Imose gives expression to youths’ talent, creativity –Jide-Jones, financial services consultant

By Agatha Emeadi

Before transiting into private enterprise in financial services, Angela Jide-Jones built up a solid track record as a seasoned banker. With her financial enterprises flourishing, Jide-Jones has emerged as a social impact investor and convener of the maiden edition of Imose Exhibition.

Imose in Edo language means beautiful. The primary purpose of the exhibition is to uplift the youths. This initiative aligns with the subsisting work of Sewa Foundation, through which she has been supporting widows over the past two decades. It was in the course of supporting widows that she discovered talented youths and forthwith resolved to also empower and help them develop their talents. In this interview, she sheds more light on these initiatives.

What is the mission of Imose?

The Imose Exhibition is our new initiative. Through ‘Sewa Foundation’ we have supported widows in different rural communities over the past two decades. The name of the foundation was coined from Oluwashemilore. In most communities where we do business as a group, we try to give back to such communities by supporting the widows. In doing that, we realized that when widows are supported or empowered, it goes to their children. We then decided to support the youths who we were able to train and give start-up funds. To do that, we decided to create this platform which stands on its own and projects youths engaged in beauty, wellness and fashion activities to generate income to sustain themselves.

Again, we saw that some of them are resilient, determined and fearless, and realized that they need a little exposure and support to become better, bearing in mind the rate of unemployment in the country. Therefore, we decided to teach them skills and get them into partnerships. We arranged for some artisans to share bakery and salon equipment.

Most importantly, our widow empowerment is done in different rural regions. We are not doing it only in the urban areas. We are also carrying out such services in rural communities like Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo states. We do not go to places where there are more opportunities. Instead we go to where there are lesser opportunities. Remembering a widow in a village who cannot celebrate Christmas is our joy. Unfortunate widows who the family members of their deceased husbands have been unfair to, we need to make them happy during festive seasons. It is from such ventures that we started taking care of their needs and paying their children’s school fees. We realized that we needed to teach them a trade because jobs are difficult to get. This initiative was born out of our desire to empower youths and SMEs in particular. The Sewa Foundation is focused on education, economic development, youths and widows. For us to carry out the activities very well for the youths, we decided to create a different platform called Imose, which will standalone. It is not a foundation. This is an impact initiative that will empower people and make them shine and rise. It is for those who want to want to grow by utilising their talents and skills. So, from the support we get from financial institutions and corporate sponsors, they see the value and impact. We will give them the CSR report they will include in their annual reports. We have clearly defined what we want to do on this platform. It is about wealth creation, empowerment and hope for the youths. It is also about full expression of the talents and creativity of the youths.

From where do you draw the youths?

What we did was to advertise on Instagram with the active participation of young influencers who reached out to their own groups. We then selected on the basis of first come, first served. It was clear we wanted young people, who could not afford to pay N50,000 to exhibit and make profit, people who would not be selected and never be counted. It was not about the money, but the passion. We wanted an opportunity to empower youths. We were seeking clothiers, make-up artists, bakers, jewelers and bead makers etc.  I saw the passion in their eyes, the honesty and the hunger to succeed; those are the types that we want. We do not want people who are already made. Somebody like Ejiro Amos-Tafari who partnered with us has become a mentor; we will give her mentees. This exhibition is not the end; it is for continuous empowerment and workshops. What we want is to get mentors for them, so every month there will be a mentorship class where they will find answers to their questions. That is part of the capacity building. We will look for organizations that can support them with finance that matches what they need. Teaching children how to sit, crawl before they stand, walk and then run – that is sustainability.

What were you doing before starting the empowerment programs?

I worked as a banker for many years. My core business is financial services. I have an investment banking business and an estate management enterprise, which both of which I founded. Currently, I run the financial business leader for Sewa Group. My finance industry firms are regulated by The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Imose Exhibition is one of my expressions and the foundation has been part of me for over two decades.

What challenges did you encounter during the formative stage of Imose?

I did not know it was going to be this big. I asked someone, how did I get here? I never dreamt it was going to be this big. I just started with ‘let us get few exhibitors’ and we opened on May 1st. By the third week, we were sold out. For the exhibition, I had 50 exhibitors that I could not find space to contain. From what happened this year, we will include street fashion village where we can accommodate more participants next year. We are grateful to God for sponsors who showed up at the venue; for family and friends who made sure we got real value. We had maximum impact. People supported and gave us services to make maximum impact.

You said the empowerment is mostly about the youth, but most of them are not interested because they want to make it quick. What do you have to say about this?

Yes, I saw some resilient and willing ones who are willing to do more. We started small. Most of the youths believe they have lost trust in the society. The value system has changed as well. I have understood that dealing with youths is different from dealing with GenZ. If all understand the values, they will want to do things right. Sometimes, I blame it on ignorance. The shift in the system is a problem; therefore, we decided to add value and give back the little we can. I try to talk to them in the mentorship section because these same youths will become husbands and wives in future. So, from the little we are doing, we are adding value to them, teaching evaluations, expectations, what structure do they want to build, thereby creating balance for them and the society.

What has been your high point?

The high point of the event was the excess rain of that weekend, yet the venue was filled up. God really came through for us. Initially, it looked as it was not going to happen, above all it was the maiden edition and it was so successful. I wanted to start it small, but God kept telling me what to do. I started doing and did not see all that.

I am from Benin in Edo state. That is why Imose is from Benin because I love my culture. I did not live in the boarding school like my siblings, so I learnt the Bini culture. My parents are Catholics. I grew up attending morning mass every day before I would go to school. I was a member of the choir and played the keyboard. I was taught to be contented with what I have and not to take other people’s things.

What has been the secret of your good looks?

To me beauty is simplicity. I always try to look simple for many years now. Beauty is not how much one spends, but how well a lady puts herself together.

How was growing up?

I am from Benin in Edo state. That is why Imose is from Benin because I love my culture. I did not live in the boarding school like my siblings, so I learnt the culture. My parents are Catholics. I grew up attending morning mass every day before I will go to school. I was a member of the choir and played keyboard. I was taught to be contented with what I have and not to take other people’s things.