Stephanie Linus Daily

Category: Uncategorized

Do You Really Know Who You Are?

Have you ever wondered how important it is to really know who you are? Trust me, it’s more important than you think.

Finding that uniqueness in you that would ultimately lead you to purpose and fulfillment. And you can only discover that by trying.

It may sound cliché but knowing who you are is the key to unlocking that door that you desperately want to open. Knowing who you are will help you when it’s time to fight. Fight for the career you want, fight for the messages you want to pass across, fight for the people who mean the most to you and fight for the kind of world you want to live in. Finding or discovering your passion and following it can lead to opportunities that you have never imagined.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an actress. I wanted to tell stories and make people visualize those things I could only see in my mind. Pursuing this creative streak led me to activism – activism led me to speak out for the marginalized in our society using my artistic skills – then led to meeting people all around the world who connected with my vision – and ultimately, that vision led me here today. You may have a similar career with the person seated next to you, but how you execute your tasks must be different from that person.

Being normal will never make a person extraordinary. Don’t play it safe and don’t be afraid of criticism. I’ve had more than a fair share of that. When I decided to make a socially relevant movie about fistula, people told me it would be a flop. They told me I would lose money and that no one would be interested in it. To make matters more complicated, I decided to name the movie ‘DRY’. You can imagine – they concluded that it would be ‘DRY’ before even seeing it! Today, that vision has not only changed lives and educate people around the world but has birthed a movement for maternal health and women empowerment that I hope would someday outlive me.

To achieve excellence, you need to stretch out of your comfort zone. I’m not promising you that your efforts would always end in success. You would fail a number of times, that I can promise you. But you see, that’s the beauty in it. The journey. Don’t miss that. The journey IS the destination and greatness belongs to those why try. Life is about growing and learning new skills that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives. There will be times when you feel like you cannot possibly go on. There will be times when you think you are backed against the wall. Fear is going to be a player in your life, but you get to decide how much. There will be obstacles along your way, but stay on that path, your own unique path, and you would surely get what you desire. It is the difficult days, the ones that challenge you to your very core that will determine who you are.

July 22, 2019
His Grace Will See You Through

When we face difficulties, it’s important to remember that our words have power:

“The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21).

So while it might be tempting to say, “I don’t know how I’m going to make it…” the truth is, “I will make it with God’s help because God promises, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

The grace of God will find you. No matter where you’ve gone or how far you’ve drifted nowhere is out of the reach of God’s grace.

No matter what storm you face, God will see you through. He is faithful.

I say unto you, keep praying and trusting in God. Do not turn right or left, but press on straight ahead. Do not give up, His grace will see you through.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I pray that God’s grace will be sufficient for you this day and always.

When you’re facing hard times, what scriptures do you lean on to remind yourself that God will see you through the storm? Please share them in the comments.

July 21, 2019
Nelson Mandela International Day 18 July

In recognition of former South African President and his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. The UN’s General Assembly declares 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day”.

Furthermore, the resolution recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in conflict resolution, race relations promotion, protection of human rights and gender equality.

In addition, he also fought for the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; against poverty and promoted social justice.

Read: Do you know FISTULA can be prevented?

However, the world will always remember Mandela for his contribution to the fight for democracy internationally and also for promoting a culture of peace throughout the world.

In celebration of this special day in Africa’s history, here are three quotes Mandela would always be remembered by:

Read: Our common humanity demands that we make the impossible possible. – World Leaders at Nelson Mandel Peace Summit

July 18, 2019
Photos From My Little Sister’s Wedding!

It was my little sister Chioma‘s wedding a while back and I’m so happy and grateful to God for the journey she’s embarking upon with her wonderful husband. It was truly a joyous day for my family and I’m thankful for everyone who came to celebrate with us and share our joy. You made it truly special.

Big thanks also to all my SL Fabz for your kind and warm wishes. I pray you shall continue to have reasons to celebrate in your homes always.

Please wish my sister now Mrs. Moses, a happy married life!

Photos From My Little Sister’s Wedding!

Event Planner @eventperfektltd
Hair @ferdinandshair
Make-up @flawlessfacesbyjane
Photography @mofebamuyiwa

July 15, 2019
Photos From The Official Launch Of UNFPA At 50 & ICPD At 25

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the trajectory-changing International Conference on Population and Development, also in tandem with UNFPA at the age of 50.

I attended the official celebration in my capacity as the UNFPA Regional Ambassador for West and Central Africa.

The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo was a milestone in the history of population and development, as well as in the history of women’s rights.

World population has grown from 3.6 billion in 1969 to 7.7 billion today (in Nigeria from 140.4 million in 2006 to 194 million in 2018 at a growth rate of 3.2%).

Demographic trends are more diverse- aging in the developed world, youth bulge and underemployment in the developing world.

There is increased urbanization, mobility and displacement as well as the threat of climate change among others.

In Nigeria, one in four women who are in need of family planning services does not have access. Untold millions of women affected by war or disaster are cut off from reproductive health services.

The event called for full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action in Nigeria because of its link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

More investment should be done for women and girls, especially in the area of reproductive health services.

PHOTOS:

July 13, 2019
Fistula Can Be Prevented, Let’s Take Action!

Every time I go on an awareness campaign such as my recent visit to Sokoto, it reminds me of the importance of revamping our healthcare system.

I’ll never get tired of saying this – Fistula can be prevented!

We have a collective responsibility as a nation to continue the cause of eradicating fistula.

Our girls and women don’t have to suffer like this.

Let us ensure the health and dignity of the vulnerable people in our society by encouraging better health and lifestyle practices for all.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with about 180 million people.

Despite the abundance of natural resources and cultural diversity, Nigeria’s health indicators are shockingly poor with high rates of maternal and infant mortality and a low life expectancy.

Although Nigeria constitutes only 2% of the world’s population, it accounts for 10% of the world’s maternal mortality rate in childbirth.

Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, or both, caused by prolonged labor without prompt medical intervention, such as a Caesarean section.

Affected women suffer chronic incontinence, which can result in stigma and social isolation.

Estimate:

An estimated 2 million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, Latin America and the Caribbean live with obstetric fistula and yet, the health condition is practically unheard of in the United States and other Western nations because fistula is largely preventable in places where there is access to timely obstetric care.

Few things to consider to prevent o savage the existing situation.

Policymakers must increase access to fistula treatment and promote interventions that can prevent fistula from occurring routine antenatal care and delivery under the care of a skilled birth attendant such as a doctor, nurse or midwife.

Traditional rulers and officials must also work to prevent early marriage.

Premature pelvis makes it more likely for a girl to experience obstructed labor during childbirth and develop a fistula.

I hope someone is informed and inspired to take action today. Let us protect our girls and women!

July 12, 2019
World Population Day 2019

There are more than 7 billion people on planet earth right now. Such a mind-boggling figure, but what does that really mean?

The Governing Council of the United Nations created World Population Day in 1989 to raise awareness about the problems caused by overpopulation.

This year’s celebration calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

However, 25 years have passed since that landmark conference, where 179 governments recognized that reproductive health and gender equality are essential for achieving sustainable development.

I find this year’s celebration very interesting, because reproductive health and gender equality are brought to the fore.

On a day like this, advocates from around the world call on leaders, policymakers, grassroots organizers, and others, to help make reproductive health a reality for all.

Reproductive health, gender equality, and women’s empowerment are intertwined and they are necessary for the advancement of society.

Securing reproductive health, individual rights and women’s empowerment is the obligation of every country and community and I join my voice today to say let’s take action!

July 11, 2019
Pastor Paul Adefarasin Hosts Faculty Of The Del-York Creative Academy

On Sunday 2nd June 2019, the founder of the Del-York Creative Academy (DCA), Africa’s premier filmmaking and media training hub M. Linus Idahosa and his wife, Actress Stephanie Linus alongside DCA Lecturers, DCA-US Representatives and the local Del-York Team were hosted by the Metropolitan Senior Pastor (MSP) of the House on the Rock (HOTR) Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his First Lady (FL) Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin.

During the meeting at the HOTR Sitting Conference Room, MSP Paul Adefarasin appreciated the unrivaled and noble efforts of the academy in training African creative talents. The Lecturers expressed delight at meeting MSP Paul Adefarasin and his wife Ifeanyi Adefarasin. They revealed that the month-long training has been impactful; DCA students are eager and committed to changing the African narrative through storytelling and they were honoured to be in Nigeria building the African Creative Industry in partnership with the Del-York Creative Academy.

While commending the founder of the academy, Mr. Linus Idahosa, for his world-class investment in African talents, MSP Paul Adefarasin celebrated the prolific DCA Lecturers for “sacrificing their time in a bid to better invest in the Nigerian Media and Filmmaking Industry.” He made the remark while assuring the founder of the academy and the DCA team that the academy’s training will greatly impact the African creative industry and improve the African storytelling culture.

The visit was not concluded until MSP Paul Adefarasin and his wife FL Ifeanyi Adefarasin explained the significance of names and proceeded to give all the DCA lecturers native names.

Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his First Lady (FL) Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin. presented them with several tomes on our Nigerian heritage and history (including the rich Benin culture and the notable Benin Wall), which he said he hopes will fuel their desire for knowledge of the motherland and influence their artistry about this vast and rich Nation and the African Continent as a whole.

Pastor Paul said he believes unequivocally that their visit will greatly impact and strengthen the creative industry in Nollywood, improve our storytelling culture and birth many productive partnerships.

June 6, 2019
World Environment Day 2019
World Environment Day celebrated annually on 5 June is an initiative that the United Nations launched in an attempt to effectively combat problems of environmental degradation.

Every year, the UN marks a different focus to commemorate the day.

The country hosting the main event for the year chooses the theme for World Environment Day.

However, China took over the task, choosing ‘Beat Air Pollution‘ as the theme this year.

Approximately 7 million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution, with about 4 million of these deaths occurring in Asia-Pacific.

World Environment Day 2019 will urge governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technologies and improve air quality in cities and regions across the world.

Air Pollution facts:
- 92 percent of people worldwide do not breathe clean air
- Air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in welfare costs
- Ground-level ozone pollution is expected to reduce staple crop yields by 26 percent by 2030
I hope this video inspires us all to take better care of our environment, especially for the sake of our children:
June 5, 2019
The Truth About The Sassy & Confident Woman

When she says she can be anything she wants to be, that’s not a lie. She is not saying that because she is proud and puffed up. She is not saying that to make others think that they are less than her. She is not saying that to make others feel intimidated.

She is saying that because it’s the honest truth.

She is the kind of woman who wakes up every morning feeling excited about her day and all that she can achieve. She is not where she wants to be yet, but she is working hard day and night to get there. Whenever she experiences a stumbling block or a rejection, she goes back to the drawing board and maps out a new direction to achieving her dreams. She never lets negative comments get the best of her. She is happy about other people’s successes and celebrates with them. She understands that everyone has their time and season and is not let down when things don’t seem to be working out for her.

She is passionate, she is creative, she is full of zeal. She believes in love and relationships and builds many lasting ones. She is good at making conversations with different classes of people and this makes her warm and enedearing. She is kind to all; old and young, rich and poor. She believes in people and what is inside of them and helps others realise their potential. She is the kind of woman you want to be around.

She is a good team leader and a great team member as well. It doesn’t matter who is giving directions, she is happy to follow them as long as they are good. She is opinionated but she is a great listener, she is tough when she needs to be but gentle at the same time.

She dreams big, really really big. She is able to get people to believe in her dreams because the ultimate goal with all of her aspirations is to touch people’s lives in a positive way. She has a good relationship with people in powerful positions, but has the humility of your girl next door. She is sassy, she is confident and she is you!

December 13, 2018