By Femi Mustapha
Prominent Nigerian nutrition and social policy expert Jessica Bartholomew has celebrated her 40th birthday with a reflection on a journey shaped by courage, resilience, and purpose, which she has tagged her “Ruby Era.”
Bartholomew, who serves as Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), marked the milestone in Kaduna with family, friends, and colleagues under the theme “Forty Years of Becoming, a Lifetime of Possibility.”
In her personal reflection, titled “The Journey That Shaped the Woman,” Bartholomew said that before the crown, there was courage, noting that every chapter helped shape the woman she is becoming.
“My story has never been about having every answer or getting every step right. It has been about learning to rise, choosing hope, and finding the courage to begin again. As the eldest of three girls, I learned responsibility early. Losing my father at nine changed my world and taught me, in ways I could not yet explain, that life can ask us to grow before we feel ready,” she said.
She recalled that at 19, motherhood became part of her story; her plans took a different turn, and her education paused while life demanded new responsibilities.
“There were difficult seasons, lessons I did not ask for, and moments that tested my strength. But none of those chapters became the whole story. I kept learning, rebuilding, and making room for a future bigger than the obstacles in front of me. My past is part of my story, but it is not the limit of my future,” she noted.
Describing her Ruby Era, Bartholomew said she no longer believes that strength means carrying everything without rest, adding that growth also means knowing when to pause, asking for support, protecting peace, and enjoying what she has worked for.
“I can be ambitious and joyful, grounded and glamorous, strong and still becoming. This Ruby Era is not about becoming someone else. It is about embracing more fully the woman I already am — and giving her permission to shine,” she said.
On her professional journey, the celebrant said purpose has always meant more than a title, noting that her work across community, state, and national spaces has focused on nutrition, social protection, policy development, accountability, inclusion, and civil society leadership.
“I believe that strong communities are built when people are heard, institutions are accountable, and good policies translate into real improvements in people’s lives. Leadership continues to teach me that impact is not a solo performance. It is a collective effort,” she said.
Bartholomew was elected National Steering Committee Chair of CS-SUNN in April 2026 after serving as the CS-SUNN Kaduna State Coordinator, where she successfully advocated for increased nutrition budgets and tracking mechanisms. She was instrumental in establishing the Committee on Food and Nutrition Security at the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Beyond CS-SUNN, she serves as National Secretary of the Network on Social Protection Advocacy in Nigeria (NSPAN) and Chairperson of the Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC).
In an emotional tribute, her children, Joy Ochuwa Achichi, Emmanuel Achichi, and Favor Achichi, celebrated their mother as their gift and strength through different stages of life, from ages 5 to 20.
“Hey mama, it’s your first fruit. I’m 20 now. Most of your life has been lived for others, either your mom and siblings or your children. You’re the best mom ever, and I couldn’t wish to grow with anyone else. You’ve come a long way, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Happy birthday, my mummy,” the children wrote.
Also paying tribute, Kaduna State OGP Citizens Co-Chair Abdulganiy Mubarak said that working with Jessica Bartholomew has been truly rewarding, characterized by mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, and a shared commitment to results.
“One of the things I have come to appreciate about Jessica is her professionalism, approachable disposition, and ability to build meaningful working relationships. I celebrate not just another milestone in her life but also a remarkable individual whose presence and contributions make working relationships worthwhile,” Mubarak said.
He wished her many more years of good health, greater accomplishments, and fulfillment.
The Kaduna State Coordinator of CS-SUNN, Mrs Celestina Ayim, also joined colleagues and well-wishers in celebrating Bartholomew, wishing her good health, a long life, and greater impact in her new decade.
Bartholomew said that at 40, gratitude feels richer because she understands more of what it took to get here. She expressed appreciation for her family, friends, mentors, and everyone who contributed kindness, lessons, and opportunities.
“Forty is my ruby moment: polished by experience, lit by gratitude, and limitless in possibility. Forty years lived. Countless possibilities ahead. The best is still unfolding,” she said.