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A music lover, she plays the Piano and Saxophone.

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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?

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?

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