Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and Gyasi’s “Homegoing” were named under the “Identity” section, with Ben Okri‘s “Astonishing the Gods” also on the list, under the “Life, Death & other Worlds” section.
Books by James Baldwin, Zadie Smith, Ernest Hemingway, and Arundhati Roy also make the list, as well as crowd favourites like “The Twilight Saga” by Stephanie Meyer and the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.
Check out the full list on BBC.
Credit: Bella Naija
Pam Talbert who once worked as a school janitor mixed hard work and perseverance to give rise to a booming career as an assistant principal.
According to WBRZ, the mother of three had a learning disability that had not been diagnosed but this did not stop her from achieving her dreams. For someone who could not read or write, becoming an educator was nothing short of a miracle.
“Miracles happen and you are looking at a miracle. I am a miracle. I could not read and write. I was on a third-grade level,” she said.
Pam admitted her kids pushed her to greatness and forced her out of her comfort zone. The dedicated assistant principal learned and read what her kids were learning and started to pick up a few things from their books.
Pam admitted her kids pushed her to greatness and forced her out of her comfort zone.Most times, when the kids returned from school they would tutor their mum. Eventually, she managed to go back to school and earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Southern University.
‘‘It was very hard, but I persevered because I knew that it was important that I did that,” Pam added. Even more inspiring, Pam and her son are headed to school to earn their PhDs from Southern University.
“Despite where you are coming from, or your background, your history or where you live… It is going to be alright if you persevere. If you try,” Talbert said.
Credit: tu.co.ke
Randeka Nghonyama a 64-year-old woman obtained her National Diploma in Electrical Engineering during the Tshwane University of Technology’s Spring Graduations.
Nghonyama returned to high school at the age of 40, after dropping out in her youth.
In a Facebook post, the university shared Nghonyama’s inspiring story and it proved that no one’s dreams are invalid regardless of race, age or gender. At the age of 43 the woman graduated from high school and decided to take her education a notch higher.
Nghonyama initially wanted to become a nurse but did not qualify even after enrolling in several nursing colleges.She then decided to apply to TUT’s Electrical Engineering Programme in 2003 and was accepted.
It took the now-graduate 16 years to complete her studies but she did not once give up on her dreams. Her journey to graduation was far from easy and Nghonyama had to overcome several struggles including financial difficulties, attending classes with younger people and failing modules as a result of her age.
In 2010, she decided to take a much-needed break from her studies, only having one subject left to do. Nghonyama decided to register for her final subject in 2017.
“I wanted to prove to myself that despite coming from a tough childhood, I can do anything I put my mind to. As the older generation, we must go out and attain new skills, while the younger generation should keep pushing us,” said Nghonyama.
Credit: tuko.co.ke
Nnedi Okorafor has called out T.I. following his revelation that he monitors his 18-year-old daughter’s virginity and follows her to her gynaecologist’s to confirm her hymen is still intact.
‘The Who Fears Death’ author shared a link to the article about T.I. and wrote:
“My God, I cannot believe that T.I. interview was real. There’s more than the headline. Look at what he says when told that there are natural ways a hymen can be lost: “So I say, ‘Look, Doc, she don’t ride no horses, she don’t ride no bike, she don’t play no sports. Just check the hymen, please, and give me back my results expeditiously.'”
She added: “Backward. Hypocritical. Entitled. Sexist. I feel sorry for his children and I wonder about their mother/s.”
Credit: LIB
The little groundnut seller who pleaded to sign on the shirt of a Federal University of Technology (FUTMinna) graduate because she wants to be like him one day, has been awarded scholarship.
Facebook user, Dio Peter Omotolani disclosed that the girl who was invited to University radio station for an interactive session few days ago is now a student of the University’s staff school on scholarship.
He wrote “You remember the young Girl that pleaded to sign on d shirt of a guy who finished his final exams in Futminna?
The picture captivated so many pple within and outside the university community.
She was invited to the University radio station for an interactive session days back.. She is now in the university staff skul on scholarship.
Happy for her.”
Credit: LIB
Olamide Mariam Sobowale is a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). She is the president of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. She is the CEO of “Lamie Enterprises,” where she has her own travel agency, “Lamie Travel and Tours.” She also owns “Lamie Kitchen.”
She shares her ‘Ruby Girl’ story in this interview.
MEET ME
I am Olamide Mariam Sobowale. I am the second child in a family of four. I am a third year student of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an entrepreneur with a travel and tour agency and own a kitchen. I am also the Chapter president for Junior Chamber International Nigeria, OOU. I love God, my family and friends.
HOBBIES
I love traveling, cooking, watching movies, being hospitable.
INSPIRATION
I am inspired and driven by the desire to cause great impact and positive change in my generation by contributing my all, no matter how minute it might be to wherever I find myself or whatever I lay my hands upon.
Great women who started achieving feats at a young age also inspire me. I look at them and tell myself that if they can be that successful at such a young age. Then, I can also and even do more.
BIGGEST FEAR
My biggest fear is leaving the world or wherever I am without leaving my prints in the sand of time or not being known to have contributed positively to the growth of such a place.
JUGGLING ACADEMICS AND BUSINESS
To be honest, it has not been easy but I started everything as an hobby and beyond work, they are things I am passionate about and love doing. So, that passion drives me even when I’m weary or stressed out. Then, my determination to excel at everything keeps me going.
ON BEING THE PRESIDENT OF JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL
Junior Chamber International is the leading network of young active citizens across the globe. It is a non governmental organization that empowers young people to make positive change.
It is indeed a great honour and priviledge for me to be the 2019/2020 chapter president of JCIN, OOU. I understand how demanding this position is and I do not take it for granted. I and my Board of Directors for the year summarized everything we intend to do in our theme for the year, “FILTER’20” which stands for Fun, Innovative and Impactful projects in OOU and its environs, Teamwork which is of great importance to push the collegiate to greater exploits, Efficiency in every of our activities and being Responsive to the needs of members, the school and community as a whole.
CHANGE
I’ll like to work on the attribute of procrastination.
WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT
Finishing up work or making use of it as my leisure time to watch movies.
BEST QUOTE
“Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA FOR A DAY
I will change the police system and address the issue of security as a whole.
UPBRINGING
Yes, my upbringing prepared me for everything I am today. My mom is a caterer and entrepreneur which exposed me to the art of business, cooking and trade. Watching her laying her hands on different trades and pulling them off effectively braced me for everything I am.
My dad also raised me to be independent and he is always supportive of my projects and dreams.
MY BRAND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
I see myself and my brand, “Lamie Enterprises” soaring high and achieving great exploits. I also look forward to touching other areas and visions under Lamie Enterprises.
WORDS OF ADVICE FOR GIRLS FIVE YOUNGERS THAN ME
If I was given the opportunity to address younger girls, I’ll admonish them to take advantage of the positive sides and opportunities this generation offers and make the best use of it. They should not allow anything derail them from going for anything good they set their minds to. And also to know they are beautiful and amazing in all ways.
Chief Zebrudaya of ‘The New Masquerade’ has debunked the news of his onscreen wife’s death saying she’s not dead.
Chika Okpala aka Chief Zebrudaya of the now rested sitcom, ‘The New Masquerade, has dismissed claims that Lizzy Eveome aka Ovuleria is dead.
According to several reports, Zebrudaya debunked the death rumour when he was contacted on the telephone.
He reportedly said Ovuleria is hale and hearty, not dead.
“Who’s wishing her dead? I am telling you now that Ovuleria is not dead. You can call on the telephone and she will speak to you. Wishing death means that she will live longer,” Zebrudaya said.
However, Ovularia’s onscreen husband, Zebrudaya said the actress is currently suffering from arthritis as well as eyesight problem. “It does not mean that she’s dead,” he added.
Also, debunking the rumour, Tony Akposheri, who played the role of Zaccheus, Chief Zebrudaya’s house-help, told Vanguard that he just finished speaking with the thespian now, adding that she’s not dead.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Twitter user, Churchill Ebhodaghe tweeted about Evoeme’s death. The Twitter user had no details to back his claims.
In March 2017, Veronica Njoku, who is popular for her role as Ramota in ‘The New Masquerade,’ passed away. The late Njoku played the role of Chief Jegede’s (played by Claude Eke) wife and a close ally of Ovularia.
Her death was confirmed by Tony Akposheri, who played the role of Zaccheus, Chief Zebrudaya’s househelp.
‘The New Masquerade’ was a Nigerian sitcom that aired on the Nigerian Television Network during the 1980s until the mid 1990s. It was created and written by James Iroha who also acted in the sitcom as Giringori Akabogu.
Credit: pulse.ng
Walking with Shadows’, Funmi Iyanda’s debut film will premiere at AFRIFF on November 14.
‘Walking with Shadows’ first premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2019.
Directed by British filmmaker, Aoife O’Kelly, Walking with Shadows, stars Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Ozzy Agu, Zainab Balogun, and Funsho Adeolu. The film is produced by Iyanda’s production company, OYA Media, in collaboration with The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs).
‘Walking in Shadows’ is a screen adaptation of a Jude Dibia novel published in 2005.
It follows the story of Adrian Ebele Njoko, a married executive whose sexuality is exposed by a disgruntled colleague causing an impact on his family.
Speaking about the premiere at BFI London Film Festival, Iyanda said: “Through the unique way the plot unfolds, the film fully explores many pressing societal issues and promotes the importance of self-discovery and acceptance in cultural society.
“It is an honour to premiere this movie at one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. We are thrilled by the opportunity to share this with the international community and hope they are inspired by it as much as we are.”
Funmi Iyanda is a multi-media personality who is popular for her TV show, New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda that ran for a decade on the national television station, NTA.
Credit: pulse.ng
According to the Academy, nominees in the Best International Feature Film Category must have a predominantly non-English dialogue track, and ‘Lionheart,’ despite being an unmistakably Nigerian film, fails to tick this box.
The announcement has attracted concerns from movie producers, with major voices like American filmmaker,Ava DuVernay speaking up against the disqualification on social media.
Responding to this recent development, the NOSC Chairperson Chineze Anyaenesaid:
The budding Nigerian film industry is often faced with producing films with wide reach which often makes the recording dialogue predominantly English with non-English infusions in some cases.
Going forward, the committee intends to submit films which are predominantly foreign language – non-English recording dialogue. We are therefore urging filmmakers to shoot with intention of non-English recording dialogue as a key qualifying parameter to represent the country in the most prestigious award.
The committee is working tirelessly in organizing workshops, seminars and using other available media to create robust awareness on the guidelines and requirements for an International Feature Film Entry.
Lionheart passed on other technical requirements from story, to sound and picture except for language as adjudged by the Academy screening matrix, which was a challenge for the committee at a time. This is an eye opener and step forward into growing a better industry.”
The Best International Feature Film category is stated to carry certain requirements, which must be fulfilled before a film can be submitted.
Some of them are:
1. The film must have been first released in the country submitting it, after which it must have been exhibited for a minimum of 7 consecutive days in a movie theatre.
2. The movie must be predominantly non-English which means that movies with predominant English dialogue will not qualify for the award.
3. The film must not be transmitted electronically or otherwise, before its official release in the theatre.
Credit: Bella Naija
President Buhari has appointed ex CBN Deputy Governor, Sarah Omotunde Alade, as Special Adviser on Finance and the Economy.
This is according to a statement by Garba Shehu, the president’s spokesman on Tuesday, November 5th.
Here are some facts about her.
1.Sarah Alade is 62 years old
2. She attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, where she obtained a B.Sc (Hons) degree in Economics in 1976. She also obtained an M.Comm degree at the University of Melbourne, Australia in 1983 and a PhD Management Science (Operations Research), from the University of Ilorin in 1991.
3. Alade started her working career in 1977 with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Ilorin, Kwara State.
4. In 1991, she joined the University of Ilorin as a lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Finance.
5. She joined the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1993 as an assistant director in the Research Department, where she served as head of the State Government Finance Office (1993–96), head of the Federal Government Finance Office (1996–2000) and head of the Fiscal Analysis Division (2000–04).
6. She was appointed the director of the Banking Operations Department in May 2004. In that capacity, she served as chairman of the board of directors of the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) as well as secretary of the National Payments System Committee (NPSC).
7. She served as deputy governor (Economic Policy), Central Bank of Nigeria from 26 March 2007.
8. Alade was appointed the acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan on 20 February 2014 during the suspension of Lamido Sanusi until the appointment of Godwin Emefiele.
9. She retired from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as Deputy Governor in 2017 after spending 23 years in the apex bank.
News Credit: fabwoman.ng
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