Friday, August 29, 2025
Ignite the mind.

Category: iThink!

“I am Not Colonised”: Women Authors in Diaspora Challenge Existing African Narratives, Identity, Storytelling and Literary Legacies

The Power of Literary Influences: The undeniable force of literary influences shapes writers in profound ways. From childhood stories to classic novels, these formative experiences leave indelible marks on an author’s creative journey. Whether it’s the whimsical worlds of Roald Dahl or the poignant prose of Toni Morrison, these early encounters with literature mold a writer’s voice, themes, and style.

Acculturation and Mask-Wearing — the process of adapting to a new culture—often leads to complex identities. As individuals navigate cultural shifts, they may don metaphorical masks to fit in or protect themselves. These masks, however, can seep into their storytelling.

Writers grapple with the tension between authenticity and assimilation, resulting in narratives that sometimes feel strained or inauthentic. The struggle of writers’ block: Imagine a writer staring at a blank page, grappling with self-doubt and creative paralysis.

The weight of cultural expectations, personal history, and literary influences can contribute to this dreaded phenomenon known as writer’s block. The struggle to find one’s authentic voice amid societal pressures can be both isolating and frustrating.

Misunderstood Identities in Fiction and Non-Fiction sees writers often wrestle with portraying identities accurately. Misunderstandings arise when cultural nuances are oversimplified or misrepresented. Whether crafting fictional characters or penning memoirs, authors must navigate the delicate balance between universal truths and individual experiences. Authenticity matters, especially when addressing complex issues like colonization and identity.

Unveiling the Masks: “I Am Not Colonized” powerfully expressed by Lady E Ejiro Umukoro in a powerful webinar tagged: The Power of Your Book featuring international authors and publishers, bears upon our minds a clear rallying cry: “I am not colonized.” This call-to-action encourages writers to shed the masks imposed by history, society, and literary norms. By unveiling their true selves, authors can create narratives that defy stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate diverse voices.

At LightRay! Media, we believe that every writer’s journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, literary influences, and the courage to reveal their unmasked truth. Enjoy this special Power of Your Book 2024 Webinar.

By admin , in Books Ignite iThink! Super Conscious Woman Series , at June 27, 2024

Journalism in the Shadows of Truth: My Story

A Perspective.

In this special Perspective Features by LightRay! Media, we invite journalists to tell their stories in the line of duty. We explore the themes, scenes, circumstances, and vulnerabilities that makes them review and reevaluate what Journalism means in the age of AI, clique bait, disinformation big money market, as we ask: Is Journalism Achieving its Aims?

In this Edition, Roland Bayode shares a profound insight from which we begin this piece: “At the core of journalism lies a profound axiom: “News is what someone wants suppressed. Everything else is advertising.

In the midst of tumultuous times, journalists stand as sentinels of truth, warranting our steadfast support and gratitude.

But what do you think?

By admin , in Ignite iThink! , at June 20, 2024

Exposing the Dark Truth: Ejiro Umukoro’s Undercover Investigation Reveals Shocking Recruitment of Young Girls into Cultism

Cultism remains a pervasive issue in Nigerian secondary schools, affecting both male and female students. However, the aggressive drive to recruit more young female students in secondary schools across Nigeria has hit its tipping point as John Maxwell in his behavioural book, “The Tipping Point” would describe a critical human phenomenon that has turned into a vice or menace.

Benita Wabawonku, an ND Campus Reporter writes more on the interview at TV360 with Lady E Ejiro Umukoro, the investigative journalist who uncovered the aggressive recruitment of young female students into cultism and gansterism.

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories Super Conscious Woman Series , at June 20, 2024

Diary of a Solitary PGD Student at NIJ

In this special series on the Emerging Young Women in Media and PRAD Initiative by LightRay!, we share the story of Elizabeth Oluwaseyi Jimoh, whose journey into media, specifically print media, within a shrinking landscape in Nigeria, takes us on a journey of self introspection and the joys of a solitary journey in a post graduate course.

Sip some agbo drink and enjoy this feature (wink!)

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories Super Conscious Woman Series , at May 25, 2024

LightRay! Young African Women in Media Leadership Series: “Women should not settle for less” – Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba

For Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba, 2024 is a year she wants to engage with so much energy and passion. Her inner drive stems from being more intentional about her career and personal growth like never before – she’s a girl on fire!

But what’s her focus? She intends to grow partnerships, strengthen her networks and relationships while on the look out for opportunities that will continue to help her raise the bar for herself.

In this special LightRay! Young Women in Media Leadership Series of the African and Global Women in Media Leadership Initiative by LightRay!, Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba takes us on her journey as she talks about how very positive she is about more big wins for the year. Enjoy the insights she shares with a sip of your favourite juice.

By admin , in iThink! Super Conscious Woman Series , at March 15, 2024

LightRay! Young African Women in Media Leadership series: Meet Elizabeth Osayande

Elizabeth Osayande is bold. She takes on ideas that are five times her size and runs with it. A Freelance Journalist with close to nine years in the media space, her moniker, Iyaloja, as she covers the education beat with the Vanguard Newspaper Limited sticks on her like cheese on pizza.

On the record, she has successfully mentored eight interns. She is the founder of Freelancers Network, FFN formerly known as Female Freelancers Federation – a platform that sees to the uplifting of Freelancers especially women, via collaboration, networking, and providing valuable support for one another. The platform also organises monthly media training where veterans come to train and share their experiences. To date, the platform have successfully trained over 200 freelancers including male and female.

The door is open for you to enjoy this convo with us. Come on right in.

By admin , in iThink! Super Conscious Woman Series , at March 15, 2024

Beyond Textbooks: Punch Foundation, Historians, American Corner, Academics stress importance of Cartooning on Educational Development in Nigeria

For many, the word “cartoon” evokes caricatures that tend to prompt laughter when captured with creativity and punch.

However, journalists have come to understand that while a picture says a thousand words, cartoons evoke powerful emotions that inspire or trigger both intended and unintended outcomes.

Akin Lasekan is recognized as the first cartoonist in Nigeria, having worked with the West African Pilot newspaper. It’s interesting to note that in 1908, “Fantasmagorie,” considered by animation historians as the world’s first cartoon, was released.

As the power of cartoons evolved, they became established as a vital force within the political struggle to liberate Nigeria from British colonization.

Today, editorial journalism recognizes that sketching and cartooning deserve a prime spot in Nigeria’s educational development, as captured by Jimoh’s reporting for LightRay! Media.

By admin , in Books Ignite Inside stories iThink! , at February 23, 2024
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