Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie served as a speaker and honorary degree recipient for the 2019 Georgetown College Commencement ceremonies this weekend, on May 18.
After speaking at the commencement ceremony, Chimamanda received the doctor of humane letters, honoris causa degree.
She also holds the same degree from Johns Hopkins, Haverford College, the University of Edinburgh, and Amherst College.
Georgetown College Dean, Chris Celenza, says:
“We are so proud to have Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie join us for the 2019 College Commencement. Her fiction and non-fiction works have spoken to countless people about the value, the power, and the meaningfulness of differences. In doing so, she has taught us all about the full dimensions of humanity.”
Nigerian woman identified as Oluwatobi Al-Bakare has become a Second Lieutenant of the United States Army. The woman was commissioned on Thursday, May 16.
Her success story was shared on Twitter by her husband, Olatunde Bakare. Olatunde Bakare had taken to Twitter to celebrate his beautiful wife for her accomplishment at the United States Army.
The husband shared photos of his wife dressed in her official army uniform as she gets commissioned at the student center ballroom A in Bowie State University in George’s County, Maryland. The woman was celebrated by her husband who showed her off on social media.
The spring 2019 commissioning ceremony had taken place around 1:00pm. Bakare celebrated his wife and congratulated her in his tweet.
He said: “My amazing wife @TobyAlmaroof will be commissioning today as a Second Lieutenant of the United States Army. Couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments. Congratulations baby girl.”
At exactly 10:42pm on 8th of March 2017, I wrote “Heaven I need a Hug” on my wall , perhaps I needed a hug considering the fact that I have several back logs and I was stressed at the time, but beyond that I wanted to see how people will respond , I wasn’t disappointed with the number of e-hugs I received within thirty minutes BUT two friends had to slide to my inbox and asked me to put down the post, one said it showed too much emotions and the other said “you are too strong to be perceived like a weak woman Esther , bring it down its not good for your brand”. Wetin concern personal brand with emotions ogini?
This is exactly the reason why people suffer and die in silence , imagine if all the people who committed suicide recently put up a post similar to mine just to let people know they need help and get such response from their friends?
Please let’s allow people express themselves on social media the way and manner they like, as a matter of fact I want to encourage anyone who is down, depressed or about to give it all up , put up a post and let’s know what you are going through , sometimes the closet people to us are our biggest problem and you cant tell your problem to a problem, it’s fine to seek help on Facebook or any other social media platform or other direct means.
Feel free to write messages such as :
“I am Depressed”
“I need help”
“I need to talk to someone ”
“Please help”
“I need a therapist”
“I need a counsellor ”
Etc etc etc
Just express yourself however you feel and I am sure someone out there will reach out to you. I am positive we have good people who truly care in Nigeria, all you need to reach them is to SPEAK UP!
I have been down that road before, and it’s not just being depressed because life happened or stress, I was in my world, the over analysing and over thinking stage where you feel living isn’t worth it anymore, and I don’t pray to ever go there again, I was in self denial of my state of mind till a true friend who didn’t judge me asked that I seek help from a therapist . I am a survivor, no shame at all, and a proud Mental health advocate for She Writes Woman
I have a listening ear , I will give you a hug, give you my time and attention, walk you through the process but sadly I can’t offer you the professional help you need like the above mentioned persons. Please don’t die in silence , reach out, SPEAK UP and don’t let depression and suicide win.
Kindly add names of other therapist in the comment section ???.
Victoria Obaze, a Nigerian from Imo state made history on Wednesday, May 15, after she was sworn into office as Civic Mayor of London Borough of Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom (UK).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obaze’s inauguration on Wednesday, May 15, is the latest in turn of events that have seen Nigerians emerge as Mayors in their area councils of residence in the UK.
Obaze who contested three previous councillorship elections in 2010, 2014 as well as 2016 and failed, eventually succeeded in an election conducted on May 5, 2018 in Whitechapel Ward. She later became the council’s deputy speaker following her nomination by her Councillor Colleagues from where she took over the mantle as Mayor of London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
A statement containing brief history of Obaze obtained by NAN from her close associate and UK Chapter Coordinator, Ugonwanne Social Club Nigeria Int’l, a Nigerian socio-cultural group in UK, Ms Blessing Chijekwu, revealed that the newly sworn-in Mayor had lived in Borough for over 30 years.
“For Councillor (Cllr) Obaze life is all about service to humanity with diligence. Her political experience started when she was elected as one of the board of directors to oversee the regeneration of her area, the Ocean Estate, in the 1980s.
“The move motivated her to get into politics having noticed that there were no black women in the council chambers and this led her to open a project named Healthy Life Style for Stepney Women, East London.
“The project was funded by local authority through Ocean African Caribbean Association which she and her late husband Chief Evangelist Charles Obaze, co-founded.
“She also established Ocean Saturday School aimed at ensuring school attainment for children, as well as Ocean Football Club through which young boys were able to have residential football experiences with Chelsea football Club.
“Above all, Cllr Obaze loves God with a passion; she is a member of Parochial Church Council (PCC), as well as an Executive Council member at St Dunstan’s Church of England Parish in Stepney. “She is also a Secondary School governor in Tower Hamlets and a habitual visitor to the elderly and physically challenged in the community,” the statement quoted Chijekwu as saying.
The statement also quoted Lolo Ngozi Nwanze, President, Ugonwanne Social Club Nigeria Int’l as saying that Obaze was chosen as life matron of the club because of her meekness and morality. “These are the virtues that have brought her to where she (Obaze) is today.”
Selena Gomez is voicing her concern about the “terrible” effect that social media has had on her generation, and says she advocates taking breaks from the platforms.
Gomez who is the third most followed person on Instagram after soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and pop singer Ariana Grande, said during a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival that she gets “scared” when she looks at the exposure of young girls and boys on those platforms.
“They’re not aware of the news or anything going on. It’s selfish I don’t wanna say selfish because it feels rude but it’s dangerous for sure. I think our world is going through a lot, obviously. But for my generation, specifically, social media has been terrible,” she said.
Asked what more she could do to improve the social media environment, given her large following, Gomez said it is “impossible” at this point to make it safe. She also said she tries to be conscious when posting on Instagram, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on her fans.
“I’m very grateful I have the platform in any way, I can still share things I’m passionate about. I don’t do a lot of pointless pictures. I like to be intentional with it.” “I see these young girls, I’ll meet them and they’re just devastated dealing with bullying and not being able to have their own voice” she said.
Gomez also called on people to take breaks in social media use:
“It can be great in moments, but I would just be careful and allow yourself some time limits when you should use it and when not.”
Over 200,000 fans of the HBO series have signed a petition to redo the show’s final season.
According to the Change.org petition, called “Remake Game of Thrones Season 8 with competent writers,” fans of the show want the creators to step aside.
David Benioff and D.B. Weisshave proven themselves to be woefully incompetent writers when they have no source material (i.e. the books) to fall back on. This series deserves a final season that makes sense. Subvert my expectations and make it happen, HBO!
With 5 episodes already aired, the final episode of Game of Thrones airs on Sunday (May 19).
The petition is asking for 300,000 signatures and they almost have it with 291,671 signees at the time of posting.
According to the fans, “This series deserves a final season that makes sense.”
Bolaji Oluwadunsin Precious is a final year student of Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State. She is also the CEO of Dunsin Craft Collection Company @Dunsincrafts, a fashion brand aimed at using creativity to advance fashion and style. It specializes in using Ankara fabrics to make several products such as Souvenirs for events and conferences, Laptop bags, Handbags, Backpacks, Document holders, Notepads, etc.
She has trained about 200 females in the art of Crafts with Ankara to make up to 8 products in 2018.
Childhood
I was born in Ibadan but grew up with my dad at Abeokuta. My parents got divorced when I was 3 and my dad took custody of all 5 of us. I’m the 4th child.
After few years, my mum took custody of my younger sister and I. Growing up wasn’t so adventurous.
Inspiration behind Dunsin Craft Collection
The fear of poverty inspired me. There is a saying that ‘Worst situations bring out the best in people’…. I am a living example. I channelled that energy into what I love, Craft. I can make so many things with my hands, that’s why there is “Collection” at the end of my brand name.
Training of over 200 females in the craft of ankara..
I trained over 200 females in the craft of Ankara and the impact has been very strong. Months after the training, about half of them called me and chatted me up to express their gratitude and to also informed me of their progress. DCC is already working on a platform where we can do more.
The reception so far…
It has been amazing! The African fabrics (Kente/Ankara) has always given our products uniqueness and beauty!! Everyone, I mean everyone that sees the Ankara designed products are always wowed and show interest in them.
Inspiration
I am always inspired by women doing great things (Oprah Winfrey, Linda Ikeji, Michelle Obama, Alakija). I make researches online to see products other African countries make and I get motivated.
Greatest reward
Recognition as the Number one Accessory Designer in Ondo state. Top blogs and Website carried the feat.
Challenges
The major challenge I face, is balancing academics with business. I’m in my finals at FUTA. Others are financial which has made me put in for grants and apply for international applications where my business can be funded for more exploits.
On winning the Entrepreneur Of The Year award
I am encouraged to do more. To aspire more. To keep pushing. If I could get this award, I know greater things are on the way.
On giving up…
I have entertained the thought of giving up countless times. I would tell myself “why don’t you just marry a rich man” …. Lol. But then, the fear of marriage scares me sometimes, so it’s not an option. There are times when I would have less than a thousand naira in my account and make no sale for weeks. It’s been God holding me up.I just want to be like those I look up to and to inspire a lot of ladies too.
I am a Woman Of Rubies
My goals. My vision. My strength. My feminine power. My determination. My fighting spirit. My ability to keep moving forward even when nothing made sense.
Final word for women aspire to go into my line of business
Nothing is ever easy. So expect difficult situations. Always plan, so nothing takes you by surprise. Don’t stop believing in yourself, its dangerous. Run from anything/anyone negative. Eat and rest. Ask for help when you need it. Go out and connect with other entrepreneurs. Your biggest client might be into tech. Make research on what you do regularly. Love and Pray.
– DCC is a fashion brand aimed at using creativity to advance fashion and style. It specializes in using Ankara fabrics to make several products such as Souvenirs for events and conferences, Laptop bags, Handbags, Backpacks, Document holders, Notepads etc
Contact us :Facebook : Dunsin craft collections DCC Twitter : @DunsincraftsTel No :08107795747
LVMH and Rihanna’s fashion venture is finally materializing. Riri is set to present her first collection for the new label, which will be branded Fenty, later this month in Paris.
The label is called Fenty, after the singer’s full name – Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and will launch in Spring 2019.
Rihanna will become the first woman to create an original brand at LVMH, the first woman of color at the top of an LVMH Maison, and her line will be the first new house created by the group since Christian Lacroix in 1987. It joins such storied heritage brands as Dior, Givenchy, Celine and Fendi and positions Rihanna as a breakthrough designer on a number of levels.
The singer, who has 70 million followers on Instagram, is widely known for her bold fashion choices.
Fenty, which will produce clothing, shoes, and accessories, is the first new label under the LVMH brand since 1987. The label will join around 70 brands already in the LVMH group, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Givenchy.
In a statement, Rihanna said that she had been given a “unique opportunity to develop a fashion house in the luxury sector, with no artistic limits.”
She added: “I couldn’t imagine a better partner both creatively and business-wise, and I’m ready for the world to see what we have built together.”
The chairman and CEO of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, said Rihanna would be supported with a team and resources.
“EVERYBODY KNOWS RIHANNA AS A WONDERFUL SINGER, BUT THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP AT FENTY BEAUTY, I DISCOVERED A TRUE ENTREPRENEUR, A REAL CEO, AND A TERRIFIC LEADER,” HE SAID.
The singer’s cosmetics brand, Fenty Beauty, reached nearly 500 million euros (£431 million) in sales by the end of 2018. The brand has been widely praised for its inclusivity.
Rihanna also launched her own Savage X Fenty lingerie line in 2018.
19-year-old Nigerian medical student, Emediong Uduak Uko’s painting of music legend, ‘Lagbaja’ has become the first African work to be displayed at the Cyprus Modern Art Museum.
Emediong is also the youngest artist and only African to have her work exhibited at the museum, which is the largest in the Mediterranean region.
The excited artist shared the news on her Instagram page @Emilyuko where she further revealed that her painting is now in the possession of Forbes-listed Cypriot businessman, Suat Günsel.
Emediong explained in her social media post that she dedicated her painting to the iconic faceless singer, Lagbaja because he inspired culture and created both war and peace with his passion.
She wrote, “I’m pleased to announce to the general public that my artwork is now a part of the vast collection of the Cyprus Modern Art Museum!
“This is the largest museum in the Mediterranean region. My work is now in the possession of the owner of my university- Forbes listed Cypriot Businessman, Suat Günsel.
“Apparently, I am the youngest and only African Art piece in the entire museum with works dating as far back as 1940. Somebody pinch me!
“More importantly, this painting is dedicated to none other than the legendary Nigerian musician and political activist himself, Lagbaja. @officiallagbaja.
“I decided if I’m going to put a timeless piece in the walls of a foreign land, it should be about the ones back home.
“Sir, if you’re reading this, know that you’ve inspired a culture. You’ve created both war & peace with your passion and creativity and that is everything I stand for. This is the least I could do to show appreciation.
“I’d like to thank God and his Spirit that makes things possible through me- He placed me here. The fact that my art value has gone up more than 10x by reason of this event is still mind-blowing.
“To all the curators and friends who kept this huge announcement on the down-low and pumped me with endless support, I love you,” she said.
Emediong is also a muralist and mixed-medium artist who runs a budding arts company called Asher’s Palette.
Grammy Award-winning rapper, dancer, and record producer, Missy Elliott can now officially be called Dr. Elliot!
The pop star and icon was recognized on Friday, May 11, 2019, with an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
She received the honorary doctorate alongside Justin Timberlake.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 11: Missy Elliott and Justin Timberlake attend the Berklee College of Music 2019 Commencement ceremony at Agganis Arena at Boston University on May 11, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. More than 1,100 students graduated in all and receiving honorary degrees were Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake and Alex Lacamoire. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images for Berklee)
The pair was honored alongside award-winning Broadway performer and composer Alex Lacamoire – who was a former student of the institution, with all three receiving the Honorary Doctor’s Degree of Music for their “influences in music, and for their enduring global impact.”
Missy Elliot took to Instagram to share a video of her holding the framed diploma complete with graduation cap and gown.
“CREATE YOUR OWN LANE,” ELLIOTT SAID IN THE POST’S CAPTION. “SINCERELY DR. MISSY ELLIOT.”
A POST SHARED BY MISSY ELLIOTT (@MISSYMISDEMEANORELLIOTT) ON MAY 11, 2019 AT 11:20AM PDT
“THERE WILL BE UPS AND DOWNS — PREPARE FOR THAT,” ELLIOTT SAID TO THE GRADUATING CLASS. “AS LONG AS YOU ARE BREATHING, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. DON’T FORGET THAT. YOU HAVE COME TOO FAR TO QUIT.”
Elliott, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1971 to a welder at Portsmouth’s naval shipyard, is the first female hip-hop artist to receive an honorary degree from the Berklee College of Music.
Elliott has sold more than 30 million albums during the course of her career.
