Seed to Sequoia by Ruth

The very first novel I bought ‘unprovoked’ was ‘Listen to the Child.’ I was under 13, in a motor-park headed for either a UNICEF Zone A Children’s Parliament meeting in Enugu or the National Children’s Parliament meeting in Abuja.
Somehow, I missed the “SuperRomance” I just confirmed was boldly written on the cover and thought that simply put, this was a book about listening to children. From a relatively young age, I had this unshakeable knowing that it was very important to listen to the child…
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I grew up very introverted. I was more observant than outspoken. I considered the events in every day life more thoroughly than an average person would have. I lived deeply (introspected a lot) and was not in a hurry to draw conclusions (till this day; I’m rarely a jump to conclusion person). My thoughts were usually well formed because I let them marinate and pass through the thoughtfulness and wisdom filter…

Even though I learned of and experienced the strength, virtue and power in my words written or spoken, I moved through a dominant culture that was quick to dismiss the voice, presence, sometimes essence of a child (worst still if you’re a girl child) especially in this part of the world.
I also had my share of being bullied as a child. I wasn’t physically harmed but I was psychologically inflicted.

So, I learned. I learned how to carry the burden of silence: holding pain, belief and wisdom to myself. I experienced it cripple some of the best parts of my being…
I have been on this seeming life-long journey of letting light and love do its work in me & while I keep surrendering, I share these today because I resonate profoundly with the 2025 Children’s Day theme:Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying - Free Generation.

Children bully children. Adults bully children. Some traditions are set up against children. Some “fun” jokes we make at the expense of a child’s sense of freedom, love and safety are rooted in unc bullying.

Bullied children could bully others. Bullied children can become the problem in society. Building a love-led approach to relating with children starts with me. I hope this is a resolution for you too

Every year, I remain in awe of phenomenal ideas that are refined until they are rolled out, data-driven impact projects and programs delivered/executed with impeccable results. I am in awe of the resulting collective prosperity that actual people, communities, nations and continents experience because someone, a team, a vision, persisted till there were necessary results.

As a woman in leadership and business with an almost decade-long focus in the non-profit management sector, it is my joy to define, review, refine, strengthen and effect ideas and processes that optimise fundamental business (every expression as a business) outcomes in my areas of operation.

Over the years, my work across the for-profit and non-profit sectors has brought varying degrees of personal, professional and industry growth, fulfilment, accomplishments, challenges, joys, some woes, and a lot of opportunities.

While there is so much in store and already started in 2025, over the next couple of days and to celebrate Women's Month, I will share some women-led, impact-focused spaces, programs, and projects I am/was so proud to be a part of in the year 2024.
The beautiful part is that the strength of these projects was largely owed to incredible women supporting women with men as allies.

I hope that you're looking forward to this as much as I am 😀

Dare I say, Happy New Year and Happy Women's Month. 🎉

Ruth Diyan Ebe