Ramot Ibrahim: What truly matters is the number of lives I’ve touched

Ramot Ibrahim

Honestly,  I was looking for a grand introduction because Ramot Ibrahim has so many things going on for her that speak excellence,  purpose-driven,  passionate, problem-solving and vision-oriented. When Omote Ro Dhe reached out to her,  she was welcoming and willing to share her story.  Drawing her strength from her mother,  she learnt to do life the right way with grace,  strength,  belief in God,  resilience and intelligence. Probably the reason we blended easily could be because we are both alumni of the prestigious University of Ibadan, given that we are always worthy in character and learning. 

Ramot delved into entrepreneurship from childhood, largely influenced by her mother, who devised creative means to support her family. Ramot is the Founder of Jewel Rahmah Essentials,  a fabric and jewellery brand that celebrates African culture.  She is also the face behind Global Growth Circle(GGC), a platform that not only shares opportunities but also builds bridges that connect purpose to global impact. 

As a woman leader, Ramot has held significant positions, notably the National Secretary General of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria. For her,  leadership goes beyond a title or position. In this feature,  we didn't just hear from Ramot; she took us on a journey from obscurity to relevance. 

Read excerpts below:

Please tell us about your early life; what experiences shaped the confident, purpose-driven woman you are today?

My greatest source of strength has always been my parents, especially my darling mum. Although she never had the opportunity to attend a university, her wisdom, resilience, and faith have deeply shaped who I am today.

Growing up in a polygamous family, where she was the first wife, came with many challenges and emotional trials. Yet, through it all, she remained unshakably strong for us, her children. Her unwavering belief in God and her constant reminder that “this storm shall pass” and “we will see the light at the end of the tunnel” became the foundation of my own resilience.

Her courage taught me to stand tall in the face of adversity. Watching her navigate life with grace, strength, and intelligence—despite the odds—inspired me to succeed, not just for myself, but to honour the incredible woman she is. She embodies a quiet power that fuels my confidence and purpose every single day.

You studied Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ibadan. How has that background influenced your work as a strategist and speaker?

Studying Guidance and Counselling at the prestigious University of Ibadan laid a solid foundation for my career as a public relations strategist and global speaker. From as early as 100 level, we were exposed to in-depth teachings and hands-on experiences that pushed us beyond the classroom. I vividly remember conducting individual research and making presentations in courses like Psychology of Health and Human Wellness and Psychology of Education—exercises that helped me develop critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication skills. 

These early experiences not only sharpened my public speaking abilities but also deepened my understanding of human behaviour—an essential skill in both PR strategy and community engagement. Beyond academics, I was an active student, deeply involved in both social and academic activities. I also dedicated time to volunteering with NGOs, which further developed my leadership and interpersonal skills. One of the most defining moments of my journey was being selected as a Lagos State Youth Ambassador in my second year of study. That opportunity significantly shaped my commitment to community development and helped me grow into a well-rounded, purpose-driven individual.

What inspired the founding of Jewel Rahmah Essentials and The Global Growth Circle? What gap were you trying to fill? 

My passion for entrepreneurship started in childhood. I remember watching my mum—despite all the challenges—find creative ways to support our family through small trading. Her strength, resilience, and resourcefulness were seeds planted in me early on, even before I fully understood what entrepreneurship meant.

As I grew older and began to discover my purpose, I became deeply drawn to the idea of using business as a tool to preserve culture and inspire others. That’s what gave birth to Jewel Rahmah Essentials—a fabric and jewelry brand that celebrates African heritage. My vision was (and still is) to make African designs a part of everyday life, not just for Africans, but for the world. I wanted people to see the beauty, richness, and uniqueness of our culture in the way we dress and express ourselves.

The Global Growth Circle (GGC) came from a different, but equally personal place. While I’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurship—even during my undergraduate days at the University of Ibadan—it was the access to quality learning, mentorship, and opportunities that truly elevated my growth. I realised that not everyone has access to that kind of support, especially young people from underrepresented communities.

That’s the gap I wanted to fill: the lack of access, guidance, and community for purpose-driven youth.

“I believe that when young people are given access, guidance, and a supportive community, they don’t just change their lives—they change the world. At The Global Growth Circle, we’re not just sharing opportunities; we’re building bridges that connect purpose to global impact.”

Today, GGC is a growing platform where young people can learn, connect, and grow—because I know firsthand how powerful the right environment can be in transforming lives.

As the National Secretary General of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria, what issues are most pressing to you and how are you addressing them?

As the National Secretary General of NFSAN, two major issues stand out to me. The first is the noticeable gap in female students taking on leadership roles, especially in areas such as politics, governance, and decision-making spaces, where male students are often more visible and active. The second is the persistent issue of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in our tertiary institutions.

These challenges are deeply rooted, but not impossible to change. That’s why we’ve been working closely with stakeholders and NGOs like Gender Mobile and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, alongside the collective efforts of fellow female student leaders across the country.

We’ve launched advocacy campaigns and visited various tertiary institutions to understand the reality on the ground—how widespread sexual harassment is, and how it manifests, whether from peers or even members of the school management. These findings help us push for policies that protect students and hold institutions accountable.

At the same time, we’re focused on empowering female students to step into leadership through mentorship, training, and awareness campaigns that challenge stereotypes and encourage more active participation. We’re not just filling the gap; we’re creating space for a new generation of women leaders in Nigeria.

What does leadership mean to you in this digital, post-pandemic world?

To me, leadership in today’s digital and post-pandemic world goes beyond holding a title or position. It’s about being innovative, adaptable, and solution-oriented—especially in how we use digital tools to serve and impact our communities.

The pandemic taught us the importance of resilience, empathy, and creative thinking. It pushed many of us to reimagine how we lead, communicate, and take action—even from behind a screen. In this era, true leadership means being able to leverage technology to solve problems, provide value, and stay connected, no matter the circumstances.

It also means being transparent, accountable, and intentional, especially online, where influence travels fast. As young people, we must use the digital space not just for expression but for advocacy, mobilisation, and community building. Whether it’s tackling social issues, promoting education, or driving conversations around policy and governance, leadership today is about using every available platform to drive real change.

Ultimately, I believe anyone can lead—regardless of their title—when they take responsibility for creating impact, remain authentic, and commit to leaving their space better than they found it.

If you could play the role of any historical or fictional character, who would it be and why?

If I could play the role of any historical figure, it would be Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She represents the kind of bold, visionary leadership that I deeply admire, especially as a woman navigating and excelling in spaces where women are often underrepresented.

Her journey as a two-time Finance Minister of Nigeria, and now as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, shows a remarkable blend of integrity, resilience, and global impact. She has consistently used her voice and expertise to fight for economic reform, transparency, and inclusion, not just in Nigeria but across the world.

What inspires me most is how she has remained grounded, unapologetically African, and committed to creating systems that work for everyone, especially the marginalised. I see her as a symbol of what it means to lead with purpose, break barriers, and stay true to your values, even in the face of challenges.

How can we equip more young women to step boldly into leadership and entrepreneurship?

Equipping more young women to step into leadership and entrepreneurship starts with real support, not just words, but action. We need to go beyond social media advocacy and start creating tangible systems of encouragement: emotional, financial, and practical support.

It begins with mentorship—showing young women that leadership is not out of reach and that their voices matter. But it also includes financial empowerment—teaching them how to manage money, access funding, and build sustainable businesses.

Women must also support one another more intentionally. Sisterhood in action, not just in hashtags. When we create safe spaces, share resources, and collaborate instead of compete, we all grow.

Ultimately, we must normalise the idea that women belong at decision-making tables, in boardrooms, and in business—because we do. With the right tools, training, and community, young women won’t just step into leadership—they’ll thrive in it.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women who are your yardstick of being successful?

To me, success is deeply personal—it’s not a one-size-fits-all definition. What success means to one person may be completely different for another. For me, success is about living a life of purpose, creating impact, staying true to my values, and lifting others as I rise. It’s not just about titles or wealth, but about how many lives you touch, the barriers you break, and the legacy you leave behind.

When I think of successful women who inspire me, the very first person is my mum. Her strength, resilience, and ability to build and support our family without formal education is the kind of quiet success that often goes uncelebrated, but it has shaped who I am today.

I also draw inspiration from my aunt, Mrs. Nasirat Abiola Akanni, who has shown me the power of consistency, hard work, and community leadership.

On a national and global scale, I deeply admire Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her trailblazing leadership and integrity, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for using her voice and storytelling to challenge norms and elevate the African narrative. These women remind me that success is not just about achieving for oneself, but about opening doors for others, too.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?  

Resilient, visionary, and compassionate.

They often say I’m resilient because I don’t back down from challenges—I find a way through. Visionary, because I’m always thinking ahead, seeing possibilities even in the most difficult situations. And compassionate, because I genuinely care about people and go the extra mile to support and uplift others.

What’s one belief or mantra you live by?  

I believe that life is all about creating a lasting impact. It’s not about how many degrees I earn, how much money I have, or the personal achievements I accumulate. What truly matters to me is how many lives I’ve touched, the value I’ve added, and the legacy I leave behind. If I can look back and say I made someone else’s journey lighter or brighter, then I know I’ve lived well.