She-EO 9.0 (Interview Edition)

She-EO 100 is honored to present our inaugural virtual conference titled Your Life on Purpose (YLoP), a series of deep and meaningful conversations that matter. Similar to in-person She-EO events we held in cities prior to the COVID lockdown, YLoP will feature inspiring guests whose vulnerability and authenticity will inspire attendees to live on purpose and to pursue endeavors that help them make profitable impact.

Admission to the general sessions of YLoP (10 a.m - 1 p.m. US ET) is free, but RSVP is required. However, only members of the She-EO 8R group may attend the mastermind sessions (2 p.m. - 5 p.m. US ET). To apply for She-EO 8R membership, please click this link.

YLoP 2020 Speakers

Ngozi Adebiyi is the CEO of OutsideIn HR - an innovative organization focused on developing people with a vision to revolutionize HR in Nigeria & impact Africa! She has 20+ years experience in HR & Consulting and was listed by Forbes Woman Africa as a new wealth Creator, female entrepreneurs who have created significant impact in their respective sectors by pioneering their organization in generating new untapped streams of income.

Afolake Adewumi is board certified, advanced practice provider who is passionate about providing quality, safe, and holistic care to clients across the lifespan. Afolake provides psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and on-going psychiatric care for patients of all ages. Afolake has experience working in various care settings, including inpatient, transitional, and outpatient populations.

Dr. Amina Aminu is a physician and public health professional with extensive experience in designing and managing health systems and sustainable development programs funded by international and national donors and multilateral agencies. She is currently the Country Director at Pathfinder International where she provides overall strategic leadership and oversees the programmatic and operational management of Pathfinder activities in Nigeria. She is a board member of Empowered to Empower Initiative, a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the American Public Health Association.

Aisha Dahiru Atta is an Educator, Author and Premarital coach who facilitates deep, powerful conversations between couples to help them build stronger, more connected and blissful relationships. Aisha is also passionate about education, self-development and sustainable empowerment for communities. She is a co-founding trustee of Al-Amanah Academy, an innovative primary school in Kaduna State, Nigeria that provides integrated faith and educational excellence for children. She is also an active co-founder of a number of non-profit charity organizations in Nigeria such as F.R.E.E (Foundation for Refugee Economic Empowerment), a charity for displaced persons and SALKA ACADEMIES (free schools for underprivileged communities). 

Adeola Enikanoselu. With a distinct blend of executive, consulting, branding and nonprofit expertise, Adeola’s first foray into business and entrepreneurship was over 18 years ago through one of the nation’s most renowned women’s beauty brands, Mary Kay. Flourishing from a shy girl in her early twenties to an ambitious woman, while there, she cultivated her business and entrepreneurial acumen, learning everything from strategic networking to sales. Adeola rose to become one of the youngest top directors in the company’s history. From there, her career has been one bold leap after the next, eventually launching her own IT consulting company, a thriving women’s empowerment company, THE GENX Ladies Network, and a nonprofit, THE GEMZ, that mentors and develops girls into confident young women by teaching them the principles of leadership, self-esteem and entrepreneurship. 

Hajiya Maryam Lemu is an internationally sought-after motivational speaker, counselor and an accomplished facilitator of seminars and workshops. She began her career in Sales, Marketing and Management in 1991 when she relocated to the United States of America with her husband. Hajiya Lemu was appointed as the District Sales Manager for Avon Products in 1995 with a sales force of 320 sales representatives. In 1999, she was employed as an Executive Level Recruiter and Marketing Manager for Pro-Staff Employment Agency, coordinating the recruiting efforts and marketing plans for 4 branch offices. During her years in the United States, Hajiya Lemu undertook professional courses in Public Speaking, Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Sales and Marketing and Life Skills training.

Edith Umole is the Global Lead, Talent and Succession Management for World Bank Group. She has led the transformation of the Talent Review program and developed a succession framework for identifying and deploying senior leaders within the organization. Prior to the World Bank Group, she worked at Mercer in the UK, where she led various initiatives, including the design of the first Global Energy Trading Survey.

Dr. Lola Adeyemi is a "multipreneur” - a physician by profession, an entrepreneur by design, and a coach by choice. When she is not coaching or mentoring, or building her businesses - Mentoring Her, and Magna Carta Health, which she bootstrapped to success, and which currently services approximately 15k patients a year and counting, she spends her time speaking at events. She resides in the Baltimore, MD area with her husband and two children, and is always open to connecting with fellow entrepreneurs.

Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara is a Nigerian, African-Australian Muslim, a wife, a mother, a counsellor and psychotherapist, life coach, motivational speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, creativity consultant, poet, and award-winning writer and author of several books including two children's book series.  She is the CEO/MD of ComXtra - a communication, counselling and creativity agency in Australia and private counseling practice; DEW Counseling - a service of COMXTRA. She is the founder of multiple non-for-profit organizations and serves on the board of organizations in Australia.

Tolu Jaiyeola is a British trained Finance, Risk and Controls professional. In her short working life, she has managed to achieve several firsts. These includes being the first ever Nigerian to be employed straight out of Nigeria from the Nigerian KPMG practice to the UK KPMG Office (i.e. no secondment). Following the wave of many firsts, Tolu founded The Shred Station (West Africa’s first and only mobile confidential document shredding company) in 2016.

Toyin Kekere-Ekun is the CEO of Lotus Financial Services. She has more than 15 years’ experience spanning financial strategy, treasury management, credit structuring, Islamic finance and operational risk management. She previously worked in the treasury and corporate banking group of Guaranty Trust Bank, and was the segment manager, Islamic Finance at Stanbic IBTC Bank, and was the GM Finance for Linetrale Petroleum Limited.

Toyin Bashir obtained a law degree from the University of Lagos in 1999 after which she was called to the Nigerian Bar in January 2001. Toyin is one of twelve (12) partners in the law firm of Banwo & Ighodalo. She joined the Firm as an Associate in November 2005 after which she rose through the ranks before being elevated to partnership in January 2016. She currently heads the Firm’s corporate offices in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

Stella Duru is currently the only female Partner in the Energy Practice Group of Banwo & Ighodalo (“B&I”). B&I is a top-tier and one of the biggest (in revenue and size) law firms in Nigeria, with two offices and about 100 lawyers. As a Partner in the Firm and part of the management of the Firm, Stella is responsible for the overall direction and growth of B&I including the implementation of the Firm’s strategic plan and delivery of the Firm’s annual business plan and achievement of the Firm’s financial and other targets.

She-EO {8.0} Abuja →

At last, the She-EO train is making its first stop in Nigeria’s Capital City! On March 21st 2020, the City of Abuja will celebrate Women’s History Month differently this year. To help make this our biggest and most impactful stop till date, we are honored to unveil our anchors and hot seat guests!

SHE-EO 8.0 SPEAKERS

AISHA DAHIRU ATTA {Segment Anchor}

Aisha is an Educator, Author and Premarital coach who facilitates deep, powerful conversations between couples to help them build stronger, more connected and blissful relationships. Aisha is also passionate about education, self-development and sustainable empowerment for communities. She is a co-founding trustee of Al-Amanah Academy, an innovative primary school in Kaduna State, Nigeria that provides integrated faith and educational excellence for children. She is also an active co-founder of a number of non-profit charity organizations in Nigeria such as F.R.E.E (Foundation for Refugee Economic Empowerment), a charity for displaced persons and SALKA ACADEMIES (free schools for underprivileged communities). Aisha’s debut book, ‘An Affluent Heart’ flows with evocative writing that draws from her personal experience, as well as that of many who have honored her with theirs. She considers every conversation a privilege and every interaction an opportunity for meaningful change. Aisha is a lifelong learner, a mum of 2, and her family motivate and inspire much of what she does. She works, lives and loves between the U.K and Nigeria.

DR. AMINA AMINU DORAYI 

Dr. Amina is a physician and public health professional with extensive experience in designing and managing health system and sustainable development programs funded by international and national donors and multilateral agencies. She is currently the Country Director at Pathfinder International where she provides overall strategic leadership and oversees the programmatic and operational management of Pathfinder activities in Nigeria. Dr. Amina served as the Employee Advisory Committee (EAC) Representative for the Africa Region of Abt Associates. She is a board member of Empowered to Empower Initiative, a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the American Public Health Association.

Dr. Amina holds a Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Liverpool, UK. She has also attended various national and international professional development courses, including one on improving quality of health services at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. She is married to Dr. Mustapha Jibril and they have three children. 

AMINAH GBAJABIAMILA {Segment Anchor}

Aminah is a qualified Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Mentor; who is particularly compelled to Youth and Women Self Leadership & Development, Holistic Wellness, Empowerment and Emancipation. This is evidenced via her multiple legacy projects, particularly ‘PINK Rocks’ the outcome of her long-term commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness and Advocacy; as well as various Youth engagement programs. She is skillful, entertaining and purposeful with anchoring events, moderating and/or conducting interviews in professional and private (social) settings. 

Prior to her relocation to Nigeria in 2008, she held roles with Fortune 50 entities in Atlanta, Georgia. Notable of which are United Parcel Service Inc and Goldman Sachs as she also began her early forays into Entrepreneurship and Community Service with the establishment of Nattieʼs One Stop Catering & Events Management - and the incorporation of La Femme Africaine (The African Woman) a 501 (c) (3) Non- Profit organization.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education (University of Lagos), and a Masters of Public Administration (The Ohio State University). Aminah obtained her Public Relations Officer Certification via the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) in Dubai. She has just recently concluded the reinforcement Public Speaking Workshop: ‘Speak for Ultimate Impact and Profit’, culminating in attendance of the riveting live ‘Motivate the Masses: Speak and Write to Make Millionsʼ Conference - by world renowned Transformational Coach, Lisa Nichols. Aminah is a Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Mentee.

BASHIRAT ABDULWAHAB

Bashirat is a trained journalist turned Helping Practitioner, Corporate Trainer and Social Entrepreneur. She holds an M.Sc. in Mass Communications and has evolved over the years with certifications and competencies in neuro linguistic programming, bereavement/grief counseling and management, emotional intelligence, mental health first aid, writing and self-publishing, community development and psychosocial work. Bashirat is an accredited practitioner by the Complementary Therapists Accredited Association (CTAA). She is the founder of “Hands for Life”, The Bashirat Abdulwahab TV Africa and The Purple Network for Muslimah – TPNM.

In 2017, she published her life's story titled “From Pain to Purpose”. She has since published several other books and e-books. Her new title - Dispossessed was published in November 2019. She currently hosts various master classes across Nigeria and teaches life transforming online course via her web-based platform. She also helps Corporate organizations and teams infuse Emotional Intelligence into their work ethics for improved performance and growth. 

She lives in the capital city of Abuja, Nigeria with her two adorable sons.:

BISI EMENANJO

Bisi is a Healthcare Provider licensed in the state of Maryland, U.S.A and has been practicing medicine for over 15 years. Dedicated and passionate about promoting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle through preventive medicine and wellness travel. Bisi’s work over the years spans 3 different countries, and she gains her inspiration through travel having visited over 15 countries. Bisi is the Founder of Community Health Advocate, (CHA) an educational not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of chronic diseases, communicable and non-communicable, and promoting preventive medicine to young adults and communities. CHA focuses on health development and improving the quality of personal healthcare globally.

Bisi is also the founder of ÀJÒ, a Wellness Travel Company birth from her journey of finding balance as an individual, a career woman, a wife, and a mother trying to live a life of wholeness physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and financially. She is also a firm believer in preventive medicine most especially heart disease prevention in women.

“I strongly believe looking after yourself, taking time out and developing your health and wellness IQ can make a huge difference in living a whole life”.

Bisi obtained her medical degree from Howard University, Washington DC and has a Masters in Healthcare Administration from University of Maryland, U.S.A.

EZIAFAKAKU NWOKOLO

Following a successful career in the Oil and Gas industry, in diverse roles, Eziafakaku retired from full-time employment and went back to school to pursue a newfound interest in developmental disabilities. This interest in autism and developmental disabilities stems from her personal experience of having a daughter with autism. She is currently the only Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) in Nigeria.

Eziafakaku is currently a full-time PhD student at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent Canterbury. Her PhD research interest lies in validating screening tools for Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for the Nigerian adolescent. She completed her MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis (IDD) at the Tizard Centre 2017 and her BSc with the University of Nigeria Nsukka 1990. She has three gorgeous daughters who are extremely brilliant and talented and a very loving and supportive husband.

FATIMA UMAR SHEHU

Fatima, the eldest of 12 children had the advantage of moving around Nigeria, because her father was in the armed forces. She later got the privilege to learn about various cities and cultures around the world while traveling with her expatriate spouse. Fatima is passionate about women empowerment through education and skills acquisition. She has also collaborated with female medical doctors, to perform free surgeries on women with different levels of VVF. Fatima, who enjoys dancing and yoga, is the Founder and CEO of Rhythm N Flow, a dance and yoga studio in Lagos, Nigeria.

GANIYAT OYESOMI DAIBU

Ganiyat, fondly called “Ogbonge” GNT is an ardent believer in the mantra: "Africa can feed herself healthily and be wealthy". She is on the journey of changing the narrative of the food systems and processing in Africa for a fair exchange of value, profit and wellness. She broke heavy brick walls and became a formidable leader in her industry when she launched GNT Spices in 2015. She is the Managing Director/Chief Formulator of a first of its kind premium, 100% Monosodium Glutamate free food Seasonings using African spices and herbs, the number 1 choice for consumers who want to ditch artificial food seasonings and cubes in order to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Ganiyat is also the brain behind the conversion of the body itchy plant called African Mucuna plant/velvet beans into a super-food supplement for sexual and body wellness.

MARYAM ALIKO MOHAMMED

Maryam is an accomplished professional with over 12 years experience in senior management and leadership positions. Her wealth of human resource experience in both private and public sectors, manufacturing, education services, oil and gas equips her with a unique understanding of the challenges of managing diverse groups. Maryam obtained an MBA with specializations in Marketing Management and Human Resource Management from the Cardiff Business School; and a certification in Coaching from the University of Cambridge with a specialization in Executive Leadership and Developmental Coaching. She is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and the Chartered Institute of Coaching and Mentoring in Nigeria. She is also the Executive director at Mariacutty Empowerment Foundation (MEF), a Non- Governmental Organization whose objective is to create employment opportunities for the youth through a series of programs and interventions.

Maryam is a poet and fiction writer who has been named as one of Nigeria’s emerging female poets to watch. Her work has been published in local magazines in Nigeria, as well as internationally based online platforms including the ANA Review, Kalahari Review, and in Jalada Magazine’s 2015 “Language Issue.”

HAJIYA MARYAM LEMU

Hajiya Maryam Lemu is an internationally sought-after motivational speaker, counselor and an accomplished facilitator of seminars and workshops. She began her career in Sales, Marketing and Management in 1991 when she relocated to the United States of America with her husband. Hajiya Lemu was appointed as the District Sales Manager for Avon Products in 1995 with a sales force of 320 sales representatives. In 1999, she was employed as an Executive Level Recruiter and Marketing Manager for Pro-Staff Employment Agency, coordinating the recruiting efforts and marketing plans for 4 branch offices. During her years in the United States, Hajiya Lemu undertook professional courses in Public Speaking, Human Resource Management, Business Administration, Sales and Marketing and Life Skills training.

She has shared big stages with renowned speakers and scholars like Mufti Ismail Menk, Sheikh Muhammad Salah, Naima Roberts, Bilal Philips and many more. She is a regular on the Nigerian Television scene where she frequently speaks on personal development and marriage related topics. Hajiya Lemu who is an international consultant to private schools, is strongly committed to character development, social responsibility and value-driven leadership.

MOHAMMED MIJINDADI

Mohammed N. Mijindadi is the Managing Director of GE Gas Power Systems (GPS) Nigeria, responsible for driving the growth and development of the Nigeria power market while working with critical commercial functions to execute transactions and implement power projects.

With GE’s strong presence in the Nigeria Power Industry, Mohammed has led the development and support on several heavy duty IPP and distributed power plants in Nigeria leading to significant MW’s added to the Nigerian national grid. Prior to his appointment, Mohammed was the Regional Sales Director for GE Power Generation Products (PGP) in Africa and began his career with GE in the Transportation business as the Nigeria Country Leader. He has held several positions including Commercial Excellence Leader, Strategic Sourcing Leader and in Business Development, driving growth globally. Prior to joining GE, Mohammed worked in several US multinationals in the Transportation, Services, Construction and Entertainment industries.

Mohammed earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) in Civil Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia and an M.B.A in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College, PA. He was inducted into the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI) in October 2011, Institute of Directors in January 2014 and serves on the Board of Directors for GE International Operations Nigeria, Free Trade Zones and the ‘Kid for Kid’ foundation. In his spare time, Mohammed enjoys travelling, watching sports, and spending time with his wife, children and dogs.

NGOZI ADEBIYI

Ngozi is a leadership/performance/career coach who leverages a combination of approaches depending on the situation in providing clarity to my clients including a unique Core Energy Coaching™ process that helps our clients achieve real, sustainable and transformation. She is also certified by the International Coach Federation as an ACC.

HR Executive turned HR Consultant & Leadership Coach whose goal is to revolutionize HR in Nigeria by developing business leaders & employees to achieve transformation from the outside-in. Her experiences with business leaders and employees across multinational organizations in Nigeria, USA & Brazil attest to her unique passion for Human Resources, Consulting & Coaching. In March 2019, Ngozi was featured in Forbes Africa’s list of top 20 wealth creators. She previously worked as the HR Director (Central Africa), Reckitt Benckiser; Head HR, KPMG Professional services Nigeria; and HR Manager at Guinness Nigeria Plc (a Diageo Company). Ngozi’s career began with Arthur Andersen. She later worked for Wal-Mart, USA after obtaining an MBA from Mercer University, Atlanta USA.

In her spare time, she enjoys providing better opportunities for underprivileged kids as a trustee of United for Kids Foundation. Ngozi enjoys reading and brisk walking 

OSAI OJIGHO

Mrs. Osai Ojigho is a lawyer, gender equality advocate and human rights expert with a special interest in the African Human Rights system. Currently, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Prior to joining Amnesty International, she served in various roles with Oxfam including as interim Pan Africa Director of Oxfam GB’s Pan African Programme. She was the Coalition Coordinator for the SOTU (State of the Union) Coalition, a human rights observer to the African Union Mission to Mali and the Sahel and Deputy Executive Director of Alliances for Africa. She is well travelled and widely published, contributing to various publications including the Commonwealth Law Journal, The AU ECHO (Newsletter of the African Union Commission), “ThisDay” Newspapers, The East African and Agenda. She is a member of the Association of Women in Development (AWID), the West African Women Elections Observation (WAWEO) team, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a life member of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). She is also a consulting editor with Open Global Rights and a mentor to Mandela Washington Fellows. She holds a Law degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a Masters’ in Law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, UK. 

RUMUNDAKA WONODI

Mr. Wonodi is the Founder and CEO of ZKJ Energy Partners Ltd, an energy advisory, investment and power development firm. He was the inaugural Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET). Among the highlights of his achievements at NBET are successfully implementing the trading and commercial arrangements for the Transitional Electricity Market and putting in place the first World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee for an infrastructure project in Nigeria and in the process developing bankable agreements for the sector through the Azura-Edo IPP and other front-runner IPP projects.

Prior to NBET, Rumundaka led the Regulatory & Transactions Monitoring team of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), charged with driving the power sector reform roadmap of the Federal Government of Nigeria. In that role, he led the teams of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and PTFP in establishing the Bulk Trader. Mr. Wonodi was a Director, wholesale power origination with Constellation Energy Commodities Group and subsequently Director, Commercial at Geometric Power Limited. He was also a J. Olin Research Fellow at Yale University where he studied the deregulation of North America’s power and gas markets.

Mr. Wonodi holds a Bachelors in Civil Engineering (B.Eng) from the University of Benin, Nigeria and an MBA from Yale University School of Management.

SADIQ ‘DIPO MUMUNEY

Dipo, a trained Engineer turned farmer and agri-business entrepreneur is the CEO of Yahfatmin Farms in Northern Nigeria. He obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Lagos. Dipo is a proud #girldad, a supportive husband to his wife, Modupe; and a lover of Tennis. 

STELLA DURU

Ms. Stella Duru is currently the only female Partner in the Energy Practice Group of Banwo & Ighodalo (“B&I”). B&I is a top-tier and one of the biggest (in revenue and size) law firms in Nigeria, with two offices and about 100 lawyers. As a Partner in the Firm and part of the management of the Firm, Stella is responsible for the overall direction and growth of B&I including the implementation of the Firm’s strategic plan and delivery of the Firm’s annual business plan and achievement of the Firm’s financial and other targets. Prior to be being admitted into Partnership, in recognition of her stellar leadership and influence, she was made the Team Lead in Banwo & Ighodalo.Stella holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the prestigious University of Lagos (“UNILAG”) and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. Prior to undertaking her law degree studies in UNILAG, during which time she held the office of the Vice-President of the Law Society. Stella attended the prestigious Queen’s College in Yaba, Lagos (“QC”). Stella is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association (Section on Energy and Natural Resources Law), and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators. She is also an Associate of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (a leadership development not-for-profit, affiliated with the Aspen Institute) as well as an Associate of “WimBiz” (An association of Women in Management, Business & Public Service).

SURUURAH YINKA OGUNFEMI {Segment Anchor}

Suruurah graduated from the University of Lagos with a B.Sc (Upper Division) in Civil Engineering and registered as a corporate member with the Nigeria Society of Engineers and Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Suruurah proceeded to acquire professional qualifications in Human Systems and certified as an Emotional Intelligence & Anger Management Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and a Certified Results Coach.

With over 15 years in the Public Sector rising to the rank of Chief Engineer, Suruurah has reinvented and carved a niche for herself in the practice of Life Coaching and Behavioral Therapy.

She has consulted and provided training extensively for individuals, families, schools and other groups on influencing behavioral change through process development or direct personnel interventions and solutions. Suruurah is also a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) practitioner, a trained Social Sector Manager, a Purpose & Potential Discovery Specialist and author: “How to Raise Better-Behaved Children”.

She is very passionate about children and Education and she utilizes this tool as a regular columnist in the Leadership Newspaper where she writes on parenting and child development issues and also blogs on same at www.guidedbeginnings.com. Suruurah is the Director at “The Guided Beginnings School & Islamiyah”in Abuja, Nigeria and she is happily married to her greatest cheerleader- Adewale Sulaiman and blessed with children.

TOYIN BASHIR

Toyin Bashir obtained a law degree from the University of Lagos in 1999 after which she was called to the Nigerian Bar in January 2001. Toyin is one of twelve (12) partners in the law firm of Banwo & Ighodalo. She joined the Firm as an Associate in November 2005 after which she rose through the ranks before being elevated to partnership in January 2016. She currently heads the Firm’s corporate offices in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

Toyin has advised several local and international companies on matters pertaining to the legal and regulatory framework for doing business in Nigeria. Her core areas of practice include Corporate and Commercial Law, Investments and Divestments, Finance and Regulatory Compliance. 

Toyin supports the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, chaired by His Excellency, the Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON, on its mandate to make Nigeria a progressively easier place to do business. She provides this support by acting as a Reform Leader and Head of the Legal Cluster at the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES), the implementing arm of PEBEC, where she provides technical supportin implementing legal reforms involving the Judiciaryand Legislature; as well as regulatory reforms across select sectors of the Nigerian economy. These reforms include the establishment of Small Claims Courts in Lagos and Kano; and more recently Edo State. She was a key member of the team that supported the Federal Government in implementing reforms which has led to Nigeria moving upwards by thirty-nine (39) places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index since PEBEC was established by the President in 2016.

Toyin is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and has authored several articles in the legal space. She loves to travel and continues to support several local initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and children in Nigeria.

She-EO {7.0} Stage

The Stage is set. Here is our line up for what we know will be our most impactful She-EO to date, the 7th edition happening in Lagos Nigeria on January 25th, 2020.

Segment Anchors

Amarachi Ubani, Channels TV

Ayobami Olugbenga-Wyse, Top Radio

Basirat Razaq-Shuaib, Author & Disability Advocate

Shola Soyele, Channels TV

Tope Fajingbesi Balogun, Founder & Host of She-EO

Zahra Z. Abdulkareem, Business Strategist

Hot Seat Guests

Adejoke Alli

Amina Oyagbola

Amy Oyekunle

Dimeji Salaudeen

Eyitayo Iyortim

Eziafakaku Nwokolo

Fatima Umar Shehu

Florence Okoli

Itoro Eze-Anaba

Lere Baale

Mutiat Ronke Oba

Nonye Goodie-Obi

Nyma Akashat Zibiri

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

Summayyah Sadiq

Teju Ajani

Temitope Jemerigbe

HOT SEAT GUESTS’ BIOGRAPHIES

ADEJOKE ALLI

Adejoke Alli is the Head of Human Resources at Fidson Healthcare Plc. Adejoke started her career as a Pharmacist 14 years ago after obtaining a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree from the University of Lagos. In addition to scoring major “firsts’ at Fidson, Adejoke has led the HR team and the organization to big stages winning awards, including two prestigious awards from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). In 2015, the Fidson won the CIPM HR Optimization Award for the Best Learning and Development Initiative. This was followed in 2018, by the award of Best Employee Engagement Programme by Future Workplace Awards organized by Informa Africa, a global HR consultancy firm. 

Adejoke Alli holds a Masters’ degree in Business Administration with a specialization track in Marketing from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and a member of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association under the Corporate membership platform. Adejoke loves to read and write when she has the time to. She considers herself a creative person and in her spare time loves to explore interior design and aesthetics. Given the opportunity, she would love to travel more. She is happily married. 

AMINA OYAGBOLA

Amina Oyagbola is an innovative business leader. Her 30+ year career spans legal consulting, banking and finance, oil and gas and telecommunications. Currently, Amina is the managing consultant of AKMS Consulting Ltd (Business and management consultants). Additionally, she is a partner in Oyagbola Chambers and a Chevening Scholar.

Amina obtained her undergraduate law degree from Ahmadu Bello University. Afterward, she received her Masters in Law from Cambridge University and her MBA from Lancaster University. Furthermore, she is an alumnus of INSEAD, London Business School, IMD, and Harvard Business School. Amina is a member of numerous organizations and has earned various certification. Some Include:

Fellow and Chair of The Africa Leadership Initiative – West Africa. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusiveness, Amina founded and is currently Chairperson of, WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers). Amina’s hard work over the years has received her world recognition 

She is married to Bayo Oyagbola, Managing partner of Oyagbola Chambers and together they have 3 wonderful children.

AMY OYEKUNLE

Amy Oyekunle is an African feminist, an ardent advocate for gender equality and social justice. She has extensive experience working with female adolescents and women program designs across numerous international and national organizations in Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Ghana. Amy holds a MA in development studies from the University of Leeds, UK, postgraduate degree in management from the Leeds Metropolitan University, and a BS in sociology from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

DIMEJI SALUDEEN

Dimeji Saludeen has been a partner for the last 12 years at KPMG in Nigeria. He has led various business units, including Energy & Natural Resources, as well as Infrastructure, Government & Currently deals with the Deal Advisory practice. Dimeji was the head of the Oil & Gas practice in the Africa region for four years and built subject-matter expertise in business strategy articulation, corporate governance, operational restructuring, finance & risk management. He led complex, multi-disciplinary assignments, providing solutions to major organizations in the public and private sectors and made vast contribution to the reform and practice of corporate governance in Nigeria. He holds a first degree in Chemistry from the University of Lagos and a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard University and also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

EYITAYO IYORTIM

Eyitayo Iyortim, a mother of three, is a rich mix of sweat, grit, tenacity and refreshing wisdom. She is called to minister truth and bring hope. Eyitayo is a teenage mom who went on to build a successful career spanning more than 20 years as a trainer, ICT professional, project manager and businesswoman. She is a versatile writer who has published poems in an international anthology as well as articles for local magazines. Eyitayo currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association. She serves as member of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN) as well as the British Psychological Society (BPS). Eyitayo holds a BSc and MSc in Psychology and is an alumna of the University of Jos, Nigeria, the University of Manchester, UK and the Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy.

EZIAFAKAKU NWOKOLO

Following a successful career in the Oil and Gas industry, in diverse roles, Eziafakaku retired from full-time employment and went back to school to pursue a newfound interest in developmental disabilities. This interest in autism and developmental disabilities stems from her personal experience of having a daughter with autism. She is currently the only Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) in Nigeria.

Eziafakaku is currently a full-time PhD student at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent Canterbury. Her PhD research interest lies in validating screening tools for Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for the Nigerian adolescent. She completed her MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis (IDD) at the Tizard Centre 2017 and her BSc with the University of Nigeria Nsukka 1990. She has three gorgeous daughters who are extremely brilliant and talented and a very loving and supportive husband.

FATIMA UMAR SHEHU

Fatima, the eldest of 12 children had the advantage of moving around Nigeria, because her father was in the armed forces. She later got the privilege to learn about various cities and cultures around the world while traveling with her expatriate spouse. Fatima is passionate about women empowerment through education and skills acquisition. She has also collaborated with female medical doctors, to perform free surgeries on women with different levels of VVF. Fatima, who enjoys dancing and yoga, is the Founder and CEO of Rhythm N Flow, a dance and yoga studio in Lagos, Nigeria.

FLORENCE (FLO) OKOLI

Flo is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos and an MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. Flo has over 20 years rich and varied, cross-functional and multi-industry experience spanning Energy, Telecommunications & Advisory Services with a focus on Energy and Infrastructural Development. She commenced her training as an Accountant in Arthur Andersen, a leading professional services firm, and has worked in reputable organizations like MTN (as a pioneer staff), ExxonMobil and Shell. Her most recent role was the Chief Investment Officer role for All On, a start-up impact investment firm, set up by Shell to accelerate access to energy for off-grid communities in Nigeria. 

Flo is a person of strong faith and considers herself a product of grace. She is married and has 3 amazing sons who she likes to describe as ‘for signs and wonders’ children! She enjoys reading, watching movies and football, and listening to music. Believing it is never too late to learn something new, Flo intends to pick up where she left off with piano and golf lessons soon.

ITORO EZE-ANABA

Itoro is a lawyer and the founder of the Mirabel Centre, Nigeria’s first-ever Sexual Assault Referral Centre. She has been actively involved in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Nigeria for over 20 years. She participated in the US Department of State International Visitors Program on Trafficking in Women and Children and in the exchange program of the Law Society of England and Wales.

A graduate of the University of Calabar, she received her LLM Masters in Law from the American University, Washington College of Law, Washington DC where she specialized in Gender and the Law. With much diligence and sincere hard work, Mirabel Center has helped over 4,600 survivors including girls, women and boys to get over the trauma of rape. She drafted the first ever Domestic Violence Bill in Nigeria and campaigned for its passage into law in 12 states and at the National Assembly. 

She has received several awards including the Commonwealth Point of Light Award by Her Majesty the Queen of England in February 2018. Itoro is the Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice and a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team.

LERE BAALE

Lere Baale, a distinguished Fellow of the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria is happily married to his childhood friend, Ife and blessed with two children. He is an Associate Professor with over three decades of business management experience in leading world class global firms including – Pfizer Worldwide Biopharmaceutical Businesses and Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness (CMOE).

Currently, Lere is the CEO of Business School Netherlands (BSN), Nigeria and serves as Regional Director of CMOE Inc (USA) in Middle East and African Region. He serves on the board of directors of firms in various sectors.

MUTI’AT OLARONKE OBA

Muti’at Oba is a Chartered Accountant with one of Nigeria's leading indigenous investment companies. Muti’at is also a a warrior mom who has fought hard to break boundaries, create opportunities and provide resources that aren’t readily available in Nigeria.

NIHMATALLAH (NYMA) AKASHAT-ZIBIRI

Nyma an avid advocate about the development of both genders and a strong believer that the society can get better with each person’s positive contribution. Nyma serves as ambassador for numerous reputable  NGOs and Social Impact groups. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in February 2012 as a solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after she completed further education at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.

She partners with several agencies such as Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) to fight for the rights of victims of Domestic Violence and get justice for victims of sexual harassment. She is also a part of The Boy Advocacy, an organization that raises awareness about the neglect and abuse of the boy child.

Nyma is a Muslim and a public advocate of Islam. She is a member of the Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative, an organization that stands against the harassment of Muslims wearing hijab. Nyma is a founding partner at Cynosure Practice Barristers and Solicitors and she is a co-host on one of the most viewed TV programs in Africa, “Your View” on Television Continental. (TVC).

NONYE GOODIE-OBI

Nonye, an incurable optimist and ardent believer in ‘’everything is possible to him that believes is an experienced banker with over 17 years of cognate banking experience gained across multiple functions, prior to starting her own businesses. She is a Managing Director/Chief Executive of the clothing brand, Nonnistics and the Consulting firm, Gnebbb Projects Ltd. 

She loves sharing knowledge with intention of influencing people to become a better version of themselves irrespective of their situations. She is an ardent believer in ‘’everything is possible to him that believes” . Her educational background is Mathematics and Computer Science from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria and a Master of Science in Corporate Governance from Leeds Beckerth University in the United Kingdom. Nonye loves fashion and loves making people look good, stylish and timelessly beautiful. As a Fashion Designer, Nonye has taken her brand to the global stage having showcased at the prestigious New York Fashion Week and also at Continental Shows. She is happily married to her best friend, Goodie and they are blessed with three excellent children.

ALHAJA SINATU OJIKUTU

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu is a woman of many parts, resolute in thoughts and vigorous in actions. She was the first female Nigerian to be appointed as an Executive Director in any bank in Nigeria, and the first female elected as a Deputy Governor in Nigeria. 

She holds a Bsc from the University of Lagos, and a Masters from Long Island University, New York, USA. Many of her accomplishments include the first female Vice-President of the University of Lagos student Union, the first female Executive Director of Operations for Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry in 1970. Research Economist of The Central Bank of Nigeria 1966-77, Controller of Estates, Land Use and Allocation Office, Lagos State, 1982-1989, French Interpreter, Nigerian High Commission, Britain 1969, Vice President, Grey stroke Inc. USA 1993, among other notable achievements.

SUMMAYYAH SADIQ

Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara is a Nigerian, African-Australian Muslim, a wife, a mother, a counsellor and psychotherapist, life coach, motivational speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, creativity consultant, poet, and award-winning writer and author of several books including two children's book series.  She is the CEO/MD of ComXtra - a communication, counselling and creativity agency in Australia and private counselling practice; DEW Counselling - a service of COMXTRA. She is the founder of multiple non-for-profit organizations and serves on the board of organizations in Australia.

TEJU AJANI

Teju Ajani is an avid learner, a self-professed information junkie who loves to ideate across topics ranging from digital content, artificial intelligence and machine learning to human capital development, organizational health and strategy. She is a strong advocate for women in leadership. She currently serves as the Country Manager with Android Partnerships for Google in Nigeria. Teju’s is passion about technology and its potential as an economic equalizer and ability to open up opportunities for people. She has an extensive background in business development, content sourcing and development and in the enterprise software space with experience in development, customer support, systems engineering and marketing plus a strong focus on customer advocacy and management.

TEMITOPE JEMERIGBE

Temitope Jemerigbe is a happily married another of two, a motivational speaker, and a strong believer in building the next generation of women. Temitope is the Chief Executive Officer of DKK Nigeria with over 20 years of experience with some of Nigeria’s biggest advertising agencies. She is member of several organizations and currently serves on the Board of organizations focused on empowering women. Temitope holds a MA degree from University of Liverpool, UK. 

As a mother of a child living with sickle cell, Temitope joined the Sickle Cell Advocacy to be able to assist less privileged mothers and people living with sickle cell.

She-EO 6.0 Stage

SpotLight Guest - Council Woman Zulfat Suara

Zulfat became the State of Tennessee’s first Muslim lawmaker, and the first Nigerian-American elected to public office when she was sworn in as an Large Member of the Metro Nashville Davidson council in September 2019. Originally from Nigeria, Zulfat relocated to the U.S. in 1993 and chose to make Tennessee her home when the opportunity for her husband to do a fellowship at Vanderbilt presented itself. She has been active in community service and leadership since she moved there in 1998, all while working full-time as a CPA. Zulfat founded an accounting firm that has worked with county governments in Hardeman, Haywood, Lake, and McNairy counties. She was the Assistant Controller of a local university in Nashville prior to her election. Always active in her community, she started the Hardeman County Chapter of Junior Achievement in 2004 and continues to advocate for children and young people as a board member of the PENCIL Foundation. Zulfat has served in a number of leadership positions, including the chair of the American Muslim Advisory Council. She has supported women, serving two terms as State President of the Business and Professional Women, a century-old organization promoting equity for all women in the workplace, from 2009-2011. She is active politically as treasurer of the National Women’s Political Caucus and chair of Day on the Hill, a joint legislative day for several women’s organizations on issues affecting Tennessee women and children. She has also been a speaker at the Nashville Women’s March each year since 2017.

Zulfat Suara has been recognized with the FBI Directors’ Community Leadership Award and featured in the Jackson Sun’s Twenty Most Influential Women in West Tennessee. She was named the 2018 Muslim Policy Advocate of the Year by Islamic Society of North America, and The Tennessee Economic Council on Women inducted her into its Tennessee Women Hall of Fame in 2015. Zulfat recently received an award for Outstanding Service to Human Rights from the TN Human Rights Commission and currently serves as a board member of the Nashville Metro Action Commission.

Zulfat is married to her wonderful husband of 27 years, Dr. Rahaman Suara and they are blessed with five amazing children. 

Segment Anchors (Interviewers)

Dr. Adeola Chukwumah PharmD, MPH, Integrative Health Coach (in progress)

Adeola enjoys helping professional women feel healthier, have better relationships and focus on all the good already in their lives. This is especially important as women continue to support themselves, their children, partners and loved ones in this journey of life. If you are trying to get clarity and have peace of mind and you feel empowered to help yourself, Adeola’s expertise can support your goals. Her credentials include a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Public Health. She is also currently pursuing certification as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition – She is a World Learner. 

Dr Chukwumah has practiced in the pharmacy industry for over 17 years in various roles in community pharmacy, managed care and pharmacy consulting. She is currently a Senior Portfolio Executive for Apexus, 340B Prime Vendor Program where she manages relationships and contractual requirements with key pharmaceutical manufacturers. Her numerous roles have enabled practical experience in understanding problems, connecting personally with clients and developing solutions that achieve their desired results and more. Adeola learned hard lessons while developing a tech company for 5 years. She understands the challenges that her clients go through and is equipped to support them to success.

As a former Mom blogger with a highly engaged audience, Adeola will be sharing stories of motherhood in a publication, coming soon. Adeola loves to dance competitively and travel extensively. She volunteers in her community and is a life-long member of the Junior League of Collin County. Adeola is married with two children.

Bunmi Emenanjo

An attorney with a biotechnology background, Bunmi Emenanjo has a career that spans 17 years moving fluidly between the legal and biotechnology world. While her current profession is as an ethics attorney, she continues to pursue her various passions. A strong believer in nourishing your creative spirit, she enjoys writing, cooking, baking, and refurbishing used furniture; hiking the great outdoors is her self-care of choice. A mother to three Nigerian-American children, she created the children's book club, Atlas Kids Book Club, as part of her efforts to ensure that her children remain connected with their African heritage and continue to develop a global awareness through literature.

A student of authenticity and vulnerability, Bunmi studies the teachings of experts such as Brene Brown and Pema Chodron, incorporating these lessons into daily life. An avid reader and culture seeker, she believes that a curious mind, a yearning for constant learning, a fearless pursuit of your purpose, and an active practice of giving and gratitude are key to living your best life.

Tope Fajingbesi Balogun

Tope is the creator and host of She-EO by Ganiyah, the author of the amazon.com best-selling novel, Love in Cancun, Soulful Whispersand What Color is Your Money?Your personalized road map to business success. She is also the coordinating trustee of United for Kids Foundation.  Prior to launching She-EO, Tope hosted Impact Africa, a radio program that inspired listeners to participate actively in African development.Tope speaks to global audiences with a mission to inspire. She delivered a powerful addressat Hillary Clinton’s final presidential campaign rally in Grand Rapids Michiganon November 7, 2016. She was also the keynote speakerat the Grand Rapids City High School 2017 graduation ceremony on June 6, 2017. Tope merges her hobbies (traveling and writing) with a deep love for, and commitment to her faith and home country – Nigeria, by visiting regularly, speaking to various audiences and blogging about living on purpose at www.ganiyah.com. Tope is an alumnus of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, Emory University in Atlanta and the University of Oxford in the UK. She is also an internationally chartered accountant and a United States of America certified public accountant. Tope is currently an Agribusiness lecturer and advisor in the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Lydia Nylander

Ms. Nylander is a Senior Policy Advisor Analyst in USAID’s Government to Government Risk Management Team providing technical advice and policy guidance on projects with national, sub-national and sector-level impact related to sustainability and country ownership. Prior to her tenure at USAID, Ms. Nylander assumed senior community engagement roles at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and program development at the Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) at the US Department of Justice. Ms. Nylander is the former Director of Grants and Resource Development at the National Association of Consumer Advocates – the nation’s leading consumer advocacy organization. In this capacity, she oversaw the Institute for Foreclosure Legal Assistance, $15 million dollar foreclosure defense project which provided legal representation to families facing foreclosure due to abusive subprime mortgages. She gained her Bachelors of Law at the University of London, and has a Masters in International and Comparative Law from the George Washington University Law School.

Dr. Aminata Sillah PhD

Aminata Sillah (Amina) is an educator, entrepreneur, international development analyst, an experienced nonprofit manager and urban policy analyst who helps leaders and passionate entrepreneurs ensure positive impact around the world. She combines her expertise and experience in non-profit management, education, youth development, public management and international development to help nonprofits, local governments and private institutions from a variety of vantage points improve service quality and strengthen institutional capacities through training, education, and strategic planning. 

She is the current CEO of Global Youth Innovation Network a network for youth entrepreneurs and rural micro-enterprises who are committed to act as hunger fighters, change agents, and innovators globally.Amina is the Co-founder of Krysalis Global Solutions(KGS) a capacity building organization that assist organizations transform into high producing, high impact organizations by focusing on their needs.  Dr. Sillah is an avid promoter of Youth development and a Mentor for entrepreneurs at the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She has served as a Grader for the Mandela Washington Fellowship – Youth African Leadership Initiative (YALI) and as a subject matter expert for the World Bank Youth Summit. She is co-founder of the Section on African Public Administration (SAPA) at the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), which brings global scholars and practitioners together with a passion and commitment to advance public administration on the African continent. Amina holds a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Urban Government and a PhD in Public Administration and Management. 

Hot Seat Guests (Speakers)

Raheemah Abdulaleem

Raheemah is currently employed as acareerSenior Associate General Counsel in the Executive Office of the President, Office of Administration. Previously, she advanced the cause of civil rights as Senior Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, where she prosecuted complex employment discrimination cases. Raheemah advanced President Obama’s criminal justice reform efforts through her service on DOJ’s Clemency Initiative announced in 2014. She reviewed federal inmate petitions, the majority from inmates convicted of nonviolent offenses, and made recommendations to the President. Her work contributed to President Obama granting a record number of commutations - more than the previous seven Presidents combined. Prior to entering government, Raheemah worked at two nationally recognized law firms where she represented public and private sector employers in various labor and employment related matters.

Raheemah is a distinguished graduate of Harvard Law School, where she served on the editorial board of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review and worked at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. She received her B.A. from Yale University. In 2016, Raheemah was featured in a White House blog profiling Muslim Americans in the White House and she received a Nation’s Best Advocate: Top 40 Lawyers nationwide award from the National Bar Association. She served as the featured speaker for the 2017 Harvard Law School Criminal Justice Institute’s Trailblazer Lecture. She also joined a faculty of experienced lawyers and judges to teach the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop during September2017, September2018and September 2019. Raheemah currently serves on the Board of Directors of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights. 

Dr. Lola Adeyemi, MPH, MLA

Dr. Lola is a "multipreneur” - a physician by profession, an entrepreneur by design, and a coach by choice. As an ICF certified professional coach, she helps clients achieve unparalleled growth, introduces them to exciting opportunities, and drives people to success. Her perspectives on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership can be found in Forbes, Medium, Thrive Global and LinkedIn. When she is not coaching or mentoring, or building her businesses - Mentoring Her, and Magna Carta Health, which she bootstrapped to success, and which currently services approximately 15k patients a year and counting, she spends her time speaking at events. Mentoring Her is projected to be the Facebook for mentoring women. Dr. Lola is an alumnus of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, Johns Hopkins University, and Harvard University. She resides in Baltimore, MD area with her husband and two children, and is always open to connecting with fellow entrepreneurs.

Dr. Janice Gassam 

Dr. Gassam is a TEDx Speaker, Forbes Senior Contributor, and Consultant, helping businesses foster a culture of Diversity & Inclusion. She is the founder of BWG Business Solutions LLC, a company focused on creating strategies to foster an equitable workplace. Gassam is also a professor at Sacred Heart University, teaching courses in diversity and inclusion, performance management, data analytics and employee engagement.  Her Ph.D. focused on hiring and selection bias and she strives to use her knowledge and research expertise to strengthen organizations, increase cultural competency and help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Dr. Lisa Johnson Pratt

Dr. Johnson describes herself as “a MAD Woman on Purpose.”

MAD:

Mom: High EQ, Compassionate, Pushing Purpose over “Things”

Activist: Striving to End Violence Against Women 

Doctor: Using Medical and Scientific Knowledge to Educate the Public

On Purpose:

Blogger/Podcaster: Lifeafterabusepod.com

Coach/Mentor: Helping individuals, teams and evolving talent discover their purpose 

Businesswoman: Founder, Ananias Ventures; Former Fortune 500 Executive

Developing: Squashing the desire to control the uncontrollable

Chrissy Li 

Chrissy is a part of Cordia Resources' management team and specializes in connecting accounting, finance, and business systems professionals to employers in the Washington, DC metro area.  She works with clients in a wide array of industries including not-for-profit, government contracting, real estate, professional services, financial services, and others. Internally, Chrissy works closely with other members of the management team to develop best practices and establish efficient processes that will improve overall customer service experience for our clients and candidates.

Prior to joining Cordia Resources, Chrissy worked with an international recruiting firm and focused on senior-level accounting and finance placements. In her 5+ years tenure, she successfully placed nearly 750 professionals and was recognized as a top 3% performer in the practice’s North America region. Chrissy takes pride in her profession and her overall approach is to develop and maintain long-lasting relationships based on honesty, transparency, and empathy.  In an international and multicultural city, Chrissy enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds and treats all with care and respect.

Chrissy holds a B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park.  She spent nearly nine years with a Big Four public accounting firm and has experience in financial statement audits and forensic accounting. Chrissy focused on litigation support and white-collar crime investigations and provided domestic and international forensic accounting, regulatory compliance, and mergers and acquisitions due diligence services to clients in various industries.  Chrissy is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and has used her language skills extensively in business settings.
 

Sabrina N'Diaye, Ph.D. (Psychotherapist)

Over the past 25 years, Sabrina N’Diaye, Ph.D. has been blessed with the opportunity to assist hundreds of clients transform their lives and live their dreams. In 2007, she founded the Heart Nest Wellness Center, in Catonsville, where she specializes in her “calling” – healing work for women, couples, and trauma survivors. She has since changed the name of her center to the Heart Nest Center for Peace and Healing, a space that welcomes community engagement and spiritual growth. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, she practices mind-body medicine and Sufi healing into her work. 

Sabrina received her doctorate in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University, where she studied the use of complementary and alternative interventions for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Her dissertation explored the use of healing rituals for African-American women with sexual and health-related trauma. She is an adjunct faculty member of the Maryland University of Integrative Health and Saybrook University. She is a frequent lecturer for the Ferentz Institute, where she teaches courses in private practice success, oppression, and the art of healing. She is also a proud faculty member of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, where she teaches the art of self-care to healthcare professionals around the globe. Her work has led her in guiding healing rituals with the Baltimore City Police, at Pine Ridge Reservation, and multiple spiritual communities.  She is now a part of a healing team that is serving Jordanian healthcare professionals that work with refugees. 

Omobonike Odegbami

Omobonike Odegbami serves as the Vice Chancellor of International Programs and Global partnerships at Wayne County Community College District. She has been a community college educator for 16 years. She leads efforts to enhance the internationalization of the District and promotes numerous student-success programs on campus. Prior to her position as Vice Chancellor, Odegbami served as a campus president of Wayne County Community College District - Eastern Campus. She has a background in Psychology, School Psychology, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration and Community College Leadership. Her current interests include dual enrollment as a bridge to higher education, and the effects of U.S. policies on international student mobility. Odegbami serves as the Community College Knowledge Chair for the Michigan Association of International Educators. She was one of the 2014 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence awardees. In 2017 she was awarded the best Educator by Kola Lounge, and in 2013, the Nigerian Reunion Committee awarded her the Nigerian Image Award for Education. 

Mary Olushoga

Olushoga is a multiple award winning entrepreneur making positive impact globally. She has featured on BBC World News, Black Enterprise, YNaija, Sahara Reporters, BusinessDay Nigeria, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation Nigeria, ARISE TV, BET Networks, and presented her work on women entrepreneurs at the UK House of Lords, Duke University, Yale University, Union College, the Columbia University Africa Economic Forum, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, the United States Department of Labor Strategy Meeting on Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, and Disability, W!se Institute, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Employment Forum, and the Rockefeller Foundation Tech Salon. In addition to this, Olushoga writes for GE Ideas Lab,SciDev.net, The Guardian Nigeria and the Huffington Post. 

Olushoga is the founder ofawpnetwork.com, a platform powering small business success for African entrepreneurs. The AWP Network is widely recognized as one of the leading organizations supporting African Women in Technology. A multi-talented networker, mentor, speaker, writer, small business advocate and change agent - Olushoga holds a bachelor's degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York, a Master of Science Degree from Baruch College and has served as a public policy fellow at the University at Albany, Center for Women in Government and Civil Society.

Marshal Sulayman 

Marshal Sulayman is a Tax Partner and nationally recognized indirect tax professional. Marshal is the national leader of Deloitte’s Excise Tax practice with 19 years of federal, state, and local excise tax experience. Marshal has worked on fuel tax matters for clients in other countries including Canada, Mexico and Australia. Marshal is responsible for managing client relationships and delivering high quality and high value fuel tax compliance, consulting and recovery opportunities to our clients. 

Marshal has experience serving clients who produce, distribute, sell and/or use regular and alternative fuels in both public and private sectors. Marshal’s experience includes: tax accounting, tax planning, tax controversy, fleet management, compliance management, cash flow management, risk assessment, tax credits and audit defense. He has identified and recovered fuel tax savings of over $1B for his clients. Marshal has experience working with the decision makers at federal and state taxing jurisdictions and is nationally recognized as a leading fuel tax practitioner. 

Edith Umole

Edith is the Global Lead, Talent and Succession Management for World Bank Group. She has led the transformation of the Talent Review program and developed a succession framework for identifying and deploying senior leaders within the organization. Prior to the World Bank Group, she worked at Mercer in the UK, where she led various initiatives, including the design of the first Global Energy Trading Survey.

LashandaWhaley

LaShanda is an attorney, a mother, and a suicide loss survivor.  LaShanda’s began her journey with mental health shortly after one of her children was diagnosed with a mental health disease.  Shortly thereafter, she lost her youngest child, Sincere Melvin to suicide in July 2018.  Since that time she has become an outspoken advocate for suicide awareness and prevention.  Most recently her family’s story was featured as part of Howard County’s “It’s OK To Ask” Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign.  She is a volunteer for the national non-profit organization, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). She is also a member of the 2019 Walk Committee for AFSP’s annual Out of the Darkness Walk for Howard County. 

Helen Paul

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; HELEN PAUL

Dr. Helen Paul, popularly known as Tatafo, is one of the most celebrated comedians in Nigeria and a media personality. She was born on January 29, 1978 and was raised by her mother and grandmoDr. Helen Paul, popularly known as Tatafo, is one of the most celebrated comedians in Nigeria and a media personality. She was born on January 29, 1978 and was raised by her mother and grandmother. Helen recently revealed the fact that she was conceived when her mother was raped.

An academic enthusiast, Helen received a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 2010, and a Master’s degree in 2012. She also obtained an MBA from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. In 2019, she obtained a PHD in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos, setting a record as the first comedian from Nigeria to achieve that feat. ⁣

⁣Although it was her remarkable role as Tatafo in the radio show “Wetin Dey” brought her to limelight, her career began as a presenter on MNet, Lagos Television (LTV 8), and Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS). ⁣

⁣Passionate about sharing her talent and knowledge with others, Helen founded a Theatre and Film academy in Nigeria. Although she rarely publishes her works, she is a terrific writer. Her most prominent writing work is titled Life Burial, a play, which was released in 2015. ⁣

⁣She is a dedicated philanthropist and an award winning artiste who has received numerous awards and recognition, some of which include the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award for Outstanding TV Presenter. She is married and her union is blessed with two children.

Ibidun Allison

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; IBIDUN ALLISON

Ibidun Allison popularly known as “Amebo," a name she got when she was casted in one of Nigheria’s most popular TV shows - The Village Headmaster in the 80s and 90s. Her incredible performance as Amebo created a space for her in the minds and hearts of millions of Nigeria, which continued even after the show ended.⁣⁣

Ibidun initially wanted to become a pharmacist but fell in love with dance and drama after visiting the Late Pa Ogunde who was the pioneer of the Nigerian entertainment industry.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

She began her career as a Radio/Library Attendant with the WNTV/WNBS in 1960, which was where she got her first acting opportunity as part of a four-man group which staged the first live drama on television. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

Her hunger for knowledge and growth earned her a Federal Government scholarship to study Drama, Broadcasting and Scriptwriting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Ibidun Allison also attended the London School of Music, trained with the BBC, and studied TV Production at the London School of TV Production. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

She continues to receive honors and accolades for her contributions to the the television, arts and broadcasting industry for more than 30 years.  In recognition of her contribution to the community, she was conferred with the title of Otun Iyalode of Ode Remo in Ogun State.⁣⁣

Joke Silva

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; JOKE SILVA

Joke Silva, a veteran Nollywood actress born in Lagos on the 29th of September, 1961. She was adopted into a family of trailblazers. Her mother, Dr. Abimbola, was the third woman to become a doctor in Nigeria, while her father, the Babajiro of Lagos, was a reputable lawyer.⁣

⁣This internationally celebrated Nigerian actress, popularly called Aunty Joke by many actors in the Nigerian movie industry began her career in the movie and film industry in the early 1990s starring in movies such as Mind Bending, To Love and to Hold, and The Secret Laughter of Women (a British-Canadian film.) She has also featured in several stage plays in Nigeria and beyond.⁣

⁣A tireless philanthropist and champion of women empowerment causes, Joke continues to show younger women that they can indeed succeed in their careers while maintaining loving relationships with their spouses, children and relatives. Joke has been married to her husband, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, who she met at the National Arts Theater in 1981, for more 34 years. Their union is blessed with two sons, and a grand daughter.⁣

⁣Passionate about developing upcoming actors, and creating an enabling environment to help them thrive, Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA,) an educational institution, which uses a rigorous practice based curriculum to deliver world-class, hands-on training in performing arts disciplines.⁣

⁣Her award winning career is rivaled by few, and respected by many. She won the "Best Actress in a Leading Role” award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2006, the EMOTAN Award by the African Independent Television, and the SOLIDRA Award for Visual Art. On 29 September 2014, joke was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR,) one of Nigeria’s national awards, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.⁣

She-EO 5.0 Stage

What should you expect at She-EO London?

She-EO London will have the following exciting segments:

1. Men on Board - Two brave men will answer difficult questions about relationships and other gender topics.

2. Boss Ladies - Two successful women will discuss their experiences, rise & challenges with glass ceilings.

3. Empire - Our guests will answer tough questions about building successful and impactful business empires.

4. Bridges - At every She-EO, we attempt to understand a demographic that is misunderstood. In London, a pastor will interview a Muslim woman in full Muslim hijab and clothing to discuss the things we hardly talk about, which create fears and conflicts.

5. Well woman - We will interview a psychiatrist, and a behavior analyst whose daughter has autism to understand mental health, and get easy tools to help us thrive in spite of challenges.

6. Becoming - Two guests will discuss thriving while dealing with the pressures of being single in the 40s, abuse in relationships, and waiting for motherhood.

7. Still I Rise - A Parkinson’s disease warrior, and a breast cancer survivor will take the hot seat.

Here are profiles of the bravest men and women who will do justice to these conversation in London on June 15th. You can get one of the 100 seats available on eventbrite.

Abisoye Akinola

Bisoye is a serial entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Siobhan Foods, which owns a couple of franchise restaurants of a top Quick Service Restaurant (Chicken Republic) in Nigeria and is the Managing Director of Tea for Two.

She is an engaging speaker who also loves to write. She was the pastor of Oakwood, a parish of the RCCG in Lekki, Lagos in 2015/2016. She graduated with a B.sc in Estate Management and an MBA from the University of Lagos. She also has a certificate in Business Sustainability Management from the University Of Cambridge Institute Of Sustainability Leadership.

She has authored an article for a women’s magazine and is also writing her own book, which will soon go to print. She is in training with the Coaching Academy in London for her certification as a Personal Performance Coach. She can be reached via any of her social media handles. She currently lives with her family in a suburb of Paris, France.

Adaobi K. Oniwinde

Adaobi is currently an External Relations executive at Shell International. She has worked in corporate communications throughout a 25-year career, beginning as a Press Office intern at the White House, a role that earned her a West Wing office and full Secret Service clearance. Adaobi’s passion for Nigeria and a desire to raise her children with a sense of their heritage, took her back in 2007- a decision she calls the best move of her life.

Aisha Dahiru-Atta

Aisha is an educator, author and transformative coach who facilitate purposeful learning and conversations to transform people, their situations and their relationships. She is a co-founding trustee of Al-Amanah Academy, an innovative primary school in Kaduna state, Nigeria. She is also the co-founder of the Foundation for Refugee Economic Empowerment (FREE), a non-profit organization in Nigeria. Aisha is married with two children and lives between the UK and Nigeria.

Ayotade Oyinlola

Tade is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and development in the UK, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Managers in Nigeria. He has a 20-year career in HR and the telecoms industry. Tade also has extensive experience in driving international and African talent acquisition and development at various executive and operational levels within the telecoms sector. He has held a number of senior positions at Shell Petroleum, Bristow Helicopters, Atlasco Technologies and Resourcery Limited. He is married and has three children.

Desiree Joule-Adam

With a background in business, media, telco, education, youth empowerment and a passion to inspire, her vision is to see more women of colour at the forefront of cutting edge technology, innovation and world change.

As a Start-Up Strategist she empowers people to become Intrapreneurs (creating new opportunities within the company they work for) and Entrepreneurs (becoming your own boss), bridging the gaps between ‘ideas’ and ‘tangible products/services’.

She is passionate about the African Diaspora female and is keen to empower and equip them to play a role in development particularly through entrepreneurship

Eziafakaku Nwokolo

With over 20 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry, in diverse roles, Eziafakaku retired from full-time employment and went back to school to pursue a new found interest in development disabilities. Due to the lack of professionals in Nigeria, she started training to acquire the required skills to enable her provide professional services to families. She became the first Nigerian to have the credentials of Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and is currently the only Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Nigeria.

Edith Umole

Edith is the Global Lead, Talent and Succession Management for World Bank Group. She has led the transformation of the Talent Review program and developed a succession framework for identifying and deploying senior leaders within the organization. Prior to the World Bank Group, she worked at Mercer in the UK, where she led various initiatives, including the design of the first Global Energy Trading Survey.

Farah Dualeh

Farah has worked in the charity sector for over 10 years and has a BA in Social Science and a postgraduate qualification in Community Leadership and Law. Farah is the founder of Inspire Her LTD, a life coaching and Infertility coaching service for women. One of her biggest passion is to provide practical solution-focused services for women to truly empower.

Fawziyyah Folasade Adunola- Emiabata

Fawziyyah is a freelance writer, avid reader, public speaker, promoter of literacy and Director& Cofounder of Cradle2Grave Literacy Foundation a charity project which aims at supporting Muslim schools in Nigeria through provision of libraries and other forms of support.

She holds a Bachelors of Arts Honors in English Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile -Ife, Nigeria and she is currently pursuing a degree in Advanced 'Alimiyyah (Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies) with Maryam Institute.

Fawziyyah is the founder of Guided Muslimah. A Platform where she teaches personal and spiritual development courses and also other public speaking Dawah works and owns Muslim Teen Reads an online bookstore and book club. www.muslimteenreads.com

She is the published Author of Islamic Fun Brain busters for Kids and My Dream Ramadan Journal.

Ms. Jelilat Oyetunji

Jelilat started her career as a computer programmer in the US and has since worked in the UK and Nigeria. After the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, she began advocating for interfaith dialogue in Maine communities. She also raises fund for cancer charities, teaches adults computer skills and inspires young women to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects.

Jo (Ibijoke) Maxwell

Jo Maxwell is the visionary and founder of the PEP network. She is passionate about issues affecting women especially women from black committee. She tasks herself daily to seek ways to empower women and young girls. Jo works closely with each and everyone of the PEP Network Executives to ensure that the vision is delivered in our daily commitment and work as a Network.

She is the Executive Producer/Host of The Jo Maxwell Show; a talk show launched in 2017 to showcase some of the most inspiring and amazing black women living and working in the United Kingdom.

She is the founder of a youth empowerment event themed “Stepping Forward and Breaking Out”.  Targeted towards young ladies and young men; to educate and empower them on how to step forward and not conform to societal expectation and mind limitations. Conscious of the fact that life’s limitations are the ones made in your mind.

Omotola Thomas

Omotola Thomas is a blogger and the founder of ParkinStand – a movement established to inspire people to engage in empowering and mental activities. This was as a result of the fact that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016, at 35. Although born in Nigeria, she currently resides in England with her husband and two children. A self-proclaimed “reckless-optimist”, she believes in the power of a positive mindset and her passion lies in raising awareness and finding solutions for underrepresented PD patients living in Nigeria, and other parts of Africa.

Rasheed Saliu

Rasheed is the current MD/CEO of AACSL Accountants. He began the Company initially under the name Associate Accounting and Consulting Services Limited and later changed the name to AACSL Accountants in 2010.

Since founded, the company has grown from being a payroll and umbrella company to Tax and management Accounting company. Currently, the company has about 20 full time staff.

Tope Fajingbesi Balogun

Tope is a social entrepreneur and the author of the amazon.com best-selling novel, Love in Cancun. Tope also invests considerable time and energy into creating a better world for children from low income families through the initiatives of United for kids foundation, an organization she co-founded in 2002 which she continues to serve as its Executive Director/Coordinating Trustee (Pro-Bono). Prior to establishing her calling to be an inspirational writer, speaker and teacher, Tope was a certified public accountant. She holds a BS.c in Accounting from the University of Lagos in Nigeria, and an MBA from Emory University, USA. She attended leadership programs at Oxford University, UK and the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria. Tope spoke alongside Hilary Clinton at her final political rally in Michigan in 2016.

Yetunde Adeshina

Yetunde is a trained Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Internal Auditor who trained with Andersen in Nigeria (now KPMG) and Deloitte in the UK. She graduated with a First Class in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Yetunde moved to the UK in 2001 and has worked in public and private sectors. She currently works in the aerospace and defence industry as a project management professional.

Tash Pennant

Tash is the founder of Tash Pennant Consultancy. She is an award-winning communications consultant specializing in internal communications and employee engagement.

Her background in media through working at the BBC in news and being a former drive time radio presenter, facilitated for her to develop ‘Tash Talks To…’ which encapsulates all of her speaking, presenting, hosting and voice-over work.

Tash won the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category at the 2018 Baton Awards. She has also been a Non-Executive Director for one of the UK’s largest arms-length management organization. Tash is committed to the development of young people and supporting their educational achievement.

Dr. Zainab Imam

Dr Zainab Imam obtained her medical degree in 1991 from the University of Ibadan, then trained and worked in General Practice in Nigeria before retraining in Psychiatry in the UK; specializing in General Adult and Rehabilitation Psychiatry with subspecialty interest in Perinatal Psychiatry; She is currently a Perinatal Psychiatrist at Sidra Medicine in Qatar where she is also the Medical Student Clerkship Director for her Division and Faculty at Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar.

Dr Imam is a Partner at Psychiatry-UK LLP and a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists where she was a member of the Public Education Engagement Board, an Honorary University Fellow of Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry where she also obtained a Certificate in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Olutoyin Olakunri

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; OLUTOYIN OLAKUNRI

Olutoyin Olakunri was born in Lagos on November 4, 1937. She moved to the United Kingdom when she was barely 13 years old to complete her post-primary education at Hawthorne School, Frinton-On-Sea. 

She was a renowned accountant, administrator, and educationist. She became the first woman to qualify as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales in February 1963 and also served as the first female president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) from 1994/1995. 

Olutoyin was an exceptionally brilliant and distinguished woman of many caps, she didn’t only pursue a career in accounting, she also delved into the manufacturing industry, owning and managing industrial units. Served as a director at Chase Bank, and at different times, was Executive Director, ICON Stockbrokers and Managing Director, CTB Stockbrokers. She was also the first female member of the Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and a council member for five years. 

An active patriot, who served Nigeria in various capacities during her lifetime. She contributed immensely to oversight and deliberations for different national and state institutions and was, at different times, Chairman of the Lagos State Transport Company, Chairman of the Lagos State Ferry Service and the Education Trust Fund (ETF), now known as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), where she was Chairman for two terms. 

A celebrated woman who held a number of chieftancy titles including Bobaseye of Ijebuland, Adegorike of Ijebu-Owo, Otunba Omoba Ola-Efon, and many more. She was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by several Nigerian universities including University of Ado-Ekiti in 2004, Lagos State University in 2007, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2008. 

A strong advocate for women during her lifetime, Olatoyin was involved with several organizations concerned with women’s professional development and social welfare. She was the Chairperson of the West African Women Association (WAWA) and was the President of the International Women’s Society in Nigeria. Also, she chaired the Bloom Cancer Care and Support Centre for over 15 years. 

She was the Council Member and Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents of ICAN and Chairman, Optimum Trust Insurance Brokers, and Non-Executive Director of Premium Health.

Until her death, she was a very humble woman, who led the Altar Guild, which saw to the cleanliness and beautification of the church. A trailblazer who led an impactful life, she died at the age of 80 on June 3, 2018.

Grace A. Williams

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; GRACE ADELE WILLIAMS

Grace Alele Williams was born in 1932 in Delta State, Nigeria. She attended the government school in Warri, and then Queens College in Lagos. She moved on to further her education in the University College of Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan). She was married to the late Professor Babatunde Williams and their union was blessed with five children. ⁣

⁣A pioneer who became Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mathematics Education in 1974. She also directed the Institute of Education where she introduced programs such as Professional University Diploma in Education (P.S.E.,) which benefitted teachers and supervisors. She participated in the establishment of the African Mathematics Educational Development Center of Newton, Massachusetts, with a mission improve and promote changes in Mathematics Education in Africa. ⁣

This extraordinary woman, Alele Williams, was the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate degree, and in 1985, she became the first female Vice Chancellor of an African University when she accepted that position at the University of Benin where she remained as Vice Chancellor until 1991. ⁣

⁣After serving as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, she joined the Board of Directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria. She was a consultant to UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning for a decade. She also served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Curriculum Review Committee from 1973-1979.⁣

⁣A passionate mathematician who sought to influence changes in mathematics education in Africa, she published a book titled “Modern Mathematics Handbook for Teachers” and wrote articles in national and international academic journals. A woman of purpose and achiever of great things, Professor Grace Alele Williams has won many awards and her life has been nothing but impactful. She currently dedicates her time to counseling women on issues of life and marriage.⁣

Fatima Al Fihri

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; Fatima Al Fihri

• Fatima Al Fihri was born in Tunisia during the 9th century. As a child, her father, Muhammed, moved the family to Fed in search of better opportunities during a period of heavy migration. This turned out to be a blessing as her father became wealthy and successful. ⁣⁣⁣

  Following her father’s death, Fatima inherited his wealth and founded the world’s first known university; The University of Al Quaraouiyine Morocco in 859 which paved the way for modern universities around the globe.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣

• A trailblazer, who played a great role in the civilization and culture growth in her community. She championed the construction of the university, and fasted for two years, until the project was completed. ⁣⁣⁣

• At the onset, Al Quaraouiyine started off as a mosque but it later grew into a place of learning and offered courses on religious instructions and the Qur’an. This gradually expanded into Arabic grammar, mathematics, medicine and astronomy, and later began conferring degrees on its graduates. ⁣⁣⁣

• As a result of her commitment and effort, the university now houses one of the world’s oldest libraries containing over 4,000 manuscripts, including the famous historian Ibn Khaldun’s 14th century text Muqaddimah. The university has become a famous spiritual and educational centre visited by scholars and intellectuals from all over the world. ⁣⁣⁣

• Al Quaraouiyine University has continued to progress, earning the reputation of the “Athens of Islam”, and the mosque has become the largest in Africa with a staggering capacity of a staggering 22,000 people. Her remarkable legacy of dedication and empowering endeavor is one that is a source of inspiration for all

Sinatu Ojikutu

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; SINATU OJIKUTU

• Born in 1945, she comes from a lineage of national leaders. Her late father, Barrister Shittu Adewuyi, was a member of parliament for the Western House of Assembly in the First Republic. Inspired by his leadership, she became the first woman Vice-President of the University of Lagos Students’ Union. ⁣

• She asserted her independence very early in life. In spite of her family’s persuasion for her to study Law because her late father was a lawyer, she went ahead to study economics, a field she believed would enable her soar and serve even better.⁣

• Deputy Governor during the tenure of Sir Michael Otedola in 1992, making her the first woman to be elected as a deputy Governor in Nigeria. ⁣

• Struggled with infertility in her marriage with husband, Late Alhaji Shamsideen Ojikutu, whom she described as a passionate, supportive and energetic man. He stood by her during the tough years before the birth of her child.⁣

• She is a trail blazer who became first female Executive Director of Operations for Nigerian Bank of Commerce and Industry in 1970. ⁣

  A firm believer in fairness and equity. She championed the removal of the power to appoint traditional rulers by the government officials, ensuring chiefs and traditional rulers are given fair rights and are not subjected to fear of being removed.

Ajoke Muhammed

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; AJOKE MUHAMMED⁣

• Nigeria’s former First Lady, Her late husband, General Murtala Muhammed was the head of state from 1975 to 1976. She was born on May 23, 1941. Started her professional journey as a Dental Therapist during her early life and is currently the Vice President of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, an institution set up to tackle policy advocacy, education, human rights, women empowerment, disaster relief and betterment of the lives of Africans.

• She has selflessly devoted her life to issues involving environmental sustainability and preservation. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Memorial Botanical Gardens in Lagos, a worthy monument she set up to immortalize her late husband. She also established the largest Botanical Garden in Abuja, owning the largest collection of plants in Nigeria, where more than 2,000 trees, shrubs and many plants going into extinction are conserved.

• She championed the Green Belt Movement of Nigeria which is currently involved in tree planting and other poverty alleviation programs in Lagos State.

• Mother of a nation builder, Aisha Mohammed Oyebode, who is a dedicated philanthropist, retail mogul who serves as a member of various boards and has championed human rights initiatives and girl child development.

• A successful businesswoman pioneer who began importing and trading in laces, which became a lucrative business in the 70s and 80s. She owned the largest retail jeweler store in Nigeria and later worked on extensive real estate projects.

Maya Angelou

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; MAYA ANGELOU⁣

• Distinguished writer who experienced a lot of domestic crisis as a child. She began earning for herself as a cab driver, and then became a dancer and singer. Through her journey learnt five languages and showed a keen interest in English literature.⁣

• Maya Paved the way for many aspiring artists and her influence broke racial barriers. Her autobiography, ‘’I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’’ became one of the most prominent autobiographies ever written, and touched upon the subjects of sexual exploitation, identity crisis, and literacy of a woman in a male-dominated society. The book was chosen as one of the contenders in 1970 for the ‘National Book Award’ in the United States.⁣

• Angelou became the second poet in history to be present at a presidential inauguration, and the first African American woman in 1993, when she read ‘On the Pulse of Morning’ at President Clinton’s inauguration ceremony. She was also the first woman to write a screenplay of a major film in 1972. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.⁣

• Championed women’s rights and gender equality. Selflessly contributed to the civil rights movement and advocated against war and universal peace. She organized the Cabaret for Freedom benefit to raise money for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.⁣

• Her words and legacy continue to awaken hope around the world. Maya was awarded the presidential medal for freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Barack Obama in 2010. She died on May 28, 2014.

Margaret Ekpo

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; MARGARET EKPO⁣

• Fearless Women Right Activist. She was the first woman in Aba to become a member if the Regional House of Assembly in 1945. She took her stand at political rallies and established the Market Woman Association in Aba to encourage women in Aba to participate in political activities which unionized the women in the city and promoted female solidarity in the fight for the economic and political rights of women. ⁣

•⁣Unable to further education after the loss of her father. But her determination led her to obtaining a degree in domestic economics at the Rathmine School of Domestic Economics in Dublin, Ireland, in 1948. This led her to establish the Domestic science institute in Abia State where she trained young girls in dressmaking and home economics at the institute.⁣

⁣•She played a major role as a politician in the eastern Nigerian city of Aba. Making her one of three women appointed to the House of Chiefs, in the 1950s. She stood at the forefront of the fight against injustice in Nigeria and joined the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) to fight for decolonization.⁣

⁣•Fought for the decolonization of Nigeria and championed protests alongside Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, against the killings at the Enugu coal mine in the 1950s. ⁣

⁣Served her nation relentlessly in several other capacities. The Calabar Airport was named after her in 2001.

ABIOLA

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY; KUDIRAT ABIOLA 

•Late wife and lead champion of the late Chief MKO Abiola, businessman, philanthropist, and the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election on June 12, 1993.

•Stood at the forefront of the fight and struggle to end military dictatorship in Nigeria. She was actively involved in moving and sustaining the oil workers’ 12-week strike action against the military government; which succeeded in isolating and weakening the government in 1994.

•Strived for excellence in her deeds. Establishing three successful companies, one of which was a pharmaceutical supply company which meant a lot to her because she had wanted to study pharmacy but hadn’t been able attend university due to financial constraints, even though she was a top student in secondary school, even becoming the school’s senior prefect.

•She was new to politics but learned quickly and on her feet. Her multi-lingual ability was an asset to her husband during his campaign. Having been born and raised in the Northern region by a migrant family from the southern region of Nigeria, Kudirat spoke and understood both Hausa and  Yoruba languages fluently, and used these to help her husband’s campaign and struggle to claim his stolen mandate.

 •She was assassinated on June 4, 1996 on the orders of the military government of the late Gen. Sani Abacha who was a dictator and Nigeria’s 10th Head of State.

•Kudirat didn’t only leave behind an unforgettable legacy through her work, she also left 7 children who have carried on her work in various forms, and continue to make huge impact.

•One of her children is Hafsat Abiola, the first African President of Women in Africa (WIA) Initiative. The New York City Council named a street in front of the Nigerian consulate after her in 1998.

ADADEVOH

Woman Warrior on Wednesday: DR. STELLA AMEYO ADADEVOH

• Comes from a lineage of patriotic nation builders. Her grand father,Sir Herbert Macaulay whose image appears on the Nigerian 1 Naira coin was a prominent politician and founding father of Nigerian nationalism who established the Nation’s first political party.

• She was the first to alert the Nigeria Ministry of health when the influenza virus sub-type spread to Nigeria in 2012.

• A patriotic woman who prevented a national catastrophe. She diagnosed Liberian National as Nigerian’s first case of Ebola in 2014 and paid the ultimate price when she quarantined the patient and personally took charge of situation.

• Her relentless effort brought about the creation of the Ebola Emergency Operations Center by Nigerian Ministry of Health in Cctober 2014.

• Dr. Adedevoh also left a great legacy. Her son, Bankole Cardoso, a Nigerian entrepreneur, co- founded Easy Taxi Nigeria in 2013 to ease movement within the city of L agos. Bankole was listed by Forbes as one of the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa.

AKUNYILI

WOMAN WARRIOR WEDNESDAY: DORA AKUNYILI

• A woman with high integrity who returned the sum of $12,000 granted to her employer, the Nigerian Petroleum Trust Fund for surgery in 1998.

• No nonsense Director General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from 2001 to 2008, who despite threats to her life, led high-profile campaigns against ineffective drugs in Nigeria, thereby reducing incidence of fake drugs by 90%.

• A nation builder who served as Minister of Information, and anchored the Re- branding Nigeria Project in 2008.

• Received the highest number of awards in Nigeria with over six hundred Awards in Nigeria with over six hundred awards and recognition locally and internationally.

QUEEN AMINA

WOMAN WARRIOR ON WEDNESDAY: QUEEN AMINA OF ZARIA

• First woman to become the queen in a male-dominated society.

• Expanded the territory of the Hausa people of north Africa to its largest borders in history spanning the traditional east-to-west trans- saharan axis.

• Led an army of 20,000 soldiers to numerous battles and introduced metal armors.

• Created walls around the city of Zaria providing psychological and physical security.

• She died during a military campaign battle at Atagara in 1610.

RANSOME-KUTI

WOMAN WARRIOR WEDNESDAY : FUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI

• First African woman to drive a car.

• She was the mother of Professor Olikoye Ransome- Kuti, Beko Ransome- Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo- Kuti.

• Known as the ‘‘Lioness of Lisabi’’ who led the Abeokuta women’s revolt against arbitrary taxation, which led to the abduction of the Alake of Egba in 1946.

• She championed women’s rights to vote, was a member of the house of chiefs, and one of the delegate that negotiated Nigerian’s independence from Great Britain in 1960.

• She died from injuries sustained after being thrown out of the window by Nigerian military personnel in 1978.