DIGITAL SPEAKS EDITION 2020

N1,500 www.pridemagazineng.com NIGERIA 2020 Pride A post-COVID-19 Women society will be powered Conference by technology

Maintaining Biggest skincare your emotional trends to follow well-being in uncertain in 2020 times DIGITAL SPEAKS EDITION 2020

Man Pride www.pridemagazineng.com inside DIGITAL AMAZONS SHAPING THE FUTURE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Dear Esteemed Readers,

How the world has changed in such a twinkle of an eye. How different 2019 looks with respect to 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now living in a really changed world and it does not look like we will go back how things were BC (Before COVID) any time soon. Enter the “New Normal”.

The new normal has entailed adjusting our lives and routines to make sure we keep our loved ones and ourselves safe. It also meant rebooting our way of doing business, with many businesses having to go digital and staff working remotely from home.

As we self-isolate, social distance, wear facemasks, wash our hands and sanitise, we are beginning to rely very much on all things digital to function, to keep in touch, and to do business; this is the new normal.

Going digital is not supposed to be a panacea that will address the challenges of the present economic environment or our social lives. It however offers more tools at our disposal to help us weather the storm; using digital technologies, for instance, to streamline operations resulting in greater speed and less waste, while allowing organisations to pay more attention to items that can generate more revenue.

In this Digital Speaks edition of Pride Magazine Nigeria, we interrogate the role of digital in Africa and beyond, particularly in relation to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Readers will definitely come away with one or two insights from experts and practitioners in the digital space.

Learn to keep to the rules of living in this new normal as we look forward to a season when we welcome the PC (Post COVID) era.

Enjoy.

Stay safe.

Charles O. Anyiam-Osigwe Publisher

www.idlng.com www.veletang.com facebook.com/velentanigeria IDL customer care line: 01-3426633

6 ContentsTV SHOWS TO HAVE ON RAPE, CONSENT AND ContentsSLIDING INTO HER DM: THE ONLINE WHAT’S ON THE AFRICA TECH SUMMIT YOUR WATCH LIST 20 NIGERIAN JOLLOF RICE 60 BEAUTY DATING EXPERIENCE 115 CONNECTING LEADERS LOVE LANGUAGES 62 BIGGEST SKINCARE TRENDS TO ADVICE PAPA GAVE ME: THE PATH AND INNOVATORS 11 HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF FOLLOW IN 2020 76 TO SELF-DISCOVERY 116 SOCIAL MEDIA COVER TRUSTWORTHY 64 STAGE BEAUTY, OLUCHI INFLUENCERS WHO ARE DIGITAL AMAZONS WORKING AS A MILLENNIAL TOCHUKWU ODII 78 KILLING IT RIGHT NOW 12 SHAPING THE FUTURE 22 IN NIGERIA 66 BEAUTY ESSENTIALS FOR PRIDE ESCAPE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT OPENING NIGHT AT REPUBLIC OF BENIN: A INFLUENCER THE THEATRE 80 MEMORABLE TRAVEL LOCATION 117 MARKETING 14 FEATURES PRIDE WELLNESS A POST-COVID-19 SOCIETY TECH TRENDS TO WATCH WELLNESS AND THE ROLE WILL BE POWERED BY FOOD & DRINKS OUT FOR 15 OF TECHNOLOGY 67 FASHION & STYLE TECHNOLOGY 30 MALTA GUINNESS: A BLEND OF NANCY AND CHIEMEZIE: A BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY PRINT SPLENDOUR BY TZAR BUSINESS RICH GOODNESS AND DIGITAL YEAR OF TWO WITH A DAILY VITAMIN STUDIOS 82 TRANSFORMATIONS SAVVINESS 118 WEDDINGS 16 CAPSULE 68 FACEMASK MISTAKES NOT TO TO ADDRESS COVID-19 MOTHER-DAUGHTER WHAT TO CONSIDER STAYING CENTRED IN SPITE MAKE 86 DISRUPTIONS 32 PANCAKE BOND 120 BEFORE BUYING OF THE PANDEMIC 70 HANDCRAFTED LUXURY ASSURING CERTAINTY A PHONE 18 BEAT ANXIETY – WORK ON HANDBAGS BY OKIKI MARINHO 87 EVEN IN UNCERTAIN THREE BUFF YOUR CALM PLAN 72 ENDURING STYLE: AN INTERVIEW TIMES 36 HOW TO HAVE A WITH FASHION DESIGNER UCHE PRIDE CAREERS SELECTED FILMS 19 ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIP ACHIEKWELU 88 EMMANUELLA ONYEKWERE OF INNOVATION IN LAGOS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA 74 THIS IS US BY STATE 39 EMMANUEL OYELEKE 90 ELLAHS EVENTS 122 ITANNA: IGNITING FASHION BLUNDERS ANY FOUR TOP TIPS FOR BUILDING INNOVATION 40 LADY SHOULD AVOID 94 YOUR BRAND DURING COVID-19 123 TRANSFORMING AFRICA’S TOP SEVEN ADVICE FOR DIGITAL LOGISTICS INDUSTRY MARKETING WANNABES 124 WITH TECH 41 MAN PRIDE HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR AERO RECON: DRONES THE CREATIVE WORLD OF SKIKA LINKEDIN PROFILE FROM 1-STAR FOR INDUSTRIAL AFRIKA 97 TO 5-STAR 125 SOLUTIONS 42 COVER FEATURE: FCMB’S SHEVENTURES CONTENT DEVELOPMENT, DIGITAL TITANS INITIATIVE 126 CURATION, DISTRIBUTION SHAPING THE FOUR TOP SOFT SKILLS IN DEMAND AND MARKETING 44 FUTURE 98 DURING THE COVID-19 ERA 128 THE BUSINESS OF REBRANDING TO MARKETING 46 LEGIT.NG 105 PRIDE LOVES URENNA MAN PRIDE MEETS 2020 PRIDE WOMEN ONYEWUCHI 50 KELECHI ODU 106 CONFERENCE STELLA KIVILA: THE DEBONAIR THE 2020 PRIDE WOMEN EMPOWERING PYRAMID 108 CONFERENCE GOES VIRTUAL 130 OTHER WOMEN 52 ONE TO WATCH: WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CO- JERMAINE OKPE 110 CONVENER 135 CLOUDFLEX: MAINTAINING YOUR EMOTIONAL PRIDE RELATES DRIVING NIGERIA’S WELL-BEING IN UNCERTAIN CRY TO CALA 58 CLOUD COMPUTING TIMES 136 COVID-19 LOCKDOWN SECTOR 112 SCENES FROM THE 2019 PRIDE EXPERIENCE 59 WOMEN CONFERENCE 138

8 9 The PNG TEAM Publisher Editor-in-Chief Charles Anyiam-Osigwe Adaudo Anyiam-Osigwe Deputy Editors Director of Public Patricia Uyeh Relations Ngozi Ufere Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe

Tech Editor Director of Marketing Akindare Folarin Okunola Ijeoma Akpa International Editor Head of Operations, Clare Anyiam-Osigwe International Anu Coker Events Coordinator The Africa Bruno Orjiako Graphic Designers MultiCode Studios, Paul Iwuala Female Cover Layout, MAGAZINE tech summit Photo credit: Africa Tech Summit Fashion Seun David Ademola connecting leaders BRANDING New Attitude Fashion House Male Fashion and innovators Consultant Africa Tech Summit governments, trade ital Ventures, Mobi Male Cover Kayito Nwokedi is a leading African bodies, media and Hunter, Worldreader, Photography tech conference series leading ventures to Draper Dark Flow, Olabode Ojomo @ Female Cover providing insight and drive investment and TechStars, and Singu- olabodeskills Photography networking with the business in African larity Investments. Studio 24 African tech ecosys- tech. The next editions tem in London, UK Ventures that will be held in Octo- and Kigali, Rwanda. have taken part in ber 2020 in London, Special thanks to Itanna and House J for the leasing their The event brings the Summit include UK, and February 2021 premises for the cover shoots. together tech lead- CcHUb Nigeria, Savan- in Kigali, Rwanda. ers, mobile network nah Fund, Safaricom,

www.pridemagazineng.com operators, banks, BitPesa, Leapfrog For more information #TakePrideDaily international inves- Investments, Opera Visit: www.africatechsummit.com Email: [email protected] tors, entrepreneurs, Software, Orange Dig- Follow: @AfricaTechSMT

10 11 solid social media following. He Adeyela Adebola; Debbie Odumewu; promotes businesses and several @iamlizzyjay @pinkidebbie Social media influencers brands via his social media pages. Adeyela graduated from the Debbie is an award-winning Federal Polytechnic Ede with an dancer, choreographer and Timilehin Bello; @bigtimi Ordinary National Diploma in influencer. In 2017, she won the who are killing it right now Timilehin is a graduate of the- Science Laboratory Technology. Nigerian Teen Choice Award for atre arts from the Lagos State She is known for her comedy Choice Female Dance Act; and University, Ojo. He is the Chief skits using the Ibadan dialect. broke the Guinness World Record Executive Officer of the public for longest dance marathon by an By Omotola Otubela She has also starred in differ- relations and digital marketing ent Nollywood movies, and was individual by dancing for 150 hours. agency, Media Panache. The social media influencer is a His #GiveAGirlChildAPad project nominated for The Future Awards She organises Afrobeat dance Pamilerin Emmanuel agency has handled huge proj- social media user who sets focuses on providing secondary Africa Prize for Comedy in 2018. classes for interested participants Adegoke; @thepamilerin ects, including Davido’s 30 Billion viral trends, shares qual- schools girls with free sanitary to improve their dance skills. Pamilerin is a social and digi- Concert. He won the Media ity contents, informs and pads. Olabanji Amokeodo; A tal media enthusiast, who also Enterprise award at the 2017 @thebanjidriggz Semiloore Akoni; works with brands on sponsored doubles as a food critic. He is a Tomike Alayande-Adeoye; Future Awards Africa, and Rising Olabanji is a graduate of phi- @semiloooreakoni contents, as a result of his/her graduate of marine engineer- @tomike_a PR Practitioner of the Year at the losophy from the University of Semiloore, who studied law at large and receptive audience. So, ing from the Federal College of Tomike is an award-winning 2018 Nigeria Institute of Public Lagos. His focus has been on the the University of Lagos, is a digi- if you have a business or event Fisheries and Marine Technology. actor and entrepreneur. She is Relations annual gala. urban culture of Nigerian youths tal marketer and content creator. that you would like to put out He is no dilettante when it comes also a voice-over artist, radio on and off university campuses. Semiloore is also a social media there, you could consider the ser- to publicizing brands and influ- presenter, model and red-carpet Somto Nwosu; He has also worked with several influencer and promotes both new vices of a social media influencer, encing viral trends. It is therefore host for EbonyLife. Tomike is a @unilagdope other content creators, and as and established businesses through especially one that is killing it little wonder that his services graduate of microbiology from Somto is a fast-rising social a brand ambassador for MAX his social media pages. right now. In no particular order, have been patronized by top the University of Lagos, and has a media influencer. He uses his Okada and Bionic. here is a list of social media influ- brands such as Pepsi, Glo, Airtel, professional certificate in Project social media pages to promote Laura Ikeji Kanu; @lauraikeji encers that are currently trending Coca-Cola, just to mention a few. Management. She has worked as several brands and organisations. Tosin Ajibade; Laura is a social media expert, and making waves. He has worked with a number a brand influencer for CWAY Water He also manages on-air personal- @olorisupergal blogger, writer and entrepreneur. of Nigerian celebrities such as and Travel Start Nigeria. She was ity Oladotun Ojuolape, popularly Paul Ezeudoh; @tweetoracle Tosin is a Nigerian blogger, She’s been an ambassador for dif- Adekunle Gold, Lateef Adedimeji nominated for Female Compere known as do2tun. Paul Ezeudoh is best known popularly known for her lifestyle ferent brands, including BK Unique and Korede Bello. Pamilerin has and Media Personality (Female) online by his digital signature and entertainment website Hair Inc., PayPorte and Gtex Homes. also bagged numerous awards, at the 2018 Nigerian Teen Choice Anderson Paul; @lazywrita AURACOOL, a phonetic alternative olorisupergal.com. She is a In 2018, she published a book titled including at the NEMA Awards Awards. Tomike was also a nomi- Anderson is a social media influ- for the world ORACLE. He has 10 graduate of accounting from How to Make Money on Instagram: and the Social Media Awards. nee at the 2018 Future Awards encer who also doubles as a poet years’ experience in social media the Lagos State University, The Brand Influencer Guide. Laura also Africa Prize for On-Air Personality and content creator. His website marketing, and has worked with and has a degree in Media and uses her social media pages to pro- (TV). lazywrita.com, publishes articles more than 200 clients, deploying Communications from Pan- mote brands. on health, fitness, music, sports, numerous disruptive, innovative Atlantic University. She has Toheeb Akorede poetry, among others. Anderson The positive return on investment and well-crafted social cam- worked with several media Adedokun; has done promotions for Krispy for the services provided by a social paigns across a wide range of outlets including Netng and @funnytoheeb Kreme as well as Nigerian Student media influencer cannot be overem- platforms. His unique ability to Acada Magazine. Tosin was Toheeb is an Fashion & Design Week. He has phasized, especially an influencer that deconstruct insight with data named on YNaija’s 100 Most Instagram sensation been nominated for a number is currently buzzing across all social is what gives Paul the edge Influential Women in Nigeria list and impressionist, of awards, including the Lagos media platforms. This list would help when it comes to marketing on in 2015. known for parodying Achievers Awards and the Social you know the influencers to look out social media. celebrity outfits. This Media Awards. for to deliver much-needed publicity has gained him a for your business.

12 13 TECH TRENDS to watch out for Misconceptions By Dotun Babatunde ABOUT INFLUENCER TECHNOLOGY is moving at a breaches and malicious rapid pace and it is invariably attacks which are the affecting every aspect of bane of today’s current our lives. Here are five top infrastructure. technology trends to look out for: G MARKETING rtificial intelligence 5 We now live in a By Ladi Ogunseye A Artificial intelligence more connected world or AI has received a lot of than ever before, where the buzz over the years and it has average person has three or scandal was a major political simply become a technology nfluencers strategies and channels you can more connected devices from fiasco, where the personal we cannot ignore. Artificial smartphones and smart TVs to have become utilise. data of millions of Facebook intelligence uses machine wearable devices. 5G is the next users were harvested and used commonplace There is also a particularly learning to mimic human generation of mobile internet without consent for political as more and popular misconception, most intelligence by using data, technology that offers seamless, purposes. more people especially among brand algorithms and experience to faster and reliable connection In view of the increasing get online managers, which is analyse, respond and perform across devices. 5G is currently threat to privacy and security, and amass a huge that influencers human-like actions. AI can in development and tests are the European Union’s General followingI which brands are only found perform tasks faster and more ongoing. Data Protection Regulation accurately than humans. and companies can tap on Twitter and (GDPR) came into force in AI is already widely in use and nternet of things May 2018. The law is primarily into. Everyone with a good social Instagram. This is fuelled by the user activity has become a key technology I The internet of things or designed to give individuals media following claims to be an influencer. The on both social platforms thereby tilting most that its effect can be seen in how IoT is a system of interrelated control over their personal data, question then becomes, “Who is an influencer?”. influencer marketing budgets to their side. we work, play and live. AI can devices (phones, smart TVs, and regulate how companies An influencer is someone with a decent There are actually influencers on every social be found in voice assistants like fridges, cars, wearables, etc.) collect and use data. Similarly, following online operating within a specific media platform provided it has users who use it Siri, Cortana and Google. It is that enables them to send and social media companies and niche where their voice is heard and followed. daily and regularly. A brand manager needs to also used in cars, video games, receive data. In simple terms, device manufacturers are now Influencers are very useful in digital marketing identify where their target audience is placed chabots and vacuum cleaners, to any device or object that can be compelled to include enhanced name a few. campaigns as we have seen brands use and the kind of message that is intended to be connected to the internet and security measures for better can receive and send data is consumer data protection and influencers to bring out the best in their passed on to the audience in order to select the lockchain technology considered to be an IoT device. privacy. campaigns. Influencers on Twitter for instance best channel. B When people think of With IoT devices, you can are known to create chatter about a product or Lastly, having thousands or millions of blockchain, they often think control everything from In essence, the exponential a brand, thus generating awareness among the followers doesn’t make anyone an influencer. of cryptocurrencies such switching on your light bulb and improvement in technology will general public. Influencers have also been known While this may be true in some cases, what Bitcoin, Ripple and Ethereum. tracking your daily activities to greatly affect and change our to help drive website visits to popular blogs, makes an influencer is their ability to have an Blockchain technology actually hailing a taxi, all at the click of lives in more ways than we can offers more than just a secure event pages and charity causes through their opinion or a voice and be leading with it in the a button or a voice command. count over the coming years. ledger for cryptocurrencies, Increasingly more IoT devices posts, tweets, videos, etc. as the case may be. social space. With this exponential growth, rather it offers a variety of are been developed thanks in professionals and businesses That said, there are quite a few common solutions that are either yet to part to cheaper processors and that wish to survive need to misconceptions about influencer marketing: Ladi Ogunseye is a young marketing professional be explored or at their infancy wireless networks. remain lean and agile. People often have the wrong notion that who believes in human development and pursues this at best. Blockchain offers using influencer marketing will solve all their passionately within his circle of influence. He holds transparency, security and rivacy and security marketing needs. While influencer marketing an MBA from the University of South Wales, UK, and a decentralised distributed With more people and Dotun Babatunde is a multi- completed his undergraduate studies at the University of P can be a core part of a digital marketing database compared to the devices now connected to the disciplined creative and business- Lagos. His social media handle is @LadiSpeaks. current IT technology we rely savvy marketing communication strategy, it is not the only thing you’d need for internet, the need for privacy on today. With blockchain and improved security has professional with experience in an amazing campaign; certainly there are other technology, this reduces or come to the forefront. In 2018, diverse industry segments. He has eliminates threats such as data the Cambridge Analytica data worked on integrated campaigns for major local and international brands.

14 15 15 Nancy and Chiemezie: A YEAR OF TWO WEDDINGS

he period 2018-2019 and well-wishers to bear witness was a continuous to their desire. dose of love and commitment for Nancy Anyiam- OsigweT and Chiemezie Ekenji, who came together to be joined as wife and husband in Igbo traditional and Christian wedding ceremonies in December 2018 and September 2019 respectively. Nancy and Chiemezie met and fell in love while studying at Nigerian The Publisher, Pride Magazine Law School, and through the years Nigeria, Charles Anyiam-Osigwe they affirmed their commitment and the Co-Convener, Pride The greatest of all things is love; to each and desire to spend Women Conference, Ijeoma and may Nancy and Chiemezie be the rest of their lives together. Anyiam-Osigwe blessed the union a continuous testament to that in This culminated in glamorous of their daughter Nancy and son- their union. celebrations with families, friends in-law Chiemezie.

16 17 What to consider before buying Three selected films by African directorsBUFF to watch online this summer a phoneBy Omotola Otubela By Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe he world today is rich a lot of storage. Summertime during lockdown has already been enriching thanks to the various broadcast with various kinds There are also things and over-the-top (OTT) film premieres. With so many streaming sites at our fingertips, now of technological like apps and the advancements. device’s operating is the best time to catch up on films that have become multi-award-winning titles and have Numerous phone- system which tend previously premiered in the UK at the world renowned British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), producing companies to take up a lot of directed by Africa’s finest talent. upgrade their mobile devices space. The good thing is that shots, go for a phone without a everyT minute to new models, most smartphones carry at least 8 FACES NO disappointing camera. leaving one to choose from a GB of storage out-of-the-box, and A multi-narrative feature film set SHADE variety of options. Due to the you can also purchase a memory DISPLAY: Before finalising across four storylines that follow a The film undeniable importance and card to augment your storage the purchase of a phone, you group of characters as their lives begin explores the necessity of having a phone, needs, provided your phone has need to take into consideration to unravel. Aisha (Terry Pheto) is in hardships of including using it for personal SD card support. the size of the display since this a marriage that has become stale. the modern needs and business affairs, you is the part of your phone you’ll When her wish to get pregnant finally dating world may get confused regarding what BATTERY: Battery usage look at the most. A phone with becomes reality, she receives some very through the to consider before buying one differs from user to user. If high display quality also enhances unexpected news. Louie and Gaspard dysmorphic that accommodates most, if not you’re the type that frequently resolution and viewing angles. are a gay couple who are happily in all, of your requirements. You streams videos online or you run Generally speaking, OLED display presence of love but when Louie’s female fiancée colourism as should not purchase a phone that your business using your mobile panels, which Samsung uses, suddenly shows up in the picture, you are completely clueless about. phone, it is important that you are the best phone displays. well as the all that they hold dear begins to fetishization It is advisable that you consider settle for a mobile device with a However, Apple has been touted fall apart. Adam and Luke are best the following before buying that strong battery life. Mobile phones of black as installing LCD panels on its friends, but an attack on Adam at a mobile phone of your choice: that do not have long-lasting women in devices that compare favourably party threatens to create a schism batteries could be very frustrating. with OLED panels. POTATO a way that DURABILITY: Do not One basic way to tell if a phone POTAHTO between them. Sindiso runs a charity is tactful for women to which she has dedicated compare a phone’s durability will have decent battery life is by BUDGET: Your personal This is a 2017 Ghanaian and honest. Jade to its physical appearance. In checking the size of its battery budget is very important as it is Nigerian romantic comedy herself. When the centre begins to (Adele Oni) is both effervescent and most cases, the latter is rarely (e.g. ‘3,000 mAh’). In addition, what determines whether or not film which tells a story of have financial troubles with the real relatable as a 28-year-old single synonymous with the former. you could also get yourself a you would eventually be able to divorce in West African society risk of closing, Sindiso has to question woman of dark complexion who just Research the kind of materials power bank to prolong your purchase the phone. Choose a and how tricky it is. The her fundamental motivations. The film “can’t seem to get it right”, let alone used in making the phone battery use. phone that its cost is in sync with film is directed by Ghanaian also stars Nigerian-British actor Aki liberate herself from her unrequited you wish to buy. Phones are what you can afford. Be it Apple, filmmaker, Shirley Frimpong- Omoshaybi and is directed by Joseph love for the repressive and colourist often either made of plastic, CAMERA: A high number of Samsung, LG, or any other brand, Manso; and is a co-production Adesunloye. Danny (Kadeem Pearse). The world glass or metal. Some people pixels does not always translate you should have an idea of the by the companies Available on Prime Video through her eyes is both a quirky go for metal and glass phones to great images. A 12 MP camera least amount that these phones Ascend Studios, 19 April and tumultuous obstacle course of because they feel and look could be better than a 16 MP go for. This would help you work Entertainment, Virgo Sun, WB courtship catastrophes and heart- good. The commonly used metal camera, usually because devices within the range of your budget Entertainment, and Lufodo gripping silences. Despite Jade’s line materials such as aluminium and now use a lot of software rather than exceed it. Productions. It chronicles the up of Tinder flops and her challenges magnesium are flexible and allow processing to make images chaotic events which take in the friend-zone, she is easy to look better than they would manufacturers to be daring with There is no doubt that getting a place when a divorced couple their designs. with just the camera’s abilities. engage with and adorable. Jade’s mobile phone could be very tricky (Joselyn Dumas and O.C. charisma, quirk, beauty, vulnerability In other words, the bigger the at times. But you need not worry, Ukeje) stay on together in and perseverance throughout the STORAGE: Consider your manufacturer, the most likely as the list above covers the basic the matrimonial home, each storage needs carefully before it is that the device has a good things that you need to look out film make her a thoughtful heroine taking on young attractive making a choice on which phone camera. Thus, depending on for before buying a phone. With with a twist of comedic spunk in the to buy. If you watch a lot of what you would be using this list, you can be precise about help of the opposite sex. end. No Shade is directed by Clare videos, listen to a lot of music or the camera for, be it casual the phone of your choice, and not Available on Netflix Anyiam-Osigwe. play a lot of games, you’ll need photography or professional leave out necessary considerations. Available on AfroLandTV Emmanuel Anyiam- Osigwe MBE is the 18 Founder of British19 Urban Film Festival. BALLERS The Rock and John David Washington bring GREENLEAF TV series to have on this American football series to our screens. lf you love church drama, you will Rated by Anu Coker It’s exciting, intriguing and sexy. If you love love Greenleaf. The drama is based money, intrigue and sports, this is the series on an African-American Christian your watchlist to binge-watch. family in the ministry. It follows their «««« struggles as a family, their faith, losing their church and numerous temptations that could divide the BLACK-ISH church, divide the family or bring it Intricate, educative and together. Greenleaf is brilliant and informative seasons of full of twists and turns. the Johnson family’s «««« ups and downs. It’s all love, laughter, trials and togetherness. ««««« ON MY BLOCK This follows the journey of four teenagers INSECURE growing up on the streets of gang-ridden One of the best black California as they navigate family dynamics and series ever – the story of being teenagers. Issa and friends living and «««« experiencing life in their SKINNY GIRL SNOWFALL late 20s and early 30s in IN TRANSIT The Nigerian-British actor California, US and finding There’s nothing forced about the Damson Idris is the lead of their balance in life. It’s a series. It is able to capture authentic this John Singleton series. It series on everything, from QUEEN SUGAR is a brash, business savvy, experiences without setting relationships to mistakes Three children, family land, echoes of slavery, and slick up contrived to forgiveness and keeping land grabbing, family history, family mistakes, take on scenarios. It is it real. Most enjoyable for heritage and finding one’s place in the world. the rise of relatable yet those aged 18-45. Queen Sugar is the saga of a family through the drug refreshing. Viewers ««««« generations to the here and now can easily have epidemic «««« an emotional in the US attachment to in the these characters, 1980s. Damson gives a GROWN-ISH who evolve over brilliant performance in this The story of how Zoey Johnson and TYLER the seasons. beautiful series. friends live out the best four years of PERRY’S ««««« ««««« their lives in university. It’s an easy and SISTAS enjoyable watch for all demographics. SEX EDUCATION If you are looking for a binge-watch ««« The first two seasons available on this season, Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Netflix are a good watch for the family. especially the first season, is a must- THE LAST DANCE It’s humorous, witty and very British, but watch. It follows the lives of four This is one of the best documentaries ever. It follows the basketball team Chicago the storylines are brilliant friends as they meander through their relationships, work and life. It’s an Bulls through their championships focusing on Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and and educates easy watch, funny and creative. Dennis Rodman CLAWS teenagers on ««« as a formidable All we can say is Desna (Niecy Nash) puberty and combination and and her autistic brother are on fire in coming of partnership that this show. It follows five ladies who age. brought the Bulls mistakenly find their nail saloon sink «««« their championship into a life of crime and mayhem in wins. It’s a 10-episode Florida, US and as much as they try to series that leaves you get out, they sink in further. wanting more. «««« «««««

20 21 Digital amazons shaping the future Ized Uanikhehi is the MD/CEO of Loose Media, an experiential marketing and advertising agency. She is also the convener of the largest community of digital marketing professionals in Africa - DigiClan . Omokehinde Thomas has several years of experience in the advertising industry. She is currently the Lead at THE REDWOLF COMPANY, a digital agency. Temitope Ooye is a communication and marketing professional. She is the Lead Consultant at TMB Global Brands, brand communications and digital marketing agency. Tosin Faniro-Dada is the Head, Startups at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, helping to drive technology and innovation in the state. The four women examine being a woman in the digital space, the future of digital, and the possibilities of digital to transform Nigeria. Ized Is digital the future? Tosin Young girls should be encouraged to get into Omokehinde science, technology, engineering and medicine I do not agree that digital is the future. Digital (STEM) early, and should be exposed to leading has changed the way things were done in the women in the digital industry. This will ensure past. I think we would not even be having this that the young girls see and interact with women conversation if not for digital. So I will say in different STEM careers and aspire to be like digital is now. them in the future. Technology is the future; from banking and science to agriculture and commerce. Getting into the space early means you can chart Temitope your own path and create your own future. Digital is the reality of the 21st century. We A digital revolution is sweeping through the African continent, cannot beat or fight it. with Nigeria among the countries leading the charge. Pride Omokehinde Digital marketing training that is targeted solely Magazine Nigeria celebrates this revolution, and in particular, Omokehinde for women should be designed to meet them How then can we get more women into this remarkable women – Digital Amazons – at the forefront. where they are – sales, family, etc. Omokehinde Thomas Temitope Ooye  Ized Uanikhehi Tosin Faniro-Dada field?

22 23 COVER COVER

Ized Temitope Temitope I agree. We once offered training in digital In as much as I Given your experience, marketing for women in Edo State. At first, am up for gender how can the digital space we had only about five people attending for equality, from my transform lives and lift two weeks. In our next attempt, we changed personal experience people out of poverty? our strategy by training the women to use as a married woman digital marketing to boost their sales. We with kids, I recall had an overflow of attendees. at times when I am Tosin So many people lack access having brain-storming to financial tools, such as Interacting with other women, as Tosin sessions till late at bank accounts, access to mentioned, can be of tremendous help. night, truth is, there is credit services, financial There was a time in my life when I was no way I am giving literacy, etc. We know low on cash but could write good business my full attention to that financial services are plans. I had a friend that was quite popular that meeting because critical to ending poverty. on Twitter. I told her of my skills and she at that hour of the Accessing financial services requested that I write five posts she could night, there are is a major barrier for many help me promote. And, boom! I made a domestic duties a in the poorest countries. Up lot of contacts and prospects. And this woman fulfils. I will until now, banks rarely built was what informed my involvement in the say that in terms of branches in slums or rural digital world. capacity and what villages. However, with women bring to the the widespread availability table, yes there might and use of mobile phones Omokehinde be differences but among the poor, fintech I stumbled on social media not in terms of roles companies are making management, as it was and responsibilities. “Young girls should financial services accessible for called, in 2010. I was Culture and traditions in place the general public especially in working with Adebola be encouraged to will tend to be more demanding Olomo who introduced Temitope “Until we rural communities. After my NYSC program about for women than men. me to digital marketing as get into science, seven years ago, all I wanted a whole. I was also into We also know that connectivity was a lively, intellectual, and understand the community management technology, improves access to education, fun-filled career. After several Omokehinde – I did that for Teju In my opinion, in terms of job opportunities, better health engineering and applications, I started my importance Babyface and some service delivery in regular care, and it helps small and career with a media production other brands. It was quite day-to-day activities, there medium-sized enterprises boost medicine (STEM) company as a community of digital and eventful and fascinating is no difference in the output e-commerce, thus reaching manager. Along the line, bored for me – engaging, early. Getting into from a man or a woman. global markets at lower costs. with the monotony of that job, connecting with different There’s also no difference in embrace it in and with a lot of research, I people. Debola Olomo this space early the pay cheque they get at the ventured into communications, was a perfect boss because end of the month. I think it is Nigeria, we Omokehinde means you can chart branding, and marketing. By engaging in the digital she allowed me to explore equal across the board. But space, a lot of people are now and I have been hooked considering that digital is a your own path and may not be getting paid for what they know on the digital world since round-the-clock job, as well as Tosin how to do and love doing. It then. Digital is my life. I create your own family responsibilities taken How easy is it working in the able to enjoy has enhanced the promotion of think it’s one thing I can digital space as a woman? on by women, more demands Tosin Faniro-Dada small businesses to boost their do without getting paid. future.” are placed on women that are sales. You know, it’s as simple married or running a family. its benefits.” as using WhatsApp. Omokehinde Thomas. 24 25 COVER COVER “For the younger Ized Temitope Temitope “Digital is Digital has facilitated many out- The government should The cost of entry is very of-poverty stories – we often invest in training, probably generation, build trust, minimal. It is just a matter the reality hear of funds raised through privately-owned or public- of owning a smartphone and GoFundMe or other platforms. private partnerships, to spend time learning, and having access to data. This increase capacity in this sector. makes business easy for of the 21st take responsibility if you undergraduates, fresh gradu- Temitope ates, and large groups of It has also helped with a lot of Omokehinde make mistakes.” century. We Given the current state of Ized Uanikhehi people. For the smart ones, advocacy programs and created the nation, how important is cashing out is easy. cannot beat a channel to bring so many social vices to the limelight. digital media technology to our future? I think we have or fight it.” embraced ‘paper’ so much Temitope Ooye Omokehinde in Nigeria, and until we How can the government understand the importance of support this industry? digital and embrace it, we may not be able to enjoy its benefits. Tosin The Lagos State Employment Ized Trust Fund is supporting the Digital in Nigeria is Lagos/ tech ecosystem through its city-centred. How do we Lagos Innovates initiative. This bridge the digital divide in initiative aims to provide an Nigeria? enabling environment for tech startups to thrive by facilitating access to infrastructure, Temitope talent, mentorship, capital, By empowering those networks, etc. The government already in the field – there is committed to the growth of are some programmes the digital industry and will already in place. The strategy continue to support all players will be to ensure represen- in the ecosystem. tation in the geo-political zones of the country. Representatives are to con- Omokehinde tinually increase awareness, Considering that data is as well as pursue educational expensive, the government can and training programmes. intervene to make data more Integration into the school economical so more people can curriculum is also key. have access to the internet. This will enhance learning, increase opportunities, and eventually boost the economy.

26 27 COVER

www.fmnplc.com

Staying true to our purpose of ‘Feeding the Nation, Everyday’ through strategic CSR investments The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is easily and will be offering. Personally, importance is placed on value the biggest challenge facing humanity today. The Omokehinde I do not expect this genera- and processes, which is where Leverage the fact that a large devasting eects can be felt across all aspects of life in tion of youths to say, “I am not I am hoping to look into in the For over 60 years, FMN has continued to proportion of Nigeria have demonstrate its commitment to integrating Nigeria and across the world, which was why FMN on social media”, because as future. There has to be a sort of quickly initiated its COVID-19 response in an eort at phones, and also, some feature social responsibility into its business I said, digital is life and you regulation or certification put in strategy. The Group has continued to bringing succour to millions of families that were phones can access social do not want to be left behind. place for digital. conduct business as a responsible citizen adversely aected across the country. platforms such as Facebook. I Do not take digital lightly, it is by taking into cognizance how its operations think feature phones having easy impact the society, particularly on the First, we put in place very stringent safety measures to everything. data access will take us further. environment, social and governance (ESG) ensure that our employees are protected and, our supply Ized issues. chains and production processes are not hindered. In More has been done so far but For the younger generation, I’d In addressing and advancing socio-economic recognition of the importance of food and how vital our much more has to be done. propose trust, responsibility, Temitope concerns in Nigeria, FMN actively invests in services are, we continued to produce food throughout In terms of skill acquisition and and expertise. Build trust by areas of interest to our Communities and the outbreak to ensure that Nigerians can continue to training, there are several pro- growing from one stage to other key Stakeholders because we understand have access to their favourite Golden Penny products. Tosin grammes organised by various another – do not hype yourself that long-term positive social investment What advice would you give Through the Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Against groups – churches, companies unnecessarily. You also build serves to strengthen our leadership role in the next generation of those the Agro-allied industry. Coronavirus (CACOVID), FMN donated the sum of – as a form of CSR that youths trust by doing things right. working in the digital space? N1 billion. can benefit from. My worry is Take responsibility: if you In addition to the cash donation, we also procured medical balancing the expectation about make mistakes, fix it as much supplies worth about $1.5 million. We understood that as the Omokehinde the rewards of a career in digi- as you can. Expertise is very virus gained grounds in the country, it was imperative to For the upcoming generation, tal. Most people come for skill important. Spend time learning expand the testing capacity for COVID-19 in the country. this is the best time to explore acquisition with the mindset to more. I still devout one hour So, we partnered with NCDC to ensure medical essentials digital and become whoever make quick money. However, daily to learning something like COVID-19 testing kits, ventilators and Personal Protective they want to be. The next gen- there are best practices for every new every day, as digital is the Equipment were distributed across the country. skill that they have to build fastest-changing industry ever. eration has no choice but to The medical supplies that we donated were intended to propel themselves upward with on, digital is no exception. The So, keep learning, get better, facilitate 100/day field-testing capacity, 35,000 the available resources and good thing is that youths have and take over from those that laboratory-based testing capacities, and provide about facilities that digital has offered the enthusiasm to learn, but little have been there before you. 331,000 pieces of PPE including N95 Masks, Coveralls, Protective Gloves, and Protective eyewear. FMN also embarked on a food drive across the country where we donated over N400 million worth of Golden Penny food products. We visited as many as 12 states across the country, including the FCT with several essential food products.

While the fight against the deadly virus continues, we are very hopeful that with continued collaboration with other stakeholders, this pandemic will be soon be conquered in Nigeria, Africa and all over the world.

28 outwait lockdowns, or release A post-COVID-19 society will be major new titles on platforms such as TikTok – as seen in China, where movies have gone on to major commercial success during powered by technology the lockdown. By Oluseye Soyode-Johnson and artificial Intelligence (AI) In the pre-COVID era, the Many business executives tasked to 3D printing and cloud-based education and healthcare with steering their corporate ships It is said that time heals all and digital transformation, COVID industries were usually the through the dire straits of the new makes us forget. This may very has literally breathed new life laggards when it came to norm realise that they cannot well be true, as our collective into these areas. AI is educating media interest, entrepreneurial afford to be caught unawares new normal slowly erases traces high schoolers, running smart innovation and investment. Not again. Digital transformation of an era gone by. It was just a homes, monitoring potential so anymore. Tele-healthcare is now mandatory. Customer few months ago in the year 2019 infections and running predictive companies like Helium Health, touchpoints are moving ‘digital’, apart from new platforms such when we could sit side by side models to help governments transformation in the world due which raised $10m recently, and thus businesses that take swift as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, TikTok with friends and enjoy the latest make critical decisions. When to COVID-19. These use cases are Tremedoc are partnering at scale action will win. Consumers would and Houseparty, expect to also movie releases, when for most personal protective equipment just the beginning, even for the with local Health Maintenance rather send money digitally than see local players such as the open- companies entertaining the idea (PPE) supplies and COVID testing African continent. Organisations (HMOs) to meet go to a bank, or order food on sourced Arbipy and 21st Century’s of working from home was faux kits were at their lowest in the US the growing demand for remote Uber Eats, OyaNow or Gokada Konet platforms scale quickly pas, and when top managers and UK, 3D printing communities Like in the rest of the world, virtual consultation. While 54gene, than sit in a restaurant. Even amongst local small and medium- looked forward to travel – and companies came to the social interactions have become a Nigerian-founded company e-commerce players are seeing sized enterprises (SMEs) due to considering it critical in connecting rescue of nearby hospitals, using the new norm in Nigeria. Many that collects African genetic a rebound as market-going their unique, global standard with global clients. crowdsourced manufacturing. Nigerians work from home due code for use in health research decreases. To be clear, like many, features and local understanding. This use case points to potential to government mandates, and and drug development has also I can’t wait to visit a restaurant or Across the world, we can see the new business models for the 3D live their personal lives virtually – recently raised $15m. Globally, retail store in person, but I am also What has been a massive loss for hallmarks of this new normal. printing industry. Virtual reality joining Zoom birthdays, weddings, Apple smartwatch sales have the first to admit that new digital cinemas, major concert shows However, there is no area this is not only facilitating off-site, and funerals over mobile. Nigerians seen a 22.5% YoY increase, channels make it much easier to and clubbing venues, has become is seen more than in the global skills-based training for industries are never too shy when socialising as many seek to monitor vital stay a homebody. the tailwind for the surge of trend of accelerating technology such as oil and gas, but enabling and showing off culture. It’s in health signs and stay healthy. growth seen by the social and adoption. From Wuhan and a more immersive platform for our blood. We have learnt to Edutech is not left behind either. Technology’s post-COVID-19 streaming giants. The recent Washington to Lagos and London, those who want more deeper embrace mobile and desktop video With the Nigerian federal and disruption will affect agriculture, launch of Netflix Naija continues we are fast becoming digital social and learning experiences collaboration tools in closing the state governments’ mandates finance, real estate, retail and the company’s global dominance natives, as technology merges than Zoom can provide. According distance with those we love and for the use of e-learning many more industries. Such is the in video-on-demand streaming, seamlessly into the fabric of every to McKinsey, Africa is expected work with. It’s no surprise to see platforms, Union Bank’s Edu360 pace of innovation that each new with YouTube coming in second. aspect of our lives. This shift is not to see the fastest rate of digital Zoom guests fully dressed and 2019 top ten winners, which month brings new challenges and Major Hollywood studios have had slowing down and is not restricted made up, with the finest jewellery, included EduBox, NaijaKids, opportunities for those who can to restrategise, deciding to either to any one demographic. With during virtual special events. But SchoolsCompass and more, have foresee and harness change. But each passing day, phrases such as seen global and local interest society doesn’t seem to mind. The ‘let’s Zoom’, ‘Google it’, or ‘Netflix “From Wuhan in their products increase to all- new memories seem just right – a and chill’ are just as much on the time highs. mark in time pointing us and lips of the youth as on those of and Washington future generations back to the over-50 baby boomers. Rich or to Lagos and Steve Hafner, the CEO of Kayak, year that the world stopped for an poor, our collective global lexicon a global travel booking site, says upgrade that changed us forever. has changed. London, we are consumers are starting to think fast bev coming about flying again. However, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson is an innovation and First, we must realise that more he says we shouldn’t expect a business development expert at Ericsson, tasked innovation is coming. According digital natives, as recovery in business travel! Many with creating and driving bold, innovative products to OMDIA, the global consulting speculate that the airline and that accelerate the potential of some of the largest technology merges telecom, media and technology players across firm, technologies that were slated hospitality industries will have to take decades to reach mass- Africa, while utilizing the industry’s unrivalled reach seamlessly into to innovate or die away. With and technology to delight and empower Africans. market appeal are now expected airports slowing reopening, we Oluseye is also Regional Partner at the Africa to mature in just a few years, the fabric of every anticipate increased demand Technology Foundation, an organisation focused becoming critical tools needed aspect of our lives.” for travel but await the true on providing global resources and visibility to to meet demands of a post- innovation in the coming years. technology and media ecosystems across Africa. COVID world. From virtual reality

30 31 The Nigerian economy has The coronavirus pandemic indicates that they are here to BUSINESS mirrored a lot of what has been has affected the business stay as more consumers become seen in other COVID-19 affected landscape for organisations, in more appreciative of the ease countries around the world. The some ways permanently. What and convenience these e-channels TRANSFORMATIONS increasing rate of the infection is kind of impact do you think provide. being accompanied with loss of this will have in the FMCG lives, shrinking disposable income sector in general and the For the drinks industry, the non- TO ADDRESS alcoholic segment has enjoyed due to job losses and salary cuts drinks sector in particular? in a bid for businesses to stay more patronage versus the COVID-19 DISRUPTIONS afloat during the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 in the alcoholic, and it is quite evident in COVID-19 has disrupted the supply FMCG sector is expansive as it cuts the choices consumers are making chain globally with more adverse through supply, human resources, to seek nutrition and meet In this interview, Ifeoma Agu, Senior Brand Manager leading the Premium effects on the Nigerian economy marketing and sales. Some of their basic food requirements Non-Alcoholic Portfolio at Guinness Nigeria Plc, explains the effects of the attributable to high dependency these disruptions will become our with regard to their disposable on other countries like China for “new normal” while some may income being under pressure. COVID-19 pandemic on the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. manufacturing raw materials. Due be reversed albeit partially post As consumers continue to seek to the falling oil price, declining COVID-19. Some of the critical value for their money, more foreign reserve, shutdown of impacts and shifts include: generic categories will experience How would you describe recommended me to a firm of Management Consultants consumers downtrading and yourself? and that marked my first job (FIMC) in 2019, and won the airports, seaports and local travel, Shift in consumer inter and intra-regional trade choosing cheaper alternatives experience at the age of 17 in prestigious African Achievers behaviour or substitutes. This is a time I like to describe myself as a an advertising and marketing of the Commonwealth award have been impacted with direct Consumer shopping behaviours where diversification of portfolio dogged optimist who sees only training firm – Zus Bureau Ltd. in 2018. I am also an Associate implications on the products supply experienced a significant shift becomes critical to ensure market possibilities and this shapes I was introduced to the tenets Fellow of the Institute of chain, factory capacity utilization, with more shoppers ordering share is not lost to competition my purpose in life which is to of advertising and marketing at Certified Professional Managers health facilities to manage the online and patronizing but rather maintained within the inspire people to trust God and Zus Bureau and from then on, of Nigeria (ICPM), a member pandemic as well as employment. e-commerce platforms especially company’s portfolio of product be limitless in being the best developed a flair for marketing. of the Chartered Institute of Post COVID-19, I believe it during the lockdown when there offerings. they can be, hinged on a legacy Marketing UK, and a member of will not be business as usual was restriction of movement. Post of self-belief, optimism and a Being an undergraduate with Advertising Practitioners Council Formats vs channel of as we would have experienced lockdown, these online channels hunger to succeed. I am a highly some work experience in the of Nigeria (APCON). distribution principled, self-motivated and corporate world, I was eager to a downturn in the Nigerian of distribution have continued innovative marketing professional pursue my newfound passion. I have worked across various economy with resultant rising to enjoy huge patronage which The adverse effect of the with over ten years’ experience This inspired a self-commitment industries in notable companies: inflation rate which is usually a closure of on-premise channels and outstanding proficiency in to pursue a career in marketing FMCG (Guinness Nigeria Plc), sign of a struggling economy, which comprise bars, lounges, brand management, commercial and leverage every long semester banking (Guaranty Trust Bank), causing prices to fluctuate and restaurants and hotels had strategy and trade marketing. holiday to work in a different telecommunication (Visafone), poverty to increase. a crippling effect on the I am very passionate about company and garner more advertising (Zus Bureau), and F. Adekoya, A. Adepetun and consumption of drinks especially managing people for success, marketing experience. Before I media (Daily Independent B. Alade in an article published products in on-trade formats like wielding amazing relationships concluded my bachelor’s degree, Newspapers) with a proven track in The Guardian Nigeria on 21 the returnable glass bottles. On and building great brands. I had already worked in four record of consistently delivering March 2020 noted: “Recently, the other hand, products in one- different companies in different great performance having led the IMF had predicted the “This is an way formats (cans and PET) have Can you give us a brief roles related to sales and innovative and transformational shown more resilience during history of your life’s mission’s growth forecast for marketing. business projects with record- Nigeria in 2020 and was later opportunity to the COVID-19 pandemic as they trajectory so far – where breaking results. I am currently predominantly thrive in the off- were you born, education and I furthered my education with revised down to 2% from 2.5% the Senior Brand Manager and to reflect the impact of lower look inwards trade channels and possess quick career? several courses in Professional Portfolio Marketing Lead for adaptability in the neighbourhood Marketing from the Chartered international oil prices. This I was born and raised in Premium Non-Alcoholics at will further worsen due to the and e-commerce stores. The drinks Institute of Marketing UK; Digital Guinness Nigeria Plc – a position to develop our industry will see more one-way Lagos. I attended Junior Strides Branding and Engagement impact of COVID-19 and total Academy Primary School in attained after several roles economy shutdown.” The upside formats continue to thrive ahead – a edX course from Curtin across sales, customer marketing supply chain of the returnable glass bottle Lagos Mainland and Our Lady of University, Western Australia; and however, is that Nigeria is one Apostles Secondary School, Yaba. and brand management in the of the countries with the largest formats leading to an adverse a Global Business course from company. of locally effect on the profitability of major I later graduated with a Bachelor Harvard Business School Online. population worldwide and also of Science degree in Botany the largest economy in Africa beer and non-alcoholic drink Over the years, I have garnered The COVID-19 outbreak companies as one-way formats from the University of Nigeria, so much expertise and positioned is a human tragedy and is with huge potentials for foreign sourced raw Nsukka. Prior to obtaining my investors and an opportunity offer less juicy margins versus the myself as an exceptional impacting the global economy returnable glass bottle formats. university admission, I enrolled marketing professional within the adversely. Many pundits are to look inwards to develop our materials, and in a computer school to study industry with several recognitions saying that post COVID-19 it supply chain of locally sourced For spirits, it is expected that this a six-month course on Desktop and awards to attest to the will not be business as usual? raw materials. There is also the to diversify category will continue to thrive, Publishing and excelled at design professionalism and responsibility What is your view on the post opportunity to diversify the however, this will be largely using CorelDRAW. As a result of I bring to my work. I was COVID-19 Nigeria economy? economy by reducing dependency the economy.” driven by mainstream spirits that, my instructor at the time awarded Fellow of the Institute on crude oil proceeds post especially those in sachets and COVID-19.

32 33 be agile, flexible and speedily With constraint comes creativity; down on your knees and pray small PET formats as affordability for radio and billboards resulting Format and portfolio play adaptive to these changes has businesses are spending a lot less for Shackleton.”— Sir Raymond and accessibility via table tops in a decline in media spend proved to be one of the biggest on their marketing campaigns Priestley, Antarctic explorer and In the face of shrinking and grocery neighbourhood effectiveness. Also, while most lessons from COVID-19. during this pandemic, however geologist disposable income, preference shops will be the main driver for people worked from home, there this constraint has propelled a lot for smaller packs and cheaper this category. Premium spirits on was a slight surge in Subscription Businesses are learning to set of creativity in the industry – this Reflecting on Ernest Shackleton’s substitutes will be expected to the other hand will experience a Video on Demand channels short-term KPIs and targets is what I call “agility marinated most famous Endurance increase, as well as maintained significant dip as lots of people (SVOD) like Netflix versus cable/ – more like quarterly KPIs in in creativity”. The digital expedition, which began in patronage of value bulk packs would be affected by job losses or terrestrial TV which meant fewer response to the VUCA period we communications of brands are August 1914 when the team left given that stock piling might still salary cuts making this segment people watching TV commercials are in i.e. to consider volatility, being sensitive to the pandemic London for Antarctica, he had be a thing. Companies with a a classified luxury patronized by at the time. Social media on the uncertainty, complexity, and yet connecting and staying one mission – “To get all his men robust portfolio of brands that few post COVID-19. other hand had all the buzz, ambiguity. This helps to keep relevant to their target audience. home alive”. He and his men faced cuts across premium, mainstream hence a realignment of spending a short-term focus on business Businesses are remodelling their great dangers and hazards as a Socialization shift to virtual and value-for-money price ranges in favour of digital media was targets while also keeping an route to consumer models and result of a sea that was literally along with relevant stock keeping Given the interdictions to a sure way to go to grasp the eye on the longer-term strategy, adopting e-commerce platforms; ridden with ice floes and they got units (SKUs) will be better physical contact in public spaces audience’s attention. ensuring necessary tweaks are brick and mortar dominant stuck for several months. Through positioned to maintain or win in line with social distancing built in to keep them relevant businesses are adapting quickly to those trying periods on the frozen Given the downturn in the market share. for a fast-paced dynamic world/ sea, he created mental medicine regulations, there is a lot of economy and globally, the serve their consumers online and apprehension on the part of the Promotional effectiveness market. Also, businesses would provide home deliveries. I dare – managing the energy, outlook, purchasing power of most be seeking more long-term engagement and particularly consumers as people are weary people will not be optimal. say the pace and agility in turning of going out and mixing with More than ever, consumers plans to secure local sources around business strategies to the cohesion of his team. He As a marketing expert, what are seeking value, hence the of raw materials – this should was committed to the idea that crowds. This has birthed the era strategies do you think should adapt to the changes have been of virtual socialization as we see proposition should focus on have a positive impact on the remarkable within the industry. his leadership and management be adopted by manufacturers offering value rather than on supply chain and economy with will involve constant adaptation, more in-home consumption and to make sure their products virtual parties taking place via price. Even though businesses are the collaborative effort of the Another management lesson suppleness, improvisation, get a major percentage of the faced with sales crunch as a result government and private sector if can be taken from a popular flexibility, and a deep commitment technology and social media. This available market? is expected to have an impact of COVID-19, it is imperative that well harnessed. quote: “For scientific discovery to abiding with the mission – “I they deploy relevant promotional give me Scott; for speed and will get them all home alive”. on the consumption pattern and Based on what we see in our Another lesson borders strategies to maintain competitive efficiency of travel give me Tapping from the leadership style patronage of bars post COVID-19 economy today, there are key around debunking the myth play within the segments they Amundsen; but when disaster of Shackleton who achieved that as consumers may not return to strategic elements that must of unproductivity as a result of operate in order to guarantee strikes and all hope is gone, get grave mission of getting all 27 their old habits quickly thereby be addressed to maintain a working from home. Prior to consumers choosing them above men home alive, it is pertinent for leading to a slower recovery for competitive market share during COVID-19, the idea of working the competition. management to adopt this type of this channel. and after the pandemic. These from home especially in Nigeria critical elements are availability, leadership style during turbulent Communication and media Partnerships had been frowned at and deemed times to create the mental format and portfolio play, impossible. All that has changed promotional effectiveness and More collaborative partnerships medicine for their teams in driving Digital engagements have now especially for non-factory engagement and team cohesion grown significantly in Nigeria partnerships. between non-conflicting brands workers or non-consumer facing will be the future of marketing through several virtual activities and across the world with social Distribution/Availability employees. A colleague helped “The need to sustain their energy levels and media penetration growing in a as this would further drive down to demystify the overwhelming the cost of promotions, improve commitment to deliver the business geometric progression. Brands The phased lockdown across feeling of frustration during the goals. have taken to digital media and the country has impacted physical the spend effectiveness of brand first weeks of lockdown when to be agile, social media platforms to drive availability or distribution of communications, and increase the everyone was working from home, Lastly, the importance of safety engagement and remain relevant products and has also accelerated rate of sales while offering better he said, “working from home is flexible and cannot be overemphasized, during the pandemic in order to the growth of the Digital Route value to consumers. not fun when every other person staff and workplace safety is sustain mental availability in a to Consumer. FMCG companies As a dogged optimist is working from home” – that speedily paramount for every business period where physical availability must have agile strategies to who strives to focus on actually put it in perspective. now more than ever. The primary is challenged. Brand messages ensure physical availability of possibilities, what are the We may have craved the idea of adaptive to obligation of every company have been COVID-19 sensitive, their products in the thriving business and management working from home but definitely and its employees is to adhere encouraging consumers to stay channels such as listing on lessons you are gleaning not with everyone doing the changes has strictly to global (World Health safe while instilling positivity e-commerce sites, hypermarkets from the ongoing coronavirus same especially during a global Organization) and local guidelines during the pandemic. Most and supermarkets, neighbourhood crisis? pandemic. With schools shutdown, in order to curb the spread of traditional media channels such stores and most importantly the the new normal has parents proved to the pandemic and give Nigeria as radio, TV, and out-of-home wholesale channel. This should Change is a fundamental learning a new kind of patience a chance to beat COVID-19 and advertising suffered a drought be complemented with driving phenomenon we must always and multi-tasking as they double be one of flatten the curve. One thing during the lockdown as most mental availability in form of be prepared for. COVID-19 has as executives and homeschool is certain – “this too shall brands either halted or reduced visibility either above-the-line or definitely brought about a lot of teachers. Bottom line is, some the biggest pass away” and posterity will their spending via these channels. below-the-line to drive top of changes that have impacted both businesses have learnt the upside remember the efforts and the The reasons are not far-fetched as mind awareness and win at the individuals and businesses with to working from home and it may lessons from strides we made during the most a reduction in drive-time during moment of purchase. the promise of a “new normal”. become one of the “new normals” critical moment of our history as the lockdown impacted reach More than ever, the need to that has come to stay. COVID-19.” a nation.

34 35 we run to friends and family for support. Notwithstanding, insurance should be an When such support fails to come, we label important consideration in one’s life. One of our friends enemies, when in truth, we are our the most recent examples of ‘uncertain times’ own enemies. When it comes to life insurance is the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, which specifically, an average Nigerian might see it ever since its discovery towards the end of 2019 as a bad omen to prepare for one’s death. in China, has dealt the entire world a huge But, still, we will all say goodbye someday, blow. That COVID-19 has had so many adverse many times, unplanned. Many families have effects on the country, the economy and on the been thrown into avoidable chaos at the citizens is no gainsaying. Aside from its effects demise of their breadwinners; a situation the on health and wellbeing, COVID-19 has pushed right insurance plan would help them easily companies and businesses to the brink, thereby avoid. leading to mass retrenchments and salary cuts. The ripple effect of this pandemic has really Assuring certainty even in Mistrust and bad precedence thrown the world into a state of uncertainty; Insurance is a promise. That many have it’s safe to say that these times are truly the grown a certain distrust for insurance can definition of uncertainty. be attributed to a distant history of certain insurance companies not paying claims when Despite these devastating effects of the due. However, credible insurance companies pandemic, there are a certain crop of people uncertain times pay. For example, according to its recently who although have been affected, are able By Rita Okaro Low income/poverty released figures, the 60-year-old insurance to still live seemingly normal lives. These are When times are hard, priorities company African Alliance Insurance Plc paid the people who had had the foresight to he world we live is change. According to the World over ₦9 billion in claims in 2019 alone. purchase various forms of life protection plans uncertain. Like they say, Poverty Clock, about 100 million with insurance companies. They say you do no one knows tomorrow; Nigerians – half of the population Also, it is rarely a personal experience not buy insurance when you need it, you buy T neither is anything – are living under US$1 a day, for those who claim insurance never pays. when you do not so it comes into play when promised tomorrow. That today it comes as no surprise why Many draw on their friend’s friend’s uncle’s you actually do need it! has been good does not purchasing insurance would be experience which are rarely substantiated. guarantee tomorrow would be at the bottom of one’s priority With the regulations and complaints bureau Having insurance in the midst of the the same, and vice versa. list. of the National Insurance Commission, there uncertainties going on in the world right now While we are at the mercy of are now direct channels to report any provides a level of comfort and certainty that uncertainty, we can choose to However, with the proliferation erring insurer to those who your finances are taken care of. The peace mitigate its effect or better put, of microinsurance and digital matter. Gone are the of mind that comes from this is a benefit safely predict to a reasonable technology, insurance has days of helplessness insurance provides. Those who have a life accuracy, how we want our become more available than with accessing protection cover are enjoying a sense of tomorrow to be. Imagine a ever before. Many insurers now claims; security despite the challenges they might be world where you never have to your car, home, health, and offer plans from as low as ₦100 nowadays, facing, be it job losses or salary cuts. worry about unexpected events; even your most valuable asset weekly or less, depending on the one email is imagine being assured that in – your life. Insuring your life does package. all it takes to So how do you choose the right insurance the face of any unfortunate not mean you are protected escalate issues company for you? circumstance you would be from exiting the world when the But beyond finances, there to the industry First, heritage. Look out for one that has completely taken care of. That time comes, it means you are are a few set biases that have regulator. been around for a long time. As we all know, world does exist; and that is the leaving in a blaze of glory with slowed the adoption and uptake a business that transcends generations is one world of insurance. Although your loved ones fully taken care of insurance policies in Nigeria. that has amassed trust and demonstrated cus- insurance exists in many forms, of. Generally, once insurance is tomer centricity over the years. many of us still do not know in place, you are guaranteed Religion and culture Second, evidence of claims payments; about it, neither do we know that if there is a damage or The world over, religion is how well do they pay claims? how it works nor how to access loss to the insured, a near-total largely influenced by culture Third, availability of tailor-made policies. it. restoration to the pre-loss state and Nigeria is no exception. Insurance has been defined is guaranteed. In essence, Rather than purchase insurance, Do not leave tomorrow to chance; get by Investopedia as “a contract, insurance was created to take people would be more inclined yourself a viable insurance plan today. represented by a policy, in care of uncertainties; insurance to look to religion for protection. which an individual or entity is a promise of guaranteed We say ‘God forbid’ or “It is not Rita Okaro is a media communications enthusiast with receives financial protection protection from uncertainties. my portion’ when told to plan As valuable as insurance experience in banking and insurance. She currently works in or reimbursement against for unforeseen circumstances. the brand, media and communications department of a life covered or stated losses from an seems, it remains a grudge buy Many have outsourced their insurance company. insurance company.” You could among most Nigerians, likely due insurance to chance so much so insure various items of value: to financial constraints. that when the cookie crumbles,

36 37 ttttyy

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION IN LAGOS STATE By Tosin Faniro-Dada

ince its launch in Lagos Innovates also can be ready to assume their February 2018 as supports events in the positions at the forefront of the tech-focused ecosystem that offer value the push by Lagos to become a arm of the Lagos to participants in terms smart city, and play their part State Employment of knowledge sharing, in shaping the world of the Trust Fund (LSETF), the collaboration and networking Fourth Industrial Revolution. S in various areas. It recognises These trainings will expose objective of Lagos Innovates is to provide an enabling the need to contribute to the young Lagosians to new environment for tech startups, spread of the best ideas. Since opportunities and make them and to make Lagos the top inception, Lagos Innovates has competitive with their peers destination for tech startups sponsored over 15 events. globally. in Africa. Lagos Innovates There is also a need to Lagos Innovates remains recognises the potential of continually refresh the talent committed to the growth of technology startups to reduce pool in the ecosystem, to the tech ecosystem in Lagos. unemployment and solve provide a ready pool from For more information, visit problems in societies. which local startups and lagosinnovates.ng, and follow Through its set of foreign players who want to the initiative on Facebook, interventions, Lagos Innovates set up operations in Lagos Twitter and Instagram @ is designed to enable the can draw from. To this end, lagosinnovates. Lagos tech ecosystem and Lagos Innovates partners startups within that ecosystem with the private sector to Tosin Faniro-Dada heads the Lagos to achieve growth and scale. train the next generation of Innovates initiative of the Lagos One of these interventions software developers so they State Employment Trust Fund. is the workspace voucher programme in which high- potential startups are issued vouchers for redemption at TO HELP LAGOS BECOME A GLOBAL CENTRE FOR TE partner coworking spaces CH STARTUPS, THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT in Lagos. This enables these IS INVESTING ITS CAPITAL IN THE LAGOS TECH ECOSYSTEM, THROUGH startups to have access LAGOS to networks of potential INNOVATES collaborators, as well as HERE’S HOW WE SUPPORT YOUR QUEST

reduces the high costs of Covers 30% to 75% of membership costs at an WORKSPACE VOUCHERS y of our Partner office space, power and Hubs for 3 to 12 months. HUB L Provides capital to high-performing, out OANS come-focused workspace providers in Lagos State to fund expansion or impr internet. As at 2019, over ovement of their existing facility.

EVENTS SPONSORSHIP Up to N5M of co- 80 startups in four cohorts sponsorship of events led by ecosystem participants.

have benefited from CO-INVESTMENTS Make available matching funds to Lagos the programme, and 19 -based ventures backed by investors. Supports capacity development by funding up t PROGRAM VOUCHERS o 50% of the cost of the coworking spaces are part program attendance.

ACCELERA of the Lagos Innovates TOR PROGRAM 12 weeks of capital, mentorship and learning f or scale ready ventures. network of hubs across the B state. E T H E N E X T UN CORN Follow/engage us on LagosInnovates An initiative of 39 39 TRANSFORMING AFRICA’S LOGISTICS INDUSTRY WITH TECH By Kagure Wamunyu

When Obi Ozor and Ife Oyedele II joined forces to start steady stream of trips, so far reaching over 32,000 across Kobo360 in 2017, a revolutionary e-logistics platform for Africa Africa since the start of the pandemic. and beyond, they had small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mind. At the time, Nigeria was going through a Not only does the innovative tech behind G-LOS enable recession and SMEs, who are crucial to the country’s economy, seamless end-to-end delivery, it also establishes an increased were struggling to stay afloat due to the inefficiencies of level of visibility in the logistics industry which will support the the supply chain. Their survival depended on being able to eventual implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Igniting innovation move goods from Point A to B, without any delays as the Area (AfCFTA) early next year. AfCFTA is set to increase trade consequences are costly in more ways than one. by over 50%, which will be vital for the recovery of the African economy, with scope for large-scale employment. Kobo360 tanna is a Lagos- For its inaugural cohort, Itanna based companies that not only But there was a problem; reliable logistics service in Africa was will have a key role with the use of its e-logistics platform. based accelerator and provided financial investment as offer value creation and business not a guarantee. investment vehicle well as business support and operations but can also compete Since Kobo360’s launch three years ago, more job The challenges of the supply chain were quite literally end- opportunities have been created and this has vastly improved founded in 2017 by mentorship to four startups – on a global scale in terms of to-end; connecting truck drivers with goods, tracking delivery the standard of living for many African truck drivers who IHoneywell Group, a leading Powercube, KoloPay, Tradebuza market valuation. Simply put, and ensuring product security without interfering middlemen, previously were finding it hard to make ends meet. Which indigenous conglomerate. It and Accounteer – in the Itanna wants to ignite a tech-led and at a reasonable cost. This is why Kobo360 launched: to is why it is Kobo360’s social responsibility to act in the best establish a stable, reliable and accessible logistics supply chain interest of its drivers who are the lifeblood of African trade. As serves to facilitate the growth of Accelerator Programme. enterprise revolution in Africa. system in Africa, to address magnified pain points, and to solve well as providing a platform for them to earn more in trips, the innovative startups and transform Honeywell Group has over a real and very pressing challenge. company offers training, discount petrol and vehicle financing them into strategic enterprises 45 years’ experience building For more information to our drivers. We have also created a Health Maintenance Kobo360 has since leveraged its innovative technology to fix Organisation (HMO) in some of our markets, alongside an that will further propel economic and scaling businesses across Visit: www.itanna.co Follow: @itannaafrica the inherent inefficiencies and supply chain frictions that exist incentive-based programme, KoboCare, which goes towards growth across Africa and the different sectors. To help support in the road-based logistics business, by reducing delivery times educational expenses for drivers’ children. world. the growth of startups, and significantly shrinking costs, thus providing huge values and positive experiences to SMEs and truck drivers, as well as Our drivers’ adoption of the e-logistics platform has impacted Itanna invests in early and Itanna is tapping winning contracts with large enterprises such as Flour Mills of the supply chain at all points. It is therefore crucially important growth stage technology-enabled into the Group’s Nigeria, DHL and Lafarge. Whilst the company’s initial focus that the platform is tailored for each market that we operate was solely on transforming the logistics industry for the benefit in, such as localising the app to make it easier for drivers to businesses across sub-Saharan rich experience of SMEs in Nigeria, the company has expanded its operations view incoming requests, accept trips on the app if the request Africa in two ways: of incubating and into Kenya, Uganda, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Egypt, matches their fleet capacity, and send an automated invoice to 1. Through an Accelerator growing businesses, making it an African brand with an all-encompassing African the consumer – all in one app. Programme where selected focus. their extensive network As the years go by, Kobo360 has witnessed exceptional investee companies of technical and Keeping Africa moving is the motivation behind every growth and stories of people who have built a career in truck receive financial investment development partners, decision made, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 driving. By and large, this generation is interested in technology and practical business their vast knowledge pandemic, which threatens food security for millions of and the company is using it to gradually bring back trust in management counsel from people across the continent. As lockdowns and restrictions the supply chain as well as attract the next generation of of the operating across borders and intrastate ensued, the movement of workers. The truth is, there are many career opportunities in business experts over a environment, and essential goods became Kobo360’s primary mission – to the logistics industry – from highly qualified truck drivers to period of four months. ensure that families keep accessing food and sanitation competent logistics coordinators and operations managers, the 2. Through a Direct proven access to products. Technology needed to play a bigger hand in opportunity to build a fulfilling career in logistics and supply Investment Scheme where capital, among others. transporting goods to facilitate social distancing practices chain is almost endless. Kobo360 takes pride in this. Itanna’s ambition and lessen the disruption of movement. The launch of the Itanna provides strategic Global Logistics Operating System (G-LOS) is that hand. Kagure Wamunyu is the Chief Strategy Officer at Kobo360. She investments to growth stage is to help build It means that drivers and cargo owners can have remote leads the strategy and execution for growth for all Kobo360 markets, access to the supply chain, where drivers can pitch for jobs heads the people function, and also heads the Africa Region markets. companies. an ecosystem of Previously, she served as the Kobo360 CEO of Africa Region, leading with cargo owners (providing an element of financial security innovative, tech- the expansion and growth outside the Nigerian market in uncertain times), allowing for business continuity with a

40 41 Aero Recon: DRONES FOR INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS

Aero Recon is a Nigerian tech son of the founder of startup company that focuses on OAS Helicopters, Evarest utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (Odengene) Nnaji, who has (UAV) – drones – to provide anchored the development various industrial solutions. Its of the Aero Recon. With services include UAV operations, its intuitive approach UAV procurement, UAV to UAV solutions, Aero development, UAV repairs, and Recon strives to lead the UAV pilot training. innovation and utilization of UAV technology in West Aero Recon was founded by Africa. Frank Nnaji, an American- educated electrical engineering For more information graduate and trained UAV Address: 1 Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria specialist who hails from Enugu Tel: +234 809 228 4285 State, Nigeria. His passion for Email: [email protected] UAV technology stems from his Follow on Instagram: @aerorecon @_dronedoctor and Twitter: @_ family’s long-standing interest dronedoctor in aviation. Frank Nnaji is the

43 lifestyle, health, career, sports, Content development, curation, movies, education, relationship, photography, culture, travel, comedy, kids, family, etc.

distribution and marketing Once you have that covered, the next important questions/ By Temitope Ooye considerations are: ®® Solution: What problem are you solving? eople engage and can help you create better content. clearly defined audience—and, ®® People: Who has a interact with information Here are a few of them: ultimately, to drive profitable problem that your they come across in customer action.” – Content product/service can solve? different ways. Most ®® Play on your strengths Marketing Institute ®® Industry: What industry times, this depends on ®® Keep content simple, short are you in? What is the a preferred or a relatable subject. and straight to the point Content marketing’s fundamental market size? P ®® Images and videos typically goal is not to only convey brand A piece of information will be ®® Customer: Who is your adjudged interesting and engaging work well on social media information to main audiences but customer? when a writer is able to successfully ®® Review your page/blog/ also to drive specific personal or ®® Type: How will you capture its essence in a way that website analytics for content business outcomes. distribute your content? is acceptable to the reader. This ideas ®® Location: Know where your ®® Source information from Creating your content marketing acceptable manner of presenting target audience resides. Think about the VALUE, your own social profiles strategy information is basically what ®® Demographic: This is EMOTIONS, SHAREABLE + Timing is very critical in an through questions and polls One of the most important content development or curation is based on the age, gender, VIRAL, EVERGREEN/TRENDING integrated content strategy: questions to ask yourself, and all about. religion, and income of the qualities of your content. ®® Understand consumer Content is the ammo in your of course answer is, “Who is my consumer. behaviour online gun. Quality content drives content for?” This is pivotal to What is content? ®® Psychographic: This is a Keep these hacks in mind when ®® Follow and analyse your brand and helps spread your your content marketing strategy, In essence, I assert that content lifestyle-based element. generating your content: trends message. as it will help you make the best can be regarded as any piece of It could also include uuStart with the end in decisions. information created or designed to personality. mind Final words Now that you have enough infor- inform, engage/interact, convert, ®® Behavioural: This is uuRemember your audi- In an age of data and mation to help you create good “You are not for everybody, you are and retain/keep an audience. based on some specific ence analytics, there’s no excuse content, the next step is to ensure for a type of people.” – Adaora behaviour that may show uuStorify your content not to measure (and prove) that your content is seen through Mbelu Content can be generated via two at certain occasions, such uuUse active verbs the results from your content content marketing. After all, the major ways: as Valentine’s Day or uuUse call to actions marketing efforts. Always essence of creating good content Once you have identified your a) Original Content – uniquely cre- birthdays. uuWrite catchy headlines remember, what you do not is so that it can reach the right area of strength or passion, it ated by an individual or brand ®® Trends: This is based uuUse visually attractive measure, you cannot manage; people and fulfil its purpose. helps you narrow things down a b) Curated Content – gathered or on what is definable as images; you can make what you cannot manage, you bit and begin to channel your obtained from different sources trending. use of platforms such cannot multiply. Content marketing content towards a more direct goal. as Canva, SparkPost, Content marketing is defined as Audience identification takes you How to create good content The next thing to tackle is or Word Swag Temitope Ooye is a communication and “a strategic marketing approach closer to achieving this goal. Map Creating content is often easier how you can create or curate uuSpeak to your audi- marketing professional. Contact Temitope: focused on creating and distributing out different fields you would like @thatmediababe; thatmediababe@ said than done, yet it is not par- credible content to keep your ence valuable, relevant, and consistent to play in such as fashion, music, gmail.com ticularly rocket science. There are audience hooked. uuShow/illustrate certain tips and rules of thumb that content to attract and retain a

44 45 take it up as a career? So, after If you could go back and do works towards closing that my undergraduate studies, I did something differently, would you gap. The road is not always a master’s degree in public rela- do so and what would it be? easy. Sometimes you put one tions (PR) and that’s basically I like to live by having no step to go somewhere but it how I ended up here. regrets but to be honest, every- takes many more steps, it’s just The business of one makes a lot of mistakes the nature of the world. Some What were the difficulties and when growing up, so there are things don’t go as planned and challenges starting out in a few mistakes I’ve made that some go better than planned, marketing, and how were you if I could go back, I would do just be ready to adapt and don’t MARKETING able to overcome them? things differently. I feel that in give up. I’ll also say that once One of the difficulties that I my younger years I was a big you know what your goal is, faced was the fact that I didn’t drama queen and I didn’t really don’t compromise for anything have any prior knowledge of know how to manage my emo- else, some things will come marketing. I did a master’s in tions and stakeholders, so I feel that look like gold but they PR but that’s a tiny aspect of like I made a lot of mistakes in are gold plated, don’t go for marketing. Marketing is a lot terms of dealing with people gold plated if what you want more all-encompassing, so I feel and managing conflict and it’s is gold. Things that can distract that the initial difficulties were something that I’ve learnt now you from where you want to down to a lack of theoretical that I’m older. If there was a do- go will present themselves but knowledge, just basically learn- over, I would go back and take stay true to your core, stay true ing on the job and then learn- the knowledge that I have now. to the cause and be confident ing how to manage stakehold- We all suffer at some point in in what you want to do. Don’t ers is a big part as well. I started our careers from impostor syn- compromise on your values, off at an agency – you have lots drome, and I think when I was don’t be a victim of imposter of clients, new businesses, and younger, I suffered from it a lot syndrome. Free yourself from you need to understand how and I wish I could go back and imposter syndrome – you can do to manage stakeholders and a whisper to myself: be confident, this by often reminding your- large portfolio. you’re here for a reason, just self that you are worthy, and I also feel that having a clear keep going. you are valued. As you develop career map was a challenge yourself – getting the required because it wasn’t clear when I What advice would you give your training, upgrading and upscal- started what the opportunities younger self, or those starting out Fiyin Toyo is a creative and performance-driven marketing manager with communication, ing – you would build that were because I worked for an in marketing, especially young confidence in yourself. Practice strategy and leadership skills. She is currently the West Africa Marketing Manager for agency, and when you work for women? what you’ve learnt every day, the Oral Health Category at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer, where she executes marketing an agency, the team wants you The advice I would give these ask for feedback, and use all to feel like marketing is all about three parties is basically the campaigns for brands. She previously worked at Guinness Nigeria Plc (a Diageo these to help you get over any agencies. But there’s much more same. The first is marketing is imposter syndrome that you Company); and on brands such as Coca-Cola, the World Health Organization, MTN Nigeria to marketing – there’s the client a very massive body of work might be facing. Ltd, Phillips Consulting, Silverbird Group, among others while working in an agency. Fiyin side, the agency side, there’s and knowledge. There’s a lot to content development, there’s so marketing and there are differ- What are the current trends in the is also the founder of EmpowerU Career Consulting, an enterprise that trains and equips much within marketing. ent aspects, therefore start out Nigerian marketing landscape, young graduates and professionals with employability skills for success in the job market. But I was passionate about by understanding the part that and how do you see the field marketing and fell in love you want to play and under- evolving over the next 5-10 years? In this interview, Fiyin Toyo answers a wide range of questions on marketing. with it, I read, researched and stand where you want to play. The first one is the obsession asked questions, when talking Once you identify this you need with measurement. Growing to clients I wasn’t afraid – I to develop a road map – how up in Nigeria one of the com- How did you get into marketing? forefront. It’s not really some- ogist. I went ahead to pursue a asked them what they thought. you’re going to get there. I mon forms of media dissemi- Is this a field you had in mind thing that you think about or degree in psychology, and in my Something that helped me advise people to have this road nation was through traditional when growing up and deciding is actively discussed as a career second year at Loughborough was being able to then pin- map: have steps to get to your media – TV, radio, newspapers, what to do as a career? choice. You think more about University, UK I got involved in point what I wanted to do and destination, and put this in a and sometimes billboards. But The simple answer is no, this is STEM careers – being a doc- the Afro-Caribbean Society and where I wanted to go. I went on vision board that you can look with the advent of digital media not a field I had in mind when tor, a lawyer, or an engineer. was elected the Social Secretary LinkedIn and looked for people at every single day because the where you get results on how growing up. I never thought of Although, growing up I want- – basically I just had to do a that were already at my desired mind is very powerful, and the many people you actually reach, marketing when growing up ed to be everything from a lot of marketing, publicity and destination and examined their mind bridges the gap between how many times they saw the and to be honest, as a young policewoman and hairdresser event planning. I liked it and a careers to see what they did, reality and dreams; so the more ad, at what point they stopped, child or a teenager, market- to a pilot and doctor; and as I few of my older friends said I and I started to emulate that. your mind sees this place you’re you see that people are becom- ing is not one of the careers grew older, I narrowed it down had a knack for marketing and going to, the more your mind ing much more measurement that is usually brought to the to either a doctor or a psychol- public relations, why don’t I

46 47 obsessed. For instance, ad own- explicitly disclose that they were soft skills, and there are hard markets or “employer-labour friendly” markets, ers or content owners are using being paid, but they are now skills aka technical skills. For so there’ll be job losses. I just think that young the software called Optim-eyes obligated. As a result, we’ll see soft skills, I think that graduates people need to equip themselves with digital that allows them to see how this piece change and evolve. can do with confidence, pre- skills. That’s where the future is going, the future many people watch their ads, sentation skills, communication is now so you need to understand how to operate the age, gender, etc. So, people Then there is e-commerce, skills, knowing how to manage in a digital world. are becoming more measure- which seems to be on the rise, stakeholders, how to construct ment obsessed. and we will see a lot of e-com- a proper email, how to present Do you have a philosophy that guides your actions The second trend is the evolu- merce driven marketing going yourself on the phone or in a and life in general? tion of data protection. In the on in the next couple of years, meeting. Visibility is key even Yes, one of the things I believe in is, whatever past we used to do a lot of these especially with the COVID-19 as a young graduate and that the mind can conceive, it can achieve. I’m very big competitions in the Nigerian pandemic where people are is something we don’t teach in on my mindset and making sure that my mind is marketing landscape and then having to order online and get school, especially in the Nigerian filled with positivity because your mind dictates a you post handles of winners, their items delivered. We will context where we’re better seen lot that happens. I also believe that life is not just but now with the EU’s General see that e-comm, logistics and and not heard, but these are about the physical, there’s also the spiritual aspect Data Protection Regulation and supply chain will play big roles in things that as professionals and of it, you need to be able to engage the spiritual. the Nigeria Data Protection the marketing landscape. graduates we need to embody. For me that means serving, speaking and just Regulation, laws are becom- We need to be visible – have our working with God on every aspect of my life – my ing much more stringent and voices heard within organisa- relationships, friendships, business, and career. there is now an appreciation “There’s a lot tions. Another thing that guides me is “work hard, for PII- Personally Identifiable In terms of technical skills, it play harder”. There must be a balance in life. Information. These are things to marketing really depends on the nature Lastly, “what you sow is what you reap”, so I a lot of brands are now taking of your job so while you have believe in helping and supporting people because into consideration, being able and there the soft skills which will take I know that it’s the right thing to do. The more to get that two-way interaction you far, you need to be techni- you support people, the more you will be sup- between brand and consumer, are different cally sound in whatever it is ported. What you put out into the universe is whilst obeying these laws. that you’re doing. But of course, most likely what you’ll get back. In the past, only multination- aspects. there are general skills we must als, the likes of Coca-Cola, could all have such as how to create How do you balance work and life outside your really go and spend money in a PowerPoint that is engaging, career? digital and traditional media, Start out by how to use Excel and Word, This is very important to me, balance is so key. I but now you see small and basic math skills and return on love watching my favourite TV shows. After work, medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) understanding investment (RO1) analysis. I just relax by watching some TV shows at home, also competing in that space for just having a good time. I also love to travel; 29 media. SMEs are doing a lot of the part that In what ways do you think the job countries and counting. Once or twice a year online ads and even billboards. market would change in the next I ensure I go on holiday and this is not a work The media space is absolutely you want 5-10 years, and what skills should holiday. I don’t take any work with me, I just have cluttered, and dare I say SMEs young people possess? fun and do things I don’t ordinarily do in Nigeria. A couple of changes that we’re are winning because what I find to play and So, I don’t go on holiday just to shop and sleep in already seeing about the future is that they are much more mon- a hotel, I ensure that I do things that really blow of work is that a lot of jobs are ey-conscious so they’re seeing understand my mind, whether it’s zip lining, swimming with going to become obsolete, espe- a return on their investments dolphins or stingrays, going to a waterpark, jet cially jobs that have to do with – their ads are being converted where you skiing, shooting, rock climbing, those are the sort manual labour. We know that into sales. I think that multina- of things I love to do. It really brings me some 10-15 years ago there were type- tionals have a lot to learn from want to play.” excitement and inspiration. Of course, there’s writers, people used to type for SMEs on how to profit from ads. spending time with my family. I don’t joke with others, but with the advent of Influencer and celebrity part- things like that – I don’t joke with my fun, vaca- technology typewriting became nerships is something that tions, and my family. obsolete. A lot of these changes became very popular in the Your business EmpowerU last 7-10 years in Nigeria, and equips young graduates and will happen again, things will become much more automated. over the next couple of years professionals with employability To connect with Fiyin Toyo: I feel that there will be a lot more we’ll see how this evolves espe- skills. What do you think are the Instagram: empoweru_ng work from home and remote cially as companies are looking top skills necessary to compete in Email: [email protected] working. I also feel that compa- to comply with data protection the current job market? Website: www.empoweru.ng and transparency laws. In the I would like to differentiate nies will start to outsource more past, influencers did not have to between two skills, there are of their labour to much cheaper

48 49 impossible to fix. I looked at the policies), utilizing the skill set of the environment when fossil fuels US and other Western countries knowledgeable power experts, are used will be helpful. But we and thought: “If they can do it willingness of citizens to pay the need better economic analyses LYVES right, we definitely can too.” I fair amount for power, increasing and policy building on the use of PRIDE figured with my strength in maths, citizen knowledge on what it takes renewables for community-based physics, and analysis, and with to deliver power, accountability, (not just rural) electrification. For the right education, I could figure transparency, among others. instance, building industrial parks it out. Many years later, I know Savvy managers, directors and with a shared power source. Power it is more complicated than I CEOs in the power industry are from the present grid should be Urenna Onyewuchi thought, especially when it is also critical. My organisation, A allocated strategically to meet coupled with the impact of politics. Professional Africa, is currently the minority needs of which it is Dr Urenna Onyewuchi is a strategic cost reduction and international Yet, I am convinced that we can working on a webinar series capable. development expert, who is dedicated to promoting organisational capability come up with solutions, not by called “Lifeline: Bridging Gaps to myself but with the right team of Development” that will address the What role can current and future through effective leadership. She has a PhD in electrical engineering, and experts globally. In my view, a power problem, as well as other technologies play in addressing the draws on her engineering expertise to manage projects that expand electrical good proportion of them would be development problems in Africa. challenges the country faces? African experts in the diaspora. Several. To mention a few, power in Africa as well as advance the progress of youth/women in science, What other source of energy can LoRaWAN network architecture What in your opinion are the Nigeria make use of other than for battery-connected things will technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). challenges within the Nigerian fossil fuels to guarantee power strengthen smart city and grid power sector? supply? operations; solar connections will In this interview, she discusses educating the girl-child, as well as If I had to pick one, I would say We have to explore sufficient use help with power availability; smart poor and insufficient strategic of renewable sources of energy, meters will help with energy transforming Nigeria’s power sector. direction to solve the problem biofuels, waste-to-energy in addition management, demand reduction, holistically. We need to improve to using fossil fuels. Waste-to- billing and significant savings in energy would help the environment Tell us a little about yourself and engineering, and have built a young girls in the STEM field is both on working as a team: a team of residential/commercial/industrial your journey to becoming the strong professional network over direct (career-wise) and indirect diverse skill sets – engineering, while generating power. It is power expenses; blockchain will force that you are today in the time. These have led me to great, (relational). Nigeria and the world marketing, project management, important to state that the problem improve security of transactions engineering sector. unforgettable opportunities. need greater gender balance in technology, etc. Politics and too of power unavailability and poor like disbursement of government How kind of you to call me a engineering for diverse solutions much excitement to copy power electricity access does not presently official and civil servant wages; “force”! I see myself as a serial You mentor young girls in STEM to complex problems that females structures/strategies from countries have to do with dependence on mobile applications and reputable learner: growing in knowledge fields. This is laudable; however, help provide. with a totally different culture from fossil fuels. For instance, over 60% e-learning platforms will help with and taking personal development do you think young girls face the us are harming us. We are too of electricity generated utility-scale training Nigerians and Africans challenge of gender discrimination There is a notion that the future is sceptical when good solutions in the United States is still from to be effective entrepreneurs very seriously. I was raised to take within these male-dominated initiative in improving challenges female. Do you subscribe to this are presented, too stuck in old fossil fuels. The problem is that we and employees that get the fields? ideology? I observe. I took that to heart and They certainly do (relationally ways like powering alternatively are still so attached to an epileptic attention of their employers while decided to tackle both electricity I would like to think this new buzz through diesel generators, lack power grid that can meet the needs gaining skill sets for needed and career-wise). But that is phrase means that we women and development. Attending Dority no reason for me to dissuade understanding of foreign investment of only a very small percentage of promotions. A Professional International Secondary School are being recognised more for and making investments easy Nigerians. Technologies that clean Africa, which I launched in them from STEM fields. Great all we bring to the table, and that in Aba, Nigeria, and being raised risk, great reward. I share my enough for foreigners (including for January 2020, addresses the by visionary parents gave me the influential men and women will Africans in the diaspora), market last need for mobile applications accomplishments and those of work harder to showcase our best foundation I could have asked other female leaders with the the benefits of renewables poorly, “Nigeria and and e-learning platforms. We for. I have also made it a point to businesses, programmes and and finally, have a very unhealthy are working on scholarships for young ladies I talk to. I assure initiatives. Women have been surround myself with people who them that they can do way more attachment to our present unreliable a subset of those in financial challenge my thinking. It keeps doing great things in different and deteriorated grid system. All the world need need and are looking to if they do not succumb to fear or industries, but men have gotten me on my toes. I studied electrical Western/African/gender pressure. these and more need to change for corporations to help provide such engineering first at George more media face-time for ground- us to enjoy reliable, quality power in greater gender scholarships. Mason University in Virginia, US breaking work than women the country. One of the most popular questions have. I hope for a more balanced and then at Georgia Institute of I get asked by secondary school balance in What are the gadgets and apps you world, where men and women cannot live without? Technology, also in the US, for my aged girls I have interacted with How can we improve power supply doctorate, specializing in asset can work together as partners: in Nigeria, and guarantee 24 hours engineering for My smartphone is the most is whether they will get married to respect and appreciate each uninterrupted power supply? important gadget for me. I need management of power systems. if they decide to pursue STEM I developed skills in the areas of other and leverage our differences A thorough answer to this to stay connected to my family fields. I always tell them any man for corporate success. If I were to question can’t be answered diverse solutions and friends in order to stay sane uncertainty modelling, scenario intimidated by their career choice analysis, stochastic optimisation, come up with a slogan, it would with a few sentences; and I do in this challenging world. But I am is not worth their time anyway. encourage partnership. intend to publish a technical to complex proudly old school when it comes data visualisation and dashboard Our culture does not help the building to transform power and report on this in the near future. to technology. I am a paper and discrimination problem. It is full of What spurred your interest in the It would be an expensive project. problems that pen kind of girl, and still prefer infrastructure datasets into useful men intimidated at home and the power sector? information for cost savings and It involves a huge but strategic flipping through the pages of office by empowered, educated I always felt that providing a investment in infrastructure magazines and novels. I can live avoidance. I have been able to and confident women, even when sufficient amount of electricity to females help save companies millions of dollars (including renewables), the right without a television. My frequently they themselves are educated. So, every Nigerian was necessary. It is government policies (including used apps are email, Bible, text annually as a result. I have a deep the gender discrimination against and was a problem that seemed provide.” passion for Nigeria, Africa, and local content and importation messaging and WhatsApp.

50 51 to become successful while creating skills. I was a House Captain, Head impact was born even though I did of Music Club, Vice-Chair of Drama Stella Kivila: not know how. Today, my drive Club and Head of the Choir. Before comes from dying empty; using being selected for these roles, I what I know and helping others joined these clubs as part of the discover and unleash their potential school’s extracurricular activities. so that we all can positively impact As part of the club membership our spheres of influence. I believe rules, they required commitment that for one to be successful, you otherwise you would be ejected. have to do what other people are When I was selected to steer the Empowering not willing to do so that tomorrow club activities, it was crystal clear you have what others don’t have. that leadership is not positional Sacrifice is imminent and I am super but personal because I was not the conscious of that in everything I most talented but I was the most pursue. What could be, should be committed. It’s the same in the and I don’t want to stop until it is! A spaces I have had the privilege other women life of no regrets! to lead, I have never been the Could you give us some insights smartest or most talented but the art ella Kivila is through training, coaching and get another shot at medicine at into your educational background of dedication and hard work have the founder of mentoring. I am a lover of life and Makerere University. And that’s and how it has helped you in singled me out. Performance all things beautiful including great how this Kenyan girl found herself your career? When I moved to Uganda to Point places, great people and great food. in a foreign land where she had no Dad and Mum raised us with Kabojja International School to International Born and raised by amazing family! It was tough being away super strong values; excellence was pursue my A-levels, I was hit by Kenyan parents in a household of from home but my super supportive instilled and expected even in the a big culture shock. I come from (PPI),St which helps businesses family cheered me on. By the grace a middle-class family and here I three siblings, I moved to Uganda simple things. That coupled with build high-performance of God, I got admitted to pursue a was with kids from very affluent teams to drive growth, as well to pursue my childhood dream of going to Nairobi River Primary becoming a doctor. You see, when I bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at School, where I was grounded in backgrounds. Words cannot describe as employee and customer was growing up, I was a sickly child Makerere University. hard work and discipline in my seeing students who had more satisfaction. In this interview, who was in and out of hospitals due My motivation has morphed over formative years. I don’t know about money than their school fees. Peer she shares her career journey and to one illness or another. So when time. I watched my parents (who today, but we had to do well in pressure was real and I had to have why mentoring young women is it came to deciding on a career were both firstborns) take care of school. I often joked that the a private conversation with myself of utmost importance. path, anything medical would top their larger extended families with teachers made us read as to remember where I come from the charts because I wanted to barely enough income. I vowed if they were benefiting and what brought me all the way understand the human body and be that I will work hard so that I am from our success. Good to a foreign land. I needed to have Could you tell us a bit about able to treat diseases. Additionally, less of a burden. I think this has grades were not the only a strong frame of mind to stay Stella Kivila? What motivates you there were five top professions subconsciously been the heart of it; thing they cared about focused. In hindsight, this was the – in life and in your career? everyone was seeking to become the goal to become independent so – our hair, uniform and best environment to learn about real I would describe myself as a “successful” in life: doctor, engineer, that I am not a burden to anyone. handwriting had to pass life. That everyone is different and strong believer of God and a pilot, lawyer and accountant. For With all the problems in the world, the Guinness World they are pursuing different goals. If a dynamic student of life who is me, medicine was it. Funny how I think I have aimed to be less of Book of Neatness. lion is chasing you and for another, a passionate about using every fibre times have changed and this is a a problem. In fact, it drove me to These teachers were chicken is chasing him/her, how both of my potential to leave people and non-factor in today’s economy. work while in university to raise a parent’s best friend. of you run is different. I couldn’t stand to fail after all the sacrifices things better than I found them. When I was selected to do a my pocket money so that I don’t I left that school I am known for my resilience, disturb my parents who were already disciplined and my parents made to ensure that I got bachelor’s degree in science at a decent education. I learned to stay work ethic, commitment and the Nairobi University, my parents and stretched with my school fees. I am forever ability to energise teams. I carry However, I got another boost to grateful. in my lane by owning my truth. I am I explored various options for me to cognisant of this fact every day and my own sunshine in every space pursue my dream including going my motivation in university when I Limuru Girls I go to; a decision I made ever started reading self-help books from in my case, a lion is always chasing abroad, enrolling for private medical School where me. since I embarked on a personal programmes or even repeating high a network marketing training course. I pursued my development journey a few years school! Eventually, after evaluating Instead of just aiming to be less of a O-levels was ago. I totally enjoy participating the costs, we decided that I come problem, books opened up my mind the inception of in the magical transition of people to Uganda and do my A-levels to to maximise my potential. A hunger my leadership moving from one level to another 52 53 Then came Makerere University responsibility as the Head of Sales the counter and resulted in patients pharmaceuticals, incorporate performance. Person, Product, where I pursued my bachelor’s and Operations and later on Head reporting better health outcomes. “Every diverse content so that you can lead Process (3 Ps). All these three degree in pharmacy. At the time of People Development was to The trickle-down effect is that the in that space. Intellectual capital factors directly affect the client’s I joined, the university had just accelerate team performance. organisation achieves its business woman is not enough, you have to build purchasing decision hence by introduced problem-based learning objectives. This is what we need emotional and cultural intelligence identifying and mitigating the My high point has been to navigate in that space. Grow (PBL) and abolished the lecture transforming the way medicines are across Africa; we can do well by carries gaps, results are imminent. Many system. This was aimed at building doing good. where you are planted. Get a organisations focus on one or at dispensed in the pharmacy setting mentor who will be your guide up students who could be able to from a product-centred system When you are working in a fast- enormous most two of these Ps. You may have decipher medical challenges and and sounding board. Surround a lot of focus on people by elevating to a patient-centred approach. paced retail space where you have yourself with positive people who solve them using the knowledge We eliminated what I call the to hit certain targets, you have to potential motivation or streamlining human they have acquired vis-à-vis see opportunities in the industry resource processes. However, “Shopkeeper Syndrome” – this is learn how to navigate challenges instead of the challenges. Just spoon-feeding them. We had short selling drugs that customers have every single day. You sort of which when the product has to be sold in a overview lectures then given case remember, the people who are manner that meets the spoken and asked for without proper history become a fixer hence your ability crazy enough to believe that studies to solve in teams with a taking. In Uganda, as in many to think on your feet must be solid. unspoken needs of different clients. tutor. It was rusty at the beginning harnessed they can change the world are The typical sales training does not countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Oh! It was so hard at first but just the ones who do. So be your best but by the third month, we had the first point of contact with a like riding a bicycle, you fall a few address this. become experts. On the other hand, will certainly cheerleader even if no one believes health worker usually happens at times and then you master the art in you. Refuse to be average! In the healthcare space, our because there were seemingly the community pharmacy because a of balancing. With all that said, differentiator is the fact that fewer hours attached to lectures significant population is uninsured certainly there have been many low transform the What was the reason behind we understand the technical and more on personal reading, one thus health care is an out-of-pocket points, but my lowest point was setting up your organisation, language and are able to transform had to embrace self-leadership to expense. It’s a harrowing realisation when my dad passed on and 80% world.” Performance Point International complexity into simple actionable emerge successfully. PBL is the that retail pharmacies have become of high performers I had trained (PPI)? strategies that both the team and approach I use today in meetings “money conveyor belts”, health for months resigned!! Yes, around Performance Point International clients comprehend. and in leading teams. It taught me workers – “shopkeepers”, patients the same time! Talk about wrong was borne out of my own leadership You work with businesses to that you cannot solve a problem – “statistics”, and the drugs – timing. I crashed!! First, my father experience. I realised that no create high-performance teams. you have not adequately broken “commodities”! passing on literally took me to rock matter how well-stocked the outlets What are the characteristics of a down. Additionally, at first glance, bottom. Here I was back to work were or how great the location was, high performing team? a challenge may look similar to the This was the urgency I had to bring back empathy to the and the team that I thought was know why you went through the high performance boiled down to previous one but have differing highly motivated was gone! I was famine to get to the feast. one thing – great teams make great A high-performance team is factors. This is where critical pharmacy business by starting a a group of intrapreneurs who mourning! The time I had no aorta What advice would you give a organisations. Great teams abandon thinking is tested. The aspect of comprehensive training programme diligently work together to achieve of energy or enthusiasm to build young person just starting out in the employee mindset and embrace self-leadership has been beneficial that focused on equipping the the organisation’s business goals, team to offer knowledge-based again, the time I needed to at least the pharmaceutical industry? the entrepreneurial culture. This because today I don’t need people sit back and have this team come shift is made possible by consistent exceed customer’s expectations care to patients. If you walked My advice would be to base your to validate me. If something has got through, they were gone! Have you experiential training that enables and consistently invest their into our pharmacies, you would be practice on the patient, which is to be done, you don’t have to push ever felt like everything is closing enough exposure to trigger a discretionary effort to develop greeted by a pleasant individual what ultimately matters. The entire me to do it. in on you? I was there. change in mindset. Additionally, innovative solutions that solve who would make you feel at home. pharmaceutical value chain is aimed consumer problems more Everyone I have encountered in an individual is equipped with When you ask for a particular drug Great news. By God’s grace at creating a solution (drug) for a efficiently. my life, every experience I have (over-the-counter medication), plus the support of my family practical skills on how they can patient’s problem (disease). You Simply put, intrapreneurs gone through has contributed in s/he would take you through a and friends, I went through this provide solutions (not products) have to identify a specific gap in are entrepreneurs within an one way or another to who I have process to identify what the issue “Doors Closing” season and got on to mitigate the client’s needs and that value chain then morph your organisation. Entrepreneurship become. I have learned that life is is before educating you on the the other side stronger. I learned wants. expertise and passion to create is a mindset. It’s the process of not linear; sometimes it looks like a disease. Based on the outcomes of that any decision about people Realising the benefits of such an advancements which will provide identifying existing problems and doodle but every point has a lesson the conversation, s/he would advise has to be mapped out taking into approach to deliver results, I set out the patient with a better, cheaper, designing solutions that maximise to offer. if what you came for is ideal or you consideration key stakeholders and to help other organisations build faster solution. Your space can profit and customer satisfaction. Before you set up your own need another solution or even refer ALL potential outcomes. This is high-performance teams that meet be research and development, Yes, you can be entrepreneurial organisation, you worked in the you to a doctor. This partnership what we had omitted in affecting business objectives, build customer production, regulation, even if you are not an entrepreneur. pharmaceutical industry. What with patients by involving and some crucial changes. I call myself loyalty and create positive social pharmaceutical sales or community That is the essence of our work – to would you say was the high empowering them resulted in a builder because of this season. impact. pharmacy (like in my case). help teams embrace the vision of point and the low point of your improved customer satisfaction and Charcoal and diamond are made Whatever space you decide to What would you say the company enough to contribute career in that industry? averted preventable medication- of the same carbon. The only occupy, own it and add value. differentiates your organisation meaningfully to the achievement related complications that originate difference is that the latter goes I worked with the largest retail How far you go will be dependent from others in the same field of of its objectives. This often creates from unguided self-medication. I through pressure and heat. I have pharmacy chain at the time, on how hungry you are. Stay work? a win-win for the employer, am proud of this initiative that has learned that challenges prepare you Vine Pharmaceuticals Limited, green; unlearn, learn and relearn. The PPI differentiator is the employee and clientele. empowered the pharmacy teams for the next level. You will not see it which had 32 outlets in Kampala Read widely and not just about 360-degree approach in accelerating with a team of 112. My primary to do more than just selling behind now but hindsight is 20/20; you will

54 55 In your opinion, particularly in the African the first one, turnaround time. This was a comical aha in mind, heavily invest in yourself and a Woman. There are so many context, what challenges do businesses face in moment. You talk to a potential client today and you can so that when you present what you “The biggest conversations in policy enabling as getting the best out of their employees and how can see that they want what you are selling but a decision is are selling, people like it because many women as possible to have a they overcome them? made months later! This called for a lot of adjustments they like you. Read books, attend monster seat at the table. I think the primary people challenge for many in my projections. It’s been a steep learning curve but trainings, watch educational videos, But I want us to add a caveat businesses is two-fold. On one side of the coin, you thankfully, all you need is just one foot in the door. The find a mentor. People buy the sum we face as to that. I don’t want to be chosen have apathetic individuals who are just looking to get clients who have given us the opportunity appreciate the total of who you have become more because I am a woman, I want to a salary at the end of the month with zero or minimum return on investment. This has been very encouraging. I than the product you carry. women is be chosen because I am great at contribution to the business. They don’t see themselves am still learning and growing. The best is yet to come. This will be in the form of many clothed in what I do and it’s better because in the future of the company nor do they see how the Regarding going back to work with an organisation, aspects but focus on building I am a woman. It’s a two-way company winning benefits them. They are dissatisfied I never say never. Simon Sinek says, “Start with why.” mental capacity to handle the Fear. Fear of street. We have to work to create with their current jobs and are always looking for the next This is my why: to empower people to turn their dynamics that come with running more opportunities at the top big opportunity. Sadly, even when they get new jobs, the potential into performance. For me the vehicle doesn’t your own business. Start where failure, the for women. But as women, we cycle continues. With the advent of the digital revolution, matter. Today, I am actualising this through Performance you are with what you have. I must intentionally build capacity this is the target group that will be replaced by robots. Point International and Girls 4 Girls. Tomorrow, I have often told people that you unknown, to perform in those positions. These are the fruits of the “employee mindset” in the may add the United Nations, the African Union or cannot be the worst employee and Otherwise, we will reach the table new future of work. additional board positions. The best thing about being expect to be a super employer. You leading, and instead of having a seat, we On the other hand, you have managers who are an entrepreneur is the Return on Time. I have the are the same person! If you are shall be part of the menu. As a not leaders. The tone at the top makes or breaks the opportunity to reach more people through various not disciplined now, you will be public woman, I have the responsibility organisation. Again, if the Founder or CEO does not vehicles. worse then. Then, never burn your not to spoil it for other women set the culture of the company through the vision, And the perks of being your own boss? What are bridges; leave a great mark where speaking, coming after me. The good news mission and core values, the trickle-down effect is you most proud of with regard to your business? you are today. Your current status is that the more we sharpen one is your seed for the next level. In even success. another, the more we pull each a management team that fails to bring out the best The greatest perk is Return on Time. This is about in people. John C. Maxwell terms this as the Law my case, my first customer was my other up. I interact with super the value you can potentially create in 24 hours; previous employer. amazing women at the Girls 4 Girls of the Lid that essentially means how well you lead it’s not limited by space or time. Nothing limits me impostor syndrome. The feeling programme; they challenge me to determines how effective you are. Most senior managers from working with countless organisations across the Work to build excellence in that you are not good enough. This become better every day. We can don’t know how to lead. continent. Additionally, my team and clients have taught whatever you do; even if you are same barrier has been echoed in do a lot when we work in unity. me so many new things. I learn a lot from people’s selling milk. Be the best at it. This When you piece these two together you have a broader all the mentoring sessions I have Together Everyone Achieves More stories. Every glory has a story. is only possible if you plug into a perspective on the people challenge. Unfortunately, in conducted. The experiences may (T.E.A.M.) my experience, both these groups fail to acknowledge network of like-minded individuals I am proud of the client testimonials. I go to bed who are better than you. They differ but the bottom line is Fear. What is the future you want the glaring truth and even if they do, they are rigid knowing that my existence is not in vain; that I sharpen you by challenging you What happens to us will happen for yourself and for the young to change. This results in a cycle of blame games and have moved somebody’s mountain. Though at its to be better than your status quo. but how we choose to react to women you mentor? meanwhile the company is suffering. There is nothing startup stage, I am confident that Performance Point This has been my recent lesson – what happens to us is the key worse than seeing a company with a lot of potential International will benefit the continent and beyond. This is the future I see for underperforming or even going out of business because there is no inspiration in isolation. differentiator between the winners women: A future where we can What advice would you give a young person they failed to look at themselves in the mirror. I implore Join and be active in associations. and losers. The wind will blow but collaborate and not compete. A interested in setting up his/her own business? organisations to continuously invest in coaching and Some people will be your clients we can set the sail. I have learned future where we can get out of training instead of quick fixes. This is more than a Let me be categorical and say, “The hardest thing you and others will be your role models. to confront my fears by building my the comfort zone and thrive in human resource problem. Many companies heavily will ever have to do is work on you.” People don’t buy This is what we call “Building Your capacity in that area, be it speaking, the courage zone. A future where invest in infrastructure forgetting that people are the the company or your product, they buy you! With that Village” in Girls 4 Girls. Whatever training, venturing into new we abolish the Pull Her Down heartbeat of the organisation. you do, aim to make what you do territories. That is what the Girls (PHD) Syndrome and Pull Up better every day. 4 Girls Mentoring Program is all What have been the challenges of being your own one another. A future where we do You mentor young women. about – building capacity to mitigate the harder better, as well as more boss? Do you ever think of going back and working gaps in soft skills like leadership, within an organisation? What would you say are the important things so that we create biggest barriers women currently communication, and negotiation. the change we want to see. A future Wow. Money ranks number one and I am not talking confront, especially African Do you think big strides have where more women have a seat about capital. As explained above, many organisations women? been made in the business world at the table. A future where we know that they need to invest in people to grow but in getting more women to top use our stories to inspire the next they are not Willing to Pay! I came from an organisation The biggest monster we face as women is clothed in Fear. Fear leadership positions? generation of leaders to step up and that significantly invested in leadership development stand out. To have a voice, we have and to my peril, believed that others would. In fact, of failure, the unknown, leading, Oh yes! Not 100% but there is public speaking, even success. a lot of traction. We are not where to do more. To do more, we have to few organisations have a budget for learning and become more by striving to unleash development. I am not exempt from this. For we want to be, but we are certainly every level I have risen to, I have not where we were. There is no our God-given potential. The The second challenge I faced is closely linked to suffered from self-doubt, the better time to be Young, African Future is Now!

56 57 COVID-19 CRY TO cala LOCKDOWN Dear CaIa, Dear CaIa, I am 29 and single. Most of my mates are married My fiancé and I are two generations experience with children yet I have no suitor, not even a apart. He is 20 years older than me. My aomi Bominuru is a personal to manage their emotions and help them come out of date. It appears all my efforts to be a worthy wife development enthusiast with over this fear, I was determined to do something about it. material is not yielding any results. I thought that close friends have warned that there four years’ experience in the youth Whilst I run my business – Anesi Lifestyle – wherein may friction if we go ahead with the development sector. As the Founder of we enhance the comfort, creativity and productivity as a beautiful, smart, educated, and financially Growing Ladies Organization, she is of our clients through handmade scented candles independent woman with great cooking skills, I marriage due to the wide age difference. concerned about the total woman and the and home decor pieces, I also run a social enterprise But I love him and he loves me too. We importance of continuous self-development, learning, for women, Growing Ladies Organization (GLO). would attract the right man but to no avail. Why empathy,N support systems and mentorship. Growing GLO is a safe space for young ladies to grow and does no guy want me? The loneliness is killing are still bent on getting married. What Ladies Organization has empowered over 500 young express the full dimensions of who they are. With this me. I am scared I may die single. do you think? women through impactful programmes, outreaches and background, I figured there were other young ladies resource materials. As a Corporate Communications and businesswomen who were dealt a severe blow by -Philomena -Esosa Strategist, she helps startup organisations in determining the appearance of the coronavirus. My team and I then their communication strategy, writing a communication created a three-day virtual chit-chat series: Overcoming Dear Philomena, Dear Esosa, plan and understanding the business of communication. Anxiety & Fear Paralysis, Creative Communication You need to calm down and have a rethink. You are I would say you need to tread carefully. Naomi is also the Creative Director at Anesi Lifestyle, in Crisis, and Building a Crisis-Proof Business. We not the only one that’s going through this – a lot of a home and lifestyle brand that helps working interviewed three amazing women who are leaders/ Knowing that he is quite older than you people are also in your shoes and feel this way. It is professionals enhance their comfort, creativity and experts in their industry and the feedback from our requires adjusting your behaviour and atti- productivity through innovative products. audience after the series was mind-blowing. Speaking not unusual to get to a stage in life where everything personally for myself, the learning I gleaned from appears to be at a standstill. People don’t move tude. The way he would respond to certain She writes here about her experience during the hosting those women helped me overcome my fear, to ahead several spaces by getting married and having situations would be different from you. COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria. create the right content marketing strategy, and position children. Some married folks with or without chil- However, with understanding, you both my business in a way that it can survive any crisis. WHEN THE LOCKDOWN WAS ANNOUNCED I took a few steps back to assess the situation as it dren also feel stuck thinking they are not living their can strike a balance. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION? relates to my business. The lockdown forced a lot of dreams. So stop comparing yourself with your mates. A successful marriage with someone who Mine was shock. I just spent a bulk sum of money people to pay attention to their homes. Prior to the Singlehood is the best time to discover what you gen- is much older than you is very feasible. preparing for an upcoming exhibition. I already had new lockdown, a working professional’s day is mostly spent uinely want and cultivate the life you desire; refuse to It is the same requirement if you marry products on the shelf, banners and flyers created, and in the office or commuting to and fro from the office. depend on ‘achievements’. Never think of singlehood all logistics covered. So can you imagine my dismay Now that professionals were forced to stay home, they someone much younger. They are both when a few days to the exhibition, the started to realize that they didn’t really as a disease or failure. You don’t need to define your heavily built on mutual understanding and lockdown was effected and gatherings like how their houses smelled, they identity around being a mother or a wife just because respect. If you ignore these, there would of more than 20 were cancelled? “I survived wanted to reduce distractions, they you are a woman. With the age factor, I know there Over the next few weeks I wanted to be comfortable, and they is pressure to quickly get married. However, accept problems in the marriage. experienced intense anxiety and the lockdown wanted their homes to look beautiful. You must also be strong against opposi- fatigue. My energy and resources This realization prompted them to look this stage of your life and make it count. Don’t waste were spent up and I was just tired. For by a change for the little pieces that defined and time brooding on what you don’t have or have not tion from outside. If you are convinced the whole of March, I was literally transformed a home, without breaking achieved. Additionally, don’t belittle yourself with that he is the right person, then age should paralyzed with fear. What if I got of perspective the bank or calling an interior decorator. negative talk. You need positive affirmations more not be a barrier. My only reservation broke? How long will this lockdown and faith.” So, I guess it was a great thing that we than ever. Let it reflect in your countenance; and feel last? Can I sell in this period without had prepared for an exhibition after all based on what you wrote is that you may seeming insensitive? What kind of and had a lot of products in store. If complete before you expect another to complete you. feel ashamed or intimidated to show off content can I post on my business not, we wouldn’t have been able to suit Redefine what ‘getting ahead’ means to you. Learn to your partner in public. You must be emo- platforms? I was stuck. I remember one night I had people’s needs in this regard because the lockdown would run your race. In life, the marriage institution is not really bad panic attacks, but thankfully I had travelled have prevented us from getting any new work done. tionally and mentally prepared to stand to my family house to spend the lockdown when there Eventually, we sold out all the candles and throw pillows a ‘one size fits all’. Everybody has their time and fate. up for your marriage in the face of public The river flowing that nourished others would also were hints of an announcement, so being surrounded by that were created for the exhibition. scrutiny. family brought me out of my feelings faster than if I had I survived the lockdown by a change of perspective flow your way. Your own time will surely come. In stayed at my home by myself. and faith. By creating a programme for others to share the meantime, love yourself. Don’t be desperate and Wish you the best. By the first week of April I had stepped out my self- with my audience, I was able to learn and position my don’t force the process. Little by little, you would get With love, pity and anxiety, enough to recognize that I could not business optimally. to your destination. be the only one experiencing this high level of fear caused by the uncertainties of the time. Coming to the Connect with Naomi Bominuru: @naomi_bominuru; @anesi_ lifestyle; @growingladies_org With love, Cala realization that not everyone had strong support systems Cala 58 59 59 CONSENT IS EVERYTHING! RAPE, If you are not consent, sure about consent, think about how to and Nigerian politely offer Nigerian Jollof JOLLOF RICE rice.

To learn more about consent, watch the full video:

www.idafrica.ng/video-rape- consent-and-nigerian-jollof-rice

60 61 vvvv

Receiving gifts these touches are necessary regardless of the place point of any healthy relationship. Dr Yes, most people like gifts but those in this category – whether it’s at home, in a grocery store or a family Gary Chapman released his popular love receiving gifts above all else. To them, gifts are an event. Your partner’s tender touch always affirms their relationship book The 5 Love expression of love, thoughtfulness and effort. It is easy feelings for you and makes you feel more secure in the Languages over 25 years ago, for them to be misconstrued as being materialistic, but relationship. classifying love languages into five the value doesn’t reside in the cost of the gift, instead, A few things you should do for your partner every day categories: it’s the thought that counts. It could be as simple as is to hug them, caress them, kiss them and hold their a special card or a bar of their favourite chocolate, hand. Physical assault, bullying or abuse will hurt them Words of deeply and destroy your relationship. affirmation whatever you purchase is a symbol of your love. If you discover this to be your partner’s love language, How to identify love languages? ‘Show; don’t tell’ doesn’t apply to ensure to randomly buy them thoughtful gifts Love this category of lovers. They require Everyone should have a love language they identify and never miss birthdays, anniversaries or special with the most. However, it is possible for a person to continuous reassurance in the form occasions. of kind words to enable them feel appreciate all of them. Understanding love languages loved. This means saying “I love Acts of service may take some time but discovering yours through you” is likely to hold more value As opposed to words of affirmation, for lovers in this these exercises can ultimately boost your relationship. Languages than gifting them a bouquet of category, actions speak louder than words. You may flowers. If you discover this as your continually give them words of affirmation when Introspect To identify your primary love language, think about partner’s love language, endeavour all they want is for you to help out around each one and imagine your partner or even a friend to give them genuine compliments the house. Helping out with chores like communicating each of them to you to know how you often. Besides, there’s no such taking out the trash, washing the feel. When you find out your love language, ask your thing as too many compliments. dishes, paying the bills, running partner what theirs is, don’t just assume. Take the time to praise them errands, or picking up the kids daily and consider writing from school reassures them of your words down on special your love and makes them feel Learn from childhood occasions. loved. experiences Unfortunately, there’s also If this is your partner, put in effort How did your parents express their love to you? What a flip side to this; those who to unburden and lighten their made you feel loved? This may have translated to relate to words of affirmation responsibilities and do so without what you now regard as love and how you express get hurt easily by negative words, complaining because they are acts of and receive it. so be slow to speak when tempers love and should be freely given. are high. Depend on your instincts On the flip side, broken commitments Ask yourself what your first instinct is when you want Quality time and laziness can make them feel hurt. to show someone you love them. Trust your instincts Lovers in this category, as the Physical touch because it’s most likely how you instinctively express name implies, often demand the At first glance, many may assume this to mean sex, love and how you would love to receive it. undivided attention of their partner although this may be a part of it, however physical to feel loved. This love language contact like hugs, cuddling, holding hands, thoughtful Learn from past hurt Another way is to look at how you have been hurt By Onwunghai Stanley Emeke has a lot more to do with the touches and physical presence are also important to quality, rather than the quantity, these lovers. deeply in the past, and what hurt you the most. There’s of time spent together. Intimate If you find yourself in this category, it means there’s always going to be differences between people which e concept that threatens the institution of moments exclude distractions from no feeling as good as the steady, quiet reassurance may result in conflict. For example, a couple who are of love marriage. television, cell phones, et cetera. of frequent tender touches from a loved one. To you, unaware of each other’s love language may never languages If you discover your partner falls be able to fully appreciate each other’s uniqueness is vital and Most people presume their response into this category, spend better despite their willingness. deeply to love ought to be ubiquitous, but quality time with them. Listen to rooted in our need to give and this is often not the case. What is Among other things, apologizing and forgiving are them attentively, make eye contact receive love the way we prefer. perceived as loving to one partner necessities for a successful relationship regardless while talking, and don’t just assume ThisTh is very important especially may be overlooked by another. of the love language expressed. You need to have – ask them what they’ll like to do for married couples or people in Hence, the importance of knowing a plan to solve conflicts in a relationship. Spend while together. Planning special committed relationships because what it takes for your partner to feel your energy trying to solve the problem instead getaways like holidays, picnics, no two individuals are the same. loved. of proving the other person wrong. Learn to be date nights, and taking a long walk The alarming rate of divorce in our Communicating the right love empathetic and listen to understand not to reply. together will help you spike up your society today is a development language should be the starting Remember, love is a choice. love points with such a partner.

62 63 How to make yourself TRUSTWORTHY By Onwunghai Stanley Emeke

Intimacy is tied to emotional Oxford English Dictionary, it is if you are going to be seen as a TRUSTWORTHINESS is often difficult to define something done well, do it yourself.” While this safety; do others trust your “the quality of being trustworthy trustworthy person. but if we take a closer look at its root word ‘trust’, self-dependence may seem noble, it can sometimes intentions? or of performing consistently Benevolence: According we can deduce its proper meaning and attributes. be counterproductive. If we as individuals can trust Self-orientation is how well.” It is the ability to be relied to the dictionary definition of ourselves, then we can project that trust so others a person is focused on on or depended on, for accuracy, benevolence, it is “the quality of The word trust can ignite a myriad of emotions in can trust us too. For anyone to be trustworthy, s/he themselves and things that honesty and achievement. being well meaning; kindness.” the mind of someone who has been disappointed has to first understand the concept of trustworthiness benefit them versus others. Reliability is also key in your bid It is an act of kindness or an in the past. In a world where people no longer and the attributes required to be seen as such in a Trustworthiness can also to make yourself trustworthy. You inclination to be kind towards hold each other accountable for their words and world where trustworthy people are rare to find. be considered in terms of must demonstrate a reasonable others, to help others. It is a actions, trust has become a delicate word. We are capability and character. level of dependability for people disposition to do good to oth- all born with the ability to trust. The need to form a Making yourself trustworthy to consider you reliable. ers. It is easy to have a strong mutually protective alliance is innate and continues Making yourself trustworthy is a deliberate process inclination to people who are throughout life. that involves possessing and practicing all the Capability benevolent in character because This refers to your overall ability Character attributes of trust. In a world where social media has Moral character is a fundamental their disposition is always one The Oxford English Dictionary defines trust as created a connection between more humans than to do something or perform a task of kindness and goodwill. This a “firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of and it can further be broken down trait you must possess if you are ever before and disrupted the way business is done, going to be found trustworthy. makes them very easy to trust someone or something.” We tend to trust people how can a person establish credibility in the age of into two categories, competence and depend on. If you’re going who are predictable, reliable and whose actions and reliability. People will trust a person who social media? This simple equation may come in repeatedly demonstrates the right to become trustworthy, you’ll correspond to their words. Competence: According to handy: content of character. Character need to be the kind of person the Oxford English Dictionary, Trustworthiness = Credibility + Reliability + can further be divided into who volunteers to help others Trustworthiness in its different levels plays out competence is “the ability to Intimacy + Self-orientation two categories, integrity and every opportunity you get. when we relate with people closely. It matters a do something successfully benevolence great deal to a lot of people but unfortunately can Credibility is related to your words – whether or efficiently.” It indicates only be built over time. sufficiency of knowledge and Integrity:The Oxford English you have the Dictionary defines integrity as To be trustworthy is to imbibe all knowledge to back skills that enables someone act the attributes mentioned above in a wide variety of ways. It “the quality of being honest and If we trust ourselves up what you say. having strong moral principles.” and not just some of them. The is the possession of required then others can Reliability It is a quality of fairness that we consciousness to project your best has to do with skill, knowledge, qualification self every time you relate with trust us too and capacity. It is a very all aspire to, a personality trait your actions – that we admire since it means others will ultimately determine Trustworthiness is desperately whether you fundamental aspect of trust. if you are seen as trustworthy sought after because we live in For anyone to make themselves a person has a moral compass are dependable that will not waver. Integrity can or not. Every day presents an a world where it must be earned enough to do trustworthy, they must be able opportunity to manifest our best and is in short supply. As a result to demonstrate a high level of also be regarded as the honesty, what you said truthfulness or accuracy of one’s selves in the things that we do of disappointments, people have you will do competence whether it is in a and how we live our lives, so adapted to depending on themselves. relationship or a job. actions. Integrity should be a very . key component of your character make it count. There’s a saying, “If you want Reliability: According to the

64 65 Working as a millennial in Nigeria By Ovie Omonigho Oddiri

rowing up my father that my situation would be your ability to live and your sanity always told me that different. Here I was, a newly do not matter to them. What matters I should strive to get minted lawyer with a good degree is that you produce valuable work. the best grades in from a UK university, and the What established lawyers fail to school. I remember as ability to practice my profession in understand is that without fledging WELLNESS AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY aG child, whilst driving me to school, Nigeria. I still held on to the belief lawyers, they cannot get any work he would occasionally point to waste given to me by my father that I done and will not be paid for management workers (they were would be swimming in options for their services by clients. No single By Boluwatife Ajayi decline in prevalence of many indicators in real time. better known then, and are still jobs, that I could have my pick of lawyer, no matter how many years infectious diseases and a steady Medical tourism is also a huge known now, as truck pushers) that I the lot. Application after application of experience or skill sets they have WELLNESS is the state of being increment of NCDs as major challenge Nigeria has battled for would end up like them if I did not went unanswered till I got a job as developed, can complete the amount get good grades and finish school. part of my national youth service. of work that is needed to sustain in good health, especially as an causes of death, Nigeria and decades. Though the country has After I left that job at the end of the average commercial law firm actively pursued goal. Wellness other sub-Saharan African over 45,000 practicing medical My father’s words stuck with my youth service year, it took me a without valuable help from other is as old as humankind – people countries are undergoing an doctors, each year, Nigerians me, like an ever-present dark cloud, while before I got another job and lawyers. This practice is seen across have always intended to epidemiological transition. spend around US$1 billion on guiding me throughout school. If I after working there for some time, various industries in Nigeria. There ever felt like slacking off, his words improve their own capacity to Globalisation, the changing medical treatments abroad. I left it for another job – which I is an inordinate amount of power overcome barriers and prevent demographic dynamics, Oftentimes, Nigerians have would loom large in my mind’s eye lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. employers hold over employees in and I would hit my books again To get each job I had to rely on the country due to the lack of jobs diseases. affluence, and the pattern difficulties in navigating the in order not to bring shame to my contacts of my parents for a foot in and poor labour laws. Technology is the use of of food consumption are medical sphere in the country to family and – far worse – be a failure the door, which gives an inkling of science to invent useful things responsible for this trend. access specialists for particular as an adult by not securing a good, how hard it is to be employed. We are the generation that to solve problems. Technology Every day, people are faced health issues. well-paying job. have several side jobs or “hustles” It does not help that most jobs in addition to our main 9-5 work includes the use of materials, with more chronic health One platform that has The rationale behind my father’s in the country underpay you and in order to stay afloat because we tools, techniques, and sources conditions, such as diabetes, emerged to increase the thinking and most parents back expect you to provide meaningful, are not paid enough by our main of power to make life easier heart disease, arthritis, visibility of Nigerian doctors then was that with good grades and valuable work. There is this belief job. Housing, food, transportation, or more pleasant and work high blood pressure and is DokiLink. DokiLink allows ultimately a first class degree in the among the older generation that us etc. are a major drain on our right profession, one would land an more productive. And in today’s cardiovascular disorders. Many Nigerian doctors to connect millennials are lazy and want to get finances, especially in a city like world, the rise of chronic non- people rely on their family with each other, seek opinions excellent job soon after graduation rich quickly, rather than earn our Lagos. It is so bad that you do not because, in the eyes of employers, stripes through the long-suffering have enough to save for a rainy communicable diseases (NCDs) as caregivers, but families and collaborate on medical you are, per local parlance, hotcake route that they once passed through day. A lack of savings has been presents an enormous challenge, are often overwhelmed issues. It also allows users to (highly desirable). on their way to the top of their especially debilitating during the and it has become important by their own health issues find medical specialists in any Sadly, this is no longer the case careers. In general, there is a belief pandemic that has shut down the to leverage technology in order and limitations. Many don’t state of the country, connect in Nigeria. Due to our exponential in a tedious, drawn-out process for world economy in 2020. Many to find a lasting solution to this have the knowledge of with, and book appointments population growth (Nigeria has the success. It has been baked into our people have been either laid off challenge. administering care to their with them. psyche to the extent that we assume or furloughed, and the Nigerian largest black population in the world, Until recently, the burden ill family members or have It is however important and we’re still growing) and our excessive challenges are the only government has not provided youthful demography (over half of means of achieving true greatness. substantial palliatives for citizens. of NCDs was thought to be a access to a specialist who can to note that technology will Why move from point A to point B problem afflicting only affluent administer quality health care. never replace the immediate Nigeria’s estimated population of two The Nigerian government needs hundred million people are between via a minefield when you can get to countries. However, emerging Fortunately, technology relationship between doctors the same point via an elevator? to be proactive in transforming the ages of 15 and 30), coupled with the economy, which in turn will evidence has indicated that the has made it easier for quality and their patients. Nor our shrinking, volatile economy, Another issue we have is the provide youths with greater job problem affects developing health care delivery due to should it. Instead, technology the opportunities for well-paid, idea that employers do employees a opportunities. The country needs countries as well. With the innovations that are not just solutions should augment those career-improving jobs have been favour by employing them. This trait to diversify the economy beyond oil limited to patients but also relationships by making them diminishing over the past decade. is particularly endemic in the legal and gas and invest in its citizens, so doctors, nurses, pharmacists stronger, thereby reducing the This reality did not dawn on profession. The idea is that it is a that the youth can acquire the skills and others working in the friction that comes between privilege for young lawyers to work required for a digital age. We have me till I was called to the Nigerian health care industry. There doctor and patient. Bar in November 2012, and with established lawyers because it it in our power to make a change subsequently started applying for provides them with an environment by enacting policies, building are wearable devices that can jobs. I had heard from friends and to learn and cut their teeth at the infrastructure, ending corruption, give health care providers and Boluwatife Ajayi is an experienced classmates about the difficulty trade. Such matters as a decent etc. Can we or will we do it? That patients information about marketing and business development in securing a well-paid job but I salary and other accompanying is left to be seen, but one can only heart rates, exercise levels, executive, working primarily in non- dismissed them, naively believing benefits take a back seat because hope we will before it is too late. nutrition and other wellness profit management.

66 67 BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY WITH A DAILY VITAMIN CAPSULE

Premae Vitamin P Immunity is sunlight that people have been vitamins and minerals in one sold as an immunity booster com- experiencing by staying at home. single capsule. Premae Vitamin P are all as lemons, limes, oranges, grape- prising well-known plants and ac- Dr Anyiam-Osigwe related what Immunity is it – 20 of the most aware fruit, black tea and all berries. companying anti-viral, anti-bacterial inspired the development of the expensive superfoods in 1 daily about how Premae Vitamin P Immunity and anti-inflammatory herbs which product: “At the beginning of the tablet for £0.50p/₦250.” serious claims to provide a multitude of encourage blood vessel production year I experienced a terrible flu The pack comes with 60 cap- theWe global COVID-19 (coronavirus) benefits attributed to its complex and nervous system repair. Vitamin with symptoms such as an uncon- sules worth £30/₦15,000. The sug- pandemic has been. It has dis- herbal formula. One of the most D is also essential with the reduced trollable cough, fever, sweating gested dose for a healthy individual rupted our way of life drastically. vital ingredients being vitamin and sore throat. I immediately be- is 1 capsule taken 1 to 3 times The daily death toll has soared P-rich grapefruit. It also contains a gan researching ways to overcome per day, but this can be increased in western societies, reaching high dose vitamin C (512 mg) from it, as I was bedridden for three substantially if required, based on peak numbers such as over 1,000 multiple sources including herbs, weeks. I was advised to stay how poorly a person feels. deaths per day in the UK. berries, plants and ascorbic acid, plus in bed by my doctor. I invested Visit www.ipremae.com to order London-born, Doctor of Science, 19 additional ingredients from herbs, in vitamin B6, elderberry con- today, consulting your doctor before Clare Anyiam-Osigwe BEM – the berries, fruits, leaves, roots, mush- centrate in liquid form, maca purchase. If experiencing any of the Founder of Premae, the world’s rooms, bulbs, vitamins and minerals: root tablets (for its high dosage of zinc) and a multi- symptoms associated with COVID-19 first allergen-friendly beauty brand Acerola cherry such as fever, dry cough and tiredness, vitamin containing a further which was honoured by HRM Baobab fruit pulp contact your national health service or 25 essential ingredients. Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 has Astragalus root medical practitioner for guidance before I also began eating com- worked with manufacturers to Black pepper any form of self-medication. identify key ingredients that can (Piperine 2.5 mg) pletely gluten-free vegan meals, Premae is an international healthy help boost the body’s immunity Black aged garlic and increased my intake of beauty company, with products made

and build up natural resistance Olive leaf Ginger root spinach, blueberries and broccoli. in Lancashire, UK using high quality

against virus symptoms. Rosehip Lactobacillus I did this until the symptoms sub- ingredients, under Good Manufactur- Premae launched a multi-vitamin Turmeric acidophilus (from sided and my health was restored. ing Practice (GMP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) supplement in July 2020 that Cayenne 10 billion CFU/g) This was an expensive process as standards, ensuring both quality and includes a lesser known vitamin, Reishi mushroom Vitamin E I spent £90 in a month buying all traceability. The company specialises vitamin P. Synonymous with the Black elderberry Zinc the different vitamins and organic Vitamin B6 produce. in skincare, superfoods and vitamins product’s name, vitamin P pertains (Vitamin P) for organic skin remedies and immune Selenium I wanted to create a multi- to a group of foods which contain Grapefruit seed system defence.

bioflavonoids and flavonoids such (Vitamin P) Vitamin D vitamin that combined the best

68 69 PRIDE WELLNESS Staying centred in spite of the pandemic

By Chude Jideonwo to accept that reality because there run my family? How do I educate my anxiety or when you don’t know what by infusing some daily practices to is nothing that the human spirit is children? you are dealing with. One of the tools “One of strengthen your spirit. I’ll share my incapable of accepting, innovating, Like I said earlier, none of these three we recommend at Joy, Inc. is the L.I.S. top three practices. Again, these Nigeria enforced surviving, and even thriving through. things are new, you can read a bit more Model, a One Minute Cognitive Dis- the most practices are simple, they are backed movement restric- When The second thing is to find meaning. on them. Check the Harvard Busi- covery tool. It entails providing honest up by research in the field of positive tions in major cities within the country, It is to think about these moments and ness Review published in 2000 that’s answers to five brief questions: What remarkable psychology, and speak to what several there were fears that efforts to control find answers to some of these ques- focused on resilience and summarizes am I really feeling? What am I really generations have discovered about the coronavirus pandemic would trig- tions from deep within: resilience research. thinking? What am I really doing? What things living a life of joy. ger a widespread mental health crisis. is the (unarguable) reality? and What • What are the hidden gifts that are Another hugely important book to help 1: Rest. Rest is my most important Some of those fears were valid. will I do next? wrapped up in this pandemic? us at this time will be Option B by Sheryl about the practice. 8-10 hours sleep. Breaks Leaders across businesses and gov- • What are the things that this pan- Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. In this These five simple questions drive during the day. Shutdown days. They ernment felt like the contingency plans demic can help us do? incredible book, she writes about how to all the work we do at Joy, Inc. – for pandemic refresh my spirit like nothing else. they had created for the most adverse individuals, for teams, for families, and • Will it help us imagine the world be resilient, face adversity and find joy. 2: Gratitude journal. Thanking God scenario were rendered redundant by for leaders. They can be of tremendous of more income equality, or help us A fourth, if I do add, is to learn how to in Nigeria and the entirety of what is for all the the pandemic. That’s normal. None of value to you too at any time of the day, imagine the world of stronger con- be present. Just being present – some good things I am thankful for, I believe, us have faced a pandemic with a con- anywhere you are. If things aren’t going nection, or help us imagine the world call it mindful – helps you course- is how is the most important thing that has sequence radius this big in our lifetime. as you planned, ask the L.I.S. model that reverses the trend of loneliness, correct when dealing with worry, helped keep my peace of mind. Some of us may never face another questions. If you feel disturbed, engage opioid addiction, alcoholism and social resilient 3: Affirmations. Every day, one of my that will force a quantum shift in our in inquiry using the L.I.S. model ques- disconnection that has been leading key affirmations is from Louise Hay: lifestyles this big in our lifetime. tions. Once you answer the last of the to a heightened number of mental and people “I love and approve of myself. Life five questions, focus entirely on taking Notwithstanding, there are simple emotional disorders over the past two supports and loves me.” It makes me action. things we can do to stay safe and sane to three decades? became feel held and kept, and safe – life does during this period, and thrive in spite of Doing this over and again brings a • Will it help us think more about how support and love me. the pandemic. shift into consciousness for you, and to work in this century like working from over such Those are my top three centring “There is makes it easy for you to find peace in The beauty of these things is that home, connecting online, giving people actions. none of them are new, and none of spite of the situation. more time to spend with their families? a short Nothing tough. Nothing deep. Nothing this is new advice or research. It’s nothing that The human spirit is beautiful; it is Every single crisis or tragedy offers complicated. I found out what worked the same things we know to do when stronger than we acknowledge. It has up an opportunity for new meaning. period. best for me by trying a number of we are facing a crisis that we are not the human helped generations before ours over- Answers, most times, come from a options and seeing what gave me the prepared for and don’t know how to come plagues, wars and crises. It is place of introspection. clarity and peace I wanted. solve. spirit is helping us overcome adversities. One The third step is to improvise. Think I recommend you find what works The first is to accept reality. One of of the most remarkable things about about all the missions, purposes to incapable of best for you too. the most important things we can do the pandemic in Nigeria is how resilient health interventions and skills available which we set our lives and to say to at this time is to know that we do not people became over such a short to people before the pandemic started Remember that this is not the time to ourselves – “How can I achieve that know how long this is going to last. accepting, period. Several of the mental health came in handy and useful when it isolate your heart. This is one for con- same purpose in a different way that One of the mistakes we can make practitioners we work with through was most needed. The investment in necting, reconnecting with those you’ve engages the ingenuity, the innovative- is to underestimate the severity or innovating, The Joy Hub have confirmed the teaching people how to process their chosen to love and creating this loop of ness and the creativity of the human intensity of this crisis, because doing notion we had, and have reported no emotions, in telling people their emo- love, of care, and of empathy. spirit? that means that we will be quickly surviving, massive increase in the number of tions matter, and that it is okay to be What are we as human beings if we disappointed. mental health relapsing cases during depressed or anxious, has worked— Chude Jideonwo is co-founder of human are not machines for innovation and It’s more important to acknowledge and even this period. At least not in the way that such that people are more comfortable flourishing company, Joy, Inc. and media invention?” So at this time, that can be and face down the reality that this was feared. expressing their feelings. group RED. He is host of the TV and radio an important way to centre, you would network #WithChude, which is creating safe will be a hard slug and our lives will thriving This is incredible. I think it is the big- You don’t have to wait for serendip- think: How do I run the business? How spaces for conversations about mental, fundamentally change after this, and gest mental health story from this crisis. ity to discover stillness. You can start do I re-engage customers? How do I emotional and spiritual health across Africa. through.” It shows that the teachings, mental

70 71 PRIDE WELLNESS

and can cause anxiety or panic or to a future event. attacks. Foods containing refined Awareness allows you to flour such as bread can also act take control of the situation. as triggers. Instead of these, go Being mindful of the here green! A morning glass of green and now will help you take juice can get you on the right immediate actions to calm BEAT ANXIETY side of calm. Also, stock up down. on chamomile tea as a cup When you commit to – WORK ON YOUR CALM PLAN of this will help calm understanding the root of frayed nerves and even your anxiety, when you promote sleep. are motivated to make intentional efforts every day tugging at your attention and TRY By Bimbola Segun-Amao to work your calm plan, life TAKE IN SLOW AND DEEP focus on the sensation of your AROMATHERAPY gets easier. You begin to BREATHS breath. If you discover that your Aromatherapy uses orrying occasionally identify your stress triggers mind has wandered, immediately fragrant essential oils about life – health, Deep belly breathing is free, and signals before they return it to your breathing. to promote health and Wmoney, relationships, relaxing and easy to implement: threaten to ruin your day, Repeat this as many times as and other mundane things – is nnWith your eyes closed, wellbeing. The oils necessary until your mind settles your relationships and your intrinsic and often expected, breathe naturally through your may be inhaled directly or added completely on the breath. physical health. but some people experience an nostrils without attempting to to a warm bath or diffuser. excessive case of worrying. control your breath. WAKE UP AND MEDITATE Aromatherapy helps you relax, mind and fires up endorphins BE POSITIVE Anxiety may take forms nnBe aware of the breathing Like most anxious people, you’re reduces one’s heart rate and into your blood. Researchers If you can see the positive such as generalized anxiety sensation as air enters and leaves probably in a rush as soon as blood pressure, and boosts one’s have found that individuals who side of everything, your disorder, obsessive-compulsive your nostrils. Place one hand you get out of bed. Don’t wake mood. exercise vigorously and regularly life will be richer and more disorder, panic disorder, post- on your belly, and the other on up and jump. Give yourself the Lavender oil comes to mind were 25 percent less likely to exciting. Rewire unhealthy, traumatic stress disorder, your chest. Draw in deep breaths gift of serenity and start the easily for easing anxiety. You develop an anxiety disorder catastrophic thoughts. Do and social anxiety disorder. for four seconds. Hold your day with at least 15 minutes of may add a few drops of lavender within five years. something different. Anxiety People living with anxiety face breath for three seconds. Exhale solitude and positive energy. Be essential oil on your pillow, in your loves rumination, avoidance, and BE PRESENT AND AWARE symptoms such as nervousness, through your nostrils for four open-minded and think calmly. bath water, or to a cup of hot staying stuck. You know what it People do not have panic agitation, tension, palpitations, seconds. The hand on your belly Once you master this, your daily water and inhale for quick relief. loathes? Action. If you experience any side effects, attacks in the present. In reality, and chest pain or tightness. should follow the movement of activities will go much more At its core, anxiety is overreact- for instance a skin rash, stop use it is a reaction to a past action, While there are medical therapies the abdomen as it expands and smoothly. ing to stress and worries, and and medications for chronic relaxes according to your breath- immediately and talk to a doctor. EMBRACE GREEN TEA. underreacting to problem-solv- anxiety, certain lifestyle changes ing pattern. REDUCE CAFFEINE AND GET OFF THE COUCH AND ing. It’s the healthy habits done can offer a quick fix to help calm nnConcentrate on your breath SUGAR IN YOUR DIET EXERCISE daily, with intention that makes down bouts of anxiety attacks. and forget everything else. Resist Caffeine and sugar are Exercise is one of nature’s anti- the difference. Below are a few tricks to master the temptation to drift towards adrenal stimulants anxiety remedies. It clears your the art of calmness: the anxiety-inducing thoughts

72 73 HOW TO HAVE A HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

By Clare Anyiam-Osigwe I also went to see Chimamanda their insecurities and weakness as Ngozi Adichie speak at the South a means to spend and buy products ELEVEN YEARS ago when I became Bank Centre in 2016 and I remember and services. an entrepreneur, I was sceptical her vividly saying that she had not about how important social media My top three tips for engendering mentioned publicly that she had would be personally and profes- a health relationship with social recently given birth. I remember sionally. I’ve always had a push-pull media are: thinking “woah, she’s so high-profile, response to the art of sharing my life yet she kept that to herself”. Set an alarm on your phone whilst trying to enjoy my privacy and 1. to remind you to come off of social actually live in the moment, without So what is my point? My point is, media the need to take photos or document social media is a tool. It should be every waking moment. used, and not be using you. 2. Allocate a section of your timetable or diary to surfing the net Even though I was on the radio or I allocate one hour a day to and then log off – don’t be sporadic TV every week during the press run social media – mostly to read the as you are likely to waste unnecessary for my debut feature film No Shade day’s news and connect with fans, time on each platform. Have a in 2018, I somehow made a pact followers and find out about events. purpose and stick to it. with everyone I came into contact I go through phases of being with to not congratulate me on my If you run a business or use extremely disciplined – so one hour 3. pregnancy online or on social media. social media to promote yourself, per day can hike up to three hours In person, producers, film fans and schedule as much as you can in per day if I have a product to push festival goers would hug me and advance so that you don’t have to be or a story to tell. I understand how congratulate myself and Emmanuel, pressured into posting each day. dangerous and time-consuming my husband and rejoice in the little social media can be. Many practi- secret news we had. There are so many other ways tioners in the health and beauty to enjoy life outside of scrolling The reason why I chose to keep my industry cater to people that are through Instagram. Swap interact- pregnancy offline until I was eight insecure and are vying for atten- ing on social media with phone months along, was because it was tion. Social media can be a tool for calls, writing letters or going out a sacred time and I did not want good, but it can also bring the worst into nature. With the relaxed condi- to share it with strangers online. I out of people. Depression is on the tions currently in place to minimise also was classed as a mature mum, rise even though there are more the spread of COVID-19, we can being older than 30 (I was 31 when counsellors and drugs available. visit a select group of friends and I conceived, and 32 when I gave Most people would attribute this family whilst wearing masks. And birth) so it is not uncommon for to the ‘cancel culture’ that comes make sure to switch off your phone. miscarriages to occur. I have seen with social media: cyberbullying; Not everything has to be a photo women on Instagram showing off videos of police brutality and other opportunity or created for likes and their three-month baby bump, only crimes are shared constantly and shares. to update us all two months later through algorithms; and consumers Clare Anyiam-Osigwe DSc, BEM is the on the sad news that they had are being constantly bombarded International Editor of Pride Magazine Nigeria and miscarried. with adverts attuned to emphasise Founder of Premae.

74 BEAUTY Biggest skincare trends to follow in 2020

Use products rich in Vitamin A and Bodylikemilk Vitamin C Collection hyaluronic acid such as Bodylikemilk Hyaluronic Acid Powder (₦9,000). And keep skin hydrated with a mois- Facials Who doesn’t love to sit back, have turiser such as Bodylikemilk Vitamin feet up and relax while getting a monthly agenda to have a facial at is important to use products that are C Moisturiser (₦4,500). pampering face treatment; and no, home or at the spa as this would safe and effective. Try Bodylikemilk leaving soap on your face longer than help clear oil build up that clog pores sugar lips scrub (₦2,500). Sun care usual isn’t a facial please! A facial is and cause blackheads. Sun care is the act of protecting your a family of skincare treatments for A good organic face mask with plant Clean skincare skin from the harmful effects of the the face, including steam, exfoliators, extracts to help penetrate and clear People are taking into greater con- sun. Africans do experience sunburn! extraction tools, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. Facials your pores is what everyone needs. sideration what they put on their Bodylikemilk Sun Lotion Do you know the sun contributes to Try Bodylikemilk Vitamin C Face skin these days, and we see a grow- the skin aging faster than normal as help stimulate skin cell turnover and repair, and it’s an effective treatment Mask Powder (₦3,500). ing trend towards organic or clean well as the appearance of black spots skincare products, with people stay- and hyperpigmentation? The sun’s for reducing the visibility of wrinkles and scars. ing away from harsh chemicals. The ultraviolet (UV) rays have extremely clean trend is here to stay with prod- By Ogechukwu Obah listed are for both men and women, Lip care dangerous effects on our skin. Most ucts that include ingredients ethically and for all skin types. TIP: Some of these facial proce- Lip care is not something that times we forget this essential trend – sourced and made with the health nlike clothes, we can’t buy dures are a bit on the pricey side crosses everyone’s mind. The skin sun care. Like it or not the sun is here of our bodies and the environment new skin in the market. Anti-aging when you go to a spa, so an easy on our lips is very thin and fragile. This topic can never go out of style to stay and it’s getting hotter every in mind. Taking care of your skin is DIY way is using a good organic It needs tender love and care. Lip as there is always a trend to stay year. one investment that will facial mask powder mix. Make it a care has gained popularity since forever young: makeup, hairstyles TIP: Use more of natural and neverU go out of style and as we 2015 with several brands creating and surgery. But in the long run only TIP: Cultivate the habit of using sun organic products made with mild reach adulthood we develop certain unique products to healthy, hydrated and plump skin can protection in form of sunscreen. So ingredients as this gives you the key daily routines consciously or help restore, heal give you that younger appearance. what’s sunscreen? Sunscreen, also best results for overall skincare, unconsciously. With information and soften the lips. So how do you get this? known as sunblock, usually in the such as Bodylikemilk Vitamin C Set widely available, more individuals Our lips can age form of a lotion, spray, gel, foam or (₦24,000) are becoming much more knowl- faster than usual if TIP: Start early; the mistake most stick, absorbs or reflects some of edgeable about what they are put- left uncared for. And women and men make is starting the UV radiation and thus helps pro- Remember, trends mean nothing ting into their bodies and on their who doesn’t want an anti-aging regimen later in their tect against sunburn. Diligent use of if you don’t use them to transform skin, and the industry is catering soft plump lips? lives. It’s a known fact that our sunscreen can also slow or temporar- your skin, feel great, and make the to their demands. Just like fashion, facial skin begins to lose its elasticity ily prevent the development of wrin- TIP: world around you better. So absorb there are trends when it comes to Lips are prone at 25. Fine lines appear first, then kles, dark spots and sagging skin. these trends, share them to your the latest and greatest in beauty to excessive peeling, wrinkles; a loss of volume and a loss team, and discuss. But most of all, innovation. Below is a list of the top splitting, cold sores, of elasticity become noticeable over Use sunscreen daily. The water-resis- act to achieve that dream skin. trends to follow in 2020 and beyond. and other unique time. So starting early gives you tant Bodylikemilk Sunscreen SPF 70 But first, remember to identify your conditions. a head start and slows down your (₦3600) is suitable for the spectrum For all products mentioned above visit the Bodyl- skin type and if you have any aller- Additionally, products aging significantly. of African skin tones. ikemilk webstore: www.bodylikemilk.com gies as this would help guide your applied to the lips can Ogechukwu Obah is the CEO of Bodylikemilk, a skincare choices. The steps and products be ingested easily. It and cosmetics brand. Bodylikemilk Lip Tint

76 77 BEAUTY STAGE BEAUTY

God’s gift in me to the world, and made it pos- ding actors to take up a career on stage? Oluchi Tochukwu Odii sible for people to see that there was so much The Nigerian theatre scene is absolutely vibrant more that I could offer. and yes, I would encourage young budding actors like myself to take up a career on stage. Oluchi Tochukwu Odii is an Animal Science and Fisheries graduate of Imo State University; she also earned Now, please tell us about your stage career. a master’s degree in Animal Products and Processing from the prestigious University of Ibadan. She was You have been taking part in musicals for sev- Is it financially rewarding for stage actors? eral years. How did you get into this field; and Hmmmmm! This is a bit tricky. I say tricky born and raised in Lagos State by her parents Mr and Mrs Hyginus Odii. what is unique about the experience? because a lot of factors are considered. Most of I was introduced to the theatre by Ajoke Silva Oluchi’s music career took off in 2015 after she contested in the eighth season of MTN Project Fame, us make a living out of theatre and we have been while I was still in the Project Fame Academy. able to survive in Nigeria. Though it is tough becoming a top 10 finalist. She also contested in the fifth season of Nigerian Idol reaching the top 30. To fur- She made me realise that theatre existed in the sometimes. Nevertheless, stage actors can be ther her interest in acting, she underwent a workshop with Lufodo Production in 2015. She has performed first place, I had no idea. She told me of an audi- paid better and on time because it takes a lot of tion for a musical “Heartbeat the Musical”, which in several musicals since 2016: Heartbeat the Musical 2016, Love and Recession 2016, Kakadu the Musical our time, energy and resources to actually put up she executively produced with Olu Jacobs. I a good show on stage. 2017, Heartbeat the Musical for Lagos@50 2017, The Call Back 2018, Legends the Musical 2018, Hear Word in attended the audition and was cast for the major USA/Germany 2019, Hear Word at the Edinburgh International Festival 2019, and Ada the Country 2020. role and ever since then, I haven’t looked back. Do you wish to broaden your repertoire, and Theatre has been a unique experience for me be more involved in Nollywood movies? In this interview, she takes us through her rising career on stage. because it has a disciplined aspect to it. There is Yes, I do. I’m hoping and praying that a big oppor- always a schedule that is followed, and it helps tunity will come. At this point, I am very ready for to discipline you as an actor and even beyond. I that opportunity. We are intrigued, a bachelor’s and possibly yoghurt process- further than that, but it gave me have met quite a lot of brilliant minds who have degree in Animal Science ing on a large scale as soon as I more courage to contest in MTN in one way or another positively impacted my How has the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandem- and Fisheries and a mas- finalise a few things. Project Fame later in the year. I life. I have been to several countries and per- ic impacted your industry? ter’s in Animal Products and went with my twin brother and formed before dignitaries. Theatre is fun, it’s a The pandemic has had a negative impact on our Processing, what informed What made you decide to a very close friend of mine, and passion and a job I derive so much joy doing. industry. I say this because there are no social your choice of what you stud- fully get into a show business they gave me all the support I gatherings and we perform for an audience. In ied in tertiary institutions? career and how did you go needed. Your career has taken you around the world, this case, no audience, no show and of course no Agriculture has always been a about getting into this indus- performing in different countries. How does money. It has had a huge financial strain on us all. field of interest to me ever since try once you made your deci- How did taking part in MTN the Nigerian theatre scene compare to other I was in secondary school. I had sion? Project Fame Season 8 impact countries? How do you see the industry recovering once one of the best teachers who While in secondary school, I your career? I would say we still have a lot to do in Nigeria, so the pandemic is under control? made it so easy to comprehend. realised I could sing. I became As I mentioned, I came across many things need to be put in place. There are no I believe strongly that we will recover fast. A lot Initially I applied to study micro- a member of the Catholic choir an audition notice online and solid structures per se; more theatre spaces need of measures are being taken to ensure that the biology in the university, but I in the university and a member I made sure I was at the audi- to be constructed and of high quality. There are industry is stabilized. The Lagos State Government was offered Animal Science and of the Imo State Government tion, which was held in Ibadan prospects in Nigerian theatre and I know set up the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic I never regretted it because I House Choir Owerri. I con- at the time. I was initially we will get there soon. It is getting better. Review Committee with Ajoke Silva as had always loved it. Ever since, I cluded my tertiary education given a wild card that meant “Theatre Chairperson to reactivate the state’s haven’t looked back. in 2015, and came across an I was given neither a yes nor How have the audience reactions been tourism, arts and culture sectors. A audition notice for MTN Project a no by the judges. I went fur- with respect to the shows at home and is fun, it’s COVID-19 impact survey is also being But you have not sought a Fame West Africa and I decided ther to record a video for my abroad? carried out to find out what the cre- career in your field of study at to give it a shot. I got to the top wild-card entry. Fortunately, The reactions have been mind-blowing a passion ative and tourism sectors need from the university, why is this the 10; and from that moment, I the video entry was given a both home and abroad. The truth is, we Lagos State. case? knew I was destined to be in the thumbs up by the judges and tell stories that the audience can relate and a I have actually started but on entertainment industry and so I I was selected alongside six to. We also tell the stories in captivating And what are your plans post-pan- a very small scale considering kept on pushing. I had to learn other ladies. I performed in ways that will leave you spellbound. By job I demic? how it is not so easy for me to patience and persistence in the presence of the audience the time you are leave the theatre, you will My plans post-pandemic are to recoup combine my present job with order to remain in the industry. and was picked to automati- be a different person. Positively impacted derive so the money that I’ve lost these past few farming. I have started with a cally join the other housemates if I may add. months; attend a music/acting school small snailery, and a crop farm My experience at the Nigerian in the Academy. Taking part to further broaden my knowledge cultivating cassava, maize, spin- Idol competition in 2015 is also in the show has been a huge much joy Is the Nigerian theatre scene a vibrant and sharpen my skills; and to start my ach, waterleaf, etc. However, I one that I would never forget. I advantage because it served one and will you encourage young bud- poultry farming business. intend to start poultry farming got to the top 30 and didn’t go as a platform to showcase doing.”

78 79 Beauty essentials for opening night at the theatre

By Oluchi Odii too exaggerated, but it’s done that way because the actor is seen at a eauty they say distance by the audience. is in the eyes of the beholder. HAIR The Cambridge Hair designers have quite an Costume and hair are important aspects of a stage production. Dictionary defines impact on how a character turns beauty as “the out. In theatre, hair designers are quality of being expected to work hand in hand clothing or nothing at all, and these names of the actors boldly pleasing, especially to look at, or with the director, costume designer play a huge role in bringing a written Bsomeone or something that gives as well as performer to analyse theatre production to life. To ensure Wardrobe representatives great pleasure, especially when and create appropriate hairstyles that costume pieces are well put must be on stand-by to you look at it.” This explains the and hair colours suitable for a together, a costume designer, ensure quick changes for need to take into consideration certain era, age and setting. A few director and sometimes the actors in and out of scenes. beauty essentials for opening extensions like wigs and beards technical crew need to collaborate Occasionally, actors layer night at the theatre. may be used alongside the natural creatively. Costumes add colour, costumes and practise quick Opening night is known as the hair of the actor concerned. Just essence, texture and meaning to changes during technical and first performance of a theatrical like the makeup department, there every story told by an actor on dress rehearsals. attraction that usually takes place should be a member of the hair stage, which makes it necessary All costumes should be in the evening. There is always a department backstage ready to for costume designers to properly neatly hung after use for dry- buzz and excitement that comes change or put in place extensions research what costumes suit a cleaning after each show. with opening night especially for on actors who are going in and out particular character in a particular Eating and drinking (except the actors. According to Jennifer of scenes. Also, actors are advised era and setting as the case may clear water) while in costume Kuzmeskas, “if you don’t have Makeup for the stage to use their personal hair items to be. Kerry Hishon states clearly is prohibited. jitters on opening night then you avoid spreading germs and to save that “costumes are such a fabulous A week or a few days before are doing something wrong.” time during show madness. A few part of theatre – they help tell the opening night, all costumes are Before opening night, a lot of – without masks – theatrical that actors do not develop allergic hair essentials include: story, they help actors get into worn by actors to ensure that things are put into place to make makeup makes it possible for reactions after use. Actors are often A toothed comb character, and they immediately they fit perfectly. If they don’t fit, sure that it goes well or even actors to appear as the character advised to use their own makeup Bobby pins tell the audience something about amendments are made. If damages better than expected. Rehearsals demands to a believable extent. kit to ensure safety. Depending on Gel what’s going on.” For things to occur on stage, the costumes are done for a specific duration The essentials for basic makeup how large or small a production Hair spray run smoothly, every production are handed over to the costume of time and actors work hard to application include: is, there may be a makeup artist Straightener or curling iron should have a wardrobe manager department to fix to ensure bring their characters to life. One Concealer on ground, or actors may need Wig cap who is responsible for the care of availability for the next run. very important thing that can never Eye shadows to do their makeup themselves. Actors who do not make use of costumes, and the following are be overlooked are the ‘beauty Facial cleansers Whatever the case, makeup should wigs during a production usually done to ensure that costumes are No matter how small or large a essentials’ – the makeup, hair and False lashes or mascara be applied appropriately and as get their hair done a few hours ready for opening night: production is, beauty essentials costume which delight the senses Foundation befitting the character. When the before opening night. Wigs can All garments to be worn can never be underrated as they and please the mind. Lipstick show commences, there should be placed just an hour before the should be well-laundered help make a production come alive. Makeup brushes be a member of the makeup team show. and dry-cleaned. Every actor’s dream is to have a MAKEUP Makeup pencils on stand-by to adjust or reapply All garments should be successful opening night, and this In Ancient Greek and Roman Mirror makeup backstage as the case COSTUME placed in the dressing rooms will not be possible if the makeup, theatre, makeup was unnecessary Powder may be. Elizabeth McLafferty notes Costumes consist of clothes and of the actors for easy access. hair and costume are not excellent. because actors wore masks, It is important that makeup that stage makeup is usually much accessories worn by an actor All costumes must be allowing them to portray any items are well taken care of and more colourful and graphic than on stage, whether it be layers of labelled properly with the Break a leg… gender or age. In modern times brushes are disinfected to ensure cosmetic makeup and may seem

80 81 Print splendour by Tzar Studios

Tzar Studios is a contemporary unisex brand founded in 2014, birthed from the ineffable love for prints inspired by the ethos of the metrosexual man. Tzar challenges the conventional approach to menswear, creating unique items that embody the purpose of form and functionality. The narrative behind its womenswear is one of sophisticated minimalism with elements of resplendence. The tenet of the brand is that fashion needs to be functional primarily but also bear a mode that reflects individuality and the state of mind. Chukwuma Ian Audifferen is Tzar’s art director. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology from the University of Lagos.

82 83 On his transition to fashion design, Chukwuma Ian Audifferen reflected: “I have always been a fashion enthusiast but I became a designer when there was always a demand for the shirts I wore all the time. If I wore an item, people wanted it. I decided that I was going to make shirts since I had a good eye for print and that was the inception.” He believes in clothes that promote comfort and confidence, and strives to incorporate this notion in the elements of design. Ian’s passions for travelling and photography are also infused in his designs.

84 85 Facemask mistakes not Handcrafted to make luxury Ola Talking Drum By Patricia Uyeh inner layer made of cotton or cot- facemask, especially if the mask ton blends; a middle layer with is light-coloured. Matte lipsticks Who would have thought a face- polypropylene or another cotton would be better to avoid lipstick mask would be compulsory wear? layer; and an outer layer with stains. Also, facemasks release With the coronavirus pandemic, polypropylene, polyester or their moisture in the form of sweat. bags safety measures must be strictly blends; while avoiding stretchy When it mixes with your heavy followed to contain its spread. materials. Aim for balance so that makeup, this can lead to acne. Go Okiki Marinho’s One of them is the wearing of your facemask is stylish and com- for light makeup instead. facemasks. The fashion industry fortable yet protective enough. handcrafted leather has embraced this trend, using it 4. Not having a facemask storage to transform the way we dress. 2. Choosing the wrong facemask The last thing you want to do is bags are made with But, health first. Here are face- for your face shape to toss your facemask anywhere masks mistakes not to make to If you have a small face, you after use. You should have a stor- high-quality materials by ensure you are protected from the need an adjustable facemask. age for your facemasks. To play If it’s not easily adjustable, you safe, you can store them in a plas- superior craftsmen. The virus. Let’s dive in: The Ola Vase The Ola Vase might struggle with putting it in tic bag or envelope. aim is to create exquisite N100,000 1. Choosing the wrong mask place every time it falls off your This bag was inspired by For the mask you wear to be chin. If you have a big face, a 5. Not choosing a facemask that statement pieces for the various vase designs in effective, ensure it covers both small facemask will not serve its complements your style Africa. It is a structured your nose and your mouth. The purpose. It would be too tight. Like the fashionista you are, go confident and classy. bag with a roomy fabric of the facemask is also To play safe, shop for ones that for facemasks that are stylish interior; the sides can important. Facemasks should can be tied at the neck or have and complement your style and also expand to give more not be too thick to wear, espe- adjustable ear straps. mood. You can still be stylish space. cially if it is suffocating. Imagine with your facemask on. wearing such for long periods; 3. Wearing a light-coloured Ola Talking Drum; it can cause a lot of discomfort. facemask with lipstick/heavy 6. Not having enough facemasks Mini Talking Drum The June 2020 guidance issued makeup One facemask would not do the N100,000; N50,000 by the World Health Organiza- If you will wear lipstick, don’t magic. You should have several The bags were inspired tion (WHO) recommends three use one that’s glossy or shim- of them so you can switch easily. by the African talking layers of different materials: an mery because it can stain your If you leave the house every day, drum. They have a it could be tasking and stress- cylindrical shape that ful washing your facemask each makes for a spacious night. But if you have a good interior. number of facemasks, you can change them daily until you do Her Majesty’s Ship the laundry. N100,000 Information regarding the coronavirus This is the first leather is often changing due to its novelty. Visit bag that was made for the websites of the WHO or the national the Ola bag collection. Centre for Disease Control for the most It epitomises class, Mini Talking Drum up-to-date guidance. sophistication and timeless elegance.

Her Majesty’s Ship To order, visit: www.okikimarinho.com

86 87 87 BEAUTY BEAUTY

An interview with fashion Enduring style: designer Uche Achiekwelu

Uche Achiekwelu of New did that. I was called and went on to for English wears except for fabrics for free. I already did what I could by reducing the study pattern designing and pattern that are not as hard as ankara price, considering the situation. She however went Attitude Fashion House because sometimes we need that, “I want women drafting for a year. on to tell me it should be a gift. Someone needs to discusses almost thirty like the jersey fabric. I haven’t be very familiar with you to say that type of thing. What’s your favourite part been able to make trousers to to feel confident years in the fashion design about being a fashion designer? my satisfaction (laughs) and I She’s a lady I really like as well. I tried to explain to love trousers. I am still trying to her that I have people working with me I need to industry. There are different kinds of people. improve on that. and happy pay. I have bought materials to make the outfit. I Some women are so excited when am running diesel – which is not easy these days. they try their clothes on and it fits How would you describe How long have you been a your personal style? when they She doesn’t even know my financial capacity and fashion designer? so well and they dance. I recall a she thinks she can order me to make her outfit as customer, after she tried her dress said, I have heard rumours that I’m It’s been 29 years – quite a long time. wear clothes I a gift. “Can I hug you?” Can you imagine not stylish (laughs). I’ve had people Why did you choose to be a tell me that several people say Are there new things you want to do or take fashion designer? such emotions? Sharing her joy with designed.” up as a fashion designer? me; she made me happy. I’ve had a lot they don’t know why I still make I’m from a generation when mothers of people walk up to me and after we their clothes because I don’t have I’m not a social media person; I’ve been working made clothes without going to school. exchange greetings, they ask, “Please, much style. I like defining the natural African woman’s figure. on it. I think I am a very shy person and I’ve never been in There was this big catalogue they who made your clothes for you?” They to what I haven’t thought about the I don’t like crowding the hips with things. If I ever have to do a competition – I hate it. I’m comfortable here designing; used to have with different patterns, ask for my tailor’s number (laughs). I previous day right here in my office that, it stops at the torso. I don’t know what’s happening outside and I don’t really and when I connect, I think, “Oh, I can bother to know. I’m not on Instagram; my children have pictures and instructions on how to tell them I’m my own tailor. It’s always In all my years making clothes, I’ve always taken do this and that with these fabrics” tried to talk me into it, and I know it can really improve my make an outfit. My mother had many so funny. I think those two facts: the measurements myself. I’ve always measured my customers business. I would also love to improve on that. girls – four girls, and the boys followed joy on my customer’s face when they Do you follow trends? myself so that I can have a one-on-one relationship with – so she made clothes for us girls. I’m try the clothes and people that don’t Hardly is there a designer that them. The regular tailor doesn’t know a customer is flat Where do you see your brand in the next five years? the second of the girls, so whenever know me complimenting what I wear. doesn’t follow trends – we all follow at buttocks; the tailor doesn’t know the customer has it was my turn, I’d squat by her side some trends. But I can’t say that I really a big belly; the tailor doesn’t know how the customer I pray to get more good customers. You see, handwork watching her make my clothes. It’s not just design, people also look at placement. There’s a lady that came follow trends; if you say you do that a feels about these body features. So, when I take the is never perfect and people don’t know that they need Sometimes she would call, “Uche, oya hundred percent it means you’re not a measurements and talk with them, I get to know what to appreciate your work. I know people can really mess come and fit”, and she’d put it on me, in one time and her tailor makes good clothes. So I said to her, “We attend designer. I’ve had this experience many they don’t really like to expose. I attended a function in up other people’s fabrics. I’ve had people come and check, take it off, and continue. You times – sometimes I would come up Awka that a lady invited me to, and another lady that also look at clothes without trying them on saying, “What know the excitement of waiting for the same church and I’ve noticed what you wear; there’s absolutely nothing with a pattern and later on I’d see the makes her clothes was standing close to her. In front of is this?” But when they wore it, it fitted perfectly. What your dress to be ready? I can’t describe trend out there. the lady, she said to me, “Uche, you are the only one that I’m trying to say is that there are people that can’t even that. I think I developed my love for wrong with your tailor, so, what are How do you want women to feel makes clothes for me and I don’t need a girdle; I don’t thread a needle, yet they don’t appreciate handwork. making clothes from my mother. you doing here?” I felt privileged to have her here. She laughed and told when they wear your clothes? know how you do it”. The reason I would say – based Some customers are easygoing, while some are not. I keep praying for the easygoing ones because I’m not getting This love propels me to always me she likes my placement; how I I want women to feel confident and on what I know – is that the other woman wasn’t a younger as well. I also pray my workers make fewer seek to improve my craft. When I combine fabrics – that I use different happy. When I go to a shop, the shop designer; she just bought a machine and because she had mistakes, and I make fewer as well (laughs). got married, my husband asked me patterns. Over time, I found out that attendant when trying to fit me in connections, she started making clothes. what I’d like to do, and I said fashion I’m very good at combining two something will say, “Oh it’s nice” even So, sometimes, some people like the crazy and weird I would like my brand to be more visible. As I mentioned designing. And he said, “Okay, I’ll have fabrics, not just patterns. Sometimes, I when I know I’m not comfortable. I styles but I don’t do such. I’ve heard that what people say I’m not a social media person, though I’m working on this. to look for a fashion school.” I was in just add two fabrics, and by the time I like my customers to be happy and about you is exactly what you are, so I won’t really blame None of my children are willing to follow in my footsteps; London for my citizenship, and I didn’t put the two together, if we appear at confident; if you’re not happy about the ones that say I’m not stylish. it would have made it easier for me. It’s one thing for want to waste that time just sitting in a function together, one will look at what I make for you it means you’re What is your biggest lesson since becoming a people to want to push you, it’s another thing for you the house, so applied to the University yours and mine and think this can’t be not going to wear it. So happiness fashion designer? to want to be pushed (laughs). I’ve been contemplating of the Arts. The first time I went for getting a store and displaying my ready-to-wear clothes. the same fabric. I focus on the pattern is very important. And, I have some My biggest lesson is that it is good to be kind to your the interview, I took my sketches and I think that’s where I want to see myself in the next five of the fabric itself. So, this lady said to customers who tell me if I don’t customers and to be friendly, but it is important to have a few things I made. The lady was years: to focus on ready-to-wear and have people just me that she likes how I arrange the make their clothes, they won’t have limits. Sometimes some customers will make you feel quite impressed, but she told me that come in and buy, while reducing the time and effort pattern and how I combined fabrics. that confidence. Every designer has bad. When I’m too friendly, some people don’t pay me my desired course wasn’t available at This also gives me joy. customers who tell them this. devoted to custom-made outfits. that time. She encouraged me to apply my money, but when the opposite is the case, the money What would you say inspires What are your greatest comes out quickly. I have a lady who doesn’t talk to me; again the following year. She promised your designs? strengths and weaknesses? Find New Attitude Fashion House at 11 Shoni Highway, to forward my application and I’d be I think she’s angry with me at the moment because she Shonibare Estate, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Colours and patterns; it’s easy to I like my ankara styles looking very called for an interview, and she truly brought in a fabric and she asked me to make an outfit connect with them. Every day I connect English, so one doesn’t have to shop

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Photographer Emmanuel Oyeleke captures what it means to be young, African and urbane.

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Photography Video @temiloluwafilms Models Backdrops @emmanueloyeleke @rebeccafabunmi_ @ @sisivisage www.emmanueloyeleke.com Hair stylist @ceezysstyling fewmodels Agatha @ Beth Model agency Special thanks to Creative director Makeup @makeupbynara Isi Daniel Mama Nike @nikeartgallery @carolinechinakwe @ Oscar @Mahogany Models Client @thepoloavenue arietawho Style assistant @blaize_stephen Steven @Beth Robert @jamalrobert Models 92 93 FASHION & STYLE MANPRIDE Fashion blunders any lady should avoid By Patricia Uyeh

egularly exercising, eat- best features and save you from Wearing the wrong MAN ing healthy, drinking committing fashion blunders. undergarments There is something about the Rlots of water and doing Buying clothes that don’t undergarment. It is the foun- all the required to get an fit dation of your dressing. You impressive figure is great but Clothes that are too tight make need to pay attention to what not enough if you end up put- you look bigger. Clothes that is inside and what is outside. ting on the wrong outfit. That are too big don’t accentuate Tight undergarments can would spoil the entire package. your figure. Rather than buy- affect posture and confidence. When it comes to fashion ing clothes impulsively, be very Ensure you wear the right fit- trends, some rules are con- calculated on what you want ted undergarments so that stant. Let’s just say committing to add to your wardrobe, and your outfits come alive. fashion blunders is a ‘sin’. Even it must have the right fitting. though style is personal and Wearing too much can be adventurous, fashion Over-accessorizing makeup requires sticking to patterns. Too much of everything is Makeup is an art. You need to There are certain fashion rules bad. If your outfit has few or understand the colour combi- deemed essential to make a no details, it would not be an nations that go well with your good fashion statement. awful idea to add one or two skin tone and outfit. If you are The accessories. When the acces- in doubt, consult a makeup creative Here are fashion blunders sories are all over your body, professional. If you wear too- a lady should avoid to slay it messes up the entire look. It heavy makeup, you may look world effortlessly: is better to pick one accessory quite fake. Makeup is available Cloudflex: that would be the focal point to enhance your beauty and of Skika Jumping on every fashion of your dressing. Driving trend not take away from it. Afrika It is unwise to be fashion crazy. Nigeria’s The media have a way of mak- cloud ing every outfit appealing to computing the eyes of the beholder. Some Man ladies are fashion crazy and go Pride to the extent of getting every outfit they see their favourite meets celebrity wear. You should Kelechi understand that it is not all trends and styles that would Odu work for you. Body shapes are unique and have different requirements. Knowing what suits you would bring out your Digital titans shaping the future 94 95 MAN PRIDE The creative world of SKIKA AFRIKA kika Afrika is a career of creatives that specialise in What kind of creatives are you development platform different types of art but too often hoping to get onto the Skika where creatives on the they go unheard, unappreciated Afrika platform? African continent can or undervalued. We are using Skika Afrika is set up to cater collaborate with one community building within our for a wide range of creatives another, showcase their technological infrastructure to – actors, comedians, dancers, Sart, and get booked to display their reduce the aforementioned directors, fashion designers, art. It serves to increase connectivity challenges and empower creatives models, musicians, makeup artists, and cohesion in the creative industry to build successful careers. filmmakers, photographers, writers and empower creatives to build and The internet is a great tool in its and the list goes on and on. sustain their creative careers. ability to reach billions, and we plan One of the founders and Chief to use it to our advantage to boost Do you vet the creatives who Technical Officer of Skika Afrika the exposure of creatives and their can come onto the platform? Chukwudi Anyiam-Osigwe discusses access to opportunities where they The truth is no, we do not. We let the platform’s value proposition for can get paid for doing the community do that. Africa’s creatives. what they love. The reviews left by Apart from giving others will let everyone What does the name Skika them a platform to know if a creative is mean and why did you and your be discovered, we who they say they are. team choose the name Skika will be working long It’s about Also, the creatives will Afrika? and hard engaging be uploading so much Skika Afrika is loosely translated various venues, creative time you material/media to to mean ‘Be heard Africa’. Skika enterprises, event showcase their talent is derived from the Swahili word holders, educational and let their work kusikika, and was inspired by the institutions and are heard display their expertise. need to stretch African stories mentors who can give and it’s What is your beyond the single story that is the creatives a chance message to the often portrayed in global media. to shine brighter. creatives out there The genesis of Skika actually We want creatives about time on the African started with one of our founders, worrying less about continent? Samantha Weya, when she was how people will get to your art To quote one Lupita 16. She found herself increasingly know and hear about Nyong’o “your dreams frustrated with the silencing of them or how they is taken are valid”. It’s about voices in marginalised communities, are going to afford time you are heard and in Kenya and Africa as a whole and their next guitar or art seriously. it’s about time your the lack of society’s willingness to exhibition. We want art is taken seriously. observe perspective. Flashforward a them focusing on We are extremely few years, she’s in university trying creating art, more and excited to see what to conceptualise the business model more of it! the future holds and for Skika and Chimamanda Ngozi we want all creatives Adichie does a TED Talk titled “The What are the things a creative should expect when on the continent Danger of a Single Story” and to help us build this vibrant in that moment, Skika’s mission s/he gets onto the Skika Afrika platform? community. So sign up at www. became clear as day. The name took skikaafrika.com, and follow us @ some time to get to but once we By joining our platform, creatives become part of a community where skikaafrika_ng/@skikaafrika_ke took a step back to consider the (Instagram and Twitter) or vision, there was no better fit. they can meet other creatives to collaborate with and produce even Skika Afrika (Facebook). Skika Afrika aims to help more art. They can also connect creatives on the African with various platforms to showcase continent be heard. How is Skika their art or get booked by them for Afrika hoping to achieve this? a paying gig. There is no doubt that the African continent has a good number

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Adewale Yusuf is the CEO of Techpoint.africa, a leading media platform dedicated to startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology in Africa. Femi Bakre is the Founder and CEO of Kraks Media, which focuses on growing and promoting brands through precise and deliberate content marketing. Digital titans Kayode Abass is a renowned data-driven new media consultant, and currently the Head of Growth at the fintech firm StackFX. Onyeka Akumah is the Founder and CEO of Farmcrowdy, a digital agriculture platform shaping the that helps small-scale farmers access funding, markets, and technical expertise. and everyone is going digital. ONYEKA ADEWALE Everyone is talking about going In that regard, I feel tech is the So, let me start by asking digital. It is very obvious, and refinery, oil is data. Because if Onyeka if digital in the future. If as Onyeka said, if you’re not you have that refinery and you yes, in your experience why? If moving forward, you’re either are not able to get oil out of it, it future no, in your experience why? going to be obsolete and/or is as useless as that refinery can ONYEKA disrupted. So, I agree that digital be. Femi has about two million From my perspective, I think is the future. people on the Kraks platform. digital means using technology FEMI The tech was the mobile phone online and for every platform As far as Nigeria is concerned, he started with or the other tools that needs to scale. That is, every I feel tech is the new oil. Yes, he had. If Femi did not have two Four digital titans discuss the present and future platform that needs to go beyond I’m sure. I say that because million people on his platform, its current geographical location the world in general is moving the tech is not valuable. So I direction of the digital space in Nigeria and beyond. considers the opportunity towards a low-carbon future and think it is more of data and how  Femi Bakre Kayode Abass Adewale Yusuf  Onyeka Akumah that technology presents and sustainable businesses now have we use data that is the real value. embraces that technology, seeing these tech elements in them. If ADEWALE it as a future platform to scale you do not have tech in your Onyeka mentioned ‘digital’ the business. Of course, I think business, I do not think you will and Femi mentioned ‘tech’. Is digital is the future. I think it is be relevant in years to come. there a difference between tech something that people should I also say that tech is the new and digital? And when we say embrace and any industry that oil as the barriers to entry are tech, what technology are we is not looking to do this today very low. For example, I built referring to? Let us get a clear puts themselves in the place Kraks on my mobile phone, difference between digital and where they are either disrupted just a smartphone. I had zero tech. What does tech mean and or become obsolete eventually. experience whatsoever but with how can the public leverage That’s my view. tech and digital, I was able to technology? KAYODE acquire new skills, learn new ONYEKA I believe that we can get a things, and built a business that Tech, for me, would be whatever glimpse of the future by things now employs over 20 people. gets you from point A to point that have happened in the past If we have like 100, 1,000 or B using a hardware or software and things that are happening 10,000 Nigerians using the little tool; using a computer or a at the moment. We are already technological resources that they mobile device to enable you seeing that digital is the next have to build large businesses, to do more, or increase your thing. We are seeing the imagine the multiplier effect that efficiency. It could also be rise of artificial intelligence, will have. In my opinion, yes – robotics, for instance. I think machine learning, and there tech and digital is the future. that is where tech lies – any has been an advancement in way you do something more digital technology. Everything efficiently than you would have

98 99 MAN PRIDE MAN PRIDE done before. Tech also depends “As far as Nigeria classes, because that’s the speed on individual businesses – the of the internet. So when we are “The future belongs on LinkedIn, two other persons context of the user will also is concerned, tech is talking about skills, they are to those who can were online marketing experts determine what tech is. For me, the new oil.” unlimited. You can get skills in in Nigeria. It’s about spotting using a mobile phone is not much Femi Bakre. data science, digital marketing, spot the trend and those trends and positioning of an advanced technology, but etc. yourself with the skills necessary for someone else, the mobile It is important to not get the skills upskill themselves to become a highly sought-after phone could be used to design ADEWALE that will make you static; keep along with the individual. something amazing. That person’s evolving because your skills There are lots. To be honest, ADEWALE tech is using his/her mobile phone are going to change because trend.” when it comes to Nigeria with I’ve noticed that every new to achieve something bigger and industries are also changing. the situation of things, the only Kayode Abass technology trend is built on a better. There are lots of skills out there, opportunity that we have that previous one. Now is the time just think about what’s next. ADEWALE our parents did not have is was it for for you to get into something, learn something, Because the digital we know, the For me, I think whenever we technology. You could be here me. So I will learn a code, etc. I think the most important skill likes of the mobile phone and are talking about technology or acquiring machine learning skills; advise that is the ability to learn and unlearn because the social media, is going to change digital, we have to be careful you could be with a professor one should future is going to build on what we have today. with the 5G network because because we have gotten to a point in the UK or the US teaching look ahead 5G is built on 4G. People think about how to you have the internet at the speed in which people see ‘tech’ as people how to do something and map out improve on existing technology and that’s it. at which you can live stream everything. Currently, we need new. For example, I was having a trends and Beyond trends, people are still creating new skills anything from anywhere. to stay with reality because if we conversation with a friend in the acquire skills so it’s better to be open. I tell my team: we do not have to question digital in the UK and we were discussing the KAYODE in that line. know much; we need to learn. I think curiosity is future, yes digital is the future 5G network and how it’s going I agree with Adewale. ONYEKA just the best. but what is today? As much as to revolutionize things. You will Technology is evolving, so the Do we then FEMI digital is making a great impact, be here in Nigeria with your VR digital landscape will change say that I agree with what you all have said. There should we need to understand what and you will be participating in in another 5-10 years and so the most be an emphasis on learning because there will drives digital to what it is. At if I was to advise the important be something new at every point in time, so every stage in evolution, there is upcoming generation skill is being able to learn quickly and unlearn is very a revolution itself, there has to be to adopt a skill now, in mapping and key. Analytical skills are also important. One something that pioneers it. We are about 10 years that skill understanding thing I would add is problem-solving. There will still in the phase of talking about might become obsolete trends? always be problems requiring solutions, till the digital especially in Africa. But or irrelevant. The future KAYODE end of time. Training yourself to be a problem- people are now going beyond belongs to those who solver would be a good thing. I will advise that that, people are using technology can spot the trend and The most important skills would be observation, analysis upcoming youths should take courses in the not digital and that was what upskill themselves along basics of programming. I feel understanding basic I was trying to point out. Now with the trend. At the and prediction. ONYEKA programming sharpens your problem-solving and technology has become chips time I was graduating analytical skills. and smartwatches that read one’s from university, digital For instance, the in thing now is artificial KAYODE heart rate - you might not see it marketing was not a intelligence. So many people are worried that AI will take over jobs. In my opinion, however, People get scared about the jobs that may become – it’s not digital, because it needs common or widely obsolete as a result of the use of technology. In no interaction, but there is a way known skill – but it there would be a need for people to create and manage artificial intelligence useable for several your own opinion, what do you think are the it works. When we talk about was the future for me. I perceived dangers that this digital world will digital, we need to know where studied political science industries. Artificial intelligence engineers are currently one of the most-sought – meaning present? we are going. For me, technology and I had a lot of my FEMI is the future not digital. They are colleagues heading highly paid – in the world today. This means that different. towards the same career about three to four years ago, the few people that I will use my company as an example. At Kraks, ONYEKA direction and I just spotted this trend are the ones benefiting today. we create content and also curate. Because we saw the opportunity About digital marketing, I was a web designer in have almost two million followers on Instagram, In that context, what are the we can’t post just anything. So we source for most important digital skills to venture into digital 2008/2009 but I noticed people were not seeing marketing, not many those websites. I did not know the word was the very best content to keep our followers. We young Nigerians should be therefore have people going online and searching aiming for today? people were involved “digital marketing”. I just felt that there should be at the time, and that a way of marketing those websites. At that time for the best content and that’s quite tedious. Over

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time, we have been working on getting a solution The only way to beat this is to be “We have to unlearn is happening and spending time that could just scrape the entire web and give human. with them. I think the average us the best content. What I’m saying is that if Yes, there would still be jobs. and relearn new skills time he spent in each office something like a tech solution is available and Onyeka created Farmcrowdy to remain relevant was between 45 minutes and affordable, I will get it but then what happens to which was not in existence a few as the world keeps an hour. It wasn’t a ceremonial the jobs of current curators? These are the risks years ago. The same goes for visit – it was more of “I want to posed. Providing solutions will rid some people of Femi and Kraks. But will we still advancing.” understand exactly what these their jobs. have humanity intact, considering Onyeka Akumah people are doing and the form ONYEKA relationships and parenting of support you require”. I think I would not call that a risk. I think it’s the same our children? That’s my major more of that should happen. I also as learning and unlearning. It’s just like when concern. KAYODE think there should be a tech bill that protects startups when they typewriters were the in thing and everyone used ONYEKA I think that we are tilting a typewriter. Then it progressed to sending mails A concern which a greater launch as businesses; persons towards a more neutral or even who are building tech-related and business centres started flourishing. People number of people have is the more female-dominated work then began to type much faster. Kids now, without gender issue within the tech solutions are given some kind environment because in recent of cover from the structures that knowing what a keyboard is, know what a space. There are more men in times women are being given touchscreen is. And that tells you where this age tech than women. I don’t know already exist to allow them to a lot of opportunities. Some show potential in their area before is heading. I think for us, we have to unlearn and how it is in other organisations, organisations go as far as hiring relearn new skills to remain relevant as the world but we are a team of 55 at they are clamped on. These just for gender balance. If there startups should be encouraged. keeps advancing. I’m sure when I am 75 years Farmcrowdy and we have about was a census conducted a few old, there would be advances in technology that I 50% men, 50% women. We years ago that opined that the would want to learn. didn’t set out to recruit having tech industry is male-dominated, ADEWALE gender as a criterion but today we I think there is a need to conduct There was a lot of fear during the first and second find ourselves at a place where another check because nowadays, Industrial Revolutions that automation will lead there is a sense of balance when it a lot of women are getting into to mass unemployment. Yes it did, but it created comes to gender. But how do you digital marketing. For example, jobs for more people. This still happens now. Jobs deal with that whole notion that I happen to be a member of will come and go. The people that take advantage seems like there are more men in a couple of digital marketing of it are those that are well-positioned to take tech than women? groups and about 60-70% of the the next opportunity, to take advantage of what’s FEMI make an impression on that person. A lot of group is female. There are a lot going to happen. But for me, my primary fear is In my line of work, I think it’s people are on Twitter just to snap back at people. of amazing women doing a lot of humanity itself. What is going to change us? We more of what you can do. For So the humanity part is my fear; how we are tech stuff. I think that the statistics cannot compete with robots by doing what robots example, at Kraks, our best losing touch as humans. We are now becoming might have gotten outdated so can do, we can only compete with them by doing video editor is a female. When robots. We go on the road and whoever is conducting these what humans can do and that is we recruit, we do not use gender keep typing throughout our censuses should do so again by having emotional intelligence. “We cannot compete as criterion, it’s more of who is commute. We do not even know because now it’s more balanced But we are gradually losing touch best suited for the job. I assume with robots by doing our next door neighbours. than it used to be. as humans – we’re becoming that is the case in every other It’s as bad as people who FEMI more like robots and robots are what robots can do, organisation. If there is a case are dating, who started a Speaking of balance, how do becoming more like humans. of higher male than female we can only compete relationship online, would you think the government can There’s something I wrote on representation, this is not an rather chat on social media than encourage growth in the digital my profile – “I am interested in with them by doing issue of having more men than communicate with one another industry? the humanity ecosystem.” We women in a firm. What could the what humans can at a restaurant. This tells one ONYEKA are getting to a place where we problem be? Is there a knowledge how bad technology is affecting forget that it’s a human at the other do and that is by gap or an underlying social In 2018 the vice president humanity. I don’t know if you end. Often what people see is an factor? We need to look inward, of Nigeria visited a few tech having emotional are concerned about the fact that account, forgetting that it is owned try to figure out the cause of the startups, including Farmcrowdy. we are becoming like robots and by someone and that person will intelligence.” problem. I feel that is basically That was very encouraging – to we can never do a job better than get our feedback and this will what we need to do. see someone at that level coming Adewale Yusuf. a robot because it is automated. to startups to understand what

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There are instances in Canada when you start a how she could renew her Nigerian passport. She Legit.ng new venture, you get support from the government accessed the portal online, chatted with one of the Rebranding to of up to $50,000. You get that as your first seed Nigerian agency’s staff, and it was done. We do Goke Olaegbe is the Managing Legit.ng is in the top ten web- capital to kick off on a good note. It’s not the need to give respect to the government but as much Director of Naij.com Media sites in Nigeria. How did the com- best but at least it’s good enough. Some policies as possible they have to do more. Limited. With degrees and pany achieve this feat in such are put in place on how you recruit, to make sure a crowded online news media FEMI experience in various fields space? you recruit local people; there are tax rebates, What I think the government can do is to invest including project management, With hard work, nothing is impossible. and so many other initiatives. Initiatives such as heavily in electrical and internet infrastructure. business strategy, and market- We have a very competent and capable these could be set up across the state or country team that ensures no stones are left I think if businesses have access to 24 hours of ing, he engineered different ensure that our contents are accurate to support many startups. This should be done energy supply, they would be more productive. unturned. Legit.ng possesses a strong and dependable. business solutions which has work ethic and we are always ready to consciously by the government. Investment in infrastructure in general needs to be go the distance in satisfying our read- Who are the promoters of It is also important to talk about digital platforms improved. For example, if we invest in the fibre- made Legit.ng among the top online publishers in Nigeria. ers and clients alike. Legit.ng and what is the mission and entrepreneurs from the government’s optic network and have it up and running all over and vision of the organisation? perspective. The government should showcase their Legit TV receives global fund- Lagos State, it will be a big boom for businesses. Goodbye Naij.com welcome Who else would promote you better ing from Google News Initiative. own. The reason we all love Silicon Valley is that Businesses pay a lot of money for crappy internet Legit.ng. Can you tell us the ratio- than yourself? However, we maintain This is quite an achievement. the government of the United States allowed the services. Our businesses are mostly internet-driven nale behind the name transition? cordial relationships and ensure quality Californian government to showcase Silicon Valley Let’s be clear that the name of the How did this come about? service delivery to our partners and and so a lot of money is spent on data. These power Legit.ng is also a leading online as a major export from the US. The Chinese are company remains Naij.com Media clients which goes a long way in our and internet issues need to be fixed. platform known for covering and brand promotion. Our mission is to be doing this now, the Indians Limited. However, the domain name ADEWALE is what we changed from www.naij. investigating human angle stories in your guide that leads the way through have done this, and the Kenyans are doing it What tools exist for today’s career professionals/ com or www.naija.ng to www.legit. Nigeria. This is a feat that caught the the news and work to continually as well. If there is a conscious effort by the ng. This was done in order for our attention of Google News Initiative. This improve our audience experience. entrepreneurs to improve productivity and therefore led Legit.ng to receive grants government, where they consistently showcase communication? I use Slack and Google Docs. brand to stand out and be distinct from their own, it makes more people want to get into other brands and online sites that bear from Google/YouTube to purchase Can we have an insight on the ONYEKA more equipment and upgrade our stu- staff strength and the organisa- the sector and do more. It attracts investors from names close to the name “Naij”. For I use Twitter for communication; Grammarly to dio to continue to produce quality and tional structure of Legit.ng? outside the country, so you get more foreign direct instance, there are sites like naijanews, ensure my write-ups are in order. I use WhatsApp; naijastories, etc. A large percentage of sought-after video content. We have a sizeable number of full-time investment coming to these startups because there’s I create a lot of WhatsApp groups instead of using our audience oftentimes find it hard to staff and numerous freelancers scat- the reputation of that government showcasing it at In this age of fake news, how tered across the country and outside. Slack. Slack is more work-related. I also use differentiate these sites from us, there- does Legit.ng ensure that what stake. I think these are things that should be done to fore causing confusion in the brand The Managing Director heads the com- LinkedIn and Google Docs as well it publishes is factual and accu- pany while the Editor-in-Chief manages encourage startups. identity. The name change was neces- rate? Under your Naij.com incar- KAYODE sary to correct that issue. news content. There is also an active ADEWALE nation there were comments editorial and marketing team alongside For socials, I use Facebook and Instagram; for that some news articles on your Something I noticed in other countries is that the Naij to Legit. Why legit? What admin, finance and IT support. social media management tools, I use Buffer and site were written in a style that government finds a way to fund these startups and does this name seek to convey Sprout Social; for communication – Gmail; for were clickbaits. give them projects. There was a time at Techpoint to an audience? With so many online media productivity, I use Trello and Evernote. For career- As the name implies, legit connotes Fake news is everywhere and it is not platforms aiming to be number when we wrote about how to get contracts from the in the nature of Legit.ng to publish or one in Nigeria, what steps are government as a startup. It’s an almost impossible focused individuals, LinkedIn is good. trustworthiness, truthfulness and hon- esty. We want our audience, readers convey such stories. However, there you taking to ensure you are in task because of several requirements like a five-year FEMI are sites, online tools and platforms the top five at any given time? For educational resources, YouTube is key – there and clients to know and understand audit report. Nevertheless, as a startup, you have that every news content coming from where news contents are checked and We shall continue to do what we have some solutions that can help improve government is free and educative content there. I also use the site is true, honest and dependable. verified. We ensure always been doing, by ensur- operations. There is therefore a need to support Coursera, edX and a bunch of other platforms. that every publication ing we publish verified and legit is double-checked news at all times and research startups. To beef up organisation skills in this fast-paced The rebranding from Naij. “Our world, you may need help with meditation. For com to Legit.ng must have been so as to provide new ways to better our online KAYODE quite tasking. Can you give us an true and trustworthy mission is practices to improve our read- I think we should however commend the that, I use Headspace or Calm. I prefer Telegram news. New blogs ers’ experience. to WhatsApp. I am a Telegram ambassador. On insight on the steps your organ- government for the recent ease in registering isation took to achieve this? and websites could to be your Telegram you do not need to give out your number, Rebranding is never an easy task. be guilty of using Where do you see Legit. businesses. It used to be very difficult and clickbaits and bogus guide ng in the next five years? expensive to register a business. you can send messages, people can reach you by However, I commend the team at your username and you have as many as 200,000 Legit.ng for carrying out a good job. It headlines just to that leads To remain the leading online ADEWALE involved an array of technical opera- attract attention, media platform in Nigeria and members on a Telegram group. Telegram can be however Legit. the way be ranked among the top con- Nigeria has a lot of digital platforms. A friend accessed anywhere, on the web or tablet and not tions, from migrating the Naij.com recently wanted to start a business here but he was site to Legit.ng to rebranding all social ng stays clear of through ventional and traditional media just on your mobile. It is an awesome app. There media channels. that practice as we globally. living in the UK. I advised him to visit the CAC is also Workplace by Facebook – it’s a Slack the news.” platform online. Another friend in France asked me competitor and it’s free. 104 105 MAN PRIDE MAN PRIDE

You clothing line is called MAN PRIDE Kelechi Odu Collection and you create primarily mens- Meets wear. What kind of man do you design for? Each collection is designed Kelechi around a concept which is Kelechi Odu – fashion designer,Odu reflected in each item of cloth- ing. Different people respond architect and film producer – speaks to different items. Our suits to Man Pride about creativity and the for example tend to be popular with a more fashion-forward human experience. man, but our shoes, particularly a pair we call the Otunba, are will determine how one is per- those fields in a sort of appren- DEPENDING on who one to only take on a few projects enjoyed by older men. We are ceived and treated. It is always ticeship. Together we create speaks to, you are an archi- at a time that are meaningful more interested in the way men best to be appropriately dressed sustainable, high quality design tect, a fashion designer or a for me. interpret and use the clothes we unless one has a particular mes- objects. Each year we hold a film producer. How would How would you say fash- create than in clothing a par- sage to send. presentation of the works pro- ticular kind of man. duced. We were showcased at you describe what you do? ion enhances the human Tell us about the spaces Depending on who is listen- experience? the London Design Festival in Any advice on how men and experiences you create? 2018. ing, I would either say I am a In three key ways I can think should dress? manifester of ideas or simply a The motto at AxisDIA, the of at the moment. First, fashion I think people should be more As a creative, what chal- multi- disciplinary designer. I architecture firm I practice creates a means for self-expres- deliberate about the choices they am interested in creating spac- with, is ‘creating great places’. lenges do you face in the sion. Clothes are great tools inspiration for their collec- make. Each item we wear and es, objects and experiences that It is with this ethos that we Nigerian space? for identifying with a group, tions consequently deepening how it is worn sends a signal, enhance and enrich the human have designed city master Mostly the same as any other expressing one’s individuality their knowledge of the world whether one likes it or not, that condition. plans, buildings and interiors all business in Nigeria, such as the and indicating one’s aspirations. and sometimes translating this over the world. high cost of production, lack of How are you able to do all The second is that human knowledge in ways that capti- Movies can be thought of as skilled labour and reliance on these different things? beings respond deeply to beau- vate and educate the consumer. architecture in two dimensions. importation for many tools and Well, at root they are all ty and awe, and fashion affords As the Head of Production raw materials. One issue howev- fundamentally about creating people the opportunity to bring “I am Design at The Audrey Silva er, that is unique to the creative solutions to problems. To me, both to each other every day. Company, I facilitate the cre- industries, is the reluctance of they only differ in the way the In places where people take it interested ation of the worlds envisioned Nigerians to pay properly for solutions are applied and in the as a civic duty to create beauty by the director on film and quality local design or creative amount of involvement other around themselves, the experi- in creating television. services. people have in the creation or ence of day-to-day life is more Through my ongoing collabo- experience of the thing. Each delightful, I mean, why do ration with the Bloom gallery, How do you balance work discipline feeds a different part people love Paris? spaces, we enhance the experience of and family life? of my design impetus, where Fashion designers today are art through the spatial design Though I share the deep architecture is necessarily co- probably the most prolific cre- objects and of their booth at the ART X interest in design with my wife, creative during the making pro- ators. Designers must produce fair each year. I try to keep work only in the numerous permutations of studio or at the office. cess, it ensures complete control experiences Do you have any upcom- over the user experience. Fash- essentially, shirts, skirts, trou- What do you take pride ion design on the other hand sers and dresses many times ing projects you can share? I started a design cooperative in? can be a solitary exercise during a year, for an audience that that enhance I take pride in being able to the making process, but allows demands inspiration with each called the Oparanze Collective which connects young men make a living from the things the user creative flexibility with new collection. As a result, the and enrich I enjoy doing, with people I the finished object. I work in third reason fashion enhances interested in craft work, at the moment carpentry, metal work respect in a country where I partnership with great practi- the human experience is that can make a difference. tioners in the various fields and designers now mine all aspects the human and leather work, to masters in am also fortunate enough now of the human experience as Otunba shoe in blue suede condition.” 106 107 MAN PRIDE MAN PRIDE The DEBONAIR Pyramid A “debonair” individual according to the Oxford English Dictionary is a gentleman Bringing it altogether who acts in a sophisticated and appealing Having analysed all way, often described as STYLISH, these components of the Debonair Pyramid, how do CONFIDENT and CHARMING. These they all come together? adjectives are at the very core of the debonair Style, situated at the top of the pyramid is evidently gentleman, defining his lifestyle and conduct. the most visible and We have christened these three tenets as the rightly so because people interact with what they “Debonair Pyramid”. see, hence, it is the first means of attraction. This is why a Rare and Debonair Style Gentleman must always There is a particular reason why style is at the top of the look presentable. This pyramid, and this is captured in the aphorism, “the way you Gent’s Black-Tie Ensemble is not limited to one’s dress is the way you would be addressed.” Being a debonair clothes, but the beard, The Debonair Pyramid gentleman already connotes a type of style – sophistication. hair and fingernails must be Sophistication is often associated with suits and tuxedos, but always groomed. it is not limited to these alone. Sophistication in our opinion Confidence A great style game must be complemented by a self-confident simply means looking presentable and taking pride in your “Self-confidence is the most most sophisticated of looks demeanour. People are drawn to persons who are confident and daily appearance regardless of the occasion. For instance, a attractive quality a person can is nullified by self-doubt. comfortable in their skin. Please note that the key word is confidence, casual yet sophisticated look sporting a pair of shorts with a have. How can anyone see Confidence is an attractive not arrogance or snobbishness. People who are arrogant or snobbish polo top, or a more rugged style featuring a blue denim jacket how great you are if you can’t quality. It is for this reason turn others off. intricately paired with see it yourself?” This quote that self-confident people are Being stylish is great but some might mistake it for being vein. adire (tie-dyed) trousers by Auliq Ice aptly defines the often at the helm of affairs Similarly, one’s confidence could be mistaken for cockiness, but what and a light green and power of confidence in any in different fields. This is corrects all misinterpretations is charisma. This is because being white Super Eagles Jersey individual’s life. It is one thing because confidence builds courteous, smiling and rendering compliments assists a gentleman all worn on top of brown to look the part (i.e. style), trust and when tied with in endearing himself to others. It subconsciously communicates to leather boots. They all but even the influence of the charm, it is an unstoppable others that despite having an immaculate appearance and beaming look presentable when force. with confidence, you are equally humble. Humility itself births goodwill. properly paired. In essence, being debonair is not just being stylish, confident and Another important charming, but it is a way of life, a gentleman’s code if you will. So be a aspect of style that SCC Gent. distinguishes a debonair gentleman Charm CREDITS is his attention to detail. Charm is also an attractive quality and it is possessed by great A well-coordinated Written by Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe leaders. Charm is a quality that causes someone to be very likeable. a.k.a Cmex Mr Rare & Debonair combination of Some might believe that this quality is innate, therefore, you either Photos: Gent’s Black-Tie Ensemble/The Riviera fashion accessories have it or you don’t. Yes, this quality is innate but it can equally be often adds the necessary Ensemble – Mary Olan learnt, and those who possess it innately may equally improve on The Sapeur Ensemble – Alberto Micheletti polish to an ensemble. This their gift. So what does it even mean for someone to be termed The Rugged Gent Ensemble – Hannah Wyles makes one to charming? Charm is defined by simple gestures such as showing standout in any Shoot location: St Andrews, United The Riviera courtesy, rendering compliments (when due), or simply sharing a Kingdom Ensemble company. smile. These aforementioned actions endear a gentleman to others Debonair Pyramid illustrated by Ikechukwu Anyiam-Osigwe and create goodwill for himself. The Rugged Gent Ensemble 108 The Sapeur Ensemble 109 ONE TO WATCH Jermaine Okpe Jermaine and DJ Consequence.

ermaine Okpe memorable event in Nigeria in recent years. is a 21-year-old in Lagos has to be The COVID-19 pandemic entrepreneur, online Sujimoto@5 in however has changed life as we publicist, content Banana Island. It was know it, and Jermaine has had Jermaine and Rema creator, and visual really a night of glitz to go back to the drawing board storyteller.J He owns the and glamor; it had governors, given the cancellation of large company and pay upfront,” he entertainment company gatherings to curb the spread. explained. “Some will book and dignitaries, and celebrities in Jermaine Media, which focuses On April 19, 2020, he began a say they will pay later, but at attendance; and you know what on show promotions, online live Instagram show “Behind the the end they don’t so and you they say ‘your net worth is your publicity, event coverage and Story”, which airs every Sunday find yourself going back and network’.” online blogging. Jermaine at 9 p.m., along with special forth. Other times they tell you For Jermaine, the current Media has branches in episodes on Wednesdays at what they will offer you is more direction of Nigeria’s universities across Nigeria, 9 p.m. The live show aims to exposure and they don’t have entertainment business will have and has been involved in over connect Nigerian influencers, money to pay you. In all, it’s a it become one of the biggest 100 successful events such musicians and other creatives, lot to deal with but gradually I entertainment capitals in the as Davido 30 Billion Concert, and so far over 50 creatives have believe it will be better.” He takes world within the next five years, Wande Coal Live, Burna Boy graced the show, thus giving it in his stride and considers with the likes of Cardi B, Future, live, One Night Stand with youths and creatives a voice that every event as an opportunity Megan Thee Stallion, Migos, and Adekunle Gold, Olamide mainstream media wouldn’t to grow his business: “My most Jordyn Woods having performed Live in Concert, and The Falz give them. Experience. Jermaine’s advice to Jermaine started his company young creatives: “Be on March 25, 2016. “I was consistent. Don’t come home for a year after high Nigeria works, so I have had into entertainment school. I was just discovering to do this all by myself, learn expecting it to work myself and I decided this was and grow,” he said. “Secondly, again before I started to get with a snap of your what I wanted to pursue in there was a lack of support the basic opportunities. Along fingertips, that’s not the long run,” he recounted. from industry giants when the line it all started it add up how it works. You have However, it hasn’t been an easy I started out. I reached out on its own and we are here to put in time and journey establishing himself to event organisers to cover now, but we still have a lot of improve your craft, you in the Nigerian entertainment shows which usually had work to do!” have to offer genuine industry. “First of all, no one in superstars headlining and they He characterises his experience value to be at the top, my family has any background would refuse to give me a pass working with brands and events blind the noise and knowledge about how the just because I was young. I had in Nigeria as ‘bitter and sweet’. focus on your goal.” entertainment business in to prove myself over and over “Some of them would book the

110 Jermaine and Skales 111 MAN PRIDE MAN PRIDE Cloudflex: Driving Nigeria’s is or the availability of a Along with our and strategies to local cloud. We have also partners, we “We are ensure the highest seen a lack of faith in the have invested level of security. cloud computing sector competency and stability of a considerable contributing local cloud offerings. There sum in our As the infrastructure to Managing The Managing Director of hubs, financial is a need to improve our to the Director of visibility, but those customers provide a world- Cloudflex Computing Services technologies and class platform. Cloudflex what that know have reaped the economic is it that keeps Ltd, Aderemi Adejumo discusses tech startups, the The COVID-19 benefits of using a local cloud. you awake? what inspired the creation of Nigerian IT ecosystem pandemic has We are contributing to the ecosystem We have an Nigeria’s first indigenous cloud is evidently growing been a good test economic ecosystem and laying excellent team, so computing company, as well as exponentially, and at of our robust the foundation of a local and we do not have the future of cloud computing in its current rate it can infrastructure framework for growth. It can major concerns. Nigeria. handle having its own and organisation; only get better. laying the However, I would local cloud so that we have been How would you describe love to see a these platforms can able to continue cloud computing and What were and are foundation faster growth of take advantage of data our business how it works? currently the challenges tech in Nigeria. sovereignty and data faced by Cloudflex? How uninterrupted. Cloud computing is the of a local My major worry localization, as well as were they addressed? provision of computing and enjoy reduced latency is how to grow There is a lack of favourable Cloudflex storage in a data centre as and be on a cloud that framework the ecosystem of legislation and enforcement makes use of opposed to an on-premise can adapt to the local cloud computing of data localization. Finding sophisticated IT server, in an office for instance. environment. infrastructure, for growth.” in Nigeria and skilled hands is also a It guarantees more security which is fulfil our potential challenge; we have a shortage as virtual spaces are provided. What will you say expensive. as a company and of skilled personnel. And then It has the characteristics of a is the advantage How is the a country. there is the issue of customer pay-as-you-go model, that is an Cloudflex is offering company able operating expense rather than local businesses awareness – that we have the to raise capital Where do a capital expense. A popular to host their data competence and we are secure. for this? you see the rule of thumb is that there is locally instead of The slow adoption of the We have a mixture of Nigerian IT sector, and a 70% cost saving on the total overseas? cloud also creates a significant shareholders’ fund and other in particular cloud cost by moving to the cloud. Cloudflex is currently challenge for the business. financing, but cashflow is very computing, in the next 10 The cost saving is achieved by the only organisation We expected, especially with tight in Nigeria. Funding for years? the economy of scale, shared to have two cloud the current challenges, that startups is very poor in this I expect that with the long facilities and the absence platforms. We tailor more companies would see the part of the world. overdue data localization of buying and maintaining our solutions to our benefit of cloud computing and and data governance law as customer’s needs move from on-premise to cloud Given the ever-rising well as economic growth, on-premise infrastructure certified – VMware Cloud and in the event of a infrastructure. There is also a cyber security concerns, cloud computing will grow such as a generator, UPS, or Verified; and we work closely dispute, we are subject to the wrong perception of ‘built-in how does Cloudflex give exponentially in the near inverter, as well as supporting with all the relevant original same jurisdiction. We also Nigeria’, and we are always its clients guarantees that future. It is one of the four on-site staff. equipment manufacturers their data are safe on conform to all the local laws viewed with scepticism even fastest-growing tech areas; (OEMs). your cloud platform? In June 2018 Cloudflex and statutes – the Nigeria though we are international the other three are machine We do not take cybersecurity launched a local cloud Data Protection Regulation, certified and supported. Our learning, artificial intelligence, How have individuals lightly. We have implemented centre in Nigeria. What Central Bank of Nigeria engineers are encouraged and and internet of things. If we and enterprises in Nigeria several layers of security made Cloudflex think that (CBN) regulations, Nigerian engaged with the backed up by highly skilled realise our potential, we would the Nigerian IT ecosystem that guarantees our clients Communications Commission platform so far? Huawei, VMware, and Veeam be the hub and the leader in needed a local platform? (NCC) guidelines, among rest easy. We are also up to A lot of Nigerians are either engineers. the West Africa region and in With the birth of numerous others. We are internationally date with all the latest tools not aware of what the cloud the continent as a whole.

112 113 www.cloudflex.ng Sliding into her DM: The online dating experience

By Carmelia Ray and so on.” Gentleman, if you’re mission and plan to visit at A professional cloud service provider. going to slide into her DM, least three of the most beautiful CLOUDFLEX COMPUTING As an online dating expert do so with the goal of getting cenotes in Playa del Carmen. SERVICES LIMITED and professional matchmaker a response back and creating It seems a passion for travel for almost three decades, I’ve curiosity about you by taking is something we both share, read thousands of DMs and the time to carefully craft a and as much as I enjoy my solo unfortunately, seen many unique message. missions, I’d rather explore unwelcome ‘D-pics’ in those new places and experiences messages, leaving me and my My blueprint for creating the with someone special. Where clients with terrible online most compelling messages that do you plan to spend your next CLOUDFLEX COMPUTING SERVICES LIMITED dating experiences. If you want will be irresistible to a woman vacation? Let’s meet for coffee to make a great first impression online is as follows: and share our best travel tips! Cloudflex Computing Limited is Nigeria’s’ leading Enterprise local cloud service provider. and increase your chances to 1. Introduce yourself in a What do you say? We are the first choice of Cloud Solutions and managed get noticed, you need to apply positive way. data services for local and global businesses with high BACKUP AS A SERVICE BAAS the three ‘Ts’ to your messaging 2. Share something unique An ideal first message in her ambitions. A service designed using enterprise-class technology to style when you’re sliding into about her that compelled DM is a short paragraph or 3-4 We offer Information Technology as a service provide a reliable backup and recovery service that is her DM. Be thoughtful, tactful you to reach out and share a sentences that shows her you’re easy to deploy; save cost on storage hardware and (Cloud services, Co-location, Managed solutions, Backup and tactical! Sliding into her compliment about her that attentive, you’re interesting, services, Disaster Recovery, etc.), and support for diverse space. infrastructure needs by providing Industry-specific DM is not something you do doesn’t point out her obvious you’re on the same page, and DISASTER RECOVERY Solutions. Our Company is based on the principle of lightly. good looks. that you are NOT like all the Our disaster recovery services enable continuous developing and delivering top of the line Infrastructure business operations and workload mobility by 3. Share something about other men who simply say as a service (IaaS) solutions to meet the need of our providing resources anywhere you need them, in First, understand the 80/20 yourself that creates a common things like “What’s up, baby”. existing and prospective clients. We have invested in the event of a disaster rule when it comes to online bond/interest. Avoid stating the obvious like having our Infrastructure on the ground; hence we are dating. Eighty percent of the 4. Always end your first “Your beautiful smile (or body) local, and this has several amazing benefits to you and PLATFORM AS A SERVICE PAAS most attractive profiles are message with a question to keep is the reason I just had to your business. The platform layer consists of specially crafted software development kits (SDK) that allow developers to produce receiving hundreds of messages the conversation going, and to message you”. This is something their programs using all of the clouds supported features. daily. When I launched a give her a reason to respond. she’s probably read at least OUR SERVICES: personal online dating profile Intriguing a woman’s mind is 300 times. Avoid calling her some years ago using my most the fastest way to pique her pet names like “Sweetie. Babe. STORAGE AS A SERVICE SAAS INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE attractive photos and writing interest, her heart and to create Baby. Sugar. Darling. Sexy”. We help you manage your storage infrastructure instead of maintaining an extensive library of tapes or an incredible profile, I literally instant curiosity about you. These are also a turn off to most Cloudflex is a certified VMware Partner and Solution Provider disks and arranging to store them offsite. watched my inbox flood with women. Slide into her DM like in Nigeria that offers the ability to provide customers with messages from hundreds of An example: the smart, savvy, sensitive and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products on-demand and MANAGED COLOCATION dynamically scaled to meet the ever-changing business needs men online. It took about five Hi Carmelia, it’s Nicholas. As funny man that you are, and of Nigerian businesses. This is a flexible hosting solution service where equip- hours to see my inbox fill up soon as I read your profile, I look forward to the positive ment, space, and bandwidth are available for rental to retail customers without the need for in-house with over 150 unread messages. was excited to reach out to you response coming your way soon. equipment and resources. As I went through the messages, because I love your energy, CONTACT ADDRESS: I noticed that 80% of these first how you express yourself and Carmelia Ray is an internationally acclaimed VIDEOAUDIO CONFERENCING ON MICROSOFT TEAMS matchmaker for high achieving men and the +234 1 279 3183 SALESCLOUDFLEX.NG messages were filled with the that photo of you jumping We offer a new connection to Microsoft Teams. We have typical “Hey. Hi. Sup. What are out of an airplane was epic. women they’re searching for. In 2018, she 9A Professor Kiumi Akingbehin Street, a local line connected to Microsoft Teams, and we received the iDate Award for Best Dating Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria provide video/audio conferencing on Microsoft Teams. you doing today? Hello. Hey I’m actually about to head to Coach. www.carmeliaray.com Baby. Hi beautiful....and so on, Mexico on a solo snorkelling

115 PRIDE ESCAPE REPUBLIC OF BENIN A memorable travel location By Sikemi Ifederu

The Republic of Benin is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking resorts and rich history. It has become a hotspot in West Africa most especially amongst Nigerians because you do not need to break the bank and it is about three hours from Lagos. When I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos, the beautiful town of Ouidah is my Bab’s Dock go-to place. I usually stay at the resort Casa del Papa, which is one is a historical and spiritual site, Cotonou. The admission fee costs of the best out of Benin. A visit to housing up to 60 pythons – which about 2,500 CFA which covers your Benin will always keep you coming are revered in the local religion. boat ride through the mangroves. back. You will have an opportunity to take Once you are out of the mangroves pictures with the snakes – it’s really and into the open, you will get a This is a guide on how to spend safe! But if you have a phobia for view of the restaurant. The food two nights in Benin: snakes, you can explore the arts here is amazing and not pricey. The and craft shop at the back of the area is a good place to visit after a Lodge at the Casa del Papa temple. tour of Ouidah. You can just relax resort: This is the perfect place to – admiring the beautiful scenery, or stay and you have the option of Explore art at Fondation Zinsou: kayak on the lake. choosing between a lagoon or sea This is a contemporary museum view. There are so many activities in a colonial-styled building. Here Discover Ganvie: This is a fishing to engage in on-site like badminton, you will discover the many talents village that houses about 20,000 kayaking, swimming, golfing, and of some of Benin’s finest artists and people in the middle of Lake nightclubbing. If you are in need get further insight into the culture of Nokoué. The people here live in of a spa treatment, then the spa at its people. bamboo houses on stilts. It is one this resort is one of the best I have of the most popular tourist spots visited. It is a good place for both Sail through the mangroves: and most people are fascinated by groups and individuals. Bab’s Dock is a nice restaurant the way in which people navigate in Cococodji not to far away from from one house to another. It is Understand the Slave known as the Venice Route: Be guided of Africa. through the Slave Route and the Ouidah Most of the Museum of History to activities can be understand the last done in a day or you kilometers taken by can spread it out slaves in Africa before if you want a more they were shipped to relaxed holiday. The other continents. Republic of Benin is always a good idea! Visit the Python Temple: A visit to the Sikemi Ifederu is the Founder of the travel Python Temple is one company Tambollo @ of the must-dos while tambolloafrica in Ouidah. This temple

Casa del Papa resort 117 Malta Guinness: A blend of rich goodness and digital savvines

featured celebrity judges and Instagram Live review sessions anchored by the personal photographer to President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayo Omoboriowo; ace videographer Nate Genius; and lifestyle During the lockdown to curb the spread of the photographer George Okoro. Three winners COVID-19 pandemic, Malta Guinness executed a emerged, keeping true to the brand’s promise of digital strategy that didn’t just keep the brand top fuelling the greatness of Nigerians. of mind, but propped new photographers to the hen you the digital space, consistently Switch Challenge and 10-year limelight through the launch of its photography While fans were trying to catch their breath hear about walking the talk and delivering Face App Challenge, further challenge tagged #MaltaShotAtGreatness. The from #MaltaShotAtGreatness, another social social media, nourishing goodness to its connecting with its audience. In task was simple – fans were asked to post a creative media campaign commenced – this time a what is the consumers, which it has done for a recent campaign, and with the picture of a Malta Guinness pack to stand a chance huge partnership deal between Malta Guinness first thing the past three decades. With a tagline “Enjoy Every Moment”, to win a photoshoot contract and a year’s supply and award-winning Nollywood director Kemi thatW comes to mind? Posting colourful and engaging digital Malta Guinness brought to of Malta Guinness. This challenge saw over 1,000 Adetiba of the movie King of Boys tagged pictures or videos on Instagram presence, anyone that comes life how we can all learn to entries from photographers across the country and #KingofBoysStayHomeChallenge. According or rooting for a cause with a across the Malta Guinness celebrate our small and big to the brand, the objective was to pivot two popular hashtag on Twitter? social media pages would easily wins and make the most of life new actors who have never had a film credit into Well, you are right! However, decipher the brand’s personality at every given moment, with roles in the upcoming sequel of the flick – King for brands, engaging on social and tone; energetic, vibrant, the bustling malt drink that of Boys 2, further reinforcing the commitment media goes beyond posting bold and fun are some of the is packed with energy-giving of the brand to fuel the greatness of Nigerians. branded content, as it requires words that come to mind. Malta vitamins to give you that top- Interested actors were asked to send in audition tact, creativity and digital Guinness leverages its key of-the-world feeling. Its social videos replicating a scene from King of Boys, and engineering in order to captivate touchpoints – fun, fitness and media strategy continues to over 3,000 actors sent in their videos. the audiences’ attention, food – to drive their emotive entrench the brand in culture, thereby increasing consumer campaigns, endearing their rooting the brand in key cultural The digital strategy of Malta Guinness is indeed engagement while also deeply target audience to the brand in a calendars with local nuances paying off as its community remains loyal and connecting with them. It’s quite cult-like manner. that endears it to its audience. truly connected to the brand’s essence. Malta difficult to get this just right, but It is therefore not surprising Guinness has successfully created a community a brand that we all know very The Malta Guinness brand has that the brand has won several that understands that this isn’t just another well, Malta Guinness, does this always been seen to be digitally local and international awards, big brand trying to woo them, but a partner right. savvy. The brand’s personality among which is Africa’s Best who understands that communication is a two- is flexible and spontaneous, Premium Non-Alcoholic Malt way street – they listen and then engage. Their The malt giant has continued engaging with fans, including Brand of the Year at the 2019 online strategy has benefited a good number of its culture of going the extra through popular social media African Brand Leadership Merit Nigerians and they’re not planning to slow down mile for its audience even in challenges such as the Flip the Awards. anytime soon.

118 119 FOOD & DRINKS

MOTHER-DAUGHTER PANCAKE BOND Pancake Saturdays, a children’s can take what book by Adetoun O. Adejumo they learn from tells an endearing story of love, my books with courage and family traditions. them through The book chronicles the story their life as they of Ade and her mum and their become adults. love for making pancakes every Is there a reason Saturday morning. you chose to write Adetoun O. Adejumo is a this particular story of a Nigerian-born author now mother and daughter bond- For mother-daughter bond- residing in Denmark. She has ing over pancakes? ing, you could try out this a background in international recipe from Pancake Saturdays: law and international rela- This is a true story about my mother and me. This experi- 1 egg tions, and is the owner of the 1 cup milk companies Ade Organics ApS ence taught me as a child that and Adejumo Childrens Books. anything is possible if you 1 cup flour Adejumo Childrens Books is a work hard at it. With this 2 tsp baking powder children’s book publishing com- story I wanted to inspire other children to dream and aspire ½ tsp salt pany with the objective to share 2 tbsp sugar stories of love, family, laughter, to do anything they want. culture, encouragement and This is a story of family tradi- 1 tbsp oil (for pancake important life lessons. tions, love and courage. pan) In this interview, Adetoun Would you continue writ- 1 tsp nutmeg discusses books and the perfect ing children’s books, or *tsp – teaspoon pancake recipe for a Saturday would you venture into *tbsp – tablespoon morning. other genres? *1 cup – 240g I may explore other genres in This is my mother’s pancake How and when did you the future, but for now I love recipe. What makes this recipe start writing, particularly children’s books and will con- very different and special is my children’s books? tinue to write in this genre. mother’s use of nutmeg. It’s not I love books and I’ve always What advice would you common practice to use this in- loved reading and writing. I give to budding writers? gredient, and it’s incredibly tasty. started writing as a child but I would advise that they go TRY IT and enjoy the same ex- only decided to finally do for it, just leap and let your citement I did as a child and still something about my writing imagination flow. Our minds do as an adult. ENJOY :-) in 2018. I chose to start writ- are beautiful and through writ- ing children’s books because I ing you not only take people Follow Adetoun O. Adejumo on want to capture the imagina- on a journey with you, but Instagram: @adejumochildrens; @ tion of children so that they also inspire and change lives. adeorganics

120 Entrepreneur spotlight: Emmanuella Onyekwere Four top tips for of Ellahs Events “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” – Giorgio Armani during COVID-19 Hey! I am Ella Onyekwere. I am a young lady who is full of creativity and very enthusiastic about success, particularly “Your brand is what people say about you the success of events. I am the CEO of Ellahs Events, when you are not in the room. and the company brings sparks of creativity in every event –JEFF BEZOS, By Jumoke Adekunle FOUNDER OF to make it a success. Our mission is to help our clients AMAZON bring to reality the dreams of their special day. We don’t e are in uncertain achieve this by waving a magic wand, but by communication, times but one thing you can be certain of with meaning, and hopefully maintaining or teamwork, creativity, and commitment, leading to long-last- regard to your brand is increasing revenue. ing relationships. that you need to keep Here are four tips on what you can do to pushing forward and manage, maintain and even grown your We have experience in organising different types of events Wstay focused on that long-term vision. brand during these uncertain times: – private parties, weddings, conferences, whatever event, This is a time to really take stock of your brand and see this as an opportunity to 1. Go back to your customer. Look to to celebrate or to deliberate, the team at Ellahs will make connect deeper with your consumer base understand them in this current moment. it happen. Ellahs Events provides top-notch services at whether you are promoting a product, This will help you learn how to talk to service or even personal branding. them. very suitable prices, that’s to say we work our magic with A lot of brands at the start of COVID-19 2. Find out what your customer needs your budgets. No matter the budget, we do our best to were very reactive – “We are here for you” from you. Then make a plan of action to give them what they need. give you a bespoke and memorable day; like Giorgio said type communication and quirky messages with not much meaning. 3. Stick with your brand principles and the smallest details can create something exceptional. The brands that did well were those who values. Now more than ever, people are quickly moved out of the reactive mode noticing how brands respond to what is For enquires, contact us on +234 909 119 0619 or via and considered new offerings in this new happening in the world. Instagram @ellahs_events. normal. They understood that a brand is 4. Focus on creating a connection and not a static entity, and that they needed giving your customer value. Thank you! to mirror customer touchpoints on their Tough times don’t last but tough brands journey through the different stages of the can and do. Ella pandemic. Jumoke Adekunle is a brand and retail consultant with over 18 So shift from pushing out “stuff’ to creating years’ experience in European and West African markets, both in the private and public sectors.

122 123 TOP SEVEN ESSENTIAL How to TIPS FOR DIGITAL transform your MARKETING WANNABES LinkedIn profile

By Peace Itimi ence – at the heart of every- email marketing can be part of from 1-star to 5-star thing. In as much as it is great a digital marketing strategy. My In today’s digital world, digital to be an expert on your brand advice is to know a bit about all By Funmilola Kehinde Where did you school? Which industry are you marketing and related fields and industry, it also important of them and then find your key in? are some of the most sought- to not lose sight of your target strength and the one you love Your secondary school, university A 5-star profile ensures you are Ensure you list the industry you after skills by employers across audience. They determine your most and specialise. Own that and other educational degrees high on the rank of people in work in on your profile as it all industries. This has spiked channels, how you communi- area! Become the boss! must be documented under the your industry and also those with makes it easier for recruiters to interest in the different areas of cate your message, the influenc- education section. The name of your skill set. In simple terms, this find you. If you work in the tech specialisation. Though interest ers you use when you speak. In 5 Go after experi- your school and the year you means you are easily found before industry then you should include is at its peak, and entry into this essence, the customer deter- ence first, pay will graduated should be indicated, others when a recruiter needs “Information Technology” as booming industry is easy, I have mines everything. come in later: Money is this helps your old classmates find your skill set because you come the industry you currently work found that a lot of newbies are important, very important, but if you easily via LinkedIn. up top in the search. in. However, if you are looking lost, and they find it quite hard to 3 Trendspot and you are just starting out in the Connect your way to the to change careers from tech to move up the ranks quickly and innovate: Digital market- industry, then go after compa- Here are five easy ways to move top human resources then you can efficiently. They find the skills ing is hard to get right, and nies that will stretch you. Gain from beginner to all-star in no As a new user of LinkedIn you include “Human Resources” as easy to learn at first, but hard to it is changing every day. The the experience, build your portfo- time! should add at least 50 connec- your industry and specifically state implement in a way that it pro- only way to keep up with these lio and trust me, in 18-24 months, tions. You can start by adding your in your profile summary that you duces the right kind and amount changes and get ahead of your money will start chasing you. A picture says a thousand old classmates, work colleagues are transitioning and open to op- of results. competition is to innovate. Think long term! Also, learn as words and friends to build up your portunities in human resources. Digital marketing wannabes are Get out of your comfort zone, much as you can. Certification is Your profile picture tells the world profile. Connecting with them is struggling. But here are seven experiment, and test new meth- not as important as experience in the kind of brand you portray. very easy and can be done via the Still wondering how to get from essential tips that will make you ods to improve the effective- this industry, but a combination You should have a professional search tab – just type in the name 1-Star to 5-Star? With the free stand out amongst your peers, ness of your digital marketing of both is gold. So take as many headshot if you can afford one. of your school and several con- LinkedIn Profile Checklist on help you move up faster, and strategy. Also, keep your eyes courses as possible – free or paid If you can’t, all you need to do is nections would pop up. You can www.careerswithfunmi.com, you best of all, help you produce and ears on the ground. Make – just go after knowledge. get a very good smartphone with also send them a LinkedIn request can get an all-star profile. results. sure to keep abreast of trends. a great camera and have a friend by importing your email contacts Don’t get left behind. 6 Find a community or colleague take a picture of you to LinkedIn – this method is very 1 Leverage on data: In and harness it: Join against a white background or effective as I was able to build up Funmilola Kehinde is the Founder digital marketing, data is every- 4 Know a bit about online groups of digital mar- wall. Go ahead and upload the my LinkedIn profile by a thousand of CareerswithFunmi Consulting, a thing. I always say that mea- ALL, specialise in keters (such as the Digital picture to your LinkedIn profile. more connections (comprising talent development and recruitment surement is tomorrow’s strat- one: Contrary to popular Marketing Meetup), so you Your skills are valid friends, colleagues and acquain- consultancy firm, with the vision to help egy. If you want to be great at opinion, digital marketing is not can share your ideas and even youths get employed in dream jobs that Document all the skills tances) in two weeks. digital marketing then you have one thing, rather it is an umbrel- struggles with people that will allows them to live more fulfilled lives. you have gained which to love and learn to be good at la term that covers different understand. Go for meetups She has coached over 1,000 youths are relevant to your field. research. Continuously measure aspects. Website search engine and other events; give value and helped them secure job interviews Skills such as communi- everything you do to get data, optimisation, social media, and and network. Don’t be an and actual job offers. Many of these cation, computer skills, and do not just get data, ask island. secured jobs have been the dream jobs negotiation, and even intelligent questions and of her clients. Her core purpose is to project management draw insights from them. 7 Lastly, always help every individual attain the highest skills should be included Be data-focused. underpromise and level of confidence and purpose in their in your profile to help overdeliver. careers, which leads to job satisfaction recruiters identify you 2 Customer first: and overall happiness. Marketing has evolved into Peace Itimi (@peaceitimi) is a digital and easily. a more customer-centric growth marketing expert, and has been model; a model that has the involved in the strategy and execution of customer – your target audi- digital marketing campaigns for several notable brands.

124 125 PRIDE CAREERS FCMB’s SheVentures Initiative: Creating opportunities for sustainable growth of women-owned businesses

heVentures is First City Monument Bank’s (FCMB) value-added initiative for women- Sowned small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). The initiative provides enhanced support to existing and upcoming women- owned SMEs through access to finance, knowledge, networks, and markets. SheVentures, launched in March 2019, comes with several cutting- edge propositions such as a zero- interest rate loan, which is a short- tenured interest-free loan given to women SMEs (WSMEs) to meet urgent working capital needs; and a gender loan, which comes at a SheVentures zero-interest loan presentation concessionary price for WSMEs to stages with short-term funding SheVentures proposition, especially meet long-term financing needs. to bridge urgent financing needs. the zero-interest loan, training, and SheVentures non-financial value One hundred and twenty female mentorship programs, are tailored propositions includes quarterly businesses have benefited from to offer sustainable benefits which structured mentorship programmes the scheme so far, securing loan increase productivity and the for female entrepreneurs, amounts ranging from ₦500,000 contributions of women-owned classroom and virtual training and to ₦5,000,000. The impact of SMEs. seminars to enhance the capacity these loans on the businesses of As the number one bank for of WSMEs; a strong advisory beneficiaries have been profound. SMEs according to KPMG’s 2019 service easily accessible via the SheVentures also trains and Customer Experience Survey, bank’s SME Business Zone online mentors women in business as FCMB is well equipped and platform; and formal networking a means of empowering them to committed to provide the best events organised to promote strong thrive in their various fields. Under customer value propositions to alliances amongst women in the initiative, over 2,000 women support the aspiration of women business. across several states in Nigeria entrepreneurs. Women SMEs are SheVentures propositions are have been trained on various a strategic focus for the bank and strongly anchored on the four business management subjects and the SheVentures initiative is the pillars of Capital, Knowledge, skills, while over 400 women have channel through which it bridges Networks and Markets. The goal is been offered free mentorship in the the financing gap and addresses to drive financial inclusion, equal past one year. other challenges women are opportunities, and empowerment The SheVentures proposition is as confronted with in business. for female entrepreneurs. much a statement of substance as it With a clear understanding SheVentures is designed to engage, is one of intent. FCMB is passionate of its market and environment, embolden, and equip women- about supporting women in business FCMB is well positioned to owned/led SMEs with appropriate and the primary objective is to continue to create value by tools for growth and impact. encourage women to operate a delivering exceptional services, SheVentures zero-interest structured business that can attract while enhancing the growth and loan product provides small- investments and develop into large achievement of the personal and scale businesses in early growth corporations. The offerings of the business aspirations of women.

126 Four top

in demand during the COVID-19 era By Patricia Uyeh

Though sometimes emphasis is anxiety among workers who are 3. Communication placed on hard technical skills, scared of losing their means of In this COVID-19 period, soft skills are also important livelihood. As our work and daily meetings have gone online. and in high demand on the dynamics change, adaptability It can be difficult maintaining job market. Soft skills are non- has become an in-demand job dialogue with people online, technical skills that relate to how requirement. Workers need to be but with many digital tools, you work. They are basically how flexible to be able to adapt to new communication can flow you relate to your colleagues, routines and methods of work seamlessly. Workers should be how you solve problems, and especially now that it has gone familiar with communication how you manage your work. online. The key to outstanding tools such as Zoom, Slack, Examples include: people skills, performance is understanding WhatsApp, Telegram and the listening skills, time management, how certain tasks can be likes to remain relevant in this empathy, among others. performed well in different ways. era. THEME Hiring managers often look for 2. Time management 4. Problem solving people with soft skills because This helps you to plan your Every organisation requires they are likely to be more time wisely. There are so many problem solvers. People who Maintaining Your successful in the workplace. distractions, but a good worker are good problem solvers Imagine someone who has all should be able to manage his/her ask the right questions, the hard technical skills but time by following routines that analyse different dimensions Emotional can’t get along with people or deliver best results. The ability to of a problem, and employ manage their time well, can manage your time can help you technology as part of their they excel in the job role? No, maintain healthy work relations strategy. Problem solving can obviously. Well-Being in with your boss and co-workers be learned through having a to achieve your organisational solution-finding rather than a In this period of the COVID-19 and personal goals. Do well to fault-finding mindset. Problem pandemic, in which businesses Uncertain Times plan your time, organise solvers understand are looking for ways to survive, your tasks, set goals elements that here are the four top soft skills and hold yourself enhance in demand: accountable daily. teamwork, Saturday, August 29, 2020, leading 11 a.m. 1. Adaptability to better The COVID-19 outbreak results. has altered our lifestyles and how we work. It has induced stress and VIRTUAL

128 129 2020 PWC

The facilitators for the 2020 Pride Women Conference are: THE 2020 PRIDE Angela Emuwa Angela is a seasoned veteran in the Nigerian journalism industry, and serves as the current Chairperson of Nigeria’s leading newspaper publisher, Punch Nigeria Limited, a WOMEN CONFERENCE post she took up in 2018. Before taking on the role of chairperson, she was a member of the Board of Directors at Punch. In 2000, Angela was the Head of Operations, Nigeria at News Africa, a London- based company set up to serve the news and information needs of Africa and Africans in the diaspora. In 1995, she was the Advertising Sales Director at Africa Today, a London- Angela Emuwa goes virtual based company that publishes peer-reviewed, scholarly articles and book reviews in a broad range of academic disciplines on topics related to contemporary Africa. much-anticipated Pride Women Conference, postponed in May due to the COVID-19 In her early career years, she also worked at Newswatch Communications Limited for nine years and occupied the (coronavirus) pandemic, holds as a virtual event on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 11 positions of Advert Executive, Senior Advert Executive, Advert Manager, and Corporate Affairs Manager. She holds a THEa.m. with a lineup of fantastic speakers. postgraduate diploma in Business Administration and an MBA in Public Relations & Advertising. Angela’s passion for supporting parents of autistic children led her to become the President of The Autism Parents The Pride Women Conference is expected to be a life-changing webinar that is aimed at helping Association International, an NGO for Nigerian parents of autistic children. In like manner, she is the immediate past individuals get a holistic grip on their lives in the “new normal”, with the conference examining how Chairperson of Golden Hearts Touching Lives Initiative, an NGO that caters for persons people can meet the challenges of relationships, family, career and business in these uncertain times. with special needs and the indigent. Angela Emuwa will speak on the topic “The Impact on Your Emotional Well-Being The past months have been anything but normal, and the prevailing situation is taking a heavy toll on When Coping With Special Needs Children”. our emotional well-being with most of us finding it difficult to cope. The conference will thus provide Phoebe Dami-Asolo participants with coping tools to help them maintain their emotional well-being in these challenging Phoebe Dami-Asolo is a marketing professional with over seven years’ experience times. Participants will be empowered to take ownership of their overall emotional well-being in a holistic across major multinationals. She is a seasoned professional versed in brand building, manner. brand strategy development, integrated marketing, and communications. She gained her first degree, BaEcon with honours in Accounting and Finance, Phoebe Dami-Asolo The theme of the 2020 conference changed, from “Women: Work, Relationship and Marriage – The graduating with a second class upper from the University of Manchester, UK. She also Conversation Deepens” to “Maintaining Your Emotional Well-Being in Uncertain Times”. holds a Master of Science degree in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management from the Imperial College Business School, UK. She is certified in Marketing Strategy from Harvard Division of Continuing Education, and in Brand Management from Lagos Business School. Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo is the chairperson of the event. Currently, she leads customer marketing as the Commercial Manager at The Coca-Cola Company, Ngover is a corporate and institutional banking executive with 20 years’ experience championing activities aimed at increasing value for customer-related partnerships at the company. in financial services across a wide range of functions including, corporate relationship Before her current role, she worked at Reckitt Benckiser (RB), Nigeria as the Brand Manager for the West management, sales, credit, transaction banking, remedial account management, and African region. She was responsible for the promotion of specified consumer products in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte risk. d’Ivoire and Cameroon. She led all marketing activities to achieve the brand’s objective. Additionally, her duties She is currently the Head Coverage at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria. Prior to this role, integrated media and marketing communications for the region, ensuring that content for various textual, audio, Ngover was an Executive Principal at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, responsible and visual media channels promote products, while also overseeing in-market activations in West Africa. for anchoring the bank’s International Corporates Portfolio. She was also responsible Prior to RB, Phoebe was recruited as a Young African Talent at Nigerian Breweries Ltd and managed various for structuring and implementing working capital and securities services solutions for household brands including Amstel Malta, Fayrouz, Maltina and Strongbow Apple Cider. Phoebe’s work has Corporate Finance & Capital Markets clients across the Standard Chartered’s Africa Ngover Ihyembe Nwankwo won awards such as brand of the year and award for excellent digital execution, and in 2018, she received a footprint. She also managed the Multinationals Portfolio under the Global Corporates recognition award for outstanding performance in marketing. Phoebe is a member of the Chartered Institute of Team, and before that was Country Head of Transaction Banking. Marketing, UK and of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). Ngover holds a master’s degree in International Management from the University of Exeter, UK and a bachelor’s She wears many hats. She is the Founder of Naija Arts Market, an e-commerce platform with the aim of degree in Combined Social Sciences (Politics, Philosophy & Economics) from the University of Durham, UK. She is a promoting Nigerian culture through sales of locally made art and hand-made cultural artifacts. She is also certified Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Credit Administration. in Couple and Family Counselling by the Institute of Counselling, UK. Extremely passionate about relationship Ngover is passionate about supporting women to achieve their full potential and sits on the Women in optimization and healthy marriages, she finds expression for this passion by offering counselling sessions in her Management, Business & Public Service (WIMBIZ) Executive Council as the Chairperson. She has also contributed to spare time. Phoebe is happily married to Damilola Olufunwa Asolo and they are blessed with a son. the Nigeria Banker’s Committee Sub-Committee on Women Empowerment. Phoebe Dami-Asolo will speak on the topic “Balancing It All in the New Normal – Career, Marriage and Her hobbies include reading, mentoring, travelling and culinary arts. She also enjoys providing finance and Relationships”. accounting coaching/training through volunteering. She is happily married to a wonderfully supportive husband and they are blessed with two lovely daughters.

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Fiona Weeks Dr (Mrs) Aina K. Oyekanmi Fiona Weeks is an experienced storyteller who believes that every brand has a story Dr Oyekanmi is currently the Chief Consultant Psychiatrist at Federal Neuropsychiatric worth telling. Hospital, Abeokuta (a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health in Nigeria). In her role as Director of Digital Strategy at Pulse Nigeria, she is responsible for the development of creative and deliberate digital strategies to achieve client objectives. Dr Oyekanmi has over two decades of practice and experience in mental health care, She has previously worked in brand management at Unilever’s global headquarters in and has conducted extensive works in women’s mental health, as well as workplace Rotterdam, NL and as a broadcast journalist for ABC news in Maryland, USA. and performance impacting mental assets. She has attended and participated in several workshops and training in the field of psychiatry and community health care delivery. Fiona received her BA in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Fiona Weeks –Pulse Nigeria. her MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management. She has also conducted extensive research and in-depth analytical studies in the field Dr (Mrs) Aina K. Oyekanmi of child psycho-social and mental development, and is particularly experienced in child Fiona is an avid foodie who spends her free time trying all that the Lagos food scene has and adolescent life-course health development, associated psychopathologies, and overall to offer. mental health management, including preventive and curative interventions, early educational interventions, behavioural Fiona Weeks will speak on the topic “There Are No Shortcuts to Happiness”. modifications, multidisciplinary therapeutic services, and outcome evaluations. Dr Grace Chita Okudo Dr Oyekanmi, over the years, has contributed to national mental health through several public education and Dr Okudo is a consultant physician, dermatologist and venereologist, a Fellow of enlightenment programmes, as well as publications, covering general mental health, women, children and adolescent the Medical College of Physicians of Nigeria, and recently retired as Assistant Inspector mental health, and psycho-social issues. General of Police (AIG) and Head of Nigeria Police Medical Services. Dr Okudo has served She is the founder and coordinator of MentalForte, an organisation aimed at promoting mental health literacy and Nigeria meritoriously both as a medical doctor and a fine police officer, which earned quality care delivery through various multidisciplinary intervention programmes, and mentalforte.com – Nigeria’s first her a written commendation from the Inspector General of Police. She is a national merit multilingual platform for mental health. awardee of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, among other awards. Dr Oyekanmi brings this wealth of knowledge to the bear in many of her public enlightenment and education She is currently an examiner at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria interventions in the areas of character building, substance abuse, social media addiction, suicide and depression, Dr. Grace C. Okudo and President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, and was commissioned in memory optimization, resilience, mental executive functioning for maximum productivity, adaptive coping skills, stress 2017 as a national Health Advocate. She is passionate about rural health access, and has management, cognitive restructuring, and preventive mental health interventions. travelled the length and breadth of Nigeria to provide rural communities with much-needed health care. Dr Oyekanmi will be speaking on “Am I Going Mad? Maintaining Your Mental Health in the New Normal”. Dr Okudo was involved in the nationwide Integrated Biological and Behavioural Dr Sunny Olukunle Phillips Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) on HIV in 2010 and 2014. She was also head of the technical team of the survey for Edo State in 2010. Dr Phillips is a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in leadership, health systems strengthening, continuous quality improvement, learning and development, change Her hubbies are choral singing, gardening and travelling. management, high-performance team building and motivation. In 2015, he was ranked in Dr Okudo will be speaking on “Ideal Skincare for Emotional Well-Being”. the top 2% of Nigerian top executives in the management consulting industry. Stella Kivila He has led teams for target-driven multimillion-dollar project implementation, and Stella Kivila is an agile outlier who began her career as a pharmacist and now facilitated capacity building for thousands of participants across Nigeria. He is an award- thrives as a people development expert with a decade of experience leading teams in winning public speaker and highly regarded executive and career excellence coach. He pharmaceutical, corporate and women empowerment spaces. Currently, she is the is part of the faculty of the Leadership Academy of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). founder and lead coach at Performance Point International (PPI), a workforce development Stella Kivila Dr Sunny Phillips firm that helps company executives build high-performance teams by leveraging individual Dr Phillips is the Founder/CEO of LeadMetrics International Ltd, an organisation diversity. PPI is an accredited business partner with Clarity 4D UK and aims to be the leading capacity building firm in devoted to strategic leadership, management, marketing, and facilitation, which also has in its stable the Sunny Phillips Africa, helping people become the highest version of themselves using globally tested frameworks. Leadership and Life Coaching Centre (SPLLCC) and the Sunny Phillips Academy for Career Excellence (SPACE). He is also Stella serves as a team leader and board member of the Harvard-borne Girls 4 Girls (G4G) Mentoring Initiative the Nigerian Coordinator of the University of Baltimore, Fogarty NIH Epi-Nigeria grant and President of the Johnson & that empowers women to develop the vision, courage and skills to lead in their spheres of influence. She has been Johnson sponsored Management Development Institute hosted at the Lagos Business School. instrumental in scaling the programme especially in Uganda by leading several cohorts and the training of mentors. She Dr Phillips is the Founding President of the Millennium Toastmasters club, Abuja, Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the recently started the G4G Fireside Chat, a monthly virtual platform that brings together women from all over the world Institute of Management Consultants, Member of the West African College of Physicians and of the International Health with the aim of sharing real stories and real topics from real people. Economics Association, and Associate of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and National Institute of Marketing An avid believer in continuous learning, Stella is a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumni and African Women of Nigeria. Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) fellow. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Makerere University and He is passionate about building the leadership capacity of individuals and organisations to maximally utilize leadership has graduated from various leadership programs including Regent University, The Boardroom Africa and Strathmore opportunities towards leaving positive legacies. One of his famous quotes is ‘When leadership ends, legacy echoes’ – Business School. what would be your legacy echo? Stella has been an inspirational and keynote speaker at various summits, conferences and organisations. Her Dr Philips will speak on the topic “Ditch Your Ditches: Facing Up to Life’s Challenges and Not Play at Being the contribution to health care, leadership and women has seen her recognised by Pride Magazine Nigeria, Top 40 Under Victim”. 40, Top Women in Science, and Rotary International. Stella is a change agent who believes that we carry unique potential that can be deliberately harnessed into creating positive impact for our communities. In future, Stella plans to expand her passion for coaching, mentoring and health technology across Africa with a focus on empowering women. Stella Kivila will be speaking on “S.P.I.C.E. Your Life With Clarity”.

132 133 2020 PWC 2020 PWC WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CO-CONVENER OF THE PRIDE WOMEN CONFERENCE MRS IJEOMA ANYIAM-OSIGWE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 2020 EDITION

he chairperson, facilitators, distinguished women and men George Anni Ndidi Edeoghon Phina Ebele here present, I warmly welcome you all to this fourth edi- George Anni, Ndidi Edeoghon and Phina Ebele will moderate the event. tion of the Pride Women Conference. A compère par excellence, actor and model, George Anni aka GeorgeMent is a music graduate We are now heading towards the end of the year 2020, and and has been teaching and instructing individual students, as well as in schools and church choirs quite a year it has been. It certainly has not gone the way for almost fifteen years. An introvert until he was infected with the bug to be on stage, George now most of us planned. The conference, originally scheduled for can’t stop talking. He has compèred many corporate and social functions with his own unique style and humour. MayT as an in-person conference, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, I take comfort that it is now being held as a virtual Ndidi Edeoghon is a highly exposed and seasoned international lawyer. She is passionate about the youths, and her passion led her to form Ambassadors Initiative for Youth Development and Conflict conference, providing us with the opportunity to pause, think and share Resolution, a non-governmental organisation which promotes the ideals of the UN in schools and ideas that will help us move forward in a deliberate and profound manner helps groom future international leaders. towards a more fulfilling life. The virtual conference also provides an op- Phina Ebele is the project manager, main speaker and facilitator for E195 Professionals. Her portunity for more people to tune in and be part of it. experiences, stage presence and confidence cuts across many international engagements. In my welcome address for the second edition, I noted that emotional well-being requires that we learn to be resilient, flexible and balanced when confronted with stressful circumstances and traumatic events. Emo- THE EVENT WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS AND MEDIA PARTNERS tionally healthy people are able to adjust and solve problems. The pan- demic, and the associated efforts to curb its spread around the world, not only changed our plans, but brought with it health, financial, and other challenges – stressful and traumatic for many. It has not been easy facing these challenges; it has taken an emotional toll on a lot of us. Anger, sad- ness and despair are normal. We are human to feel these emotions, most especially when we have loved ones to take care of. But it is also human to overcome – to acknowledge these emotions and find solutions to the problems we face. The theme of this year’s conference “Maintaining Your Emotional Well- Being in Uncertain Times” was specially chosen for the deliberation of the emotional toll brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Our facilitators will share tips and methods from their professional and personal experienc- es to help us be more resilient and power through this period of our lives. The 2020 conference brochure is incorporated into the latest edition of Pride Magazine Nigeria – the Digital Speaks edition. The contents of the magazine also provide strategies to help us cope and thrive. We all have it within ourselves to turn any situation around for the better. Thank you for making out time to be part of this conference. I am sure it will be worth your time. We call on God Almighty to be with us throughout this conference and grant us fruitful deliberations. I wish you all continue to stay in good health.

Welcome

134 135 2020 PWC and for all of us as well to get to As a wife, it is also time for you Maintaining your know our God in a deeper and “This is a time to look at your relationship with friendly way. Whether we like it to take stock your spouse very closely, and try to emotional well-being in or not, we did not just come to this make up for whatever was lacking Earth; there is a higher being that – physically, prior to this period. You may not is regulating our lives. Children be struggling with time as much as uncertain times can learn that there is somebody spiritually, before if both of you are not getting watching, who is also a source of ready and commuting to work strength and help for them. These, financially, during this period. You are with had to stop as both of us are over Emotionally, what amount of love among many others, are things to each other, so you have to learn to 55. Once the government directed have you been giving? What quality emotionally.” look at during this period. live happily with each other; find that we should all wear facemasks time have you given your family and How can people maintain peace and comfort in each other’s in public spaces, I ordered about loved ones? Have you been a good their (emotional) well-being difficult thing, but I hope that God company, maintain a happy and two dozen from a tailor – I have wife and a good mother over the during this challenging will help us. The government will lovely disposition at all times. Yes, a large family. We always wear years? This is the time to examine period? need to support us to succeed in this it can be challenging caring for facemasks whenever we step out. yourself critically, make necessary This is a very important question. new normal; we need government the family, but it can also present As I always tell myself, husband adjustments, and to offer counsel For me, my God is the beginning input, infrastructure, advice. opportunities. You can have the and children, we all just need to be to members of your family. This is and the end – anything that troubles THE CO-CONVENER OF THE It is arguably much harder children cleaning and taking care calm and patient. At the start of the the time for them to reflect, to look my soul, I offer it to God. He is the for women during this PRIDE WOMEN CONFERENCE, of their environment, everybody pandemic, we did come together at how they have fared in different source of my strength. I reflect on period – as wives, mothers, IJEOMA ANYIAM-OSIGWE workers. How can women chipping in one way or the other. It and pray that God should please see aspects of their lives – relationships, what is written in the scriptures to SHARES WHAT WOMEN CAN DO take care of their own helps them to avoid boredom. And us through it – only God knows the academics, their spiritual lives too. maintain my emotional well-being. needs during this period? TO FLOURISH AND COME OUT to learn new things; for instance, mysteries of his creation and why We should also look at how this We don’t know why this pandemic And how can women help STRONGER FOLLOWING THE their families emotionally this is the time to teach your this pandemic came about. Thank pandemic and the ensuing lockdown is happening, for the first time CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. during this period? children those fine recipes that you God – so far, so good. and restrictions have affected our as long as people can remember It is not easy being a woman; have, that your mother taught you. We are now a few The lockdown has forced emotional well-being, because everyone is locked down, all over families who are often we juggle so many things. It It is a time to actually teach children months into the COVID-19 some people are going crazy, while the world, nobody is spared. There pandemic, how have you busy outside the home is our nature to know how to a lot of things, to make them to be together. Some are it has helped others to realise a lot is nothing we can do about it, so and your family fared, and multitask, but it can be stressful and responsible, to help them understand predicting either COVID of things, helping them to remedy we just have to live with it as we what have you done to challenging. During this period, I their culture; and those that may not help curb the spread of the babies or mass divorces some things in their lives. Maybe don’t know how long this is going in the next few months. advise women to always find time know how to speak their language, virus? the relationship with a spouse has to last. We have to live with the What advice would you give to reflect, especially at the end of this is the time to teach it. So, it’s When the pandemic began, families to help them cope not been the best because of time ‘new normal’, accept it, and try to the day. You should have a period of challenging, but I’m sure some good we immediately started taking during this period? – having to share time between the work around it as best as we can. time during the day just for yourself. will also come out of this period. precautions, I am sure like every As I mentioned earlier, the advice office, taking care of the children, We should open our hearts and It would help to instil and maintain After this pandemic, people will tell other home. We read up on the I would give families, and I am housework; combining work, family our minds to do what is necessary calmness during this period. of what they learnt and the good and the relationship can be tedious. to succeed. Some families have latest information regarding the giving my own as well, is to be things that it brought about. This is the time to also reflect on that lost their income because of this Mothers are who they are, we virus, and how it could be curbed. calm and be patient. This is also a What would you like to be We began taking our vitamins, time to take stock. Take stock of and review what needs to change. pandemic, and are trying to manage are who we are, who God wants different in a post-COVID us to be – we are very important in followed the Nigeria Centre for your home – physically, spiritually, Physically, take stock of your and find their feet. How do they Nigeria, and the world at the home. A home that the mother large? Disease Control guidelines – hand financially, emotionally. home. This presents an opportunity cope? It’s to be patient and to see is absent, a lot will be lacking. washing, sanitizing, and social to spring clean – take out the old how they can open up new sources People should now appreciate As mothers, in these uncertain, distancing. You go to the market, clothes and junk in your house. of income. This would take some togetherness, appreciate challenging times, our families you come back, put away your “As I always Organise your meals; consider if research and thinking to figure out relationships, appreciate their need us to maintain their emotional clothes for laundry, take your bath. your family is eating the right kind opportunities available now in the co-workers, appreciate their friends tell myself, balance by the way we organise Initially nobody really knew what of food. I do believe that women market. People that are working in outside their homes that they miss. things in the home – avoiding was going on – how do children say husband and have a unique, innate ability that the hospitality industry, for instance, We should be thankful for the quarrels, making our home a it these days (laughing) – is it mad enables us to do certain things better have been particularly affected – people and things around us. Some comfortable and a happy place to oo? It was really mad. We were, and children, we than men – quite instinctively. nobody is going to a restaurant or people during this period have had still are, ultra-careful. Eventually, throwing a big party. It is a heavy be, and encouraging the children to rely on the help of others for food all just need Sometimes, we have not the lockdown affected church loss of income. So people will to maintain healthy and friendly and other necessities. So we should encouraged our children to look at services. Normally, my husband and to be calm and now have to look for other ways relationships with each other and start appreciating whatever we have. their spiritual lives. This is a time I go for early morning mass, so that to provide for their families. It is a their parents. patient.” to introduce children to spirituality;

136 137 Chairperson Mrs Joke Bakare and Deputy Chairperson Mrs United Capital’s exhibition booth at Pride’s Director of Public Relations Sterling Bank One Cynthia Oseni-Elemah getting acquainted in the presence of Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe being the conference Chief Charles Anyiam-Osigwe Woman’s booth at the interviewed by the grass carpet host conference Joy Nnaji Olayide Scenes from Past speakers from left to right Dr Sylva Ashimole, Mrs Rosemary The 2019 Onyebigwa, and second from the right Barrister Nneka Ezeani Pride Women The final speaker Princess Conference Event Coordinator The first speaker Tewa Latifat Momodu, MD and CEO Bruno Orjiako with members Conference Onasanya, Publisher of of Ravissant International Ltd. of The Event Nanny team Exqusite Magazine. Co-Convener Mrs Ijeoma Anyiam-Osigwe (left) and Chairperson Mrs Joke Bakare (right) on the grass carpet

A word from one of our Participant asks a question Participants stand during an interactive Co-Moderator Phina Ebele sponsors Bridge Clinic by RewardsNG CEO Lawrence Okpako (second from left), Pride’s during the interactive session with a speaker introducing the next speaker Chioma Okoye, Principal of Diamond Dr Nurudeen Shittu School of International Protocol and Director of Public Relations Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe Yetty Williams, Founder of session between speakers (second from left), with the RewardsNG team LagosMums and audience. Etiquette.

Tosin Olufemi, Founder of Publisher of Total Gossips Magazine Adewale Adeyemi New Mums Hub (left) and Princess Momodu and a participant on (second from right) and his team with the Co-Convener Chukwuemeka Anyiam- the grass carpet Mrs Ijeoma Anyiam-Osigwe on the green carpet. Osigwe (right) Co-Moderator Ndidi Edeoghon introducing the Deputy Chairperson Mrs Cynthia Oseni- Dr Basil Ogbuanu, CEO of Second second speaker Dr Timi Oyebode Elamah giving her opening remarks Coming Nig. Ltd.

Dr Timi Oyebode, Founder and Chairperson Mrs Joke Bakare receiving her award of Head Counselor of Attitude recognition and induction as an ‘Ambassador of Emotional Development International (ADI) Participant asks a question during the Wellbeing’ by the conference Co-Conveners Chairperson Mrs Joke Bakare, interactive session between speakers Founder of Medplus Pharmacy Blue Band Activation Team at the conference 138 and audience giving her opening remarks 139 Procurement and supply

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