PGMAG Jan 2023 Issue 42

Lady Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw Powerhouse Global Brand Propagator

"Listen to the music in your heart and dance to the tune of the rythem."

– Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw

As we have been given an opportunity to dream again. To connect with others and to be a light that shines in this challenged world. Let us be mindful of our thoughts, words and actions - they are the key deciding factors of how successful we become in life.

Powerhouse Global Magazine has Held it together for half a decade, and now we are working towards creating opportunities for others.

This edition features some incredible leaders who are change makers in their fields of purpose. We are proud to be associated with great minds who are committed to providing solutions for others. We set out in 2018 on this adventure, and today we are being read in over 100 countries of the world. This is a dream come true.

Thank you for choosing us. As we embrace the opportunities 2023 presents to us, I hope you all will succeed in your own space and become a force of change.

Thank you to our lead designer for his commitment and dedication to providing high quality design for our publication.

Let's make 2023 the best year ever.

Happy New Year from all of us at the Powerhouse Global Family.

Lady Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw

COVER STORY

GLOBAL IMPACT LEADER ANTONETTA FERNANDES (AF)

PGMAG: Antonetta, so good to have you on today’s interview with Lady Anita.

AF: Lady Anita I am truly excited and energised to be given such a platform to express the precious gift of life that I have been blessed with, by my creator.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

AF: This question reminds me of a song from the hit 1971 film “Love Story”. The lyrics start with “Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be?

I am a retired Business Owner, a Best-selling co-author/book promoter and Soul, Mind, Body Therapist. My LOVE STORY started with the second chance given to me by my creator. The success in the last 11 months started with facing some heart-rendering challenges and training my mind to accept everything is possible with the spirit within me. I took on a Big Bank regarding a scam investment and won; I took on Conveyancing Lawyer and won; and the crème de la crème, I walk with faith where everything is possible. So, I was born in Kenya, the eldest of 9 siblings. Although my parents struggled financially they made sure we were fully equipped with education and life tools.

In a nutshell 25th January 2022 opened a new juncture in my life. I remember reaching out for the light but I had to pass the sun to get to it. I awoke up when my son was getting me out of a car, where the driver, a close friend and relative had died at the wheel. This day impacted heavily on my son and myself. Our God gave us a new beginning.

In 1976, I started my married life in London; in the last 50 years’ my career has flourished thru the many sectors I was privileged to perform my services in from Banking, Telecoms, Housing Management, Events Management of a ‘Starship Enterprise’ like centre and finally into the National Health Service. Equipped with the richness of experiences I stepped into

I remember reaching out for the light but I had to pass the sun to get to it. I awoke up when my son was getting me out of a car, where the driver, a close friend and relative had died at the wheel.

my own essence and started my own business, Fernandes Consultancy Limited (FCL) within the Health and Wellness industry where my passion grew altruistically. This industry gave me the most phenomenal outcomes and I could pass this into my clients. My zest for life took me back to nature, the benefits of natural alternative products & lifestyle. So in 2021 after the success of running my business for 10 plus year I decided to hang boots in pursuit a more fulfilling role to help the elderly, young and vulnerable members of society.

PGMAG: In your capacity as a leader, what are the keys to creating work/life balance?

AF: A big lesson for me

which came through recently which was making sure My Time Matters. In the past I spent valuable time worrying about relationships, finances, business, family, watching the News etc., and less time on giving thanks for the gift of life, forgiving others, building a relationship with our Creator, spending time with love ones and providing benevolence with Joy, Ease and Grace.

This shift started when I returned to serve my creator and took the bold step of being baptised as a Christian earlier this year; the anger, anxiety, fear, quilt, sorrow and worry that had robbed me of my happiness for so many years was gradually being replaced with compassion, joy, love, patience and peace. At first I found it difficult because every-time I failed the ugly

I perform more tasks in a timely manner each day than ever before. The quality of my life is fulfilled with what a difference a day when we walk in FAITH. Yes!!! Everything is possible with God in my life.

head of guilt popped up. With the help of prayer groups, teachers and reading The Word I was replenishing my tool kit. Over time significant traits noticed by friends and family was my patience, confidence, approach to life, energy and youthfulness. I ditched the task lists and replaced it with faith and a can-do attitude because everything is possible. I perform more tasks in a timely manner each day than ever before. The quality of my life is fulfilled with what a difference a day when we walk in FAITH. Yes!!! Everything is possible with God in my life.

PGMAG: I want to use this opportunity to thank you for your support and encouragement for over 9

years. Thank you for being part of Powerhouse Global Community.

AF: Well support and encouragement works both ways especially as this relationship we have with each other has many facets of life tools and lessons. It has been a joy to see the growth within you Lady Anita, over the last 9 years in terms of fine tuning your skills and having a cutting-

edge razor focus. Likewise, you have helped to grow in confidence from the shyness of yester years. If I may be allowed to add Lady Anita that I would like to also thank all my colleagues, clients, teachers, leaders and family who have helped and supported me the grew. I thank God for my mother the late Carmina Fernandes and my son Gavin Mankoo for always being there to pick me up in times of need.

PGMAG: You turned 70 in 2022 and still look fabulous –it amazes me to watch you take on some key tasks to ensure the wellbeing of other. What’s your secret to ‘ever green’ living?

AF: “It is not secret what God can do” this has resonated with me. Yes, I am blessed to have my mother’s genes of youthfulness. However, it was not until a few months I noticed something had changed. My confidence has grown affluently. I am so passionate about cooking, dressing up every day, helping my elderly neighbours with advice/support

and walking down the road greeting everyone I meet with a kind word or compliment. My motto is “do good and it will follow you for the rest of your life”. In the last 10 months’ I managed to shift 10 Kilos in weight effortlessly, my physical body has benefited from dancing, walking and aqua-aerobics and my health & wellness is at a peak level. At the age of 71 I embrace the word of God and work with the Holy Spirit within me to direct my words, thoughts and deeds.

PGMAG: What is your message for world leaders?

AF: Communicate and influence with a heart-centred focus “do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is a biblical concept spoken by Jesus in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12; it is commonly referred to as the "Golden Rule." "So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

PGMAG: Please tell us about your passion to support the elderly and young people to live a life of fulfilment.

AF: This is a cause I am drawn to. My first experience was

couple of years ago when an elderly lady fell out of a bus on to the pavement. I accompanied her to the hospital and stayed with her until she was seen to and then also took her home. Since then I have had several other encounters. In trying to help the elderly I noticed one of the major problems they were having was make a telephone appointment. Many have problems with hearing and hearing aid and they get confused with all the options before they can get to speak to a human being. Some of the options such visit our website – they do not have a clue how to use a computer or a smart phone.

Giving gratitude for all that I have and all that I received, spending time with loved one or a mindfulness walk in the park. One thing that always helps is a healthy dose of LAUGHTER.

to suggestions and working together with organisations that can make a difference to our global community.

PGMAG: Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us –wishing you success and more happiness.

AF: Thank you Lady Anita and The Powerhouse Global Community, with love, joy, ease and grace I wish you success for the future in all ways ALWAYS

PGMAG: Please share your website/links with us.

Apart from me directly helping them with these issues, there does not appear to be any support to tackle these issues. I recently qualified as a Peer Mentor with an organisation and approached them to offer my services as volunteer for the vulnerable, young people and elder. While I am waiting to hear from them I will continue to provide the support wherever I can. I am open

PGMAG: How do you stay motivated when life happens to you?

AF: Giving gratitude for all that I have and all that I received, spending time with loved one or a mindfulness walk in the park. One thing that always helps is a healthy dose of LAUGHTER.

PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

AF: Despite all the flaws and imperfections “Love is all you need in all ways ALWAYS.”

AF: I am retired – please contact via my email: antonettaferandes8@ googlemail.com

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SUE RITCHIE (SR)

PGMAG: Sue, welcome to today’s interview with Lady Anita.

SR: Thank you so much for inviting me. It’s so great to have this opportunity.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

SR: I am a Fertility Coach. I help couples who are struggling to conceive to clear the blocks that might be preventing them from creating the family they so desperately want. We work together to identify the areas that need attention and create a plan to optimise their chances of conceiving. Taking an holistic approach to fertility is important because as human beings were are mind, body and spirit and all of these things are connected and have an impact on each other. It isn’t just about the physical reproductive parts.

So many factors of modern life, where everyone is so busy, are having an impact on our fertilityhealth, gut health (unfortunately none of us are as healthy as we might think we are), nutrition (the foods that we eat), mindset, lifestyle, stress, weight, our relationship with ourselves and our partner, and toxins in the environment.

I really love seeing couples stepping up and

making the changes they need to make to not only increase their chances of conceiving, but so they step into their new role as parents healthy, energised, happy and positive about life. To me that is the best gift you can give to your child.

I personally found myself at 30 single thinking that I might not have children. I know what it feels like to desperately want to have a child. I was very lucky and feel truly blessed as I had my first child at 36 and my second at 39 both

conceived naturally.

PGMAG: We know the last two years was a very challenging one for almost all the people in the world due to covid-19. How were you able to mitigate the setbacks caused by the pandemic?

SR: It was indeed a difficult and challenging time and I certainly experienced challenges in terms of my mental health, from being isolated from family and friends. I found taking walks in nature to be really helpful and it is something that I love to do in normal times too. Staying in touch with family and friends through phone calls and zoom calls really helped too. Also, I made a decision not to watch

Taking an holistic approach to fertility is important because as human beings were are mind, body and spirit and all of these things are connected and have an impact on each other. It isn’t just about the physical reproductive parts.

the news and to avoid all negative social media posts. That helped me with staying positive.

needed to make. I joined online networking groups which also helped and it was great to connect with like-minded people

PGMAG: Please tell us more about ‘rebalancing gut microbiome’.

SR: The health of our gut fundamentally underpins our overall health, both physically and mentally. It will determine whether we stay healthy or go to disease.

From a business point of view, I already was seeing and helping clients online with zoom calls, so it wasn’t a switch that I

The gut and the brain are connected and when our gut health is not in a good place it causes anxiety, mood swings and depression. That’s why both our physical and mental

From a fertility point of view, key fertility hormones oestrogen and progesterone are managed and balanced in the gut. If your gut microbiome is not healthy, hormones get out of balance and you end up with too much or too little and this gets in the way of conception happening.

health depend on having a healthy gut microbiome.

It’s in our gut where many hormones are produced or, are managed and balanced. Hormones are responsible for managing many systems in our bodies. From a fertility point of view, key fertility hormones oestrogen and progesterone are managed and balanced in the gut. If your gut microbiome is not healthy, hormones get out of balance and you end up with too much or too little and this gets in the way of conception happening.

There are a number of things that create an imbalance in our gut microbiome where bad bacteria get out of hand. These are antibiotics, diet high in processed foods and refined carbs, sugar and artificial sweeteners, alcohol, medications, stress and lack of exercise, lack of fibre in diet and dehydration.

into balance and improve our overall health. When our gut health is poor we are likely to have a leaky gut, so the process of rebalancing our gut requires several steps. 1) Remove (Reduce and Reset)

One of the early signs of an unhealthy gut are digestive issues, bloating and wind.

If our gut is out of balance, it is important that we go through a process to bring things back

It is best to get support and guidance via a health practitioner to rebalance your gut microbiome as it isn’t just a case of taking some probiotics. Plus, you will receive guidance on changes in your diet and

lifestyle to help ensure that you maintain good gut health going forward.

PGMAG: As a leader in the health/wellness industry, what are some of the measures required to live a healthier life?

SR: To me, living a healthier life, is not just about the physical. It really is a combination of mind, body and spirit and a key element is to come to a place of self-love. We all have childhood wounds and they can get in the way, so healing those is really helpful. Becoming aware of our negative voice, inner judge and learning how to manage and turn those lies around into the positives is important too.

Taking responsibility for our own lives and knowing that we have the power of choice to create the life we want to live is hugely beneficial.

We have the choice to make our health a top priority in our lives. In doing that we choose to eat foods that are natural, healthy and nutritious that really serve our bodies well. We ensure that we take regular

We also, take time out to have fun and enjoy life and allow time for rest and relaxation and doing the things that we love. Treating ourselves more kindly in every way is really helpful.

exercise, keep our bodies well hydrated, get good sleep and avoid harmful toxins as best as we can.

We also, take time out to have fun and enjoy life and allow time for rest and relaxation and doing the things that we love. Treating ourselves more kindly in every way is really helpful.

PGMAG: Please tell us more about your business.

point at which things begin. We have to address the root cause.

The health of a baby starts at the point of conception and the healthier both parents are at that time, the more likely they are to have healthy eggs and healthy sperm. This means they are more likely to have a healthy baby. It is important to continue to stay healthy through pregnancy too.

SR: I do what I do, because

I really want to see more children come into the world, healthy, have self-love and know that they can achieve whatever they want in life.

If we want things to change, we always have to start at the

Children learn from their parents’ behaviours, much more than being told things. So if couples prepare themselves for conception and already have embedded making sure they eat a healthy, natural, balanced nutritious diet. Plus, when they know how important it is to maintain good gut health so that they remain healthy, their children will naturally be fed in the same way and gain the benefits. Giving them a great start in life. The building blocks for good health start in the womb and the early months after birth.

Too many children today do not have healthy diets and we have children as young as 9 or 10

with type 2 Diabetes and they have hardly started in life. 1 in 5 Primary school children are either overweight or obese.

I like to help couples to become aware of their negative mindset and teach them how to manage that so that they can remain in the positive zone as much as possible. That way they will be better prepared to weather life’s ups and downs, which happen to all of us and be better placed to view life’s challenges as learning opportunities rather than extreme disasters.

I am trained as a Master Coach and I use coaching in my business to help my clients resolve and clear blocks that might be getting in the way of them living their life in a way that truly serves them. This often requires looking at things that have happened in childhood. This means they can make conscious decisions not to pass on to their children any parenting behaviours that have not served them so far in their life and spare their children from that experience.

My OptiMum Fertility programme is designed in a modular way around these core pillars. Physical Health, Mindset, Relationship with self, Relationship with Partner, Lifestyle and the Environment. This allows people to work with me on all areas or they can choose to specific areas they feel they need help with.

As parents we are never going to be perfect, we are human beings, but with greater awareness and consciousness we can strive to create a better experience for our children.

PGMAG: What is your message for women?

SR: Learn to love yourself and to put yourself first. It isn’t selfish. When you are your best self, and you value yourself, you and everybody around you benefits and you will live a happier and more fulfilled life.

My OptiMum Fertility programme is designed in a modular way around these core pillars. Physical Health, Mindset, Relationship with self, Relationship with Partner, Lifestyle and the Environment. This allows people to work with me on all areas or they can choose to specific areas they feel they need help with.

Make sure you live your life in true alignment with yourself and if you are living a life where you are constantly busy, slow down. If you don’t slow down the universe will create a situation where you have to, just like it did for me. I had a big health wake up call 14 years ago for which I am eternally grateful. It made me make some big decisions to change my life and it also made me realise that being busy and working hard was how I proved my self-worth and self-value. We can all have self-value without having to prove it to anyone.

Take time out for yourself on a regular basis. Get quiet so that you can connect with your higher self and your intuition.

You have huge wisdom inside you, you just need to tap into it.

PGMAG: Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us

PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

SR: Trust your own intuition, love yourself, make your health your number one priority and don’t worry about what others might think or say. Just do the things that are right for you. Success isn’t about working hard, it’s about working smart. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it doesn’t mean you are a failure.

SR: I’ve really enjoyed our interview. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and I hope your readers will get value from it.

PGMAG: Please share your website/links with us

SR: www.sue-ritchie.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ sue-ritchie/ https://www.facebook.com/ OptiMumFertility

Trust your own intuition, love yourself, make your health your number one priority and don’t worry about what others might think or say. Just do the things that are right for you. Success isn’t about working hard, it’s about working smart. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it doesn’t mean you are a failure.

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE

(PGMAG)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

PROPHETESS LINDA ROARK (PLR)

PGMAG: Prophetess Linda, welcome to today’s interview with Lady Anita.

PLR: Thank you for having me.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

PLR: Hello I’m Prophetess Linda Roark I’m a wife and a Mother of two sons and four Beautiful grandchildren. I love doing Ministry. I’m also a Conference Speaker, Evangelist, and a Pastor of World Commissioned Church.

PGMAG: As a global voice, what is your message for those who are in the valley of life decisions?

PLR: Keep pressing toward the mark no matter how difficult it may seem. Persistency has currency, and it will pay off.

PGMAG: With your achievements as a leader, a woman and an influencer, what are the top three keys to living a purpose-driven life?

PLR: It takes dedication, Faithfulness and commitment

PGMAG: As a leader and a preacher of the gospel, how has your faith impacted your overall

achievements in life?

PLR: My faith has overcome achievements in life by focusing on not what I see with the natural eye, but what I know to be true in the spirit. Faith is to see what you do believe it’s the evidence of things that are not yet seen!

PGMAG: People from all over the world have been positively impacted by your ministry. What is your message for world leaders?

PLR: My message to World leaders is to focus on your assignment to the people and the needs of your Country!

PGMAG: What is your message for women?

PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

PLR: Never stop dreaming!

PGMAG: Please share your website/links with us

PLR: To every woman I want you to know you can achieve your dreams, never let your age defer you from doing what you know God has called you to do! You are a World Changer!

PLR: www.lindaroarkministries. org

My faith has overcome achievements in life by focusing on not what I see with the natural eye, but what I know to be true in the spirit. Faith is to see what you do believe it’s the evidence of things that are not yet seen!

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SUE BOOTH (SB)

PGMAG: Sue, welcome to today’s interview with Lady Anita.

SB: I am honoured to be a part of your interview Lady Anita, I have followed you for a number of years and love what you have done with Powerhouse Gobal Magazine. I feel very privileged to be included in this. I feel that there should be more publications that build up males and females that endeavour to make a difference in the world.

PGMAG: Please briefl y introduce yourself to our readers.

what are some of the keys to living a healthy life?

SB: That's a great question Lady Anita!

SB: I am 68, have been married to my childhood sweetheart for almost 42 years, have 1 daughter Lauren and 2 amazing grandchildren of 10 and 6 years old and a step grandson of 20. I have been self employed for 40 years and have been successful in the Network Marketing industry for over 34 of those years. It's something that I have loved doing and it allows me to bring value to others and empower them to make a great residual income without having to sell their soul.

PGMAG: You are an inspiration to many individuals around the world due to your commitment to sharing your knowledge in health and wellness. As a leader with over 34 years of involvement in the wellness industry,

I start my day with hot lemon water and ginger which is very cleansing to the system. I then spend around 30 minutes writing my gratitude journal which gives me time to reflect on what I have achieved the previous day. Meditation and visualisation have been a part of my daily habit for many years. I have always been an advocate of following a holistic lifestyle and always looking for natural solutions and remedies to manage my health.

I don't smoke or drink as they don't provide any value to my body. Having studied nutrition, I know that we really don't get everything our bodies need for optimum health from our food any longer. I try not to have any processed foods

in my diet and cook everything from fresh wherever possible. Even following an organic diet I was always aware that it was a neccessity to supplement that to help fill in the gaps in our day to day diet. I have a great immune system which has been a blessing in these trying times. I don't catch colds or bugs that go round and I know that is down to my nutrition. I am not a fan of the gym but I do love to walk whenever possible. I am quite partial to skipping at the moment which can be done anywhere at anytime, it's great cardiovascular workout too.

Meditation and visualisation have been a part of my daily habit for many years.

I have always been an advocate of following a holistic lifestyle and always looking for natural solutions and remedies to manage my health.

accountable

4) Have your goals written down, with a date on them

5) Review your activity dailyNeeds to be trackable - Your Daily Disciplines done Daily

6) Celebrate your victoriesCelebrate others victories also.

7) Always work on the success of others as they will reward you with your success too.

8) Personal Development is key to your success - Nourish your mind.

PGMAG: You know some people give up on their dreams due to life challenges. In your capacity as a leader, what are some of the tips for overcoming adversity in life?

SB: You are so right, people often have those dreams and aspirations smashed by the naysayers and sadly that can even be from close family members and friends. The people that you hope will be your supporters. When I started out in the 80's we were going through an economic

crisis much like now, I had a thriving Interior Design business that was decimated almost overnight, we had been renovating an old house which was a money pit, so Networking threw me a lifeline for a very small investment but offered an opportunity to create a superb income. I grabbed it with both hands and promised to excel in whatever

I did. These are the rules that I follow even now.

1) Fall in love with the Products and the Company

2) Make sure you have a system to work to - without one you will have no roadmap

3) Make sure you have a Mentor to keep you

PGMAG: Please tell us more on how you can help reduce ‘inflammation’ in the body.

SB: Well this has been my mission for almost 4 years, why? Since I found out that my own inflammation levels were out of whack by doing a simple dry blood spot test, it opened up my eyes to cellular health, We have trillions of cells that all play a crucial role in our health, every single cell needs to be pliable but if we consume too many Omega 6's in our diet... if it's processed then it's an Omega 6 and that's a Pro inflammatory. We need to balance that out with additional Omega 3's which

are Anti inflammatory. Omega 3 by itself isn't effective by itself. It needs a chaperone to ensure the fragile Omega 3 molecule arrives in perfect condition at a cellular level. That's why BalanceOil has been so effective within 120 days. The fact that it's test based it's proven to work. So many health conditions are helped by reducing inflammatory markers. For me it's been life-changing as I had been on 7 medications since my heart attack and 3 stent (they said I would need them for life) Within 4 months of testing myself and following the Health Protocol I was able reduce and then stop my

We have trillions of cells that all play a crucial role in our health, every single cell needs to be pliable but if we consume too many Omega 6's in our diet... if it's processed then it's an Omega 6 and that's a Pro infl ammatory.

medication. I am back at the optimum Omega 6-3 ratios and it's my mission to help as many as possible gain benefi ts too.

PGMAG: At the age of 38, you went on the mission to fi nd solutions to alleviate your psoriasis. Some people would have just done nothing, but you took it upon yourself to fi nd a way out. What inspired you to go on such a journey?

SB: I had suffered from psoriasis from the age of 11 so had been subjected to many topical "solutions" I cut out certain foods that had muted to affect it, including chocolate! When I was offered Methotrexate as a solution at the age of 22 (hideous side effect in women) I knew there had to be another

solution. I cut out all harmful ingredients from my personal care products, stopped using anything with SLS, SLES Propylene Glycol and a whole range of other ingredients. Within 3 months my 85-90% coverage had cleared and has been clear to date. If I had known about the revelation of BalanceOil back then it would have been a quicker process. I now recommend the exculsion of harmful ingredients and the addition of BalanceOil. It's about educating yourself about the natural alternatives. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life taking medicines and ointments to rectify a condition that just needed a natural solution.

I had suffered from psoriasis from the age of 11 so had been subjected to many topical "solutions" I cut out certain foods that had muted to affect it, including chocolate!

find ME. I managed to do that and now love to empower other women to step into their greatness. To allow them to be independent again and to help them become the person that has always existed inside them but has been hidden.

which just slowed my progress. Find something that you are passionate about, learn how to do what needs to be done and grab it with both hands. Be unstoppable in what you want to achieve - what does that mean? Do whatever it takes until it's done. Failure is not an option.

PGMAG: Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us through this interview. We wish you continues success as you travel in life.

PGMAG: If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently?

SB: It's been an absolute pleasure Lady Anita, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.

PGMAG: What is your message for women?

SB: Hmmm I guess the overwhelming thing for most women is about finding their identity again, maybe after having children or losing their independence after marriage. For me I wanted to be recognised as Sue, not just Nigel's wife or Lauren's Mum and Taxi driver. I needed to

SB: I would have done it sooner, had bigger, scarier goals, not listened to others opinions. Worked harder and played harder!

PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

SB: I spent years listening to people telling me that won't work and you must be crazy

PGMAG: Please share your website/links with us.

SB: https://bit.ly/ PartnerwithSueB

DR. OMOLARA OMOTUNDE DUKE DEPUTY

DIRECTOR, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

Dr. Omolara Omotunde Duke is an executive staff with the Central Bank of Nigeria and currently a Deputy Director and Head of the Monetary Policy Committee Secretariat of the Bank. She has 33 years of work experience that span across, research, monetary policy and international economics.

She was a member of the National Committee that along with the International Organization on Migration, designed the National Labour Policy for Nigerian. She has BSc Degree from the University of Ibadan, MBA in Finance from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Master’s degree in Economics from ESUT Business Scholl and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nigeria.

THE INFLOW AND OUTLOOK OF INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCES IN NIGERIA

Nigeria has remained the leading recipient country of remittances in sub-Sahara Africa and amongst the top 10 recipient countries globally. The World Bank (2022) estimated remittance inflow into Nigeria in 2022 at US$20.9 billion which shows a higher-than-expected recovery from US$19.2 billion in 2021 after the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when aggregate inflow was US$17.12 billion.

Remittances inflow into Nigeria is channeled majorly through international money transfer organisation (IMTOs). CBN (2019) estimated that total remittance inflow through IMTOs accounts for 67.2% of total in Nigeria an environment where there is still an appreciable proportion of inflow through informal sources. This implies that the aggregate inflow through the formal channel can be higher if the use of informal channels declines. Despite the huge inflow, remittances has not translated directly to economic development because it is used more as a social safety net and largely consumed rather than used for economic activities.

Increasingly there has been substantive growth of social remittances, particularly from the Nigerian Physicians in the Diaspora during their annual medical missions to Nigeria. They provide medical services of high net value which in monetary terms could push up aggregate volume of remittance inflow. Remittance Stakeholder Institutions in the value chain in Nigeria include International Money Transfer Organisations; Central Bank of Nigeria that provide the regulatory framework and licensing of IMTOs; and domestic banks that are agents to the IMTOs, they disburse remitted funds in cash to recipients and also cross sell investment, financial and mortgage products to the recipients where available.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) is responsible for debt issuance and it issued the highly successful first and only diaspora bonds so far floated by Nigeria. The 5-year US$300 million Diaspora bond which was issued on June 27, 2017 was fully redeemed in 2022.

The factors driving the growth of remittance inflow include the

Despite the high inflow of remittances, there are still challenges that should be addressed to further improve remittance inflow. These include weak economic performance, insecurity challenges, and low financial inclusion in the less urban areas.

improvement in cross-border payments, increase in financial products for the diaspora and the payment of remittances in foreign currency largely facilitated by the central bank’s Naira for dollar Scheme where N5 is paid as an incentive for every US$1 received by recipients.

Despite the high inflow of remittances, there are still challenges that should be addressed to further improve remittance inflow. These include weak economic performance, insecurity challenges, and low financial inclusion in the less urban areas. Others are weak data to

support informed policies and high cost of transfers of up to 12% to Sub-Sahara Africa which promotes the use of informal channels

In addition, the fact that remittances are largely consumed and used for social safety nets imply that the developmental impact of remittances has remained weak.

The inflows of cash, social and in-kind remittances are largely driven by private initiatives that should be supported more by government to increase nationwide reach and ease of remittance delivery.

The narratives above evaluates the remittance environment in Nigeria, which is still faced with macroeconomic challenges which have persisted since 2019 although had declined in recent years. Overall, reforms and new initiatives are required to improve the remittance environment. One of which is the management of crossborder migration. An important objective of this would be to provide pre-migration education to migrants particularly on the channels of remitting funds back home. In

addition, licensing cross-border labour management firms to facilitate employment of skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers to labour deficit countries would promote a reduction in unemployment and promote the increase the inflow of remittances into Nigeria.

Nigeria launched the Central Bank digital currency, e-Naira on October 25, 2021, and it is expected to provide landmark catalyst for remittances transfer into Nigeria when its cross-border payment features becomes operational. The success of the e-Naira as a conduit for remittance inflow would however be contingent upon its interoperability, rules and guidelines of the send countries (Bank of International Settlement, 2022).

The adoption of eNaira for remittances would significantly reduce the cost of remittance transfers to Nigeria, a corridor which has one of the highest charges globally of about 7.5% of the total amount remitted (The World Bank , 2022). An upcoming feature of the e-Naira platform is the use of the USSD code without

A huge cross-border migration trend has been observed in Nigeria in the last two years, where highly skilled labour are migrating to the developed countries.

internet facility. This implies that it can be used in the rural areas with low financial inclusion. In addition, the number of active mobile lines in Nigeria stands at 214.4 million in October 2022, and a tele density 112.47 (Nigerian Communications Commission, 2022). This will support wide access to the e-Naira platform using mobile telephones and increase activities along the remittance value chain. Furthermore, Fintech companies should be encouraged to bridge the high cost of remittance transfer through the development of cheaper payment channels.

A huge cross-border migration trend has been observed in Nigeria in the last two years, where highly skilled labour are migrating to the developed

countries. Although there is the growing concern of brain drain, it is expected that the volume of the remittances that would be sent by these firstgeneration migrants would be a compensating factor.

The articulation and implementation of initiatives as described above would increase the adoption of formal channels. The expected increase in inflow would also be a function of improved data capture that would support policy formulation, increase the multiplier effects of high remittance inflow and ultimately contribute to economic development in Nigeria.

Business & Leadership Column

POSITIONED TO THRIVE IN 2023

ELIZABETH OLUJIMI

I’m sure you have heard it said before that your life will move in the direction of your strongest thoughts so if you want to position yourself to thrive in 2023 then you need to start thinking about thriving and ask yourself some questions. What does thriving look like for me? What areas would I like to thrive in? How important is it for me to thrive? How do I start to thrive?

Positioning yourself to thrive starts from an agitation and discomfort with the norm. You have to want change, you have to desire more for yourself, you have to want to go beyond the norm. For some, that might mean getting tired of living life in survival mode and making a decision that you will do whatever it takes to get to that place of more, that place of better, that place of thriving.

Your thriving will be a result of the intentional actions you will choose to take in 2023. So be prepared to embrace change and ultimately growth. Growth might not always be comfortable and indeed your journey of growth will sometimes be lonely but it is inevitable and it will result in thriving. As you read this, take a moment to reflect on the different areas you would like to grow in this year and determine what intentional action you will need to take.

One of the things that often stops us from positioning ourselves to thrive is because we don’t always believe its possible. We give in to the inner voice that says “you will not succeed, remember the last time you tried this, look what happened”. And yes, sometimes we have

actually tried and failed but just because you tried something and failed doesn’t mean that you can never succeed at it. There is always an opportunity for us to try again and be successful. When we change our belief and our thinking that in itself can position us to thrive. Your environment is another aspect that needs to be considered if you want to thrive. Imagine a plant, in order for it to thrive, it needs to be in the right environment, the same is true for us. Your thriving in 2023 is going to be affected by the environment you are in. Our environment could be the company we are keeping or the things that we are surrounding ourselves with. So take a look around you today and decide what needs to be removed and what needs to come in. If you want to be positioned to thrive in 2023, get around people who will challenge, provoke and encourage you to shine in your fullest potential.

ABOUT ELIZABETH OLUJIMI

Elizabeth Olujimi also known as The Thriving Coach is an award winning Coach, Speaker, Mentor and Entrepreneur. She has a passion to empower, inspire and provoke people to live life at their fullest potential so that they can thrive. She is the CEO of Dare to Believe Coaching Ltd where she helps Christian women to thrive with confidence in who they are and who God has called them to be so that they can passionately pursue their God given purpose, make impact and leave a legacy.

Elizabeth is also a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. She is also a keen writer and has contributed articles for various magazines.

Elizabeth has received a number of awards where she has been recognised for the amazing work she is doing and the difference she is making. Most recently, she was the winner for the positivity award at the Women's Business Awards.

Growth might not always be comfortable and indeed your journey of growth will sometimes be lonely but it is inevitable and it will result in thriving. As you read this, take a moment to reflect on the different areas you would like to grow in this year and determine what intentional action you will need to take.

MIGRATION CHALLENGES FACING THE WORLD

JULIANA CICI

Today we are living in a world that is headed towards insecurity and new challenges, unknown and unthought-of before and one of the grave challenges that threatens our peoples and our planet today, is migration.

This has become a sensitive issue, specifically throughout the recent years, because of the great movements of people from conflict areas in Northern Africa and in the Middle East, that have taken a very dangerous trip into Europe and North America in order to find safe shelter and the possibility to work for a decent life, a prospect that has been completely stripped away in their home countries.

The current challenges that face in regards to this matter should be pointed out in two main categories: (i) First and foremost, not one person would like to abandon his home, his country, his relatives and everything that he owns, willingly, if he isn’t absolutely obliged by the circumstances of the country of origin; (ii) Secondly, migration is not by any metric or in any sense, a new phenomenon. It has taken place massively since the beginning of humankind and it has continued until our days. Large populations were displaced throughout the XVII and XIX centuries, which are considered historically as the eras that nationalism had a great importance.

Additionally, it was not until after WWI that people were required to have a passport to travel from one country to another. So, by no means having hard borders and extreme control of them has ever been the historic norm, but mostly it has become a modern trend, largely due to the great inequality of wealth and opportunities between the developed countries of the north and those underdeveloped of the global south. Naturally, people feel the urge to protect the standards and the society that they live in and isolate themselves, but this urge is anti-rational. Almost every study committed on the issue of migrations, comes to the conclusion that migrants are a healthy contributor to the economy, their labour and social contribution is

in itself vital for the continuing of the economic growth of developed countries, which for a number of reasons, find themselves lacking human resources to support the needs of their economy.

A global phenomenon with global proportions could not be countered by the will and the struggle of solely one or a few segments of the world, such as is migration an issue that has taken international proportions, and for this reason, it requires international framework and coordination to be dealt with. A step towards this goal, namely the creation of international political and legal framework for migration was “The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”, drafted by intergovernmental experts under the scope of the United

Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees. Although all 193 member states of the UN had formally agreed to the compact in July 2018, only 164 of them have signed the compact, which by the way, was not legally binding for the countries, but served mostly as a guide; again, a moral voice of the UN.

Most notably is the rejection of the pact by the United States of America and some of the members of the European Union, the largest among them being Austria. This rejection indicates that alongside the positive effects the progress of interconnection and globalization has created, is a great reactionary force that

seeks not to find constructive solutions to complicated issues, but solely reject any initiative that seems to tackle global issues in a progressive manner. This seems rather worrying, judging from the fact that in the Mediterranean Sea, alone until the mid-July of last year, 34,361 lives were lost trying to cross from the shores of Northern Africa into the continent of Europe. Many amongst the casualties were women and children and the death toll is still rising as we speak now. Surely and undoubtedly, some of them might not have qualified as refugees and probably would not have been granted with the

Naturally, people feel the urge to protect the standards and the society that they live in and isolate themselves, but this urge is antirational.

permission to reside and live in Europe, but we will never know, because they never got the chance to file their requests; they were deprived of the greatest gift of all, life itself.

Precisely this kind of disorder that has led to so much tragedy was the tackling point of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regulated Migration: to give people the legal chance to present themselves to a potential host country without fearing for their lives and to even improve the situation in the receiving countries by creating an order and a legislative framework that would guide this issue. Currently, there are 25 million refugees in the world that have no legal protected status in the host countries and that face uncertainties beyond what we can perceive. This number is solely the ones that are recorded as to being genuinely displaced from their countries and eligible for the status of the refugee.

In light of this issue, an important role has plays humanitarian aid, into

preserving and ensuring the survival of local communities in under developed countries that keep the situation of the refugee crisis from escalating further. Deepening aid and offering development programs for the countries that are in dire need of them, is the best solution to people fleeing their country, reminding that it is no one’s desire to flee their country if the conditions in his home allow him to live a full life and develop conditions for its survival.

Again, it is cooperation and openness to the world that facilitates change and solution of problems and not isolation and ignoring them.

Nothing can be challenged alone, and united we stand strong and determined.

ABOUT PHD (C) JULIANA CICI

Juliana holds a Master in European and International Governance and currently she is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Law from University of Geneva, for the research project on “Climate Change

and Human Rights, including challenges for women’s and migration to the Africa Union.

She is working as an international consultant for different International Organizations, including the International Office for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva Switzerland and as well Juliana is a special rapporteur for the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law with a focus on global climate litigation.

In September 2022, she is elected unanimously as the Secretary General for the University Women of Europe, a regional group of Graduate Women International (GWI).

In May 2022, Juliana was honoured with the prize “Climate Change Advocacy” by the Power House Global Award Summit 2022 in United Kingdom.

POWERFUL GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDATION

SUPPORTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN GLOBALLY (03RD APRIL 2021)

Powerful Global Women Foundation in collaboration Royalty Kids Montessori School present A one day easter retreat for children and teenagers. Theme of the program was: The Total Child. The program includes reason for the season, cinema, POP quiz, music, baking and losts more. Mrs. Josephine, Phillip Itsuokor (Proprietress, Royalty Kids) was present as host. Over 100 children were in attendance during the program.

POWERFUL GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDATION

CHILDREN RETREAT EVENT (12TH

SEPTEMBER 2020)

We had various workshops for them during the gathering. We also gave facemasks each child that was in attendance. Over one hundred children attended the event. They were all fed as part of our tradition to do. A massive thank you to Ross Swan for supporting our mission.

This project was led by our amazing Vice-president (Mrs Josephine Itsuokor).

POWERFUL GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDATION

COVID-19 PROJECTS

As part of PGWF mission to support more families during this challenged time, we have been able to hold two projects (one in April and the other on 13th July 2020). We distributed food supplies to several families and orphanage homes.

Our team lead by Mrs Josephine Itsuokor (Vice-president of PGWF) made these projects a success. We will continue to reach out to more families through the support of our global partners.

VICE PRESIDENT MRS JOSPHINE PHILIP ITSUOKOR

Powerful Global Women Foundation (Powerhouse Charity) was founded in 20l6 in Nigeria, West Africa, by Lady Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw. The core objective of this organization is to transform the lives of women and children, through various projects centred around the need of the service group.

In 20l6 Lady Anita single handedly fed over 400 children as part of “project feed l000 children globally”, and held an empowerment conference for the women. Through this project, so many women have gone to do great things with the knowledge they gained from the event.

She recently held a life transforming event for women in Lagos, Nigeria as part of International women’s month celebration 20l8. The turnout was very encouraging. She is working towards supporting more families to keep their children and wards in school through” project back-to-school” starting in September 20l8.

We are seeking for global support from individuals and organisations who would love to be a part of this service to humanity.

To support us, please visit: www.powerhouseglobalwomen.com or email womanthepowerhouse@gmail.com or powerhouseglobalmag@gmail.com

CHARITY PROJECT: As part of our Global Annual commitment, we were able to successfully complete project feed the children 2019 mission. Over 150 children were fed at this year’s event. Powerful Women Global Foundation (PGWF ) is a charity set up by Lady Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw in 2016. The service users are women and children. To support PGWF, please email womanthepowerhouse@gmail.com