THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 5TH MARCH 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023

KOFO AKINKUGBE, OON BREAKING BARRIERS IN TECH

EDITOR’S LETTER

COVER NOTE

CONTENT

S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087

Lifestyle & Fashion On Women Supporting Women 6 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 7 Culture Shapes Fashion 8 10 Reasons Why We Are 9 Obsessed With Ayra Starr Ten Things This Week 10 The Look; Mini Handbags 18 Straight Off The Runway; A Lesson In Gen Z Cool 19 Leading Ladies: 7 Nigerian 20 Women Bossing Tech These Colour Combinations Will Elevate Your Space

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086 ASSISTANT EDITOR OROMAJUMBO 08113921062 VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 GUEST CORRESPONDENT YOMI OWOPE CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL BUKOLA AMOBOYE RUKY SALAKO KEJUO LEKAN PHOTOGRAPHER NGOZI EJIONUEME

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

@thisdaystyle |

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Together we win !!! For decades, the claim that women don’t support other women has been a topic of conversation in feminist circles. Some have argued that women are their own worst enemies, undermining each other’s achievements and perpetuating patriarchy. While I cannot claim to have experienced this as I’m a product of the wisdom, experiences and guidance of a strong tribe of women who have constantly held my hand through the tumults of life, I cannot claim not to be aware that this issue does exist. And yes, I know this is an extremely sensitive topic, but we do have to address it at some point. For as long as I can remember, women have always been pitted against each other. This was backed up by societal messaging that encouraged competition and hostility. The message reinforced the idea that there could only be one “winner” and that other women were obstacles to achieving that goal. This right here gave birth to the woman with the ultimate Queen Bee syndrome. The one successful woman who, instead of using her power to help other women advance instead, undermined them. Now don’t get me wrong. This right here is not to say there are no women who are not only inclined to help other women but genuinely believe that it’s their duty to do so. As a matter of fact, there are lots of great examples of how women keep supporting and celebrating each other. Now, rather than blame the Queen Bee for her lack of support, we must recognize the structural and cultural factors contributing to this problem and work to dismantle them. Only then can we create a world where women genuinely support each other and achieve their full potential. I believe that women, in particular, benefit from collaboration over competition. And as I always say, a woman alone has power, but collectively, we have impact. Yes, raising each other and channelling the power of collaboration is truly how we’ll change the equation—and have a lot more fun along the way. As Madeleine Albright said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” As I say from personal experience, “There is a special place in heaven for women who support other women.”. To those remarkable and extraordinary women who make it a duty to not only leave the door open but hold out their hands to pull others into the room, THANK YOU. And for the Queen Bees, take this as a cue to work on your mindset and do better. Together we win. Love,

Konye

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

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Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

FLUTTERWAVE CEO OLUGBENGA AGBOOLA RINGS THE NYSE CLOSING BELL.

lugbenga Agboola, the Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payment technology company, recently rang the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This event was part of the Founders Day celebration in honour of Black History Month, which recognises the achievements, contributions, and history of AfricanAmericans making significant strides in all areas of life.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU WINS NIGERIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

he Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, the winner of the 2023 Presidential elections. Tinubu, a former Lagos State governor, was declared the president-elect after he polled 8,794,726 votes. He won the election ahead of other contenders — the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The three leading presidential candidates won in 12 states each, while Kwankwaso claimed only Kano State.

U.S. EXTENDS VISA VALIDITY TO FIVE YEARS FOR NIGERIANS

he United States is set to increase visitor visa validity from 24 months to 60 months for Nigerians who want to enter the U.S. temporarily for business and/or tourism, a statement by the U.S. Consulate General said. The statement added that the new policy would start from Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The statement by the U.S. Consulate also assured that the cost of the visa fee remains the same.

TIKTOK SETS A 60-MINUTE DAILY SCREEN LIMIT FOR USERS UNDER 18

WIZKID’ MORE LOVE, LESS EGO’ TOUR POSTPONED TO FALL 2023

nternational music star, Ayodeji Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid, has postponed his anticipated ‘More Love, Less Ego’ tour. Big Wiz made this known in a statement shared via his social media accounts, citing logistical issues. While he was not specific about the new dates, the singer stated that the tour has been rescheduled to the fall season, that is, September to December 2023 “Due to unforeseen logistical circumstances, the Wizkid – More Love, Less Ego Tour has been postponed to Fall 2023. “All tickets purchased for the originally scheduled shows will be honoured on the new dates at the respective venues. Stay tuned for more information,” the statement read.

TOBI AMUSAN NOMINATED FOR 2023 LAUREUS AWARD

ocial platform TikTok has announced new features for teens and families, including a 60-minute daily screen limit for all users under 18. It will be automatically set to every account for one hour, but users can opt out and set their limits. The app will also add more screen time management features, including a reminder for users that turned off the 60-minute limit but spent more than 100 minutes. Parents can control it, add a passcode and extend this period to 30 minutes.

igeria’s hip-hop giants, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, have been named among the artistes to headline the 2023 Afro Nation concert in Portugal. In a post shared across its social media handles, the organisers announced the three music heavyweights alongside 50 Cent, the U.S. rapper, as its headliners. Afro Nation is an annual event celebrating Africans in the diaspora. The festival is arguably one of the biggest music concerts in the world. This year’s edition tagged ‘Phase Two’, is set to hold between July 28 and 30 at the Algarve Portimao in Portugal.

AFRICA MAGIC ANNOUNCES 9TH EDITION OF AMVCAS, CALLS FOR ENTRIES.

IRETI KINGIBE WINS FCT SENATE SEAT.

reti Kingibe of the Labour Party has won the FCT senatorial seat in the general elections held on Saturday, February 25, 2023. She defeated three-term PDP senator Philips Taminu Aduda by a significant margin to win the FCT Senate seat.

igeria’s 100 metres hurdles World Record holder, Oluwatobiloba Amusan, 25, has been nominated for the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards. She is the first Nigerian male or female athlete to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus Award. Amusan’s nomination for the World Breakthrough of the Year award is connected to her impressive performance on the track in 2022. She won every trophy available in the sport in addition to erasing American Kendra Harrison’s world record of 12.20secs set in 2016. First held in 2000, the Laureus World Sports Awards honours the greatest and most inspirational sporting triumphs of the year and showcases the work of Laureus Sport for Good.

DAVIDO, BURNA BOY, AND WIZKID TO HEADLINE AFRO-NATION PORTUGAL

NEWS

Ten Things This Week

ollowing the extravagant eight-day outing in 2022, the organisers of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, MultiChoice Nigeria and Africa Magic are set to roll out the red carpet again for the 9th edition of the prestigious award ceremony. The organisers also are calling all African filmmakers to submit their movies and films publicly exhibited or broadcast between December 1, 2021, and January 31, 2023, for this year’s edition of the awards. The entry portal opened on February 20 and will close on March 10, 2023. All films (aired in cinemas or otherwise), made-for-television movies or television series are eligible so long as they fall within the specified timeline.

TIWA SAVAGE DIRECTS NEW MOVIE ‘WATER AND GARRI.’

igerian singer, Tiwa Savage, is set to make her first acting role as the lead actress in a new movie titled ‘Water and Garri’. She will also be making her directing debut in the

movie. Speaking on the movie on her Instagram page, she wrote,” This is about to be an ICONIC moment. My first lead role as an actor and Executive producer. Directed by the GOAT @mejialabi. “Water And Garri the Film Coming soon.” In the movie, she plays the part of a fashion designer with a promising career in the United States who returned to her native continent of Africa to deal with the guilt she left behind. It is set in the Ghanaian city of Cape Coast.

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

CULT GAIA

BOYY

BOTTEGA VENETA

OFF WHITE

BALENCIAGA

THE LOOK;

MINI HANDBAGS ARE A MUST-HAVE The mini handbag has recently taken the fashion world by storm, with designers and fashion enthusiasts embracing the petite accessory. They are a perfect combination of style and function, offering a chic and compact way to carry your essentials.

L- R - BOLA BALOGUN , TITI FOWORA, SOLARA KNIGHT, LISA FOLAWIYO

ON WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN - HERE ARE 10 WAYS International Women’s Day is an important day to celebrate women’s progress and continue the fight for gender equality. It’s also a great opportunity to show support to your fellow women. From listening to lifting them up and sharing opportunities, there are many ways to do this. Here are ten options to get you started on doing your part in making a difference in creating a more equitable and just world for women.

Listen and Validate - When women share their experiences or feelings, it’s important to listen to them and validate their experiences actively. As women, our voices need to be heard and acknowledged.

Educate Yourself - Educate yourself on the issues affecting women and seek out diverse perspectives. This can help you be a better ally and advocate for women’s rights. And this right here is

Lift Them Up - Women can be their biggest critics, so being their biggest cheerleaders is important. Please show your support by lifting them up with words of encouragement and praising their accomplishments. There are no accomplishments that are too little to celebrate

Speak Up - Use your voice against gender discrimination and inequality. This can be done through social media, letter-writing campaigns, or participating in rallies. We all see these happen daily, even in small communities like offices. It doesn’t matter where you are. All that matters is that you make an effort to speak up.

Share Opportunities - When you come across an opportunity that could benefit a woman, don’t hesitate to share it with her. This could be a job opening, a networking event, or a professional development program. Whatever it is, and no matter how seemingly small, please share. Mentor or Be Mentored - Mentorship is a great way to support women. Offer to mentor someone just starting in their career, or seek a mentor who can help guide you through your career journey. Many women will definitely do better if they have someone to help point them in the right direction. Donate - Support organisations that are working towards gender equality by donating your time, money or resources.

TOKE MAKINWA

Be Inclusive - Create an environment where all women feel welcome and valued. This means being inclusive of women of different races, cultures, and religions. Support Women-Owned Businesses Shop at women-owned businesses and recommend them to your friends and family. This can help support women entrepreneurs and break down gender barriers in business. Celebrate Women - Celebrate the achievements and successes of women in your life, community, and worldwide. Show your appreciation for the women who inspire you and positively impact your life. NNENNA OKOYE

The rise of the mini handbag trend can be traced back to the early 2000s when international celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were spotted carrying miniature purses IFY OSAKWE on the red carpet. However, the trend gained momentum in the last few years as designers like Jacquemus and Fendi introduced them to their collections. Mini handbags are typically small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or dangle from your wrist, and they often feature a chain or leather strap for easy carrying. Despite their small size, these bags can hold all your essential items, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick. One of the reasons why this trend has become so popular is because of its versatility. Mini bags come in various styles and designs, from classic leather crossbody bags to embellished evening clutches and can be dressed up or down, making them the perfect accessory for any occasion. Despite their popularity, mini bags do have some limitations. They can be difficult to organize, as their small size means you’ll need to be selective about what you carry with you. Additionally, some styles may only be suitable for some body types, as they can look disproportionate on taller or curvier women. The trick is to find one that suits you and works perfectly to complete your outfit. Regardless of its limitations, the mini handbag is a fun and stylish way to add flair to your outfit and the perfect accessory to complete your look.

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

CULTURE SHAPES FASHION;

EKI KERE AND THE FUTURE OF FASHION By Kejuo Lekan

10 REASONS WHY WE ARE OBSESSED WITH AYRA STARR Ayra Starr’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric, and it’s easy to see why she has become an obsession for music fans worldwide. She burst into the Nigerian music scene in early 2019 and quickly became a sensation, captivating audiences with her unique sound, powerful voice, and authentic lyrics. Her debut studio album, “19 & Dangerous,” released in August 2021, received widespread critical acclaim and cemented her place as one of the most promising young talents in Nigeria’s music industry. Her unique sound, powerful lyrics, and magnetic personality have won over fans and critics alike, and she has the potential to become one of the biggest music stars of her generation. Here are ten reasons why we are obsessed with her.

like CKay and Kelly Rowland. She has also performed alongside music industry heavyweights such as Tiwa Savage.

Creating its designs largely from natural fibres and dyes, the brand derives one of its core values from decreasing its fashion carbon emission footprint. Fashion and style in Africa has taken a great leap from the earlier times of simple raffia weaves, straw ornaments and ivory accessories. Times in which people were inclined to more functional and basic clothing aesthetics. It has now ventured into the era of more sophisticated personal ideologies and attire preferences. Like civilization, it is ever-changing, and it thrives off evolution. What’s ‘trend’ today might be ‘old school’ tomorrow. But keeping in mind where we are coming from, our roots stand as a standard for ‘good’ change. Fashion is simply a depiction or creation of our identity or who we choose to be. Culture is the backbone of our identity. Without it, identity cannot stand. So it is important that culture is always kept in the stack when playing the cards of change. Of course, other factors significantly contribute to Fashion and style. But a building of true regalia must have all its pillars firm and intact. Losing one makes the centre unstable. And without the centre, the structure loses its shape. The series ‘ culture shapes Fashion’ is centered on brands that displayed collections during the previously concluded Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival 2023, which brought out culture’s imprint on Fashion. This week we start with Éki Kéré. Founded by Abasiekeme Ukanireh, Éki Kéré, as a brand, views Fashion through the lens of functionality, culture and environmental contributions to what we wear. Creating its designs largely from natural fibres and dyes, the brand derives one of its core values from decreasing its fashion carbon emission footprint. While pursuing this objective of managing its operational effect on the environment to the best of its ability, it still produces amazing attires. As one of the thirty brands showcased at the

Fashion: Ayra Starr’s fashion sense is as unique as her music. She has been known to wear bold, colourful outfits that reflect her personality and style, making her a fashion icon among her fans. Social media presence: Ayra Starr has a strong presence on social media, with about 2.9 million followers on Instagram. She regularly posts updates on her music, fashion, and personal life, allowing her fans to connect with her more personally.

Arise Fashion Week and Jazz Festival, Éki Kéré came with a story to tell. A story that plants questions in the mind and makes people see Fashion in a new light. In the endless and inevitable cycle of civilization’s rise and fall, what will the next one hundred years of Fashion be like? How will civilization adapt to the changes in clothing which are bound to occur? What form of dressing would be adopted as style and Fashion? Will perfectionism still be necessary, or will necessity usurp the craving for perfection? These are the type of questions Abasiekeme Ukanireh seeks to spark in the minds of the people of today’s civilization and fashion industry. Made from materials that accentuate her core values, her divine-looking raffia pieces depict the clothing she believes civilization of the next century will adopt and embrace: whether driven by the availability of resources or change in trend. She believes humans will keep wearing more functional attires and put less effort on perfection. They will lay more emphasis on connecting with who they really are. We are, after all, all imperfect beings. Another look at the designer’s collection: One sees what seems like a picture of the two sides of humanity. The all-white pieces represent a simple and singular way of life, which every human being seeks at some point. And the more colourful pieces of the collection represent the intricate and more sophisticated pattern of living, which is more of an everyday lifestyle. Éki Kéré’s collection takes its stand with the notion that culture shapes Fashion. Éki Kéré: a mind of the future.

Unique sound: Ayra Starr’s music is a fusion of Afrobeats, alternative R&B, and soul, which sets her apart from other artists in the Nigerian music industry. Her music is characterized by its unique melodies, intricate beats, and powerful vocals. Authentic lyrics: Ayra Starr’s lyrics are refreshingly honest and relatable, addressing issues such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Her ability to connect with her listeners through her lyrics has earned her a loyal fan base. Young and Talented: At just 20 years old, Ayra Starr has already achieved a lot in her music career. She has been signed to Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s biggest music labels, and has released a critically acclaimed album that has won over fans and critics alike. Versatility: Despite being a newcomer, Ayra Starr has shown her versatility by collaborating with established artists

Charismatic personality: Ayra Starr’s personality is as magnetic as her music. She exudes confidence and positivity, making her a role model for young girls in Nigeria and beyond. Award-winning potential: Ayra Starr’s debut album has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Headies, Nigeria’s equivalent of the Grammys. With her unique sound and powerful lyrics, she is sure to win many more awards in the future. Global appeal: Ayra Starr’s music has a global appeal, with fans worldwide. Her music has been streamed millions of times on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, making her one of her generation’s most listened-to Nigerian artists. Future potential: With her unique sound, authentic lyrics, and magnetic personality, Ayra Starr has the potential to become one of the biggest music stars in Nigeria and beyond. Her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft make her an artist to watch in the coming years.

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10151

photo credit NGOZI EJIONUEME

COVER

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

Prize-winning Mathematician Kofoworola Akinkugbe OON is the Md of Secure ID, a leading indigenous manufacturing smart card and identity document firm in Nigeria and the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. She is a visionary and is well respected worldwide for her successful entrepreneurial story, which started when she took the bold step to leave the banking industry after 12 years to look for other opportunities that would give her time to raise her young children. At that point, she decided to establish a security management and biometrics technologies company, Interface Technologies, which from its expansion birth Secure ID. Her strong business track record has taken her worldwide to speak about her entrepreneurial journey and advocate for women. To mark the upcoming International Womens Day, Kofoworola, who is unarguably breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of Tech, speaks to Babafunke Babs-Kufeji and shares her entrepreneurial story and the importance of women lifting each other in business to create gender equality in the world we live in today. Let’s start at the very beginning; tell us who Kofo Akinkugbe is. Take us back to your childhood and tell us what it was like growing up in your home. Kofoworala Akinkugbe is a strong, focused, self-disciplined, and prayerful person. She is focused on whatever she sets herself to do. Growing up has a lot of positive memories. I grew up in a home with a lot of siblings, and I was number four out of so many of us. My dad was hands-on. So he brought us all together, taught us the rudiments of life, and taught us the values of hard work, discipline and honesty, as well as building up our Christian faith. Being the best was very important to him, and I remember that he would teach us math at weekends because it was important to him that we were all good at math. I had a very inclusive and loving family that was larger than life. I grew up in a very strong Christian background; I also remember how my dad would bring all his children together for prayers at 6 a.m. every day, which has lived with me until now. Unfortunately, he left very early, but my mom did a great job filling in the gap. Growing up was very inclusive and fun, you know, because we were so many, it was always fun to be in each other’s company. It was one thing after another. Either we were fighting with each other, or we were loving each other just as hard. You know, it was part of the package. It definitely brought back good memories.

KOFO AKINKUGBE, OON BREAKING BARRIERS IN TECH

You worked in the finance sector for 12 years; what inspired you to leave paid employment to start Interface Technologies and Secure ID, and what are these companies about? The inspiration for me leaving banking then was my children. I hoped I would have more time at home because I was raising a young family at that time. But before I go any further, let me take you back. I talked about Corona; from Corona, I went to Methodist Girls High School, went abroad for a short time, and then went to the University of Lagos. So basically, a lot of my education was homegrown. A surprising thing happened—I studied mathematics, which I never imagined I would do. It’s one issue that I know my dad had with me. I was always running away from mathematics, but I ended up choosing it as a major. When I left the university, I knew that I didn’t want to stay on as a lecturer or go on to do a postgraduate degree or anything of the sort. But I loved mathematics so much that I won the first prize in the faculty, but I knew that I wouldn’t continue with it and be in the education field. When I left the university, working in banking was the coolest thing. And I thought, at a young age, that I wanted to work in one of the best banks at that time. So I ended up working in banking for 12 years. I would say banking has had a lot of positive effects on me. It was nice to be in a structured environment. I never thought I had entrepreneurial skills in me, but one thing I knew I had in me was that I wasn’t afraid of being different. At the university where I studied math, just about two ladies were in the class; the others were men. So taking that step and being in what you call a male-dominated community was not an issue for me. So it was a fear that I overcame a long time ago. Banking was very good at shaping my management skills, and it was a career I thought I would end up rising in the ranks. I thought I was going to be an executive director or managing director of a bank. Our dad put something in us since we were young: whatever you do, do it extremely well. For him, it was all about hard work and giving your best. And that was precisely what I did in banking. But I think I got to a crossroads when I started raising a young family, and I felt I needed more time to focus on raising my young girls. I wanted to spend more time with my young family. So I had to go out and discover what to do next. Being at home taking care of my girls, I thought

to get another job that would give me more time, but whilst I was home, an idea of biometric technology came up in some discussions I had, and that was how I set up my first company, called Interface Technologies, which allowed me to work from home. Basically, that company provides security management systems, such as access controls, CCTVs, and all kinds of security management solutions. I started working from home with one staff, but because of the pursuit of excellence, by the time I did one job, it came back with so many referrals that before I knew it, I ended up moving out of the house and employing about 40 people to run the company. So whilst I was running Interface Technologies, and we had grown it to some level where it was noticed, that was when I was invited to sit on a board of association with some other bankers to try and come up with ways on how to move Nigeria from being a cash dominated economy to an electronic payment economy. It was while all those meetings were taking place and we were working on the mandate that was given to my group that I saw a gap. In fact many gaps. One was that Nigeria was very much a cash-based economy. However, we had some payment cards, and even the few payment cards that were available at that point in time were based on the old technology, which is what we call magnetic stripe technology, and they were all imported. So I saw that white space and asked myself, “Why can’t we use smart cards with current technology, and why can’t we produce the cards locally?” I believe at that point in time, that was God’s doing, opening my eyes to see what could happen. Basically, I saw the market at that point in time not as it was but as it could be. That gap I saw led me and inspired me to start my second company, Secure ID, and even from Secure ID, we’ve formed two other subsidiaries. So for me, it has always been about seeing problems, providing solutions to them, and seeing them as opportunities. How easy was it for you to transition from finance to fintech and manufacturing? I would probably put it in another order, which is from finance to manufacturing to FinTech. There were many learnings in finance, so by the time I started my entrepreneurial journey, I knew what it was to try and access finance. I knew what it was to write a business plan, to analyse the risks very well, and execute flawlessly. So being in finance gave me those skills. Then, whilst I was in banking, I remember that I was in corporate banking and handling many manufacturing companies. So I felt a natural affinity for manufacturing, and going into manufacturing was fun. Secure ID manufactures smart cards, whether for the banking sector, (financial cards) or the telecom sector (SIM cards). For the public sector, Secure ID is able to manufacture all the high-security identity documents, like driver’s licences and so on. It has the potential to produce electronic passports and so many other identity documents. Going into manufacturing was like, “This can be done here”. Of course, manufacturing has its challenges, but it was nice to see that I was adding value. I saw that a card that could have taken almost three to Our dad put something six months could be gotten in 24 hours. So estabin us since we were lishing a manufacturing company in our domestic young: whatever you market that can give a card in 24 hours was a major difference. That, for me, was adding value, do, do it extremely and I knew it was the right thing to do. well. For him, it was Also, at some point, when Secure ID was running all about hard work smoothly, we looked at the market and realised we and giving your best. could be disrupted and had to think, “If there were And that was precisely better ways to do things we were currently doing,

what I did in banking 15

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Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10151

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

and if there were, what would they be?” Are there alternatives to what we do? And so we set up another digital company, which is now a fintech. And basically, the charge to that company was to disrupt our core at Secure ID. And I said I would rather disrupt myself than have external companies disrupt us. So this digital company looked at everything we do and saw how it could disrupt whatever we’re doing. So if we have physical cards, we can also have a digital card. Right? If we have a physical driver’s licence, we can have an electronic driver’s licence, and so on, and that was how our FinTech company was founded. We need to improve continually. We need to continually assess what we do and consider whether there are better ways to do it. The factory sits on 7,000 square metres, but guess what? All of those machines there can be disrupted. Somebody can come up with a digital card; all they need is a small room to work out of to do that. So having that disruptive mindset and mentality and constantly asking yourself, “How can I improve on what I’m doing?” is a good thing. That mindset has helped me grow because, even after starting the FinTech company, we’ve also branched out into transport. There are so many opportunities out there. We live in a digital world, and we must respond to the dynamic changes that are going on around us. You do not always stick to what you do, but think about how to improve it or expand on it to improve it— creating an atmosphere of innovation, creating an atmosphere that responds to dynamic dynamism, and so on.

The first thing they must deal with is the fear within. They must deal with their confidence level to say “I can”. I can do it. They have to overcome that internal fear because challenges will come. So once they can deal with that inner fear, they can see those challenges or seeming failures as one of the things they will go through on their journey.

You say you have branched out into transportation. What do you mean by branched out into transportation? In terms of transportation, we’ve created an e-ticketing solution. So instead of getting on a train using physical paper tickets, you can download your ticket; you can also go online and buy your ticket; you can download an app on your phone and then get to the station, tap your phone on the portal that gives you quick access to your train. You get on your train because it is all digital and automated. These days, leaving paid employment is a big risk. Would you say you took this risk because you had security in marriage? I mean, you had a husband who could support you even if your business failed? That’s a very good question. I’m going to bring you back to what drives you to do what you do. And this is a hard question I had to ask myself. To my surprise, when I started my entrepreneurial journey, I was working harder than I was in paid employment. When I thought it would give me more time, that didn’t happen. But I was working so hard that I said to myself, “Wait a minute, why am I doing what I’m doing?” Why do I want to be successful at what I do? It’s a question I asked myself, fortunately, early enough, and I realised that what drove me and that pursuit of excellence was to leave a legacy. In wanting to leave that legacy and add value, I worked extremely hard, which is the right way to ensure our legacy is met. So, I don’t think I thought about whether I had security, a husband, etc. I think it was just about seeing the end goal and focusing on it. I wanted to set up a company that would outlive me. My mindset was more long-term than shortterm. It wasn’t about how much money I wanted to make but about how long this company could last and what kind of legacy I could leave behind. When you have that, your approach to life, whatever you’re doing, will be completely different. You talked about being used to being the only woman in the room. Did you face any barriers? Did your male counterparts feel like they had to silence you? I’m sure there were barriers, but they were barriers that I didn’t see. I didn’t pay any attention to them because my philosophy was to ignore negative energy. I paid little attention to gender but more attention to simply being the best. So even when there were barriers, they did not affect me in any way. As I said, focus on the end goal and be the best at what you do. That mindset helped me overcome whatever barriers there could have been gender-wise. Having that mindset did not allow me to see those barriers. Being a woman So having that helps you overcome some of the challenges disruptive mindset in business because women naturally have a sixth sense. They have an intuitive mindset, and and mentality and sometimes it may appear as a weakness, but it’s constantly asking not a weakness but an advantage. I saw it more yourself, “How can I as an advantage because you’re underrated, and improve on what I’m people only see you coming once you hit. So, doing?” is a good thing. because that was a positive for me, the barriers I That mindset has faced were the same ones that men face in business; raising finance, the difficult infrastructural helped me grow

environment, and so many other issues, we have doing business in Nigeria. The gender ones I didn’t pay much attention to them, but I am not saying they weren’t there. Tell us what actions or initiatives you are taking to make sure there is more inclusion of women in tech. I’m not shy about taking on speaking engagements to encourage women. Fintech is fintech. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman. We were all born with ideas. I think the problem women face is the initiative I take when I have speaking engagements. Many times women have very good business ideas, start the business and execute it, but they don’t know how to scale up the business. Imagine a man and a woman have a business idea and start the business. They start at the same time, right? But they’re facing the same challenges because they operate within the same environment. But more often than not, the woman will give up. Either because she becomes overwhelmed with so many things, but the man keeps going, so he is able to scale up that journey better than a woman. Women limit themselves to a particular growth level. The message that I like to give to women is to scale their businesses. Don’t just be an MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) or an SME (Small, Medium Enterprise); be that large corporation or that conglomerate operating not in your domestic market but seeing the global market as there for the taking. So that is what I do to encourage women. Hopefully, I am that role model, showing them that no dream is too big. Women should have the audacity not only to dream and execute but also to scale up. Manufacturing in Nigeria has become very difficult and expensive with our epileptic power supplies. How have you managed to run a factory that local and other African countries rely on to deliver standard goods quickly? What kind of improvement do we want to see in the government to make your business better? Right now, we have clients in over 20 countries across Africa. Has it been easy? No! The usual challenges, whether it is energy, whether it is infrastructure or even people, the challenges are all there. But just like the men would navigate through that, I’ve also been able to navigate through it. For me, it’s about continuous improvement; it’s still a journey with a lot of work ahead of me. I tell myself that you can be that hub, serving not just your domestic market but other markets. But that’s not to say that there is a lot for the government to do to ensure that we have that enabling environment to thrive and that more people can be a part of it. With the African trade agreement signed about two years ago, It is very important that we get our act together in Nigeria because it allows us to export to other African countries at very low costs and

low duty costs. Now, suppose those countries get their infrastructure and environment rights; their cost of production will be lower than our cost of production here, so it’s important that the government creates that enabling environment, sees manufacturing as a major source to grow GDP, which I’m sure they do, and continues to create that enabling environment, whether it comes to energy or infrastructure or even getting the skills that are needed to ensure that everything doesn’t have to be imported and we can actually create things within. It will help lower our production costs and make us more competitive with companies like ourselves in other countries. For now, as an indigenous manufacturing company, are you looking at expanding internationally to scale up? My thought process is to look for opportunities. That opportunity could be here or outside the borders, but in responding to that opportunity, Nigeria remains the base to respond to whatever opportunities are out there. Seeing the market not just as a domestic market but seeing the global market as your market—that, to me, is the starting point. That is why we have gone out to several countries within Africa to ensure that we are also serving those countries, and going outside Africa is something we have in our plans. You mentioned early on that you never envisioned yourself as an entrepreneur; what has surprised you about it? I have always been a logical and analytical sort of person. A cooperate, desk-type of person. I know all the management rudiments of doing business. So, going into the entrepreneurial world, the first surprise for me was that I thought it would be less work, but I was surprised that it was more work, and I thought my time was mine, but as an entrepreneur, the surprise to me was that my time wasn’t mine. You are working 24/7, and even when you are sleeping, you are thinking. Those were the major surprises for me. Being the owner of a business is like owning a ministry. You are always serving others, even the people who work for you. You have to ensure that you create an enabling environment for them. It’s more work, but definitely more fun and more fulfilling. You earlier said women are always afraid to scale up their businesses. How do we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their careers, especially in male-dominated fields? The first thing they must deal with is the fear within. They must deal with their confidence level to say “I can”. I can do it. They have to overcome that internal fear because challenges will come. So once

they can deal with that inner fear, they can see those challenges or seeming failures as one of the things they will go through on their journey. If they see it as one of the steps to reaching the top, they will get to whatever levels they aspire. They should also remember that business success does not happen overnight; it is a process. Take baby steps and celebrate little wins at every stage. That’s how I grew my business. We didn’t start out knowing what we wanted to be from day one, but there was an end goal; the picture was there, but we took baby steps and kept backward integrating until we got where we are today, and we are still growing. Also, remember that your visions and dreams will change along the way because you will see different opportunities, but you must have the courage to grab those opportunities and tell yourself that it can be done. I remember when I started Secure ID, and even with some of the projects we are starting now, it’s the same thing. I was told it couldn’t be done. Not in Nigeria; it can’t be done, but that didn’t stop me, and look at us today. We got all the international certifications we needed, making us eligible to supply any country in the world. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embracing Equity.” What does this slogan mean to you? Why will you say it is important for women to own equity in the society we live in today? When I heard about the theme, what came to mind was that it’s like having a fence; you are trying to look over that fence. A tall person can easily look over the fence and see what is behind it, but a short person cannot. That theme is trying to say that you should also enable that short person to see over the fence. Creating an equitable environment for every gender, whether man or woman, gender equality requires thinking outside the box. Not looking at whether it is a man or woman that is suitable for the job but looking for the best person for the job, and this reminds me of a story my husband told me about when he first visited Sweden and went to look at a mining field. In that field, he noticed that over 50% of the mining truck drivers were women. He asked why, and he was told that because the tyres on the mining trucks were over six feet tall and very expensive and delicate, women were much more careful driving those trucks than the men were, so it was better for the mining firm to employ more women drivers than men because they saved the tyres from getting damaged. So, thinking outside the box, this role doesn’t necessarily have to be for only a man; it could also be for a woman. Also, we women ourselves have to put ourselves out there, and that is why I say that women can overcome that fear; what is traditionally known to be for a man can also be for a woman. People always say women are their own worst enemies. How important would you say it is for women to empower, support, and lift each other up? It’s extremely important because, unfortunately, the world that we live in, as they say, is a man’s world. We are making a lot of effort as women worldwide with all the different platforms and groups, but we are not there yet. We need women’s empowerment because the world we live in traditionally is a man’s world, so it’s important to continue encouraging women to achieve equity at some point. Gladly, I must say, for the younger generation, the issue of gender is not as important to them because they all see themselves as equals and go for the same opportunities. Women need to see role models that will come out and not hide so that a younger woman can say, “If she can do it, I can too”. Also, how important is it to have male allies who may support women’s progression? I cannot say this enough, your first male ally is your husband if you are married, and if you are not and want to be, make sure you marry right. Also, please ensure that your dream for your career or entrepreneurial journey is part of your discussion before you marry. What’s the most valuable advice you can pass on to anyone, especially women trying to establish their careers or anyone striving for gender equality? My advice is never to be afraid. To the glory of God, I can say what has helped build Secure ID; I can point to a few things. One is the audacity to dream; two is the ability and tenacity to execute; and three is the humility to put it all at God’s feet. So whatever you want to pursue in life, bring God into it, and there is absolutely nothing that you cannot attain. Don’t see your gender as a limiting factor; see it as an advantage; enjoy yourself, leave a legacy, and add value to your community and the people around you.

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

LEADING LADIES: 7 NIGERIAN WOMEN BOSSING THE TECH SPACE In the world of technology, there are women who have broken barriers and are making significant contributions in various tech areas. Their achievements prove that women can thrive in tech and should be encouraged to pursue careers in this field. This article focuses on seven young ladies thriving in that space and breaking stereotypes. These are just a few examples of the many women bossing the tech industry.

da Nduka Oyom is the founder of She Code Africa, an organisation that provides training and mentorship to women in tech across Africa. Amidst roles with multiple tech companies, including Interswitch, she is also the Developer Relations at Google and has been recognised for her contributions to the tech community.

amilola Olokesusi is the cofounder of Shuttlers, a ride-sharing platform for commuters in Lagos, Nigeria. She has also been recognised for her contributions to the tech industry and was named one of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 in 2018. Damilola is passionate about using technology to solve transportation challenges in Africa. Providing an easy solution to a crisis that is the transportation system in Nigeria, 9-5ers are definitely grateful for this unique and forward-thinking tech sis.

By Bukola Amoboye

eun Runsewe is a fintech product leader who is currently the Senior Product Manager at Chipper Cash. She is passionate about using technology to solve real-life problems. She founded Biamo Money, a platform for mothers to access digital financial services. She has been recognised for her innovative ideas and was named among Vogue’s ‘’6 women at the forefront of West Africa’s Technology Boom.

DAMILOLA OLOKESUSI

ADA-NDUKA-OYOM

SEUN RUNSEWE

amilola Odufuwa co-founded Feminist Coalition, a non-profit organisation that advocates for gender equality and women’s rights. She is also passionate about using technology to drive social change and has worked on various projects. She currently heads Public Relations and Communications for Africa at Binance. She is also the cofounder of ‘Backdrop’, a social network that enables people to find and share beautiful spaces worldwide.

LAYO OGUNBAWO YANMO-OMOROGBE

anmo Omorogbe is the cofounder and COO of Bamboo, where she leads the growth and operations of the company. Bamboo is a digital investment platform that gives Nigerians real-time access to buy, sell or hold assets traded on the US stock exchange from their mobile phones or computers. She is passionate about building products that improve efficiency and productivity. Yanmo has also mentored young girls in STEM through various initiatives. DAMILOLA ODUFUWA

rom Kuda bank to Paystack and now Pawapay, Ibukun Akinnawo is undoubtedly a premium tech girl! She is a tech professional passionate about helping people and processes work better than they already do. She is the launch lead at pawaPay, and in 2015 she cofounded Independent PA, an agency that helps top executives at organisations like Andela and Flutterwave.

ayo Ogunbawo is a founding member of the feminist coalition, a group of women with a mission to champion equality for women in Nigerian society. She also serves as a Google for Startups Africa Accelerator mentor, where she shares her knowledge and expertise to help startups grow. She is also passionate about using technology to drive financial inclusion in Africa and has been recognised for her contributions to the tech industry.

IBUKUN AKINNAWO

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE; Feminism with purpose By Charles Didee Eta It’s exciting to see how successful this from the Biafra flag and had a storyline set phenomenal Nigerian writer, whose works before and within the Nigerian Civil War include being a novelist, short storyteller, era. Chimamanda said she wrote the book feminist and motivational speaker, has as a tribute to her grandfather, who died become since her humble beginnings in in a refugee camp during the war. And a Enugu State, where she was born in 1977. tribute it was because her second book Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was raised by did exceptionally well, perfectly describing both her parents; Her father “James Nwoye how intense a war situation can be and the Adichie, and her mother “Grace Ifeoma trauma that comes with it. The amount of Adichie” who both worked in the educaeffort and passion put into the story placed tional system at the University of Nigeria her right in the world’s eye, and of course, (NSUKKA). Chimamanda attended the the book got nominated for several awards, University of Nigeria Secondary School, did receiving the Orange Prize for Fiction in exceptionally well, and won notable prizes. 2007, as well as the Anisfield Wolf Book Then she continued her university educaAwards. Eventually, the book was adapted tion at Nsukka, where she studied medicine into a blockbuster movie featuring awardand pharmacy for a year and a half before winning actors like Chiwetel Ejiofor and leaving Nigeria for the United States of Thandi Newton. In November 2020, it was America, where she gained admission into voted by the public as the best book to Drexel University, Philadelphia, to study have won the Women’s Prize for Fiction in communications and political science. its 25-year history. Eventually, she transferred to Eastern ConChimamanda has always been a feminist in necticut State University (ECSU), where she every sense of the word using every plateventually graduated. Not too long after, form available to her to speak up for womshe completed her Master’s program in creen’s rights. To her, being a feminist means ative writing at John Hopkins University, ata man or woman who says, ‘Yes, there’s a tended the Hodder Fellowship at Princeton problem with gender as it is today, and we University and attained a master’s degree in must fix it. We must do better.’” African Studies from Yale University. Her writing career has spread across a In 1998, she began her career, writing poetry broad spectrum of readers, especially Africans and a play titled “For love of Biafra”. Within that with a contemporary take on life who tend to same period, she released several short stories have more confidence and openness to posto be published in literary journals, which enabled sibilities. She has always had a strong urge to her to win various beneficial prizes and opporlead, and that’s exactly what she’s been doing by To her, being a feminist tunities. This led to her releasing her first novel, using her intellect to inspire and spark the minds means a man or “Purple Hibiscus” set in the 1990s. The narrative of millions worldwide. She firmly believes that woman who says, ‘Yes, was done by the main character, “Kambili”, a if men join the feminist movement, there will be there’s a problem with fifteen-year-old girl living in Enugu with her elder justice and a chance for meaningful change. The brother, who finally found her voice regardless fact that she’s been able to attain so much global gender as it is today, of the many limitations, abuse and indoctrinacelebration is no surprise because she has been and we must fix it. We tions. The book addressed the state of Nigeria’s able to use her creativity with words to enlighten must do better.’” leadership, economic instability and hardships in women, even the powerful ones like Beyonce post-colonialist times and how the Nigerian civil Knowles Carter, Hillary Clinton and Lupita Nyong. war had affected the entire system. Based off the She is unarguably one of the most influential reviews, the book became widely acclaimed and black women in the world. short-listed for numerous prestigious awards coming out tops each time, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is as motivating as it gets when it comes to including the Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book. Just a woman who tells it like it is. Her emotionally intelligent mind, playful as we all expected, this level of success only gassed up Chimamanda to demeanour, rare kind of humanity and relatability with words are some of work on her next book, “Half of a yellow sun”. A story about the shortthe reasons why she will always be our inspiration for equality and how lived nation called “Biafra”. The book title was said to have been gotten it’s been taking shape so far.

TIFFANY AMBER

HAMRA OBAIGBENA

STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAY; A LESSON IN GEN Z COOL Pay attention to the name Hamra Obaigbena as you are bout to see her making waves in the fashion industry as a Gen Z fashionista. Her keen eye for style and ability to push boundaries in fashion has made her a standout figure, and her translation of this featured look is proof of this. The dress, which is from Tiffany Amber’s latest collection

was an actual work of art, and she wore it with effortless grace and confidence. It featured a deep plunging neckline highlighting her toned arms and shoulders, and the beaded bustier added a touch of glamour and sophistication to the dress. The thigh-high slit also created a sleek and elegant silhouette which was just perfect. Hamra paired the dress with simple yet stylish accessories, including black strappy heels from Amina Muaddi and a red clutch bag from Zashadu. She also opted for minimal makeup, with just a hint of shimmer on her eyes and a nude lip to complete the look. What really set Hamra’s look apart, however, was her bold choice of hairstyle, the traditional braid updo, which serves as a reminder that she isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to fashion. Overall this look was a true showstopper and is sure to be a popular style inspiration for fashionistas everywhere. 21

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

THESE COLOUR COMBINATIONS WILL ELEVATE YOUR SPACE. Your interior décor is an important aspect of your living space. It sets the tone for the overall look and feel of your home. A well-designed interior can create a welcoming atmosphere that exudes warmth, comfort and style. One of the most important factors in creating a great interior is colour. Asides from a great aesthetic, the right colour combination can influence moods, add to the ambience, and affect how a person feels. If you are unsure what colours to start with, here are five combinations that will give your space an instant upgrade.

Sunday, March 5, 2023 Vol. 22, No. 10153

Sage Green and Mustard Yellowt. Sage green is soothing and serene and instantly brings a sense of calmness to a room. Pairing it with mustard yellow, a warm and bold shade, creates a beautiful contrast that adds depth and character to any space.

Navy and Blush

Navy is a classic colour that exudes elegance and sophistication. You can pair it with blush to create a beautiful and timeless look. This combo can be used in various ways, from accent walls and furniture pieces to textiles and accessories.

Black and White

Black and white is a classic colour combination that never goes out of style. It’s sleek, sophisticated and creates a timeless look. This combination works particularly well in modern and minimalist interiors, creating a sense of simplicity and elegance. It’s also versatile enough to be used in any room, from bedrooms to bathrooms.

Gray and Yellow

Gray is a versatile and neutral colour you can’t go wrong with. It is one of the most common interior decor colours, which can easily be paired with a lot of other colours. With yellow, it creates a stunning contrast that adds warmth and energy to the space. This colour combination works well in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Coral and Teal:

Coral is a bright, playful pink/orange shade that adds colour to any space. When paired with teal, a vibrant blue-green shade, it creates a fun and energetic look perfect for kids’ rooms, home offices and living spaces.