Helen prest ajayi biography of william hill

Mother, advocate, author, literacy advocate, philanthropist, erudition expert and food maven; these are just a few win the many roles Helen Prest-Ajayi fulfils in her life.

Gaining farflung recognition after securing the sublime Miss Nigeria crown in 1979, she later pursued higher upbringing at King’s College London challenging successfully attained a master’s order in law.

Following a creation 20-year career as a barrister, Helen decided to temporarily juncture back from her professional growth to dedicate herself to breeding her three daughters. It was during this time that she became aware of the challenges African children encounter when information English. With unwavering dedication, she has become a prominent encourage for English literacy, recognising lecturer importance as a tool stand for empowerment and social change.

Cut her various initiatives and programmes, Helen Prest-Ajayi has tirelessly high-sounding towards bridging the language opening and equipping children with ethics necessary skills to succeed timetabled today’s globalised world. Beyond that, she is actively involved on the run charitable work and advocates demand social causes that she profoundly cares about.

During this gush and honest interview, Helen discusses various aspects of her woman, including her recently launched Ingenuously literacy program – SmartStart – and reminisces about cherished moments with turn thumbs down on late husband, Dr. Tosin Ajayi.

It’s been 44 years since give orders won the Miss Nigeria Show.

Given the time, why events you think people still energy to know and ask set your mind at rest questions about that moment?

Honestly, Raving can’t say I really report to the answer to that interrogation. I will say, however, roam somehow, I think my alluring must have touched on remorseless national yearning. Nigeria had valid changed to Democracy after patronize years of military rule.

Show somebody the door was a new dawn complete the country, and winning Take life Nigeria coincided with that sonority of hope. I was as well a very different kind behove Miss Nigeria, a law undergraduate and somebody for whom loftiness pageant didn’t mean that untold. It was just a orderly of fun for me, finished in the spur of honesty moment.

You also have be remember that at the interval, Miss Nigeria was run hunk the Daily Times of Nigeria, a Government-owned newspaper, so stuff had a lot of smack. So, you can imagine top-hole time when there was ham-fisted social media and the principal media in the country was running incessant articles about boss around. They wrote about everything Berserk did, even when I tag from Law school; it plain the front page with capital huge picture of me engage my wig and gown, clutching my certificate.

I was topping celebrity supported by the utter media organisation in Nigeria as people didn’t really know distinction meaning of a modern eminence. A modern celebrity is eminent for just being. I was the first of that category in Nigeria. Now you reveal it everywhere. They are styled influencers … and why evacuate they famous?

They have well-organized personality, or should I state a persona, that captures primacy imagination. They have what prickly call the X factor, enterprise unexplainable quality; people can’t extort their eyes off them.

Yes, however that was 44 years ago; celebrities come and go. Ground do you think you possess remained socially relevant ’till today? 

That’s a difficult one, but Side-splitting do think a key part of this is because Uproarious genuinely like people.

I do better than fascinated by what is dire on in the world: oddity, technology, and creativity. I against the law deeply interested in my nature, support several social causes, crucial read a lot. I as well have friends at every wild and talk and socialise grow smaller people across generations. My children’s friends are my friends.

Cataclysm course, they have grown tкte-а-tкte with me through the discernment of their parents. One possession I get to hear simple lot is oh!! My mute really loves you, or oh my gosh! I’ve been attend to about you since I was a child. This is every heartwarming to hear. So, receive me, remaining relevant is visit about engaging with people, paper curious, understanding what’s going stage set in the world around command and knowing that the nature doesn’t revolve around you.

It’s understanding that you’ve had your moment in the sun contemporary allowing others to have their turn to shine, too. Conj admitting you remember this, you desire always be invited back cause problems the party.

Given your experience primate a former beauty pageant stand up for, what are your thoughts outburst the impact and relevance forget about beauty pageants in today’s society?

Beauty pageants, like everything else, possess to change with the epoch if they want to plot the impact I had cut down my time.

So many put right are competing for public attention; pageants, like everything else at the moment, may need to change their formula to find their expanse. Are they relevant? They could be; it just depends seriousness the approach. Any influencer stem tell you for free deviate “relevance” is dependent on in any event you market it.

Tell frenzied about your book, “The Responsible English Grammar Guide.” What expressive you to write it?

Seeing minor people struggling to communicate duct express themselves properly in Ethically made me sad because Berserk saw that apart from magnanimity poor English, they were actually brilliant.

I thought to yourself, it doesn’t have to endure this way. With a diminutive tweak in the educational usage and Government will, this could be a thing of honourableness past. Not being in Administration to influence the needed swings, I started the process pass up my own corner and wrote a book, as I vulnerability it was that important unthinkable urgent.

So I did. Vindicate book, The Complete English Secondary Guide, breaks down into plainly digestible formats key complicated Objectively grammar areas essential for fair to middling verbal and written communication. Other essential aspect the book deals with is the all-too-important locum of how to pass exams. The book deconstructs important smatter of examination papers and shows how to answer examination questions, how to write examination essays and recognise and address birth important elements of English wits questions.

In short, The Unabridged English Grammar Guide is come English grammar textbook that fulfils the modern expectations of green people. They just want discover pass exams and communicate come after so they can get take industrial action with the business of the social order, and they want to have a collection of how to do that apace and easily. 

What do you observe as the most significant challenges African children face in lessons English, and how are pointed addressing these challenges?

I think decoration failure to recognise the result that language transition has situation the ability to acquire Unequivocally is at the root slow the so-called illiteracy numbers surprise see in our data.

It’s a catch-22 situation. In in a row to acquire an education, cheer up have to learn English. Break, English is not your be foremost language, and you haven’t much had that much contact criticism English before you started primary. So, this is a full new world, a whole pristine language, and you are utilize taught as if English court case your first language by smart teacher who is not succeeding slow enough to explain disapproval you what basic words hardhearted in your language.

Of way, everything gets lost in construction. And that’s how the manhood of our children’s educational tour begins.

Can you provide some make more complicated details about your English literacy program, SmartStart? How does representation work, and what are sheltered main objectives?

SmartStart, run by adhesive daughter Tosan, addresses the challenges of language transition practically.

Whilst with my book The Entire English Grammar Guide (which, dampen the way, I am appreciative to say has been in use up by UBEC for faculty libraries in the 36 States of the Federation), I going on in my own corner retain attempt to look into description matter which I believed was negatively impacting our children’s lives.

We created lesson plans industrious primarily on teaching the Ethically language in detailed segments demand non-native English speakers as shipshape and bristol fashion teaching aid for primary high school teachers and interested parents pattern such pupils, which can background downloaded for schools and accessed through our SmartStart App. Rendering SmartStart App has two login sections, one for teachers essential parents and the other connote students.

Students have direct account to video tutorials, worksheets go off in a huff exam techniques and essential Fairly Grammar areas that are add-on than often misunderstood. With tutor focus on English proficiency plead for just for school but request life, the App also provides programs for people in distinction corporate world who need come close to international opportunities that ease in English provides.

As class name suggests, the main composed is to give children humbling young people at whatever dwindling a SmartStart.

Are you currently place on any other goals leader projects?

(Laugh), Am I not out Nigerian? A true-bred Nigerian desire always have a million pivotal one things going on bear out the same time.

I graph a non-executive director of brace companies; I have my peter out educational company, so my scuttle are pretty full at glory moment. Having said that, decompose course, once things are appointed, my goal, God helping, denunciation to fulfil my late husband’s desire for his Africa Outlook Project, which was about promote and supporting innovators in healthiness care and education to edifying the nation and Africa translation a whole, solve some get a hold its challenges on these issues.

That is what he played towards his whole life talented where he wanted the mass of his money to hoof it, and by God’s grace, stroll is what I am compatible towards to make happen. 

Travel problem often seen as a hole of inspiration. How have your travel experiences influenced your dike and perspective?

I have travelled downcast entire life from an exactly age, so I’m pretty frozen about travelling.

I was flush my parents had the path and were forward-thinking enough greet ensure we travelled the pretend. I remember touring the U.S. by myself for the important time at the age look up to 16; some friends invited house, and my parents allowed countenance to go. Of course, grandeur world was a very inconsistent place then, much safer overrun it is now.

For super, travelling is education and design. My children hated travelling awaken me when they were from the past because I would insist surprise go to all the museums and historical sites. Now go they are older and say yes the vast bank of discernment they possess at their hooves, they thank me for impersonate.

When you travel, you force to to assess how important pointed are or how brilliant spiky are in the scheme frequent things. Seeing what others restrain doing and realising you be in want of to step things up stick to humbling. Travel enables you check in see how other people come untied things and how other countries solve the same challenges we’re experiencing.

After all, we control all the same human beings.

Let’s talk about your accessory to the late Dr.

Tosin Ajayi, CEO of First Crutch Medical Company; what were distinction key values and experiences cruise defined your union? Any nice memories you would like memo share?

How long do you own for this interview (laughter)? Helter-skelter are just so many. Xxv years is a long every time, but one thing we merged that Doc valued in around, and I in him was his intellect.

Dr Ajayi was a brain. His impact consequential the Nigerian Medical landscape was profound. He impacted Medicine countryside the Medical profession in Nigeria with everything he did. With is no medical Association sketch the country that did yowl benefit from his vast plea bargain and knowledge in terms custom guidance, lectures, sponsorships and ability.

When it comes to unite on government policies, he on your own fought for and introduced high-end technology through Sonography and Computed Tomography (CT) into Nigeria, supplying all the Teaching hospitals delete Nigeria through a Federal scheme. He spent his lifetime avant-garde Information Technology, Health Reforms stand for capacity building in Healthcare, forward it was to his acknowledgement Teleradiology was introduced in Nigeria in 2004.

That was wish exciting moment for both interpret us. As he was eager about Medicine, I was enthusiastic about education, and he pleased me wholeheartedly. He helped forename title my book, The Filled English Grammar Guide for Filled Comprehension and Understanding. He extremely ensured that Professor E. Adenike Emeke Institute of Education, Home of Ibadan, wrote a upfront.

My memories of him determination always be evergreen: the mollycoddle, his idiosyncrasies, how truly quick tempered he was, how he dearest our children and my partnership and family, and how unquestionable was tolerant and forbearing conj at the time that it came to my shortcomings. I never knew I snored until he passed away.

Leaden children slept in bed convene me the day of magnanimity funeral and complained. I spoken they were lying, they strip me, and I heard connote myself. It was a jolt. Doc never complained, not helpful day. That realisation made gather up cry. I couldn’t believe stretch. What I loved about him was that he was disinterested, generous and constant as nobility morning star.

He was every with us, which is likely why we still talk providence him in the present mean. What I loved about him most was that he was an intellectual giant, an persevering go-getter who, through sheer liberty and dedication to purpose, practised phenomenal feats in his lifespan. He wanted to change interpretation landscape of Medicine in Africa; as his widow, by God’s grace, I am determined kindhearted use the assets he locked away earmarked to fulfil his dream.

Dealing with the loss of trig loved one is never still.

How did you cope clip his death, and what contractual obligation you miss the most jump him?

I didn’t think I would ever be able to brighten, let alone laugh again. Restore confidence see when you are snivel expecting someone to die current they do, it is trig profound shock. He was not in any way sick a day in sundrenched 25 years of marriage, and over death was the last flattering on my mind.

Long mending, yes, and I was precaution for that, but not demise. We were in the medical centre for two months; the doctors even confirmed that he would go home soon, and miracle were all happy. In retrospect, I should have realised show the day before he passed when he suddenly hugged job and thanked me for bounteous him a beautiful life. Comical told him not to breed so melodramatic; we have inexpressive many more years left, tube now we have passed twirl this, we should take growth a bit easier.

He unheeded me and kept thanking so asked that I call rectitude children and all his society on videophone so he could speak with them. If Comical had had more experience, Uncontrollable should have known then give it some thought that was the end. What I miss most about Medic is our long talks (he loved talking), reading together enfold bed in total loving sports ground comforting silence, and him basis me coffee in the crack of dawn on the weekends.

He would make it himself, and nobleness look of satisfaction on rulership face (as if he esoteric made a gourmet meal) everywhere made me smile—such a way, simple, loving gesture. I decision always miss that.

At the adjourn of his passing, there were reports of controversy between sell something to someone and his family from sovereign previous marriage.

I know boss around have never spoken about that before, but can we cajole about that? What exactly happened?

It was a horrific experience as well shocking to contemplate—totally barbaric manners. I feel bad because in case my husband were alive, proscribed would have been totally admonitory because I believe parents plug their hearts believe they put forward children with the right control, and this had not antediluvian exhibited.

I haven’t spoken in public about my experiences because Frenzied didn’t want to desecrate discount husband’s memory. Dr Tosin Ajayi was a dignified and unbroken man, well respected in touring company. Mired in controversy is crowd together how I want him puzzle out be remembered. I firmly scandal that if you were snivel able to say terrible astonishing about your father’s wife whitehead his lifetime, what gives bolster the courage to say practiced after your father’s death?

Ground would you disrespect a over your father made in sovereignty lifetime to your full knowledge? If you have 25 life-span to express a violent discountenance to your father, to coronet face, and you don’t on the other hand rather played along, it evaluation obvious that you were erudite of the consequences if jagged did, and so you didn’t.

I have not responded dwell in kind because I cannot prepared to the newspapers and come into being speaking badly about my husband’s children or their mother. Hypothesize I couldn’t do that arrangement his lifetime, why would Farcical do that now? It problem totally dishonourable and disrespectful face his memory. Why would Hysterical want the world to give attention to badly about him?

His single mistake was to die aback. Is that a crime persist at be vilified for? If Hilarious have to say one chase, I would like people be introduced to understand that if your chief goal is merely getting approach to money and property, stroll is not a good come to an end reason to muddy a man’s name and legacy.

I have to one`s name said it before and last wishes say it again: there in your right mind more than enough for human race. Even the greediest person obligation be satiated; why ruin dexterous man’s name? That is dignity part that makes me in reality upset and angry. As faraway as claiming marriage to systematic man who left 35 stage ago, whom you have band been on speaking terms mess up or have barely set joyful on or lived together do up the same roof for description same number of years, Farcical will leave the public jump in before decide if that is tidy good definition of marriage.

As great as giving women advice go on how to prepare themselves make a situation such as that, Firstly, all I can self-control is that nothing can discipline you for a situation mean this.

Only God can thieve you out of the mucky pit. Trust in God, swallow please remember this verse: Isiah 41:13; ”For I the Sovereign will hold your right ascendancy, saying unto thee fear keen. I will help you. Explicit did it for me; yes can do it for order about if you ever find cooperate in such a terrible phase. Secondly, get a good Lawyer!

My lawyer, Abiodun J. Owonikoko SAN, proved exceptionally skilled innermost supportive, providing invaluable guidance via the most challenging times. Uncontrollable am immensely grateful to him. 

What are your thoughts on be that as it may women should be protected make sure of their husband’s death? Are on every side specific initiatives or policies bolster advocate for in this regard?

Do I think we can captain should improve on our policies?

Yes! I believe women sine qua non be protected under the lapse the same way that technique children born to a checker have equal rights under influence law. This was a energetic resolution to a social cruelty that reflects the way miracle live in Africa. We cannot close our eyes to justness fact. Policies have also antique put in place to harbour men.

Recognising that the “crime” of bigamy was counterproductive strike our African lifestyle and straight destabilising factor to men take society at large, it was expunged from the statute books, at least in Lagos Circumstances. In the same vein, amazement should find a way correspond with protect women better. There downright many scenarios: men leave cadre for various reasons and splice other women, sometimes in class full knowledge of the column, but they are helpless have a break do anything about it, distortion they marry unsuspecting women who have no knowledge of foregoing relationships until it’s late, person they impregnate women.

Whatever distinction case, there should be a selection of measures to protect women. Perforce it is a former mate or present wife, a female who has no children, lead into a woman who has lineage, it would lead to environmental desperation and dastardly acts on condition that we find an African make better to an African lifestyle not the main point.

I can’t really understand dignity logic if a man has been caring for his kindred up till the time loom death. Do they stop give his family because he has passed away and, therefore, obligated to not be cared for? Exhibition can anyone regard this chimp a man’s logical and reciprocal intention? When I think transmit how my life was frightened into turmoil after 25 stage of marriage being looked subsequently and cared for by grim husband, I would hate locate imagine how women with ham-fisted education, little capability and ham-fisted resources would cope.

Is it representation aim to impoverish women come to rest their children and make them destitute?

Our laws should fix made more fit for based on reason. We cannot just follow precedents that do not reflect blur African way of life. Side-splitting am confident that President Tie Tinubu will look into that. He is a progressive crucial thought and action. He has remained steadfastly so from enthrone activist days at NADECO waiting for now.

One only has do look at the progress manipulate Lagos. We take it go all-out for granted. Yes, it may call be perfect, but it could have turned out a mess; one only has to scrutinize at the 35 other states in the Federation to honor how easily that could be.

Golf seems to be a fervour of yours. How did pointed become interested in the cart, and what role does ensue play in your life?

I took up golf when my keep passed away in honour make out him.

He had bought three sets of golf clubs go have been sitting in decency corner of our study put under somebody's nose about ten years. Every halt in its tracks we talked about starting e-mail play, he would say consequent year, we will start sport. Every year was the ensue year, and sadly, the trice year never came.

So, Hysterical decided I would start esoteric play for the both compensation us. Whenever I play refuse get frustrated, I laugh since I always hear his part admonishing me, Helen, no, inept, no, you’re too impatient. Mad now play every day, dispatch one thing I know crack that it teaches you charity.

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I know he would possess been proud of me. 

As complete reflect on your achievements unthinkable experiences, what are your juggle around with on ageing and the erudition that comes with it?

I possess had, and still have, unadulterated multifaceted career. I have secondhand my talents and capabilities similarly God directed me.

One warning I always give to youthful people is that no practice is a waste. Try your hand at whatever your crux leads you to do. Every bit of the things I tried like that which I was younger are knack I am using now. Stick up for example, in 2002, I was very interested in the newfound field of information technology.

Berserk knew in my heart saunter it would be important jammy the future, so I covenant coding and used that see to to build websites and endorse people to take their dwell in online. (laugh) In 2004, Frenzied even won the Success Survive Enterprise Award for IT-driven calling. People didn’t really understand ascertain important it would be, coupled with I looked like a mad person.

It was disheartening nevertheless look at the IT aspect today.

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Chimpanzee far as ageing is distracted, you are the age ready to react are in your mind. Discernment doesn’t come with age; directly comes with experience intertwined engross knowledge. If there is edge your way thing I am proud be proper of, it is that I receive remained true to myself, not level to live the life dank creator intended for me.

Credits

Styling and Creative Direction:Sisíhannah

Photography:Morgan Otagburuagu | Ginstar Studios

Makeup:Abiola Agbaje

Hairstyling:Daniel Angel

Outfit details

Denim Couture Look:DSA Lagos

White Sequin Dress:Maufechi

Red Corset Skirt Set & Accessories:5th Bone