Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

Lanre Amodu

 

Conversations can be pleasurable or burdensome, depending on the way we look at them. Carrying on a conversation is a lot of work. It takes a lot of effort to engage people in a discussion that is mutually profitable and enjoyable; most times, someone benefits from it while the other just looks on. I discovered that a lot of people have challenges with conversations. While some people speak too much, some others speak too little. Some people are considered to be introverts but they are not; their only problem is how to carry on a conversation so they remain silent. Sometimes you meet people and after the initial greeting, you don’t know what next to say. You find yourself thinking hard about the next question to ask just to avoid an awkward silence. Business interactions even end up badly for lack proper engagement of the client.

After some observation, I have come to decide that only a few people converse. More people believe they are conversing, though they are not. However, majority would rather stay on their own than converse. What is conversation anyway? It can simply be defined as an exchange of words among two or more people. The key word here is exchange. As you give, it is very important that you also take.  Conversations may last a few minutes or a few hours, but the most important thing is to leave your partner with a good impression of you. In your mind right now, I’m sure you can count a few people you enjoy their company and you love to talk to. On the other hand, you may also be able to count a few other people you would rather avoid. Just as you judge people by your conversation with them, people judge you too. This is not about pleasing people; it is simply about taking genuine interest in them. So, let’s check out a few things that can help you improve your conversational skills:

Be friendly: the first rule of conversation is to make the other person comfortable. Don’t look bored or uninterested. Try to be as cordial as possible.

Choose mutually relevant topics for discussion: avoid discussing a topic that will make you do all the talking. Remember it should be an exchange, so make sure that your partner is talking too.

Be a listener: a lot of people don’t listen to others speak. These people just want to say all they know about the topic without giving their partners the opportunity to respond. If you are a good listener, you will never lack topics to discuss because one point made by your partner can lead to another.

Avoid making yourself the subject: some people are so carried away by their ideas or achievements that at the slightest opportunity, they tell people. The problem here is that they tend to make themselves bigger and their listeners smaller. No one wants to talk to anyone who directly or indirectly intimidates them; they would rather talk to people who make them feel comfortable.

Don’t pry: it can be really uncomfortable to have to answer personal questions, particularly when they are asked by a stranger. If you need to ask questions about the other person, keep it simple. Without any attempt at flattery, dwell more on your partner’s virtues and the conversation will go well.

Thanks for reading my article today. I would really love to hear from you. So, do share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu. Remember, you are currently nothing compared to what you can become. This can be your year if you want it to be!

The 31st General Assembly of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), which coincides with the 60th anniversary of the centre, will be launched today at Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The event will end tomorrow.

The two-day event will focus on the most relevant issues and topics of concern on cultural heritage promotion and provide a platform to stimulate dialogue on sustainable approaches for the protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the world. Delegations of ICCROM’s 137 member states will meet to discuss and enhance the agency’s strategic directions and work plan, and review its activities for the past biennium 2018-2019. It will elect its new governing council. The event will also be an opportunity to welcome ICCROM’s newest member state, Costa Rica.

A discussion on Decolonising Heritage will hold as part of the 31st General Assembly tomorrow. The ICCROM award ceremony, which is granted to individuals who have contributed significantly to ICCROM’s development, or who have special merit in the field of conservation, protection and restoration of cultural heritage, will also be given on same day.

In a statement ICCROM’s Director-General Webber Ndoro thanked member states for the continuous support and collaboration of all  in the implementation of the programmes and activities of ICCROM. “The generous contribution of member states of ICCROM is the main pillar of the success of all projects and programmes implemented by ICCROM in many parts of the world,” said Ndoro.

“A special thank-you goes to the host country, Italy, which embraced the center since its creation and continues to provide generous support to ICCROM’s projects and activities all over the world”, added Ndoro. Italy is a major contributor to the budget of ICCROM and has institutional long-standing scientific and technical partnerships, which contribute significantly to the organisation.

“We truly hope to further our collaboration and to develop an agreement with the Italian partner to support common actions aimed at protecting and improving cultural and natural heritage in Africa and other parts of the world,” said Ndoro in his statement.

The 31st General Assembly marks 60 years of ICCROM. For decades, ICCROM has partnered with its member states to support them in safeguarding heritage within their borders and beyond. Working at the international and governmental levels, and with institutions and professionals on the ground, the organisation engages and informs new generations of professionals and the general public on the current and future needs of the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.

“Over the course of sixty years, ICCROM has developed and adopted its programmes and activities to address new challenges and to meet the evolution of the very concept of cultural heritage which, in addition to going beyond national boundaries, has to deal with new issues and risks caused by the effects of climate change, devastating wars and conflicts and neglect by human actions” said Ndoro.

“Sustainable development is also a key objective of ICCROM, particularly in some regions, such as Africa. This includes supporting entrepreneurship opportunities and assuring access to quality education in a more general context of gender equality,” he said.

 

Joke Jacobs

Alhaja Mogaji’s home was usually a beehive of activities. It was a meeting place where people from all walks of life visited to solicit her support for one thing or the other. She was a member of Vision 2010 in 1993.

Due to her inability to speak and write English as she was not exposed to western education, she was polished and cultured. She was well versed in koranic education. She had achieved great height in life. Western education, not withstanding, Alhaja Mogaji had interacted with the mighty and the lowly. She was ever determined to crown all her endeavour with success and that with courage there can be no defeat.

When she was in her seventies, Alhaja Mogaji attended functions twice a week. She was often called upon to grace occasions being matron of many organisations, whenever she is attending a function, some members of her association usually accompany her. The entourage would wear same attire. At gatherings, the great amazon commanded respect, while her oratorical skill endeared to the audience who are held spell bound and cheered her at the end of her speech. She had great respect for both religions, Christianity and Islam.

One of her saddest moment in life was when her precious son, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The All Progressives Congress National Leader escaped abroad after confronting the military when June 12 election in 1993 which was won by late Social Democratic Presidential aspirant, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida. Asiwaju Tinubu was a leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

As a courageous leader, Alhaja Mogaji confronted President Babangida to de-annul June 12 election and to leave the government after ruling for eight years. Alhaja Mogaji’s action was widely commended by Nigerians.

Three months after the setting up of Interim National Government (ING), the late General Sani Abacha dissolved the Interim National Government and set up a military regime. As the clamour for June 12 elections intensified, Alhaja Mogaji’s home was broken into by the military. However, Alhaja Mogaji confessed in a sad mood about his son, Asiwaju Tinubu’s absence from the country;

“I am not happy with the state of the nation my loving son, Bola has left the country because of threat to his life. He is fighting for the cause of the common man. He is a good son. He takes good care of me and other people.”

Describing the good qualities of his late mother, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress National Leader said: “My mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, was more than a mother to me. She was also a teacher, a wise consigliere and a cherished friend. Her many accomplishments in life continue to be a source of pride and inspiration to me and multitudes of Lagosians who called her “Iya” (mother). He continued “Her business acumen, courage and steely resilience allowed her to rise from humble beginning to become an important leader among her colleagues and, eventually the President-General of the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men. Her achievements as Iya-Loja are legendary and market women and men working in Lagos continue to benefit from the innovative reforms instituted during her decades of service”.

The politician icon was full of praises for the great woman. He described her mother, Alhaja Mogaji as a precious gift from God, a courageous, resilient and virtuous woman who was full of beauty and grace. He went down the memory lane in his trying period when he had to flee abroad, how his mother stood by him “during the darkest days, I could always rely on her to be my pillar of strength and a source of encouragement for me and other leaders of the fight against the Abacha Regime. I will be forever grateful to my mother for without her, I would not be the person I am today I forever salute my mother, May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace in the garden of the almighty”.

Alhaja Mogaji believed in the biblical saying “spare the rod and spoil the child”. She did not compromise when it comes to discipline, her children are brought up with the fear of God and are taught to follow the path of righteousness and morality. Her late daughter Mrs. Abiodun Kasumu said ” I was not surprised when my mother was given an award in Sheraton Hotel, Lagos as “the mother of all” it clearly showed that she cared for the children around her, she was always advising us to do things without any reservation. She claimed God would be our motivator and guide. My mother advised her children to work hard so that success will come their way, “she was a disciplinarian who frowned seriously at laziness”.

One of Alhaja Mogaji’s grandchildren, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasumu representing Ikeja II constituency said “my grandmother, Alhaja Mogaji was a mother to many people including students. I can recollect that she was very fashionable and a good dancer. She was loving and caring. Alhaja Mogaji sponsored many people to school. She gave my mother moral and financial support when she was building her school. She was a good mixer.”

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Alhaja Mogaji as a fantastic adviser and selfless leader that used her influence for the common good of the people. He noted that she was a leader and social crusader worth emulating. He urged leaders to emulate the leadership traits of Alhaja Mogaji saying her legacies would only be sustained, if leaders created a society that will work for all citizens.

Tracing the genesis of his relationship with Alhaja Mogaji, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) first Military Governor of Lagos State said: “Abibat Mogaji is a heroine, I think I can reflect back to several years when I come into public administration. I came in contact with Alhaja Abibat Mogaji when I was the military administrator of the Federal Territory in 1966 before states were created in 1967 before I became the First Military Governor of Lagos State. I met Alhaja Abibat Mogaji in the course of bringing women together forming sole front in approaching government for the needs of the market. To carry out policies and programmes at local government level we have to bring in market women. They were also involved in indirect price control level. We always find the leader of the association of market women and men who was Alhaja Mogaji useful. We held consultations with her, she held dialogue with the government when the price of commodities were expensive. She advised the government on the commodities moving in and out of the country. We always find her advice useful. She was dynamic, she rallied round the government.”

Brig. Johnson indicated that Alhaja Mogaji often graced occasions with members of the market association whenever heads of state from other countries visited and also when there were important functions.

He said: “She and some members of her association usually storm events looking glamorous in “Aso Ebi” (uniform), sometimes when they decide they were going to honour a visitor coming into the country, they would jointly decide not to go to the market to sell. Alhaja Mogaji was their leader during the period.”

Capturing the active role Alhaja Mogaji played during the burial of his mother, “when I lost my mother in 1973, I can remember that Alhaja Abibat Mogaji led the delegation of market women to come and express her condolence on funeral day. We all saw them with members of her association in their aso-ebi (uniform) gracing the occasion. They were gaily dressed”.

The former military ruler in Lagos Sstate explained that the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men had a rival organisation but with Alhaja Mogaji’s dynamism, the government recognised her as the head of market women and men in Lagos.

“She was highly recognised, she was not a literate woman but then it was not a hindrance to this great woman. She had a male secretary who is educated. Alhaja Mogaji was a strong character. She was a person who genuinely loves people and will do anything to protect the role of women in the society. She was generous. She was a good leader. She taught injustice and was forth right. I will always live to remember her.”

The late Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II attested “for Alhaja Abibat Mogaji to have reached her apogee was a matter of ordinate ambition, real guts and commitment. There is no doubt that she was an acclaimed achiever and nationalist”.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu of Lagos, described her as a woman in million. She said: “Alhaja Mogaji deserves a good place in history. She will forever remain great in Nigeria she was a great Lagosian who has contributed positively to the growth of the nation”.

Mr. Odia Ofeimu, former Private Secretary to the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former President Association of Nigerian Authors reminiscenced on an incident that happened during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as the governor of Lagos State. “Alhaja Mogaji was a courageous woman. She took over an office in the governor’s office during Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s days in power. She wondered why she was not given a post in government because she was a major factor in putting the government in place. That was during the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) days. Despite her lack of western education. Alhaja Mogaji was a woman who knew precisely what she wanted and has the audacity to demand for it, she was very courageous.

The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s admiration for Alhaja Mogaji knew no bounds because of the latter’s support for the Unity Party of Nigeria, said Mr. Ofeimu. According to him, Chief Awolowo who was the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria took pains to be present at the function organised by the woman leader “Chief Awolowo was always being accompanied to her function with his wife, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo.  Alhaja Mogaji assisted to campaign for Unity Party of Nigeria that won the gubernatorial election in Lagos State. That was the reason why the great leader and his wife stood by her.

 

Last Saturday, this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) opened in Benin City, Edo State capital. It is the first time Edo State is hosting the festival, which will run till October 26, Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme reports

Until 35 years ago, when the late Erhabor Emokpae, one of Nigeria’s creative minds who shaped the contemporary arts scene left for the great beyond, his imprints were never invisible. One of such imprints is the famous symbol of National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) Gong, which he designed.

And for the first time in the history of the festival, Edo State, Emokpae’s home, is hosting the  yearly national festival this week.  Perhaps unknown to the festival organisers and the host state, the gong is making its first homecoming after decades of its design.  He  visualised and decorated the streets of Lagos and Kaduna during Festac ’77, actively capturing the spirit of the fiesta in the decorations, which was perhaps the largest national assignment Emokpae executed.

Among his works at the National Gallery of Art (NGA) are Iya Ibeji, Iya Ibukun, Queen Amina of Zaria, King Jaja of Opobo, Queens and Kings, Oduduwa and King Eyo of Calabar.

The late Emokpae, who was the pioneer Secretary, Nigerian Art Council, which initiated the National Festival of Arts, struck art lovers as a wizard who could make a dead wood come alive. He was one of the four beacons that pointed towards an era when men saw dignity in labour, and when only few Nigerians read art. For Emokpae, art and culture development constitute first love. This was  manifested in his creations rendered for the beautification of Festac ’77 venues in Lagos and Kaduna. Two weeks before his death, he was reported to have dreamt of reconstructing the palace of Oba of Benin.

While alive, Emokpae had communicated through painting brush and chisel, bringing fame to Africans. He literally had the world at his feet. “His brush moved with fury, his chisel and mallet turned out the faces of timber into classical works of art; tirelessly he produced paintings, sculptors and bronze pieces.” To him, art was more than aesthetics. It was a communion between man and his environment, between the past and the present, which he claimed give the artists a world in which to find function in the society.

In life, he was affable in disposition, and struck a resonant chord for Africa in the notes of global civilisation. His romance with art, at a time when art was not a fashionable profession would be explained by the total fulfillment he derived from art.

In an earlier report, the late Emokpae recalled his journey into the art world. “I cannot really remember why I chose art as a career. I chose art because as a child then, I was really confident that the only thing I can do well was to draw and mold things. It eventually became my only assertion, unless I was working on some form of illustrations either at school or home, I didn’t feel totally fulfilled.

“And this has led to other things. I went through school like most other children, and I am, particularly, grateful to the influence I was exposed to. The lessons provided me the joy I really derived from going to school.

“Most of the other subjects like arithmetic meant very little to me. It didn’t give me the kind of joy I derived from art. Of course, this bothered my parents because they would, like most Nigerian parents, want their children either becoming professional engineers, doctors or pursue other professions like law which were in vogue then. But, what eventually led me to art was my determination to become an artist to leave Benin for Lagos, and I did this at an early age,” Emokpae revealed.

As one of the foremost artists, Emokpae left a vast legacy of monumental works of African art as versatile and as immoral as great Michelangelo’s and Picasso’s. He “extracts essential motifs and symbols from his folk tradition to explain his philosophy, which covers subjects like dualism, spiritual conflict, religion and freedom and blackism”.

His legacy, especially his artworks that are in private and public  spaces, deserves to be preserved and promoted.

 

 

Evelyn Osagie

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to inclusive quality educational and employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired persons (VIPs). It urged Nigerians not to despise them,  rather to treat them as members of society.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha made these declarations in his office when the blind and visually impaired community visited him as part of activities marking this year’s International White Cane and Safety Day with the theme, “My Safety, My Productivity”.

The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Mr Olusegun Adekunle, assured them that the government would facilitate speedy passage of the revised Copyright Bill, which would, among other things, domesticate the provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

Addressing participants at the awareness walk organised by the Nigeria Association of the Blind, in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) last week, the SGF assured that the government shared the aspirations of the physically challenged people for more employment and quality education in the country.

Stressing that the government would ensure that blind and visually impaired persons have access to published materials to enhance their literacy in line with provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty, he noted that the ratification in 2017 of four major copyright treaties showed this administration’s commitment to a wholesome and functional copyright system that would serve the needs of Nigerians and grow the creative sector for national development.

“The white cane is a symbol of strength in addressing challenges. We do not see disability in being blind or visually impaired. The blind have achieved much despite their physical challenge. Among them are authors, administrators, lawyers, doctors, etc. I call on all Nigerians to respect and support everyone with the white cane”, he stated.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari on August 24, 2017 ratified four copyright treaties, namely the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT); the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT); the Beijing Treaty on Audio Visual Performances; and the Marrakesh Treaty.

NCC Director-General (DG), Mr John O. Asein, stated that the commission would live up to its mandate to make the copyright system work for every sector of the creative industries and for the blind people.

Asein expressed gratitude to the government for its efforts to make the blind enjoy fullness of life in Nigeria, adding: “I thank the President for signing the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and for ratifying the four WIPO Treaties, including the Marrakesh Treaty”.

The DG said the commission would partner   relevant arms of government and stakeholders to ensure the early passage of the Copyright Act. On the commission’s efforts to take advantage of the flexibilities allowed under the Treaty, he assured the blind and visually impaired that modalities were being worked out to enable the blind have easier access to published works from all over the world. “We will do everything in our power to ensure that blind and visually impaired students do not miss out on quality education. We are committed to helping more blind and visually impaired Nigerians to read,” he stated.

In a his statement to mark the day, Asein noted that the International White Cane Day was dedicated annually to celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by the blind and visually impaired people in a sighted world and to honour those who have distinguished themselves in various walks of life as professionals, public servants, entertainment practitioners, among others.

“In furtherance of Nigeria’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty, the Nigerian Copyright Commission is supporting a project under the Accessible Books Consortium of WIPO aimed at capacity building assistance; provision of accessible books and assistive technologies to persons who are blind and visually impaired in schools. The project, which is designed to address the book famine experienced by the over 500,000 students of school age in Nigeria, will also promote inclusive publishing and build the capacity of authorised entities to take advantage of the provisions of the Marrakesh Treaty,” he stated.

The DG stated that the Commission in celebration of the immense contributions of the blind and visually impaired persons, particularly in the creative sector, recalled “with pride the achievements of the Nigerian popular music producer, Cobhams Asuquo who, despite being blind, has gained international recognition as a frontline entertainment entrepreneur’’.

Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB)  President , Mr. Ishaku Adamu, observed that President Buhari’s administration has done a lot to improve the well-being of people living with disabilities by signing the Disabilities Act and ratifying the Marrakesh Treaty.

He stated: “We ask for domestication of the Marrakesh Treaty through the early passage of the Copyright Bill, to enable blind people access to printed materials and books in accessible formats. We appeal for more education, scholarship opportunities and employment of more blind persons in the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of Government.”

Omolola Afolabi

THE Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, has hosted stakeholders to a conference with the theme Climate action for peace in commemoration of the International Day of Peace.

CEPEJ National Coordinator Sherrif Mulade said climate change is real and that it is no longer a threat.

He noted that it is one of the greatest threats facing humanity. “Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge faced by our generation today. Its effects are widespread with devastating effects on agriculture, energy, human health, terrestrial and marine ecosystems and their resources,” he added.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that thoughtful conversations and discourses were held on climate change while remadial actions continue .

Director, UNIC, Ronald Kayanja, assured that peace is at the heart of the work of the UN and that the global body would continue to lead awareness and mobilise the government, partners, civil society groups and faith-based organisations to work together.

He noted that peace isn’t just a world free from war, but also a world that is stable, where everyone can enjoy fundamental freedoms, where everyone thrives rather than meet basic needs.

Ifeoluwa Araoye, a pupil from Bosworth College, who spoke on how the event has impacted her, said: “Dumping refuse indiscriminately and burning refuse have severe environmental consequences and she would help to educate her peers and even the older generation on how crucial environmental sanity is.’’

A corps member, Justice Ibeh advocated that people should co-exist in peace as this guarantees  progress and development.

He said: “When people die, they say rest in peace, but it is just as important to live in peace. He believed the government needs the support of the people  to meet environmental goals and implored Nigerians to desist from habits that might be inimical to the health of all.

Other delegates at the event included representatives from Oshodi Local Government, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), University of Lagos cultural troupe, the Nigeria Army and secondary school pupils.

Folarin Philip Banigbe, 48, is the author of Abduction Chronicles and publisher of The Port Harcourt Microscope, a community free newspaper published bi-weekly in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The former engineer with the Shell Company was kidnapped on May 1, 2016. His four-day captivity inspired the writing of Abduction Chronicles. He speaks with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on his encounters with the Holy Spirit while in the kidnappers’ camp, why young men go into kidnapping, and the impact of his community paper on socio-political life in Port Harcourt, among other issues.

What inspired your setting up of a free community paper?

We realised many people don’t read and they won’t buy a newspaper. But, information is important to them. So, we targeted small and medium scale entrepreneurs who want to advertise but there is no such medium. In fact, we created the forum for two reasons.

First, we wanted to give them a platform such that when they pay for advert, we will e able to print and distribute for free. The assurance is that as many people as possible will get the newspaper because it is free and they can see the services. The second reason was because there was negativity about Port Harcourt. And we thought there were positive things going on in Port Harcourt, which we could identify as residents. So, we came up with the idea of how to overshadow the negativity with positive news about the city. At the peak, we were delivering to states in the Southsouth and Southeast regions. Gradually, due to state of the economy, production cost became three times high.This forced us to reduce circulation till it eventually became online publication.

 What was the focus of the paper?

It was mainly of general stories, advertisements and articles. Until the politicians came we were creating news around environment, community issues and the people. We sometimes do special reports on the various tribes in River State. We were trying to raise the awareness of the people. If you look at the history of Okrika, they have a strong link with the Kalabari but because of politics the narrative is being changed. So, it was like trying to set the record straight. It also drew a lot of reactions because people were writing rejoinders. And since it was free, people pick it up easily.

 Looking back, is it a dream project you have missed?

I believe that a community newspaper has a lot of value, but again because we are in the age of internet, you find micro blogs everywhere and they get more reach. So, as a sign of changing times, we would look at the modern days. But, in the past, it was a useful way to bring up what’s going on in the community. In the United Kingdom, even though they have a lot of smart phones, they still have community newspapers. Overall, it was fulfilling for me. Do I miss it? Maybe yes and maybe no.

Would you link your kidnap to activities of your newspaper?

At first, I thought so. In fact, if you read the book you will find the first encounter I had with the ‘Kapo’ was political. The first thing that came to my mind was, maybe, they are his boys. But, then I thought they don’t operate in this manner. So, I threw that away. And when one of them said they would kill all politicians, I then figured out they were just ranting. As I progressed in captivity, I knew it was simply about money. So, I didn’t take politics as a factor.

 From your experience in captivity, what could be the causes of kidnapping?

Well, for me, the root causes of the problems we facing are lack of values, loss of sense of community and humanity. Again, it depends on the direction we wish to address the issues. For some people, it is drug substance or alcohol.  So, I don’t know what drives people, but whatever is responsible has a link to the factors I mentioned. Some people say it is poverty or economic problems. But, I disagree. Agreed there are economic problems. However, there is a golden rule: “Do unto others what you want them to do to you.” It doesn’t matter whether you are a Christian or not. All religions preach that. So, it can’t be that it is poverty that will make you lose that value. We make excuses for illegality. One of the kidnappers told me that he didn’t know his parents and that his grandmother who took care of him died when he was five.

Desperation may have led him there. But there are other people whose parents died like that but didn’t turn to crime. Even before that, with due respect to his explanations of why he took to kidnapping, it can be a strategy he adopted to attract people’s pity.

 How did you prepare yourself for that mental torture?

Before I was kidnapped, my landlord had been kidnapped and tortured, so I used him as an example to brace up to the challenges. If a man at 60 could withstand such torture, I too I could withstand it. But, again, how I knew mine was likely different was that I wasn’t really tortured, unlike his case. His family had to fly him abroad for three months’medical treatment. My injury wasn’t much except from the one I had when returning from camp. I realised it was a spiritual work, that was why they didn’t torture me much.

You said your wife dreamt about the incident. Do you think if you had prayed well about it, maybe it would have been averted?

I remembered the day it unfolded. It was exactly what she saw in the dream. But, we both prayed about it, talked about it and I forgot about it.

You said you had a wound on your head that was dripping blood while you were being ferried. How?

I had wounds all over my body when I came out of captivity. I realised that if my blood was high in sugar level, I would have died because my family have a history of diabetes. There are so many things that you wouldn’t know when they happened, but you would realise that you are doing something. It will be later that you will know. That brought me to the understanding that God doesn’t tell you when he wants to test you.

 Can you share the process of writing the book and how you felt when you completed it?

The book is targeted at varous audiences and one of the things I tried to do because of my background as a writer, is to appeal to every emotion. The kidnap experience is like a spiritual experience. Ultimately, that’s how I felt.

 How do you mean by spiritual experience?

I will get to that. However, a lot of people don’t understand spirituality, so they’ll just colour the story. And because I am coming from a background of ministry, a lot of people will say, ‘Oh it’s another pastor’s book’.  So, I didn’t want them to think like that because I already had a problem with the way pastors’ doctrines are preached. So, I didn’t want people to go into that to mode it as a man of God. Everybody is a child of God. So, I was careful to write it in the way that it doesn’t come out as a spiritual book but I was also careful to be sure that I captured all the experiences that were spiritual in a contemporary way. So, if you actually read through it, chances are that spirituality hits you. But, if you’re not spiritual you will just read the story. When I got there the first and second day, I was always sitting down and praying and I heard a voice from the Holy Spirit saying you’re going to write a book about this. And I said to say what? That they kidnapped your son and he paid ransom, how do you get glory from that? That was the first conversation I had with the Holy Spirit. So, I just dismissed it that I was never going to write a book about it. But, as I progressed in the experience it became obvious why I was told to write a book because the rest of the circumstances showed clearly that there was something I was meant to do in the kidnappers’ camp. And from the Christian perspective, I have always believed that sometimes you don’t know the reason you are where you spend a lot of time. Maybe I wouldn’t have been there for five days because the very first message that I got was to tell the ‘Kapo’ that he had a swollen on his body and that God wants to heal it. But, when I heard the voice I turned that around because I was angry at that time. The desperation mixed with anger. How can this happen to me? I serve God, which is the standard process. So, when I heard that, I turned it to a prayer point. But that’s the way an average Christian behaves. Anytime I finished praying I just heard a voice of the Holy Spirit laughing and I will know I have done something wrong. It was on the third day I asked what exactly does God want out of this. And that was when the rest of the revelation started to come up. So, when I remembered I had to write a book, I then realised that what God wanted was to use my experience to teach that the way men think about God and the answers we want is not the way He sees it. At first, I was sure that I’ll not pay the ransom and I was thinking God will do something, but was scared the night He told me why I was there.  However, when I was paying the ransom, I was silently telling God, ‘you know I worked hard for this money, it was my sweat.’ The Holy Spirit said, ‘Okay, if I don’t let you pay the money, what are you going do with it? I said you know I want to give it to the church for the land.

But, before the evening of that day, I was released and the rest of the revelation came through. I was kidnapped in May and I didn’t start to write the book until September because I forgot. I thought I could not write it but I kept being reminded. One day, I said, ‘okay I will start’. I have come to realise why God wanted me to write the book because anytime I talked about the event, it touches people. I wrote the book within three months of relocating to Abuja.

 Having written the book, are you relieved?

I was relieved before I wrote the book because when I came out of the kidnappers’den, I studied trauma. I realised that one of the reasons people continue to be traumatised is because they cannot find closure to the event. For me, before I left, I had found closure. I knew what I was going to do at that point. In my mind, I was going back to my house and I was rehearsing how everybody would be jumping when I got home.

How is the book faring in the market?

People say if you sell 1000 books in Nigeria, you are a best seller.  One thousand books in a country of how many million people? So, when we were printing, it took us time, but the book came out in May last year and it was already in my office in Lagos as at March ending. I started writing the book in September, finished it by November. So, all of the process was a couple of months. If people are finding it difficult to publish, let me set up an independent publishing firm and when I began I will start to distribute A bookseller said he had to read the book first before he could stock it in his book shop.The reading will take six months. I was shocked six months to read how many pages? Unfortunately, I found out that putting your book in a book shop requires no advertising or payment. It’s a place somebody can just walk in and buy the book. So, I said, ‘Okay if this is what people go through no wonder they are not selling up to 1000 copies’. But by effort, we have sold over 2000 copies.

If people are finding it difficult to publish, let me set up an independent publishing firm and when I begin I will start to distribute.

Some people asked why you did not include photos in the book and how much you paid as ransom.

People asked why I didn’t mention how much I paid. Did that matter? What difference does that make? First, when I was kidnapped, they took me to a water side. On a regular day, there will be six to seven check points at that time of the night. The car didn’t stop. When I was coming back, there were four check points. The moment I got to a safe place, some good Samaritans helped me with a phone to put a call across to my home.

Have you gone back to the couple that provided you shelter on your return from the den?

When I got to a point that I couldn’t move again few minutes after, I heard voices.  I called out to them and one them came to me and took me to a camp which he said was a teaching camp. I promised them I would come back. By the time I could get the families contact it was a month already. I was going to give them about N120,000 but their telephone number wasn’t going through. So, when brother went back there, there was nothing there again. I couldn’t put all of this incidence in the book because it would have been too controversial.

Having written the book, are you relieved?

I was relieved before I wrote the book because when I came out of the kidnappers’ den, I studied trauma I realise that one of the reason people continue to be traumatised is because they cannot find closure to the event. Before I left I have found closure. I knew what I was going to do. In my mind I was going back to my house. I was rehearsing how everybody will be jumping when I get home.

 

 

Do you have specialised areas in your publishing firm?

Recently, we merged with a distribution company to create a bigger plan. We were doing Africa-wide distribution and the company will be launched in February 2020.

next year. We will be exposed to the media but before we do that, we wanted to make sure we have enough Africa English speaking countries. The idea is to move minimum Nigerian book shops, not a regular book shops. People don’t really go to bookshops but will go to the mall to buy books. What we are doing are love stuff, legends series and African heritage series.

From Joke Jacobs

History is replete with stories about people born great, while some have greatness thrust upon them, others walk through life’s hard road to attain greatness. Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the President-General of Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men, the Iyaloja of Lagos and Yeyeoba of Ikirunland achieved greatness by dint of hardwork coupled with her unrelenting resolve to scale whatever hurdle that stood on her path.

A vibrant, charismatic, ebullient and dogged woman, Alhaja Mogaji was born on October 23, 1916 and left for the world beyond on June 15, 2013. She was born into the prominent Mogaji family in the heart of central Lagos, ‘Ita Igarawu’. The birth of young Abibat took place at a peak of socio-political agitation in the old Lagos when nationalists like the late Herbert Macaulay, Dr. O. Obasa, R. B. Claire, James Johnson, Dr. J. K. Randle and others were getting stronger to oppose white oppression.

Young Mogaji enrolled as a pupil in a koranic school. She was able to recite the Koran with ease after a short period in the school. She also received lessons on morals. She carved a good scholarly image for herself to the admiration of her teachers.

As the years rolled by, she grew into adulthood and started petty trading. Her trading activities flourished. She became a distributor of some major products. Alhaja Mogaji was an astute business woman who wisely invested money. She was not a reckless spender, rather preferred to give always to the needy from her business proceeds. Her philanthropic inclination is legendary. Besides, she believed honesty is the best policy.

Alhaja Mogaji later became an active member of the market association in Lagos Island. The market association was then headed by the late Madam Pelewura. Alhaja Mogaji’s qualities, one of which was her ability to mobilise people for a common goal, earned her widespread recognition and love. This prepared her for the leadership role she was to play later in life.

She received her formal political education from late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay who organised political meetings regularly for the market women including the market leader, Madam Pelewura. In the book, Market Woman of Substance, a biography of Alhaja Abibat Mogaji , Alhaja Mogaji said: “Herbert Macaulay used our own language to teach us about government policies, the merits and demerits in the policies and how we can go about fighting for our rights.

Alhaja Mogaji became a staunch follower and supporter of Madam Pelewura. Madam Pelewura on her part was equally a fire-brand leader who brooked no nonsense as she went about her activities as the leader of the Market Women Association. Madam Pelewura was an acclaimed market woman in the Lagos colony. She fought relentlessly for the improvement of the lot of members of her association and fought for the rights of women and for independence. Alhaja Mogaji imbibed all these qualities and the experiences she garnered for decades really prepared her for the successful leader she was.

During the Lagos conference in 1949, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji and other Lagos market woman under the leadership of Madam Pelewura objected to the payment of tax as qualification for citizens to cast their votes. Alhaja Mogaji and other Lagos market women protested against a new income tax rate imposed by the government in February 1962. The Market Association recognised clearly her qualities as a leader coupled with her commitment to the progress of the market women association.

When the time came for a change of baton, the mantle of leadership fell on Alhaja Mogaji as the leader of the market women. Upon assuming the leadership position, Alhaja Mogaji mobilised women to fight injustice and kicked against laws that were inimical to the progress and emancipation of women.

She was part and parcel of activists who rallied round and came up with a group which was named National Women Council. The group was a formidable force that became a rallying point for women activists. Some of the pioneers of the women organisation were Lady Oyinkan Abayomi, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Madam Sabitu, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo and several others. The council teamed up with other pressure group with similar vision to fight for Nigeria’s independence. Her unflinching support to the council and sterling qualities made her a force to reckon with in the council in the long run, the council played a prominent role in the attainment of independence in 1960.

She became deeply involved in politics. Alhaji Mogaji joined the “Egbe Omo Oduduwa”, which was established as part of the pan African movement in the struggle against colonial imperialism. The group attracted widespread recognition both home and in the international circuit. Her membership of the association yielded positive result for the association as she was considered a big fish, with her clout  and the ability to mobilise. The Egbe Omo Oduduwa later metamorphosed into Action Group. The late elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and some influential personalities like Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the late Chief Gbadamosi and Chief Delana were founding members.

It was remarkable that Alhaja Mogaji brought her skill and experience in grassroot mobilisation to bear on any institution or association she joined. The Action Group benefitted immensely from her wealth of experience.

She was one of those saddled with the task of mobilising the electorate towards achieving the goals of the party, the Action Group which was meant to cater for the yearning of the common man, that is the grassroots people. Alhaja Mogaji’s struggle for the independence of Nigeria alongside other nationalists brought about free education, adequate social welfare and infrastructural facilities at the time.

When Chief Awolowo was charged with treasonable felony and eventually sent to jail, Alhaja Mogaji remained one of the loyal members of Action Group that impressed the public as a committed woman leader and follower of Chief Awolowo. During the trial and tribulation of Chief Awolowo, she remained firmly behind him as a close associate. Alhaja Mogaji with some die-hard loyalists of Action Group (AG) went as far as organising school children who waved their political hero on his way to prison.

She was a foundation member of a pressure group “Egbe Omo Eko” the group was established by illustrious sons and daughters of Lagos state to press the government for creation of Lagos State. Alhaja Mogaji played a significant role to actualise the goals of the group. The pressure for creation of Lagos and other states came into being. The military Governor of Lagos state was Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson.

When the pioneer government of Lagos state headed by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson began its tenure, Alhaja Mogaji and her association was fully recognised and honoured for their unflinching support for its success. The recognition manifested in the cordial relationship which existed between the government and the Market Association. It was for this reason that the government was always inviting the association members to grace the various state functions and falling back on them to mobilise the masses.

The Association of Market Women and Men led by Alhaja Mogaji contributed a lot to ensure the success of Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson’s administration.

Alhaja Mogaji was one of the founding members of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPU) led by ChiefAwolowo in 1979, which marked the beginning of the Second Republic. She explored her solid grassroots base positively. This contributed to the successful performance of the party during elections. The UPU won major votes in the states comprising the old Western Region with Lagos State inclusive. The same year, she played a significant motherly role to stop “Ali Must Go” students unrest. She sued for peace among those concerned.

For her unique commitment and outstanding performance, especially in the Lagos State chapter of Unity Party of Nigeria, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande appointed Alhaja Mogaji as the Chairperson of the Lagos State Marketing Board. The appointment enabled her to bring her wealth of administrative experience to bear on the running of the board. She was appointed with administrative responsibility of recommending and advising government on issues relating to grassroots market management such as establishment of new market places, peace in the market, law and order, communal development and proper integration of market women and men.

Alhaja Mogaji enjoyed cordial relationship with successive governors of Lagos State, these include Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru, Rear Admiral Michael Akhigbe, Brigadier Raji Rasaki, Sir Michael Otedola, Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Colonel Buba Marwa.

She also enjoyed the patronage of political big wigs like Chief Dapo Sarumi, the late Chief Femi Agbalajobi, Prince Adeniji Adele and several others. She received Honorary Doctorate degrees from University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University. She also received various awards from different organisations.

Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida. Asiwaju Tinubu was a leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

As a courageous leader, Alhaja Mogaji confronted President Babangida to de – annul June 12 election and to leave the government after ruling for eight years. Alhaja Mogaji’s action was widely commended by Nigerians.

Three months after the setting up of Interim National Government (ING) late General Sani Abacha dissolved the Interim National Government and set up a military regime. As the clamour for June 12 elections intensified, Alhaja Mogaji’s home was broken into by the military. However, Alhaja Mogaji confessed in a sad mood about his son, Asiwaju Tinubu’s absence from the country;

“I am not happy with the state of the nation my loving son, Bola has left the country because of threat to his life. He is fighting for the cause of the common man. He is a good son. He takes good care of me and other people”.

Describing the good qualities of his late mother, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu All Progressive Congress National Leader said; “My mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji was more than a mother to me. She was also a teacher, a wise consigliere and a cherished friend. Her many accomplishments in life continue to be a source of pride and inspiration to me and multitudes of Lagosians who called her “Iya” (mother). He continued “Her business acumen, courage and steely resilience allowed her to rise from humble beginning to become an important leader among her colleagues and, eventually the President – General of the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men. Her achievements as Iya – Loja are legendary and market women and men working in Lagos continue to benefit from the innovative reforms instituted during her decades of service”.

The politician icon was full of praises for the great woman. He described her mother, Alhaja Mogaji as a precious gift from God, a courageous, resilient and virtuous woman who was full of beauty and grace. He went down the memory lane in his trying period when he had to flee abroad, how his mother stood by him “during the darkest days, I could always rely on her to be my pillar of strength and a source of encouragement for me and other leaders of the fight against the Abacha Regime. I will be forever grateful to my mother for without her, I would not be the person I am today I forever salute my mother, May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace in the garden of the almighty”.

Alhaja Mogaji believed in the biblical saying “spare the rod and spoil the child”. She did not compromise when it comes to discipline, her children are brought up with the fear of God and are taught to follow the path of righteousness and morality. Her late daughter Mrs. Abiodun Kasumu said ” I was not surprised when my mother was given an award in Sheraton Hotel, Lagos as “the mother of all” it clearly showed that she cared for the children around her, she was always advising us to do things without any reservation. She claimed God would be our motivator and guide. My mother advised her children to work hard so that success will come their way, “she was a disciplinarian who frowned seriously at laziness”.

One of Alhaja Abibat Mogaji’s grandchildren, Honourable Adedamola Richard Kasumu representing Ikeja II constituency said “my grandmother, Alhaja Mogaji was a mother to many people including students. I can recollect that she was very fashionable and a good dancer. She was loving and caring. Alhaja Mogaji sponsored many people to school. She gave my mother moral and financial support when she was building her school. She was a good mixer.”

Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Alhaja Abibat Mogaji as a fantastic adviser and selfless leader that used her influence for the common good of the people. He noted that she was a leader and social crusader worth emulating. He urged leaders to emulate the leadership traits of Alhaja Mogaji saying her legacies would only be sustained, if leaders created a society that will work for all citizens.

Tracing the genesis of his relationship with Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (retired) first Military Governor of Lagos State said, “Abibat Mogaji is a heroine, I think I can reflect back to several years when I come into public administration. I came in contact with Alhaja Abibat Mogaji when I was the military administrator of the Federal Territory in 1966 before states were created in 1967 before I became the First Military Governor of Lagos state. I met Alhaja Abibat Mogaji in the course of bringing women together forming sole front in approaching government for the needs of the market. To carry out policies and programmes at local government level we have to bring in market women. They were also involved in indirect price control level. We always find the leader of the association of market women and men who was Alhaja Abibat Mogaji useful. We held consultations with her, she held dialogue with the government when the price of commodities were expensive. She advised the government on the commodities moving in and out of the country. We always find her advice useful. She was dynamic, she rallied round the government”.

Brigadier Johnson indicated that Alhaja Mogaji often grace occasions with members of the market association whenever heads of state from other countries visited and also when there were important functions.

He said “she and some members of her association usually storm events looking glamorous in “Aso Ebi” (uniform), sometimes when they decide they were going to honour a visitor coming into the country, they will jointly decide not to go to the market to sell. Alhaja Abibat Mogaji was their leader during the period”.

Capturing the active role Alhaja Mogaji played during the burial of his mother, “when I lost my mother in 1973, I can remember that Alhaja Abibat Mogaji led the delegation of market women to come and express her condolence on funeral day. We all saw them with members of her association in their aso-ebi (uniform) gracing the occasion. They were gaily dressed”.

The former military ruler in Lagos state explained that the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men had a rival organisation but with Alhaja Mogaji’s dynamism, the government recognized her as the head of market women and men in Lagos. “She was highly recognized, she was not a literate woman but then it was not a hindrance to this great woman. She had a male secretary who is educated. Alhaja Mogaji was a strong character. She was a person who genuinely loves people and will do anything to protect the role of women in the society. She was generous. She was a good leader. She taught injustice and was forth right. I will always live to remember her”.

The late Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II attested “for Alhaja Abibat Mogaji to have reached her apogee was a matter of ordinate ambition, real guts and commitment. There is no doubt that she was an acclaimed achiever and nationalist”.

Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu of Lagos described her as a woman in million. She said “Alhaja Mogaji deserves a good place in history. She will forever remain great in Nigeria she was a great Lagosian who has contributed positively to the growth of the nation”.

Mr. Odia Ofeimu, former Private Secretary to late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former President Association of Nigeria Authors reminiscenced on an incident that happened during the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as the governor of Lagos State. “Alhaja Abibat Mogaji was a courageous woman. She took over an office in the governor’s office during Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s days in power. She wondered why she was not given a post in government because she was a major factor in putting the government in place. That was during the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) days. Despite her lack of western education. Alhaja Abibat Mogaji was a woman who knew precisely what she wanted and has the audacity to demand for it, she was very courageous.

Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s admiration for Alhaja Mogaji knew no bounds because of the latter’s support for the Unity Party of Nigeria said Mr. Ofeimu. According to him, Chief Awolowo who was the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria

took pains to be present at the function organised by the woman leader “Chief Awolowo was always being accompanied to her function with his wife, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo.  Alhaja Mogaji assisted to campaign for Unity Party of Nigeria that won the gubernatorial election in Lagos State. That was the reason why the great leader and his wife stood by her.

 

By Olatunde Odebiyi

A non-governmental Organisation, Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI), has called for increased awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among women and girls.

Its Project Director, Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, said when youths are informed about sexuality and their rights, it would enable them to make the right decisions on sex.

Speaking at a media dialogue on the outcome of a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage: Making SRHR work for women and girls, she said because some Nigerians were not informed on sexuality, pregnant young girls had no one to confide in, they use hanger and  substances to undergo unsafe abortion and in the process develop several health complications.

She stressed the need to have sexuality conversation with youths, noting that these people battle with a lot of things. “They have their phones and the internet to tell them what to do, hence the need for the government, parents, religious leaders, schools and media organisations among others to rise up and give young people the right information and education on SRHR,’’ she said.

She lamented that some educated parents were too busy to educate their children, while uneducated ones do not have skills to pass to the children.

“Nigeria is still backwards and we are shying away from information on SRHR. People have rights to determine how their body should be used and if they have the right information, their body will not be used wrongly,” she noted.

She said the government must up their game, face the reality and make provisions for more health workers that understand young people, adding that unsafe abortion is on the increase.

“The government must invest in its Primary Healthcare facilities, poor people should not pay for health at the expense of their food and the education of their children. Government should ensure comprehensive SRHR as a means of tackling unmet needs of a whole range of services young people require. The government should ensure gender budgeting, support domestic funding for health and reduce over dependence on external funding. They should partner with civil society organisations as they are close to the people and can provide useful tips on health care and wellbeing. SRHR is essential to protecting overall wellbeing of women and girls,” she said.

Executive Director, His Marvelous Grace Support Foundation, Mrs Oluwadamisi Tayo-Ladega called for efforts to ensure SRHR awareness.

“In cases of child abuse, we must all speak out on perpetrators; we must not be silent because rape cases are on the rise. Victims are emotionally and psychologically not balanced, hence the need to speak out,” she said.

She noted that with the right information and education on SRHR to women and girls, victims of sexual abuse would reduce because people would be informed.

Executive Director, Community Women’s Right Foundation, Lateef Akinborode, added that children must be educated on the level of information they should expose themselves to over the internet and entertainment channels.

Executive Coordinator, Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, Foluke Ademokun said there was need to insist that the government should promote infrastructure that would empower women and girls to get their needs met, adding that one of the reasons girls could get into sex early is due to poverty.

“There is the need for accountability on perpetrators and they must know the consequences,” she said.

 Omolola Afolabi

The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) will hold its 21st exhibition themed October rain from October 26 till November 3 at Freedom Park, Lagos.

This year, the exhibition is tagged, When thoughts become reality to demonstrate how thoughts and imagination of man manifest into reality. It will be featuring about 100 artists.

This year’s edition is being organised in posthumous honour of Nigeria’s two renowned art icons: Bisi Silva and Bisi Fakeye, who have contributed to the growth and development of art.

The exhibition is organised yearly to promote art originality and excellence in the art. Art forms include painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, ceramics, textiles, graphics, performance art, installation and mixed media. It is also meant to create a platform for members to showcase their artworks to the  public and artists’ community.

SNA Chairman Mr. Idowu Soneye said: ‘’We invite the public to witness what our members have been doing for the past one year through this exhibition. One remarkable thing about it is the leverage we have created for both young and old to operate on the same stage’.

“This is where you find artists like Yusuf Grillo, Bruce Onobrakpeya and other veterans in the art industry share the same stage with young and up and coming artistes. This projects the younger ones and at the same time enables the veterans to replicate themselves in the young ones,” he added.