Title: Is your environment a limitation?

Elijah ( code name) has a start-up company in Frankfurt. He wants to expand to Kenya, but everytime he hangsout with his group of friends they say things like, “you are a dreamer, oversabi, you aren’t bold enough, just stay where you are. As a result, his expansion plan is lying fallow, deadlines with business partners abandoned. Elijah has lost faith in himself and he believes not expanding is the safest decision for his business.

Methaphorically speaking, environments can be our social circle, the things we consume, residence and more. These factors can shape our thoughts and have a significant impact on the outcome of our lives.

Change starts with you and the fastest way to freedom is to pause for a moment, conduct a self-analysis, tell yourself the truth and move away from the things that aren’t working.

Questions

▪︎Are you in the right environment?

▪︎What are you going to do about it?

Practical steps towards change

▪︎Batch out 30 minutes daily for the next 30 days. Do a self-analysis once a week

▪︎Write out the cost of this limitation. Eg my self-esteem has dwindled, I’m stressed, broke etc

▪︎Mental reasoning is on the decline. How many percent?

▪︎Change something every day. Observe your progress & repeat until the shift is complete

I hope you enjoyed this piece.

Sharing practical tips to help you achieve new milestones.

Regards,

Esther Ukaria

CELEBRATING HULLS BLACK HISTORY – Championing diversity, inclusivity, and equality in our community.

We are the Black History Partnership – a community organisation dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich heritage of Hull’s Black community. Supported by Hull University, we strive to educate, inspire, and empower through engaging events, thought-provoking discussions, and impactful initiatives. Join us as we honour the past, embrace the present, and shape a future where diversity is celebrated.

TO FIND OUT MORE EMAIL – blackhistoryhull@gmail.com
OR VISIT http://www.hullblackhistory.org

Temi Makinde is a dedicated community leader based in Hull and the East Riding, working closely with the Yoruba and wider Nigerian communities. Passionate about inclusion and representation, Temi is committed to amplifying voices, fostering connection, and creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Temi serves as the BAME Officer for the Labour Party in Hull North and Cottingham and is the Labour candidate for Beverley and Newland. In these roles, Temi champions equality, advocates for underrepresented voices, and works to drive meaningful, positive change across the local community.

It was a pleasure to attend the NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre Industry Day 2026 on Wednesday the 25th of March 2026 at Soveraign lecture hall, Bradford Royal infirmary.

This amazing annual event was attended by community champions , Key Speakers , Health experts and a diverse range of professionals from around the country .

Professor John Wright – Director of Research ( Bradford Institute for Health Research ) was in attendance to deliver The Welcome address.

Also in attendance was The Director of NIHR CRDC , Bradford and West Yorkshire , Professor Dinesh Saralaya who delivered a profound insight into the campaign and also introduced all the key speakers for the day .

The NiHR Bradford and West Yorkshire CRDC is led by Professsor Dinesh Saralaya at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, working very closely with partner sites as part of the NIHR strategy to deliver high impact , patient focused research that contributes to improving health outcomes and driving economic growth 

Also available on the day was Mr Richard Hebdon- The head of NIHR Industry Engagement, who delivered a powerful keynote address, Clinical Research Associates from Astra Zeneca, Dr Julie O Riorden. Director of Research, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust , Dr Rachel Pring, Dr Phil Waywell, , Richard Howard Jones, Dr John Ashcroft and many distinguished health experts from around the country .

Some pictures can be found below

Cecil Jones (CJ)

Cecil’s musical career commenced at an early age in Freetown Sierra Leone. As a multi-instrumentalist with ABRSM grade 8 in Saxophone,
He has over twenty years of experience as a musician. He is a singer/songwriter and choir director and have lived in the Hull community since 2012.

He has participated in the PRS New Music Biennial and worked on music workshop with esteemed musicians to create new music.

Muchcollaboration was achieved working with master trainers from around the world on a music project Singing Days, in conjunction with schools in Hull organised by the British Council.

His versatile style of playing music led to completing a Bachelor of music degree at Hull University. At university, he augmented his skills on the saxophone through actively participating in diverse ensemble acquainting himself to jazz style playing. This opportunity gave him the pleasure to
form a jazz band and has ever since been performing annually at different locations within Hull City.

In 2017, during the celebration of City of Culture, Cecil performed together with other musicians from Sierra Leone on one of the main stages with the opportunity of sharing his country’s cultural and heritage with the audience that gathered to watch.

It was in that same year he formed the HULL AFRO DRUM BEATS, using the djembe drums to perform and lead workshops within and outside of Hull.

Cecil runs the United Voices Choir that is based at Princes Avenue Methodist Church, which brings together singers from various cultures and backgrounds across Hull.

He is an active member of his Alma Mater school brass band, The Sierra Leone Grammar school in London and Freetown Sierra Leone.
During his final year studying at the University of Hull, Cecil formed the CLAFRO JAZOP band and has been organising yearly concerts since graduating in 2021.

Cecil is presently the Chairperson for the Freetown Society in Hull and
working with a team to strengthen the twinning and special relationship
between Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone it’s twinned city.

Cecil’s big vision is to set up a Community Music Centre that will provide music training and activities that will appreciate and celebrate the rich cultures in Hull and Freetown Sierra Leone.

For the past eight years, Cecil been working for the Open Doors Project in Hull as Project Coordinator, providing welcome and practical support to people seeking sanctuary in Hull. Providing a safe space and helping them integrate into the community.

More of his entertainment and performances can be found on YouTube and Facebook where you will be musically thrilled.

Providing music education and entertainment continues to be his quest.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST SISTER – NICOLETTE

There is only one Princess 

Dressed with grace – from the deepest shores ,

Her footprints are filled with magic 

And a new story that has housed many beginings 

We have fed from her love which is young and able

And the stories from the east that coax through the night 

We are touched by the stance from your chosen cradle 

And all the new blessings that breathe from your light 

There is only one princess

And she sits on a throne from an ageless season 

There is only one sister 

And her calling is dressed to feed the world 

Lots of love 

Tony

Severine Kipili

Severine is a community leader, educator, and advocate with a powerful track record of supporting refugees, women, and marginalised communities to rebuild their lives with dignity. As the founder and leader of Bora Shabaa, she oversees programmes that support more than 500 people every year, helping them access education, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Severine began her career as a primary school teacher before conflict forced her to flee. Her years in refugee camps shaped her commitment to empowerment, peacebuilding, and human rights—values that continue to guide her work today.

Since resettling in the UK through the Gateway Protection Programme, she has worked as an interpreter, ESOL teacher, youth support worker, and community advocate. She has also completed a wide range of professional qualifications, strengthening her leadership and ability to serve diverse communities.

Severine is a trustee at Artlink, a member of HEY Confident Futures and the HEY Advocacy Network, and a graduate of the New to Leadership Programme. She has contributed to major regional and national events, including Black History Month (2023–2025), the Two Ridings Conference, and the Mass Lobby event in London.

Driven by lived experience, compassion, and a deep belief in human potential, Severine is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard and creating pathways for people to thrive.

ABOUT KATE

“Kate Campbell, is Director of Zahara Therapy Ltd, (2020 -2026), an award-winning therapy practice and consultancy. 

Bio:

Zahara Therapy Ltd is winner of 2025 Global Pharma Mental Health Awards

https://ghpnews.digital/winners/zahara-therapy-ltd-2/

and 

2024 GHP Social Care Awards

https://ghpnews.digital/winners/zahara-therapy-ltd/

Kate’s be-spoke, affordable and accessible therapy, training, supervision and consultation partnerships, draw on a relational decolonising, systemic and narrative focus. 

Kate has a proven track record of teaching clinical practice and supervising complex therapeutic work with children, families, & adults. 

Her extensive expertise ranges from NHS, Education, Social Care and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) leadership positions.

She has received positive accolades and testimonies from the care experienced, legal, medical, corporate, public and private sector populations. 

Kate’s inclusive and empathic approach has been recognised and awarded for impactful, positive therapeutic outcomes for marginalised communities across the world”

Abimbola Olowe is a distinguished accountant, entrepreneur, and author with decades of cross-sector experience spanning finance, education, and business leadership. A Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), she is recognised for her professional excellence, strategic insight, and enduring impact across multiple industries.

As the Founder and Principal of Abimbola Olowe & Co., Certified Accountants, she provides high-level financial advisory and accounting services built on integrity, precision, and long-term value creation. She holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from a university in Leeds, Yorkshire, further reinforcing her strong academic foundation and global perspective.

With a distinguished career in academia, Abimbola has spent decades lecturing, mentoring, and developing future professionals, earning a reputation as a trusted educator and thought leader. She is the author of Accounting Made Simple and Advanced Financial Accounting, two authoritative works that have empowered students and practitioners by transforming complex financial principles into practical, applicable knowledge.

Her entrepreneurial leadership extends beyond finance as the Director of Molowe Ltd, a dynamic and diversified enterprise specialising in African foods, catering, event planning, photography, and lifestyle services. Under her direction, the company reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and cultural excellence.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose and social responsibility, Abimbola is the founder of MODARA, a forward-looking charitable initiative dedicated to empowering vulnerable youths, orphans, and widows to realise their full potential and achieve sustainable, meaningful lives.

Abimbola Olowe is defined by a rare combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and humanitarian commitment. Her work is guided by a clear and compelling mission: to build enduring value, inspire transformation, and create a legacy of impact across business, education, and society.

MY Dear Steven,

This is the day to make hay, even before the morning opens its eyes.

The earth is fertile and there are many blessed secrets breathing through the space of time,

This is the day to stand strong and embrace the blessings that live beneath the sky.

Life may be a complex album, but it is also a sweet strong.

Today we are feeding from the cradle of faith and hard work.

Today is a blessing disguised with the mysteries of a thousand parables.

TODAY IS YOUR DAY TO STAND TALL – and cherish the gift of Lifes present moment.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE

LOTS OF LOVE

TONY AND NIC