The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Labour to support tourism

    THE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the workers have pledged to work for the growth of the corporation.

    They spoke during a visit to the corporation’s Director-General, Mr. Folorunsho Coker. AUPCTRE was led by its Chairman, Comrade Benjamin Anthony.

    Coker reiterated his commitment to technologically drive the tourism sector to become a revenue spinner for the nation. He described tourism as a business, adding that his administration would ensure training and re-training of workers because “training is a critical part of human development.”

    Coker, who unveiled a five-point action plan, CHIEF, aimed at promoting domestic tourism and encouraging ease of doing business in Nigeria, said CHIEF seeks to introduce global best practices in the tourism industry, encourage human capital and infrastructural development.

    This, he said, is to promote and protect Nigeria’s cultural heritage, while also pursuing funding for capital projects in the sector.

    CHIEF stands for: ‘C’ for Corporate governance, and regulations, ‘H’ for Human Capital Development, ‘I’ for Infrastructural development, ‘E’ for Events and Marketing and ‘F’ for Finance and Investment. He said the brand was an ambitious attempt at promoting tourism in Nigeria.

    Anthony expressed the readiness of the union to support the corporation to change the face of tourism in Nigeria.”Trade union works with everyone the government brings, believing that everybody has potentials. We believe that your coming to NTDC will add value to the Corporation, the Nigerian tourism industry and the nation at large,” Anthony added.

    AUPCTRE, NTDC Chapter Chairman, Comrade Ohiemi Martins Ahefu, enjoined  the corporation’s workers to support the DG in his effort at repositioning both the corporation and tourism.

  • Alaafin gives recipe for national cohesion

    Alaafin gives recipe for national cohesion

    Religious and community leaders have been urged to  promote ethno-religious tolerance and accommodate opposing views as part of mechanisms for deepening peaceful co-existence and harmony in the country.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, gave the admonition at the weekend when a son of Chief Justice of Saudi Arabia, Hisa Ibn Ali As-Suhaemy, visited him.

    Oba Adeyemi said in Nigeria, intolerance of opposing views by adherents of major religions has heated the polity and caused tension. “Instigation of hatred in the name of religious practice by religious organisations is a negative attitude. While it is true that Christianity and Islam profess the slogan Love your neighbour as  yourself, this, however, is observed more in the breach. This is a bad wind that blows no one no good. It is high time religious leaders preached the genuine gospel of friendship and sincere love.  This is the vehicle that will take mankind to the abode of peace and security.

    “In addition, the Federal Government should take a step further by putting in place a legislation that will criminalise the incitement to hatred by religious organisations or individual(s) in the country,” he said.

    Oba Adeyemi stated that the Yoruba were the first to accept Islam in the 15th century, about 6,000 years ago. He noted that he was appointed in 1991 by the then Federal Government as theAmirrul Hajj who led Muslim pilgrims to Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

    The paramount ruler observed that ignorance was one factor that has engendered abject poverty in the midst of abundant natural resources, coupled with the increasing high rate of youth unemployment.

    He added that “the level of ignorance is deepening. Owing to incessant close down of schools in Nigeria, the educational system is in a state of comatose; thereby denying Nigerian students the opportunity of acquiring sound knowledge, moral rebirth and high levelof discipline especially on different methods of peaceful settlement of disputes or conflicts’’.

    Oba Adeyemi  therefore called on both government and the organised private sector to complement each other by improving the human capital development of Nigerians especially the youth and women. This, he said, is a sine qua non for the attainment of a progressive, just and peaceful society.

    “Governments at  all levels should rise above board, be non-partisanin its delivery of dividends of good governance and be seen as just intheir relationship with their people. They (Governments at all levels) should avoid discrimination and marginalisation of the people when dealing with developmental projects and religious matters in thecountry,” he added.

    Alaafin recalled that his father, Adeniran was the first traditional bruler in Yorubaland to construct a mosque for the town — the Central Mosque, as well as for the palace. According to him, “my father allowed all religions to flourish without hindrance as he was highly principled, committed, resilient, visionary, pro-active, thorough and staunch believer in social justice. Unfortunately, he was persecuted, intimidated, traumatised, and victimised to death, for no just cause, but sheer hatred, by the defunct Action Group government, led by the late Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He died a hero after spending 10 years on the throne.

    Earlier, As-Suhaemy accompanied by some Islamic clerics said he was elated to be in the palace and meet one-on-one with the Alaafin, whose father he had heard pof and read much about.

    He said through an interpreter, “I am indeed glad andcount myself very lucky to be with the monarch whose reign is not onlyuniquely divined, but his contemporary will be difficult to find afterhis demise. He is a shining sun, while all other rulers are starsaround him (Alaafin). Moving closer to him is a gift of blessing andgood fortunes. He is absolutely endowed by Allah.”

    Expressing appreciation for the honour accorded him by the Alaafin, whom he referred to as ‘a very great monarch,’ he prayed for his good health and long life, as well as unity, peace and prosperity for the ancient town, the state and the country.

     

  • ‘Tourism must be business driven’

    ‘Tourism must be business driven’

    How relevant and business-oriented are the laws establishing the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation? Why have they not been reviewed in the past 35 years? Can the current laws sustain the corporation in this period of recession? These and many other questions prompted the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism to hold a one-day public hearing last Thursday pursuant to a new bill seeking to repeal the existing laws on NTDC. Venue was the Conference Hall 022, Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports. 

    Last Thursday’s Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism one-day public hearing on a new bill on Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in Abuja started on a frustrating note.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed was absent and this enraged the committee, which described the act as unacceptable, especially when there was no representative sent by the minister to the hearing. No fewer than 45 groups, associations and individual stakeholders were invited and eight memoranda were received by the committee.

    Among stakeholders at the public hearing were  Senator Rose Okoh, Senator Sam Anyanwu, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senator Abubakar Ahmadu, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Folorunso Coker, Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr. Abdala Yusuf Usman, Director-Genral, NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Chika Balogun, Valentine Ezeigbo (Transcorp Hilton Abuja), Abiodun Odusanwo (Nigerian Institute of Tourism Professionals), Victor Olukayode (Nigerian  Hotel and Catering Institute), President Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr. Oliver Enwonwu and representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

    The new bill is seeking to make the tourism agency generate revenue, boost economy and justify its existence not as mere entertainment agency, but also as a catalyst for socio-economic growth.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, sponsor of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, (NTDA) Act N137 LFN, 2004 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2017 (SB 429), said the action speaks volumes  of the ministry’s disposition to culture and tourism matters. Also of great concern to the committee was the absence of six of the nine chief executives of parastatals and agencies in the ministry, who equally did not send memoranda or representatives to the hearing.

    Worried by these attitudes, Senate President BukolaSaraki, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Senator BalaNa’Allah called for the separation of tourism from Information Ministry.

    “For God’s sake we have an alternative. Let us remove ourselves from your strangulation. Let us show our men and women that we have the capacity to turn things around. When people are insisting tourism should be under Ministry of Information, can they see now that we are here and we can’t find anyone from the Ministry? The structure that we have held in the ministry has held us back seriously. That is is why there is the struggle on who becomes minister. Why the struggles if you decided to serve the people, why struggle to be one?

    “The thinking of the Senate is that everybody should have some level of freedom to put his intellect into fruition for the overall growth of the country. The problem is that no matter your intellect, you cannot go above a minister or director and the entire ministry is capped. So, our human resources are capped,” Saraki said.

    Expressing his frustration, Senator Urhoghide said: “There is no recognition given to the culture arm of this ministry. If the minister does not have time to attend, he should have sent a representative even if they are against the bill. Things are not working in the sector. If the national assembly is interested in changing the fortune of our land, I think it behooves on the executive to see to it that we are partners in progress. I take exception to this. It is very unfair and unfortunate.

    “This is an individual member’s bill and it ought to be an Executive bill. The agency ought to have raised this bill through the minister to the Attorney General’s office and the federal executive council. If we have short circuited these, it is very unfortunate. No person from the ministry is here. It speaks  volumes of its disposition to this bill. I will take exception to it as a committee, please convey that to the minister.

    “We are taking this daunting effort to ensure we reposition these agencies to justify their existence. Even the parastals have roles that are falling into one another, because even the laws are not there. Some have existed for over 20 years and there are no laws. How can we continue like that?

    You take tax payers money into a venture that is not adding value to Nigerians. How else do you define corruption? We might not be too exact, we must have a beginning. We are not serving anybody purpose but that of Nigerians. Whether the minister is here or not, it does not hinder the hearing. “

    Senator Urhoghide said it was needless to state that the Acts, which established some of these ‘agencies under our purview made them as mere entertainment agencies,’ adding that the committee had no choice but to provide for those that do not have laws establishing them, and amend those which do not allow such agencies to operate to meet set objectives and to generate revenue, not only to augment for their survival but to boost the country’s economy.

    “The role of tourism in enhancing inclusive economic growth and development of both advanced and emerging economies cannot be overemphasised. Tourism stimulates economic growth by generating income, employment, investments, exports and it serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development.

    In fact, tourism has been included as a target in goals 8, 12 and 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the increasing and unpredictable shocks from terrorist attacks and political instability, health pandemics and natural disasters, travel and tourism continued to show its resilience in 2016, generating US$7.6 trillion (10.2 percent of global GDP) and 292 million jobs and accounted for about 30 percent of total global service exports.

    “Investment in tourism is particularly important for Nigeria due to dwindling government revenue and economic contraction as a result of the drastic fall in crude oil prices, and with the vision to be rated among the top 20 economies of the world today by 2020. Hence, tourism industry presents an alternative source of revenue for the government and job opportunities for the youthful population,” he added.

    He stressed that Nigeria was blessed with various tourists’ attractions, such as Yankari Game Reserve, Obudu Cattle Ranch, Mambilla Plateau, Zuma rock, Ancient Benin great wall, and  National Museum, and Slave House, among others.

    Urhoghide, however, noted that it was unfortunate that the contribution of tourism to Nigeria’s GDP was quite appalling, saying that in 2016, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP was N1,861.4 billion (1.7 percent of GDP), while travel and tourism generated 649,500 jobs directly  (1.6percent of total employment).

    “But in countries, such as Gambia and South Africa, tourism contributed about 7.4 percent and 4.6 percent directly to employment respectively. Similarly, while visitors export contributed about 46.5 percent to Gambia’s export in 2016, Nigeria’s visitors’ export accounted for about 1.9 percent of export in 2016.

    According to Senator Urhoghide, the Act since its enactment 35 years ago has not gone through any form of review or amendment despite having passed through several years of socio-political and economic changes. The Act like most laws made under the military regime is characterized with so many inadequacies and shortcomings.

    Director General NTDC, Mr. FolorunsoCoker said tourism is a business and not art or culture, but enjoys the assets of art and culture. He stated that Nigeria has a diverse culture that shows up in a unique way, which is tourism. “That is the business that includes transportation, accommodation, hospitality and entertainment. That is the business of NTDC. Let us not dilute or drift it into museum or monuments,” he said.

    According to him, the bill seeks to reverse the negative conversation about tourism in the story of Nigeria, to reverse why there is so much money globally in tourism but we cannot seem to make more than 1.8billion naira a year, to reverse the narrative that tourism employs more people than oil industry, but the story in Nigeria is different. There has to be change.

    He noted that the growth in the industry across the world and the values in it (7.8 trillion dollars), Africa only account for 5%, which is not Nigeria but from Egypt, Kenya and South Africa and yet ‘we are the wealthiest and most populous nation. Something is wrong. We must partake in these values that are spinning around us.’

    Coker observed that tourism in Nigeria has been based on destination, cultural and heritage, but has changed globally. “We are so rich in the aspects of tourism that the rest of the world uses to drive the consumption of their traditional tourism assets.

    We have a population that is second to none in Africa, we have a film industry that is number two in the world, we have a music industry that dominates Africa and its explosive around the world, our fashion is renowned, we have the largest experiences in terms of Pentecostal churches in the world, we are nation of sports fanatics. These vehicles are what other countries have used to drive people to look at their destination and culture.

    The hearing, which lasted about two hours, witnessed contributions from heads of agencies, associations, groups, individuals and members of the press.

    Director-General NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Chika Balogun

    In the new bill, hotel inspectorate division appears to be limited to only hotels. It should reflect a broad base spectrum of the hospitality, travel and tourism establishment.

    Section 37 (6):It provides that the decision of the appeal will be final and binding on the person. The right of person to seek redress in court seems somehow circumscribed hence should include without prejudice to the right of the aggrieved person to seek redress in competent court of law.

    Section.18: The idea of the corporation to float a Tour Operating Company is in conflict with its function as a regulator in the tour and travel operation industry in the country. However, no one currently superintends over the institutions’ operations and the personnel in the industry.

    Director-General National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Abdalla Yusuf Usman

    Section 4: Membership of the board: There is need to include agencies managing heritage sites such as NCMM on the board.

    Section 17: The new bill seems to specify that the corporation is to market and not develop sites. There are institutions that are responsible for the development of sites.

    Section 21: Employment: Since the corporation is a government institution it should be guided by civil service rules and regulations. This will ensure justice and fairness, transparency and accountability.

    Section 25: Borrowing money: The agency should seek the consent of the supervising ministry responsible for tourism in Nigeria before engaging in such transactions.

    Section 29: Tourism levy: I don’t think this can promote tourism. At this stage we are in now, our tax should encourage tourists to Nigeria. Countries that charge tourism levy have developed their tourism to a level that they could afford to do so. And we have not reached that level and such it will be unwise.

    Section 26: Tourism Fund: If tourism is related to art and culture, therefore Endowment for the Art should include tourism so that it can serve both sectors.

  • NGO lifts visually-impaired musician

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Dele Ologun Foundation (DOF), in Ondo State, has, through its founder, Otunba Dele Ologun,  donated money to support a visually-impaired singer, Alade Emmanuel, in Akure, the state capital.

    Ologun, a philanthropist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assisted many under-privileged, students and others through his NGO.

    He made the donation during the launch of an album tagged Alaanu (The Merciful) by the musician.

    Ologun said: “I am highly impressed by the talent, zeal, ability and the determination of the singer, who, despite being challenged by his sight, can still produce this soul-inspiring song”.

    He noted that everyone at one time suffered from one problem or the other such as financial, emotional, mental and physical disability, urging well-meaning individuals to be their brothers’ keepers.

    Ologun stated that the launching of the album will be a stepping stone to greater things that will come up for the musician, praying that he would become a great singer

    The singer who lost his sight from childhood expressed appreciation to the Chief Launcher for his immense support to his project.

    The event, held at NUJ Press Centre, Akure, was attended by  a representative of wife of the late former governor and President of HANDEF (Handicapped Foundation) Mrs. Olufunke Agagu, religious leaders and others.

  • Foundation hosts carnival for humanity

    The annual Adire Street Culture Carnival will hold from December 25 to 27, in Lagos.

    According to the national co-ordinator of the carnival, Princess Oluwabukola Adubi Fasuyi, the event will hold at the National Arts Theatre, the Lagos home of arts and culture.

    She said Nigeria occupied a pride of place in fashion and textile industry in Africa.

    “As a country globally recognised for her rich culture and diverse tradition, Nigeria boasts of an incredible array of fashion choices and fabrics. Notable amongst these fabrics is the adire, which has found favour amongst people all over the continent of Africa and Europe, America, Canada and Asia.

    “The fashion industry has also continued to grow by the day, with more and more people coming into adire production, and bringing in various innovations. As a way of promoting this very thriving fashion and garment industry, which by the way will also be doubling as promotion for Nigeria’s culture and tradition, Lady of Africa Foundation, has embarked on a mission to take the highly appreciated fabric to an entirely different level through exhibitions and carnivals,” she added.

    Princess Fasuyi commended the role played by the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, both government agencies that have been giving the Lady of Africa Foundation tremendous support since inception.

    She added that invitation was open to all to experience the beauty and richness of the African culture, which would be on display on these special days, including traditional cuisine, emu fun fun (African palm wine), eran igbe among other delicacies.

    “The foundation will also in the coming year, be taking the promotion to South Africa, Europe and America, to satisfy the craving of lovers of the adire fabric in those parts of the world. The Lady of Africa Foundation hopes to empower up to 50million Nigerian women and youth through its various activities. Already, lots of people in the country – privileged and the less-privileged have been empowered through direct and indirect job opportunities creation by the foundation through its various promotion and marketing of the fabric,” she said.

  • Lagos lauds Fidson’s support for children’s education

    Lagos lauds Fidson’s support for children’s education

    Lagos State Government has commended Fidson Healthcare Plc for its commitment to the academic development of children through its Astymin brand’s annual flagship programme, Astymin Brilliance Reward.

    At the 7th edition of the programme held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Lagos, Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule said the programme was a commendable initiative that would go a long way to enhance the academic performance of pupils and, ultimately, contribute to educational development.

    Dr. Adebule, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Feyisayo Obadofin, said Fidson had done well in encouraging children to strive for excellence in their academics by rewarding the best-performing pupils in Nigeria. She emphasised that children’s education was a significant aspect of national development that must not be pushed aside, encouraging stakeholders, including teachers, parents and corporate bodies, to support the government by playing their parts in the education of Nigerian children.

    The Astymin Brilliance Reward, which berthed in 2010, is the brand’s biggest and most prestigious event.  The programme is aimed at developing mental and academic performance, while rewarding hard work and academic excellence amongst primary school pupils, through special acknowledgment and provision of educational materials.

    The kids were recognised and rewarded with certificates of excellence and valuable prizes, including educational materials. These were presented by Mrs. Obadofin and the Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Olugbenga Olayeye; General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mr. Ola Ijimakin, and Marketing Manager Mr. Friday Enaholo.

    Enaholo said Fidson was proud to support children in education, health and general well-being.

    “Like we have always emphasized, the ABR is our attempt to bring back the glory days of our education by throwing our weight behind the children’s drive for academic excellence. This is another season of delight for the kids who have worked so hard and perform exceptionally in their academics; but for us as a brand, it is another day of celebrating excellence”.

    He emphasised that the choice of the new venue for the event which formerly held outside the Grange School since the inception was an indication of the company’s persistence in its commitment to supporting pupils in their academic  endeavours.

    ”We believe it is better to catch them young and put them on the right path to success. Therefore, Astymin will continue to take the giant stride in rewarding brilliant primary school kids in a way that motivates them to stay focused on their studies, believing that merit and hard work can still be rewarded”, he said.

    The NdubuisiKanu Park provided a fun-filled experience that also featured friendship, fun, sharing, networking, and excitement. There was also enough to drink and eat for both kids and their parents.

    The 2017 edition of Astymin Brilliance Reward is an evidence of Fidson’s continuous commitment to support the kids in all their academic endeavors, through its Astymin brand. This is in line with the corporate brand promise of valuing lives.

  • Youth fellowship marks 30th anniversary

    Youth fellowship marks 30th anniversary

    It was a day of honour for District Chairman and General Leader, C&S Movement Church Surulere District, Special Apostle Prophet, Dr.  Sunday Funsho Korode as the Youth Fellowship of the church rolled out the drums to celebrate his life and time as a man of God.

    The event tagged: God In My Life series  held penultimate Sunday at the church headquarters in Lagos was the 30th Youth Fellowship anniversary and second year investiture anniversary of the leadership of Prophet Korode.

    In his lecture, Dr. Korode who drew inferences from the Holy Bible(John 15v5), urged the youth to run away from quick wealth syndrome, adding that as a pathfinder of growth and value orientation, ‘’without God you cannot achieve anything’’. Life in God, he said, is a source of joy.

    “Be a change you want to be in life, brand yourself differently from others. Always acknowledge God in all that you do in life, let excellence be your watch-word.An inspired and visionary leader, both spirit filled and materially, live exemplary and transformational life,” he added.

    On sex education, Korode stated that each family should engage and be open to their children on the danger of sex. ”In our fourth year of our marriage, it is not about us, but it is all about Jesus,” he recalled.

    Continuing, he said: “I am the Vine ye are the branches.He that abideth in me, and I in him,the same brought forth much fruits,for without me ye cannot do nothing.”

    According to him, ‘’the difference now is where you are now and where you ought to be. As a scholar we understand there is life in God. If God needs you, you can never run away from him.’’

    Deputy Shepherd, Youth Fellowship of the church, Most Senior, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo said  the idea to have a God in my life series received its inspiration from the scripture and was conceived,packaged and birthed by the leadership of the  youth fellowship.

    He said: “The aim and objects is simple–to create a forum and platform primarily for our youths, but not excluding our adults, to receive first-hand mentorship and to spotlight the impact of God’s benevolent and amazing grace in the lives of distinguished persons who would be role models to all whose faith are in him through Christ Jesus.

    ‘’In the past, we have had two episodes of this evangelical series, which featured our  dear  late father, Special Apostle Prophet G.O. Fakeye and also our mother, Special  Prophet Lara Oyeyemi.

    “We are fortunate and highly honoured to have as our guest speaker,a man of  many caps, today’s celebration is one important way to showcase the Special Apostle  Prophet Dr Sunday Funsho Korode.”

    Korode is an alumnus of the University of Lagos.He is a member several professional bodies. He is a professional banker, seasoned Human Resource Management expert, who is currently the chairman Board of Governors College of Divinity of the church. He has authored three publications: C& S Legacies, Where Do you Fellowship and Believers’ Heritage and Availing Prayers.

  • Eko Tag rewards artists at Art115

    Eko Tag rewards artists at Art115

    In engage, appreciate and reward local artists, five artists have expressed their creativity in a live art competition as part of ART115, an event organised by Eko Tag team.

    The event, which was sponsored by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) was held at the Sanusi Fafunwa Plaza, Victoria Island, Lagos branch of the bank recently.

    Five artists spent two hours interpretating the bank’s building from different perspectives.

    While some interpreted the building in clean lines, others used bold pen strokes and even oil paint.

    At the end, the works by Obi Chigozie and Abiola Sodiq were adjudged the two top picks based on uniqueness and technique. However, foremost Nigerian graffiti artist, Osa Seven, presented prizes to the participants on behalf of Eko Tag team and FCMB.

    “Art115 was a fun and absolute success that left everyone feeling like a part of something significant,” said the organisers in a statement.

    “The winning pieces will be placed on display in a chosen FCMB branch.”

    Since it began its partnership with the Eko Tag platform, FCMB has been involved in encouraging the emergence of fresh art talents.

  • Alaafin decries negative impact of globalisation

    Alaafin decries negative impact of globalisation

    Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 has said globalisation of cultural heritage has negative impacts on the nation’s culture as European adventurers  undermined cultural heritage of peoples around the globe through colonisation, imperialism and globalisation.

    “Cultural imperialism left the colonised in a state of cultural disorientation, which is vulnerable to cultural invasion. The most important far-reaching effect of cultural globalisation is the commer-cialisation of culture. Production distribution and consumption of cultural goods and services have become commodities along with the essentials of life. Music, food, clothes, fashion, art, sports images, etc are now sold in the market, imported and exported,” he said.

    According to him, commercia-lisatiion of culture has a disturbing impact on the people of Nigeria. “For example, what was once an element of Nigeria’s cultural way of life has become a product, rather than something unique, which they have made to suit their specific needs and circumstances? Nigerian markets are increasingly bombarded with new images, new music, new clothes and new values.

    “The impact is that the familiar and the old artefacts are beingdiscarded. The fact is that these will be lost simply because they are not valued by global markets. This undermining of the peoples existing values and cultures has a corrosive impact on the sense of who we are, what we want and what we respect. The cumulative effect is a crisis of cultural confidence, combined with economic uncertainty and crime which global integration often brings, he added.

    Today’s societies, the paramount ruler noted, are multi-culture in themselves, which encompass a multitude of varying ways of life and lifestyle, adding that most people are shaped by more than a single culture, which is brought about by globalisation.

    He said: “In Nigeria due to the impact of globalisation on cultural norms, socialisation processes and values are affected. For instance some parents are no longer frowning at what the youths put on. The traditional pattern of subordinating when greeting an elder has changed to “hi”. Today, the use foreign language, English, has always been an important aspect of official language in Nigeria.

    “Though there is high rate of illiteracy in the rural population, the use of our local languages has its limitations. Many elite families would like their children to learn English language better than their local language. Today, Nigerians use and read books written in foreign language faster and more fluently than those written in local languages. In Nigeria, cultural globalisation has impacted on the number of Movies produced by Nigeria Nollywood. Movies produced in English are much more than those performed and produced in Yoruba and other Nigerian languages”.

    On the way forward Alaafinsuggested that the only remedy in ensuring cultural stability is for the agents of change (government) to repackage and re-inculcate absolute values through the use of libraries, mass media, and advanced information technologies to counter negative changes that are emerging today.

    ”Therefore very few human communities will neither want to reject technological changes or globalisation, nor will they want to return to the traditional pattern of community organisation especially now that they have evolved new pattern to suit their immediate needs”.

    To him, ‘there is the need for the legal protection of the intangible cultural heritage, Government must revive traditional and popular forms of a people’s expression, incorporate programmes relating to traditional cultures, heritage and folklore in education curricular at all levels.’

    Government, Oba Adeyemi said, should develop legislative protection for culture, heritage museums, archives, and libraries in the country.

  • Honouring Uncle B, ex-artistic director

    Honouring Uncle B, ex-artistic director

    A select group of former students of the famous theatre director, Bayo Oduneye (from home and the diaspora) paid ‘honoured visit’ to their now Octogenarian teacher and mentor at his country residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, recently.

    Coordinated by the Technical Theatre practitioner and teacher, Dr. LaideNasir, (formerly of OOU and now of General Adebayo University (Federal University) OyeEkiti), the initiators of the programme include (from home) Dr.Solomon Iguanre, Gboyega Olomodosi, IbikunleTaiwo and LeyeFabusoro, and; (from the diaspora) Otunba and Olori Toyin Ologbosere, AbiodunIfafore, Tope Idowu, Dr. Julius Adeoye, the event featured poetry, dance and drama (Wole Soyinka’s “The Child Internationale”, directed by Oluseyi Skillful Ogungbesan) presentations by some mobilised students of OlabisiOnabanjo University, Ago Iwoye; and reflections by some ex-students of Oduneye, including the actors Taiwo Oladipo Ibikunle, Olomodosi Adegboyega Oluwatosin, Kemi Ogunsola and others.

    The session was anchored by ex-Theatre Teacher at  OOU, resourceful art promoter, Doyin Owobamirin, Nasir, who also became a colleague of Oduneye, at the OOU, Ago Iwoye (when Oduneye had his post-University of Ibadan retirement teaching contract with the school), said the initiative was “to honour our father and mentor who, of course, is old…. The only thing we can do is to appreciate what he has done; and make him happy and live longer”.

    A bigger celebration of the former Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, and father of many Nigerian and African Theatre directors, is set for November to mark his birthday.