Toyosi Etim Effiong Now You Know Me Better

Toyosi Etim-Effiong Launches Debut Book “Now You Know Me Better”

by PRPress

TV Producer, Toyosi Etim-Effiong launched her debut book titled “Now You Know Me Better,” on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at The Oriental Hotel.

Some guests that attended the event include Ebuka, Debola Williams, Chude Jideonwo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Lamide Akintobi, Mimi Onalaja, Kaline, and more. Hosted by Olive Emodi, the event opened with an opening prayer by Pastor Adeolu Adefarasin and the national anthem by DJ KScratch.

Adebola Williams unveiled the book as he read from Chapter Two titled, “My Father is Dead”, captivating the crowd as he channeled the emotions of the chapter.

There was a panel session moderated by Lamide Akintobi. The panelists were Busola Dakolo, Adaora Mbelu, and Chude Jideonwo. The panelists did justice to the topic of discussion: Preserving Your Identity Amidst The Noise in a Digital Age, by sharing from their personal experiences which even made it more obvious that ‘Now You Know Me Better’ is more than just a book about the author but a book for every African who desires to embrace their stories, as they should.

What is a book launch without a book review? The Book Now You Know Me Better was reviewed by Jude Idada, the winner of, 2019 NLNG Prize for Literature. He shared his personal experiences with the author and explained that the book has given him more perspective on how the author has become the strong woman that she is today.

Afterward, the Author’s husband, actor, and Filmmaker Daniel Etim Effiong shared about the journey of watching his wife write this book and how proud he was/is that the book is finally here for the world to read. In his words; ‘I am so proud, not because my wife has written a book, but because she has come up with a brilliant work of art’.

Seeing that the book tells an African story, there was a session for the mothers, who are also characters of the book. The author’s mother, Temitayo Phillips, expressed her gratitude to God after which she commended the precision and accuracy of the author in documenting the events that have shaped her life thus far in the book.

Labo Ademola, former Head of Service of Lagos State and the author’s aunt, commended her for honoring her father’s memory and making the family proud.

Entertainers of the day were songstress Kaliné who charmed the guests with her incredibly magical voice, and spoken word artiste Torpedo Mascaw, whose performance left people enthralled.

The book was published by Femperial Publishing and is now available in bookshops nationwide, on Amazon and Flutterwave.

Chika_6

Education Expert Chika Okorafor Aneke Talks to Vanguard about How COVID will Change Education

by Client NewsPress

In Nigerian society, being a teacher isn’t typically ranked as a prestigious career to have. But Chika Okorafor Aneke is re-defining what it means to be a teacher. With over 23 years of teaching and 17 years of leadership experience under her belt, Aneke, who is Nigerian-British, is an all-round education expert who has impacted the lives of thousands during the course of her career.

She holds a BSc in applied physiology from Sunderland University in the U.K; a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education in Secondary Science, and the UK National Professional Qualification for Headship, NPQH, which is one of the highest qualifications in the world for Head Teachers.

For Aneke, teaching is not merely a career; it is a genuine passion and calling. As a result, she has dedicated her life to promoting the love of learning both in and out of the classroom. For over two decades and counting, she has been working with children from age 0-18 years, as well as their families. She is the CEO of Learnomic, an education consultancy company that helps train school personnel, and establishes sustainable systems to foster more efficient administration and systems that encourage better learning.

In this interview with Vanguard, Aneke says the coronavirus pandemic is a global wake-up call for a technology-compliant education sector.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

How do you feel about education being threatened globally with schools now on shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic?

First, I am not convinced that this is a ‘threat’ to education. I always focus on the positives. It is a lesson or a wake-up call. Education is a right for all regardless of age, status, gender or religion. Respect for this profession has been lost. We have been shown, almost overnight, just how vital it is. We have also been shown that certain aspects of education should not be ignored and the value of life skills, change management, flexibility, technology, growth mindset, and mindfulness are our biggest assets at this said time. Education will change after this historic event for the better forever, I hope.

I see this as something reinforcing class differences because children from well-to-do homes still enjoy online lessons; how can the gap be bridged for their low-income counterparts?

I would say that in general, our education system must be improved. Learning remotely now that everyone is home has been a challenge for many, regardless of social class. Imagine how much preparation, effort, and discipline it takes to make children sit in front of computers or physical books, and have them dressed in school uniform, and encourage them to learn as though they are still in school! Whether you are “wealthy” or “less wealthy,” this is something a lot of parents must face. What our current situation shows us is how technology can be used to reach all youth regardless of status and means. E-learning tools don’t have to be fancy or expensive. Even with a bit of internet data, parents can have some access to online learning tools currently. We definitely need more state schools of a standard that compete with the private sector.

Read the rest of the interview here.

Toni Tones

Toni Tones Talks Challenges Faced in Her Career, Gaining Acceptance as an Actor & More in Flair Magazine

by PRPress

What does it take to stand out in an overcrowded entertainment marketplace? Some would say it takes more than just talent to be noticed. Multi-talented Toni Tones is not just being noticed. She is being remembered.

Born Gbemi Anthonia Adefuye, Toni Tones is a triple-threat force to be reckoned with: She is an actress, singer, and award-winning photographer whose influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry has become undeniable.

Her role in the box office hit ‘King Of boys’ directed by Kemi Adetiba brought Toni Tones critical acclaim. Her electrifying performances in top productions have positioned her as one of the most sought after A-list actors in Nollywood today.

On the road to success, Toni Tones has faced and overcome challenges. In an in-depth interview with The Nation’s Flair Magazine, she speaks about this, and more.

See excerpts from the interview below:

What was it like at the beginning?  

I started my career as a photographer and because of that, it was quite a challenge getting people to take me seriously as an artist and as an actor, at first. At some point, I began to wish I had never started with photography at all, because then I wouldn’t have to fight the tough battle of gaining acceptance, I would just have been able to go straight to building a fan base.  Some OAPs simply wouldn’t play my music because they didn’t take me seriously. It took a lot of hard work, persistence and determination before I was finally accepted in the industry. There were times that I wanted to give up but I am exceedingly happy I didn’t.

What are some of the challenges you have encountered?

It was tough being accepted as an actor because people knew me as a photographer and after then, a musician. Hearing that I was an actor as well, I think it was hard for them to take me seriously initially. A lot of people probably assumed I was just playing around as opposed to chasing my dreams. It seemed like having more than one career was looked upon as a bit of a crime; people tend to put you in a box. They know you for one thing and that is what they choose to be comfortable with and when you try to break out of that box, there’s a lot of opposition. But I am not here to make anybody comfortable, I am here to achieve every single goal that my heart desires and achieve I will.

How do you cope with them? 

I was determined not to be put in a box. I was determined to excel at every single passion I had chosen to pursue. Sometimes, I would ask God why He didn’t just give me one passion so it would have been easier, but I remember praying one day and hearing a voice within me say, “if God has given you many skills, it is meant as a blessing, not a curse.” That put things in perspective for me.  I made a vow never to relent, to give everything I had, to show God I appreciated every skill he had gifted me and I would honour Him by using them. Successful or not, at least I would know I tried. Being able to actually do the things I love is already success to me, because for so long I was afraid to even try. I am glad I never gave up, otherwise I would not be living such a fulfilled life now.

Read full interview on The Nation.

 

idia

Changing the African Narrative One Story at a Time: Idia Aisien Launches NGO The IDIA Project

by Client NewsPRPress

Media personality, model, and philanthropist, Idia Aisien, has officially launched an NGO that is especially close to her heart – the International Development Initiative in Africa (IDIA).

Many people know Idia as the glamorous personality on their TV screens, but what few know is that she has always been passionate about giving back to the continent, and has been doing so for many years, albeit, silently. However, she has now decided to officially launch the NGO because she desires to effect change on a massive, sustainable scale.

The IDIA Project was founded based on the premise that more people have access to various media channels; and viewer engagement online is growing rapidly. However, most of the content is negative—depicting natural disasters, political instability, recession and economic downturn.

The International Development Initiative in Africa seeks to attract increased investment, capital flow and funding; by instilling hope and a renewed faith in Africa through providing an Africa-owned framework and narrative for development. Standing as the continent’s media partner and platform to showcase its progress at regional and international levels through our reports.

IDIA’s mission is to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, integrate Africa in the world economy, and accelerate the empowerment of women, men and children by telling the other half of the story.

To this end, they will showcase Africa’s commitment to good governance, democracy, human rights and conflict resolution; and the recognition of bodies that are creating exemplary platforms that will increase employment, attract investment and long-term economic growth.

Stay tuned for more updates on The IDIA Project.

Visit:theidiaproject.com

Social Media:@theidiaproject

Seyi Shay

Toke Makinwa, Seyi Shay, Vimbai, Mai Atafo & More Attend GLAM AFRICA Magazine’s “Africa Rising” Event | PHOTOS

by Client NewsEventPRPress

On Tuesday July 24th, GLAM AFRICA magazine held an event to celebrate three milestones: The release of it’s new issue, which features Davido and Casper Nyovest, and celebrating it’s past iconic cover stars who have been pivotal in the “Africa Rising” movement. The event also served as the official launch of the GLAM AFRICA beauty box in Nigeria – each yearly magazine subscriber will receive a free box of beauty products. The first beauty brand the publication is partnering with on this, is Sleek Studio. 

The event which took place at Oriental Hotel, was a star-studded one, as celebrities including past cover stars Toke Makinwa and Seyi Shay, attended and were honored. Others in attendance include Mai Atafo, Vimbai, Uriel, Andrea Giaccaglia, Sharon Ojong, Layole Oyatogun, Lillian Afegbai, Big Brother’s Khloe, and many more.


GLAM AFRICA Magazine is available worldwide, and in Nigeria, at stores across the country, including, Shoprite, Oriki Spa, Sari Signature, Quintessence, and more, as well as on demand at www.glamafrica.com/magazine offering bank transfer and cash on delivery payment options.

Glam Africa Magazine is a quarterly lifestyle publication that showcases African excellence with a worldwide readership of 1.5 million and distributed mainly in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and United Kingdom.

For all media inquiries, e-mail: ngoffice@glamafrica.com

Photo Credit:@ejvisions

Décor: JW Events