Last week, to the dismay and pleasure of many, President Goodluck Jonathan finally declared his ambition to run for re-election in 2015. Mixed feelings have no doubt trailed his performance as president since his election in 2007. In this interview, Hajia Bilikisu Ohiani-David, National Coordinator, Goodluck Initiatives ’15 (Gio 15), fields questions on why Jonathan deserves a second term, citing instances of his work in the lives of women and youths. It would be recalled that Gio was one of the few groups that campaigned for Jonathan’s election in 2007.

Three-time Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ogun State, Doyin Ogunbiyi is the first and current Chairman of the state’s Technical and Vocational Board. In this interview, Doyin who is proudly of Egba origin talks about her broken marriage, life as a politician and her helpless dislike for fame which she says has been synonymous with her life ever since her days at the Nigerian Television Authority.

Alhaja Zeenat Abiola Kalejaiye is an exceptional woman. A sincere pursuer of societal development, the devout Muslim would stop at nothing to ensure anyone that comes her way smiles for life. This trait has trailed her from childhood and doesn’t seem to let go soon. An Islamic lecturer, missioner and businesswoman of repute, Zeenab who is Founder, Al-Ghityath Lil-Muslimat Foundation and Executive Director, Zeekay Vocational Training Centre, ZEVOTRAC, had a chat with Feminista in her Ikorodu office in Lagos where she is saving hundreds of lives from lack.

Stephanie Chijioke-Wabara, is a graduate of Business Management, Middlesex University, in the Emirates.This beauty queen, wife,actress and Business woman is a native of Imo state.

Adaobi Alex-Oni has a personality that is predisposed to challenges, creativity. She likes to intellectually stimulate and engage brilliant people from all spheres of life. She is a grass root motivator and the convener and initiator of the ROWEAD and WOW-I initiative

Gloria Egbuji, legal prac titioner and activist has been involved in social works and researches for over a decade. She is currently the executive director of Crime victim’s foundation, with focus on support for victims of crime and abuse of power. Her interaction with victims of crime, practitioners around the globe, law enforcement officials, sociologists and criminologist has added to her vast experience.

Nigerian-Sierra Leonean Marie Hassan-Dugbe is a US-trained nurse who has just relocated to Africa after decades of professional practice in the US. Marie says she is in Africa to pursue her dream of bringing solace to women who, according to her, are faced with too many challenges. Dugbe was in Nigeria months back where she met the founder of Uplifting Women through Farming, UWTF, Afoma Adigwe.

Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi studied Cultural Diversity Awareness in Scotland and this broadened her horizon about the world. The Pan-Africanist and multiple award recipient is a die-hard advocate for the inclusion of women in nation building and mentoring of the younger generation. Bukky, as she is fondly called, is the Founder of Women in Nation Building-WINB and Group Executive Director, DW Realtors, an international real estate development company. Enjoy our chat with her!

The Nigerian government has been advised to diligently implement international instruments intended to advance the well-being of women and children.

This call was made at the 50th anniversary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, organized by the Lagos chapter of the group in Lagos.

It is quite soothing to know that the era of women struggling for recognition is waning in Africa, especially with the the likes of Nigerian-born Elisha Attai. The founder of African Women in Leadership Organisation, AWLO, Elisha vehemently believes Africa’s hope for advancement can only be achieved when its women are embraced as partners in progress.