Human rights lawyer, lecturer at Unilag, Converner of Womanifesto and Founder of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi out of 140 applications, joins the top 17 others selected for the tasks ahead.
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.
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?
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.
… Advocates for skilled writers and storytellers in the age of AI and advancing technology.
Media Experts Spark Digital Dreams in students of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, inspiring a new generation of changemakers.
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!)
Reveals how fame, fortune and fun can be key indicators towards having success.
Boys Lives Matters. Any society that abadones its boys and sons is enabling a society of chaos. As we mark the International Day of the Boy, it has become imperative to uncover and spotlight the challenges and other threats boys growing to becoming men encounter.
The threats to boys’ lives in Nigeria cuts across endangered education enabled by poverty, terrorism, and poor infrastructure threaten access to quality education.
Other threats such as violent vulnerability are caused as a result of exposure to violence, terrorism, and armed conflicts puts boys at risk of injury, death, or recruitment as child soldiers. Poverty and exploitation enables child labor, trafficking, and economic exploitation deprive boys of their childhood and future prospects. Health hazards due to limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, and diseases like malaria and cholera pose significant threats to boys’ health.
Social Inequality as a result of gender stereotypes, discrimination, and cultural expectations can limit boys’ potential and perpetuate harmful masculine norms. Street life and crime leads to homelessness, gang violence, and criminal activity put boys at risk of harm, arrest, and imprisonment.
Mental Health Concerns related to trauma, stigma, and lack of support services can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Child Marriage and parenthood in situations where early marriage and fatherhood can trap boys in cycles of poverty and limit their opportunities.
Attacks on journalists by security forces in Nigeria must be treated as an urgent matter of national importance on the floor of the National Assembly.