Popular blogger, Linda Ikeji has announced a mentoring and empowerment programme for young Nigerian women struggling to find their footing in life, describing the initiative as her way of giving back to society.
In a blog post on the media mogul’s website, she narrated her struggles to become a success, enumerating several ventures she tried her hand at, before making it big as a blogger.
About the journey to her success, she said, “It’s not easy trust me…if you think I had success overnight, you thought wrong. November this year will make it eight years that I’ve been blogging. Every single day! Before then I was a model, I was a model manager, I was an events planner, I was a columnist, I wrote a book, then I became a blogger. I put my hands in so many things because I was determined to make it in life. Finally one paid off – blogging.
She also stated that women needed to empower themselves, and learn to make do without necessarily having a man provide for their every need.
Her words, “I made it on my own, in my own way and on my own terms. If anybody ever tells you that the only way you can make it in life is by laying on your back, the person lied to you. You don’t have to do that. You shouldn’t do that. You are strong, you are brave, you have been blessed with a talent, find yourself, believe in yourself, push yourself…and never give up. No money is sweeter than your own money, trust me. You can do it. Yes, you! You can do it. Just be patient, pay attention and work your butt off.
“I’m not better than you, if I can make it, so can you! Just never think the only option you have is men. YOU are an option and once you go to God and tell Him what you want to do and He sees that you are serious, He will lead you, He will guide you and He will make all your dreams come true.
“Think about it, the people who are successful in life don’t have two heads. Why can’t you be one of them? You really can be. It’s up to you.
“Finally, I will soon start my ‘I Will Rather Be Self Made’ campaign where I will mentor young girls and also help some of you start your own small scale businesses by financing it…so look out for that. I will make an announcement on this soon.”