YOU ARE INVITED: WRR Literary Festival 2015 [Saturday, 12th Dec, 10AM]

As part of activities to commemorate the third year anniversary of Words Rhymes & Rhythm (WRR Limited) and celebrate the gains of 2015, a year which has seen remarkable growth in Nigerian literature, WRR is holding the ‘WRR Literary Festival 2015’.

The theme of the Festival is ‘FIST (FEAST) OF WORDS’:

DATE: Saturday 12th of December, 2015

VENUE: ARTS THEATRE, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan

TIME: 10 am – 7pm

#SocialUN: My Stroll with Nancy Groves, United Nations Social Media Team Leader

The job of UN Social Media Team leader is as complex as you can imagine. From overseeing global social media campaigns to explaining complex diplomatic concepts and ideas in 140 characters all day-all year in all time zones, Nancy and the social media team go through a lot to keep us all engaged with the work of the United Nations around the world.

In course of this stroll, Nancy, who has worked for over a decade at the UN, takes us into the daily routine of the United Nations Social Media team and also shares some advice for young people hoping to work in the International Development sector.

You can either listen or download this interview on #TheStrollPodcast or read a summarized transcript below.

OPPORTUNITY: The Saraba Manuscript Prize

Nigerian writers resident in Nigeria or elsewhere in the world are invited to submit completed fiction or non-fiction manuscripts. Please note that each writer is expected to submit only one manuscript for either the fiction or non-fiction category. The contest will produce a shortlist of ten writers, five in each category. All shortlisted manuscripts will initially be published as e-books and audio-books. In addition, Saraba Literary Trust will look to partner with one of the foremost literary publishers in Nigeria to publish the winning manuscripts from each category.

After publication, the shortlisted works will be promoted over the period of a year across major cities in Nigeria. Readings will be held at cultural centers and on university campuses. An intensive online campaign will also follow, which will feature collaborative social media interaction.

The prize includes an award of N100,000 to the winning manuscripts in the fiction and the non-fiction categories. All shortlisted entrants will receive a publishing deal from Saraba, including N100,000 advance against royalties.

#WriteSDGs: A Letter to COP21 Delegates -- Kingsley Ireh

Dear Delegate,

Understanding evidence from the past is important. So is making sense of recent trends. The real challenge, however, lies in understanding the complexities well enough to predict climate change.

Is global warming a scientific certainty or just a political liability? Why is the continued destruction of the Amazon rainforest relevant to the chemistry of global warming? The answer has to do with how Earth’s climate system is regulated and responds to change. There are many parts to the climate puzzle including incoming solar radiation, outgoing radiation from the earth, wind, and water currents, atmospheric gases, clouds, snow, and ice, volcanic gases and human activities. To fully understand global warming, we need to consider the rate at which changes is taking place and whether the climate system can respond at a similar rate. For example, we know that the Amazon rainforest is vanishing at these three times the rate it was less than 10years ago. By some evidence, 80% of Brazil ancient forest is already gone. How will these rapid changes affect the “steady-state” balance of climate regulation?

American Corner to Screen Femi Amogunla’s "The Bargain" on December 4, 2015

As part of the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, American Corner, Ibadan, the Nigerian Society for International Arts and Culture, Firm Media Production and Liveinibadan.com join the world to stand against gender-based violence. 

The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), to 10 December (Human Rights Day). The Bargain is apt to raise awareness about these issues because it chronicles a woman’s life, from childhood to adulthood. 

What’s Up Africa 3: My Stroll with Ikenna Azuike, Creator and Presenter, What’s Up Africa Show

Ikenna Azuike is the creator and presenter of What's Up Africa (a show produced by RNW Media and BBC World News) and co-founder of Strawberry Earth. What’s Up Africa returns for its third season, and in this new series Ikenna travels across the region to uncover some of East Africa’s most compelling stories. He finds out what it really takes to be middle class on the continent and why Zambia may be turning its back on China for a new best friend…

What’s up Africa, which was recently nominated for an AIB - International Media Excellence Award in the category of specialist programme, has already received over 1.5 million views online over the last two and a half seasons and is now making its content even more appealing to its mostly young, digitally-savvy audience. By airing two 90-second episodes a week – on Wednesdays and Fridays - instead of one longer piece, the new series will be more clickable and shareable on social media. 

On this episode of #TheStroll, Ikenna and I discuss; What’s Up Africa 3, the current state of press freedom on the African continent, and he also shares some advice for young people on self-discovery.

You can listen to my full conversation with Ikenna on #TheStrollPodcast or read a summarized transcript below:

World Television Day 2015: My Stroll with Pavlina Osta, Celebrity Entertainment Journalist

November 21st is Word Television Day, and the UN acknowledges that television is one of the most influential forms of media for communication and information dissemination. My guest today, Pavlina Osta, is one name you should watch out for because she will soon be hitting the big screen in your living room.

Pavlina started hosting her own radio show at 11. Currently, at 18, she holds two Guinness world records. First for conducting the highest number of interviews within 24 hours; she interviewed 347 people in one day. Secondly, for the longest marathon playing steel drum; she played for 26 hours non-stop with only 5-minute breaks every hour. 

Her show, Pavlina’s Kid’s Place, is on 17 radio stations in the US including iHeart radio, and she has already received 2 Gracies—an award given to outstanding women in the media industry. 

Pavlina told me about the secret behind her “super power”, as well as her dreams of getting her own television talk show in the nearest future. 

Listen to our conversation on #TheStrollPodcast or read the summarized transcript after the cut

WEF Africa at 25: My Stroll with Elsie Kanza, Senior Director & Head of Africa, World Economic Forum

This interview is so close to my heart because I finally got the chance to speak with one of the people who have made my 2015 a year to remember. Thanks to Prof Klaus Schwab’s undying support for the Global Shapers Community and Elsie’s constant push to increase the number of young people allowed to participate at World Economic Forum meetings, I was lucky to be selected as one of the 80 young Africans and Global shapers who got the opportunity to “rub shoulders” with continental and global leaders at the 25th Anniversary of the World Economic Forum on Africa. At the Africa Meeting we discussed Africa—then and now—taking a sneak peek into the future and highlighting what we have to do to get there from the present. At 22, it was my first time out of Nigeria, my second time ever to fly in an airplane, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.

Let me tell you a bit about Elsie… Born to Tanzanian parents, she has completed, between 1997-2006, a BSc (Hons) in International Business Administration, United States International University - Africa; MSc in Finance, University of Strathclyde, UK; and MA in Development Economics, Center for Development Economics, Williams College, USA. She has served in various capacities with the Ministry of Finance and central Bank of Tanzania. 

From 2006-2011, she was Personal Assistant to Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, responsible for Economic Affairs. She joined the World Economic Forum in 2011 and in 2014 she became Senior Director and Head of Africa of the World Economic Forum. Her other accolades include, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow (2008); Young Global Leader nominee, World Economic Forum (2011); Rising Talents nominee Program of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society (2011).

Elsie and I discussed everything. From Africa to her journey so far; including her bucket list. You can listen or download our full conversation on #TheStrollPodcast or read a summarized transcript below:

Shaping Africa’s Tourism: My Stroll with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey

"Where is Africa rising to, when it is easier, 3 times cheaper, safer and less stressful to travel through Europe on a Nigerian passport? than it is to travel through Africa?", Nigerian Author and Satirist, Elnathan John, asked this recently on Twitter, and as we discuss the Tourism sector in Africa in course of this interview, this same issue was raised by my guest, Rosalin.

Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey is a Global Shaper and Curator of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community in Kumasi, Ghana. She is also a Vital Voice Lead Fellow, Green Growth Tourism Advocate, Hospitality and Tourism consultant and social entrepreneur with extensive experience in tourism and hospitality management, program development and disaster management.

Rosalin is a seasoned and successful leader with a track record of producing, presenting and managing the implementation of innovative hospitality and tourism business solutions and services. She has over five years experience in the hospitality and the tourism sector.

In course of this stroll we discuss the potential of tourism to transform the African continent as well as some work from the Kumasi Hub in Ghana.

You can either listen to this interview on The Stroll Podcast, or read the summarized transcript below

#COP21Series: My Interview with His Excellency Stephane Gompertz

His Excellency Stéphane Gompertz inspecting a guard of honour

My first guest on #COP21SERIES is His Excellency Ambassador Stéphane Gompertz. An accomplished diplomat, a Climate veteran and an astute negotiator who has seen it all. He has attended 10 out of 21 COPs. He joins me from Paris France as he shares his experience with Climate mobilization and negotiations. He has just finished final Bonn climate change negotiations and he assures me how the France-the COP Presidency will deliver a successful and historic 21st Century climate deal.

Through the interview, he gives promising revelations that gives us hope that war on Climate change is not yet lost. His trips across Africa and Middle East speak of a man who wants the world leaders to act on Climate change with utmost swiftness before everything gets out of hand. I believe you will find this interview very interesting.

#UN70: My Stroll with Elyx, United Nations Digital Ambassador

Elyx is the United Nations’ first digital ambassador, and its job description is, One, to smile; two, to carry the message of the UN around the world; and three, to smile again (Lol)

As we celebrate United Nations Day, today October 24th, I take a stroll with the brain behind this wonderful project, Elyx, to discuss animation as a force for good and Elyx’ journey around the world carrying out his duty as digital ambassador.

Watch out! Elyx might be visiting your city soon!!! Here’s my stroll with Yak and Elyx.

Global Dignity Day 2015: My Stroll with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway

Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, is the heir apparent to the Throne of Norway. In 2003 he was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a particular focus on the UN Millennium Development Goals and the effort to cut global poverty in half by 2015. As Goodwill Ambassador he travelled to Haiti, Nepal, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Guatemala, Burundi, Mongolia and Botswana.

A former member of the World Economic Forum’s group, Young Global Leaders (YGL), Crown Prince Haakon in 2006 alongside two other YGLs, Pekka Himanen and John Hope Bryant, founded the Global Dignity initiative, an independent, non-political organization that promotes the universal right of every human being to lead a dignified life.

In course of this stroll we looked back at the MDGs and projected into the future with the SDGs juxtaposing them with the need for each and every one of us to live dignified lives as we all work towards the betterment of this place we call home, earth.

You can click here to listen or download our full conversation on #TheStrollPodcast or read a summarized transcript below:

OPPORTUNITY: Internship for Writers Resident in Port Harcourt

Do you love writing?

Are you resident in Port Harcourt, Nigeria?

Lunaris Review Calls for Submissions

Lunaris Review , a Journal of Art and the Literary, is an online quarterly Journal based in Nigeria with the ultimate goal of bringing together creative minds to a common platform of artistry and beauty while providing the audience a satisfying read. The journal features fiction (flash fiction and short story), creative nonfiction, essays, poetry, artworks and photography by established and emerging writers and artistes all over the world.

OPPORTUNITY: Voices of Youth Blogging Internship [Deadline: Oct 30]

Are you between the ages of 14 and 24? 

Do you care about social, cultural, political and economic issues?

Are you interested in improving your blogging and digital media skills?

This is your chance to apply for a 3 months blogging internship with Voices of Youth - UNICEF's vibrant online youth community.

We are looking for 10-15 young people from across the world - fluent in English - who will blog at least once a week and participate in online discussions on the platform.

During the internship you will receive regular feedback on your writing, get access to tips&tricks on how to write a good blog post and exchange ideas with other blogging interns. At the end of the internship you will have improved your blogging skills, gained new insights into global development issues and been connected to a network of international young bloggers.

#WorldsLargestLesson: My Stroll with Sir Ken Robinson

I have been trying to interview Sir Ken Robinson for the past 3 years, and I wouldn’t have been worried if I had to wait a lifetime to eventually do a stroll with him because he’s just incredible. And many thanks to the guys at Project Everyone for making this happen. 

Just in case you’re from a rock somewhere in Mars, and you’re asking who’s this Ken Robinson anyway (because only someone from Mars will ask that, Lol).Well, Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources in education and in business. The videos of his famous 2006 and 2010 talks to the prestigious TED Conference have been viewed more than 25 million times and seen by an estimated 250 million people in over 150 countries. His 2006 talk is the most viewed in TED’s history.

Ken was diagnosed with polio at age 4, but he defied all odds to find his own element which has distinguished him in his field and made him internationally relevant and highly sought after. He works with governments and educations systems in Europe, Asia and the USA; with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations.

In course of this stroll, we discuss how he wrote the script for the World’s Largest Lesson which will teach kids and teens all over the world about the SDGs and the part they can play, as well as his recent book “Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution that's Transforming Education"

What more can I say? Enjoy this inciting conversation with Ken. You can either choose to download it on the stroll podcast or read the summarized transcript below.

PURPLE STORIES: World Mental Health Day 2015

In September 2014, Carol Todd, mother of late Amanda Todd, wrote a guest post for World Suicide Prevention Day. In that post, which was edited by Mary Ajayi, Carol said, "It is time to continue talking more openly about mental health and suicide. It will not go away on its own...."

#PurpleStories is a product of that advice. 

OPPORTUNITY: Do You Know a Nigerian Star? Enter Konnect Africa's Online Writing Competition! [Deadline: Oct 21st]

Is there any person that makes you burst with pride at being Nigerian? Who do you know that is selfless, passionate, purposeful and patriotic?

There are Nigerians with Green and White blood flowing through their veins who are making a difference,unsung heroes across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and it is imperative that we AWAKEN the SPIRIT of PATRIOTISM in the hearts of NIGERIANS everywhere as we celebrate our 55th Anniversary… And in addition, INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE the next generation of African Writers.

THE TEACHER IN US

By Tim Nwaobilo

Growing up there was this popular saying: A teacher's reward is in heaven. I wonder who doesn't expect a reward in heaven, at least if one gets there. It's been a while I heard such unfair and unrewarding sentence, but has the rarity of such biased statements proved that teachers now have a better fair? 

Well, that is left to be seen. Have they started gaining their rewards right here on earth like most other professionals? My mother was a teacher while I was a kid and I saw the amount of dedication she put into her job. 

There were some characters she necessarily had to develop/use if she was going to be an effective teacher. Briefly, I'll highlight some fundamental traits I think every good teacher possesses. 

GREEN UP NIGERIA

By ThankGod Okorisha

After carefully making my research about the colour Green, I write this article with conviction that my country Nigeria is blessed. One of the colours of the Nigerian flag is Green, you will agree with me after reading this article that Nigeria as a nation is blessed to have Green as one of its national colours. Listen, Read and Watch as Colour Green takes you into his world and tells you why he is the best colour amongst other colours.