‘Inspiration for Change!’

A series of transformative events inspired by the novel, ‘Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman!’

“What is it all about?”

50 years after independence from European rule, Nigeria (and indeed much of Africa) remains plagued by poverty, declining educational standards, corrupt leadership and political instability. The millions of Africans who have migrated to western countries seeking greener pastures also find that life overseas offers very complex mental, physical and economic challenges and that tremendous skill, effort and wisdom are required to compete to international standards whilst contributing significantly to the motherland. As a result, many people of African origin feel frustrated, cheated, disillusioned and anxious about the future… especially in the current economic recession.

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary, The Creativity and Sense Organisation (with the support of various professionals and non-governmental associations), is presenting a series of empowering and mind-shifting events inspired by the much praised novel ‘Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman’ written by Ogo Akubue-Ogbata.

• Are you an artist, educator or forward-thinking career or business professional?
• Are you Nigerian, of African origin or simply interested in a new and refreshing perspective?
• Would you like to network with like minded professional people?
• Would you like to be inspired and empowered to make positive changes in your life, career and community?

Then you’ve got to be at this unique event kicking off with style in the City of London on Thursday July 22nd, 2010!

Date: July 22nd 2010 * Time: 7pm to 10pm prompt * Price: £20 only! (Bring a friend for free!)
Venue: The Auberge -- City of London, 56 Mark Lane, Fenchurch, London EC3R  7NE

THIS EVENT WAS A SUCCESS -- CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE NEXT ONE!

Come and enjoy:

• Inspirational world-class presentations by talented speakers who will challenge your thinking,
• Interesting debate on topical issues that affect you personally and professionally,
• Professional networking with people who are poised to make a positive difference in the world,
• Real life success stories to challenge and inspire revolutionary new thinking,
• Book Party following preview of ‘Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman’ (the debut literary novel that inspired the event)! Be one of the first to purchase ‘autographed’ copies of this exciting new novel!
• Delicious refreshment served at a snug and sophisticated venue.

In a nutshell, this promises to be a unique, mind-transforming and unmissable evening!

Do you feel concerned by:

• The misleading stereotype of Africa and people of African origin,
• Economic poverty in your community,
• Violence against women, children and the innocent,
• The culture of compromise and silence?

Then come and be inspired to create the change you want to see in: your personal and professional life, the destiny of your country and in the community you live and do business in!

“Tell me more about this event!”

Inspired by the history, breath-taking beauty and myriad of challenges faced by her country, Nigeria, Ogo Akubue-Ogbata, in less than six months, penned the historical fiction debut ‘Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman’. However, she soon realised that her story’s hopeful, albeit hard-hitting, message could not be contained within the pages of a book. People who read the novel, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman, were so moved that they were writing emotive letters, telephoning her, asking what could be done about the socio-economic challenges facing women and children, young and old in Nigeria and beyond.

Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman’s inspiring and entrepreneurial message also provoked many to look at their lives differently and to ask how they too could ‘defy the odds’. BBC producers then came calling, asking Ogo’s views on Nigeria, nay Africa, 50 years after independence from British colonial rule. Knowing that sustainable change (whether in an individual, community or society of any kind) begins with a mental shift and the harnessing of mutually rewarding relationships, Ogo teamed up with a number of professionals and non-governmental associations in order to deliever a series of events that would inspire action and socio-economic change in some of today’s most vibrant multi-cultural communities.

‘Inspiration for Change’ offers forward thinking individuals (who would rather ‘do’ than merely ‘complain’), an opportunity to gain helpful new perspectives, network with like-minded peers and make a difference in their circle of influence by passionately harnessing their skills and talents.

‘Inspiration for Change’ is touring the world with a positive and practical message designed to transform minds, attitudes, destinies and economies! To bring this event to a venue near you contact us today.

“Who are the Speakers?”

Mike Skidmore is a sought after speaker and brand consultant who’s worked with top-notch organisations such as The British Council, United Nations, Unilever and The Chartered Institute of Marketing. Drawing on over 20 years of experience working from basement to boardroom in SME, PLC, organisational and community environments, Mike will share astounding business insights both for the discerning entrepreneur and aspiring business professionals in the diaspora. His talk will also focus on the ways we stereotype people and the powerful strategies with which Nigerians and other nationals can shatter limiting stereotypes.

Chioma Isiadinso is the CEO of Expartus -- a consulting and personal branding company that helps individuals gain admission into world class institutions such as Harvard University and London Business School. Chioma is an international speaker who has presented to organizations such as JP Morgan and Banc of America and been interviewed by the Financial Times, the New York Times, CSNBC, and BusinessWeek.com. Come and hear her share her thoughts on ‘Personal Branding as a Tool for Nigeria’s Rebranding.’

Ogo Ogbata author of Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is the highlight of the night. In addition to writing fiction and nonfiction books, Ọgọ delivers training, coaching and consulting programmes designed to help professionals, organisations and communities make the most of their creativity and overall potential. From her talk you will discover the powerful secrets many high achievers use to create change in their lives, careers and communities.

These are just some of the speakers…

THIS EVENT WAS A SUCCESS -- CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE NEXT ONE!

Charity of The Night: AFRUCA -- promoting the welfare of African children in the UK and beyond!

About ‘Egg-larva-Pupa-Woman’ (the book that inspired the event!):

What happens when the life of a privileged Nigerian girl is disrupted by a series of unusual events and the loss of innocence as she knows it? Who can redeem a nation whose hopes and dreams now smoulder in the flames of greed? And what will a beautiful woman do to stop her scandalous secret from destroying everything?

Set in the politically charged colonial and post-independence Nigeria (as well as the vibrant capitals of Uganda, Sierra Leone and Britain), Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is a novel that fearlessly chronicles the history of Africa’s most populous and complex country whilst tackling big themes such as ethnic identity, racial discrimination, domestic violence, endemic corruption, entrepreneurship and self actualisation, as well as universal themes such as love, mother-daughter relationships, betrayal and forgiveness. Through a language of passion, poetry and deceptive simplicity, we see sisters and daughters, mothers and wives who metamorphose over time, juxtaposed with a nation’s fight for freedom, fall from grace and pursuit of an elusive destiny.

“Ọgọ Akubue-Ogbata dares to walk where angels fear to tread… In Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman she creates a heroine, Nkiru, whose history blends seamlessly into the history of the Nigerian nation and by extension the black world.” Caine Prize nominee Maxim Uzoatu for ThisDay Newspaper -- Nigeria (www.thisdayonline.com)

“I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I discovered Ogo Ogbata with Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman and I have to say she is an amazing writer!!! She can really tell a story and reading this book was such a great and inspiring experience!! It was deep, moving, funny and so many other things at the same time!!! This is a page turner, slept at 4 am in the morning as I could not stop reading and I was working the next day!!! I went through so many emotions reading it!! I would like to thank the author for sharing such a great work with us!! I would definitely recommend it!!!”  Isabelle Djeni -- Associate Director, Traded Products Legal at UBS Investment Bank, London

“Walk for Change!”

Following this empowering event, we’re also organising a unique community initiative -- ‘Walk for Change!’ Watch this space to find out how to ‘Walk for the Change you want to see!’ in your community.

* To help us spread the word about our inspirational event, please use the Share This button on the bottom left of this page! You can email the ‘Inspiration for Change’ event page to 10 or more friends, import email addresses from your webmail account as well as share the event on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Go on, do your good deed for the day!