The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Rotary Club pushes for peace

    TO mark the World Understanding Day,  Rotary Club of Lagos held an event with the theme Conflict and resolution in the Nigerian context.

    The event, which held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi, was attended by the  club’s President Soboma Ajumogobia, Rotarians, Rotractors, as well as students of Doland College, Lagos.

    German Deputy Consul-General, Ms Alexandra Herr, who was special guest speaker, related how Germans suffered during World War II and learnt peace the hard way.

    ”We drew some lessons from what we saw and this is really a shift in German politics. After what we experienced in World War II, Germans were absolutely anti-military intervention,”she said.

    She talked about the Rwandan genocide which claimed about a million Rwandans. She said even military interventions with the best of intentions often go astray.

    Advocating ‘negotiation’ as the ultimate solution, Ms Herr said: “We really looked at how we can prevent crisis from becoming protracted.”

    Earlier, Adeoye Tugbodo, a past president of the club, said Nigerians were shocked at the consequences of the war.

    He described the war as “a very big lesson to all of us in Nigeria”.

    Speaking on the relevance of the Day, he said: “It is better for us to continue to talk to each other, discuss our problems than go to war.”

    Other speakers also talked about issues, such as the Boko Haram menace in the northeast of the country, the Niger Delta militants as well as the herdsmen crisis that have caused a lot of deaths as well as human displacement.

    Decrying the use of war to engage peace, General Abiodun Role (rtd) said: “Understanding is very key in any conflict resolution. The moment a party is proving obstinate or refuses to embrace the negotiation approach, then it becomes difficult.”

    The retired General also said: “People that have followed wars all over the world would know that initiators of conflict usually have success in the short run but in the long run, with concerted efforts and collaborations and alliances, they always lose out. And that is what we are seeing with Boko Haram.”

    He however, said, in view of the the Boko Haram crisis, the peace is yet to be achieved.

    “Now, we have so many ID (Internally Displaced) camps all over the country. And another one we are grappling with is the herdsman/farmers clash. But in all of these, what is key are the political will on the part of government and the collaboration of the civil society. Once the government exhibits very strong political will to resolve any conflict, you can be sure it shall be done. Now, let civil societies also come in without bias and a will to provide every assistance to ensure peace, of course, you can be sure that in the long run, peace will prevail.”

    Also, Dare Adeyeri, a Rotarian, spoke on the economic consequences of war. According to him, war happens and persists because of ‘interests.’

    Speaking on the Rotary Four Way test, he said huge sums that could have been used to make the world a better place were being expended on wars.

    “In Nigeria for instance, we find a lot of settlements in the northeast that has been destabilised, farmlands are no longer producing because of the effects of Boko Haram,” he said.

    “The economic impact is where there is conflict, there is no business. Where there is no peace, there is no ‘normal’ life.”

    Advocating the Rotary life, he  said: ‘’Don’t pretend that you don’t see that person. Offer an help in whatever way you can. If you see injustice anywhere, speak out about that injustice.”

  • Tola Aba Saheed Adeniyi’s book renews concerns on Nigeria’s unity

    Tola Aba Saheed Adeniyi’s book renews concerns on Nigeria’s unity

    Former Group Managing Director of  The Daily Times Plc, Chief Adetola Adeniyi (aka Aba Saheed), has presented his 1238-page book, In the Belly of the Vultures, in Lagos. At the presentation at the NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos Mainland were dignitaries, including veteran journalists. EVELYN OSAGIE reports. 

    Like an Iroko that increases in strength with age, the pen of veteran journalist Chief Adetola Adeniyi has refused to diminish in its bite against corruption and nepotism.

    At 73, to the shock of his contemporaries and admirers, the media juggernaut has shown himself a true ‘creative Iroko’ with the unveiling of his 1238-page compendium. There are no illustrations or pictures. Just 13000 of his columns and articles, spanning 50 years.

    All hailed Adeniyi (Aba Saheed), the columnist-and-administrator-extraordinaire, whose book was presented last Thursday before an impressive guests at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos. Nollywood actor Yemi Shodimu performed some of the poems in the book.

    The occasion, which drew prominent Nigerians from diverse fields, also roused fresh concerns on diverse critical issues with regards to the country’s continued unified existence.

    The presentation was chaired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida was the special guest of honour. Decked in a well-pressed black suit and his elegant wife, Chief Olubunmi, the Yeyesorun Ile-Ife, beside him, Adeniyi got praises for his courageous and humourous way of expressing his thoughts on national issues.

    The need for a proactive solution in resolving Nigeria’s ethno-political differences as well as the problem of failed leadership in the country, were generally expressed by all.

    The line-up of guests also included traditional rulers, elder statesmen, former military and civilian leaders at state and federal levels and captains of industry, publishers, media executives and veteran journalists. Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd); Dr Jubril Martins-Kuye; Chief Ayo Adebanjo who is getting set for his 90th birthday; Dr Kunle Olajide; former Managing Director of Daily Times, Chief Areoye Oyebola; past governors and deputy governors of Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states – Aremo Olusegun Osoba and his deputy, Sen. Gbenga Kaka; Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Prof Modupe Adelabu.

    Others included the Publisher of   Vanguard, Sam Amuka-Pemu; former Minister of Communications, Major-General Tajudeen Olarenwaju (rtd), who represented Gen. Babangida; Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde; eminent scholar Prof Adebayo Williams; the wife of the late MKO Abiola, Dr Doyin; Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Music Limited, Mr Femi Esho; the General Overseer of The Latter Rain Assembly, Dr Tunde Bakare and his wife, Olayide; daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo,Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu;  Sir Femi Banjoko; Prince Femi Banjoko; Mr. Dare Babrinsa, Mr. Ajibade Fashina-Thomas and Mr. Ben Lawrence.

    They described the presentation of In the belly of vultures, published by  Canada University Press, as timely. Adeniyi, who has 13 books and plays to his credit, has been an administrator of several newspapers, including the managing director of Daily Times. He was the first to adapt Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart for stage production in 1966, James Ngugi’s Weep not Child in 1967, Cyprian Ekwensi’s Iska and Bronte’s Jane Eyre in 1968.

    The book’s reviewer, Prof Ademola Popoola, described Adeniyi voluminous work as ‘bold step’, adding it highlights religion, politics, good governance, probity, restructuring and herdsmen terrorising and butchering Nigerians, among other issues. “Adeniyi is bold without being brash. He is a prolific writer of 14 books, over 13000 articles, columns, poems and short stories. He is courageous and restless, particularly in his younger days. The book bears the imprint of his experience and diverse background. It is a marvellous effort and reflection on the Nigeria condition as a country that has been routinely ravaged by greed, opportunism and undistinguished mendacity,” he said.

    Describing the current structure as “deformed”, Abubakar, who was represented by Prof Maxwell Gidado, argued that Nigeria’s current political system of government breeds corruption. While urging that corruption and bad leadership in the country be addressed, he observed: “Our current structure facilitates corruption and makes it more difficult for the kind of leadership being clamoured for to emerge. We need to focus on renewable energy, not be fighting for a bigger share of “what is our disappearing past”, pay attention to agriculture, biotechnology, InfoTech, etc.”

    While noting that restructuring is not a magic wand that would solve all Nigeria’s problems, he noted that it is a “critical ingredient for a more productive and unified Nigeria” and urged that civility and peaceful dialogue be employed by all parties in resolving national issues.

    Mimiko dubbed Adeniyi courageous, saying: “He is an example to us all”. The same fundamental issues that featured in his writing 47 years ago are still confronting the nation today. It is a lesson to us Nigerians. People are building artificial intelligence we are battling over cattle,” he noted.

    Describing Adeniyi as a “versatile writer”, Amuka-Pemu said the real issue was not just restructuring but how the restructuring would be directed. While decrying the state of the country, Amuka-Pemu urged that “the reality should be confronted and the ideas expressed by the author be put to test”.

    Wife of the late MKO Abiola, Dr Doyin was of the view that things might continue to go bad until Nigerians to take decisive steps to salvage the situation for the sake of the younger generations. “We are the vultures.  I advise we pay attention to putting things straight. I hope Tola’s book will spur us to another level where we stop talking and start doing. Some of us have paid the price. We have walked our talk”, she said.

    The author’s former senior colleagues and friends, such as Oyebola, Osoba and Dr Yemi Farounbi, recounted the author’s journalistic prowess and courage. “Tola, you are such a rascally writer and a restless man, a brilliant analyst and committed Nigerian. We have to do things that would make Nigeria great. We write and write beautifully. We read, sometimes.

    ‘’The only thing we do not do is to act. But keep writing. You know when we don’t put money down, you are asking for change. Is it possible that we would not only write but act? Act the write and write the act. Tola, I salute you,” Farounbi said.

    Bakare, who wrote the foreword to the book, called him a “trailblazer”, while speaking to The Nation on 2019 election and youths in politics.

    “We need men who are seasoned. It is not by age but by experience. Let the youths get involved but let them start from the bottom up.”

  • American Comedian brings Wong Street Journal to LTF

    Renowned American performance artist and comedian, Kristina Wong, was one of the spices at the just-concluded Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) which ran from February 27 to March 4.

    Wong has created five solo shows and one ensemble play that have toured throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Her most notable touring show ––Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest looked at the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian-American women and has toured to over 40 venues since 2006.

    Supported by the United States Consulate General Lagos, Wong conducted master classes for performing arts students, faculty, and theatrical directors at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, and PEFTI Film Institute.

    During the festival, Wong, who is notable for her works focusing on women and economic empowerment, performed her critically acclaimed Wong Street Journal show last Friday. The event was hosted by United States Consul General John Bray, at TerraKulture Arts and Cultural Centre, Lagos.

    At the event, the US Consulate General Lagos, Public Affairs Officer, Ms. Darcy Zotter, expressed that Wong’s visit to Nigeria is meant to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between the people of Nigeria and the United States.    ”The Public Affairs Sections of our Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos sponsor programs that share the best of the U.S. arts community with Nigeria.

    “We are pleased to support Kristina Wong’s participation at the 2018 Lagos Theatre Festival.  She is one of the many American arts professionals who have come to Nigeria to give performances, and mentor young Nigerian artists,” Zotter said.

  • PIN holds poetry workshop in Kano

    The Poets In Nigeria (PIN), Kano Chapter has organised a Poetry Workshop in Hausa and English at the ‘American Corner’ of the Kano State Library. The event featured participants in secondary school across the state.

    The two-day workshop featured the founder of Ebedi Writers International Residency, Dr Wale Okediran, as a key facilitator. Using Where I Was Born, the 2002 poetry collection of Ikeogu Oke, winner of 2017 NLNG Literature Prize, Okediran gave the children lessons in creative writing, particularly poetry.

    On his choice of collection, he said: “Where I Was Born is a racy and simple collection of poems that sing about the beauty and allure of childhood and growing up in a bucolic setting to instruct the students. With this kind of wonderful antecedent in poetry writing, it is now obvious that Ikeogu’s 2017 NLNG Literature Prize was not a fluke but a result of hard work and perseverance.

    “My joy at the end of the wonderful outing was the discovery of some very promising writers who within the two day duration of the Workshop came up with some beautiful poems.”

  • Two books on faith, values for launch

    Two books on faith, values for launch

    Two books Legend of the Lost and Lush Garden in an Arid Land by Executive Director Family Values Development Initiative (FVDI) Okey Nwamadi will be presented on March 10 in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    A keynote on Technology and Values for Future Leaders will be presented by the Institute of Information Management President/Governing Council Chairman, Ambassador Oyedokun Oyewole, while special guest of honour is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture and the Real-sector Mr Dolapo Bright.

    Legend of the Lost is a fiction that looks into contemporary events that will eventually lead to the end of times saga. The plot builds up to reveal how environmental crisis and technology will play critical roles in the apocalypse. Both books will appeal to different categories of readers and help them make right decisions in their day to day life.

    Lush Garden in an Arid Land is a collection of poems on essential values for social development. The publication is a response to FVDI’s periodic youth programmestagged Values for Future Leaders.The book targets different categories of young people, and the poems are specific to various values that form character and eventually challenge the emergence of a better society.

    At a pre-launch session, Nwamadi said FVDI’s campaigns were geared towards restoring faith in the family system through supporting education and enterprise.

    “The values that bind families are what make the family the bedrock of any society,” he said.

    He noted that the society with its traditional family structures is going through enormous changes and that stress within the family has brought about these changes that threaten family values.

    “Maybe at the centre of this disconnection is our society’s inability to read, learn and assimilate adequate knowledge with which to combat the marauding changes that face families. The decline of reading comes at a time of increasing media saturation. Simply put, just because people are not reading does not mean they are not being informed. They’re watching movies, television, listening to music and podcasts. Regrettably, all channels of information are not created equal. Someone reading a book and someone watching the movie adaptation, in fact, think differently,” he added.

    Continuing, he said: “The difference is the level of assimilation. Promoting a good reading culture amongst our youth is therefore one of our cardinal agendas.

    ‘’Reading helps our children to grasp concepts and think logically. At FVDI, we have assumed the moral responsibility of ensuring that the values that are the mainstay of traditional family systems are sustained.

    We support our work through publications and events, by promoting literary materials targeted at different categories of young people.”

  • Women artists kick against domestic violence

    Women artists kick against domestic violence

    The Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) is championing the fight against domestic violence with two exhibitions in Abuja, tagged: Orange the World – Leave No One Behind, End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces. The exhibitions featured 31 women from across the country, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

    From the subtle use of  orange, blue, red to cool cream and light brown, the beauty of women shone in the works of 31 female artists from across the country in the Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces – two exhibition by Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) in the Federal Capital Territory.

    To serve as reminder, the group held its exhibitions cum artistic campaign against domestic violence in two venues in collaboration with international partners.

    With the excellent blend of earth colours – burnt sienna, yellow ocher and burnt amber, each work depicted diverse plights and circumstance that women are faced with – both good and bad – touching on their agony, joy, optimism, dilemma and achievements in everyday life.

    The two events were supported by the UN Women. While the German Embassy hosted he Orange the World – Leave No One Behind, End Violence against Women and Girls at the German Ambassador’s Residence, the United States Embassy hosted the Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces one at the Cafe De Vie. Both exhibitions featured more than 60 works.

    For the US Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Start Symington, one of the great injustices of our time is the gap between women’s inherent value and how many of them are treated daily.

    According to him, women’s empowerment is critical to building stable, democratic societies and furthering international peace.

    He said: “Gender-based violence undermines not only the safety, dignity, and human rights of the millions of individuals who experience it, but also the security, economic stability, and public health of nations. We recommit ourselves to closing the gap every day and especially during the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”.

    “The U.S. Embassy is proud to support the Female Artists Association of Nigeria through their exhibition: Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls. The works of the artists creatively demand our attention and increase our awareness of gender-based violence in our communities and in our world.

    On his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Mr Bernhard Schiagheck, said to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and to secure a prosperous and peaceful future, “it is of utmost importance that women and girls be strengthened all over the world”.

    “The artists of this exhibition have made a wonderful cultural contribution to this goal: giving women and girls a voice to tell their own stories. On this year’s UN Human Rights Day, we are, particularly, proud to host such a wonderful exhibition and to support the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) in their important work of promoting female artists.

    “It is with great pleasure that the German Embassy in Abuja is able ton support the exhibition of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) on such an important topic as combating gender-based violence and the exploration of women and girls,” he said.

    FEAAN has held several visual art exhibitions with varying themes, many of which have drawn the attention of the viewing public to the plight of Nigerian women, but it was the first time it will be holding two exhibitions concurrently to mark the UN-recognised International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

    According to FEAAN President, Lady Ngozi Rosemary Akande, the world is witnessing a surge in daily violence and conflicts and women suffer all sorts of humiliation both physiologically and emotionally, more common is domestic violence. With the global call spearheaded to end violence against women and girls by UN, she called on more artists and other creatives to join in the fight through their art, while commending its sponsors for their support.

    She said: “It is common knowledge that women in our society are vulnerable to certain violent trends, including rape, forced marriage and domestic battery. FEAAN is, therefore, adding its voice to the global fight against violence against women through the Orange the World – Leave No One Behind End Violence against Women and Girls and Unlocked, Discovering Art Spaces held at two different venues and at different days. Those who missed the first had the opportunity of seeing it again in another space within the city.

    “Both exhibitions were meant to draw attention to the rising case of violence against women in our society through our paintings, sculptures, textiles and mixed pieces. We will not stop narrating the story of the Nigerian woman and hope that little by little, our efforts will make a difference and cause an improvement in her condition, for the betterment of the entire society,” she said.

    Similarly, with a mind of bring women issues to the front burner, FEAAN will be holding another exhibition in Lagos, tagged: Press For Progress Women Move On, to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

    The event, according to Akande, will open tomorrow, at Nike Art Gallery, Lagos. It will feature over 20 women artists and over 50 works. She added: “We will continue to spread the message across the nation and the world that violence against women must no longer be tolerated. We will continue to appeal to the Federal Government and well- meaning art lovers and patrons, for support to empower women through the arts and to enable us build a befitting secretariat in Abuja for the association. And for the first time, we will be giving gifts to members on most creative evening gown, most creative hairdo, best painting, best mixed media work, best sculpture, best ceramics, best textile and best installation. ‘’

  • NICO to host a two-day roundtable on cultural orientation

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, will host a two-day  Roundtable on Cultural Orientation (ARTCO), with the theme: Mainstreaming culture in the nation’s economic agenda on March 8 and 9 at Prestige Hotel Event Hall, Benin City, Edo State by 10am.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is chief host while Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Tourism, Honourable Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, is the Chairman of occasion. Acting Executive Secretary of NICO, Mr. Louis Eriomala is the host.

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki is the Special Guest of Honour and will deliver the keynote address. Prof Eghosa Osagie Benson Idahosa University, Benin City will moderate the technical sessions.

    ARTCO 2018 is designed to serve as a veritable platform for the exchange of views on topical cultural issues by scholars and stakeholders. The resource persons  drawn largely from the academia will deliver papers on six sub-themes: Understanding the Relationship Between Cultural Values and Economic Development; Cultural Industries as Catalyst for Economic Growth; Culture and Economic Growth: Lessons from Leading Economies; Recreating Cultural Festivals for Economic Benefits; and Culture and Economy: The Dynamics of Globalisation.

    The yearly roundtable also seeks to mobilise and sensitise participants to appreciate the importance and use of our culture to national development; underscore the relationship between culture and economic development and emphasise the place of culture as one of the pillars of sustainable development.

     

  • Afrikfest to attract over 15,000 Americans

    Nigerians, and other Africans in Las Vegas, the United States have decided to change the African narrative with an African cultural festival.

    The festival will hold in April titled Afrikfest Las Vegas 2018, hopes to attract over 15,000 Americans and Africans, with about 3,000 to 4,000 participants.

    Afrikfest which is being organised with a budget of over a million dollars is aimed at changing the negative narrative being circulated around about Africa by the western world.

    Representative of Afrikfest, Darlington Okpebholo-Ray revealed that over a million dollars have been budgeted for the two day festival that will hold in a 15,000 capacity square in the city of Las Vegas.

    Speaking at the world press conference that was held in Abuja, Okpebholo-Ray said that the event will have participants from Africa to give the festival an African flair.

    His words, “The forthcoming African festival of arts and cultural/gala and awards night, organised by Afrikfest Las Vegas INC. Holding will take place  in the city of Las Vegas, Navada USA.

    “The square we are using is of 15,000 capacities and we are looking at between 3,000 to 4,000 participants, we have a budget for the amount we are spending, we have over a million dollar budget for it.

    “In the wake of the different negative narratives being circulated around about Africa by the western world, AfrikFest Las Vegas, ably led by Mr Christopher Usigbe and Mrs Favour Chikelu, with some Ethiopians and Senegalese, who have been living in the city of Las Vegas for almost two decades, took the initiative to redesigned the perception about Africans and Africa, making attempt to tell our true story about the continent of Africa by Africans, through the creation of festival and carnival to inculcate the African cultural values among the peoples of Africa and establishing those values in the minds of our new generations residing outside the continent of Africa.

     

     

  • Win-Win Deal? Ask the ants! (5

    I read an interesting story about the frog and the scorpion. There was a major flood and the river overflowed its bank. One day, the scorpion wanted to cross to the other side of the river but couldn’t. So, he approached the frog and said, “Frog, please carry me on your back to the other side of the river.” Scared, the frog said, “I can’t do that! When we get to the middle of the river, you will sting me.” “If I sting you we will both die; why will I do that?” the scorpion replied. That made sense to the frog, so he decided to give the scorpion a ride. At the middle of the river, however, the scorpion stung the frog. The drowning frog managed to ask, “Why did you sting me?”, and the scorpion replied, “I’m sorry, it is my nature to sting.” So they both drowned.

    The lesson of the story is quite clear. When you sacrifice those who help you achieve your goals, you sacrifice yourself. Some people are so desperate for success that double crossing others has become their nature like that of the scorpion in the story. Unknowingly, that nature also keeps people away from them because as it is usually said, integrity is the highest currency in the world of business. How important is success to you? Do you really desire to be on top of your game? Then never ever despise your team. Never treat people as mere tools to be used and discarded afterachieving your goals. People may work with you and for you because they are out of options while you capitalize on their vulnerabilities but they will neither give you their best nor go the extra mile to make you succeed.

    According to ZigZiglar, “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Ants are smart enough to know that success is a product of a team work; you can only get as much as you give. Tropical adult ants live highly energetic lives fueled by their consumption of honeydew, which is rich in sugar and vitamins. They ensure constant supply through:

    • Partnership: tropical ants have profitable relationship with aphids and mealybugs. These smaller insects feed the ants by secreting honeydew while they consume plant juice.
    • Protection:in exchange for the honeydew, the ants offer the aphids and mealybugs protection by secreting chemicals to scare predators away. When ants sense a storm coming, they cover the mealybugs with leaves to keep them from the rain.
    • Nurturing Relationship: according to researchers, only ants and humans keep domestic animals. The ants carry their domesticated aphids and mealybugs from one plant to another in search of sweeter sap so that they can produce more honeydew. They do what is best for their partners to get the best from them. Do you do what is best for other people?

    When you make winners out of people, they become committed to your drive to win!

    I look forward to reading your comments and stories of great successes. Share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

  • Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    National Council for Arts and Culture Director-General Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has been honoured with a Distinguished Service Award in Administration by Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter of Nigerian University Professional Administrators for his meritorious service to culture and tourism sector.

    The event also featured a lecture Reflections on Nigerian University and the quest for national development, problems and prospects delivered by Prof Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, who represented Prof Oladapo Afolabi.

    Runsewe praised the administrators for finding him worthy of the award, adding that it would inspire him to do more for the sector. “I am sincerely grateful and honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award. For me, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

    According to Ruwese’s citation read at the ceremony, he was born in Kaduna to the family of Pa Bankole Runsewe from Ogun State. He attended St. Michael Primary School, Kaduna, before proceeding to Vohoeven Technical College, Minna, now Government Technical College. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Edo State University and HND in Management Studies from London School for Executives. He also has a Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Management Studies and a Professional Certificate in Estate and Property Management from Kaduna Polytechnic.

    Otunba Runsewe has remained a consistent phenomen in the media, culture and tourism sector in the last three decades. He worked as a Marketing Manager at the New Nigerian Newspaper and rose to the position of General Manager at the organisation. He also worked as Head/CEO, Sports Weekly and was Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of National Network Newspapers. He was also the Media Coordinator, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013, Abuja.

    Runsewe was appointed Executive Director at the National Orientation Agency in 2000, a position he held until his appointment as the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in August 2006. His tenure at NTDC was a watershed in the development of tourism sector in Nigeria. His aggressive marketing tourism campaign, anchored on the catch-phrase ‘Tourism is Life’ gave the tourism industry national and international visibility.

    Otunba Runsewe is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chairman, Nigerian Sports Writers Association; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Fellow, Institute of Management (FIM); and Association of Business Executives (FABE), London.