The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Stakeholders harp on conservation

    From Janefrances Chibuzor

     

    Veterans in Nigerian environment alongside captains from various private sectors, have met on possible ways of protecting and conserving the environment.

    The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment organised a two-day business forum,  tagged: naijabiz4nature.

    The  forum, which aimed at bringing  captains of industry together  to  share ideas on mainstream conservation, served as a veritable platform to advise governments on the need to look inward while creating conducive atmosphere that  would invariably foster effective participation of the private sector in curbing rapid environment degradation.

    The forum supported by World Wildlife Fund for Nature and BirdLife International, held at Lekki Conservation Centre and  ended with a press confer-ence.

    In his opening  address,  Minister of State for Environment Sharon Ikeazor stated.  “We need to adopt new mechanisms, processes and interactions to improve on our current interface with nature as a people.

    Growing development trajectory requires that we find possible ways of improving on things on ground to better the country’s economy.”

    On her part, the President of NCF Board of Trustees, who was represented by Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, said: “The concept of this business forum was premised on the fact that business products, practices, supply chains and business models can have major impact on critical areas of biodiversity conservation and that the private sector plays  critical role in ensuring  biodiversity conservation.”

    The Director-General NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano observed that globally, the loss of biodiversity is on the increase with devastating consequences and not enough is being done to stem the tide.

    “The private sector plays a critical role in determining how biodiversity is used and conserved. Therefore, the sector serves as a major stakeholder in biodiversity conservation.

    In Nigeria, the need to have the private sector involved in the protection and conservation of nature cannot be over-emphasised. Currently, Nigeria ranks as one of the countries with the highest rate of deforestation with 350,000 to 400,000 hectares lost annually.

    Read Also: Erosion may wipe off Lekki Conservation Centre -DG

     

    The loss of such habitat is not only detrimental to the well-being of species, but to people and businesses.

    The mining, agriculture, fishing, finance and banking, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing sectors, among others, either directly or indirectly depend on nature or  services provided by nature which therefore allows private sector  stakeholders invest in conservation and protection of  ecosystem,” he said.

    The forum witnessed five sessions on nature’s contribution to people included nature for business; nature of oil and gas; nature in health and financing nature.

    In attendance were Hon. Samuel Onuigbo, Member, House of Representatives; D-G, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Dr. Obi Adigwe; Director General of LCCI, represented by Dr. Matthew Ojo; Ms. Alessandra Prampolini of WWF International; President, Wildlife Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ibukun Ayodele; Secretary, Forestry Association of Nigeria, Prof Kayode Ogunsanwo; Assistant Conservator General, National Parks Service, Dr. Agboola Okeyoyin; representatives of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Chevron Nig. Ltd, Total E&P Nig. Ltd, Coca-Cola Nig. Ltd and Shell Petroleum Development Company, among others.

     

     

     

  • Royal endorsement boosts Queen Moremi show

    By Evelyn Osagie

     

    The endorsement by His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has continued to add colour and relevance to the story of the warrior Queen Moremi Ajasoro as expressed in “Queen Moremi the Musical”.

    The legendary show, which lauds the Yoruba heroine “Moremi Ajasoro” who made a priceless sacrifice for Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba, is strategic.

    “We’ll keep telling the story of Queen Moremi Ajasoro to bring out the strengths, talents and powers of women and what they can offer to our society to make a difference,” says The Ojaja II.

    Tagged: “Queen Moremi the Musical Reloaded”, the show is a theatrical visualisation and musical orchestration delivered on stage celebrating the legacy of the heroine.

    Having held successfully twice in Lagos starring notable Nigerian actors like Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, Femi Branch Tosin Akinyemi, Deyemi Okanlawon, Lala Akindoju, Kehinde Bankole and a host of others, the reloaded edition set sail last Tuesday with a display of the richness of culture and excellent musical orchestration complemented.

    No doubt, the monarch is a cultural enthusiast whose passion for the woman folk is constantly being reinforced by his support for the musical.

    He led dignitaries of tradition and leaders in corporate world and politics to the shows command performance at Lagos Continental on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Directed by Joshua Alabi with Benneth Ogbewei as the Music Director, the show began with command performance last week Tuesday night with over 900 guests on its first show.

    They included wife of former Ogun State Governor Mrs Olufunso Amosun; the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao and his wife; Princess Toyin Kolade; Princess Kemi Adewumi; Mr Tonye Cole; Mrs Nike Adedutan; Mrs Bola Shagaya; the Chairman, Andron Homes and Yoruba film actor, Saheed Balogun.

    The cultural show, which has the Ooni and Mrs Amosun as the executive producers, was created and produced by the Global Ambassador for Queen Moremi Ajasoro initiative, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi for House of Oduduwa Foundation (HOOF).

    According to the Ooni, behind Moremi story is target at the promotion of advancement of the girl-child and women to give them a sense of pride in the society.

    “We’ll keep telling the story of Queen Moremi Ajasoro to focus on how the society can uplift the girl-child to have a sense of pride and occupy a place in the progress of the country in future.

    “Our prayer is that someday, we will have a female president, probably, they may even do better. We had only struggled to have a female speaker but she could not scale through to the end so we need to support them to excel in future,” the monarch said at the show’s opening.

    While urging that more should be done to improve the plight of the girl-child and women, he described Mrs Amosun as the “Queen Moremi of our time”. He commended her for her efforts at supporting the cause of the girl-child and women.

    Read Also: Queen Moremi is beyond theatre, says Ooni

     

    According to the show’s producer, Princess Ademiluyi, the monarch’s impact on the musical over time has continued to make the event flourish which in turn has reflected into a positive impact in the society.

    “His passion was highly triggered when he saw the stage play for the first time, which according to him almost had him in tears, motivated him to give the project his ‘all’, as an avenue to sensitise the society about women, celebrate them and ensure leadership and empowerment for women (and the girl-child) is ensured.

    “Another of His Imperial Majesty’s Impact with the musical is preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, right here in the motherland and also exporting the culture to different parts of the world.

    Hence, it is the aim of Ooni Ogunwusi to birth a movement strongly committed to showing Nigeria’s cultural stage theatrical excellence and engage the world in it,” she said.

    This reloaded edition which will come to a close tomorrow, has two ladies taking the role of “Moremi” – “Princess Obuseh” and Oluwafeyikemi Agboola.

    Others are Femi Branch as “Olugbo”, Toyin Oshinaike as “Ooni Alaiyemore”, Ademiluyi Adelegan as “Ooni Oranmiyan” and Mojisola Kadiri as “Esimirin”, along with other cast, including, Segun Dada, Olarotimi Adelegan, Ifakolade Ajanaku, Julius Obende, Chidi Okeke and students of University of Lagos Creative Art Department.

  • Multimedia campaign on migration

    By Bode Monogbe

     

    Worried about the challenges faced by illegal  migrants seeking for better future outside the country, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other stakeholders in Edo State have launched a multimedia campaign to help youths make informed migration-related decisions

    This is to address the  growing evidence of the dangers migrants face on their irregular journeys to Europe,  as many young Nigerians do not have access to what could be life-saving information.

    To fill this gap, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboraton with community members in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha, two local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State, recently launched WAKA Well by IOM X (WAKA  is a pidgin word meaning move)

    The campaign aims to prevent exploitation associated with irregular migration by empowering Nigerian youths  to make informed migration-related decisions.

    An IOM study conducted in September 2019 in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha revealed  that 58 per cent (out of 419 respondents) aged between 13 and 40 have not heard or seen information on the dangers of irregular migration in the last few years.

    Additionally, 58 per cent indicated that friends were their  primary source of  information about migration and 66 per cent said they generally get information about job opportunities through word-of-mouth.

    A lack of access to accurate and trustworthy information, both online and in-person, on regular migration options and the available opportunities in Nigeria were identified as key knowledge gaps.

    Read Also: Lalong to migrants: Comply with e-registration

    “WAKA Well by IOM X includes a video highlighting migration experiences and individual definitions of success,” said Abraham Tamrat, IOM Nigeria Programme Manager.

    “The videos were created and validated through a process which brought together relevant stakeholders, including government and civil society partners from Oredo and Ikpoba Okha between August and December.”

    WAKA Well by IOM X also features a new online platform, WAKAwell.info, that provides reliable information for community members about migration pathways and local opportunities.

    Edo State alone accounts for 42 percent of the 18,079 stranded migrants received by IOM and the Federal Government of Nigeria from April 2017 to October 2019.

    WAKA Well by IOM X West Africa is produced together with community members and government representatives in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha and supported by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

     

     

  • Double honours for carver of FESTAC 77 mask

    Forty-two years after his bronze work, Idia Head, became the symbol of FESTAC 77 celebration, Pa Joseph Alufa Igbinovia got a befitting honour in his home town Benin City, the Edo State capital. OZOLUA UHAKHEME Assistant Editor (Arts) reports.

     

    Pa Joseph Alufa Igbinovia, whose bronze work, Idia Head became the symbol of FESTAC 77 celebration, has received double honour courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Abuja.

    Obviously, Pa Igbinovia has etched his name on the timeless marble of Nigeria’s creative landscape. However, the solo art exhibition of Igbinovia’s artworks and a presentation of a book entitled FESTAC 77: Unmasking the unsung hero: Joseph Alufa Igbinovia on his life and works organised by NGA has added to his list of decorations.

    The venue of the event, which attracted top Nigerian artists, collectors and enthusiasts, was Protea Hotel in Benin City.

    Indeed, it was another event that put the Benin culture on stage after the last National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) that held in November in Benin City.

    Little wonder the event was attended by top Benin chiefs such as Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase of Benin Kingdom and Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom. Others were Chief Roland Ogiame, Olu Ajayi, Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa, Agharese Idubor, Chief E.A Obasogie, Ehis Erimona and Duke Igbinedion, among others.

    Interestingly, the occasion provided another opportunity for intensifying advocacy for the reparation of Nigeria’s stolen artefacts.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to recover  all Nigerian artefacts in different parts of the world.

    “We have served notice to Britain which has a substantial number of the works in its museums to immediately begin the process of bringing them back to us as well as America, Asia, and other foreign countries holding on to our precious art works.

    ‘’I stand here to say that we will not rest on our oars until our last art work in foreign countries is returned to us,” he assured.

    The minister who was represented by Director General Services in the Ministry, Mr. Augustine Eta, praised Igbinovia for rising up to the occasion when the country needed him.

    He described him as one of the heroes of Nigeria worth celebrating, adding that often times, the nation forgets its real heroes.

    “This administration is poised to change all that. The fact that an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Gallery of Art is today exhibiting your art works and unveiling a publication on your life and works is a testimony that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will not forget those that did and that are still doing the country proud at one point or the other.

    “I understand that some of the art works on exhibition today are recent works from you. Doing so at your age shows great commitment to your chosen career.

    The Federal Ministry of Inforamtion and Culture under my watch will support you in whichever way it can. To the great Alufa, I say, keep sculpting, keep carving,” Mohammed said.

    Chairman, board of NGA, Ambassador Umaru Azores Sulaiman, made a clarion call on the Federal Government to provide a befitting edifice for the National Gallery of Art.

    This, he said, would ensure a permanent home for its many collections and a space to host permanent and temporary exhibitions.

    “The edifice will attract local and international tourists who will pay minimal amount to view the works on exhibition.

    This is another way of generating income for the government. I believe getting a structure for the National Gallery of Art should be pursued with the same vigour as that of repatriating our artefacts abroad,” he said.

    Acting Director-General, NGA, Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi, described the event as unique in many ways, adding that it is a travelling exhibition that is kick-starting in Benin City before moving to Lagos and Abuja next year.

    Read Also: National Gallery of Art gets new acting DG

     

    “We will move to Lagos early next year and round off in Abuja in the first quarter of the year. Secondly, this is the first time NGA is documenting an informally trained artist.

    It goes to show how Igbinovia has transformed from a craftsman to a well-honed artist,” he noted.

    He recalled that  master artists documented by NGA included Aina Onabolu, Ben Enwonwu, Timoty Adebanjo, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, Jimo Akolo, and Demas Nwoko, among others.

    According to Ikpakronyi, Igbinovia belongs to the classical group of artists who would rather concentrate on their work than make noise about themselves. This class of people, he said, believes that their work should speak for them.

    “They are silent workers. The downside of this is that by detaching from the public, he is known by very few people in his circle.

    I must confess, it was so difficult getting information in the public space either through books, newspapers or online on the carver of the replica of FESTAC 77 symbol. We had to dig deep and discovered a treasure trove of other important works in private collections done by him,” he added.

    Some of the works on exhibition included Circle of life, liberation tower, Christ comes with sword in his mouth, A queen and her virgin, The Lord crucified, while the angels announce his second coming, and Royal bed of life.

     

     

     

  • Obiano teaches youths on business principles

    For over four hours, hundreds of youths in Awka, the Anambra State capital, received business tutorials from some of Nigeria’s finest entrepreneurs, corporate giants and business moguls. The event, which was organised by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with Stanel Group, was part of activities marking this year’s Homecoming Festival. It was supported by ACCESS Bank, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

     

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State literally returned to the classroom last Wednesday at the Access More mentoring master class.  Setting the tone for the business forum, he spoke passionately on the basic principles of business management with strong emphasis on ethics and ethos of entrepreneurship in an emerging knowledge economy.

    The forum, held at the Stanel World Event Hall, Awka, also attracted top-flight resource persons such as Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Prof. Pat Utomi, Emeka Okwuosa, an engineer; Innocent Chukwuma, Mrs. Uju Ifejika, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, and Victor Etuokwu representing Access Bank MD Herbert Nwigwe.

    Obiano, who warned the youth to stay out of drugs and cultism, urged them to always apply what they learnt because knowledge alone is not power but knowledge applied or utilised. He said drugs and cultism were capable of leading youths to hell on earth and beyond.

    “You must all imbibe the culture of ICT, creative economy and artificial intelligence, which is where the world is headed. Interestingly Anambra has the most brilliant youths anywhere in the world. And we need to channel that in a manner that makes sense,” he said.

    He also encouraged the youth to key into the various opportunities provided at the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism as well as Ministry of Youth Empowerment.

    He observed that what made us rich in the last century would not make us rich in the current century except there is a paradigm shift. This, he said, must start with the review of school curricular that would emphasise where the world is headed or it will be difficult to compete in the global market.

    “The era of what our old seasoned businessmen are doing won’t last. Recall that many years ago, our businessmen were used to doing business under the tag “and Sons Limited”. And when they die, the business dies. Unfortunately, most of them are still not learning any lesson. That’s why I have a department in the Ministry of Finance charged with educating these rich businessmen  on continuous basis. So we try to introduce them to capital market, which is the way to go,” he added.

    Obiano told the youth that they are the leaders of today and not tomorrow but that all they need to do is get prepared and know where the world is headed. ,

    The keynote speaker, CEO, Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, said the foundation of success in business is built on the principles and ethos of entrepreneurship, effects of infrastructure (availability or absence of it) and human capacity development.

    He urged the youth to believe in themselves as they can become what they want to be in life.

    “Believe in yourself. Never allow challenges to deter you. Show resilience and tenacity in pursuing your goal. Acquire necessary skill and education. Maintain high integrity in your dealings. Maintain good balance between hard work and physical ability. Show compassion and love to the less privileged while making sure your mode of help does not create laziness in those you help. Teach people how to fish and not giving them fish all the time. And above all, trust in the teachings of our Lord Jesus,”

    Okwuosa believed that the economic growth of Nigeria can be facilitated and accelerated by the provision of articulated infrastructural framework. He, however, noted that Nigeria is not doing well in infrastructural development, adding that in 2017 report of World Economic Growth, ranks Nigeria out of 137 countries 127 in road quality; 125 in transport quality; 132 in electricity supply; 120 in education; 118 in mathematics/science; and 112 in innovation. This report according to Okwuosa, does not mean Nigeria is doomed, but that ‘if we do not act decisively to reverse this, our future is in danger.’

    “But all this can be reversed. Yet, this report shows that there is a great opportunity in trying to reverse this. We need entrepreneurship, business opportunities, growth of the economy to be able to achieve this.

    It is not all negative. The availability of required infrastructure certainly aids the success of our business. However, we must remember that lack of infrastructure presents opportunities of creating entrepreneurial responses that lead to success,” he said.

    Read Also: Firm to teach entrepreneurs business growth tomorrow

     

    On how to remedy the situation of human capacity development, he said: “We must ensure that the objectives and strategies are clear and ensure quality universal education for the youth. Develop incentive programmes to engage private investors, revive post-secondary school trade centres and technical colleges to train the youth in skills required to secure employment. Improve teacher quality, review school curricular and encourage monitoring varsities and other higher institutions.”

    Royal father of the Day, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha stated that though Nigeria is still a young country because its population which is about 60 percent youths, this can make or mare the country.

    He said with good education, creativity and opportunities, this population can move Nigeria to next level.  “If it does not happen, and delinquencies set in, the country is at risk because the youth are restive. We must do something to realise the dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world,” he warned.

    Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism Mrs Sally Mbanefo described this year’s  festival as a huge investment by the state on human capacity development especially the youths. “The masterclass mentoring programme is indeed a master stroke by this administration to empower the youths of Anambra. The calibre of discussants leaves one in no doubt that the session will be a turning point for the participants. It is an absolute pleasure working with Mr. Stanley Uzochukwu and it is like working with a genius,” she said.

    Chairman Stanley Group of Companies, Mr. Stanley Uzochukwu said the world is serious in building an entrepreneurial culture for the youth and that any effort to deliberately create sustainable business owners is seen as an uncommon step towards changing societal narrative.

    He stressed that entrepreneurship is important as it has the ability to change life, improve standard of living, helps to drive change and innovation.

    According to him, the theme of the forum is Become More, which is why we got seasoned resource persons to share experiences with the youth here gathered. He  noted that one of the reasons for the forum is to tell everyone that there is room to become more.

    “This forum is strategic because it is holding at the end of the year. I want to trust God that by 2020, we would have grown a capacity to become more,” he added.

    This year’s Homecoming Festival also featured musical concert that attracted musicians such as 2Baba, Rude Boy, and Funny Boy; Xmas carols, Street Carnival/ Masquerade Festival, Ikolo concert, art exhibition, and performances by Anambra Cultural Troupe.  This festival will run till January 3 next year with A Night with Flavour Nabania on the last day at Stanel World, Awka.

  • Rochas Foundation seek change in Africa through charity

    By Ozolua Uhakheme

     

    The culture of giving and reaching out to the less-privileged in the society has again been underscored as a major catalyst for positive change. This was the central focus at the thanksgiving celebration organised by Rochas Foundation at the Unity House in Abuja.

    During the yearly event, Nigerians were admonished to embrace the culture of helping the poor and needy as exemplified by Rochas Foundation. Top dignitaries,  including the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, senior government officials and several diplomats from countries, like Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Congo and among others, attended the event..

    The charity was established by former Governor of Imo State, who is the representative of Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha

    Speaking  at the event, he said he was grooming the younger ones, especially his children, to continue the good work of the foundation.

    He affirmed that education was key, noting that: “Let us give everyone a chance because we don’t know which one among these children will change Africa.”

    Read Also: Rainbow Foundation fetes pupils, others in Lagos

     

    Senator Rochas, who is also chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, thanked everyone especially his wife, Lolo Nkechi Rochas who is Vice President of the foundation.

    The event featured a variety of music and comedy performances; narratives by beneficiaries of the foundation’s interventions and heartwarming speeches by alumni members and diplomats.

    The Rochas foundation, founded in 1998, has impacted the lives of over 21000 children while sponsoring about 3000 graduates and undergraduates from different universities across the world.

    The foundation, which has 12 schools in Nigeria and an international college provides, educational support to students from all parts of Africa.

    Its sister foundations, include Juremi, Aro, Elfreeda Foundation and Women of Divine Destiny Initiative.

     

  • MYFI: Banquet of music, gifts for youths at Yuleutide

    Thousands thronged the Expo Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites for the yearly musical youths’ fiesta, Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI). With the theme: Sacrifice of Praise, a bouquet of churches and musical groups left the hall dancing with their musical skills, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

     

    Thousands of children, the young, dressing in multi-coloured attires, flocked the Expo Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. They were there for the interdenominational gospel concert, tagged: Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI).

    The event, which debuted in December 2011 with 20 youth choirs and over 5,000 persons in attendance, has since become a yearly staple at Yuletide, in addition to being an enabling platform for children and youth of various backgrounds and denominations from across the state to exhibit their musical talents, interact and network whilst using music to celebrate God.

    The yearly fiesta initiated by the senator representing Lagos Central District, Mrs.  Oluremi Tinubu, was an occasion for revelry, thanksgiving and reminiscences.

     

    Performances

    With the theme: “Sacrifice of Praise”, there were several highpoints at this year’s fiesta. As a usual custom at the fest, guests were treated to exciting performances by different church choir; but the presence of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, who joined other dignitaries to witness, added spice to this year’s edition. They attended in the company of their spouses – Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Oluremi Hamzat.

    Many, particularly governor, will not forget in a hurry the energetic songs and dramatic musical performances. The classic performance of an all-men acapella group from Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM), stole the governor’s heart as they got him dancing and singing to their tunes. He was not alone. The group managed to keep guests, which included chairmen of several local governments dancing for over 30 minutes.

    The diverse performances of MFM, Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG), Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM),  among other choirs, added a lot of flavour to the event. Each group gave their best on stage.

     

    Praises, soul-winning

     

    Like a young prophet, young Ganiyu Olayemi, who opened the prayers, chose his words carefully while praying for the event, guests and the country. This year’s had a unique twist to it.

    While guests were expecting a long speech from the convener as it was the practice for such events, Senator Tinubu began and ended hers with an altar call, to usher in God’s presence and loose the heaven over the worship session.

    For her, the concert was more than just another jamboree. “Each edition comes out by inspiration. Hebrew 13:15-16 says when we offer praise continually, God is well pleased. But the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to God. I call on my Patron who used to be my teacher at the Bible College at RCCG, Pastor Bolarinwa to pray for the children. This year we are doing things differently,” she said.

    According to the convener, the ninth edition of MYFI was borne out of the concern for the state of our nation. She said: “We all, including the youth, have a role to play. Unpleasant incidents happening around us are not peculiar to our nation, Nigeria alone but are occurring in other nations around the world.

    For the church, it only signifies the return of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which could be any moment from now. Are you ready to meet the Lord if he comes today?  And may 2020 be crowned with God’s goodness, and our paths drop fatness in name.”

    Read Also: Yuletide shopping soars

    On the significance of praise in the polity, Dr. Sanwo-Olu, observed: “This ninth edition, themed: ‘The sacrifice of praise’ is apt, considering what the country is going through.

    In praising God regularly and daily, He hears our prayers. It is obvious that the role of the youth is very important now.

    “It is said that ‘Out of the mouth of babes, we shall hear praises of the lord’. And so, our dear children in the lord, it is very important that you offer sacrifices of praises every day to lift up the souls and spirits of workers and leaders in Nigeria. I believe as we lift up our voices and praise God with all our heart, there will be a great turn around come 2020”.

    While commending the efforts of the convener, she restated the governor’s commitment towards education and youth development, she said: “Education still remains the passport for tomorrow to those who prepare for it today. But even in the midst of learning, there should also be avenues to showcase talents, like what we’re doing today.

    “For being steadfast in the development of our youths and sustaining this festival annually till date, I commend the distinguished Senator Tinubu, OON. With the positive impact it has achieved, I can only imagine the efforts put in to organising the event, yearly.”

     

    Gifts

    It was also a banquet of gifts for guests. From the entrance into the hall, children and the young went home with all sorts of gifts, such as beverages, books, devotional and MTN special packs.

    According to the Chairman, Organising Committee, Pastor Kunle Ajayi,  “On behalf of the convener, Senator Tinubu, patron and members of the BOT of MYFI, I want to express my genuine gratitude to all, especially to God Almighty who has made this ninth edition possible and successful.

    “We are profoundly grateful for the display of gifts, skills and talents exhibited by the various choirs, drama groups, bands and individuals who added colour to this event.

    “May your gifts never diminish, but they will also let their light shine and spearhead the future that we hope for. We thank you all for being a part of this beautiful end to what has been a glorious year; and wish you joyous celebration this Christmas and beyond.”

  • Advocates seek end to violence

    By Vivian Chimezie

     

    Peace advocates have met in Lagos to discuss the security challenges in the country under the auspices of Global Terriorism Index Launch 2019.

    The event, which was held at Manifold Place, was organised by The Institute for Economics and Peace.

    The event featured panel discussions on: The Causes of Violence and Terriorism in Nigeria.

    Delivering his speech, the convener who is also the President of Mind Reformers Network, Mr Chimezie Okechukwu, spoke on “Peace building and the essence of reducing the issue of war and terriorism in the country”.

    He made it clear that Nigerians do not have to rely on the government but in every little corner, peace must be the aim of all.

    He said: “In Nigeria and Africa, most of what we try to achieve is negative peace building which involves resolving of conflicts, mediating violence attacks and others.

    It is essential we start initiating the acts of positive peace building by having a well-structured and fair-justice system as well as a society that enhances the welfare of citizens instead of targeting insecurity alone.”

    Read Also: Kwara First Lady walks against violence, sexual abuse

     

    In conclusion, he enjoined social change makers in the country not to relent in their efforts but to be zealous  in ensuring that peace reigns all over the county.

    On his part, the Lagos  State  Coordinator of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Julius Ilori, linked violence and juvenile deliquency to the home, observing that how the youth are brought up affect the person they become as they group. He urged parents, especially mothers, to pay attention to the upbringing of their children.

    He said: “Youths are very important in promoting the peace of this nation. Their role cannot be overemphasised.

    That is why a good number of YALI  network members are vibrant and passionate youths, who are eager to make a change in all sectors of the nation through social impacts. Our work is to train them using our curriculum”.

    Another advocate, who is a member of The Lagos State Youth Parliament, Shosanya Akinola, spoke on the importance of employing peace in conflict resolution, saying the aim of the parliament and their activities.

    “Our aim in the parliament is to change the mindset of youths in order to improve peace in the state, we also preach peace building and conflict resolution to youths.”

     

  • Yuletide ‘fun learning’ experience for Ogun kids

    By Evelyn Osagie

     

    Over 400 children will not forget in a hurry the fun-filled learning experiences they’ve received over the last three weeks fun learning feast at Iloye community in Sango Ota, Ogun State. Tagged: the Festival of Inspiration, the three-week long educational feast, which is organised by Children Academic and Vocational Support Initiative (CAVSI), will come to a close today.

    Set to impact less privileged children in the Sango community of Ogun State, the fest is yearly experience for children in the area during the Yuletide.

    It is one of the ways the foundation is constantly empowering children and youths of the community with educational support, seminar and career counselling.

    According to the CAVSI founder, Hakeem Ariori, the festival, which is in the 16th edition, is an outreach programme geared towards learning and mentorship.

    At this year’s edition, which kicked off on November 30 with the theme: “Focus”, the kids were made to compete in different activities, such as street football, treasure hunt, tyre race, spelling and reading competition, IQ games, Disney word search games, brain teasers and bank seminar, among others. 410 children were in participation.

    It was declared open by the chairman of Itesiwaju CDA, Orile Iloye, Alhaji Rasheed Kowope.

    Along with other fun learning activities, the festival will come to a close today with an award ceremony, featuring awards for the winners in all the categories.

    But, according to the football category will receive more awards, such as youngest football player, best keepers, highest goal scorers, most valuable players, all time highest goal scorer and more.

    The street football competition was like a world cup championship. The children, who looked so excited at the weekend, were kitted with football Jersey from our sponsors.

    During the course of the festival, they were taught to work together as teams, see their opponents as challenges in life that must be surmounted, and to focus on winning irrespective of who scored the goals.

    Little wonder then that they went all out to pitch as if there was millions of naira to be won. They began by praying like the professional football players and played with uncommon agility.

    “Sports and games have always been great avenues, not only to teach the children healthy rivalry, but to educate them as well. Formal and informal education is the gateway to a better and excellent life.

    Since 2014, the event has become a December carnival that brings together hundreds of children from over 50 schools in a fun learning experience.

    The children are being mentored in different career fields and every sporting activity they undergo, is a life lesson for them to know how to plan, work as a team and make use of whatever they have.

    “We challenged the children to improve on themselves and impact in their world. We are glad that these children could be engaged meaningfully during this season and it’s obvious that it’s having long lasting impression on them,” Ariori, said at the festival.

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    For Ariori, who has been involved with children in the last 20 years, the festival is one of the ways CAVSI is encouraging and inspiring children in the rural areas through different life enriching programmes. Besides Yuletide, he said, the foundation also holds diverse educative events during Easter and August break.

    “Basically, the activities are geared towards team spirit, problem solving, goal setting, paying attention to details, friendship, early savings, ethics, morals and so on.

    The IQ games, word search game, puzzling were used to expose the children to different problem solving opportunities and skills; getting them to think outside the box.

    “Spelling and reading activities was to encourage reading habits, pay attention to details and stimulate the formation of group reading/study groups. The treasure hunt is another fun learning game that is of great interest – the last girl/boy standing and the winners of the treasures will also go home with awards,” he said.

    Observing that children are effective instruments in nation building, Ariori said, the foundation “is determined to protect, train and mentor them for a better society”, while urging corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to support courses and charities that focused on child development.

    He added: “When we take a step to securing the lives of others, then the light shines brighter and connects with the future we hope for.

    We also hope to intensify our schools partnership efforts, especially the visit and support for low cost schools to appreciate them for their efforts in getting the children off the street, thereby, reducing out of school children, reducing the number of street urchins and possible potential thugs.”

    Consequently, during one of the days, Mrs Mojiba Hamsat from Access Bank interacted with the children on the “saving attitude seminar”.

    She spoke on the importance of “setting aside a part of our funds”, “where such should be kept to earn interest”, “the minimum requirement” and the importance of being consistent in saving to enjoy the benefits towards investment”.

    Four of children who answered questions correctly were rewarded with “ piggy banks” and  a book on piggy bank.

     

     

  • Fed Govt to enlist more heritage sites

    By Sampson Unamka

     

    Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has announced that the Federal Government has plans to enlist more heritage sites.

    He made this known in Osogbo during the visit to the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

    He said: “The essence of this visit is to renew the national and global attention on this world heritage site and to formally announce our plan to enlist more sites as world heritage sites.

    As you are aware, Nigeria has many veritable sites that meet the requirements of being declared World Heritage Sites.

    We are taking immediate steps to first enlist the sites on the Tentative List, after which they can be inscribed as World Heritage Sites.”

    He, however, noted that some of the sites seeking to be enlisted by the federal government as world heritage site are the ancient Kano City Walls, the Brazilian Baracoon Museum/Point Of No Return in Badagry, the forests in Oke-Igbo, Ile Oluji Axis of Ondo State, the Gashaka-Gumti National Park located in the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa, the Ogbunike Caves in Anambra State.

    He added that the World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is selected by the UNESCO as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties, saying such sites are judged important to the collective interests of humanity.

    Read Also: Lagos engages stakeholders on heritage sites

     

    “The fact that the General Assembly, comprising the entire 193 states parties, last month elected Nigeria into the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is a positive development for our quest to have more sites designated as World Heritage Sites.

    “And we shall use our presence on this Committee to fight for enlistment of many more sites from Nigeria into the World Heritage list, because Nigeria is really blessed with a lot of potential sites.

    In the meantime, we are planning a similar visit to the Sukur Cultural Landscape. Fortunately for us, our gallant men and women in uniform have succeeded in repelling the attempt by the Boko Haram terrorists to destroy the Sukur Cultural Landscape,” Mohammed said.

    Governor Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, while giving his remark at the government secretariat thanked the minister for the visit, he noted that the state will put in more effort into culture and tourism adding that some countries that do not have half of what the state has is making so much from culture and tourism.

    “We are blessed but we have actually not taken competence of that and turn it around to make revenue for us, there’s no point why people cannot come around for the Osun Grove, spend their money in our economy and take the advantage of that and visit other sites, if they look at the naturalness of this site, they will be amazed at the extent that nature has been good to us,” he said.