Stephanie Linus Daily

Author: stephanielinusdaily

  • #GirlsTakeover! Let Girls Be Girls

    Hi there! Let’s stop for a minute to talk about the girl child once again.

    Today marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a United Nations led initiative supporting the more than 1.1 billion girls worldwide who are a powerful force for shaping a sustainable world.

    It’s another important day for us to remember the human rights of every girl child. A girl is a powerful agent of change for a better and equal world, but her potential is constantly undermined by violence and discrimination. I’m very glad that theme for his year addresses that.

    “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: A Global Girl Data Movement”, calling for action on increasing the availability and analysis of girl-focused and sex-disaggregated data.

    All adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated and healthy life. Indeed, if they’re effectively supported during these critical formative years, girls have the potential to change the world.

    When adolescent girls are empowered, it benefits all. Empowered girls grow into empowered women who can care better for themselves and their families, increase their earning potential, serve as active and equal citizens and change agents, and spur economic growth for communities and nations. Girls worldwide are stepping into the shoes of presidents, business leaders, stars and more. This is very encouraging, but we need to do more to demand a fair world where girls and boys have equal opportunities.

    October 11 is not just a day; it’s a movement. A worldwide revolution.

    So on this International Day of the Girl Child, I stand with the global community to support girls’ progress everywhere. Let girls be girls.

  • Team Nigeria Is Doing Us Proud At The Rio Paralympics 2016!

    Ever since the Rio Paralympics 2016 began, I’ve been reading about the excellent performance of our Nigerian athletes day after day and it really warms my heart. The Nigerian Paralympic team is doing the most and making us proud, breaking world records and grabbing up medals!

    Despite their physical limitation these athletes have been able to distinguish themselves in physical activities through sheer grit and determination. They have not allowed circumstances get in their way but rather they have honed their skills and gone ahead to excel.

    Today I read that we’ve now won up to 12 medals. This is so impressive. I celebrate all the athletes, their coaches and everyone who has supported them in this journey.

    Here are some of the athletes doing us proud:

    Nigeria's Latifat Tijani has won the country's first medal at the ongoing Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She won silver in the women's 45kg powerlifting event.
    Nigeria’s Latifat Tijani has won the country’s first medal at the ongoing Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She won silver in the women’s 45kg powerlifting event.
    Lauritta Onye, a Nollywood actress who is also known as Laury White threw a shot put 8.40m, winning not only a gold medal but breaking a world record.
    Lauritta Onye, a Nollywood actress who is also known as Laury White threw a shot put 8.40m, winning not only a gold medal but breaking a world record.
    Flora Ugwunwa set a new world record in the women’s javelin – F54 event at the Rio Paralympics to give Nigeria its seventh gold medal.
    Flora Ugwunwa set a new world record in the women’s javelin – F54 event at the Rio Paralympics to give Nigeria its seventh gold medal.
    The Captain of Team Nigeria is leading by example and has won a gold medal in Power-lifting 61kg. Lucy who is representing Nigeria for the 5th successive time at the Paralympics has shattered the world record three times over.
    The Captain of Team Nigeria is leading by example and has won a gold medal in Power-lifting 61kg. Lucy who is representing Nigeria for the 5th successive time at the Paralympics has shattered the world record three times over.
    Paul Kehinde lifted 218kg to beat his rivals to the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. As if that was not enough, Kehinde went on to beat his own record by lifting a massive 220kg!
    Paul Kehinde lifted 218kg to beat his rivals to the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. As if that was not enough, Kehinde went on to beat his own record by lifting a massive 220kg!
    Ronald Ezuruike set a new record in powerlifting for the men’s -54kg event.
    Ronald Ezuruike set a new record in powerlifting for the men’s -54kg event.
    Nigerian power-lifter, Josephine Orji shattered the world record of the women’s +86kg power-lifting event with a lift of 154kg to win the gold medal.
    Nigerian power-lifter, Josephine Orji shattered the world record of the women’s +86kg power-lifting event with a lift of 154kg to win the gold medal.
    Eucharia Iyiazi brought Team Nigeria’s medal tally with a Bronze medal in the women’s F56/57 shot put.
    Eucharia Iyiazi brought Team Nigeria’s medal tally with a Bronze medal in the women’s F56/57 shot put.

    Well done Team Nigeria, you rock!

  • Talk To Steph: Should I Date My Boss?

    I recently started working at this company after being out of job for almost a year. I love everything about my job except for one thing – my boss wants me to date him.

    I don’t really like him as a person and he is not married. Also, I think he is a womanizer. He has been pestering me for a relationship from the first day I set my foot in this office. It even started right from the interview!

    Although he is not the owner of the company, he is the branch manager and can make any decisions such as firing me.

    Should I pretend that I like him too and start a relationship with him to keep my job? Or should I refuse him and stand the risk of losing my job?

    I’m very confused. I don’t want to be broke again. Please help!

    Dear Miss S,

    I totally understand your dilemma and it’s very sad that you got caught up in this kind of situation. You don’t want to date your boss, and also, you don’t want to loose your job. It’s a very difficult web for any lady.

    I will advise that you stand your ground and don’t do anything you know is not right. Also, pray about the situation and tell God to turn things around in your favour. You’d be surprised at how things will turn out. Your boss could just get transferred or even if you lose your job, you will get a better one! Try not to do anything you will later regret.

    Stay strong.

    SL Fabz, join in and give Miss S. some good advice in the comments section.

  • Have A September To Remember

    Hey SL Fabz,

    It’s another beautiful month of September. Happy New Month!

    I believe so strongly in my heart that this month is going to be extra special.

    This shall be your month of good expectations. I pray you will have no unwanted crisis or shed tears of sorrow. The Almighty God will step in to meet you at the point of your needs this beautiful September.

    Have a beautiful month!

    PS: Did you get to witness the Annular Eclipse this morning? What was your experience?

  • Monday Musings: How I cope with stress

    The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of work, meetings, presentations, targets and more. While I’m very thankful to God for the opportunities that have come my way, it can sometimes get so overwhelming.

    Everyone experiences stress at times. Research has shown that short term stress can be beneficial by helping us develop skills to cope with threatening situations. However, when stress is severe enough to overwhelm a person’s ability to take care of themselves and family, the benefits diminish. Don’t forget that the bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding.

    Here are some of the lessons I’ve learnt in managing stress lately. Feel free to add yours in the comments section below.

    1. Express your gratitude
    I can’t go a day without saying how thankful I am to God. Just the simple act of counting your blessings is very relaxing and makes you smile even when you think things are bleak. You could also write down your feelings of gratitude daily in a journal, or send little notes to friends or family letting them know how much you appreciate them.

    2. Avoid Drugs, Caffeine & Alcohol
    Drugs and alcohol may seem to help with the stress. In the long run, they create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling. Avoid, or at least reduce, your consumption of nicotine and any drinks containing caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and so will increase your level of stress rather than reduce it.

    3. Talk to Someone
    Just talking to someone about how you feel can be helpful. Talking can work by either distracting you from your stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up tension by discussing it. For me, talking to my husband always does the trick. There is nothing more calming to your nervous system than communicating with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood.

    4. Find distractions
    During long periods of working, distractions are crucial. I always find relief from stress when I’m with my ever smiling son.

    5. Take a break
    Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out. Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be music, playing a game, or watching a movie.

    I’d love to hear from you. What do you do to relieve stress when you feel stressed out?

    Have a lovely Monday!

  • Happy New Month of August!

    In this new month of August, the eight month of the year, may God continue expanding your boundaries.

    I pray it shall be one of the most blessed and happy months for you. May God’s shining light brighten up every dark corner of your heart.

    Get ready to gather all the treasure of blessings; help others by giving them smiles and happiness, so everyone can enjoy the celebration ahead.

    I wish you a beautiful and successful August!

     

     

     

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  • Stop VAWIE Campaign Launches In Edo state

    Ahead of the upcoming September governorship elections in Edo state, I’m once again reaffirming my commitment to fighting violence against women in elections.

    As the Stop Violence Against Women In Elections (Stop VAWIE) Ambassador, I was present at the Stop VAWIE campaign launch in Edo state recently where I encouraged women to participate actively in the electoral process and speak out when they are being marginalized.

    The event was organized by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the African Women Empowerment Guild (AWEG). Some of the dignitaries who attended include Hon. Justice Cromwell .O. Idahosa, the Chief Judge of Edo State; Hon. Henry Idahagbon, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State; Jasper Veen, NDI Country Director and Iyom Josephine Anenih, Former Minister of Women Affairs.

    The Campaign Launch also coincided with the flag off of the “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War” and the “Leave No One Behind: Disability Votes Count” initiatives for the Edo State elections.

    The Stop Violence against Women in Elections (Stop VAWIE) campaign encourages women and all other citizens of Edo state to eschew all forms of violence that will affect women in the electoral process and also recognizes that this can increase the participation of women in the political process. This is the best way to advocate for change. The campaign is focused on Nigerian women and upholds the belief that democracy without women is impossible. By informing all women in Edo state about their civic rights and responsibilities in the upcoming September 10, 2016 governorship elections, the campaign inspires women to make active and positive impact to the elections and to politics in general.

    I’m hereby calling on women and all citizens of Edo state to eschew all forms of violence that will affect women in the electoral process. All violence against women is wrong and must be stopped. Violence that results in the exclusion or under-representation of women, or denies women the representative of their choice inherently undermines what democracy really stands for!

    Here are some photos from the event:
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  • Partnering With The Canadian High Commission To Empower The African Child

    Hey lovelies,

    Welcome to a new week!

    Last Thursday, I was opportune to be a keynote speaker at the ‘African Child Campaign’ organized by the Canadian High Commission in Abuja where I spoke alongside the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Perry John Calderwood under the theme “Empowering African girls to reach their full potential by delaying marriage and staying in school”.

    The two-part event included a the screening of Africa’s Best Overall Movie ‘DRY’ and a Press Conference where myself and the Canadian High Commissioner highlighted the efforts we’ve have been employing to enable African women and girls reach their full potential, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.

    Some highlights of my remarks included the need for educating the African Child and how DRY has been shifting conversations around the world, thereby shinning the spotlight on the African girl-child.  Here is an excerpt:

    “As we watch this movie and as we discuss here today, let it be foremost in our minds that the education of girls, especially the most marginalized, is key to their survival & that of the future generation.”

    The Canadian High Commissioner also reiterated the Canadian government’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and highlighted some of their recent campaign efforts in Nigeria and other African countries.

    The movie was well received by members of the press, staff of the Canadian High Commission and all invited guests who lauded DRY, a world-class movie which is being used as a tool to create awareness about the plight of the African Child.

    Here are some photos from the event:

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  • DRY Gets 12 Nominations For The Nollywood & African Film Critics’ Awards (NAFCA) 2016!

    Hey dearies,

    I’m so happy to share that DRY has again gotten some nominations for a prestigious Award in the diaspora.  This time, it’s the NAFCA.

    The Nollywood & African Film Critics’ Awards, also known as NAFCA, is an accolade bestowed by the Nollywood Film Critics USA the official movie review organization for Nollywood and African films to recognize excellence of professionals in the African film industry. The annual formal ceremony started September 16, 2011 in North Carolina, USA. Nollywood & African Film Critics’ Awards is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in Africa and the Diaspora.

    DRY received the following nominations in 12 categories:

    1. Best Film
    2. Best Drama
    3. Best Screenplay
    4. Best Visual Effects
    5. Best Cinematography
    6. Best Editing
    7. Best Sound
    8. Best Actor in leading role – Darwin Shaw
    9. Best Actress in leading role – Stephanie Linus
    10. Best Actress in supporting role – Liz Benson Ameye
    11. Best Director in a Film – Stephanie Linus
    12. Best Makeup

    The Awards Ceremony will take place on the 17th of September 2016 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles California, USA and will air worldwide.

    We hope to win some of these awards at the event. Wish us luck!

  • Great News! Gambia & Tanzania Have Banned Child Marriage

    I feel very happy to share this news!

    The campaign against forced and child marriage is yielding good results in more and more African countries, and as a strong advocate against this practice, it gladdens my heart whenever I read that laws have been put in place to protect the rights of children.

    The latest countries to join this train are Gambia and Tanzania. According to a recent news report, child marriage has been banned in both countries and tough penalties will be met on those who are found breaking the law.

    Here is an excerpt from the news report by BBC:

    The Gambia and Tanzania have banned child marriage, with tough penalties for those who breach the rulings.
    Gambia’s President Yayha Jammeh announced that anyone marrying a girl below 18 would be jailed for up to 20 years. In Tanzania, the high court imposed a landmark ruling outlawing marriage under the age of 18 for boys and girls. Some 30% of underage girls are married in The Gambia, while in Tanzania the rate is 37%. Before the Tanzania ruling, girls as young as 14 could marry with parental consent, while it was 18 for boys.

    Putting such laws in place to ban child marriage is definitely a step in the right direction!

    I recall that this was one of the topics we discussed during the African Youth Summit Banjul Plus 10 in Gambia recently which I attended. At the event, my movie DRY which speaks against child marriage was well received and I’m glad we are getting more positive results from that region.

    We need more countries to follow in this direction, thereby creating a safer world for our children.