Photos: P-Square’s Younger Sister, Mary Okoye Engaged To Nollywood Actor

It’s indeed the season of love and proposals for the Okoye’s. Peter and Paul are already married, Jude just got engaged and now, their younger sister, Mary Okoye is now engaged to Nollywood actor Emma Emordi. We learnt he popped the question over the weekend.

Photos: P-Square’s Younger Sister, Mary Okoye Engaged To Nollywood Actor

It’s indeed the season of love and proposals for the Okoye’s. Peter and Paul are already married, Jude just got engaged and now, their younger sister, Mary Okoye is now engaged to Nollywood actor Emma Emordi. We learnt he popped the question over the weekend.

I Have Suffered Enough, Please Don’t Let Me Suffer More- Omotola Begs Fans

skazyupdate

Omotola Ekeinde has said she has suffered enough for refusing to party with politicians and turning down their Ghana must go bags, and begged people not to make her suffer the more by mentioning her name among those who wine and dine with politicians. Speaking as a guest at the just concluded Nigerian Entertainment  Conference (NEC), the actress said;

“Somebody on a blog a few days ago wrote that there are Nollywood personalities who are friends with politicians, sharing the national cake together. I, Omotola, have never campaigned or partied with any government, so don’t mention my name among those who do that. I have suffered enough for refusing to party with them and take ‘Ghana Must Go’ back home, so don’t let me suffer more.”

I Have Suffered Enough, Please Don’t Let Me Suffer More- Omotola Begs Fans

skazyupdate

Omotola Ekeinde has said she has suffered enough for refusing to party with politicians and turning down their Ghana must go bags, and begged people not to make her suffer the more by mentioning her name among those who wine and dine with politicians. Speaking as a guest at the just concluded Nigerian Entertainment  Conference (NEC), the actress said;

“Somebody on a blog a few days ago wrote that there are Nollywood personalities who are friends with politicians, sharing the national cake together. I, Omotola, have never campaigned or partied with any government, so don’t mention my name among those who do that. I have suffered enough for refusing to party with them and take ‘Ghana Must Go’ back home, so don’t let me suffer more.”

What Uche Jombo & Toke Makinwa Have In Common

Though they might be in different fields, but these two have the same taste when it comes to men. Most of you know Toke’s hubby, Maje Ayida is a fitness trainer, but most of you don’t know Uche’s husband does the same job in the States too.  Cute men!

What Uche Jombo & Toke Makinwa Have In Common

Though they might be in different fields, but these two have the same taste when it comes to men. Most of you know Toke’s hubby, Maje Ayida is a fitness trainer, but most of you don’t know Uche’s husband does the same job in the States too.  Cute men!

How to Make Money from Facebook

Here is how to make money from Facebook guaranteed!

Seriously, how would you like to earn $250 or more from Facebook on a weekly basis? Interested? I'm sure you would!

In that case, this web page shows you in explicit detail how to make money from Facebook on an ongoing basis.

You will also learn lots of strategies, tips and tricks to use in exploiting this home business opportunity that you can take advantage of right from the comfort of your home.

Do you have a profile on Facebook? I suppose that you do - because last time I checked, there were over one billion active users of Facebook, the No. 1 social networking site in the world, second only to Google in terms of website traffic.

Of that number, over five million persons are resident in Nigeria. And do you know the most interesting part of the matter? The number keeps on growing by the passing second.

However, if you do not have a profile on Facebook, head on right over now to create one. I will be right here waiting for you. To create a profile on Facebook now for free, click here.

Once you have done creating your profile, begin connecting with old friends, business associates, colleagues, old schoolmates and members of your immediate and extended family.

You can send friend requests to friends of your friends and include them in your Facebook friends in order to have a robust cycle of friends on facebook.

(Should you need help with any aspect of creating your Facebook profile, you can either use the Contact Us form or reach me on phone using the following gsm numbers: +2348094089232 or +2348034563447.)

Now to the Interesting Part!

There are two approaches to making money from Facebook.

• The Solo Approach


• The Bandwagon Approach

The Solo Approach

The solo approach to making money from Facebook require a great deal of effort and, funny enough, that is the route that many people often take in their internet marketing efforts.

With all the limitations and challenges of the solo approach, the inexperienced internet marketer often wonder why he or she fail to make money from Facebook after some time of having a go at it.

After a few tries using the solo approach and they do not make any money, what do they resort to?

Bereft of all ideas, they give up and conclude that there is no money to be made from Facebook! After all, if there is any money to be made from the social network media, they would have long made it ever before other persons even tried!

So, what does the solo approach involve? The solo approach involves registering with some affiliate marketing company, such as SiteSell's 5 Pillar Affiliate program.

Thereafter, you begin promoting the affiliate program through the posting of status updates and sending of personal messages to those in your Facebook cycle of friends.

How many people do you think that you will be able to convince to join the program in this way? Not many I assure you! Is it any wonder then that many people give up after just a few tries at the solo approach of making money on Facebook? Certainly not.

The best way to describe the solo approach is to see it as someone having a monkey on his back that requires constant feeding and attention every single minute of the day and never leaves. That method is archaic and ineffective. Drop it!

Are you using the solo approach? Then it is time to change! Why? Because you will never be able to make money from Facebook using the solo approach - that's why! Or, if you make any money at all from this approach, it will never amount to much.

To buttress the above assertion, you need to remember the primary reason why people visit Facebook and other such social network media. People visit social network media for the primary reason to "catch fun" - plain and simple.

They are not avidly looking to be "sold" by some enthusiastic affiliate marketer. So they will subconsciously resist any attempt to sell anything to them. That is why if you send unsolicited messages to them, otherwise known as spam, you will not get the desired result from them.

But, even at that, a large majority of Facebook users are dissatisfied with their 9-5 desk jobs and would like to see a change, and fast too. Thus, they will respond to you, if only you use the right approach.

Consequently, you need to adopt a slightly different approach from the solo approach. And what is that? It is the bandwagon approach.

The Bandwagon Approach

The bandwagon approach to making money from Facebook is a better approach - by far. So, how does the bandwagon approach work?

We Need More Male Teachers in Schools – Educationist

A United States-based Professor of  Education, Georgianna Duarte, has canvassed the need for more male teachers in schools, especially at the early childhood level.

She spoke on Wednesday in Lagos on the sidelines of a Focus on the Young Child Education summit organised by a group, Early Years Consult Limited.
FOYC initiative seeks to raise the quality of early childhood education and care in Nigeria and Africa to the global best practice standard.
Duarte, who lamented the dearth of male teachers across the globe, described the development as a “disturbing one”.
According to the professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the masculine elements will do some good to the school system.
She said, “The dearth of male teachers is a challenge in Nigeria and in many parts of the world. It is a problem internationally. I believe that our classrooms should have masculine elements.
“We need to recruit more men in the early childhood education. Unfortunately, many men prefer engineering, journalism, sales, marketing and other professions to education.
“In Nigeria, we have only a few men in early childhood education.  It is a big challenge. Nigeria needs to develop an organisation for men in education.
“Right now, there is none in the country. In the US, a group, Men in Early Education, focuses on men in education. We need to encourage men to stay in education.
“For even the few in the system, their thinking is that they will just do it for a short period. This is unfortunate and disturbing.”
On the training, Duarte, who is one of the resource persons, said the initiative was to empower the participants on the developmental needs of young children.
The training, she added, was to strengthen the trainees’ teaching methodology, literacy and skills.
Children, she also noted, needed a stronger foundation in order to prepare them for the future.
The Early Years Managing Consultant, Mrs. Funsho Chikezie, also said a sound early education would have positive impact on the sector.
According to her, if children receive good tutoring at their early stage, there is the tendency that they will do better in the other levels of education and in life.
She, therefore, urged all tiers of governments and corporate firms in the country to support such training initiatives targeted at equipping teachers with the rudiments of early childhood education.

We Need More Male Teachers in Schools – Educationist

A United States-based Professor of  Education, Georgianna Duarte, has canvassed the need for more male teachers in schools, especially at the early childhood level.

She spoke on Wednesday in Lagos on the sidelines of a Focus on the Young Child Education summit organised by a group, Early Years Consult Limited.
FOYC initiative seeks to raise the quality of early childhood education and care in Nigeria and Africa to the global best practice standard.
Duarte, who lamented the dearth of male teachers across the globe, described the development as a “disturbing one”.
According to the professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, the masculine elements will do some good to the school system.
She said, “The dearth of male teachers is a challenge in Nigeria and in many parts of the world. It is a problem internationally. I believe that our classrooms should have masculine elements.
“We need to recruit more men in the early childhood education. Unfortunately, many men prefer engineering, journalism, sales, marketing and other professions to education.
“In Nigeria, we have only a few men in early childhood education.  It is a big challenge. Nigeria needs to develop an organisation for men in education.
“Right now, there is none in the country. In the US, a group, Men in Early Education, focuses on men in education. We need to encourage men to stay in education.
“For even the few in the system, their thinking is that they will just do it for a short period. This is unfortunate and disturbing.”
On the training, Duarte, who is one of the resource persons, said the initiative was to empower the participants on the developmental needs of young children.
The training, she added, was to strengthen the trainees’ teaching methodology, literacy and skills.
Children, she also noted, needed a stronger foundation in order to prepare them for the future.
The Early Years Managing Consultant, Mrs. Funsho Chikezie, also said a sound early education would have positive impact on the sector.
According to her, if children receive good tutoring at their early stage, there is the tendency that they will do better in the other levels of education and in life.
She, therefore, urged all tiers of governments and corporate firms in the country to support such training initiatives targeted at equipping teachers with the rudiments of early childhood education.

Shocking: 10 normal things you may be addicted to

from Real Buzz

We all have certain activities we love, but did you know you could be addicted to your favourite hobby? Check out the 10 surprising things you may be addicted to.

1: Surfing the internet

You may think that browsing the internet is nothing more than a pleasant way to pass some time. However, researchers in China revealed that internet addiction actually alters the brain in a similar way to addictions to drugs and alcohol. It is thought that sufferers of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) could face similar symptoms to those suffering from other addictions, including withdrawal symptoms. One study of users of internet-ready smartphones found that many are so addicted to their device they now hear “phantom vibrations” in their desperation to receive a message.

2: Falling in love

We all know that person who goes from relationship to relationship, never seeming to spend more than five minutes alone. Well, according to research, it may be that they are actually addicted to falling in love! Yep, that heart-racing, euphoric feeling of falling in love… turns out you can get hooked on it. According to psychologist Arthur Aron, who led a study investigating love addiction, falling in love activates the same system in the brain as drug addiction, making you crave that feeling again as soon as the first flush of love starts to fade.

3: Sugar

We all crave our favourite sweet treat from time to time, but did you know you may actually be addicted to snacks such as doughnuts and chocolate? Studies have suggested that when we eat sugary snacks, chemicals called opiods are released in the brain, leading to intense feelings of pleasure, and it is this feeling we often crave in the absence of sugar. In fact, according to research by a University of California team, sugar is both as damaging and as addictive as both alcohol and cigarettes.

4: Tattoos and piercings

While dabbling in body art will not necessarily lead to you becoming inked up and pierced from head to toe, many people who start out with the intention of getting one tattoo or piercing will feel compelled to get more, which can feel like an addiction. While it is debatable whether this is a true addiction, it is certainly a compulsion for many, which may be partly down to the rush of feel-good endorphins which are released during the process of getting a tattoo to help you cope with the pain.

 5: Work

Although most of us look forward to the weekends, for those suffering from a work addiction these days away from the office may not be quite as treasured. While many of us jokingly use the term “workaholic”, research suggests this is a real condition that can jeopardize sufferers’ health and relationships – it is not simply a case of “working hard”. According to a Spanish study, around 12 per cent of workers in Spain suffer from the addiction, while in Japan “death by overwork” (karoshi) is thought to cause an estimated 1000 deaths per year.

6: Tanning

Research findings published in the journal Addiction Biology suggest that exposure to ultraviolet rays in the form of sunshine or tanning beds can cause changes in brain activity similar to drug addiction, keeping you hooked on tanning. According to Dr. Bryon Adinoff, an author of the study, the brain responds to UV light in areas that are associated with reward, causing some people to develop an addiction (“Tanorexia”) despite the potentially fatal health risks of tanning.

7: Video games

Across the world, teenagers are holed up in their rooms in front of television or computer screens feverishly playing video games, yet research suggests this may not be as harmless as it seems. A 2006 BBC-reported lecture revealed that 12 per cent of online gamers polled reported some addictive behaviours, while many countries across the world have set up treatment centres to deal with this growing addiction. Just like any addiction, compulsive gaming can jeopardise relationships and careers, and there have even been cases of excessive gamers dying from exhaustion.

8: Shopping

Most of us love buying something new, whether it is the latest life-enhancing gadget or a gift for a loved one. However, for some, buying new things can become a destructive addiction. Shopping addiction (or omniomania) is thought to be caused by a rush of endorphins and dopamine which cause the shopper to experience a temporary “high” which they want to experience again. Many shopping addicts use shopping as a way to escape from negative feelings or situations in their life, however the addiction can actually lead to further problems both financially and emotionally.

9: Lip balm

While not a chemical addiction such as that to alcohol and cigarettes, applying lip balm can definitely be habit-forming. This is because while lip balm offers a temporary moisture boost for dry lips, it can interfere with the process of cellular turnover and the production of natural moisture, leading you to apply more and more lip balm to counteract these drying effects. While it may not be life-threatening or recognised as an official illness, many websites and Facebook groups have been set up dedicated to this potentially expensive addiction.

10: Music

We all have our favourite songs, the ones we listen to over and over again, but did you ever consider you could be addicted to your favourite music? According to a study by researchers at McGill University, you may well be. The study revealed that when we listen to music we experience a natural “high” and our body releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter also released when people take drugs or eat pleasurable foods. According to the researchers, dopamine makes us want to repeat behaviours, which is the reason we can become addicted to our favourite music.
————————————-

Shocking: 10 normal things you may be addicted to

from Real Buzz

We all have certain activities we love, but did you know you could be addicted to your favourite hobby? Check out the 10 surprising things you may be addicted to.

1: Surfing the internet

You may think that browsing the internet is nothing more than a pleasant way to pass some time. However, researchers in China revealed that internet addiction actually alters the brain in a similar way to addictions to drugs and alcohol. It is thought that sufferers of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) could face similar symptoms to those suffering from other addictions, including withdrawal symptoms. One study of users of internet-ready smartphones found that many are so addicted to their device they now hear “phantom vibrations” in their desperation to receive a message.

2: Falling in love

We all know that person who goes from relationship to relationship, never seeming to spend more than five minutes alone. Well, according to research, it may be that they are actually addicted to falling in love! Yep, that heart-racing, euphoric feeling of falling in love… turns out you can get hooked on it. According to psychologist Arthur Aron, who led a study investigating love addiction, falling in love activates the same system in the brain as drug addiction, making you crave that feeling again as soon as the first flush of love starts to fade.

3: Sugar

We all crave our favourite sweet treat from time to time, but did you know you may actually be addicted to snacks such as doughnuts and chocolate? Studies have suggested that when we eat sugary snacks, chemicals called opiods are released in the brain, leading to intense feelings of pleasure, and it is this feeling we often crave in the absence of sugar. In fact, according to research by a University of California team, sugar is both as damaging and as addictive as both alcohol and cigarettes.

4: Tattoos and piercings

While dabbling in body art will not necessarily lead to you becoming inked up and pierced from head to toe, many people who start out with the intention of getting one tattoo or piercing will feel compelled to get more, which can feel like an addiction. While it is debatable whether this is a true addiction, it is certainly a compulsion for many, which may be partly down to the rush of feel-good endorphins which are released during the process of getting a tattoo to help you cope with the pain.

 5: Work

Although most of us look forward to the weekends, for those suffering from a work addiction these days away from the office may not be quite as treasured. While many of us jokingly use the term “workaholic”, research suggests this is a real condition that can jeopardize sufferers’ health and relationships – it is not simply a case of “working hard”. According to a Spanish study, around 12 per cent of workers in Spain suffer from the addiction, while in Japan “death by overwork” (karoshi) is thought to cause an estimated 1000 deaths per year.

6: Tanning

Research findings published in the journal Addiction Biology suggest that exposure to ultraviolet rays in the form of sunshine or tanning beds can cause changes in brain activity similar to drug addiction, keeping you hooked on tanning. According to Dr. Bryon Adinoff, an author of the study, the brain responds to UV light in areas that are associated with reward, causing some people to develop an addiction (“Tanorexia”) despite the potentially fatal health risks of tanning.

7: Video games

Across the world, teenagers are holed up in their rooms in front of television or computer screens feverishly playing video games, yet research suggests this may not be as harmless as it seems. A 2006 BBC-reported lecture revealed that 12 per cent of online gamers polled reported some addictive behaviours, while many countries across the world have set up treatment centres to deal with this growing addiction. Just like any addiction, compulsive gaming can jeopardise relationships and careers, and there have even been cases of excessive gamers dying from exhaustion.

8: Shopping

Most of us love buying something new, whether it is the latest life-enhancing gadget or a gift for a loved one. However, for some, buying new things can become a destructive addiction. Shopping addiction (or omniomania) is thought to be caused by a rush of endorphins and dopamine which cause the shopper to experience a temporary “high” which they want to experience again. Many shopping addicts use shopping as a way to escape from negative feelings or situations in their life, however the addiction can actually lead to further problems both financially and emotionally.

9: Lip balm

While not a chemical addiction such as that to alcohol and cigarettes, applying lip balm can definitely be habit-forming. This is because while lip balm offers a temporary moisture boost for dry lips, it can interfere with the process of cellular turnover and the production of natural moisture, leading you to apply more and more lip balm to counteract these drying effects. While it may not be life-threatening or recognised as an official illness, many websites and Facebook groups have been set up dedicated to this potentially expensive addiction.

10: Music

We all have our favourite songs, the ones we listen to over and over again, but did you ever consider you could be addicted to your favourite music? According to a study by researchers at McGill University, you may well be. The study revealed that when we listen to music we experience a natural “high” and our body releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter also released when people take drugs or eat pleasurable foods. According to the researchers, dopamine makes us want to repeat behaviours, which is the reason we can become addicted to our favourite music.
————————————-

8 (important) things to know when dating a player

inShare

by Julia Melko

Dating a player is a huge challenge and it’s not every woman’s dream. But sometimes a woman falls in love so quickly and strongly that she doesn’t want to realize that she is dating a player.

If you realize that you are dating with a player, but don’t want to break up with him, here are a few important things to know when dating a player. Dating a player can be quite dangerous and can even lead to a heartbreak. Remember it.
1. Insincere conversations
Normal relationship usually consists of sincere and trusting talks and frank treatment. It’s wonderful when you can share common goals, plans, dreams and when we are curious about the past. The player isn’t the one who is really interested in all these points. Your talks usually contain superficial information.
2. Cancellations all the time
Do you often get calls or messages that your date is going to be cancelled again? Moreover, it happens at the last moment and always makes you feel despondent. It indicates a lack of respect and he doesn’t really value your time and intentions. If you have the same thing, it’s a direct signal for you to take measures.
3. Constant weeknight dates
If to think logically, the best and the most suitable time for dating is a Friday or a Saturday evening, but you are invited on weeknights only. Do you really know what is he doing all these time? Maybe he has a family or another girlfriend?
4. Tardy lust
A player usually calls and texts at night, leading dirty and lascivious talks and chats. If you look for serious and healthy relationship, you’d better forget him or be careful with this randy night warrior. It’s hard to break up with him, but you deserve a better man, trust me.
5. Invisible friends
You are fed up with stories about his invisible friends? Have you ever seen them? Players never introduce a girl to their family and closest friends and I hope you know the reason why… This sign is the most meaningful signal. Just throw a small party and ask your boyfriend to invite his friends, and you’ll see he is a real player.
6. Social network signals
Social network is a wonderful thing that allows you to collect one’s personal information. Nowadays it’s not necessary to be a detective, because social media can show you his friends, especially opposite sex ones. Moreover, you can even notice some provocative comments.
7. Sweet lies
They say that liars need a good memory. Even professional and charismatic players usually become tangled in their own lies. Telling lies is not the best way to hide something. When you are in love with him, you might not notice his sweet lies. But can you imagine building a strong, happy family with him? Consider this important thing before continue with the dating.
8. The buddy circle
You can make a quick conclusion about the person, by just investigating the circle of his direct and indirect contacts. If your boyfriend invites his friends to your party, pay attention to the way his friends behave and treat him and you. This is a good way to find out many interesting and secret things about your lover.
Dating a player is not a catastrophe at all. Someone finds it amusing while others suffer from constant games with emotions. If you seek for strong, lasting and serious relationship, dating with a player isn’t acceptable at all, because it’s a high way to damage your self-esteem and make you suffer from constant heartbreaks.
———————————
Read more in Amerikanki

8 (important) things to know when dating a player

inShare

by Julia Melko

Dating a player is a huge challenge and it’s not every woman’s dream. But sometimes a woman falls in love so quickly and strongly that she doesn’t want to realize that she is dating a player.

If you realize that you are dating with a player, but don’t want to break up with him, here are a few important things to know when dating a player. Dating a player can be quite dangerous and can even lead to a heartbreak. Remember it.
1. Insincere conversations
Normal relationship usually consists of sincere and trusting talks and frank treatment. It’s wonderful when you can share common goals, plans, dreams and when we are curious about the past. The player isn’t the one who is really interested in all these points. Your talks usually contain superficial information.
2. Cancellations all the time
Do you often get calls or messages that your date is going to be cancelled again? Moreover, it happens at the last moment and always makes you feel despondent. It indicates a lack of respect and he doesn’t really value your time and intentions. If you have the same thing, it’s a direct signal for you to take measures.
3. Constant weeknight dates
If to think logically, the best and the most suitable time for dating is a Friday or a Saturday evening, but you are invited on weeknights only. Do you really know what is he doing all these time? Maybe he has a family or another girlfriend?
4. Tardy lust
A player usually calls and texts at night, leading dirty and lascivious talks and chats. If you look for serious and healthy relationship, you’d better forget him or be careful with this randy night warrior. It’s hard to break up with him, but you deserve a better man, trust me.
5. Invisible friends
You are fed up with stories about his invisible friends? Have you ever seen them? Players never introduce a girl to their family and closest friends and I hope you know the reason why… This sign is the most meaningful signal. Just throw a small party and ask your boyfriend to invite his friends, and you’ll see he is a real player.
6. Social network signals
Social network is a wonderful thing that allows you to collect one’s personal information. Nowadays it’s not necessary to be a detective, because social media can show you his friends, especially opposite sex ones. Moreover, you can even notice some provocative comments.
7. Sweet lies
They say that liars need a good memory. Even professional and charismatic players usually become tangled in their own lies. Telling lies is not the best way to hide something. When you are in love with him, you might not notice his sweet lies. But can you imagine building a strong, happy family with him? Consider this important thing before continue with the dating.
8. The buddy circle
You can make a quick conclusion about the person, by just investigating the circle of his direct and indirect contacts. If your boyfriend invites his friends to your party, pay attention to the way his friends behave and treat him and you. This is a good way to find out many interesting and secret things about your lover.
Dating a player is not a catastrophe at all. Someone finds it amusing while others suffer from constant games with emotions. If you seek for strong, lasting and serious relationship, dating with a player isn’t acceptable at all, because it’s a high way to damage your self-esteem and make you suffer from constant heartbreaks.
———————————
Read more in Amerikanki

World Book Day: Importance Of Promoting, Protecting Literary Works

Yesterday, April 23, was World Book and Copyright Day. The theme for this year’s was “History and Stories”, to celebrate the contribution of books and authors to our global culture and the connection between copyright and books. Nigeria leads in the global league of States with the largest number of children of school age that are out of school and also has an estimated level of illiteracy at 70 per cent of its adult population.

The essence of the day should hopefully intrigue Nigerian leaders enough, to rouse them to begin to fund, motivate and prioritise creative and research enterprises. This would enable us appreciate in greater depth books as the most potent vectors of values and knowledge, and depositories of the intangible heritage that propels development. As windows onto the diversity of cultures, books serve as sources of material wealth and this is why effective copyright laws must be enacted to protect works of creative artists. More importantly, our government should be concerned with issues of intellectual property rights and changes in the literary world.  For instance, the advent of digital formats and the transition to open licensing for knowledge sharing has thrown up new challenges. This means more uncertainty, but also new opportunities in innovative business models in the world of publishing.

There are questions about the definition of the book and the meaning of authorship in the digital era. Our government must join forces with authors, publishers and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the new debates about the dematerialisation of books and the rights of authors.

April 23 is a figurative date for world creative writing. On this day in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other famous authors. UNESCO holds its General Conference on this day, to give worldwide honour to books and authors, and to young people caught in situations that threaten to deny them access to books. This year’s focus on youth and the impact of the culture of books, reading, writing and publishing hopefully will improve literacy rates, if followed up with the right policy. With programmes aimed at discovering and uplifting would-be authors and young artistes and those to protect their works, more women and men will benefit from literacy and accessible formats.

Books remain the most powerful force in peace building. As Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for attending classes said in her speech at the United Nations, “Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons.” It will be a fitting damnation to those who consider books sinful and a celebration for those who, in spite of security challenges, insist on the pursuit and sharing of knowledge.

Leadership

World Book Day: Importance Of Promoting, Protecting Literary Works

Yesterday, April 23, was World Book and Copyright Day. The theme for this year’s was “History and Stories”, to celebrate the contribution of books and authors to our global culture and the connection between copyright and books. Nigeria leads in the global league of States with the largest number of children of school age that are out of school and also has an estimated level of illiteracy at 70 per cent of its adult population.

The essence of the day should hopefully intrigue Nigerian leaders enough, to rouse them to begin to fund, motivate and prioritise creative and research enterprises. This would enable us appreciate in greater depth books as the most potent vectors of values and knowledge, and depositories of the intangible heritage that propels development. As windows onto the diversity of cultures, books serve as sources of material wealth and this is why effective copyright laws must be enacted to protect works of creative artists. More importantly, our government should be concerned with issues of intellectual property rights and changes in the literary world.  For instance, the advent of digital formats and the transition to open licensing for knowledge sharing has thrown up new challenges. This means more uncertainty, but also new opportunities in innovative business models in the world of publishing.

There are questions about the definition of the book and the meaning of authorship in the digital era. Our government must join forces with authors, publishers and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the new debates about the dematerialisation of books and the rights of authors.

April 23 is a figurative date for world creative writing. On this day in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other famous authors. UNESCO holds its General Conference on this day, to give worldwide honour to books and authors, and to young people caught in situations that threaten to deny them access to books. This year’s focus on youth and the impact of the culture of books, reading, writing and publishing hopefully will improve literacy rates, if followed up with the right policy. With programmes aimed at discovering and uplifting would-be authors and young artistes and those to protect their works, more women and men will benefit from literacy and accessible formats.

Books remain the most powerful force in peace building. As Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for attending classes said in her speech at the United Nations, “Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons.” It will be a fitting damnation to those who consider books sinful and a celebration for those who, in spite of security challenges, insist on the pursuit and sharing of knowledge.

Leadership