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A music lover, she plays the Piano and Saxophone.

belladisu

My family hosted a farewell dinner for the outgoin

My family hosted a farewell dinner for the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Jerome Pasquier.

Monsieur L’ambassadeur, as I said, “this isn’t goodbye, but à la prochaine... till the next time”.

Thank you for your impactful service over the last three years. Your visionary leadership led to many memorable partnerships during your tenure, with the Alliance Française | Mike Adenuga Centre being a hallmark.

Je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès.

What is my dream for Africa? This year has broug

What is my dream for Africa?

This year has brought about a lot of social activism for me. The things I could turn a blind eye to, I no longer can. Issues I previously ignored, I now probe and try to ask questions from the right parties. Some may call it a coming of age. Whatever it is, the niggling in my spirit won’t subside and the thoughts keep me up at night.

Therefore, when I stumbled upon this excerpt from a recording earlier in the year, I asked myself if my answers would hold true today—if they’d hold true even for Nigeria. The truth? No.

Good governance and leadership don’t find their abode only with those at the helm of affairs of the nation. They trickle down to the barest minimum… states, towns and local communities.

To eliminate challenges that are endemic to our populace, we must discard complaining and not playing our part. The idea of « they aren’t playing their role, why should I? »

So, yes, individual advocacy for what we know is good and know is better should be blared.

It’s the least we can do. To truly be at peace and tell generations that we played our part.

We held the 51st Annual General Meeting of Julius

We held the 51st Annual General Meeting of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC yesterday. Though the format was hybrid - our new normal, all members of the Board of Directors were present. It was a delight to be around them for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Looking forward to a restful weekend.

With your love, I started my 35th journey around t

With your love, I started my 35th journey around the sun with an abundance of joy in my heart! Thank you all,💖.

This year, my charge was to “Begin doing what yo

This year, my charge was to “Begin doing what you want to do now”. In Q2, I’m happy to have ticked off a long nurtured desire - I went hiking!

A few years ago, I became fascinated with hiking and mountaineering expeditions... telling myself that “I’ll start small and one day soon”. Whenever I visited Abuja, I’d pack my gear set to attempt a hiking trail but I was always too scared to venture out.

Now, I’m proud to have explored the Ushafa Crush Rock and Usuma Dam. This adventure will rank as one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had with nature in Nigeria.

Enjoy the rest of what’s been a wonderful week so far!

Recently at the Alliance Française | Mike Adenuga

Recently at the Alliance Française | Mike Adenuga Centre, while watching people of different nationalities trooping in, I reflected on the need for cross-cultural communication in today’s global economy. Discerning cultural nuances and negotiating through unexpected but valid cultural norms has been a vital part of AF|MAC’s success story.

Very early on, I realized that I had to place cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity at the forefront, while eliminating preconceptions stemming from ethnocentrism.

There is a fine line one must toe between « that’s how we do things here » vs « I know these are business norms in your culture, help me understand them ».

I remember planning to host a foreign state official. I thought it would be a great idea to have a comedian entertain guests in the hall, while the official conducted formal business in the office. While I didn’t see it as an issue as comedians are known to entertain guests during official events, it was severely frowned upon by our foreign counterparts culture. Being aware of this, we decided the best course of action would be for the comedian to entertain the guests after the official vacated the premises.

The lesson for me here is simple: Pay attention to cultural norms. Set aside biases. Be ready and willing to change course based on said norms that differ (slightly or otherwise) from mine.

In your career, how has it been working with people from different cultural backgrounds? Did you have unconscious biases towards people based on their place of origin? How did you overcome them? Do you struggle to work with people from other cultural backgrounds/ethnic groups, even within Nigeria?

Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, Hot cross buns

Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, Hot cross buns signify deep meaning to Easter. They mark the end of lent and the cross marks the crucifixion of Christ. Though I made ours two days late, they nonetheless enriched our Easter celebrations!

I have to say that this is a tradition that I only adopted in my older years. Thinking of Easter as a child, I am filled with nostalgic memories of Frejon and Fish, and watching Jesus of Nazareth every year on NTA! Who remembers? 😃

I hope you enjoy the rest of the season. He is risen! 🙏🏾

Happy Easter Everyone!

Voice Notes! My happy place! I avoid phone calls

Voice Notes! My happy place!

I avoid phone calls during the day unless they are scheduled or extremely important. Initially, this was due to the anxiety I got whenever my phone rang. A few years ago, this reason changed to the need to gain control over my time management during the day.

Phone calls often go on longer than expected and they can interrupt your flow. There’s also that awkward point where you aren’t sure how to end the conversation. Most importantly, when your attention is focused solely on the call - you are hindered from doing other things.

For me, voice notes bridge the gap between texting and phone calls. I am able to convey my thoughts succinctly and when in doubt, there’s always a reference!

In order of preference, I’m an « in-person » person first! Voices notes, texts and then phone calls!

What are your communication preferences ?

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Thank You for choosing to

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Thank You for choosing to challenge the many barriers and obstacles on your worthy ascent to the top.

This representation, the impact will be vibrant for many generations to come.

Happy Women’s Day!

Image Credit: @PeterHapak for @Time.

The joy of learning. The friendships that are form

The joy of learning. The friendships that are formed. The pranks and mischief you get up to! The life skills you get to nurture in your formative years. The fondness with which you look back and recall memories from your elementary education.

That “One in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria” (@UNICEF, 2021) is a challenge that we must collectively address.

Therefore, I was glad to celebrate #WorldNGOday with @RegaloHopeFoundation, one of the organizations working hard to guarantee that no child is left behind in getting a basic education.

I am honored to work with Chinenye and her team to ensure that children from low-income households have a future where their dreams and aspirations can become a reality.

Happy Sunday 🌞

#BDF

Effective January 1, 2021, I was appointed Chairma

Effective January 1, 2021, I was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of @Abumet.Nigeria Ltd.

I am deeply honored at the responsibility to lead this great company to new frontiers.

Taking up this baton is easier because of the foundation laid by our outgoing board chair, Alhaji DR. Bamanga Tukur CON. I look forward to a successful and impactful tenure with the executive management and my fellow directors.

2021!!! Hope renewed. Feeling like myself again.

2021!!!

Hope renewed. Feeling like myself again. This year, my impetus hasn’t been manic planning but rather channeled towards being more present.

Sir Francis Bacon aptly frames how I intend to live this year -

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand--and melting like a snowflake...”

So I pray that this year, amidst all that is happening, we live our moments. Fully. That they will bring us happy things. Joyful things. Moments that make our hearts sing.

Happy New Year 🎊

It has been a sober, heartbreaking time reading th

It has been a sober, heartbreaking time reading the posts and watching the videos of police brutality in Nigeria. Yet, the emotions I have experienced are nothing compared to what victims and their loved ones have dealt with over the years. The time to redress this has been long overdue.

It is inspiring to see citizens standing up for our collective rights, demanding reforms, and leading the charge on change. Whether we see the direct connections or not, what affects one of us affects all of us. In the same way, the future being written today will benefit us all. We all have a part to play in ensuring that future is realised.

I believe that soon our nation will be one where the sanctity of lives is upheld by one and all. I believe because, today, young people are writing the blueprint for that future. It is evident in the conduct of the peaceful protests, the organisation, and even the little things like post-protest clean-ups.

There is hope anew in Nigeria.

These efforts musnt be thwarted.

The call to #EndSARS and #EndPoliceBrutalityInNigeria will usher in a new day for us all.

Preparing for the week ahead and reminiscing on a

Preparing for the week ahead and reminiscing on a site visit for a very exciting @CobblestoneProperties project.

Any guesses where I am?

JBN Portrait 2020. As a little girl growing up in

JBN Portrait 2020.

As a little girl growing up in Lagos, I remember seeing large blue concrete squares perched on roadsides, with ‘B’ written on them in white. These concrete squares resonated with me because they represented my first initial and my favorite color, blue. Easily one of the most identifiable brands, I soon learnt that those squares signified the work (or efforts) of the construction company, Julius Berger.

As the years went by, quality and excellence became attributes synonymous with this company. I would hear statements like “Only JB can do that” and “If you want the best, go to JB”. As JBN celebrates 50 years today, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride to serve on the board of this iconic organization.

Countdown to Julius Berger at 50! Earlier today a

Countdown to Julius Berger at 50!

Earlier today at our Pre - AGM Board.

One thing is for sure; virtual meetings are the new normal!

Since the start of this pandemic, most of us have been in multiple virtual meetings. How has the experience been for you? Are you more confident speaking up or do you struggle to get your voice heard? Is it easier or harder to fall into Groupthink?

Fear. Oppression. Pain. Sorrow. Injustice. The st

Fear. Oppression. Pain. Sorrow. Injustice.

The stark representation of the reality we face because of our gender and race.

Staying silent is no longer an option.

A collective stand is a MUST.

@warif_ng @standtoendrape have long taken a stand, thank you. #SayNoToRape #SayNoToRacism #BlackoutTuesday

Please take a stand. 🙏🏾

🎵When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all

🎵When I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all He has done for me, my very soul shall shout Hallelujah, praise God for saving me!🎵🙏🏾
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🎊 34 🎊

Our God is Marching On! A hymn so apt; assurance

Our God is Marching On!

A hymn so apt; assurance that we will overcome this battle.

Glad that @victor_odetunde (sax), @uwanaetuk (trumpet), @ita.samson (double bass) and I could make this happen virtually. Hopefully more to come?😊 Happy Sunday 🙏🏾 PS: Headphones on for a robust listening experience !

Barefaced. In my lockdown uniform. Hair braided my

Barefaced. In my lockdown uniform. Hair braided myself. With a thankful heart.

Gratitude. An attitude that I’ve been conscious to display despite the past 30 days being so unnatural.

This gratitude extends to all the frontline workers who get up each day to head to work despite their fears and anxieties.

This gratitude extends to those who aren’t leaving their houses but whose job functions are nonetheless important.

Thank you. We appreciate you. We applaud you.

Happy Workers’ Day!

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