The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • NGO seeks ‘proper care’ for the physically-challenged

    NGO seeks ‘proper care’ for the physically-challenged

    A non-governmental home that cares for the physically and mentally-challenged, Lady Atinuke Memorial Home, has called for proper parental care for the children. The foundation also clamoured for empathy for its pupils, during its 10th year anniversary celebrations, which took place in the school premises at Badagry, Lagos.

    Lady Atinuke Memorial Home,  established specifically for disabled children, maked its 10th year in Lagos, Nigeria. The theme of the anniversary, Empathy I Need, explored the need to identify intellectually, the emotional state of the disabled children and further transform their lives to suit the taste of the society, rather than showing them unnecessary sympathy which might lead to rejection or dejection of the children in the society.

    Present at the event were: the Special Adviser on Social Development to Lagos State Governor AkinwunmiAmbode, Mrs Joyce Onafowokan; founder and national President of the Down Syndrome Foundation, Mrs Rose Mordi; founder, Olaokin Medical Centre, Dr Olaokin and the host other concerned parents.

    More than 30 pupils in the home suffer from autism, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome, in the last 10 years the home has given care and training to prepare them for the future. But many are often stigmatised. “Show us love, all we need is empathy, all we need is empathy, not sympathy”, they clamoured, singing theatrically. Special education should be given to specific students who are physically or mentally ill, that is why homes like Lady Atinuke Memorial Home and others exist to bring out abilities in the disabilities of the disabled children…”, Assistant Director, Muslim Primary school, inclusive unit, Alozie Placidus said.

    Mrs Onafowokan emphatically pointed out that the press should through the tell the parents of the disabled not to hide their children. Onafowokan noted the need to call attention to disabilities and make the children happy for no one knows what the future has for them. She said that disability is curable and that Lagos State is doing better among other states in Nigeria to ensure that true empathy is shown to the physically challenge.

    He noted some of the causalities for most disabled children such as genetics factor, pregnant woman drinking alcohol and long labour, among others. Concerned parent and matron, who is also a medical practitioner, Mrs Onafolujo, x-rayed the common mental ill-health in children and the need for parents to give early diagnosis. She emphasised specifically that most of the children are artistic, talented, productive, urging the parents to get the best out of them by giving them sincere empathy.

    Dr Olaokin stressed that “If you don’t visualise empathy, you’ll not understand what we’re talking about. Parents of these children go through several difficulties and among all will be the reactions of people outside when they see the disabled children. Some will think that a disabled child is as a result of spiritual attack or certain sins the parents have committed. All these are not true”

    While speaking with the founder of the disabled home, Mrs Else Akerele, she said:” I want parents to know that there are lots of potentials in these children. You can see that every one of them is a star. There are potentials in them that if allowed to come out, one will wonder. These children are very honest, they can’t lie and they don’t just know how to pretend, it is not just in their nature. They tell you the truth as it is”.

  • UNODC educates border communities on immigration management

    UNODC educates border communities on immigration management

    United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) has urged parents, traditional rulers, school children and other residents of border communities of Ikom and Etung Local Council Areas of Cross River state to shun illegal migration, trafficking in persons and other related crimes.

    Leading a team of security operatives and representatives of relevant government agencies including the media in a three-day sensitisation visit to the area, UNODC Communication Officer, Mr. Sylvester Atere, said though people must migrate from point A to B but “we must be sure of how and why the movement in order not to be vulnerable”.

    Atere, who was in company of Immigration Officers, interacted with the various stakeholders at Ikom, Abia, Mfum border post, Ajassor and Etung communities on the need to promote better immigration management in Nigeria..

    According to Atere, choosing the wrong path to migrate via traffickers is not the way to go, adding that there are agencies whose responsibilities are to guide people on modes of migration.

    While addressing the traditional rulers and opinion leaders at the palace of Majesty Ntufam (Dr) Emmanuel Oruojong I, the paramount ruler of Abia Community, in Etung local government council of the state, Atere said: “Every nation is very conscious of its border and security. So, we must be abreast of the movement of people around the border, especially the youths who go through traffickers. We are here to create awareness on how we can seek knowledge about migration from the appropriate authorities especially the Immigration Services. So at this interactive session, we want to know the challenges and how we can assist”.

    At the CRINA Schools on Border Road, Ajassor, Etung Local Council,  he advised the pupils to shun vices such as illegal migration and trafficking in persons, adding that they must know how to move from one place to another following the normal means and method. He enjoined the students to believe strongly in themselves and that they are priceless and as such cannot be bought at any amount by traffickers. “I am priceless nobody or money can buy me,” the students echoed in unison.

    Principal of CRINA Schools, Mr. Ogar Raphael Mgbam, praised the UNODC for choosing his school out of the lots in the locality, assuring that the students would find the counseling useful in their day to day life.

    Officer in charge of Mfum Border post, Assistant Comptroller Immigration Lawrence Asuquo, also warned the students against fake neighbours and relations who trick young ones into human trafficking or smuggling of migrants. “Don’t be deceived by anybody to undertake a trip you don’t know much about. It is proper and better to live and grow up under your parents than moving illegally and living with people you don’t really know,” Asuquo added.

    Head of Station, Cross River Broadcasting Corporation at Ikom, Engineer Nick Ntun charged government to ensure that travel documents are readily available and easier to get as this will enhance the promotion of trans-border movement and business.

    The advocacy visit to the stakeholders, community leaders, schools, police station, religious leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies, was held between Monday, November 5 and 8.

     

  • Group takes artist training to correctional centre

    Group takes artist training to correctional centre

    As a young lad living on the street, I did all sorts of menial jobs to keep body and soul together. I sold bottles and other valuables picked from refuse dump. But as hard as I worked, all of my savings were squandered on gambling, I gambled with everything I could see, till I started working as a ‘wiper,’ it was while doing this that I was picked up and brought to this correctional centre 10 years ago as a homeless person.

    “But today, I am a painter of portraiture and that is what I do for a living, and I am proud to say that I am studying art and design at the Yaba College of Technology. An initiative as this one was what made it possible because a group of artists organised a training like this when I was here.”

    These were the words of a budding artist, Paul Ogunlesi, as he reflected on the events that brought him to The Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun, Ikeja, 10 years ago, during a three-day art training by a group of artists under the guild of Beyond Borders Artists Association of Nigeria (BBAAN).

    Today, Ogunlesi is part of BBAAN and a facilitator at its art training for inhabitants of the centre.

    His words were a solemn recollection meant to challenge the young boys at the centre where he was a resident years ago.

    Tagged: My environment, other artists, who facilitated the workshop were BBAAN President, Clara Aden; Southwest Co-ordinator, Female Artists of Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), Omovo Ayoola; Akintunde John; Paul Ogunlesi; Sotonye Jumbo, Sunday Dimkpa; Arueya Ogheneruemu; Busayo Lawal and Sunday Akpedo.

    The training was divided into three parts where the artists painted in front of the students to intimate them on the essence and appreciation of artistic painting; they then tutored the classes, ranging from Nursery 1 and 2, and primary 1 to 6, on the arts. Each class was given an artist who taught and encouraged them to produce their own work of art as a class project. The pupils’ works were collected and the best were picked out of the class and exhibited on the last day with guests coming from outside to view their works.

    The participants – Sunday Adewale, Israel Mathew and Korede Ibigbami – were awarded prizes for their outstanding works.

    Director of  BBAAN, who is based in England, Lanre  Olagoke, said the training was organised out of the need to create an avenue for the boys to release tension, create entertainment and empowerment for them when they leave the centre.

    He said: “I can relate to the way of lives of these children because I was a drug addict and used to be homeless in London. I would have almost being in prison because at some point, I got into cocaine but I made a decision that changed my life and that was to become an artist. After painting for a while, I set up a charity in England which is called Art Alive Art Trust, I have worked with over 10,000 youths in the last two decades. I still work for the royal family and I have done a lot of work with BBC. So having done all that, I decided that charity begins at home: that is why I have decided to be a part of this project. I have an interest in those who are homeless, and that is why I have decided to support this cause.

    “I and Omooba Yemisi Shyllon came together to form an association of artists that will not just bring artists together but also make a difference and an impact in the society. That is what the BBAAN is all about. We want to leave a legacy for the youth. We believe that every youth in this centre has a gift and that is what we want to pull out through art. And the kids have been receptive. They may not all be artists but we’ve given them something unique that will become who they ought to be. We are helping them release what is inside: because a lot of them have been through pain. The canvas is to form of release of what is within. I hope to have a resource center and an academy where they can learn various skills to sustain themselves in the near future.”

    On his part, Founder of BBAAN, Prince Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, encouraged the children to listen to the orders of their instructors and forget about the lifestyle that brought them to the centre. “You are here by virtue of some circumstance that has brought here but I want you determine within yourself that out of this place, you will make meaning out of your lives. You have to listen to your teachers and forget playing pranks as it does not lead you anywhere except perdition,” he advised.

    BBAAN President, Elizabeth Omolara Adenugba (known in the art circle as Clara Aden), added that the association is committed to adding values and imparting lives in the society, while using art as a supplement primary and secondary school curriculum within and outside Nigeria

    BBAAN was founded on April 29, 2017, at the Art for Peace Water Marbling Art for peace project organised by UFUK dialogue foundation and the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Foundation (OYASAF).

     

  • Lagos Street Carnival holds Dec 3

    Lagos Street Carnival holds Dec 3

    IN fulfillment of his administration’s pledge to make Lagos the preferred tourism destination in Africa, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has lent his weight behind the hosting of this year’s Lagos Street Carnival, which will hold at Oba Akran Road, Ikeja Lagos on December 3 as private sponsors-driven event.

    Acting Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon Adebimpe Akinsola said the carnival will herald the yuletide season in the state and will feature leading music stars such as Olamide, Salawa Abeni, Malaika, Kesh and Tope Sax among others.

    She said that Lagos state is providing support for the Lagos Street Carnival designed after the popular Notting Hill Carnival London, which marked its 50th edition last year, as a way of sustaining the event.

    She stated that the carnival, which had its debut as Lagos Street Party last year at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos will showcase the diverse culture from different local councils and ethnic groups in Lagos featuring star-studded collection of musicians and cultural troupes.

    According to Hon. Akinsola who also doubles as Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Arts and Culture the aim of government is to take the carnival round Lagos because in Governor Ambode’s acceptance speech he assured that he will run a government of inclusion not in infrastructure alone but in every sense of governance. She noted that Governor Ambosde’s administration is using project (THEAS) Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Arts and Sports as thrust to change the narrative of Lagos as a tourism destination.

    “We are repackaging the old carnival to include more platforms like possession, stage performances by musicians and cultural shows. Notthing Hill Carnival started like this some years ago in London. Last year it celebrated 50 years and it has grown bigger and this is what we are looking at. Lagos is the city in terms of tourism and excellence. And we want to make Lagos the preferred destination in Africa. For instance, Lagos Fiesta has generated lots of interest among Nigerians in Diaspora. The same thing we are getting from Lagos Street Party which we have redesigned as carnival… We are looking ahead to the future on how the carnival can be sustained. Government is not funding it so that change of administration will not affect its continuity,” she added. The carnival will move to another location next year.

    Continuing, she said: “We have consultant handling the carnival. Lagos state government is only providing support services to the organisers. Visitors from outside Lagos to the carnival will spend money on transport, accommodation in hotels thereby enabling hotels to pay consumption tax to state government as revenue.”

    On the choice of musicians for the carnival she said: “We feel the pulse of Nigerians to know their taste in music. We are therefore pulling from different genres like fuji, juju, hip hop, afro, gospel, waka and R & B   to meet their taste. There will be Olamide, Salawa Abeni, Kesh, Malaika, Tope sax among others. It will feature floats, possession, stage performances and cultural shows.”

    Hon Akinsola said that the carnival content will have different platforms for children and adults featuring cultural troupes and artistes of different genres of music including juju, pop, Rhythm and Blues, fuji, afrobeat and waka among others. It will start by 12 noon till midnight.

    She said apart from creating enabling environment of fun and entertainment, small scale business operators will have opportunities to sell their products, noting that as you enjoy there is also the opportunity for economic activities to go on.

    “Security of life and property is assured as security officials are on top of the situation. The roads leading to the venue will be closed and there will be designated routes for movement of vehicles and people with guide from LASTMA and ministry of transport,” she said. She disclosed that before the event starts, the ministry will roll out the names of the sponsors of the carnival ‘but as at now we still need to put few things in place. Interestingly, there are lots of corporate bodies that are showing interest.’

    She assured that the state is fully prepared to provide security of life and property during the carnival including effective crowd control. “We expect a larger turnout this year. In terms of security and crowd control, the ministry is working in conjunction with relevant agencies such as the security officials, LASTMA, Fire Service, LASABUS and LAWMA among others.

  • Celebrating FESTAC 77 at 40

    Celebrating FESTAC 77 at 40

    In 1977, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture took place in Lagos to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the black man. At a gathering in Lagos, critics wondered what the future holds for African arts and culture, 40 years after FESTAC 77. UDEMMA CHUKWUMA was there.

    Forty years ago, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture popularly known as FESTAC 77, a large number of people to celebrate African culture in Nigeria. Those who witnessed the festival are still talking about the event till today. To mark the 40th anniversary, a celebration was held in Lagos.

    The opening of the 40th anniversary of FESTAC, which held at the  Main Bowl of the University of Lagos Sports Complex, began with a cultural dance parade by West African countries and states in Nigeria as well as various schools from Lagos and Enugu.

    The Director of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Dr. Ferdinand Anikwe, during the closing ceremony said a few people were invited due to low funding.

    “My joy is that we have been able to register our presence. We have been able to remind Nigerians of a very powerful event of 1977 that attracted the world to Nigeria. This event reassesses other questions like where do we go from here? What other advantage do we have making sure that we commemorate this event.? What will our youths gain from it and what role does it play in terms of improving our socio-economic challenges?

    He said Nigeria has clearly demonstrated that FESTAC 77 has come to reinvigorate the arts and culture sector, to reintroduce and improve tourism potential and emphasise in several ways that arts has made genuine contributions to the development of Nigeria’s economy.

    “The role of arts in Nigeria’s economic development has not been emphasised. It has not been demonstrated by those in government and part of our worry is that those who prepare the budget neglects the arts, culture and tourism sector, regarding them as if they don’t mean anything to the overall economic contribution.”

    He urged the government to increase budgetary allocation to the sector. “The Minister of Information should be given enough support for the budget proposal so that from there it will go down to those who are in the private sector,”he said.

    The event, which started from eight in the morning, Monday, November 16, had former President Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance. He received an award of Ruby King and Patron of African Culture due to his contributions to the promotion and development of African culture and heritage as well as his role in the emancipation, unity and development of continental and Diaspora Africa. FESTAC was held under his administration as Head of State.

    The Erelu of Lagos, Princess Abiola Dosumu, who chaired the opening ceremony said: “It is important to recall that part of the dominant feelings frequently expressed before the hosting of FESTAC 77. It  was that Nigeria had no justification for devoting scarce resources to cultural matters and that what was important to humanity was simply science, technology and space exploration.”

    Dosumu said after 40 years of the celebration of FESTAC 77, the Black race has achieved a lot in the arts industry. “Forty years of FESTAC should not be time for lamentation, but an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of the Black and African people to world thoughts and ideas.”

    Answering the question if “we are commemorating the 40th anniversary of FESTAC for self-glorification, Anikwe said the celebration was compelled by the need to deal dispassionately and objectively    with the dominant variables that are presently critical in the country.

     

  • My ‘Broda’ Akin goes home

    My ‘Broda’ Akin goes home

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    The late Venerable (Dr) Akinwumi Akinyemi was a renowned paediatrician and a director at the state Ministry of Health and secretary-general of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria.  He worked and headed Adeoyo Hospital and Oni Children’s Memorial Hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Akinyemi was also the Vicar-General of the Anglican Dioceses of Jos, Plateau State.

    Broda is dead. For 75 years, that was what I called my brother. I did not call him by any other name. Even when he took over the leadership of the family in 1976, following the death of our father, he was still Broda.

    As he advanced in the Anglican hierarchy, he was still Broda to me. Now my Broda is gone. I admired him more than he would ever know.

    I sought to emulate him in whatever he did because he went to Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, I ended up also going there. And because he was studying medicine, I wanted to study medicine. I only drew the line when he became a priest.

    Yes, Christ is my shield and protector, but on earth, my Broda was His representative. He protected me from the vicissitudes of our culture, and the pressure that goes with public life.

    He was a broda, who, without ever occupying any public office, understood the cost of being exposed to public life, and the need to build a fence against its excesses.

    Not too many people would have reacted with grace to being confused with a younger brother, especially a younger brother with a tendency to twisting the tail of trouble. Broda handled it calmly and with grace.

    When he was thought to be the younger one because he looked younger compared to my weather beaten face, he always humorously replied that he was the elder to a troublesome brother.

    There was a time when four of his siblings were in political exile, one was a political prisoner, and his wife was dying; through it all, his faith gave him the strength to still hold the family together.

    His first wife, Ebun, was not only his strength, she was my strength also. As soon as I returned from exile, I rushed to her bedside. She died one hour after I left her hospital bedside.

    Now, both of them are gone. And I am left wondering where do I turn to for comradeship, support and protection.

    Broda, E se o.

     

    • Prof Akinyemi was External Affairs Minister

  • Offodile, Innoson, 11 others to receive 2017 Igbo award

    The prestigious Igbo Awards, organised by Vine Shield Limited, will hold this Friday in Enugu. Thirteen Igbo sons and daughters will be given awards for their contributions to the development of the Igbo heritage in all ramifications. They include media professionals, entrepreneurs, educationists, activists, writers, and inventors.

    Dr Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma (Innoson) will receive the Professor Barth Nnaji Prize For Technology; two-time member of the National Assembly, Hon Chudi Offodile will receive the Igbo Political Icon Award; Aku Ruo Ulo activist Dr Greg Ibe, who will receive the Rev Professor Fr  Stan Anih Educationist Prize, and Igbo heritage proponent HRH Eze Chukwudinigbo Agwuna (Mkpume Aza Oku) will receive the Distinguished Igbo Cultural Crusader Award, among others

    Six beautiful young queens will emerge as Lolos, under the auspices of Lolo Igbo Cultural Pageant, 3rd edition, according to the organisers, Vine Shield Limited.

    The president of Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), Prof Uzodimma Nwala, will be the chairman of the occasion while a gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 Abia governorship elections, Dr Alex Otti, will be the keynote speaker.

    The company’s Executive Director, Onukwube Ofoelue, stated in release that the event, which will hold at Victoria Hall, New Artisan, Enugu, will be an opportunity to reward students who have participated in the National Students Igbo Essay Competition, in the secondary and tertiary category.

    Ofoelue said the resolve to recognise these enterprising Igbos was designed specifically to honor, reward and celebrate illustrious sons and daughters of the Igbo nation that have distinguished themselves in different areas of life endeavor.

    “It is designed to project the Igbo identity, promote hard work, compliment the sincerity of the Igbo nation and present them at the front burner as people with relentless zeal to succeed in any field chosen. Although these awards are targeted mainly at people with Igbo origin, it is also designed in such a way that it will create room to appreciate those who have proven to be strong allies or friends of Igbo people”.

    He further revealed that the award has been endorsed by the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2015, as a viable initiative to promote Igbo consciousness.

    Other nominees include Madam Theresa Onuorah (Egedege), an Igbo traditional musician, who will receive the Igbo Traditional Artiste Award; Nelly Uchendu-Ikpeze (post-humous), proponent of modernised Igbo traditional music will receive the Distinguished Folklore Musician Award; Chief Ukie Ezeali, philanthropist will receive the Distinguished Igbo Philanthropist Award; Yvonne Chioma Mbanefo, Igbo lexicographer and digital information manager, will receive the Distinguished Igbo Writer Award; Most Rev Fr J.V. Obinna, social rights crusader and high priest will receive the Distinguished Igbo Clergy Award; Mrs Mary Ikoku, media strategist and publisher, will receive the Distinguished Igbo Media Personality; transporter Frank Nneji (ABC Transport) will receive the Distinguished Igbo Entrepreneur Award; communications guru Anthony Kanayo Onwordi (Toni Kan) will receive the Distinguished Igbo Communications Personality Award; and politician and lawyer Uche Okwukwu will receive the Distinguished Igbo Human Rights Personality Award.

     

  • ‘Faithfulness key to harvesting prophetic promises’

    The church’s main auditorium was beautified with fresh plants and varieties of fruits. Different fruits hung on all the entrances, windows and pillars all around the church even as people trooped in to join in the celebration. It was harvest time at Cherubim and Movement Church, Surulere District Headquarters (Ayo Ni O).

    The event drew many from within and outside the church, including traditional rulers, royal fathers, top government functionaries and leaders of sister churches. For the great “farmers” of the church, it was more than just another celebration – it was time for reflection and thanksgiving. From its inception, workers at all strata of the church are called “farmers” in the Lord’s vineyard; and a time was reserved yearly when they would come in one voice before their maker with thanksgiving. Welcome to the 2017 Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service.

    This year’s was a grand celebration for all strata of farmers in the Lord’s vineyard, With gifts in hand, they came in appreciative reciprocation for the grace of “planting” (in God’s vineyard and the labour of their hands), and the opportunity of not only reaping, but doing so bountifully.

    With the theme: “Harvest of Divine Fulfilment”, this year’s edition underscored the cause and effect relationship between sowing and reaping, reflecting on approaches to human endeavours on earth.

    The guest preacher, Supreme Head of Motailatu Church, Cherubim Worldwide, Elder Israel Akinadewo, (Baba Aladura), hinged his exhortation on the essence of investing quality physical and spiritual efforts to unlock the divine revelation of the Almighty to believers.

    Baba Aladura stated that Nigeria will only harvest the lofty promises of prosperity from the Almighty to humanity if faithfulness reigns supreme in all spheres of the country.

    He said the country, like individual households, must set aside an occasion to express gratitude and appreciation to the almighty for His faithfulness towards it, observing that it is one of the essences of harvest celebration.

    According to him, the Almighty does not waiver in His pledges to humanity, but rather, men fail to meet the conditions attached to his prophecies.

    Drawing reference from the book of Genesis, he said harvest time from the perspective of the Old Testament implies giving every first fruit of one’s effort to God along with the obligation of gaining more souls into the kingdom of God, according to the New Testament.

    “Harvest in every season is for you to look at what God has done for you and the extent you want to give back in recognition of his blessings over everything that you have done. The first condition for Nigeria to reap God’s blessings is faithfulness. There must be fairness in the sense that we must be able to recognise everyone. We must have absolute trust in God. Even as a nation, we must start giving thanks to God because when you give thanks to Him, He will be there for you in the next season. We must be obedient and also be there for humanity because that’s the essence of love,” he said.

    Reiterating Baba Aladura’s words, the District Chairman and General Leader, Prophet Sunday Korode, observed further that harvest is the by-product of all labours, endeavours, and exercises that we get into either through enterprises, including farming, trading, academics, functions in corporate establishment or government.

    “The idea is that if you are able to plant some seeds in the ground and it germinates properly, you normally have to celebrate it. It is the crown and complexion of God’s blessings on man’s endeavours. It is also made mandatory by God that all first fruit of our harvest should be to God.”

    Korode also  enjoined the country to consider itself as seeds planted by God to eventually blossom with fruits in order to harvest goodness, saying: “In any position, you are first and foremost the seed of God that will be good for God himself to say I’m glad I planted you.”

    On his part, Chairman of the Harvest committee, Emmanuel Olanrewaju, appreciated the gesture of all who supported, saying bountiful blessings awaited them. He also enjoined the leaders at all levels to seek honesty and exude the spirit of service from leaders for the country to fair well and realise its objectives.

     

  • Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Restaurant with home touch, Labule, opens in Lekki

    Labule, Nigeria-centric restaurant operated by an indigenous company, Roots Foods Limited, is offering real Nigerian local delicacies in a unique environment, which combines the setting of a modern quick service restaurant with that of an African setting of a local ‘buka’, has opened a new outlet in Lagos.

    The brand name, Labule, is coined from a Yoruba phrase, which means ‘In the village’. The idea of the business was conceptualised with the sole aim of catering to Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria, especially those who take pride in their rich culture and identity of which food is a key component.

    The new outlet, which was formally unveiled on last Saturday, was declared open by one of Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede. The formal opening was attended by a large number of guests drawn from different walks of life with a good representation from the world of Arts and Entertainment.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new outlet, its Managing Director/Chief Chef, Mrs. Binta Adisa, disclosed that the opening of the new outlet in Lekki was in response to the yearnings of Labule’s numerous customers living and working around the Lekki/Ikoyi axis of Lagos, who have had the opportunity to eat at the main outlet in Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

    Mrs Adisa stated that the new Lekki outlet is in line with the brand’s vision of promoting the best of food and culture. She also disclosed that since the Ogudu outlet opened in May 2014, customers have come from all parts of Lagos and beyond to savour the taste and unique experience that Labule offers.

    “Apart from serving authentic Nigerian meals with the touch of home cooking, we also provide an environment that makes you take pride in your culture. We will also be serving unique Nigerian snacks and fries. Beyond food, Labule is also collaborating with Bellaafricana, a key promoter of Afrocentric creative businesses, to sell quality products and accessories at the new Lekki outlet,” she said.

    She declared that the company is delighted to add to the culinary and cultural landscape of Lekki and its suburbs. She promised to make every encounter with the restaurant an unforgettable food and cultural experience.

    “We have received several requests from our customers demanding for Labule outlets in different parts of Lagos. But as a brand, we have carefully chosen Lekki Phase 1 at this moment as the destination of an extension of the restaurant,” she said.

    Adisa noted that the outlet would be providing food offerings that transcend the regular Yoruba delicacies, stating that cuisines from the Southeast, Southsouth and other parts of Nigeria will be available for customers.

    Commenting further on what customers stand to gain from the outlet, Adisa explained that it would be open for other activities that include meetings, culturally themed events, art exhibitions as well as book readings, among others.

  • ART X sets Lagos alive

    ART X sets Lagos alive

    An assemblage of literary and art works, showcasing witty and sure creativity, was on display at the Civic Centre, at the West Africa’s  First International Art fair, tagged: Art X Lagos.

    This year’s edition of Art X Lagos featured artworks, spanning different genres, which included sculptures, paintings, mixed media and photography collected from various galleries within and outside Lagos.

    Some of the artists, whose works were on display, were Ben Enwonwu; Rahima Gambo; Lemi Ghariowku; Yaw Owusu; Johnson Uwadinma; Jeremiah Quashie;  Habeeb Andu; Odare Adenuga; Ian Audifferen; Patrick Akpojotor; Busayo lawal;  Serge Attukwei Clottey; Oladotun Abiola; Denis Osakue; Godfried Donkor; Yinka Sonibare, Alimi Adewale and Kamebi Osahenye, among others.

    ArtHouse – The Space,  an art organisation for auctioning of artworks, was one of the exhibitors at the fair.

    Its representative, Nana Sonoiki, said Art X has provided a worthy platform for local and foreign artists to showcase their talents to the world by gathering diverse talents in the arts industry in a single space.

    “For us at Arthouse, the pieces we have on display were meticulously selected. The criteria that we looked out for were the uniqueness of the theme and the artists’ pedigree. This helped us to churn out works that collectors would love to acquire,” she said.

    The fair also featured talks by local and international speakers, made up of artists, curators, collectors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in Africa’s art economy, with conversations, which explored important themes pertinent to the evolution of the contemporary African art market.