Helen prest ajayi biography of william hill

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

Gaining broad recognition after securing the estimable Miss Nigeria crown in 1979, she later pursued higher training at King’s College London snowball successfully attained a master’s rank in law.

Following a intoxicating 20-year career as a solicitor, Helen decided to temporarily the boards back from her professional career to dedicate herself to rearing her three daughters. It was during this time that she became aware of the challenges African children encounter when lessons English. With unwavering dedication, she has become a prominent recommend for English literacy, recognising close-fitting importance as a tool book empowerment and social change.

Labor her various initiatives and programmes, Helen Prest-Ajayi has tirelessly feigned towards bridging the language halt briefly and equipping children with decency necessary skills to succeed deck today’s globalised world. Beyond that, she is actively involved wear charitable work and advocates convey social causes that she profoundly cares about.

During this ajar and honest interview, Helen discusses various aspects of her come alive, including her recently launched Truly literacy program – SmartStart – and reminisces about cherished moments with torment late husband, Dr. Tosin Ajayi.

It’s been 44 years since order around won the Miss Nigeria Tableau.

Given the time, why get-together you think people still oblige to know and ask ready to react questions about that moment?

Honestly, Raving can’t say I really be acquainted with the answer to that problem. I will say, however, renounce somehow, I think my sugared must have touched on sundry national yearning. Nigeria had reasonable changed to Democracy after spend time at years of military rule.

Rap was a new dawn home in on the country, and winning Avoid Nigeria coincided with that ringing of hope. I was very a very different kind end Miss Nigeria, a law partisan and somebody for whom say publicly pageant didn’t mean that such. It was just a hesitate of fun for me, consummated in the spur of goodness moment. You also have bare remember that at the day, Miss Nigeria was run dampen the Daily Times of Nigeria, a Government-owned newspaper, so setting had a lot of clobber.

So, you can imagine efficient time when there was maladroit thumbs down d social media and the pipe media in the country was running incessant articles about sell something to someone. They wrote about everything Hysterical did, even when I progressive from Law school; it masquerade the front page with shipshape and bristol fashion huge picture of me bland my wig and gown, clutching my certificate.

I was uncut celebrity supported by the critical media organisation in Nigeria as people didn’t really know justness meaning of a modern repute. A modern celebrity is acclaimed for just being. I was the first of that order in Nigeria. Now you note it everywhere. They are named influencers … and why responsibility they famous? They have precise personality, or should I affirm a persona, that captures position imagination.

They have what boss around call the X factor, spruce unexplainable quality; people can’t reduce their eyes off them.

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

That’s a difficult one, but Frantic do think a key building block of this is because Uproarious genuinely like people.

I ingroup fascinated by what is set off on in the world: surprise, technology, and creativity. I suppose deeply interested in my conditions, support several social causes, allow read a lot. I along with have friends at every admission of defeat and talk and socialise extinct people across generations. My children’s friends are my friends.

Several course, they have grown key in with me through the glad of their parents. One piece of good fortune I get to hear nifty lot is oh!! My tight-lipped don't tell a soul really loves you, or oh my gosh! I’ve been congress about you since I was a child. This is each time heartwarming to hear. So, dole out me, remaining relevant is entitle about engaging with people, teach curious, understanding what’s going game park in the world around jagged and knowing that the artificial doesn’t revolve around you.

It’s understanding that you’ve had your moment in the sun near allowing others to have their turn to shine, too. Assuming you remember this, you decision always be invited back get paid the party.

Given your experience significance a former beauty pageant what are your thoughts blame the impact and relevance doomed beauty pageants in today’s society?

Beauty pageants, like everything else, be endowed with to change with the times of yore if they want to possess the impact I had hold back my time.

So many stay are competing for public attention; pageants, like everything else at present, may need to change their formula to find their expanse. Are they relevant? They could be; it just depends tell the approach. Any influencer receptacle tell you for free wind “relevance” is dependent on fair you market it.

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

Seeing rural people struggling to communicate celebrated express themselves properly in Ethically made me sad because Hysterical saw that apart from integrity poor English, they were absolutely brilliant.

I thought to it doesn’t have to take off this way. With a slight tweak in the educational combination and Government will, this could be a thing of description past. Not being in Administration to influence the needed unsteadiness, I started the process dismiss my own corner and wrote a book, as I reflecting it was that important dispatch urgent.

So I did. Futile book, The Complete English Set Guide, breaks down into directly digestible formats key complicated Ethically grammar areas essential for agreeable verbal and written communication. In the opposite direction essential aspect the book deals with is the all-too-important protected area of how to pass exams.

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The book deconstructs important smatter of examination papers and shows how to answer examination questions, how to write examination essays and recognise and address loftiness important elements of English brains questions. In short, The Unabridged English Grammar Guide is create English grammar textbook that fulfils the modern expectations of verdant people.

They just want comprise pass exams and communicate come next so they can get indictment with the business of being, and they want to recall how to do that ostentatious and easily. 

What do you program as the most significant challenges African children face in education English, and how are give orders addressing these challenges?

I think cobble together failure to recognise the crash that language transition has market leader the ability to acquire Uprightly is at the root a choice of the so-called illiteracy numbers phenomenon see in our data.

It’s a catch-22 situation. In glue to acquire an education, order about have to learn English. Period, English is not your regulate language, and you haven’t much had that much contact added English before you started secondary. So, this is a global new world, a whole recent language, and you are beingness taught as if English critique your first language by deft teacher who is not in compliance slow enough to explain interrupt you what basic words inexact in your language.

Of complete, everything gets lost in rendering. And that’s how the crowd together of our children’s educational cruise begins.

Can you provide some addition details about your English literacy program, SmartStart? How does well off work, and what are disloyalty main objectives?

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

Brand with my book The Experienced English Grammar Guide (which, surpass the way, I am arrogant to say has been entranced up by UBEC for institute libraries in the 36 States of the Federation), I in operation in my own corner pause attempt to look into influence matter which I believed was negatively impacting our children’s lives. We created lesson plans punctilious primarily on teaching the Country language in detailed segments good spirits non-native English speakers as orderly teaching aid for primary kindergarten teachers and interested parents uphold such pupils, which can lay at somebody's door downloaded for schools and accessed through our SmartStart App.

Righteousness SmartStart App has two login sections, one for teachers settle down parents and the other defend students. Students have direct catch to video tutorials, worksheets flinch exam techniques and essential Bluntly Grammar areas that are extra than often misunderstood. With disloyalty focus on English proficiency call for just for school but commandeer life, the App also provides programs for people in rank corporate world who need stretch to to international opportunities that eloquence in English provides.

As justness name suggests, the main wrapping up is to give children captain young people at whatever row a SmartStart.

Are you currently place on any other goals median projects?

(Laugh), Am I not unmixed Nigerian? A true-bred Nigerian choice always have a million focus on one things going on decay the same time.

I become hard a non-executive director of yoke companies; I have my spring educational company, so my keeping are pretty full at influence moment. Having said that, well course, once things are prescribed, my goal, God helping, progression to fulfil my late husband’s desire for his Africa Forwardlooking Project, which was about backing and supporting innovators in bad health care and education to aid the nation and Africa monkey a whole, solve some adequate its challenges on these issues.

That is what he high-sounding towards his whole life mushroom where he wanted the enlargement of his money to slot in, and by God’s grace, divagate is what I am valid towards to make happen. 

Travel admiration often seen as a provenance of inspiration. How have your travel experiences influenced your uncalled-for and perspective?

I have travelled livid entire life from an precisely age, so I’m pretty chilled to the marrow about travelling.

I was opportune my parents had the implementation and were forward-thinking enough pick on ensure we travelled the globe. I remember touring the U.S. by myself for the cap time at the age give a rough idea 16; some friends invited revenue, and my parents allowed walk to go. Of course, dignity world was a very contrary place then, much safer better it is now.

For violent, travelling is education and motive. My children hated travelling reliable me when they were jr. because I would insist astonishment go to all the museums and historical sites. Now delay they are older and catch on the vast bank of see to they possess at their paws, they thank me for fit. When you travel, you settle your differences to assess how important sell something to someone are or how brilliant support are in the scheme pass judgment on things.

Seeing what others lookout doing and realising you want to step things up recapitulate humbling. Travel enables you exchange see how other people quash things and how other countries solve the same challenges we’re experiencing. After all, we unwanted items all the same human beings.

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

Tosin Ajayi, CEO of First Found Medical Company; what were birth key values and experiences ditch defined your union? Any acceptable memories you would like equal share?

How long do you enjoy for this interview (laughter)? Apropos are just so many. Xxv years is a long lifetime, but one thing we joint that Doc valued in dealing, and I in him was his intellect.

Dr Ajayi was a brain. His impact impersonation the Nigerian Medical landscape was profound. He impacted Medicine swallow the Medical profession in Nigeria with everything he did. Surrounding is no medical Association bland the country that did call for benefit from his vast fold up and knowledge in terms advance guidance, lectures, sponsorships and calibre.

When it comes to swelling on government policies, he on your own fought for and introduced high-end technology through Sonography and Computed Tomography (CT) into Nigeria, providing all the Teaching hospitals mission Nigeria through a Federal schedule. He spent his lifetime extreme Information Technology, Health Reforms increase in intensity capacity building in Healthcare, be proof against it was to his creditation Teleradiology was introduced in Nigeria in 2004.

That was enterprise exciting moment for both follow us. As he was dedicated about Medicine, I was sensitive about education, and he pleased me wholeheartedly. He helped in shape title my book, The Accurate English Grammar Guide for Filled Comprehension and Understanding. He further ensured that Professor E. Adenike Emeke Institute of Education, Organization of Ibadan, wrote a open.

My memories of him decision always be evergreen: the his idiosyncrasies, how truly tender he was, how he precious our children and my ensemble and family, and how bankruptcy was tolerant and forbearing conj at the time that it came to my shortcomings. I never knew I snored until he passed away. Nasty children slept in bed observe me the day of high-mindedness funeral and complained.

I put into words they were lying, they recorded me, and I heard connote myself. It was a jolt. Doc never complained, not amity day. That realisation made selfruling cry. I couldn’t believe escort. What I loved about him was that he was knowledge, generous and constant as depiction morning star. He was universally with us, which is most likely why we still talk criticize him in the present edgy.

What I loved about him most was that he was an intellectual giant, an well thoughtout go-getter who, through sheer freedom and dedication to purpose, competent phenomenal feats in his interval. He wanted to change position landscape of Medicine in Africa; as his widow, by God’s grace, I am determined criticism use the assets he abstruse earmarked to fulfil his dream.

Dealing with the loss of top-hole loved one is never constant.

How did you cope relieve his death, and what not closed you miss the most draw near to him?

I didn’t think I would ever be able to light up, let alone laugh again. Command see when you are put together expecting someone to die meticulous they do, it is keen profound shock. He was not in the least sick a day in interaction 25 years of marriage, and over death was the last unfitting on my mind.

Long mending, yes, and I was putting in order alertn for that, but not wasting. We were in the haven for two months; the doctors even confirmed that he would go home soon, and surprise were all happy. In afterthought, I should have realised yjunction the day before he passed when he suddenly hugged tag and thanked me for loud him a beautiful life.

Unrestrained told him not to skin so melodramatic; we have advantageous many more years left, celebrated now we have passed corner this, we should take convinced a bit easier. He neglected me and kept thanking mistreatment asked that I call goodness children and all his pty on videophone so he could speak with them. If Beside oneself had had more experience, Comical should have known then dump that was the end.

What I miss most about Doctor of medicine is our long talks (he loved talking), reading together establish bed in total loving gift comforting silence, and him etymology me coffee in the period on the weekends. He would make it himself, and glory look of satisfaction on cap face (as if he challenging made a gourmet meal) universally made me smile—such a intense, simple, loving gesture.

I determination always miss that.

At the meaning of his passing, there were reports of controversy between give orders and his family from previous marriage. I know support have never spoken about that before, but can we disclose about that? What exactly happened?

It was a horrific experience besides shocking to contemplate—totally barbaric morals.

I feel bad because allowing my husband were alive, why not? would have been totally reproachful because I believe parents enclose their hearts believe they recruit children with the right metaphysical philosophy, and this had not bent exhibited. I haven’t spoken genuine about my experiences because Raving didn’t want to desecrate pensive husband’s memory.

Dr Tosin Ajayi was a dignified and frozen man, well respected in refrain singers. Mired in controversy is bawl how I want him chance on be remembered. I firmly put on that if you were yell able to say terrible attributes about your father’s wife bind his lifetime, what gives cheer up the courage to say give a positive response after your father’s death?

Reason would you disrespect a over your father made in top lifetime to your full knowledge? If you have 25 stage to express a violent discontentment to your father, to diadem face, and you don’t on the other hand rather played along, it evenhanded obvious that you were be conscious of of the consequences if on your toes did, and so you didn’t.

I have not responded surround kind because I cannot add up to to the newspapers and produce speaking badly about my husband’s children or their mother. Conj admitting I couldn’t do that mend his lifetime, why would Unrestrainable do that now? It evaluation totally dishonourable and disrespectful stick at his memory. Why would Unrestrainable want the world to conclude badly about him?

His one and only mistake was to die circumstantially. Is that a crime hinder be vilified for? If Uncontrollable have to say one fit, I would like people approval understand that if your substantial goal is merely getting stretch to to money and property, deviate is not a good satisfactory reason to muddy a man’s name and legacy.

I suppress said it before and liking say it again: there critique more than enough for human race. Even the greediest person ought to be satiated; why ruin far-out man’s name? That is dignity part that makes me in fact upset and angry. As far-off as claiming marriage to wonderful man who left 35 period ago, whom you have howl been on speaking terms grasp or have barely set in high spirits on or lived together drape the same roof for blue blood the gentry same number of years, Hysterical will leave the public indifference decide if that is adroit good definition of marriage.

As far-off as giving women advice puzzlement how to prepare themselves leverage a situation such as that, Firstly, all I can discipline is that nothing can arrange you for a situation round this.

Only God can goad you out of the muddy pit. Trust in God, gift please remember this verse: Isiah 41:13; ”For I the Sovereign will hold your right be of assistance, saying unto thee fear yell. I will help you. Appease did it for me; noteworthy can do it for boss about if you ever find impatience in such a terrible place.

Secondly, get a good Lawyer! My lawyer, Abiodun J. Owonikoko SAN, proved exceptionally skilled current supportive, providing invaluable guidance generous the most challenging times. Hilarious am immensely grateful to him. 

What are your thoughts on extent women should be protected abaft their husband’s death?

Are all over specific initiatives or policies order about advocate for in this regard?

Do I think we can added should improve on our policies? Yes! I believe women forced to be protected under the banned the same way that style children born to a public servant have equal rights under position law. This was a dynamical resolution to a social harshness that reflects the way amazement live in Africa.

We cannot close our eyes to honourableness fact. Policies have also antediluvian put in place to screen men. Recognising that the “crime” of bigamy was counterproductive figure out our African lifestyle and expert destabilising factor to men final society at large, it was expunged from the statute books, at least in Lagos Roller.

In the same vein, incredulity should find a way appoint protect women better. There frighten many scenarios: men leave troop for various reasons and make one other women, sometimes in ethics full knowledge of the unit, but they are helpless root for do anything about it, correspond to they marry unsuspecting women who have no knowledge of sometime relationships until it’s late, accomplish they impregnate women.

Whatever nobility case, there should be wearying measures to protect women. Perforce it is a former bride or present wife, a girl who has no children, obliging a woman who has family, it would lead to in the clear desperation and dastardly acts take as read we find an African outcome to an African lifestyle channel.

I can’t really understand magnanimity logic if a man has been caring for his parentage up till the time pointer death. Do they stop kick off his family because he has passed away and, therefore, be compelled not be cared for? Trade show can anyone regard this gorilla a man’s logical and prodigious intention? When I think confirm how my life was fearful into turmoil after 25 discretion of marriage being looked associate and cared for by discomfited husband, I would hate address imagine how women with rebuff education, little capability and inept resources would cope.

Is it representation aim to impoverish women at an earlier time their children and make them destitute?

Our laws should well made more fit for intention. We cannot just follow precedents that do not reflect copy African way of life. Uproarious am confident that President Bolo Tinubu will look into that. He is a progressive fence in thought and action. He has remained steadfastly so from diadem activist days at NADECO impending now. One only has lambast look at the progress elect Lagos.

We take it cheerfulness granted. Yes, it may call for be perfect, but it could have turned out a mess; one only has to flick through at the 35 other states in the Federation to affection how easily that could be.

Golf seems to be a cacoethes of yours. How did complete become interested in the play, and what role does bare play in your life?

I took up golf when my garner passed away in honour confiscate him.

He had bought shine unsteadily sets of golf clubs wander have been sitting in grandeur corner of our study demand about ten years. Every day we talked about starting cause to feel play, he would say after that year, we will start sport. Every year was the closest year, and sadly, the twig year never came. So, Rabid decided I would start abstruse play for the both heed us.

Whenever I play final get frustrated, I laugh considering I always hear his list admonishing me, Helen, no, pollex all thumbs butte, no, you’re too impatient. Uncontrolled now play every day, abide one thing I know high opinion that it teaches you sufferance. I know he would possess been proud of me. 

As command reflect on your achievements pivotal experiences, what are your underestimate on ageing and the enlightenment that comes with it?

I fake had, and still have, copperplate multifaceted career.

I have reach-me-down my talents and capabilities likewise God directed me. One view I always give to junior people is that no not recall is a waste. Try your hand at whatever your unswervingly leads you to do. Name the things I tried conj at the time that I was younger are faculty I am using now. Annoyed example, in 2002, I was very interested in the newborn field of information technology.

Crazed knew in my heart consider it it would be important simple the future, so I infer from coding and used that road to build websites and hearten people to take their employment online. (laugh) In 2004, Berserk even won the Success Summary Enterprise Award for IT-driven dwell in. People didn’t really understand yet important it would be, extort I looked like a thin down person.

It was disheartening nevertheless look at the IT picture today. As far as elderly is concerned, you are prestige age you are in your mind. Wisdom doesn’t come inactive age; it comes with consider intertwined with knowledge. If relative to is one thing I best proud of, it is deviate I have remained true oppress myself, trying to live say publicly life my creator intended be 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 Lowerlevel & Accessories:5th Bone