Meet Emem Nwogwugwu.
She helps people build systems that serve the whole person and not just the bottom line. In our Founders Friday feature, Emem shares what transformation really looks like, how to stay grounded in chaos, and why presence is the real secret to a balanced life.
Born from family, built with purpose. Sisé is redefining how African meals are cooked and enjoyed, without losing the soul. Founded by two sisters from a lineage of incredible cooks, Sisé delivers bold, homegrown Nigerian flavours in under 20 minutes. Their mission? To make traditional meals accessible, joyful, and stress-free for modern homes - one meal kit at a time.
After 13 years of quiet growth and deep surrender, Elwoma returns with Throne of Grace, a worship album rooted in Hebrews 4:16 and birthed from a place of authentic devotion.
Thing and about thinking differently. About making bold decisions, developing clarity, and building discipline long before the money shows up.
In this post, I share 7 timeless money mindsets from the book, the kind that don’t just live in theory, but show up in your daily choices, habits, and circle.
What happens when two sisters from a long line of seasoned African home cooks decide to bring their childhood kitchen memories into modern homes?
You get Sisé (pronounced “sea-say”), a fast-growing African meal kit brand founded by Dammi Sherri and her sister. Born from a deep-rooted passion for food and family, Sisé is not just another meal prep service. It’s a cultural reconnection wrapped in 20-minute simplicity.
Growing up in a big, loving Nigerian-Irish household, food was everything. But even with their love for cooking, the sisters understood that preparing authentic African meals, rich in flavour and often complex in preparation, can feel like a chore in today’s busy world.
So they created a solution: fresh, pre-prepped, preservative-free kits that cut out the hours of chopping and planning, while preserving all the soul.
What started in Dammi’s kitchen is now reshaping how African food is experienced in the UK. Her vision? To make Nigerian meals as easy and familiar to prepare as pasta. And she’s doing exactly that, while proudly flying the flag for Black-owned innovation.
Each Sisé kit includes high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers (many of whom are African-led businesses themselves) and step-by-step instructions that make cooking feel like home, even for first-timers. Their tone of voice is familiar, their language is intentional, and the packaging? A love letter to the continent.
From Jollof Rice to Egusi Soup and Ayamase Sauce, Sisé is making it easier for busy professionals, students, and second-gen Africans to enjoy the food they grew up on, without spending hours in the kitchen or sourcing hard-to-find ingredients.
The Sisé Sisters Are Serving Up Culture, in Under 20 Minutes In a nutshell, Sisé is about convenience, cultural pride and that nostalgic feeling of cooking with your mum, auntie, or grandma. It’s about reclaiming time while holding on to tradition.
With a pickup service launching soon, a subscription plan in the works, and an ever-expanding menu of regional favorites, the sisters behind Sisé are just getting started.
At The Brief Network, we love to spotlight founders who are building boldly and reimagining what’s possible. And with every meal kit sold, Sisé is doing just that, one delicious bite at a time.
I just watched To Kill a Monkey by Kemi Adetiba, and here are a few nuanced truths it laid bare.
1. Empathy is Born Through Experience Efe hated his father for not providing more. He mocked his dad’s favorite phrase: “Drink water and be happy.” But when he had a child of his own, the bitterness started to soften. Sometimes, empathy is born through experience.
You don’t understand sacrifice until you’ve had to make it yourself.
2. Education Does Not Guarantee Success This film spotlighted a truth many people know too well. You can do everything right, be hard-working, and still struggle. Still hustle. Still be stuck. May God help us all.
3. When Vision is Lacking, Dreams Die Efe pitched a digital ordering system using React Native, but his boss dismissed it. This is how many dreams die—in environments that can’t see beyond their own nose.
4. Preparation Will Often Meet Crisis Efe finally gets the opportunity to pitch the app he’s been building for months. But when he opens his laptop bag, his laptop is gone. That was his moment. But he couldn’t adapt. He froze. Sometimes, your moment won’t come perfectly wrapped. But you have to show up anyway. Speak from the heart. Sketch it out. Tell the story. Passion is persuasive, even without a screen.
Let this remind you: Preparation isn’t just having your tools, it’s knowing your vision well enough to carry it, even when everything falls apart.
5. Believe Patterns, Not Promises Madam Adunni, manipulative and a user, kept reappearing in his life like a bad habit. She used him before and used him again. And he let her.
People show you who they are; we just have to stop hoping they’ll be different.
6. Loyalty Is Not Just a Word. It’s an Action Obos, the man who opened the door for Efe (even though it was a questionable door), thought they were brothers. Yet Efe set him up. That scene broke me. You don’t give away your friend.
7. On Brotherhood, Betrayal, and the Cost of Loyalty Earlier in the film, we learn that Obos had impregnated Efe’s daughter. A deep betrayal. Though he later apologized, some lines, once crossed, can’t be undone. But Efe? He chose a darker path. He set his friend up to be killed.
What’s haunting is this: in the middle of a shootout, unaware of the betrayal, Obos told Efe to hide behind him. “They have to go through me first before they get to you.” Loyalty, even in the face of death. He still saw Efe as his brother.
But how do you weigh betrayals like these? Is violating friendship through personal sin worse than orchestrating a friend’s death? Is either justifiable?
Efe believed he was protecting his family from danger. But it came at the cost of his own humanity. Besides, how could he trust that teacher will keep his end of the bargain?
This moment forces us to ask: What kind of desperation or pride leads a man to betray the very person willing to die for him?
8. Greed, Denial, and the Cost of Compromise Efe and Nosa knew better, but they let greed and pride silence wisdom. She kept blaming him when things started falling apart. But truth is: they were both beneficiaries of the same greed. And they were both in denial about the part they played in their own downfall.There’s a Yoruba saying that keeps ringing in my head: “Nkan ti a o fe je, ki a ma fi run imu.” Don’t even sniff what you don’t intend to eat.
9. Our Actions Aren’t Isolated, they Ripple His actions didn’t just destroy him. They affected everyone around him. His daughter got pregnant for Obos. His wife spiraled. The girlfriend set him up. Every decision has a price.
So… did the end justify the means?
More Than Survival: The Layers We Live With This film was about choices and consequences. And how one decision can spiral into something fatal.
But beyond that, it reminds us that humans are layered. Complex. Contradictory. You can be a loving, devoted father to your daughters, and still have no problem inflicting pain on others.
It’s unsettling, but true: People carry both light and shadow. And sometimes, the same hands that nurture can also destroy.
Have you watched To Kill a Monkey? What moment stuck with you the most?
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
When people hear the word “technology,” many assume it’s only for software engineers or experts abroad. But technology is already part of our daily lives, from the phones we use to how we learn, shop, and build businesses.
Juliet Ehimuan, former Director of Google West Africa, has spent years showing Africans that technology isn’t a distant concept. It’s a tool for growth, connection, and meaningful change.
Here’s how to use technology purposefully, informed by ideas Juliet consistently champions:
1. Learn how to use what’s already in your hands
You don’t need new gadgets to begin your tech journey. With a smartphone or access to an internet café, learning tools like Google Docs, Excel, or Canva can make everyday tasks smoother. As Juliet points out:
“Putting technology in the hands of people allows them to create their own opportunities.”
For her, digital literacy begins with small steps and curiosity, not perfection.
2. Use technology to solve real problems
Technology becomes powerful when it addresses real needs. Whether a student learns through YouTube or a small business owner takes orders on Instagram, these tools serve people. Juliet emphasizes that:
“Innovation does not only mean technology… If it improves learning, processes and systems, or solves a real problem, then it is innovation.”
She believes African solutions should reflect African realities, not imitate Silicon Valley.
3. Move from consuming to creating
Scrolling is easy; creating is transformative. Whether writing a blog, editing videos, or building an online portfolio, the impact comes when you move from use to authorship. Juliet encourages this shift fiercely:
“We must move from consumption to creation. Technology is powerful when we use it intentionally.”
4. Learn one thing at a time
You don’t need a degree in computer science to grow. One tutorial, one short video, or one blog post can spark your next move. Juliet’s own journey from Nigerian classrooms to global leadership shows that growth is a process of steady learning:
“We cannot rely only on traditional formal learning to build capacity at scale … ICT-enabled learning can be an effective tool for closing these gaps.”
5. You belong in the digital space
For too long, technology has felt like a gated world reserved for coders, Silicon Valley founders, or people with advanced degrees. But that perception is changing, thanks to voices like Juliet Ehimuan.
She believes technology should be accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. In her words:
“We need to democratize access to digital tools and skills. Everyone, regardless of background or gender, must be empowered to thrive in the digital economy.”
She’s championed digital inclusion across Africa, mentoring youth, speaking globally, and advocating for broader access. Her message is clear: the future of tech belongs to everyone.
Whether you’re a creative, an artisan, a teacher, or an aspiring entrepreneur, there’s a place for you. The digital space isn’t just about building the next big app. It’s also about sharing your voice, offering your skills, and creating value online.
Beneath It All
Technology isn’t just about code or apps. It’s about improving how we live, learn, and lead. As Juliet reminds us:
“Technology has the power to create a level playing field.”
Start small. Learn often. Build smart.
Step into the digital space, not as a spectator, but as a creator, because the future needs your voice.
At just 28, Michelle Alozie has managed to do what many only dream of: live out two very different callings with equal excellence. She’s a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Houston Dash, representing Nigeria at international level, and also a cancer researcher working at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the world.
Born on April 28, 1997 in California to Nigerian parents from Imo State. She grew up in Apple Valley, a quiet town where she discovered football early. Her talent was clear from the beginning, but so was her interest in science.
She studied Molecular Biology at Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, while also playing college football.
As she said in an interview with Goal.com:
“I knew I wanted to go into medicine or healthcare somehow, but I also wanted to keep football alive.”
Michelle took that determination into her professional life. After going undrafted in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), she joined Houston Dash as a trialist and earned her place through hard work. That same year, she was invited to play for the Nigerian Super Falcons, a dream that reconnected her deeply with her heritage.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Michelle became a fan favorite. Her speed, stamina, and composure under pressure made headlines. At WAFCON 2024, she made headlines again, not for help in a win, but for scoring a stunning stoppage-time goal in the semi-final against South Africa to send Nigeria through to the WAFCON final. That moment helped set the stage for Nigeria’s pursuit and eventual capture of their 10th WAFCON title.
While making waves in football, Michelle never abandoned her scientific calling. She works at Texas Children’s Hospital as a Cancer Research Technician, focusing on pediatric leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She spends her days studying how to fight one of the deadliest diseases affecting children.
As she shared in one of her public talks:
“There’s something incredible about knowing I’m helping kids find a cure for cancer. It means everything to me.”
On the pitch, she brings intelligence and energy; in the lab, she brings precision and purpose. In both fields, her impact is real, as a champion for women’s sport and a quiet force in groundbreaking research.
Michelle’s story isn’t remarkable because it’s loud, but because it’s full. At just 28, she’s building a life that holds both excellence and service. She’s proof that being young doesn’t mean narrowing your path. You can begin early, grow boldly, and live out more than one dream at a time.
She continues to rise on the field and in the lab, showing that purpose isn’t a straight line. It’s a commitment to show up fully wherever you’re called. And in all of it, she reminds us, don’t limit yourself.
Thirteen years since her last project, Ewomaoghene Luther-Abegunde, known to many as Elwoma, returns with a sound refined by grace, passion, and time. Her new album, Throne of Grace, anchored in Hebrews 4:16, is a heartfelt call to worship and a spiritual journey for every listener.
With 13 soul-stirring tracks, Throne of Grace explores themes of intimacy, surrender, royalty, and redemptive love. Songs like Living Waters, Odumegwu Judah, Throne Room, and Olorun Mi (featuring Obamusic) offer a powerful blend of musical excellence and deep spiritual resonance. The bonus track, Oseme, is a heartfelt closing to a deeply personal worship experience.
To mark the release, a live recording and album unveiling took place on May 31st—a night filled with divine encounters, passionate worship, and unforgettable moments. Family, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate what many called a “triumphant return.”
Music distributor Mr. Adekunle described the project as a:
“new sound hitting the gospel scene,”
highlighting Elwoma’s authentic and spirit-led delivery. Femi Luther-Abegunde, her brand strategist and husband, shared how deeply fulfilling the journey has been, affirming that Throne of Grace was indeed worth the wait.
Renowned gospel artist Minister Bukola Bekes also praised the project, commending Elwoma’s passion and excellence, and noting that God’s grace is unmistakably evident in her life.
Now streaming on all digital platforms, Throne of Grace is only the beginning. Global tours are in the works, as Elwoma continues to spread the good news of confident access to God the Father.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence...” — Hebrews 4:16
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
Success doesn’t always make a grand entrance. Sometimes it starts as a quiet thought, a gap no one else noticed, or a personal frustration turned into purpose. These young African entrepreneurs didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity. They built something from the ground up, shaped by their values and a desire to make a difference.
Their stories go beyond headlines. What truly matters are the lessons that remind us success isn’t always easy but it’s always possible.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
Co-founder, Andela & Flutterwave | Founder, Future Africa
Industry: Tech, Venture Capital
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded Andela to connect African developers with global opportunities, then co-founded Flutterwave to simplify how businesses across the continent handle payments. Both companies became game-changers in African tech.
Now through Future Africa, he’s backing the next wave of bold African founders, those building solutions for education, health, finance, and beyond. His work is proof that solving real problems is more than a career, it’s a commitment.
Lesson:
Big things happen when you stay focused on the bigger picture. His journey shows the power of resilience, clarity, and building with purpose, especially when the goal is bigger than just personal success.
Seun Tayo‑Balogun
Founder, Brief Essentials
Industry:Tech, E-commerce, Fashion, and Retail
In 2011, Seun Tayo‑Balogun started Brief Essentials to change the way women felt about lingerie. At a time when the market overlooked lingerie, plus-size and functional options, she saw an opportunity to do things differently, by offering pieces that prioritized comfort, confidence, and inclusivity.
But Seun didn’t stop there. She also created The Brief Network, a platform that shares practical tips and inspiration for success. As CEO of Brief Essentials and Creative Director at Techmonks Limited, she blends entrepreneurship with digital strategy to help others grow in the e-commerce space. She also co-founded Appmint, an AI-powered no-code platform that helps businesses build smarter and scale faster.
Building an online brand when e-commerce was still new in Nigeria wasn’t easy. But Seun leaned into digital tools, educated her audience, and built a loyal community by putting women’s real needs at the center of her business.
Lesson:
You don’t need perfect conditions to build something meaningful. Her story reminds us that real entrepreneurship is about service, understanding your audience so well that your product feels like it was made just for them, and staying consistent through every season.
Papa Oppong
Fashion Designer, Illustrator, Educator
Industry: Fashion, Design
Papa Oppong‘s designs are bold, vibrant, and unapologetically African. His fashion journey began with sketchbooks and social media, where he gained a following for his distinct style and storytelling flair. Today, he’s been featured by the likes of Vogue, CNN, and Business of Fashion, and he’s trained the next wave of designers through mentorship and education.
But Papa’s path hasn’t been all glitz, he’s spoken openly about mental health, identity struggles, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.
Lesson:
Your work will evolve, but your values must stay rooted. Papa teaches us that creativity thrives when it’s nurtured with honesty and community.
Zim Ugochukwu
Founder, Travel Noire
Industry: Travel, Media, Lifestyle
Zim Ugochukwu was tired of never seeing people who looked like her in travel spaces. So she did something about it. She founded Travel Noire, a platform that made it easier for Black millennials to explore the world and feel like they belonged.
What started as blog posts and curated visuals soon became a movement, shifting how Black travelers saw themselves and were seen. The brand’s success caught attention and was eventually acquired by Blavity Inc.
Lesson:
When you build for people who feel left out, you don’t just create a product, you create a community. If your idea solves a real pain point, especially one you understand deeply, don’t wait for validation. Just start
Mahlet Afework
Founder, Mafi Mafi
Industry: Ethical Fashion, Cultural Preservation
Mahlet Afework didn’t set out to become a designer, she started out as a model. But along the way, she discovered a deeper passion for expressing culture through fabric. With Mafi Mafi, she began working with traditional Ethiopian weavers, reimagining ancient techniques for the modern world.
Her designs have caught international attention, but for Mahlet, it’s not just about fashion, it’s about honoring home, creating jobs, and keeping heritage alive.
Lesson:
You don’t have to leave your culture behind to be seen. Her story teaches us that when passion and purpose are rooted in heritage, the future becomes brighter and more beautiful.
In Closing
There’s no one way to build a meaningful life. These entrepreneurs didn’t wait for perfect conditions, external permission, or overnight fame. They started where they were, stayed close to their values, and let their work speak for itself.
Their stories are not just aspirational, they’re deeply instructive. And if there’s one thing we can learn, it’s this: you don’t have to be extraordinary to begin, just intentional.
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” — E.E. Cummings
Becoming isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet decision to stop hiding, to stop shrinking, and to choose growth, even when no one is watching.
For Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, that decision meant walking away from a 9-to-5 job and stepping into the unknown. No fame. No safety net. Just a voice, a conviction, and a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Today, she stands as one of Africa’s most influential voices. But her story isn’t just about music. It’s about believing in your difference, growing in the dark, and rising on your own terms.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems was raised by her mother after her parents separated. She attended Dowen College and later earned a degree in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, Monash, South Africa.
At age 17, she wrote her first song, a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music. While she thrived academically, music became her private escape, a space where she could fully express her truth.
Leaving the Office for Purpose
Tems began her career in digital marketing, working a regular 9-to-5 job. But deep down, she knew she was called to create. In 2018, she made a defining choice to quit her job and pursue music full-time.
Without connections or major backing, she taught herself to produce music using YouTube tutorials. She recorded from her bedroom, driven by a voice no one had heard, but she believed in it anyway
Breakthrough Moments (2018–2020)
In 2018, she released “Mr Rebel”, her debut single which introduced audiences to her distinctive sound – a blend of alternative R&B and soul rooted in Afrobeat. Her next single, “Try Me” (2019), became a breakout hit across Nigeria, earning her recognition as a rising star in the alté scene.
But her turning point came in 2020, when she featured on Wizkid’s “Essence.” The song became a global hit, earning critical acclaim and becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ voice was suddenly everywhere, but she had been preparing for this moment long before the spotlight.
In 2024, she dropped her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, which showcased singles like “Love Me JeJe” and “Burning”, both nominated at the 2025 Grammys. Then, in February 2025, Tems secured her second Grammy, winning Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”
She has received multiple awards and nominations, including BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award.
Staying Grounded in Purpose
Tems’ influence is not only in her sound but in her stand. She refuses to conform, choosing creative freedom over commercial pressure. Her music speaks from a place of depth, and her story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unsure, or unqualified.
She once said, “God told me I am great.” And she lived like it, before the world ever confirmed it.
Final Reflection
Tems didn’t rise by chasing trends, she rose by trusting her process. She chose purpose over pressure, and in doing so, found her voice and gave others permission to find theirs.
Her story reminds us: you don’t need fame to be faithful or applause to make an impact. What you need is the courage to begin, the patience to grow, and the strength to stay true.
This week, trust your process. Stay grounded in purpose. And when your time comes, rise—boldly, fully, and with intention.
Before we talk about fitness, let’s talk about real life. Because most times, the battle isn’t just about lifting weights or eating right, it’s about showing up for yourself. It’s about the quiet decisions, the tough days, the small wins, and the courage to try again.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise, online fitness trends, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to do it all perfectly. But every now and then, someone reminds us that progress doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be consistent.
This week on Founders Friday, we’re joined by Ruby Agu, a certified fitness professional and lifestyle coach whose wisdom stretches far beyond workouts. She shares 5 bold truths that cut through the noise. From discipline and decision-making to fitness myths and real results, Ruby reminds us that transformation is built through intentionality and consistency.
Read below for practical, powerful advice that applies to life, health, and purpose.
1. No one is “built different”
We often think some people have it easier or are just “made” for this. But Ruby says that’s not true. What you’re seeing in others is often the result of discipline, not DNA. Whether it’s fitness or any other goal, showing up, even when it’s hard—is the real gamechanger. The results? They’ll come, as long as you keep showing up.
Start where you are, stay disciplined, and the results will follow.
2. You’re one decision away from a different life
It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. That one decision to sleep earlier, to drink water, to move your body, to say no, to speak up—that’s how the shift begins. Ruby’s approach isn’t about overwhelming change; it’s about daily decisions. One small “yes” to yourself at a time.
Your life is shaped by your choices—change your decisions, change your outcomes.
3. “No pain, no gain” is a myth
You don’t need to hurt to grow. Ruby breaks the old mindset that says you must suffer for progress. Pain is your body’s way of saying something’s off. What actually works? Training that’s safe, smart, and steady. Think long-term. Think sustainable. Think self-respect.
Pain isn’t the goal. Smart, consistent training is.
4. You can’t spot-reduce fat
We all have that one area we wish we could target, but Ruby is clear: the body doesn’t burn fat that way. Instead of trying to shrink a single spot, focus on your full health. Eat well. Move often. Your body will take care of the rest in the right time and right way.
Fat loss happens systemically—diet and full-body movement matter.
5. Consistency beats workout length
Even short, regular sessions lead to lasting progress.You don’t need two hours at the gym every day. In fact, most people don’t have that kind of time, and that’s okay. Ruby emphasizes that consistency is what brings results. A 30-minute workout done regularly will do more for you than a long session you only manage once in a while.
Beneath It All
These five truths from Ruby don’t just apply to fitness—they echo into how we live, lead, and grow. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to stay consistent, her words are a reminder that the journey is personal, the process is powerful, and the results are always worth it.
Ruby Agu is a certified trainer and fitness expert (CFT – IREP), lifestyle & weight management specialist (LWMS – NESTA), nutrition consultant (FNC – NESTA), and Strong by Zumba® trainer. She’s passionate about helping people build stronger, healthier lives through informed choices and sustainable habits. Her work goes beyond routines, it’s rooted in helping people build discipline, break myths, and take back control of their lives one step at a time.
When Dr. Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, speaks about health, people listen. Not just because he’s a trained medical doctor, but because he’s mastered the art of making health education feel personal, practical, and possible. Through his digital advocacy, he’s helped thousands rethink what it means to “live well,” showing that you don’t need expensive supplements, complicated diets, or a gym subscription to be healthy.
The truth is: many people today are dying slowly, not because they lack doctors or hospitals, but because they ignore the everyday choices that keep them alive.
Here are 7 timeless lessons from Dr. Egemba that transcend geography, truths anyone can apply to eat better, live longer, and avoid the common health mistakes that are silently stealing lives.
1. You Can’t Cheat Nature: Your Body Remembers Everything
Aproko Doctor often reminds us: “Your body keeps the score.” The soda you drink daily, the hours of sleep you skip, the veggies you refuse to eat—it all adds up. Many people wait until their bodies break down before they pay attention. But prevention isn’t just cheaper; it’s wiser.
Practical Step:
Start a food journal for one week. Not to shame yourself, but to see patterns. What are you really feeding your body? Are you fueling life or slowly poisoning it?
2. Eat What Grows, Not Just What’s Packaged
One of his most repeated mantras is: “Eat food, not food-like substances.” In a world obsessed with fast food, instant noodles, and processed snacks, we’ve forgotten the taste and value of natural food. The truth is, poor diets are now one of the leading global causes of death.
Practical Step:
Build your plate around what grows from the earth—fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts. Even if you can’t afford everything organic, choose whole, fresh ingredients over processed items.
3. Stop Abusing Your Body with Sugar and Salt
We often say “life is short,” and then go ahead to shorten it even more with our choices. Excess sugar and sodium are slow killers—leading to diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Sadly, many don’t realize this until it’s too late.
Practical Step:
Check food labels. Aim for less than 5g of sugar per serving. Replace salt-heavy seasonings with natural herbs and spices. Start cooking at home more often—you’ll control what goes into your body.
4. Move Your Body—It’s Not Optional
While we often treat exercise like a “fitness goal,” Aproko Doctor breaks it down to something more essential: movement is life. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy workout clothes. What you need is commitment to move regularly. From joint stiffness to heart disease, movement is medicine.
Practical Step:
Start small: 20-minute daily walks, stair climbing, stretching routines. Dance. Play. Do squats while brushing your teeth. Build movement into your lifestyle—not just your goals.
5. Your Health is Your Responsibility—Not Just Your Doctor’s
In many parts of the world, healthcare systems are overwhelmed or expensive. But even where healthcare is accessible, one thing remains true: no one can care for your body like you can. Aproko Doctor teaches that health isn’t just what you do when you’re sick, it’s what you do when you’re well.
Practical Step:
Create a monthly self-check system: monitor your blood pressure, get routine blood tests if possible, know your BMI, and stay informed. Prevention is not paranoia—it’s wisdom.
6. Rest is Not a Luxury—It’s Medicine
We often celebrate hustle culture and wear exhaustion as a badge of honour. But Dr. Egemba is one of the voices reminding us that “hustle will not save you from hospital bills.” Sleep, rest, and silence are healing agents too. And don’t forget: fatigue is often a sign you need more water, not just more sleep.
Practical Step:
Set a screen curfew—no phones 30 minutes before bed. Drink a glass of water when you wake and before you sleep. Create a bedtime routine. And once in a while, allow yourself to do nothing. You’re not lazy—you’re human.
7. Health is a Community Effort
Beyond the clinic, Aproko Doctor uses his platform to talk about clean water, menstrual hygiene, health misinformation, and the power of collective awareness. His belief is simple: health education should be free, accessible, and shared.
Practical Step:
Talk about health in your circles. Share correct information. Challenge unhealthy norms. Be the reason someone goes for a checkup, drinks more water, or takes their first walk this week.
In Closing
Dr. Chinonso Egemba message is clear: health isn’t complicated. It’s consistent. And it starts with simple steps—steps you can take today, no matter where you live.
In his 2024 talk on Staying Healthy, he gave a line that sums it up:
“We wait until sickness shows up before we start paying attention. But your body has been speaking to you. It whispers through fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath. Don’t wait for it to scream.”
So before the next meal, next hustle, or next excuse, pause and ask yourself:
“Am I living in a way that my future self will thank me for?”
When we think of innovation, our minds often wander to Silicon Valley. But brilliance isn’t confined to geography. Sometimes, it emerges from unexpected places like the heart of Yaoundé, Cameroon. That’s where William Elong’s story begins. A story that reminds us what is possible when youthful curiosity meets unwavering conviction.
Meet William Elong, a young visionary whose story is a gentle but firm nudge to every African youth who has ever felt limited by geography, economy, or expectation.
At just 26, Elong became one of Africa’s youngest tech CEOs in the aerospace sector. He’s the founder of Will & Brothers, the startup that launched Drone Africa, a project that once seemed almost too ambitious to believe. Today, he is the visionary behind Algo Drone, Cameroon’s first drone manufacturing company. Not only did he break into the competitive drone space, but he also made history by designing, assembling, and launching drones from Africa, for Africa.
“My dream is to show that Africans can be part of the technological revolution. We have the talent. What we often lack is belief, opportunity, and visibility,” – Elong said in one of his public talks.
Early Brilliance, Bold Decisions
William Elong’s brilliance showed early. At 20, he earned his degree from the prestigious Ecole de Guerre Economique in Paris, a school known for shaping top-tier business intelligence professionals. He later worked as a strategy consultant and analyst in France, gaining exposure to global business ecosystems.
But despite the comfort and stability abroad, Elong made a bold decision: to return to Cameroon. He knew the road would be harder. Infrastructure, funding, and policy frameworks were lacking. But something stronger called him home, a mission to prove that world-class innovation could be born on African soil.
“We don’t have to wait for Silicon Valley to fix our problems. We can build our own labs, our own drones, our own futures,” – he once said.
Building the Sky from the Ground Up
The journey wasn’t smooth. Skepticism, lack of capital, and limited technical support challenged his vision at every turn. But he pressed forward. Piece by piece, he and his team built drones designed for real-world problems, from agricultural monitoring and terrain mapping to security surveillance.
Drone Africa’s success didn’t go unnoticed. It sparked interest not only within Cameroon but across the continent. In 2019, William unveiled Algo Drone’s “Logarithm”, a home-built drone prototype entirely designed and assembled in Cameroon, a historic first for the country.
Through these innovations, William positioned Cameroon as a rising voice in the global drone tech conversation.
Recognition for Resilience
William Elong’s trailblazing work has earned him global recognition. In 2016, he was named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in technology. He was selected as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, joining a network of young leaders driving positive change. His company was highlighted by Jeune Afrique, France 24, and BBC, and was celebrated for contributing to the Fourth Industrial Revolution from within Africa. He was invited to speak at international tech and entrepreneurship conferences, including VivaTech in Paris, where he advocated for African innovation on a global stage.
Still, William doesn’t let accolades distract him from the mission.
“Recognition is good, but the real reward is seeing Africans believe again in themselves, in their potential, in their power to create,” – he shared during a panel session in 2021.
A New Kind of Leadership
What sets William apart isn’t just technical skill, it’s vision and conviction. He embodies a new kind of African leadership: grounded, future-facing, and deeply committed to building from within.
He didn’t take the path of least resistance. He chose to fight for relevance in a space that rarely includes young Africans. And through sheer determination, he’s opened doors not just for himself but for a generation of innovators behind him.
“We need to move from being consumers to creators. That’s the only way Africa can redefine its place in the world,” – he declared in an interview.
A Final Word for Dreamers
William Elong’s journey is proof that the future is not reserved for people born in privileged places, it is for those brave enough to build what they wish existed.
If you’ve ever been told your dreams are too big for your environment, remember William. If you’ve been tempted to settle because the odds seem stacked against you, think of a young man who built drones without a factory, shaped algorithms without a blueprint, and sparked a movement without waiting for permission.
Failing forward was part of his process, but he never stopped pressing on.
So here’s the truth William Elong’s life whispers to every African dreamer: you don’t need to leave home to build something global. You just need courage, clarity, and the commitment to start with what you have.
Let his story inspire you to look beyond limitations, to act boldly, and to believe deeply that your roots don’t restrict your reach.
