CNN Profiles seasoned Nigerian Architect and philanthropist on African Voices
Airs Saturday: 0230pm;
Sunday: 0800am, 0530pm; Monday: 0930am, 0430pm; Tuesday: 0430am
This week, Nigerian-born, Offiong Ekanem Ejindu, popularly
known as Princess Fifi, a Nigerian descendent of royalty, who studied in
America and became a pioneer in the field of architecture, will feature on
African Voices, CNN International’s weekly half-hour programme highlighting Africa's most engaging personalities.
In this interview with CNN’s Zain Verjee, Princess Fifi, philanthropist and
great grand-daughter of the popular King James Ekpo Bassey, unveils
her plans to use her Philanthropic Endeavors, Party Planning and Architectural Projects
to make a tremendous Impact on improving the African Continent.
She also talks about her experience as the second African woman to ever graduate from
Pratt Institute's School Of Architecture in New York, her career, love for fashion and aspiration towards
empowering the African youth.
Ejindu is currently the Chairperson of Starcrest Group of Companies, a company
she started in 1995. Today, the Conglomerate comprises of companies involved in
real estate, oil and gas, and building construction. Her husband of over 25 years is a Partner in her
business and her son is said to have also followed in her architectural
footsteps.
Princess
Fifi Ejindu explains how she combines her passion for Architectural design in
whatever she does; “I love designing. I don't do it for the rewards. I do it
because it's my passion and one of my professions. I especially love Neo traditional
projects, which is building with traditional and old style features, like round
windows and arches, it brings back the renaissance period.”
Her passion
towards empowering the African youth is demonstrated through the NGO she founded known as the ‘African Arts and Fashion Initiative’.
She says that her plan is to ignite the modern African generation in arts and
fashion by driving youths into various fields of their desire through
fundraisers, scholarships and other enticements.
She further
explains; “Africa has arrived and the future of Africa depends majorly on the extent
to which we can empower our young people because they constitute a large percent
of the population. Creating
viable jobs opportunities for the African youth is critical to sustainable
development in African countries and also for peace in the Continent.”
For more information,
viewers can visit www.cnn.com/africanvoices; the show’s
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
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