Int’l Women’s Day: Spazio Ideale celebrates women’s resilience, ingenuity

In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, Spazio Ideale, a woman-owned firm, has stressed the need to challenge stereotypes and create environments where women are valued, treated fairly, and respected.

With the theme; ‘Inspire Inclusion’, Managing Director, Spazio Ideale, Tomi Olatunbode, said today “serves as a reminder that achieving gender parity requires fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.”

Determined to creating inclusive environment, she added ten extraordinary women who are thriving in traditionally male-dominated fields are celebrated today.

These women are pioneering a path toward inclusion and diversity in every aspect of professional life. They are: Utibe (Tibby) Omoare, Chioma Ukpabi and Omobolanle Ojeniyi.

Others include: Oluchi Mary Nsofor, Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Mama Dora, Adele Temitope Elizabeth, Grace James, Eno-Obong Essien and Honour Akin.

Capturing African Heritage Through Photography

Utibe Omoare, lead photographer at Studio Asi-an, combines her architecture and design expertise with a passion for photography to showcase African design diversity. Utibe’s journey as a photographer is deeply rooted in her love for African culture and design. Growing up surrounded by Africa’s rich architectural heritage, she developed a unique perspective on the intersection of art and architecture. Through her photography, Utibe seeks to share African design with a global audience, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the beauty of her heritage. From her early fascination with the rich architectural heritage of Nigeria to her pursuit of knowledge at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Utibe’s journey shows dedication and passion for her craft. Her work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

Empowering youths through skills acquisition

Chioma Ukpabi, the founder of ed-tech startup SUWK, is revolutionising Nigeria’s skills and workforce structure. Through innovative partnerships and impact-driven leadership, SUWK has upskilled over 2,000 individuals, with a goal of uplifting over 15,000 youths annually across Africa by 2025. Chioma’s dedication to tackling inequality through education is shaping the future of workforce development in the region. Her passion for empowering young people stems from her experiences growing up in Nigeria.

By partnering with corporations to provide demand-driven training and access to digital livelihoods, Chioma has transformed the lives of over 2,000 individuals and counting. Her impact-driven leadership and dedication to tackling inequality have garnered global recognition, including the prestigious YALI Leadership Award. Her journey from student to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of education and its transformative impact on individuals and communities.

Creating sustainable furniture designs

Omobolanle Ojeniyi, founder of Ibuild, is making waves in the furniture and woodworking industry with her passion for product design and craftsmanship. Through her work, Omobolanle aims to create unique experiences for spaces and businesses while empowering local artisans through technology and innovation. Omobolanle’s journey as a furniture designer began during her university years when she discovered her passion for woodworking. Despite studying sociology, she pursued her interest in furniture design through apprenticeships and specialised training programmes. She quickly rose through the ranks to establish her brand, Ibuild, officially registered as Designbyblark.

Driven by a desire to create impactful and aesthetically pleasing furniture designs, Omobolanle combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to bring her visions to life. Her commitment to quality and innovation has earned her recognition and accolades within the industry, cementing her reputation as a rising star in furniture design. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

Telling compelling stories through filmmaking

Oluchi Mary Nsofor is a visionary filmmaker, media producer and Director, dedicated to amplifying the voices of African communities and raising awareness about life in an African society through storytelling. With a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Oluchi embarked on a journey to shed light on the social and cultural nuances of African society.

Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and those of others, she creates films that resonate with audiences worldwide. Through collaborations with brands and impactful documentaries, Oluchi’s work sheds light on important social and cultural issues, earning her nominations and recognition in the film industry such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Her documentary, ‘Green: The Amazons,’ garnered critical acclaim in Nigeria, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in African cinema. In addition to her filmmaking endeavours, Oluchi is passionate about mentorship and community engagement. She leverages her platform to inspire aspiring filmmakers and advocates for greater representation of African narratives in the global media landscape. Through her unwavering dedication to storytelling and social change, Oluchi remains committed to her craft, using storytelling as a tool for social change and empowerment and showcasing the ability for film to inspire, educate, and provoke meaningful conversations.

Pioneering excellence in legal practice and governance

Ummahani Ahmad Amin is a distinguished legal practitioner with over 15 years of multifaceted experience in corporate governance, public policy, and finance. Her journey in the legal profession is characterised by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity. Since obtaining her qualifying certificate to practice law in Nigeria in 2003, she has navigated through various roles in both the public and private sectors, leaving an indelible mark at every step of her career.

From serving as the Senior Special Assistant (Technical) to the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2009 to her current positions as the founder and Managing Partner of the Metropolitan Law Firm and Managing Director/CEO of The Metropolitan Skills Ltd., Ummahani’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape of Nigeria. Ummahani’s expertise extends beyond the courtroom, as she actively participates in various advisory boards and committees.

Her appointments to the boards of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Radix Pension Managers, One17 Capital Limited, and Salam Takaful Insurance Limited reflect her influence and impact in the corporate sector. In addition to her professional achievements, Ummahani is deeply committed to philanthropy and community development. She is a trustee of The Metropolitan Waqf, an Islamic endowment fund she founded to promote formal education in Northern Nigeria, underscoring her dedication to creating positive change in underserved communities. Her achievements and recognition in the legal field reflect her unwavering commitment to advancing justice and equality for all.

Preserving African culinary heritage

Mama Dora, founded by Natalie, Ann Marie, and Hilary, honours African culinary heritage through innovative products made from locally grown ingredients. Despite facing challenges in their entrepreneurial journey, the sisters’ dedication to healthier living and cultural preservation has led to the successful distribution of over 4000 products. Their vision of making Mama Dora products a household staple in Nigeria by 2031 reflects their unwavering determination and commitment to positive change.

Mama Dora’s journey is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and entrepreneurship. Inspired by their grandmother’s culinary legacy, these sisters are on a mission to share the flavours of their childhood with the world. By using locally grown ingredients and creating opportunities for local artisans, Mama Dora is not just a brand but a catalyst for positive change. Through perseverance and innovation, they’ve created a brand that celebrates African cuisine and promotes healthier living and community empowerment.

Breaking stereotypes through footwear

Adele Temitope Elizabeth, founder of Lizadel Craft, challenges stereotypes in the footwear industry through her premium leather footwear and accessories brand. Despite initial backlash, Adele’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship has earned her recognition and clientele across Nigeria and beyond, reinforcing her belief in breaking barriers through excellence. Growing up, Adele always had a passion for shoes and dreamed of creating her line of premium leather footwear. Undeterred by the challenges and competition in the industry, Adele embarked on a journey of self discovery and skill acquisition. During her final year of study, amidst the challenges of the Covid pandemic, she decided to learn the craft of shoemaking herself. She spent countless hours honing her skills and perfecting her craft.

Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including financial constraints and limited resources, Adele remained focused on her goal. She poured her heart and soul into every pair of shoes, ensuring they met the highest quality and durability standards. Eventually, Adele’s hard work and dedication paid off. Customers who initially doubted her abilities were astounded by her creations’ impeccable quality and craftsmanship. Word of mouth spread, and Adele’s brand, Lizadel Craft, soon gained recognition. Today, Lizadel Craft is a testament to Adele’s unwavering determination and passion for craftsmanship.

Educating Young Minds About Climate Change

Grace James, founder of GreenQuest, is educating children about climate change and create social impact. With a passion for environmental sustainability, Grace’s innovative approach inspires the next generation to become stewards of the planet. Her commitment to raising awareness about climate change through technology paves the way for a more sustainable future. Grace’s journey as a social entrepreneur is rooted in her desire to impact the world positively. Inspired by her childhood experiences and a deep love for nature, she founded GreenQuest to empower children with the knowledge and tools to address environmental challenges. Grace’s dedication to her cause has earned her recognition and accolades, From participating in events like the International Model United Nations conference to being a Youth4Climate 2023 finalist, Grace’s advocacy for climate action has earned her recognition on both local and international platforms. Her dedication to raising awareness about climate change through innovative technology is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Pioneering vehicle tracking and recovery

Eno-Obong Essien, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Rheytrak Limited, stands as a beacon of success in the vehicle tracking industry. Established at the age of twenty-five with no prior work experience, Eno has led Rheytrak to remarkable achievements, including an exceptionally high success rate in vehicle recovery. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her craft has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, cementing her status as a trailblazer in her field. Eno’s journey from a young graduate of Microbiology to the first licensed female CEO in the vehicle tracking industry in Nigeria is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, she persevered, driven by her passion for leveraging technology to address societal needs.

Eno’s leadership and innovative approach have transformed her company and inspired countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Despite starting with no prior work experience, Eno’s innovative approach and dedication to quality propelled Rheytrak to remarkable success. Eno’s commitment to excellence extends beyond business success. As a breast cancer survivor, she embodies resilience and strength, inspiring others to overcome adversity. Her numerous awards and recognitions, including the Exquisite Ladies of The Year (ELOY) Award for Woman Who Inspires and the Nigeria Women Achievers Award for Enterprising Humanitarian Personality of the Year, highlight her impact and influence in the industry.

Redefining the real estate industry

Honour Akin leads Karis Realty Consult Ltd, a real estate company dedicated to maintaining quality and establishing a strong identity in the sector, through her unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and expertise. Her journey is marked by her determination to challenge stereotypes and empower others. She is committed to creating opportunities for others. By training young individuals to become sales executives, she is not only expanding her company’s reach but also empowering individuals to progress in their careers. Honour’s dedication to empowering others has been recognized with her nomination for the 25 under 25 award in the real estate category, showcasing her ongoing impact and influence in the industry.