Women
‘I Feel Fulfilled Contributing To Family Purse’
If the idea that every human has an innate potential is anything to go by, then, it should also be told that every woman has an innate potential, waiting to be harnessed perhaps when subjected to test.
Test? Yes in every sense of it, is the only way to bring about the best in a human, who may not know until then, the much he or she is endowed with.
The fear to attempt or explore life’s ventures that could possibly highlight and eventually showcase an individual, has been the bane of every economic and probably social development.
Women in particular, had been the worst hit by this phobia. In this week’s edition, Directress of Gborsi Resources in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Patience, Alex-Naenwi, allays fear in women who have what it takes to change their financial history but still wonder which way to go.
For Mrs. Alex-Naenwi Patience, no woman should hide under the cloak of husband not allowing her to work, it is simply a display of ineptitude.
First, a woman must consider herself a useful material that is left to rot when she does not make any financial impact.
She must also consider herself fulfilled only when she could be heard and felt.
Hence, the need for women to rise and grow above the fears of failure and decide, determine to give life’s ventures a trial by airing out and proving to those who could be of help that they could be resourceful if given the needed assistance to stand.
A mother of three, Mrs Alex-Naenwi Patience holds an HND certificate. The inavailability of job upon graduation, brought about the juice in her that is today sucked by many. Excerpts.
What is Gborsi Resources all about and how was the concept conceived, hatched and developed?
Gboris Resources is all about event planning, occasion management, cake baking for any occasion and outdoor cooking. It is also involved in body beautification.
The dream was nursed 11 years ago when I stumbled into a woman who makes hat, I indicated an interest to learn and she obliged me the privilege and thereafter encouraged me to go into decorations.
What exactly captured your fancy in hat making?
Creativity! Not just the hat making alone, in cake making and decoration, creativity stands out. Each time I look at any work of arts, I am always compelled to unravel the spirit behind such unique and fantastic exhibitions.
Today you talk about Gborsi Resources, what was the source of your initial capital?
May husband of course! Though at first when I made my intention known to him, he had his fears as to how sound I was to undertake such venture but as a loving husband he gave me a pat on the back (support) and that gave rise to the structure we now call Gborsi Resources.
Do you work alone?
Not at all! I have my workers; boys and girls, I also have trainees who are also very handy whenever duty calls. I train them in hat making, hair dressing cake making, designing, modeling and piping and at the end of their training they are issued a certificate.
Any regret?
No! I have placed my hand on the plough so I can’t go back, I derive joy in it. Maybe I need to tell you more. Cake making involves so much of creativity, modeling, dressing and piping. I’ve been into it for years. After creating, dressing and decorating a cake and you behold the finished work, it is wao! A “fantastic creation”.
How do you handle the conflict in your duties as a wife, mother and cake designer?
Accepted that the job of an event manager is a strenuous one, however, I am equal to the task. The entire household has eventually fallen in love with the vocation; ranging from my husband to my children. They even assist me whenever there is a need to deliver.
All the same, as a vetran, I programme myself to ensure there is no conflict. Besides, my husband and children understand the demands of my profession.
What are your challenges?
My major challenge is an office space. You know our society favours flamboyance and elegance, people want to see a very big outfit identified with your name before they can believe in you and patronise you. They fail to understand that even in Nazareth, a savior could be born. So I need a more spacious accommodation to showcase our service items.
Another challenge I have is my graduates. While it is my dream that these young ones who are trained by me would grow and be established as bigger names in the industry, you rather see some of them fizzle out after a while it is quite unfortunate.
How have you used your office to address the issue of youth restiveness?
Youth restiveness should be the concern of all sound minds. However, I think that when youths are mentally and physically engaged, they think less of evil.
From time to time I make them realise that they can be more useful to themselves and society if they could explore and exploit the opportunity provided them by the training. We make them realise that if they put their brain to work, they could come up with concepts that could sell them to the outside world hereafter. We teach them to realize that no work is mean or rated below others, and so they must not rate themselves less than others because of the vocation they have chosen in life.
Of a truth, you cannot compare a jobless graduate with a non-graduate who is engaged. The later will definitely impact on his/her environment. And because he is engaged he cannot be named among the restive youth.
At the home front, what’s your contribution?
I believe that the business of running a home should not be the exclusive preserve of the man or the woman. If a woman is buoyant enough, she should take the lead while the man lends his support. For me, the business is almost a family thing, so, incomes from it also goes into solving family problems no discretion at all! I’m rather fulfilled contributing to the family purse.
What’s your advice to women who hold tenaciously to their money?
I think they need to understand the meaning of family. They should be told that the man and the woman are one and so there should be no discrimination as to who owns what. They both should work together.
Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
Cooking is the process of preparing food by using heat. It involves a variety of techniques and methods, such as grilling, baking, boiling, frying, and steaming. Cooking also requires ingredients, utensils, and appliances to create delicious and nutritious meals. Cooking is for all irrespective of sex.
It may interest you to know that there are many benefits to cooking at home, including the ability to control the ingredients and portion sizes, save money, and customize dishes to suit individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Cooking also allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, as well as the opportunity to share meals with family and friends.
When you cook, it enables you to know the right ingredients to use for a particular meal. Getting prepared food outside home will not give such opportunity and in fact it is cheaper.
For you to carry out cooking successfully, prepping ingredients ahead of time, is very important. Using the right tools and equipment, adjusting cooking times and temperatures as needed will make one a good cook and tasting and seasoning dishes to ensure they are well-balanced. A good cook should be able to taste and add adequate seasoning to ensure that dishes are consumed without stomach crams.
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity, whether you are a novice or experienced chef. It can also be a form of self-care and a way to explore different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Overall, cooking is an essential skill that can help you eat healthier, save money, and enjoy delicious meals at home.
Good chefs earn a living through cooking. Good ones who are opportuned to work in big hotels and smaller eateries make huge sums of money as well as earn free meal at work.
According to experts, cooking involves a wide range of techniques that can be mastered through practice and experience. Some common culinary techniques include sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, marinating, poaching, and blanching. Each technique contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final dish.
In addition, understanding how different ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile is key to successful cooking. This includes experimenting with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors and learning how to add these flavors in a dish to create depth and complexity. The right ingredients work together to give the right aroma and taste a good cook deserves.
Furthermore, exploring the diverse culinary traditions from around the world can open up a world of new flavors and cooking techniques. Trying out recipes from different cultures can help you broaden your culinary horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for global cuisine.
You may discover that different cultures believe in their own food and meals. Someone from the Eastern part of the country may not be comfortable with the kind of food or meal prepared and consumed in the northern part of the country.
Interestingly, gas cookers are in vogue because they cook faster especially in families with the presence of kids. Having the right tools and equipment in the kitchen can make a big difference in your cooking. From basic essentials like knives, cutting boards, pots and pans to specialized appliances like blenders, food processors, and slow cookers, having the right equipment can help you cook more efficiently and effectively.
In this 21st century, a lot of innovations have actually come into the practice of cooking. The use of wood and stove are gradually going down especially in the urban centres.
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress in the kitchen. Meal planning involves selecting recipes, creating a shopping list, and preparing ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This can help you eat healthier, reduce food waste, and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
A lot of families plan their meals so as to minimize waste, especially now because of high cost of living.
The safety of the food to be consumed in a home should be the concern of every good cook. Practicing proper food safety and hygiene is essential in cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly, storing food at the correct temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
A cook should ensure that ingredients for a particular meal are properly washed. Food stuffs must be properly preserved if they are not to be used immediately. When it comes to refrigeration, experts should be contacted for proper advise on how long they should be kept.
Some persons due to health challenges are placed on special diets. Medically, some persons are advised to consume food with low salt intake as well as sugar. It is important that a good cook adheres to those instructions. If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions or preferences, learning how to cook for special diets can be a valuable skill. This may involve accommodating allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Moreso, cooking at home allows you to have better control over the ingredients used in your meals, leading to healthier eating habits. By cooking from scratch, you can avoid processed and unhealthy ingredients, reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Meals prepared at home obviously may not taste as the one consumed from outside. The food got outside may contain excess spices more than meals prepared at home.
Cooking is deeply intertwined with culture and tradition, and exploring different cuisines can be a great way to learn about different countries and regions. Trying out recipes from various cultures can expand your culinary skills and palate, introducing you to new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques.
As peoples culture differs that is how the kind of food they consume also differ. When a chef finds himself or herself in a particular region, it is better to learn the kind of food that is being consumed.
When you talk about cooking, the meal prepared for an adult definitely differs from that of a baby. Excess pepper in meal may not be good for infants.
The use of mutter and pestle is gradually phasing out with the innovation of electrical appliances such as blenders. A good cook should be able to train herself on the usage of such kitchen equipment.
With the use of microwave oven has come to stay as hotels (eateries) and homes use them thereby saving the use of kerosine in stoves and gas.
Odoo-e Precious is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology, Port Harcourt.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of the girl child has become increasingly crucial to the growth and development of society. For far too long, girls have been held back by traditional gender roles and societal expectations, but today, their contributions are more vital than ever. When given the right opportunities, girls can help shape not only their own future but also the future of their families, communities, and the world. To truly understand the impact girls can have, we need to examine their roles in education, the economy, social change, and health. Education is the key to unlocking a girl’s full potential. When a girl is given access to quality education, it opens doors to a brighter future for her and her family. Educating girls doesn’t just benefit them personally; it also helps create stronger communities and societies.
An educated girl is more likely to delay marriage, avoid early pregnancy, and pursue a career or further education. Studies have shown that educated women earn more money and reinvest it in their families, which improves their children’s health, education, and well-being. Educated girls are also more likely to break out of cycles of poverty, creating long-term positive changes in society.However, in many parts of the world, girls still face barriers to education, such as cultural norms, early marriage, and gender-based violence. These challenges are particularly common in rural areas where girls are seen more as future homemakers than future leaders. It is essential that governments and communities work together to remove these obstacles and ensure that every girl has the chance to go to school.
Beyond education, girls can also contribute economically, unlocking their potential to drive growth and development. Once a girl is empowered, she becomes a key player in the economy. When girls are given the chance to work and contribute, they can drive economic growth in both their local communities and countries. Girls can participate in all parts of the economy, from agriculture to technology, healthcare to business. In many countries, women already make up a large portion of the workforce, but their contributions are often overlooked. Research shows that when girls and women are given equal opportunities to work, the entire economy grows. Closing the gender gap in the workforce could add trillions of dollars to the global economy. For society to prosper, girls need to be able to pursue careers, start businesses, and contribute to their communities.
Girls are also playing a vital role in social and cultural change. They are not just passive participants in society but active agents of change who challenge outdated traditions and fight for equality. Today’s girls are using their voices to raise awareness about social issues like climate change, human rights, and gender equality. They are leading movements that are transforming the way people think about the world. A great example is Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist who has inspired millions worldwide to take action on climate change. By encouraging girls to become leaders and advocates, society can benefit from new perspectives and solutions to important problems. Girls tend to see issues from fresh angles and are more likely to question harmful norms, leading to a more just and progressive world.The health and well-being of a girl are crucial to her future success and the success of society.
Girls who grow up in healthy environments, with access to proper nutrition, healthcare, and emotional support, are more likely to succeed. Unfortunately, many girls face serious health risks, including early marriage, early pregnancy, and violence, which limit their opportunities. Early marriage, for example, is a major problem that prevents many girls from completing their education and living healthy, productive lives. Married girls often face health risks, drop out of school, and have fewer opportunities. To address this, societies need to change attitudes around child marriage and give girls the support they need to stay in school and delay marriage. Access to healthcare is also vital. Girls need access to proper health services, including reproductive health education, so they can stay healthy and live fulfilling lives. When girls are healthy, they grow up to become strong, capable women who can contribute to society and raise healthy families.
Breaking down barriers can lead to equal opportunities for all girls. The biggest obstacle to realising the potential of girls is gender inequality. To truly empower girls, societies must tackle the barriers that hold them back, such as discrimination, gender-based violence, and lack of access to education and resources. Governments and organisations must work together to create policies that ensure girls have equal opportunities. This includes making laws that prevent child marriage, protect girls from violence, and guarantee access to education and healthcare. Community awareness is also important. We need to challenge stereotypes and harmful traditions that limit girls’ potential. Education and awareness campaigns can help people understand the importance of gender equality and the benefits it brings to everyone. The girl child is not just the future of society; she is a powerful force in the present. Today, girls are making a difference as leaders,
Ihedinihu is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology.
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights
