MTN’s interest in Nigeria is beyond telecommunication. For some years, major artistic events have received the support of the telecom giant.

Of late, the MTN Foundation was a major sponsor of two topflight musicals, Saro… the musical and Wakaa … the musical all produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters.

With such commitments, the foundation has continued to express its support for Nigeria’s artistic and cultural expressions, as a way of engaging its talented youths in fruitful endeavours, so as to take as many as possible off the street.

The Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Noni Ugbomah, told The Nation during the presentation of Wakaa…The Musical in Abuja recently that the firm’s promotion of arts and culture is also indirectly boosting Nigeria’s rich culture and diversity.

She noted that Nigeria has lots of talented youths who are performing amazing things in the arts.

“Promoting arts and culture, for MTN, is promoting Nigeria’s rich culture and diversity. We’ve got lots of young talents. The young people performing are amazing. We just came back from London with Saro and it was a sold-out show.

‘’Now, we have come to Abuja as well, and it’s about the independence celebration. Wakaa! is a strong narrative about Nigeria. Lots of kudos for Bolanle and we want to encourage other production houses in Nigeria; there’s so much talent to harness.

“Over the years, people moved typically away from anything that is authentically Nigerian to all western (European); that is why we call this a movement. Live theatre takes a lot of skills and we’re so happy to be part of it,” she added.

It would be recalled that in the Lagos, London and Abuja performances, Bolanle Austeen-Peters production had a supporting partner in MTN Foundation.

Like most of the shows including the London outings, the Abuja presentation was not only attended by top government functionaries, including Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, his wife, Dolapo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, MTN Foundation Chairman Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, but it was also sold out.

The post ‘Why MTN Foundation supports arts’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

As part of its corporate social reasonability, Initiative for Dialogue and Development (IDD) has  unveiled SoapboxNG advocacy campaign to further support the government’s efforts at achieving a unified Nigeria.

Over the years, the government had embarked on initiatives like Good People, Great Nation to encourage national unity and togetherness among citizens.

The campaign with the theme Re-Inventing Our Nationhood, which emphasiszes peaceful coexistence and unity among the citizens, will be unveiled on both offline and online media platforms across the country. It is a resolve to make justice, equity and fairness the fundamental elements for Nigeria’s sustainable development and acknowledgement of the need for youth inclusion; to infuse the capacities of Nigeria youths as agents for national development.

Speaking at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja , Dr. Ike Neliaku, Chairman of IDD, said the initiative  was formed by a group of concerned Nigerians cutting across ethnic nationalities and religious divides ,for the purpose of bring Nigerians together to engage in a new way of discussing matters of the nation in a civil, cordial ,and coordinated matter. This, he said, is a superior alternative to the use of violence to settle issues.

”We at IDD believe that no matter how serious and urgent the problems may seem ,the best approach remains for Nigerians to engage one another in dialogue, rather than violence .The efforts in this regard have brought us here today, to the unveiling of SoapboxNG, the IDD’s signature platform for constructive and sustainable citizen engagement, across the nation.”

According to Neliaku, “we intend to take Soapbox around the country, to state capitals and at the grassroots, to give more ordinary Nigerians the opportunity to air their views on their nationhood, under different but relevant topics. We believe that this is the path to go, and indeed the best strategy towards finding lasting peace and sustainable development of both nation and our continents.

”At the end of every discussion, including that of today, resolutions and recommendation made, will be transmitted to the appropriate tiers, branches or agencies of government, at various levels. ”

Meanwhile IDD  presently runs on three key programmes- the first being with the Students Internship Programmes (SIP), which engages secondary school students in all the states of the federation and FCT, to identify bright students, who deeply believe in Nigeria, through different mechanisms.

The maiden edition of SIP commenced with 22 students from 14 states of the federation and FCT. When it was concluded, were selected through essay competition on the theme,” I am a Nigerian. Nigeria Needs Me. ”The selected students were taken through a full week of intensive training on such theme as; Citizen, Love of country and National Integration; Leadership and Development; Mass communication and Social Media and Cyber Security, Career Prospecting and Choices  Etiquette and Grooming, Culture of Nationhood etc.

The purpose of this training is to begin early to deliberately groom the young people as a replacement Generation for the ideal nationhood that we collectively desire. At the end of the training, the successful ones, who will be decorated at this event, are awarded ”IDD Ambassador of National Unity,” and released to go and impact on others.

The second component of our programmmes is the YX Assembly a.k.a Youth Exchange Assembly. This programmmes brings Nigeria youths together to talk about their matters, their challenges, and their perspectives on the country .We listen and counsel and guide them not only on legitimate ways of not only excelling in tough times we’re in today, but also on how to be better 21st century citizen.

The third and most important IDD program is ”SoapboxNG is for every Nigerian who wishes to have a voice on our national progress, and that is why the array of persons here today cuts across every strata of society.

According to a 2016 report by National Bureau of Statistics, no fewer than 112 million Nigerians or 67.1 percent of the nation’s population, live below the poverty line.The severe economic downturn the country has experienced in the last few years has not helped matters. In the last three years for instance, our economy has been on the decline, and millions of Nigerians have lost their jobs and many have slipped into abject poverty.

However, the belief of the IDD and its partners is that though the problems may be quite severe, our attitude as citizens should be that of builders and not destroyers. If in our anger and frustration, we end up destroying the country by what we say and do, then all hope is lost already. But if in patience and perseverance, we gradually and painstaking work to restore hope and solve our nation’s problems ,then one day, indeed soon ,we will emerge individually and collectively stronger ,and both present and future generation of Nigerians will be the better for it.

The IDD is unequivocally committed to this vision and will continue to work hard to ensure its realization .Change may be slow ,and success may not come too soon ,but we believe that as a people ,we should never relent .Folding our hands and doing nothing but just complaining ,is an option most unthinkable.

The popular quote that says  ” ideas rule the world”. IDD believes strongly in ideals, a people’s platform for citizen engagement, inclusive dialogue, informed National conversation and national cohesion.

The post Group unveils advocacy campaign appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration will continue to work for the good of all in the state, saying the primary essence of governance is to bring happiness to the citizens.

He said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.

He said the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo would not only become self-sufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.

Obaseki, represented by Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, at this year’s Sobe Day  in Sobe, Obaseki had expressed happiness at the unity in Owan West Local Government Area as demonstrated by the huge support and presence of guests at this yearly celebration.

He noted that the state government identified the resolve of Sobe people, who are ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.

According to Obaseki, the community’s appeal for qualitative health care and education aligns with his government’s priorities, adding:’’Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary health care centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life.’’

He said: “The primary essence of governance is bringing happiness to the people, which isthe utilitarian essence of governance.You don’t constitute mortal danger to your people and you don’t drive people to desperate solutions. When all these are on ground, obviously there won’t be much problem.  I am particularly happy with the unity of our people of Owan West as demonstrated by the presence and support of guests such as State House of Assembly member Hon. Victor Ojo Asein, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Reginald Okun,  All Progressives Congress Chairman, Mr. Tunde Omoruan and Angelina Aigbokhae at this year’s Sobe Day celebration.”

Chairman of the occasion Prof Smart Uhakheme urged the people to be alive to their civic responsibility, especially as it affects choosing their political leaders during elections and holding them accountable.

According to him, Sobe Day has come to stay as it has not only occupied a major spot on the community’s festival calendar but it has also become a permanent feature of their lives.

“We now plan our annual leave or vacations around it. In fact, many people come home from America and other faraway places for Sobe Day celebration than during xmas or New year. Also, it has become a shining example, which other neighbouring communities emulate,”  he said.

Uhakheme noted that time had come to refocus efforts on setting a new agenda which should include economic development and effective political participation. Achievement of these two goals, he said, will put the community in a strong position to tackle the most pressing issues which include security, health care and management of resources. ‘

’As a community we must get involved in the political process. It is important for all of us to participate actively. By doing so, we can affect the outcome any election and bring about the desired change. Perhaps, more important, effective participation can forestall the general tendency of putting round pegs into square holes,” he added.

His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, the Odion-Ibiado of Sobe, called for the continued maintenance of peace, security and unity among the people, noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace and unity that Sobe community can develop as government cannot do it alone.

“It is on record that most of the development efforts in Sobe were done by our illustrious sons and daughters. We can still do it again if we are united. It is on this light I call on those still aggrieved to come and join the fold because the more we are the merrier,’’ he added.

Sobe Forum President-General, Mr. Tony Akerele, who called on state government to provide adequate health facilities for Sobe lamented the non-functioning of the state owned health centres in the community. He therefore called on the state government to consider establishing a general hospital in the community, which he said, will serve all the adjoining communities in the area.

Akerele pleaded that the primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the community should be adequately staffed and equipped for maximum results. “Our secondary school is in need of laboratory equipment for the teaching of science subjects. Once we educate our teeming youth population each will be able to confront poverty and rebuff cultism,” he said.

He commended the prompt response by the governor to the community’s request for more teachers to the community secondary, noting that Sobe is glad that the state has planned to construct the abandoned Sobe-Ora road project. He, however, also appealed for the construction of Sobe Market that was demolished and abandoned for years.

Chief launcher and APC leader (Owan East) Alhaji Abdulganiu Lawani and other guests made hand some donations towards the health project.

The event witnessed presentation of awards by the Lagos-based Ohiame Social Club to Apostle Funsho Osoro and Hon. Jimfred Aigbologa Obaidiku for their selfless sevices to the community.  Also, over N1 million worth of small scale business equipment, such as two motor cycles, four hair dryers, four grinders, four sewing and two vulcanising machines wre won through raffle draws.

Among guests who attended the event were representatives of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Acting Chairman Owan West Local Government, Dr. Owolabi,  the SSA to Governor, Hon. Oni Enahoro; Hon. Tony Ohimai Ikhianvbode, Chief Isewede Ovude, Alhaji Sufiunu Igbafen.

The post Obaseki lauds cooperation, unity in Sobe appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Cultural diplomacy-oriented public institutions and organisations drawn from 10 countries, including Nigeria, will converge on Istanbul, Turkey, for an international conference tomorrow at the Marmara University, Rectorate Building, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.

The conference, which has as theme, The role of public Diplomacy in Bringing Conflicted Communities Together is organised by YunusEmre Institute Cultural Diplomacy Academy and Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet).

It is the fourth General Assembly of GPDNetwork chaired by  Yunus Emre Institute President, Prof. SerefAtes. It will run from October 19 to 22.

Keynote speaker is Ibrahim Kalýn. Other speakers include Brigitte Nacos of Columbia University, Luis Palma Castillo of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, BekirKarlýðaof Alliance of Civilisations and Neville Bolt of King’s College, London.

There will be a panel discussion that will focus on The future of the public diplomacy and the role of public diplomacy in conflict

prevention featuring Ýbrahim Kalýn Brigitte Nacos, Luis Palma Castillo, BekirKarlýða and Neville Bolt as panelists while MelihBarut is moderator.

A statement by the organisers said the conference and discussions will be followed by a Cultural Diplomacy Academy Interactive Learning Lab on Strategic planning for non-profit organisations. The objective of the interactive learning lab, the statement said, is to ‘broaden our visions by learning from each other’s experiences on the way to redesigning process of GPDNet vision 2030.’

GPDNetwork was founded in Korea in October 2014 with the aim of enabling knowledge exchange in theoretical and practical fields and making bilateral or multilateral projects between cultural and diplomacy institutions across the world. Nigeria’s delegation will be led by National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

The post Istanbul hosts diplomacy conference Thursday appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

FIFTY-SEVEN years ago, in the rustic town of Aparaki,  via  Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu-North Local Government, a pretty girl destined to be an excellent achiever in both civil and public service, nay politics, was added to the teeming illustrious sons and daughters of the Gateway State, through the family of the late Pa. F.T. Fabamwo and Mrs L. A. Fabamwo of blessed memory.

As if to leave nobody in doubt that she was actually meant for the top, her parents, unlike others who never believed in the education of the girl-child  at that time, enrolled this vivacious young girl in school. After a scintillating secondary school education at Reagan Memorial Baptist Girl’s Secondary School, Yaba, Lagos, the young YetundeAbosede was admitted to the Lagos State College of Science and Technology, now Lagos State Polytechnic.

Not done with her quest for knowledge, she was again at Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye now Olabisi Onabanjo University for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Happily married to an Ijebu-Ode High Chief and a successful business tycoon, Otunba (Giwa) Abiodun Onanuga, Chief  Yetunde Onanuga  had all along been blazing trail as an administrator per excellence with the Lagos State Civil Service and was the Director of Finance and Administration in the Ministry of Environment when the eagle eye of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, which has knack for spotting and recognising a very good product when he sees one invited her to be his deputy for the onerous task of completing his mission to rebuild the State.

And truly with the wealth of experience acquired over the years, the amazon, since assumption of office in the last two and half years, had proved to be a worthy deputy governor with a clear mindset for exemplary leadership and unalloyed loyalty both to the government, the ruling party, APC and most importantly the good people of the State.

Nigerian politics is replete with history of deputy governors in the mold of the treacherous Judas Iscariot who never batted an eye lid before exchanging his Master for a few shillings. Rather than seeing her vantage position as an opportunity to rub shoulder with the governor and of course rock the ship of the hardworking governor, Mrs. Onanuga has continued to see the governor as the c aptain of the ship and herself as the Co-Captain deeply committed to steering the ship of mission to rebuild safely to the harbor.

In addition to her numerous roles as the number two citizen of the state, the Deputy Governor also supervises the Ministry of Rural Development where she has been using her dexterity and acumen to further contribute to the greatness of the state.  Mrs Onanuga had represented the governor at many occasions and even acted twice as the governor of the State while her boss, the governor, was away in foreign countries searching for investors, without any story of palace coup flying about.

These rare qualities of exemplary leadership and loyalty of this virtuous woman was the focus of the governor while rejoicing with the his deputy as she turned 57 recently.

Amosun described her deputy as a very resourceful, reliable, dependable and energetic deputy governor whose deep commitment and loyalty has assisted his government to further deliver on his promise to leave the state far better than he met it. The celebration,  held at the executive chamber of the governor’s office was witnessed by Mrs Amosun, the governor’s wife, the Secretary to the State government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief of Staff to the governor, Chief Tolu Odebiyi,  Head of Service MrAbayomiSobande and other members of the State cabinet.

Mrs. Onanuga’s motherly affection to people all around her is one other commendable attribute of this energetic woman that must never be swept under the carpet as we celebrate this thoroughbred public servant and astute administrator.

She is always willing to share the little she has with the people. Mama as we affectionately call her is a strong believer in the principle of being one’s brother’s keeper as this she always insisted would make the world a better place to live in.

MrsOnanuga is one of the founding members of Sisters Unite for Children (now  Child Upliftment Association, aNon-Governmental Organisation (NGO) catering for abandoned and street children in the society. She is a member of many professional bodies, including Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

As this pride of womanhood and epitome of selfless service is three years shy of hitting diamond celebration, I join the good people of the state to celebrate her sterling performance in and outside politics, your resourcefulness and team player spirit wishing you more fruitful and remarkable years in your service to fatherland.

• Olayinka is head, Press Unit, Office of the Ogun State Deputy Governor

The post Honour to an exemplary leader at 57 appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The introduction to Esther Nwogwonuwe Wright’s book, The Story of Ubulu Kingdom: A Historical Documentary of The People of Ubulu covers areas, such as the location of Ubulu communities; the language they speak, habitat and climate; seasons, occupation, Ubulu calendar, market day, market arrangements; currency and religion.

But, Chapter One dwells on the Ubulu towns and how it all started. The mystery behind the activities of some migrants and the mystic pot called ‘Ududu’. The internal details on Ubulu communities pointed in this chapter give a clearer picture of their settlements. This is vital for an understanding that though, these towns and villages are scattered all over Southern Nigeria, they still display common features in their traditional practices and observances with the Ubulu Kingdom. Such as ima ani, the system using Egbo or Akpu tree or Ogirisi tree to mark out place of settlement. There is a common origin for all Ubulu towns and communities.

Chapter Two focuses on Ubulu towns’ ancestral origin, reasons for their migration from their original place. It takes the readers to stories of origin, migrations, who they met in where they now occupy, how they made the place their final settlements, which reveal so much of their link with Ezemu and Obodo.

In Chapter Three, the author talks primarily about the culture and traditions of Ubulu people. The people of Ubulu are great traditionalists with a record of accomplishment of ancient events, beliefs and history. They are remarkably distinguished by their cultural events and traditions from other people located in the same geographical zone. For the people of Ubulu, such cultural events and traditions are memorable, as well as colourful and are worth celebrating. Examples are Ikenga, Iwa ji, Iwu and Ine festival, Isa Ifi, idegbe, non-consumption of the civet cat known as Edi (the significant of these festivals and ceremony)

Chapter Four talks about the founder of Ubulu Kingdom, Ezemu (a combination of the highest of human virtues), which made him an exceptional statesman of his time. In everything he did, he displayed intelligence, courage, patience, intrigues, and pursued his diplomacy with a deep sense of awareness that human destiny was divinely controlled. A man with enormous energy, a competent administrator, a great diviner and a diplomat, Ezemu used his talents to get what he wanted. He was well rooted in the use of herbal medicine. These attributes he combined and used to secure all he wanted for his kingdom. Ezemu, is a legend whose extraordinary accomplishments had an unequalled track record. Ubulu kingdom’s relationship with her neighbours during the era of Ezemu is an illustration of the diplomacy of state formation as well as patterns of inter group relations about the whole Nigerian geo?political environment.

In Chapter Five, the author narrates the Ezemu/Ozim dynasty- From the lineage of Ozim, came the Umuozim. They are the direct children of the past kings in Ubulu kingdom beginning from Ezemu. They are the princes and princesses spread all over the quarters in Ubulu?Ukwu, Ubulu?Okiti and beyond. They are the supreme traditional authorities; the council of states, the owners of the stool and king makers in Ubulu-Okiti and Ubulu?Ukwu. Having studied the character this whole story is built around the man Ezemu and the various accounts that trail his origin, migration, settlement and the dynasty he left behind. It also recalls the impact of Obodo and Ezemu’s lives on the various towns linked by these ancestors and how they fared in their various settlements politically, economically, socially and culturally.

Chapter 6 captures the political and socio-cultural organisations among Ubulu towns. The people of Ubulu towns still maintain ties with kingship, family, kindred, as well as age-grade with structures that differed slightly from one town to the other. The towns are structured into socio-political units in order to cope with and ensure effective control and ruler-ship. Their system of rule is based on divine right of the Okpala-Uku and the Eze, whereby the powers and authority of the Okpala-Uku (oldest man of a lineage) and Eze, (monarch), is believed to come from God and, as such, they are believed to be above equals and regarded as representatives of God and the ancestors on earth. They doubled as both the political and religious heads of their communities or towns. In one of the towns, the kings are mainly the political heads while the religious aspect is handled by the lineage head or Okpala Ani. However, despite the role of the monarch (Obi, Igwe, and title holders) the available Intelligence Report shows that, “the family systems remain the ultimate basis of administration” in Ubulu towns hence the slogan ‘eboka’ confirms the strength of the family in administration.

Chapter Seven dwells on the war experiences and the Ubulu people. Ubulu towns, like many other societies in Africa, fought one aya (war) or the other in the process of its development. Such wars obviously make an impact on the people.

There were internal and external wars and included wars, such as Aya Ugbolo, aya Obi Olise or Aya Emokpaogbe, Aya Ekumekwu, Aya Ogbe and Alumu, Aya Ani Obodo and Ikilike Ogwashi?Uku, Aya Umubu and Umuosele and the 1914 Abbi war. Though these wars had both negative and positive impacts on people’s lives, they came out a better people, strengthened, though not without some discouragements for their losses.

Chapter eight is on Ubulu’s contact with the outside world – the ancestors of Ubulu Kingdom had created rooms for outside contacts as they could not have existed in isolation. With Ubulu towns scattered all over Nigeria, one would expect that a lot of contact would have been made. However, such contacts brought positive or negative results, or sometimes both. Despite everything, Ubulu towns have carried on making, creating and using every available opportunity to reposition their towns in the 21st century. The puzzle and solutions rest on the shoulders of all sons and daughters whose origin is traceable to Ani Ezemu and Ani Obodo.

The post Tracking Ubulu, its heritage appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Have you ever expected so much from something but when you finally got it, the satisfaction was not there? Have you ever loved the advertisement of a product but your experience of the product was not as favourable? Perhaps you have held someone in high esteem, but after a close contact, you were disappointed? All of these are symptoms of the same problem- overrated packaging. We work so hard to create an impression but we neglect to build a reputation.

Glamour seems to have become the definition of success these days; so, a less glamourous activity is considered less successful. When you meet a friend you have not seen in ages, you spend the first few minutes assessing each other to determine who is more successful. You compare your jobs, cars, families, etc. The reason people think they are not making progress or that they are not successful is that they focus on great events instead of great deeds. Great events are characterized by crowds and glamour and they involve public displays. On the other hand, great deeds are valuable contributions made without deliberate need for publicity. Great deeds can even be done in secret and to a single person.

Many people want to be celebrated, but not everyone that is celebrated deserves it. Let us consider a few differences between great deeds and great events:

• Great events without great deeds are nothing but a mirage while great deeds always result in great events. BurjKhalifa is reputed to be the tallest building in the world; standing at 2, 722 ft. The building has 163 floors and has won not less than 17 awards with respect to its height. The design of its fountain system cost Dh 800 million (US$217 million), which is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 coloured projectors. The official launch ceremony featured 10,000 fireworks, with light beams projected on the building. That was a great event! But do you know that several great deeds went into the building that were less glamourous? There were several details here and there such as plumbing, electrical fittings,among others but let’s talk about the foundation. While I will not go into the technical details, over 58, 900 cu yd of concrete, weighing over 120, 000 short tons were used in constructing the concrete and steel foundation. The construction took about 22 million man-hours. That, I believe, is a great deed! As we celebrate the building, we are quick to forget the foundation, without which the building cannot stand. Invest in great deeds and your great events will be guaranteed.
• We wait for great events but neglect great deeds, so we wait forever. If you have never been employed in your life, yet you refuse ‘low paying’ jobs because you are waiting for the million dollar one, you may wait forever. That is because the job that pays well will require years of experience, which you refuse to acquire because you are busy waiting.
• Many people believe they need great events as opportunities to showcase their great deeds, but only great deeds create great events. You may dream of what you will do when you become the president of your country; what are you doing in your local government?

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

The post Great deeds versus Great events appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Former Manager of the late Fela AnikulapoKuti, Mr. Benson Idonije, has described the celebration of the musical icon, Fela by Lagos State government as a well-deserved honour.

He described the Liberation statue commissioned by Lagos State government as a grand event to celebrate and honour the Abami Eda who passed on twenty years ago.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode unveiled the Liberation statue on Sunday at Allen Avenue Roundabout Ikeja, Lagos.

Idonije, who has authored a book Dis FelaSef, which coincided with the ongoing Felabration, said: “The unveiling event of Liberation statue is a grand one. Lagos state government has done very well in appreciating Fela. Personally, I appreciate it. However, it is long over-due but it is better late than never because it is still very relevant.”

Sculptor SobayoAbolore created the Liberation among the 19 public art works commissioned by Lagos State early this year. He also produced Community located near Ile Zik on Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos.

Liberation is a fibre glass statue of a headless Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and surrounded with depictions of different parts of Lagos. The statue is a result of Abolore’s last exhibition, Echoes, which he used to study Fela and document his story using facial marks.

According to the artist, ‘’It is 20 years Fela died and we don’t have a statue of Fela anywhere, so I decided to do a statue of Fela without the head because three things make a man-his ideology, his actions and his words. These are the things that I remember about Fela. I want people to see the essence and mythology of Fela, it’s about legacy, the posture of the Afrobeat icon.’’

The governor noted that the statue is not an image of Fela but a symbol of Fela’s philosophy. “The artwork was created as a form of respect and remembrance to this legend, what he stood for and fought for, with his music, his mythology, struggles for freedom, fight for human dignity, social consciousness, courage and pan Africanism,” he said at the unveiling.

The post Fela’s Liberation: A deserved honour appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Victoria Abraham has a great passion for writing and she has churned out a number of books that motivate and inspire others. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she  talks about her passion for writing , getting inspiration from nature , making creative minds thrive better in the economy and more.

Tell us about life as a writer?

I wrote and published my first book ‘Treasures’ in 2011, since then I have written a total of 9 books and published 6 of them physically while 8 of them have all been published on Amazon. Since publishing ‘Treasures in 2011, I have published other titles including, Hope on the go, 12 golden laws of Success, The Tiny Big First Step, 100 Life’s Little Lessons, and In Pursuit of Happiness. The others soon to be published books include ‘Because I Believed’, ‘Insightful nuggets for Living’ and ‘The Creative Force of Faith’, I started with writing and publishing just one title but subsequently I have written and continued to write multiple books every year and this year is no exception. Though more and more people on a global scene are going online to purchase their favourite titles and the entire publishing business is going digital, Africa and Nigeria are yet to catch up to this fad because of the high illiteracy levels prevalent all over Africa and in Nigeria.

What gives you inspiration to do the things you do?

My first and only motivation would be God and God alone. He inspires me daily and sometimes when I feel like giving up or I feel tired and worn out He helps me get back on track and grants me new strength, wisdom and courage. The publishing terrain is not for the lily livered. It is for the determined and courageous and if you do not have God as your backbone and strength you would certainly not last.   Another inspiration is the very strong need to succeed and succeed big in my area of business because the publishing and media industry is predominantly a man’s world so being a woman in this field demands that I succeed and succeed big to prove that whatever a man can do a woman can do better!

Let’s talk about moments as a writer ?

Writing for me gives me plenty of pleasure. I write first as a means of therapy and then as a form of blessing to humanity. For the last 8years I have written for free on the internet. I write a weekly motivation via my blog, and on facebook and linkedin. I also post this same weekly writing on whatsapp every week. Writing brings me great joy because it empowers me to have a voice in the world. Writing inspires me and breeds great confidence in me. I write down virtually everything. I also use my writing to capture important events and occurrences in my life this way I am able to situate events and keep records of important events in my life. I write weekly sometimes daily but there are periods when I do not write at all but this is usually rare because as writer I am always inspired by my environment and by occurrences that happen around me. Writing has put food on my table for the last 9 years now since I left paid employment and I know that the best is yet to come because I believe that I have paid my dues in the industry and it is pay day for me now as I go global with my art and my craft. This is my hope, dream and aspiration.

What are some of the challenges encountered ?

A big challenge is breaking into new markets because Africans do not necessarily like to read so this is a big challenge because you have stock of books that remain unsold for years. I decided to self-publish my books before going into the business of publishing for others. This is not an easy route to take but I wanted the monopoly of owing the rights to my published works. The easier route would be to sign in to well established publishers and be paid royalty for one’s works. The other challenge is that at this early stage of my publishing and media business I am the writer, publisher, marketer and promoter. Wearing these 4 hats has not been easy though the grace of God has always been sufficient. Other challenges include promotion for one’s work. Promoting anything or brand would ordinarily cost money and because we have been experiencing a downturn in our economy in the last couple of years this means that people spend money on only essential goods and this does not usually include books. This means that only the rich, discerning and students buy books at the moment. I am determined and committed to my vision and mission to become a global player in the publishing and media business, owning publishing companies producing music, magazines, and movies. I believe that providence will soon smile at my business and brand and I will be able to birth all the dreams inside of me and map out for my business despite all these challenges that I presently are facing. I am resolved not to quit or surrender to the vicissitudes of life.

How did you cope with them?

I am dogged and resolute by nature and I never ever back down once I commit to a cause especially when I have come to believe that it is my calling and passion in life. I engage the powers of prayer and fasting as a born again Christian. I also have mentors that encourage me whenever I am down and out. I also make sure that I am abreast of changes within the industry so that I am prepared for imminent changes within my industry. Finally I remain optimistic and positive knowing that I will laugh long, laugh loud and laugh last in this quest if I do not quit. The grace of God remains sufficient for me as a creative entrepreneur.

Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career? What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

The greatest influence in my life and career would be the person of JESUS CHRIST.   I read Physics Education from the University of Lagos in the 80’S and ordinarily I should be a teacher. I went into administration and training in life but I was not fulfilled at all working in the insurance company that was paying me a good salary some years ago. I wanted to do something for myself. I wanted to do great things and leave a great legacy in life. The only way that I could have done this was to partner with a greater and a higher power in the person of Jesus Christ who has not only been a great source of blessings but has also been a great ally and business partner till date. The second greatest influence has to be Pastor E. A. Adeboye who has played a huge role in my life, business and ministry since 1998. Apart from writing I also run a media company and I merchandize some of the products that I create as a creative entrepreneur. I am also a poet, motivational speaker and trainer.

Let’s compare when you started writing and now, what has changed?

I started writing in the mid 90’S though I my first published work was in 2011. When I started writing the era of the internet had just begun but it was slow in penetrating Africa. Comparing the 90’S to the 21st century a lot has changed since then. Then books were sold as physical copies now we have e books. Then many people could not publish their works by themselves but now a lot of people self-publish. In the 90’S you could not sell your books on line but now there are many online channels through which you can sell your books including the Amazon, and so many other platforms because of the age of the internet. As a writer there are many research tools including google that has made researching easier because now you can just ‘google it’ and information is easier and faster to access compared to the 90’S.

What are some of the memorable moments as a writer ?

The year I wrote 4 books and published 2 out of the books remains a great year in my life. Publishing my first book after years and years of writing it too is another milestone for me. Finally between 2011 and 2015 I wrote, published and launched my books and believe me this is no mean feat. All these for me remains memorable moment as a writer.

Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models.

I greatly admire Pastor E. A. Adeboye for his simplicity, humility and great leadership abilities. I also admire him for his great faith and great accomplishments in life and ministry. I also admire my Pastor, Pastor Fred Odekhian for his sacrifice and love for the things of God. I admire Mrs. Ibukun Awosika for making all women everywhere proud. On a global scale I greatly have a lot of respect for Michele Obama for the way she supported her husband and the great works she did during her husband’s tenure in the United States of America.

The post ‘Writing gives me great pleasure’ appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, has continued to highlight the role of youth in the implementation of the global goals, since member states of the United Nations (UN) adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.

The Centre has remodelled its school outreach activities to be youth-focused and SDGs-centred. Of note was the just concluded Arts4SDGs competition in Lagos State and the rollout of the second phase by 1 November 2017 in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.

Arts4SDGs from UNIC is a campaign that promotes the SDGs amongst Secondary School students using creative arts. It requires the students to express their understanding of SDGs in artistic forms or in poetry.

The competition which was organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Education and Tender Arts Nigeria, started earlier in the year among the over 600 public secondary schools in Lagos State and a few private ones.

It reached the climax on Thursday 9 October 2017 with an Exhibition of outstanding works as well as the award of certificates to all students who participated in the competition. The event also featured the unveiling of SDGs theme song titled: “One Planet” initiated by UNIC but composed and rendered by Nigeria’s multi-talented singer, Seyi Ajayi.

Speaking at the Arts4SDGs Exhibition and Certificates Award ceremony, the Director of UNIC Lagos Nigeria,  Ronald Kayanja, explained that Arts4SDGs aimed to create awareness of the SDGs among children and the youth; and raise young advocates to inspire positive actions for sustainable development.

“Arts4SDGs is about viewing the SDGs through the lenses of an artist. Students were asked to interpret any of the 17 SDGs in artistic forms. The works of arts the Students submitted were creative and instructive.”

He said, “There is a particular one that depicts Goal 2, ‘Zero Hunger’ with a plastic plate containing real foodstuffs while a fork and a knife are arranged on each side. The message is clear: No one should go hungry. Let everyone have food on the table.”

Mr Kayanja thanked the Lagos State Government for its support, “especially in sharing the Arts4SDGs communication materials to all schools in the State which was a critical success factor.”

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of Tender Arts Nigeria, Mr Adekunle Adewale, explained that “We believe images are powerful to convey the message beyond words. One image is more powerful than a thousand words. This is the main reason we are partnering UNIC to promote the use of arts to SDGs.

Dignitaries in attendance include Ambassador Ayo Olukanni Nigeria’s former diplomat to Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Island; the President of Society of Nigerian artists, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu; the Chairman, Lagos State Council For Arts and Culture, Mrs Polly Alakija; the Curator, Rele Art Gallery, Ms Adenrele Sonariwo, Representatives of Lagos State Ministry of Education.

The highpoint of the ceremony was the decoration of Seyi Ajayi as a Champion of SDGs by the Director of UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, Mr Kayanja.

The second phase of the Arts4SDGs campaign which is in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, kicks off on 1 November 2017. Over 380 secondary schools in the State would be reached.

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An author and entrepreneur, Adesina Adetola, has embarked on another intellectual adventure. He has put together a collection of papers and discourse entitled: Ekiti State: Beyond Rhetoric, Myths and Sentiments. The book, which features the thoughts and ideas of eminent personalities and stakeholders of Ekiti State, canvasses for the resuscitation of Ekiti core values and bond for socio-economic transformation and development. In this chat, Adetola speaks on the book, which will be presented tomorrow, and the need for the rejuvenation of the core values, among others. 

What are the core values that distinguish the people of Ekiti from others?

Ekiti people share the gene and traits of other Yoruba people which is the hallmark of the “omoluabi” nature. Ekiti people have some qualities traceable to them. Over the years our forefathers have toiled to make an identity for the people, such as the “Parapo” (collective consciousness) ideology. The word, though, common today, originated from the Kiriji war (the Yoruba intra tribal war), when Ekiti people came together under one umbrella as Ekiti Parapo. Since then, solidarity and togetherness has been an Ekiti language. We do things in unity. Also Ekiti has a proud heritage of being a forthright people. It was hard for an average Ekiti person to deceive others.

What do you mean by “was”?

I used “was” purposely because an average Ekiti man would never see black and call it white. That was what distinguished our fathers. They believed in hardwork and dedication to good service, sincerity, responsibility and other good values. Unfortunately, things have changed. Some may say Ekiti people are very stubborn and unyielding but they were stubborn for a just course, to protect their rights: you couldn’t take them for a ride. That became our identity. We have to go beyond rhetoric and sentiments and bring back those core values that Ekiti people stood for.

If the core values are practised by its indigenes, what impact would they have on the development of the state? 

A lot of impacts! Good values will go a long way to transform the land. They will bring attitudinal change that will result to socio-economic transformation, positive change and genuine development. That is why I am saying we have to go beyond rhetoric, myth and sentiments and be sincere with ourselves.  If you claim you have integrity and you are honest and you find yourself in a place of authority, why can’t that honesty and integrity manifest there? A man of integrity will not steal public funds. If we genuinely have these values and put it to practice, Ekiti would be a great place. It will become a centre of attraction.

What inspired this collection?

The inspiration is simple: I am calling on us to bring back our core values for the development of the state. One of my colleagues wrote “Ekiti, One people two generations”, why can’t we bring back what made our fathers to excel and climbed to vintage place in the society. We have a proud heritage; we are benefactor of a profound solid background we must not lose it for a pot of porridge.  We can’t continue in this pedestrian way of doing things?

What is significant the book?

This generation is fast derailing. This is a bread and butter generation, a generation of cash and carry. And am not blaming us, because I belong to this generation, it is disservice the society has done to us. The society has taken it upon itself to devalue the system and made good values unattractive. Politicians are paying for the votes and the voters ate their cakes before having it. It is a very unfortunate situation. So my intention is to remind this generation of what made their fathers whom they were. That there is no short cut to success. Thank God the contributors has done great works, they had gone in their different ways to give ideas how the core values could be restored, how to redeem this generation and make the state great again.

Who are the targets of the book?

Every Ekiti person – young and old, male and female – we all have roles to play. We must bring our heritage back. Government stakeholders have role to place. Traditional fathers would uphold these great core value that was tradition of our for fathers, every adult will see it as a responsibility to teach the younger ones and guide them right while the new generation will also know what is being bestow upon them and how to immortalise it from generation to generation.

Who are the contributors?

We have 24 of them – distinguished men and women from different backgrounds. Their diversity is indeed great value of the book. They wrote from different angles.

My main intention was to have diverse views. And I essentially want it not to have any political intonation, because nothing has ever divided Ekiti like politics, so I was very careful about that.

It has forewords from three distinguished Ekiti personalities: a technocrat , Sir Remi Omotoso MFR; renowned academic, Prof. Akin Oyebode and eminent lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun.

The post A call for the revival of Ekiti core values for development appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

The first woman Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mrs. Eki Eboigbe, has been crowned the 31st president of Inner Wheel Club (IWC) of Surulere, Lagos.

The alumnus of the University of Lagos and Harvard Law School, who is passionate about child protection, cultural conservation and human rights advocacy, is qualified for the position, according to the the group’s District Chairman, Adegbemisola Rufai.

In her inaugural speech at the Eagles Club, Surulere, Mrs. Eboigba underscored the need for solidarity, selflessness and charity to deliver the club’s dutiful service to mankind.

She pledged to bring her experience to bear on the advancement of the club’s various projects.

She said her team planned to implement humanitarian projects, including providing scholarship for Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children to encourage their passion, for learning and advance their ability in disability.

Others include scholarship and mentoring for Girls Correctional Centre, Idi-Araba, to aid their journey towards self-development as well as financial and material empowerment for 20 petty traders around Surulere axis.

She said: “I strongly believe that solidarity is the key to achieving sustainable success, so as I appreciate the support of the National Representative Sowande for her mentorship. I urge them not to relent in their efforts as we march on to leave a lasting legacy on the sands of time.”

Guest Speaker at the induction, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, who spoke on  Leaving a lasting legacy ,challenged the club to prioritise positive projects that would outlive the leadership.

She said the right way to establish an indelible impact is by serving, helping and teaching others. “People will remember you for what you have done for them, not what you have done for yourself. So, the challenge to you as an organisation is to help and teach others to be successful. Creating value for others, not for yourself, is the key to a lasting positive legacy,” she said.

She identified responsibility, accountability, a mindset of service, guiding principles of sustainability, managing change and institutionalisation among others as salient factors to consider in leaving a legacy.

She further admonished the leadership to seek the understanding of what inspires happiness in others through an enduring commitment. This, she said, requires teaching, demonstrating, encouraging and reinforcing with an ecosystem to support positive attitudes, beliefs and behaviors consistently.

Congratulating the new President, National Representative, Bimbo Sowande, said: “It is another opportunity for you to continue service humanity, promote true friendship and foster international understanding. It must have taken you a lot of energy, commitment, dedication, service to humanity and goodwill to members.”

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Members of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria (HAN) in the Southwest have met in the historic city of Badagry  to chart a new course for  tourism. During the four-day event, participants harped on the economic possibilities of culture, tourism and taxation, among others, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

From the palace of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom to the first storey building in Nigeria, enroute the Badagry heritage museum and slave route (Badagry Marina Port), delegates to the conference on tourism and hospitality had a splendid experience in the ancient town.

With the theme: The Emerging market trends in tourism and hospitality sector of the Nigerian economy, the conference’s second edition drew delegates from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

Driven by the need to find proactive strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism, the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria members gathered at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Complex at Topo, for a four-day event. It brought the spotlight on the rich and economic potential of the culture and tourism industry in the face of recession.

The choice of Badagry as host-city for the conference, the organisers said, was informed by its rich cultural and tourism potential. And so, the first point of call was the palace of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom.

Reiterating the uniqueness of Badagry city to the economy of Nigeria, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi 1, Akran of Badagry Kingdom, who received the association’s executive officers at his palace, observed that the town, home to the biggest land port in Nigeria, will soon be home to the biggest seaport in Africa

According to the monarch, the choice of Badagry as the host of the conference reaffirms the community’s role as a hub of aquatic tourism in Africa. He noted  that Badagry community is now one of the oil producing communities in Nigeria.

With a feel of the town’s abundant heritage, the innkeepers also embarked on a tour of some of the historic sites spread across the community. Places they visited included  the first storey building in Nigeria, the Badagry heritage museum, slave route (Badagry Marina Port), Seriki Abass Brazillian barracoon and the site of the early Christian missionaries cemetery that houses the mass burial of over 250 foreign missionaries who died of malaria and other ecological diseases.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, charged the hoteliers to take advantage of the technological revolution in the business sector to upgrade their operations, while urging them to partner with the media to project their hospitality brands to the global community.

The President of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Southwest Zone, Chief Jerome Adoroh, expressed disappointment at the attitude of th government towards development of the tourism sector.

On the relevance of the culture and tourism sector on the economy, he observed that the sector is one of the world’s largest employers that has brought development and growth to both urban and rural areas. In his view, this significant role has had multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.

“The sector over the years has been plagued by erratic power supply, lack and shortage of skilled workers, multiple taxation, cowboy tactics and antics of officials of different organs and departments, some of which have further caused untold pains and hardship for operators of the industry,” Adoroh said.

He noted that the association, which has about 70,000 corporate members, is a voice that is championing the cause of the hospitality industry, while praising the operators of hotel business in the country for demonstrating resilience, notwithstanding the turbulent economic challenges faced by the country.

“The conference is expected to serve as a veritable platform to guide them through basic knowledge and education required in fixing the day to day challenges facing the industry,” he noted.

While decrying the government’s lack of development of the sector, the innkeepers called for tax rebate and harmonisation of taxes and levies at the federal and state level. He, however, charged the government and the National Assembly to reexamine tax administration in Nigeria, particularly how it has negatively affected the tourism and hospitality industry.  He further urged the Federal Government to do all it can to work on harmonising the tax system, adding that the burden is heavy on the operators amidst lack of basic social infrastructure.

Adoroh said:  “As responsible corporate citizens of the country, we believe that revenue generation by the government through taxation is a veritable source of economic growth, thus our resolve to perform our civic duties. However, in doing this, our tax obligation is not supposed to be a peril to sustainability of our businesses.”

The tax session anchored by a tax commentator, Mr. Muyiwa Matuluko, which featured representatives of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and an accountant and chartered tax practitioner, Prince Thomas Olofin, shed light on certain taxation issues bedeviling the hotel industry.

The hoteliers were charged to cultivate the habit of keeping financial records as a means of reducing tax liabilities, noting that hoteliers pay more taxes and levies when services of qualified accountants are not employed.

According to Olofin, excess tax charged on hotels by tax administrators often is not commensurate with the actual sales or turnover of the hotels. He, therefore, charged the owners of hotels to employ competent accountants and keep financial records to avoid double taxation, while appealing to government at all levels to reduce hoteliers’ tax burden to encourage them to pay.

In his paper entitled: “Productivity improvement in the time of recession in Nigeria”, Mr Layi Abidoye, charged hoteliers to prioritise and isolate business opportunities that have the highest probability of resulting in sales and improved profits.

“Hoteliers are not getting basic encouragement: we are the ones providing the roads, electricity and other social service”, lamented the association’s deputy president, Prince Olufemi Egbodofo, adding: “These are things that ordinarily should have been done by the government. We are the ones creating means of livelihood to Nigerian  due to this responsibility”.

He also noted that hoteliers’ role as employers needs the attention of the government, decrying that “the bills and taxes being leveled on us is daunting and has the capacity to ground the hospitality sector”.

“Recently the Federal Government promulgated a law that says 15 percent should be paid on rooms and foods used by our clients. The same government is still receiving money over the same conditions. This to us is double taxation which cannot continue. About 18 different taxes and levies are being paid to the government in some states in the Southwest. Everyday more are springing up.

The organisation’s general secretary, who is also a medical doctor, Dr Dapo Olaleye, said he ventured into the industry because of the “need for a life full of varieties”. While calling for policy change, he noted that until the right people who understand the potential of the sector are placed in positions of authority, the tourism sector will probably not witness remarkable growths.

“Nigeria’s hospitality industry needs president and governors who understand the economic benefits of tourism sector government officials have created so many problems for the hospitality sector, such that the hotels that cater for the welfare of both local and international tourists in being plagued with unfriendly and harsh government policies. Its administrators make unfriendly policies capable of wiping out the gains of the sector

“It is sad that the majority of investors in hotel business are pensioners and retired workers who are now over burdened with huge tax. Tax administrators have turned themselves into tin-Gods to frustrate those people who have divested all they have labour into the tourism sector.

The association honoured Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo as its Grand Matron.

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There is a new phenomenon on the entertainment scene east of the Niger. It was past midday on September 10, in my hometown of Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State.  The family had just completed the ceremony of pulling-off the funeral clothes, Iyipu-Akwa-Uju, for my late mother. My brother Isidore informed me of a concert entitled Egwu Onwa to be hosted in Awka by my talented nephew, Gerald Eze, a newly-minted First Class graduate of  Music from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Without asking questions, I jumped into my brother’s car and we were soon in the capital territory of Awka. Isidore had to make a handful of inquiries and detours before locating the Nelen Studios, venue of the concert in Udoka Housing Estate, Awka.

Gerald Eze’s ensemble bears the name Ichoku. The ensemble has three arms: Ichoku The Band, The Academy, and The Privileged. It is a modern wonder how Ichoku The Band makes use of the local instrument called Uboaka to play Igbo classical music, even as it plays other mellifluous genres and fusions. The Academy comprises young ones who are undergoing musical training under the tutelage of Gerald and other members of Ichoku The Band.

The Privileged consists of physically-challenged musicians who were picked by Gerald and assembled to form a musical troupe. According to the irrepressible Gerald, “Ichoku intends to make of them independent-minded celebrities and not beggars.”

He assembled the physically-challenged musicians and made them part of the Ichoku ensemble so that “they can challenge” the nation and indeed the world at large to rise above their limitations and challenges.”

Ichoku The Band had her first outing at Nike Arts Gallery, Lagos. Gerald performed with the band alongside the legendary Jimi Solanke. The exquisite show was put up by arts promoter and Ambassador Tunde Dawodu.

The Egwu Onwa concert at the  Nelen Studios, Awka, as the names suggests, showcases the moonlight play of traditional Igbo society. The show was aptly subtitled “The Moon, The Square & The Dance”. There is the Igbo saying “Onwa puta, obodo agwu n’ama”, to wit, “Once the moon appears, the town empties into the square.”

“In the days of yore, the moon bore a lot of symbolism,” Gerald Eze said, starring at his ubiquitous Oja instrument. “The Igbo people were pastoralists, farmers, hunters, etc. The people returned to their homes and at night they became philosophers within the Egwu Onwa moments.”

Gerald Eze offers this revelation: “Nelen Studios, owned and run by Chinelo Enemuo, represents the modern-day Onwa beaming on Ichoku. Chinelo took an active role in the maiden outing of the Egwu by offering her theatre space at Nelen Studios and being actively part of the planning.”

In the words of Chinelo Enemuo, “Nelen Studios is an art initiative set to instill creativity and an appreciation of Nigerian culture through a variety of art programmes and events. Egwu Onwa as planned by the Ichoku Ensemble has thus become one of such creative outings that tell of the beautiful Nigerian culture happening at Nelen Studios.”

The Ichoku Band is made up of Gerald Eze Mmaduabuchi, Nwachukwu Uwakwe, Chinelo Mbamalu and Charles Achufusi. The String quartet is known as The Serenade String Quartet. Chimaeche Ikegwuonu and Samvic Uche play Violins while Henry Nwigbo plays the Viola, and Michael Uzomah plays the Cello. The brass players include Chisom Ezeobiora on Trombone, Ezeanyim Kodichukwu Dieudonné on Trumpet and Israel Atuge on Percussion.

The indefatigable members of The Privileged are: Emenike Ezeiruaku (Oja, Ogene), Aloy Orjiakor (Nne Igba), Cosmas Nwoke (Oke Igba), and Chinedu Ezeanya (Ichaka). As Gerald Eze would want to put it he “was opportuned to play along the masters as he played the Oja for the Privileged ensemble.”

The young boys and girls of the Academy include: Afomachukwu Ezeno(Recorder and Voice), Chikaima Ezeno(Recorder and Voice), Chinonoru Ezeno(Voice and Udu), Oluoma Odimegwu(Vead voice and Uboaka), Ifunanya Odimegwu(Voice and Ogene), Nwabuogo Odimegwu(Voice and Ichaka), Chisimdi Ofoegbu(Lead voice and Piano), Beluchi Ofoegbu (Narrator), and Chimerika Ofoegbu (Voice and Drums).

The precocious musicians of The Academy put up a splendid performance that held the audience spellbound for an hour before The Privileged took over the stage with the appearance of two full-blown masquerades that nearly made the women and the children to run for dear life. It was a case of women and children seeing ancestral spirits at close quarters! The women were advised to give money to their husbands and other male spectators to offer to the dancing spirits. It was indeed a rollicking family outing.

The enthralling performance served as a very rewarding introduction of Nelen Studios, “the first of its kind in Awka, and one of a kind in Nigeria,” as penned in the flier.

The collaboration of Gerald Eze, who has the distinction of having represented Nigeria in China, and Chinelo Enemuo at Nelen Studios deserves celebration.

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A few years ago, I made a presentation at an entrepreneurial workshop. Among other things, my task was to help the participants see possibilities that had erstwhile eluded them. So, I decided to engage them in a little exercise. I gave them the following instructions: “I want you to close your eyes and imagine the story I’m about to tell you. If at any point you find the story unrealistic or stupid, open your eyes.” Of course they agreed to the “Simple” activity.
I said, “Imagine you are riding a bicycle down a familiar street. You are waving at friends and acquaintances. Suddenly, you find yourself riding on top of trees, and then you find yourself riding on the water in a swimming pool. Now you can stop riding and open your eyes”. Guess how many people still had their eyes closed by the end of my story? You got that right! Very few! As can be expected, some of the participants opened their eyes when I mentioned cycling because they had never cycled. Quite a number of them understandably opened their eyes when I got to the part of riding on top of trees. However, by the time I got to the part of riding on water, almost all the eyes were staring at me as though I had gone insane. I’m sure you are also wondering how I came up with the “silly” story.
My purpose was to find out how many of the participants were inhibited in their minds. Think of this. How much does it cost to dream or imagine? Nothing right? They couldn’t have been injured by riding a bicycle for the first time in their minds could they? Since they controlled the pictures in their minds, they could ride a bicycle on water and float couldn’t they? Why then do people find it so difficult to dream or use their imagination? According to Albert Einstein, “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world”. Imagination is our only connection between where we are and where we want to be. If we cannot travel in our minds, we will never take a step in reality.
Imagination is a “free” component of the human mind. It can take us anywhere we want to go, that is, if we wish to go somewhere. Several of us have built a protective wall in our minds. Unfortunately, the wall that keeps us safe inside may also keep good things out. The kind of information we store in our minds can determine how far our imaginations can go.
We must deliberately monitor the kind of information we expose our minds to because they form our beliefs and our beliefs create the boundaries of our lives. According to Sarah Vowell, “The only thing more dangerous than an idea is a belief”. Peace Pilgrim also said, “If you realise how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought”. Do you want to be a leader, an influencer or an achiever? Allow your mind to dream freely about what you desire for your future. It doesn’t cost you a thing! After you have created a solid vision of your future, the vision will pull you towards that future as you work diligently to achieve it. Dream big, reach far and break boundaries.
I look forward to reading your stories of great successes and your comments. Share your views by visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

The post Dare to dream? appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

Black Box, a photography installation from Berlin, by photographer Sven Marquardt, with an installation on electronic music, will open on Friday at Goethe-Institut, Lagos.

Black box is a photographic media installation by the Berghain Club member, Marquardt, with musical accompaniment by Marcel Dettmann, one of the most-influential proponents of contemporary techno.

The installation, which runs till November 11, is being co-presented by Goethe-Institut Nigeria and African Artists’ Foundation (AAF).

According to the orgainsers, “Berlin is to electronic music what Florence was to Renaissance art: crucible, arbiter, patron.” (Nick Paumgarten, “Berlin Nights”, The New Yorker, 3/2014). Techno was the youth culture that united East and West in Berlin after the fall of communism in East Germany. After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, unused plots of land and buildings were ready to be filled with new life by clubs, bars, galleries, workshops and studios. Berlin became the epicenter of a new club culture which attracted international attention with clubs, and later with the Love Parade.

“The club scene was given another boost at the beginning of the last decade. Thousands of Techno tourists were attracted into the city every weekend by cut-price European flights; a new wave of clubs like Bar 25, Watergate and the famous Berghain, and parties that never seemed to end. Artists, label operators, party organisers and promoters from all over the world moved to Berlin, constantly contributing new ideas for the city’s sound – a development that continues to this day.”

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To create awareness for print art and printmaking, the Visual Printmakers Association of Nigeria (VPAN) is putting together print artworks that have never been on public display.

Many of the works to be exhibited will form new narratives, demanding, and exciting methods that will invite questions from admirers of the techniques.

According to VPAN, most collectors see print artwork as a copy rather than original. “A print artwork is original in the same way a painting or sculpture is an original work of art, even though many identical of the same piece are produced.

Despite the achievement of Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, who changed from painting to printmaking, the medium is yet to gain popularity.

“Onobrakpeya, who is the grand patron and participant in the print exhibition, has continued to investigate Urhobo folklore through which his works unfold. Today, the professor has disciples, which gave birth to VPAN, from his annual harmattan workshop,” the association stated.

The inaugural exhibition titled: First Rhythm will open on Saturday, October 28, at Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, and will run for three weeks.

“VPAN was conceived at the fifth edition of the harmattan during our professional workshop. After the production of series of beautiful works, we were motivated to establish a professional body, which through it the world can know about us. That is how we came up with the association,” Associate Professor and the president of VPAN, Salubi Onakufe, explained.

The exhibition will feature works by Dr Kunle Adeyemi, Omoh Sophia Igbinovia, Timipre Willis-Amah, Aladegbongbe Aderinsoye, Mike Omoighe, Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce, Yinka Akingbade. Segun Obeyele, Olu Amuda,Moses Unokwa, Ojo Olaniyi, Bode Olaniran, Pius Emorokpo, Inyang Effiong and other artists.

Adeyemi, a member of the association, said: “History is actually being made.This exhibition and the establishment of VPAN will affect our next generation. VPAN is an offshoot of Society of Nigerian Artists(SNA).We have been working silently to establish the association.

Apart from creating beautiful print artworks, Adeyemi said they were looking at the wilder area to printmaking.“Nigeria is introducing a new vocabulary in printmaking art globally, which is plastography. We are going to be experimenting new vaster into new area of findings that we can actually begin to look at, we will begin to introduce the Nigerian concept into world art scape and that is one of the uniqueness of VPAN.”

Adeyemi said it was unfortunate  that people do not know much about printmaking art.

“What painting cannot do, printmaking will do it one hundred times. With printmaking, there is a production of a work and production of work go into a number of editions that are ascribed to the work. Printmaking is a democratic art that will feature with several other people.

“We will educate people on printmaking consistently through workshops, seminars and scholarly discuss “so that at the end of the day people will be very thoroughly breed concerning what we are doing as printmakers. Printmaking is not only to enrich the pocket of the artist, it’s actually for other people to begin to have a place in history, to begin to have a say in the global art scape. for a painter, he is always in the studio doing his own thing, as printmaker you cannot do it alone, it’s a major art that creates employment. Other benefits, it does not ascribe to only one particular material, you are vast to using any found of material as far as the creativity is there.”

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Fifteen international journalists from across the world have received a Coaching and Leadership Fellowship at The Media Project – a partner of The King’s College, an accredited Christian liberal arts college in New York City educating the next generation of principled leaders for America and McChandlish Philips Journalism Institute.

The Media Project, an International non-profit news site and journalism training organisation, is a network of mainstream journalists who are Christians pursuing accurate and intellectually honest reporting on all aspects of culture, particularly the role of religion in public life in all corners of the world. It welcomes friends from other faiths to such discussions and training.

It hosted the fellows in a  week-long workshop, which kicked off on October 7 at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. The participants were engaged in interactive sessions on leadership principles they can use in their newsrooms.

Poynter senior faculty also taught sessions for the group in strategic thinking, global fact-checking, social media, and coaching writers, using feedback, resolving conflict, and improving newsroom collaboration.

The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a global leader in journalism education and a strategy centre that stands for uncompromising excellence in journalism, media and 21st century public discourse.

“The Poynter Institute is a gold standard for journalistic ethics and leadership,” Media Project Executive Director, Paul D. Glader, said. “These hard-working journalists from the far corners of the world picked up insights they can take back to the newsrooms in their home countries.”

The fellows are: Leticia Pautasio (Argentina) is Editor in Chief of TeleSemana.com; Ernest Chi Cho (Cameroon) is Communications Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia; Petr Vizina (Czech Republic) is a Presenter and head of the Culture desk at Czech National Television; Juan Carlos Gonzales (Ecuador) is Director / Presenter at Radio Centro Group. Maria Teresa Ramon (Ecuador is Editor/Supervisor at INEVAL and Evelyn Osagie (Nigeria) is a Senior Correspondent at The Nation.

Others are Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei (Ghana), Editor at Central Press; Dominic Thomas (India) is Programme Executive at Air World Service of All India Radio; Sanjiv Baruah (India) is a broadcaster and web officer for All India Radio; Zaffar Iqbal Sheikh (India) is bureau chief of Srinagar-Jammu and Kashmir for NDT; Tom Osanjo (Kenya) is editor of The Big Issue and a sports columnist; Cecilia Maundu (Kenya) is Assistant News Producer at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation; Marek Miller (Poland) is a consultant at eM-Media; Tracy Lewis (Trinidad & Tobago) is a digital media manager at Catholic Media Services; and Helen Stojilkowicz (Venezuela) is director of HKS Media and Marketing.

The core training sessions were led by Jill Geisler, who holds the Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity at Loyola University Chicago. Geisler, whose leadership mantra is “helping others succeed,” is the author of “Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know.”

For 16 years, Geisler guided the leadership and management programmes of The Poynter Institute. “This is my sixth opportunity to work with these journalists who have been carefully selected by The Media Project. Each year, I marvel at their passion, wisdom, and resilience,” Geisler said.

TMP Fellows will also explore the intersection of journalism and faith with nationally syndicated “On Religion” columnist Terry Mattingly, a Senior Fellow in media and religion at The King’s College in New York City and an ex officio board member of The Media Project. The Fellows will also hear from Glader, a veteran Wall Street Journal reporter, now a magazine journalist and an associate professor at The King’s College in New York City and Executive Director of The Media Project and The McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute.

“We know this programme will help the journalists from around the world tell their story in the way only those who are living it every day can,” Roberta Ahmanson, a writer, philanthropist and chair of the board of The Media Project, said.

The Fellowship requires participants to make a year-long commitment to implement their new coaching and leadership skills. Fellows agree to mentor two journalists working in their home country.

“Poynter faculty teaches seminars and workshops at the Institute in  St. Petersburg, Florida and at conferences and organisational sites around the world. Its e-learning division, News University, www.newsu.org, offers the world’s largest online journalism curriculum in seven languages, with more than 400 interactive courses and 330,000 registered users in more than 200 countries.

“The Institute’s website, www.poynter.org, produces 24-hour coverage of news about media, ethics, technology, the business of news and the trends that currently define and redefine journalism news reporting. The world’s top journalists and media innovators come to Poynter to learn and teach new generations of reporters, storytellers, media inventors, designers, visual journalists, documentarians and broadcast producers, and to build public awareness about journalism, media, the First Amendment and protected discourse that serves democracy and the public good.”

Culled from TMP website: themediaproject.org

Harrison is TMP Managing Director.

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Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode  recently unveiled a statue in honour of Late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Professor TAIWO OGUNADE, in this interview with MOSES EMORINKEN, expressed his opinion concerning Fela’s statue and the representation (or misrepresentation) of the legend and what he stood for.

Do you think it was expedient to erect a statue in honour of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti?

Yes it is important but not to be represented as a blind man without a head.

I was a choreography teacher for Fela’s dancers when he resided at Agege Motor road.

If you go to any system of justice in Nigeria, you will see the statue of a lady holding the sword in one hand and a weighing scale on the other. This symbolises the justice system in Nigeria. On the flip side, we call Fela a liberation artist, yet he does even have a head or even a “clinched” fist.

His head is not in the statue; therefore, it could be anybody’s head. Majority of today’s generation do not even know Fela, not to talk of associating a face or head with him. Imagine a person born ten years ago or even those yet unborn. Will they be able to relate the statue to Fela? Definitely NOT! This is because of the headless feature of the statue.

Therefore, it is a waste of money and resources by Ambode and his advisers.

How can an artist erect a statue without head and call it Fela? That is an insult to his family.

We hear that his family members seem to be fine with the statue. What is your take on this?

Even if the family don’t complain about it, it was obvious that they were stunned at the sight. Everyone was wondering probably a head would descend from the sky.

Don’t you think the artist would have a valid explanation and philosophy behind the headless statue?

Well, I do not know. The governor said it is a liberation statue of Fela. However, a liberator will always have a clinched fist ready to fight. When he was alive, he always had what is called yabis time.

It was a time for him to talk about a lot of things, and get divergent replies. Can someone without a head “yabis” anybody? It is impossible! The signature of the yabis is missing in the statue due to its heedlessness.

It is obvious that the governor and his team were not well advised, or they do not know; I am sure the governor or his advisers never met Fela in their lifetime.

READ ALSO : Fela’s:  Liberation: A deserved honour

That also is a waste of money. Awolowo was not as fat as the statue portrayed. Also, the statue had him with a running boot. Awo never wore a boot as far as I know.

I know him well enough because my primary school (Igbagbo Aladura School) in Ibadan was about 50 metres away from his house.

What is your take on the statue of Jacob Zuma erected by the Imo state governor?

I think Rochas Okorocha is misdirecting himself. People like Zuma should not be honoured.

You don’t honour Jagundas (thieves). He is facing corruption serious charges in his country…such a one should not be given a space in our land, not to talk of honouring him with a statue.

What would be your advice to young artists?

This is a country that has a healthy pool of the old and young. The old is called “old school” while the young “new school”; therefore, if you want to do anything that belongs to the old, it is important that you seek the advice of the “old school”.

Fela belonged to the old school, therefore, let the Ambode stop wasting state funds and seek the advice of people from the old school for projects that pertains to the old school. There are old artists who can guide the “new school” artist to do the old school things.

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As Lagos is growing in life and bonds in art, so is the competition getting higher. No weekend passes by without art exhibitions holding somewhere in the city. The exhibition catalogues are becoming more exquisitely published, better quality images and critical well written text.

Artists are also evolving as no one wants to be left behind. A trend of artists curating their shows is also unfolding, either to avoid the high percentage charged by gallery owners or curators, who often times tell the artist what to create or to avoid being ‘used’. A topic many artists have refused to ignore.

Abiodun Olaku, a prolific painter with 35 years of practice, says “In every human endeavour there is always an element of politics in what we do, and we discovered that many forces have been into existence long ago and life continues to metamorphose. We have forces coming out now, forces who want to take hold of the art industry for us. There is this group of curators and critics who want to drive the industry, they want to give the art scene the life force and I think to some extent they are dictatorial.”

Metal sculptor Fidelis Odogwu, says artists are seen as unintelligent and novices who cannot handle the business aspect of art. “When I hear this, I said let’s try if the curators are different species of human race. We do the art from the conceptual to actualising it. We can talk to a collector about the storyline of our artworks and the philosophy behind each piece.”

In order to achieve their goals, the theme Infinite Treasures, a group exhibition was conceived in 2013 and curated by Odogwu and Olaku. The theme evolved from Distinction to Infinite Treasures.

Since its inception, the annual show has been a platform for artists who have been consistent with unique style to exhibit their artworks. An art enterprise that takes care of the professional artists’ welfare, satisfies collectors and updates the public of the seamless effort of the artists as well as contributes to the country’s GPDs.

This November the 12-man group will present 100 interesting Infinite Treasures to the public from Saturday 4th to Monday13th at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. Featuring grand master, Kolade Oshinowo; with over 40 years of painting practice, Sam Ovraiti, Edosa Ogiugo, Reuben Ugbine, Bunmi Babatunde, Alex Nwaokoro, Duke Asidere, Diseye Tantua including Joshua Nmesirionye and Lekan Onabanjo who are new comers.

“Infinite Treasures is an annual concept of recognised and celebrated brands on the Nigerian art landscape, cutting across overlapping generations of artists. For anybody who collects their works today, whether unconsciously or knowledgeable, you have improved the worth of your estate. The artworks are brands that have innate value. So if you have any of those pieces from any of these artists, you have timeless value,” said Olaku.

But can the group stand the test of time as many groups die from the day they were conceived? Answering this question Olaku, says there are factors that can guaranty longevity and survival of the group. “The artists who participate are critically considered before selection to help sustain the drive and vision of the group.”

According to the artists, the exhibition also aims at inspiring and encouraging the younger generation of artists with dedication and qualities of good delivery and innovative creativity in art practice.

Each of the artists has a personal reason for participating in the show. “It’s an ongoing relationship as we evolve, as the aspirations are being made manifest in terms of result in practice, adding quality to yesterday’s work and getting hungrier for more qualitative work and you find a platform, and that platform brings the artist and collectors, and the artists consult together. So it’s something that fires or fans the fire for the artist,” said Ogiugo.

“For me, I see it as a platform to showcase something new; the development in my work because for some time now I have not had any solo. The exhibition is something I look forward to every year with the pedigree of the artists involved, it makes one to work harder. It’s a major thing for me,” says Nwaokoro.

To Ovraiti: “We are now in the era of collaboration, it’s no longer about one-man show. The exhibition is one way of testing myself. One good thing about it is the element of surprise. Nobody knows what the next person is bringing. You just know that you must comply with the theme. People are looking for what to feed their soul because art is food for the soul and you must not be feeding people with the same thing all the time.”

The exhibition is something we look out for, we try to put in the best and I like to highlight that infinite treasure of what I do. The content of what I will show has to define the theme,” says Odogwu.

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