New MINISO Lifestyle Store Opens with Cheers in Lagos

New MINISO Lifestyle Store Opens with Cheers in Lagos

Star power of #Nollywood diva and philanthropist Stephanie Linus, the brand ambassador of #MINISO in Nigeria with top Nollywood stars, Uti Nwachukwu and Bryan Okwara, Mr. Nigeria 2007; beauty queen, Unoaku Anyadike, winner of the 2015 edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant and the mesmerizing foremost female talking drummer in the world, Aralola Olumuyiwa, aka "Ara" thrilled hundreds of people Sunday afternoon at the opening of JAPANESE retail giant, MINISO in Lagos city at the Circle Mall in Lekki Peninsula 2.

The excitement of the first shoppers at the new MINISO lifestyle store was increased by more unforgettable moments of entertainment in the fantastic free style choreography by a group of energetic young male and female dancers who took over the premises in the mall. There were other side attractions of a painted clown and performers on stilts towering over the crowd. Lucky people, including yours sincerely won free shopping vouchers to purchase any of the attractive products in the MINISO lifestyle store. We had cocktails with cakes and shopping continued. Atane Colette, the Marketing Communications Manager of MINISO Lifestyle Nigeria must be a very happy lady for organizing the most entertaining event to launch MINISO in Africa's largest megacity.

First Ladies, Experts, and Activists Address Impact of Terrorism on Women and Children

First Ladies, Experts, and Activists Address Impact of Terrorism on Women and Children
Joint Action Meeting will take place during the Global Hope Summit to mobilize stakeholders and develop solutions

NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The Global Hope Coalition, in cooperation with UNESCO, brings together a group of first ladies and other invested leaders to address the effects of terrorism and violent extremism on women and children. The joint action meeting will take place September 18th, 2017 at the New York Public Library in New York City, at the onset of the United Nations General Assembly week.

Participants are expected to issue a statement urging the international community to take concrete and urgent measures to deal with a crisis that could lead to a lost generation across the Middle East and Africa, with catastrophic consequences.

Scheduled speakers and guests include: Jeanette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda; Keïta Aminata Maiga, First Lady of Mali; Akie Abe, First Lady of Japan; Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO; Cherie Blair, Founder of Cherie Blair Foundation; Wided Bouchamaoui, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts and 2013 Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Alexandra Chen, mental health and psychosocial advisor to UN agencies on the Syria crisis; Hafsat Mohammed, community organizer working against Boko Haram in northern Nigeria; and Denis Mekwege, gynecologist, Founder of the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, D.R. of Congo. Two recognized researchers from the Experts Committee of the Global Hope Coalition – Prof. Phyllis Magrab and Farah Pandith, former State Department Special Representative to Muslim Communities – will also speak at the meeting. UNESCO's director for gender equality, Saniye Gulser Corat, will moderate.

Hajj 2017: Women Attend in Large Numbers

Hajj 2017: Women Attend in Large Numbers


JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Hajj pilgrimage unites millions of people in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula - the birthplace of Islam. This year, the Kingdom has welcomed more than 2.35 million people from every culture and corner of the globe, including a large number of women. A core value of the pilgrimage is equality of the sexes and millions of women have performed Hajj, and for this year, women pilgrims are at a near equal number to men.

Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551740/MOCI_Hajj_Pilgrimage.jpg

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8173053-women-peace-pilgrims/

Additional information: http://www.saudiwelcomestheworld.org
Website: http://www.cic.org.sa

Twitter: @CICSaudi

Video - https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8173053-women-peace-pilgrims/

SOURCE The Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI)

CONTACT: For any queries, members of the media can contact: The Center for International Communication (CIC), Ministry of Culture and Information, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Telephone: +966 53 839 3535 Email: cic@moci.gov.sa



BRICS Potential Huge, But Needs More Work

BRICS Potential Huge, But Needs More Work


Wang Xiaohui, Editor-in-Chief of China.org.cn: BRICS potential huge, but needs more work.

BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released report by China.org.cn on the BRICS and its upcoming summit in Xiamen, China.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism has undergone 10 years of development, during which the acronym has grown from a concept invented by an economist from Goldman Sachs Group Inc. of the United States into a multilateral cooperative mechanism exerting a great influence on world politics, economic and security affairs.

In recent years, Western media have been harping on a regular theme known as "fading of the BRICS". In fact, a one-sided discussion on whether the worth of "BRICS" is 24 or only 14 carat gold doesn't have much practical significance. The five member states of BRICS are not five gold bars preserved in a bank vault, but comprise a multilateral cooperation mechanism of differing, independent economies. Influenced by many factors at home and abroad, fluctuations and changes within a certain range are only to be expected. So, we need to focus on the development trend and potential of the BRICS, as well as the challenges it faces.

2 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Makkah to Perform Hajj

 2 Million Pilgrims Arrive in Makkah to Perform Hajj

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

With the annual Hajj pilgrimage having officially started, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the arrival of 2 million pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah.

Saudi Arabia shoulders the responsibility of organising and conducting the pilgrimage, under the supervision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, as well as Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

"Hosting Hajj each year is an honour and a great responsibility for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one we hold dear to our hearts. We spare no effort when it comes to the well-being of pilgrims and our number one priority is to welcome individuals from all over the world as they seek to fulfil their religious and spiritual duty," said HE Dr. Awwad Alawwad, Minister of Culture and Information.

Malawi: Stop Ritual Murders of People with Albinism

Malawi: Stop Ritual Murders of People with Albinism

A new wave of killings and attacks targeting people with albinism over the past six months is being fueled by systemic failures in Malawi’s criminal justice system which leave members of this vulnerable group at the mercy of criminal gangs.

Since January 2017, at least two people with albinism have been killed while seven more have reported crimes such as attempted murder or abduction.

Albinism is a rare,non-contagious, genetic condition present at birth that results in absence of pigmentation in the eyes, skin and hair. It is estimated that between 7000-10000 people live with albinism in Malawi.

Click here to read more.

OluTimehin Adegbeye, Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu and other Nigerians in Tanzania for TEDGlobal 2017

TEDGlobal 2017 Conference Opens in Tanzania
Ten years on, TEDGlobal returns to Africa with live event featuring 45+ talks, interviews and performances

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Aug. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TED, the nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, opens its TEDGlobal 2017 Conference today in Arusha, Tanzania. Themed "Builders. Truth-tellers. Catalysts." the event will host 700 attendees at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge for a program of 45+ speakers and performers sharing ideas in TED's signature format of short, powerful talks – no longer than 18 minutes. The four-day event will also feature presentations and performances from 27 TED Fellows. It marks TED's first return to Africa since the memorable TEDGlobal 2007 Conference held at the same location.

"Our event here a decade ago led to so many meaningful ideas, connections and collaborations," said head of TED Chris Anderson. "Now, we have a chance to reignite those sparks. The ideas emerging from Africa have the potential to create transformative impact, not just here on the continent, but worldwide."

"This gathering couldn't come a moment too soon," said TEDGlobal co-curator Emeka Okafor. "Africa has experienced spectacular economic, demographic and creative growth, but both opportunity and danger are rising at an exponential rate. Our conference will gather the idea catalysts, problem-solvers and change-makers already hard at work here charting Africa's own path to modernity."

The speakers and performers selected for TEDGlobal 2017 offer fresh, unique perspectives and solutions on a global level. They include:

OluTimehin Adegbeye, Writer and activist
Oshiorenoya Agabi, Neurotechnology entrepreneur
Nabila Alibhai, Place-maker
Alsarah & the Nubatones, East African retro-popsters
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Publisher
Christian Benimana, Architect
Niti Bhan, Founder and owner, Emerging Futures Lab
Mahen Bonetti, Film curator
Augustus Casely-Hayford, Cultural historian
Natsai Audrey Chieza, Designer
Llew Claasen, Strategist
Tania Douglas, Biomedical engineering professor
Touria El Glaoui, Art fair curator
Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu, Indigenous knowledge expert
Kamau Gachigi, Technologist
Ameena Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius
Leo Igwe, Human rights activist
Amar Inamdar, Entrepreneurial business leader
Joel Jackson, Transport entrepreneur
Tunde Jegede, Composer, cellist, kora virtuoso
Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
Zachariah Mampilly, Political scientist
Vivek Maru, Legal empowerment advocate
Kola Masha, Agricultural leader
Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga, MIT professor, grassroots thinker-doer, author
Thandiswa Mazwai, Singer
Yvonne Chioma Mbanefo, Language and culture advocate
Sara Menker, Technology entrepreneur
Sethembile Msezane, Artist
Kisilu Musya, Farmer and filmmaker
Robert Neuwirth, Author
Kevin Njabo, Biodiversity scientist
Ndidi Nwuneli, Social innovation expert
Dayo Ogunyemi, Cultural media builder
Nnedi Okorafor, Science fiction writer
Fredros Okumu, Mosquito scientist
Qudus Onikeku, Dancer, Choreographer
DK Osseo-Asare, Designer
Keller Rinaudo, Robotics entrepreneur
Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO, what3words
Sauti Sol, Afro-pop band
George Steinmetz, Aerial photographer
Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, Historian and philosopher
Pierre Thaim, Chef
Iké Udé, Artist
Washington Wachira, Wildlife ecologist and nature photographer
Magatte Wade, Brand creator
Ghada Wali, Designer
A number of exciting brands and companies have partnered with TEDGlobal 2017 to help share ideas and foster an atmosphere of curiosity and discovery. Partners include: The Africa Center, Boston Consulting Group, Brightline Initiative, Gilead Sciences, Logitech, Omidyar Network, Sandstorm Kenya, Tommy Hilfiger, Westpac Banking Group and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

1.497 Million Pilgrims Arrive Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Saudi Arabia Says 1.497 Million Pilgrims Arrive for Hajj

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The Kingdom is expecting to welcome around two million international pilgrims in total.

Saudi Arabia has to date welcomed 1.497 million pilgrims who have flocked to the country in preparation for the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage, which is due to begin on August 30, 2017.

Is there Any Organization Like the SAG-AFTRA in Nigeria?

Is there Any Organization Like the SAG-AFTRA in Nigeria?

The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is an American labor union representing approximately 160,000 film and television actors, journalists, radio personalities, recording artists, singers, voice actors, and other media professionals worldwide. The organization was formed on March 30, 2012, following the merger of the Screen Actors Guild (created in 1933) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists  (created in 1937 as American Federation of Radio Artists, becoming AFTRA in 1952 after merger with Television Authority).
SAG-AFTRA is a member of the AFL–CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States.
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Nigeria is reputed to have the second largest video film industry in the world popularly known as "Nollywood", even though the Nigerian film industry includes Kannywood of the larger northern region, which actually was founded before the New York Times coined the word "Nollywood" in 2002. The difference between Nollywood and Kannywood is like the difference between Bollywood and Tollywood in India.

The Nigerian film industry is the largest in Africa, but not the biggest in revenues, because the biggest box offices in Africa are in South Africa and Egypt where the film industries are better organized with world class studios, more cinemas and professional bodies.
There are no world class studios in Nigeria and the professional bodies are not well organized. And the most disorganized is the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) which is an embarrassment when compared to the SAG-AFTRA.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) at the moment is a joke, because it is not only dysfunctional, but misrepresenting the actors in Nigeria.
 The leadership of AGN is being abused and misused by a clique of Lagos based Nollywood actors jaundiced by cronyism and nepotism.
Are Yoruba actors, Hausa actors and other non-south eastern and south-south actors not members of the AGN?
What is all the nonsense of a clique jostling the leadership of the AGN and misrepresenting the actors in Nigeria?
As I told one of them earlier today, that the leadership of the guilds in the Nigerian film industry should not be abused and misused by opportunistic title chasers who in many cases are underachievers in the Nigerian film industry.

The AGN and Association of Movie Producers (AMP) don't have secretariats. They don't have any office where you can show or welcome local and international visitors, students and scholars who want to see the so called Nollywood.
It is really embarrassing to visit their offices in Lagos.  And the leaders don't feel embarrassed?

When the famous cofounder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg visited Nigeria in August last year, and wanted to visit Nollywood, because he thought it was a location like the famous Hollywood, it would have been a big disgrace to take him to the offices of the AGN, DGN and AMP. To save him from disappointment and save us from embarrassment, he was taken to Afrinolly Space in Oregun, far away from the shenanigans and squabbles in "Surulerewood".
By the way, Surulere is the location of majority of the Nollywood filmmakers and their associations in Lagos state of Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor of NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series. https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series Books 1 and 2.

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From Angola To America: The Historic Arrival Of The First Africans In 1619 Virginia

AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ Commemorates The Historic Arrival Of The First Africans In 1619 Virginia
The African Arrival will commemorate the history of the twenty Angolan Africans that reached the Jamestown settlement nearly 400 years ago

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Aug. 23, 2017  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On today's International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, the 2019 Commemoration, AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ will recognize the 1619 arrival of the first Africans in English North America at what is present-day Hampton, Virginia. As part of African Arrival month, AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ invites participants and partners to explore the aftermath of the moment when African, Native American, and European culture collided and forged what would eventually become the United States of America.