Nigerian-born, Offiong Ekanem Ejindu, popularly known as Princess Fifi, a Nigerian descendant of royalty, who studied in America and became a pioneer in the field of architecture, featured on African Voices, CNN International’s weekly half-hour programme highlighting Africa’s most engaging personalities.

In the interview with CNN’s Zain Verjee, Princess Fifi, philanthropist and great grand-daughter of the popular King James Ekpo Bassey, unveiled her plans to use her philanthropic endeavours, party planning and architectural projects to make a tremendous impact on improving the African continent.

She also talked about her experience as the second African woman to ever graduate from Pratt Institute’s School Of Architecture in New York, her career, love for fashion and aspiration towards empowering the African youth.

Ejindu is currently the Chairperson of Starcrest Group of Companies, a company she started in 1995. Today, the conglomerate comprises of companies involved in real estate, oil and gas, and building construction. Her husband of over 25 years is a partner in her business and her son is said to have also followed in her architectural footsteps.

Princess Fifi Ejindu explained how she combines her passion for architectural design in whatever she does; “I love designing. I don’t do it for the rewards. I do it because it’s my passion and one of my professions. I especially love Neo traditional projects, which is building with traditional and old style features, like round windows and arches, it brings back the renaissance period.”

Her passion towards empowering the African youth is demonstrated through the NGO she founded known as the ‘African Arts and Fashion Initiative’. She says that her plan is to ignite the modern African generation in arts and fashion by driving youths into various fields of their desire through fundraisers, scholarships and other enticements.

She further explains; “Africa has arrived and the future of Africa depends majorly on the extent to which we can empower our young people because they constitute a large percent of the population. Creating viable jobs opportunities for the African youth is critical to sustainable development in African countries and also for peace in the continent.”