Nigeria is “a new country emerging. And it’s time to showcase it.” This time, it will be an Ivy League showcase at Harvard University.
One major focus of the weekend’s events will be the Nigerian film industry. Nollywood is the second largest movie industry in the world, after Bollywood. Nigeria? The most populous black nation in the world.Twenty percent of African-born blacks living in the United States are Nigerian. Nollywood is valued for more than just the entertainment it produces; the World Bank recently donated 20 million Dollars to the Nollywood industry to help create 100,000 jobs in Nigeria. A special presentation will be given by World Bank Specialist Chioma Nwagboso, on “World Bank’s vision for the potential of Nollywood to help improve Nigeria’s economy”. Peace Anyiam Fiberisma, CEO of the African Movie Academy Awards, will discuss Nollywood’s landmark successes, and its role in packaging Nigeria for cultural exportation. Mr. Omoyele Sowore,CEO and Editor of SaharaReporters and and Naija Boyz will present in our panel on the Role of Media in Shaping Nigeria’s Future: Social and Political Aspects. Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe Etim, of the blockbuster film Reloaded will share her perspective as an actress in the film industry. Banky W. will perform during gala and After Party events. Surprise guests include other leading film personalities from Nollywood who will discuss the role of Nollywood in Renewing the Promise of Nigeria.
The weekend celebration at Harvard is entitled a “Golden Jubilee of Nigeria’s Independence: A Weekend Symposium. The event is being planned by Harvard University’s Nigerian Students Association in conjunction with MIT Nigerian Students Association, the Nigerian-American Association of Boston, and other Nigerian Community Associations in the Boston area. Events are scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday , October 1-2.
Through a number of panel discussions, the symposium will spotlight traditional Nigerian culture and values as well as the fusion of this tradition with American culture. The symposium will also celebrate unity across ethnic groups, empowerment, networking, as well as leadership in the areas of academics, business, career planning, arts, and entertainment. It will also celebrate themes of cultural confidence, cultural exploration, as well as cultural education. Panel topics include spotlights on successful entrepreneurs across generations, Nigeria’s Development as a Nation, Nigeria’s participation in the global marketplace, Nigerian professionals with career advice, and the impact and potential of Nollywood globally, among others.
Among exciting installments to be featured during that weekend are the Nigerian Gala night with Nigerian food, and performances by Nigerian artists, as well as African Movie (Nollywood) Film screenings with opportunities for conversation with directors of the films.
Participants will enjoy opportunities to network with Harvard’s distinguished Nigerian professors and lecturers, as well as outstanding panelists. The aim of the event is to celebrate positive images of Nigeria and the remarkable accomplishments of leading Nigerians. See attached flyer and schedule for more details.
All events held on Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon are free of charge. Tickets for both the gala night and afterparty are available at the Harvard NSA website (www.hcs.harvard.edu/nsa) at the Harvard Box Office, or from an NSA or HASA board member.
NID weekend registration and gala/afterparty tickets: www.hcs.harvard.edu/nsa/NID/register
Friday, October 1
Opening Mixer
African food, music, and community
Ticknor Lounge, Boylston Hall
7pm
Saturday, October 2
Panel Discussions
African Marketplace/ Book Signings
Nollywood Film Screenings
Student Organization Center at Hilles (SOCH)
10am-4:30 pm
“Arise, O Compatriots” Gala Night
University of Massachusetts at Boston Campus Center (2nd floor)
7pm-10pm
After Party
Hyatt Regency Boston
10pm – 2am
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
