The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Motivation for writers

    Motivation for writers

    Worried by errors made by students, writers and the media, a veteran broadcaster and retired United  Nations (UN) diplomat, Mr. Segun Omolayo, has written a book entitled: POP Errors in English: Writers Beware. In this inteview, he shares his thoughts with ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA.

    What is the book all about?

    The reading culture is poor and it will be so for some time to come. But my attitude to it is that if I could get two persons who find this book useful, I would be very pleased. And so far, I have seen so many people, who love what they have seen in the book because of the special approach. Femi Orebe, famous columnist with The Nation, said something I could not believe  about the book after he read it.  He said this book has national relevance, that the whole of writers in Nigeria at various levels, need it, he saw the relevance in it. Then Dr. Babaleye, the Head of Media and Communication Studies at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), after reading through, told me it is a writer’s companion. He said any writer needs this book by his side, and I have also discovered that it is also an editor’s companion. I keep editing for people, right now, I am editing PhD thesis sent to me from the University of Ilorin and another PhD thesis from another university locally. I am also editing a 200 page book for a university lecturer. My book is serving as a reference material. What is contained in the book is what good editors are looking for in any writing and the book is a pointer to what they should look for. When you talk of redundancy, or malapropism, when you talk about faulty parallelism, when you talk about wrong sentences and fragmentation, many editors do not bother themselves about such things. Four Sundays ago, The Guardian on Sunday described the book as a good guide for communication.

    The motivation was my discovery that writers need a lot of help inmatters like this, particularly communicating effectively in English Language. And my privileged position of editing for university lecturers, superintending broadcast productionas a broadcaster, broadcast manager, newsreader, presenter, General Manager and pioneer General Manager of ADABA FM, Akure Ondo State where I had great responsibility not only for capacity building, but also for quality control.

    I was able to see a lot of problems in the way writers write and I was able to articulate some errorswhich I call “pop errors” and the title of the book is Pop Errors in English: Writers Beware. The nature of what I have done over 15 years that I edited for lecturers, I was the final gatekeeper for the news and on occasion. This is because of my consciousness of the great responsibility of a newscaster not only to himself, but also to the station and the profession, as well as the state and even the government that owns the station. I was conscious of what I read out to the public. That was the foundation of the book to a large extent because after sometime, I started naming the errors I was finding in the bulletin by their names. Even before that time, there were some of these errors I did not know by their names. But, intuitively I knew something was wrong in a particular construction but the name of those errors I did not know. So, I had to research and continue until I found the names for all the errors I observed in the bulletin. That led me to  presenting a lecture to the house every month as capacity building programmes.

    On one of the occasions, I had the privilege to feature and I presented what I called Pop Errors. In fact, the outline I used for Pop Errors in that lecture was what I developed further for the book. It is a book of over 500 pages. Ifound out that writers across board and the lecturers I was editing for make such mistakes we made in broadcasting.When I read columnists and reporters, I saw that  kind of errors. When I pioneered the ADABA FM, I saw that my staff members in the news department made such mistakes. When I proceeded to UnitedNations where I spent  eight  years, I  found out that these same errors were made by my colleagues. For eight years, I functioned as one of the editors of input from colleagues coming from various departments and outposts. So, this was a particularly useful platform for me. In fact, that was where the idea of the book matured. I told you I started thinking about it whenI was still at the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State as Director of Programmes.  But, it matured when I got to the United Nations. I found out that it was the same errors that writers there were making, so that’s why it took me solong to package the book. I used examples from all these experiences, books, seminar papers, journals, articles and other writings that I worked on for university lecturers, books that I edited forother authors and things that I saw somewhere else. I got a tremendous feeling from Prof KunleAjayi, a lecturer atEkiti State University, Ado Ekiti. I just finished working on a journal for him. He was the editor of that journal. So, after I finished that journal, he was so pleased and said, uncle, why not write a book to share the skills and techniques you are using in doing such fantastic editing work for us. I got seriously encouraged and motivated and I was determined to write the book. That was the motivation and story behind the book.

    How long did it take to finish the book?

    It took me 10 years to write this book and the reason is: I told youI was in Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State where I started noting these things and working on them. I was encouraged by a university professor. That was about 2007 and kept working on it, accumulating examples because all the examples you see in this book used to illustrate the mistakes and errors I highlighted are live examples.They are things written by somebody either as a university lecturer, as an author or a UN diplomat or a columnist, they are live examples.

    And these things kept coming in a rush every day.  So, the compilation and accumulation of these copious examples is one reason it took so long to write and why I did use so many examples is because you and I will make the same mistake indifferent ways. Let me give you an example. If I say “I cannot be able”, that is a very bad English and you write “I could not be able”, it’s also a bad English we are making the same kind of mistakes, but in different ways. Any reader of this book will encounter themselves in this book.

  • MUSON marks 20 years of musical heritage

    MUSON marks 20 years of musical heritage

    After last year’s successful celebration of Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) 20th anniversary, how to ensure its sustainability, particularly under the current economic climate in Nigeria, became its challenge, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gboyega Banjo, has said.

    But despite the challenge Banjo assured that the society would continue to do all it could to earn the continued support of its old partners, while exploring opportunities for recruiting new ones who share the ‘passion for promoting the arts in Nigeria’.

    “We will also continue to open the Festival to other stakeholders in the Nigerian arts industry, who may wish to partner us by contributing their funded events to our annual Festival programmes,”Banjo said.

    He expressed the society’s gratitude to its partners and supporters for this years’ festival, adding that without their consistent and generous support the society would not have been able to sustain the festival over the past 20 years.

    Chairman, Muson Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Kitoyi Ibare-Akinsan, who spoke in the same vein, said this year’s MUSON Festival of the Arts will begin on October 18, with music quest/youth concert. “It is an annual competition that provides a platform for self-expression for the young budding artistes. The society’s unique personality programme, My Kind of Music, will hold on October 19  featuring four distinguished guests on a musical journey through their memories, experiences and life philosophies.

    “They include German Consul-General Mr Ingo Herbert, CEO Bestman Games; former banker, Mrs Opunimi Akinkugbe, lawyer and CEO BAP Productions, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters and Managing Partner SIAO and Pastor-in Charge, Trinity House Pastor Ituah Ighodalo,” Akinsan said.

    He continued: “Sefi Atta’s The Engagement is the play for this year’s Chevron Festival Drama.  It is about “a family at odds on the day of their daughter’s traditional engagement ceremony”. It will be staged at the Agip Recital Hallon Saturday October 21 by the Jos Repertory Theatre, directed by Dr. Patrick-Jude Oteh. The Chevron Festival Drama has been sponsored since 2001 by Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

     The TOTAL Festival Gala Concert, he said, will hold on Sunday, October 22, featuring the MUSON Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the virtuoso visiting conductor, Walter-Michael Vollhardt and the MUSON Choir, conducted by its veteran conductor, Sir Emeka Nwokedi in a combined performance that promises to live up to the reputation of the TOTAL Festival Gala Concerts.

    “But this year’s MUSON Day, which is a special members’ day set aside to mark the founding of the society, will hold on October 25. The celebration, featuring a concert followed by cocktails, will also serve as an interactive forum for members, their friends and families. For the first time, the programme will feature a special ceremony during which new members will be formally welcomed into the Society.”

    Unlike the previous editions, Akinsan said this year’s jazz event,  holding on Friday, October 27, will take the form of a party organised in collaboration with the Winehouse Jazz Family. “It will be an evening of Jazz music and partying to the music of the Winehouse Band, the MUSON School Jazz Band and guest artistes. This year’s festival will round off on Sunday, October 29 with an enthralling performance of the Opera: La fille du Regimentby Donizetti, directed by Nigeria’s ace Opera singer, teacher and director, Joseph Oparamanuike,” he said.

  • Oranyan Festival: Fountain of Yoruba unity

    Oranyan Festival: Fountain of Yoruba unity

    The annual celebration of Oranyan in the ancient town of Oyo, no doubt left sweet memories on the minds of Yoruba sons and daughters, who were excited to attend the week-long heritage festival hosted by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi OlayiwolaAdeyemi 111. The annual event celebrates the culture and tradition of Oyo, especially its first Alaafin, Alaafin Oranyan.

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters, Bimbo Kolade, praised the Alaafin for initiating the move to unite the Yoruba nation through the festival. According to him, “Oyo remains the Pacesetter state. Therefore, its government will always play its role in promoting unity among Yoruba. “As such, it is ready to provide the necessary support towards the achievement of this aim and objective,”he said.

    Oba Adeyemi noted that life and political career of the legendary founder, Oranyan, would provide a template for an effective political system or statecraft, empire building and mass political participation.

    He said: ”Oranyan was an astute political leader, who inspite of all odds, created a most enduring  political system in the sub-Saharan Africa.

    “The archetypal monarchy embroidered with centralauthority was a product of the wizardry of Oranyan, who left the cradle of Yoruba consciousness to create a system of government whose effectiveness, creativity, relevance, suitability and appropriateness is not in doubt even in contemporary Nigeria,”Alaafin said.

    He added that what Oranyan did was to create a system and not personal autocracy, pointing out that if it was a structure built around him, it probably would have collapsed immediately after his death.

    The Alaafin asserted that it was indeed, a structure built on a solid foundation of ideas and the best of Yoruba knowledge system, hence its capacity to endure the vicissitudes of time.

    The mornarch said the festival was held annually to celebrate the leadership qualities of Oranyan, who established an enduring political structure for civil and military administration in Africa.

    “It is also to call attention to Yoruba contribution to civilisation as empire builders long before the dawn of political sophistication in other parts of the world. It goes beyond mere celebration and veneration of our heroes past, but lubricating the tunnels of harmony, ignite the touch of unity and fester peace among the Yoruba race. It is also to immortalise and showcase to the whole world the deeds and worth of an enigmatic Oranyan, one of the seven sons of Okanbi, the son of Oduduwa, who was the ”first  Oba in Yoruba-land to establish an enduring empire, which spread beyond its dialectical region and lasted more than 600 uninterrupted years!”

    Oba Adeyemi said while other great nations celebrate their heroes by showcasing their glorious past, Africans do not give much reference to theirs just because of the super-imposition of the two religions, Islam and Christianity and the etching of their sermons and creeds into the consciousness of Africans psyche, which have conditioned “our sense of appreciation and thinking, thereby making us see and read fetishism and primitiveness as the hallmark of our tradition and culture”.

    “It is within this prism that we used to picture our past heroes and great men of valour and virtues, who should be venerated, immortalised while their deeds, acts and wise sayings compiled, documented, reserved and preserved for generations yet unborn,” he said.

    The paramount ruler stressed the need for cultural tourism, which he said, is important in boosting the country’s economy and serve as a way of diversifying it from oil.

    He said there is a strong need to shift focus from oil to tourism.The monarch, who called for more commitment to cultural promotion, urged Yoruba to eschew betrayal and join hands to promote its cultural heritage for economic advantage. He admonished politicians to emulate the sterling qualities of Oranyan, which made him a successful builder of many states and originator of progressive ideas.

    National Co-ordinator of Oodua  Peoples’ Congress, Otunba  Gani  Adams, stressed the significance of reviving old culture, values and tradition inherent in the ancient city of Oyo. “Oyo has remained the meeting point in Yoruba history.There is no way you can talk about Yoruba history without making adequate reference to Oyo, and Alaafin has, since a very long time, remained a force to be reckon with,”he said.

    Adams called on all Yoruba to join Oba Adeyemi in his quest to ensure unity among Yoruba and bring back the values and cultural heritage of the race. Highlights of the event included cultural performances and the wearing of sacred white crown, known as  ADE SESE EFUN in Yoruba language, by the Alaafin, which was displayed  before the  excited crowd. The crown was said to have been worn for seven times by only two Alaafins about one hundred twenty years ago.

  • Poet calls for attitudinal change

    Poet calls for attitudinal change

    The atmosphere was full of  excitement. Guests from the academia, banking industry, media and  marketing came  from far  and near  to witness the presentation  of two poetry  books, Echoes  of Conscience and The Quest  at  the Institute  of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Faculty  of Law, University  of Lagos, penultimate Saturday.

    The books were written by Mr. Ken Amaechi Jnr, a banker and lawyer.

    Prof Oludayo Amokaye, who chaired the occasion, said that the purpose of the  gathering  was  ‘’to commemorate  and celebrate the art that promotes the liberation of the human spirit, inspire  profound  agitations  and question  on why our political and social space is riddled with perfidy, corruption  and leadership  insensitivity.

    This, according to him, cuts across politics religion and commerce as illustrated in Echoes of Conscience.

    Prof Amokaye, however, said it was not just about our failings  as a nation,   “our numerous agitations  as  a people  or the dark side  of economic and social cum political life”, but  that it is gladdening to hear  that poetry could be recreated  and reinvented  to project  advocacy  for good  governance  and good character , an exclusive preserve  for lawyers and politicians. He praised the author’s drive and spirit in this regard.

    He reminded  the guests  that poetry, short stories  and novels provide a voice , deeper understanding, context  and allow us to live the experience through fictional characters and the author’s imagination and  projections, adding that ‘’great civilisation is grounded on  great literature. The culture of recreating events through recollection of past events, to teach lessons to younger generations and build a national memory’’.

    Amokaye suggested that as a people, we should find and build our voice because many of the imbalances or inequalities in our society are because ‘’we are a people who are yet to define its purpose and acceptable norms in concrete and truthful terms’’. Again, he saw the launch as how literary arts can bridge the gaps between generations with a view to fostering respect and continuity between the older writers and new ones.

    He called for the support for writers as writing is not a lucrative business, just as  he advised writers to come together as a pressure group and make demands on the government.

    The book presentation also witnessed a musical interlude and rendition of poems such as ‘’Home for All’’ by Paul Njoku and’’ Tell them ‘’ by Aderounmu  Bolutife. Book reviewer, Agboola Goodnews, represented by Mr Isaac Abraham described politics as the determinant of success or failure of any society and its people. By the same token, the quality of leadership in any society determines to what extent the people would enjoy the fruits of democracy. But regreta bly, however, Africa  has not been too lucky to have good leaders, that  is those  who have the full grasp  of what leadership is. He said: ’’In most countries, especially African countries, the concept of leadership has been bastardised consistently and completely abused by men of no conscience. The so-called leaders take the advantage of power to fulfill their corrupt interest and thereby make life difficult for the governed… ‘’

    Consequently ,there is a  general  lack  in the society –lack of security, lack of social amenities  and educational facilities ,lack of health facilities  and concluded by asking ‘’What else does one expect in a system where looters are leaders ?He said Nigeria is a perfect example of these scenarios.

    According to the reviewer, as poetry provides  therapy  through  the  power  of words  and allowing the masses to tell their story of pains and suffering, Ken Amaechi  Jnr ‘s Echoes of Conscience has come to establish that poetry is an unrelenting voice to silence the howling situations of discomforts from political forces in Nigeria

    The reviewer picked some portions of the books and opened them up for better understanding of the public. He began with ‘’Reign of Vampires’’ (Pg12).’’They are virulent vampires. Facade of decent being. To devour and destroy’’ Here, the poet addresses the political oppression of those in power as in the days of late Gen Sanni Abacha.

    Again, the poem,’’ Our Leaders (Pg30) portrays the constant abuse power by ‘’Masquerades (Pg 14) and Assembly of thieves (Pg 35); hypocrites in the irony of a ‘’Messiah ‘’(Pg18).The consequences can be felt by ‘’Burning Nation ‘’(Pg21) exposing the self centeredness of the leaders giving rise to societal conflicts. Here the era of hunger and poverty is highlighted as a stimulus for militancy and ethno religious rivalry. In poems such as ‘’Born Trowey”  ‘’(Pg71)’’, If they know’’, the poet looks at poverty as being dominant in African politics. The Almajiris system in the northern Nigeria is a metaphor for a failed society where the masses wallow in abject poverty and because of this; they become portent for societal conflicts and crimes.

    Concluding he said ‘’Kenn Amaechi  Jnr’s ‘’Echoes  of Conscience ‘’ is  a voice  of revival to humanity echoing  a redefinition for political stability and social transformation ‘’

    On the other hand, ’The Quest’ is a collection poems picked from the  points  of spirituality, life social realities  and trappings into the human consciousnss. The poems are largely drawn from the poet’s experiences seeking answer to life issues. The poems ‘ Life  1-11 (Pg16) and ‘The Quest’(Pg17) where  the title of the collection is drawn from put it to the readers that  life in itself is an end – death .The emphasis on death here is a subtle caution for man to stir in the right  direction in his quest for answers.

    In short, The Quest is a journey to experiences and lessons –his feelings, despairs and hopes.

    After the review, poetry   guru Olumide Holowe discussed how value can be added to poetry, the media training and technology involved. He spoke about how poetry can educate, entertain, empower, employ and express the mind of people. He said poetry has a unique ability  to advocate for a better condition in the society. ’’In  this case , one can pursue one’s passion and develop poetry  into a profitable venture’’ he said .The president  o f  Poets in Nigeria,  Mr Erietta , praised  Mr Amaechi  Jnr  for using poetry for advocacy. He admonished him: ’’Your oil of poetry shall never cease’ Fellow bankers poured  encomiums on the author  with some expressing wonder   at how he could  get time amidst busy banking schedule  to write poems .Expressing his bewilderment  and joy ,.Mr Jude Monye , a Regional  Head of Fidelity Bank  said: ’’I am   thrilled by what  I see today’’. Other branch managers such as Jide  Fashola  and Abiola Tanimola expressed  their delight and later donated handsomely to the project. Amaechi  Jnr  was grateful  for their  magnanimity  and honoured them  with a poem for Fidelity Bank. They were  later  offered gifts.

    Members of the University of Lagos literary clubs such as The Parliament  of Poets, The Weavers  Club and  The  House of Letters were  not left out. They performed at different stages rendering soul-lifting poems to make it an event to remember.

    In an interview  with the author, he narrated a near – incredible  transformational story  of how he started out  as a science student saying :’’ I just discovered that I was  more at home with the arts…In  those days  I  could  go  without food when  I was   engrossed in an interesting book ;at times I could  stay indoors  and read into  the  next day just to finish a book ‘’

    On what motivated  him to write he said: “My  motivations  come from  the needs to correct situations, customs, and activities that are at odds with norms and inappropriate , hence many see my collections especially Echoes of Conscience  as a social lamentation.’’

  • ‘How youths can break new grounds’

    ‘How youths can break new grounds’

    A former Managing Director, Guinness PLC, Otunba Seni Adetu has charged the youth on the need to develop unexplored mechanisms of surmounting challenges of economic restiveness in order to attain excellence.

    He said the pursuit of professional or business excellence without using unscrupulous means was possible if the youths could carefully identify the opportunities lying between the uptight economic situations.

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Algorithm Media Limited who spoke on Sunday in Lagos on Excelling Against all Odds: the Christian Youth Perspective at the special edition of the Success Gate Christian Foundation Program (SGCF) of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Youth Chapel, said quality opportunities abound in the field of technology and digitization, which has dominated the operation of business activities.

    The forum was an integral part of the programmes earmarked for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Youth wing of the church.

    To break new grounds, he said, was directly proportional to identifying the different supply gaps existing socially and economically and inventing improved solutions that could the drive needed value.

    According to him, young entrepreneurs must be purposeful in the business terrain they choose to explore as inconsistency of efforts, uncalculated risk taking and pursuit of non-profitable passion were could flaw the strive for breakthrough.

    “You need to focus on what you can change and not areas you find difficult to explore. Focus and consistency are very crucial to making a breakthrough. In fact, as part of excelling, there are be times you need to step back and make deep self-reflection on the necessary knowledge you require to improve your enterprise,” he said.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf described the discourse as appropriate in view of the ravaging impacts of increased unemployment and economic downturn on youth and the society at large.

    She noted that with reliance on the supreme capabilities of God, youths can excel. Represented by Mr Rotimi Ogbaro, she assured that the present administration in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor AkinwunmiAmbode will continue to support and create enabling environment for organisations whose activities are geared towards developing the potentials of the youths.

    The General Leader of the church who set the tone for the programme, Prophet Sunday Korode  said foundation had continually provided a viable platform for motivating and inspiring youth for attainment of excellence in all facets of life.

    He said: “It seems appallingly glaring that in this part of the world, the odds are stacked against the youth in the achievement of excellence. The availability and access to basic needs of multiplies the hurdles which the average youth must face in the pursuit for the best. Bureaucracy and institutional barriers further worsens an already dreadful situation. This, notwithstanding, we find the youth, who have despite the numerous challenges excelled in their endeavors.”

    The Youth Fellowship Shepherd, Oluseyi Comer said efforts in the direction of realising the total man is the Success Gate, which has assisted greatly in motivating and driving youth to make the best of their talents and enduring fruit.

    He said: “ Our determination to continue to build the church of our dreams, we commenced with the rebranding for the Youth Fellowship in preparation for the 30th year Anniversary, with the emergence of a new set of core values, vision, mission and slogan. The odds which stand in the way of many young people in the quest for excellence seem increasingly challenging and insurmountable but this notwithstanding is our duty and indeed a biblical mandate that we excel in all our undertakings.”

  • Opportunity once lost?

    One of the greatest burdens we bear in life is that of lost opportunities. Scattered here and there in our lives are several “If only” stories. It is not uncommon for our hearts to be filled with questions of why we didn’t see an opportunity coming or why we missed an appropriate timing. We wonder why we were so stupid to miss what someone else saw. As if that isn’t bad enough, we remind ourselves of the proverb that says “opportunity knocks but once” and another that says “opportunity lost can never be regained”. Doesn’t that just nail the coffin? Here, I intent to show you that though you may never regain a specific lost opportunity, the story doesn’t end there.

    Several financial, leadership and personal development coaches have taught us about the power of recognition. It is essential to identify opportunities for what they are and take advantage of them. Missing an opportunity can change the direction of our lives. We can never have the same opportunity twice for the following reasons:

    • Different Time: opportunities are attached to time. When we miss an opportunity, we have to wait for another time. Even if a similar opportunity comes along, it doesn’t meet us at the same place, time or age we missed the first one.
    • Different Circumstances: it is a popular saying that the most constant thing in life is change. Hence, when we miss an opportunity, we also miss the circumstances that created it. For instance, we may miss an opportunity to share our novel ideas with an investor who is new to the concept but by the time we get a second chance, ours idea have become common.
    • Different People: just like every other thing, people also change. One person may be replaced by another or the same person may develop a different attitude. So, when we miss an opportunity, we may also miss the quality of people we need to fully enjoy it.

    So what do all these mean? Since all of us have missed one opportunity or the other, should we resign to our miserable fate? Never! Life is full of opportunities. We may not regain the same opportunity we missed but who says a better one is not on its way? We can learn from our past and become wiser for the future. We must stop searching for the taillight of lost opportunities and start looking for the headlight of new ones. When we focus too much on lost opportunities, we convince ourselves that we don’t deserve new ones.

    We weep over what is lost and the tears blind us from seeing what we can learn. With every minute we spend bemoaning lost opportunities, several others are joining the list. Get up, look up and grab that opportunity.If none comes soon enough, who says we can’t create it for yourselves? After all, someone created the opportunity we are weeping over! You have beaten yourself down enough; it’s time you started believing in yourself.

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

  • Ekopolitan toast of Notting Hill carnival

    Ekopolitan toast of Notting Hill carnival

    The crowd was incredible. There was plenty of food and drinks, and noise -including colourful floats with steel bands and Calypso music, and extravagantly clothed dancers. It is perhaps the best annual event in London, and arguably the biggest street festival in Europe. Boasting of a million fun lovers, the London Notting Hill Carnival may have followed after the Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans Mardi Gras as the third biggest street party in the world.

    It all started in the mid-sixties as the creation of the British Afro-Caribbean communities and has now grown into a multi-ethnic street festival. “It’s a really, really lovely atmosphere, with gorgeous weather, lots of good feeling and lots of good people,” said a reveller. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said it was a celebration of London’s diversity.

    And really, the colourful mix at Notting Hill is not dissimilar to the Lagos diversity. The energy is high and the tempo is upbeat.  But it can only get better and better, as Lagos got involved again to bring life into the 30-year old Nigerian corner on Adela Street, near the Ladbroke Grove. The corner is now rechristened The Lagos Corner with an ‘Ekopolitan’ theme.

    It was a composition and theme that highlighted the great potential of this sea side state and largest African city as number one tourism and investment destination in Africa. Like the real Lagos, where you imagine walking through the biggest crowd possible, and then doubling it. That is what it was like at the Ekopolitan Lagos corner of Notting Hill carnival.

    It was an extension of the Lagos at 50 celebration. Lagos clocked 50 as a state on May 27 and Governor AkinwunmAmbode’s government put together a year-long series of activities, part of which was to showcase the state at the featival to boost its tourism potentials and attract tourists to the state with the fifth largest economy in Africa.

    The roll call was as usual, rich – like the typical Lagos owanbeparty. Lagos top officials were rollicking to sounds of Wizkid, P square, Davido, Baddo, Fela Kuti and others.

    Controversal Senator Dino Melaye in London on vacation found his way to the Lagos Corner. He praised Governor Ambode for thinking it fit to showcase Lagos at the Nothin Hill Carnival. Melaye also got the chance to sing his Ajekun Iyani o je the song he composed to lash his political enemies.  Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy Steve Ayorinde, an accomplished arts aficionado, Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Adebimpe Akinsola, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Strategy Fola Adeyemi, the Co Chairmn of the Lagos at 50 celebration, Hon. Habib Fashinro were on hand to sell the state to the world represented at the carnival.

    The team also appeared on television programmes to promote the tourism potentials of Lagos.The theme of the attraction is see, feel and explore Lagos.

    For the carnival proper, Sunday was the curtain raiser when jubilant children held their parade in flamboyant costumes as they danced along the main carnival route. Afro beat giant Femi Kuti and sister Yeni, breezed into the Lagos corner for felicitation -Just as the corner keyed in with a fabulous display of vocals by some guests and emerging artistes and a variety of other performances that included the Eyo masquerades to make the day-one a carnival for the community – and the kids. There was generally back slapping and a feel-good-atmosphere

    On D-Day Monday, Felabration made a debut with a float, tagged the ‘Prophecy’ to honour the 20-year Anniversary of Fela’s transition to the greater beyond. It however failed to secure the licence for the expected performance at the Horniman Pleasance Park.

    But that didn’t deter revellers who sauntered between the two ends for the sounds of Ekopolitan, which is now starting to drive the crowd into frenzy at the Lagos corner. Fully fit revellers, White, Africans, coloured also wanted more. But the time flew fast. This is London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where permits are strict and regulation is tight. 7pm is 7pm and the music must stop.

    By Tuesday, another day of the Lagos Ekopolitan, guests and state officials wound their way into the 805 restaurant on old Kent road, London for a taste of Amala, pounded yam, jolof rice, fresh fish and orisirisi. It was an evening of networking and cool music with Lagos@50 co-chair Fashinro.

    By 6pm, the moved from food and cool sound to the theatre with Saro The Musical at the Shaw Theatre on Euston road, London.

    And for another three hours, the dance, drama and musical was a gripping and enthralling display of stagecraft and performance. Again, it puts Lagos on the spot light.

    “Saro is a moving portrait of ‘The African Dream’. It is a modern, dynamic musical painted with colours of hope, self-will, love and determination. In’ Saro’ the journey of four young courageous men who stepped out of their comfort zone to city life, the land of opportunities in search of success” said the artistic director and theatre impresario Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters.

    The musical tells the story of four young people and their life-changing journey to Lagos and their human odyssey through hopes, dreams, misfortunes, loves, and destiny, all crafted in a rich and involving 14 act masterpiece. Saro explores the endeavours of the characters with an empathetic and realistic gaze, the troubles and small victories of four people discovering themselves in a harsh, unwelcoming city. The costumes, songs and choreographies, and its colourful and unforgettable characters will drag you into a rollercoaster of entertainment through, music and dance.

    Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, the force behind Terra Kulture, one of Nigeria’s most successful and influential arts, cultural and production companies, described ‘Saro The Musical’ as a proudly Nigerian cultural export that has the potential to boost cultural diplomacy and promote our cultural heritage internationally.

  • Celebrating art scholar Filani @60

    Celebrating art scholar Filani @60

    Celebrated artist and art scholar Dr. Emmanuel Olakunle Filani is  60. His birthday was marked last Thursday with a lecture delivered by a distinguished political and culture scholar, Prof. Tunde Babawale, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos. The event highlighted the multifaceted nature and texture of the “birthday boy” Filani, reports EVELYN OSAGIE. 

    It was a reunion of sort. One that could pass for an assemblage of the cream of the art community and the academia. It also brought together family, colleagues, and friends, who had not seen one another for a long while.

    They laughed, exchanged banters, compared notes and reflected on the contributions of one of theirs, an accomplished artist, Dr. Kunle Filani, whose 60th birthday brought them together. It was, indeed, an intellectual feast, tagged: “Kunle Filani @ 60th Birthday Lecture”, which  spotlighted Filani’s achievements and impacts on the development of art in Nigeria.

    The event, which  was held at the School of Art, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), was organised by a committee of friends, including the Dean of the School, Dr Kunle Adeyemi, with two others: Dr Ademola Azeez and Dr Akinwale Onipede. It was supported by YABATECH and chaired by Kolade Oshinowo, a former Deputy Rector of the College.

    Describing Filani as an unpretentious intellectual, who relates well with the academia and artists, Oshinowo said: “He endears himself to quite a number of people because of his approach. Here is a very humane and genuine human being. Here is a man, who is very visible and available. And he is so blessed with a wife, who continues to give him the desired support. If you have war at home, you can’t achieve much.

    “I am so happy YABATECH has chosen to celebrate him with this lecture, which will be delivered by another asset to the country. Filani deserves the entire nice compliments given to him today. I rejoice with him. Our prayer is that he would continue to grow from strength to strength. And, hopefully, I will be here to celebrate you when you are 80.”

    The lecture, which was delivered by Prof Tunde Babawale, formerly of the Centre for Black Africa Art and Civilisation (CBAAC), who is also an Independent Electoral Commission (INEC)  Commissioner for Lagos State, traced the diverse sides of the artistic and scholarly trajectory of the celebrator. “I have known him for well over 30 years and his creative trajectory I have followed closely,” began Prof Babawale.  “Although I am not a trained artist, I was trained by reputable artists, including Filani, the late Don Akatakpo, Gboyega Ajayi and Tola Wewe. Every discussion starts and ends with art. He is like a market: many roads lead to him.”

    Born Emmanuel Olakunle Filani, on September 8, 1957 in Ikole Ekiti, the celebrator is popularly known as Baba Kool. He lost his father in 1975 at 17, but remained undaunted, and went on to obtain his first degree in Fine Art at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, graduating in 1980. He bagged his Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) in 1984 at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), and a Ph.D in Visual Arts in 2002 at the University of Ibadan (UI).

    In the course of his academic career, Filani held various positions, including head of departments of tertiary institutions, such as Provost, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, where he served two terms of eight years.

    Filani’s story of determination, Babawale said, is an inspiration to all. He said: “Filani has been a teacher all through his career, from his National Youth Service at Kano Teacher’s College, in 1980/81, to Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos, Filani has produced thousands of art teachers, scholars and artists, who are helping to build the Nigerian dream of a better society for all.”

    On the theme: “Kunle Filani: The Multi-Sidedness of Creative Activism”, the former CBAAC Director-General described him as an “accomplished artist”, “consummate teacher”, “art historian”, “art critic/writer”, “administrator”, “activist”, and “gentleman”. His words: “Every remarkable epoch in human history is marked with outstanding actors/individuals, who help to define the successes and heights of such periods. There is no doubt that Filani is one of the creative individuals whose composite talents, vision and drive have helped to define the contemporary visual arts scene in Nigeria.”

    As an artist, Babawale said, Filani’s role in the establishment of the Onaism art movement was worthy of mention, adding that “Filani’s work has tried to change the historical narrative by promoting the African and in particular the Yoruba perspective”.

    Although Filani, according to Babawale, may not be an activist of the firebrand, fire eating mould, he, however, observed that the art scholar, nevertheless, qualified as an activist, noting that he “takes on various issues of national importance in his artworks and interrogates them in a bid to draw attention to them on one hand, and to seek solution to them on the other”.

    “To me personally, Emmanuel Olakunle Filani is a good man, consummate artist, scholar, writer, visionary and above all, my friend. It is on this joyful note that I fervently pray that the tribe of the Filanis in our clime will increase as I wish him many more creative and fruitful years of service to his country Nigeria in particular and humanity at large,”he said.

    Others, who spoke, eulogised Filani in no small measure. To his wife, Madam Tina: “My husband is truly a good man, a good husband, and a good father. He deserves to be celebrated and I am glad to see old and new friends celebrating him. I am proud of him.”

    Among the guests were members of the staff of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Ogun State, Mufu Onifade and Bolaji Ogunwo, who came decked in grey-coloured T-shirts with the inscription: “Behold My Benefactor @ 60”.

    The team, which was led by former president of Student Union Government (SUG) Alhaji Musoliudeen Abdul-Majeed, said each member was  one-time part of the school’s SUG executives (between 2005 and 2007) who were employed by the celebrator. “We came all the way from Osoiele to celebrate our benefactor, Filani. He is not only our mentor, but he nurtured the activism in us, encouraged us and gave us jobs in the school where we are today.”

    The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) led by its President, Oliver Enwonwu, praised Filani, saying that his achievements are outstanding. “It is my great pleasure to be here. His many achievements easily stand him out as one of the most accomplished art teachers and painters in Nigeria in the country. SNA is proud to identify with and celebrate one of its own. Dr Filani, here is wishing you another 60 years of intellectual and artistic achievements. Congratulations.”

    A performance, entitled: Eheyenyenyen, by two notable artists Jelili Atiku and Odun Orimolade added colour to the event. The act called attention to the struggle for survival in the intellectual world and all spheres of life.

    The event, which two prolific artists –  Onifade and Ogunwo had as hosts – was attended former Dean of YABATECH School of Art, Design and Printing, Mr Mike Omoighe; Deputy Registrar FCT, Mr Rasheed Dada; former Deputy Provost, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Alhaji Nurudeen Sodipe; Head of Department Fine Arts, Federal College of Education (Technical), Olusola Obayan; Tobena Okwuosa; Head of Department Fine Arts, Federal College of Education, Dr Ndubueze; Dr; Sam Ovraiti; CORA representatives – Toyin Akinosho and Jahman Anikulapo; members of Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN) led by its Southwest Coordinator, Mrs Ayoola Omovo.

    Others included FCE (Osiele) team members – Joy Erikitola; Michela Akinjina; Olayemi Altise; Fasiu Amodu and Rasheed Lamidi; members of staff and students of other federal colleges of education where Filani had lectured and headed.

    Also in attendance were the celebrator’s family members – Pastor Segun Filani (elder brother); Mrs. Tumi Faminuyo (younger sister); Mrs. Moji George (younger sister); Mr. Femi Filani (younger brother) and Mr. Aladewolu (in-law).

  • Africans preach peace, unity at festival

    Africans preach peace, unity at festival

    The Diaspora Festival, which was held in the ancient town of Badagry, Lagos, conveyed a new message of hope, unity and development for Africa, writes Musa Odoshimokhe. 

    The Diaspora Festival Badagry 2017, which took place in Badagry, Lagos State, left no one in doubt that it was a renaissance for African development. It was organised by the Federal Government, Lagos State, and the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, in partnership with Africans Renaissance and D Global Links.

    Some of the participants, who saw the instruments of slave trade, were almost in tears as they examined the museum housing iron collars, fetters, handcuffs and heavy padlocks used to undermine the captives.

    The two-day festival invoked a new spirit to rebuild Africa and change the historical Badagry’s point of ‘No Return’ to ‘Africans should return’ to Africa, the home of man.

    It was on this common agenda, African descent from Jamaica, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, who converged on Lagos, canvassed Africa for the Africans. They enjoined their brothers, who graced the event from Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and other neighbouring countries around Nigeria, to unite for the continent’s development.

    They believe only Africans can reverse the negative trends holding the continent down in global affairs. The euphoria was kept high by scholars, diplomats, administrators and traditional rulers, who spoke at the two-day fiesta. They insisted that the continent must rise above primordial sentiments for peace and progress.

    The colloquium: “African Diaspora Beyond the Black Atlantic: Dynamics and Significance in Latin American World and Elsewhere” got a standing ovation as it signaled a new hope for Africa.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, while welcoming participants, said the festival was to reconnect them with their roots.

    She added that the future of Africa would better be addressed by the black race, urging Africans in the Diaspora to brace to the new challenges.

    She said: “It is about connecting with your roots, heritage. Again no matter what happens as long as you are a black man you are an African. Africans are everywhere in the world.

    “Some people tend to wonder what is wrong with the black race; but there is nothing wrong with the black race. We must come together as one because the future of the world belongs to Africa. It was in Bagagry that it happend. This is the seat of civilisation.

    “This is the place slaves were taken and now Nigeria is taking the lead to open the doors of return to the black continent. We are glad to have you home; those of you who have been here, we are not asking for anything, but to let you see the doors of opportunities open to the continent where Africans can join hand to build Africa,” she said.

    Canvassing the same view, Jamaica, Minister of Finance, Sovereign State of Accompong, Jamaica, Timothy McPherson Jr., said the festival was intended to ignite fresh fervor to pan-African unity through technology and industry.

    He said: “The key areas of cooperation should be inter-continental tourism, where African countries would have a mechanism that can support one another to develop African countries. The other area, where Africa needs assistance is in term of energy.

    “I believe we can make solar energy available to countries in Africa to hasten development. When you have energy it would drive technology, electronics and can even push mechanised agriculture. You can have your homes powered by solar energy with lesser costs.”

    Sharing the same views, Deputy Director, Diaspora Relations Officer, Office of the President, Ghana, Nadia Adongo-Musa, said the new partnership for the continent was irrevocable, noting that Ghanaians would be mobilized to make it a reality.

    She said: “Developing Africa has been an agenda people have been talking about, it is the wind of change over the continent nobody can stop. The festival will reawaken the continent to the global changes. Ghana will join other members of this great continent to explore all the business opportunities present in Africa.

    “I must give kudos to those in the Diaspora, for doing something that will propel them to look back home and be eager to come back home.  And definitely their coming home will add value to what we do on the continent. African has lost touch with its people for so long; I think with festival like this, it will rekindle a new spirit for economic prosperity, passion and nostalgia for home.”

    Professor of African History, University of Lagos, AnthonyAsiwaju, said the festival was symbolic because it refreshed the kindred spirit in Africans.

    He was optimistic that the efforts would re-write the story of the continent, noting that what the West did to keep Africans in bondage was to take away the peoples identity.

    Similarly, Professor Siyan Oyeweso of the Osun State University postulated that Brazilian heritage in Nigeria should be kept intact.

    Linking some of the participants to their ancestral home, he said African-Brazilian where taken from Egba, Ogun State.

    He said the gulf at Badagry called the point of no return no longer exist and must be blurred out.  According to him, it had turned from the abode of war and captivity to abode peace. He stressed that all that the slavers could showcase is the relics of slave instrument like chains, museum, which now serve as tourist attraction centre.

    He said” “The late Akran of Badagry got married to African Brazilian, the Branco family. The family had been integrated into the Badagry people. Today, Brazilian have been integrated into the Lagos family circle, where we have the likes of Olayinka Alakakija or Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Adetokunbo Ademola  they are Brazilians.

    “These people have excelled particularly in the field of architecture; they are associated with the best houses in Eko. The Shitta-Bay Mosque, the Holy Cross Cathedral were built by Brazilian returnees. They were the best carpenters, craftsmen, their works had permeated all areas of life in Lagos and Badagry.

    “The coconut, cassava production in Bagagry is part of the legacy of Brazil. In preserving this legacy, the National Commission for Museum and Monument, Badagry Local Government, and Lagos State have key roles to play in the Brazilian legacy.”

    The import of the festival was highlighted when the Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Menu-Toyi commended and welcomed the visitors to the ancient town.

    He said: “Those of you from the Diaspora, who have deemed it necessary to come home, had taken one of the boldest steps to trace your roots. We have to learn from the lessons of history. We have been told about the slave trade, what happened in the past, the punishment meted to our people on the long voyage to foreign lands.

    “I think what we have to do now is to learn from the ideal you have cultivated in foreign lands. We should be able to correct our selves because some people think they just found themselves in foreign land by accident. For those of us, who think like that, we are now in better position to correct that impression because it was an orchestrated plan to rub Africa of its progress. That is why this annual event is of paramount importance, so that Africans through this unique Diaspora Festival, Badagry will provide Africans the opportunities to see for themselves, their roots, see the point of no return and see the rich cultural heritage of the Nigeria people. My prayer is that the almighty God continues to guide us to learn from our past,” the monarch said.

  • All set for Rochas Revealed

    The biography of the Imo State Governor Ethelbert Anayo Rochas Okorocha, entitled Rochas Revealed, will be presented at the state capital on Thursday September 14.

    The book’s foreword, which traces Rochas eventful and highly productive life from birth to the present, is written by His Royal Highness, Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa Traditional Council, Nasarawa State, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Awai 1.

    The 415-page book is written by the former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Wale Okediran. It will be reviewed by the award winning writer and lecturer at the English Department of the University Of Port Harcourt, Dr Obari Gomba.

    Rochas Revealed has taken on the myths and misconceptions along with the formidable reality of a Nigerian leader who rose from grass to grace through the dint of hard work, diligence and an abiding faith in God. Through his tireless, multifarious activities and disciplined lifestyle, Rochas has positively touched many lives around the country. Even though controversial, Rochas has become something of  a totem of the Nigerian dream; a living testimony that a man can make of himself anything he wants to be. Putting such a rich and varied life between the covers of a single book would seem challenging enough; harder still to record the vast panorama of history that Anayo Rochas Okorocha has lived through, and in some instances, helped to shape. It is for this reason that the book has benefitted immensely from the input of more than 100 friends, family members, critics, associates and mentees from all corners of Nigeria. In presenting Rochas Okorocha back to the public in the hope of a more understanding appraisal, the belief is that this engrossing biography – a tribute to more than five decades of a still evolving life – will find warm reception in the hearts and minds of all who peruse its elegant pages.