FREE e-BOOK: "Smart Photography with your Smart Phone" by Tony Cece

In today’s mobile society, we are shooting pictures and videos almost on a daily basis. These powerful little devices in our pockets, purses and man-bags allow us to instantly access, create and distribute media to our friends, family and the world! 

Filled only with smartphone photos, this book will teach you simple ways to take better photographs. You can harness the power of these techniques to make great pictures and tell visual stories. Smartphone. Smart Photography.

FROM CHIBOK TO WASHINGTON: How One Man is Fighting Terrorism with his Good Deeds

One of the orphans being welcomed to America by one of the Chibok girls and Emmanuel and family last weekend.

By Ebenezar Wikina

Just like every viral news story that has come before it, #BringBackOurGirls seems to be far from media attention over one year after this hashtag got the world talking. However, it is important to note that the negative effect of terrorist activity in Nigeria's North-East is far from  over, as orphans, IDPs, Widows, widowers are all trying to gather the pieces of their lives back together.

I recently stumbled upon a Facebook post by a man named Emmanuel Ogebe, and in that post he described how he has been able to help a dozen of girls from Chibok, some of who have been made orphans, no thanks to the stupid action of merciless terrorists in Borno state, Nigeria.

I couldn't help but beg for his permission to reblog this post to inspire each and every one of us to strive to do something that will touch the lives of those around us who are in need. 

Hear Mr Ogebe:

OPPORTUNITY: WCF's Sports Journalism Programme for Students [Deadline: Oct 20]

Student journalists from around the world can apply for the program.

The World Curling Federation (WCF) is accepting applications for its sports media trainee program. Eight students will be selected to be immersed in the journalism, photography and TV production departments of the 2015-2016 curling championships.

OPPORTUNITY: New Media Writing Prize 2015 [Deadline: 27th Nov, 11th Dec]

The New Media Writing Prize showcases exciting and inventive stories that integrate a variety of formats, platforms, and digital media. This international prize is now in its 6th year.

The prize encourages and promotes the best in new media writing and is leading the way toward the future of the ‘written’ word and storytelling. In the past five years, the NMWP has attracted entries from the very best and most innovative writers in the field.

#UN70: My Stroll with Noella Richard, UNDP Youth Policy Specialist and Co-chair of the UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development

Noëlla Richard leads UNDP’s global work on Youth in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support in New York, in charge of the coordination of UNDP’s work on Youth, and the co-chair of the United Nations Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development for 2015-2016.

She previously served in UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group as Special Assistant to the Director, and as Democratic Governance Specialist, co-leading UNDP’s Global initiative on Gender Equality in Public Administration.

Prior to UNDP Headquarters, Ms. Richard worked for the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, UNESCO, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, the French Ministry of Finance, the Paris Economic Council for Sustainable Development and UNDP Country Office in Morocco.

Ms. Richard was educated in France, Morocco, Spain and Argentina. She graduated from the Institut d’Études Politiques ‘Sciences Po’ in Paris and holds a second Master’s degree in Development, International Cooperation and Humanitarian Action from Sorbonne University.

Noella joins me from New York, and we discussed the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, the #SDGs, and much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

You can either chose to listen or download this interview on #TheStrollPodcast, or read transcript below

United Nations General Assembly 2015: Brief Programme Guide and How to get involved via Social Media.

Interested in what is going down this week in New York at the United Nations General Assembly? Not too worry, we have put together a small guide on what will be going down and how you can participate virtually.

First, here’s a brief programme run down:

#YALI2015: My Stroll with Nkem Azinge

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” ~ James Matthew Barrie

I feel so much peace after completing this stroll because, I didn’t want to break the “twin code”—if there’s anything like that—by strolling with Nkechi Azinge but not strolling with her twin sister, Nkem. Besides that, Nkem’s story just like Nkechi’s, is very inspiring and it’s just fascinating to see how both of them, with two different personalities, complement each other so well, and are soaring at the very peak; inspiring other young Africans to reach for their potential and shine.

Nkem is a 2015 Mandela Washington fellow, and being the major inspiration behind the establishment of the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF), she has worked with her sister, family and friends to raise the awareness of sickle cell in Nigeria. 

In course of this stroll we discuss how she was able to conquer sickle cell, her experience at the 2015 Mandela-Washington Fellowship, the strides of SCAF, and much more. You can either choose to read this summarized transcript, or download the full interview on The Stroll Podcast.

[Report] MUN-VoN Commemorates International Day of Peace 2015

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. This day offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates.

As a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples, Model United Nations Volunteers Network(MUN-VoN) commemorated the 2015 International Day of Peace with a Peace Education and Capacity Building Outreach with Secondary School Students in the City of Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria.

OPPORTUNITY: What Africa do You See?

"The Africa I see" seeks to share Africa and the good happening around us and what we want to do to make it better. A positive outlook. This it does through pictures and people stories. Contributors can share a picture and the story to it. 

‪#‎UN70‬: My Stroll with Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Risk Reduction is not a stand-alone issue… you cannot achieve sustainable development if you don’t recognize and manage risk.” – SRSG Margareta Wahlstrom.

Ms. Wahlstrom was made the first SRSG (Special Representative of the Secretary General) for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2008, and since then she's been leading UNISDR (The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) to forge partnerships with governments to ensure a safer world for everyone.

Ms Wahlstrom and I discussed this week's UNGA (the United Nations General Assembly) and the work of the United Nations since its inception 70 years ago; the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and its relation to the SDGs, and the Refugee crisis in Europe and North America.

It's Monday, 21st September 2015. Ms Margareta joins me from Geneva at 7:25am Nigerian time. I hope you enjoy our conversation. 

You can either choose to read this summarized transcript, or download the full interview on my podcast Channel.

OPINION: Why Should Teachers/Lecturers be Given So Much Authority?

By Sicily 

I'm really bothered about this so I will go straight to the point. 

Ahmed has been all over the news, and #IStandwithAhmed was trending globally because he (Ahmed) decided to share his moment of joy and creativity with his teacher--whom he looks up to--and he was arrested for it. Ahmed designed a home-made clock in a briefcase, and brought it to his teacher for appraisal only to be arrested few minutes after because the teacher, with so much authority, labelled Ahmed as a terrorist and condemned him.

SIGN UP NOW: It is Free!!!

We live in a very exciting time in the history of humanity. More than ever before, writers can tap into the power of the internet to forge their survival as artists and spread their message to the world in one click!

FREE e-BOOK: Download UNCHURCHED by Emeka Nobis

About the Author

Emeka J. Nobis, born 1st July, 1980, attended the prestigious Federal University of Technology, Owerri where he bagged a Second Class Upper degree in Industrial Production Engineering in 2003.

On graduating,he was employed to work as a field engineer in Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited in 2006. During his daily interactions, he observed people who lived below their performance indices simply because of the way they allowed defeatist modes of thinking to control them.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Praxis Magazine is Publishing Artists and Writers for Free

PRAXIS MAGAZINE FOR ARTS AND LITERATURE is calling for submissions from Artists and Writers all over the world. Categories open for submissions are:

1) Poetry
2) Essays on Arts and/or Literature
3) Podcast recordings of Spoken Word poetry or Interviews with Artists or Writers
4) Stories/Poems/Essays written in indigenous African languages (accompanied with English translation)

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: The 2016 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Deadline: November 1st, 2015 

Eligibility and entry rules

Please read these eligibility and entry rules before beginning the online entry process.

Submission of an entry is taken as acceptance of the entry rules.

For any entry or eligibility queries not covered below, please email writers@commonwealth.int for clarification before submitting an entry.

Opening date

1 September 2015

Closing date

Entries must be submitted via the online entry form by 1 November 2015 (12 noon GMT)

No entries will be considered if submitted after this date.

NOVEL COMPETITION: MSLEXIA Women's Novel Competition

Deadline: 21st September

Mslexia invites submissions to its 2015 Women’s Novel Competition.

OPPORTUNITY: The TOUCH PORT HARCOURT Social Media Internship Programme is Still Open

The TOUCHPH six [6] months Social Media Internship Program [SIP] is ideal for young people of 25 years of age and below who are interested in furthering his/her education or deepening their experience in the world of digital media/marketing. The internship will provide exposure to various aspects of digital media that may include, but are not limited to: social media, search engine marketing, organic search engine optimization and analytics.

Learning objectives are achieved through training, observation and learning by doing under close supervision with constructive feedback.

All duties and responsibilities listed below are facilitated under close observation through a mentor-mentee relationship.

This is a non-paying internship program. Stipends will however be given to cover transportation logistics.

LITERARY CONTEST: The GOODFRUIT Literary Contest Can Make Your Publishing Dreams Come True

Deadline for submissions: 23rd September 2015.

Funding a new generation of storytellers – open for entries.

DO YOU HAVE DREAMS OF PUBLISHING A BOOK?

The GOODFRUIT Literary Contest, is the first of its kind – a national ‘call’ to passionate writers who want to bring their literary imaginations to life through the power of crowdfunding.

The GOODFRUIT Literary Contest is looking for anyone who has an idea, a plot or a story that they want to pen. It could be a spy thriller, a biography, a children’s book, a love story or a fantasy epic.

“We’re looking for writers and books that push boundaries. Inspirational authors like C.S Lewis were bold writers and we want to continue in that spirit and see a new generation of writers who will stretch the imagination of culture” says Anthony O-Thomas, founder of GOODFRUIT.

OPPORTUNITY: Dantanyze is Looking for Contract Writers/Bloggers

Datanyze.com is looking for contract writers / bloggers to contribute to our blog on a regular basis. Our topic focus is: 

OPPORTUNITY: UNICEF is Looking for a Remote Editor

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

PURPOSE:

UNICEF works to advance the rights of adolescents across all its programmes and policies. A small team of specialists promotes programming for adolescents that build on their assets and strengths, while addressing their unique vulnerabilities and risks. 

UNICEF is developing an “Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation,” which is a package of guidance, resources and supplies to reach, engage and support the healthy development of children in the second decade of life, especially those in humanitarian contexts. This “Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation” is designed to strengthen and catalysed programmes and interventions UNICEF and partners implement throughout the humanitarian action cycle and in other challenging settings. The entire kit provides approaches and activities that can be used in UNICEF’s child protection, education, and youth programmes and partnerships, including Child-Friendly Spaces, community-based protection approaches, schools and education programmes (both formal and nonformal) and youth centres, as well as supplies to make those approaches and activities more feasible and engaging in low-resource contexts.

SEEKING REFUGE: Why the Refugee Crisis in Europe Should Bother You.

If a refugee will knock on your door tonight, all tired and hungry, will you let him/her in?

It's all over the media. people, a lot of people, displaced by war and IS are seeking refuge in Europe and the Middle East, and every day more and more people take that life-threatening journey in the search for safety.

PETITION: Road to Paris--Care About Climate.

Climate change is both a civilizational and generational wake-up call to alter our economy, our lifestyles, now before they get changed for us. The alarm bells of the climate crisis have been ringing in our ears for years and are getting louder all the time-yet humanity has failed to change course. What is wrong with us?

#UN70: My Stroll with Bridget Sisk, Chief, UN Archives and Records Management Section

You can listen or download this interview on the Stroll Podcast

When the UN General Assembly starts in September, global leaders will sit together to agree on a new development agenda for the world and commemorate 7 decades of the United Nations' existence as an organization. My guest today is Bridget Sisk, Chief, UN Archives and Records Management Section.

Bridget, who has a very broad knowledge of the UN System having spent over two decades in the organization, told me about the broad scope the records and management section covers; the digitization of UN records and archives which she has pioneered; as well as the life lessons young people can learn from her experience working around the world.

I hope our conversation inspires you.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 2015: What I learned from Interacting with Malala Yousafzai, Zuriel Oduwole, and Adora Svitak.

By Ebenezar Wikina

8th September is International Literacy Day, and the theme for this year's observance is Literacy and Sustainable Societies. This evening I was thinking about how far the fight for Girl Child education has gone, and these 3 wonderful ladies came to mind--funny enough I've had a Q & A Session with all three in the past.

BOOK REVIEW: “The Girl Who Found Water” by Chibuzor Mirian Azubuike

Book Reviewed by: Ebenezar Wikina


The Girl Who Found Water is a memoir written by Chibuzor Mirian Azubuike on her time—and giant strides—as a youth corper in the dreaded North East of Nigeria. Chibuzor is from Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria, and she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Benin, Nigeria. She is a recipient of the NYSC State Honours award, and numerous commendations from the Office of the Governor of Bauchi State, and the Bauchi State Ministry of Water Resources. In recognition of her effort during her youth service year she was named “Lady Haske” and crowned Sarkin Aiyuka by the community of Bigi Tudunwada in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

FLASH FICTION COMPETITION: AMAB Books Announces 1st Bi-Annual Flash Fiction Writing Competition

AMAB Books in collaboration with Home of Books Foundation announces the 1st Bi-Annual Flash Fiction Writing Competition. This competition is organized to generate appreciable publicity for the improvement of the reading and writing culture in Nigeria. The mission is to initiate and encourage avid readers and transform them into talented writers that will usher Nigeria and Africa into the next century of literary greatness.