The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Tour Nigeria gets international endorsement

    CHIEF Executive Officer of South Africa’s Kaya FM 95.6, Mr Greg Maloka, has praised the professional approach adopted by the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folorunsho Coker, in positioning Nigeria’s tourism potentialities on the international market.

    Maloka, who also lauded the concept of Tour Nigeria, a brand initiated by the NTDC boss to propel better patronage and appreciation of Nigeria’s domestic tourism by Nigerians and foreigners, said his team was in Nigeria for a profitable and worthwhile synergy with NTDC.

    Kaya FM based in Johannesburg reflects the lives of the predominantly black, urban listeners between the ages 25 to 49 living in Gauteng.

    Speaking at Boat Club, Lagos, Maloka said: ”We are here in Nigeria to see things through our own eyes, I mean African eyes. We do not want to report from the colonial eyes, which has been the order of the day and only subjective, but only sees and magnifies the amenable negative occurrences in Nigeria.

    “We are committed to ensuring a phenomenal rise, leap and increase in tourists’ traffic from South Africa to Nigeria. We want to reverse the Nigerians visiting South Africa without a corresponding positive story of South Africans visiting Nigeria. This is an unbalanced cultural-economic scenario, which cannot foster sustainable and lasting economic  relationship and brotherhood between the two countries.”

    Maloka said that Kaya FM “is creating an intra-continental business tourism synergy which will be a win – win for the two countries.’’

    He lamented the neo-colonial politicisation of the elements and articles of harmonious cohabitation and commutation in Africa   especially through the platform of mega media platform of intercontinental influence.

    Mr Maloka pointed out that because of the confidence and trust which  the South Africans have in Kaya FM, ‘we deliberately set forth to visit Nigeria, feel Nigeria, see Nigeria and report Nigeria back to  South Africa the way it is  so as to facilitate them not only to visit Nigeria, but to also invest in the rural areas.’

    “South Africans need to visit Nigeria to learn how Nigerians acquired the self-confidence and stoic features which is a unique characteristic of a typical Nigeria, grossly lacking in a typical South African.

    “We are going to sell Nigeria to South Africans through the prism of African native wisdom and employment of African sociological approach rather than the Western format which has brought more confusion and disunity.

    “We are visiting tourism sites, engaging stakeholders who have something to sell in Nigeria  to South Africans, organising seminars, workshops and interactive sessions on what and where the South–Africans can access when in Nigeria.’’ Maloka added.

    David O’Sullivian, a member of the delegation stated that the visit was a voyage of discovery and of obtaining first-hand information for a better perspective. It is also a voyage that will lead to perception, modification and correction.’

    Brenda Modibane, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Kaya FM added that ‘from my short stay in Nigeria, it is evidently clear that South Africans have a lot to see, to gain and to learn from Nigeria. Our incursion into this wonderful country is an eye opener to the vast opportunities open for South Africans which we shall properly market to them.’

    Coker said: “It takes a great mind to understand the socio-cultural international conspiracy against Africa which is being perpetrated and festered through some inter-continental octopus mega media. It is also a matter of great valour for another media giant to rise swiftly and embark on positive intra-continental perception re-engineering that is of sustainable mutual benefit. On this, I give a warm  African kudos and salute to Kaya FM 95.6 for rising stoutly in a rare Pan African information balancing stride  between two most distinguished African countries.’’

    He disclosed that the Tour Nigeria was as a result of a painstaking deliberation and deep thinking of how best to enhance and add value to domestic tourism  and thankful that Tour Nigeria has not only been embraced by Nigerians, but has been acknowledged internationally.

    The NTDC boss added: “I assure you of our impregnable and profitable support by opening and oiling the corridor of tourism business  network, collation of meetings, facilitation of constructive interaction with sectoral leaders of thought  and means, movers of the creative industry,  leaders of night factories and those whose business and concerns will be of interest to South Africans.’’

  • A people’s ‘endless search’

    A people’s ‘endless search’

    Seven years after his last and second solo exhibition, Lasting Impression, Ebenezer Akinola,  a University of Benin graduate of Fine Art,  returned to exhibition scene with a rare collection of works Where Do We Go from Here? at the Omenka Gallery in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Akinola, who had a stint with Insight Communications Limited, Lagos, before going into full studio practice, showcased about 27 portraits and figures that keep viewers wandering what inspires the theme of the exhibition. At first encounter, a viewer would mistake the figures as cattle herdsmen on a long grazing search without their cattle. But, the clothing and use of calabash by the figures show that the artist simply plays on realism and abstract to get his forms.  He depicts a people in search of direction.

    Yet, portraits and figure studies form a special part of Akinola’s oeuvre. He skillfully achieves a balance of realistic and abstract passages in his work, adding further depth with a combination of broad sweeping strokes in the background and smaller, finer details to accentuate areas of interest.

    Interestingly, Akinola’s works are like visual commentaries on the state of the nation where leaders and the led are not sure of the direction to good governance. Up till now, critics call for return to regional government while many clamour for true federalism. Little wonder the artist’s question: Where do we go from here?

    One common thread in his works is the use of plain background that provides void for the figures and colours. But, his love for earth colours is unmistakable as these dominate his colour scheme. In his attempt to find a mid-point between realism and abstract, the artist presents most of his figures backing the camera except the portraits.

    Also, Akinola demonstrates his penchant for the man on the street and his desire to communicate in their level hence he titled most of his paintings in pigin English. Abeg make we do am sharp, sharp is one of such paintings that shows five young men having a recess while on a journey-taking some drinks or water. The expression on their faces show anxiety, eagerness and thirst for direction despite the haste.

    Wetin we go tell them? This is another painting loaded with lots of riddles and posers, which everyone is seeking answers. The painting shows a gathering of young and old men sharing ideas on the task before them. As representatives of the community, they are still searching for a common answer that will be taken to the people. In like manner, In Council shares many things in common with Wetin we go tell them, except that the figures here are mainly chiefs. The artist may have captured the nuances of the traditional rulers as part of the leadership structure in Nigeria that is also seeking answers to where do we go from here?

    One other painting that complement the theme of the exhibition is Which direction? It is a work that shows a young man carrying some calabashes on his way to the farm. But, is this the direction to realising his dream? And many questions begging for answers. Other of his paintings include Make we prepare jare, Wetin we dey do here, The final touches, Dogani 11, Kingsman series, Becoming, Fatimah and  Mami’aya.

    Akinola born in Ibadan on December 1, 1968 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in painting from the University of Benin in 1989 don’t want to be seen as a portrait artist neither should he be boxed up by the paintings on show. Between 1991 and 1992, Akinola taught at Holy Child Secondary School, Calabar, and Birrel Avenue High School, Lagos. He has received several important commissions including portraits of former leaders Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo, which are all displayed at the National Gallery of Art, Lagos.

     

  • Artists, others partner for better luxury housing

    Artists, others partner for better luxury housing

    Artists, interior designers and those in the real estate are set to collaborate for better luxury housing in the country.

    The collaboration is geared towards making buildings in the country stand out with artistic and creative skills and to ensure real estate is more than just the physical structure or laying brick on brick, according to the Tommy Odama, Chief Executive Officer of Luxury Villas Group (LVG), organiser of Fusion of Real Estate, Interior Design and Art (FREIA) 2017 Conference and Exhibition.

    Odama told reporter in Lagos that the company would be collaborating with organisations like Aghata’s Interior Designer and African Artists Foundation.

    He said: “Buildings and construction works goes beyond return on investment; every structure is a legacy, a building depicts culture and can be used as resource centers. The need for luxury real estate in Africa is growing and we have to meet the need as interior design is an integral part of Real Estate. The conference would feature conference and exhibition from top interior designers, artists and real estate showcase. The event will hold on Friday at the Civic Centre, Lagos. The collaboration would bring about innovation, revolution in the real estate sector, attraction to investors and development for the country.”

    He observed that the conference is aimed at exploring the benefits and opportunities of strategically aligning real estate, interior design and art, and the masterpieces that can be birthed from this union, adding that FREIA is expected to provide a platform for active collaborations and networking that would significantly impact Real Estate in Nigeria.

    He identified some of the challenges in the real estate sector as government policies on real estate, banking high interest rate and poor infrastructure, noting that both government and the private sector have a role to play to make luxury housing in the country. “The conference will also feature an open exhibition for partners, stakeholders and enthusiasts to showcase distinctive arts and design experiences as well as property acquisition opportunities and partnerships. There would also be an official presentation of Villas and Leisure Magazine; a publication that features global trends in Real Estate, Luxury, Lifestyle and Travel. The magazine will serve as an authoritative source of both local and global real estate news to aid property management service providers and shoppers in making informed decisions,” he said.

     

  • Fear Alert!

    Several years ago while I was in junior secondary school, I would join my mum in her office after school so that we could ride home together. Her office was on the fourth floor of the building and I usually enjoyed the view from up there. One day, when we were already at the car park, she remembered that she had left something behind in her office and I offered to go and get it. That was not entirely because of my “niceness” but because of the fun I believed I would have riding in the elevator. The trip up was great and I was expecting the journey to the ground floor to be greater. The doors of the elevator opened and I saw a middle-aged man standing inside already. While I had hoped to have the elevator all to myself, I consoled myself that “the more the merrier”. “After all, the man was entitled to some fun after a hard day’s work”, I thought.

    I braced myself for the thrill of the “dropping” elevator. I enjoyed watching the light on the display buttons as they signaled the floor we were passing through. As we arrived on the ground floor, something curious happened- the power went out! In fewer seconds than my young mind could comprehend, several thoughts rushed at me, “The elevator is airtight. Is anyone around? I don’t want to die!” Immediately, I started pounding on the elevator doors in desperation.

    Suddenly, I heard the middle-aged man shout at me to stop screaming. Ah, I had completely forgotten about him! “Maybe there is hope after all, since adults always know what to do”, I thought. So I stepped back with confidence to let him do the trick. First, he punched at some emergency buttons in the elevator, and then he tried speaking into the intercom supposedly calling the operators for help. By the time he started trying to pull the elevator doors apart with his bare hands, I began to get worried. However, I knew we were definitely in trouble when he suddenly started pounding on the door and screaming! “Adults can be really amazing”, I thought.

    How quickly he lost his “dignity” and started screaming when he discovered what I had known all along- we were trapped! Just at that moment, something miraculous happened. Power was restored momentarily, just enough for the doors to open partially. We both scrambled for the door! The man got out first but I was right behind him!

    I cannot help but reflect on why I was so scared in that elevator. I was afraid of something that didn’t eventually happen. But what if it did? Fear is mostly based on “what ifs”. What if I lose my job? What if I can’t get cured? What if they hate me? What if I’m not good enough? What if he’s not the right man for me? What if I fail my exams? What if I’m too late? And the list goes on and on. Fear is always about what we expect. We fear in anticipation of a negative outcome we consider inevitable, which a lot of time doesn’t happen.

    I entered the word “fear” into the Google search engine and was amazed to return 574million entries on the subject. That tells me that someone out there is really scared. Actually, almost everyone is afraid of one thing or the other. Does this make us weak? No! It makes us human. What is undesirable is to allow fear to control us. A lot of people are kept from their greatness because of the fear of failure. Several others are scared to be different. Remember, fear is mostly based on “what if”. Never allow yourself fears to stop you from being great. The threat may be real, but you strength to overcome is more real.

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

     

  • Collecting Art…enriching collectors’ portfolios

    Collecting Art…enriching collectors’ portfolios

    A new book Collecting Art: A Hand book co-authored by Jess Castellote and Prof Fabian Ajogwu was unveiled in Lagos recently at a special evening for art collectors, book lovers and culture enthusiasts. The launch of the book could not have come at a better time as it was described as a timely intervention in art collection evolution and improvement of social practice of art collections in Nigeria.

    Okey Anueyiagu, who chaired the event, said the book had reawakened the need for Nigerians to do something about eroding reading culture in schools, describing the book as incredible and insightful work while calling for the promotion of reading culture among the youth. He praised the authors for contributing so much to the educational landscape of Nigeria and encouraged them to keep writing, saying it was the only way to curb the problem of the glorification of illiteracy in Nigeria. “Ajogwu has contributed so much in the educational landscape without knowing it with over 100 books to his credit,” he said.

    One of the authors, Castellote, said the book was not entirely about why collecting art or how to collect art, noting that some collect to diversify their portfolios or to show belongingness among other reasons. “Collecting Arts is not just about collecting art or how to collect art but about the practice of collecting art and about helping people become better, organised and more independent collectors. We want collectors to collect art in a better way. There are collectors that are organised and those that are chaotic. The approach is to collect art by being knowledgeable. Serious collectors are ethical in their approach to auction houses and other stakeholders. A good collector is prudent, does due diligence before buying a work, has character, is focused and is knowledgeable. Collectors must respect the right of authors,” he said. He noted that collectors should treat artists and auction houses with respect, hoping the book will improve social practice of art collection.

    For Ajogwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and professor of Corporate Governance, Lagos Business School, said the book is a product of friendship, shared values and disagreement and a quest to increase the art space in Nigeria. He stated that the Nigerian art industry is an open one without regulation. Ajogwu disclosed that it took about five years to write the book, as they wanted to get the best. He added that the book is about understanding contemporary works. He expressed concerns that Nigeria is not effectively playing in the global art space, which contributes over $40 billion annually. According to him, globally, art business has grown, but Nigeria has failed to play effectively in the art business, noting that there is a whole lot to be done.

    One of the guests, Mrs. Dudu Peterside, said the launch of the book is timely and would make people understand the psychology of collecting art. She assured that the book would inspire new collectors, old ones and those who aspire to become art collectors in future.

  • Gulder hosts winner of Ultimate party contest

    Gulder hosts winner of Ultimate party contest

    Celebrities and other socialites joined the winner of the Ultimate Party online contest, Adedamola Awoniyi, for a memorable night hosted by Gulder in Lagos, last weekend. The all-night party brought together leading entertainers, including Jude Abaga (popularly known as MI), Dr. Sid, Ice Prince, Alexx Ekubo and Blossom Chukwujekwu. The Ultimate Party, a dream-come-true experience, was one of the brand’s activations leveraging Guy Code, a male-centric television series currently showing on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322).

    Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Franco Maria Maggi, said the event was to strengthen the connection between Gulder, a premium brand from Nigerian Breweries Plc, and its consumers, adding that many of such experiences should be expected from the brand. “The idea is to reward the ultimate guy. There are millions of ultimate guys out there, but we cannot reward everybody at the same time. The Ultimate Party is for the man who is striving to achieve success,” said Maggi. He described the Ultimate Party as “a celebration of new beginning” for the brand. Maggi added: “For the consumers, the important thing is to stay connected to Gulder. This is because the brand will continue to celebrate them.”

    The week-long events leading to the party started with the unveiling of Awoniyi, an adventurous fashion designer and upcoming movie star, as the winner of the Ultimate Party contest. He was later hosted by MI at the rapper’s Lekki home where the duo discussed extensively about their favourite party, music and other adventures. Earlier on Friday, Awoniyi was treated to a spa session to prepare him for the experience, which the Kwara State-born entrepreneur described as thrilling. “I have never dreamt of this kind of treatment. I never thought of winning the competition. Of course, I am not afraid of trying new things. I am adventurous, which is the reason I participated in the contest,” he said.

    The fashion maker said he was particularly grateful that a premium brand like Gulder honoured him while he “is still striving to attain success.” From the spa experience, hotel reception to the party venue, Awoniyi was given a royal reception. He selected the music played at the party, artistes that attended and other features that made the party truly unique and ultimate.

    MI, who attended the party in the company of other showbiz stars, said he had many things in common with the Ultimate Party contest winner and was honoured to host him. “Both of us”, the multiple-award winning artiste said, “are bold, daring and on our journey to success.” He added that Awoniyi was among the most hardworking and adventurous young Nigerians he had come across in recent times.

    Awoniyi was received with a performance by an Egyptian Tanoura dancer who set the tone for what turned out to be a thrilling night. At some point, the fascinating performer was joined by Awoniyi and his friends. This, perhaps, was the most exciting session of the show.

    Earlier at a meeting with MI, the celebrated consumer described himself as a party lover. As at 3:30am on Saturday, he was still on the dancing floor with his friends. And at 4am, there was no sign that the party would end soon as over 70 per cent of the ‘clubbers’ were still having fun.

  • Editor unveils book at 50th birthday celebration

    Editor unveils book at 50th birthday celebration

    The Life Editor, Daily Independent Newspaper, Yemi Adebisi, has released a book entitled, Adventure of Konko Biire as part of the celebration of his 50th birthday celebration and 11 years in journalism.

    The book, which is a fictional autobiography, was written to give an account of Adebisi’s life experience through a chronological narration of his life’s travails.

    The event was celebrated at a quietly elegant shindig which was attended by iconic journalists, writers and other dignitaries. The event, which was chaired by General Overseer, MFM, Dr. D.K. Olukoya represented by the Regional Overseer, Prayer City, Pastor Adewale Adeya, had in attendance the General Overseer of Christ Crusader Deliverance Ministry (CCDM), Prophet Festus Adewole; Baba Aladura represented by General Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, Elder Israel Akinadewo, Lagos State Chapter; the Chairman of Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), Jahman Anikulapo; President of Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), Mr Kabiru Mohammed; Arts Editor of The New Telegraph, Mr Tony Okuyeme; Assistant Editor (Arts),The Nation Newspaper, Ozolua Uhakheme; President of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Denja Abdullahi represented by the current chairman of ANA Lagos, Yemi Adebiyi; former ANA Lagos Chairman, Folu Agoi; Adebisi’s colleagues at The Daily Inependent  newspaper; Pastor-in-charge, Mountain of Fire Ministry’s Citadel of Praise, Pastor Kayode Oluwafemi; his former classmates, family and Representatives of Offa Area Community District Council (CDC) at Prestige Hotels, Lagos.

    The author of the book said his journey in life propelled him to write the book as he felt the need to document his life’s journey as he clocked 50.

    “I have tried to fictionalise what I have passed through in life. I played around the events that happened in my life, thus you won’t see the name of my primary school or any personal information, and I wrote the story of my life from a fictional angle. I tried to capture how I was when I was five years old. Life has taught me many lessons and I want to pass that knowledge to people. I have written the book in a way that any situation anybody finds himself, he would have something to gain.”

    While commending the works and achievements of Adebisi, Dike Olukoya said in his remarks: “The problem with Nigerians is that when they hear launching, they won’t come. One of the best things one can do on earth is to write book. The Whiteman says: “when you want to hide something for Africans, hide it in a book’”.

    According to the book reviewer, Funsho Popoola, who thematised the crafty artistic plots of the book, The Adventures of Konko Biire, is a historical figments of life journey (in part, because the journey is yet an in progress), of a rising and progressing career and destiny. The figments are craftily wound together by the author with an amazing deft of literary strokes. This book pictures the life of an average Nigerian born and raised in the rural area of Nigeria but whose life is urban-bound.”

    While delving deeply into the main subject matter of the didactic book, Popoola noted that “the book unveils the different kinds of struggles one might likely face: environmental, situational, personal, relational and spiritual; and the intrigues of how destiny escapes bumps while heading towards the place of fulfillment.

    “This book is written in a very easy-to-read story form. You won’t put down until you’ve fully savoured the rich and entertaining delicacies in the ten-chaptered book. Adventure of Konko Biire is a must read”, he commended.

    Art and Culture journalist, Evelyn Osagie who performed a thespian poetry, entitled ‘Sunrise’ remarked that the book is a motivational story that reawakens the value of dignity in labour in the young.  In the last stanza of her poem, she enthused that, “And behold the sweet romance of hope/…A determined Nigerian/… A better Naija/ …A better Konko Biire/…A greater Africa today and tomorrow.”

  • Ake 2017: Reviving Africa’s rich culture through books

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has praised 9mobile, Nigeria’s leading customer-friendly telecommunications company, for its consistent support for talent development, especially the growth of the arts and literary industry in Nigeria and Africa.

    This year’s edition of Ake Arts & Book Festival attracted participants from Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Egypt, The Gambia and Nigeria. Other guests at the festival included a former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi; wives of Kaduna State Governor, Mrs. Binta El-Rufai and Mrs Hadiza El-Rufai, and author, Toni Kan, amongst others.

    Speaking during the 2017 Ake Arts and Book Festival held in Abeokuta, the state capital, the governor acknowledged that the resilience of promoters of Ake festival and the unwavering support of corporate bodies like 9mobile with a passion for promoting talent development and the creative industry generally have made the festival a formidable platform.

    Governor Amosun added that Ake Arts & Book Festival has become a hub for literary icons, academic community, artists and critics of creative works to cross-fertilise ideas as well as a platform to proffer alternative solutions towards resolving contemporary issues.

    “Apart from the colour of the skin, culture has been a major factor to identify and appreciate people. Our culture shows the uniqueness of our food, clothes, craft, music, dance, folklores, beliefs, lifestyles, literature and worldview. Having all these being displayed at Ake Festival shows great resolve to revive our rich African culture and we thank all those involved either as organisers or as sponsors such as 9mobile”, he enthused. The governor was represented by his deputy, Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga.Ake Arts & Book Festival, a platform that celebrates budding and accomplished African artists, is an annual event attended by academicians, creative writers, authors, publishers and art enthusiasts from across and outside the African continent. The theme for this year’s edition of the festival is ‘This F-Word’, which celebrates ‘feminism’.

    Among the notable global literary icons that attended the festival were Ama Ata Aidoo, a Patron of the 9mobile Prize for Literature; Prof. Giles Foden, internationally renowned literature teacher and mentor of winners of the 9mobile Prize for Literature; Molara Wood and Zukiswa Wanner, past judges of the 9mobile Prize for Literature.

    Also in attendance were author of the book Binti, Nnedi Okorafor; Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo and Special Adviser on Media to Ogun State Governor, Dr. Oye Olubunmi.

    Speaking on 9mobile’s objective of supporting the festival, Director, Brand & Experience, 9mobile, Elvis Ogiemwanye, said 9mobile was proud to associate with the Ake Arts and Book Festival because of its commitment to develop, promote and celebrate creativity on the African continent.

    “Ake Arts and Book Festival aligns with our corporate vision of promoting and nurturing talent and providing a platform for Africans to communicate ideas and share their views and life experiences through story telling”, he stated.

    On his part, Foden, the accomplished author of the popular book cum movie, The Last King of Scotland, applauded 9mobile for being at the forefront of promoting talent development in Africa and expressed joy at mentoring annual winners of the 9mobile Prize for Literature. “Each year I receive with joy the winners of the 9mobile Prize for Literature who are admitted to study for about four months at the University of East Anglia, at Norwich, East of England, to further deepen their writing skill. This is significant in that while readership of hard copy books might have declined globally, readership online has greatly increased with platforms such as 9mobile Prize for Literature and 9mobile Flash Fiction making it more exciting for people to write and read books”, he noted.

    9mobile the Prize for Literature is a strategic initiative by 9mobile for developing the publishing industry in Africa. It is part of the company’s commitment to talent development in the areas of arts and literature in Africa which identifies and celebrates first time writers of published fiction books.

  • Eriomala is NICO’s Executive Secretary

    Eriomala is NICO’s Executive Secretary

    Information and Culture Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed has appointed Mr. Louis Eriomala as acting Executive Secretary and CEO National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO). Eriomala who was until his new appointment NICO’s Director, Lagos Liaison Office, took over from the immediate past chief executive, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, who completed his eight year tenure last month.

    The appointment letter issued by the ministry and dated November 30, signed by Mr. Ademola Kayode reads: “I am directed to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture has approved your appointment as the Acting Executive Secretary/CEO of National Institute for Cultural Orientation pending the appointment of a substantive Executive Secretary/CEO by Mr. President.”

    The Delta state-born graduate of Business Administration, University of Benin (1983) and MSc (Psychology) University of Lagos (2007) joined the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) on November 5, 1996 as Assistant Chief Cultural Officer (Corporate Affairs). In 2002, he was appointed pioneer Liaison Officer, NICO, Lagos. Two years later he was transferred to NICO Head Office, Abuja as Acting Head, Research and Documentation Department.

    In 2005, he was granted approval to pursue a Master’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Lagos, Lagos after which he was posted to Lagos Liaison Office as Deputy Director/ Head, Research and Documentation Department.

    In April 2009, NICO, South West Zone, Akure was established and Mr. Eriomala was appointed as the pioneer Head. While there, he organised among others the first ever training for cultural workers in Ondo State; first Yoruba Quiz Schools for Secondary Schools in the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State and the first training for Traditional Rulers in Ondo State.

    In February 2012, he was transferred to NICO, Head Office, Abuja as Director, Research and Documentation Department. He undertook the Documentation of Mr. David Okoro on Traditional Bone Setting in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State and Mr. Emmanuel Ikponmwosa on Bini Bronze Casting, Benin City, Edo State.

    Mr. Eriomala was nominated by NICO in 20014 to serve as a member of the Global Public Diplomatic Network (GPDNet), an international body of Public/Cultural Diplomacy practicing institutions from Medium Power countries to promote peace and understanding among nations; using Public Diplomacy (PD) as a platform. It is presently headed by YunusEmre Institute of Turkey.

  • Group kicks against violent attacks on women

    Non-governmental organisation (NGO), International Women Peace Group (IWPG), has deplored violence against women, inter-religious killings and terrorism.

    A Nigerian representative, Mrs Oyekemi Olaloku, said attacks on women should not be encouraged as love and tolerance for one another will promote peace and togetherness for all.

    She said this at the outreach programme of the group held to sensitise residents of Agbado railway crossing in Ogun State.The event gathered over a hundred participants who reside in the community. Olaloku said IWPG is an international NGO that takes up the responsibility of gathering women and youths all over countries of the world including Nigeria to advocate peace as she implored the women present to work for peace, learn to make peace and be messengers of peace to their children, husband’s and community at large.

    She also encouraged women to join the movement for the cessation of conflicts and war and embrace inter religious peace. She emphatically pleaded to the northern Muslim women present to promote IWPG’s message and educate their children about the need for peace as it is the building block for growth and development.

    She said: “Citizens need to learn to cherish, care, love, protect one another despite our diversities and irrespective of our tribe, culture, religious belief or status”.

    A resident, Mrs Adebola Olawale, appreciated the group for its gesture in promoting peace in the community, affirming that it is a welcome development for groups to advocate for peace.