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This post is an entry for the ProWritersHub contest.

Introduction

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As individuals we always have people to look up to in our lives because of different things. It has a way of affecting how we behave, develop relationships, and the decisions we make. This is very common in children as they get directly impacted by their parents, teachers, and some of their peers.

We can also spot role models as we watch the TV. Most of them that we see as our models are celebrities and sport stars, and characters emanating from actors, as we most times get influenced by them.

Having a role model is extremely important as it's help shape how we behave. They have the tendency to inspire, motivate, instil behaviors (especially ones that are good), influence our decision making, and strive to achieve our goals.

Below, I shall discuss with you about who my role model is.

Who is your role model?

My role model is Linda Ifeoma Ikeji, she is a Nigerian online blogger, writer, entrepreneur, and a former model. She became popular through her blog and the controversial publications that she posts.

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She was born on the 19th of September, 1980 and is an indigene of Nkwerre, Imo State. She was born and raised a Catholic where she is the second child. Ikeji finished her secondary school at 17 years of age and later enrolled at University of Lagos (Unilag) to study English at 18.

During her time as a student in Unilag she did waitressing, modeling, and writing as per time jobs to support herself and also her family. She would later go on to graduate in 2004. After graduation, she started blogging as a hobby and at that time it was slightly difficult to get access online because internet connection was not prominent in Nigeria, so she has to visit cybercafes.

Why did you choose them?

I choose her because of her outstanding recognitions received as a blogger.

In August 2012, she was profiled by Forbes Africa during the time it was doing publication on African Women in that month's issue. 20 most prominent women were profiled at the time by Forbes with the resulting issue featuring two Nigerian women including Linda Ikeji.

She was also interviewed by BBC through their on air program Focus on Africa. It was later put on air on the 25th of September, 2012.

Linda Ikeji was among eminent personalities that was drawn from different countries and from different disciplines who were conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees for outstanding work in Business and Media in Africa by Trinity International University in Georgia on the 8th of August, 2018.

In 2020, her name was the most searched item by Google users in Nigeria.

What have they accomplished in their feild?

Her blogging career started in 2006, although, she was doing it mostly as a hobby. By 2007 she became active as she used the blogging subdomain lindaikeji.blogspot.com until she changed it and obtained the domain lindaikejisblog.com

She later ventured into online radio broadcasting with operations coming from her Linda Ikeji Media Office with some of the programs being broadcasted live on her Linda Ikeji TV.

How have they helped the world or their local community?

One of the ways she has helped the local community and her world in general is by running a non-profit organization. Through the platform, she created a project themed: "I'd rather be self made; No thanks"

She revealed during her interview HipTV, that through the project she helps a lot of young girls within the age range of 16–25 years who have great business ideas and wants to venture into the entrepreneurship journey.

In the phase 1 of the project, she gave out a whopping sun of N10,000,000.00 to facilitate proceedings.

Conclusion

I like Linda Ikeji so much because of how she has lifted herself to the heights of achievement that she attained. Before her no one ever knew about blogging, left alone, making blogging as a source of income to the point where it became very popular.

Asides that she was an outstanding woman who showed grit and guts in process of attaining her achievements.

She show was it is to be passionate and became an Inspiration. All these was done by having a set of clear values. She also showed commitment to the community as she was selfless and accepted others. Finally, she showed her ability to overcome various obstacles.