Thinking Aloud Magazine: Jul-Sep 2020

THINKING ALOUD

ISSUE

11 A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE publication of rehoboth dream solid foundation (rdsf)

JUL - SEP 2020

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CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Kiki James, Founder & CEO of ACE Charity

Dr. Folasade Hunsu Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mr. Patrick Edebor Editorial/publishing consultant. Owner, Patrick Edebor and Associates.

Mr. Akin Adejuwon Curator, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mr. Rotimi Lawuyi FCA Owner, RAMA Editors.

Dr. Mrs Olayinka Opadiya Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church Sydney Australia.

Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe Founder/Executive Director, Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Oladeinde Joseph , Chairman, Board of Trustees Pharm. Samson Igbokwe Mrs Roseline Igbokwe Mrs Ronke Osikoya Ms Ketumi Alasa Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya Dr (Mrs) Yinka Opadiya Mrs Abimbola Komolafe Rear Admiral (Rtd) K O Komolafe

Editor Bimbo Komolafe

Publication & Design Benjamin Eze

Project Manager Tomi Olatunde

Project Team Edison Egere

@2020. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Othniel Komolafe Grace Adoja Celestina Osiki

THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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EDITORIAL

ISSUE

11 JUL - SEP 2020

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Q3 - 2020 edition of the Thinking Aloud Magazine produced by the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF).

In this edition, we are delighted to share an interview with Kiki James, Founder and CEO of ACE Charity, an organization that focuses on providing Education, Training, Affordable Healthcare and Economic Empowerment in underserved communities across Africa. She shares from her wealth of experience running an outfit that has made immense impact despite operational limitations prevalent in Nigeria. Together with her team of committed staff and volunteers, they have chosen to give back selflessly, working assiduously to proffer solutions to social issues requiring intervention. Kiki says, running ACE Charity with her team is ‘service beyond self’.

This quarter, RDSF Success Story shares the testimony of Opeoluwa Tunmise, a past beneficiary of RDSF. Tunmise is a self-motivated young man who has proudly built on the foundation of support he received from RDSF. After graduating, he went on to win a scholarship for his masters in the United States of America. Upon completing his Masters’ program, he started a career as a Quantitative Analyst with an Asset Management firm in New York City.

The sponsors and Trustees of RDSF congratulate him for this achievement and are proud to have been a part of his path to success.

In our Fitness and Health section this quarter, we are pleased to feature as guest on our Fitness Spotlight corner, the beautiful and fitness conscious Mrs. Orode Imevbore. Read her interview where she shares tips on healthy living and you will be glad you did.

Tumi Akhidenor, owner of the outfit ‘Fitt2me’ writes in her regular fitness column on ‘How to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables’. Stay healthy and ensure you read our health article, which shares key facts on common cancers in women.

Other interesting articles include the Marriage and Relationships column which features Oreoluwa Macaulay’s article on ‘How to Handle Toxic Relationships’. Our parenting article highlights the roles parents’ play in building selfconfident children, and the Finance Coach discusses ‘The Place of Mentoring and Coaching in Achieving Financial Excellence’.

Have a delightful reading experience and remember to share the magazine with your loved ones.

Send your comments on any of the featured articles to ThinkingAloudPublication@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bimbo Komolafe Editor

connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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Our world is now a global village, gone are days when you find out what’s trending in another country from magazines or the local news. Information is at the tip our fingers and with it comes its challenges. More children today are battling with low-confidence and low selfesteem because of pressure from parents as well as their peers.

Take a look at the table below, it gives a snapshot of some of the changes that have taken place in the last few decades especially when it comes to parenting.

Our

world is constantly evolving. Today we are in the digital age, who knows what it will be tomorrow? I am a Generation X child and my children fall into the gen Z year group and I can tell you the way I was raised is simply different from the way I am bringing up my children. The environment and circumstance in which I find myself calls for a different approach whilst I retain and hopefully pass on my core values.

Factors Parenting

Silent (1945 & Earlier) *Children of the great depression. *Values of hard work and grit.

This was passed on their children. *Children are to be seen and not heard

Technology

Kept to themselves, speak when spoken to.

They stick to what they know best. Feedback is not really their thing Tech challenged.

Do not like change

Your locus of evaluation is the place from which you draw a judgmental value of yourself. Self-confidence is a bi-product of both internal and external locus of evaluation because it is based on: (1) how others perceive the work you have done (external), (2) your ability to trust your own instincts when making a judgment call (Internal).

Baby Boomer (1946 – 1964) *The term “quality time” was conceived but not fully utilised.

Generation X 1965 – 1979) *The trophy generation created a culture of permissiveness

Millennials/Gen X (1980 – late 90s) *Received a lot more attention themselves but gave little or none to their children.

*Nurtured their children more than their own parents.

* Made less use of corporal punishment. *Controlled parenting and micro-managed their children.

*Drone parenting approach which is non-directive.

*They were called helicopter parents because they micromanaged their children Communication/ relationships

What is self-confidence?

It is the trust you have in yourself based on your abilities and performance. It is derived from your external locus of evaluation. What do I mean? Every child, to a large degree, is born with a blank mind but over time begins to exhibit learned behaviours. For instance, a baby quickly learns that when he cries, he is capable of drawing attention to himself.

Solidified relationships by writing letters and making phone calls

“Fake it till you make it”.

Committed to learning.

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*Often believed their children can do no wrong *Seeks friendship at work, * independent

Value innovation and technology | 5 |

Gen Z, iGen (late 90s till date)

*Use of technology to train and raise their children.

Explanation provided when disciplining a child

*Not too keen on face-to-face communication. *Thrives on feedback

Less in-person interaction, lonely, socially isolated leading to poor communication

Technology savvy

Technology savvy

Why is it important to understand this? It’s important because as parents we influence the way our children see and value themselves and we play a vital role in shaping our children’s confidence. Statistics infer that one in every four adults suffers from mental health issues* (www.hopkinsmedicine.org) and at the core of most mental illness is low confidence and low self-esteem.

Parenting Styles I wish there was a complete parenting manual out there that covers how you raise your child from birth to adulthood, just like manuals that accompany our electronics. Life would be truly wonderful for parents and guardians. Whilst there are no such manuals for raising children, there are however guides that can help you along your journey.

Understanding the generation into which your child is born (highlighted above) is important and can help inform your decisions in terms of how you choose to pass on your values without your child developing a rebellious attitude.

Research has highlighted four parenting styles and how they affect a child’s confidence, lets take a look at them: 1. Authoritarian Parents: Are you a parent who constantly gives your children instructions and demand they do just as you say? Do you punish your children without fully explaining why? Are your children to be seen and not heard? Baby boomers were raised by authoritarian parents. Though, it may seem as the norm in those days, such parenting style will only lead to your children developing low self-esteem. Most of my clients developed low self-esteem from childhood because their parents did not value their opinion and constantly shut them up. They did not develop problem solving skills because instructions and rules were given to them all the time and they were not allowed to deviate from them.

2. Authoritative Parenting: This parenting style is considered to be the best in its approach. If you are the kind of parent that sets limits for your child and disciplines the child when that limit is crossed. Do you carefully explain why you discipline your child? And do you help them to understand the consequences of their actions? Then you are likely to be an authoritative parent.

Authoritative Parents are compassionate yet disciplined parents, they listen and validate the feelings of their children.

Children raised by such parents grow up to become confident and responsible adults.

3. Permissive Parenting: Are you the kind of parent that hardly enforces rules or gives your child a free rein because you think he/she is too young? Do you bribe your child so they can get their chores done? These are traits of permissive parenting. Your children are likely to grow up developing confidence issues because they would not have learned how to take proper care of themselves, they do not like routine. They may also develop health problems because of poor diet. Gen X parents may fall into this category.

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4. Uninvolved Parenting: Are you constantly overwhelmed with work, career development or life generally that you scarcely have time for your children? Do you barely have time to spend with them? When you are with your children do you struggle to show any form of emotion? Some parents find it hard to hug their own children. I have worked with clients who cannot recall intimate moments with either of their parents. Unfortunately, a lot of parents fall into this category today. Especially in these days of technology, children are left to play with all manners of devices. These children grow up into adults who neglect or bully others. Lack of affection can lead to child developing low self-confidence.

In my work I have come to realise that there are certain principles that guides parenting and can help serve as deterrent for us when raising our children intentionally rather than by trial and error methods used by our parents.

Things to be mindful of when parenting Doting parents who can sometimes overlook their children’s excesses can result in children becoming either overconfident or disrespectful. Working with the generation Z, I have found some other contributory factors to their nonchalant attitude, which includes:  Working pattern of parents: parents who are busy working on their career often do not have the time to deposit into the emotional account of their children. A lot of these children are taken care of by caretakers who are least concerned about their emotional well-being. Quality time is required to develop strong relationship with children, which needs to be nurtured till they grow into adults.  Social media (SM): children are taught a lot through the social media platforms. Leaving them alone to spend hours on end on SM is not particularly healthy. It is a known fact that immersion in virtual world delays a child’s emotional and social development.  Comparison: desist from comparing your children to each other and other children, it sows negative seeds in their hearts.

Raising a confident child - nuggets • • • • • • • •

Start giving them responsibilities in a controlled environment at an early age.

When they fail at a task allow them to learn from it.

Be a good example, children learn more through observation. They watch how you deal with disappointments, failure and stressful situations not just your success stories.

Be genuinely interested in what they do.

Empower your children at an early age by giving them responsibilities.

Do not withhold praise when your child has done something good.

Love yourself and your child.

Learn to be open and honest with your teenagers about your own struggles and challenges. It doesn’t mean you are weak but shows you are human.

In conclusion, we know parenting has evolved over time like everything else in our world. Our values may not necessarily change but our methods, strategies and approach should and must change. There are a lot of guides and information that we can avail ourselves. We spend years studying to get a job, then spend time and resources to update our knowledge so we remain relevant in our chosen career. I think it is just as necessary and important that we spend time and resources to educate ourselves on how to raise the next generation.

Funmi Oni is a Certified Personal Development Coach and Counsellor. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Happily married and blessed with two sons.

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This

quarter I will talk about financial mentoring and coaching and how important this is for growing your wealth and attaining financial freedom.

Very few people are conscious of the need to have a mentor they look up to on financial matters and money issues. It is an especially important aspect of your journey to financial excellence. Anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, retain, and grow his wealth must deliberately look for and adopt financial mentors.

In certain circumstances, a financial mentor may be available to also act as a financial coach, but this is rare.

The common occurrence finds that people have mentors whose financial behaviours and achievements motivate them to be better financially.

The coach takes the relationship a step forward. He takes it beyond the ‘mentee and mentor’ relationship. The coach helps develop the appetite, knowledge, and skill for good money management. Under the tutelage of a coach, one develops a nose for good investment and attains independence in decision making. To achieve the desired level of financial height, you need both a financial mentor and a financial coach.

Herold Financial Dictionary defines a financial mentor as ‘‘a trusted guide or counsellor that helps a person in the arena of business, personal finance and investments’’. It further states that ‘’Mentors can be many different people, but they typically have several characteristics in common. They are all loyal advisers who have the person’s best interests at heart’’.

Another definition by Wikipedia says, ‘mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person’.

There are numerous benefits of working with a mentor and coach in achieving financial excellence.

A financial coach helps clients develop plans to achieve their goals, then act as an accountability partner as the clients enact their plans. A financial coach will help you understand the basics of personal finance and help you develop and maintain healthy financial habits. The main job of a financial coach is to empower you to reach your financial goals and learn how to handle your finances responsibly.

Financial coaches help their clients with the basics of money management. Their goal is to help their clients develop healthy money habits that will last. Financial coaches also educate their clients on the basics of personal finance and work with them to create a financial plan that reflects their goals.

The objective of the coach is to improve the client’s longterm financial behaviour and facilitate clients to set and achieve financial goals on their own. He further helps clients practice new behaviours and monitors those behaviours over time.

Who needs a financial coach? A person struggling with his finances in specific areas will do good to work with a financial coach to achieve desired goals. E.g. a person who is struggling to get out of debt.

On the other hand, financial mentors provide a one-onone service, focusing on empowering people to get control of their money. They work alongside a person building trust that gives the mentee the confidence to take the right decisions over time in the area of business, personal finance and investments.

Do you have a financial mentor or a financial coach? Are you a mentor to someone over financial issues? Is it difficult to be in a financial mentoring relationship?

Should you actively seek out a financial coach? Who needs a coach? Why do I need a coach? This article will address these questions and more. | 8 |

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Financial Mentoring vs. Financial Coaching Let me explain the difference between financial mentoring and coaching, as both appear to have some overlaps. A financial mentor will teach you financial tactics and strategies based on his experience to guide you from making mistakes and financial errors while working to attain your financial goals. A financial coach will walk with you ‘step by step’ on your journey towards financial independence.

A financial mentor supports you based on his relevant experience and will advise based on specific financial issues. E.g., you want help with investing in a new business opportunity/area. Your mentor will share insight on his choices and consequent results from a previous similar opportunity.

already made by the mentor. The mentee saves himself considerable monetary losses by taking right financial decisions.

Another benefit is that there is an expectation of accountability from a mentee who knows he will be accountable for his financial choices.

This means you make your mentor your accountability partner; someone who will keep you accountable as you cement your new money habits. Having someone interested in helping you achieve your financial goals is a powerful tool that will increase your chances at financial success.

On the other hand, a financial coach will work with you to create a plan for your money and help you take actions that will keep you on the right track to achieve what you desire. Financial coaching may include hand-holding support for specific areas of your finances. Examples of such support include helping to prepare your financial plans, produce a personalized budget, identify poor money habits to drop, and agree good money habits you need to adopt. A financial coach can also work with you to design a template to apply to get you out of debt.

So while the focus is on the financial mentor’s knowledge and experience in a mentoring relationship, the focus is on you in a financial coaching relationship. It is about your current financial circumstances versus your desired financial goal. The financial coach will focus on actions you need to take to achieve your desired goal. The objective of the coaching relationship is to ensure you remain on the right track to get to your desired goal.

While you can have a quick discussion with your mentor on a critical financial decision, receive his steers and understand the risks and returns in particular opportunities, a financial coach will remain by your side nudging you to take the steps and actions you need to reach a goal (e.g. coaching required to get out of indebtedness will involve sessions on building and adhering to your budget, saving better and paying off the debts.)

Benefits Like any mentoring relationship, being in a financial mentoring relationship has numerous benefits.

One of these is the guidance you get when making financial decisions. As a mentee, you will be guided to make choices that will positively impact your finances.

As a mentee, you also learn and improve your knowledge of financial matters from the constant interactions with your mentor.

Furthermore, when a mentee follows the steer of his mentor, he can avoid expensive and costly mistakes THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

Qualities required in a good mentoring relationship • Relevant Experience – When looking for a good financial mentor, look out for someone who has relevant experience in money matters and who has been tested with financial decisions. He should be able to share lessons from his past mistakes. He should also be able to share gains he made from making right choices. He should be someone with considerable experience in savings culture, investing and debt management amongst others.

• Knowledge – It is important that the person (s) you choose as your financial mentors are sufficiently knowledgeable about the essentials of wealth creation, growth and preservation.

• Availability and Accessibility -– You want to work with someone who is readily available to discuss any financial opportunities that come your way. He must also be accessible to you when needed.

• Patience – Patience is a virtue that both the mentor and mentee should possess. Watch out for this virtue in prospective mentors/mentees.

• Effective communication – Mentoring is relationship based and requires effective communication between the mentor and mentee. You must understand each other’s language and be able to express and receive clear steers. | 9 |

Tips For Being An Effective Mentee Respect and Trust must be mutual between you and your mentor.

You can have a mentor for different aspects of your financial journey. However, you have the responsibility to ensure your prospective mentor has the requisite experience and wealth of knowledge.

You must be committed to the mentoring relationship and be ready to be held accountable by your mentor(s).

Set your financial goals and have a good understanding of what you want to achieve, then seek for a person with experience relevant to the objectives you want to achieve.

Do not choose a mentor without considering your desired goals.

Do your homework. It is important that you evaluate the personal values of a prospective mentor. Has this individual made decisions and choices that align to your integrity and ethical values?

Conclusion Let me conclude by advising readers of this column to deliberately seek for financial mentors to help them make excellent financial choices. I also recommend that you get a financial coach to guide you as you work towards your financial targets. Financial coaching is not only relevant when you are doing poorly with your money, but also a requirement if you want to do better and get excellent results with your efforts to wealth creation and retention.

There are some financial coaches offering free services while there are others who require payment. If you choose to use a paid financial coach, make sure the terms and deliverables out of the coaching are well articulated and agreed upfront. Take deliberate steps to seek and connect with a financial coach.

I offer free financial coaching services and will be happy to work with readers who need such support.

Bimbo Komolafe FCA, FCIB writes from Lagos and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Do not seek mentoring with the intention of using it as a veil to access a person’s funds. A mentoring/coaching relationship is not an avenue for the mentee to seek and obtain monetary aid from the Mentor. It is also not a support system to get you a job or business opportunities.

If you go into a mentoring relationship expecting the Mentor or coach to provide you with financial support, you may end up being disappointed. Seeking to borrow funds should not be the motivation for your choice of a financial mentor or coach.

For more tips from the Finance Coach, follow her on: Instagram: @financecoachtoday | Twitter: @financecoachbk Blog: www.financecoachbk.blogspot.com.ng Email: financecoachtoday@gmail.com Website: www.financecoachbk.com Facebook: Finance Coach Money and Wealth

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•

• • • •

Could there be other facts that I am yet to be made aware of that would further re-assure me for the journey I am embarking on?

Will this really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Am I giving this momentary shock more importance in my mind than actually exists?

Are there previous similar experiences I can draw on where I worried and was scared unnecessarily?

How can I learn from this sudden shock for the future?

There is a difference between being startled and being scared. Don’t allow the short term shock, become a long term obstacle.

When you ‘jump’, decide to proceed forward anyway!

You were made for this!

I’ve been meditating on the Recently difference between being startled and being scared. I finally reached the conclusion that, both can and usually will warrant an initial short-term reaction which changes when considering medium to long term implications.

To be startled, is to feel or experience sudden shock or alarm, whereas being scared, speaks to more deep rooted and unpleasant emotions that could eventually hinder one from progressing, advancing or moving forward.

Speaking to myself first, I find that we often make unfair demands when we unnecessarily beat ourselves up for being startled in a moment. The sudden shock experienced from the unexpected speaks to active and functioning sensory organs and detectors more than anything. The fact that we jump when startled just means we are alive! It is one of the many in-built systems that have aided the survival of man over many centuries. Just because we were made to ‘jump’ when faced with a challenge or something we weren’t used to, doesn’t mean we aren’t prepared or qualified to progress and proceed.

I write this for someone like me who has forgone opportunities because they were startled in one way or another. Don’t allow some initial sudden shock succeed in scaring you off the path you were meant to venture! It is one thing to be scared - fear has its own remedy, but it’s another thing to allow a sudden shock to graduate into fear in our minds. We must not be unnecessarily hard on ourselves. It is all right to be startled. But it is NOT okay to allow that sudden shock to lead to long term fear.

When faced with a sudden shock, especially when chasing goals and dreams, it is important to remind ourselves of these questions: THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

PURPOSE There is a pre-ordination about purpose that supersedes time, merit and ability. Because it is not our own, and was allocated in its full measure, prior to our understanding, its ability to be fully actualised is only dependent on our ability to 'search it out'.

In the same vein, the instant a foetus is formed, it possesses (within itself) everything required for it to mature into an adult. Initially, the foetus is not aware of itself, didn't particularly deserve, or, utilise any special skills to attain its dna. It was given by its parents!

The onus then lies with me, the onus lies with you, to search and discover what was given to us. Be confident in the truth that, you are enough. As you go through the day, ask yourself, "what is my purpose dna?".

Joshua Komolafe currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at JFConsult Group; a Performance Improvement Consultancy that specializes in Brand Education. He leads the firm’s drive to teach on the benefits of branding and how the implementation of effective brand strategy can culminate in extensive positive returns. www.joshuakomolafe.com | 11 |

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Send your advert enquiries to: thinkingaloudpublication@gmail.com

kiki james

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1. Who is Kiki James? Can you tell us a bit about yourself – Childhood, Education, and Work Experience?

I am an ambivert. Easy going but fiercely passionate and intentional about life, with a huge sense of humour, a love for learning and cooking. I am also a mother, who is deeply in love with motherhood and grateful to have an extremely supportive husband on this adventure called life.

I moved back from the U.K to Nigeria in 2010 to increase access to quality education for disadvantaged children. ACE Charity’s approach to achieving this objective entails setting-up libraries/ learning resource centres in local schools and also training local school teachers. I have a B.Sc. in Health Services Management from the University of East London but keenly committed to the development of human capital, especially among the youth with an emphasis on education and personal and professional development.

2. What inspired you to start ACE Charity?

At the age of 10 my mother took me on an outreach to feed people, there was this lady who clung to her daughter as she eagerly and excitedly received her meal, from that day on, all I wanted to do was help people. As a teenager I always enjoyed being the “fixer”, solving problems. I knew very early on I was going to run a charity, and as I grew into adulthood, I realised I was firmly interested in solving social issues.

3. What were some of the highs and lows you experienced trying to set up ACE Charity?

We have been privileged to stand on the shoulders of giants such as our board members, volunteers and those who have donated to us, they contribute to our numerous highs. Our partnerships with companies like Transcorp Hilton Hotel and organizations like Malala Fund have also contributed to our success.

The interesting part about having a dream is no one initially tells you about the trials that accompanies dreams, especially in a country with such multicultural diversity. Some of the lessons from the lows are: •

•

Employ those who are passionate about solving social problems which are in line with the vision of your charity rather than those who simply want a job.

Be cautious in selecting those who will sit on your board, have a rigorous process which ensures the people you select genuinely want your charity to grow and are not self-serving.

Select people who are professionals in the same or similar field of focus, be sure they are team players and not divisive.

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4. Where did the name come from? Is there any specific meaning behind the name choice?

I am drawn to excellence and the word ACE has always stuck with me, when I decided to set-up a charity the word “ACE” was my immediate option but it had no real meaning to the cause of the charity. My faith is extremely important to me so I prayed and asked what ACE should mean and in moments I heard “Assist, Care, Empower” which is what ACE stands for, full name is Assisting, Caring and Empowering African lives.

5. ACE Charity recently celebrated 10 years and that in our opinion is a major achievement. What would you say has kept you going for the past 10 years regardless of the challenges you may have faced over the years?

We have been through a fair amount of challenges in the last 10 years and I have come to realise that sheer determination, utter grit, unwavering faith and resilience coupled with discipline and a lot of hard work, is what kept me going.

6. Can you tell us about one major challenge that you did not think you could move past as a charity and how you were able to overcome it?

When we were about to set-up our first Learning Resource Centre in a public school the headteacher at the time was against it. She was infuriated and said we wanted her to look bad, we did not understand it, we pleaded and I actually dropped to my knees explaining the many ways our ACE LRC will benefit the children, but she passionately refused and asked the security guard to escort us off the school property. We decided to write another letter to the relevant authorities and also engaged with the new headteacher who welcomed our ideas. Thankfully, our first LRC is still operating at this very school. | 14 |

7. What do you think is responsible for the success of ACE Charity thus far?

Vision, critical planning, creativity, willingness to learn, an amazing board and a great dose of teamwork.

8. You must have a great team you work with as the saying goes “Team work makes the dream work”, How did you end up with such a great team and how have you been able to share the mission and vision of the charity to each member of your team so you are all working passionately towards the same goal?

Our organizational culture is rooted in excellence, collaboration, shared values and unity of purpose which guides every team member. I always tell them ACE Charity is here to serve humanity and they should seek to make a real difference in their roles for the greater good, I let them know they each matter and together, we can make great impact.

Through experience, I have also learnt to only hire people who genuinely are interested in solving social issues as oppose to just looking for a job, this is critical as the wrong staff member can destroy your team- I have found it to be far more productive working with those who understand what service beyond self is.

9. ACE Charity focuses on providing Education and Training, Affordable Healthcare and Economic Empowerment in underserved communities across Africa. Can you highlight some of your already executed projects?

We visited a local village, conducted a community needs assessment and found that they did not have a

school, local clinic or a hospital. We carried out a health outreach providing mobile clinics with volunteer doctors’ and nurses which was a huge success. An organization called Dunes Foundation in Abuja heard about the outreach and took an interest in the community and as a result, they built the community a clinic and also a well-equipped primary school, which transformed the entire community.

10. The areas mentioned above that the charity focuses on are areas that need substantial transformation, reformation and development by all levels of government. Briefly mention what you would recommend to the government in each of these areas?

Education is top on the list, so is adequate healthcare facilities and vocational training for our youth, as they need to become equipped with skills needed to compete. Education is transformative, sadly, a lot of Nigerians have not had the opportunity to gain good quality education.

It is essential the Nigerian government invests in education, particularly education of the girl child as they are often the first ones to be left behind.

Education is the bedrock upon which health; wellbeing, agriculture and many more key pillars of development can be built upon.

Proper education increases productivity thereby advancing our labour market and increasing economic growth. The return on investment for education is high and as such, education is a currency we cannot afford to devalue.

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“It is essential the Nigerian government invests in education, particularly education of the girl child as they are often the first ones to be left behind�

11. Have there been any projects executed outside Nigeria? What are your plans for Africa wide projects and when do you hope to kick start such projects?

Not yet, we plan to work in parts of Africa once we are able to scale up our projects.

12. One of the newest initiatives of the charity is the Radio School and it began as a result of the COVID19 lockdown; can you tell us more about this and what the response has been so far?

The goal of the ACE Radio School is to bridge the educational gap which was widened by the COVID19 pandemic, by teaching pupils/students in four specific disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and literacy topics - to children living in rural, peri-urban and urban communities, unable to access online learning.

Unfortunately, public schools do not have the required technology to provide online learning for their students. Moreover, many students in public THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

schools, from low-income families and in disadvantaged communities, from urban, peri-urban and rural areas lack either technical or financial access to the internet. As a result, the pandemic has exposed the significant digital divide in the country, which is consequently widening the already existent educational gap in Nigeria. The response received has been extremely positive, listener participation and satisfaction is high, with a demand for our episodes in more states.

13. Accountability, integrity and transparency are important when running a charity, how have you been able to ensure these values are an essential part of all projects?

Accountability, integrity and transparency are part of our work culture and value system at ACE Charity and as such, is difficult to separate from our day-day methods and approaches.

14. You are also the Founder of Kind People Food Bank (KP Food Bank); when and why did you start this NGO? I have always wanted to setup a foodbank but the timing was never quite right, then the COVID-19 pandemic happened which put a greater spotlight on a lot of people who lived from hand to mouth and could not afford to stock up ahead of the mandatory lockdown. Kind People Food Bank began operating for the singular purpose of feeding those who did not have food. We provided food to families struggling to feed themselves and their children by taking non-perishable food to under-served communities and distributing them to those who | 16 |

register with us. Post COVID-19 we will still continue to feed those in need.

15. What kind of impact do you hope KP Food Bank achieves in the next couple of years?

Nigeria is ranked 152 out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index and has a population of over 170 million people, unfortunately more than half of the Nigerian population live below the poverty line. Food continues to remain a major need and Kind People Food Bank hopes to reduce the number of people who go hungry in Nigeria.

16. Can you highlight one challenge ACE Charity Foundation is currently facing and one challenge KP Food Bank is currently facing?

Funding. With funding we can tackle drivers of inequality by reducing the high rate of illiteracy in Nigeria.

17. How can individuals contribute towards or partner with you on any of the initiatives?

Through our website: www.acecharityafrica.org www.kpfoodbank.ng 18. How have you been able to balance work life and family life?

Communication, planning, time management and a great support system! When I had my first child, I took her everywhere with me, including high-level work meetings in different parts of the word. I also travelled to New York with my second child to speak at the United Nations when she was two months old. I attribute the achievement of my work

and family life balance to my husband- Oladipo James, he is an extremely hands-on father who makes parenthood fun. He is my support system and his encouragement of my work makes it easier for me to focus. He is also very busy too but we communicate well, which allows us to each unplug when we need to, giving us a sense of equilibrium.

The ACE team is also tremendously dependable.

19. Tell us something interesting about yourself that we don’t already know?

I used to own a Buka. My love for cooking lead me to open one, we sold Nigerian delicacies such as ewa -agoyin which was a best seller. Ewa- agoyin is a beans delicacy which is mashed beans served with spicy sauce and mostly eaten with bread.

“Let your work speak for you, if you do great and honest work, it will speak for you”

20. Any word of encouragement for other foundations out there facing one challenge or the other?

Passion alone is not enough. Drive, determination, discipline, and hard work will get you further than your passion ever will. Let your work speak for you, if you do great and honest work, it will speak for you.

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SUMMARY OF RDSF ANNUAL LECTURES OVER THE YEARS

The

RDSF Annual Lecture was initiated in August 2018 to provide a platform to harness expert opinions from relevant stakeholders on modalities and strategies for improving the quality of education in Nigeria. The objective is to contribute significantly to the improvement of access to quality public education in Nigeria, with feedback to relevant stakeholders.

L to R: 1st left Professor Mato, 2nd left Commodore Kpoor, 4th left Professor Gambo, middle Guest lecturer professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, 6th from right professor Egodi Uchendu and 1st on the right Alhaji Shehu Usman Mohammed

The maiden edition of the Lecture Series was titled “Public Education in the 21st Century: A Reappraisal of the Nigerian Education System since Independence”. The erudite and respected Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University IleIfe, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede was the guest speaker while the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunday Echono was the special guest of honour. The Chairman of the event was the Elder statesman, Retired Admiral Ndubisi Kanu. The report produced from that lecture has since been circulated to over 400 organizations directly involved in the management of education in Nigeria.

The theme of the second edition was “‘Eradicating the Menace of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria: The Role of Educators”. The theme was THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

borne out of the need to identify the causes of the growing challenge of drug abuse in Nigeria, its impact on education as well as strategies for addressing these challenges. The second Annual Lecture brought together various stakeholders in education and other sectors to reappraise the role of the educators in eradicating the menace of drug abuse among the youths in Nigeria. These stakeholders included His Excellency, Ambassador (Brig-Gen.) Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), the Special Guest of honour at the occasion, who was ably represented; Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR, mni), the Chairman of the occasion, and other dignitaries.

The central point of discussion was a lecture titled “Prevention of Drug Abuse in Nigeria Schools: Challenges and Prospects” delivered by Professor J.D. Adeyemi, the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime also made presentations on efforts at combating drug trafficking and abuse in the Country. The lecture was thereafter followed by a panel discussion and an interactive session that produced some key observations.

L-R Prof JD Adeyemi, Dr Mairo Mandara, Dr Paul Orhii and Mrs Virk Harsheth (UNODC representative)

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The panel of discussants included Dr Paul Botwev Orhii (Moderator), Dr Mairo Mandara, Mrs Olabisi Banjo, Prof Charles Uwadiae Oyegun, and Maj-Gen. (Dr.) Anthony Life Ajemba. A summary of the decisions reached as a result of the presentations and discussions are presented below It is hoped that they would go a long way in arriving at appropriate strategies that would provide effective measures for curbing the menace of drug abuse among the youths.

Key Observations  The role of educators is important in eradicating drug abuse.  Drug abuse is one of the greatest challenges in Nigeria.  It is something we all must take responsibility for.  Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world.  Education is pivotal to natural development.  Drug abuse in Nigeria cuts across gender, age and social classes.  The proportion of those abusing drugs in Nigeria is increasing across the geographical zones.  Sensitization of parents is key to finding a lasting solution to the problem.  The fundamental causes are more social than economic.  Multi-stakeholder awareness programmes – private sector, community and traditional leaders.  Drug education should be integral to teacher education.  Need to expand the programme to all layers of education.  Poly drugs use in Nigeria is on the increase.  New psychoactive substances in Nigeria.  Nigeria is a transit point for drug trafficking.  About 14.3 million Nigerians abuse drugs.  One out of 7 Nigerians abuse drugs.  One out of 4 drug abusers is a woman.  10.8 million men and 3.4 million women abuse drugs.  There are major barriers to drug treatment in Nigeria such as peer and social stigma.  Social values in Nigeria have disintegrated.  Need for personal commitment.  There are drug wars in our schools.

Recommendations  The FGN should embrace functional school health education for all pupils/students, with curriculum modulated for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions under the Ministries of Education.  The FGN should increase health expenditure to meet the minimal WHO budget standard of 5 per cent of total budget.















The FGN should, as much as possible, make health care accessible to high-risk substance abuse persons.

The FGN should continue in its efforts to address insecurity, insurgency, thuggery, kidnapping, and other vices that could facilitate the consumption of psychoactive drugs by youths.

The FGN should demonstrate greater policy formulation and commitment to the provision of treatment and rehabilitation centres for substance abusers.

The FGN should create more jobs and employment for the youths as a means of addressing/ curtailing drug abuse.

NDLEA should be revamped and equipped adequately with human resources and funding to discharge its mandate.

Educational programmes on the menace of drug abuse should be targeted at youth between ages 15-24, which is mostly regarded as the initiation period for most substance users.

Advertisement of purveyors of substance abuse should be regulated or prohibited.

L-R Adm Kehinde Komolafe (RDSF Trustee), Architect Sunday Echono (Perm Sec, Federal Ministry of Education) Mrs Abimbola Komolafe (RDSF Founder/ Executive Trustee)

Students

Youth Corp members

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L to R, Mr Akinsola Adejuwon (Editorial board member, TA Magazine) Mrs Yemisi Ayeni (former Chairperson Editorial board, TA Magazine) and Rear Admiral S. A. Abbah

a selection of photographs from 2018 event

L-R Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu (Nigeria’s First Female Admiral) Mrs Abimbola Komolafe

Mrs Comfort Ukpong (CEO Greater Scholars School and panelist)

Panelist - Commodore Kpoor

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Alhaji Shehu Usman Mohammed - Discussant and Commissioner of education Kaduna state.

Students

a selection of photographs from 2018 event Cross section of participants

Mrs Ronke Osikoya (RDSF Trustee)

Mrs. Felicia Chinwe Olugo (Winner of the 2018 Teachers’ Excellence Award)

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L-R Adm Oladeinde Joseph (RDSF Chairman, BOT), Prince Julius AdelusiAdeluyi , Otunba Lanre Ipimisho

a selection of photographs from 2019 event

Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (former minister of health) L-R Adm Kehinde Komolafe (Trustee), Adm Oladeinde Joseph (RDSF Chairman, BOT), Mrs Abimbola Komolafe (RDSF Executive Secretary), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi , Otunba Lanre Ipimisho and Dr Paul Orhii

L-R Dr Yuwanna Mivanyi, Maj-Gen Life Ajemba and Prof Charles Oyegun

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Students and their teachers

Mrs Florence Atuluku (RDSF legal adviser) and Mrs Abimbola Komolafe

a selection of photographs from 2019 event Miss Layeni Abiola (winner of 2019 Teachers’ Excellence Award), Mrs Abimbola Komolafe and Prof Paul Omaji (Vice chancellor, Admiralty university)

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in Lagos, Nigeria’s most I believe that affected and influenced my parents to I grew up populated state. That comes make sure that their children get the best of with exciting events in life, including learning to education. My mum is a fashion designer, and my understand multiple ethnic languages and appreci- dad is a businessman. ating the beauty of diversity. However, I quickly discovered the limitations around me. From limited electricity supply to the low quality of life for most of the Nigerian populace. “Thanks to the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation for coming through for me...�

As a child in elementary and high school, I seldom studied with electricity because we received a limited supply, so I had to depend on candles or petrol-powered generators to study. Notwithstanding, I persevered - retaining my place at the top of my class and maintaining good social ties.

As a family, we did not have what many wealthy families had, and we quickly acknowledged that as I am from a family of five, and I am the eldest. My children. I however, quickly realized that our parents are disciplined and hardworking though not financial constraints did not hurt my schooling. My formally educated. Their schooling was cut short parents were ready to go to any length to ensure because of my grandparents' financial constraints that my academics were not affected. They ensured and polygamy. that before the resumption of any school term, I had all the recommended textbooks and other materials needed even if it meant getting a loan.

Growing up, my parent instilled in me the fear and reverence for God, which I still cherish. My father is a disciplinarian who supports and sometimes justifies his action from the bible since he was a religious man; he helped shape me into a man of principle. My mother won me over by her display of love and compassion. She was always ready to hear what I had to say and take immediate action when necessary.

They helped me see the value of education by sharing their experiences with me. They made me know their pain, knowing that their schooling was cut short by situation they could not control; this helped me stay focused and committed to my academics.

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My love for mathematics began at a young age in high school. There was no single moment for me, no epiphany, no memory which stands out in my mind and says, "Here, this is the exact moment you went from ambivalence to the beginning of a life-long love of mathematics''.

It was more like a drip-feed from enjoyable experiences that gradually convinced me of my love of the subject. At elementary school, I recall my multiplication table and just loving the underlying patterns that lie therein.

I also remember being inspired to understand why the long-division algorithm works; it was so incredibly clear that I thought it should be easy to make sense of it. Mathematics, even back then, struck me as being the most potentially useful set of skills to possess.

Of course, I naturally wanted to understand how to develop these skills in myself. My desire to apply mathematics to my daily life, and to help my community using the skills I developed became the driving force behind my decision to acquire quantitative degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

“The world is waiting for your manifestation”

So, I decided to major in Mathematical Finance at Austin Peay State University, Tennessee, because of the beauty of applying mathematics to solve realworld financial problems. The journey was far from easy because of the rigor of required concentration and trying to adapt to a new teaching style. To cut a long story short, I finished as the best in my department.

Growing up, I have always dreamt of working as a Quantitative Analyst on Wall Street in New York City. It would have remained a dream if I hadn't gotten a scholarship since I was from a middle-class family in Nigeria.

For me, coming to America is like entering the biblical Canaan land flowing with milk and honey, but I would have to pay the price to get the best out of the land. I did! I started getting job interview offers from companies on Wall Street and Silicon Valley. From Goldman Sachs to Facebook to Visa Inc. and others.

After the whole process of job search and interviews, I decided to start my career with an Asset Management firm as a Quantitative Analyst in New York City. Indeed, dreams come true.

My advice to young Nigerians like myself is never to give up. The world is waiting for your manifestation.

“Never give up”

My unique academic journey started at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where I majored in Applied and Computational Mathematics. Despite my personal and financial hurdles, I was able to graduate one of the best in my department.

Thanks to the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation for coming through for me when I was in 200 level with the much-needed financial aid, which helped me acquire a laptop for studying, and other materials to make the journey seamless.

Immediately after graduating, I got a scholarship for my Masters degree in the United States of America. That moment was one of the happiest moments of my life.

I chose to study in the US for several reasons. The most important one was that I knew the education I would receive was not only what I could learn from the textbook and in class, but also the dots I could connect with world-class professionals in my field.

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“With

few exceptions, human beings want to be emotionally and physically close to each other. Life seems better shared. And yet no area of human endeavor seems more fraught with challenges and difficulties than our relationships with others. Relationships, like most things in life worth having, require effort.” - Thomas L. Cory

Relationships that involve physical or verbal abuse are definitely classified as toxic. But there are other, more subtle, signs of a toxic relationship, including:

By definition, a toxic relationship is a relationship characterized by behaviours on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to their partner. While a healthy relationship contributes to our self-esteem and emotional energy, a toxic relationship damages selfesteem and drains energy.

• •

A healthy relationship involves mutual caring, respect, and compassion, an interest in our partner’s welfare and growth, an ability to share control and decisionmaking, in short, a shared desire for each other’s happiness. A healthy relationship is a safe relationship, a relationship where we can be ourselves without fear, a place where we feel comfortable and secure.

A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is not a safe place. A toxic relationship is characterized by insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance and control.

We risk our very being by staying in such a relationship. To say a toxic relationship is dysfunctional is, at best, an understatement.

Signs of a Toxic Relationship Only you can honestly tell if the bad outweighs the good in a relationship. If someone consistently threatens your well-being by what they're saying, doing, or not doing, it's likely a toxic relationship and you need to determine this objectively. Essentially, your analysis should be a comparison of the healthy and positive behaviour against the negative traits.

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• •

• •

•

•

• •

You give more than you're getting, which makes you feel devalued and depleted.

You feel consistently disrespected or that your needs aren't being met.

You feel a toll on your self-esteem over time.

You feel unsupported, misunderstood, demeaned, or attacked.

You feel depressed, angry, or tired after speaking or being with the other person.

You bring out the worst in each other. For example, your competitive friend brings out a spite-based competitive streak that is not enjoyable for you.

You are not your best self around the person. For example, they bring out the gossipy side of you, or they seem to draw out a mean streak you don't normally have.

You feel like you have to walk on eggshells around this person to keep from becoming a target of their venom.

You spend a lot of time and emotional strength trying to cheer them up.

You are always to blame. They turn things around so things you thought they had done wrong are suddenly your fault.

“A toxic relationship is characterized by insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance and control.”

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What You Can Do Differently • •

• • • • • • •

Work hard at mending the relationship and restoring it to a healthy balance.

Have an honest conversation with friend, partner, family member or adult exhibiting negative traits and be as vulnerable as is safe. This can significantly improve things and put an end to actions done in error or ignorance.

Set healthy boundaries and engage in constant self-reflection and evaluation. Sometimes the problem we identify is not really the problem but only its symptom or not even a problem at all.

Forgive and forgive and forgive and forgive. Be merciful and kind.

Seek professional help such as therapy or external intervention.

Spend some time apart or take a break from such a relationship if possible. This can help to foster change and a sense of newness.

Take the time to heal as you forgive and recommit to a healthier relationship.

Do your part in making sure you are not fostering a toxic environment.

Love has a way of keeping us bound to even those who hurt us. If after you have worked hard at fixing a toxic relationship and the person exhibiting this trait does not relent, feel free to prioritize your well-being and walk away from the situation or relation.

When determining if a relationship is creating toxicity, it's important to look at which behaviours are being dis played most frequently in the relationship. In other words, if one or both of you are consistently selfish, negative, and disrespectful, you could be creating toxicity in the relationship. But if you're mostly encouraging, compas sionate, and respectful, then there might just be certain issues that create toxicity that need to be addressed.

It is important to recognize the signs of toxicity whether it is in you or the other person.

All in all, always remember that kindness and forgiveness go a long way in affording us numerous opportunities.

You are allowed to prioritize your well-being.

Oreoluwa C. Macaulay is a graduate of the University of Birmingham. She is a legal professional, writer, performance artist and storyteller. She is also a content and creative freelance developer, contributor and editor. With writing experience spanning ten years, Oreoluwa covers through her body of work, various aspects of life such as religion, friendship, loss, identity, love, rape and family to name a few.

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1. What does ‘living healthy’ mean to you?

Healthy living has a holistic meaning to me. It means eating healthy; it means exercise and much more.

It’s deliberately making right choices that promote and nurture your health and well-being in every aspect of living.

It’s eating right and living right. It is prayer and meditation and time spent with God to recalibrate and rejuvenate. It means enjoying serenity from time to time.

It’s ensuring that you balance your lifestyle and juggle your balls in such a way that you can be healthy, happy and peaceful as possible with minimum stress in your life. It means balancing your career/business and your home life; balancing your relationships; your expectations of people in your life and of your relationships so that you can live with minimal offence.

2. How have you managed to stay fit and look great?

I guard my peace of mind jealously because I think stress is a very destructive force. I am quite disciplined with exercise. I have always been a fitness buff so exercise is very much a part of my regular routine. I do it not just to maintain my desired weight but really more for the sense of well-being that it brings. It’s a fantastic stress outlet.

I combine aerobics with strength training which is very important after a certain age to retain good muscle tone and inner strength.

I don’t do frequent diets because I believe that your food habits should be sustainable and be part of your lifestyle than a fad that you drift in and out of.

I however, watch what I eat and try to ensure a lot of vegetables and fruits are part of my diet, while I minimize processed foods and high sugar foods.

3. Physical activity vs. workout – do you think they are different or the same? Which one do you engage in more?

Physical activity is any type of activity that causes your body to move physically, including gentle movement. A workout, is a session of vigorous physical exercise or training, it is deliberate targeted activity aimed at exercising different parts of the body including the heart. I do more of workouts to keep trim and fit.

THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

4. How often do you workout and what is your workout routine like?

I workout 4 to 6 times a week depending on time available and my schedule. I do a fast-paced walk minimum of 15kilometers twice a week and then I do strength training (planks, squats, lunges, abdominal exercises and weights) twice a week. I sometimes use a skipping rope instead of walking. I find that combining the workouts is more effective than sticking to one routine because your body tends to plateau when you do only one exercise all the time.

5. How do you balance eating healthy and working out?

The rule of thumb is that your body fitness is optimized 80% by what you eat and 20% by your exercise routine. That is what is ideal. One can’t always maintain that balance but it’s good to try.

6. Can you tell us what meals in particular you eat to maintain your youthful look?

I eat regular meals but reduced portions, reduced carbs, reduced oil, reduced sugar and very limited processed foods. I also avoid eating after 7pm and I eat lots of vegetables as salads, steamed or lightly stir-fried. A serving of vegetables in one form or the other accompanies every meal. And then I have fruits as snacks.

7. How do you motivate yourself on days when you don’t feel like working out?

I think about how I like to look in my clothes and get going.

8. Are there any diet weaknesses or cravings you have?

How do you handle them?

Sometimes I crave for something sweet such as biscuits, chocolate etc. I do my cravings as a treat to myself. I don’t eat the things I crave every day or often. I really limit empty calories and things that are not great for my body.

9. What advice or tips do you have for anyone out there trying to juggle fitness with their busy schedule?

Just make sure you get moving one way or another and keep moving. Don’t give up easily and aim to be consistent in doing little even if you can’t do much. A life of fitness is both a journey and a destination. Don’t be afraid to fail but never ever give up on trying. | 29 |

Colorectal cancer - What you can do Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers start with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. Men and women should start regular screening at age 45. People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through age 75. For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on their preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. People over age 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.

HEALTHY Stool-based tests

Breast cancer Breast cancer is second only to skin cancers as the most common cancer in American women. It can occur at any age, but the risk increases as you get older. Due to certain factors, some women may have a greater chance of having breast cancer than others. But every woman should know about the risks of breast cancer and what they can do to help lower their risk.

Breast cancer - What you can do Finding breast cancer early – when it’s small, has not spread, and might be easier to treat – can help prevent deaths from the disease. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year.

Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening. All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do. They should also be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a health care provider right away.

Women at high risk for breast cancer – because of their family history, a genetic mutation, or other risk factors – should be screened with MRI along with a mammogram. Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.

Colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Some factors that increase colorectal cancer risk include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, heavy alcohol use, being older, and a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT)* every year, or Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)* every year, or Multitargeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA)* every 3 years Visual exams of the colon and rectum Colonoscopy every 10 years, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)* every 5 years, or Flexible sigmoidoscopy* every 5 years. If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with colonoscopy.

Endometrial cancer Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). The risk of endometrial cancer increases as a woman gets older. Things that affect hormone levels, like taking estrogen without progesterone and taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment or to lower breast cancer risk can increase a woman’s chance of getting this cancer.

Endometrial cancer - What you can do There are no screening tests or exams to find endometrial cancer early in women who are at average risk and have no symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends that, at menopause, all women should be told about the risks and symptoms of endometrial cancer.

Lung cancer Lung cancer is most often caused by exposure to chemicals and other particles in the air. While smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer, not all people with lung cancer are smokers. Some maybe former smokers, and some have never smoked at all.

Lung cancer - What you can do Not all lung cancers can be prevented. But there are things you can do that might help lower your risk. | 30 |

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If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and avoid breathing in other people’s smoke. The American Cancer Society recommends screening for certain people at higher risk for lung cancer. If you are a current or former smoker ages 55 to 74 and in fairly good health, you might benefit from screening for lung cancer with a yearly low-dose CT scan.

exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, as well as from man-made sources such as tanning beds.

A type of skin cancer called melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but is more dangerous because it is more likely to grow and spread.

Ovarian cancer

Cervical cancer Chronic infection by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. You can get HPV through intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, having a weakened immune system, having had a chlamydia infection, being overweight, being exposed to or taking certain hormone treatments, and not having regular Pap tests

Although ovarian cancer can occur at any age, it is more likely to occur as women get older. Women who have never had children, or who had their first child after age 35 may be at increased risk for this cancer.

Women who have used estrogen alone as hormone replacement therapy are also at increased risk. Women with a personal or family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome), ovarian cancer, or breast cancer are more likely to have a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer - What you can do

Cervical cancer - What you can do

the

At this time, there are no recommended cancer screening tests for ovarian cancer for women who are not at high risk of developing the disease. A Pap test does not find ovarian cancer, but a pelvic exam should be part of a woman’s regular health exam.

• Cervical cancer testing should start at age 21.

Women under age 21 should not be tested.

You should see a health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks:

Avoid smoking and help to protect yourself from HPV by using condoms. The HPV vaccines can protect against certain HPV infections linked to cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends following for cervical cancer screening:

• Women between ages 21 and 29 should have a Pap test done every 3 years. HPV testing should not be used in this age group unless it’s needed after an abnormal Pap test result.

• Abdominal (belly) swelling with weight loss

• Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called “co-testing”) done every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it’s also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.

• Feeling like you need to urinate (pee) all the time

• Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer.

• Digestive problems (including gas, loss of appetite, and bloating) • Abdominal or pelvic pain

What Else You Can Do to Help Reduce Your Cancer Risk • Stay away from tobacco.

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.

• A woman who has had a total hysterectomy (removal of her uterus and her cervix) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of cervical cancer or cervical pre-cancer should not be tested.

• Get moving with regular physical activity.

• A woman who has been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for her age group.

• Protect your skin.

• Some women – because of their history – may need to be tested more often. They should talk to a health care provider about their history and risk for cervical cancer.

Skin cancer Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer than people with darker skin. Most basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are caused by repeated and unprotected skin THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

• Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink (if you drink at all).

• Know yourself, your family history, and your risks.

• Have regular check-ups and cancer screening tests.

Mrs. Ajayi Olubusola is the MD of Florencejohn Health affiliated to Narayana Health India. A highly experienced Nursing Professional with over 35 years working experience. She previously worked in the medical unit of a reputable Oil and Gas company for 31 years with quality experience as a Senior Nursing Sister in all aspects of Nursing Care Units. | 31 |

in a Growing up eating

Nigerian home, salads with our meal or as a standalone dish was something we did only on special occasions e.g.

Christmas Day, Weddings, Birthday Parties etc.

‘Greens’ have just never been a big part of the Nigerian diet. You’re probably saying to yourself ‘but we eat soups that have vegetable now’, yes we do but we also baptize them with an immeasurable amount of oil and add on big rolls of fufu or pounded yam (which pretty much defeats the purpose).

I’m not sure what it is, but even though we all know we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, we hardly do. In today’s post I am going to be sharing with you five practical tips on how you can incorporate more greens into your diet.

Make them accessible and ready to eat They say out of mind out of sight, same goes for your fruits and veggies. After you buy your bananas, apples and grapes, make sure to wash and put them on display in a nice fruit bowl on your counter top where you can see it, just as in the image below. Chances are that when you are hungry instead of running into your fridge and choosing bread and butter to snack on, you can quickly grab a banana and eat with some peanuts instead.

I boil white rice or pasta I make a conscious effort to throw in frozen vegetables, this way you have a more nutritious meal that is filled with not just carbs but good fibre from the vegetables. If you don’t like the taste of steamed vegetables turn it into a stir-fry and throw some beef strips or chicken pieces into it.

Frozen vegetables also last a very long time if well preserved in your freezer.

Make it a challenge Everyone loves a challenge! So challenge yourself to one fruit a day, for each day that goes by without a fruit send a certain amount of money to your friend or spouse who will hold you accountable. Make sure you chose a fruit you like. I personally enjoy eating my fruit with breakfast, I love to throw different types of berries into my oatmeal or cornflakes.

Salads do not have to be boring, make it interesting Get creative with your salads, they don’t have to be dry and bland. You have the ability to turn your salad into whatever you want it to be! I love a rich salad, so I add other ingredients such as diced boiled eggs, tuna/ chicken breast, sunflower seeds, salt and pepper and a dash of olive oil. You won’t even feel like you are eating a salad, the texture and taste is so good that it would leave you wanting more. Go ahead and spice up your salads, just don’t go overboard with the dressings (as the calories could add up)

Turn it into smoothie or juice I get it, not everyone loves the taste of Kale and Spinach, but how about you blend your strawberries, bananas, broccoli and some yoghurt with ice and a cup of milk/water? The beauty is that Bananas do a great job of masking the taste of those vegetables. I love smoothies, they are so convenient and taste great!

Buy Frozen Vegetables With frozen vegetables you do not have to worry about chopping or rinsing. All the work is done for you; you just have to eat them! When

Tumi Akhidenor is a NASM certified Personal Trainer who helps her clients become fit, strong and fearless. Follow her on Instagram @fitt2me. | 32 |

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earlier, trying to source for funds, manage your staff and manage customers. I have come to realize that running your business is the most difficult thing.

When you work for someone, you probably don’t know how difficult it is running a business. Nonetheless, if you are determined, stable and consistent, everything will eventually turn out well. Business is full of a lot of obstacles and right now, our greatest challenge is trying to source for funds.

1. How did you start Aeesha collections and why?

Aeeshacollections started as a result of me having nothing to do, it was one of those long vacations we had in school, back then I was still in the university in 2009, I came home and wanted to learn a skill at all cost instead of sitting down doing nothing. My cousin introduced me to make up art, but back then a lot of people were into make up art so we decided I should do something else. Well, we came up with shoe making because I love shoes. So I went for basic training in shoe making at Distance skills acquisition programme., I later proceeded to Shoe Speed Academy where I had my advance training in shoe making.

After graduating from the university, I picked one or two jobs before I finally decided to venture into shoe making full time.

2. How many years have you been in business? How big is your business? How many employees do you have and what are your plans for expansion?

Like I said, I’ve been in the business since 2009, and its really been full of ups and downs, a lot of obstacles, but God has been faithful. The business is running itself even in my absence, without my interference and on a average, we run 50 pairs in a month based on job orders. We have ten full time employees, seven of whom work out of the workshop and three (including myself) work in the Shoe Room. We have a lot of plans for expansion, for instance we intend to import some machines from Italy and China so we can expand our production capacity. We can do more than 50 pairs in a month but like I said, depending on job orders available. Right now we need to obtain finance so we can expand and go into large-scale production. When we have large-scale production, we can dominate the market.

3. What challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to move past them?

Well, this is a very big question. There are a lot of challenges that surrounds this business, like I said THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2020

4.Where do you see Aeesha collections in the next 10 years/ what do you hope to have achieved.

We see Aeesha Collection in the next ten years to be one of the best brands in the world, because we’ve started dominating some parts of the world already and new believe in the next ten years, we will be a household name by the special grace of God. We are really working towards that and we hope that we will touch and inspire lives too because it’s one of our major aspirations, to inspire people through our skill acquisition programmes, we have a plan for that, it’s not just what we are up to right now but we hope to inspire people, provide jobs for youths. We are dominating the economy, we are dominating the country, we are dominating the neighbourhood, and we are dominating the world. So it‘s part of our intention and we hope to achieve them by the special grace of God.

5.What advice do you have for young individuals who are graduating and want to go directly into entrepreneurship as opposed to typical 9-5 jobs?

Well, my advice for young individuals who are graduating and want to go directly into entrepreneurship, you have to be stable, you have to be consistent, you have to do what makes you happy. See, I keep telling people that entrepreneurship is not for everybody, some people are everywhere but some people are determined and they know what they want to do. For some, when they see a challenge somewhere, they are out of the game. For some, it’s not like that, you are there and there’s a challenge you have to face it and sort it so you get yourself prepared for a bigger | 33 |

one, that’s what entrepreneurship is all about. If you are consistent and you make up your mind about your business, you will be great, you will be successful. I’ve been in this situation before, I opted out three different times for a salary job, I came back to the business because I got to realize that this is me, this is a part of me, there’s nothing I can do about it and glory be to God, it has worked for me. When I finally made up my mind that I wasn’t going to leave this, I saw doors opening and I put a whole lot of effort in it, a whole lot. It’s more than what people think it is, it’s just more than what people call you, it’s huge, it’s massive. Yes, it’s really massive.

6.What are three success factors that you would consider key for an aspiring entrepreneur?

Consistency, consistency and consistency 7. Who are your clients? Do you target any category of people?

Yes, we have a target audience and our target audience is people between the ages of 25-55 because they are the youths and the middle age and they are the people that want to fit into the society culturally.

Like we do bespoke shoes and some people just like it “Make to fit”, Some people don’t even want to go through the stress of “Oh this is what I see, this is what I must get”. So people just want it “made-to-fit” and they are our target audience between 25-55, these are the middle age. Those are the people we are really focusing on.

8. If you could change one thing about how business is carried out in your location based on what you know, what would it be and why?

Well, the fact that people just walk to your store and they see that you have lovely collections, you introduce it to them -they are made in Nigeria products- and because they are made in Nigeria products, they expect it to be cheap. This is wrong, because they are made in Nigeria doesn’t mean it should be cheap because they are bespoke made-to-fit, that is why it should be expensive, coupled with the fact that they are quality products and we have to import their raw materials from Italy and Spain to make them in Nigeria. The only thing we do in Nigeria is just production, so because they see that the shoes are produced in Nigeria, they just want to walk up to you and negotiate at an unreasonable price. It’s ridiculous!

If you go abroad, anything bespoke is crazily expensive because it takes time to manufacture, they take their time to put it into place and they calculate the price of production, the stress they go through and it’s always on the high side. So if I could change something about business in my location, I will change the mentality we have for Made-in-Nigeria products, because it’s made in Nigeria doesn’t mean it should be cheap!

9. How would you measure success as an entrepreneur?

Going through the business financial statement, customers satisfaction, how many new customers we have on the average, conduct monthly performance review, staying trendy and relevant in the current market.

10. Tell us about the best clients that you’ve ever had.

What did you like about them, and why?

We have a lot of very good clients, I call them my VIP clients, and this is because they are stress-free clients.

They don’t give us stress, they know what they want, they get their sizes correctly and they don’t even negotiate prices. They know the quality of what they want and they go for it. I’m going to tell a story of a particular client that is in the US, I don’t want to mention his name because he is a well-known person.

We’ve been working with him for three years now, only met once when he came to pick up. He has been in the US for a long period of time. The reason why he is our best client is because he’s a very straight forward person, he has a long faith may be that his reason for patronizing us. He understands the quality of what we produce. We have a lot of them that is why they happen to be our best clients. They don’t give us stress, they don’t negotiate prices, we finish what we want to do and we ship their product to them where ever they are. We like them because they are very straight forward people, they understand what they are buying, they understand the market, they don’t give us stress, they are easy going clients and that is why we like and appreciate them. | 34 |

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11. Do you use a lot of feedback in running your business? How important is feedback in Business? How do you like to receive feedback?

Yes! We use feedback in running our business so at the end of every month I tell my colleagues in the store to reach out to customers that have purchased from us in the last three months..

Some time we do every three months, sometime we do every month depending on our workload on our desk but most times I prefer to do it every month so we reach out to them and we ask them how we can improve our services or how we can improve our product and you will be shocked at the response of customers.

We have customers that appreciate and praise everything we do and we have customers that their first experience wasn't a good one and they will explain to you why and in that way we are able to step up our game and do better. It just normal to receive feedback whether good or bad from customers, we do that every month. To be honest it has actually helped our business so much and its really helping us grow.

12.How will you like to give back to the society? Do you have CSR projects planned? Which area are you interested in?

When we grow bigger, we are plan to open a bigger place this year by the special grace of God. We hope to undertake community projects. Already we have projects we have done with some NGOs like Shevos Global (formerly Doubling island), Make Me Elegant (, we are one of the facilitators in their skill acquisition programme), W.F.M, and Woman Road Station (we collaborate with them to carry out projects for women, youth etc.) We are open to collaborate with any NGO for the betterment of the society and we hope to do more for the girl child sometime next year.

13.What are some of the major lessons you have learnt on your life journey so far?

Consistency, humility and don’t look down on people.

Most important there's light at the end of the tunnel, so don't give up on yourself, put effort and do it with your whole heart because by the time you start eating the fruit of your labour, you will be happy you didn't give up.

After all, Rome was not built in a day!

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So I asked, Is it true that the Earth is convulsing, Like a paralyzed child thrown in a desert?

Wailing in pain, shivering with fever Who shall save Mother Earth from this plague?

Shall her children gather to spread their robes on her?

Lest, she infest them with the plague!

She's been cast to a barren land, Separated from her Sun and Stars Sun, her husband is bleeding, Stars, her children are terrified.

Who has laid this curse?

Oh come, ye little and vibrant!

This is not a dream or a tale Let's raise an alarm to her remnants Teaching them safety by staying safe They shall be called the 'Survivors' They will rise with hope and vigour They will march in ranks unbreakable They will restore sanity and peace Light will shine again and life better As Survivors, spread they survival © 2020

In the darkness, so lonely and lowly she is.

The cough is dry, her lung is swollen!

Her heart is pierced, her breath is fading.

Strength has lost its grip on her Fear, uncertainty and worry becloud her.

What shall we do to save her?

Shall we pretend it's not real?

Or protect her children from this same plague!

Shall we just let her drown in this affliction?

Is there a physician willing to help?

Eunice Olatunji AKA Poetess Da Grace has a B.Tech degree (Geology) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo state. She writes poems, articles and stories to improve the value system of her readers. Her poems have been published in Thinking Aloud magazines and ‘www.youthandsingles.com’

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the rehoboth dream solid foundation board of trustees Rear Admiral Oladeinde (‘Deinde) Olusoga Joseph was born at Ara-Moko, Ekiti State into the humble family of late Mr. Joseph Owolabi and late Mrs. Ajibabi Owolabi on the 9th of May 1948.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in July 1967 and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and was commissioned as a Sub -Lieutenant in July 1971 in India. He received professional training as a naval officer in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Rear Admiral Joseph is a graduate of the Nigeria Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru.

As a professional naval officer, he went through all the ranks in the Navy until he was promoted to the full Rear Admiral rank in 1998. While in the Navy, he had 4 sea commands, which included that of NNS Aradu (the Navy’s flag ship), 2 Training bases and 2 Operational bases. He had 2 tours at Jaji Staff College as Chief Instructor and Director of the Naval Faculty. He was also the Military Governor of Ogun State between 1990 and 1992. His last job was Chief of Navy Personnel at Naval Headquarters until he retired in June 1999.

Married to Mrs. Katherine Lolade Joseph since April 1975, Rear Admiral ‘Deinde Joseph is blessed with 3 children; Toyin (now Mrs. Borisade), and the boys Seyi and Jide, all University graduates. His hobbies are photography, reading and he is a handicap 9 golfer. A practicing Christian of Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu since 1967, he has a passion to help the less privileged in the society.

Rear Admiral Joseph is a recipient of the National Honour of the Commander of the Order Of the Niger (CON), and brings his experience and goodwill to the Foundation as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ms. Ketumi Alasa was born on 12th February 1956 and hails from the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. She had her tertiary education (HND Computer Science) from the Sheffield City Polytechnic, England. Her work life commenced with her NYSC, during which she served with The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos between 1979 and 1980.

Thereafter, she worked for Royal Exchange Assurance as a Computer Programmer from 1980 to 1981. She was also employed by Delta Steel Company Aladja as a Computer Programmer/ Analyst developing and maintaining computer applications from 1981-1984.

In 1984, she was employed by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd as a Computer Programmer Analyst in the Information Technology department. She worked with Shell until 2008 when she retired after a successful and rewarding career.

Since retirement, with her strong entrepreneurial skills, she has been running a business of furniture, household and home decorative items. She has 5 kids, 4 of whom have successfully completed their university education. In her leisure time, she enjoys gospel music and playing golf, for which she has won numerous awards.

She is a devoted Christian with a deep passion for missionaries and their families. She loves to extend help and support to the less privileged. Ms. Ketumi Alasa is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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Deacon Samson Madu Igbokwe is a 1983 B.Pharm Graduate of Pharmacy from the former University of Ife (Unife), now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In addition, he gained a Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in 2000. He also acquired a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM).

Shortly after his Youth Service Corp at Military Hospital Lagos, he set up his own pharmacy business at S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos in 1985 which he has been running as Chairman/Managing Director till date. This is a company that supplies and distributes pharmaceuticals to its community and hospitals in Lagos State.

A devout and practicing Christian, he gave his life to Christ on March 31, 1991 in The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Akoka. Since then, he has served in various capacities in TREM as House Fellowship Centre Leader, Zonal Leader, Assistant Area Co -coordinator and Financial Secretary/ Treasurer of Caleb Group of the Christian Men Fellowship.

He is currently serving as the Chairman Hospital Visitation Ministry in TREM. He is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a Treasurer at Ikoyi Pharmacy Community Zone. He has passion for contributing to his community, and often assists in reaching out to orphans, the fatherless and widows in the community.

Periodically, he visits in a group and prays for the sick in hospitals in Lagos, ministering to their spiritual, physical and material needs. He is happily married to his amiable wife Mrs. Roseline Igbokwe and they have 5 children. Deacon Samson Igbokwe is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe was born on November 2, 1965 in Ikoyi, Lagos, and is married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe.

She is an alumna of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Gangtok, India and the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Bsc. in Applied Information Technology, Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration(MBA) from the same institution.

She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM), Advanced Diploma in Systems Engineering (ADSE), Certificate in Strategies for Managing and Collecting Data (LBS) and Certificate in Core Sales Skills (LCT). She worked with Texaco Nigeria Plc as well as Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc as Food Mart Supervisor, Senior Retail Business Consultant, South, and then MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as District Sales Manager, Southwest Nigeria, Credit Control Manager for Nigeria, Aviation Commercial, Retail Sales Manager for Southeast/Southwest Nigeria and Head, Sales & Marketing. Nigeria.

A hard worker with enthusiasm for excellence, in 2006 she won the ‘African Pakistan Global Downstream 2006 Cultural Award, of Customer Facing and Market Focused ’ in Chevron, having executed superior and consistent execution and sales implementation of all programs, processes and systems.

She had focused the department’s organization around achieving the best business financial targets through an agreed set of Profit & Loss control measures in all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc service stations in Nigeria.

She is an ordained minister with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM): and at various times has held the following positions: Assistant Secretary, Young Women Fellowship; Assistant Secretary, Christian Women Fellowship and Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Evangel Voices Choir and Team Lead with the Christian Women Fellowship. Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe is also a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

She is blessed with (5) five children.

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Pastor (Dr.) Joshua Gbadebo Opadiya is the Senior Pastor of Every Nation Church Sydney, Australia, a worldwide family of churches and ministries.

He is currently serving as the Hub Leader of the Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and Fiji) overseeing the ‘Every Nation churches and ministries in the Oceania region.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya previously lectured in the Lagos State University, Nigeria for 6 years, before moving with his family to Innsbruck in Austria where he lived for almost 6 years. Thereafter, the family moved to Sydney Australia in 1999 where together with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Opadiya started the ‘Every Nation Church.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the reputable University of Ibadan in Nigeria and holds a doctorate degree in Ecotoxicology from the Technical University, Innsbruck, Austria. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya has a burden to raise godly leaders and see the nations return to Jesus Christ. He has travelled and ministered in several nations worldwide.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya's passion is to connect with young adults and adults alike who are leaders, peacemakers and bridge builders in their colleges, universities and in their communities. His life has been dedicated to this cause, reaching out, equipping, counseling and mentoring. He is also the dean of Every Nation Leadership Institute, a part-time program that is purposefully designed to provide discipleship training and biblical teaching for people from all walks of life. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya and his wife have been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. He is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya is a senior pastor with Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Alongside her husband Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya, she oversees the multi-congregational Church organization in Sydney, Australia – a church with members from diverse cultures, age groups and professions.

She is a teacher and motivational speaker with a passion for teaching about God's love and His purpose for humanity. She is also passionate about women and youth ministry; and is committed to mentoring women and young girls.

Her heart-cry is to see ‘the Church’ respond to the Great Commission of ‘making disciples’ and transforming nations. A graduate of the prestigious Universities of Ife and Ibadan in Nigeria, she also holds a Doctorate degree in French (Women Literature) from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She had worked as a French Lecturer in the Lagos State University and in various schools in Sydney Australia. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. She is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Mrs. Ronke Osikoya holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of Lagos and an MBA (1988) from the same University.

She is a Certified Trainer for the Commonwealth Association on Corporate Governance and has facilitated on the Directors course on Corporate Governance.

She is a Management Consultant that co-runs a management consulting firm, Pedion Partnership Limited.

Her values are strongly shaped by her Christian faith and she believes very passionately in supporting the under-privileged, particularly children, which accounts for her involvement with the Foundation.

Mrs. Osikoya is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation and lives with her husband and 2 sons in Lagos, Nigeria. | 40 |

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Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe is a devout Christian who was ordained as a Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the year 2000 and as an Assistant Pastor in August 2013. She served as a Coordinator in the Teens ministry of the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Lagos where her passion for supporting the education of the less privileged was birthed .

She is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Mrs. Bimbo Komolafe has taken various management, Leadership and professional courses, within and outside Nigeria and is an Alumna of the Lagos Business School. She worked for 9 years in a reputable Merchant Bank in Nigeria and thereafter worked for 20 years with one of the leading Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. She currently works as a Principal Consultant for Threshold of Trust Nigeria Limited.

Married to Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd) who is also an Ordained Pastor of the RCCG Nigeria, they are blessed with 3 children. Together with her husband, they are committed to providing financial support to as many less privileged students as they can accommodate. Mrs Bimbo Komolafe is the founder and Executive Secretary of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd), is a highly revered and distinguished military officer who served meritoriously with impeccable records in the Nigerian Navy. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1980 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer a year after. Due to his quest for knowledge and passion for competence, he proceeded to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in Accountancy. He attended several courses nationally and overseas and witnessed consistent career growth during his active years in the military.

Rear Admiral Komolafe is a change agent with a commitment to providing transformational leadership and ensuring realignment of processes, operations, resource and people on various integrated fronts for optimum value creation. He held various sensitive positions in the Navy before his voluntarily retirement from the Service after 35 years of meritorious service. He presently sits on the Board of many prestigious organizations. Beyond his Military career, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd.) is a lover of God and a Pastor. He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe and they are blessed with 3 children.

Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

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Raise funds for the needy

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Supporting the poor

We appreciate every support over the years and your continued support and commitment that has made it possible for us to continue to provide succor to the less privileged in our society. We pray that God will bless you and grant you success in all your endeavors.

Donations: You can make your donations online at: https://www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org/donations

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