Interview Thursday: "The makoko project was just to shed light on the living conditions of some people in Lagos State" - Linda Ikeji

When you get to this damsel's blog you are filled with contemporary and entertainment issues. She is an ex-model and entrepreneur. This tough, determined and intellgient woman is going places and I have no doubt that she will make a huge difference in the world. Linda Ikeji, the brave, shares with us on Interview Thursday about her passion for development and entrepreneurship.

Who is Linda Ikeji?

Linda Ikeji is a 28yr old ex model and entrepreneur. I am from Owerri, Imo Sate, from a family of seven children, the second born child. I read English at the University of Lagos, where I graduated in 05. I started modeling in 1998 and quit actively in 2005 after which I started my own business

As a blogger, what do you really wish to achieve via your blog?

What I wish to achieve with my blog is to impact on people’s lives positively. I want people to read my blog and say “I learnt a valuable lesson on her blog”. Not just from what I write but from the comments other readers drop on various issues. I want to create a fun,
exciting, learning place, where people can escape to. A place where they believe they can get the latest news and info.

You blog about women’s related issues in a way that help relate what is going on in the life of women both negative and positive, what inspire this?

I am a woman, I have women friends. We talk about issues that concern us, because it helps us understand ourselves and problems better. So whenever these issues arise, I take it to my blog to get more views, knowing full well that a lot of women can relate to and learn from such discussions.

Are you a feminist and women’s rights defender?

Yes I am. I believe in the equal rights and legal protection for women. And one day I hope to be actively involved in activism.

What can you say about women’s rights issues in Nigeria?

I think it’s better now than it was in the past. Though there are some areas where we still hope for more changes, the northern areas especially. Statistics show that child marriages have decreased and lack of girl education has increased. Mostly because of the light that
was thrown upon many years ago. There are more women in politics now than ever before. Women are heading very serious and delicate positions and doing a very good job of it. Women are speaking out now and fighting for their right which is a great thing.

You started or you are part of Makoko project, can you tell us what this project is all about?

The makoko project was just to shed light on the living conditions of some people in Lagos State, hoping that the government will do something about it. We did that story for my magazine FM&B, and most people who have seen it so far want to help. We are still working on how to help these people, because they need help.

What is the key achievement of Makoko project thus far?

Sincerely we haven’t achieved anything yet. The only thing we’ve managed to do is shed light on their plight. We are hoping something positive comes out from it. And we are still strategising...looking for ways to impact on their lives.

You recently started a tee-line with positive inspirational message written on them, who do come by this initiative?

I love inspirational words. I live by them; they encourage, inspire and motivate me. And I’ve always loved to help people with words, especially when they feel they’ve failed in life. I use inspirational words on my blog, my magazine, on facebook; still I felt I needed to
spread it more. It then occurred to me that tops and t-shirts can adequately serve as a medium to promote these positive words. So I came up with my range of t-shirts called i-tees. The aim really is to inspire people with words. Words are powerful; I’m just hoping that words people read on these tees will make a tiny difference.

How can one get the t-shirts to buy?

For now it’s strictly home and office deliveries. We are working on getting our own stores. The tops are N2, 500 only.

Apart from being a model, a blogger, and a business owner, what other adventure and business you do run and how do you rest?

I run a modeling agency, I choreograph beauty pageants and co-ordinate fashion shows. I rest a lot at weekends...I watch movies, read books and hang out with my siblings

What can we expect from this fabulous, braining, independent woman in the next 5 years?

In five years, I want to be married with kids. My magazine, t-shirt line and Indian attires will be household names. I hope to also be on TV, currently working on that.

Any advice for youth, women, men and especially young girls out there?

Keep working, don’t give up on your dreams no matter how difficult it seems. Believe in yourself and your dreams. Don’t listen too much to negative comments. Do everything you want to do and don’t care how you look doing it or who disapproves. Work hard, be dedicated to your
job, be nice to people, don’t create enemies, it serves no purpose. And above all, go to God whenever you’re confused and need guidance. Prayer is the key.

N.B: All Images were taking from Linda's Blog.