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Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Bradford celebrates beauty, diversity

    Bradford celebrates beauty, diversity

    The inaugural Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) was a triumphant celebration of African culture, attracting over 1,000 attendees over two days. The festival showcased the rich tapestry of African heritage through music, dance, fashion, food, and art.

    The festival kicked off with an opening ceremony featuring a welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, Prof. Shirley Congdon, and a keynote lecture by Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, on “My Culture, My Heritage.” The festival was also honoured by the presence of the Lord Mayors of Leeds, Kirklees, and Calderdale, and Pro Chancellor of the University of Bradford, Prof. Udy Archibong MBE, who joined in celebrating the vibrant African community in Bradford.

    Attendees were treated to captivating performances by artists from Zimbabwe and Cameroon, highlighting the continent’s vibrant cultural diversity. A beautiful exhibition showcasing African culture by Ruth Agbolade further enriched the experience.

    “The Bradford African Festival of Arts was a celebration of the beauty and diversity of African culture,” said Dr. Olushola Kolawole, Festival Director and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for the University of Bradford’s School of Management. “We are thrilled to have provided a platform for local talents and businesses to shine and foster greater understanding and unity between cultures.”

    The festival continued at the Theatre in the Mill, where a series of stage plays, including “Esther Revenge”, written and directed by Kenneth Uphopho, captivated the audience. Also featuring a one-man play titled ‘High’, renowned Nollywood actor Chris Iheuwa dug deep into over three decades of Stage and TV performance experience to show the Bradford audience his pedigree.  Chris said,” The comic rendition of his one-man play was an excerpt from his one-man play HIGH, which will come up in December under his production outfit British African Arts And Theatre Ensemble (BAATE)”. 

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    The second-day event kicked off with opening a vibrant African market featuring over 25 vendors offering a diverse range of products and crafts. Attendees were treated to captivating performances by artists from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Caribbean, highlighting the continent’s vibrant cultural diversity.

    Commenting on curating diverse performances for the festival, Ned Archibong, Festival Producer, said, “I am thrilled to have brought together artists, performers and communities to share their unique stories, traditions and artistic expressions”. “It is my hope that this festival becomes a gateway for Bradford to connect with the African continent and continues to uplift and inspire everyone who experiences it”.

    One of the highlights of the festival was the fashion parade, showcasing the talents of local African designers, and the prestigious beauty pageant, where the winner was crowned the face of BAFA for the next year. The esteemed judging panel included Professor Udy Archibong MBE, Dr. Adebola Ogunbadejo, and Naz Shah, Member of Parliament for Bradford West and WD.

    Families enjoyed the interactive African games section, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages. The festival concluded with a captivating performance by renowned musician Dele Sosimi, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The event was made possible by the dedication and hard work of over 100 volunteers who contributed tirelessly to its success.

    “Beyond just a weekend of entertainment, this festival has left a lasting impact on Bradford, forging connections between cultures by immersing the community in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Africa,” said Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, Festival Project Coordinator, Bradford African Festival of Arts. “This festival didn’t just entertain – it educated and strengthened the city’s reputation as a hub of multiculturalism, attracting visitors from near and far, and giving local residents a deeper sense of pride in their community’s diversity.

    The festival was captured in all its vibrant glory by a dedicated creative and media team led by Faith Gbola Jesu Amusa. From the electrifying performances to the heartwarming behind-the-scenes moments, Faith’s team expertly documented every facet of this historic event.

    It aims to become an annual event that celebrates the contributions of the African community to Bradford and fosters unity and understanding between cultures.

  • Rotary donates to school, health centre

    Rotary donates to school, health centre

    Rotary Club of Abule-Egbe has donated some tree seeds/nurseries to Meiran Community Senior High School, Lagos.

    Making the donation, the club’s President, Oladiran Saheed Titilope, said it was part of their tree- planting programme to make schools green at all times and avert the impact the loss of trees would have on the school premises. He added that the project was part of the seven focal areas of Rotary International that they execute yearly.

    He noted the advantage of trees on human beings, saying they produce oxygen which we need for our growth just as they take in the carbon dioxide we breathe out.

    He urged the school management, the pupils and other Nigerians to cultivate the culture of tree planting to tackle the prevailing climate change impact and deforestation. He also urged them to take care of the trees and nurture them to full growth to enable them enjoy their existence and encourage the club to give more in the future.

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    The school’s Principal, Mr Gbenga Oyediran, expressed satisfaction with the gift. He promised to take care of the trees and especially keep away people or animals from destroying them. He pleaded with the club to assist the school in other areas of their need like provision of tables and chairs, books etec.

    Oladiran promised to help, advising the school management to get its needs assessment ready to send it to the school.

    Also, the club donated some medical items worth over N1.2million to the Health Centre at Oloota in the area. They included beddings, mosquito nets, and consumables. Though it was the first time the club donated to the centre, Oladiran was happy with the joy displayed by the centre’s managers in accepting the gifts, pledging to return with more.

  • Exploring retirement for fulfillment

    Exploring retirement for fulfillment

    Former Dean, School of Arts, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi has called on government to identify committed educationists who have impressive record of performance to drive the education sector. He said that government should also ensure that institutions of learning are bigger than individuals and not the other way round.

    Dr. Adeyemi who spoke with Arts Writers in his studio in Lagos on his post-retirement plans identified inadequate funding as a major challenge confronting the education sector, adding that past administrations have paid lip service to the development of the sector.

    “Funding must be taken serious. But, past administrations have paid lip service to many factors necessary to grow the sector. Unfortunately, education is the bedrock of development,” he said. 

    He stated that he does not lose sleep over retirement as there is a smooth transition in place. Adeyemi who will retire in September at 65, said retirement is a mere jargon and a stage in everyone’s career as public servant. He said at retirement, his area of concentration will be studio practice, from where he will produce quality art for art lovers.

    “My next concern is to go full blown in my studio practice. I will also look at Correctional Centres where to teach art pro bono once a week. Those behind bars are not entirely a waste.

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    Art is spiritual and it can help turn their lives around. This idea is not new because Ulli Beiere explored this in the 60s and today’s great artists are products of the experiment. But, when I turn 75, I will go home to Ondo to continue the project,” he said.  Recalling his journey in art teaching and practice, he said his career growth was made possible by the mentorship he got from great artists such as Yusuf Grillo, Prof. Solomon Wangboje, Kolade Oshinowo, Dr. Dan Ikhu Omovbude and Prof. Osa Egonwa. He noted that he learnt printmaking from the duo of Prof. Solomon Wangboje and Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya who are masters in the art. In particular, he declared that he pitched his tent with Bruce Onobrakpeya after leaving school and since then he had no regret of the relationship. 

    Adeyemo disclosed that as part of his parting gifts at retirement, he will be hosting two solo art exhibitions on August 13 and September 8 at the Yusuf Grillo Gallery, Yabatech, Lagos and National Museum, Onikan, Lagos respectively. On August 29, friends of Adeyemi will hold a conference at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, YabaTech, Lagos, with Prof. Kunle Filani as keynoter. Theme of conference is Kunle Adeyemi:The Man, His Art, and His  Message.

    The first show tagged Paintograph and paintocast explored, is an offshoot of his PhD thesis, which examines the nexus between painting and printmaking. According to him, the result of this effort turns out to be sculptural. “And it became painting, sculpture and printing. To give it a base I focus on the cultural elements of Yoruba people. As an artist, I have been able to create and nurture archetypes who have gone through me in life…many of my students who were studio hands don’t leave me easily,” he said. 

    Unlike some of his peers in Art Schools, Adeyemi successfully married the town and gown experiences to boost his practice and market value. On how he combines teaching with studio practice, he said: “Discipline, discipline and discipline. Discipline with time, discipline with finance, discipline with relationship, discipline with social life and health. I learnt all this from Bruce Onobrakpeya. And you must be focused and purposeful. As an artist, my purpose is to be a real practitioner despite the teaching job. More importantly, my stay in The Guardian as artist was a major formative stage in my art career.”

    He described the last two years at Yabatech as almost unbearable because of long hours of meetings. But, Dr. Adeyemi who recently returned from art residency in Sweden was able to create time for studio practice, an attribute he borrowed from great masters such as Bruce Onobrakpeya and Kolade Oshinowo. While in Sweden, he held a solo exhibition and featured works in an open art biennale at Orebro, which will run for a month and half.

    When asked what he will do differently if he is to repeat his journey in art, he said: “First, the society as at today won’t allow me. But what I will do better is to increase the velocity of my enlightening the students the more. Today, I look at the class and pick few students to encourage. I use such few to lead the groups like a workshop system. I will also carry out more researches on how to do it better.”

  • Our ordeal on January 27 Road, by commuters

    Our ordeal on January 27 Road, by commuters

    When the January 27 Road was constructed in 2015/2016, it was a beautiful stretch that connected Ejigbo, Ikotun and their environs to other areas of Lagos such as Ajao Estate, Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road via Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Lekki, among others. Years later, the road has become dilapidated. CHINAKA OKORO reports that residents and road users have continued to lament and plead with the Lagos State Government to fix the road because of its strategic importance

    The road to Oke-Afa that traversed Isolo is not long, but arduous. Though currently reconstructed by the Lagos State Government, the Isolo-Oke-Afa Road is rough and characterised by countless potholes.

    At the popular Daleko Market, close to the Daleko Bridge, passengers, especially those from the popular Ladipo Motor Spare Parts Market, can board a bus or tricycle (keke) to Jakande Estate Gate. After a long wait to board a bus or keke, and if one is lucky enough to do so, the bumpiness of the road makes the short distance long and tiring.

    As one endures the endless galloping on the road up to Pako Roundabout, shortly after the Isolo General Hospital, approaching After Bridge Bus stop, one hisses a sigh of relief.

    At After Bridge or Mass Burial Bus stop, where the Oke-Afa Memorial Arcade is located, one disembarks and makes one’s way to Canoe via January 27 (former Peter Agha) Road which is a walking distance from the Memorial Arcade where victims of the January 27, 2002 Ikeja bomb blasts were buried. Here, another nightmarish experience begins.

    Going down January 27 Road in Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 11, a soft wind caresses its hard and rough length. Waste papers, trash and dust dance a light-footed tango with the wind as it drives them down the almost abandoned road. A first-time visitor to the area may wonder if sane mankind lives in such a forlorn area whose road could best be described as a death trap. Yet, the area boasts responsible and intelligent people.

    But for what could be perceived as neglect on the parts of local and state governments, January 27 Road and its environs would have been a very exciting and bubbly community. Any wonder residents of this area are gnashing their teeth as a result of the road that is degenerate.

    As one ambles further toward Canoe, one begins to understand why those who live and ply this road are angry. Their fury was perceptible. Men, women, youths and even infants bore hatred of their forlorn situation on their faces. They were ready to tell their disgusting story.

    There used to be a road on which they walked and ply, but now, they are living in an abyss caused by the indescribable state of January 27 Road on which deadly deep holes are prominent features.

    During and after downpours; whether heavy or mild, the road becomes impassable. For a long time, residents of the community watched helplessly.

    Investigation revealed that the January 27 Road which was constructed in 2015/2016 during Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has become a dreadful stretch of death traps.

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    Worried about the development, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who represented Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 11, Hon. Jude Emeka Omobowale Idimogu had written a letter to Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the need to fix the road to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

    The letter, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, was titled “Deplorable State of January 27 Road (Peter Agha Street and Alimi Bada Street (Bada Street) at Ilamoshe Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo LCDA.”

    The letter dated July 16, 2024, was copied to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State who doubles as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa; the Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Infrastructure; the member representing Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 11 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ladi Oladipo Ajomale; General Manager of Public Works and Infrastructural Development Agency and the Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    The letter Idimogu signed reads: “On behalf of the good people of Ilamoshe Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo LCDA, I beg you sir, to direct the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works and Infrastructural Development Agency, to carry out palliative work on the above important road in Ejigbo LCDA.

    “This particular road is so strategic and important to vehicular and pedestrian movements from Ikotun Egbe and its environs, especially those going to Ajao Estate, Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road via Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lekki and other areas.

    “The dilapidated state of the road had impacted negatively on traffic management and control in the area. The man-hour loss by commuters applying this road is unbearable and unquantifiable. Vehicles spend no less than three to four hours daily while plying the road due to its bad state and economic activities are extremely hampered.

    “Man hours lost by Lagosians who make use of this road is unbearable; let alone the wear and tear on vehicles that ply the road daily.

    “In addition, the road hosts the Oke-Afa Memorial Arcade which is also a centre of tourists’ attraction, especially for those whose relatives lost their lives during the Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast, who were buried at the monument.

    “Besides, one of the most recently established modern public nursery and primary schools, Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School is located on this road.

    “I plead with you sir, that you urgently intervene so that this all-important road would be given the required attention.”

    During the official inauguration of Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School, on June 11, 2024, Hon. Ajomale had regretted the deplorable state of the road and urged the authorities to urgently fix it because of its strategic importance.

    The lawmaker said: “When this road was constructed in 2015.2016 by the then Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration, it was a beautiful stretch of road. The road is important because it connects Ejigbo, Ikotun and their environs to other important areas such as Ajao Estate, Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road via Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lekki and other areas. I urge the relevant authorities to urgently rehabilitate the road for the residents of the area to feel the impact of governance in Lagos State.”

    Some residents who spoke with our correspondent said that they experience a lot of hardship on the road.

    Ms Nneka Ezeugo, whose shop is on 21, January 27 Road opposite a failed portion of the road said: “For three months now, I have escaped being hit by vehicles that are dodging the terrible pothole in front of my shop. I always live in fear that some reckless and careless drivers may lose control and smash into my shop.

    “When it rains, the road becomes impassable so much so that some vehicles would be stuck in front of my shop. Most times, some heavy vehicles do fall and block the frontage of my shop.

    “The bad condition of the road gets worse daily despite some palliative measures carried out by some residents of the area. The situation has adversely affected my daily sales.

    “I plead with the state and council authorities to ameliorate the suffering of the people in the area and motorists who use the road daily by fixing the road.”

    A motorist who spoke to our correspondent in confidence said: “It seems as though this area and its environs are not part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administrative constituency of Lagos; given the ordeal and untold hardship we are exposed to daily due to little or no government presence in this area.”

    An aggrieved resident said: “Since the state government has seemingly abandoned us, what about the local government? Can’t the LCDA do something in terms of maintaining street roads?”

    Almost all those who spoke with our correspondent bemoaned their state of hopelessness, deprivation and neglect in the area.

    However, they pleaded with the local and state governments to fix the road to make life better for the people.

  • Egbaland honours Soyinka at 90

    Egbaland honours Soyinka at 90

    As part of activities marking the 90th birthday celebration of Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland has set aside July 12 and 13 for artistic events at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta.

    The monarch had called on Federal Government to declare every July 13 a national day to honour Soyinka for his contributions to literature, unwavering commitment to justice and unrelenting passion for Nigerian culture. This, he said, was to further promote his ideals and excellent scholarship disposition in the coming generation.

    Prof. Wole Soyinka, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, studied at the Abeokuta Grammar School briefly before moving to Government College, Ibadan in 1954 and University College, Ibadan. He later proceeded to the University of Leeds in England. 

    According to the monarch, there will be art exhibitions by pupils of St. Peters School, Ake, Abeokuta Grammar School and Ogun State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists, book exhibitions by Spectrum Publishing Company, and documentaries on Soyinka, poetry recitals, cultural performances and hunting expedition by hunters from Egbaland.

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    Oba Gbadebo said the choice of the two schools – St. Peters School and Abeokuta Grammar School – for the celebration was informed by the roles the schools played in the upbringing of Soyinka, adding that Soyinka attended St. Peters School, Ake and Abeokuta Grammar School before leaving for Government College, Ibadan.

    These activities with the theme: Defiance and creativity-A celebration of Soyinka’s artistic ingenuity and impact on Nigeria, Africa and the entire world, according to the traditional ruler, will hold at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta on Friday and Saturday July 12 and 13 respectively.

    Recounting his childhood memories of Soyinka in Ake, Oba Gbadebo said: “I grew up in Ake like Soyinka. We used to call his mother mummy. She had a shop at the Ake roundabout. Soyinka is older than me, so I related with his younger ones then. He wrote one of his greatest books on Ake.”  

  • Blue Africa celebrates cultural exchange

    Blue Africa celebrates cultural exchange

    Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa has hailed the cultural exchange between Nigeria and Spain, highlighting the shared histories and creative expressions that unite the two nations.

    The Minister, who spoke at the unveiling of Blue Africa: Stories Woven in Indigo exhibition, which opened at the Nike Art Gallery in Abuja at the weekend, described the exhibition as a journey through time and space. She commended the Embassy of Spain for its dedication to cultural diplomacy.

    The exhibition was coordinated by the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Museum of Anthropology and Mamah Gallery in Spain, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, and Nike Arts Gallery in Abuja. It showcased the beauty and significance of indigo dye in African textile traditions.

    Musawa, who was represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, described the exhibition as a journey through time and space and commended the Embassy of Spain for its dedication to cultural diplomacy.

    “This exhibition is a celebration of the profound cultural exchange between Nigeria and Spain, as well as the West African Sub-region. It highlights the rich tapestry of our shared histories, traditions, and creative expressions.

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    “Blue Africa: Stories Woven in Indigo is more than just an exhibition of art; it is a journey through time and space, a dialogue between the past and the present. It showcases the intricate techniques and the profound symbolism of indigo dyeing, a craft that has been passed down through generations.

    “The collaboration between the Embassy of Spain and the Nike Art Gallery is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy. It underscores the importance of fostering mutual understanding and respect through the arts. I wish to commend the Embassy of Spain for its dedication to promoting cultural exchange and for recognizing the value of Nigerian art and artists,” she said.

    The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of Chief Nike Monica Davies Okundaye, a renowned artist and mentor, whose indigo works are featured prominently in the exhibition.

    “I am proud that a living human treasure, our distinguished mother and mentor Chief Nike Monica Davies Okundaye’s indigo works are a prominent feature at this exhibition hosted in her gallery. This exhibition also reminds us of the interconnectedness and diversity of our world, where the exchange of ideas and traditions enriches our societies.

    “I am deeply committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate our rich cultural heritage and promote the arts as a vital component of our national identity. It is through exhibitions like Blue Africa that we can inspire future generations, preserve our traditions, and continue to tell our stories in ways that resonate with people around the world”. The exhibition will remain open till August 4 by 3 pm daily.

  • Timeless memories celebrates Soyinka

    Timeless memories celebrates Soyinka

    Organisers of Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka series will hold its 7th edition of the exhibition on July 13, at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Lagos. It will run till the end of July.

    The special tributary celebration, conceptualised and curated by historian and archivist Oludamola Adebowale, offers an immersive and experimental exhibition that delves deep into the life and works of Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature.

    The exhibition series, inaugurated seven years ago, was conceived as a unique platform to interrogate Prof Soyinka’s works through immersive experiences. Last year’s edition was held in November and was specially requested by Prof Soyinka to go on tour, which brings it back this year to commemorate his milestone birthday.

    This year’s exhibition titled The Man Who Didn’t Die in the Face of Tyranny draws its inspiration from Soyinka’s prison notes, The Man Died, originally published in 1971.

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    The exhibition will feature special audio and video installations where Soyinka narrates his harrowing prison experiences and his survival through 22 months of solitary confinement between 1967 and 1969.

    Oludamola Adebowale, the curator and producer of the exhibition, said: “The exhibition series speaks to the core of one of those situations that tested the resilience of the icon and also the fundamental of humanity in everyone. How do you measure the true test of a man when he stands in the face of tyranny?”

    The exhibition will also feature audio/video narrations by Soyinka about his imprisonment and solitary confinement; the solitary confinement cell with archival newspaper clippings and exclusive interviews.

    Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, which also serves as the private office of Prof Soyinka, provides a fitting backdrop for this celebratory and reflective exhibition. This edition not only honours Soyinka’s enduring legacy but also provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience for all attendees.

  • ‘Battle for drug-free society is a fight for all’

    ‘Battle for drug-free society is a fight for all’

    Worried by the increasing spate of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Directorate of Operations and General Investigation in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse has intensified efforts at raising awareness and combating drug-related issues.

    At a symposium recently held at the Nigerian Army Signal Barracks, Giwa Project, Falomo, Lagos, the agency drew attention of critical stakeholders to the need for a compassionate approach to those affected by drug use, while highlighting the importance of investing in preventing substance abuse through community and educational initiatives.

    The event, which had as theme The evidence is clear, invest in prevention highlighted the critical roles of law enforcement in tackling illicit drug trafficking.

    Interpol and other international agencies underscored the importance of collaboration to disrupt drug trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.

    Assistant Commander General of Narcotics, in charge of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, Lagos, ArchieAbia Ibinabo described the event as a day set aside to create awareness on the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking as it affects the individual and the society.

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    She said that the event was highly significant as it is a day to collaborate with different stakeholders, to strengthen actions to ensure that we have a drug-free society. She commended the NDLEA for working on the fight to curb drug abuse, not just by arresting offenders, but by organizing ongoing anti-drug awareness campaigns, and also providing tools for the victims to stay healthy.

    “The NDLEA has had a success rate in curbing drug abuse and that is quite impressive, We have tried to get to them early before the evil merchants get to them, that way we inform them, and we give them the life tools to stay healthy. It’s been very helpful, it’s not just about getting people arrested, we bring the message to them and ensure that they turn a new leaf. You can see that there is a reduction in drug abuse issues.

    NDLEA is playing a very frontal role when it comes to that. We are in all entertainment and exit ports in Nigeria. We’re there to stop the drugs from coming or going out from our nation. We are solidly behind the issues of a drug-free society. We try to take away the drugs from the society,” she said.

    Regional Sales Manager, Vixa Pharmaceuticals, Margery Oparaocha, pointed out the destructive characteristics of drug addiction, ranging from tolerance to withdrawal. She urged organisations to ensure their workers had time to relax because when tension builds up, they will want to find a way to ease it, and they may resort to drugs.

    “I could see the synergy from all quarters and that makes us see that the evidence is here and we should invest in prevention. Prevention could be in any capacity. As little as exercising your body goes a long way in preventing drug abuse and it goes to owners of organisations, to ensure that the workers under them have time to recreate, because when the tension builds up, the victim will find a way to ease it off and that easing off is what lands us in the problem. Prevention is very key and we’re all here for it,” she said.

    She noted that the fight for drugs is a fight for all as the impacts are not gender-selective or age-selective, nor is it a respecter of anyone.

    “I picked one thing from it, the evidence, like the theme is, the evidence is clear, the evidence is here with us. Going by the speeches of the various speakers, you could pick that everyone is seeing the handwriting on the walls. We all see the menace that the drugs are causing and it is a concern for everyone. It is not what NDLEA can do alone, it’s a fight for all because the impact is not gender-selective and they are not age-selective. They don’t respect any person. If something is posing such a danger to all, I think it is time to fight against it,” she added.

    Public health physician Tuyi Mebawondu called for increased cooperation and support for those struggling with addiction. He said that stigmatisation is a big issue, and we should find a way to run away from stigmatising people who are having drug challenges. “Let us join hands together and help them and stop discrimination.

    “Prevention is total, you prevent at home, in school, in your establishment. Don’t give room to people to use drugs, don’t give room to people to glamourise drugs, prevention is the job of all of us, we shouldn’t forget to set up the young ones that are drug-free, let us see how to reward how to be drug-free. People should be able to ask for drug history, not because of discrimination but perhaps you need help. Those that need help, let them be helped,” he added. 

    The International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to create a safer, healthier world free from the scourge of drug abuse.

  • Beyond aesthetics, functions of Gelede

    Beyond aesthetics, functions of Gelede

    By Patience Fadipe

    Gelede masks are common to south western part of Yorubaland, precisely the Egbado, Sade, Awori, Ohori, Nago of Ogun State, Nigeria and Ketu of Benin Republic. Gelede festival probably started in the 18th century or early 19th century. Gelede festival is an annual event at the onset of farming season between March and May. Gelede dancers perform whenever a member of the society dies or as at when due or when there is epidemic. The festival is said to have originated from ketu kingdom for the purpose of appeasing the spirit of witches so that they can protect the communities against evil forces. Gelede festival takes place in square. It is believed that, market place is where mortals and spirit mingle and are the domain of women. It is also celebrated for the people to have bumper harvest for the year. Though the festival is celebrated for the women folks, it is the male that wears the mask. Membership is open to both sexes, but the women hold the important post (Title). The ceremonies are always ushered in by Efe (which is a special masquerade) performance before the main Gelede, which follows the following day.

    Mask is a covering that disguises or protects the face of wearer. It is not only to hide the identity of the wearer, but it is assumed that it gives him magical powers and, as such, represents gods or spirit. Mask can have the features of a human face or animal. In Nigeria, masks are worn by masquerades during traditional festivals or carnivals. Masks are made of paper, wood or stone, grass, hide, leather, metal, or shell. They are either painted with designs or colours. For instance, Gelede mask has feminine features, and it comes with blue and red colour.

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    There are two segments or parts of Gelede mask: The lower depicts women face, its shows the qualities expected of a woman “coolness”, calmness and patience. The upper superstructure has several motifs or things attached to it, e.g, things like sewing machines, farmers, motor-cars and cycles, intertwined snakes, or bananas. The Gelede mask is worn like a cap at an angle of 45 degrees on the forehead. The sculptor put this into consideration when carving the mask. The design of the superstructure is to placate the mothers by displaying their inner powers for all to see, thus pleasing them and ensuring the well-being of the community. Gelede masks have some notable features like birds, snakes etc A bird signifies the dangerous nocturnal powers of women who act as witches. Snake symbolises the positive feminine qualities of patience and coolness. Another interpretation says that masks with birds represent the ‘messenger of the mothers’ while snakes represent ‘power’. Drewal, (1974) classifies Gelede masks according to their colours. He suggests that red is a colour associated with shango and his wife (oya) whose fiery tempers cause destructive lightning and strong winds that accompany the life-giving rains. Most Gelede headdresses have three short vertical scarification lines (pele) on the cheeks or sometimes on the forehead of the human face. Traditionally, the Yoruba regard such markings highly. Red in Yoruba traditions signifies royalty or the blood that binds all Yoruba together.

    Gelede masquerade has an elaborate and bulky costume, which emphasizes the breast and buttocks of the women they represent. The way they put on their clothing shows the desired fatness of a beautiful and graceful woman. The multi-coloured cloths and costume put on emphasise the full breast, narrow waist, and buttock of a beautiful woman. The identity of the dancers is not hidden as their faces are covered with transparent cloth. They get their multi-coloured costumes from women’s head ties, baby wrappers, and skirt tied in various ways. BENEFIT: By appeasing women and enhancing their status, peace, and social harmony are guaranteed. This is a foundation for prosperity. The Gelede festival helps to transmit our heritage to the younger generation.

    Gelede festival is interesting and entertaining, which have a good intention, provided the people in the community do not provoke the mothers to use their powers to destroy. It is also an important festival that is used to offer prayer for bumper harvest each year. Gelede masks have been used in different exhibitions both within and outside Nigeria. Examples are the British Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Lagos Museum, Ibadan Museum, Abuja mini exhibition and the Nigeria @ 50 exhibition. The Gelede masquerade is still in existence till date.

    • Fadipe is Assistant Chief Ethnographer, Dept of Research, National Museum, Lagos.

  • The Noble Warrior: FirstBank honours Soyinka at 90

    The Noble Warrior: FirstBank honours Soyinka at 90

    The Noble Warrior, a theatrical performance of Eni Ogun has been listed as part of the birthday celebrations and activities in honour Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka at 90.

    Announcing its sponsorship of the Lagos command performance in a statement on Tuesday, the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Ms Folake Ani-Mumuney said, the bank was proud to be part of the special tribute to the Nobel laureate.

    Ani-Mumuney described the living legend as a true literary giant whose contributions to literature and humanity had continually inspired the bank. She said FirstBank’s sponsorship of The Noble Warrior-Eni Ogun was a a modest way of demonstrating of the bank’s appreciation of Soyinka’s contributions to the Nigerian literature and culture.

    She added that his writings which had transcended borders had remained a true embodiment of the power of art as a tool to uplifting society.

    “First Bank is woven into the fabric of society, and for 130 years, we have been enabling success in the creative industry value chain through our First@arts initiative and Eni Ogun is another opportunity to reinforce this impact to support and empower small businesses,” she said.

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    Ani-Mumuney said The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun, produced by Cash Onadele and directed by Oriade Adefila will be performed at the Muson Centre on Saturday July 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

    She added that it was another significant stride in the Bank’s First@art initiative aimed at supporting the arts and cultural development value chain for the growth and development of the nation’s creative economy.

    She added that it was also in recognition of the contributions and achievements of  Soyinka as Africa’s first Nobel Laureate.

    Eni Ogun, the Noble Warrior is set to tell the historic story of the successful defeat of the colonial forces at the hands of natives.

    The story intends to reposition the truth in history and showcase the repercussions of cultural invasions and the fight for freedom against imposing powerful colonial invasions.

    The protagonist’s brand persona, Oluwole, a princely noble warrior can be likened to Soyinka and highlights similar personality traits as a fighter and the humane warrior in his 90-year sojourn on earth.

    According to the performance Executive Producer, Toye Arulogun, FirstBank is supporting this special production of The Noble Warrior as tribute to a national and global literary icon in consonance with the philosophy of the First@art initiative.

    Arulogun said FirstBank had demonstrated commitment to development of the creative arts industry through partnership with Adubiifa Network Co. for the landmark birthday of Soyinka – “pride of our cultural heritage.”

    First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for consolidating its efforts in arts, supporting the creative arts value chain, providing funding , showcasing and facilitating the successes of the industry and helping customers explore opportunities.

    Born in Abeokuta, on July 13, 1934, Soyinka became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.

    To date, Soyinka has published hundreds of works.

    In addition to drama and poetry, he has written two novels, The Interpreters (1965) and Season of Anomy (1973), as well as autobiographical works including The Man Died: Prison Notes (1972), a gripping account of his prison experience, and Aké ( 1981), a memoir about his childhood. Myth, Literature and the African World (1975) is a collection of Soyinka’s essays.