BD Weekender Magazine 9th Edition

EDITION 9 I 24, SEPTEMBER 2020

BIRTHDAY IDEAS

for COVID-19 celebrations Exclusive Interview

Nigerian History

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Contents

SATURDAY 24, SEPTEMBER 2020

3

C O N T E N T S

7 CULINARY DELIGHTS La Taverna is back and open and after the lockdown

9 RECIPE Edikaikong recipe from South-South Nigeria

20 INSPIRE

GUTS and GRACE

14 MENTAL HEALTH TODAY The Mysterious Tale of Emotional Acceptance

23 DIARY OF A YOUNG EXECUTIVE

Jadesola Rawa Policy & Partnerships Associate

29 MUSIC AND POP CULTURE

5 artistes you should listen to right now

34 FINANCE/ RELATIONSHIP

All (other) things being equal… in personal finance (relationships/ marriage)

33 HEALTH TODAY

Myths about Preventive health we have to talk about

35

37

SPORTS

Battle of the Reds Liverpool and Arsenal face off at Anfield

BRANDS

Your Brand Story Is In You, Would You Peak?

38 INTERVIEW

Don’t allow fear of mistakes hold you back from doing the things you read about - Lolu Dosalu Businessday.ng

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Editorial

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Aigbogun MANAGING DIRECTOR Ogho Okiti

Editor’s Note SATURDAY 24, SEPTEMBER 2020

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appy Saturday to you all. I hope you are all doing well and I hope you had a great week. This week was all about rejuvenation for me. As some of you know my birthday was last week and I truly thank you all for the warm wishes. I had an amazing birthday and I thought it might be nice to share some interesting birthday ideas with you because let’s face it COVID-19 has pretty much changed the way in which we celebrate our special days.

I’m really excited about this week’s edition because our cover and lead story explores how to celebrate your birthday, during the COVID19 pandemic. I can clearly remember when the global pandemic had started spreading across the world. I vividly recall it feeling like an apocalypse was approaching. It was and still is a scary time.

As everyone was ordered to stay at home and streets roads were empty except for essential workers and police. Many of us had never seen or experienced anything like this and wondered what the world would look like. As we stayed home many of our loved ones were celebrating a birthday at home and that kind of celebration quickly became the new normal. Let me know what you think of the ideas and if you implement any.

In this week’s news round-up: Three Nigerians made the TIME100 list a highly rated list that recognizes individuals who have influenced the world. Congratulations to Tony Elumelu, the Chairman, United Bank for Africa, and Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Tomi Adeyemi, a 27-year-old is a Best-selling Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach and Funsho,m and to Dr. Tunji Funsho, a cardiologist based in Lagos, Nigeria, who has played a significant role in the eradication of polio in Africa as the continent was declared polio-free in August 2020. The CBN cuts monetary policy rate from 12.5% to 11.5%The Federal Government provides financial support for 1.7 million businesses and individuals.

In happy news: Princeton’s School of Engineering now has its first Black female faculty member. Yemi Alade was named UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Senegalese football player Édouard Mendy completes a 24 million euro move to Chelsea.

In this week’s edition of the weekender read an exclusive interview with Chuks Umezulora founder of Auxano Solar, learn how to take care of your skin, the business of photography, read about physical and mental health, culinary delights, sports and much more.

Do have a great Saturday. BD

EDITOR BUSINESSDAY Patrick Atuanya EDITOR BUSINESSDAY SATURDAY Lehlé Balde EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STRATEGY, INNOVATION & PARTNERSHIPS Oghenevwoke Ighure MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso MANAGER, ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua HEAD OF DIGITAL SERVICES Onyinye Eze HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan CREATIVE LEAD Doyin Philip DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION iSixty CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Nlebem Stephen Ikechukwu Onyekwelu Favour Olarewaju Mercy Ayodele Oluwamayomikun Deji Omotayo Mercy Ayodele Art X Lagos Titi Adewusi Ujunwa Ojemeni Anjola Anwosika Oge Funlola Modie Art X Lagos Oge Modie Fikayo Babatunde Adedoyin Jaiyesimi Imasuan Okungbowa TigerFyreRose Tamunotonye Ekine Jimmi Ise Chef Gregory PHOTO CREDIT @newdawnfotography Isaac Juniho IG @photowaygrafiks Freepik ENQUIRIES lehle.balde@businessday.ng ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude +2348033225506

Lehlé Balde is the Editor of BusinessDay Weekender email: lehle.balde@businesssday.ng | social: @lehlelalumiere Businessday.ng

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Three Nigerians made the TIME100 list

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IME100, a highly rated list that recognizes individuals who have influenced the world through their activism, innovation and achievement was recently released and we have three Nigerians on the list. Tony Elumelu, the Chairman, United Bank for Africa and Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was awarded

Dangote Cement pays over 1 trillion dividend in seven years

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his is a good time to be a shareholder at Dangote Cement as the company has grown the wealth of its shareholders, paying over N 1 trillion as dividends in the past seven years. The

By Mercy Ayodele

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this honor. Elumelu is an advocate of collaborative efforts to transition Nigeria’s youth from poverty to prosperity.

The amazing Tomi Adeyemi also made the list. The 27-year-old is a Best-selling Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach. She is best known for her groundbreaking book Children of Blood and Bone, which was also featured on TIME’s list of the best Young Adult and Children’s books of 2018. She was also named in Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019.

Also, we have a doctor on the list as Time named Nigerian physician Tunji Funsho one of the most influential people in the world. Funsho, a cardiologist based in Lagos, Nigeria, has played a significant role in the eradication of polio in Africa as the continent was declared polio-free in August 2020. company’s Acting Group Chief Financial Officer, Guillaume Moyen disclosed this during the virtual ‘Facts behind the figures and Sustainability report’ presentation to capital market stakeholders at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Looking at the numbers, the growth in dividend is evident.

The Company paid N51.1 billion in 2013; N119.3 billion in 2014, N102.2 billion in 2015, N136.3 billion in 2016, N144.8 billion in 2017, N178.9 billion in 2018 and N272.6 billion in 2019.

Dangote Cement has reiterated its commitment to helping the Nigerian economy and doing what it can to benefit the economy. Its biggest achievement is taking Nigeria from being a big importer of cement to being self-sufficient, and now an exporter.

Mali Appoints New President after Military Coup ali’s Junta (military soldiers) has finally conceded to the demands of regional leaders to return to civilian rule as they have appointed a new president. The new interim president, Bah N’Daou is a retired colonel and former defense minister who served under the overthrown president.

Before now, Mali’s Junta overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (IBK) who was elected in 2013 but by 2019 Malians were tired of his government which promised so much but failed to bring either peace or progress to their longsuffering country. IBK and his prime minister Boubou Cisse was detained by mutinying soldiers, worsening a national crisis in a country already grappling with

News Roundup

a jihadist insurgency and mass protests.

West African leaders intervened and gave Mali’s junta a one-week ultimatum to appoint a civilian leader for the country or face the imposition of a total economic embargo. It was after this that the Junta gave in to their demands.

Princeton’s School of Engineering’s now has its first Black female faculty member

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emale representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education is low globally, even lower for black women, so it is a big deal for us that Adji Bousso Dieng, a Senegalese will be Princeton’s School of Engineering’s first Black female faculty member. It becomes a bigger deal considering that Dieng is the first Black female faculty member in the history of Princeton School of Engineering and the first Black faculty member ever in the Department of Computer Science (COS).

Data by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), shows that only 35 percent of students studying STEM in higher education globally are women. It is a good thing we have Dieng already setting the course to change this narrative.

Dieng, who is currently a researcher at Google has a Ph.D. in statistics from Columbia University, and she is a foremost expert in the generative modeling branch of machine. “The core idea behind generative modeling is that you can learn everything there is to learn about the data if you learn to simulate data that looks like the data you observe,” she said in an interview with The Daily Princetonian.

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News Roundup

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Godwin Obaseki wins Edo state election

T CBN cuts monetary policy rate from 12.5% to 11.5%

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he Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the monetary policy rate (MPR), which determines interest rate, will be reduced by 100 basis points from 12.5 percent to 11.5 percent.

The Committee, carrying out its primary mandate of price stability decided it was time to cut interest rate to reduce the cost of getting a loan and support the recovery of output growth. According to Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, reducing the MPR will put pressure on the deposit money banks

to lower the cost of credit and the cheaper credit will improve demand, stimulate production, reduce unemployment and support the recovery of output growth.

Meanwhile, Analysts are of the opinion that the cut in MPR will not necessarily lead to a decline in interest rate on loans because that is still at the discretion of banks. According to them the decline in MPR will lead to a reduction in yields on government instruments, especially bonds, this will result in increased liquidity which means more supply of money which could pressure interest rates lower

Flour mills appoint Juliet Anammah as board director

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igeria’s biggest flour miller, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), has appointed Juliet Anammah to its board of directors effective from September 10, 2020. This is good news considering the increased advocacy for more female representation on board seats in recent times. Female board representation on the Top 20 companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is just 21%.

At a corporate level, Mckinsey found Businessday.ng

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that African companies with at least 25% female representation on their boards, had a 20% higher than industry average earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin. Hopefully, more companies follow this path in the coming days.

Anammah is the current chairman of Jumia Nigeria board and the head of institutional affairs across Africa. She also serves on the board of many non-profit organizations involved in women development and trade expansion.

he Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki, winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

Obaseki polled 307,955 votes across the 18 local government areas of the state to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate (APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who scored 223,619 votes.

Ironically, Obaseki was an APC candidate in 2016 when he won his first election not PDP. He won his first election of 2016 with the immense support of Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past governor and former chairman of the APC. However, Obaseki and Oshiomhole had a fall out which led to an epic political battle now capped off with his victory in the elections. Mr. Obaseki will return as the Governor of the state for a second term.

The Federal Government provides financial support for 1.7 million businesses and individuals.

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any businesses and school owners have been hit by the COVID-19 induced lockdowns as they some have been unable to pay staff salaries, but an opportunity has presented itself to help those in these categories. The Federal Government has announced plans to provide financial support for 1.7 million businesses and individuals across the country within the next 3 months. The scheme is estimated to save at least 1.3 million jobs across the country while targeting an average of 35,000 individuals per state. Businesses will be able to apply for benefits including a payroll support to cover salary obligations of between N30,000 to N50,000 per employee over 3 months, and this is targeted at 500,000 vulnerable Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The portal opened on September 21, 2020 and prospective beneficiaries can access the portal via https://survivalfund.ng.There will also be provision of small grants of N50,000 to support the survival of 100,000 businesses most affected by the pandemic.

Culinary Delights

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

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LA TAVERNA IS BACK AND OPEN AND AFTER THE LOCKDOWN CHIZOROM E.

OKORONKWO

La Taverna Lagos is stashed away on Balarabe Musa crescent, Victoria island Victoria, is almost in itself, Lagos’ Little Slice of Chile. On entering, “Taverna” as I fondly like to call it now, you feel as though; “okay, I have to maybe act a certain way” but soon enough you realize it’s okay to just be yourself, but not too messy, of course. The location adorned with Spanish memorabilia signals a nostalgic attribution to a Spanish heritage. The setting, colors and exposed wooden details, remind you of that movie centered around grand mama’s restaurant with special secret!

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Culinary Delights

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

What’s even better about this location is it’s outdoor patio with natural sunlight and fresh air that’s screams for a BBQ grill! As for the food, it seems we were treated to a considerable amount of food, both dishes we liked and a few we didn’t. First, let’s get the not so great out of the way.

Although I ate it after adding a sizable amount of hot sauce, vinegar and salt, I am not the one for PÂTÉ, no ma’am.... (pâté is paste consisting of forcemeat liver).

Now to the dishes we had, that were pleasantly delightful.

CARPACCIO: A dish of meat or fish, thinly sliced or pounded and served raw or cured and usually as an appetizer. We had Beef marinated for 48 hours with olive oil and apple vinegar served with chargrilled cabbage, beetroot, pickle, tartare sauce and aioli mayo — this was okay, portion was good for one person but since it was a tasting I wonder what the actual portion is like.

LOBSTER TORTELLINI: A ring shaped pasta. If I’m correct we had two variations; a cream cheese with coriander and a lobster with mushroom variation. These two were really just amazing, honestly could have had second and third helpings (maybe because the portion sizes were tiny) CRESPELLE: These are pretty much pasta crepes, as a person who hates crepes, this really got me. Stuffed with chicken, mushroom, some kind of garlic, cheesey white sauce and acelga (vegetable from the spinach family, I think) this crespelle took me outside the country with each bite.

Side note: I know staff can be frustrating in the kitchen but sometimes a stern calm voice works better. (Remember there are customers present).

One thing is clear, La Taverna is a gem that’s carefully looked after by Chef Duhalde. BD

When it comes to the energy of a restaurant, it’s important to intentionally observe how you feel while you’re there and when you leave.

Of the bat, it was quite obvious that their wait staff had been trained on all things customer service, including allowing guests use their staff ’s iPhone charger which was the highlight of my evening aside the food of course After leaving Taverna, I honestly felt as though I had a day or two get away with friends, or maybe it was the several glasses of sangria that made me feel warm and fussy on the inside.

okoronkwo is the Founder Ceopr Founder Restaurants in Lagos.

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Energy Roundup

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

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Emerge at the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon As Sanwo-Olu Takes Giant Strides towards Affordable Electricity UJUNNWA OJEMENI

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agos State Government has unveiled the two winners of the 3-Day Final of the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon - Team Power Bit Crunchers in the hardware category and Team Zeena Platform in the Software group; the two winners earned the combined prize money of N10 Million.

Launched on July 30th, 2020 by Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon is an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources aimed at providing affordable electricity meters to the populace by facilitating the design and production of meters to improve energy distribution, monitoring and prevention of revenue leakage.

The Hackathon received 274 registrations - 127 in the hardware category and 147 in software group. Impressively 65 hardware and software prototypes were submitted by applicants.

The winning solutions are now proceeding to the cocreation stage and thereafter, commercialisation. BD

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued Guidelines for the Implementation of the Solar Connection Facility

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued Guidelines for the Implementation of the Solar Connection Facility The Central Bank has issued guides for the $2 Billion Solar Connection Intervention Facility which complements the Federal government’s

effort of providing affordable electricity to rural dwellers through the provision of long-term low interest credit facilities to the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) pre-qualified solar value chain players that include manufacturers and assemblers of solar components and offgrid energy retailers in the country.

The solar connection Scheme is a Federal government initiative whose objectives are to expanding energy access to 25 million individuals (5 million new connections) through the provision of solar home systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid; increasing local content in the off-grid solar value chain and facilitating the growth of the local manufacturing industry; and incentivizing the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.

Funding per project is not expected to exceed 70 percent of the total cost of the project. For the upstream participants (manufacturers), a maximum tenor of up to 10 years at an “all-in” interest rate of not more than 9 per cent per annum. However, as part of the Bank’s Covid-19 relief package, the interest rate to be charged up to 28th February, 2021 is not expected to exceed 5 per cent per annum.

For downstream participants (solar home systems (SHS) and mini grid project developers) tenors of between 5- 7 years (depending on the nature and cash flow stream) and interest rate of 10% are expected. BD Businessday.ng

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Energy Roundup

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Auxano signs investment deal to raise $1.5 Million to expand its Solar Panel Assembly Plant SUNREF Launches the $81m Fund for Renewable Energy Projects in Nigeria

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he Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) has launched its $81 Million technical assistance facility for the development of green energy projects in Nigeria. SUNREF is a green financing line for businesses developed by the French Development Agency (AFD) funded by the AFD and the European Union Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-ITF).

It is composed of a $70 Million low-cost debt financing and a $11 Million grant facility that seeks to improve access to energy through improved access to affordable finance for renewable energy technologies. It is supported by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and isexpected to be disbursed by partners banks such as Access Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to companies in Nigeria toward the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

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uxano Solar Nigeria Limited has signed a funding deal of $1.5 Million with All On (Shell-funded impact investment company) to scale its operations over the next five years.

The local solar panel assembly sector became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic when existing supply chain structures were disrupted. They were able to survive, and customers were able to purchase goods in Naira rather than foreign currency—a trend Auxano’s expansion is expected to make more viable.

The new funding is a blend of equity and debt that will support the increase of Auxano’s capacity, facility relocation and the working capital financing needs of the rapidly growing company.

Lumos secures $35 million solar investment to power one million people in Nigeria

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umos, one of Africa’s biggest solar home s y s t e m p r o v i d e r, has announced new financing from U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to expand its existing market in Nigeria.

The new financing will enable Lumos to provide an additional 160,000 systems to meet the ever-increasing demand from homes and businesses across the country where it currently has a majority of the market share.

This DFC financing Businessday.ng

is an energy expert, a development finance executive and gender inclusion advocate in the energy sector with an aim to help Africa achieve SDG 7 by 2030. At the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources Lagos State, she drives policies, investments opportunities and implementation strategies to deliver reliable energy to the citizens of the State. She is also an Advisor with the Private Finance Advisory Network (PFAN) and has coordinated several gas and power development opportunities as well as energy funds worth over $400 Million. She was selected as one of 60 young African Clean Energy Leaders by Enel Foundation, and a finalist at the IFC Sustainability Exchange Contest in 2019. ujunwa ojemeni

announcement follows funding from Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO, announced in August 2020, that is expected to more than double Lumos’ customer base in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Ujunwa is the founder of African Women in Energy Development Initiative (AWEDI Network). She has spoken on several regional and international platforms and her articles have been published both locally and internationally by Forbes, Devex and BusinessDay. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development - Development Finance and a first-class degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Recipe

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

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Edikaikong recipe from South-South Nigeria

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elcome to another edition of Culinary Delights: recipe edition. This week I decided to try something out of the box and I am bringing you a delicacy called Edikang Ikong soup which is a highly nutritious, delicious and savoury vegetable soup natively prepared using ‘ugwu’ (the native name for fluted pumpkin leaves) and Malabar spinach (locally called waterleaf ).

This soup is another ethnic staple famous in and native to the Efik and Ibibio people of Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

South-South Nigeria is one of the geopolitical zones of Nigeria, consisting of the following states: Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Edo. Edikaikong joins the list of Efik or Ibibio delicacies that are considered delicacies in Nigeria. I was first introduced to this soup my housekeeper Mary, a few years ago. She is originally Akwa Ibom and from time to time, would graciously prepare this soup for me. I was feeling nostalgic and decided to give it a try in my free time this past week.

Amusingly, my friend Nicole who is from Akwa Ibom tells me that it is also no surprise in local settings for aspiring bachelorettes to have their ‘wife material’ status confirmed once they know how to make this recipe, elevating them from girlfriend to “ultimate wifey” within a single taste!

So here it goes: Ingredients • 1kg Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu) • 500g Water leaves (Talinum Triangulare) • Spinach ( Waterleaf) • 600g Beef, Kanda, shaki and Dry fish • Pepper, Salt and ground crayfish • 200ml Palm oil • 1 cup Periwinkle • 2 medium onions • 2-3 Maggi cubes

Instructions 1. Wash and cut the pumpkin and water leaves into tiny pieces. Put them in separate sieves to drain out all the water as much as possible.

2. Cut the Kanda into small pieces. Cook the beef, kanda and the dry fish with the 2 bulbs of diced onions and the Maggi cubes with a tiny splash of water.

3. When the meat is done, Season and boil your meats with stockfish. I use beef, goat meat. Add just enough water to cover the meat, and bring to a boil. Depending on how tough the meats are, this volume of water should be enough. Watch it closely though.

4. Add a generous amount of palm oil, the crayfish and pepper and leave to boil for about 10 minutes. Note that the palm oil serves as the liquid in the Edikang Ikong soup. You should

try as much as possible to make it the only liquid in the soup.

5. Add the periwinkle and water leaves and leave to cook for another 5 minutes. You may have to cook for less time at this stage so that the water leaves are not over-cooked. Don’t worry if it looks like the waterleaf has taken over the pot. The steam will sweat it down.

6. Now add the pumpkin leaves and salt to taste. Stir the contents of the pot very well and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and leave to stand for about 5 minutes.

Voila. Your soup is ready. You can eat it with fufu, semo, wheat, Eva or ounces yam.

Please try it at home and let us know how it goes! BD Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @bdculinarydelights Businessday.ng

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Photo of the week

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Matema Beach Resort Osse Sinare Content Creator | Youtuber | Photographer www.ossegrecasinare.com

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Cartoon

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By Toju Akpa: An Illustrator and an animator with a passion for financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

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14 Mental Health Today

The Mysterious Tale of Emotional Acceptance “You cannot find peace by avoiding life” - Virginia Woolf STACEY KARUHANGA

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ave you ever thought about why you feel off at times?

Maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed (or so you tell yourself)? Your road rage happens to be incredibly unusual on any given day. You feel anxious about going in to work. Or perhaps you are feeling withdrawn? You might be dismissive or even yell at anyone who comes your way, including the ones you love the most? Well, guess what? It is no coincidence that you are feeling some type of way. These are your emotions speaking to you and telling you how you really feel. Sometimes they come in at a high tide, take control and wash up the shores. Other times, they come in low and give you a polite nudge to let you know they are present.

Emotions serve a purpose. They help us survive, thrive and communicate with each other. They are cues we need to listen to as they indicate what we need and what is truly important to us. Emotions tell us when we are happy, angry, fearful, ashamed or in love.

They tell us that we need nurturing, healing, protection, connection, approval, etc. However, it is second nature to dismiss and mask them with things that feel good in the moment (e.g. avoidance).

Think of the possible Band-Aid solutions you have used to solve problems. They are usually quick fixes here and there. For instance, lately you have been feeling unmotivated to do anything and you realise this has been increasing significantly over time. Gym attendance is non-existent. You have been turning

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

down social invites and your hobbies do not seem as exciting anymore. Essentially, your mind and your body are telling you something important. Instead of acknowledging how you truly feel, you ignore the cues and choose to brush it off as a funk that will eventually run its course.

Picture this: a sink constantly clogged with gunk has been slowing down water drainage. Your plumber says you need new pipes, but it is far easier to pour Drano or other chemicals to get rid of the yucky stuff. Better yet, you might use a plunger to speed up the process. This is your transient solution – i.e. you are not dealing with the root cause of the problem, but rather scratching the surface. You will come to learn that this only expedites the process until you encounter the same problem again.

A clogged sink is just one way of looking at it. Substantially, it is critical to assess and recognize a red flag when you see, feel, or experience it, as this decision will dictate how you respond to such situations. A great strategy to practice involves using responsible language instead of blaming language. Here, you are “naming it to tame it” by identifying your triggers rather than pointing the finger at other factors. Use “I” statements to communicate how you are feeling; for example: “I am feeling angry and I need some space”. “I am feeling overwhelmed and I need a break”. Once you are aware of how you feel, you can evaluate what you need to balance your emotional scale. After all, you are the captain of your own emotional sailboat.

Remember, we are all human at the end of the day, so it is only natural for our emotions to be all over the place at different moments in time. Our responses are not always going to be kind, polite and perfect. Yes, you might yell at someone a couple of times; however, it is crucial to self-reflect and remain aware of your triggers – i.e. acknowledge how they make you feel and develop healthy coping strategies to manage in those situations.

Patience is key here and focus on what works best for you! BD is a registered Social Worker in Canada. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), specializing in Mental Health and Health.

She has experience working with infants, children and youth who have emotional, behavioural and social difficulties. Additionally, she has worked with adults living with mental illness and concurrent disorders. Stacey currently works as a Child and Family Therapist. karuhanga

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Book Review

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Book Title: This Thing Called Purpose Author’s Name: Adaora Mbelu Publisher: Gr8an Nigeria Limited Year of Publication: 2019 Number of pages: 161 pages Category: Self-help

Refreshing Guide to a Life of Purpose TITILADE OYEMADE

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verywhere you turn, you’d encounter selfhelp books promising to assist people find their purpose in life. However, you may be surprised to discover that many people endlessly read these books without results.

This, unfortunately, is often because these books do not deliver on the expectations.

There are many reasons many people may not achieve their life’s purpose. It may be because they don’t know what they want to do or that they don’t know what can add meaning to their lives. But that’s not how purpose driver and author, Adaora Mbelu, points it out in her book, This Thing Called Purpose.

The unusual book cover and the intriguing title set the tone for great expectations. And does her book tell us something new?

The foreword lets the reader know the author would take you on a journey from discovering your purpose to all you need to stay on track regardless of the pressure that might come.

In This Thing Called Purpose, Mbelu presents her easy, unpretentious material with a text of 161 pages and 2 pages of notes. Divided into 3 parts with 10 chapters each, the author sets up the mood and draws the reader in through a variety of intelligent quotes at the beginning of every chapter.

Part 1 emphasises finding your gifts; Part 2 explains how to accept those gifts; and Part 3 how to use them.

This book would take you on a journey to self-discovery, with copious reference to biblical tales and personal stories. The message is clear: purpose is not just about your ‘why’; it is also about your ‘who’ – ‘who will benefit from what I am doing?’ Her simple yet powerful message provides refreshing advice to help you understand the true

essence of living.

Stop dissipating energy harnessing skills that are not meant for you when you know that it’s not your calling. The reason you give up on things after a first few attempts is because you have the wrong mindset; just because you are not visible doesn’t mean you are not valuable, advises Adaora in her book.

In This Thing Called Purpose, you will unlearn some of the things you have allowed into your mind and the move confidently in your purpose.

This book is suitable for anyone who needs clarity and direction on their life’s journey. BD oyemade is a business execute in a leading organisation and holds a degree

in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives.

Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipree

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Lead

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Birthday ideas for COVID-19 celebrations LEHLÉ BALDE

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irthdays are always a special time of the year, but 2020 has definitely taken the cup for the most unpredictable year of many people’s existence. Celebrating birthdays during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to either keep it super low key due to social distancing measures or forced people to get super creative and intimate with the guestlist. COVID-19 aside, I find that especially as one starts to get older, birthdays can feel like any normal ordinary day but regardless of how you decide to spend your birthday this year, it can absolutely represent renewal. For me, birthdays are almost like a personal new year. Birthday can represent an opportunity for new beginnings and much more.

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm and most people are just happy to be alive in these times. Celebration is the last thing on many people’s minds, however, one may look at the pandemic as an opportunity to really celebrate Businessday.ng

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life and if you are looking for unique ways to make your birthday memorable this year, the below suggestions may spark your creativity.

If out of town vibes is your thing…

How about a trip to Maison Rouge in Cotonou Benin?

It’s a really beautiful boutique hotel featuring Gulf of Guinea views, in the heart of Cotonou right near the airport. It’s a super relaxed hotel in a contemporary and modern building, 2 km from Palais des Congrès de Cotonou and 7 km from Dantokpa Market.

The rooms offer Wi-Fi, safes, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Upgraded rooms add terraces, while suites include living rooms and whirlpool baths. There’s an international restaurant with an outdoor dining area, plus a garden

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

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with a pool. Other amenities include a gym and a hot tub. You can get to Cotonou via flights or it is only a four-hour drive from Lagos if you are up for a road trip. The service is impec-

them for private events @socialmakersafrica on Instagram or amazing@socialmakersafrica.com cable and they pay attention to detail.

Contact Xavier on +22997976188 on WhatsApp and he can help you with your booking. It’s the getaway you didn’t know you needed! There are so many relaxing and adventurous things to do in Cotonou and it is literally right next door. http://hotel-benin-maison-rouge-cotonou.com/ Dinner and Chills at W Bar in Ikoyi Given the pandemic, this is totally up to your comfort level and ability to keep your guest list small but this is a great spot to celebrate. It’s located right on the water line in Ikoyi facing Victoria Island in Lagos right by the Falamo Jetty. What I love about this spot for a COVID birthday celebration is that it is very spacious and they follow adequate spacing between the tables. All staff members are COVID-19 compliant and well trained. The service was quick, thoughtful. Definitely call to make a reservation and for any special arrangements, you may have. Ask for Charles.

House Party (Virtual Party) Houseparty is a social networking app that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Users receive a notification when friends are online and available to group video chat. On average, users spend approximately 51 minutes a day on the app in a group or one-on-one chats.

Houseparty won a 2020 Webby Special Achievement Award and is a great way to get all your friends together to play games and get together online for your special day.

Call him on +234 816 619 3595.

Birthday photoshoot

Picture by Kunmi Owopetu

Paint, Candle making and Sip with Social Makers Africa SocialMakers presents Sip & Pour by Light the Night.

Spend your afternoon working with paraffin-based wax, scented oils, and color oils to craft custom candles. The team will guide you and your friends step-by-step through this 2-hour event to make custom candles perfect for gifting or treating yourself. SocialMakers events give you everything you need to get up, get out, and get social!

Instruction is provided by a trained host, so no experience is required, and everything you need is supplied. Contact

Why not celebrate your birthday with a photoshoot? This year like most years, I decided to do a birthday photoshoot/ website shoot. photoshoot? This year like most years, I decided to do a birthday photoshoot/ website shoot. I used a really great and amazingly talented photographer by the name of Kunmi Owopetu. Here are some of the edited pictures. You can contact him on +234 8160033745 or follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/kunmi.owopetu. This was honestly the most enjoyable photoshoot experience I have had. The studio was very professional fully equipped with a dressing room and also had an assortment of refreshment available.

Photoshoots can be very daunting and honestly unless you are a model or naturally light up in front of the camera it can be hard to bring out your inner ‘Sasha Fierce’. Kunmi made me feel super comfortable and even had the perfect playlist to get me in a fun mood. I really cannot wait to work with him again.

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Nigerian History

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

SS Apapa IMASUAN OKUNGBOWA

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n the glory days of steam ship travel, there once was an ocean liner named the SS Apapa. Not to be confused with two other tragic ships that bore that name, this particular vessel has a particularly interesting place in our history. The good lady named Apapa lies on the ocean bed, two nautical miles off the coast of the principality of Wales in the United Kingdom. The tragic loss of this fine vessel is all the more compelling due to her links to other tragedies at sea. SS Apapa through bitter twists of fate will forever be remembered, not only for the tragic circumstances that befell her, but also for historical ironies that will forever associate her with three other nautical mishaps.

When she was lost, she was under the command of a Captain Toft who merely months before, whilst captaining the SS Abosso

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(built by the same shipyard as the Apapa) was torpedoed and sunk off Southern Ireland on his way to Liverpool from the Lagos port of Apapa . Further irony lies in the fact that SS Apapa was built at the same shipyard as the famous RMS Titanic which struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on her maiden voyage, another irony of history is that Apapa shared some identical fixtures with the Titanic. Decades after Apapa was lost , on the 15th of November 1940 the identically named MV APAPA was bombed and sunk by a German FW 200 Condor aircraft, two hundred miles from County Mayo in Ireland. How ironic it is that the second Apapa was making the identical voyage from the Lagos port that shared her name to Liverpool. The third historical irony associated with the vessel took place on-board the third ship to bear the same name. The third vessel Apapa, whilst completing her 168th voyage from Liverpool was boarded by rogue elements of the Nigerian army at Lagos.

All Africans on-board (including passengers and crew) were assembled in the dining room and segregated according to tribal affiliation. Despite the efforts of the Captain insisting that the passengers and crew were under his protection and his invocation of the authority of the British Flag; certain individuals were marched off the vessel under armed escort never to be seen or heard from again.

On the 30th of September 1914 an order was placed to Harland and Wolff shipyard to construct a passenger liner for the Elder Dempster Shipping Line, she was completed and christened Apapa on the on the 4th of March 1915. Upon completion, she was one of the most luxurious and fastest members of the Elder Dempster fleet. Her ship plans give a

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remarkable insight into the conditions on board. There were 77 rooms for first class passengers, a gymnasium, cocktail bars, a large team of stewards, and for entertainment a violinist, pianist and cellist were on hand to provide musical accompaniment as and when desired. She regularly made the passage between the United Kingdom and the west African coast, calling at Lagos, Lomé, Accra, Freetown, Plymouth and Liverpool. Shortly after she was launched, the outbreak of the first world war caused her to be commandeered by the British Merchant Navy, defensively armed and put to service for King and Country.

On her final voyage, she departed Apapa port laden with a crew of 132 British and African seamen, 119 passengers and a cargo of West African produce. She was in a convoy of six Royal Navy destroyers and three other liners. Having been escorted to what was believed to be safe waters, the accompanying destroyers wished the liners under their protection Godspeed to their destinations and left them to fate. Upon arriving at the Welsh coast, they encountered rough sea conditions and Apapa strayed off-course, lost contact with the other two vessels in her convoy and unfortunately, came in the sights of a German U-boat.

On that cold wintry night, the SS Apapa zigzagged, asper anti-submarine procedure, and was making her way back on course.

Unbeknownst to the passengers and crew, tragedy lurked beneath the waves. A German U-96 Captained by Heinrich Jeß, had sighted the Apapa’s high promenade, took aim and fired a K.11 torpedo which struck her starboard side towards the stern. Captain Toft rallied his crew and began evacuation procedures. The passengers were loaded onto the life boats (women and children first), whilst buffered by the high winds and the choppy seas they began lowering the boats laden with the panicked cold and shaken passengers. With Apapa still in his sights Captain Jeß, took aim and ordered a second torpedo to be fired; the second torpedo hit, destroying lifeboat no.

9 and injuring passengers in others. With Apapa in a precarious state, panic set in, with passengers jumping into the ocean. To the good Captains credit six Lifeboats survived the onslaught and were safely lowered into the water. As Apapa listed, lifeboat no.

5 was struck by shrapnel and boat no. 4 was caught in the suction caused by the Apapa going under and disappearing beneath the surface with, Captain Toft choosing to remaining on the bridge as she sank.

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On that night, the seafaring life of the first vessel named Apapa came to its tragic end, amongst the deceased were Arthur Hebbes of the 4th battalion, Nigeria Regiment, Isaac Pepple a fireman of Nigerian origin, James Thomas a West African residing in Liverpool and Harold Hunting a trader from Sierra Leone.

The survivors were treated at shore by Jane Henrietta Adeane who was an associate of Florence Nightingale and they received the best care that wartime Wales could offer. Hours following the sinking of the ship, a steamer caught sight of the figure of a man floating in the sea. A lifebuoy was thrown in the hope that he was alive, he caught hold of it and was winched aboard; the person in question was a cold and dishevelled Captain Toft, a survivor of two ironies of maritime history and the hero of the SS Apapa.

The Apapa lay undisturbed in her watery grave for 55 years until 1972 when her wreck was discovered, resting upright under almost 200 feet of water.

The African Merchant seamen that served in the first world war were not recognised as British subjects and their families sadly received no compensation for their loss. We remember her and the 77 passengers and crew that lost their lives that tragic night.

Tragedy at Sea and The Irony of History SS Apapa: 1915 – 1917. BD Okungbowa is a lawyer and a member of the Nigerian History Group.

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Inspire

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

GUTS and GRACE OGE FUNLOLA

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s living organisms, we are designed to grow, not just physically but in many other aspects, if you are not growing, you are dying, albeit slowly. To become your authentic self, there are processes that life requires you go through, one of such is to grow out of boxes that society or persons have placed you in. To become, you need to live the life you have been created to live and not what others have created for you.

When the process of growing out of a box starts, you definitely will meet with resistance, this can come in many ways; criticisms, hampered growth etc. I have learnt the best way to deal with this is not to create another level of resistance – (it would become like a tug of war and the stronger or more powerful party will surely win) but chart my own path in a beautiful and amazing win-win situation.

I have learnt to GaG ‘em; that is to show Guts and Grace.

Guts: Guts is seen as “having the courage to do” by the Dictionary.com and defined also as the “fortitude and stamina in coping with what alarms, repels, or discourages” by Merriam -Webster dictionary. When you decide to grow out of age-long perceptions or challenge the cultural status quo, you are taking a big risk; you need GUTS. When you ask your team to do the new and radical you must be courageous. Having guts is not for the faint hearted , It is for those that are determined to create the new, make a change to the way things are done, grow out of societal norms and chart a different path for themselves. It is for those that want to change the course of history, it is for those that desire to be successful and leave a legacy.

Our fears and doubts will try to hold us back once we allow it, nevertheless, have you heard about the phrase ‘ Do it afraid” or even the Nike Phrase “ Just Do It” ? these phrases speak to the Giants in each and every one of us.

Are there projects that have proven to be so challenging that they have become farfetched?, are there things you have desired as an individual to start but you are held by Businessday.ng

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MODIE

the words of others and your fears?’

DO IT AFRAID As you go ahead to change history, remember that you would need people: your family, friends, foes etc. People are the most important resource in the matrix and that’s the reason why you must show grace.

Grace: Grace as used here refers to your attitude to criticism and your ability to persuade people to follow your way. This is defined as “a charming or attractive trait or characteristic”, also defined as a “controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving or skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations’ by Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Working the charm is as important as being audacious and courageous with your goals. You really shouldn’t boss people around even when you are in the position to so do. A true leader leads from behind and is only seen in front when there is trouble – these are the words of Nelson Mandela. You must balance out your big push for a change with charm and humility. You must be graceful to your team and to the people who can help you make it happen.

You must learn Charisma and practice this. You must have your team believe in you and know they can follow you to the ends of the world. You need grace to achieve much. How do you show grace? Learn to be kind but firm when you are making the change, learn the art of persuasion and be true to self.

Go conquer! Have Guts and Show Grace. BD is a published author, writer and speaker. She is the Editor and writer of GetFearlessly AunthenticTM Newsletter, a personal leadership newsletter that chronicles her life as a professional. She is involved in causes for women, young people and the vulnerable. She loves to read comics, watch comedy flicks, listen to music and play golf. Shares her love threefold- Love for God, Love for People, Love for Country. oge

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Art of the Week

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Ken Nwadiogbu, The Value of Nothing VI, 2019. Charcoal and Paper Collage on Canvas, 60 x 52 inches Image courtesy of Artyrama and ART X Lagos - West Africa’s Premier International Art Fair.

Learn more at www.artxlagos.com Businessday.ng

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Skincare

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

YOUR SKIN IS GOLD TIPS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW COULD HELP MAINTAIN A GLOWING SKIN FAVOUR OLAREWAJU

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s a young girl, Tosin, like most Nigerians has experienced lots of tough times from struggling to make ends meet and has always struggled to make her skin look good.

But her skin can be much better. There have been few periods when life was not too tough and she wasn’t hitting the street every day, probably as a child and even during this lockdown period, she saw a rare glow to her skin, her complexion got better, her skin got less rough and dry.

But now that activities and everyday hustle are getting back to normal. She finds herself back to struggling to maintain a smooth, fresh skin.

So, what cost-effective and easy-to-follow tips and routine can be useful for such busy Nigerian persons like Tosin? Here are some adaptable tips for males and females alike. Always keep in mind that what you take in will reflect on your outside.

Drinking water definitely helps their skin but this must be complemented with eating good foods, not just vegetables, fruits, sweet potatoes, less oil/carbs, which does not just help the skin but the overall health of individuals.

Take supplements such as vitamin C and E: For instance, acne could be as a result of hormonal imbalance or otherwise.

A supplement or two daily is advisable.

Try and get enough rest: our bodies heal when we are asleep, especially from 10pm to 3am.

Bathe with warm water: Bath time should be limited and not prolonged because long showers remove oils from your skin and always using hot water could wrinkle the skin, so warm water is preferable.

Avoid strong soaps. This includes detergents which can also strip your skin of healthy oils. So, go for mild cleansers instead. Also, shave carefully. it is advisable to apply lotion, shaving cream before shaving to avoid injuries or dark spots.

Use sun shades to protect yourself from the sun as much as you possibly can.

Moisturize your skin with water before applying products in circular motion like shea butter (ori), coconut oil, lavender oil, castor oil, sesame oil, moringa oil, argan oil, aloe vera and cocoa butter.

Exfoliate: exfoliation helps to bring out dirt cells to cleanse the skin. Sugar scrub, honey scrubs or combining salt with the African black soap are natural and preferable (rather than cream) because combining too many creams on the skin could be harmful when one gets older.

People with acne should not exfoliate too often (say once weekly) until their acne is cleared because scrubbing on the acne will lead to hyper pigmentation. However, people with no acne can exfoliate twice or at most three times weekly.

In all of this, it is very important to allow your skin to breathe Businessday.ng

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because not every products work. Even when trying out new products, you need to be patient to wait a while to verify if the product actually works rather than jumping from one skincare product to another. Avoid trying out too many products (for instance, glow soap, lightening soap, face toner, face cream, face cleanser, face scrub, etc) at the same time. Take it one at a time.

Make it a habit to change your pillowcase regularly, preferably weekly: why do I feel like most of us are guilty of this? Well, this is often overlooked but is quite major because often times, the oil from our hair enters our pillowcase.

Dirty pillows can be rather unhealthy as our faces make direct contact with our pillows on a daily basis, and this could lead to breakouts. This is especially for those who do not use bonnets/hairnets to sleep.

In line with this, ensure that your towel is washed regularly, preferably weekly and make up products are regularly washed (depending on usage) to avoid using dirty products on your skin.

It is key to note that everything should be done in moderation as too much of everything is not good. Irrespective of skin types, these tips have proven to be mostly effective.

To round up this piece, let’s go back in time to ancient Egypt where rumour has it that Cleopatra who was known for her outstanding beauty, regularly bathed/soaked herself in donkey milk, with 700 donkeys serving this routine for her.

She even travelled with donkeys for this reason.

Well, modern science has now proven that milk is great for the skin. However, to be more realistic, since donkeys are out of vogue and that is quite over the top, mixing 2-4 cups of cow’s milk/yoghurt with bathwater and soaking/bathing in it for 20 minutes is doable.

Be sure to rinse thoroughly after soaking; you could even add lavender or honey to your bathwater. Please those with allergic to milk should avoid this routine.

As applicable to males or females, Fisayo Johnson, on behalf of the founder of a skincare company called Arami essentials, Ore Runsewe strongly recommends do-it-yourself (DIY). “for flexibility while relaxing at home, honey could be used alone or mixed with clay to make face mask; or mixed with sugar or lemon and rubbed in circular motion to resemble a message.

“Using rose water helps or soaking your leg in warm water, mixing Apsom salt and shea butter after a long day is helpful.

Consistency is key and keeping a calendar or reminder; support groups (doing it with friends or siblings) helps a lot too”.

“Interestingly, Hibiscus leaf, an ingredient often used for the popular zobo drink, can be grinded and mixed with oils to maintain the skin through its anti-oxidant and rejuvenating feature that reduces wrinkles and keeps one healthy, said the experts from Arami essentials. BD

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Diary of a Young Executive

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faith…I say all these because these are some of the qualities, I hope she learns and if I am going to teach her, I must BE those things. So every day, I check myself to be better. The other is an organization I work with where my business makes yearly contributions towards treatment for women dealing with breast cancer. The organization is called Cancer Aware and I am so proud of all they do in helping women beat the odds.

What apps do you use the most?

Got to be Instagram. I run an online business and majority of my clients come from Instagram. So every spare moment I get, I am there trying to make this money.

First thing you do in the morning?

Thank God that I am awake. That’s my first thought. On the days when the spirit moves me, I work out. When the spirit is chilling, I get on my laptop and get to work. My role as grants & partnerships associate at All On means there is ALWAYS something to be done. Trying to juggle multiple grants means there is always something needing attention.

Jadesola Rawa Policy & Partnerships Associate

Jadesola Rawa is the Policy & Partnerships Associate at All On. She oversees stakeholder engagement, strategic grantmaking as well as communications. Prior to joining All On, Jadesola worked as Head, Promotions & Partnerships at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund where she worked as part of the team to deliver on strategic partnerships between the LSETF and Coca-Cola, GIZ and Ford Foundation. She was also responsible for creating strategic video content that raised the profile of the LSETF and the activities of the beneficiaries of the Fund. Jadesola also has prior experience, working with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group between 2012-2014 where she resigned as Acting Head, Corporate Communications.

During her time at the NESG, she worked as co-project manager with the Secretariat that successfully delivered the first World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) held in Abuja, Nigeria in May 2014.

With a background in television production, working as a producer for several years with “Moments with Mo” Africa’s first syndicated talk show, as well as a short stint with Ebony Life TV as Business Development Manager, Jadesola brings a fun, unorthodox angle to every job she has held.

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What was the last thing you did that required some courage? he last thing requiring courage was changing sectors for work.

I went from core communications which is what I know and do well to Policy & Grants in a completely different sectorRenewable Energy. I remember interviewing for my current role and asking myself, “child, what have you done?” Two years in though…I am glad I took the plunge. When your work makes a difference, I guess sector doesn’t really matter. I am super proud of the lives we change through our investments and grants at All On. What have you done for the first time?

Something I did for the first time is to enroll for and complete an online course during the lockdown. I have always thought online courses/ learning is not for me. I guess I was wrong. But if I had to choose, I’d still go for physical learning. Nothing beats that human connection.

What makes the biggest difference in your life?

Two things. My daughter first. She is honestly my biggest motivation for wanting to do better. She’s taught me patience, kindness, courage,

Who is your guru?

Hmmmmmm. Not sure to be honest. I generally don’t subscribe to the role model philosophy, but if I had to pick someone, would be Oprah Winfrey, maybe. I like the fact that she’s dancing to her own tune with regards to her life, career etc., and maybe also because we share the same birthday. But again, because you never really know people that well, I am wary of proclaiming anyone as my guru/mentor etc.

What do you crave at the end of the day?

A tub of ice-cream and mindless TV for a few hours till I must go to bed.

Just “me” time. Not being a mum, an employee, a sibling, a friend, an entrepreneur, anything. Just being me and by myself. That is precious.

Which song is currently in your head?

It changes per mood. Constant would be most songs by Usher though. Usher is usually never far from my thoughts…

What’s something you wish you understood more about?

God. A deeper understanding of His ways and why He does and allows what He allows. The full comprehension of his thoughts. I would like that very much.

How do you define success?

Success for me is understanding your lane and purpose and operating at the highest level you can in that space. Because when you are fully in your purpose, a certain peace comes from that.

This peace feeds your soul. And when you are operating in that same purpose, you are operating at the optimal level materially, so that takes care of the worldly things you need to physically be content, while also catering to the needs of those around you. And hopefully, you make heaven. That is my definition of success.

What’s an idea that you can’t seem to shake off?

That the world is coming to an end soon? I am just convinced that this might even happen in our lifetime.

Last box set or Netflix binge?

Money Heist. I watched it irresponsibly. You know when you are watching a series at 3am when you know you have to be up in a few hours, but you keep saying “just this last episode…”

What’s worth paying for?

A great education. The more I see the impact of my daughter’s education on her, the more I am determined to pursue same. Just realizing how the things we learn can shape our minds, lives and the world we live in? Priceless. BD Businessday.ng

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Exclusive Interview

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Start with what you have - Umezulora Solar energy solutions are creating new jobs, improving standards of living for many people and bringing about a cleaner, healthier environment. In this interview, Chuks Umezulora, co-founder and chief operating officer of Auxano Solar Nigeria Limited tells the story of how he got involved and takes the reader through the hurdles the sector faces to its many opportunities too. He spoke to Stephen Onyekwelu. Excerpts: A quick check of Auxano Solar’s portfolio as presented on your website shows 80 percent of your big projects revolve around government-owned facilities. What explains this? his may not be correct as many of those projects that were done in government-owned facilities were mostly intervention projects financed by other partners, not

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the government.

It was only the 240 kilowatts (kW) at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Lugbe that was purely a government project and we handled it as a sub-contractor. We do not handle government projects directly due to the bureaucracies involved.

How did you get into solar energy entrepreneurship? Tell us something about

the personal factors that led to this.

Sometime around 2007, I stumbled into a solar training class when I went to pick up a building plan for a friend and that sparked off the initial interest. Also, my passion for solving technical problems helped fan my passion for solar business.

So I started out working with Sky Resources Nig. Ltd as a member of their installation team; after 2-3years of work-

Exclusive Interview

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

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I wanted a business I could start without much capital after I lost my initial seed capital in building materials business. So solar system installation business provided a perfect platform for me.

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We are a group of young people with big dreams and vision; we believe that Nigeria will only be built by Nigerians and we are determined to contribute our quota by making a mark in the solar sector, in Nigeria and beyond.

ing with them, I then decided to start on my own. I rented my first office in Alaba International market where I was working as a consultant and an installer. From there we started building gradually till we got to where we are today.

One other factor was that I wanted a business I could start without much capital after I lost my initial seed capital in building materials business. So solar system installation business provided a perfect platform for me.

What is Auxano Solar about?

Auxano Solar is a renewable energy company that specialises in solar system designs and installation. We set up the first privately owned solar panel assembling factory in Nigeria, situated in Lagos.

Show us in numbers the multiplier effects of solar energy for job creation, improvement in the standard of living, social and environmental transformations?

Not many people may understand the tremendous impact solar energy is having on our economy and quality of life.

Its impact is multi-faceted.

For job creation, I can point to my personal experience. Many young people were able to start a career in solar sector with nothing but time, technical knowledge and passion.

For every 1kW Solar system installed at least 10 – 20 persons are directly impacted while even a larger number are indirectly impacted. For instance, you have those who worked at the factory to assemble or manufacture those solar components. You have the whole sell-

ers and dealers who sold the items. You have solar technicians, engineers, electricians, architects who handled the design, installation and commissioning and for larger projects, bankers are involved in the project development.

Then you have the household who was the beneficiary of the solar system installed. If the solution is a Solar MiniGrid, then you have those who are involved in revenue collection.

For the improved standard of living; with installed solar systems families and businesses have more savings that would have been spent on energy or buying fuel for their generators.

They spend less time going to buy the fuel or maintaining the generators.

Families that use solar systems will be happier as they will have a less noisy environment. Noise has a way of making people angry. People staying in rural areas, for many of them a solar mini-grid provided the first opportunity for them to ever witness electricity. With electricity usually come other business opportunities and also an increase in their quality of life.

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26 Executive Interview

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

The more solar systems that are installed the cleaner our air is as we have less polluting generators and less depletion of the ozone layer. Those in rural areas don’t have to depend on kerosene lanterns anymore.

You would have encountered some challenges because you import the components for the assemblage of solar panels, photovoltaic systems and inverters, tell us about some of these and suggestions to resolve them?

Yes, everyone who does business in Nigeria knows that many challenges are being faced at our ports. Many of us have read how easy it is clearing from the ports of our West African neighbours compared to our port. It takes longer time and costs higher to clear from Nigerian ports.

Some of the problems being faced at our Ports include congestion; many times this leads to waiting time as much as 2-3weeks before you can take your consignment and in a number of occasions you are made to pay demurrage for the waiting time for something that is no fault of yours.

Ambiguous government policies and frequent changes also come at some costs.

There is also a serious gap among the different government agencies where they say different things and have little or no synergy. This opens room for exploitation of the port users and arbitrary fees charged. For example, the import duties being charged for solar components are not clear as customs have a different classification on their official website but say something different on the field.

For me, part of what should be done is to open up other ports outside Lagos which is happening already but costs of clearing from those ports are still quite high.

Government needs to come out and have a clear policy on import duties being charged on renewable energy companies and if they want to grant duty waiver for companies manufacturing locally they should make it easy for these companies to access such window because many times what you read in the newspaper and your experience, when you visit their offices, are worlds apart.

Government has to understand that excessive revenue drive at our ports leads to inflation as those costs are somehow being passed down to the end-users and in cases when it cannot be passed down; Businessday.ng

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those businesses are forced to close or downsize and eventually lay off their workers. So it’s a situation government needs to evaluate carefully.

Government’s ease of doing business drive has to be very visible and its impact felt at our air ports and seaports.

How have government policies enabled or stunted the growth of the sector?

Some government agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have done quite well in growing the sector. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is also making efforts; although there is still plenty of room for improvement.

However, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) needs to sit down with the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and close the several gaps in their policies and communications; their synergy needs to be improved.

Government policies have to be clear concerning the industry and there should be a minimum number of years that every policy should be in effect as policy som-

ersault is one major challenge we see with our government over the years.

I can say we seem to have a good policy for the sector on paper but the experience at the field is nothing to write home about.

Right now, no one can tell if import duties are being charged for solar modules as the classification on NCS website is yet to be updated after several years of effecting the change.

What are your expansion plans as a company and how do you think Nigeria could pull the required factors together and start making solar panels, inverters and PV units locally?

Our plan as a Company is to scale up the installed capacity of our assembling line at least six times by next year.

To be honest, for local manufacturing to scale quickly there has to be a clear policy and support from government to the sector because right now it’s mainly down to patriotism.

For example, if the government said it’s charging import duty on solar compo-

Executive Interview

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

nents to encourage local production; after you have started charging those import duties, they should use the same enthusiasm to identify the local manufacturers and give them the promised waiver.

When you tell others, you have given import waivers to these local manufacturers; many will truly consider investing in local manufacturing.

Government should not leave it to these manufacturers to sort themselves out. The government cannot even say they find it difficult to identify them as there is Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and every manufacturer belongs to this association.

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towards cost-reflective tariff, this will make solar be able to compete with the grid very soon. Also, this opens a whole new business model and opportunities especially around the commercial and industrial space.

The Interconnected Mini-Grid is also one that is fostering a lot of synergy between the solar providers and the electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) and the opportunities this provides is also endless.

One thing is certain; the future for

dled as at then; it was not so profitable but we learnt a lot from that experience.

It did improve our jobs profile.

AllOn Office 72kW Solar Hybrid System: we installed 72kW Solar Hybrid system at AllOn office in Ikoyi, Lagos. As at then, it was our biggest installation in an office and it has been like our flagship project and has opened up several other opportunities for us.

solar energy sector in Nigeria looks very bright. The sector is also beginning to attract a lot of foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years and this trend is sure to continue.

solar energy entrepreneur, who believes they are held back by funding?

For a young person who is aspiring to become a solar energy entrepreneur; one thing he or she has to understand is that people are not interested in funding ideas so they have to find a way to try out some of their solutions no matter how small.

I will strongly recommend they understand the technical side of the business as it’s a lot easier to sell when you understand the technical side of the business.

Lastly, start with what you have; people will always ask what have you put into the business, so you start with your savings. No one will believe in a vision that you are not passionate enough to risk your all.

They must know that the path of an entrepreneur is a lonely path filled with potholes so they must make up their mind, that they are not going to give up no matter what happens. BD

What will be your advice to a young

Estimate the market size and opportunities in the solar energy sub-sector of the renewable energy industry in Nigeria. Where are the investments opportunities of today and the future?

It’s tough to estimate the market size but according to research by Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Nigerians spend around $14b annually on Off-Grid Power so this is the market size for renewable in terms of opportunity.

Investment opportunities in the sector lie mostly around financing solar projects especially for productive uses and financing manufacturing of solar components.

Also as our energy costs start moving

Tell us about three of your most impactful projects and why you think they are so.

Three of our impactful projects are: Stallion Motors Solar Lighting Project: this was when we got the opportunity to install around 200 poles of stand-alone solar street light at the Volkswagen Assembling facility along Ojo-Badagry road some years back from Stallion Motors. It was a massive project for us then and our first major project; it looked as though they took a gamble on us but we did deliver on that project and it opened a lot of other opportunities for us.

Voice of Nigeria 240kW Solar Hybrid System: we installed a 240kW Solar Hybrid system in VON Lugbe, Abuja. It was the single biggest project we han-

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Culinary Delights

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

The Business of Food Photography in Nigeria ANJOLA AWOSIKA

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hen I decided to begin a career in food photography, I had it in mind that I needed to monetize my skill for my benefits and the new industry. I understood the needs and people were on the lookout for individuals who had this skill. So, while taking classes on how to grow creatively, I also took classes that would educate me on the business behind food photography. Bear in mind that food photography is very new in Nigeria so clients are gradually embracing paying a large sum of money to just photograph “food”. I will be laying out useful strategies that has helped me win new clients.

During the start of my food photography business class, my instructor made a clear distinction between beginner, intermediate, and professional skill levels. You need to honestly understand your skill level and the value that you bring to the table. Clients are always on the lookout for professionals but even as a beginner, you could come off as a professional in the way you interact with your client. In my short journey, I discovered that people are willing to pay regardless of your skill level as long as the value matches the amount of money they pay. For instance, as a beginner, you have an entry-level camera with a kit lens, you could charge a client fifty thousand naira for seven dishes including providing minimal props and one background surface for a shoot. Some clients can make you feel intimidated because you’re using an entry-level camera but remember that it’s not by the camera but the quality of work that you deliver.

One of the most thriving industry in Nigeria is the cake industry. Nigerian bakers are super creative and exceptional in what they do and they need those eye-catching photos to acquire their next client. If you’re looking to start in food photography, this should be your number one target market.

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Do they need your service? Yes. Are they willing to pay in exchange for value? Yes. The cake industry is big but small in the sense that every baker is familiar with each other so if you do good work, you’re likely to get a referral from the baker you worked with. This is also a good way to build your portfolio because you can be friends with a baker and he/ she would allow you to photograph other products. If the photo is mouthwatering, you can add it to your portfolio.

Finding new clients as a beginner will be extremely difficult but you have to be driven by a sense of purpose and value.

Attending the big food events like EatDrinkFestival, GTBank Food and Drink Festival, Food Souk by Eventful, and so on would have been the best way to find new clients but due to the pandemic, strategies have changed. If you’re reaching out via social media, your profile should have all the necessary details that distinguish you from all photographers. Every potential client you reach out to will need education about your service, don’t be afraid or irritated to answer cliché and unusual questions. A simple message template will go a long way in helping you reach out to more clients in a day and when you don’t get a reply, keep it moving, it’s not the end of the world.

Lastly, pray. Pray that God should open the doors of opportunities for you and your business because you’re a creative and you live in Nigeria. BD Hi! I am Anjola Awosika and I love food. My love for food birth the idea to photograph it. I am self-taught, a graduate of YouTube. I started shooting food professionally in 2018. Since then, I have shot hundreds of dishes. Currently, I work as the official photographer for Livvy’s Twist Cake Company. Also, I have worked with notable chefs in Nigeria like Chef Fregz including SMEs in the food industry. Storytelling and creative innovation are my forte. I am passionate about the food industry in Africa and I want to be among the game changers. I live in Lagos, Nigeria.

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Music and Pop Culture

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5 artistes you should listen to right now TONYE EKINE AND IFEOLUWA FALOLA

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here has been a lot of music within our purview in recent weeks, and more often than not, artists on the come up often get sidelined as a result of lack of substantial promotion budget when compared to artistes who dominate the mainstream scene. With the soundscape in Nigeria being ever so dynamic and offering a palate of diverse music, this week’s article spotlights artists who deserve more recognition for their music with an especial focus on artists who have released projects or singles within the past few weeks. Here is a list of five artistes - in no particular order - who have recently released projects or singles that are deserving of attention:

OBT - Birdie Album Birdie is the love-child of OBT’s relationship with Africa. The twelve-track debut album plays like a collection of experiences garnered through OBT’s travels through Africa. On Birdie, OBT infuses several African sounds with a dancehall vibe that he had previously established himself for. It’s a proud time to be African and Birdie convenes Africa’s sonic elements into one expansive album. OBT story represents artistes who persevere daily, for the dream of being heard, being appreciated, and finding their own space, audience and voice In the growing music industry. OBT represents the new generation of artist slowing changing the landscape.

Victony - Saturn E.P. Victony’s six-track debut EP is a bashment of music that authoritatively stamps his talent from the jump. Victony has been previously heralded amongst music enthusiasts as a future popstar especially with the dexterity on display in his lead single, Space and Time. On Saturn, Victony ushers in Nigerian pop music with its finest embellishments and promises an all-round feel-good experience for listeners. If you are looking for one of the next popstars out of the country, Victony is the artist to turn to. Personally “Jo Riddim is a bop”. Its funny how he was sick when this was made. Truth be told in our lowest and darkest moment we do make our finest work.

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Music and Pop Culture

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Olu - Feels E.P. Feels is a soulful seven-track EP by Olu. On Feels, Olu is melancholic, reflective, and melodic. Feels exhibits Olu’s soothing voice over often subtle piano riffs , and she bares herself unabashedly through her words . For lovers of chill music, Feels is a perfect E.P. for you.

Straffitti - Straff From Nigeria E.P. Straffitti has established a name of some sort in the media industry, having worked with names such as Burna Boy, Falz, M.I. Abaga. Straffitti is the founder of creative collective, Thirsty WorldWide, he is also a visual artist as well as a music artiste. Straff from Nigeria is a six-track EP that features appearances from Zlatan Ibile, Buju, Ice Prince and Prettyboy D.O. and blends hip-hop, soul, and pop music excellently.

Toje - Abena After a year-long absence from the music scene, Toje returns with Abena.

On Abena, Toje uses rhythmic chants peculiar to native African music and layers it with famous Afro-pop elements of loose wordplays and danceable rhythms. The song alludes to the beauty and power a woman withholds and if it is anything to go by, Toje is establishing himself as one of the most promising emerging talents in the Nigerian music scene.

One thing that stands out for sure in the words of Victor Hugo “Music expresses that which cannot be put in words and that which cannot remain silent”

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

31

A FEMALE INTROVERT’S DIARY: Can I break free from the stereotype amidst this pandemic?

OLUWAFADEKEMI AREO

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fter Sophia’s 26th birthday, it dawned on her that she had four more years to her ‘Big 30”, and then it hit her hard that she still had so many items on her bucket list that she had not ticked off.

Many questions ran through her mind, but one question stood out, can I still have fun given the pandemic? Sophia has always loved to be in her space, she would rather do indoor hangouts, watch movies alone, spend time on the phone with her best friends from high school and literally work, work, work.

A psychologist once said “they call themselves introverts, but they go to so many places in their minds”. Many introverts like Sophia are looking for a breakthrough from being called boring and from not doing the fun stuff that the rest of the world does.

The coronavirus pandemic literally shut the doors of fun to both fun lovers and non-fun lovers alike, but does this mean that no one has been having fun? The answer is a big no. My conversation with some friends who used to be every Friday club goers has taught me that they just took their party home.

My thoughts below are not necessarily an exhaustive list but represents clear facts drawn from my conversations with people, the books I have read and of course, the movies I have seen.

Six steps every female introvert should take to break free from the stereotype are: Conscious decision and efforts I need you to stop thinking about the million ways you can have fun and actually take the step for once. It is one thing to make a decision that you would give more time to social activities, but it is most important that you consciously make

the effort.

You cannot keep spending every Saturday indoor, pick your calendar and mark dates in the month you would actually do something fun and out of your regular routine. It is not easy to change a norm that you have been practicing almost all your life, but never forget that when there is a will, there is definitely a way.

Surround yourself with extroverts and fun lovers This is a little bit tricky because you will find out that these persons are almost totally different from you, but do not be in a hurry to run. If you really want to tick off all the items on your bucket list, then you cannot afford to be surrounding yourself with people that are socially like you.

You need to talk to people that you are comfortable with and make them understand that you need enough push and motivation to achieve your social goal. Of course, there is no rush, so take it one step at a time and learn as you journey with them in their conversations, where they love to go after work and other fun stuff they indulge in.

Try attending any virtual party of your choice What the pandemic has shown the world is that several activities can be done online. In a bid to curtail the virus and maintain the social distancing rule, party lovers took their parties online and many have testified that it was fun even without the physical presence.

Attending a virtual party is one step to push yourself as a female introvert; at least you would not leave your room.

You would however play dress up, put on your make up, learn your best camera angle and observe how the rest of the world behave during parties.

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I know this might not be much, but trust me when I say that it is a step. This way, depending on how fun the virtual party organisers are, you might be asked to play games and interact virtually with everyone that connected to the party.

Say yes to at least one of the many people who have been asking you out on a date There would be at least one person that you can agree to hang out with, just scroll back on those chats and make a choice that is most comfortable. You might be asking, where would we go anyways? Well, cinemas are now opening bit by bit, most of the public and private beaches have been open for a while now, and even restaurants are finally allowing sit-ins.

Do not stay indoor making excuses and remaining in the wishful thinking land. Break free from the not doing and have a feel of what it is like to go out to different places that you are comfortable with and just have fun.

Take your indoor games outside You can hang out with your friends who do not necessarily have to be from the opposite sex. Go out with your girlfriends to eat, play card games, ludo, chess, monopoly, and other cool stuff.

The goal here is not to rush you but to get you to gradually push yourself to become more of an outdoor person till you hopefully break completely from what you are used to. So, try to do the indoor activities outside with friends.

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Keep an open mind even if the dates or outing do not go so well One annoying thing about wanting to change is that so many things start to happen to discourage the change process, especially when you plan a positive change.

Anything could go wrong with your dates or outing, but do not get discouraged as it is a slow and steady journey.

Imagine going on a date in Lagos and spending three hours in traffic just to get to your date venue, how discouraging.

Put your mind at ease that this is just the beginning of better experiences and try to ensure that you are not necessarily making commitments to anyone at this early stage.

Take time to learn and familiarise yourself with the whole outdoor process, know your strengths and limits and just enjoy the process.

In conclusion, do not lose yourself in the midst of trying to break from the stereotype. Always remember to compliment yourself, keep good company and do not be a people pleaser. BD is an Economics and Markets Analyst at BusinessDay Media Nigeria.

Asides speaking to and writing about economic and financial issues, she has a knack for exploring and explaining matters surrounding the human mind and psychology. She strongly believes that in a world where everyone puts themselves in other people’s shoes, win-win solutions will always be created to every problem. areo

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Health Today

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Myths about Preventive health we have to talk about DR MONISOLA ADANIJO

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very day we are bombarded with health information about the need to prevent illness by early detection.

However a lot of individuals still have reservations about going to the clinic for checkup. This resistance is mainly due to myths or belief systems about health, widely circulated in the community.

What is preventive health?

Preventive health is the use of recognized health screenings, counseling and follow up to prevent future illness. Preventive medicine aims to identify illnesses before they happen or at an early stage when treatment is easy and cheaper or if the illness is already established, it helps to avoid complications of the illness.

Who needs preventive health?

All individuals from childhood to adulthood need some form of preventive care. Children need to be immunized against childhood diseases, young adults, middle aged and elderly individuals need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and screen for illnesses. They also need early and effective treatment of illnesses to avoid complications.

Myths about preventive health Myth #1: “I have no symptoms, so I am not ill, I don’t need to go to the hospital. Besides, when you go for a screening, doctors always find something. I would rather not know” Many people believe hospital or clinics are a place only for “sick” people, and since they have no symptoms, it means they are fine. It is important to note that majority of illnesses have a “prodromal” phase in which you don’t FEEL any thing is wrong with you, but the illness is causing damage slowly internally.

Typical examples are hypertension, diabetes and cancer, where if you wait for symptoms to occur, it may already be too late to cure or easily manage the illness. People have been cured of cancer, just because the cancer was detected very early when they presented themselves for routine screening, others have slumped and died while at events or at work, just because

they did not know they were hypertensive, blood pressure rose to a dangerous level and they suffered a massive heart attack or stroke and died without any warning.

Myth #2: “Screening is expensive, I have a lot of bills.”

Another major myth is that health screening is expensive.

Blood pressure checks are absolutely free, while the treatment for kidney disease, a common complication of hypertension runs into millions of naira. The prices for screening really depend on how many things are screened for and where the screening is done. It is cheaper to screen for diseases than treat them and or their complications. It is also important to see a medical practitioner who will decide which investigations you need, so you don’t spend on unnecessary tests.

Myth #3: “Healthy eating and exercise is only for fat people. I am not fat.”

Everyone, regardless of their weight, needs to eat healthy to avoid disease like: diabetes, cancer, heart disease, breathing problems etc. some people appear “slim” but they are hypertensive, diabetic and have elevated cholesterol levels.

Some benefits of exercise: reduces risk of heart disease, reduces risk of low bone density (osteoporosis) in elderly women, and increases blood flow to the brain.

Myth #4 “There is no history of any medical condition in my family. I don’t need screening” Not all illnesses are due to familial or genetic causes. Some illnesses are due to environmental factors like air and water pollution, others may be due to lifestyle choices like alcohol, cigarette smoking and recreational drug use, poor eating habits.

Disease agents like bacteria and viruses also cause illness and these are all not inherited. So even though there is no direct family history of disease, screening is also important.

When was your last check up? BD

dr monisola adanijo fmcp a Cardiologist and the Medical Director at Naveen Healthcare.

With experience spanning over 20 years, she built her pathway in medicine and cardiology working in reputable medical centres such as Mecure Healthcare Limited, Barnes Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Chevron Hospital, Lagos to mention but a few. Her passion for preventive cardiology led her to convene the Naveen Healthcare 10,000 Hearts Project, in order to help individuals detect, protect and correct cardiovascular diseases. Skilled in cardiovascular diagnostic procedures and treatment, a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, a member of Nigerian Cardiac Society, American College of Physicians, Hypertension society of Nigeria and an international associate of the American College of Cardiology. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management from the University of Washington, USA. As a Continuous Medical Education (CME) provider, she has worked with the likes of Trigen Healthcare Solutions, Pfizer GP Academy, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance, Pfizer Pharmacy Academy, Global Health Project and Resources, Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria, Novartis Nigeria and Servier International. She has helped build capacity in Electrocardiogram interpretation, preventive cardiovascular diseases, management of heart failure, patient education and more. She launched the first TeleElectrocardiogram project in Nigeria and West Africa and does her part in contributing to good health and wellbeing, a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) of the United Nations. moni.adanijo@naveenhealthcare.com I www.naveenhealthcare.com I Instagram: https://Instagram.com/moni_adanijo I https://Instagram.com/naveenhealthcare I Linkedin: Monisola Adanijo

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Finance/Relationship

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

All (other) things being equal… in personal finance (relationships/ marriage) TOYOSI LAWAL

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ll other things being equal OR ‘Ceteris paribus’ is a phrase that rolled off easily from my Economics Professors’ tongues frequently in college. Add this phrase to any theory, and you can almost always justify your theory within its defined context. For example, we can say that ‘having a personal finance plan in place is beneficial to a couple’s financial stability, ceteris paribus’. In this context, what are the factors that can prevent your joint financial plan from being effective? A key component to executing a financial plan is budgeting.

Whilst talking about budgeting, I’d like to zoom in on the steps that I highlighted in the last article and also talk about 3 things that could prevent you from sticking to a joint budget.

As a re-cap, last weekend I mentioned that when putting numbers to your financial plan, you should make a list of all your needs, estimate the cost for the needs, make a forecast for future years and then each determine/ agree your individual contribution to the joint plan.

In your joint financial plan, budgeting comes in when making the list of needs and putting numbers to those needs.

There are various guidelines suggested by financial advisors for budgeting, such as the 50:30:20 rule. Such guidelines typically suggest budget allocation ratios to three main categories including Needs, Wants and Savings/ Investments. For each of these categories, you’ll need to decide on what you’ll like to jointly aspire to and which goals (if any) you’ll like to set as individuals. The 50:30:20 rule for Needs, Wants and Savings is pretty standard but you can adjust this ratio as you wish. I recently read an article about a couple (Amon and Christina Browning) who retired at 39 and 41 respectively by saving 70% of their income. For this couple, their joint lifestyle goal was to pursue financial independence and retire way before the average age of 65. Together, they decided to front-load their financial obligations to allow them spend more time with each other and live each day to the fullest. As mentioned previously, your joint lifestyle goal, is as unique as your personal relationship and should be defined by you.

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What should I categorise as Needs, Wants and Savings/ Investments?

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a good starting point for prioritising in your budget, what you need to survive versus your wants. Your physiological needs (Food, Shelter, and Clothing) and Safety needs (Health, Property, Security, and Employment) should be prioritized over wants. Your wants are still important. As a couple you could decide that it is absolutely important for the sanity of your relationship to go on vacation at least once a year. Savings/ investments are critical to your plan as they act as a buffer when your income cash-flow is impacted.

What factors can hinder my budget?

Whilst diligence and discipline are traits required for sticking to a budget, it is important to understand that certain factors could hinder a budget. These include; 1) Income cash-flow: Do you understand the frequency of your income payments? And are you able to match the frequency of your income to when your costs are due?

2) Un-necessary spending: Do you find yourself spending on things outside your budget and then regardless of this, having to still bear the costs of your basic needs?

3) Debt: Does your debt re-payment out-way your income?

Sticking to your joint budget in a relationship/ marriage could be a valuable tool to achieving your joint lifestyle goals/ vision.

Ceteris paribus means that the aforementioned factors are not an issue for you in your relationship. Often times, life isn’t perfect and so what happens when these issues are real and present in your relationship? Can one still navigate a joint financial plan?

Please look out for next weekend’s article to find out how. BD is a Strategy & Corporate Development Professional with over 8 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. She has spent the last 3 years working at FBNQuest Asset Management. She is passionate about sharing personal finance advice to help others build strong wealth habits. Comments and enquiries can be sent to zolawal@gmail.com toyosi

Sports

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

35

ANTHONY NLEBEM

BATTLE OF THE REDS

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Liverpool and Arsenal face off at Anfield

t’s another weekend of football action and fans can look forward to the best football games from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A schedule for 25 to 28 September, 2020.

For the Premier League this weekend, Liverpool and Arsenal are scheduled to meet at Anfield on the evening of Monday 28 September. The Reds and the Gunners are set for an explosive encounter which will feature prolific African goal scorers such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Reigning champions Liverpool have perhaps been more impressive as they

have beaten upstarts Leeds United and then Chelsea, while Arsenal eased past Fulham but struggled past West Ham. Liverpool will be looking for revenge against Arsenal, given that the teams’ last two meetings have both gone the way of the London side: 2-1 in a Premier League clash in mid-July and a penalty shootout triumph in the Community Shield late last month.

The Reds will be hoping center back Joe Gomez will be fit after he missed the win at Chelsea last weekend, while this game will come too soon for fellow defender Joel Matip.

Judging by the early reports, Liverpool

captain Jordan Henderson should also be fit to start.

Arsenal could have Kieran Tierney back fit for this game, which would be a big boost. Pablo Mari, Calum Chamberls, Gabriel Martinelli and Shkodran Mustafi all remain out injured.

Liverpool are bookmakers favourites given their long unbeaten home record at Anfield.

Arsenal have a lot more grit under Arteta and they ware capable of bending but not breaking. This is a huge test for them, though, and Gabriel against the fluid front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane will be his biggest test yet.

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Sports

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Barçelona and Atletico return to action Arsenal have the attackers to make the most of any more slack defending from Liverpool but Klopp’s side to have just too much in midfield and attack.

Other picks for Premier League this weekend are Crystal Palace vs Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United at, West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea and Burnley vs Southampton. On Sunday 27 September EPL includes; Sheffield United vs Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United, Manchester City vs Leicester City and West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The headline match from Serie A is the Sunday night clash of Roma and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in the ‘Eternal City’. Elsewhere, Internazionale will have their first match of the season when they host Fiorentina at the San Siro in the late kick-off on Saturday evening. BD

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arly LaLiga Santander leaders Granada and Real Betis are out to continue their 100% records this weekend, while Barcelona, Atletico de Madrid, Sevilla and newboys Elche all return to action. The staggered start to the 2020/21 LaLiga season has given an unfamiliar look to the early standings, but the table will soon start to take shape with all teams playing three games over the next 10 days.

Saturday evening sees a cracker at the Benito Villamarin, where new Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini will welcome his old club Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane’s side began the defence of their LaLiga title with a 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad last Saturday and have only taken one point from their last three LaLiga games against los verdiblancos.

Sunday afternoon at the Wanda Metropolitano sees Atletico de Madrid getting their 2020/21 LaLiga campaign up and running against Granada CF. The Andalusians last won this fixture came back in 1959, but Diego Martinez’s side keep improving and making history year after year. BD

‘It was tough to leave Barcelona’

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uis Suarez was emotional when he was introduced by Barcelona six years ago, and again on Thursday when he had to say goodbye after being told he wasn’t wanted by the club anymore. The Uruguayan striker, who has joined Atletico Madrid, couldn’t hold back tears as he bid farewell and said he will always be grateful despite being told to leave. ‘’When the club says it doesn’t need you anymore, you have to accept it,’’ he said in a news conference organized by Barcelona. ‘’But it takes a while, it’s difficult. Your family is involved, you’ve gone through a lot with the club. So it’s difficult to accept that you are leaving, but you have to. It’s the reality, it’s how things are in soccer.’’

The 33-year-old Suarez, who reached a deal with Barcelona rival Atletico on Businessday.ng

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Wednesday, broke down a few times while talking about his former teammates and his time with his former club. ‘’This is very hard for me. It wasn’t expected, I didn’t have anything prepared,’’ he said. ‘’It’s been many years, I’ve made many friends, that makes me happy.’’

Suarez said he was ‘’leaving with pride for having made history with this club.’’

H e

departs as Barcelona’s third highest scorer with 198 goals, behind Cesar Rodriguez (232) and Lionel Messi (634). The Uruguayan helped Barcelona win 13 titles since arriving in 2014 from Liverpool, including four Spanish league trophies and the Champions League in 2015.

Atletico will pay up to 6 million euros ($7 million) to Barcelona after signing the striker, who last month was told by incoming coach Ronald Koeman that he was not in his plans. Suarez thanked Barcelona for believing in him after his biting incident ‘’mistake’’ at the 2014 World Cup, which led to a long ban but didn’t keep the Catalan club from signing him. BD

Brands

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

37

Your Brand Story Is In You, Would You Peak?

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CHIDERA MUOKA

ow m any times did your eyes light up when you heard the intro to a Peak ad, “From generation to generation, Peak will always be there”? How many times did you ask for the brand because you believed it would inspire your inner Kanu Nwankwo and destine you for greatness?

More than a lyric on its ad campaign, Peak has woven a formidable brand story of always being there and celebrating the greatness in every man. The history of the brand and its consistent narrative that has evoked emotions of many Nigerians is what makes up its brand story.

The Peak brand story is so in tune with the brand archetype which it embodies. The Everyman archetype, which seeks connections and belonging; is recognized as supportive, faithful, and down-to-earth.

Through its #Unstoppable campaign with the Nigerian Paralympics team, to Cobhams Asuquo, Peak has stayed consistent with the core message of its brand story.

As commendable as Peak has been in their narrative, your brand story is not just influenced in your corporate social responsibility (CSR) ventures or big campaigns. It is not just a footnote created in the heat of conceptualising your brand.

Your brand story is the heart of the brand and what inspires every form of communication with your target audience. We see this story in the heart of your biggest campaigns and the soul of your daily interaction with your audience.

This story is part of the bigger picture and present in the smaller details. Yet, as important as it is to have your brand story influence every communication decision and material shared, it seems to be a missing element in the Nigerian marketplace?

The lack of a brand story with many brands is the reason newer brands come into the market and become distinct. Failing to connect with your audience means you’d lose them to whoever gives them the attention.

Why do you need to pay attention to your audience?

If you have to ask this question, then you’re the reason I write this article. Your audience is more than stats and figures in your presentation and sheets. Your audience is your community, your tribe, in reality, these are your number 1 marketers and stakeholders.

Paying attention to them means more than sharing information

on products, updates and releases, it is sparking conversations, and engaging in issues that signify your shared values.

Does this sound like brands are human?

If this sounds weird to you, you’ve been handling your brand all wrong. Your brand is human, it feels, it emotes, and it speaks. This is how you build your tribe.

I’m not talking of influencer marketing, which is a story for

another day. The face of your brand truly lies in the heart of its story and how it is being communicated to your audience by sharing why you exist, why your story matters, and how they play a role in it.

2020 is not the year where you build elaborate plans devoid of the sentiments of your audience. If this year has taught you anything, it is that a particular way of doing things just because it worked in the past does not make it absolute. It will change, whether you’re ready or not.

Your brand story is in you, would you peak? BD is a multipotentialite and creative director. A firm believer of storytelling committed to pushing compelling narratives through her storytelling agency, House of ZETA. muoka

Social media handles IG: @themadamezeta I Twitter: @TheMadameZeta I LinkedIn: Chidera Muoka

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Interview

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SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Don't allow fear of mistakes hold you back from doing the things you read about - Lolu Dosalu Tell me how you got started in your career? started my professional career after I did my Master’s Degree. I started as an intern in a luxury goods company in the UK. I worked as an intern that earned literally nothing- zero! But I was excited to just be working, I was excited to be working in marketing, excited at the scope of work, I had a lot of responsibilities, I was doing e-Commerce, I was doing merchandising and I was doing marketing. I was doing a lot of digital marketing as well. I was one of the people responsible for our shows when we had London Fashion Week & Paris Fashion Week, so it was exciting to have that much responsibility. I literally worked from 08:00AM – 08:00PM everyday but I enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, when I didn’t have so much money- and I hardly ever had much at that time- I got really broke this one time and I started scouting pubs, restaurants and bars that open really late

I

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that I could work at to earn extra cash to support my dream. I never wanted my finances to become a concern for my boss, didn’t want to say: “Oh, I’m broke.”

I wanted to prove myself and show him that regardless of the pay, I was good at what I did, and I wanted to get it done. So, my internship was supposed to last for six months, but five months in, I got promoted to a full role and got more responsibilities. I became a manager quickly because I was so passionate and so desperate to be great that with every mile I was given; I went one extra.

And that’s how I started my career.

However, before I started my professional career after my degrees, I had been working almost every summer doing door-to-door sales, telephone sales, customer service, personal shopping, throughout the summer. Other than the few summers that I travelled, I did a lot of things. Sometimes I look back and think: “how did you do all that then?”

Because now, I might be a bit skepti-

cal about not earning anything or working for certain characters, you know, people. But then, I was bold and fearless.

I guess it’s because when you’re young, you don’t entertain a lot of fears. It taught me the value of hard work and what you could reap from working hard. I have always known that you get great results and you’ll be rewarded for working hard.

I think I learned that when I was young because I have always liked working. I have always been very ambitious, and a person that always wants more and looks up to people doing great things and wants to do the same thing.

What makes you passionate about this work?

How has your skillset grown over time?

Are there skills you’d like the opportunity to develop in the future?

In terms of the skills that I would like to develop for the future, and I’m talking in the near future, there’s one thing that

Interview

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

You currently work as CMO-alternative finance- what are your customer retention strategies?

(Without giving away too much) As regards customer retention strategies, I would tell you a little bit. I could tell you all, but then I’d have to kill you. *smiles* I think that the most important and the most effective customer retention strategy is giving value to your customers. Look, customers are really smart. Our audience is really smart. Especially now.

They want everything fast. They want things easy and they want every to be effective and perfect. Honestly, nobody can offer perfection, nobody in the world. However, if you’re not giving your customers value, then your strategy will never be as effective. So we try and add value in everything we do. From creating a product to marketing a product, even during marketing, we don’t just offer the product, we offer extra. We ensure that we communicate exactly what the

value is. When asked to put this strategy into my easy to remember tips, I would say: 1. Give actual value – real value.

Don’t try to fake it. Customers can always tell when you’re offering below the mark that they find valuable.

2. Be present. Take your customer’s feedback seriously. Just like in a relationship, you don’t dismiss your partner’s wants, emotions and complaints and the occasional nagging, it’s the same way you deal with your customers. Because essentially, you’re in a relationship with your customers.

Therefore, their feelings are valid. Take that into consideration and be present at their every point of need. When they’re complaining, be there. When

“

Give actual value – real value. Don’t try to fake it. Customers can always tell when you’re offering below the mark that they find valuable.

“

I think is very important for marketers.

Although I haven’t met a lot of marketers that are well-rounded in technology and building websites, coding or programming, but that is something I really want to and will do.

Secondly, I can manage large groups of people now, but I can’t wait to manage an entire organization- say 1,000, 2,000 or 10,000 people. I have always looked up to my bosses, my MDs and wondered how they are able to compartmentalize and manage different departments and different groups of people, with different personalities, at such large numbers.

I manage smaller groups and I know how much work goes into it because you’ve got your work, but you must respond to everybody else- both professionally and sometimes, personally.

So to have to do that for almost 6,000 people and various departments is something I aspire to and cannot wait to get my hands on. I want to build that skill. I believe that I am a pretty decent leader, but I want to build and better my management and leadership skills and I would say I’m learning from the best right now. I have a fabulous MDAbubakar Suleiman and I really look up to him. I love how his mind works, I love how he teaches people. I love leaders that are teachers and not just bosses.

they’re rejoicing, be there. Because usually, companies are there when customers are saying great things- they raise their heads up and they’re proud, but when the customers are telling you how things can be better, or what they don’t like, all of a sudden, the company or client is nowhere to be found.

How are you embracing Digital?

We all know that digital has been and is still the future, so we are definitely embracing digital. Digital is key to our advertising. Especially in the middle of the pandemic and post-covid. All eyes are on digital right now. But, there is a downside. With everybody concentrating on digital media, it means the consumer no longer receives digital media the same way. The consumer is less at-

39

tentive because there’s an overload of advertising. As such, we need to be outstanding. In the digital space, our goal is to stand out. We are embracing the new and innovative- reach media, influencer advertising…

Not entirely new, but we are doing it differently. Also, there’s personalization. Digital is the one medium of advertising that allows you personalize your content. A great example is our e-Commerce site. We are able to personalize our homepage. So if you go on our homepage, its your homepage. It wouldn’t be a general homepage. It will be designed around what you like and consumption preferences.

Ultimately, those are some of the ways we are embracing digital. Digital is key! The budgeting for digital is increasing year after year because that’s the spotlight. But when the spotlight is on you, you must stand out. You must do things differently and be innovative.

If you really want to win in the digital space right now, you have to embrace it in its entirety. And embrace technology. You really can’t have one without the other.

How are you pivoting and embracing the new norm?

In pivoting and embracing the new norm, I don’t think anyone truly has a choice. People might not like change, it’s human nature. But we don’t have a choice. You have to get with the program, embrace change, or get left behind. Things are changing everyday.

You wake up one day and it’s a different way of living. Different styles, different rules. We are adjusting everyday as things are adjusting and embracing it because there is really no other option.

You really can’t resist change, not with the whole world changing. The market is changing, consumer behavior is changing, too. It’s actually fun. BD is a detailed strategist and a communications expert. She is the founder of So.MeSolutions, a communications company that has helped a significant number of brands boost their possibilities including Sterling Bank, South African Tourism, MasterCard Foundation, Unilever, Filmhouse Cinemas, Sweetkiwi to name a few. Liz has been recorded among the100 most inspiring women in Nigeria (2017). She was likewise interviewed by CNN where she spearheaded one of the most insightful events on Digital marketing tagged Dedicated to Digital. osho

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Opportunities

40

SATURDAY 26, SEPTEMBER 2020

Opportunities in the midst of a Storm?

FAVOUR OLAREWAJU

A

nthony and his sister, Joyce were passing by a fashion store where attractive clothings were on display. Sadly, their excitement was cut short by a debit alert of card maintenance fee and a gloomy reminder of their reality - red account balance as they barely have any savings or investment. It is no hidden fact that individuals, businesses and even government agencies are reeling from the negative effects of the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear, anxiety and uncertainty became the new norm as governments worldwide had to make the difficult decision to lock down their countries and restrict movements both locally and abroad.

While still trying to deal with the numerous rising cases and deaths around the world, companies desperately sought a way to stay afloat in this imminent crisis by slashing salaries and laying off workers given the now stifled revenue streams.

For a country like Nigeria, which was yet to fully recover from the 2016 recession, coupled with the already high poverty, unemployment and inflation levels to mention a few, many Nigerians have been relegated to greater financial difficulties and distress with no foreseeable signs of definite hope.

Yet, surprisingly in the midst of this severe crisis, quite a number of famous persons have been trending for their luxurious lifestyles.

Three months ago, by the end of May, the internet was on fire about the newly acquired mansion in Banana Island Lagos of popular Nigerian musician, Davido, worth $1.5 million (over N400 million).

More recently, just last week, news was everywhere about the 3 Ferrari Portofino cars that famous billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola bought for his three daughters, DJ Cuppy, Temi and Tolani Otedola. A Ferrari Portofino is said to be worth over $200,000. The recent BusinessDay weekender edition estimates the three Ferrari cars to be worth N386 million.

Also, just last weekend, on September 19, the media mogul, Linda Ikeji spent a fortune buying a 2020 Range Rover Autobiography, 85 shoes and 35 designer bags to mark her 40th birthday celebration.

Well, how much is too much? While some term this as extravagance, everyone is entitled to their choice of lifestyle particularly if they can afford it. Although a larger proportion of Nigerians are poor while relatively fewer persons are wealthy, everyone, including the richest Nigerian, Dangote (with net worth of $9.9 billion according to Forbes) has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or the other.

So, the big question here is, how do we bridge this gap and navigate these trying times to be relatively better off and ensure financial Businessday.ng

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security irrespective of economic and social crisis?

On a regular crisis-free day, one could argue that purchasing products that are valued in dollars can be much cheaper than otherwise.

However, in the current global crisis, dollar funds are tied down due to unstable exchange rates and to prevent domestic currencies from losing its value. So, relying on dollar-naira valuation is quite limited.

This comes without the saying that saving during this pandemic is not worth it, rather money should be wisely invested as investment appreciates in value over time. So, what viable business opportunities exist that are not money-draining, you may ask.

Mutual funds This is a collection of funds pooled in multiple assets including stocks, bonds and other securities. It is one of the latest trending games in town as it is less cost- intensive and one can start investing with as little as N1,000-N5000. Reliable and proven fund managers include Stanbic IBTC Nigerian equity fund, FBN money market fund of First bank and Legacy Money Market Fund (LMMF) of the First City Asset Management Limited among others.

Land/Real Estate This is the booming sector in recent times. Most Nigerians are not aware of the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) which is a collective investment scheme that pools money to invest in real estate and mortgages. Like, mutual funds, REITs is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Value can be gained on real estate by renting a part or all of the purchased property using the 2% rule according to Bigger Pockets which states that monthly rent should be at least 2% higher than the purchase price.

Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum) This is another viable and thriving ventures that involve a bit more money but is a highly profitable opportunity. 2017 was the year that cryptocurrency really skyrocketed as its market value grew from $21bn in March 2017 to $454bn in September 2020.

Bitcoin for one is valued at about N4.07 million (or $10,510) and Ethereum at N132,072 (or $340.8).

Here, there is no minimum investment amount as this depends on the investment platform. For instance, on coinbase, bitcoin can be bought for $2. BD

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