A Nigerian-born teenager is making waves with her academic achievement. Tobechukwu Phillips, a high school student of Alvin High School smashed a 125-year old academic history of the school. Phillips graduated with a 6.9 GPA after earning A’s throughout her stay.

Miss Phillips’ accomplishment breathes fresh air to the image of Nigeria, a country tainted by corruption. Consequently, she was the first Black valedictorian in the history of the school. Talking about her achievement Philips said,

“Maintaining the highest GPA in my class is a difficult task. It truly takes time management but more importantly acknowledging what you do it for. I know that I am no longer just representing myself.”

A brief history of Alvin High School

Alvin High School opened in 1894. However, it was not until 1965 before African-American students could enroll. Alvin High School was the only high school in Alvin Independent School District (ISD) until 2006 when Manvel High School was established. Besides academics, students of Alvin High School also participate in different sports including basketball, baseball, and football.

Alvin High School serves Liverpool and Alvin as well as unincorporated parts of Brazoria County. According to an online source, the school currently has approximately 2,800 out of which 86 are black students. Tobechukwu Phillips for a long time will be the face of Alvin High School.

What next for Tobechukwu Phillips?

There are other interesting aspects of Tobechukwu Philips worth talking about. She is a Rho Kappa Honor Society, a Sunday school teacher, an AP ambassador, and the president of the National Honor Society. Phillips also has tremendous achievements in volleyball and track events. Jennifer McGraw, Phillips’ track coach describes her as “an excellent student from a loving family”.

Tobechukwu Phillips displays her certificate

Tobechukwu Phillips will attend University of Texas’ Nursing School on full scholarship by Full-Ride Forty Acre Scholarship. There were about 4,000 applicants for the scholarship. However, only 16, including Phillips were selected. She hopes to one day own her own clinic as a pediatric practitioner. In a word of advice to other colored students, Tobechukwu Phillips said,

“My biggest advice to other scholars of color is to truly adopt the mindset of Rosa Parks — ‘No.’ Do not conform to the stereotypes that have held us under thumbs for so long. Do not be discouraged when someone speaks out against you, simply allow what they say to fuel your fire. But more than anything, do not remain tight-lipped. Stand up for what you believe in and take it upon yourself to be the change you’ve always wanted. Say ‘No’ to the ways of the world and stick out.”

When it comes to African Billionaires, there are some usual suspects that make the list every year. Unfortunately, 2018 closed on a very bumpy note in the equities market and for many billionaires, this among other things resulted in some considerable loses in fortunes and some billionaires dropping off the list altogether.

The list dropped by 7 from 31 African billionaires to 24. A few billionaires still managed to grow their fortunes. Most Notably Nigeria’s Mike Adenugu who grew his fortunate the most with a 3.2 billion increase over his 2017 fortune.

Folorunsho Alakija remained Africa’s richest woman, Mohammed Dewji is still Africa’s youngest billionaire, and South Africa’s Elon Musk maintained the number one spot as the richest African on the list.

African Countries represented on the Billionaire list

By the end of 2018, South Africa had dropped 5 billionaires from the previous year. They closed with 6 billionaires, same as Egypt which dropped 2 billionaires from its 2017 list.

Nigeria maintained its 3 billionaires while last year’s newcomer from Zimbabwe still held his own. The other countries represented are Angola, Algeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Swaziland and Zimbabwe with their first Billionaire.

African Billionaire Age Distribution

There are 3 billionaires in their forties, 5 in their fifties, 7 in their sixties, 6 in their seventies and 3 in their eighties. Africa’s youngest Billionaire is still Mohammed Dewji from Tanzania at Age 42.

Methodology

The African Billionaires list is a snapshot of wealth taken on January 1, 2018. It is based on the Forbes Real-time billionaire wealth calculator. The calculation is derived from stock prices and exchange rates from around the world used to calculate net worths. Some fortunes change from day to day due to fluctuations in the market.

The list is based on individuals rather than multigenerational families who share large fortunes, though included is wealth belonging to a billionaire’s spouse and children if the current list member is the founder of the fortune. In that case, you’ll see “& family” on the list. Also included are married couples who built fortunes and businesses together. 

It was an interesting year for African billionaires as some fortunes shrunk and others grew. So let’s look at who is left on the list and how they did in spite of the rough year-end.

Picture	Africa Rank	Forbes Rank	Name	Net Worth	Age	Wealth Source	Hometown / Residence
	1	#35	Elon Musk	$21.9 B	47	Tesla Motors	South Africa / United States
	2	#125	Aliko Dangote	$10.5 B	61	Self Made, cement, sugar, flour	Nigeria
	3	#149	Mike Adenuga	$8.7B	65	Telecom, Oil	Nigeria
	4	#180	Nicky Oppenheimer	$7.6 B	73	Diamonds	South Africa
	5	#217	Patrick Soon-Shiong	$6.6 B	66	Pharmaceuticals	South Africa / United States
	6	#240	Nassef Sawiris	$6 B	57	Construction, Chemicals	Egypt
	7	#316	Johann Rupert	$5.2 B	68	Luxury goods	South Africa
	8	#413	Nathan Kirsh	$4.4 B	86	Retail, Real estate	Swaziland
	9	#519	Issad Rebrab	$3.8 B	75	Food	Algeria
	10	#572	Naguib Sawiris	$3.5 B	64	Telecom	Egypt
	11	#758	Haim Saban	$2.8 B	73	TV network, Investments	Egypt / United States
	12	#955	Strive Masiyiwa	$2.3 B	58	Telecom	Zimbabwe
	13	#958	Koos Bekker	$2.3 B	66	Media, Investments	South Africa
	14	#964	Mohamed Mansour	$2.3 B	70	Diversified	Egypt
	15	#1033	Isabel dos Santos	$2.2 B	45	Investments	Angola
	17	#1107	Aziz Akhannouch	$2 B	58	Petroleum, Diversified	Morocco
	16	#1110	Patrice Motsepe	$2 B	56	Mining	South Africa
	18	#1317	Othman Benjelloun	$1.7 B	86	Banking, Insurance	Morocco
	19	#1387	Folorunsho Alakija	$1.6 B	68	Oil	Nigeria
	20	#1405	Mohamed Al Fayed	$1.6 B	89	Retail, Investments	Egypt
	21	#1441	Mohammed Dewji	$1.5 B	43	Diversified	Tanzania
	22	#1463	Yasseen Mansour	$1.5 B	57	Diversified	Egypt
	23	#1783	Mohammed Ibrahim	$1.2 B	72	Communications	Sudan / United Kingdom
	24	#1786	Youssef Mansour	$1.2 B	73	Self Made, diversified	Egypt

It was late and the house was packed. She was sitting close to the foot of the staircase as people went up and down the stairs. I can hardly remember what we were celebrating but I remember her. This was about 15 years ago. Even then, there was a youthful vibrancy about her. Her nails caught my eye, they were long with a fun pink polish. I observed as she called over a lovely little girl and began to feed her as only a Mommy would. I looked on a little confused, trying to match up to her fashion fabulosity to motherhood. Thing is, she wasn’t the only fashionista Mommy I had ever encountered. She, however, was one of the few who wore their badge of motherhood with such noticeable ease and grace.

Even now, I look at her in appreciation of the ideal she represents for women struggling to find balance in their lives.

As flawless as she may seem, her load is not light. She wears many badges these days, most notably CEO of The Hampton Conference Center and Hampton Party Supply Rentals, Co-founder of the Vincent Kewala Nyambi Foundation and Co-Chair of Hampton Group Intl to name a few.

She has also been the recipient of numerous awards including the Couple Community Service Award from African Mirror Newspaper, the Humanitarian Service Award from DeeDee Entertainment Awards, the I AM SHE Arise Woman Award from the I AM SHE Women Power Conference and WODESS Woman of the year 2016 International Award.

A parent can receive all kinds of accolades but the one that will be of most value is the reward that is only reflected in the kind of adult their child grows to become.

The badge of Good Parenting is one Marcelline and her husband Jude have every reason to be proud of especially when their 18-year-old daughter is Venessa Nyambi: a Model, Blogger, Social Entrepreneur, International Speaker AND founder of The Generation Africa Campaign (an initiative to empower young Africans living throughout the diaspora and on the continent). Venessa was awarded the National Academy of Future Scientist and Technologist Award of Excellence, The Congressional Youth Leadership Award, and was selected to participate in the President Eisenhower Student Ambassador Program. Venessa graduated in May of 2017 with honors as a member of The National High School Scholars Society.

Marcelline and her daughter Vanessa

So how does this multipurpose woman maintain the balance? How does she keep her children and marriage centered? What wisdom can we take from her journey? We asked and she answered.

Marcelline Nyambi’s Parenting Philosophy

Marcelline Nyambi: I think it’s very important we raise our children to understand that they are a unique expression of source energy expressing. Which means they are infinite beings with infinite potential surrounded by boundless opportunity to make a difference. We have to raise them to understand that they are evolutionary beings in an evolutionary universe and are here for a reason and a purpose. And we have to make them understand that their purpose is to evolve into that which God has called them forth to be. They have to understand that their passion will always lead them to their purpose and finding their purpose will build true confidence and help them cultivate their strength and divine gifts.

Marcelline and her son Kewala

Marcelline Nyambi: Confidence is not just the result of following your passion but is also the result of finding your strength zone and more importantly understanding God’s will in your life. When children understand who and whose they are, they will always be in vibrational alignment with source energy. In essence, we have to raise them to understand that irrespective of their profession or who they are or who they become, their divine purpose is to serve by being the instrument God will use to bring about alignment, attainment, and activation in the lives of others.

How Marcelline Nyambi Balances Work and Kids

Marcelline Nyambi: This is a familiar battle most entrepreneurs face and I am no exception. Entrepreneurship is not that glamorous as some people may think. It entails lots of sacrifice from you and your loved ones. Believe me, it is not easy but I have come to realize that you have to make a conscious decision to manage to keep up with the increased demands of a growing business and a growing family. Besides, family always has to come first. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my exceptional husband.

Marcelline and Husband Jude Nyambi

Marcelline Nyambi: Many entrepreneurs try to separate work and family life, but in our household, business talk is never off the table. You don’t walk in the door and the business disappears. I share the details of our business successes and struggles with my family because at the end of the day they are my greatest cheerleaders. When I bring work home such as following up on emails, I always try to do the work after everyone has gone to bed so that I can be present for my kids.

As entrepreneurs sometimes we try to do everything ourselves. I have come to realize that learning to let go is the only way you can be able to balance increased work and life demands. I believe if you build a good business culture and IF you are a good leader, you will be able to maintain balance. A good business doesn’t need you to micromanage every aspect. You can delegate to people who embody and exemplify your vision and mission and that frees up some time to spend with family. Our family makes a habit of Sunday family days when possible and also we schedule family vacation time.

How Marcelline Nyambi Balancing Work and Marriage

If you have met Marcelline and her beau Jude, you will notice that theirs is not only a romance but a friendship. They enjoy being around each other. So what is their secret?

Marcelline Nyambi: Finding that balance between work and marriage is essential to honoring the vows that we made to one another. But believe me, it’s not always that easy. We have found that making a list of the most important things to us: God, our marriage and our children helps us to put things in perspective. We try to dedicate one day a week to each other. We schedule date nights, and mini weekend getaway or a weekday getaway since the nature of our business sometimes requires our attention on weekends. We constantly check on one another and stay in communication throughout the day because we are each other’s support system.

Marcelline and Jude Nyambi

Staying Fit and Fabulous

Marcelline Nyambi: In order to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, it’s important to have some sort of consistency when looking at the big picture result. Make changes one at a time, and don’t make too many changes at once or you will risk relapsing into old habits. However what I do is I meditate daily, I try to maintain a consistent daily workout routine, I try to eat healthy by getting as many fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into my diet as possible and drinking lots of water. I also do routine medical checkups and to reduced stress, I try to take breaks and relax as much as I can but I must admit I am a work in progress on this one.

LIFE LESSONS

When we see a woman who has gone through life and attained success, it is only fitting to ask them for a piece of the wisdom they have picked up in their journey.

Marcelline Nyambi’s Wisdom for her kids to remember

Vanessa and Kewala Nyambi

1. To remember that an attitude of gratitude is the key to manifesting and to remember that they are a unique expression of infinite spirit expressing and they are here in this universe for a reason and for a purpose, which is to serve in every capacity and platform.

2. To understand they are not here to acquire worldly things, but instead to release the gifts, the talents that lie within them for God’s glory. And that they are infinite beings with infinite potential destined to reign.

3. To understand that challenges are going to come but those dark moments in their life will only be here to help them evolve and grow into that which God has called them to be.

4. To remember that every circumstance they will consider challenges and every blessing is part of their journey. We never lose in life, we learn, we grow, we win but we never lose. Our experiences are our best teacher.

5. To learn to give, to forgive and be love, light, and peace in this universe because whatever they do to another will always come back to them. I want them to always remember that everything and everyone is energy. We are all one because we all emanate from the same energy source God.

Marcelline Nyambi’s Wisdom for young mothers

1. I have discovered over the years that mothering is very challenging irrespective of the number of kids you have. Mothering isn’t about the big issues but the small lessons we pick up along the way. They are the legacy we pass on to our children. They are the things our children will remember us for, good or bad. That’s why its important to be a good role model.

2. Each child is unique and different with their own unique talent and gifts. Each child has different needs and likes. They are all different in the way they need to be loved, disciplined, and cared for.

3. You will not always know all the answers. There is no blueprint for mothering. Don’t worry about what other people think of you. Don’t compare your life to everyone else’s. Live your life in a way that makes you happy. You know the old saying: “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy” It’s true.

4. When your kids are behaving in a way that makes you least want to give them affection and attention that is precisely when they need it the most. Give Hugs and smile and learn to affirm them consistently.

5. Enjoy each stage of your kid’s life. They grow too fast. My kids are becoming more incredible people every day, and I enjoy watching them learn, grow, and become who they are destined to be. Learn to affirm your children every step of the way. I can’t believe my daughter Venessa is attending college in London. It seems like only yesterday she was born.