"We set up Tap Initiative because of failed governance" - Martin Obono

"Bad governance" he says is a major inspiration that led to the birth of Tap initiative- a non-governmental organisation founded by a patriotic lawyer Mr Martin Mbasekei Obono. The organisation seeks to enhance the potentials of Nigerians in terms of the human capital in Nigeria through three thematic areas; Governance and Democracy,  Human rights and Justice as well as Transparency and accountability.

it was indeed an educative and interactive time spent- one that will make realise and understand how powerful you are as a young Nigerian. 

How did you start Tap initiative? 

First of all, Tap was initiated because of the idea of trying to restructure the country so we thought that we need to do a lot of advocacy in terms of moving and changing the constitution to accommodate local government autonomy, state autonomy, fiscal federalism and the rest of that so we thought the best thing to do is to carry out a campaign for a constitutional amendment which would make us have a structured economy. 

" The thought of having a peaceful country." At the point when there was crisis between the North and South was when Tap actually had its first project called STATE OF NG and what we did with that project was to partner with a organisations like Global Shapers, Play Network, Yali Network, etc to then have a kind of symposium where we brought in youth ethnic groups - Ohaneze Youth forum, Arewa Youths  Consultative forum, Oduduwa Nationalistic Coalition as well as Ijaw Youths Council. We deliberated over the issues and decided that the best thing for us is to stay together as ONE NIGERIA." 

What is your major inspiration? 

Failed governance! if you look around you, you would notice that the government has in one or the other failed us that is why Tap initiative came to life. I can rightly say that bad government is my major inspiration.

Any challenge/s?

Funding is a major challenge.

How do you face your challenges?

 We get individuals and organisations to partner with us.

You can catch Mr Obono on any Nigerian TV Station- trust me, his boldness and level of patriotism is one that needs to be showcased. See more photos of him after the cut;

Recently, Tap Initiative had a project called PVC Football which was a voters' education project - they brought together Nigerian Football Legends like  Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Ikpeba, Samson Siasia, Uche Okechukwu, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West and a host of others ( they made up the Nigerian National Team that won the African Cup of Nations  against Zambia in 1994) to play against the Nigerian National Team that won the African Cup of Nations  against Burkina-Faso in 2013 - the likes of Joseph Yobo and a host of others. 

The event was held at Yaba Tech sport complex Lagos on the 9th of February, 2019 and the only thing people needed to get in to watch the match is their PVCs....... Interesting!

See photos of the event below;

Joseph Yobo

Kanu Nwankwo

Victor Ikpeba and Samson Siasia

The teams and the officials!

Your PVC admits!

"Prioritising is very key"- Oby Ohakim

She is a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a wife and most importantly, a mother. She is Barr. (Mrs.) Oby Ohakim- the founder of ProjectBaby Nigeria.                                           
                                                                 

                                           

Let's get to know her;

My name is Oby Ohakim. I'm an in-house counsel at a Quasi-government agency and I specialize in corporate litigation. I'm also the founder of ProjectBaby Nigeria and I'm the mother of 2 truly exceptional boys – J and CJ. 

    What is ProjectBaby Nigeria about? 

ProjectBaby Nigeria is a God-led vision which developed out of my passion for Early Learning!! Basically, we design and create innovative and affordable Early Learning Resources which encourage multi -sensorial learning through play!! We believe that by learning through play, children develop a lifelong enthusiasm for thinking for themselves.

Our goal is to inspire young mothers, caregivers and preschools - to engage their kids in hands on learning activities using age-appropriate learning resources; rather than through Screen time. 

 What’s your inspiration?

My 2 boys – J and CJ, are my inspiration. By watching my kids development and how they learn through play; I’m constantly inspired to design and produce resources with a child's academic and social development in mind.

Essentially, ProjectBaby evolved out of the desire and need to make unique learning resources easily accessible in Africa, taking into account the affordability of same.

More so, I've always had a passion for early learning with my mother being the Proprietress of Divine Offspring International School (with 5 branches in Lagos) I grew up learning with resources like these and with my kids I've always adopted this hands on practical approach to learning.

How did you start projectbaby?

I first started my “mommy blog” www.playsuitsandlawsuits.com in 2016 - as a way to share my experience as a young working mom. However, the blog surprisingly grew into a very useful online resource providing tips, encouragement and inspiration to other new moms – like me, who were just trying to figure out parenting the best way we can.

By September, 2017, the “mom community” had organically grown, and I started ProjectBaby Nigeria to encourage young mothers on the benefits of engaging children through purposeful play and use of age-appropriate learning resources.

 What challenges do you face?

I'll say my biggest challenge generally is trying to find a balance – being an active, present mother and still trying to be a good employee, and run a business. It's a bit tricky and can be difficult because young kids require a lot of attention, and so does a full-time job. 

 How do you overcome those challenges?

I’m very big on prioritising, creating plans, schedules, lists and sorting things – this kind of helps me stay organised and on top of things.

It was indeed a mind-blowing and very interactive session with her...... Did I mention the fact that she is very chic? yep! I just did!

Momma and her boys- J and CJ

With her hubby and first born son

Momma Showstopper!

"Sean John is my inspiration"- Bolaji Sparks.

Inspired by Sean "PDiddy" Combs years ago, Today you can rightly say he brought his dream to reality by being one of Nigeria's recognised fashion designers. Interestingly, he is a lawyer and the founder of the Bolaji Sparks Foundation- a charity project that deals with promoting education, community development  as well as helping the less privileged in our societies. He is Bolaji Habeeb Olumoh- the brain behind the "Bolaji Sparks" brand.

Bolaji's story is one that inspires me so much- read below;

"I started in my final year of university- I attended University of Ilorin, Kwara state. I kicked-off  with 3000 Naira which was my pocket money at the time and started by  making a customised shirt which I wore and advertised around the hostels. Gradually, I grew into making natives, suits and today, I have my own shoe line"

Speaking of challenges? Like every other entrepreneur, Bolaji has faced a few challenges- read what he had to say below; 

"First, I had to hide all I was doing from my folks at home as at the time - all my parents wanted was for me to get my law degree. Also, I started with little or no capital and that played a huge role but I was never going to give up. Also, people did not want to pay for the value of what I was giving them. They always wanted to pay less but with time, it changed because I was persistent and consistent.  GIVING UP IS NEVER AN OPTION. I owe it to God- He is the source and the only reason I am at the level I am now".

The legendary Timi Dakolo dressed in a Bolaji Sparks Agbada
with his beautiful wife

The Duke of Spades Mr Richard graced in a Bolaji Sparks attire on his big day.

The Duke and his Duchess

Style Defined!

The Richi2019 Crew