Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

After an initial attempt to open a branch of the famous Didi Museum, on Victoria Island, Lagos at Akwukwu-Igbo, the hometown of its founder Dr Newton Jibunoh, in Delta State, the management of the museum has resolved to formally establish the museum at Asaba, Delta  State capital. 

The museum, which turns 40 this month, was founded by Dr. Newton Jibunoh in memory of his sister, Edith Jibunoh, who died at an early age. It is recorded as the first private museum in Lagos. 

To commemorate the event, the management has designed a three-pronged programme that would remind the art producing and consuming community and indeed the general public, of its contribution to the Nigerian and African culture sectors over these four decades. 

The celebration will kick off on Thursday, May 18, the yearly World Museum Day as designated by the UNESCO, to announce the new direction the museum intends to pursue in the coming decades.

Also, the celebration will mark the formal opening of Nelson Mandela Garden & Resorts, which is one of the monuments declared by Mandela Foundation to commemorate Mandela’s legacy. The Resorts provides recreational facility for children, a mini zoo, semi Olympic sized swimming pool tennis court, bar and restaurant and  30-room lodging facility located in the premises of the Asaba International Airport, which will be new home of the Didi Museum. The facility will be formally introduced by Dewald Dgruger, Managing Director of Silk Road Hospitality, the new managing partners of the resort. Theme of the celebration is No Art No History.

Explaining the idea behind the theme, Dr. Jibunoh said: “Without the art, there is no history as the art documents our culture and heritage, and therefore history of civilisations over the centuries,”

At the heart of the celebration would be the opening of an exhibition of some of the works in the collection of the museum on Friday, May 20, which would be performed by the royal fathers of Kano and Benin. This is to honour and acknowledge “the sustained contributions of the two royal kingdoms in the history of the museum, right from inception in 1983.”

The exhibition of 40 works is specially curated to represent the characteristics of the vast collections of the museum over the years. Essentially, the display would reflect the divergent tastes and artistic preferences of the founder, Dr Jibunoh, and the board of the museum. Conceptually, the works would be mounted as a mini-tour of the new home of the Didi Museum in the Nelson Mandela Garden & Resort.

The works would eventually grace the walls of the exquisitely furnished rooms and conferencing facility of the Resort, according to Dr Jibunoh.

Expected to feature in the two-day events are artists and collectors such as Kenny Adamson, engineer-painter and photographer, Adamu Ajunam, painter-cartoonist, Josy Ajiboye, painters Lara Ige-Jacks, Tunde Soyinka, Zinno Orara, Osahenyen Kainebi. Also expected to give remarks on the museum are Ben Tomoloju, Gbile Oshadipe, Akin Onipede, Tunde Lanipekun, Toyin Akinosho, Chuka Nnabuife, Bolaji Alonge and Olu Ajayi.

As the world moves into the virtual space, the critical role of books and book publishing in national development drew stakeholders to the 2023 Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF). They sought ways of sustaining the sector while interrogating the “Role of a Functional National Book Policy (NBP) in the African Book Ecosystem”, the theme of this year’s event.  EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

In the wake of the digital world, the book remains one of the most effective vehicles for national advancement and positive change in the behavioural attitude of the people.

 Indeed, Nigeria also shares with other developing countries a variety of problems bedevilling the book publishing industry. These include inability to provide adequate numbers of high-quality books, book piracy, proliferation of unqualified author-publishers, and lack of capital, among others.

 As the nerve centre of education, efforts must be sustained to ensure that the book industry is protected, promoted, supported and reinvented to meet growing global technological changes.

 This submission formed the thrust of this year’s Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF), which was organised by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT).

The four-day event, which took place at Yard 158 Arena, Oregun, Lagos, brought together vibrant comity of book stakeholders and experts, including authors, publishers, academics, readers, book enthusiasts, teachers and students.

It had as special guest of honour the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu; while the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Ismail Junaidu, gave the keynote address.

 With the theme, “The Role of a Functional National Book Policy (NBP) in the African Book Ecosystem”, stakeholders were of the view that the critical importance of books and the book industry in national development calls for appropriate regulatory system to be put in place. This move, they said, would ensure that the book industry functions optimally for the production and distribution of quality and good books in Africa, and Nigeria in particular.

 In his keynote address, Junaidu noted that a functional national book policy was crucial for the development and sustainability of the African book ecosystem. According to him, dysfunctional book ecosystem is bane of the sector.

 His words: “A dysfunctional book ecosystem is characterised by limited access to quality books, inadequate funding for the book industry and low literacy rates. A National Book Policy serves as a blueprint for the development of a thriving book industry, which contributes to the socio-economic and cultural development of a country.

“In Africa, a National Book Policy is needed to address the challenges faced by the book industry, including funding, limited access to markets, and low literacy rates. Although Nigeria is currently on the right track by having in place a National Book Policy, without proper regulatory framework enshrined in functional book policy, the book ecosystem will continue to experience setbacks. A National Book Policy should prioritise the promotion of reading culture, literacy development, and the production and distribution of books.”

 Junaidu called for partnership among the critical sector players, saying: “a thriving book ecosystem requires the participation and support of all actors involved which can be achieved through the development of policies and initiatives that promote literacy development, support the production and distribution of quality books, and encourage the development of local content”.

 Among other programmes this year’s NIBF comprised a new programme, tagged: the Tertiary Education Summit. It featured experts from across the tiers of tertiary education, led by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and Chair, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigeria, CVC, Prof. Lilian Salami, who gave the Lead Speaker.  The Founder/Chairman of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, was the Special Guest of Honour.

 The quest for a lasting solution to the challenges confronting tertiary education in the country, according to NBFT Chairman, Michael Oluwadare Oluwatuyi, inspired the summit.  He said: “The search for a lasting solution to this perennial problem and other challenges of tertiary education in Nigeria brought the inclusion of the summit to this year’s event. We all know the negative impact of the incessant industrial imbroglio between the government and tertiary institutions’ staff on the present and future of Nigerian students.”

 For the UNIBEN VC, Nigeria’s tertiary education needs a holistic overhaul, a combination of old and new ideas to make it work to meet the development needs of the country. She pointed out that outdated curriculum, low quality staff, corruption, decline in student reading culture, government agencies operating outside mandate and in confusion, quota system, internal politics within institutions, low quality of students we bring in as some of the challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria. She capped her keynote by declaring that the Federal Government could no longer fund tertiary education, but asked parents to bear the cost of educating their wards.

 Salami said, “There’s confusion in the system in doing the same things and returning to the same place. New ideas are therefore needed to overhaul the system that has been long overdue. I believe what we need is a holistic approach whereby attention is given to these challenges. We need to redirect the system and to walk the talk.”

  She said everyone involved was to share in the blame for the rot in the educational system, but with determination, the problems in the sector could be solved.

 While observing that the “Federal Government can no longer solely fund tertiary education in Nigeria” Salami noted that the dismay of budgetary allocation to education in Nigeria’s education budget as a stark indication of the government’s inability or unwillingness to fund education. She disclosed that her university receives a monthly budget of N11m whereas she spends N77m for electricity alone, but that she has to find creative ways to augment this to run her university.

 According to her, “TETFund and ETF have been there, but they are grossly inadequate. Education is allotted 8.2 per cent in Nigeria’s 2023 budget. Ghana allotted 12.8 in 2023 and South Africa allotted 18.4; while adding that “Good funding can redress dilapidated equipment, and other infrastructure, improved remuneration to motivate teachers and attract global scholars.”

 While condemning the proliferation of universities as currently accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC), Salami tasked ASUU to rethink its strike options, saying, “The union must jettison its obsolete ideas and embrace new ones on how to seek better working conditions. Government should allow universities to pay lecturers to determine work rate and excellence. The almighty IPPIS is not the way to go. It’s fueling indiscipline, laziness, and a lack of commitment among teachers.”

 The book fair also featured a staple, Authors’ Groove, organised by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) under the presidency of Camillus Ukah. With the theme: “The Place of Creative Writing in National Development,” the event, which had as moderator, ANA former National PRO,  Dr. Olatunbosun Taofeek , had as speakers – Dr. Charles Akwen from Mountain Top University and Dr. Promise Adelie from the University of Lagos.

The contributions of art connoisseur and artist Dejo Victor Akinlonu (Dejak) were revisited when the art community feted him posthumously at his open-air gallery in Lagos.

Akinlonu, known popularly in the art scene as Dejak, passed away earlier in the year, He was an artist turned art promoter that established Dejak artisque.

The serene ambiance of Dejak Artisque, behind the 7up Bottling Company, Oregun, Lagos came alive with the memorial tribute night in his honour.

Amid heroic giant structures and rubble stone landscape, guests recounted his contributions to the arts, while applauding Dejak’s memories and titillating art works. The venue was well decorated with everything that evoked memories of Dejak and various photographs of himself and his family members. Guests were thrilled by an Ondo cultural group and a musical band.  His family members recalled the artist’s love and dedication to art promotion.

Dignitaries and colleagues recalled his impact in the creative community and also provided an insight into the artistic foray of Dejak while alive, which has become a legacy. They recalled how he successfully re-defined the sculptural, rubble works, landscape features and beautification.

Former External Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, who was a client of the late Dejak, maintained that he was a studious professional that doesn’t joke with customers’ satisfaction even if he had to go out of his way. To him, “That is the strongest factor that may have helped him to sustain his relationship with them for as long as possible,” he said.   

The second celebrity client, who spoke after, was former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. He said: “I was very fond of him, hence I don’t miss coming to his 7up arts gallery anytime I was in Lagos.  He was a pains taking professional, every client would be very proud of. To me, he is a good Ondo kingdom representative. I will miss him greatly!” Aare Adebayo Sobade, who represented the Lagos State Governor and the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, praised the late artist, saying Dejak’s works have immortalised him.

One of his ex-apprentice, Francis Denedo, recalled: “Dejak’s milk of sympathy is at par with his creativity and resourcefulness which he started showing as far back as 1989 when Tunde Debasco commissioned him to package a fiberglass Rolls Royce.

Just after that, his creative mien took s dramatic dimension as the Lagos State government engaged him for their beautification programme under Brigadier-General Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd), who talked him into handling the state’s beautification programme, in readiness for the mega city plan. The then governor may have been so impressed with his execution that he introduced him to the next administration and subsequently, the various administrations, till the current one, whom he had dealings with till this moment.”

United Kingdom-based Nigerian frontline campaigner for organ donation in African-Caribbean community, Hilaria Asumu, in this interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, speaks on the legal implications of kidney transplantation in the UK, the consequences of its breach, and why she is establishing a dialysis centre in Edo State.

As ambassador for organ donation and peer educator with Kidney Research, UK, what is the position of the May 2020 ‘Opt Out’ Law in UK and how does it affect visitors to the country?

 As an ambassador for organ donation and peer educator with Kidney Research UK, I always speak about the introduction of the Organ Donation Law, also known as the “Opt Out” law in England on 20th May 2020. Under this law, all adults over the age of 18 in England are considered as potential organ donors unless they have explicitly stated that they do not wish to donate their organs. There are other groups of people who are exempt.

The law aims to increase the number of organs available for transplantation and reduce the number of people who die while waiting for a transplant. It is important to note that the law does not mean that organs will be taken without consent. If someone is identified as a potential donor, healthcare professionals will speak to their family to discuss their wishes. Family consent is always sought before any donation goes ahead.

Regarding visitors to the country, the law applies to everyone who lives in England, regardless of their nationality. Visitors to the country who become ill and require an organ transplant will be treated according to the same criteria as anyone else in the UK. However, if a visitor has opted out of organ donation in their home country, this decision will still be respected in the UK.

It is important for everyone to make their wishes about organ donation known to their family and friends, regardless of whether they support or oppose the “Opt Out” law. This will ensure that their wishes are respected in the event of their death and could potentially save someone’s life.

  What informed your decision to provide advocacy services for African-Caribbean people with kidney disease?

In the UK because of the estranged relations between the Black community and the government system, most people with kidney disease would not engage with mainstream charities, and suffer in silence without support from anyone or charity. As an ambassador for organ donation, in the course of my work, this became apparent but I had also experienced this. I noticed this gap in the third sector and decided to set up a Black kidney charity, WSH BME Kidney Network. The charity caters for Black kidney patients and their families and other underrepresented white communities in the UK.

Having survived kidney disease and received a transplant in 2018, what is your advice to Nigerians on following the rules for transplantation in UK and avoid breaking the law?

 As someone who has survived kidney disease and received a transplant in 2018, my advice to Nigerians who are planning to undergo transplantation in the UK is to educate themselves on the rules and regulations surrounding transplantation in the country. It is important to be aware of the legal requirements and to follow them to avoid breaking the law.

One important rule to note is that organ transplantation in the UK is heavily regulated and only takes place in approved hospitals and medical facilities. It is important to seek out reputable medical centers and healthcare providers with experience in organ transplantation.

Another important rule to follow is to ensure that all necessary legal and ethical requirements are met before transplantation takes place. This includes obtaining the necessary consents and permissions from all parties involved, including the donor and their family members.

It is also crucial to follow the post-transplantation care instructions provided by your medical team, including taking the necessary medications and attending all follow-up appointments. This will help to ensure the success of the transplant and prevent any complications or legal issues.

In summary, my advice to Nigerians seeking transplantation in the UK is to educate themselves on the rules and regulations, seek out reputable medical centres and healthcare providers, ensure all legal and ethical requirements are met, and follow all post-transplantation care instructions. By doing so, they can avoid breaking the law and increase their chances of a successful transplantation.

 For former Deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu what would have been the proper and lawful procedure to follow in getting the right treatment for his daughter?

 Just as above. Another lawful procedure was to allow his daughter to go through the normal route, which is the transplant waiting list – I was on it for 10 years. A match would be found because science is improving every day. There are new researches and innovations looking for a cure and I have seen a few recently.

There have been a few patients the charity supports who have received transplants and they have the same status as his daughter.

She was receiving treatment and nobody would stop treatment for any reason except she wishes it so. 

 What inspired the Kidney Centre you are planning to establish in Edo State and what’s the stage of the project?

 The free dialysis centre was inspired by both my gratitude to my donor family and the fact that I didn’t pay any money for my treatment from diagnosis to transplant. I felt that I needed to do something to give back and decided to come home where it is most needed. The project has been going on since January 2020 but the covid lockdown affected the completion of the project. We have also had other issues in the local area but that’s resolved now and we are about to recommence the project. We’ve had to restart the project again and hope there won’t be any other mishaps or lockdown.

 What specific areas of medical services will the centre provide and for who?

 It is solely a dialysis centre and nothing else. There would be a laboratory for various tests, etc. It would solely be catering to kidney patients. Our services would be for people who live on less than two dollars a day, mainly females, too. 

The last general election has come and gone, but it left rancour, tension, intrigues and acrimony on its trail. These also led to the polarisation of the nation along primordial divides that fuel embers of distrust, mistrust, disaffection and disunity. In the light of the above, the National Council for Arts and Culture held an interactive session tagged: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth” to set agenda for Nigeria, mobilise Nigerians towards greatness, draw attention to the  country’s secularity, and restore the confidence of the youth. Assistant Editor Arts OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

Nineteen days to the  sewaring in of the President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and others, culture experts and other critical stakeholders, have drawn attention to priority areas that should engage the new administration.

  Key among the issues are the enhancement of religious tolerance for national unity, reversal of the undue attraction of our youths to foreign lands for greener pasture (Japa syndrome) and mobilisation of Nigerians towards greatness.

Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, at an interactive sesion held by the council in Abuja, themed Culture, Peace and national Rebirth, said he was expected to kick-start a conversation that would lead to national discourse on the need for all to work together for peace, development and general wellbeing of Nigerians.

He stated that there had been no time since after the civil war that the country was polarised along primordial and parochial lines than during the general election. “The tension, bitterness, rancour and acrimony generated by the electioneering campaigns have tended to further fuel the embers of distrust and disunity among Nigerians,” he noted.

According to him, the disturbing development has impacted the country’s youths. “There is the growing feeling of alienation among the majority of our youths, manifesting in various forms of restiveness and the internalisation and exhibition of vices that are at variance with our culture. Incidences of violent crimes, transgenderism, the ‘ENDSARS’ protest and the Japa syndrome are clear indications of a youth population that harbour a sense of alienation, exclusion, disillusionment and despair. Many of our youths are at a cultural crossroads with high propensity for anger and violence.

“It is unfortunate that when we take to the streets to ventilate our anger on issues agitating our mind, we vandalise public infrastructure that are put in place for the common good of all. We even destroy business concerns of private individuals. Unknown to us, we take our nation some steps backwards in the ladder of development, while we send a wrong signal to private investors on the level of security of our nation by so doing.”

Former Director, National Orientation Agency, Dr. David Manya Dogo, in his paper entiled: Engendering Religious Tolerance for National Unity, raised the need for Nigerians to shun religious sentiment in their dealings.

He observed that Nigeria was divided on religious and ethnic cleavages at the last general election.

“As a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, Nigeria like other similar nations, is confronted by the challenge of religious intolerance and persistent religious conflicts with its attendant consequences on the peace, unity and development of the country,”  Dogo added.

In her paper entitled: Undue Attraction of Our Youths to Foreign Lands for Greener Pastures (Japa Syndrome), Managing Consultant/CEO, Hadid Consult & Event Management Limited, Mrs Rebecca Ede, said the government is not the only cause of the youth emigrating for greener pastures, adding that they should look within and  create the solutions.

“We can see the ingenuity during the locked down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth began to advertise and transact online. This has continued both within and outside the country. Online courses were being deplored from schools abroad, but since COVID-19, more schools are now in the hybrid. Nowadays, there are many organisations that are hiring and giving workers the opportunity to work offsite or onsite. Many Nigerians are making impact… There is a huge lot of networking taking place. There is a lot of opportunities all over the world via the ICT and so we encourage our youths to stay back and lay their hands on these modern soft skills,” Ede said.

Award-winning TV broadcaster, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju bared his mind on the ample opportunity beckoning on incoming administration to change Nigeria for good. 

“We can never achieve the Nigeria of our dream if we don’t have the right leadership and we must be committed and ready for change. Such leaders must have the country’s interest at heart.The incoming administration has the opportunity to save Nigeria. If Tinubu is unable to change Nigeria, we will be in a big trouble. It should be the administration that must change Nigeria, not a change promised by politicians. We must deliver a country that must not permit a person to steal as much as N9billion or more.

“We must deliver a country that has hope for everyone. The incoming administration owes Nigerians that duty and responsibility,” he added.

He noted that culture is collapsing in our society and that there are evidence of decay, but urged Nigerians to be proud of the country.

“We have work to do, everyone must commit to its greatness. It is important to tell the incoming administration the truth to guide them. We need stronger institutions much more than the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make this a reality. The Japa syndrome isn’t a Nigerian challenge alone, because Egypt also suffered the same.” 

CEO, SABA Resources, Dr. James Komolafe, in his paper entitled: Mobilising Nigerians for national rebirth, extoled the virtues of Nigerian culture, saying it is the corner stone of the nation’s development.

“Until Nigerians get to a round table to deliver our triangle we have not started at all. And the common denominator by which we can hatch it is culture- who we are and what we are in order to produce what we want.  This is internal substitution method. We are looking for Nigeria who will clear the necessary framework in order to set a new fire work ablaze in Nigeria. We have them in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest Southsouth, Southeast and Northcentral. Tell me any part of Nigeria that is not thickly enriched in solid minerals like Magnesium, coal, oil, gold… Nigeria is so deep and so full of cultural values.”

The session was moderated by Bonat JoabTagwai. 

In a 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the discussions, the followings were recommended to the incoming administration. “All critical agencies of government and non-governmental organisations should work in synergy to propagate and promote our core national values and behavioural orientation that can engender national development.

“There is the need to encourage religious dialogue, emphasise our common humanity, uphold the constitutional provisions that seek to promote religious tolerance.

“Sanction those who promote religious intolerance, hate and violence while cross-cultural awareness is promoted.

 “Social problems such as unemployment, high cost of living, drug abuse and addiction which are key drivers of violence should be addressed by relevant agencies of government.

“Sustained public awareness should be mounted to draw attention to the risk involved in Japa Syndrome and enlighten our youths on the vast potentials for greatness in Nigeria.

“The media should de-emphasise undue publicity about JAPA and dissuade our youths from embarking on this potentially dangerous search for unavailable greener pasture.

“The need to pay closer attention to programmes that target the growth and development of our youths and step-up youth mentoring and modeling so that our youth can take advantage of such programmes to actualise their potentials.  

“While recognising the critical relevance of this programme, it was recommended that it should be cascaded to the local government level to enable the rural populace benefit,” according to the communiqué.

The session also resolved: “Good governance is of paramount importance to nation building. Accordingly, the incoming administration should appoint leaders with skills and capacities to positions of authority and not base appointments on political patronage or other identity factors.

“Government should build strong institutions manned with people imbued with the right values and strong characters such as honesty, personal integrity and patriotism.

“Culture and Tourism should be a stand-alone Ministry different from the Ministry of Information so that adequate attention can be paid to the important issues of promoting our cultural values. 

“We should project Nigeria as a place to be, build confidence in our youths, promote small and medium scale enterprises, emphasize the dignity in labour and encourage patronage in made in Nigeria goods.” 

Since the passing on of Pa J. D. Okhai Ojeikere, Nigeria’s legendary documentary photographer on February 2, 2014, younger generations of curators, scholars and artists have been active in promoting the local art scene, making Nigeria one of the leading countries for contemporary art in Africa. This is perhaps no better tribute to the legacy of Pa Ojeikere.

One of such artists who are expanding the photography genre is Laila Cadne-Rahman, a young multi-disciplinary artist, beauty entrepreneur and makeup artist. Unlike Ojeikere who took inventory of thousands of his famed pictures of gravity-defying hair, emphasising the sculptural forms of Nigerian hair design into a book, Laila chooses models to recreate some of these old and famed hairstyles in Lagos, as her population for a photography exhibition.

Speaking at an interactive session in Lagos, Laila, a graduate of Microbiology, University of Lagos, said the essence of her photo series/film documentary project tagged: The beauty in its time, is to celebrate the art, the diversity and richness of beauty in the Nigerian culture through the medium of hair and makeup. 

“The project will not only celebrate the diversity and richness but also the art form of hair and makeup. The exhibition will feature a series of portraits showcasing a wide range of hairstyles emphasising the versatility and beauty of Nigerian hairstyles as well as educate viewers about cultural significance of the hairstyles from different eras in Nigerian history as well as highlighting the role that hair plays in African culture,” she said. 

She noted that she chose to recreate the periods under review by using models who she photographed for the exhibition, adding that ‘we are doing this in grades to depict the time those hairdos were in vogue in Lagos.’ 

On the size and reason for the population being researched, she said: “We are focusing on Lagos because it will be pretty impossible to cover the entire country. But, it will be interesting to cover more cities so as to capture what things were then. Again, while on the field, it was difficult getting sources to share their experiences, especially style editors and writers of old. I literarily worked with people’s time.

“The 15-minute documentary part of the project afforded me the opportunity to interrogate pancake as a popular makeup product of the 60s. I actually got inspiration from my mother who was a banker but paid serious attention to make-up especially her hairdo.

“Unfortunately, not much was found as archival materials to fall on. However, the interesting thing is that the project will generate fresh dialogue and interrogation as well as social dialogue,” Laila said, assuring that as soon as it is premiered it will be available on YouTube. 

Continuing, she said: “The documentary got bigger than I planned. It kept expanding in scope and time. This is why I will be considering beauty and skin care as follow-up to the documentary …

“Makeup was how I started expressing myself professionally. I chose to do the documentary of between 10 to 15mins, and a photo exhibition to capture the fond memories of the fashion scene, especially makeup and hairdo. But, I realised that having done this, there are still much to capture because of the volume of what I found in the cause of research on the field.”

Curator of the exhibition Ugonna Ibe, who is excited about the concept of the project, said the Art Gallery space at The Art Hotel, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, will host the premier on Sunday.

 According to a statement by Ibe, the project was conceived to among others, to document the journey of beauty in Lagos, place beauty brands in the forefront of the documentation, celebrate and document the strength, beauty, confidence of Nigerian women and how it evolved over time, explore the cultural significance and western influences on our beauty choices in hair and makeup. It is also meant to show similarities between the older forms as well as the modern forms of hairstyling/makeup applications and the reintroduced hairstyles/significant makeup techniques into today’s style/fashion and create a swell feeling of nostalgia to get people intrigued in order to explore and change the outlook of documentary storytelling in the film industry.

Interestingly, “African hair-braiding methods date back to thousands of years, and Nigerian hair culture in particular is a rich and often extensive process which begins in childhood. The methods and variations have been influenced by social and cultural patterns, historical events and globalisation. Hairdos range from being purely decorative to conveying deeper, more symbolic meanings, revealing social status and age as well as tribal and family traditions”. 

Laila is the head makeup artist at Laila Cadne Atelier, a makeup outfit in Lagos. She made her debut in film making career in 2018 with a short film documentary entitled: MMA NMA – Beauty of a mother, which went on to show at African International Film Festival (AFRIFF). She released another project called ANTI in 2019, which was a short story.

She has worked with notable brands, including Guaranty Trust Bank, Gionee, Pernord Ricard, Wema Bank, Toshiba, Godrej-Darling and Mega Growth Nigeria, Blank Magazine United Kingdom, Jumia and Canon.

The race  for this year’s Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG  Limited (NLNG) has  recorded a remarkable 61 per cent increase in entries  for drama with 143 entries  as against 89 received in 2018. 

 This was made known at a ceremony in Lagos where the entries were handed over to judges for the commencement of adjudication.

  NLNG, represented by its General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Andy Odeh, handed over the entries to the Chair of the Prize’s Advisory Board, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, who, in turn, handed them the entries to the judges.

  The Prize rotates yearly among four literary categories: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. The entrants will compete for a top prize of $100,000.

   The Advisory Board also handed over 13 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.

  The panel of judges for this year’s Literature and the Literary Criticism contests are chaired by Prof. Ameh Dennis Akoh, a Professor of Drama and Critical Theory at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State.

Other members include Prof. Osita Catherine Ezenwanebe and Dr Rasheedah Liman. Ezenwanebe is a professor of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos. Liman is a Senior lecturer, Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. Prof. Victor K. Yankah from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, serves as the International Consultant for the edition. 

Speaking on the entries, Mr. Odeh said: ”The Prize serves as a stimulus for Nigerian writers to strive for excellence, and we are proud to see an increase in entries this year for drama. We believe that through this prize, we are promoting Nigerian literature and encouraging the growth of the literary industry in the country. We are confident that the judges and Advisory Board will do due diligence to produce a verdict based on merit and excellence, and we hope to see a worthy winner of the Prize at the end of the cycle. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, and the Nigeria Prize for Science – being the only platform for information regarding the prizes, winners, and the adjudication process.’’  

Adimora-Ezeigbo emphasised the importance of literature in driving development in Nigeria. She said: “Literature is a powerful tool that can drive development in our society. As we begin the adjudication process for this year’s Nigeria Prize for Literature, I urge the judges to use this opportunity to elevate literature and bring it to the forefront of the development discourse in Nigeria. The entries we have received are a testament to the vibrant literary scene in the country, and we hope to see a winner that truly represents the best of Nigerian literature.” 

The event also had other members of the Advisory Board, Prof. Olu Obafemi and Prof. Ahmed Yerima, including the Acting Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs (NLNG), Yemi Adeyemi; prize’s Chairman, Prof Akoh and other judges, Prof. Ezenwanebe and Dr Liman.

Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa,  Ambassador Haruna Manta said he is impressed with the high profile intervention on joint Africa tourism prosperity by National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), noting that the association cannot be ignored in the quest to address tourism trade matters in Nigeria nay Africa. 

 Ambassador  Manta, who spoke at a  sideline interview after a farewell dinner  organised by the Nigerian High Commission in  South Africa for NANTA delegates and their partners from the Tour Operators Union of Ghana ( TOUGHA) held at Hotel Sky in Johannesburg,  last Saturday said that the determination of NANTA to bring about change to the narratives of intra African tourism,  resonates with the dreams of most African people. He noted that collaboration rather than individualism is the way to go in defining the prospects of intra African cultural tourism trade and business opportunities. 

 “We are certainly proud of NANTA for this collaboration with TOUGHA, which was endorsed by South Africa Tourism. At the embassy, we are always happy to receive Nigerian business trade groups, coming to South Africa to discuss business collaborations with groups here and by such efforts, we rekindle hope in the Nigeria and South Africa relationships, which over time has brought both countries and people together,” he noted 

 On the difficulty in obtaining visas to Nigeria,   the ambassador explained that the process is being addressed and with the expected posting more Nigerian immigration personnel to South Africa, the overwhelming pressure of visa requests by those wishing to visit Nigeria will ease out over time. 

 “These are issues which were on the table when our president and that of South Africa met not too long ago, and the whole idea is to tackle the issues with diplomatic understanding. At the commission here, we receive lots of visa requests that will take more hands to handle, but I like said, it is an issue that we confidentially expect that should be resolved,” Ambassador Manta said.    Describing the NANTA initiative as octane to future trade professionals’ collaboration and partnership, Ambassador Manta stated that it is difficult to deny visas to groups as suspicious profiling usually administered to an individual will not be applied to collaborative and united efforts in the mold of NANTA initiative. 

 “An individual as against a corporate effort may arouse immigration detailed profiling particularly when the individual may have enough funds to channel his visit and to which such pecuniary luxury may attract immigration deep  examination as against spending by groups to an economy or destination which usually gets positive nods from host nations.” Ambassador Haruna Manta stated, adding that for every South African group or  individual  that visits Nigeria,  there are possibilities to many trade groups from Nigeria,  will be welcomed to South Africa thus enabling the trade relations and opportunities for Africa to Africa shared prosperity.

On February 12, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. Since then, the world has continued to mark the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism  It was adopted to raise awareness about the threats linked to violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism and to enhance international cooperation among member states. Recently, the world marked the day with little or no activity in some countries, including Nigeria. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

In pursuit of its Resolution 77/243, the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the primary responsibility of member states and their national institutions in countering terrorism. It also underlined the important role of inter-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, academia, religious and community leaders and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism.

It also reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.

A UN Plan of Action was initiated as a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalise and join violent extremist groups.

This concerted action by the international community also provides more than 70 recommendations to member states and the United Nations system to prevent the further spread of violent extremism.

The concern of United Nations

  According to a UN report, violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts. Violent extremism is a diverse phenomenon, without a clear definition.

“It is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of belief. Nevertheless, in recent years, terrorist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped our image of violent extremism and the debate on how to address this threat.

“These groups’ message of intolerance—religious, cultural, social—has had drastic consequences for many regions of the world. Holding territory and using social media for real-time communication of their atrocious crimes, they seek to challenge our shared values of peace, justice and human dignity.

“The spread of violent extremism has further aggravated an already unprecedented humanitarian crisis which surpasses the boundaries of any one region. Millions of people have fled the territory controlled by terrorist and violent extremist groups.

“Migratory flows have increased both away, from, and towards the conflict zones-involving those seeking safety and those lured into the conflict as foreign terrorist fighters, further destabilising the regions concerned.

“Nothing can justify violent extremism but we must also acknowledge that it does not arise in a vacuum. Narratives of grievance, actual or perceived injustice, promised empowerment and sweeping change become attractive where human rights are being violated, good governance is being ignored and aspirations are being crushed,” the report added.

Unimpressive first anniversary

 How far did member-states perform at the maiden edition of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism was marked recently?

Nigeria, similar to many countries, did not mark the day, thus showing a lack of political will and seeming apathy to the implementation of the Plan of Action, especially in creating awareness.

Apart from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria Office’s participation in a radio programme that discussed the importance of the Day, the Federal Government and its ministries, departments and agencies; particularly the Office of National Security Adviser (NSA) did nothing in this regard.

In fact, this day went unnoticed. Yet, terrorist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have wreaked havoc in most Northern parts of Nigeria.

In a recent survey by Statista, between 2011 and 2022, Boko Haram was responsible for thousands of deaths in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Nigeria is most affected by terrorist groups’ attacks. States in the Northeast register the highest number of deaths. Borno is, by far, the most threatened state, in that Boko Haram has caused about 35,646 deaths in the state.

Seven of the Northern states-Borno, Plateau (3,359), Zamfara (5,747), Kaduna (5,462), Adamawa (4,097), Benue (3,774), and Yobe (3,176) were the most affected recording no fewer than 61, 261 deaths between 2011 and 2022.

Within its mandate on crime prevention, UNODC supports member states to prevent violent extremism that is conducive to terrorism.

The Project Coordinator, Counter-Terrorism Programming, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr Tom Parker, in an online interview, said worldwide deaths from terrorism have declined over the past five years, but attacks in Sub-Saharan Africa region have more than doubled since 2016.

He noted that unfortunately, Sub-Saharan Africa has become the global epicentre of violent extremist activity.

“Indeed, in 2021, almost half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he added.

He described terrorism as a complex phenomenon, in which each individual has a range of reasons and influences that bear upon his or her decision to join an extremist group.

According to Parker, some of these drivers are personal in nature and are rooted in individual growth and experience–these include what psychologists term the quest for significance or status, but also negative experiences at the hands of the state or, perhaps, other segments of society.

“Other drivers can be situational–such as the social networks an individual is a part of, both in the community or online, or perhaps a day-to-day reality of systemic social exclusion driven by structural barriers such as institutional racism, poverty, or religious or class-based prejudice, which deprive the individual of the opportunity to build a better life.

“However, a sense of justified grievance is a unifying theme of terrorist groups. Sometimes these grievances are misplaced, but often they may have a kernel of truth. The wise state tries to understand the grievances presented and, if there is some legitimacy to them, will seek to find ways to try to acknowledge and address them.

“Violence often erupts when enough people can no longer see any way out of the desperate situation they find themselves in. Despite the popular perception, terrorist violence is rarely actually senseless,” he added.

On how helpful traditional counter-terrorism mechanisms in the new awareness can drive counter-terrorism, Parker said: “There will always be a role for physical security measures and traditional law enforcement activity in countering terrorism. Experience has taught us that this alone is not enough, terrorist and violent extremist threats require a more holistic, all of government response.

“It is also important to understand that the use of force is often a major driver of terrorist recruitment and that if it does become necessary to use force, it is used lawfully, reasonably and proportionately. As the founder of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud famously remarked, ‘every drone strike brings me three or four new suicide bombers.’”

Reacting to claims by some member states that certain states engage in acts of aggression against sovereign peoples and commit flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law under the flag of the supposed fight against terrorism, he noted that there are examples of counter-terrorism legislation being used to stifle political opposition.

“It is undoubtedly true that around the world we have seen examples of counter-terrorism legislation being used to stifle political opposition or to imperil certain human rights protections, including the legitimate acts of self-expression or protest.

“The UN Special Rapporteurs have repeatedly warned states against this. Such actions on the part of the government typically only serve to exacerbate tensions and contribute to further insecurity. We know from extensive academic research–and from more than 150 years of practical experience-that human rights abuse and the experience of violence at the hands of the state are one of the main drivers, if not the main driver, of terrorism,” Parker said.

 Preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism through sports

 According to the UN report, violent extremism that leads to terrorism seriously threatens international peace and security.

“The progression to violent extremism is often a journey marked by marginalisation, lack of opportunities, and grievances with the state. Terrorist groups exploit and recruit the socio-economically vulnerable. We work with member states to support them with responses to prevent crime, including violent extremists leading to terrorism,” it said.

It also believes that sports can change the world, as famous footballers and grassroots game changers alike said at a roundtable discussion, highlighting a new UN podcast series to mark the first International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism.

“Sports have the power to convey essential values of respect, inclusion, and solidarity,” said Mauro Miedico, the Deputy Director and Chief of the Special Projects and Innovation branch at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).

“When applied in tandem with wider preventing violent extremism (PVE) strategies, it can work against the drivers of radicalisation which lead to violent extremism.”

Speakers at the roundtable demonstrated the power of sports in overcoming the devastating impact of war, displacement and strife facing millions at a time when terrorist groups such as ISIL (or Dae’sh), Al-Qaida and Boko Haram are still spreading messages of religious, cultural and social intolerance.

Isabella Echeverri, a Colombian football player and Ambassador for the Save the Dream Movement, said athletes are role models on and off the pitch.

“In sports, it is important to respect your opponents, to be loyal to your team, to show integrity by managing a tough loss, and courage and humility when you win a game.

“When we leave the pitch, we can use our platforms to inspire and help young people, for instance, to show respect, love their bodies, be kind to other people, be aware of mental health issues, eat better, and exercise.”

 The Iraqi example

 At the UN in Iraq, prevention and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism is a priority and an integrated approach is required to ensure sustainable community solutions.

According to reports, ensuring factors that contribute to economic marginalisation and inequality are addressed, and the provision of mental health support and livelihood opportunities is crucial to mitigating the risks of violent extremism.

“Violent extremism in Iraq has led to widespread devastation and mass displacement, with marginalised groups such as women, children, young people and people with disabilities disproportionately affected. As part of efforts to build peace and mitigate factors that compel people to leave their area or country of origin, the UN in Iraq supports a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address underlying factors, drivers, and motives that could contribute to increasing the risk of violent extremism, including through support to national and sub-national government actors and civil society organisations to devise and implement plans of action and interventions to identify and address these risk factors.

The UN in Iraq, in partnership with the government of Iraq, is committed to supporting women and children, religious leaders, youths, educators, local authorities, civil society, and all members of Iraqi communities to prevent violent extremism and promote peaceful co-existence.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai said: “This international day represents an opportunity for us to acknowledge the dangers of violent extremism and raise awareness on activities and interventions to prevent it. We all have a part to play in preventing violent extremism, and the United Nations in Iraq is working with the government of Iraq to involve a cross-section of society in advocacy and preventative measures.

“Together, we must keep working to address the marginalisation, lack of livelihood opportunities, and spread of discourse that is conducive to violent extremism in Iraq.

“The idea for this day was presented by the Iraqi representative to the United Nations. Thus, it is very important to us.’’

The National Committee for the Prevention of Violent Extremism believes that this day will open horizons for international cooperation, agreements and memorandums of understanding, and coordination on capacity building. We hope to continue to work closely with the international community on this important topic,” said Ali Abdullah Al-Badiri, chairman, National Committee on the Implementation of the Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism in Iraq.