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A music lover, she plays the Piano and Saxophone.

belladisu

Happy New Year! 🎉

Happy New Year! 🎉

This holiday season, I’m reminded that giving ba

This holiday season, I’m reminded that giving back gives me the greatest joy. At a dinner party recently, I was asked to share my earliest memory of how media inspired me. I didn’t have to dig too deep to answer—it was memories of watching Michael Jackson on TV performing one of my favorite songs, Man in the Mirror. He sang, 🎶 I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways…🎶 And no message could’ve been any clearer. 🎶If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.🎶 Those lyrics haunted me and now embody my personal mantra—to leave people and situations better than I met them.

At the start of 2022, I set out to consistently give back in tangible and sustainable ways. I was conscious to donate not just my resources but also my time. Impetus clear, BDF kicked off and collaborated on several initiatives this year, but the most significant has been our partnership with the International Women’s Society @iwsnigeria.

At the start of her tenure, the IWS president, @IfeomaMonye, shared her vision for young girls and women. It was a timely discussion that I was all too keen to key into.

This year, BDF has partnered with IWS to support @ChessinSlums, build a STEM program, empower widows, and mentor young girls. I had an incredible time rounding off the year with the mentorship program earlier this month. In that engaging session were the brightest but underserved girls with big dreams, yearning for guidance as they reach for those dreams. There, I could see the impact of our work and picture a future where those girls are independent women living their fulfilled dreams.

With God on my side, I look forward to an even more impactful 2023!

Happy Holidays, everyone! May the cheer of this festive season abide with us now and always.

Took on Art X 2022 with my brother Niyi @a_r.m_a.

Took on Art X 2022 with my brother Niyi @a_r.m_a. Wonderful time seeing great art and bumping into familiar faces!

I met Dr Ngozi Onyia, paediatrician and founder of

I met Dr Ngozi Onyia, paediatrician and founder of @PaelonMemorial Hospital almost a decade ago. I was a young mum of little children and had been referred to her practice by another doctor. Dr Ngozi quickly became a steady source of solace and solutions to my family and me. From answering my late-night questions to offering assurance in times of panic, she was a repository of knowledge while being warm and assertive. Soon, you couldn’t get me to keep my mouth shut about Dr Ngozi—I referred many friends and family to her. One can’t miss her genuine care for the children she treats or her reliability and unquestionable brilliance.

Recently, I haven’t had time to read as much as I’d like to, but I’m glad to have read Dr Ngozi’s memoir, ‘The Beautiful Pink Butterfly’. It was a chance to learn more from a remarkable woman I greatly admire. I was inspired as I read about how she navigated challenges on the path to becoming a doctor and then how she gave Patricia the best life possible despite her medical challenges. I was particularly struck by the bond between Unoma (Dr Ngozi’s first child) and Patricia. Dr Ngozi raised Unoma to have a strong sense of duty, responsibility, and care that is uncommon for someone that age.

Filled with engaging anecdotes, ‘The Beautiful Pink Butterfly’ is unputdownable! It is a wonderful tribute to Patricia and offers excellent insight into Dr Ngozi’s life. What an incredible story of resilience, bravery, and family! I was spellbound from cover to cover.

To my Guardian Angel, I’m deeply grateful for all that you do for me. Congratulations on your book! 🎊💫

As technology advances and the world becomes more

As technology advances and the world becomes more digitally interconnected, the businesses that will survive into the future are those that continue to push the frontiers by leveraging technological advancements to design, introduce and disrupt the market with innovative products and services. Yesterday, we unveiled our new financial services subsidiary glo, MoneyMaster PSB.

The over-arching objective for MoneyMaster PSB is to redefine the payment service banks’ landscape with our suite of digital financial services, while working to help achieve the Central Bank of Nigeria’s mandate of 95% financial inclusion by 2024.

#GloUnlimited #MoneyMasterPSB

Launch of Mighty Kashoo and Julius Berger’s Cash

Launch of Mighty Kashoo and Julius Berger’s Cashew Processing Plant, Epe.

I remember 2017, when Nigeria had just come out of

Summer has officially ended! For those who managed

Summer has officially ended! For those who managed a bit of a break, I trust it was a rejuvenating one. For many with children, today also marked the end of the first school week! How has that been?

As my kids resume their new academic year, the « new term » anxiety resumes with me also. How will they adjust to the workload? Will they encounter bullies? Will they be treated fairly? Will they enjoy learning? Will their friendship circles change? While pondering on these internalized fears, i’m reminded that i’ve been through this. I was once in their shoes. I bore it all. I came out fine.

If I could turn back time, and speak to my younger self, the Bella aged 8-12 years, what would I say?

1. Be kind. Certainly to others but most importantly to yourself.

2. There are no stupid questions ! Raise your hand more and participate - what’s the worst that could happen anyway? It’s okay to get it wrong!

3. Extra curricular activities are as important as the core subjects! Most will lead you to your true path. Public speaking skills, leadership and team building are requisite for success in any field.

4. Languages are important and will come in handy somewhere down the road - pay attention and learn them with intentionality.

5. You don’t always have to be part of the « in » crowd, or have to be invited to everything. Learn to integrate and accept others. Even as the underdog, you can forge a meaningful, rewarding and pleasant path for yourself!

What lessons do you wish you could tell your younger self ? Are you transferring any to your children/nieces/nephews/younger loved ones?

Cheers to a great weekend !

Part 3: Be Well - Restoration

Just Breathe 🧘🏽‍♀️

It sounds easy, right? Yet, many things often get in the way of just pausing to breathe. Work stress, personal issues, unending responsibilities… and, if those aren’t tiring, the increased diesel price and resulting inflation will certainly stress you out! Sometimes, it feels like everything is working against you, but it’s at those very moments we must make space to breathe. The consequences of prolonged stress on mental and physical wellbeing shouldn’t be belittled.

I operate in a demanding environment because my mind is constantly racing—thinking about work, my kids and my desire to be a better person. Sometime this year, I said to a friend with absolute candour, “I am not juggling things well.” Fitness aside, I hadn’t been able to make time for activities that replenish me.

Therefore, I was glad to be able to pause recently, and enjoy a cane-weaving class. I’ve always found that working with my hands is so relaxing, and my form of self-care.

For me, restoration is about intentionally filling my life with people, things, and experiences I love. You should see me at game nights! I match anyone head-to-head in Taboo, and recently discovered a brilliant Nigerian version by @kulturegames. Who remembers ‘Name, Place, Animal, Thing’? Seemingly elementary, but up it with sections like ‘Occupation’ and ‘Diseases’, qualify the Names and/or Place, enforce rules and you are in for a hilarious time. Times like these, filled with laughter and loved ones always up my serotonin!

Sometimes, I paint my nails a quirky colour just because looking at them gives me joy. Many days, I plug in my favourite gospel artists (@officialchee, @nathanielblow @dunsinoyekan) and escape into soul-lifting songs.

I’ve found that having a rich, full life restores the body, mind, and soul. The best part is ‘you’ get to define what ‘rich’ means to you.

Of course, these things don’t take away problems, but they reduce stress and add joy to my day. In all you do, please, find your joy, and remember to just breathe.

It is my eternal prayer that God grants us long life in good health, that we may have fullness of joy all our days 🙏🏾.

Part 2: Be Well - Hydrate, Hibernate and Heal Whe

Part 2: Be Well - Hydrate, Hibernate and Heal

When I was a teenager, I drank soda like it was going off the shelves forever (my kryptonite was Ginger Ale + Malta Guiness). It was easy for me to go through several cans a day. Obviously, that was unhealthy, and teeth cavities were my wake up call for change. Last year, I found myself wanting to drink water with that same dedication and ease.

I resolved to be proactive about increasing my water intake. Instead of waiting till mealtimes or when I was thirsty to drink, I decided to carry a water flask everywhere, mindfully taking sips throughout my day. At first, it was difficult, and though I’m yet to achieve the optimal daily intake (2.5L 🥴), I’ve found myself reaching for my flask as a reflex. It also helps that the reward is clearer skin and a healthier body!

Hydrating has become easier, but I wish sleep would too. It doesn't help that night time is my favorite time of the day. The world shuts off and I settle into the perfect quiet time. Sometimes I’m working, other times I’m not necessarily doing anything productive - I’m just enjoying that window. Unfortunately, this means I end up getting only 4-5 hours of sleep.

Any night owls like me out there? How were you able to improve your sleep and give your body the time it needs for healing and restoration?

Here’s to drinking water, minding our collective businesses 😁 and catching some sleep!

To commemorate World Health Day, I'll share a 3-pa

To commemorate World Health Day, I'll share a 3-part series on wellness, its role in my life, and the equilibrium it provides as I juggle many hats.

Part 1: Be Well - Move & Fuel

I’ve shared publicly about my weight struggles and the turning point that came 20 years ago when I peaked at 110kg. While I’ve kept the weight off, a few years ago, I realised I was in an unhealthy cycle of yo-yoing +/- 7 kg. During desperate times, I moved from one fad diet to another. I tried the lemon detox diet (popularised by Beyoncé), the muffin diet (only 2 muffins & 2 cups of coffee a day) and the starvation diet (don’t ask!). For short spells, these extreme measures weren’t that difficult — the challenge was sustainability.

In 2015, things changed when I got a trainer and nutrition expert. Working out felt awful and, till this day, still does — I hate working out. However, it’s proven to be THE sustainable way of being healthy and achieving my fitness goals, so I do it for 1 hour 4 times a week.

Nutrition has also been key. When I was overweight, I was a careless, repetitive eater. Now, I’m extra conscious of what I feed my body. I’ve swapped white sugar for brown, and reduced my consumption of fried food, red meat, and highly processed foods. The salads I used to detest, I now eat daily (in addition to other changes). I eat 3 well-portioned meals a day, focusing on meals that keep me fuller, so I don’t snack incessantly.

Surely, there’s sacrifice involved… the opportunity cost of doing or eating something else, but anything worthwhile is never easy. Get a workout buddy or an accountability partner. Adjust your workouts to the most convenient times for you. Pick healthier foods you still enjoy. Whatever you commit to, stick with it. The resilience and consistency will pay off!

Every day is a constant struggle physically between being Buddy Love and my inner Nutty Professor (how well do you know your Eddie Murphy movies?) but I choose to continue, because of how I feel AND look. I see it as a gift to myself. THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS. I hope that no matter what stage you are in, you can optimise your fitness and nutrition journey for sustained overall wellness.

I think back to Saturday, when I was in the presen

I think back to Saturday, when I was in the presence of powerful and inspiring women from all cadre of society, at the first edition of the International Women’s Day Awards Gala. As I took in the importance of the occasion, it struck me that the award was made possible by the UNDP's partnership with 4 FEMALE ambassadors representing superpowers—the US, UK, Germany, and France—in Nigeria. It is emblematic that these women are valued by their countries and seen as worthy envoys. I was proud! Yet, in the same instant, I was rankled that Nigerian women still grapple with misogyny. This flame was stoked by the memory of the recent rejection of the gender bills by our National Assembly—a clear sign of lack of parity.
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How is gender inequality still so pervasive in our country? It’s clear to all what a force of humanity women are. Our capes may be invisible but, I assure you, women are superheroes. The gender bills were rejected by a National Assembly with over 90% male members. How do we change that? It’s by insisting that our country must #BreakTheBias. It’s also by developing acuity in young girls so that their voices are stronger than ours when their time comes. In that light, I’m excited about the good work I hope to achieve with the International Women’s Society this year.
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Today and every day, Happy International Women’s Day. #BreakTheBias.

Two weeks into the year and as usual, we are neck

Two weeks into the year and as usual, we are neck deep into goal planning. Year in, year out, it’s a constant evaluation on how to better achieve our goals - prioritize, focus, be consistent, and self-develop.
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2022 has seen me more amped to success by having a NOT To-Do list - a simple but brilliant tip I picked up recently.
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Daily, I list out the things that I want to ensure don’t occur, so that I achieve my tasks with razor-focus. This may seem rudimentary, but as leadership expert Craig Groeschel (@craiggroeschel) clearly puts it « you’ll never do big things if you are distracted by small things ».
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Some of mine are :
1. Do not spend more than 30 minutes on Instagram daily. (Ok, weekdays ! 😄)
2. Do not spend more than 15 minutes on your Photos daily, no matter how many memories Apple reminds you of.
3. Do not miss reading The Economist between 7am - 7.30am.
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What are some of your NOT To-Do’s this year?
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Happy New Year! May the year be filled with a bounty of good tidings to you all!

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?

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