Christina Milian in $1,850 Gucci Kendall Studded Leather Sandals

Say I crooner Christina Milian hit the streets of Beverly Hills in a black top, black and white pleated skirt, and $1,850 Gucci Kendall Studded Leather Sandals:

                                                   

Freeze was sacked for not attending a compulsory meeting with his Boss, Mr Amin Moussalli

Ifedayo Olarinde aka Daddy Freeze sack is in no way related to his long running feud with comedian, Basketmouth.


So what’s the tea.....

Freeze was let go following his failure to attend a meeting called yesterday by Moussalli to address the drop in rating experienced by his radio stations; Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info. Moussalli had hoped to also address the issue of presenters fee which advertisers had complained of as a hindrance in doing business with the stations under the AIM Group umbrella.
Sources say this action irked the management of the company which informed the decision to let Freeze go.
Moussalli was said to have complained about OAPs refusing to follow due process and choosing to “act like gods”. The MD reportedly sent a memo to all staff telling them that all he requires from is their “commitment and dedication” and anyone who cannot abide by the rules should find his or her way out.

 

 

 

Singer Chuddy K & Wife Welcome Baby Girl

 Chuddy K and his wife, Fina just welcomed a baby girl.
The new dad took to Instagram to share the news with his fans writing, “Latest dad in town. My princess is here…thank you Jesus”

Kissing in a movie is not the same as kissing in real life - Adesua Etomi @AdesuaEtomi

In a chat with Saturday Beats, the AMVCA 2016 award-winning actress said  it wasn’t a big deal. yikes...

 

“I am a blank canvass and at the end of the day, what is most imperative to me is the story. That kiss was important in the story because it is part of the dealings in ‘The Arbitration.’ As long as you keep in mind that it is always about the story, it is never about me. I am a human being but I am also a trained actress, I have been doing this since 2004. I was not moved when I kissed OC Ukeje. Kissing in a movie is not the same as kissing in real life,” she said.

The screen diva told Saturday Beats that it was easy to build chemistry with OC Ukeje because they have been friends for a long time.

She said, “It is just that we have not worked together before, OC is my friend. Even if that was not the case, when you have two actors that understand that the work is more important than them, you will get a good film. At the end of the day, it is about the characters and making their relationship as believable as possible. The audience has to see the relationship and feel it as well.”

I only play with b*tches- Lord Trigg

  Lord Triggs took to instagram to say he doesn't cheat on her while threatening those who 'try her' ..He wrote

 "My love for money gat my girl thinking am a cheat.. smh I don't cheat on you girl,  I just play with bitch*s "."

Cougar of life 

Wendy Williams wig stylist Antwon Jackson, 44 dies

 Wendy Williams is mourning the death of her “wigologist” Antwon Jackson, 44, died suddenly at the age of 44. 

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Wendy took to her social media accounts  to pay tribute to her wig stylist, writing:

According to NJ.com, Antwon won a Daytime Emmy in 2011 for outstanding achievement in hairstyling, and was nominated again in 2012.


There are very few details about what caused Antwon’s sudden death. Crystal said he had recently returned from vacation with his fiancé Dontay Savoy in Mexico. There are reports that Antwon suffered from lupus, but it has not been confirmed that he died due to the disease.

"He was a joy to be around," Crystal told NJ.com. "He never had a negative word to say about anyone. He was always upbeat. He always had a smile on his face ... Antwon was the first person to jump up and say, 'I'm going to help you with that.' He was a Southern guy with New York aesthetics."

Antwon leaves behind a 25-year-old son named DeAntwon Jackson.


Photos: Wendy's IG

Is that U Oreka .. Mr Cocaine Biceps better put a ring on it fast... @Rhecks

 Oreka Godis hosted the 24 Apparel unveiling of the limited collection of trendy MusicPlus24 snapbacks at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

Oreka wore a blush bodycon dress, that hugged her in the right places

‘Hire a Man’ ft Zynnell Zuh, Enyinna Nwigwe, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Keppy Ekpeyong, Shaffy Bello and Daniel Lloyd.

 Chinneylove Eze has released the official trailer for her upcoming film ‘Hire a Man’.

The movie stars Ghanaian actress Zynnell Zuh, Enyinna Nwigwe, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime,  Keppy Ekpeyong, Shaffy Bello and Daniel Lloyd.

The movie was directed by Desmond Elliotis a story of a young lady who hires a man to pose as her fiancé at a family gathering, after her younger sister announces her engagement.
 

 

Watch the trailer here:

BTS Photos

Photo Credit: Instagram/Chinneylove

Nollywood is full of beefing, jealous and inferiority complex people'- Ebube Nwagbo @poshEB

 
Actress/entrepreneur Ebube Nwagbo in an interview with Rita of Golden pearl media talks about the rivalry in Nollywood, her private life ...



So far what would you say you have achieved this year?

Well, I can’t say I haven’t achieved much neither would I say I haven’t achieved anything, but so far the year has been good. I am alive and healthy for the past months.
I have done 60percent of them; in my business, career and personal life also. I am not going into detail but I know I have at least done something tangle this year.



You mentioned business, what kind of business do you do?

I have my hairline; Posh hair and I couple that with my acting career.  It was same business that took me away from the screen for a while but am back on screen. I just needed time to focus on my hair line, take it to a standard then bounce back to the screen.



Why did you choose to go into hairline?

Yes, I have a business side of me. And I needed to invest my money into something that would always be there, something that I could fall back on when I eventually stops acting. Then a friend sold the idea of a hairline to me, I went for it. Started working on it, made contacts, travelled out to do studies and all that. I love looking good and I believed that for a lady to look good, she has to start with her hair. As at that time, the human hair was in so many vogues, so I capitalized on that as a kick off point.

It’s all about my love for looking good and need to invest my money into something tangible.



How accessible is Posh hair and how do one differentiate it from other brands of human hairs circulating in the market?

Well the Posh hair has my face; I am the face of my brand. The unique thing about it also is that we have specify distributors, but one can do also do business directly with me. Besides, I don’t think there’s another hairline called Posh. I registered it, so it’s totally mine.



Do you think that with time, you will add other products like make-ups or cloth line to Posh hair?

No, I don’t think so. I am not a fan of makeup. Dress line, no, because everybody is already into that. I don’t want to go into what everybody seems to be doing. Mine has to be totally different and trust me, it is. So for now, just Porsche hair, no plan to add other things but ‘never say never’, anything could come up tomorrow.



What would you say fame has deprived you of?

First and foremost, fame has really deprived me of my privacy, then secondly, in as much we can’t do without the press but they sometimes makes matters worse with their fake news. And people have so much trust and believe in the media, whatsoever they say about a person, they swallow it both hook line and sinker.

Then another thing I am fighting now is someone impersonating me so God knows how long. He or she does that on Black Berry, Facebook, everywhere. He goes about collecting money on my behalf. It has being going on for a while now, a d I am tired of talking about it. I just have to do what I have to do to put a stop to this madness. I am happy people out there appreciate what we do, but some other persons are also out there to tarnish the image that took you years to build. And you can’t start going from door to door to start explaining to everybody the true side of the story. So ironically, it is true the same media that published the news that you still have to use to reach out to people with your own angle to the whole story. It’s kind of funny, but what can we do.

Fame has a good side and a bad one. So with every other job; they have their own hazards. The price one has to pay to be who he or she wants to be. I like my job, in as much as it has its own down side, nothing is perfect.



How do you cope with the rumors and controversies trailing you?

I am not going to lie, it’s just crazy, especially when it’s not true but if am not famous, and who would want to talk about me. But we are all humans, most times these stories really weighs me down. It pains me more when journalist would carelessly go make stories public without hearing or confirming from the main source. They just write whatsoever they feel like, because they have the power. Anyways, it comes with the job of acting so one can’t run away from it.



Did you truly do a boobs job?

That was crazy news I read on the papers, I don’t know how they came about it. But I think there was this picture of me that my boobs were revealing and nice, I believe it invented the whole story. People just can’t believe you could naturally look so good, for real. Even my friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry believe it is true. Some gossip about it, some gist, some tweet, while those who have the courage ask me about it. And I keep on telling them it’s natural and God’s gift to me. I have never done any form of body enhancement.



And you don’t intend doing one in the nearest future?

Well for now, no. but like I used to say never say never. If the need arises in future I might but I don’t see any reason to do it now. Even if I did, I should be so proud to carry it around because it’s my money. I don’t condemn those who do it, if they could afford it why not.



What could the cause of so much rivalry amongst Nigerian nollywood stars, both male and female alike?

In a business where women dominate, what do you expect? Besides such beefs and challenges makes one want to work harder on yourself to be a top of them all. Keeps you focused and going. As for me, I don’t want to be like anybody am comfortable with who I am. The industry is a very large place, so I don’t see the reason we should be fighting ourselves. But is happens in any place you find humans, we are competitive in nature. It is just everywhere, not just nollywood.



Are you saying you haven’t being caught in such web of rivalry?

I don’t just have time for anybody. Beefing is all about jealous and inferiority complex. I am comfortable with who I am, I don’t imitate or want to be like anybody. Somebody out there wants to be in your shoes, so they do everything possible to bring you down. My advice to them is that being doesn’t pay, its better you work hard on yourself to be better.



So you are saying someone out there in nollywood is really beefing you?

It happens, it’s everywhere. Somebody out there, don’t even like the fact that you are alive and breathing. Couple with my business, I know a lot of people hates me for being who I am. But come to think of it, if everybody like you, then there’s something you are doing right. I don’t expect everybody to like me. Some are intimidates with who I am, I don’t care. As long as they don’t stand on my way. Everybody mustn’t like Ebube; it’s as simple as that.



Aside what the press and other people are saying about you, tell us who the real Ebube is inside out?

Ebube is just like a girl next door, in as much as I try to keep to myself, but the industry where I find myself is a complex one. I have friends and colleague I mix up with. I am easy going too but it takes some time to understand my kind of person. People out there thinks they know me too well, but they dint even know half of me. You have to be very close to me to know the real Ebube, because most times I camouflage just to create an impression. The real me is not what you see in TV or read on the papers , but I am also human; I have my moods, my bad sides, my flaws, etc. basically I am very simple person, a young girl that likes working hard and looking good, I love myself so much, same with my family. I love the good thing of life, so I work hard to get them. I wasn’t outspoken before but now I am. Ebube likes being happy and doesn’t like stress at all. I only stress myself when money is involved. (Smiles).



Talking about family, tell us about your background?

I am the eldest in the family of six. My parents were very strict so sometimes when I do what I do, I always remember where I am coming from. So people shouldn’t think I didn’t come from a decent home. I don’t forget the fact that I have younger ones that look up to me, then parents that took their time to train me in every aspect, so I wouldn’t want to hurt their feeling in any way. I am not perfect or a saint but I always remember where I am coming from.



How about your own personal family, what are your plans towards that?

It is always going to be at the right time, and don’t ask me the when is the right time (laughs). Am single but am not searching. Why would I. well, I am seeing somebody, but starting my own family I can’t say for now. But I will do that at the right time. I don’t like doing something and later jump out of it. I take my time to do whatsoever I want to do making sure it is the right decision. No rush!



Seems you are scared of marriage because of the countless cases of divorce in the industry?

(Loud laughter) my dear one has to be scared oh. Well, it is scary although no one goes into marriage believing she would soon jump out of it. I strongly believe that before a couple considers divorce, they must have put in their best to make it work, all to no avail. Trust me. Marriage in the limelight is not easy, even those outside it are not surviving easily. For me, before I take the decision, it just has to be right. I have learnt a lot from other people’s mistake and that has helped me a lot.

Being in a relation alone is not easy not to mention marriage, I just want to do it right to avoid regret. So I am trending carefully.



When that anticipated right time comes, would you want it to be a grand party, talk of the town, outside the shores of Nigeria, etc?

Well, I can’t say for now, it all depends. But my kind of person, I don’t like big parties. I just can’t say for now, anything could happen at that time. We both have to agree on what we want before going for it; either big or small.



What the secret behind your stunning looks at almost all events you honor?

I like looking good in what I am comfortable on, I go for what suits me. I don’t really go for trendy fashion wears. I know my flaws and work on them. I have made it compulsory that whenever I go for event, I must look good. And I must make a fashion statement; Ebube was here. I have some fashion no-no. If I have to wear something short, then short it is, like wise long. I can’t be caught in-between; neither can I be caught on a loose fitted gown. I know my figure and what suits it. And I don’t wear matchy-matchy things. I don’t do much of make-ups too.



Do you do alcohol?

Not really, I do but just socially. I take alcohol when you go for an event or the need calls for it.



How do you cope with sexual harassment?

I try as much I can to carry everybody along, but always try to let them know that I am for one person and would always be for one. Some come as fan some others as more than fans, but I appreciate them all. But sometimes, I just have to be rude to those who go pass the extreme. I try to let them know I am human and have feeling too. Even the ladies sometimes, they believe you must always be nice to them, pick their calls, be their best friends and all that, they just don’t understand how it goes. And explaining to them is another thing.



Aside the regular fans, there other notable men in the country that want to have a feel of what Ebube is like, how do you cope their demands?

I haven’t come across any those. Maybe they would want to but they haven’t seen a way to reach me. Or do our numbers fly in the air. Because my hairline is moving some gossips are saying there are lots of big men out there sponsoring me and all that, but I am not moved by their rumors. I just believe that I am good at what I do, that’s why all these things are happening. Porsche hair is owned and financially sponsored by me, so if anyone thinks or says otherwise, let he or she come out in the open and indicate.



Which of the scandals hit you so bad?

All of them did, because I am human. I have grown a tough skin towards scandals. I just wave some aside and react to others when it is necessary. Because if you keep being quite, they would assume it was all true.

How far would you go in flaunting your boobs or cleavages in movies?

In as much as I can’t act nude, I don’t even think people would like to see my naked pictures, but I can’t do well on such movies, but I have to flaunt what God gave me. Of course, it’s God’s gift so why would I flaunt it. No apologies to anyone.



Why did you decide to go for tattoos too?

I just like them; I have one on my hand and another at my back with name on it. I might decide to add another one on in the nearest future. I am particularly crazy about tattoos, but I just like them. I got mine in 2003 and it wasn’t so much in vogue then, so I wasn’t really following the trend. Some people see it as a sign of being a bad girl, but its part of the industry we find ourselves in. I would have to go for one last one, and then am done with tattoos.



Describe your kind of man

It is all about understanding. A typical African man hardly understands. Worse still with the kind of job I do and the day to day running of my business, I don’t know how many men would be ready to cope with that. Some believe actresses would make a bad wife and mother. Even the presses too are not helping celebrities in their relationships. Patience, understanding and love, not all man has all this. He has to be with you for the right reasons.

Diddy declares his love for boo Cassie as she turns 30

Despite gossip they broke up after Cassie's camp called the Police on him last week, Diddy still wants you to know he loves her .

The hip-hop impresario has been dating the King of Hearts singer for over five years.
 

 

Will you just put a ring on it..

Nick Cannon Reveals His Major At Howard University

           

 Nick Cannon announced he would be enrolling in Howard University and posted a picture of himself in front of a  Howard University sign.


The “America’s Got Talent” host is  told Entertainment Tonight attending college was something he always wanted to do, so he’s doing it.

“It's something I've always wanted to do, and I truly feel like it's the next stage in my life,” he said. “Entertainment is outstanding but I truly want to utilize my voice, I want to be a part of the community, and I'm always encouraging young people and being an advocate for education, so I need to make sure I get mine first.”

What is Nick going to major in? “Strategic legal and management communications,” he revealed.

“I felt like I was already into the communications field in doing [show business] for a couple decades,” he said. “Why not get behind it? [I want to] understand the legal aspects of it, and the strategic management part so I can continue to build my empire.”

Photos: Nick's IG

Former Aviation Minister, Senator Stella Oduah loses son

SPG boss, and the senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Stella Oduah, on Friday lost her son. The first son of Senator Stella Oduah has died at a Turkish private hospital in Abuja due
to the wrong prescription by a medical doctor; SaharaReporters reveals.


 Maxwell Chinedu Etoromi, died yesterday after he took a wrong medication prescribed for him following a tooth surgery.

SaharaReporters revealed that the 28-year-old graduated from Guildford College in the UK before returning to Abuja.

 

 

 

He was 28 and that he died at a private hospital in Abuja in the early hours of Friday.

Oduah, who was a Minister of Aviation in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, sounded distressed on the phone when one of our correspondents contacted her on Friday afternoon.

In a barely audible voice, she confirmed the report, saying her son died after a brief illness.

One of Oduah’s colleagues, Senator Uche Ekwunife, who represents Anambra Central in the Senate, also confirmed the incident to one of our correspondents, saying she had been with Oduah to console her just like few other senators who heard about the “unfortunate situation.”

Ekwunife said, “It is very unfortunate. It has shown that death and life belong to God and it is only Him who controls our life. It is a trying moment for her and all of us. I know how it feels as a mother. It is only God who can console her.”

O’tega Emerhor remembers late son, Ijamani after 10 years

 

 

   

      

     Oloorogun Otega Emehor, the Delta state guber aspirant and top businessman, whose handsome son, Ijamani was brutally murdered ten years ago.  Olorogun and his immediately family remembered  Ijamani with special prayer session. God compensated the bereaved family  with a lovely set of twin boys.

Ufuoma Ashogbon, the first daughter of insurance guru and former governorship aspirant, Olorogun O’ Tega Emerhor is celebrating her 34th birthday which is also coincides as the tenth anniversary of the death of her brother, Ijamani. The mother of two also e alleged his death was politically motivated because those with him were unharmed.

Born in Nigeria on March 29, Ijamani was murdered on August 2nd, 2006. Read her post after the cut

“Today, I am 34 year old, and I give God all the glory for my life!  By His grace, I am not only a year older, but a little wiser too.  I glorify  Him for all that He has brought me through, and for all the ways He has blessed me in this life.

Ten years ago today, I lost someone very dear and close to me.  I lost my little brother, Ijamani, to gun violence.  One moment he was enjoying the gift of life, even as I was celebrating mine…  The next, his life was stolen from him and from his family and friends who loved him.  There was no moment to say goodbye, or to express to him how much we loved him, or how much we were going to miss him.

Two travesties happened the day he died.  One was that a group of wicked people plotted his murder, and sought him out to kill him. Our belief is that it was politically motivated against my father, because no one else with him was harmed, and nothing was taken. The other travesty was that he was refused care at the first hospital he was taken to, because they didn’t have money to pay for his treatment, and so he died on reaching the second hospital.

We live with the  horrors of this life everyday.  That first hospital was never held accountable for my brother’s death, and the men who took his life are still roaming free in my country!  A country where it takes bribery for the Police to attend to an urgent plea for help.  Where the excuse of no fuel in their tanks will mean that you do not get the Law enforcement our taxes pay for.  And a world where the absence of money means that your life is valued at nought.

So today, as I celebrate the gift of life I still enjoy, I remember my sweet brother, who was taken from us at the tender age of 18.  #ManiLivesOn in me and in everyone who ever loved him.  He lives in my earthly father, from whom he got is handsome looks and his gentle temperament.  Their likeness was so uncanny in both respects, and I can’t help but imagine how great Mani would have been, if our world had been a better place.  My dad is still committed to making Nigeria better through political influence, and using his God-given intellect and wisdom to serve his people.  Mani lives on in the fight for justice and humanity in our country!

Every year I mark my birthday, I have chosen to celebrate life, because I believe life trumps death.  But this year, I choose to mourn my brother, and remember him and the circumstances of his death, and plead with God and man that we should make this our world a better place for the living…  I don’t want birthday wishes or gifts or cakes today.  I want to honour my brother.  I want to remember him, and his humble spirit that is so lacking in our world.

Mani was always so caring, so thoughtful and so genuine.  He was not perfect, I know we like to glorify the dead after they are gone, but he was a remarkable young man and everyone who knew him could testify of that.  Mani was one of those people who never held grudges, was always positive and generous with his smiles and acts of kindness.

I wish I had known him more.  But for the better part of his latter years, I was disconnected from my family, living in the UK and trying to understand this thing called life.  I missed real life in pursuit of holiness…and I missed that too.  I am still learning what true holiness means and what it means to be fully alive, and how both can co-exist.  It is only in death that we get a glimpse of the meaning of life…and the importance of being present and attentive to the ones who matter to us.

God, who knows all things and holds the keys to life and death, knows why He allowed my brother to be taken.  I am yet to find meaning in his death, but on the day he was buried I was resolved to not let his death be in vain.  I was resolved to make a difference in my country and in my world.  Today, I am glad that I am doing that through my charity  Fair Life Africa Foundation.  Do visit us and see how you can support our mission to empower people for a fairer life.

ThisDay Style’s Profiled 5 Women in Enterprise

 

 

 

 SME100 Nigeria, a youth-driven platform that encorages entrepreneurship amongst young Nigerians.

ThisDay Style, profiled 5 leading female entrepreneurs who are under the age of 30 and started their businesses before they were 25.

 

Theodora Mogo – Make-Up Artist & C.E.O Doranne Beauty: “The major key is to find your own and keep improving on it”.

 

You work in a saturated industry and have been able to build a business from the scratch. Share with us a few things that have kept you in the game this far.

 

Passion-  I am always in the know of beauty trends ad techniques, the latest makeup products. I am forever singing this to my trainees. If you do not have passion for what you do you will never be successful. Some people think it’s just YouTube eyebrows, contour , baking and tada, there’s money in your bank account!  The shock is when you have to deal with over four kinds of characters in less than six hours and all you want to do is run away. What keeps you from walking away is passion.

Customer Service and satisfaction – Thinking that working with over a hundred clients gives you a degree in interpersonal skills; it only takes that one appointment to make you realize that customer service is the real work here. I have learnt to build a relationship with my clients. I don’t see them as customers of the business but friends in a professional manner.

Skill – I’m always looking for new techniques. I try my best despite my crazy schedule to stay on top of my game or create my own game. The major key is to find your own and keep improving on it.

Vision – Let’s just say without a vision there wouldn’t be any more ‘tough times’ for your passion to sustain. Nearly four years ago, I had the vision to start a makeup company that will focus on making women look beautiful and feel beautiful and then some years down the line, I found that I could train others to make women feel beautiful. From the monthly training, I graduated to interstate trainings and now I’ve found myself partnering with global and international brands to train women. That’s what the vision does for you.

What are your challenges and how have you been able to overcome them?

At every stage of the business, there are different challenges. There is dealing with clients and punctuality, the challenge that comes with running a studio, the general cost of running any business at all even more in this region and even photography. But funnily enough, there is one challenge that amazes me – managing staff! It is very interesting to know that no matter how much you think you’ve got it right with staff, they throw a new hurdle for you to jump over. But I have learnt that one can show as much commitment to your business as you do.

How has the SME100 and the other women-run businesses inspired you in your work?

I am generally a ‘Power to women’ person, so seeing a woman in business holding it down excited me, it makes me feel like I can do it all. It gives some form of satisfaction, like people are being touched all over the world by what I do. That I even have women come all the way from South Africa, Ghana that follow my work to learnt the Doranne technique #beatbydoranne #theodorannefinish is inspiring.

Eseoghene Odiete –  Fashion Designer, Creative Director/C.E.O. Hesey Designs: “I passionately believe that trade, not aid, is key for Africa’s  development”

What led you to become a Fashion Entrepreneur and what inspired the specific brand of Afrocentric goods?

I have always been intrigued by the fashion industry, even as a child I have always wanted to build a fashion brand that would promote the Nigerian economy, I passionately believe that trade, not aid, is key for Africa’s  development. So after my university degree, I decided to set up an ethical fashion brand with a mission to promote Nigeria and Africa, I started casually in 2012 and by 2013, Hesey Designs was officially a business entity.

What has been the greatest challenge running your business in general AND as a woman? How have you overcome or are overcoming these challenges?

As a young female entrepreneur, starting up was quite difficult. My first main challenge was sourcing for funds. I had to make do with the little savings I had and grew up from there. Also getting products out. I couldn’t afford a store so I made use of the internet. The internet doesn’t know my age or my gender so I was able to use that to my benefit. I  also started with little experience of running a business, so I had to school myself by reading a lot of management books and stories of people who have started businesses. I also experienced a bit of discrimination especially in a business where majority of the artisans are male.

Your designs have been worn and you’ve been mentored by Richard Branson. How did this come about and what key lessons did you take away from that experience?

I always look out for opportunities to take my brand to the next level. I took part in the British Council enterprise challenge in partnership with Virgin Atlantic and Zenith bank and I won the challenge. It was huge for me because I never really thought I would win. This provides me with the platform for me to be mentored by Sir Richard Branson and to design shoes for the Virgin Atlantic 30th Anniversary.

How has the SME100 Nigeria and the other women-run businesses inspired you in your work?

First, I must applaud the SME100 Nigeria for their awesome contribution to empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. They have not only provided more platforms for women to express themselves but the motivation to do more and to inspire other young women.

Bidemi Zakariyau -Public Relations Expert & Founder LSF PR: The stats are clear, there are less women in the work place in Nigeria and fewer opportunities are available to women than men. I’m doing my part to change the numbers.

You represent and speak for a diverse range of businesses in different fields from corporate brands to technology and lifestyle brands? How do you source expertise to cater to such brands, taking the Nigerian unique media landscape into consideration?

We recruit different; the character check is first on our list because skills can easily be acquired through learning, training,and experience but unfortunately you can’t teach someone character. We target a broader, more diverse range of people, taking a risk on hiring candidates not only from journalism, but from marketing and research and academia and a range of other disciplines that may seem completely unrelated to PR as we currently know it.

Reportedly, you have a hiring policy where you employ only women, what inspired this decision?

The stats are clear, there are less women in the work place in Nigeria and fewer opportunities are available to women than men. I’m doing my part to change the numbers. Women for so long have been marginalized in the work field – women, who in all likelihood, had what it took; who were diligent and competent. There is also evidence that shows that promoting women’s access to employment can unleash a strong force for innovation, productivity and economic growth. And I believe this is my own little way of writing a new narrative, of saying that women who are competent and hardworking must be given a chance. It is something everyone should be conscious about.

Your work flies in the face of the belief that women don’t help other women grow, in what instances has a woman helped or contributed to your personal/professional development?

Before I go on about support, the most important thing is self-belief. A woman that believes in herself can do anything and cannot be stopped. Support is just the icing on the cake. Often it may seem like the “Women Supporting Women” movement is just social media propaganda because sometimes it can be. however, there are so many women out there that genuinely support each other.

Two of my biggest supporters are Muni Shonibare CEO of IO Furniture andAngela Gordon who is the Head of Sales and Marketing at Ledrop Nigeria. I also have a network of amazing young women I surround myself with, the company you keep also plays a very important role – its always better when you can all add value to each other.

How has the SME100 and the other women-run businesses inspired you in your work?

It’s so great and encouraging to see women who have established successful long-lasting businesses. Especially those who have had to balance everything from work, to family and their personal life. It’s also very inspiring to see young women who are working their way to build something for themselves. We’re in a time where it is very important for very woman to invest in herself and what better inspiration does one need than seeing who are taking control of their own lives?

Yasmin Belo-Osagie – Education Manager/Co-Founder SheLeadsAfrica: We’re putting forward the message that African women are more than micro-entrepreneurs rather they are credible business leaders

What have been the notable success stories of the women and businesses that have passed through SLA this far?

So far our pitch competition finalists have gone on to raise over $1,00,000 throughout network of investors. It’s just so exciting to see our ladies like Cherae Robinson (TastemakersAfrica), Taffi Ayodele (Thando’s Shoes) and Mira Mehat(Tomato Jos) raising a good amount of funding to grow their businesses and continue the amazing work they do.

I also get really excited from the feedback we get about various SheHives. I’m always surprised by the number of attendees who tell us that the program literally changed their lives. As young women we rarely get the chance to come together as a group, network, have fun, learn, build relationships and get inspired.

SLA is increasingly a global community and one would presume from the outside looking in, a profitable one, how did this idea start and how does it operate?

We started SLA as a side hustle and then transitioned into it being a full-time endeavour. Afua (co-founder) and I worked together at McKinsey & Co. One weekend we ran into each other at some women’s leadership conference and started talking about how we wished they had organizations for slightly older women and then lots of organizations for rural/subsistence/micro-entrepreneurs, but we saw hardly any organizations for young millennials who wanted to grow scalable businesses and be bosses.

Afua then mentioned that she’d been bouncing around the idea of a pitch competition for African female entrepreneurs that would showcase just how ambitious and innovative young women on the continent were. I loved the idea and SLA was formed. A week later we put up a website promising $10,000 (which we didn’t have) to the winning entrepreneur and that was that. The first pitch competition was a labour of love – we had to beg and hustle so many people for free stuff.

SLA is a Social Enterprise and definitely not a charity or NGO. This was a very deliberate choice. We’re putting forward the message that African women are more than micro-entrepreneurs rather they are credible business leaders who can create jobs and generate millions in revenue, they are a profitable demographic that all organizations should take seriously.

What has been the greatest challenge to running a business in general AND as a woman and so far how have you overcome it/are you overcoming it?

Finding the right people. We’ve overcome that by taking a hire slow, fire fast approach. We leverage our network to get recommendations of good people. We conduct interviews and require all applicants to do a series of exercises. When we bring people in we try as best as we can to onboard them, coach time and give feedback as needed. However, if the person is not meeting our standards after their first few months we’re very quick to part ways.

Orode Okpu – Restauranteur/Philanthropist/Women’s Development Advocate; C.E.O Otres Restaurant, Founder, Pink Pearl Foundation: My motto really is not customer first; I put my team first because a happy team always equals happy service and in turn happy customers.

She studied Psychology and IT at the University of Windsor in Canada

The restaurant business is reportedly difficult to break a profit in, but your annual turnover would apparently beg to differ. What is the secret ingredient to Otres being such a success?

It’s all on God. It hasn’t been easy but every day I wake up and just say God we are here again. On the other hand, I work really hard; I wouldn’t say I am highly successful because I know I have the potential to be event better. At the end of the day, I remind myself that one way or the other I have to get it done. The business has a staff strength of 122 and although I do not have to manage them physically every day, it takes a lot of patience and determination to make sure 122 adults are on your side. I also try to invest in my team as much as I can.

The company is focused on improving the well-being of each team member and has adopted well being of each team member and has adopted weekly training systems for every staff and monthly/weekly training systems for every staff and monthly/quarterly training for management staff. I believe that for any business to succeed you first have to make the people who run the business with you happy. My motto really is not customer first; I put my team first because a happy team always equals happy service and in turn happy customers.

What has been the greatest challenge to running business in general AND as a woman and so far how have you overcome it/are you overcoming it?

One key issue Otres faces is Nigeria’s food security challenges. both crop and livestock production remains below proper quality due to inadequate high quality seeds, low fertilizer use and general inefficient production system. As a result businesses in the food sector are forced to buy imported food products at these high rates, making the production and eventual sales of meals expensive. With the determination to sustain food production and sell meals at an affordable rate, the company is looking to invest in its own farm that will produce solely for the various outlets making the chain of production easier and end product cheaper.

Another common issue affecting the food industry and our company is the ability to attract and retain qualified manpower. The food industry relies 40% on the food that is sold but 0% on the services rendered to clients. With Nigeria’s literacy rate at 61.3% and 60% of that bracket wanting a white-collar job, it is difficult to find literate individuals in the service industry. As a result of the growing skill deficit faced, the company addressed the issue head on by constant training of each and every staff member.

How has the SME100 and the other women-run businesses inspired you in your work?

It is amazing to see many women doing one business or the other and helping each other figure it out. My mother is the business person in our family, she runs four successful businesses and she is my No. 1 inspiration. I have three major businesses with four subs under one conglomerate and Mum is the Chairperson of course. It brings a lot of joy when I see women who run businesses or are in charge of something.

Aside from my Businesses, the Breast cancer foundation and the children trust fund, I also run a women empowerment school (Rubies Vocational school, established in 2013) where we train women to become female entrepreneurs. Most of these women are widows, who go through training and eventually become their own boss. We have partnered with SME100 to broaden our reach because Charles Odii, Executive Director, SME100 Nigeria has a strong passion for empowering the Nigerian women.

 

 

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