The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • What is in your hand?

    Human beings appear to be in a permanent state of dissatisfaction with their lives. We don’t like who we are or what we look like. We don’t believe what we have is good enough. We don’t think what we can do is adequate. To make matters worse, we tend to prefer what belongs to someone else. Unfortunately, this has affected our attitude to most things in life, even opportunities. We tend to look far into the distance in search of great opportunities while we despise the ones closest to us.

    Dr. Russell Conwell, in his all-time classic titled “Acres of Diamonds” told the story of a wealthy Persian named Ali Hafed. Ali had great gardens, farms, grain fields and orchards. He was contented with his possessions, well, until an ancient Buddhist priest paid him a visit. The priest told him that a diamond the size of his thumb could buy him a country while he could have great influence and place his children on thrones with a diamond mine. Almost instantly, Ali felt poor because he became aware of what he could have but didn’t have. His sense of loss was so great that he couldn’t sleep. Eventually, Ali took off in search of diamonds in rivers running through white sand between high mountains but not before selling his entire possession and leaving his family with a neighbour. He journeyed through Palestine and Europe. By the time he arrived at Barcelona, his money was all spent; out of wretchedness, poverty and despair, he flung himself under a great tidal wave and ended his journey there.

    Meanwhile, the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm took his camel out into the garden for watering one day and noticed a curious black stone reflecting light. He took it home and displayed it as a decoration until the same old priest who told Ali about diamonds came to visit. The priest recognized the stone as a piece of diamond to the surprise of Ali’s successor. They both rushed to the garden and discovered several other stones like it. According to Dr. Conwell, it is historically true that the garden became the most magnificent diamond mine known to mankind.

    Aren’t a lot of us like Ali these days? We go in search of what we already had just to appreciate it after we have lost it. Dr. David Oyedepo puts it aptly when he said “If you think enough, what you have is enough”. Unfortunately, we hardly take time to think before we embark on our quests for fame and fortune.

    Like the saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”. While you are busy admiring and perhaps envying the good fortune of your neighbour, you fail to realise two things:

    ”            You are only seeing the good; the bad and the ugly are never so apparent. That person you admire has aspects of his/her life that are less than perfect. You want their good life? Great! Then take the entire package. You may not like it after all.

    ”            Your own grass is someone else’s “greener” field. Someone else is wishing to have what you’ve got. If you look at your life critically, you will discover several things to be thankful for. You will also discover assets you have never appreciated.

    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.

     

     

  • ‘With NAFEST, no need for Abuja Carnival’

    ‘With NAFEST, no need for Abuja Carnival’

    The just-concluded annual National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which held in Kaduna, has opened fresh vistas for women empowerment through free skill acquisition programmes. National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General Otunba Segun Runsewe speaks with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on many innovations that will reposition the festival.  

    It is the first time skill acquisition is made part of NAFEST.  What informed its introduction this year?

    We introduced skill acquisition as a major added advantage to NAFEST this year for the first time. Also, in the history of NAFEST, this is the first time we will have the next hosting state a year ahead and that is Rivers State.  Until now, there used to be controversy on results, resulting in contingents fighting. But this year, we made sure all that was eliminated maybe not up to perfection, but at least, some sanity has been brought into it.

    States that took first, second and third positions saw that there were some levels of seriousness in the event and we have been able to use the festival to unite our people. Some might have said I can’t go to Kaduna because it is not safe. But we have been here and everything is going well and okay. To me, with what we have done now, there is room for improvement and we have added value to the event. By next year, we will have enough time. There was not really enough time for us this year, but we still managed to try and give the best. I believe we have been able to do something to make a difference

    Where do you want to place Nigeria using cultural windows such as NAFEST and others?

    The Nigerian people are open to tap into advantages before them.  Long before now many opportunities were not getting across to them. Nigerians want the best and if we get it right culturally the better. I went to the Golf Course in Kaduna for the launching and we bought 24 pieces of different local materials for the golf setting and people were asking, so it’s possible? That means, they want somebody to start an initiative for them to follow. Such initiative like using Adire as school uniform is another project that needs attention, but unfortunately, we don’t have enough resources.  Nigerians definitely want the best culturally, but nobody is championing it. That is the honest truth.

    NAFEST is taking a new shape now. Next year there will be nothing like colloquium. I allowed it because it was my first outing. I don’t want to be seen like you have not tested it. Village square sounds more ideal, even the opening of calabash as symbolic of opening ceremony is more ideal as people have started asking why are we are cutting tape? But the calabash contains kolanut, garden egg, which people can eat after the opening ceremony. The same thing is done during the closing ceremony. So, there is a cultural content in it and everything I am doing is how to empower ordinary Nigerians.

    On the skill acquisition programme, we have about 349 participants. I must lead by example. I have so many tie and dye products now, even the jackets we used for the event is locally sourced. Take note, in the next six months, golfers in Nigeria will patronise Adire, which I introduced. For you to buy a pair of trouser and t-shirt for golf, you will pay as much as N45,000 to N75,0000 because they are imported Nike products. So, the problem has always been how do you start it and who will start it.

    Again, for the first time, the opening and closing ceremony of NAFEST were broadcast live.  Before now, my staff, who came from Abuja for the festival, used to stay in the hostel, but this time all of them were in the hotel, even though we have not gotten most of our allocations. I made sure things were done properly. It may take some little time, but soon you will be amazed what this industry will become. These are some of the issues we need to work on and do aggressively. Note that everything we have done is to give it a pilot approach and Rivers NAFEST 2018 is going to be something else.

    What do we expect from Rivers NAFEST 2018?

    The 2018 NAFEST in Rivers State is going to be one of the best ever culturally packaged events in Nigeria. I am going to introduce new components into it. If you see what happened at the children’s programme (drama performances) believe you me, you will almost weep for this country. We have all it takes, but the only thing is that we are in a society that you may not be proud to tell people what you are doing. But with all that is now in place, things will change.

    How do you encourage states that did not feature in Kaduna to participate in future events?

    Some of the governors have watched the live coverage of the festival and they will feel bad that their states did not participate. You may ask what does it benefit a state to host NAFEST? Two months before NAFEST, I came to Kaduna to inspect the venues. I knew the kind of things we needed and I put them in place. Like Lagos State, it was difficult to attend this year’s festival, but the state has assured me that it is ready for 2018 NAFEST. Now we must be sincere to ourselves, there is need to reduce the aspect of Abuja Carnival. With a NAFEST, you don’t need Abuja Carnival. The problem is that if you are a Governor and your director comes to you that he wants to go to NAFEST, AFCAC, Abuja Carnival, Calabar Carnival, you will ask if it is only culture you are promoting in the state and all these are done about the end of the year. What we have done now is that we are moving AFAC, which is no more AFAC but International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC), to the early part of the year. That is one of my strategies. When we do that, we now get a good date for NAFEST. When we went to Calabar recently, the governor was very upset, he lambasted everybody, saying the Federal Government is competing with the states. If NAFEST is doing well, I can tell you today nobody will talk of any carnival. You can do Calabar Carnival that late time no problem. NAFEST in Rivers is going to live up to expectation. I am ready to cancel NAFEST if we don’t get a host on time and that is the implication. Now, why wouldn’t the states bid when there is benefit to the states?

    From next year, I am going to change the narrative and we are going to properly package the event. When we are going to inspect the venue for NAFEST, we are going with the media. If you have watched the children’s progamme, you will be shocked by the kind of proverbs coming out of these children’s mouth. Even me as an adult I have not heard some of them before. so we have to, as a matter of urgency, go into some of these things quickly. Nobody will regard this sector, we have to rebuild it and I am not pretending about it. That is why I am saying we need to do it together.

    For NAFEST 2018 in Rivers State, I have told the officials that we are going to deal with the Governor directly and then he can now bring in the Secretary to the state government to stand in for him.

    Are we looking forward to having the private sector on board to tap into this cultural goldmine?

    If you want to meet the big time players, you must have a brand. If today Tiger Wood comes to Nigeria, you don’t need to do advert. Just tell people that Tiger Wood is at the stadium and the whole place will be filled up because he’s a brand. Until now, we didn’t have a brand. The opening ceremony of NAFEST is spectacular. For the Dubar, what the Emir of Zaria brought was almost unbelievable. That is why I said tourism is a non-issue till we establish culture. Culture is the palm oil with which to eat good yam. So, if you are sure of the brand you are building, sponsors will come. By next year, sponsors will be jumping on each other to be part of NAFEST because they saw the live coverage of the event. They know what live coverage of an event is and some companies have votes for this kind of event. But you have to meet them ahead of time. What I want to do first is to build a brand, which I have succeeded in building, and by the time the brand is built, people will be asking questions.

    Do you know that most people think that culture is about beating drums and dancing? That is why we have brought in cuisines, performances, essays, even visited the governor and reached the children to be able to influence their future.

    You cannot begin to beat your chest when you have not been able to build a brand. The cultural brand identity is what is called tourism. If you don’t have a product, what do you want to market? Nothing.

    Any plan to collaborate with local manufacturers like some of the trainees on skill acquisition to create a market for their products?

    We have already addressed the issue. That is the whole essence of the N300 million Bank of Industry loan. The would-be beneficiaries must go and form clusters and from the clusters they will apply for soft loans to be able to grow their business. We are ready to assist them, but they must be ready to assist themselves.

    For the use of local fabrics like Adire as school uniform, are you considering legislation to make it have a bite of the law?

    Compelling them may look too harsh for now.  But Ogun State government has passed a motion that people wear local fabrics and the Lagos State government has also passed Yoruba Language Bill. They are also using one day of the week to conduct legislative proceedings in Yoruba Language. So, some states have started keying in, based on their understanding. I have told you that our problem is who starts something first? So, we are ready to support those kind of people, but the first thing is that they have gotten the skills and from there they move on.

    In between NAFEST and AFCAC, there is a long span of time. What are the activities you will undertake to continue this cultural movement you have set in motion?

    We will be involved in anything that will help to promote culture and the states do not need to even invite us. The AFAC and NAFEST are statutory and that will not stop us from our daily cultural activities, which we will still continue to build on.

     

  • Ondo community celebrates age-grade festival

    Ondo community celebrates age-grade festival

    The rich cultural endowment of Amusigbo community, Ondo State, was on display at this year’s age group festival.

    The event, marked every five years, witnessed the elevation of members of the Etumerin age group to Ihare.  Both groups were part of the traditional age-grade systems at Amusigbo, Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State,

    Amusigbo community parades nine age-grades, including Omo Ibalegbe, Abihare dede, Oluda, Ehimira, Ugbamo gogo, Ikanle Itapo, Itapo, Etumerin and Ihare (which is the decision making body for the community and the most senior). Of the nine, Ihare and Etumerin are the two major and more dominant age groups.

     

    Pre-celebration rites

    The age group elevation ceremonies are usually announced overnight with the beating of gongs called Wi wu de. And those formerly of Etumerin age group were upgraded to the Ihare. Each member of the upgraded group would have earlier gone round the houses of those who were already members of Ihare with a token in the early hours of the day to inform them of their elevation.

     

    The celebration

    As early as 10am on the D-day, the hall was filled up with those to be decorated, well wishers and other age groups dressed in assorted uniforms, waiting for the celebrators to arrive.

    Members of the Etumerin, under their President, Chief Dapo Oshati, were said to have been initiated in batches of five into the Ihare. Their initiation was laced with flogging (done secretly) by those already in the Ihare, according to Chief Oshati. The new initiates now under their new President, Mr Bode Badejo, who is also a former Secretary to the Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAAU), then converged with other groups at the Amusigbo Cultural Hall for the real decoration rites.

    After the public decoration, all members of the new Ihare received prayers and were later carried by youths on their shoulders to their houses where they each sat on well-decorated seats to receive visitors throughout the day. Their carriages were accompanied by singing and dancing of their relations and well wishers for the feat.

    “Thereafter, the entire members were asked to go and pull out their walking sticks: for only the Ihare age group can use walking sticks to support themselves while walking. Of significant note is that upon elevation to the Ihare, they are not expected to fight with anybody again, hence the song: “Eni lu mi lu Ihare”, meaning whosoever beats or fights with an Ihare will be made to pay a fine of goat,” Oshati explained.

    He observed that their elevation into the most senior age group in Amusigbo would bring about more developments to the community. Chief  Oshati, who is a former Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), along with the other initiates promised to ensure that their elevation into the most senior age group in Amusigbo would bring about more developments to the community.

    He urged the state and Ose local government authorities to open up the area with motorable roads to attract investors.

    Another prominent indigene of Idoani Community, Hon Isaac Obiniran, congratulated the newly elevated into senior group, noting that this year’s was impressive.

    Obiniran, a former councillor, enjoined the sons and daughters of Amusigbo at home and abroad to start preparing ahead for the next age group festival and invite all their friends to partake in the ceremony. According to him, the festival will hold again in the next five years (2022).

  • Engineer develops mosquito repellant tech

    Engineer develops mosquito repellant tech

    A 33-year-old engineer, Oladunni Olaoluwa, has developed a mosquito repellent device that uses sound-high waves to stop the malaria-infecting insect from biting its human-target. The sound repellant can be used as a substitute for mosquito coils and liquids to avoid inhaling toxic fumes, Oladunni tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA.

    Many insects have ears or at least a membrane (called a tympanum), which vibrates when airborne sounds hit it.  And it is also true that insects respond to audible cues that they receive from their habitat. Hinging on this, Oladunni Olaoluwa, an engineer, said sound repellants can be used as a substitute for mosquito coils and liquids to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. It is the non-toxic way to repel pests like mosquitoes based on the fact that there is a relationship between Ultrasound (US) and insects. Ultrasonic pest repellants are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sounds designed to repel, injure or kill household pests

     

    The innovation

    Oladunni, who obtained a National Innovation Diploma (NID) from the Ondo based Asernal School of Mechatronics (Mechanical Electronics), said he researched into the innovation six years ago based on sound frequency that human beings can  hear and tolerate 20KHZ and that any ultrasonic level above this irritates insects, especially mosquito. “I came up with nsonic Mosquito chaser. It stops by wading off mosquito from biting one, hence one cannot develop malaria. It actually works by emitting high-frequency sounds that are disruptive to mosquitoes,”he said.

    He added: “This mosquito repellant is designed to produce ultrasound in the frequency range of 20KHZ to 38KHZ, which humans can’t hear. It is economical and safe. It does not involve the use of chemicals. This device uses high ultrasound, by sending high-frequency sound waves that mosquitoes do not like. Scientists found out that mosquitoes do not like high frequency because it interferes with their flight. When they hear this ‘loud’ noise of the device they die 48 hours after and there is no single side effect on users as it is both environmentally and pocket-friendly. It is available in Lagos and Abuja at the moment.”

    The device is composed of IC (Integrated Circuit), Transistor resistor and it is a rechargeable battery, that if fully charged can last for two weeks before it is recharged. “These devices are appealing to consumers because of their ease of use and the fact that they are silent to human ears and eliminate the need for traps, poison, and, insecticides that are injurious to human beings,” he explained.

    Ultrasonic pest repellants are used as a substitute for mosquito coils and liquids to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. It is the non-toxic way to repel pests like mosquitoes. Oladunni described the relationship between Ultrasound (US) and insects. “Ultrasonic pest repellants are used as a substitute for Mosquito coils and liquids to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. It is the non-toxic way to repel pests like mosquitoes. As per scientific information and experimental pieces of evidence, the animals respond to US and avoid its presence. Small mammals like dogs, cats etc. respond to 22-25 kHz US and Rats to 60-72 kHz. Insects like Mosquitoes, Flies respond to 38-44 kHz.”

     

    On Ultrasound

    He described how it functions: “The hearing property of human ear is limited. The human ear can perceive sound within a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The sound frequency below 20 Hz is Infrasonic sound and above 20 kHz is ultrasonic sound. The human ear is not sensitive to US because the eardrum cannot vibrate as fast as US. Ultrasound has high frequency, so the wave is very powerful. US travel along a straight line even in the presence of obstacles. When the US hits an object, it bends and round and spread in all directions. So my innovation is safe for humans.”

     

    Challenges encountered

    At the moment Oladunni is bursting with the vision to see Nigeria-a malaria free nation, but finance is limiting his dream. He said the challenge he is facing now is in the area of meeting supply with high demand, due to lack of funding. He said: “My innovation has a 10-year Warranty and people are really demanding for it. But despite the high demand for it, I am constrained by lack of finance. I need money to finance the project for mass production because the market is there. It is a device that entrepreneurs in the elimination of malaria should find attractive and support.”

    Oladunni has equally approached some banks but those requested for a 20 percent deposit before they can grant the appeal for a loan. Likewise, industrialists aren’t forthcoming.

  • Modupe for burial in Ekiti

    The remains of the late  Mrs Comfort Modupe Adetunmbi will be laid to rest in  Ifaki-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Saturday, November 25, 2017. The funeral ceremonies will begin with the Service of Songs on Thursday November 23, 2017 in Ifaki-Ekiti at Adetunmbi Family House, Ido-Ekiti Road, Ifaki-Ekiti. On Friday November 24, 2017, the remains of Mama will arrive in the morning for lying-in-state at 10 a.m. in Adetunmbi Family House, Ido-Ekiti Road, Ifaki-Ekiti. Christian Wake-keep starts from 5 p.m. at the same venue. On Saturday November 25 , the funeral service holds at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Ifaki-Ekiti at 11 p.m., while internment is at Anglican  Church Cemetery. Reception for guests will hold at Ifaki Campus of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti road, Ifaki-Ekiti, while the family thanksgiving will be done on Sunday November 26  at  St Michael’s Anglican Church, Ifaki-Ekiti at 10 a.m.

    She is survived by Mrs Yetunde Makinde; Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi; Engineer Adedayo Adetunmbi; Mrs Adenike Adetunmbi; Okan Seye Adetunmbi and Mrs Bimbo Afolabi.

     

     

  • What is in your hand?

    Human beings appear to be in a permanent state of dissatisfaction with their lives. We don’t like who we are or what we look like. We don’t believe what we have is good enough. We don’t think what we can do is adequate. To make matters worse, we tend to prefer what belongs to someone else. Unfortunately, this has affected our attitude to most things in life, even opportunities. We tend to look far into the distance in search of great opportunities while we despise the ones closest to us.

    Dr. Russell Conwell, in his all-time classic titled “Acres of Diamonds” told the story of a wealthy Persian named Ali Hafed. Ali had great gardens, farms, grain fields and orchards. He was contented with his possessions, well, until an ancient Buddhist priest paid him a visit. The priest told him that a diamond the size of his thumb could buy him a country while he could have great influence and place his children on thrones with a diamond mine. Almost instantly, Ali felt poor because he became aware of what he could have but didn’t have. His sense of loss was so great that he couldn’t sleep. Eventually, Ali took off in search of diamonds in rivers running through white sand between high mountains but not before selling his entire possession and leaving his family with a neighbour. He journeyed through Palestine and Europe. By the time he arrived at Barcelona, his money was all spent; out of wretchedness, poverty and despair, he flung himself under a great tidal wave and ended his journey there.

    Meanwhile, the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm took his camel out into the garden for watering one day and noticed a curious black stone reflecting light. He took it home and displayed it as a decoration until the same old priest who told Ali about diamonds came to visit. The priest recognized the stone as a piece of diamond to the surprise of Ali’s successor. They both rushed to the garden and discovered several other stones like it. According to Dr. Conwell, it is historically true that the garden became the most magnificent diamond mine known to mankind.

    Aren’t a lot of us like Ali these days? We go in search of what we already had just to appreciate it after we have lost it. Dr. David Oyedepo puts it aptly when he said “If you think enough, what you have is enough”. Unfortunately, we hardly take time to think before we embark on our quests for fame and fortune.

    Like the saying goes, “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”. While you are busy admiring and perhaps envying the good fortune of your neighbour, you fail to realise two things:

    ”            You are only seeing the good; the bad and the ugly are never so apparent. That person you admire has aspects of his/her life that are less than perfect. You want their good life? Great! Then take the entire package. You may not like it after all.

    ”            Your own grass is someone else’s “greener” field. Someone else is wishing to have what you’ve got. If you look at your life critically, you will discover several things to be thankful for. You will also discover assets you have never appreciated.

    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.

     

     

  • Heaven is home for Modupe Adetunmbi

    Heaven is home for Modupe Adetunmbi

    Reflecting now as a parent working hard to manage a relatively smaller family compared to my parents, who looked after a far bigger family of their own biological children, together with the children of extended relations and family friends; I appreciate better how lucky one had been to have such a blessed and resourceful mother in the household. Indeed, except God build the house those who labour do it in vain says the good book. Apparently, good health through the grace of God must have helped my diligent matriarch a great deal to cope with her domestic home front and business needs.

    In the 1960s and 1970s she would wake up very early to make Ibadan a day trip most often from Ifaki-Ekiti. After doing her shopping in the old Dugbe and Oje markets in Ibadan, she would return home to the warm embrace of her family that would be waiting for her in the balcony after dinner. Her business traveling, either to replenish her stock in the shop or to meet the supply orders of secondary schools and teacher training colleges were done with public transport. In between those busy shuttles, sometimes she would make out time to check her sons in the Universities of Ife and Ibadan. This was when the route was notorious for highway robbery (dana-dana). She was in her 30s and 40s at the peak of her business activities and God in His infinite mercy preserved her to be part of the octogenarian league to the glory of God. She remained her strong self and aged gracefully till the end.

    The industrious mother of substance complemented her dedicated career teacher and respected community leader husband, in bringing us the children up and their wards uniquely in Ekiti where they have Baba and Mama as we popularly called since 1953. The exemplary upbringing was not only distinct where we dwelled and its environs, it equipped us the children for interpersonal relations with wide range of people with diverse profiles within and outside where we grew up without losing focus of the lasting societal values.

    Like a typical mother hen and the chicks, no personal deprivation was too much for archetype Mama to bear for the family, she gave us the best at her disposal. She was one of the few hard working and enterprisingly endowed women, who bought automobile for the convenience of their children in the University. The nature of her business did not take her away from us the children for too long. A beloved mother in a million, she would not toy with any of her children. At every point in time, there was always at least,  an elderly reliable person living with the family to look after us if she ever had to travel or leave the house. The grown up assisting her may either be her relation or that of her husband’s extended family members, supported by hired house helps.

    Over the years, the God fearing and perspective Mama had been committed to her husband’s people, culture and tradition with a passion, her not being a native of Ifaki-Ekiti notwithstanding. Her mother-in-law was very fond of her because she took care of her very well. My great-grandmother called her Ogunrunjojo a m’eso panipani and always prayed for her that k’eku wi un ma o ni, urin a mu; otita ko mu j’oko l’ule omo mi, e s’oni ka ye ko o l’udi re. To the glory of God, Mama kept the faith till the end and finished well.

    The patriotism of Mama to the development of her husband’s community is evergreen, commendable and pace setting. When it was in vogue for people to build houses in generally perceived real estate commercial spots and wives, who were indigenes of communities different from their husbands built houses in their home towns; the woman of virtue put her only building structure in Ifaki-Ekiti. She knew all the oriki of her husband on father and mother sides. Likewise, she was good at that of Ifaki people and its environs generally. As a matter of fact, she had her signature greetings for the kinsmen of her husband from the different quarters in the community whenever she was in her elements when they came to visit her.

    Mama as an exemplar, stood out as a devoted family woman in her contemporary environment. She was a pupil teacher shortly before she got married, which later gave way for her to face home front full time as a nursing mother. By 1957 when my venerable father at the instance of his community had to co-start Ifaki Grammar School, she started a flourishing sewing boutique, which paraded over 10 adult women apprentices at the peak of the business. It was first of its kind in the environs, which made her to be on top of the meeting the order bulk female secondary school uniforms contracts in the 1960s.

    Chief Mrs Comfort Modupe Adetunmbi was born on February 12, 1931 to the family of David Adelusi Ojo Onilepanu and “heaven is home” fame in Ilupeju-Ekiti, who served in the colonial civil service as a senior staff of the post and telecommunications ministry. She was the 3rd child of her parents. Her mother, Ruth Hadiza Adelusi, was a native of Ibi in Taraba-State. She started her primary education at Methodist Primary School, Ilupeju-Ekiti in the late 1930s and attended Ayedun Methodist Primary School, where her eldest brother was a teacher fresh from Wesley College, Ibadan. Not many communities had complete stretch of Standard I to VI school programme in their time. This made her to attend Methodist Primary School, Ifaki in Standard V where she was exposed to home economics and acquired basic sewing skills, which she later applied in her private business. She completed her Standard VI at Ode-Aye, Ondo-State in 1950, where her older brother, Daniel Olufemi Adelusi (1925-2007), another Wesley College product, was working as a teacher. She worked briefly at Federal Inland Revenue, Oko-Awo in Lagos-Island before joining teaching service in Kwara-State at Obo-Ayegunle Primary School as a pupil teacher. On August 10, 1952 she got married to Chief David Opeyemi Adetunmbi (1919-1990); the Asiwaju of Ifaki 1974-1990, Baba Ijo St. Michael Anglican Church, Ifaki 1978-1990 and one time National Leader of NUT. The marriage was blessed with three males and three females. In her younger days she was very active in the church events and supported God’s work with her substance. She was a founding member of Ladies of Light and served as a president of the society at a point in time. Mama was installed the Iya-Ijo of St Michael’s Anglican Church, Ifaki-Ekiti in 2006. She was a great psalmist, gifted with sonorous voice, who complemented her inimitable and distinguished husband to sing hymns in favorite tunes with descant.

    No doubt, there is cause to give thanks to God, who kept the great-grandmother and all her children over the years. She remained her woman of strong will and principled character till the end. The children certainly have every reason to celebrate her worthy life and times here. May the grace of God continue to be sufficient for Adetunmbi family in Jesus name, Amen. She was long prepared for her transition. She was fond of saying this: “Ta ni oluwa e fe fi jo, we are all going one day; I have my appointed time too.” Yes, her time came in the early hours of Saturday October 14, 2017; Mama joined the saints triumphant. She answered her home call peacefully in her sleep. Indeed, heaven is home. Her greatest wish was for all her children to survive her. To the glory of God, the Lord granted her wish. Oh Lord, grant my beloved mother eternal rest, and let the light perpetual shine on upon her in Jesus name, Amen.

  • AFRIFF screens 167 films at cinemas

    As part of efforts to promote the Nigerian film industry, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) has screened about 167 world class films by African filmmakers, including those in the Diaspora and friends of the continents, at this year’s edition.

    The genres screened included feature films, shorts, animation, student shorts, documentaries and international panorama. The films were screened for five days consecutively at different venues on the Victoria Island, such as the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, The Palms Shopping Mall and Silverbird Galleria.

    Some of the films screened in the student shorts category are Sticks; Society; The Fallen One; Lami; Huzuni; Lalibela; Darkroom; The Lat Word; First Snow; The Lost Café; Tatu; Idemuza and Bolingo’s Forest of Love. Those in the shorts category included: If Only; Umbrella; Mustapha; Kaali; The ideal son-in-law; Cliché; The Checkpoint; Eve’s Addiction and The Secret of Colour.

    One of the participants, whose film, Huzuni, was screened in the student short category, Ataansuyi Michael, expressed great delight at having his first film selected in the film festival. “Seeing my film on the big screen was a marvelous experience for  me. I have learnt a lot in AFRIFF, it has taught me that I still have a long way to go. The Nigerian Film Industry, Nollywood, is growing everyday and is getting better. We should not relent now, it’s a struggle, but we have to give it all we’ve got,”he said

    An AFRIFF official, Madubuko Francis, said the festival was not only meant for screening films, but to bring in film experts to talk and train participants. He said: “The festival has been an eye-opener for many because you get to see people and films and those, who make the process possible, not just those in Nigeria, but also because most of the panelists were drawn from different parts of the world. They were on ground to analyse and talk about the film making process, what makes a good movie and what is expected from a movie.

    “The challenges faced in putting all of these together are the venue; we were supposed to have two screening rooms here, but we only have one and we had to shift the time for some of the movies screened. Some of the film will be analysed by the panelists and the best amongst them will be picked out for recognition.”

  • Don canvasses establishment of art galleries in schools

    Don canvasses establishment of art galleries in schools

    A don at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Kunle Adeyemi, has called for the establishment of galleries in secondary schools.

    Adeyemi, who is the Dean of YABATECH School of Arts, Design and Printing, made the call at the unveiling the Queensland Academy’s 2017 of Catch Them Young Art Project, which will come to a close with an exhibition on Saturday.

    According to Adeyemi, the art sector holds the potential of becoming a major revenue earner for the country. He noted that proper funding and infrastructural development  will help develop the sector and its players.

    “Investing in the arts sector is worth every penny. It is a great investment that hold generational dividend. I am looking forward to a situation in this country where the arts and entertainment sector would become a major foreign exchange earner for the nation. This can only happen through government support, funding and infrastructural development.

    “But the government cannot do it alone, it would require collective efforts and support, especially from the private sector, parents and the society to achieve this. I urged all to invest in the arts, buy, collect and give out artworks.  It is a worthy investment.”

    Adeyemi observed that Nigerian artists and their arts have put the country on the world map, but lamented that despite these feats many still see arts venture as a wasteful pastime rather than a profession worth pursuing.

    While praising the school for nurturing the artistic talents in their pupils, he called on parents to encourage their wards to pursue arts as a career. “It is a good thing that the administrators of this school are exposing the pupils to arts. The school is investing so much in the future of the children. You are not just helping to build future artists, but also making our jobs in the higher institution easier as you nurture them. Parents should borrow a leaf from their example and encourage their wards to go into the arts. We need to nurture these ones so as to prepare them for the future.  I urge schools’ administrators to establish galleries in their schools; it would also help with promoting arts among the young and catching them young.”

    At the unveiling, the school showcased some artworks by its pupils, saying the best of all the works would be on display at its exhibition.

    The exhibition, according to the exhibition co-ordinator, Mr Osasame Noserime, marks the beginning of their 30th anniversary celebration, which will culminate in December next year. Mr Noserime, who is also the school’s art department head teacher, the Catch Them Young Art Project, he said, was established in 2013 to discover and promote the talents in their pupils. According to him, the school has raised many outstanding young artists, who are already making their marks in the arts. “One of them is Omoiyola Ayomikun, who won the Youngest Centenary Award for Peace. We are committed to discovering more new talents. We would be showcasing some fresh talents in our primary and secondary schools this Saturday,” he said.

     

  • Ondo community celebrates age-grade festival

    Ondo community celebrates age-grade festival

    The rich cultural endowment of Amusigbo community, Ondo State, was on display during this year’s age group cultural festival.

    The event, marked every five years, witnessed the elevation of members of the Etumerin age group to Ihare peers.  Both groups were part of the traditional age-grade systems at Amusigbo, Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State,

    Amusigbo community parades nine age-grades, including Omo Ibalegbe, Abihare dede, Oluda, Ehimira, Ugbamo gogo, Ikanle Itapo, Itapo, Etumerin and Ihare (which is the decision making body for the community and the most senior). Of the nine, Ihare and Etumerin are the two major and more dominant age groups.

     

    Pre-celebration rites

    The age group elevation ceremonies are usually announced overnight with the beating of gongs called Wi wu de. And those formerly of Etumerin age group were upgraded to the Ihare. Each member of the upgraded group would have earlier gone round the houses of those who were already members of Ihare with a token in the early hours of the day to inform them of their elevation.

     

    The celebration

    As early as 10am on the D-day, the hall was filled up with those to be decorated, well wishers and other age groups dressed in assorted uniforms, waiting for the celebrators to arrive.

    Members of the Etumerin, under their President, Chief Dapo Oshati, were said to have been initiated in batches of five into the Ihare. Their initiation was laced with flogging (done secretly) by those already in the Ihare, according to Chief Oshati. The new initiates now under their new President, Mr Bode Badejo, who is also a former Secretary to the Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAAU), then converged with other groups at the Amusigbo Cultural Hall for the real decoration rites.

    After the public decoration, all members of the new Ihare received prayers and were later carried by youths on their shoulders to their houses where they each sat on well-decorated seats to receive visitors throughout the day. Their carriages were accompanied by singing and dancing of their relations and well wishers for the feat.

    “Thereafter, the entire members were asked to go and pull out their walking sticks: for only the Ihare age group can use walking sticks to support themselves while walking. Of significant note is that upon elevation to the Ihare, they are not expected to fight with anybody again, hence the song: “Eni lu mi lu Ihare”, meaning whosoever beats or fights with an Ihare will be made to pay a fine of goat,” Oshati explained.

    He observed that their elevation into the most senior age group in Amusigbo would bring about more developments to the community. Chief  Oshati, who is a former Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), along with the other initiates promised to ensure that their elevation into the most senior age group in Amusigbo would bring about more developments to the community.

    He urged the state and Ose local government authorities to open up the area with motorable roads to attract investors.

    Another prominent indigene of Idoani Community, Hon Isaac Obiniran, congratulated the newly elevated into senior group, noting that this year’s was impressive.

    Obiniran, a former councillor, enjoined the sons and daughters of Amusigbo at home and abroad to start preparing ahead for the next age group festival and invite all their friends to partake in the ceremony. According to him, the festival will hold again in the next five years (2022).