Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) is 30. To mark the anniversary, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka will today be reading his special poem for the global CRC@30 at a reception by the British Deputy High Commission, in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria. Little does he know that Solution 17 has a surprise for? Created by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Creative Youths Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), it has provided a platform for children to illustrate what CRC@30 and Soyinka’s poem mean to them. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, the CEO of CYCDI and the creator of Solution 17 for Sustainable Development Goals, Foluke Michael, reveals her surprise and more.

Would  you tell us about your art project in partnership with UNICEF to mark the anniversary of the Convention of the Right of the Child (CRC@30)?

With the support of UNICEF, we are actually defining what the convention of the right of the child means to Nigerian children and Africa as a whole. We seek to use art to reach out to the world through Solution 17. It was created by our organisation to solve the most pressing problems in the world – it is driven by the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD.

The project itself is called Solution 17 for CRC@30. We are determined to use their creative talents to interpret what Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) is all about. Some time ago, Prof Wole Soyinka wrote a poem on CRC and for the world children. And on September 25, this year, the poem was unveiled at the UN General Assembly in New York and was read to the world’s children. The poem is entitled: The Child Before A Mirror of Strangers. Students were asked to interpret what the poem means to them. I read the poem about 30 times to be able to decode it. We needed more interpretation as to how Nigerian children and youths are actually looking at that; so, we threw it open, as a challenge over a period of three weeks, and then we got submissions from students from different parts of Lagos. We went through different stages and 17 were selected.  What we have looked at is to see the dimension of the poem as it relates to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We brought the 17 together and gave them training, introduced them to the world of CRC at 30, what is expected of them, what message they should be passing to the world and of course, it was amazing. At the end, the 17 champions at the JJT Park Alausa expressed what they’ve learnt in painting form. And the model is called “Art is life”. They are relating life back to art and using it to get solutions. And that was how Solution 17 model was created. Now we have a masterpiece that will be unveiled today. The masterpiece is tagged: The Child Before A Mirror of Strangers with SDG via solution 17. The project itself is called Solution 17 for CRC@30.

Read Also: UNICEF ranks Nigeria second in child malnutrition in Africa

What is Solution 17 model?

Depending on which project we are working on per time, using 17 students or 17 organisations or 17 entrepreneurs, and, of course, 17 SDG, 17 creative ideas, 17 solutions to solve one problem per time. So this time, 17 of them came together and did what has never been done in the world. We got 17 students and they used different medium of art to interpret their thoughts on what they should give back to Nigerian children and globally. They worked on it collaboratively having taught them team spirit, innovation, creativity etc.

We started about 10:15am, we finished at about 7pm, so it was a whole day they worked. Now we have a masterpiece that will be unveiled soon. The masterpiece is tagged: The child before the mirror of strangers with SDG via solution 17 and the project itself is called Solution 17 for CRC@30

How long did it take you to conceive this?

I was part of the process of getting the poem sorted out. As soon as the poem was written, I felt within myself that it should be reinterpreted not by adults only, but that children especially should own – they should take ownership of their rights. What we did was to look at the dimension of poem – and we looked at it in 17 dimensions. After Prof Soyinka wrote poem, we actually interpreted it into the rights to education, to healthcare, girl’s right, fundamental right of children to water and energy, sustainable community, equality, right to climate action which is sustainable, rights to participation, to peace, to survival and more. So it was interpreted into 17 different SDG. It took me four weeks to bring this project together. But it began September, in New York. Having seen the poem read, not only to one nation but to all the nations of the world, I was especially inspired. I knew then that we had something big in our hands as Nigerians. And we are happy that we have done it.

How do you feel being the initiator of this project?

Thrilled. Grateful. It has been a very emotional journey. I’ve put myself as a mother not as a coordinator, seeing my 17 children doing amazing things. It is a wonderful experience. When you see children doing what they are doing, it means that the solution to the world’s problem is already here. The solution to creating the new world we want to see is here. What the children want is an enabling environment and a platform to air their voice and let them know they’re born to do this.

When you say “it’s here”, how do you mean?

I am saying “the leaders of tomorrow” are here today. They are here. And we need to mobilise them, give them the tools and platform, so that they can grow quickly so that they can lead the change in the future. Right now, I’m feeling like it’s my birthday that the world is celebrating. I am not only feeling a deep connection to this project, I also feel connected to the solution provider who will create change around the world. And let me tell you, this is a surprise for Prof Soyinka. I haven’t told him yet. Beyond the installation, his poem would be interpreted in 17 ways which would be read. And as the time his poem is being read, he would be seated and I’m sure he would be shocked to see the dimensions of what he has written in 17ways by 17 children reading his poem in different ways to him with the same title.

What word can best describe the joy of a parent whose daughter was rescued from the jaws of death through the assistance of a humanitarian organisation, asks BUSOLA ODUGBESAN.  

Tears of joy flowed freely from Mr. Ganiu Wasiu, father of Aliya Ayomide, a five-year-old hole-in-the-heart girl who underwent a successful surgery in India, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gowon Estate.

In an emotional voice, Wasiu said: “I am so happy. I don’t know how to thank members of Rotary Club for what they did for me. “I am just speechless and I don’t know how to start thanking you all for coming to our aid”.

Aliya was discovered to have a rare congenital case from birth. What the dad could remember was that of general weakness. She couldn’t respond well as she grew. Ignorantly, they thought it was a spiritual attack. Aliya’s grandparent made it worse by taking her to various healing homes and churches for a miracle. As her case regressed as she grew, Wasiu was forced to start going to local hospitals, yet there was no improvement.

“She was getting weaker everyday, she couldn’t talk or walk and we were going for various tests, but no improvement. My parents, concerned about her case, decided it is a spiritual matter and again we started going from one clergy man to another, from one traditional diviner to another, all telling us they can give us solution to our problem, collecting money from us until we had nothing else to pay and we started seeking for help everywhere for money and solution, yet nothing happened.”

Wasiu said his wife later took Aliya away from her grandparent and took her to the general hospital and “after series of test, we discovered our baby had a hole in the heart.

“And we got the shock of our lives when the doctor told us we cannot get the treatment here and that we need to fly her abroad for better treatment.

‘’I didn’t know what else to do and my wife started crying and running around to look for money. Someone told my wife to go to NTA station to solicit for public help and she obliged. Mrs. Treasure directed my wife to Mr Ben Okhumale of the Rotary Club.

“I asked my wife what is Rotary? Even though I have been hearing about Rotary, I didn’t know if it was a company, or an NGO. I really didn’t know what Rotary was all about, how they have been putting smiles on people’s face until I started communicating with Mr. Ben. He promised that Rotary would take up my child’s case and I should not panic. I thought this was a dream, and I kept asking Mr. Ben how his plan would work out?  I didn’t believe it until Mr. Ben of Rotary Club asked me to get a passport, visa, flight ticket and from there I said it seemed this dream would come to fruition — the international trip to Indian with my baby for the surgery. I said to myself, it seems my sorrow concerning Aliya is coming to an end through Rotary Club.

Read Also: Abuja community gets Rotary Club’s free healthcare services

“Ever since the issue of Aliya started, my home has not been itself. It was everyday sorrow and when you come across Aliya you will think she won’t spend the next minute alive . In fact, I am always ashamed to take my daughter out because of this ailment,” said the father.

Continuing, he said: “With the help of Rotary, my company Flour Mill of Nigeria Plc., Ibadan where I work was able to assist with the visa fee and then we travelled to India for the surgery and it was successful. Now, my Aliya can talk, walk and do many other things.

Aliya’s mother said: “In fact, I am forever indebted to Rotary. I have never experienced this kind of good gesture before in my life. But, I am fortunate to get one from Rotary Club of Gowon Estate and Rotary International, thanks to the generosity of the club. I pray that no one will know sorrow, God will meet you all at the point of your needs. Heaven will open for you when you call’’, she said.

District Governor, Dr Jide Akeredolu said it gladdens his heart how Rotary is giving and supporting humanity. This, he said, shows that Rotary is an organisation that cares. He commended members of Rotary Club of Gowon Estate for a job well done.

Okhumale said Baby Aliya is a special baby that is destined to live, noting that he was happy for the surgery performed and the speedy recovery. He added that the success story of Aliya can’t be completed without acknowledging Rotary Club of Gowon Estate through the Coordinator, Past District Governor (Rotary) Salisu Ahmed, the Rotary Foundation International Rotary Districts 9110, 9125, 9141, 9142 and Rotary Club of Belur, India.

President Rotary Club of Gowon Estate, Mr Oscar Olua expressed his gratitude to the club and to other Rotary Clubs for their usual support.

By Jessica Oshomagbe

The second Affordable Art Fair will hold at M S Motels, Orita Meta, Ibadan from December 6 to 8. The opening will be restricted to invited guests only, while the subsequent days will be open to the general public and all art lovers.

According to the initiator of the project, Ms Oyinda Adelumola, The Ibadan Affordable Art Fair as an ‘idea came about because Ibadan was once the centre of art and culture, “and we want to put Ibadan back on the map for art, making it a focus and locus in addition to Lagos.

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Lagos is already concentrated and we are expanding the market for art beyond Lagos and bring more people to the art collecting fold.’

The fair will feature works by various artists who are mostly Ibadan based, exhibiting ceramics, embroidery, photography sculpture and paintings. Highlights of the fair will include but not limited to: music, children’s art class and poetry among others.

By Oyebola Owolabi

Nine-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke’s physical appearance is normal for a child his age, and so it is very difficult to tell that he is a special needs child. Kanye is autistic and limited in verbal communication. However, what Kanye lacks in verbal speech, he makes up for with his creative paintings.

Kanye, who has earned the moniker ‘Young Picasso’, is not new on the creative scene; he has had solo and group exhibitions in Nigeria and abroad. He is the youngest recipient of the Flame of Peace Awards, bestowed on him in Vienna, Austria. He is also a fellow of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers in Nigeria (APCAD). Kanye is also a recipient of the 2019 Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) for Heroes of Nigeria; he won the social bravery category for using his autism foundation to support people like him who have no access to quality education and healthcare.

Penultimate week, Kanye held a seven-day solo exhibition at Terra Kulture in Lagos. The exhibition, with the theme: Impossibility is a Myth, featured Kanye’s astounding works done with oil, acrylic and water colour in the last four years. It was a testament to the fact that nothing is impossible.

Personalities who graced the exhibition extolled Kanye’s creative ingenuity, describing it as outstanding for a child  his age, especially as he is autistic.

The Group Managing Director of Nestoil Plc., Ernest Nnaemeka Azudialu-Obiejesi, described the exhibition as life-changing. “Indeed, Kanyeyachukwu has demonstrated that even with autism, one can still make meaningful impact in the society. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to support and celebrate this bundle of creative talent,” he said.

National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers in Nigeria (APCAD) Kingsley Okafor, who also curated the exhibition, noted that Kanye was made a fellow of the association because of his ingenuity.

He said: “Today’s event is all about Kanye, a creative artist of impeccable nature. He works with oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas. He does abstract and semi-abstract paintings. Kanye’s work of art speaks louder than words; this exhibition is a master showcase. Kanye is young and creative, and so APCAD is giving him and his foundation this exposure to help others like him. His cause is worthy of celebration.”

Disc Jockey (DJ) and philanthropist CUPPY was perhaps the most passionate about the exhibition. She proudly announced to be the owner of one of Kanye’s works after purchasing it at the exhibition. According to Cuppy, autism can bring out a different perspective of creativity in people, as proven in Kanye’s case.

Read Also: Photos: DJ Cuppy visits IDP camp in Maiduguri

She said: “I am proud to support Kanye, a young man with so many prospects. I met him in Abuja. I am passionate about supporting persons with autism, especially in creativity because I see a lot of Kanye in Mofe, my 19-year-old autistic brother. For me, it is very important to show that autism is not a hindrance or negativity. From Kanye’s artwork, it is evident that autism can bring out a different perspective of creativity. I have tried to encourage people to see autistic persons as geniuses, who just have a complication in communication. Kanye’s cause should be celebrated because he is creatively expressing himself and this gives me hope that more people will come to understand the autism spectrum more.

“Earlier this year, the Ziba Foundation for Autism was launched to help others with similar issues and encourage siblings of autistic persons. People find the communication gap frustrating to deal with so at Ziba I try to inspire them through stories of how I bonded with my own brother. Fewa is 19 but we connected through music while growing up. Seeing Kanye and his art, Fewa and music shows that there are so many ways in which we can connect and spend time together without verbal communication.”

The exhibition featured fantastic pieces such as Africa Rising, which signified the rise of Africa from the turmoil of war, pestilence, famine and other ills, to the peak of prosperity. Another was Mother Nature, which depicted the beauty in the land and the mother who watches over it; Discrimination to show how humans allow their differences to create a gulf between them and Friendship to signify unity and peace.

By Chinyere Elizabeth Okoroafor

Responding to a major need of bridging the skills gap in the employability of Nigerian graduates, Action Health Incorporated (AHI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has trained school children on how to equip themselves with 21st century skills at its 26th Teenage Festival of Life (TFL) conference.

TFL is a forum that enables young people and relevant stakeholders to identify the plights facing youths through artistic presentations with a view to enlisting them as critical stakeholders.

The festival with the theme: Empowered for Life-21st Century Skills for Young People, was held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

Dr Uwem Essiet, Co-Founder and Director, Action Health Incorporated, said that most Nigerian graduates are not employable and that the education they have was not preparing them for tomorrow, and beyond the shores of Nigeria, adding that educators and workforce experts had often warned that youths need improved 21st century skills.

“If we want a Nigerian who is employable anywhere in the world, our children need to learn skills that will take them far. For example, unemployed Nigerians can be absorbed in the animation industry space if they have skills in that field. People from France, Germany, United States of America among others are coming to Nigeria with a view to recruiting people here to help them in the animation business. Look at any Nigerian university or polytechnic, nobody is training animators.

“Our school system is not responding and that is just one industry. We are not even talking about Artificial Intelligence (AL). We need to challenge ourselves as a nation and if Nigeria is  democratic as it claims, it means that we the people have the right to set the agenda for government,” he said.

He added that without these skills, many youths would continue to be categorised as unskilled, thus would not be able to successfully participate in the global economy in spite of their education.

According to him, advancement in technology, changes in daily interactions is expanding the skill sets and demands on job-seekers beyond traditional jobs.

Read Also: NGO institutes N50m scholarship in Anambra

He said that no fewer than 10 million youths in over 300 secondary schools in Lagos had been impacted through the Festival of Life event and other AHI programmes in the last 26 years.

Also, Head of Operation, Quadron Studio, Mr Temidayo Odunlami, said that there were lots of opportunities in the animation industry for many unemployed youths.

Odunlami said the industry was still growing, adding that many foreign animation companies came to Nigeria in search of talents to intern and work with them.

According to him, the steady increase in quality production in animation films and skits emerging from the creative sector makes the future of animation in Nigeria bright.

Odunlami called for a review of education curriculum to reflect the changing occupational trends that would prepare youths for the future, saying that he had to travel to Canada to gain expertise in its field of practice.

He said research had shown that 21st century skills for young people was more than technological expertise, but content knowledge, literacies and proficiencies that would prepare them to cope with the challenges and opportunities of a dynamic world.

Similarly, award winning rapper, Olanrewaju Fasasi, popularly known as “Sound Sultan”, advised the teenagers to follow their passion and explore opportunities that would enable them to be the best in their chosen careers.

Fasasi said that the changing trends in the world was changing the occupational space, thus presents an opportunity for many youths to explore and leverage for personal, economic and national development.

According to him, while growing, many parents thought that being a medical doctor or lawyer is the only acceptable profession, saying that they classified other professions, especially music for nonentity.

“Today, I am making money from what I love to do. I am 43 years old, married with three lovely kids. I am fulfilled,” he said.

The artist further advised youths to explore opportunities in emerging professions to enhance speedy career growth, saying that being open-minded would assist them to have multiple streams of income.

Fasasi said that aside from being a musician, he was a farmer, an OXFAM Ambassador, promoting agriculture, a basketball player and trainer, and about to launch an App based on its interest.

He advised them not to limit themselves, but invest their talents and passion productively, adding that making a positive impact in all their endeavours should be paramount.