book Cover Artist

Dance

• Izzy Odigie — Choreographer
• Regina Eigbe — Choreographer
• Sherrie Silver — Philanthropist
• Dream Catchers — Dance Group

Creativity and Innovation

• Victoria Adesanmi — Interior Designer
• Hauwa Lawal — Screenwriter
• Babatunde Sanni of Ikorodu Bois
• Intissar Bashir Kurfi — Environmentalist

Service to the Young

• Melody Fidel — Entrepreneur
• Bosun Tijani — Minister of Communications

The post From Hilda Baci to Asake, Here Are This Year’s The Future Awards Africa Nominees appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Adebola Williams and Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann

Media entrepreneur and investor Adebola Williams, has been selected by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to participate in the esteemed Future Leaders Invitation Programme (PIPA) set to unfold in Paris, France. The week-long program, orchestrated and overseen by the Strategy, Analysis and Policy Planning Centre of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs since 1989, provides an exclusive platform for future leaders in politics and civil society. This carefully curated week allows for high-level dialogues and engagements with distinguished figures from the French government and corporate sphere, specifically pertaining to their respective projects and endeavours.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Adebola Williams stated, “I am honoured to be chosen for this distinctive leaders program. The personalised approach, as opposed to a larger group initiative, allows for more strategic discussions, potential partnerships, and meaningful outcomes. It provides a chance to connect one-on-one with influential figures who are making a significant impact in their communities, including elected representatives, political leaders, senior civil servants, representatives from the economic sector, and members of civil society. This aims to deepen the relationship and impact between Nigeria and France.”

He added, “I eagerly anticipate becoming part of the esteemed alumni network, connecting with other notable personalities selected from around the world to engage in this specially curated program.”

Adebola Williams, Chairman AW Network

Participants in the PIPA Programme are outstanding global leaders aged 25 to 45, already spearheading major nationally impactful initiatives. Since its inception in 1989, a total of 2,000 individuals from 159 different countries have participated in the program over 34 years. Past participants include Theresa May, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to United States President Joe Biden; and Ben Rhodes, speechwriter and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama.

Adebola Williams serves as the Chairman of AW Network and is the Founder of RED | For Africa, the largest portfolio of youth-focused media brands on the continent, encompassing Red Media Africa, Statecraft Inc., The Future Awards Africa, and Y!/YNaija.com. He is a trailblazer at the crossroads of media, democracy, and social change, garnering recognition from Forbes and CNN for his instrumental role in electing a trifecta of Presidents in Africa.

The post Adebola Williams Selected for Future Leaders Invitation Programme by the French Government appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease in Nigeria. This dedication has been the driving force behind their work since their establishment on March 1, 2015. Officially incorporated on October 27, 2016, they have consistently worked towards a singular vision – to create a comprehensive support system for those battling sickle cell disease and ultimately contribute to a world where they can live life to the fullest.

Mission and Impact

Their mission is to instill hope and enhance the overall health and well-being of individuals with sickle cell disease. They achieve this by harnessing available resources to provide educational, emotional, financial, and medical support to those in need, while simultaneously striving to eradicate the condition. Through extensive partnerships with government bodies and stakeholders, they have made significant strides in managing sickle cell patients and are actively engaged in education, awareness, and advocacy efforts to eliminate this disease from future generations.

To date, they have directly impacted over 23,000 individuals and reached hundreds of thousands more through radio and television programs.

Project Empower a Warrior (PEW) is an initiative of CrimsonBow Sickle Cell Initiative aimed at providing unwavering support and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with sickle cell disease. Their commitment is crystal clear: to empower patients and their families by offering a comprehensive array of resources and invaluable tools.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects thousands of lives each year. With approximately 150,000 babies born with this condition annually, the challenges are substantial. Sadly, only about half of these newborns celebrate their 5th birthday and those who do continue to face profound difficulties as they journey into adulthood.

Many individuals living with sickle cell disease grapple with formidable financial challenges resulting from the exorbitant costs of treatment, frequent hospital admissions, and the overarching high cost of living. In this landscape, PEW emerges as a beacon of hope. They are steadfast in their commitment to equipping these resilient individuals with financial grants, valuable capacity-building opportunities, and inspirational talks designed to amplify their earning potential and fortify their resilience.

PEW 2.0: Adapt and Thrive – Building Resilience in the New Economy

This year, they are presenting PEW 2.0, themed ‘Adapt and Thrive: Building Resilience in the New Economy.’ This dynamic event promises an exhilarating business pitch session where the top 3 entrepreneurs will receive substantial grants for their businesses: N250,000, N150,000, and N100,000, respectively. Furthermore, they are extending their support through micro-grants of N25,000 to 10 well-deserving individuals, along with an array of consolation gifts.

Join them on September 23rd, 2023, virtually (as they are at full capacity for physical attendance) by visiting their YouTube livestream as they adapt, thrive, and build resilience in the new economy, taking a step closer to eradicating sickle cell disease from their communities. Together, they can empower warriors to face their challenges head-on.

Stay connected with them and receive live updates on all their social media handles. To learn more about what they do and to support their mission, please reach out to them at contact@crimsonbowsci.org.

This year’s PEW 2.0 is proudly sponsored by Xcene Research, FSDH Merchant Bank, EDC Nigeria (a member of the Ecobank Group). Their partners for this event include BellaNaija, Cedar Business Hub, Isheda Natural Skincare, Lagos Food Bank, and Mod Media.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for PEW 2.0

The post PEW 2.0: CrimsonBow’s Mission to Empower Sickle Cell Warriors in the New Economy appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

 

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Looking even more radiant this year, the Paris-trained portrait photographer clocked 40 and remarked:

It took me 40 years to look this good. 

 

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We love how she’s telling a different narrative of the ageing tale. Ageing doesn’t have to be negative, it can come with positive and even more attractive changes based on better choices. Just take a look at how stunning Eleanor looks serving this tremendous self-care inspiration of the week, talk about 40 and fabulous!

 

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Shot by her assistant Majestic Visuals, Eleanor partners again with her brilliant fashion designer and sister-in-law — Oluwakemi Goodey of Heiress Couture Nigeria for her most stunning shoot yet, featuring Kemi herself and Eleanor’s charming damsels who have both stamped indelible face cards in our memories from their viral moments in the spotlight at Mum’s studio.

Keep scrolling for an eyes feast:

 

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In an Instagram caption, Eleanor wrote about her adorable relationship with Kemi

Special thanks to Kemi @heiresscouturenigeria my business partner and sister-in-law, because some of the successes we have enjoyed in business have been as a result of the alignment and synergy between us!!

Keep scrolling for more

 

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Seeing how pretty Eleanor looked for her 40th birthday shoot is such an encouragement for what’s attainable when we take better care of ourselves, cheers to Beauty Preservation.

 

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Credits

Muses: @eleanorgoodeyphotography, @kemigoodey
Styling: @kemigoodey
Outfit: @heiresscouturenigeria
Hair: @tobbiestouch
Makeup: @oshewabeauty, and @sutchaygallery
Okuku: @pees_touch
Shot by: @majesticvisuals_

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

The post ‘It Took Me 40 Years To Look This Good’. Anti-ageing/Pro-ageing? Take A Look At This! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Are you travelling solo and worried about shooting lovely Instagramable content on your trip? Nigerian travel curator — Zim has you covered in today’s video.

With a few basic shooting tools (i.e. a good camera phone, gimbal and tripod) and these tips from Zim, you can expect to have a swell time documenting your travel memories. Hit the button below to watch:

 

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Pro Tips:

Ensure your camera lens is clean before you start shooting

Avoid shooting in direct sunlight

Practice, practice, practice. Don’t worry about fumbling a few times, you’d get better at it with continued practice.

Credit: @zimeee

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post Check Out These 3 Helpful Shooting Tips For Solo Travellers | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Uncover the art, science and strategy behind effectively presenting your fashion/beauty brand to the media. Learn from a PR expert as she shares insights, tips, and real-world experiences on how to craft compelling pitches that capture the attention of journalists and secure valuable press coverage for your brand.

Explore the dos and don’ts of successful media outreach and gain the skills to stand out in a crowded fashion landscape. Mark your calendars and REGISTER to join us in person here

Meet The Speaker

Omawumi Ogbe is the managing partner at GLG Communications — a leading PR and reputation management firm, the Editor-In-Chief at Glazia NG, the current President of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria and the Creator of PR Power List.

A 2024 candidate in Europe’s #1 Executive MBA program at HEC Paris, Omawumi holds a postgraduate degree in Media and Communication from Pan-Atlantic University, where she graduated as the overall best-graduating student. A TEDx speaker and experienced trainer, Omawumi’s leadership skills have led her team to win several awards, including Best Innovation in PR at the 2022 LaPRIGA Awards.

In addition, she is the first female president of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria(LCAN) and has received awards such as the 2019 Coaching Icon Award, the 2022 Leading Ladies Africa 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria, and the 2022 Class of 40 under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent by MIPAD.

This is our 1st on-site edition beaming engaging panel discussions, enthralling entertainment, networking opportunities, delightful cocktails, mesmerising fashion and beauty moments, and captivating fireside chats. Drawing from the tremendous success of our past editions, this year’s summit is set to be even more impactful and game-changing. Join us in person,

Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre, Ecobank headquarters — 270, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

The post Pitching Your Fashion Brand To The Press: Find Out What You Need At #BNSDigitalSummit 2023 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

This is a special 10-minute session that delves into the inspiring journey of a successful Nigerian fashion influencer who is leveraging creativity and authenticity to not only build a substantial online presence but also achieve remarkable financial milestones.

Discover the strategies, challenges, and pivotal moments that keep propelling her to make profit in the competitive world of influencing. Mark your calendars and REGISTER to join us in person here

Meet The Speaker

Nonye Udeogu is an award winning, multifaceted creative with 5 years of experience in visual storytelling and content development. She creates premium content for local and international fashion & lifestyle brands such as Darling, Cold Stone, Domino’s, Molped, GTBank, Jobberman, Samsung, MAC Cosmetics, and many more.

Having secured over 150 consultations in the past year and creating an e-book titled — How to Film & Edit Creative Videos (with over 600 copies sold), it is no question that Nonye loves taking on creative entrepreneurs and helping SMEs build and manage their brand’s online presence, through content creation and social media.

When she’s not busy creating content she’s on a couch watching her favourite TV series and eating pasta.

This is our 1st on-site edition beaming engaging panel discussions, enthralling entertainment, networking opportunities, delightful cocktails, mesmerising fashion and beauty moments, and captivating fireside chats. Drawing from the tremendous success of our past editions, this year’s summit is set to be even more impactful and game-changing. Join us in-person,

Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre, Ecobank headquarters — 270, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The post How I Made My 1st Million As A Fashion Influencer: Get inspired At #BNSDigitalSummit 2023 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Photo Credit: Gates Foundation

Every two minutes, or 800 times a day, a mother passes on due to complications during childbirth. When this happens, her family and the world did not just lose her, but all too often, we lose her child as well. The 2023 Goalkeepers Report by Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates, Co-Chairs of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reveals that the chances of a baby reaching their first birthday drops to less than 37% when their mother dies during childbirth.

The report is an urgent call on the world to take necessary action to save 2 million lives – nearly 1,000 mothers and babies daily between now and 2030. It noted that global health experts, having learned more about mothers and babies in the last decade than in the century preceding that, believe that the breakthroughs recorded can be used to fight the epidemic of maternal mortality, not only on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but globally, including in the United Kingdom and the United States, where death rates for Black mothers have doubled since 1999.

The Stunning Reversal

The report highlights that when the world set ambitious targets at the start of the millennium, remarkable progress in maternal and neonatal health was recorded. And it wasn’t just in maternal and neonatal health, but poverty decline rates, educational achievement, and longevity all experienced a boom. Things were going well, until they weren’t. Progress was still being made, but they were very slow or stagnant. 74% of child deaths still happen within the first year of their birth. 5 million children never live to see their 5th birthday, with another 2 million never even taking their first breath. The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed clinics and health centres, affecting their ability to provide appropriate care for mothers and their babies. The report added that alarming statistics reveal that globally, maternal mortality rates have remained stagnant for eight years, and in some countries like the United States and Venezuela, they’ve risen.

Innovation Offers Hope

But amidst these disheartening trends, there is hope on the horizon. Over the past decade, researchers have unearthed groundbreaking insights into maternal and child health. They have identified the exact diseases that threaten children, explored the role of anaemia in maternal health, and uncovered intricate connections between a baby’s health and that of their mother, the report says.

The challenge now lies in ensuring that these life-saving discoveries reach the communities where they are needed most. The report spotlights how these insights are being transformed into innovations and practices that can fast-track progress in maternal and neonatal health, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

These are the innovations that could save 2 million lives before the end of this decade and 6.4 million lives by 2040.

In her essay, Co-Chair Melinda French Gates highlights the new innovations that will “deliver hope”, ensuring women survive during pregnancy and childbirth. According to Gates, throughout most of human history, we lacked sufficient knowledge to prevent or treat common childbirth complications that led to fatalities, such as postpartum haemorrhage, anaemia or infection. But today, we possess crucial insights, and what is highly important is how these innovations can reach those who need them most—women in low-income countries, and marginalised communities, like Black and Indigenous women in high-income countries such as the United States, who face mortality rates three times higher than white women, even when considering economic and education factors.

Treating Postpartum Haemorrhage

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) – loss of more than half a litre of blood within 24 hours of childbirth, affects 14 million women yearly, and kills 70,000 of them. A critical challenge is diagnosing PPH accurately, as healthcare workers often struggle to determine the extent of blood loss. A low-cost solution is a calibrated obstetric drape, resembling a V-shaped plastic bag, which visually indicates excessive blood loss, enabling swift action. According to Gates, Dr. Hadiza Galadanci, an obstetrician and researcher from Nigeria, and a team of other researchers in four African countries with high maternal mortality, came up with a solution after finding out that about half of the women who experience PPH were never diagnosed at all. The built a V-shaped plastic bag draped at the bedside of mothers after childbirth. Blood collects in it like a rising thermometer, alerting healthcare providers in a busy hospital ward if there’s any need for concern. Combining this with streamlined interventions decreased severe bleeding cases by an astonishing 60 percent.

Dr. Galadanci reviewing the postpartum haemorrhage bundle with health workers, in Nigeria.
© Nelson Owoicho

Addressing Anaemia and Preventing Port-partun Haemorrhage

According to the report, anaemia affects up to 37 percent of pregnant women globally, exacerbating the risk of PPH. Maternal micronutrient supplements, including iron-rich prenatal vitamins, can prevent mild anaemia. However, diagnosing and treating moderate and severe cases are vital. A promising intervention by a Nigerian obstetrician and researcher Dr. Bosede Afolabi, is a 15-minute intravenous (IV) infusion of iron, a game-changer for severe anaemia cases, offering quick and effective treatment.

Preventing Infection

Infections leading to sepsis pose a significant threat. Azithromycin, a common antibiotic, has shown promise in preventing maternal infections when administered during labour. Trials in sub-Saharan Africa reduced sepsis cases by a third, which could be transformative, particularly for home births. In the United States, where sepsis contributes to 23 percent of maternal deaths, this innovation could be a game-changer, especially for Black and Indigenous women.

In his  essay, Co-Chair Bill Gates discusses why gaining more knowledge on why children in some of the poorest places in the world die, could provide ways to save millions of others. He discusses the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), an initiative of the Gates Foundation launched in 2015. Gates discloses how CHAMPS, together with Pneumonia Etiology Research Child Health Study (PERCH), which examined the causes of childhood pneumonia, and Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) which did the same for diarrheal diseases have contributed to gaining “baby knowledge”.

One significant outcome of this knowledge boom is the precise understanding of when and why some infants and children are succumbing to various ailments, enabling medical professionals to devise better treatments and develop vaccines.

Antenatal Corticosteroids (ACS) to Fast-forward Lung Growth

These innovative treatments “fast-forward” lung growth in premature babies, helping them breathe more effectively. Administered to expectant mothers at risk of preterm birth, ACS exercises the foetus’s lungs, accelerating their maturation in just a few days. The use of ACS could potentially save the lives of 144,000 infants in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia by 2030, and nearly 400,000 by 2040, according to Gates Foundation’s projection.

Detailed Pathological Analysis

Initiatives like CHAMPS bring together doctors and pathologists who meticulously analyse cases to understand the chain reaction of events leading to a person’s death. Death rarely results from a single cause; instead, it is a complex interplay of factors. For instance, a child dying from pneumonia may have been born prematurely or malnourished, revealing that the first link in the causal chain is often malnutrition.

B. infantis to Improve Baby’s Gut Microbiome

Our comprehension of the microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria within our digestive tracts, has surged in recent years. Breast milk, once viewed solely as newborn nutrition, is now recognised as nourishment for the gut bacteria, especially bifidobacteria, residing in a baby’s digestive system. These bacteria process specific sugars in breast milk into vital nutrients. As a result, doctors recommend probiotic supplements containing bifidobacteria, tailored to a baby’s specific bacterial makeup, swabbed from their stool. Moreover, studies indicate that maternal and baby microbiomes are interconnected, enabling the transfer of healthy gut bacteria from mother to child during pregnancy. This groundbreaking research underscores the importance of maternal nutrition in fostering a healthy infant microbiome.

Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates’ Final Word

“If there’s one thing you take away from this report, we hope it’s hope itself—the belief that the world can save the lives of 1,000 more mothers and babies every day through the end of the decade. But you should also know: It’s not a done deal…. We need policy changes, political will, more investment into women’s health, and health care workers—including midwives. We need to listen to what women want and ensure that women have a say in their own health care.”

You can access the full report HERE.

Photo Credit: Gates Foundation | Nelson Owoicho

The post 2023 Goalkeepers Report: How Innovation & “Baby Knowledge” Can Reverse Stalled Progress and Save Mothers & Babies appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Bayelsa-born football freestyler Tonye Solomon has set a new Guinness World Record for the most steps (150) climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on the head.

According to Guinness World Records, “After Tonye Solomon walked 60 km (37 mi) with a football on his head from Amassoma to Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, many of his compatriots doubted the authenticity of his story.

So, to prove them wrong, Tonye decided to demonstrate his skills by setting a Guinness World Record for the most steps climbed on a ladder while balancing a football on his head.

He successfully achieved the dizzying feat last month by climbing 150 steps to the top of a 250-foot (76-metre) tall radio mast while expertly keeping control of the ball atop his head.”

According to Tonye, he spent two months training for it and used all the time he had to prepare for the arduous task. He took just 12 and a half minutes to complete the climb and set the record.

Tonye said, “It wasn’t easy. I thank the Nigerian Civil Defence Bayelsa State Command for allowing me to use their facility for this.”

His amazing feat was posted on the official page of the Guinness World Records.

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Photo Credit: @ballboytonyesolomon

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According to Goldman Sachs, the emerging Creator Economy is currently valued at $250 billion and is projected to double in five years. This exponential growth is driven by creators who are redefining how they generate income and create content, and are embracing their independence from traditional platforms.

During this enlightening roundtable discussion, our esteemed panellists will explore the profound implications of this remarkable shift that has been described as a burgeoning economic powerhouse poised to reshape creativity, commerce, and the very fabric of digital media.

Meet the Panellists

Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie)

Oluwabukunmi Adeaga, fondly known as Kiekie, is a renowned content creator, influencer, host, and media personality, captivating audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent, unique style, and unparalleled hosting abilities. With an illustrious career that took flight in 2015, she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Kiekie’s journey began as a dynamic producer and host of a captivating fashion show on Goldmyne TV. Her exceptional skills and magnetic presence soon led her to Spice TV, where she graced the screen as a presenter, delving into the captivating world of fashion and dissecting the latest trends with unparalleled finesse.

Fueled by her passion for entertainment and education, Kiekie’s rise to prominence on various social media platforms was nothing short of meteoric. Her content captivates and enlightens with an effortless aura that conveys her authenticity, resonating deeply with her multimillion-loyal followers.

Kiekie is the visionary behind Accost Collections — a fast-rising fashion brand specializing in feminine apparel, including stunning bridal wear, where her creative genius also shines brightly. With a captivating “edutainment” blend, her posts, often showcasing her in exquisitely designed dresses, have become a touchstone for fashion inspiration, influencing her vast audience with her remarkable sense of style. Thus, inspiring vibrant commentary and feedback about the impact of her enlightening work.

Kiekie’s talent extends beyond her solo endeavours. As the main host for Stacked December, she has taken centre stage, hosting a multitude of high-profile concerts, including Vibes on the Beach with Wizkid, Burnaboy Live, Timeless Night with Davido, and many more.

Her electrifying stage presence and remarkable ability to engage audiences have made her an indispensable figure in the entertainment industry. Collaborating with esteemed content creators such as Brother Shaggy and Mr. Marcaroni, Kiekie has crafted hilarious skits that continue to amuse and delight her global audience.

Demonstrating her versatility as a creator, Kiekie took her talents to YouTube, launching her own KieKie TV channel. Here, she fearlessly tackles pressing societal issues while providing engaging and informative fashion-related content. Her well-crafted videos, coupled with her humorous skits, grace both her YouTube and Instagram platforms, dazzling audiences with her infectious energy and compelling presence.

Kiekie’s fashion choices consistently spark trending conversations amongst netizens making her a trailblazer within the industry. Her distinctive sense of style and impressive ability to don any fashion item with grace and confidence have made this style star a fan favourite.

Kiekie’s impact extends across various social media platforms, where her magnetic presence continues to grow. With an impressive 1.6 million followers on Facebook, 448k subscribers on YouTube, 2.5 million followers on Instagram, and 1.8 million followers on TikTok, she has amassed a loyal community eagerly watching her every move.

In a world hungry for fresh perspectives and captivating content, Kiekie stands at the forefront leaving an indelible mark as a multifaceted influencer, host, content creator, and media powerhouse. From hosting prestigious concerts, events and shows, alongside industry giants to creating engaging and enlightening content, she embodies the epitome of talent, charisma, and style.

Mark your calendars and REGISTER to join us in person here

Priscilla Ajoke Ojo (Priscy)

Priscilla Ajoke Ojo is a leading fashion/lifestyle content creator and social media influencer who has stamped her place as one of the Gen Z front liners in African media and entertainment.

The famously gorgeous daughter of  Nollywood veteran actress cum director, film producer and entrepreneur — Iyabo Ojo Fespris holds a bachelor’s degree in Media and Theater Arts. She made her acting debut at the young age of 14 in the movie Beyond Disability which earned her the Best of Nollywood Award nomination for Best Child Actress.

As an entrepreneur, Priscilla has founded 3 thriving businesses including a boutique, a luxury retail store and a real estate firm all tech-driven. Talk about the go-getter spirit, Priscilla is a poster child for YAGI i.e. Young And Getting It. She has been intentional about building a life she loves from a tender age.

Leveraging the power of social media to showcase her interests and creativity, 22-year-old Priscilla has amassed an impressive community of over 3 million followers across social media platforms earning several brand endorsement deals and influencing contracts as a result.

She is known for her chic style, glamorous taste for the good things of life, classy comportment and good vibes. Catch up with Priscilla as she shares her journey to fame and how she is monetizing attention in today’s creator economy this month at #BNSDigitalSummit, REGISTER here

Beauty Tukura

Miss Nigeria 2019 — Beauty Etsanyi Tukura is a reality TV star, brand influencer and entrepreneur. She gained prominence after she became the 43rd Miss Nigeria, showcasing her grace, intelligence, and dedication to empowering women.

In addition to her achievements in the world of pageantry, Beauty has ventured into the realm of reality television, captivating audiences with her charm and authenticity on the hit show “My Beautyful Life“. Through this platform, she continues to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and brand influencer, Beauty Etsanyi Tukura has carved a niche for herself in the beauty and fashion industry. She represents multiple renowned brands.

With her diverse portfolio and charismatic presence, Beauty continues to inspire individuals across the globe. Her remarkable dedication to her craft, coupled with her philanthropic endeavours, have made her a prominent figure in the world of entertainment and entrepreneurship.

With an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Beauty has been recognized as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global 100 Under 40 Class of 2023.

This is our 1st on-site edition beaming engaging panel discussions, enthralling entertainment, networking opportunities, delightful cocktails, mesmerising fashion and beauty moments, and captivating fireside chats. Drawing from the tremendous success of our past editions, this year’s summit is set to be even more impactful and game-changing. Join us in person,

Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre, Ecobank headquarters — 270, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

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