OVER 100 books were distributed at this year’s edition of the Lions Club International World Literacy Day at Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Tagged: “Every Child Must Read No Child Must be Left Behind”, the event, which was organised by Ikoyi Lions Club, had in attendance 105 secondary school pupils.

Its President, Lion Soledotun Karim-Yusuf, lamented that reading culture dies everyday in the Nigerian youth, stressing that it was because of the waning reading culture that the club took the initiative to donate books to secondary school pupils to encourage them to read.

“There is a need to reiterate the reading culture in Nigerian youth, not only to enable them speak correct English, but to open their minds to a world that they did not exist. It is quite sad that most youths do not utilise their library. We want to help change the popular perception of a black man as someone, who does not read. We, in Lions Club, particularly in Ikoyi, are concerned about the future of our children. Great minds are readers,” she said.

The 145 books were donated to pupils of Grace School, Gbagada; Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi, and adult participants at the event.

The Principal, Aunty Ayo International School, Mr. Femi Agbede, said reading takes one to places one never thought of going. “When you read you meet so many great people through the books they have written and those that were written about them.

“Reading gives a perspective of the world and helps you figure out what you can do to make it a better place. When you read, you acquire vocabularies and this helps you to express yourself and goes a long way to boost your confidence. I am pained by the dearth of the reading culture among our youths, that’s why initiatives like what the Ikoyi Lions Club has done is commendable and should be encouraged,” he said.

The guest speaker, a Senior Correspondent with The Nation, Evelyn Osagie, encouraged the pupils to open their minds and take up reading as a favourite pastime. While quoting the former United States President Barack Obama, Osagie noted that most geniuses and leaders of thought are also avid readers. She said: “Obama describes reading as a gateway skill that makes all other learning possible. According to him, if you know how to read, then the whole world opens up to you. Indeed, reading has a lot of advantages, you learn about the world around you and beyond: people, places and more. It teaches you character as explained by the late American poet, Maya Angelou, ‘any book that helps a child to form the habit of reading is good for him’. It helps you to conquer fear and gives you the power of knowledge.

“Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka while talking about the immense power reading of books has over tyranny, observed that ‘Books and all forms of writing are terror to those, who wish to suppress the truth’. “Reading not only opens you to the world of knowledge around us, it takes you to places that you’ve not been before.” she said.

Osagie also performed a poem: Under the Iroko Tree from the late Soji Simpson’s Poetry Collection, ‘Meditations’ as compiled by his brother, Femi. While linking the poem to the political scenery in Nigeria, Osagie submitted that though the poet went missing in his youth 43 years ago, his poem has remained relevant today.

“I encourage you to imbibe the habit of reading. And if it is already one your hobbies, then, I urge you to read ferociously; read as if you are looking for something you’ve lost. But it’s not enough to only read and dump a book for another one. It’s important to document your thoughts too. You should write down various bits of your life. Always have a jotter and pen handy so you can write down snippets of your thoughts as they come to you. Remember, like the late Soji Simpson, he never dies, his words live on long after he has gone,” she said.

The Project Committee Chairperson, Lion Abdul KarimYusuf stressed that the event was one of the activities planned for the centenary celebration of the Lions Club, which was founded in 1979 with its headquarters in Chicago.

“We have selected some activities to celebrate the existence of the Lions Club for 100 years. Aside from the Community Reading Project, the club also plans to feed the hungry, provide medical and surgical empowerment, a pediatric-cancer activity for kids living with cancer and medical assistance for the diabetic patients,” he said.

According to him, the International Literacy Day is set aside to promote literacy as an instrument to empower and stress the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

The post Ikoyi Lions Club donates books to youths appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Following the barage of criticisms that trailed the recently unveiled Awolowo statue in Ikeja Lagos, Hamza Atta, the sculptor who created the monumental piece, explains the concept and execution of the public art. 

I was in Abuja few days ago and they were all talking of the great significance of what the Lagos State Government is doing in creating awareness of our arts and culture. In my opinion, creating monuments and memorials needs to be part of our urban policy and urban design. Not only does it enliven communities, but these works of art serve as an expression of common community values and preserve the heritage of our country.

 What was the concept behind the sculpture?

When we were asked by Terra Kulture to carry out our interpretation of this great man, our first course was to research him further. Pa Awolowo was a great reader and thinker and this is the aspect of him that we wanted to capture. Awo had mental magnitude; he recognised that in this changing world brain power as opposed to brawn was where we must invest, especially in the youth. That is why he extolled education and a minimum wage and the benefits of this vision are seen throughout this nation.

The sitting posture of the new monument, keeps him in good company. The statue of arguably the most famous of the American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, was done with him sitting majestically. It was this majesty that we sought to capture in our depiction of him – a leader of men. A standing Awo has been done several times before. Our philosophy is not to copy but to create original works of art.

We only feel joy when we see the droves of people who have been making their way to its location to take pictures alongside this great man. That was the intention of Lagos State and that is what we hoped that we would assist Lagos State to achieve.

This is community art that we hope will create attachment and pride in one’s community and a desire to make things better for all. We also hope that it inspires all citizens to read about this great man and learn lessons from what he was able to achieve. Our youth should be trying to implement all the good things that they learn from great leaders. As a result of this sculpture I also have learnt so much of what this great son of Nigeria achieved and sacrificed on behalf of Nigeria. I am ecstatic that in all the noise, no one has said that it does not look like him!

There has also been much talk of his shoes and the fact that they are laced. Pa Awolowo did also wear shoes with laces but to be very honest it was because of the detail that we wanted to put into the sculpture that we chose to sculpt laced shoes. It is an expression of our art and attention to detail. We never foresaw that it would create such controversy. Our intention was to show that his were large shoes to fill.

We feel that we have participated in something that is home-grown and celebrates our own. This is what we have to do to create awareness, inspire and give confidence to our youth. Can you imagine the kind of confidence a Mandela, Martin Luther King and even our Barack Obama have given to the black race and to humanity as a whole?

We have local champions here and I am delighted that Lagos State and their wonderful Governor Ambode see it fit to honour a national leader, even though he was not from Lagos State.

This is the kind of inclusion that we must have in our country if Nigeria is to be great. We must celebrate our own.

• Atta is with Polystyrene Industries Ltd, Abuja

The post Awo statue: ‘I opt for originality, not copy’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Group exhibition First Rhythm, organised by Printmakers Association of Nigeria, will hold at the Quintessence Gallery, Parkview, Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday, October 28.
It will feature works of Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, Associate Prof Salubi Onakufe, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Omoh Sophia Igbinovia, Timipre Willis-Amah, Mike Omoighe, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce, Moses Unokwa, Ojo Olaniyi, Bode Olaniran, Pius Emokpo, Inyang Effiong and a host of other great artists.
It is uncommon for Nigerian printmakers to gather under one roof to share practice, learn from each other and exhibit. This exhibition, according to the organisers, is the beginning of an adventure and Quintessence is happy to be part of the journey. “First Rhythm will feature many prints, which have never been on public display before and many of the works convey a sense of community and have formed new narratives. They are demanding, and exciting methods that will invite questions from admirers of the techniques,” the organisers said.
The exhibition is borne out of the desire to place printmaking formally in the public eye so as to increase the collections in homes and permanent archives. It is also the desire of the association to make a lasting impression in the promotion of new developments in printmaking. The printmaking techniques, the experimental and contemporary approach have becomes matters for public discussion.
Printmaking is the art of creating prints from an artwork with that element of originality that differentiates it from photographic reproduction. The methods of printing include lithography, etching, serigraphy, plastocasts and relief.
It took the introduction of graphic method of Intaglio printmaking in workshops by Rudolf Harold van Rossen, a Dutch artist, in 1963 and 1964, to prompt Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya to change from painting to pursuing printmaking as a career. Bruce has continued to investigate Urhobo folklores through which his works unfold. Today, Prof Onobrakpeya has lots of disciples.

The post First Rhythm holds at Quintessence Oct. 28 appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

TO involve teenagers in humanitarian works and create in them the culture of giving back, Rainbow Book Club (RBC) ran a summer programme for children at a community in Lagos.

The programme, which held at Bethesda School in Ikota, Lagos, had in attendance over 45 pupils from the junior secondary and senior primary classes. The school is owned by Bethesda Child Support Agency, a non-profit organisation established in 2001.

According to the founder of Rainbow Book Club, Mrs. Koko Kalango, who also trained volunteers/facilitators at the event, the choice of working with the NGO was motivated by its focus on mobilising goverment’s efforts, private sector and other development agencies towards securing educational opportunities for children in poor communities.

The book used during the programme was 17 Secrets of High Flying Students by Fela Durotoye. The participants said they were inspired by the different sessions at the programme. One of them, Friday Emmanuel, said:”I can now search for words from the dictionary by myself…The Rainbow Book Club has helped me to stop playing too much.”

For Joy Adoyi, whose father is a security guard and mother, a cleaner, the programme helped in the discovery of more words in the English vocalbulary. “I will like to thank the Rainbow Book Club for what they have done in my life, I have learnt words that I didn’t know before and so many lessons that would help me in life,” she said.

The programme also witnessed presentation of gifts and awards to the children for active participation, remarkable improvement, interest and effort.

The pupils were not the only ones who received trainings. The volunteers/facilitators, who took the children on diverse subjects, were also trained byMrs Kalango at the event.

The facilitators made the book club sessions interactive and educative, sharing their experiences to support the tips provided in the book. Feedback from the participants was also insightful. The four volunteers were Tara Bond, TarariIdara, Seyi Sobowale and Ayomikun Kosoko.

The facilitators said they were unsure of what the experience would be like at the beginning, but by the time the programme ended they all said they would be happy to volunteer again in the future.

The post Rainbow Book Club trains pupils in Lagos appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Artyrama has launched an online African art gallery  to provide people across the world access to various African art, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide curated online experience.

Artyrama’s digital catalogue will host contemporary art collections; including paintings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media that document Africa’s rich culture.

It will also provide advisory services for buyers and sellers of art, drawing on strong industry experience in the African art market.

According to Artyrama’s General Manager, Sola Masha, the firm aims to introduce art to people who have never experienced or acquired art from Africa as well as people who have an interest in the African art world but do not have a user-friendly platform from which to experience it.

He said: “We are passionate about African art and are committed to giving these works a global stage, promoting the development of art and culture in Africa but more importantly,showcasing the amazing talent that exists on the continent. Artyrama intends to capitalize on its pioneer status to become the number one gateway for African art online.”

Art Manager and curator Akinyemi Adetunji said: “Africa is home to a thriving art culture. Its enormous diversity of ethnic groups and cultures is captured beautifully in the art created by her artists. We are heralding a new age for African art by giving it a platform and giving people all over the world access to and advisory on the diverse range of African art available.”

The post Artyrama unveils online gallery appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Text of a paper delivered by  the former Chairman, Public Petitions Committee,  House of Representatives and author of “The Politics of Biafra and the Future of Nigeria”, Chudi Offodile, at the Christopher Okigbo Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State 

I am very glad to be here in this great institution, the University of Ibadan, formerly the University College, Ibadan, a place that had a direct bearing on the actions and inactions that shaped the events of the sixties and put Nigeria on its present trajectory, an institution that nurtured the most creative and most talented of Nigeria’s post-colonial generation.

Today is about Christopher Okigbo, one of those incredible talents produced by this university and unleashed unto an unsuspecting literary world.The sheer quality and brilliance of some of those talents was sure to attract the attention of the Alfred Nobel committee with an outstanding alumnus, Professor Wole Soyinka earning its prize in literature.

Thankfully, I am not saddled with the responsibility of discussing Okigbo’s poetry. I am assigned to deal with the burdensome, but less complicated subject of his martyrdom. Of course, Okigbo died fighting for the freedom of his people of Biafra. A martyr by definition is a person, who sacrifices something of great value and especially, life itself for the sake of principle, a martyr to the cause of freedom. Why did he not just support the cause of Biafra like other intellectuals in other ways? Perhaps as an administrator, a diplomat, teacher or propagandist? Why did he opt for military duties, combat duties?

The history of the events of that era that led to the declaration of Biafra should provide the guide. The coup and counter-coup of 1966, the pogroms that followed, the exodus of Easterners from the rest of Nigeria and the collapse of the Aburi agreement.The challenge is to determine the true account of the events. Why are there different versions of our history emanating from the same set of facts? This very issue is at the heart of the failure of Nigeria’s match to nationhood. I will return to this.

Today, we have heard and learned a lot about the life and works of Chistopher Okigbo, but for the purpose of my presentation, I will rely and make reference to what Professor Chinua Achebe, another outstanding alumnus of this school, wrote about him in his book, There Was a Country and Professor Wole Soyinka’s encounter with the ghost of Christopher Okigbo in his book – The Man Died.

On the life and works of Christopher Okigbo, Achebe wrote: “I have written and been quoted elsewhere as saying that Christopher Okigbo was the finest Nigerian poet of his generation, but I believe that as his work becomes better and more widely known in the world, he will also be recognised as one of the most remarkable anywhere in our time. For while other poets wrote good poems, Okigbo, conjured up for us an amazing, haunting, poetic firmament of a wild and violent beauty. Forty years later, I still stand by that assessment”.

Achebe continues his assessment by saying that, “his legendary creative work was first noticed at Government College Umuahia, where the teachers encouraged this budding talent. Later at the University College, Ibadan, he published a number of poems in Horn, the university magazine edited by J P Clark, yet another outstanding alumnus. He also published his work in Wole Soyinka’s Black Orpheus and Transition, and then produced a number of critically acclaimed poetry collections, including the groundbreaking classics, Heavens Gate and Labyrinths”.

Achebe made the point that when Okigbo decided to join the Biafran army, he went to great lengths to conceal his plan, making up a story about a secret mission to Europe and by the time he saw him two weeks later, he had become a major by special commission in the Biafran army. On why Okigbo joined the army, Achebe explained that, “the experience of the Igbo community from the pogroms (mass killing of Igbo people, especially in northern Nigeria) onward had different effects on different people.

There was a multitude of reactions – anger, loathing, sorrow, depression, etc. These sentiments in Christopher’s case somehow transformed into a very strong pro-Biafra feeling. He had no doubt at all in his mind about Biafra and the need for the country to be a free and separate nation. That strong stance was something new for Christopher”.

Back in Nigeria, Soyinka was a detainee. He was imprisoned because he, not only denounced the war in Nigerian newspapers, but he followed it up with a visit to the rebel territory in search of peace.On his return to Nigeria he was arrested by the Gowon regime. And from prison he wrote: “Of the many ghosts that haunt me here, the most frequent and welcome are the ghosts of dead relations, grand father and the two ghosts of Christopher Okigbo, Adekunle Fajuyi… Banjo and Alale also visit, but hardly as ghosts”. “My grandfather sits gnome-like, chuckling secretively, every chunk of his body pulsing with love and strength… Where have you been, Where are you going, when are you coming again, why do you never stay? Now I will leave Soyinka’s grandfather’s ghost alone lest he reappears. I should rather focus on the ghost of Okigbo, which should be with us here today.

“Christopher rushing in his whirlwind manner into the office of the Adjutant in Enugu. I am sunk in a deep armchair behind the door where I had been placed by the Adjutant after my earlier summary roughing-up by Biafran security, so Christopher does not immediately see me when he enters the office. Hot and breathless, he delivers the instructions he had brought from the front. The war is three weeks old. The Adjutant takes rapid notes then says, look behind you. Christopher’s eyes pop out of his head, then he breaks into that singular Cherookee yell-and-jig, which has raised squirms of unease among a host of self-conscious acquaintances in every corner of the globe. He calms down minutes later, makes room for me in the convertible by flinging his major’s uniform in the back. As he drives towards the front, he says: you know, I learnt to use a gun right in the field. I had never fired even an air rifle in my life. I swear it, you know I’m not a violent man, I’m not like you. But this thing, I am going to stay with it till the end”. Soyinka recalls another encounter with Christopher sitting hours across the table from him while he awaited trial in a police cell in November 1965, discussing poetry.

Because of what Okigbo considered to be grave injustice suffered by Easterners, with the declaration of Biafra in May 1967 and the war that followed in July 1967, he joined the army and headed to the battlefield. Two months into the war in September 1967, he was killed in active combat in Nsukka sector. He was a hero and was honored posthumously with Biafra’s medal of honour.

Contrast with the role of Ukpabi Asika, another famous alumnus of this university, who was opposed to Biafra. Asika joined the federal side and accepted the role of Administrator of the defunct East Central State. He lived and died a Nigerian. And I pose this question: What if Asika had died in active service during the war, would he have qualified for martyrdom in the eyes of Nigerians? Is Asika a Nigerian hero? By the way, who are Nigeria’s heroes?

Nigeria’s complicated history frustrates the march to nationhood as different sections of the country see things differently and oftentimes interpret the same set of facts very differently. There cannot be two sides of truth. An account of events is either true or false. Our different accounts of historical facts cannot all be true and that makes the teaching of history rather problematic. The solution is not to remove history as a subject in our school curriculum or to engage in the dangerous dance of pythons with needless fatalities, but to commit to the universal ideals of justice and fairness. So, that even with all our differences, applying the universal standards of justice, we can begin to pull closer, begin to see some things the same way and begin to forge a common worldview with the same heroes. Not different heroes for different ethnicities.

On the war and its aftermath, Soyinka predicted our present national quagmire and possibility of re-occurrence of the events that led to the war in the following words; “What is clear, miserably, humiliatingly clear is that a war is being fought without a simultaneous programme of reform and redefinition of social purpose. A war of solidity; for solidity is a far more accurate word than unity to employ in describing a war, which can only consolidate the very values that gave rise to the war in the first place, for nowhere and at no time have those values been examined. Nowhere has there appeared a programme designed to ensure the eradication of the fundamental iniquities which gave rise to the initial conflicts.” I would argue therefore, that the children of that war being branded as terrorists are indeed victims of war and should be treated as such.

Because he fought on the side of Biafra, expectedly, opinions differ on his place in history. But he was a hero. A hero need not be perfect, but a martyr is a perfect hero, for there is no better way to die than for a cause you believe in. Christopher Okigbo died a martyr.”

The post The martyr called Okigbo appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

A major element of success in life is not having assets but becoming an asset. To become an asset, you have to keep learning. According to D. A. Benton, the author of How to Act Like a CEO, “Every day that you aren’t getting stronger and better, you’re getting weaker and worse”. Where you are and what you can do now are functions of your current level of knowledge and skill; if you want to do better, you have to add something extra. The tragedy of life occurs when people don’t want to give up their leisure, yet they want to be rich or great; students don’t want to study extra hard, yet they want to pass. You must be willing to give up something for your dream. John Maxwell puts it this way, “There are two paths people can take. They can either play now and pay later, or pay now and play later. Regardless of the choice, one thing is certain. Life will demand a payment”. Here are a few things you should know about learning:

• You can’t bring something out of nothing: as far as information is concerned, you can’t give what you don’t have. That is why some people get results sooner than some others- they know what others don’t know. If you find yourself struggling on a spot and you find it impossible to make progress, you need to acquire more knowledge.
• Don’t get over confident: it is dangerous to claim to know too much too soon. When you believe you know it all, you have reached your limit. The quest for more knowledge is what leads to progress. It is impossible to learn from a teacher you are superior to. The moment you consider yourself superior to all, your learning process has ended.
• Have a deposit mentality: you should decide to consistently feed your mind with the kind of information that can create the kind of future you want. It is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Asleigh Brilliants states that “Learning a little every day soon puts you far behind whoever is learning a lot every day”. What then happens to someone who does not learn at all? Learn well, learn much, and learn fast.
• Protect your mind: my favourite book says that above everything you ever guard, guard your heart because from it flows the wellspring of life. Why do people guard their money, houses, jobs, etc, and they leave their hearts or minds unprotected? Why do people read things, watch things and listen to things that corrupt, distract, depress or discourage them? Whatever seed is planted in your heart manifests in your life and around you. If you want to find out how you arrived where you are today, evaluate what you have been feeding your mind on.
• Be flexible: There is no “once-and-for-all” information in life, we must keep learning. According to Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn”. We must also be capable of adapting our knowledge to any required situation.

I look forward to reading your stories of great successes and your comments. Share your views with me by visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

The post What is your greatest asset? appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

History was made at this year’s Aso-Ofi Festival in the ancient town of Iseyin, Oyo State. Among other splendid cultural trappings, the event witnessed the foundation laying of the Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market, which, on completion, will become a major tourism and economic destination in Nigeria. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

It was a day that held global promise for the town and people of Iseyin in Oyo State. “We will not forget the day in a hurry,” many people said as they thronged out in their numbers to celebrate the 2017 Aso-Ofi Festival.

It was their day of glory, and they came out dressed in colours of the rainbow. The young and the old sought to outdo themselves with their hand-woven traditional cloth, Aso Ofi, or Aso Oke, as it is now often called. Aso Ofi literally means a cloth woven on the ofi (horizontal and vertical loom). For Iseyin people, Aso Ofi is a generational occupation as everyone in the community partakes at one stage or another in its weaving.

Their gait showed pride of ownership of their self-made attires as they trooped to the site of the proposed Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market.

One of them was 74-year-old Aso-Ofi weaver, Pa Muraina Alarape Kangunhan. From childhood, Pa Kangunhan has been involved in Aso-Ofi production. Currently, the Aare Alaso-Oke, a leader of the Aso-Ofi Weavers and Marketers Association, Pa Kangunhan, said having the market established in his life was a “life-time dream come through”.

“I have been involved in the production of the cloth for over 50 years; and so, I know the place it holds in the Yoruba culture. We have always called for a market of international standard that would afford a global reach. to our products. The establishment of the proposed market in my time gives me great joy. May Allah give the government all it would take to see the project through,” Pa Kangunhan said.

And so, along with other historical and cultural fixtures of the two-day festival was the foundation laying of the market, which appeared to be the icing on the cake for all.

It drew dignitaries from across the state. Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo.

Other dignitaries such as the Secretary to the State Government, Mr.  Olalekan Alli; Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr. Gbade Ojo; Commissioner for Local Government Mr. Bimbo Kolade; Commissioner for Works & Transport Mr. Azeez Oladimeji, and Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Atinuke Osinkoya were in attendance.

Noted for being the home of Aso-Ofi craft, the fact that Iseyin will now host one of the largest fabric markets in the country – the Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market – is a welcome development meant to re-establish the town’s place on the global fabric map.

According to Ajimobi, Iseyin would soon “become a major tourism and economic hub”. The market is expected to house 500 shops, clinic, fire and police stations, and a mini museum that will trace the history of Aso-Ofi till date.

The idea to establish the market was muted at the first edition of the festival last year. “Since then,” Ajimobi said, “there have been serious and genuine engagements between financial institutions, export promotion agencies, private and corporate organisations and the Aso-Ofi Weavers and Marketers in the state.”

As part of the vision of diversifying the state’s economy and promoting its cultural heritage as economic resources, Ajimobi said his administration was set to harness the economic and tourism potential of the prehistoric town.

His words: “Nigeria is determined to diversify its economy. It is on this note that my administration thought it wise to look inward not only on agricultural sector but also on culture and tourism sectors, and the cultural heritage across the state with a mind of harnessing their economic and export value.  What better place to establish the Aso Ofi International Tourism Market than in Iseyin, its base.

“We are here today to fulfill the promise made by my administration during last year Aso-Ofi celebrations to the good people of Iseyin that an International Tourism Market will be established in this town known universally as the cradle of Aso-Ofi. Today, we are adding credence to our pacesetting status by laying the foundation of the first ever market to combine museums with other tourism features here in Iseyin.”

Calling for collective efforts at stalling  juvenile vices and network of violence in the country, he named tourism development as a global veritable tool for economic stability.

He said: “Tourism has the capacity to positively re-engineer the overall economy of a nation. It is, however, time we communicated the importance of the tourism sector. South Africa is not driven by tourism for nothing. Oyo State is endowed with rich diverse cultures, which include wide varieties of indigenous festivals. It is therefore, our duty to plan, package and market them for overall development of the state. My administration is making frantic efforts to make the state a haven for tourists to appreciate the numerous Cultural and Tourism entities that here abound..

“To this end, youths should be encouraged to learn this trade without waiting for white collar jobs that are not always there. Farmers should be encouraged to grow cotton as part of agricultural agenda in the state to boost our indigenous textile industry. The idea behind Aso-Ofi Festival is to celebrate Aso-Ofi, one of the state’s tourism products, towards propagating this unique indigenous textile material globally and promote youth empowerment agenda of this administration as one of the solutions to the present economic challenges facing the country”

Excited by the feat, the town’s monarch, Oba Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle, who attended the event with his wives, Olori Fatimah and Olori Rasheedat, said a market is “a ready-made employment for our youths and all”.

Encouraging the youth to take learning vocational skills serious, the monarch, who is also a veterinary doctor, recounted that as a young man, he used to weave Aso Ofi for a living.

He said: “The money I realised while making Aso Ofi is what I used to train myself to higher institution at the University of Ibadan. I’m happy for the steps the government is taking towards promoting tourism. They are taking bold and commendable steps to ensure that the cultural and tourism treasure in the state are harnessed to its fullest. There is decadence in the system, but thank God for giving us a bold governor, who is set on ensuring that things do not spoil.

“The textile industry is a thriving one. We thank God our government has chosen to harness and promote to export level the potential that the industry holds by looking at locally-produced fabrics like Aso Ofi. I am happy that this is happening in my time as a monarch.”

Reiterating the monarch’s words, Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, noted that the market and its town hold “strong, economic viability and sustainability content” for Nigeria, adding that the state is open to public-private partnerships to make the market a world-class site as part of its transformative agenda.

He added that the market would also be a place of research into new forms and styles of production, saying it features the diversification of the craft and fabric beyond clothings to other uses, such as beddings. “It is our expectation that within a short time, the construction will start to the benefit of all,” he said.

Others in attendance were Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Isaac Omodewu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Alhaji Basiru Olarenwaju; Caretaker Chairman, Iseyin Local Government, Akanni Abolade Yekini; Caretaker Chairman, Iseyin South LCDA, Alhaji Shittu Khalid Adeshina; Caretaker Chairman, Araromi LCDA; the CEO of Aquila Group, Mr Shina Peller; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dauda Akinola;  the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salaudeen Ologunebi Ajinese I; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Sunday Adegbola; representative of the Ooni of Ife,  and other monarchs from the state; and Nike Peller,  among others.

The post Iseyin to become a major tourism hub appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

In furtherance of Rotary International’s (RI’s) objective of providing medicare to families across continents, Rotary Club in District 9110 has offered free health to Nigerians.

No fewer than 200 patients got free screening, treatment, and drugs at penultimate weekend at Glover Lifestyles’ Clinic in Victoria Island, Lagos where the two-day event held.

The services involved HIV, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, and polio immunisation.

Others were deworming for children, malaria, cervical/breast/prostrate cancer, dental and eyes. The beneficiaries also received free mosquito nets.

Glover Medical Lifestyles Clinic Chairman, Chief Anil Glover said over N2million was spent on the programme with 50 per cent of the money provided by his clinic, adding he was glad to host it.

He urged Rotary to organise the camps regularly.

He praised the District 9110 Governor (DG), Dr Wale Ogunbadejo for making a difference to lives of the people in Lagos Island. He however praised the district’s assistance to the club.

His wife Arvinder, a medic, who was the Medical Coordinator of the programme, expressed happiness with the turnout.

The club’s President Sajeev Tandon said this was the second edition of the Rotary Family Health Day, a medical programme of the club, which was inaugurated two years ago.

He promised to execute more programmes that would touch the lives of the less-privileged. He ascribed the success of the event to the club’s awareness campaigns.

Dr Sunit D. Roy,  the Vice President,  said the club cares for the good health of Nigerians and that the club’s members were ready to stand by this commitment at all times.

The Secretary  Mamta Deb Roy also praised the turnout, especially it was more of the less privileged.

The post Lagos Island Rotary offers free medicare appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe has solicited more cultural collaborations with the Peoples Republic of China. Otunba Runsewe also spoke while on a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, ZhouPingjian in Abuja  thanked the Chinese for supporting Nigeria in  human capital development and  rail system construction.

”It is on record that about seven states in Nigeria are understudying your rail system,” Runsewe said praising the ambassador for  assisting the staff of the Council in capacity building and also making Nigerians living in China feel welcome.

Otunba intimated the ambassador on the plan of the Council to take the thirty-six Commissioners of various states of the Federation to China to understudy the Chinese cultural content in order to replicate it in Nigeria. Adding, “We will also like to formally invite you to next year’s AFAC which will come early in the year”.

On his part, the Ambassador stated that Nigeria and China have a of similarities in terms of population and economy asserting that while Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, China has the largest population in the world.

He disclosed that both countries are the major forces in economy in their respective continents saying Nigeria stands tall in Africa while China is a force to reckon with in Asia continent. He was also emphatic that both countries enjoy a very big cultural diversity.

” Nigeria’s tradition is awesome, we can truly work together”, said the Ambassador who reiterated that China’s government is ever ready to explore the various areas of collaboration in terms of cultural exchanges, capacity building and many other areas of opportunity.

The envoy noted that, “It is on record both countries are major players in the world, if we build on our existing bilateral relationship, both nations will further make huge impact in the world as a whole”.

Mr. Pingjian assured his guests that China will do everything to work harmoniously with Nigeria in areas of trade and commerce, technological advancement and other areas that will be of mutual interest to both countries adding, “China being the biggest economy in the world, I am happy to tell you that over 120, 000 million Nigerians visit China annually, we shall continue to play our leading role in the world and particularly in Nigeria as the most populous nation in Africa.

The post Runsewe seeks cultural diplomacy with China appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

What happens when 13 galleries, 14 countries and 60 artists from Africa and in Diaspora converge to exhibit in one venue?

Answer to this will be available when the second ART X Lagos opens next month.

Performance art, installation, photography and video art are some of the activities that will mark the 2017 ART X opening at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, from Saturday, November 4 to 5.

The art fair, being organised by TP-Collective, will feature seven wooden sculptures by iconic master (visual artist), Ben Enwonwu, in honour of his 100th natal anniversary. The pieces, which are of the Access Bank collections, were originally commissioned by the Daily Mirror in 1960.

A programme of talks, curated by Missla Libsekal, will include artist talks with Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the Nigerian-born Los Angeles (LA)-based artist shortlisted for the Future Generation Art Prize 2017, and Lemi Ghariokwu, the mastermind behind Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti’s album artwork. The talks will also include a panel discussion about collecting contemporary art in Nigeria.

Founder and Director ART X Lagos,Tokini Peterside, said she created ART X to contribute to the positioning of modern and contemporary African art at the forefront, as Africa emerges in the wider contemporary art market.

“The world is waking up to the potential of Africa’s art market and we have witnessed very exciting developments in recent years, of which ART X Lagos is one.”

The art expo, Peterside explained, is an African platform for African artists, on the African continent. “We celebrate artists, art students, scholars, collectors, art professionals and art lovers, who are playing a fair role in the growth of African economies, which are now among the fastest growing in the world. This invaluable contribution of the art sector to our continent’s development is what ART X Lagos seeks to highlight and to reinforce, through projects such as our annual art fair.”

The maiden edition, according to the organisers, drew an audience of over 5,000 people. “This year’s edition promises to be even more dynamic, as much of the 2016 program structure returns, with new, vibrant content aimed at reaching a wider audience.”

Thirteen exhibiting galleries, such as the Art House – The Space (Nigeria), Bloom Art (Nigeria), Fondation Donwahi (Ivory Coast), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), GalerieAtiss (Senegal), Gallery MAM (Cameroon), Nubuke Foundation (Ghana), Retro Africa (Nigeria), Signature Beyond (Nigeria), SMO Contemporary (Nigeria), Stevenson Gallery (South Africa), TAFETA (United Kingdom), and Tiwani Contemporary (United Kingdom). These prestigious galleries were chosen by a Selection Committee, led by N’Goné Fall, the renowned Senegalese curator, art critic and cultural consultant, and Femi Lijadu, one of Nigeria’s most respected art collectors.

Some of the artists, who will be participating at the art expo, are international acclaimed Nigerian-born/British-based artist, Yinka Shonibare, Zanele Muholi (South Africa), Jeremiah Quarshie (Ghana), Modupeola Fadugba (Nigeria), Nandipha Mntambo (Swaziland), Virginia Chihota (Zimbabwe), Boris Nzebo (Cameroon), Babajide Olatunji (Nigeria), Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum (Botswana), Amadou Sanogo (Mali) and Portia Zvavahera (Zimbabwe).

Selected artists Polly Alakija, Rom Isichei, LakinOgunbanwo and Oluseye are invited to curate their own works in the ART X Lagos.

The curators are Missla Libsekal, and Founder of art journal Another Africa, Nástio Mosquito (Angola) and Pere Ortin, Lemi Ghariokwu (Lagos, Nigeria), Yaw Owusu (Accra, Ghana), Rahima Gambo (Abuja, Nigeria), Johnson Uwadinma (Port Harcourt, Nigeria), OluAmoda (Lagos, Nigeria) and Wura Natasha Ogunji (Nigeria / US).

Whitespace Creative Agency will curate the Interactive Projects of the fair to appeal to its varied audience. The emerging and young artists to be featured this year include: Olalekan Jeyifous, Dipo Doherty, Queen Nwaneri, SojiAdesina, Sejiro Avoseh and Lubee Abubakar.

The art fair will also see the return of ‘ART X Live! with Absolut’, a live art and music performance featuring Africa’s most talented rising musicians and artists. This year’s show will see collaborations between musicians DJ Aye, Poe and Tomi Thomas, alongside talented young visual artists.

Absolut and ART X Lagos will introduce the ‘ART X Absolut Commission’, an installation at the art fair that responds to present day societal urgencies, supporting freedom of expression.

The inaugural commission invites Olatunde Alara, a young artist living and working in Lagos, to respond to the theme ‘Artist as Citizen’.

The winner of the ART X Prize, sponsored by Access Bank, will be announced on November 5 at the closing ceremony.

The ART X Prize with Access is a prize for the best young artists in the country, run via social media, which opened for entries on September 18. The 2016 winner was Patrick Akpojotor, who will be exhibiting at this year’s fair.

ART X Lagos is supported by the Access Bank (Gold Sponsor); Absolut (Silver Sponsor); Stanbic IBTC Pensions, Seven Up and Anap Jets (Bronze Sponsors); Chapel Hill Denham, Lufthansa, Metro Capital and Leadway Assurance (Sponsors) and other partners.

The executive team is also supported by an Advisory Board comprised of – Labi Ogunbiyi, Dudun Peterside, Evelyn Oputu, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Femi Lijadu, Jess Castellote, JunaidDikko, N’Goné Fall, Papa Omotayo and Reni Folawiyo.

The post Creativity, cultural exchange meet at Lagos ART X appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) has organised a capacity building programme for its members at its Retiree Villa, Ogombo, Ajah.

Wife of Lagos State Governor and chairman of the committee, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, noted that capacity building was a major component of corporate and public service, for performance leveraging at home and other engagements outside the home.

She said: ‘The need to continually improve ourselves for domestic, social and professional purposes, is the reason we have organised this training programme. It is expected to acquaint us with current trends and update our knowledge in relevant and vital areas.

‘’We hold the view that self-improvement trainings like this, will bring out optimal performance for those in paid employment. It will also help to bring out the best in us, in various personal businesses and our social interactions.’’

Mrs. Ambode observed that topics for discussion, which were relevant to the women, included etiquette, public speaking, protocol and security.

She explained that while etiquette was selected to polish domestic and public conduct, protocol was included to fine-tune the women’s knowledge of the rules.

She stressed that security was a necessary for individual and collective safety, while public speaking was essential for everyone in jobs, businesses, social interactions and for politics.

The governor’s wife assured the members, that the committee would not deviate from the philosophy of the founding mothers, which was to support the efforts of their husbands in government, to improve the welfare of Lagosians.

The post COWLSO holds training appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Dead Lions  Don’t Roar’, a book containing epic poems by Tolu Akinyemi reminds one of a line in Benin-based Osayomore Joseph’s song, ‘Where there is life, there is hope’.

In the 118-page collection of poetic wisdom for the discerning are 113 poems, which clearly show that dead lions don’t actually roar but only the living can step into dead men’s shoes. If Men Were God, a two-part poem extols the power of God above the frailties of men. “If men were God/There would be no more us/Long dead and buried/Forgotten with the times…” the poet writes as he goes further to re-echo the supremacy of God in part 2.

Celebrating his mother’s unblemished career in the civil service and the lives she shaped, Akinyemi pays a tribute in My Mother. “My mother/Her husband calls her blessed/Her children’s delight/Looking for that virtuous woman/Wander not afar/She lives in our time…” he eulogies.

Who Will Tell Sister Vicky is a word of confidence to Vicky and any spinster who thinks she has been spent by years of unfruitfulness. “With new day comes a renewed vigour/A little flesh and some cleavage as take away,” and you are “Still competing with the spinsters,” he exhorts. Blame Not The Devil is a food for thought for those who would always blame their misfortune on the spirit of evil. “…/The man who raped the two year old/Was the latest victim of the devil?/Easy it seems to pass the blame,” when “A little discipline,” would had halted the irresponsibility.

In The Other Room, the author recognises the traditional role of women to aspire to any height side by side with their husbands. Inspired by the altercation between President Buhari and his wife and the former’s reaction confining the later to ‘the other room’, the author writes “The puzzle of the other room remains a mystery/Similar to the moonlight tales of the old/A facade none can tell/An imagination of the tale bearer/What happens in the other room should not be said out of the other room.”

Brother Smart is to the eligible bachelors in town. He writes, “Who will marry brother Smart?/The most eligible bachelor in our church/Single to stupor if I can say/Who will save brother Smart from using his pension fund to send his children to school…”

Talent is a call to self-discovery. Hear Akinyemi: “Do what makes you happy I make bold to say/Your talent is yours to use/In the cemetery many a talent have gone…”

While Education focuses the poet’s slam on its lost glory, he also believes “Ignorance is not the option at all…” Cap Without A Head reflects human insatiability. The poet writes: “I hate the job they seem to mutter/The job that was a dream for years for us/Toiled day and night before it came to pass/ Still a dream job for lots of friends….”

In the The Wedding Party, the poet offers a critique on the issue, which young couples prefer to the marriage itself. He denounces: “A glamorous wedding without a marriage/All for the glam and glitz it brings/They outdo themselves as if it were a competition/The day after and the debtors are here…”

Akinyemi stokes the polity with The Thieving Politician, taking a swipe on politicians looting people’s funds and turning back to be celebrated by same people. He writes: “Celebrated by the same people they raped to stupor/Looted funds to splash around/Wealth amassed even for generation unborn/Infrastructural decay they are blind to see/All they care for is me, myself and I.”

Age as a subtheme of the book benefits those who think age is all it takes to lead. Tolu Akinyemi puts it succinctly: “Age is just a number/A calculator of our time on earth/Age does not equate to wisdom/The elders say the young ones cannot have as many rags as they do/I once lived with a young man/With an age that contradicted his wisdom…”

Where Are The Men? Poses a lot of challenges to youths who are enmeshed in baby mama saga. “The boys are on the loose again/Donating sperms as they deem fit/Not ready for commitment/Baby mamas abound in every nook and cranny…” writes the author.

One would think that the poem 2Face is a tribute to the popular Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia. It is “not the popular Nigerian musician,” but “The sister who lies between the Angelic and devil/The wife material in day time and devil reincarnate at night…” the author notes.

He warns of evil of Domestic Violence, noting, “Once beaten, always beaten/Life is for the living/Run while you can/No hope in the land of the dead/Better to be single and alive/Than to be married and living in bondage…”

Dead Lions Don’t Roar is the hit title of the book in page 58. Here are extracts: “Dead lions don’t roar/As tranquil like the still waters/Their legendary status now history/A history soon to be forgotten/In the graveyard lay many unsung heroes/Six feet under the ground therein abode great potentials…/Use your gifts while you can…”

In Pay The Price, the poet thunders: “No pain, no gain/To earn the price/Truly, there is a price to pay/You tell me about your faith/To make the impossible become reality/I will ask you of the works to bless/Neither fiction nor magic…” he scribbles.

In The Married Bachelor, the book literarily spikes another oyster in Western style of marriage known as live-in lovers. It wonders: “The husband material is no longer an option/The single sisters open their mouth agape/We hoped he was still single and searching, they chorused aloud/Truth be told. He has been taken without a shadow of doubt/No ring on the finger, no way to know…”

The Parody of Life satirizes existence. Akinyemi writes: “Exuding innocence we came to the world/With purity and virtue we joined the fold/Without a care in the world we lived our lives/Before the footprint were etched in our hearts…”

Beauty Is Not Enough is captured in page 72, but “The kind of beauty anonymous to the spinster…/If only beauty was enough/The spinster next door would have been married off/With curves and vital statistics to envy/With a face as of Angel…/Alas beauty seems no longer enough …”

United We Stand is timely poem for agitating regions to form a common political front for the unity of the country. It is dedicated to men, women and children who lost their lives during the Westminster Bridge and Manchester bombing attacks in March and May 22, 2017. “The news headlines makes a gory viewing/From Brussels to Paris to London/Bombs they throw at us/Raping the World of its innocence…” he notes.

Change is an allegory that mocks the present government which promises hope for the citizens only to dash it; social life of the people aren’t seen no improvement yet. The lines of the verse reads: “The anthem where there is a quest for power/Change in itself is not a ruse/A language habitually tainted/Tainted by corruption of men/Promise of change all a dream…”

While Huggies inspired by Ayo Zubair, incessant hugging seen by the author as cheerful giving, No Issues – first composed as a song by the author and his crew of Aaron Lee and Jake Robson correlates the poem on the tongue; “No matter the issues/Just say no issues.” and you will have it.

Bleeding Heart expresses utter disgust with the society where justice turns rare good in the land, the falcon no longer knows the falconer and things fall apart, a refrain associated with Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. “My heart bleeds/Bleeds for hurt done to me/My heart sucks/Sucks as there is no one to fight my cause…/Justice seems not in sight,” writes the author.

The last two poems are Red Clover and What a Cook. Red clover contains mostly the  ‘over’ cadences. Hear the author in the 4-8 lines of red clover: “In my Red rover/We had a stopover/It was late and I told her to sleepover/My plans was to roll over/If only she could stay over….”

While What a Cook conveys a lesson in condition, “You always think your father’s farm is the biggest/Not until you see another man’s farm/The neighbour in the other flat/Thought his wife was the best cook in the world/An illusion to say the least…” sums it all up.

Dead Lion Don’t Roar, a collection of poetic wisdom for the discerning, makes an interesting read. A paper pack, the poems are concise, easy to digest, travel friendly and express deep feelings and noble thoughts in beautiful and simple language. Get a copy and read up!

The post Poetic jibes on state of the nation appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

For any organisation, community, state or country to make any meaningful progress, it must have a regular cash flow. Nigeria as a nation has been depending solely on its crude oil as a major source of finance since independence. However, with the current stature of the global economy, most countries that depend solely on oil may soon be facing a tough economic woe because some of the buyers of this product have found alternatives.

One area that Nigeria has not been able to explore as a means of survivor is its tax regime and administration.

TundeOgunsakin, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police has come up with a comprehensive compendium that literarily diagnosed all the basic information that one needs to know about taxation. The book, A Review Of Effective Tax Regime In Nigeria, as the name implies gives a deep insight into the effective tax regime in Nigeria as well as making recommendations aimed at paving way for a flourishing tax regime that will drive a formidable economic growth and development in Nigeria.

As a member of the panel of Education Tax, known as The Federal Government Panel On Education Tax constituted on January 3, 2000 by former President OlusegunObasanjo, the credible detective and erudite scholar, Ogunsakin uses most of the rare data and immense experience he garnered through the activities of the panel in the writing of the book.

In the introductory chapter of the 141-page book, he explores different definitions of tax and taxation to wet the appetite of the reader. According to the Chamber Dictionary, as quoted by the author, tax is “a contribution to revenue exacted by the state from individuals or businesses, a burden, drain, or strain. It is also defined as compulsory contribution towards a country’s expenses raised by the government from people’s salaries, property and from the sale of goods and services. Tax is equally defined as a compulsory contribution to the support of government on persons, property, income, commodities, transactions and services at a fixed rate mostly proportionate to the amount on which the contribution it levied.

Backed with empirical data, his emphasis hinge on Colonial Era and the introduction of taxation in Nigeria. The Raisman Fiscal Commission’s recommendation of 1958 was critically appraised in tandem with resource distribution/allocation in Nigeria. Readers will be riveted with the author’s style and the information shared in the book.

Ogunsakin stressed however that though it is the obligation of the government to impose tax, it also has its limitations. He says government can only levy taxes on income accruing in Nigeria. He noted that the perception of individuals on tax varies because while some view it as a social justice or means of encouraging investment, others view it as a tool of injustice and social disequilibrium.

Historically, according to the author, government has the obligation to provide both social and security amenities for the general well-being of the society, the obligation could however be discharged from tax generated revenue.

The author traces the subject of colonialism and the introduction of taxation in Nigeria where Royal Niger Company introduced custom duties in the Southern Nigeria because of its sea but could not do same in the North because it doesn’t have the sea. But after amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates, the Royal Niger Company realized that the money generated from custom duties, an indirect tax from the south was not taking enough care of colonial administration. It was forced to look into other forms of taxation to sustain its vision.

The book extensively explained different types of taxes such as company’s income tax, personal income tax, education tax, capital gains tax, petroleum profit tax, value added tax, withholding tax, stamp duties among others.

As a veritable expert, he dwells on tax law and policy, reviewing the composition of FIRS, state board of Inland Revenue and major stakeholders in the Nigerian tax system.

The author did not hesitate to discuss the various problems of taxation in Nigeria. He makes a clear distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Statistically, Ogunsakin reveals the extent of tax avoidance and evasion in Nigeria, enumerating the reasons for tax avoidance and evasion.

The author diplomatically explains the problems of delayed, converted or diverted tax payers’ fund by collecting banks.

One of the most informative parts of the book is chapter four where the author unravels the mystery behind tax enforcement processes and procedures in Nigeria. He states that taxes are charged in accordance with the provision of the law, thus enforcement proceedings could be described as steps taken under the statures to enforce payment or tax where a taxpayer defaults. The tax authority, according to him, must take utmost care to ensure that the person sought to be taxed is not one who is exempted from paying tax, though it is left to the taxpayer to claim applicable deductions and reliefs.

Ogunsakin’s book has come at a time when tax evasion seems to be on the rise and there is therefore the need to embark on a robust capacity building drive in the area of tax collection strategies by tax authorities and enlightenment campaign to encourage the Nigerian populace and institutions top pay tax.

The author, Ogunsakin was promoted in 2014 as Assistant Inspector General of Police. Prior to his promotion he was the Commissioner of Police for Rivers State where he brought peace to a once political turbulent state. He was a member of the presidential task force on education tax funds 1999 -2000. His concerted efforts ensured the panel to recover N7.8billion unpaid tax to the Nigeria Government.

The post Taxation as veritable tool to nation’s wealth appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

No fewer than 43 countries will gather in Lagos ON October 14 to participate in the inaugural Lagos Biennial of Contemporary Art at the Railway
Compound, Yaba, Lagos.

Lagos Biennial Artistic Director/founder of Akete Foundation, Folakunle Oshun, stated this at a briefing in Lagos.

He said the event with the theme,   Living   on   the   edge,will end on November 22.

Other venues are Ilukwe House, Jaekel House (Museum) and other places in Lagos.

Oshun said Living on the edge  explores the crises in  historical and  contemporarycontexts.The exhibitions are framed around the   concept of superimpositions, and   examine parallel histories and counter  narratives with   the character of the  city of Lagos  as catalyst.”

According to him, the Lagos Biennial is long overdue and will saver as platform for cultural exchange between Nigeria and the participating countries, as well as a platform for Nigerian artistes to engage with the world and showcase their talents.

“This is one of the biennial on the African continent that doesn’t just encourage an international audience but also international participation and that is a reflective of Lagos as a cosmopolitan city.

“Lagos has the talent, people in art, in literature, in music, the list goes on and on from Chinua Achebe to Fela, Wola Soyinka. We have these big names in Nigeria. Biennial is not just about fine art or visual art, there is a lot of literature, a lot film involved. We have these pockets of talents,with flashes of light everywhere.

“So, it is just about doing African thing. We also want to get invited to Venice, Italy, to document, so we go out their and say come let’s talk, think and dialogue. Our leaders are talking about this in the UN and we are always castigating them. As artists we say we have the solution, lets come together and see if we can do better than the politicians.”

The Lagos Biennial 2017 is organised by the Akete Foundation and has been endorsed by the Lagos State Government.

Part of the activities will be a book reading, art exhibition, cinematography, dinner reception at the rooftop of Goethe Institute on October 13, audio-visual installations, etc.

However, he said there was no open call for this maiden edition because of the timing and funding. “When you do an open call you must be able to fly everybody in and fund them. But for this we just made selection through our curatorial team and advisory board. And for the next edition we would have open call. So, the Lagos Biennial is open to everybody, it is something that we should embrace and should own.

“Living on the edge, theme of the biennial speaks in many different ways,” said Oliver Enwonwu, the President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), who is also a member of the Lagos Biennial.

“Why Lagos at this point in time? I think it imperative because Lagos is growing in the cultural scene. I would like to say Lagos is on fire, every weekend we have exhibitions.

The exhibition catalogue is becoming more exquisitely published, better quality images, critical text being written by many scholars, we have the growth of the auction houses, and with such a domestic scene.

“It is also very imperative that we bring in the biennial these little occurrences into more focus and project them into wilder audiences and more global platform.”

Enwonwu said: “The biennial tells you who is the cutting edge artist. It tells you those who will  bring in something deferent, it will talk about the geographic boundary, psychological boundary that the organisers and curators are trying to break and push forward.

‘’These are very interesting occurrences, I hope it will be something sustainable, bring more privet people getting involved, most especially sponsors, when the government get involved because I think it is a good way when we are talking about economic diversification of Nigerian, and of cause to cerebrate our rich cultural heritage, to celebrate Africa, the people and of cause one way of bring our culture into contemporary manner to global platform all over the world.”

Legacy   1995,    a   historical   and   environmental   interest group   in   Nigeria   is   the   main  partner  for   the   Lagos Biennial   2017   and   will   be   granting   access   to   monumental and   historic   architecture   in   the   city   of   Lagos. Biennial   Team Folakunle   Oshun   Artistic   Director/Curator,    Amira   Paree –   Co-Curator,    Erin   Rice   ,  Consulting   Coordinator   Artist Talks,    Akor   Opaluwah ,  Coordinator   Artist   Talks,    AminatLawal-Agoro,   Project   Manager, Sola   Akintunde, Co-Curator.

Participating   artists  are Jelili   Atiku, Rahima   Gambo, Ayo   Akinwande, Lena Athanasopoulou, Sam   Hopkins,  and   David   Lale, Saba   Zavarei, David   Palacios, Arrigo Reuss, Lamis   Haggag, Dunja   Herzog, Jess   Atieno, Abdulrazaq   Awofeso, Rita   GT, Niyi   Olagunju, Phoebe   Boswell, Kainebi Osahenye, Adeola Olagunju, Ranjeeta   Kumari Yara MekaweiEca   EpsObuh   Christopher   Nelson Amina   Zoubir  Olivia  Jasinski, Tito Aderemi-Ibitola, Kathleen   Hearn, Jerry Buhari, Youngjoo   Yoo, Poku   Chereme, Maie   Okafor, Amol   Pati, Tori Wrånes,Taiye   Idahor, Januario   Jano, Ro   Caminal,Ala   Kheir,Wura-Natasha-Ogunji, Sébastien   Mazauric, Fati   Abubakar, Delio   Jasse, Kris   Russo, Simon   Daniel,   Tegnander   Wenzel, Silas   Mensah and Mawuenya Amudzi.

The post Lagos holds first art biennial appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Worried by the menace of human trafficking and child labour situation in the country, Next To None Initiative, a non-governmental organisation last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The desire of the NGO is to engage the arts as a vehicle to drive the global campaign against trafficking in persons and other related crimes.

The MoU signed between the Director General (NAPTIP), Julie Okah Donli and the Founder/Chairman, Board of Trustees, Next To None Initiative, Barrister Ndukwe Sam Obu, is aimed at ensuring that parties carry out public enlightenment on the ills of human trafficking through entertainment and sports.

It will also enable the NGO to shoot a documentary and movies on the issue. The documentary is expected to be premiered on or before 12 months from the date of signing the MoU and will be shot in Nigeria and outside.

Given the support from NAPTIP, both the documentary and films would be shot in five countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Dubai, Switzerland and some African nations. The movie shall be premiered on or before 18 months from the date of the agreement.

Also, the agreement allows both NAPTIP and Next to None Initiative to  collaborate effectively towards getting sponsors for the project, while NAPTIP has undertaken to provide necessary assistance towards procuring travel documents for the movie and documentary crew.

Aside documentary and movie, there would also be novelty match that will feature renowned celebrities in sports and the creative industries. Speaking on the reasons for chosing entertainment and sport as vehicles for the campaign, Obu noted that engaging top celebrities in the entertainment industry will draw greater attention of the youths.

According to him, the entire idea was to use the games youths identify with most to preach the gospel against human trafficking.

“You know the way it is; if you have a Professor coming from the Oxford University to deliver a lecture on human trafficking in Nigeria, I can bet you that not even the bread seller in the street will know about it. But if popular musicians and footballers such as Shakira, Christian Ronaldo or Lionel Messi are coming to play, they will be enthusiastic to and listen or watch them perform,” he said.

Consequently, the NGO is already in partnering relevant Ministries, agencies as well as some Nollywood starsthat have been part of their activities over the years.

He believed that creating opportunity for the youth to interface with successful players in the entertainment industry will bring them to the understanding of the evils of prostitution, and the fact that with hard work, they stand greater chance to succeed in Nigeria.

Obu described as worrisome, some revelations about modern day slavery and concluded that the only way out for Nigerian youths who are scattered abroad is to catch them through the games they love most.

“We strongly believe that there is no other way and manner we can achieve taking this message to the global stage than through the medium of entertainment. Human trafficking has become so serious that world media outfits now run documentary on it. Even world leaders condemn the trend. So, why would they not be interested in watching films or documentary on it coming for the first time from Africa?

“We have structured the documentary to represent the social strater and institutions. We intend to bring on board, representatives of the three  arms of government as well as some state governors to lend their voice to the project.”

And to reach the target audience, Barrister Obu assured effort would not be concentrated at major cities. according to him, remote towns, especially those notorious for housing commercial sex workers, as well as various tertiaryinstitutions and secondary schools across the country would be visited to educate them on the issue.

Next to None Initiative was the recipient of NAPTEP Hero’s about three months ago, for its campaign against trafficking in persons. In its 10 years of existence, it has also received several other awards for its committment to the course of combatting the problem of trafficking in persons.

To finance the project, a legal practitioner, movie producer and a motivational speaker, Obu said he had enjoyed the support of good-minded organizations and individuals in previous projects, and this, in view of its importance to human dignity and existence, will not be an exception.

“One thing about charity work is that you must frist of all, have passion for what you are doing. Secondly, when people see how serious you are in what you are doing, there is no other reason to fear how things will be done.

Following the MOU signed on October 3 with NAPTIP, over 15 people \ have indicated interest, not just for sponsorship through donations of equipment needed to shoot the films.

“We also have volunteers who desire to be part of the project. Everybody, including my relations living abroad, will contribute their quota to see that we achieve success, and by the time we start reaching out to people, we are optimistic we get more hands.

Donations can come through donation of vehicles for movements, even microphone or any other thing that will add value to what we are doing. As contained in the agreement ealier signed, NAPTEP, a very formidable agency, will also join hand with us.  I am also sure that the international commitee, knowing that what we are doing is first of its kind in Africa, will definitely support us.

“Locally, we are going to reach out to churches, institutions and banks for support, but since it is an 18-month project with effect from this October, we don’t expect to gather finances before we start.

“In the area of documentary, I don’t need to be sponsored to go to a nearby school to shoot a documentary. All we need do is let the principal or head of the institution know what we want to do with the school.”

Obu said the proceeds from the sales of documentary or movie would be channeled to helping victims of trafficking.

He wondered why Africans should be championing trafficking of fellow Africans or connives with European counterparts to sell their sisters and brothers. These questions and several others, he said, would be highlighted in the movie.

The post Art as campaign tool against human trafficking appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF) owned by  Africa’s richest woman, Mrs Folorunso Alakija has empowered over 1000 wdows with skills.

The programme was held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH),  Lagos.

Guest speaker at the event, the wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode,  said for widows to survive,   they should have sustainable  income.

She said widowhood might not translate to be harrowing, if women were equipped with skills.

She urged struggling widows to shun the  feeling of helplessness and apply the initiative to hold their families together.

“Widowhood can be a nightmare and a life of isolation when women are unlucky with the harsh realities of life. One of the worse things that can happen to a widow is to lack a means of income and the best is to have a means of livelihood. This initiative is commendable because it is about the best thing that can happen to a widow for welfare development. It is about teaching them to fish instead of serving them the cooked fish. I wish to assure you that the state government will continue to pursue welfare improvement for women,”  said Mrs Dapo Thomas, who represented Mrs Ambode.

The participants, who included orphans and unemployed graduates, were  introduced to export opportunities in livestock and crop farming.

The programmes involved  make-up artistry, tie and dye, decorations, fashion designing, millinery, and confectionary catering, among others.

Mrs Alakija said the trainings have been structured to create the conditions for widows need to lead their lives with some stability, support and resources to assume the role of a principal provider.

Over 1000 widows, she said, had been rehabilitated since the inception of the programme, noting that they have become bold, assertive and with restored dignity and self-esteem.

According Mrs Olusola, who represented Mrs Alakija, the introduction of agricultural training and customer relation management skills was targeted at  expanding their revenue windows and empowering them to become practical employers of labour.

She said: “These women like the proverbial tea bag have been thrown into the hot water of life buy we believe that the little support, emotionally, financially and skill wise will make them thrive and become stronger to achieve their dreams. This is what motivates the foundation. We are living witnesses to the transformation in the lives of some of our beneficiaries who have been empowered in earlier editions of the enterprise development and skills acquisition programme. Women who could barely feed themselves have now become employers and provide for their children.”

Agric export expert, Mrs Eno Agada, advised the participants to make the most of local products highly sought in some international markets, saying export is a potent revenue spinner.

She said: “We exposed them to export of some products which they largely lack the knowledge of their usefulness and profit they can make from them. They can do cassava flour, which is locally produced, sesame seeds, bitter kola, coco beans, coco butter and shear nuts.

In Europe, shear butter is like crude oil. In Malaysia, palm oil is like crude oil. So, export is very lucrative once they get their documentation right.”

Executive Director, Relate Africa Joseph Ogundare, who spoke on the importance of healthy customer management, said simple ethics of courtesy were crucial to gaining and keeping a good customer base.

“The message for them is on how to use customer service to improve their business. If you get it wrong with customer service, regardless of your investments, you will continue to lose money and as long as you continue to lose customers. They should learn to treat their customers well, learn to always smile when dealing with them and be very neat and organised because everyone wants to do good business in a disorganised environment,” he said.

The post Alakija’s foundation empowers widows, orphans appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

A two-hour thrilling musical drama WAKAA The Musical presented at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja  stirred up some questions on the commitment and credibility of our political leaders, among other social vices plaguing the country’s socio-economic development. The 79-man crew production by Bolanle Austeen-Peters was the concluding command performance to round off a 10-day tour of Abuja, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.  

After a successful ten-day performance tour of Federal Capital Territory Abuja, WAKAA The Musical, stunned the high profile guests at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja with satirical messages especially on politics, good governance and corruption. The presentation could not have come at a better time than when the nation is marking its 57th independence anniversary celebration. Its timing is as relevant as the quality of guests that included Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, his wife, Dolapo Senate President Bukola Saraki and Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed among other top government functionaries.

The family oriented two-hour performance, which had a full capacity audience, is a satirical piece on Nigeria’s socio-political life that explores the scheming intrigues, betrayals and games of survival of the fittest. Amidst laughter and dancing to some lyrics by popular Nigerian musicians, some critical issues such as electioneering campaign fraud, unfulfilled promises and cross-carpeting of politicians were jocularly thrown at the guests. Even the popular Ajeku iya nio je released via social media by one of the senators attracted thunderous applauses from the audience.

Little wonder, Vice President Osinbajo could not help but acknowledge the performance as incredible.  Wakaa The Musical is making its first outing at Abuja after successful outings last year July at The Shaw Theatre, London’s West End and the Terra Kulture Arena, during the Lagos @ 50 celebration early this year.

Executive Producer WAKAA The Musical Mrs Bolanle Austeen-Peters described the production as a satire on the nation’s political space laced with message of hope, triumph of good over evil. She said WAKAA The Musical has been on stage at Abuja for then days and that it has been amazing. “Though arts have been on the back seat in the past, but it has been taking shape of late. The industry is nothing to be ashamed of,” she added.

The two-hour musical drama which recorded a full house opened with a powerful dance drama featuring dancers and singers, followed by a love scene with Tosan and Kike as lead players. The musical then shifted smoothly to a university setting, the Emeritus University that witnessed the graduation of students who had individual plans on what to do after school. The trials, successes and experiences of Nigerian graduates were relived in the drama especially by five of the cast Patrick Diabuah (Tosan), Nengi Adoki (Kike), Dolapo Philips (Ngozi), Justin Ezirim (Cletus) and Jolomi Amuka (Rex).

The ever-changing political landscape of the nation was the focus of subsequent scenes of the drama that highlights the emptiness of electioneering campaigns by politicians, unfulfilled promises, rigging, and corruption as well as cross carpeting of aspirants.

Amidst rendition of some popular songs by Nigerian musicians such as Chief Ebenezer Obey, Lagbaja, Flavour, Fela Anikulapo Kuti among others that complement the situations in the performance, the musical took the audience to the political turf where intrigues, unfulfilled promises and cross carpeting were the order of the day. Typical of the Nigerian politicians, Bimbo Manuel (Chief Sagay) and his deputy Mawuyon Ogun (Mama Ke) who contested for governor of Savannah State exhibited the ‘chop I chop’ political philosophy. From unfulfilled campaign promises to inducement of electorates with cash gifts, looting of treasury and wasteful spending of public funds, the politicians on the platforms of Generating Party, Brainy Party and Savannah for Progress showed the stuff they are made of.

But it was time to celebrate the rich Nigerian culture during the wedding ceremony of Ngozi featuring the colourful Efik dancers and backed by Flavour’s hit song Ada.

The younger generation was, however, not spared as the drama also mirrored, among others, the consequences of living fake life via social media (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Tweeter)  as represented by Rex, a medical doctor who checked out of Nigeria to join his facebook lover Cassandra in London. Unfortunately, Rex who merely got a security job later became a stooge for Cassandra who contributed to his deportation. On return to Nigeria, Rex had lost all. Instructively, Rex was a typical example of Nigerians and indeed foreign aliens who felt it is greener out there only to hustle to make a living in the UK.

Apart from the humorous nature of the satire, the musical is a loaded package that captures every aspect of Nigerian life. It is a clarion call on Nigerians, especially the politicians on the need to demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the cause of the electorate who gives their mandate in trust. The effects and backdrop employed in the musical are as instructive and illustrative as the costuming of the cast. Of particular interest is the smooth change of scene done by stage hands effortlessly in few seconds.

All said, Wakaa The Musical has simply raised the bar in theatre circuit in Nigeria. It would be recalled that the show was held at Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos in the last 50 days of Lagos@50 celebration this year, which according to Austeen-Peters, is a testimony of their steadfastness and acceptance by stakeholders in the industry. The curtain was drawn with a strong resolution that together Nigerians can build a nation they will be proud of using Timi Dakolo’s song.

The post WAKAA…pricks nation’s conscience on Independence Day appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Lagos State High Court in Igbosere has dismissed an application by a publishing firm, Cassava Republic Press Ltd, seeking the appointment of arbitrators to settle its dispute with an author, Ayobami Hanif Mohammed.

The court also refused the firm’s prayer to compel the parties to adopt Lagos as the arbitration venue in respect of a January 7, 2010 Memorandum of Understanding.

In a judgment delivered on September 21, Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo held that Cassava Republic’s application was misconceived and without merit.

The firm brought the application on the grounds that: “the parties have failed to agree on the number of arbitrators and the specific arbitrators required to settle their dispute”; and that the “parties have failed to agree on the state and venue at which the arbitration will take place.”

It will be recalled that earlier in the year, Mohammed had addressed reporters following a case his counsel instituted against Cassava Republic Press Ltd, a publishing firm which published his book; Last Days at Forcados High School alleging that his royalty was not fully paid.

The publishing firm had instantly fired back via a rejoinder, claiming that a case filed by Mohammed’s counsel was belated and an abuse of court process since Cassava Republic had earlier filed an action at the High Court of Lagos State.

In his ruling however, Justice Onigbanjo granted the applicant’s notice of preliminary objection urging the court to dismiss same.

Onigbanjo said: “Upon a careful consideration of the notice of preliminary objection and the entirety of argument proffered in support by counsel, I totally agree with submission proffered in opposing same to the effect that the preliminary objection is wholly misconceived, same being predicated on counsel’s erroneous confusion of the position of the law regarding that proceedings initiated by way of originating summons with the position in this suit which was clearly initiated by originating summons as argued by counsel in support of the notice of preliminary objections.

“I shall, therefore, in view of the foregoing dismiss the notice of preliminary objection in limine as being totally misconceived in the circumstances without more.

“The notice of preliminary objection dated 20-04-2017, is hereby ordered dismissed.”

Justice Onigbanjo added that since both parties had agreed on the choice of Abuja as venue for the arbitration, the court was not entitled to intervene except where otherwise consented by the parties.

The judge said since both parties did not agree on the number of arbitrators, the court would invoke Section 6 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act; he pegged the number of arbitrators to three.

“The foregoing being the case can only mean that the respondent is on firm legal grounds by proposing three arbitrators, proposing one Mr Andy Orji and Abuja as the arbitration venue in clause 7 of his notice of arbitration a copy of which annexed to the affidavit in support of this application,” the ruling further stated.

“Consequently, I have no doubt that this application is misconceived and lacks merit having been predicated on alleged failure of parties to agree on the state and venue for arbitration as well as the number of arbitrators or specific arbitrators to settle parties’ dispute and which grounds I find totally misconceived bearing in mind the clear contents of the binding contractual agreement between parties and respondent’s notice of arbitration copies of which are annexed to this application by the applicant.”

The post Court refuses publisher’s request for arbitrators appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

In line with its corporate mission to highlight environmental and socio-economic issues confronting the Niger Delta region, the National Point will hold a public lecture and book presentation at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, on October 26.

The event, which will be chaired by Chief Albert Horsfall, chairman of the defunct OMPADEC, will also witness the launch of the Niger Delta Women International Resource & Development (NDWIRED) Centre.

It is part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the weekly newspaper.

On November 23, there will be a lecture in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

A statement by the Executive Director of the Port Harcourt-based weekly, Ms Ibiba Don Pedro, noted that the lecture, with the theme: Niger Delta next decade: Away with oil, a way from oil, will examine burning issues facing the oil- rich but beleaguered region.

These include youth restiveness, a future without oil, environmental degradation, gas flaring which lead to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular ailments besides the devastating effects on livelihoods, businesses, social life among others.

“We believe strongly that there’s a need to continuously bring these issues to the public sphere so they can be tackled with the urgency they deserve. In a few decades, oil will become irrelevant as a commodity so what happens to the Niger Delta’s environment then that has been despoiled by over six decades of oil exploitation and exploration activities?  The region will require billions of dollars for its clean- up. Where’s this money going to come from?  These are some of the issues we need to address urgently, “she said.

On the newspaper, she disclosed that National Point was set up in 2007 by a small group of activists and public interest journalists to professionally manage a newspaper with a vision to provide robust reporting of Niger Delta / South-South persons, places and issues.

The post National Point is 10 appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.