ALL ROAD LEAD TO ELOY 2015...

The 2015 Exquisite Lady of the Year  (ELOY) Awards took place at the Red Carpet Hall, Victoria Island Lagos.
The event is being hosted by Sika Osei and Ozzy Agu and several guests have been spotted including Osas Ajibade, Gbenro Ajibade, Toke Makinwa, Bolanle Olukanni, Toju Foyeh, Tewa Onasanya, Elma Godwin, Cynthia Kamalu, Michelle Dede, Tonye, Susan Peters, Tomi Odunsi and more.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE SELF-EMPLOYED. -TOM EWER

Sometimes, amidst the stress of multiple converging deadlines and the endless hustle to obtain new clients, it can be hard to remember why we chose to become self-employed in the first place. It’s all too easy for freelancers to focus on “clients from hell ” and the daily little frustrations that we encounter.

We forget why self-employment is awesome.

But fear not — in this post it is my intention to remind you exactly why being self-employed is so much better than working for someone else.

The 12 Best Reasons Being Self-Employed is Better Than Being an Employee

1.  You’re your own boss.

You knew this one was coming, didn’t you? It’s the one we all dreamed about when we realized self-employment was a viable option: being our own boss. Escaping the rat race and living life as we pleased. Remember that?
When you’re self-employed, you no longer have a “higher-up” governing your every move. You control how your work is done. Your client has a say in the final product, but that’s it — their power ends there. How you get from point A to point B is completely up to you and that is awesome.

2. You earn more money.

On average, freelancers earn 45% more than those who are traditionally employed. They’re also allowed to deduct certain business expenses that employees are not, allowing to actually keep more of what they earn.
Feel like you’re not quite there yet? Check out my 7 Tips for Negotiating High End Rates. There’s no reason you can’t pull in just as much (or more!) money now than you did when you were traditionally employed.

3. You spend less.

When was the last time you were stuck in traffic on your way to work? If you perform your professional duties from a home office, it’s most likely been a very, very long time. (And, no, waiting in line for the bathroom for your morning shower doesn’t count).
Think of all the money on gas you’ve been saving.
Even if you work outside of your home, as someone who’s self-employed, you were able to choose the location. And I’d be willing to bet you chose somewhere that nixed the lengthy commute.
Child care expenses may also be a thing of the past for you. Along with expensive daily lunches “out” because of your distinct distrust of the office fridge.

4. You enjoy variety.

When you were an employee — whether you were crumbling away in a cubicle, restlessly working retail, or dying at the drive-thru — you were handed a manual or given some hasty instructions by your boss and then…that was it. You knew what you needed to know to perform your job, and there was never any reason to grow beyond that. Because your job never, ever changed.
As a freelancer, your job is changing constantly. You’re expected to continually adapt, learn, and update your skills. With every new client comes a new challenge.
When you’re self-employed, you’re forced to think — to be creative — and you love it, don’t you? (It’s okay to admit it. Go ahead. Take a second to say it out loud.). It’s a great feeling to know that your skills are being put to good use and that those skills are going to continue to grow as your business grows.

5. No co-worker drama.

Many of us work alone (or work remotely) and that isolation can be a bit daunting at times. But do you really, honestly, miss your co-workers? Even the one who listened to her music sans headphones? What about the guy who loved to talk (loudly) on his cell phone during his breaks…right next to you? Or how about the gem of a human being who shirked all of their cleaning duties on you?
Your favorite co-workers became your friends and are likely still a part of your life in that capacity. Everyone else? Good riddance!

6. Sick Day? A-OK!

Freelance writer Jennifer Lawler has been self-employed for so long that she was taken aback when, upon a recent visit to the hospital, she was asked if she needed a note excusing her absence:

“And then I realize[d] that the default method in the world of work and education is to treat people as if they are incompetent or lying or both. Because that’s the only explanation for what is clearly a routine question for an exam during business hours. I guess if I were employed in the traditional corporate world, I’d be forced to ask, ‘Please boss can I take my daughter to see the neurosurgeon? No? Okay.’ Seriously? Seriously?”

A day we don’t work is a day we go without pay, but at least we can take that day off without having to beg for our boss’ forgiveness. Or feel the demeaning sting of having to prove how ill we were by providing a doctor’s note. Or fill out a stack of meaningless forms.
Of course, we have to buy our own health insurance. But even that isn’t so bad; at least we get to choose which insurance we use. Our health coverage is no longer left up to a head honcho choosing the cheapest package.

7. Your work area is truly yours.

Want dual monitors instead of one? Go ahead. Prefer a standing desk? Knock yourself out. And framed photos of your friends and family? The more the merrier!
Decoration regulations (try saying that ten times fast!) are a thing of the past. You can Feng Shui your work space to your heart’s content. So put up that poster you found online, get in the habit of watering your indoor fern, and finally buy that ergonomically correct chair!
Need some inspiration? Check out these pics of 60 jaw-dropping home office setups. Even if you already have a killer home office, improvements can always be made.

8. New equipment when you want/need it.

If you’ve ever worked in an office building, you’re well aware of the frustrations that come along with the I-need-something hierarchy. Whether you need a new pack of pens, staples, or laptop repair, as an employee you would have to ask someone for the equipment you needed. And then they would ask someone else, who would ask someone else, who would ask someone else. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to get the equipment or maintenance you needed in order to complete your project.
Need something now that you’re a freelancer? Go to the store and get it. Get back to work. The end.

9. No uniforms.

Being self-employed is a bit like being Phil Collins: No Jacket Required.
Also, no tie required. No neon polyester t-shirt. No two-toned logo-covered baseball cap.
Unless you’re meeting with a client in person — or via video chat — you can wear (or not wear) whatever you darn well please. It might be a cliche to freelance in the buff, but it’s definitely an option.

10. You set your own schedule.

Whether you crave the steady familiarity of a fixed schedule, or you long to mix it up with hours that are more flexible; as your own boss, you’re the one who creates your schedule.
If you’re not a morning person, you can rest easy knowing that you no longer have to set your alarms in triplicate in order to just barely make your morning meeting. Or, if early’s your style, you can set your hours for the dawn and have a full day’s work done before your kids get up for school.

11. You’re more valued.

As a freelancer, you’re no longer part of the hive; you’re a highly-valued individual. More importantly, you get to decide what that value is, through a well-devised proposal like this one.
You get credit for your own work. And, through your ongoing marketing efforts, you’ve even started to earn some name recognition, not just among your long-time clients, but from complete strangers as well.

12. You choose your own customers.

When you work as an employee, you’re more-or-less forced to serve whoever decides to show up at your employer’s place of business. Whether it’s a bedraggled couple with two crying children looking to buy school supplies or the old man who screams at you because he still hasn’t quite figured out how the combo menu works or the confused woman who’s called three times in the past hour with the exact same customer service question: you had to help them. Because that was your job.
If a client yells at you now, it’s because you chose the wrong client. You’re the one in control now, not them. You choose who you provide services to.

The Final Word on Self-Employment

When the stress of everyday life starts to wear thin on you, it can be hard to remember how amazing your life — your business — really is. You may even consider giving it all up from time to time.

Truth is: self-employment is a fantastic lifestyle choice. Be thankful.

If you ever forget why you chose to be your own boss, think back to what you were doing before you became a freelancer. Think about your worst customers, your most hideous dress code, your cramped work space, and your long commutes.

still IN THE KITCHEN with ABIMBOLA OMOLADE V

                     

              SUYA  SPICED WHOLE TURKEY

                

 

 

SUYA SPICE SEASONING MIX 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 6 tablespoons suya spice
• 3 large onions (peeled and sliced)
• 6-10 cloves fresh garlic (peeled)
• 3-6 Scotch bonnet peppers (ata-rodo)
• 3 ripe red bell peppers – tatashe
• Medium size ginger root (peeled and cut)
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 6  double knorr cubes
• Salt – to taste
• Other : Favorite herbs as desired (Efirin (scent leaf), basil, rosemary, sage,oregano, cilantro etc)                                            
  
  The use of herbs is where you add your own signature and make it your own blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite blend. I used about 2 cups of fresh herbs in my mix.
  Direction:
• Combine all listed ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blitz until almost smooth.
• Store mix in an airtight container for future use.

ABIMBOLA OMOLADE
+2348188866735
abimbolaomolade9@gmail.com
www.ladesimi.blogspot.com.ng

YOUNG NIGERIAN EMERGES AS WINNER OF THE SAMSUNG PICTURE YOUR DREAM COMPETITION

Lawyer and philanthropist, Ifeyinwa Obienu, who is also a volunteer with the Destiny Trust, an NGO, has emerged the winner in the just concludedSamsung Picture Your Dream competition. The palm selfie contest availed Nigerians the opportunity to express their dreams. The competition kicked off at the end of August 2015.

The contest is an offshoot of the company’s current theme, Dream Your Dream, which inspires progress and spurs dreams to success, while also nurturing the aspiration of young Nigerians who have great dreams with the potential to impact the country positively. The other six finalists of the Picture Your Dream campaign were also rewarded with Samsung Galaxy J7 devices.

”Getting disadvantaged children off the streets has been a dream that I have been nurturing and working towards. I really appreciate Samsung’s support in accomplishing my dream. Thank you Samsung for making this possible and for keeping to your words“, stated Ifeyinwa Obienu.

“It was truly a challenge shortlisting the top seven finalists for this contest“, said Jumoke Okikiolu, Head, Product Marketing (IM), Samsung Electronics West Africa. “Many of the over 1,300 entries initially received were very inspiring. The seven finalists selected after the first round had a busy time soliciting votes from friends and family via social media. Ms. Obienu’s dream to ‘help destitute kids get off the street’ pulled the highest number of votes in the second and final round“, Jumoke Okikiolu added.

”The emergence of Ifeyinwa Obienu as the winner of the Samsung’s Palm Selfie competition aptly portrays Samsung as an organisation that supports its customers in achieving their dreams. At Samsung, we are committed to seeing that dreams that positively impact on the society are brought to reality. Ifeyinwa Obienu will certainly be happy, seeing that her dream of getting destitute kids off the street is going to be achieved, and that is what we want at Samsung“, remarked Emmanouil Revmatas, Director, Information Technology and Mobile.

DEPUTY STUDENT UNION LEADER TASKS NIGERIAN WOMEN ON THE NEED TO SEEK SUFFICIENT AND HELPFUL KNOWLEDGE ON CANCERS

The vice-president (PS) , University of Ilorin, Students' Union, Comrade Imam- Lawal Ummulkhaeri tasks the would-be mothers to seek sufficient and helpful knowledge about the scourge and killer disease; cancer. While speaking at the welcome address of the 1st  Breast and Cervical Cancer Campaign of the University of Ilorin held on Tuesday, 17th November, 2015 at the main auditorium, she identify poor funding, inefficient health care system, lack of massive  awareness/campaign programme as the factors that encourages the severity of this deadly disease. She further emphasise on early detection as a means prevention.

The event which was planned to commence by 10am did not begin until 1pm due to the late arrival of the guests is the first of it kind to be organise by a tertiary institution in Nigeria and is duely collaborated by Unilorin Students' Union with LEAH foundation, an NGO that specialises in maternal health.

The campaign which was preceded by a press conference and a rally was graced by many dignitaries like the wife of the kwara state governor, and the founder of LEAH foundation, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, ably represented by the Provost of the College of Health, Unilorin, Prof. W.B.R Johnson, who gave a general overview of cancers and Dr. Femi Olaleye of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, who delivers the lecture of the day titled "Preventing Cervical and Breast Cancer through Screening".

JULIET IBRAHIM, TANIA OMOTAYO AND MORE IN PROJECT RAW (Respect A Woman) CAMPAIGN.

A couple of weeks ago actor and model Emmanuel Ikubese launched theProject RAW (Respect A Woman) as part of the Emmanuel Ikubese Foundation.

A shoot was done recently, directed by Juliet Ibrahim, in a bid to raise awareness against domestic violence.

Director of the shoot, Juliet Ibrahim explains “The shoot was something I was excited to be part of because it was an avenue to bring to fore what a lot of women go through in silence on a daily basis via domestic abuse. I tried my best to make sure the work has a consistent message that fits in with what Emmanuel is trying to project, hoping that it would give women a strength to speak up and men a spine to man up and stop battering women both emotionally and physically. Kudos to the photographer and makeup artist, working with them made the vision I had as a director so easy to visualize”

The shoot was done at the Le Paris Hotel, Lagos and it features Juliet Ibrahim, Adunni Ade, Beverly Naya, Layole Oyatogun and Tania Omotayo, Lisa Omorodion and Taje Prest.

To find more about this campaign you can log to www.the project raw.org

LEAP AFRICA AWARDS TALENTED NIGERIAN YOUTHS.

In a bid to inspire, empower and equip a new cadre of African Leaders thereby providing them with skills and tools for personal, organisational and community transformation, LEAP AFRICA graduates 20 fellows and induct another 20 into the Social Innovators Programme on 12th November,2015 at the City Parks Abuja, Nigeria.

The SIP Graduate 2014-2015

The newly SIP inductees for 2015-2016

The SIP is a one-year fellowship which supports young talented young social innovators whose ideas and initiatives offers effective and creative solutions to challenges in local communities across Africa.

Ofi Ejembi, OAP, Nigeria info, Abuja

Esther Agbarakwe, Advisor, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change

Maria Eitel, Chairman Girl Effect

Bosun Tijani, CEO and Co-founder, CcHub

A representative of Union Bank

Dr. Nadu Denloye, Board Chair, Director, CDNET Ltd.

Mrs Iyadunni Olubode, Executive Director, LEAP AFRICA

Representatives of the Embassy of peoples republic of china

The event witness dignitaries in the society while Union Bank PLC., Embassy of the People's Republic of China, International Youth Foundation ( IYF) and many more partners and sponsors it.

JUMAH SAEED

OMOTAYO OLUFEMI

KELVIN OGHOLI

LEAP AFRICA honoured the 3 most outstanding fellows of 2014-2015 social innovators program.

JUMAH SAEED: Is poised to reduce the incidence of dental disease and improve general access to standard dental care in the country and provides free educational dental books in rural communities.


OMOTAYO OLUFEMI : He leverages on new media to help start-ups with essential information needed for development through online platforms and workshops.


KELVIN OMOTAYO : He co-founded UNIFIRE in 2012 and has focused his efforts on helping farmers in Nigeria and Sub-saharan Africa earn more income by providing them with low-cost innovative feeds (these are 50-50 less than existing feeds).

The SIPA 2015 was brought to you by Sponsors ;
LEAP AFRICA
UNION BANK
Partners ;
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FOUNDATION
EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SEVEN UP PLC.
DUGO LTD.
DOXA DIGITAL
FAN MILK
BETHGRAPHY
12 BASKET SMALL CHOPS.
Media Partners;