Lifestyle - Women Times

AXA Mansard Health Pledges Enhanced Service Delivery, Customer-Centric Approach at South-West Providers’ Forum

by Women Times on May 1, 2025

AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare to its millions of customers nationwide.

During the recent South-West Provider Forum held in Ibadan, CEO Tope Adeniyi emphasized that the event underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services across Nigeria.

Adeniyi explained that the forum serves as a platform for AXA Mansard Health to engage with its providers and explore innovative ways to enhance patient care. “At AXA Mansard Health, our core value is putting the customer first. This isn’t just a slogan—it’s the guiding principle behind everything we do, from product development and process improvements to CSR initiatives. We are built on protecting what matters most to our customers, and it’s through our providers—hospitals, clinics, labs—that this value is realized. Today’s gathering is about strengthening these partnerships to ensure our customers receive the best healthcare possible,” he stated.

He further highlighted, “Our customers always come first, followed closely by our providers. Maintaining this model will keep us at the forefront of healthcare in Nigeria. Our vision is to expand our reach across the country, bringing premium healthcare services to every Nigerian, because they deserve it. These forums are vital for building strong collaborations with our providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.”

Since its inception, the forum series has been held in major cities, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Ibadan, and Abuja, over the past four months. It reflects AXA Mansard Health’s commitment to bridging the healthcare gap and making quality services accessible beyond Nigeria’s urban centers. This nationwide approach fosters collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing the distinct healthcare challenges faced across different regions.

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant hurdles, with just about 4.08% of GDP allocated to health and a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:10,000—far below the WHO recommendation of 1:600. Rural areas often experience limited access and higher out-of-pocket costs, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this Providers’ Forum to improve healthcare delivery for all Nigerians.

AXA Mansard Health remains committed to enhancing its offerings and the overall healthcare experience through these engagements. The company plans to host future forums in the Southeast region, further demonstrating its dedication to ensuring quality healthcare is within reach for every Nigerian.

“As we look toward 2025, the insights and feedback from these forums will be instrumental in shaping our strategies to improve customer experience and expand access to quality healthcare across Nigeria,” Adeniyi concluded.

Fashionista

Empowering Through Style: How Omidiora Titilayo is Redefining Nigerian Fashion from Ibadan

by Women Times on April 18, 2025

For Omidiora Titilayo Alice , the founder and Creative Director of Blaze Seam Fashion house located in Ibadan the Capital city of Oyo state, Fashion is part of her soul . But unlike other Fashion designers, her mission is to help people especailly fashion enthusiasts to express their individuality and confidence through intentional styling and timeless designs.

The Ibadan based designer who has successfully carved herself a niche in Nigeria’s fashion industry said she aim to tailor her brand to specifically suit and compliment Nigerians , while remaining stylish yet comfortable, functional and affordable.

Before venturing into Fashion World, Titilayo had a stint in modeling while she was a student of University of Ibadan .According to her , Blaze Seam was born out of a passion she had nurtured while studying and modeling

She said “The Brand idea came up when i was modeling for fashion brands and then began crafting pieces during school breaks.The rest is now history . My aim is to shift away from Western-centric fashion styles and norms, i want to put a Pan Nigeria/African clothing needs with versatile fabrics and fits, where it will be acceptable and accomodated globally..

When asked about her unique selling point, She smiled and said ” Sometimes last year , we decided to think outside the box by shifting from the industry style of focusing only on branding for a particular gender . At the moment, my brand is gradually gaining huge followership among the male folks beacuse of our unique style of making Vintage.Shirts and the rest .”

Born to a family of Five children where she’s the only female child . , the award winning entrepreneur who has won several fashion awards believe Nigerias Fashion industry is the place to be due to the economic growth and development activities taking place.”There are lot of opportunities in the industry , we are just scrathing the surface. Famous Fashion designers are trooping in to different countries in Africa daily to seek for new ideas and styles .one only needs to get into it with full confidence.” she disclosed . This could mean – as a next step – expanding her business, and providing high-quality clothing across Nigeria and beyond .

With its headquarter in Ibadan, Blaze Seam have showcased its brand in several runways and Fashion shows in Nigeria including the famous Ibadan Ankara Fiesta . .The Brand is expected to participate in the forthcoming Swiss/Nigeria beauty and Fashion exhibition where she aim to expand her clientele outside south west part of Nigeria to other part of Nigeria and beyond.

Health Uncategorized

UNICEF Donates 1.4 Million Polio Vaccines to Adamawa, Aiding Women and Children’s Healthh

by Women Times on April 17, 2025

By Prosper Mene, 18 April 2025

In effects to eradicate polio in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1.433 million doses of polio vaccines to the Adamawa State government. This generous contribution, announced on April 17, 2025, targets children aged 0 to 59 months in an upcoming immunization campaign, reinforcing the state’s efforts to protect its youngest citizens from the crippling disease. Beyond its immediate goal of polio eradication, this initiative carries profound benefits for women in Adamawa, empowering them through improved child health, reduced caregiving burdens, and enhanced opportunities for personal and community development.

Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, can lead to irreversible paralysis, particularly in young children. Adamawa, like many regions in northern Nigeria, has faced challenges in achieving universal immunization coverage due to logistical barriers and socio-economic constraints. UNICEF’s donation addresses these gaps by ensuring a robust supply of vaccines, enabling health workers to reach even the most remote communities. The campaign will involve door-to-door vaccinations and community health outreaches, ensuring that every eligible child is protected.

For women in Adamawa, this initiative is a transformative step forward. Mothers, grandmothers, and female caregivers bear the primary responsibility for nurturing young children, including those affected by polio-related disabilities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of caring for a child with polio can be immense, limiting women’s ability to engage in income-generating activities, education, or community leadership. By preventing polio through widespread immunization, UNICEF’s donation alleviates these burdens, freeing women to pursue opportunities that enhance their economic independence and social empowerment.

Moreover, the campaign creates ripple effects for women’s health and agency. Immunization drives often serve as platforms for health education, where women learn about childcare, nutrition, and disease prevention. These interactions strengthen community health networks, many of which are led by female health workers and volunteers. In Adamawa, where women make up a significant portion of the community health workforce, such initiatives amplify their visibility and influence, fostering leadership and advocacy for broader gender equality.

Adamawa’s health authorities have expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s support, noting that the vaccines will bolster routine immunization programs and strengthen the state’s health infrastructure. For women, this means not only healthier children but also a more resilient healthcare system that supports their families’ well-being.

Entertainment

Nigerian Women in Nollywood Shine as “My Father’s Shadow” Heads to Cannes 2025

by Women Times on April 14, 2025

By Prosper Mene, April 14, 2025

Excitement showed across Nigeria’s creative scene as online conversations lit up with pride for women in the arts, particularly those shaping Nollywood’s bright future. At the heart of the buzz was “My Father’s Shadow,” a groundbreaking film by Akinola Davies Jr., which has earned a historic spot in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. The milestone sparked widespread celebration, with many spotlighting the vital role Nigerian women are playing in elevating the country’s film industry on the global stage.

Social media platforms buzzed with praise for Nollywood’s female trailblazers, producers, writers, actors, and directors who are pushing boundaries and telling authentic Nigerian stories. Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the film’s co-producer and CEO of Fatherland Productions, was a point of admiration for her work in bringing “My Father’s Shadow” to life. The film, a deeply personal drama set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election, weaves together Yoruba, Pidgin, and the vibrant streets of Lagos and Ibadan, resonating with audiences for its cultural authenticity.

“Women like Funmbi are showing the world what Nigerian creativity can do,” one online post read, capturing the sentiment of many who see this Cannes selection as a win for female filmmakers. Discussions cited how women are not only starring in Nollywood’s stories but also steering its direction, crafting narratives that reflect Nigeria’s rich heritage and complex realities. From Uzoamaka Aniunoh’s powerful performance in the film to the countless women behind the scenes, the contributions of Nigeria’s female talent were front and center.

For many, this moment feels like a turning point, a chance for Nigerian women to claim their space in global cinema. “Our women are telling stories that matter, and the world is finally listening,” another fan shared online, summing up the pride swelling across the nation.

Come Cannes 2025, from May 13 to 24, Nigeria’s creative community is rallying behind “My Father’s Shadow” and the women helping make it a reality. Their work is a reminder that Nollywood’s heart beats strong, driven by the vision and resilience of its female storytellers, ready to captivate audiences worldwide.

Entertainment Uncategorized

Nollywood Drama: Opeyemi Aiyeola and Eniola Badmus Clash Over Hair Comment

by Women Times on April 11, 2025

By Prosper Mene, April 11, 2025

Two prominent Nollywood actresses, Opeyemi Aiyeola and Eniola Badmus, have set social media ablaze following a clash that began with a seemingly humorous comment about Aiyeola’s appearance. The public feud, unfolding across Instagram and other platforms, has captivated fans and ignited debates about body-shaming, sensitivity, and boundaries in the entertainment industry.

The controversy started when Opeyemi Aiyeola, a respected actress known for her roles in Yoruba films, posted a video engaging with her fans. In the clip, her receding hairline was visible, drawing attention from viewers. Among the comments, Eniola Badmus, a fellow actress and Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, wrote, “Ope, where is your front hair?” The remark, perceived by many as lighthearted banter, did not sit well with Aiyeola.

In a fiery Instagram Live session on April 10, 2025, Aiyeola responded, accusing Badmus of body-shaming and expressing disappointment, particularly given Badmus’s own history with public criticism over her appearance. “You, Eniola, who have experienced the hurt and pain of body-shaming, could come under my video,” Aiyeola said, calling the comment insensitive and unwarranted. She noted that the two rarely interacted online, making Badmus’s remark feel out of place. Aiyeola’s response was raw and emotional, with strong words labeling Badmus as “ignorant” and questioning her empathy as a public figure.

The video, which Aiyeola later deleted, went viral, fueling discussions among fans. Some praised Aiyeola for standing up for herself, with comments like, “Exactly, you don’t do that with people you aren’t close with,” while others felt her reaction was excessive, suggesting Badmus’s comment was a harmless joke. One fan remarked, “Opeyemi’s reaction reeks of jealousy and resentment. Eniola was joking, maybe a bad one.”

Badmus responded with an apology in the comments section of Aiyeola’s post, stating, “Babe, I was just joking with you, and heaven sees my heart that it’s coming from a place of love based on our relationship, but if you find it offensive, no vex.” However, Aiyeola dismissed the apology as insincere in a follow-up video on April 11, saying, “Her comment of apology, to me, is not genuine.” She also urged her fans not to escalate the conflict, emphasizing that she didn’t want a “social media war.” Aiyeola clarified that she removed her initial video after receiving support from colleagues and fans privately, not because of Badmus’s response.

The clash has highlighted deeper issues within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where public personas are often subjected to intense scrutiny. Aiyeola’s supporters argue that her response sheds light on the emotional toll of unsolicited comments, especially for women navigating personal challenges like hair loss, which may stem from conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia. Badmus’s defenders, meanwhile, point to her track record of enduring harsh criticism herself, suggesting her comment was misjudged rather than malicious.

For now, the spotlight remains on Aiyeola and Badmus, whose clash serves as a reminder of the fine line between humor and harm in the age of social media.

Gist Me Lifestyle News Nigerian women

Nigerian Women Rewrite the Rules of Travel and Adventure.

by Women Times on April 2, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In today’s world where travel can be daunting for those holding Nigeria’s often-stigmatized passport, two Nigerian women are boldly redefining what’s possible. Through media innovation and fearless exploration, Pelumi Nubi and Omolewa Adesuyi

Pelumi Nubi, a Lagos-based travel influencer, launched her much-anticipated YouTube travel show this week, offering an unfiltered look at solo travel across Africa. Her journey is no small feat: Nigeria’s passport ranks among the world’s least powerful, granting visa-free access to just 45 countries, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Add to that safety concerns tied to regional instability, and the odds seem stacked against her. Yet, Nubi’s mission is clear. “I want to show people, especially those with the Nigerian passport, that traveling is possible,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her debut episode, featuring a trek through Ghana’s bustling markets and Senegal’s coastal villages, has already garnered thousands of views, striking a chord with young Nigerians eager to see their continent through her lens. Nubi’s work blends practical tips, like navigating visa rejections, with a celebration of African culture, making her a beacon for aspiring travelers.

On a parallel path, Omolewa Adesuyi is rewriting the script for adventure. The 29-year-old motorbike enthusiast embarked last month on an ambitious ride from Nigeria to South Africa, a 12,000-kilometer journey through diverse terrains and border checkpoints. Documenting her trip on Instagram and TikTok, Adesuyi has captivated followers with footage of dusty savannahs, roadside encounters, and her own grit in the face of mechanical breakdowns and cultural curiosity. “People see a woman on a bike and assume I’m lost or crazy,” she posted recently, laughing off the skepticism. Her ride isn’t just about mileage—it’s a statement against gender norms in a country where women are rarely seen in such rugged pursuits. By amplifying her story on global platforms, Adesuyi is showcasing the tenacity of Nigerian women to an audience far beyond Africa’s borders.

Both women are part of a broad wave of Nigerian female trailblazers gaining traction in 2025. Their efforts come at a time when Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with economic hurdles—high airfares and a weakened naira—yet their ingenuity shines through. Nubi’s show, funded through crowdfunding and small sponsorships, sidesteps traditional media gatekeepers, while Adesuyi’s self-reliant journey relies on her savings and a growing online fanbase. Together, they’re proving that limitations can fuel creativity.

Their stories resonates beyond personal triumph. For many Nigerian women, who face societal expectations to prioritize family over ambition, Nubi and Adesuyi offer a powerful counter-narrative.

News Health Women in Nigeria

Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigerian Women on the Frontlines as Caregivers Demand Support.

by Women Times on April 1, 2025

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria grapples with a deadly Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed 118 lives in the first three months of 2025, women in affected communities are emerging as the unsung heroes, and unintended victims, of this public health crisis. With 645 confirmed cases reported across 33 states by March 31, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), women, often the primary caregivers in households, are bearing the brunt of the disease’s toll, particularly in hard-hit areas like Kano.

The outbreak, which has a case fatality rate of 18.3%, has exposed deep-seated gender dynamics in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. Women like Amina Yusuf, a 38-year-old mother of four from Kano, have found themselves thrust into the role of caregiver as family members fall ill. “My husband caught the fever last month, and I’ve been nursing him day and night,” Amina said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “There’s no one else to do it. But the clinics are far, and we don’t have enough medicine or information to keep us safe.”

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents or bodily fluids, thrives in Nigeria’s dry season, peaking between November and April. The NCDC reports that 3,465 suspected cases have swept through 91 local government areas this year, with Kano among the regions sounding the alarm. For women, the risk is twofold: caring for the sick exposes them to infection, while limited access to medical resources heightens their vulnerability.

Dr. Fatima Bello, a public health expert in Kano, emphasized the gendered impact. “Women are the backbone of caregiving in our communities, yet they’re often the last to receive protective equipment or education about prevention,” she said. “This outbreak is a wake-up call—we need targeted support for these women, from gloves and masks to awareness campaigns in local languages.”

The NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to 10 high-burden states, including Kano, and activated a national emergency operations center to coordinate efforts. Yet, challenges persist: delayed case detection, manpower shortages, and late hospital visits—often due to reliance on traditional remedies—continue to hamper containment. Of the 20 healthcare workers infected nationwide, many are women, underscoring the frontline risks they face.

In Kano’s markets and cramped homes, women like Amina are calling for change. “We need more help—more doctors, more supplies, and someone to tell us how to stop this,” she pleaded. Community leaders have echoed her plea, urging the government and private sector to bolster medical infrastructure and launch door-to-door education drives.

Health News Nigerian women Trending Uncategorized

Post-Mother’s Day Push: Activists Target Nigeria’s Skin-Lightening Crisis.

by Women Times on March 31, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt was more than a celebration of maternal love—it became a launchpad for a growing movement against Nigeria’s skin-lightening crisis. Today, March 31, activists report their efforts are gaining momentum, spurred by a women’s group that seized yesterday’s festivities to distribute “Love Your Skin” pamphlets, urging mothers to reject bleaching creams used by 77% of Nigerian women, according to World Health Organization data.

At a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Rivers Women Empowerment Network (RWEN) in the city’s Mile 1 district yesterday, volunteers handed out hundreds of flyers amid the singing of “Sweet Mother” and gift exchanges. The message was clear: embrace natural skin tones and protect the next generation from a practice linked to severe health risks like kidney damage and mercury poisoning. “Mothers shape our values—why not start with loving ourselves as we are?” said RWEN coordinator Blessing Amadi, speaking to reporters today..

The campaign struck a chord. By this morning, March 31, a viral video testimony from Chioma Nwankwo, a 39-year-old mother of three, had racked up over 50,000 views on Instagram. In the clip, recorded at yesterday’s event, Nwankwo shared how she quit bleaching creams two years ago after her daughters began asking why she “didn’t like her skin.” “I stopped for them—to show them beauty isn’t light skin,” she said, tearing up as the crowd cheered. Her story, hashtagged #LoveYourSkin, has since inspired local schools in Port Harcourt to schedule workshops for April, targeting both mothers and teens.

The skin-lightening crisis, declared a national health emergency by Nigeria’s drug agency in 2023, remains stubbornly entrenched, driven by cultural beauty standards favoring lighter complexions. The WHO’s 77% usage statistic—Africa’s highest—underscores the scale, with a 2025 BMJ study estimating thousands suffer from related health issues annually. Yesterday’s Mother’s Day push tapped into this urgency, framing mothers as key to breaking the cycle.

Today, RWEN reports that five secondary schools, including Government Girls’ Secondary School in Diobu, have committed to hosting “Love Your Skin” sessions, with plans to distribute educational kits funded by donations collected at the Mother’s Day event. “We raised N250,000 yesterday—enough to start,” Amadi said, noting the group aims to reach 1,000 students by mid-year.

For activists, Mother’s Day offered a rare spotlight. “Yesterday was about honoring moms—today, it’s about empowering them to change Nigeria,” Amadi said. As the campaign rolls forward, this post-Mother’s Day push could mark a turning point in the battle against a pervasive health and cultural crisis.

Relationship Entertainment News Nigerian women Women of Substance

Nollywood’s Rising Queens: Women Directors Redefine a Global Giant.

by Women Times on March 29, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In a lit Lagos studio, Jade Osiberu tweaks the sound mix for her 2025 crime thriller The Shadow Runner, a pulse-pounding tale of a female ex-soldier turned vigilante. Released in January, it clocked 12 million streams on Netflix in its first month eclipsing Nollywood’s male-directed heavyweights like Kunle Afolayan’s latest and earned Osiberu a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Mo Abudu, dubbed “Africa’s Oprah,” oversees post-production on Widow’s Fire, a drama about a Nigerian woman defying patriarchal norms after her husband’s death. Launched through her EbonyLife-Netflix pact, it’s trending in 30 countries by March 2025. These women are the vanguard of Nollywood’s new wave, steering the world’s second-largest film industry churning out over 2,000 movies yearly—toward female-driven stories that resonate globally. Yet, with women making up just 15% of directors, their ascent battles funding droughts, entrenched sexism, and an industry slow to evolve. This story unpacks how they’re reshaping Nollywood’s DNA, probing whether their breakthroughs signal lasting change or a gilded anomaly.

Osiberu, 38, a former ad exec turned filmmaker, embodies the hustle Nollywood demands. Her 2025 hit, shot on a shoestring $80,000 budget, blends Lagos street grit with a heroine who’s “not here to be saved,” she tells me over Zoom. “Audiences crave real women, not props for male egos.” Her gamble paid off—The Shadow Runner outdid 2024’s top Nollywood earner, a male-led action flick, by 30% in global views. Abudu, 60, takes a different tack: her polished productions, backed by Netflix’s deep pockets, elevate Nigerian narratives to Hollywood sheen. Widow’s Fire, starring Genevieve Nnaji as a steely matriarch, has sparked X threads praising its “quiet power,” with 4 million views in its first week. Together, they’re flipping Nollywood’s script—once dominated by tales of rich men, juju curses, and docile wives—into a showcase for complex female leads who fight, grieve, and win.

But the shine belies the struggle. Industry data from the Nigerian Film Corporation shows women directors snag just 22% of available funding, often dipping into personal savings or crowdfunding. “Men get the big checks; we get skepticism,” says Funke Akindele, another rising star whose 2024 comedy grossed $1 million locally but stalled internationally for lack of marketing cash. Male producers, who control 70% of Nollywood’s purse strings, still balk at “risky” female-led projects, insiders say, citing a 2025 survey where 60% admitted preferring “proven” male talent. Abudu’s Netflix deal—rumored at $10 million over three years—makes her an outlier, not the norm. On X, fans hail “Nollywood’s queens,” but critics like @LagosFilmGuru

snipe: “It’s elite women winning, not the industry changing.” Even Osiberu admits the grind: “For every script I shoot, I pitch ten that get ignored.”

The stakes are high as streaming giants like Amazon and Disney+ circle Nollywood, drawn by its $1 billion annual haul. Female directors could ride this wave to parity—Osiberu’s next project, a sci-fi epic, has Amazon’s interest—but systemic hurdles loom. Training programs like the Women in Film Nigeria Initiative, launched in 2024, aim to boost numbers, mentoring 50 aspiring directors this year. Yet, with no government subsidies and a piracy-riddled market eating 40% of profits, progress crawls. Abudu, ever the optimist, sees a tipping point: “Every hit we make cracks the ceiling.” This dives into their victories—raw talent meeting global appetite while exposing the fault lines: an industry hooked on cheap, male-centric formulas, and a funding gap that keeps most women on the sidelines.

Health

Workplace Wellness Takes Centre Stage in AXA’s Mind Health Report 2025

by Women Times on March 26, 2025

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a leading insurance provider in Nigeria, has unveiled its AXA Mind Health Report 2025, a detailed study that highlights the pressing need for mental health awareness in the workplace and among young individuals.

Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, General Counsel and Human Resource Director at AXA Mansard, explained that the Mind Health Report is part of the company’s ongoing effort to promote mental well-being and combat stigma through comprehensive strategies.

“The global mental health scenario remains concerning, with many individuals grappling with mental health issues,” Adewusi remarked. “This fifth edition of our report reveals alarming trends among youth and also examines how workplace environments can either bolster or hinder mental health.”

The findings of the report shed light on the mental health challenges faced by young adults and employees. Notably, it reveals that 44% of young adults aged 18-24 are currently dealing with mental health conditions, with excessive social media usage and financial uncertainty cited as leading factors. Furthermore, work-related stressors, such as overwhelming workloads, tight deadlines, and insufficient work-life balance, continue to be significant challenges for employees.

Adewusi stressed the necessity of prioritizing mental health within organizational structures, stating, “Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and companies must adopt policies that support their workforce.”

At AXA, this commitment is embodied in the We Care Programme, which offers employees benefits like flexible working hours, access to professional counseling, monthly health workshops, a supportive work environment, and extended leave options for caregivers and new parents.

“The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to tackle mental health challenges, both at work and among youth. We urge business leaders, government bodies, and other stakeholders to cultivate a wellness culture that supports individuals in achieving their full potential,” she added.

Conducted in partnership with IPSOS, the 2025 study surveyed 17,000 respondents across 16 countries in an effort to identify and address mental health and wellness issues in today’s society.