The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • BBN: Much ado about a show

    BBN: Much ado about a show

    Until the world beholds the last man standing in the Big Brother Naija currently playing out in far away South Africa, the controversy and heat it is generating may never cease. Gboyega Alaka explores public opinion on recent events in the house.

    Alot has been said about the ongoing Big Brother Naija show, especially the aspect about immorality amongst housemates. Many complain about the nudity and suggestive sex taking place amongst housemates and have even called for the show’s outright ban.

    Hon Olusegun Olulade, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was the first to call for a ban on the show. He said, “The content of Big Brother Naija show is alien to our culture… is contrary to the rich cultural values we are trying to promote and bring to the front burner (and) It is sad that our young children and adults are made to watch such content.”

    But many have countered the legislator and others who are against it with the argument that those who feel offended have a choice not to tune in to the channel. They also could code it, to the extent that their underage children would not be able to access. They could also go the extra length, by boycotting the provider, even if it is for the duration of the show.

    Things reached a height for viewers recently when Kemen, real name Ekemini Ekerette was eliminated from the house, for touching a fellow housemate and friend in the house, TBoss inappropriately without her consent. Not surprisingly, most of the housemates were visibly shocked at the expulsion. They had become blind to decency and somehow didn’t see Kemen’s action as big deal.

    Before this incident, Bisola had allegedly gone the whole hog with TTT; or so many viewers have concluded. The action under the sheet on the night of February 17, they say was unmistakable. But even if Bisola denies that the real thing ever took place, the sheer recklessness with which she flirts with TTT and a few other male housemates in the house is enough for people to form a conclusion at the slightest evidence.

    Many wonder why Bisola, a mother of one, who has had ample taste of fame (probably more than any other housemate), should be the one to descend so low? She was a prominent member of the first ever Project Fame Nigeria and even distinguished herself, getting as far as the final. She also acts prominently in Daddy’s Girls, a local television drama and has featured in a couple other Nollywood movies, including The Life of a Nigerian Couple and Forever with us. They argue that she should have stayed away from the show if she knew she couldn’t restrain herself.

    There was also the case of Gift, who openly flirted and kissed male housemates. She was said to have defied her fiancé’s advice not to participate in the show and her early elimination therefore meant an early ticket to go confront her reality.

    Habeeb Fashina, an accountant with a Lagos firm, laments that the whole show is rubbish, especially because he cannot watch it with his 16-year-old son.

    Abimbola Onuorah, an event planner based in Lagos says she does not watch the show, although she has stumbled on it at friends’ places a couple of times. She said to describe the show as immoral is to understate the fact.

    On the eviction of Kemen, she says, “One has to be careful. I saw the video on Instagram and my opinion is that TBoss never reacted even when she realised the guy was touching her or leave the bed.”

    As for the $100,000 prize money, she categorically said it is outrageous.

    Betty Abah, a women’s right advocate said: “Big Brother Naija is trash and not worth any attention, let alone the current investment it currently gets. The fact that millions of people, including old people, are enamoured by it shows the scandalous level of moral decadence in the society.”

    She wonders why all the organisers could come up with at this critical time in the nation’s history is a program whose only highlights revolve around young people in an artificial enclosure, having unhindered sex in the full glare of the world.”

    In her opinion therefore, BBNJA 2017 “is a shame and should be trashed in the dustbin.”

    She also says the prize money is too much. “It is such that can be used to empower countless youths. I will be willing to advise the organisers and sponsors on what to do with such money, since they appear to have lost all sense of creativity, focus, and I must add, humanity.”

  • Ansarudeen Women walk for health

    Ansarudeen Women walk for health

    Walking for fun and fitness, experts say, is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.

    Recently, the Women’s Committee of Ansarudeen Society,  Lagos  branch, organised its annual health walk in Lagos. In attendance were dignitaries, including the state Chairperson Alhaja Shakirat Adeyinka Koiki, Chairperson of the program, Alhaja Modinat kike Layeni, Alhaja Tinuade Bambe and secretary of the Women’s committee, Modinat Mojisola Lawal.

    The walk took off a few minutes past 8 am at the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos through Adeniran Ogunsanya, Bode Thomas and back to Shitta, Masha, Ogunlana Drive and finally to Babatunde Street to Ajao Road location of the Ansarudeen Mosque.

    The members of the organisation who were dressed in white and green outfits sang, danced and networked with other members of the public who were excited with the messages from the women.

    By 9.10am, Alhaja Sikirat Adeyinka Koiki welcomed everyone back and they prayed and thanked Allah for the event, their families and the nation.

    Dr T.A. Basorun, consultant Physical Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation gave a health talk. He said “It is good to exercise the body and walking is one of the best ways to do this. The truth of the matter is a lot of women get married and do not take care about themselves. It is important to be healthy and smart’.

    According to Koiki, awareness of healthy living is very important. She said “We thank God that we decided at our meeting that we were going to hold a health talk; it’s the first of its kind in this branch. We thank God that we have gone out today and everything went well. We can’t be doing everything spiritual; we need to take care of our health as well….”

    She said almost two hours of walk is not a joke and thanked Allah for his grace: “Personally, I am an aerobic club member and I am used to it. I will be 65 this year. We just have to be conscious of our health, we have to be medically conscious, we have to go for checkups; we have to go for screening, moreso now that cancer is so rampant in our society today. We pray for Allah to help us to avoid all this calamities of the world.”

    She reminded the women that prevention is better than cure, noting that ailments such as BP, diabetes, arthritis and even menopausal problems abound.

  • ‘Youth education key to development’

    ‘Youth education key to development’

    THE Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has urged teachers to take youth social development, sexuality education and reproductive health serious.
    It made the call during an interaction with reporters.
    Quoting the United Nations (UN), the academy noted that 60 per cent of Nigerian youths live below poverty line and face problems such as non-access to education, unemployment, exposure to conflicts and vulnerability to sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
    Also, it said the report shows that the youth make up 50.2 per cent of global population, and about two-thirds of the country’s total.
    The meeting also provided opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the academy’s projects in Ekiti and Nasarrawa states. It demonstrated how to use the Family Life and Health Education (FLHE) curriculum and stimulate state governments to seek ways to improve the well-being, social development and reproductive health in the two states.
    NAS President, Prof Mosto Onuoha, said the Academy embarked on the projects to enable the government to have tangible polices on youth and social development in the forefront of its agenda, and translate science and technology to the benefit of Nigerians.
    According to him, parents should be primary sexuality educators of their children before they go to school.
    Project Leader Prof Akinyinka Omigbodun gave an overview of the project by NAS in the states, which began in 2013 to address youth and social development problems and to strengthen collaboration.
    He noted that the choice of the two states was informed by the need to pick one state each from the north and south that are far from metropolitan areas.
    In each state, samples were taken from persons aged 10 to 24. He added that their findings showed the true picture which brought about developing a strategic plan document and implementation.
    “Our study revealed the youth are very vulnerable. If nothing is done about the issue, it will be like sitting on a keg of gun powder that will explode anytime soon,” he said. The project, he added, would be carried out in 34 states.
    Omigbodun called for advocacy by state governments and sustainability of such findings and its implementation.
    Representative of Nassarawa State Government and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Abari Aboki, came with his predecessor, Mr Naptali Dachor. Dachor noted that there was a challenge of accepting that reproductive health does not deal with sex.
    Action Health Incorporated Director, Mrs Adenike Esiet, who gave the keynote address titled: The FLHE curriculum in Nigeria. Why bother, said research showed that eight in 10 people initiated sex at the end of their teenage years with more than half of all new HIV infections occurring in people under 25. Young girls mostly affected. Also, not only are young girls primary targets of sexual abuse, incest and rape, three of five school girls have done abortions.
    This gave rise to the Family Life Health Education (FLHE) Curriculum okayed in 2002 during the 49th Session of the National Council on Education as the Education sector’s response to mitigating HIV.  The FLHE is a tool to change teachers exploiting students and arm young people to know their rights.
    Esiet noted that findings with the use of FLHE showed higher knowledge score about sexuality and reproductive health; expressing gender equality attitudes; boys less likely to pressure girls into sexual activity and girls’ ability to say no to boys in intimate situations.
    In 2003, Lagos State began using the curriculum and has trained 2,500 teachers on the issue. Also, the curriculum has now been added to Social Science and Integrated Science to giving them skills to be comfortable with letting them know they will have body changes and help young people at their point of needs.

  • Artists seek better life for women

    Artists seek better life for women

    As the International Women’s Day (IWD) holds today, women artists, under the aegis of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), have called for improved policies to better the lives of women and girls in an economic recession. They are marking the day with an art exhibition tagged: Be Bold for Change: Women Arise, opening today at the Nike Art Gallery. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

    In this time of recession, women artists have called on the government to take proactive steps to improve the lot of women, especially artists. Citing the role women play in nation-building as key to development, they canvassed that fresh policies to improve the lives of women be implemented.
    The women artists, under the aegis of the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN), made the call during a visit to The Nation head office in Lagos.
    According to the National President of FEAAN, Mrs Ngozi Akande, the contributions of women to the development of Nigeria cannot be underemphasised. She called for more women to take up policymaking roles across all strata of society.
    According to Mrs Akande, who was represented by chairperson of FEAAN, Southwest Zone, Mrs Omovo Ayoola, Nigerian women artists are joining the advocacy for bold steps by women to change their world and commemorate the International Women’s Day and the 15th anniversary of the association, through FEAAN’s art exhibition, tagged Be Bold for Change: Women Arise. The event, which opens today by 4pm at the Nike Art Gallery, will feature works of over 60 women and book presentation of a book entitled: Nigerian Women Artists, by Chukwuemeka Bosah. The exhibition, which will run from today till next Wednesday, will be opening at other days by 9am and run till 6pm.
    “We are using our art to challenge women to be the change they want to see. We look forward to seeing more women as policymakers, local government chair, speakers of national/state assemblies governors and even a woman President here in Nigeria. All the works will reflect the theme, which is adapted from the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Be Bold for Change: Women Arise.
    “It is a call for all women to arise and be the change they want to see. We are not saying that they have been sleeping, but that they should do more to effect change. And those who have been sleeping, saying it doesn’t concern me as long as it does not affect me, we are urging them to arise,” Mrs Akande said.
    Hosting women across the Nigeria and from the Diaspora, FEAAN Southwest chairperson said, is an “honour and economic boost” for the state. “The exhibition will be showcasing to the world Nigeria’s great talents, strength of women and the power of number. It has both tourism and economic promise for the state. And we hope to make the occasion worthwhile for all.”
    FEAAN Southwest Publicity Secretary Mayen Owodiong urged women to “look inward use your gifts and work to bring change for society”. She called on the government not to relenting in ensuring the release of the remaining Chibok girls, saying: “It is an unfortunate situation that should not be allowed to continue. They represent future of our nation, whose potentials should be truncated”. “An effective educated and empowered mother is a potential source of power and progress of the community. So, government at all levels should pay more attention to women empowerment and education of the girl child. More women should be part of the policymakers,” she added.
    FEAAN Southwest Secretary Clara Aden praised the support of Chief Nike Okundaye for giving the association the “use of her gallery free”; Omooba Yemisi Shyllon; Exotic Cake, French and Pakistan embassies and The Nation, among others.

  • To save falling nations

    To save falling nations

    Poverty is killing Africa.  These poor people have very low access to information, and they remain uneducated. They are not enlightened, and many do not know their rights. Their lack of exposure leaves them more vulnerable to be exploited, and this is one area in which the church is most needed.
    Africa is in a hopeless situation. Corruption in the continent is endemic and has made the continent the poorest in the world.
    Nearly all African countries are bedeviled with decayed and mortuaries, with children dying in the thousands daily. Our airlines, railways, shipping lines, and public road transportation system have collapsed and are majorly abandoned.  There is no portable water in our towns and cities, not to talk of the rural areas. Our main source of power is diesel-powered, privately owned electricity generators.  The nations are continually choked with rising international debts. Our schools have become rubbles and tutors are unpaid for several months. Cultism is on the rise in our high schools and post-secondary institutions. People are terrorized by armed robbers in their homes and on the roads. The economy is in shambles with exchange rates of African currencies to internationally accepted currencies plummeting drastically over the years. Ritual killing is the order of the day. Militant insurgency is getting strengthened while the nations‘ military are continually disarmed. Terrorism is claiming thousands of lives annually.  The leaders in our Churches are becoming fatter at the expense of their vulnerable followers. Our courts are conscience dead and cannot uphold the rights
    of the citizens. Our police stations have turned to dens of robbers. Our refineries are grounded. Kidnapping is at its peak. Our narrow-minded young men have turned to fraud and armed robbery, while our susceptible young women are engaged in prostitution. Baby factories and human trafficking are now at great heights, while trade in human body parts is prevalent. The majority of the people are pauperised and life expectancy in Africa has dropped drastically.
    Corruption is an epidemic in Africa, and the continent is gradually becoming a tragic icon. What can we do? How can we fight and conquer corruption that is killing us more than any other disease?
    Our churches need to take up their task as institutions that disapprove of injustice and be champions of truth in all its facets. No system of government seems to work in any nation. It is not that these systems of government are ineffective, but greed and selfishness of the leaders that have filtered down to the followers have corrupted the systems. Our minds have become morally polluted and ethically impure. Corruption has eaten deep into the cores of an average person.  There is wide disconnect between the doctrine and practice of the church and how they applied to the wider community. Christian leaders lend themselves to manipulations, to the profits of the ‘powers that be’ or acclaimed spiritually superior individuals and groups. It thus becomes a necessity for the churches to wake up from their slumber and uphold the morality of faithfulness. For the churches to be valuable in this regard, they first need to remove the planks from their own eyes. It is after this that they can see clearly and be able to remove the specks from the eyes of those within and without. Church leaders, therefore, must be ready to learn and make use of some key things as practiced by Apostle Paul.
    One practical demonstration of integrity is worth more than scores of sermons. Apostle Paul believed and lived what he preached. Some of the ministerial principles he lived by are relevant, and are as useful to us today as they were to the first-century church.
    Some of these principles are: Financial Transparency, Speaking Truth to the Authority, Financial Independence, and Teaching through Practice.
    The author notes the principle of transparency, using Apostle Paul as example when he stated: “Paul understood that transparency demands public availability of information. He knew that for information to circulate freely and appropriately within an institution, followers must be free to speak their mind, and leaders must welcome such openness”
    “Paul understood that to uphold transparency there must be clarity of roles and responsibilities, as well as adequate control which prevents misappropriation or embezzlement. Paul understood that those who administer God’s money cannot afford to be secretive with it. If openness is lacking in the church, how can church leaders admonish the public or those who administer the nation’s money to be transparent in their financial stewardship? Paul recognised that the church is a light unto the world.
    Thus, the church is expected to be a leading example to the world, especially when it comes stewardship.
    When it comes to transparency, the church is one of the institutions that struggle the most. Church leaders’ defense is usually that their actions are between them and God, and that all their actions and in-actions are opened to God. Paul makes it clear that vertical as well as horizontal openness is required in the ministry when he says: “providing honourable things, not only in the sight actions that are opened to God should also be made visible to mankind.
    Financial obscurity is a major problem in most African nations.  The churches are well positioned by the Apostles to show the world what it meant to be transparent financially. How can this be achieved if a large percentage of church goers, as well as registered church members have no clue as regards the finances of their local church?
    when leaders are open in their dealings with their congregants the result will not only be a condition of trust, but it will in addition make the followers go the extra miles in contributing their skills, time, money and other valuables to a worthy cause.
    It is imperative that all subordinates desist from being senseless collaborators in lies, and wrong doings. All the atrocities committed by leaders whether in government, community, or Church are purely enhanced because majority of those who are their immediate subordinates fail to speak the truth to them. The inability to speak truth to authority is an expensive deficiency which had cost the human race a great fortune. The Nazi extermination of the Jews from 1933 to 1945, the brutal and inhuman reign of Idi Amin of Urganda, numerous ethnic killings in various parts of the world, various perpetuation of African leaders in power, the embezzlement and misappropriation of
    funds by those in authority, and similar other barbaric leadership practices are examples of what results when lieutenants chose to  flatter their leaders and collaborate in lies, rather than speak truth to them. Inhuman policies, which sometimes originate in the mind of a leader, could be avoided from taking roots if lieutenants are apt in speaking truth to their leaders. It is therefore crucial that
    every Christian should resist all attempts to promote lies, and be diligent in upholding the truth at all times. The question then is: Are leaders able to absorb the truth when it is spoken to them, whether done constructively or unconstructively, knowing that truth is most times bitter?
    It is no news that many church leaders have positioned themselves as implacable authoritarians: supreme commanders who give orders that no one would dare to question. This is not something learned from the scripture neither is there any such example of a spiritual leader in the Bible. We have seen in the books of the Bible where mortal beings question the plans of God. Abraham questioned God’s plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and even negotiated with the Most High. Before the destruction of God’s Angels when he thought escaping to Zoar is a better option than running to the mountains. Moses debated with God when asked to go back to Egypt and rescue the Israelites from the hands of Pharaoh. Jonah was more aggressive in his discontentment with God’s decision to relent from bringing disaster on the people of Nineveh.
    So, where then did we learn the human authoritarian supremacy over the  flocks of God?
    If African church leaders, as well as other christian leaders, learn to embrace Peter’s humble spirit and become receptive to listening to their subordinates when truth is being offered, it will to a great extent vitalise Christianity and make the rest of the world see christians as they are expected to be – “the light of the world” (Mathew 5:14).
    Ministry leaders’ unwillingness to work while in the ministry kills the missions since this infects the communities like a plague. By working, each Christian is able to take care of his household’s needs and also give to the weak, for “it is more blessing to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) says Paul. It thus proves that when the practice of financial independence is championed by the fore-leader, it circulates down the hierarchy, and the church body becomes rid of economic dependants. Followers learn from their leaders thus, when leaders work, the followers also learn to work.
    Working while in ministry increases the self-worth of the leader before his congregants, especially where a large amount of the congregants are learned and belong in the working class.
    Just like Paul, a working leader, is then qualified to admonish his congregants on the need to work and not be a burden on others or the nation’s welfare fund.

    The book is a clear call on spiritual leaders, especially Christian leaders, to take up the task of presenting themselves and the Church as the lights of the world by speaking truth to themselves, to political leaders, to their followers, and to the general populace using the lifetime of Apostle Paul as an illustration. This is a task with the potential to save nations from ruin and restore their lost glories.

  • Akwa Ibom commits to preserving heritage’

    Akwa Ibom commits to preserving heritage’

    Last year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) was an opportunity for players in the creative industry to showcase some cultural commodities, such as dance, culinary skills, fine art, textile designs and crafts. In this interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Elder Offiong Udoffe, a lawyer, speaks on the festival’s impact on the state’s socio-economic life.  

    Why is Akwa Ibom keen on children art events, especially the competitive ones?
    Nigeria is a great country and we have to ensure that we develop our children to maintain the standard that we will set as a country. As a state, we focus on children in order to tap their potentials. There are lots of youths who are very talented in visual art and other creative arts, and we feel that we should incorporate essay writing and painting in the programme to task the children in these aspects. This is to improve on their inherent potentials so that they can be proud Nigerians.
    Are we going to see more of Wole Soyinkas and Chinua Achebes from this NAFEST competition?
    Honestly, that is the vision. As a matter of fact, we do understand that these days, children are no longer interested in reading novels and they are also not interested in poetry and painting. But we need to encourage them because by the time the likes of Soyinka are no longer there, we need the young ones to step up and take their places in the history of this country.
    How is your state preserving indigenous languages?
    The state is doing a lot to develop the local languages, which have been introduced into curriculum in the schools so that the children can be well groomed in their local languages. It will be very sad if a child cannot speak the local language or name the food they eat. These days, you find children talking about indomie and fast food. We are trying to inculcate in our children those virtues that are in our local languages, and of course you know that you can only appreciate what they are doing through the local languages.
    Akwa Ibom State Government and the Ministry of Education is putting everything in place to ensure that the local language is introduce in our school and our children can use it in whatsoever they are doing.
    Is the state reviewing the school curriculum at the lower level to accommodate language teachers?
    Well, Akwa Ibom State Government is doing well in that direction. About a year ago, the state embarked on the employment of about 5,000 teachers and they were purely core professionals in education. We took this into consideration when recruitment was going on. I believe with this action taken by the state government, we will have enough teachers in this area of creative art to develop the young ones.
    It is rare to find children hawking on the streets of Uyo unlike other states?
    There is a law in place that any child found on the road hawking or trading during school hours should be arrested and detained by the staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs. That order has been effective for the past years. Every child must be in school as Akwa Ibom State introduced free and compulsory education for all children, whether you are from Akwa Ibom or not.

  • Group protests xenophobic killings in South Africa

    Group protests xenophobic killings in South Africa

    A group, Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre (HRDAC), has protested against xenophobic killings in South Africa. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

    They came chanting protest songs and brandishing placards and banners with inscriptions like “Stop all xenophobic attacks today” and more.
    The protesters under the auspices of Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre (HRDAC) stormed the Lagos head offices of MTN Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling for an end to the hideous act.
    Of the two protests, the one in front of the ECOWAS office drew greater attention from passers-by and motorists as the protesters faced the public and went very close to the road, singing their songs and brandishing their banners and placards.
    “We are calling on all, including the government, the African Union and ECOWAS, to take proactive steps to stop the xenophobic attacks on other Africans, especially Nigerians, in South Africa. No country can survive on its own without the contributions of others. Nigeria contributed immensely to the fight against Apartheid in South Africa; how come we are now the focus of attacks? This hideous act must end,” HRDAC President, Comrade Queen Rose Ameh said.
    With them was a letter addressed to the Chairperson of African Union, which they presented to the ECOWAS Head Liaison Officer, Mr Olatokunbo Okunola, who refused to address the press.
    On why the letter was presented to ECOWAS instead of AU, Ameh said: “We tried locating AU’s office in Lagos and could not; and so we thought it wise to also bring our campaign/protest to the ECOWAS office and drop the letter with them to help us take our protest to AU.”
    Mr Innocent Agbo of HRDAC condemned the attacks, which he said was an act against humanity. He called on the South African government to pay more attention to resolving the issues, noting that lots of innocent lives have been lost to the killings. “These attacks must stop. We are tired of these repeated attacks, while the perpetrators go unpunished. The perpetrators should be made to face the music to serve as deterrent to others.”
    In the letter addressed to the AU chairperson, signed by HRDAC President and Mr Agbo, the group called for speedy action by the Africa Union to end the act, while advocating “a long lasting solution for peace to reign”.
    It read thus: ‘’We the above named organisation seek to address the xenophobic attitude of the South Africans towards other Africans who have the right to live and associate freely in all countries in Africa without fear of intimidation or oppression for being foreigners.
    “The organisation of African Union has sincerely not dealt extensively with xenophobia. The continuous attitude of the South African people, to the best of our knowledge, shows a negative believe of the purpose of the union of African states.
    “Our expectation is neither different from what the right of the people is meant to be, the demand for fairness, justice and equity is what we request for our people and we will stand firm to our oat of conduct to always seek a dynamic and resourceful conflict management approach to resolving all matters of xenophobia. We condemn this attitude of the South Africa because it is contradictory to the peace and co-operative charter signed by member-nations of AU. HRDAC are human right campaigners that believe in equity, justice and peace. A mutual objective we have together with noble AU. So we expect you to take every measure to ensure and enthrone love and unity among African states.
    “We hope to get a responsive reply to our quest and believe that we will make progress for a better Africa, where all will love and respect each other in peace and harmony.”

  • Rotary, agencies seek end to road crashes

    Rotary, agencies seek end to road crashes

    How to end road crashes topped discussions at a seminar held by Rotary Club of Gbagada South at the weekend in Lagos. It was titled: The role of the community in maintaining peace on our roads.
    The event, which held at the General Hospital, Gbagada drew participants from relevant stakeholders – the government roads agencies, drivers unions, tricycle union, Community Development Association (CDA) and others.
    The hospital’s Deputy Medical Director Dr Lateef Keshiro, who was Rotary’s Planning Committee chairman, said the seminar was aimed at educating the public on the need for peace on the roads.
    Babatunde Jeje, the club’s President, said one of the aims of Rotary is to bring good to the world and that the seminar, which objective was to reduce conflict on the roads, was one of them. He added that this was the second edition of its peace resolution and prevention seminar series.
    Assistant Corps Commander, Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Adeyemi Bashiru, who kicked off the discussions, said all hands must be on deck to end the menace. He said where there was no peace, there would be no development, urging communities to play a role in the issue. The rate of crashes in the country, he said, was alarmingly high, adding that about three million people are killed yearly in crashes and several others injured.
    Bashiru attributed the cause of crashes mainly to human error. He said there was the need to examine ourselves to know where we got it wrong.‘’We have a poor driving culture. This variable contributes to crashes. Driving requires 100 per cent concentration; non-concentration leads to fatalities. For example, it is only when we are on the wheels that we remember to receive calls or fiddle with our radio. Don’t receive calls when you drive,’’ he warned.
    Other risk factors in crashes, he added, were over speeding, non-adherence to traffic rules and regulations, and failure to use zebra crossings and pedestrian bridges. He called for attitudinal change on the part of drivers as well as learning before getting a licence and driving.
    About 80 per cent of this generation, he bemoaned, did not go to a school to learn driving. ‘’If you do not attend a driving school, how do you identify traffic signs?’’ he asked.
    Mr Kayode Oladosu, the Assistant Director and Head of Operations, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), harped on safety, saying it is the slogan of his organisation. He said it should be the watchword of not only enforcement agents but also every one. He said to ensure peace on the roads, there must be sanity, and that this included having worthy vehicles with genuine licences.
    “Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) are everywhere in the country to sanitise the roads to ensure that the vehicles are road worthy and that driver’s have valid and genuine drivers licence. Though Nigerians decry the fines, they are meant to enforce sanctions. The government wants voluntary compliance from road users,’’ he added.
    Assistant Chief Traffic Officer Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) Kayode Olotu, who assessed the roads, gave one verdict: they are in a state of chaos. ‘’There is disregard for traffic rules,’’ he said. He said despite the efforts of the road agencies to restore sanity to the roads, ‘’many still see LASTMA as a terror group’’. But Olotu gave the agency a pass mark, decrying the harrassment by the public. ‘’LASTMA is your friend, not an enemy,’’ he emphasised. This drew laughter from the audience.
    Divisional Police Officer Oworonshoki Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) M. E. Okon, praised the seminar, calling for public-private partnership (PPP) to build and repair the bad roads, adding that until the roads are good condition we can’t restore peace to them. He said his call became necessary because the government could not do everything, especially in view of the recession.
    In all, the participants, praised the seminar.They asked questions which ranged from poor road agents relations to government’s non-challant attitude to road users.
    Hon Segun Babatunde, General Secretary, Community Development Council (CDC), blamed drivers and their conductors for chaos on the roads. He suggested that any driver caught removing his shirt while on the wheels should be arrested and sent to a psychiatric hospital.
    Also, Mr Babatunde Salami, who said he got his Drivers’ Licence in 1976, asked if there was still a Highway Code. He asked if a learner was still tested, issued Learners Permit before given a licence.

  • A bouquet for poet Okara

    A bouquet for poet Okara

    The  literati will  converge on Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital next month, for  a literary festival in honour of a nonagenarian poet Gabriel Imomotimi Gbaingbain Okara. It is being organised by the Institute of Arts and Culture of the University of the Port Harcourt as a special bouquet for the literary icon who will turn 96 on April 24, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.  

    Renowned literary icon and author of Call of River Nun, Fisherman’s Invocation and winner of Commonwealth poetry prize and the NNLG prize, Pa Gabriel Okara, who will turn 96 on April 24, will be honoured with a literary festival.
    The Gabriel Okara Literary Festival, according to the convener, Prof Julie Okoh, director, Institute of Arts and Culture of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is borne out of the desire of some intellectuals to celebrate the literary icon.
    Okoh said at 96, Okara is still writing and mentoring young writers, adding that such a mentor should not be celebrated after his death. “We strongly believe that we should not only celebrate our heroes when they are dead, but that they should also be part of that heroic celebration. Hopefully in April, Gabriel Okara will feature prominently in all the programmes of activities of Gabriel Okara Literary Festival. He will read, sing and dance as much as his health and strength will permit,” she added.
    The festival is a brainchild of the Institute of Arts and Culture and her affiliates, and will run from April 25 to 28 at the University of Port Harcourt. The institute was established in 2011 to promote arts and culture.
    Okoh noted that the content, scope and magnitude of the festival are different from others, such as Port Harcourt Book Festival. But the purpose, she said, remains the same, which is to promote literature and reading culture in the country.
    She disclosed that a budget of N16 million has been earmarked for the festival and that fund raisers have been sent to the government of Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, corporate bodies and individuals for sponsorship.
    She also debunked the insinuation that the Gabriel Okara Literary Festival is a subtle replacement for a festival organised by Rainbow Book Club in Port Harcourt, saying: ‘’How can? Impossible! Gabriel Okara Festival cannot be a replacement for Rainbow Book Club’s literary festival.’’ The latter, she said, was principally a government conceived, nurtured and sponsored initiative unlike the Gabriel Okara Literary Festival.
    On the sustainability of the festival at this period of recession, she said: “There is nothing assured in life. But that doesn’t prevent one from making attempts. Whatever one does, one should be optimistic that it will succeed. So, the organisers are optimistic that the Gabriel Okara Festival will succeed and will, by the special grace of God, withstand the test of time.”
    She acknowledged that there is a growing interest in the promotion of literature via festivals, and that the more festivals there are the better for the country. But what differentiates Gabriel Okara Literary Festival from others? She said: “The vision of Gabriel Okara Literary Festival is to become one of the most popular literary festivals in the country and to be a common meeting ground for creative writers, literary critics, lovers of literary works and publishers. It is a forum where they can all meet, create, discuss and feel the power of creative writing through readings, panels and workshops. Participants can listen to the reading of some of the world’s greatest writers, read their own works, participate in debates and enjoy special affiliated programmes.”
    According to her, the festival, which has as theme, Nigerian Literature since Gabriel Okara: continuities and departures will feature Gabriel Okara yearly legacy lecture, book presentation, paper presentation, panel discussion, workshops, readings, performances, cultural excursion, book exhibition and an award dinner.
    Keynote speaker is Mr. Odia Ofeimun, while guest lead paper presenters are Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke and Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma. Chairman of the event is Emeritus Prof Nimi Briggs, Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State.
    Sub-themes for papers to be presented include theory and criticism in Nigerian literature, oral tradition autobiography in Nigerian literature, art and culture management and Nigerian literature, Nollywood and Nigerian literature.
    One interesting aspect of the festival is the two literary awards: the Young Writers’ Award and Nigerian Young Poetry Award.
    According to the convener, the objectives of the festival include to promote reading culture in Nigeria, open up platform for creative writers and artists to exhibit their works, organise seminars, conference and symposium that will serve as a forum for creative writers and literary critics from Africa and the Diaspora to meet and discuss emerging Black aesthetics, encourage readings from some of the most distinguished international voices alongside prominent African writers, expose emerging Nigerian poets, prose writers and playwrights by creating a forum for them to read from their works.
    The focus will be on a different genre yearly, offer a workshop that will also help to hone the craft of participants, organise literary competitions for adults and, especially, youths, stimulate and develop creative writing skills in youths and promote young writers by editing for publication a series of anthologies of creative writing.
    Others are to bring unrecognised/hardly recognised old writers to limelight, and organise an Award Night and stimulate tourism.
    Born in 1921, Okara is the first renowned English language Black poet and the modernist writer on the continent. In 1960, he became the first African to be published in the prestigious literary journal, Black Orpheus.
    In the same year, he also became part of the journal’s Editorial Board. In 1953, his poem Call of river nun won the best prize in literature in Nigeria’s festival of arts. In 1979, his collection Fisherman’s Invocation won the Commonwealth Poetry prize. In 2005, he bagged the highest prize in Nigeria, the NLNG prize.
    At 96, he is still engaged in literature and appears as a guest writer in major literary gatherings.

  • ‘Juju, Fuji music are levellers, unifiers’

    ‘Juju, Fuji music are levellers, unifiers’

    The socio-economic and cultural impact of Nigeria’s popular music genres, Juju and Fuji, on the life styles of the Yoruba people was examined by scholars, musicians, traditional rulers and writers at a forum in Lagos last week.
    The stakeholders, who converged on the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos for the first roundtable on Yoruba music, Ariya Repete, commended Goldberg Lager Beer for the initiative, which they said signalled a cultural rejuvenation among the Yoruba.
    Centre for Black Africa Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) former Director-General Prof Tunde Babawale, in a keynote paper titled: Our music as a Socio-cultural lubricant: Casestudy of Juju and Fuji misic of the people of Western Nigeria, said the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba provided the foundation on which the music genres of Juju and Fuji are built.
    He noted that the attachment of the Yoruba people of Southwest to music and celebration has earned them the appellation of Owambe, a reference to their love for ceremonies and celebrations. He described the two genres as unifiers and levellers in the society, noting that they cut across all strata of society in the Southwest.
    He traced the origin of Juju music to the old Saro (Olowogbowo) quarter of Lagos, where the genre emerged from asiko music associated with area boys in the quarter, adding that the genre incorporated Brazilian Samba elements and the guitar style of Kru sailors from Liberia.
    According to him, the music of the culture, such as Juju and Fuji, has impacted every area of life of the Yoruba, including the reduction of socio-economic tension and the prevalence of religious tolerance.
    Music, he said, does more than educating the people as it serves as a social commentary to promote moral value, religious and cultural education.
    “People take solace in their lyrics and have hope in life, it provides employment opportunities, promote Yoruba language and strengthen traditions in age when parents don’t teach their children, it promotes harmonious co-habitation among religious people and serves as a unifier,” he added.
    A prominent Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), thanked the organisers and speakers for what he described as an educative initiative meant to preserve Fuji and Juju, vital aspects of the music and culture of the Yoruba.
    Sir Shina Peters, a frontline Juju musician, also praised Goldberg for providing such a platform to discuss indigenous music. He called on other corporate organisations to emulate the effort.
    Radio broadcaster with Faaji FM Ambrose Somide, who was a panellist at the roundtable, enjoined young musicians of Yoruba extraction to endeavour to sustain the genres for the promotion of the Yoruba culture.
    While welcoming guests to the forum, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Nigerian Breweries’ Corporate Affairs Adviser, who was represented by Patrick Olowokere, the company’s Corporate Communications and Brand Public Relations Manager, disclosed that the Ariya Repete initiative was borne out of the company’s respect for tradition and values of the people.
    Special guest of honour, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ojaja II), the Ooni of Ife, represented by Oba Adebiyi Asoya, the Asoya of Ile Asoya Kingdom, reiterated the need to sustain the cultural revival among Nigerians as championed by Goldberg lager beer in indigenous Yoruba music.
    The roundtable, the first-ever on Yoruba music in Nigeria, attracted stakeholders from traditional institutions, the academia, the entertainment industry and the media to provide thoughts on sustaining and promoting the rich heritage of Fuji and Juju music.