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A Manifesto for Empowerment and Action: A Review of Smash The Glass Ceiling by Olamitayo Irantiola

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Smash The Glass Ceiling

Title: Smash The Glass Ceiling: Empowering African Women to Break Barriers and Achieve their Dreams

Author: Olamitayo Ebunola Irantiola

Pagination: 244 pages

Publisher: Peo Davies Communications

Year of Publication: 2025

Reviewer: Dr Kehinde Olubanjo

Smash the Glass Ceiling is a powerful manifesto for women striving to break free from deeply rooted societal, cultural, and religious barriers. In this insightful and audacious work, Olamitayo Irantiola blends personal experiences, historical references, and academic insight to confront and unravel the multifaceted forms of gender discrimination that persist across society, especially in leadership roles within African contexts.

Irantiola’s message is unmistakably clear from the first page: women are not second-class citizens. They are not afterthoughts. They are leaders, changemakers, visionaries. This short but potent book dares to challenge stereotypes, dismantle myths surrounding women’s capabilities, and inspire women to assert their rightful place in every sphere of influence – from the home to the church, to the highest levels of governance.

Each chapter of the book acts like a stage of awakening, encouraging readers to progress from awareness to courage, and then from courage to action. She draws attention to the subtle and overt ways women are marginalized – ways that often go unnoticed because they have been normalized for generations. From being passed over for leadership roles to being discouraged from expressing ambition, women are often taught to play small. Irantiola offers a powerful counter-narrative: women must rise, lead, and thrive in spaces where they have historically been excluded.

In one of the book’s standout moments, Irantiola writes, “You are not weak; you are a woman.” This punchy, affirming language defines the book’s tone. Each page is laden with declarations – some poetic, others prophetic – that stir the soul. She encourages women to reject self-doubt, embrace their full identity, and stop apologizing for taking up space.

Importantly, Irantiola doesn’t merely point out the problem – she proposes solutions. With practical steps and motivational insights, the book offers strategies for breaking mental, emotional, and institutional barriers. It advocates for women’s inclusion in pastoral leadership, political participation, business, and beyond. In doing so, it transcends personal empowerment and becomes a broader call to collective social change.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Smash the Glass Ceiling is its grounding in spirituality without being dogmatic. While addressing faith-based environments, particularly the church, Irantiola boldly questions the exclusion of women from pulpits and leadership boards. She reimagines a faith community that embraces both sons and daughters as vessels of power and wisdom. This makes the book particularly relevant for African women, many of whom navigate a complex intersection of faith, tradition, and ambition.

While the work is largely declarative and poetic, it does not lack substance. Irantiola’s reflections are undergirded by historical awareness and cultural critique. She is not just cheerleading; she is diagnosing societal patterns and prescribing remedies. She challenges patriarchal systems that tokenize women rather than fully include them and warns against superficial feminism that neglects structural change.

In terms of literary style, Irantiola’s voice is clear, bold, and at times lyrical. She does not shy away from repetition, using it as a rhetorical tool to drive her points home. Her cadence often mimics spoken word poetry, making the book ideal for live readings, workshops, or empowerment seminars. You can imagine a roomful of women nodding, snapping, or even standing to their feet as the words resonate deeply with their lived experiences.

Another strength of the book lies in its inclusivity. Irantiola does not speak only to women in high offices or elite circles. Her message embraces all women – students, homemakers, entrepreneurs, clerics, and professionals. It speaks to the young girl silenced in the classroom, the woman whose ambition is mocked, and the leader whose voice is constantly questioned. To all these women, she says: your presence is valid, your dreams are possible, your ceiling is meant to be shattered.

Smash the Glass Ceiling is also a valuable resource for mentors, educators, and gender equality advocates. It provides language that can be used to inspire, empower, and equip others. For men, too, it is a compelling read – one that invites introspection and partnership in dismantling systems that restrict and oppress. By the time the reader reaches the final chapter, the voice becomes even more urgent, more prophetic. It is as though the author is passing a torch, saying: “You have read the words; now embody them. Let this book not be a bookshelf decoration but a battle cry.”

What ultimately makes Smash the Glass Ceiling unique and impactful is not just its content but its conviction. It is not a passive commentary on gender roles; it is a full-throated declaration of purpose and power. It says that the time for waiting is over. That the barriers must fall. That women should not only be invited to the table but also empowered to lead it or build a better one.

In a world still grappling with inequality, erasure, and gendered expectations, this book is timely. It is more than a motivational manual – it is a manifesto. And in the hands of the right reader, it is not just a book, it is a sledgehammer!

About the Reviewer

Kehinde Olubanjo is a postdoctoral research fellow at the National Cancer Institute – National Institutes of Health (NCI-NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America. He contributes to clinical pharmacology studies by analyzing cancer drugs and determining their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. He earned his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Arkansas, with a research focus on microdialysis – a powerful technique for studying drug distribution in biological systems. His expertise bridges drug analysis, bioanalytical method development, and the broader intersection of chemistry, public health, and translational medicine. Beyond the lab, Kehinde is passionate about science communication and exploring how research can drive health equity and societal impact.

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Education

Mine Bitcoin and Dogecoin for Free With DL Mining! UK Compliance Platform Officially Opened

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Mine Bitcoin and Dogecoin

Traditional cryptocurrency mining often requires huge capital investment, complex equipment configuration, and high electricity costs. However, DL Mining is subverting this industry, providing users with simple, low-cost BTC and DOGE cloud mining services. As a legal platform certified by the British authority, DL Mining makes mining no longer limited by expensive hardware and technical barriers, and truly enables everyone to participate. With top-level security protection, minimalist operation experience, and stable daily income guarantee, DL Mining has become one of the most promising cloud mining platforms in the encryption field.

Functions of DL Mining
DL Mining is committed to creating a safe, efficient and profitable mining experience for all users. The core advantages of the platform include:

✅ Top security protection

Using McAfee® and Cloudflare® dual encryption technology to fully protect user data and asset security

✅ Completely transparent and zero fees

No management fees are charged, no hidden costs are required, and 100% of the income belongs to the user

✅ Stable mining guarantee

The server runs 100% stably, and cooperates with a 24/7 professional customer service team to ensure continuous profitability

✅ Flexible mining in multiple currencies

Supports 6+ mainstream cryptocurrencies such as USDT,USDC,BTC, LTC, DOGE, XRPand free investment portfolio selection

✅ Newcomer exclusive benefits

Sign up and get a $15 investment package, enjoy $0.6 free income every day, and start mining at 0 cost

DL Mining

How to start cloud mining for free with DL Mining?
DL Mining provides an easy-to-use cloud mining getting started guide. Users can start mining in three simple steps:

Step 1: Register an account get $15 bones

The creation process is very smooth and only requires an email address. After registration, users can immediately access DL Mining’s mining dashboard to monitor their earnings in real time.

Step 2: Select a cloud mining service provider.

DL Mining offers a $15 free mining plan to simplify the mining process without expensive mining hardware. This free plan allows users to earn $0.6 in passive income per day for free without taking any financial risk.

Step 3: Choose a mining contract

DL Mining offers a variety of contract options to meet the needs of different investment levels. Each contract guarantees a fixed return and predictable daily returns, ensuring a transparent and profitable mining experience.

LTC [basic  contract]: investment amount: $100, contract period: 2 days, daily income of $4, expiration income: $100 + $8

LTC [basic  contract]: investment amount: $500, contract period: 5 days, daily income of $8, expiration income: $500 + $37

BTC [classic contract]: investment amount: $1,000, contract period: 10 days, daily income of $16, expiration income: $1,000 + $160

BTC [classic contract]: investment amount: $3,000, contract period: 16 days, daily income of $51, expiration income: $3,000 + $816

BTC[Advanced  contract]: investment amount: $10,000,contract period: 35 days, daily income of $215, expiration income: $10,000 + $7525

BTC[Super  contract]: investment amount: $50,000,contract period: 45 days, daily income of $1250, expiration income: $52,000 + $67080

Why DL Mining stands out in the field of cloud mining

Easy to get started

DL Mining is designed for both new and experienced miners. The user-friendly interface ensures that even people who know nothing about cryptocurrency mining can seamlessly participate and earn rewards.

Profitability and flexibility:

Unlike traditional mining models that require long-term commitments and large investments, DL Mining offers flexible contract terms and guaranteed returns. Users can withdraw earnings daily, reinvest for higher returns, or exit at any time.

Worry-free experience

DL Mining handles all technical issues of mining, including equipment maintenance and energy costs. This allows users to focus on maximizing earnings without worrying about the complexity of operations.

DL Mining leads the new wave of cloud mining: a new choice for compliant, efficient and sustainable crypto income

The rise of the cloud mining platform DL Mining is completely changing the way people participate in cryptocurrency mining, and its innovative model may become a key force in promoting industry change:

Four core driving forces of industry change

Authoritative compliance guarantee

As an official British certification platform, DL Mining has established industry trust with perfect regulatory compliance, effectively solving the most concerned security and reliability issues in the field of cloud mining.

Green mining practice

With efficient and energy-saving cloud solutions, DL Mining significantly reduces the carbon footprint of traditional mining and provides a sustainable way of participation for environmentally conscious investors.

Broad market prospects

With the surge in demand for passive income, retail and institutional investors have flocked to the field of crypto mining, indicating that innovative platforms such as DL Mining will usher in explosive growth.

Disruptive cost advantage

Compared with traditional mining that requires the purchase of ASIC mining machines and high electricity bills, DL Mining has redefined industry standards with a nearly zero-threshold participation method and a stable income structure.

Future Outlook

DL Mining is driving the entire industry towards a more convenient, safer and more profitable direction through its innovative cloud mining model. The zero-cost entry, stable daily income and extremely simplified user experience provided by the platform make it an ideal choice for BTC and DOGE mining enthusiasts.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to expand, DL Mining is expected to grow into a leading platform in the cloud mining field, providing investors with a high-quality alternative to traditional mining. Whether you are a novice who is new to crypto mining or a veteran player pursuing stable returns, DL Mining deserves your attention.

Explore new opportunities in cloud mining now

Download APP or Official website: dlmining.net

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Prodigy Finance Unveils NovaGrad AI-enabled Planning Tool for Students

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prodigy finance

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

An Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform giving LATAM and African students a clearer path to global universities known as NovaGrad has been launched by Prodigy Finance.

This tool allows users to plan their study-abroad journeys with confidence. The goal is to give every ambitious student the clarity, guidance, and confidence they need regardless of their background.

Many students still face steep tuition fees, shifting visa rules, complex admissions processes and limited access to reliable information.

The initiative has been created to make those first steps clearer and easier to manage. As interest grows across LATAM and Africa, universities have also stepped into the mission, recognising that students who arrive prepared are far more likely to succeed.

The platform is an AI-enabled planning tool that supports students throughout their study-abroad journey. It helps them explore courses, compare universities, understand their financial options and prepare strong, clear applications.

Students can research programmes across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and many other countries, understand what each university expects and organise their plans in one place.

With visa policies evolving globally, students can also turn to the platform to make sense of timelines, documentation and opportunities in newer destinations.

The tool supports students as they prepare to apply for university and their student visa. The platform helps them understand each step of the process and gives them the confidence to submit a strong, well-planned application.

“2025 has been one of our strongest years yet. We launched several scholarship programmes globally, and the interest from students across Africa and LATAM was remarkable.

“Even though each cycle can only support a small number of winners, our recent Prodigy Finance Awards granted close to $40,000 to eight international students, including learners from Africa and Mexico. It became clear that we needed a broader solution for this region,” the Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, Ms Sonal Kapoor, said.

”After nearly a year of work, we have launched a platform where students can explore multiple scholarship options, receive guidance on choosing universities and prepare their statements of purpose with confidence. That is why we built this service.

“It gives learners clarity about their choices and helps them plan their journey with purpose. This isn’t the kind of AI that replaces talent, it’s the kind that helps students unlock it,” she added.

Also commenting, the Head of Acquisition Strategy at Prodigy Finance and spokesperson for NovaGrad, Ms Mariana Alcocer, said, “I grew up in Colombia, and I know what it feels like to want something bigger than the place you grew up in.

“Many students across LATAM and Africa carry that same determination. They are ambitious and ready to work hard, yet the path in front of them isn’t always clear. The platform gives students the kind of guidance I wish I had in the past, a place where your options make sense and you don’t feel lost or alone.”

“Students aren’t looking for shortcuts. They want clarity. They want to know which universities align with their goals and how to present a strong application.

“The service brings all of that into one space. When students have the right tools, they move from doubt to confidence. That shift is exactly what the platform is built for,” she noted.

Prodigy Finance, a popular brand known for funding international students, has helped more than 45,000 masters students from 150 countries and has disbursed over $2.3 billion in funding.

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Education

Human Rights Watch Urges FG to Protect Schools from Attacks

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kebbi schoolgirls

By Adedapo Adesanya

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Nigerian government to secure the safe release of students and teachers recently kidnapped in the country’s northwest and take concrete steps to protect schools and communities from further attacks.

In a statement on Tuesday, the rights body said, “The groups responsible for the kidnappings should immediately release the students and teachers they are holding captive.”

On November 18, 2025, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped by unidentified armed men from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state.

Just three days later, on November 21, about 303 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger state.

“These mass school kidnappings once again lay bare the deliberate targeting of students, teachers, and schools in Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment,” said Ms Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The deepening crisis underscores the government’s failure to protect vulnerable communities.”

Human Rights Watch said it spoke with parents of two of the girls abducted in Kebbi state. Mrs Isa Nazifi, whose 13-year-old daughter Khadija Nazifi, a junior secondary school student, was among those abducted.

“I immediately took a motorbike and rushed to the school, where I found my second daughter, also a student at the school. She told me Khadija had been taken. We are extremely worried. My wife is in tears. I will stay here at the school until my daughter returns. If I go home without her, what will I tell my family?”

Also, Mr Sani Zimri, whose daughter, Salima Sani Zimri, is a senior secondary school student who was also abducted, said he had heard rumors from other parents of a possible attack by bandits the week before the incident.

“We developed confidence after seeing military operatives surveilling the area, only to realize that there were no security operatives on the premises for the entire three hours that the incident occurred,” he was quoted in a statement by HRW.

The rights group also noted that the development was not new and dates back as far as 2014 and has been occuring with successive governments.

Human Rights Watch said Nigerian authorities have failed to apply lessons from previous attacks to create early warning systems and other measures that could prevent these atrocities.

In response to the recent kidnappings, the government has promised to rescue the kidnapped students and hold those responsible accountable. President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to act swiftly to bring the girls back while also urging local communities to share intelligence.

The authorities have also shut down 47 federal secondary schools known as Federal Unity Colleges, and some states including Katsina, Taraba, and Niger have also closed schools or restricted school activities, particularly boarding institutions.

The rights group lamented that while these measures are aimed at protecting students, they have disrupted learning for thousands of children, denying them access to education and the social and psychological support schools provide.

“Without concrete measures to provide alternative learning opportunities to ensure continuity in their education, the students are at risk of falling behind academically and facing long term setbacks in their development,” the statement added.

It explains that since Nigeria is a signatory to the Safe Schools Declaration, the government should move with urgency to advance a proposal to introduce legislation to implement the Safe Schools Declaration.

“Children in Nigeria have the right to go to school without fearing for their lives,” Ms Ewang said. “Nigerian authorities should prioritize the safe release of the kidnapped children and their teachers and bring those responsible for their abduction to justice.”

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