The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Erelu to fashion designers: don’t imitate others

    Ekiti State Governor’s wife Kayode Fayemi, Erelu Bisi Fayemi has been a strong supporter and patron of the African Fashion Week London (AFWL) since 2012. She speaks with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on the challenges hindering the growth of African designers in the global market, her plans to establish Ekiti Entrepreneurship Week, her dream of the yearly fashion event holding in August in London, among other issues.

    You have supported AFWL since 2012. What are you looking forward to at the ninth edition this year?

    I am truly pleased to have been a part of AFWL’s work since 2012, when the Founder of AFWL, Ronke Ademiluyi, asked me to be the Patron of AFWL 2012. The 2012 event was really nice and when I attended in 2018 after a number of years had gone by, I was very impressed to see how much AFWL had grown. In 2019, I am looking forward to seeing more designers and more of a connection with a new generation of Africa based designers who could do with international recognition.

    How do events, such as AFWL, contribute towards the reputation of the African continent?

    Events, such as AFWL, remind the world that the African continent, in all its diversity, is rich in all areas of fashion. Fashion is an integral part of our identity as Africans. Through our various textiles, tapestries, embroideries, hairstyles, jewellry, permanent and non-permanent tattoos, we tell stories that reflect our history, values, complexity and uniqueness. Through events, such as AFWL, we showcase our creativity and the ways in which we celebrate every new dawn through dressing up in ways that reflect occasion, mood and convention.

    What do you think has hindered African designers from achieving the same success that western designers have achieved?

    There are many factors responsible for this. I will mention just a few in no particular order. First, there is the uneven access to global attention via international media attention. There is the perception that you cannot get anything coming out of Africa that can be better than what an Italian or French designer can come up with. Second, there is the issue of access to international markets, which is a fall out from the first challenge I identified. Third is the problem of finance. Without adequate capital, designers cannot produce at scale, will not be able to invest in marketing and advertising and cannot overcome production hitches caused by weak infrastructure such as electricity, poor roads and so on. Fourth is the sensitive issue of realistic pricing. I am aware that there are high production costs associated with fashion all over the world. However, the markets are different. Just because designers sell an outfit for $500 in London or Paris does not mean designers in African countries can charge the same rates. Yes, there are many who will buy but most people certainly will not do so on a sustainable basis. There is a designer in Nigeria who made nice outfits for me a few years ago, I almost had a heart attack when I got the bill! Even if I can I afford to pay, I might want to prioritise other things other than spend so much on a single item, when there are people around me with school fees and medical bills to be paid.

    Could you tell us about any fashion-related projects in Ekiti?

    I am starting a project with young designers and dressmakers in the State. In October 2019, we are going to have the Ekiti Entrepreneurship Week and a component of that is going to be devoted to exhibiting the works of Ekiti designers as well as a fashion show. The fashion industry can help create jobs and wealth. We also have a weaving industry in the state which needs to be revived and promoted. I am going to be actively involved in that, too, through collaborations among my office and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, the Directorate of Employment and the Council for Arts and Culture.

    As the AFWL Global Ambassador, what will you like to see this platform achieved?

    I will like to be able to draw attention to the need to invest in women and girls. The economic, social and political empowerment of women is very important. No development is possible without taking into consideration the needs of half of the population. I see the fashion industry and its entire value chain as one way in which we can promote the voices and creativity of both women and men, with an emphasis on paying attention to the fewer opportunities that women have for growth and development.

    Why do you think African fashion has recently come to the forefront?

    I think industry watchers and citizens around the world now understand that Africa has been at the forefront all along. Whatever it is – creative designs, originality, colour, wearability, glamour, pizzazz, grace, elegance, attitude, you name it, we have it!

    What does the future hold for African fashion and organisations,s such as AFWL?

    The future is quite bright for African Fashion and AFWL. We should focus on the things we do well and not worry about imitating others. You can only be the best version of yourself otherwise you end up as a poor imitation of someone else. No African Fashion designer should be aspiring to be the next Coco Channel, Tom Ford or Vera Wang. We have fabulous designers who can claim the world as their own. It would be my pleasure to continue working with AFWL to play a role in that.

  • Institute canvasses counselling on social vices

    With the spate of rape, suicide, drug abuses and corruption in the country, the Institute of Counselling in Nigeria has called on the government, individuals and corporate bodies to hire professional counsellors and psychotherapists to stem the menace.

    Its Provost,  Dr Tolulope Oko-Igaire and other stakeholders stated this at the unveiling of the institute in Lagos.

    Reeling out statistics, she said  in 2017, 10,000 girls were sexually assaulted, raped daily in Nigeria.’ She noted that  marital separation rates last year increased by 14 per cent, adding that one in seven persons aged 15-64  had used a drug (other than tobacco and alcohol) in the past years. “Nigerians used to be termed the happiest people on earth, but we are ranked 85th in the world,” she added.

    Emphasising the need to seek professionals, Tolulope said: ‘’It can no longer be business as usual. We can’t keep mounting pressures on our spiritual leaders as if they are superhuman. Your pastor is not a sex therapist, your Alfa is not a trained grief and bereavement counsellor, your Mother in Israel is not an addiction counselor, neither is your spiritual father a child and adolescent counsellor.”

    She stated that the institute was established to address counselling-related issues as they affect individuals and corporate organisations. “Institute of Counselling was carefully created after noticing these massive vacuum in our society. Every individual wanting to go through the journey of self-discovery needs the institute, companies that need to get the best from their employees need the institute (HR has gone beyond the old norm), churches that want happy and productive members needs the institute and educational organisation that really want to thrive cannot do without the institute. The government, organisations,  parastatals and institutions need the institute to achieve the dream of a greater society,” she explained.

    According to her, people don’t need to go aboard to study counseling and psychotherapy because they can do so in the country. “Every individual passionate about humanity can  take a breath of fresh air, as they no longer have to travel overseas to get certified in specialised fields of counselling and psychotherapy,” she explained.

    Furthermore, she stated that counselling is the new generational skill for optimal performance and a fulfilling destiny, urging  both the private sector and government to support the institute, pointing that schools, hospitals, prisons, religious centres and others needs it more than ever.

    Advisory Board Representative, Lekan Ajisafe said: ‘’A closer look at our society will reveal to you that a lot of Nigerians are suffering from various forms of mental and emotional problems and most of them are not even aware of it because the government and citizens are doing close to nothing to educate the public and proffer reasonable solutions to all these social anomalies.

    ‘’From the problems of abuse to that of addiction; from bad parenting to domestic violence; from corruption to power abuse; from pedophilia to rape; from depression to suicide; no one needs to be told that something is wrong with our society and we need therapeutic interventions now than ever before.”

    Former President of the institute, Ibironke Banjoke Olukoga, urged the government and private sector to work with the institute to solve issues that need counselling to build a better society.

  • Arts Council sets fresh milestone

    The stage is set for another cultural fiesta courtesy of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). It hosted no fewer than 36 ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of countries to a pre-International Arts and Crafts Expo dinner in Abuja.

    The assemblage of countries like South Africa, Iran, Cameroun, Spain, China, Sudan, Venezuela, United States and others was a deliberate attempt by NCAC to rewrite the culture narratives of Nigeria as it prepares for a groundbreaking 2019 Expo holding in November in Abuja.

    The event, which held at the Sheraton Hotels, was a prelude to the expo, making it most memorable, especially for foreign nationals.

    NCAC Director-General Otunba Segun Runsewe thanked the various ambassadors and high commissioners for gracing the occasion, recalling that it was an improvement on the 22 countries that participated in last year’s event.

    Read Also: Arts and Culture ambassador lauds Ekiti konga drummer

    Runsewe said the essence of the dinner was to provide a platform for diplomats to interact and unwind in an informal atmosphere  to further cement the cordial relationship already existing between them and the host country.

    Acccording to the culture chief, the third edition of INAC will dedicate the day to any country interested in entertaining the envoys, noting that last year’s witnessed phenomenal entertainment from countries, such as China, India and Bangladesh.

    After the dinner, Otunba Runsewe presented souvenirs to the envoys.  He said plans were  underway to ensure that this year’s Cultural Diplomacy Day for Peace slated for November 24 is marked.

    The dinner featured delectable Nigerian cuisine, sensational cultural presentation, group photo, exhibition of artistic masterpieces by contemporary Nigerian artists, a display of vintage bronze casts and other historic artefacts courtesy of NCAC.

  • Ode to Brother Nwachukwu

    Former banker and member, Ikoyi Club Nwachukwu Ignatius Dike passed on in Lagos after a protracted illness. In this tribute, Kingsley Dike, a retired US Army officer, Atlanta, Georgia, recalls the fond memories of his uncle, especially his wise counsels.

    No time is death welcome in the family. But the death of Mr. Nwachukwu Ignatius Dike on June 21, 2019 has been  very devastating to me. I enjoyed very close relations with him that I could conveniently say I am one of his many disciples and protégé in the family and beyond. He was a good man who was interested in bringing out the best in other people. From a very early stage, I was a beneficiary of his many wise counsels.

    He featured in our growing up at home in Kwale, Delta State. He admired and honoured his uncle my father Chief Joseph Dike and the relationship was mutual. He was my father’s favourite among his nephews. Thus, he has a major influence in our choices of what to do and how to go about it. He was instrumental, in line with my father’s mentorship, in encouraging all of us to seek admissions in federal universities, himself a graduate of Economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He later had a brilliant career with Hallmark Bank and Unity Bank.

    He was a leader in the community and gave back to society. First, he served in the UNN’s Students Union Government. He was a member of the Rotary and Apapa clubs and was active in organising their community outreach programmes, particularly in supporting indigent families with holiday cheers during the Yuletide and scholarship scheme of UNN Alumni Association.

    He was a loving father to his four children and dedicated husband to his wife Nzolu.

    Thus, you saw the pride and glow when I attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and Jonathan and Harrison the University of Ibadan. As the teenage years came with their natural propensity for us to disagree and fall-out with our disciplinarian father Chief Dike, Nwachukwu was the mediator who ensured that we stayed the course without deviating from his uncle’s vision for our development. As he used to say, you might disagree with Chief Dike in other issues, but he was never wrong with his instincts on what career path to follow and how to go about it.

    Nwachukwu would be greatly missed. I will forever miss the boisterous laughter. Always a happy person who saw the good in every situation and every human being. He was the centre of the Dike family, reaching out to everyone and abreast with our problems and triumphs.

    I remember the many long conversations I had with him from the various locations my served in the United States Army.

    In Iraq he would patiently listen to my war stories and pray for my safe return.

    In Germany we would delve into world history and the impact of WW2 on decolonisation in Africa and in South Korea, he was so concerned for my safety when I told him my unit was stationed about 100 miles from the DMZ, the most fortified border in the world.

    Every time he sees any news about the U.S. Army or soldier on CNN, Nwachukwu would call my family to know how I was doing; if I could not be reached.

    Thank you for your care and may your sweet gentle soul rest in peace.

    Nwachukwu, 59, was survived by relatives, among whom are his uncle Chief Joseph Uzor Dike, the Iyasele Onowu of Onuaboh; his brothers and sisters: Mr. John Dike, retired Chevron Oil communications expert; Mrs. Julie Oshilim of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja; Mr. Festus Dike, a Lagos-based banker; his cousins Mr. Ferdinand Dike and Ms. Magdalene Dike, both of the Delta State Judiciary, Asaba.

    Adieu Brother Nwachukwu.

  • PIN chief unveils three poetry books

    President, Poets in Nigeria (PIN) Eriata Oribhabor will unveil three poetry collections today in Lagos.

    The event, which is in collaboration with Tempt ‘n’ Crave, will hold at the Virgin Rose Resorts Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The collections are “Walking Truths”, “That Beautiful Picture” and “Colours and Borders”.

    Expected at the event, which has as chairman the former Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Mordecai B. D. Ladan, are the Acting Director, DPR, Alhaji Ahmad R. Shakur; Zonal Operations Controller, DPR Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Wole Akinyosoye, and Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos Branch, Mr Yemi Adebiyi.

    It will be moderated by Awodiya Funke, author of The Farmer’s Daughter. PIN Executive Secretary Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom is the book reviewer.

    There will be special performances by John Kutcheti, Clementina Owumi (Solutionist) and House of Phoebe.

    According to PIN, another highlight of the event is the celebration of 13 poets, winners of PIN Food Poetry Contest 2018.

    Oribhabor, a poetry promoter fondly called  “The Merchant of Poetry” in literary circles, is a former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, he is the President, Poets in Nigeria (PIN) Initiative.

    He is also an essayist, editor, social commentator, literary activist and publisher, Something For Everybody Ventures (SFEV).

    He has also written several poetry collections, including Crossroads and The Rubicon, Beautiful Poisons, Eriata on Marble, Shifting Rides of Poetikness, Random Thoughts on Poetry, Walking Truths, That Beautiful Picture, and Colours and Borders. His forthcoming titles include Twenty Eighteen, Gud Old Naija, Under Construction, UnUnited Nations of Nigeria (White man, black hearts), You have the Stage, and Spoken Call.

  • Lagos theatres excite stakeholders

    First, it was the ultra-modern Lagos Theatre in Oregun opened by President Muhammadu Buhari in April. It was followed by the unveiling of the Igando, Epe and Badagry theatres in May. The former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration, which planned six of such theatres opened those four before leaving office on May 29. Assistant Editor Arts OZOLUA UHAKHEME writes on stakeholders’expectations in the operation, programming and maintenance of the theatres.

    This is more or less a fulfilled day for me. If there is anything for me to say, it is that I am fulfilled that a day like this can come in Epe. I mean, four days to go; in four years, we have turned things around. God has given us that grace that we can come back here and actually spend my last weekend here with my people.

    ‘’Two, I believe strongly that the vision to actually bring out the best of the talents of our younger ones is part of this structure that you are seeing here.”

    These were the words of ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during the inauguartion of the Lagos Theatre in Epe few days to the end of his tenure. Given the enthusiasm that greeted the opening of four theatres across he state, stakeholders in the creative sector are anxiously waiting for the operation of these facilities, which are first of their kind in the country.

    More importantly, the initiative to construct the theatres across the state was borne out of the vision to create a framework to bring out the creativity and innovative skills of talented youths, as well as serve as a platform to scale up communal bonding.

    Four months after, stakeholders are anxiously waiting to see the theatres in full operation. Among them are award-winning multi-talented artist, playwright, producer, director, musician and former Deputy Editor of  The Guardian, Ben Tomoloju, who has been a strong advocate of community theatre for years, shares his thoughts on the four community theatres; CEO, Terra Kulture Arts Centre, Lagos, Mrs BolanleAusten-Peters and actor, movie producer Kunle Afolayan.

    Ben Tomoloju

    What is your take on the four theatre projects inaugurated by former Governor Ambode in April and May?

    I believe that the inaguration of the four theatres is a positive and salutary response to the yearning of members of the Lagos public, particularly the professionals in the theatre sector. I would like to place it on record, with every sense of modesty that I have been in the forefront of the advocacy for this initiative since we proposed the strategy for the implementation of the Cultural Policy for Nigeria in 1988. And this is with due acknowledgement of other leaders of thought who formulated the policy 30 years ago. In my paper published in THE CONSTITUTION, an academic journal of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation (CENCOD), I used Lagos State as a possible model where we could have a neighbourhood theatre in every local government area as pilot projects. Details are in the book. For now, one must commend Ambode for making a promise and fulfilling it even in part. What is crucial at this stage is to implore the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sustain the initiative in view of its economic and socio-cultural advantages in terms of job and wealth creation.

    How meaningfully will the project be put to use?

    Firstly, it has to be approached as a strategic project in the exploration of the theatre and allied disciplines in the performing arts as viable means of boosting the economy of the state. More talents in the creative industry will have the opportunity to exploit their skills profitably. Secondly, the project will challenge stakeholders to demonstrate their capacities in terms of enterprise. Thirdly, the project will improve  the level of socialisation that already exists in the state. Fourthly, it will have a multiplier effect with the emergence of subsidiary enterprises alongside the mainstream performing arts. One would like to warn, however, that the administrators of the facilities should not allow any aspect of the creative activities to dwarf the others. The advocacy for neighbourhood theatres was prompted by the poor response of the public to watching drama as a primary manifestation of theatre. It will be absurd if, in the long run, the administrators prefer to turn the theatre to a cinema or music hall to the detriment of live theatre. They should promote regular performances of literary and popular plays across the various sub-genres.

    What arrangement do you deem fit to run the project?

    The implementation should be handled by tested professionals and not through political patronage. We should remember that the success of the Premier League is not brought about by the British alone. Arsene Wenger is French. Klopp is German. Pochetino is Italian. Lagos is eminently cosmopolitan and the Lagos theatre circuit should reflect same without, in any case, relegating the culturality and its indigenous manifestation. I also suggest that there should be established a board for each of the theatres to oversee the management and staff. The management should not be turned into the kind of bureaucracy that is common to the typical Nigerian public service. They should be provided with a reasonable take-off grant after which they would be self-sustaining, but accountable through the board to a relevant agency of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The theatres should also evolve a system where shows can move from one to another. My paper envisaged a situation where one show can move weekly or so from one LGA’s neighbourhood theatre to others all year round. That’s a way of optimising the profitability of the repertoire.

     Given that the project is community-based, what will form the thrust of the programming and content?

    To begin with, programming should cover every possible theatre-based area of the performing and allied arts – live drama, movies, dance, musicals, stand-up comedy, opera, etc. Administrators should resist the temptation to turn any of the theatres into event centres. That would be counterproductive to the real essence of promoting the arts. In terms of content, the indigenous manifestations of the performing arts, especially with regard to the language of expression, should be given a reasonable local content quota. I cannot talk now about censorship except to align with global best practices, which is articulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    What form of partnership is ideal for the running of the theatres?

    Since, in my humble opinion, the theatres should be self-sustaining after working with the take-off grant, the management should be free to adopt any commercially viable form of partnership under a strictly secular arrangement. Companies can provide grants solely for  enjoying lasting corporate benefits, such as naming individual halls after them with added advantage in branding. Management can also form a partnership with advertising agencies in a bid to attract outdoor, indoor, screen and publication advertisements for the facility. It is also possible to run joint studio activities with TV production stations and companies that will bring regular returns to the theatre. Theatre production companies with the means can block-book the hall with rebates given as incentives but not to the extent of alienating other users.

    Generally, it depends on the innovativeness of the management within a free-market business environment.

    What should be the input of the communities in the promotion of theatre-going culture?

    The input should be patronage, more patronage and a commitment to the promotion of cultural legacy, which the theatre represents for the community. I imagine that their young ones will be positively influenced through the activities of the theatre to hone their own creative talents and have their capacities enhanced in the process. And is, in essence is suggesting that each of the theatres should endeavour to include a measure of non-profit, educational, talent-development programme in its schedule for greater relevance.

    ‘Local art communities will grow’

    Bolanle Austen-Peters

      What is your opinion?

    I am truly excited about this project. And I almost became emotional because it was just a whisper. I saw the governor one day and I said: ‘Why don’t you build theatres around Lagos so that our youths and people in the communities can have access to such recreation facility. And he said:   ‘Why not?’ It was just like that.

    And later on, they started talking to us. This was two years later. Now we have four theatres. Imagine what this theatre will do for Ikeja axis. All the people that used to drive all the way to Victoria Island now have a base at Ikeja. If you look around, we have a 400-seater theatre. We have a screen, stage, visual art stage, a restaurant and lot of rooms for workshops. Arts and crafts, students will be coming for excursion.

    I noticed that this theatre is designed after Terra Kulture Arena. Is it accidental?

    No! It is not accidental. As I said earlier, I proposed the idea. It is only what you know that you can give. We said we need a small space. You don’t need to build 1,000-seater theatre. There are community theatres of 150-seater across Europe. We were looking for that perfect balance and I think this is good even for government. They can use it for all their little meetings. So, we just took our model and plant it.

    What will be the long-term impact on the creative industry?

    One, We have decentralised theatre facilities. So, everybody doesn’t have to go to Ikoyi or Victoria Island again.

    Two, the local arts communities will grow. No matter what you say, it will be better because they now have a base. Jazz night can happen. Comedians who are looking for space to perform can use it. Also, musicians, artists, thronged Terra Kulture for space.  Last year, we had about ten. Now, they can come here or go to Igando. So much is going on. I believe jobs will be created.

    What of the content and running of the theatre?

    They will decide what to do. I think there is a limit to what the private partner can do. Let the government be the one to decide so that nobody puts pressure on anyone.

    Kunle Afolayan

    How do you look at the future of this theatre?

    For me, this is a very good innovation. I look at this beyond arts and entertainment. It is a hub—commercial hub. Some of the problems we have been facing even as practitioners is the fact that it is difficult to monetise our contents. And in this case, it is win-win for everybody. At the moment, we have quite a few cinemas. But, those cinemas cannot double as theatres. And this is the first time we are having theatres that can double as cinemas in Lagos State.

    The only spot that used to keep this type of service and view was the National Theatre. And, since the National Theatre has been grounded, I think Eko Theatre will win the minds  of the people because I have been advocating for community cinema. And this is like community cinema/theatre because a lot of people who live around here don’t even need to drive here. A housing estate is right behind and thousands of people live there. The theatre will have a park, laundries, eateries etc. So, I think quality recreation is back in Lagos.

    What is your take on security for the theatre?

    I think that will take care of itself because Ikeja Mall is right there. And 40 per cent of people who patronise Ikeja mall really don’t have anything in particular to do there except that the ambience there is good and they will go there and stay till 1am and they go to their house.

    Nigerians are looking for places that give some level of comfort and, of course, at the same time secure. And, I don’t think there has even been any report of robbery cases or bandits in places like this.

    To a large extent, the Lagos State government has taken care of security. And this place, I believe, will also be secured by the people who live within this community because there is easy access and whatever goes on here, you can easily see and monitor. So, I don’t think that should be a problem.

    How will this help in film distribution?

    I am not sure yet what they structured for running this place. But, I know to, a large extent, that whatever it is you’re getting at the private theatre, it will probably be gaining more than half of that coming here because this is for the people. So, if ticketing in Victoria Island is N5,000 for example, the rest stations will be N2,000 or less because this is for the people.

  • You’re fired!

    Mr Charles swayed on his seat with his fingers clasped under his chin. Though he was trying to think, his mind was consistently bombarded with unattractive consequence. The biggest question on his mind was “How”. That task was undoubtedly the most difficult one he had performed since his appointment as the Chief Personnel Officer of the Fast Benefit Limited. He thought: “When Mr. Smart comes in, I will say, ‘please have your seat sir. I called to inform you that your appointment in this organisation has been forthwith terminated  …’” No, he didn’t feel that was good enough for someone who had served the organisation for 25 years.

    Smart was a company driver in his late 50s. He was becoming sluggish, unreliable and less suitable for the fast-paced activities of the organisation. However, considering the way Smart always complained about his inability to support his wife and nine children, how would Charles now compound the problem by communicating his disengagement? To further complicate the matter, Smart’s wife had been in and out of the hospital because of an ailment. Someone had to give him the news and it was Charles’ unfortunate lot to do so, which he had already accepted. However, the big question was how he would present the information?

    Words are like vehicles that convey emotions. When conversations are over-charged with emotions, they mostly become difficult to manage. For a moment, think of a conversation you need to have with someone that you are not looking forward to. Do you have to tell your mum you broke her favorite dish? Do you have to tell your dad that you crashed his car? Do you have to break a relationship? There are several conversations we would rather avoid. The easiest way to deal with them is to avoid them, right? Wrong! Here is why:

    • It is misleading: delaying or avoiding important but difficult conversations is very misleading. You lead the person involved to believe that all is well when trouble is looming. If you think your friend will be embarrassed if you tell her that she’s got oil stain on her dress, guess what will happen when she discovers it at night after walking the length and breadth of the city? Most times, avoiding speaking when we should eventually hurt people more than if we had spoken to them. Since people have no way of reading our minds, it’s better to tell them how we feel; of course, the way we say it matters. Imagine if Mr. Charles fails to inform Mr. Smart that his services were no longer needed. He would have discovered in a most unpleasant way.
    • It is unfair: when you fail to have difficult conversations, you deny people the opportunity to improve. If you fail to call colleagues’ attention to their faults because you don’t want to “hurt their feelings”, the consequences may be far more devastating.
    • It affects productivity and efficiency: when you are in a situation where the performance of one person affects the productivity of every other person, it is wise that you have the conversation. If you don’t, you will sacrifice the greater good on the platform of insincerity. Imagine what would happen if, for sentimental reasons, people are left to perform functions for which they are not competent? Quality would drop, business would be lost and more people would lose. Imagine if you remain in relationships that sap your energy and life instead of the ones that refresh you. When you fail to have difficult conversations, you avoid temporary responsibility just to encounter long-lasting future difficulty.
    • It kills the morale of team members: it is very possible that several people are making good inputs while one person is drawing them back. It is unfair to allow one person’s weakness to make other people seem incompetent. Of course, the solution is not always to get rid of the person. Sometimes, all you have to do is call their attention to it, while some other times, you may need to move them into another department where they can function better.

    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 nothing compared to what you can become. This can be your year if you want it to be!

  • JCI seeks partnership on youth empowerment

    Junior Chamber International, JCI Nigeria President, Adetola Juyitan, has expressed the commitment of the organisation to continuous partnership with youth-based organisations and foreign missions, including corporate bodies, to boost youth empowerment and development.

    Juyitan stated this at the unveiling of the group’s six months scorecard at a media parley in Lagos.

    Speaking on this year’s theme, “Act as one”, she noted that the organisation has designed programmes for enhancing youths’ capacity, particularly leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

    Determined to nurture innovative skills and talents into rewarding ventures, Juyitan charged youths to seek productive means  to contributing to national development.

    Providing a background to some of its programmes, the President said:  “We have an initiative or a programme, entitled: “Ten Outstanding Young Persons’ (TOYP) in Nigeria” that we carry out every year to encourage people to submit nomination for anyone that they feel strongly have carried out great projects wherever they are. TOYP is a platform that gives young people the opportunity to be seen while also opening doors of opportunities for them globally.  Since we started the programme in Nigeria, some of the winners have gone ahead to win at the global stage. Two years ago, we had two people win at the world stage and last year, we had one person.

    “Though they may not have been noticed by the government, but they are making waves in their little way. It is interesting to know that a lot of people that we know, such as Linda Ikeji, Rotimi Amaechi, were noticed, identified and rewarded by JCI through this particular programme. We had recognised the impact they were making even before the world got to know much about them. We recently won six awards at a global meet in Mauritius,” she added.

    Outlining some of the achievements of JCI Nigeria, Juyitan stated that the organisation has played its role in creating a better society for the youth given its capacity-building programmes. He added that that many young people are involved in governance through political participation was a indication that things are beginning to take a new shape.

    She stressed that the organisation would continue to seek support from individuals and organisations to assist it.

    “JCI is an organisation that unites all sectors of the society. In all that we do, we do our best to involve the government, those in the business community. We try to cover that area in the course of the year. We have been able to sign up several partnerships. Some are still in the offing; some we have started mining the rewards and benefit. Of course, we have carried out several projects and programmes in the year. We have been involved in courtesy visits to traditional rulers, bank directors, multinational firms, heads of diplomatic missions all in a bid to seek support and partnership and other benefits for our youth,” she said.

    Listing some of the upcoming programmes, JCI Nigeria Executive Secretary, Adeyemo Adeonipekun noted that the ‘’advocacy programme on electioneering’’ and the ‘JCI story’ embarked upon by the organisation are classic examples of projects which have had far-reaching impact on the youth for positive cause.

    “We are planning to host the International Youth Day, which has been fixed for August 20. There is also the “Lady Mechanic initiative”, where we are expected to train  many members. For us, we will continue to initiate programmes that cater for the need of the youth just as we have done on past projects”, he said.

    JCI Nigeria, an affiliate of Junior Chamber International, which was founded 62 years ago. It is a non-governmental organisation  committed to taking action and creating impact in the society. It has over 100 local organisations (in its City and Collegiate Chapters) and over 5,000 citizens’ membership base.

    Also at the event were JCI Nigeria Executive Assistant, Oluwatoyin Atanda and JCI Nigeria Director, National Convention, Adesiji Oyebolu

  • Mushin Rotary inaugurates president

    Despite the downpour last Sunday, guests thronged the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja to witness the installation of the Rotary Club of Mushin Golden President, Abiola-Ishola Olasunmayo. At first, it seemed they would not come. But with  time, guests began to stroll in one after the other and soon, the hall was filled to capacity.

    That the three-year-old club drew important personalities as the District 9110 Governor (DG), Dr Jide Akeredolu; Oluwo of Iwo Oba Abdulrasheed  Adewale Akanbi and founder of The Flying Doctors Nigeria Dr Ola Brown, attested to the dexterity of its members.

    Installation Committee Chairman Saka Gbolahan said the event had two objections: installation and fundraiser. The fund, he added, is for  the club’s projects in the year.

    Outgoing president Ajala Shuaib thanked the members for their support and urged them to extend same to his successor. He said he executed many projects, including empowerment.

    On his experience, he said:  ”It’s been wonderful. We had a lot of challenges. But we were able to deal with them. My advice to the new president is that he should use the same method we used to tackle the challenges he would encounter.’’ He promised to assist Olasunmayo on membership drive.

    After his speech, Shauib, guided by the DG, removed his regalia and handed it over to Olasunmayo.

    Akeredolu said: “Power has changed hands.’’ He ordered him to take charge of the event immediately. Beaming smiles Olasunmayo, an IT expert, thanked his colleagues for electing him. He added: ‘’I accept this appointment with pride and will give my best efforts to make you proud. I will devote my time to the obligations and duties of this office.’’ He unveiled N10million worth projects, urging guests and members to support him.

    Brown, who was guest speaker, decried the state of the country’s economy. She said factors, such as good education and health care, could grow the economy, Rotary’s focal areas.  She praised Rotary for its humanitarianism. Upon a question, she promised to assist in boosting health care. “I am happy to offer my support to Rotary,’’ Brown added.

    Five new members were inducted members and 12 non-members received awards.  They include Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) President Rotimi Oladele; a pharmacist Dr Mike Omotosho and Iyalaje Onibata of Lagos Mrs Kunbi Osifeso.

    After, Akeredolu, District officials and presidents took photograph with Olasunmayo.

  • Adherents celebrate World Ifa Day with fanfare

    The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State came alive last week as people from across the globe converged for this year’s World Ifa Festival at Ifa Temple, Oke Itase.

    Hotels, guest houses and inns were fully booked a month ahead of the fest.

    The Ifa Festival is to the adherents as Eid-Fitri is to the Muslim as well as Christmas and Easter to the Christians. It was a gathering of Ifa adherents and tourists from the country and abroad.

    It was the first time the newly installed Araba Agbaye,  Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, Makoranwale II, Olu Isese 1, would  preside as the spiritual head of the festival held every first Saturday in June.

    It marks the beginning of a new year, according to the Yoruba calendar. The new year starts with the climbing of Orunmila Temple (Ifa Temple) at Oke Itase, on the first Saturday in June, with prayers to usher in the new year.

    Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, felicitated with Araba Agbaye and Ifa adherents on the new year and the World  Ifa Festival. He said Ifa verses are words of Olodumare, which give succour to every problem.  He congratulated the Araba Agbaye and expressed his happiness with the way he reconciled aggrieved individuals with Ifa practices. He said this year’s edition was well organised compared to previous ones.

    The city was full of fun, dance and praise singing by various groups till the wee hours of the following day, while economic activities in the ancient city were all-time high due to the crowd.

    The New Year’s messages centered on the following issues: security, education, tourism, importance of Yoruba language in everyday activity, integrity, patriotism, truth and steadfastness.

    On security, Ooni urged the government at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities of protecting lives and property. He stressed that the rate of insecurity in the geo-political zones ranging from insurgency to kidnapping were alarming. However, he applauded the efforts of the security agencies  for their steadfastness in curbing crimes, but urged them to put in more efforts.

    He said: “A stop to criminal activities can only guarantee a well-secured lives, growth and development of the nation’s economy.‘’

    He admonished parents to train their children and wards on moral values for them to be virtuous called Omoluabi.

    Specifically, he appreciated the efforts of the Osun State Government led by Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola in stopping criminal activities.

    Further, Araba Agbaye disclosed that the festival is a tip of the iceberg as he would ensure that it become a world-class event. He enjoined those in attendance to spread the gospel about the creation of earth, which he started from Ile-Ife.

    He noted that going to Jerusalem and Mecca for pilgrimage is incomplete without a visit to where “we  originated from which is Oke-Itase”.

    Seventeen days after pilgrimage to World Ifa Temple, Araba Agbaye  celebrated this year’s Ilefin Araba, the first after his installation last September. The Ilefin-Araba holds 17 days after pilgrims have come from World Ifa Temple.

    This year’s edition held on June 19. People have started trooping into the ancient town a week before the festival day. On the D-day,  Araba Agbaye entered Ile-Ebora (a sacred room) within Oke-Itase compound earlier. He was in the room for more than five hours to communicate with his predecessors.

    By 1pm, he proceeded to the Omirin chamber within Ooni Palace hosted by Ife High Chiefs Isanire, Lowate and Erebese. He entered the chamber from Oke-Itase through the original path Orunmila took to the then Olofin room when “sexual crisis”  occured between the Olofin and Orunmila.  As tradition demanded, it is expected of Araba to consult Ifa through divination and the Odu, he would then offer sacrifices next day.

    At the Omirin chamber, prayers would be offer for Ooni, Ile-Ife, Yorubaland, Nigeria and the world. After the divination, the Araba would sit on his ancient stool stationed at the Opo Araba Agbaye beside the waiting office of the Emese. From Opo Araba, he would return to Ile Ebora in Oke-Itase for spiritual cleaning.

    The Araba Agbaye urges Babalawo, Iyanifa, Babalorisa, and Iyalorisa to send their children to acquire western education coupled with the endowed indigenous education. He said: “With acquisition of Western education, it would enhance Ifa status across the shore of Africa. Not only that, Ifa adherents would be able to compete with their counterparts in other religions   without any hindrance.

    He advised some Ifa practitioners who have taken academic jobs to be more committed to the preservation and promotions of Orunmila legacies.

    He made it known to the pilgrims that one of the best legacies bestowed on Yoruba peoples by their forefathers is Yoruba language. In recent time, the Yoruba language has become a difficult task for some parents to speak fluently without adding English in bringing home their points among their native speakers. These have really affected their children senses for not seeing any good things in speaking their native language.

    He called on the governments of Southwest zone to make Yoruba language compulsory for every  pupil in Southwest.

    He implored the political elites, including public servants, that they should maintain integrity, patriotism, truth and steadfastness. These values and others would take Nigeria to greater heights, he added.