By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

The recent announcement of the proposed adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart as a global television series with the iconic actor, Idris Elba, starring as Okonkwo has animated the cultural firmament of the world. David Oyelowo’s Studio A24 will serve as producers of the TV series in partnership with Achebe Masterworks.

By Gregory Hartley and Maryann Karinch

10 practical lessons from "Get People to Do What You Want: How to Use Body Language and Words for Maximum Effect":

1. Read Body Language: Understand nonverbal cues like posture, facial expressions, and gestures. People often communicate more with their bodies than their words.

2. Master Your Body Language: Be mindful of your own posture, facial expressions, and eye contact. Project confidence, openness, and trustworthiness through nonverbal communication.

3. Mirror and Match: Subtly mimic the other person's body language to build rapport and create a sense of connection.

4. Active Listening is Key: Pay close attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest to build trust.

5. Speak Clearly and Confidently: Use a confident tone of voice, avoid filler words like "um" and "ah," and enunciate clearly to command attention.

6. The Power of Storytelling: Weave stories and anecdotes into your communication to make your message more memorable and engaging.

7. Frame Your Requests Effectively: Learn how to phrase your requests in a way that is more likely to be met with a positive response. Focus on benefits and mutual gain.

8. Harness the Power of Silence: Don't be afraid to use strategic pauses in conversation. This can create anticipation and allow the other person to reflect on what you've said.

9. Read People's Instincts: Develop your ability to pick up on subtle cues that reveal a person's underlying trust or mistrust. Be Authentic: While these techniques can be helpful, don't resort to manipulation. The most effective communication is built on authenticity and genuine connection. NNL.

Dr Tony Onyima

In an era where information flows freely, often at a rapid pace, the role of an editor has never been more crucial.

By Sophie Hannah

In "How to Hold a Grudge: From Resentment to Contentment - The Power of Grudges to Transform Your Life," Sophie Hannah presents a thought-provoking exploration of grudges and their potential benefits.

By Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

1. Building Resilience: The book emphasizes the importance of building resilience in the face of adversity, providing practical strategies for overcoming challenges and finding strength in difficult times.

By Our Reporter

Every Man irrespective of who they are must read the book by a German writer, Esther Villar, titled: "The Manipulated Man".

This book has caused outrage and "hostile criticism" from women, it explains how women, since the earliest times, have manipulated men and turned them into their slaves. They have "pretended" to be the oppressed sex, while in the real sense, they are the oppressors.

Efua Theodora Sutherland (born 27 June 1924 – 2 January 1996) also known as Efua Nyankoma; Efua Theodora Morgue; Efua Theodora Sutherland was a Fante playwright, director, dramatist, children's author, poet, educationalist, researcher, child advocate, and cultural activist. Her works include the plays Foriwa (1962), Edufa (1967), and The Marriage of Anansewa (1975).

John Stith Pemberton, born on July 8, 1831 in Knoxville, Georgia, United States, is known worldwide as the inventor of the Coca-Cola drink.

(The Art of Seeing Others Deeply And Being Deeply Seen)

By David Brooks

1. Practice Deep Attention: True connection hinges on going beyond the surface-level pleasantries of small talk. Deep attention involves actively listening, not just hearing words. Pay close attention to nonverbal cues like body language and tone of voice, as these can reveal hidden emotions. Asking clarifying questions demonstrates your desire to truly understand the other person's perspective. Cultivate genuine curiosity by prompting them to share more with inquiries like "Tell me more about that" or "What was that experience like for you?"

By Russ Harris

1. Confidence is a Skill, Not a Trait Confidence can be developed and strengthened with practice and effort.

(A critique of Ifeoma Chigbogwu’s Transformational Leadership: A Guide for Empowering Executives published by Ifeoma Speaks TV, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024)

Ever since Jim MacGregor Burns, the American presidential historian, used the term, transformational leadership, in 1978, and Bernard M. Bass, the academic, wrote well-received scholarly papers on it a few years later, the concept has seized the imagination of not just social science and business researchers, but also practitioners, politicians, and the general public. Whereas scholars and other experts view transformational leadership -- which is differentiated from transactional, charismatic, authoritarian, authentic, situational, and servant leadership styles, among others -- as technically the ability to inspire and motivate followers to attain unexpected levels because the followers see them as caring and working for the common good and as role models ethically and professionally, the public sees transformational leadership as the ability to bring about positive radical changes within a short period. Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan pledged, on coming to office in 2010, to provide transformative leadership given the enormity of the development challenges paralyzing a nation that the revered former Vice Alex Ekwueme, a polyvalent intellectual, described as “a miracle waiting to happen”.

By Judea Pearl

1. Beyond Correlation, Embrace Causation: The book emphasizes going beyond simply observing correlations and delving deeper into the "why" behind phenomena. It encourages seeking evidence-based causal inferences to avoid misleading associations and make effective decisions.