The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • 210 girls attend UNIC summer camp

    To underscore the importance of empowering women and girls, the UN Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, has engaged over 200 girls at a summer camp in Lagos. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

    Summer is here again. And the fun has just begun. It’s another camping season for kids.

    Within the education circle in Nigeria, this period is widely known as “long vacation” during which students and their parents engage in some pre-determined activities locally and abroad.

    While many pupils have gone on vacation with their parents, after a tedious academic year, others are in camps developing their skills and nourishing their interests without hurting their academic studies.

    The latter, according to the Director of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Lagos, Mr Ronald Kayanja, is in line with the United Nations Strategic Framework for the Post-2015 Agenda, especially the “Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No 5”, which dwells on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.

    Against this background, the ‘Yes I believe Academy’, a strategic partner of UNIC, Lagos, organised a summer camp for 210 girls aged between 10 and 18 years.

    Tagged: Summer skills acquisition workshop, the one-week programme featured various trainings, including those on beadworks, shoemaking, makeup and soft furnishing.

    Mr Ronald Kayanja, who addressed the participants in Lagos, observed that skill acquisition was a life-time gift which should be embraced by everyone who had the opportunity to get one. Attending camps like the just-concluded one, according to UNIC Lagos Director, have a positive impact on the future of children.

    Commending parents of the participants for sending their children to the camp, he applauded the pupils for being a part of the programme.

    In addition, he spoke about the works and history of the United Nations, especially its 70th anniversary, noting that it is in line with the UN Strategic Framework for the Post-2015 Agenda.

    The participants were pupils of Gbagada Girls Junior Secondary School, Bariga, Lagos.

    In his remarks, the Executive Director of ‘Yes I Believe Academy’, Mr Niyi Adekunle,  said the children demonstrated high level of seriousness and commitment to learning specific skills within the days of training.

    “I am highly impressed,” Mr Kayanja said.

    Later, in company of the facilitators, Mr Adekunle conducted the UNIC team, lead by its director, round the exhibition of some of the products produced by the participants.

     

  • Nigeria Breweries unveils 12 art finalists

    Nigeria Breweries unveils 12 art finalists

    I came to Lagos in 2001 broke. As a young artist, I approached Biodun Olaku, an older artist, to ask him how I would survive on art. He told me to come back in five years time to get an answer. But, four years later, I met him again and he recognied me, saying he has changed his mind to tell me the answer to my question. I told him I am no longer interested in the answer and that I have gotten the answer. That’s the spirit, he said to me.”

    These were the words of 2008 winner of African Artists Foundation/Nigerian Brewery Plc-organised National Art Competition, Emmanuel Dudu, while answering a question on how he found his feet in the Lagos art scene in 2001.

    Today, Dudu has not only succeeded in his career but he has also become a role model for younger artists. After a successful group exhibition at the Gallery 23 in Dubai, he has moved from being a local artist to an international one sought after by foreign and local art galleries.

    Dudu spoke at the unveiling of the 12 finalists of the eighth National Art Competition held at the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Lagos. The theme of this year’s competition is Future Histories.

    Unveiling the 12 finalists, NB Plc Corporate Affairs Adviser Mr Kufre Ekanem said the competition has been organised in the last eight years to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria as well as to raise awareness on relevant social issues through the use of diverse creative artistic expressions.

    The 12 finalists include Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Enejison, Chineneye Emelogu, Mariam Kazeem, May Okafor, Stacey Pkparavero and Komi Olafimihan. Others are Ngozi Omeje, Babatunde Oyeyemi, Folami Razaq and Sabastine Ugwuoke.

    Ekanem said with the competition, the organisers were projecting  arts as a tool for reengineering of society towards the objective of achieving progress for the nation.

    “This year’s edition is challenging budding artists to come up with interpretation to the theme, Future Histories. With this theme, our intention is to stimulate our participating artists to think literally about the social, political and cultural climate of their local communities while exploring their creativity,” he said.

    Director African Artists Foundation (AAF), Mr. Azu Nwagbogu, said the competition would continue to run on merit while pushing for increased awareness drive across the country.

    Reacting to the absence of artists from a section of the country in the final shortlist, he said the jurors gave no consideration to ethnic or regional affiliation in screening the entries.

    No fewer 200 entries were received from across the country out of which 12 were shortlisted. The panel of judges led by Prof El Anatsui considered each proposal on the grounds of its originality, creativity and clarity in relation to the theme.

    The description of materials and technique submitted in each artist’s application is also considered by the jurors and is an important tool for sharing unique aspects of the creative process and the works represented.

    Following the selection of the artists, they held a retreat from August 3 to 5, during which they participated in workshop that focused on exchange of ideas among others. The retreat will be followed by three-month within which the artists will execute their final projects.

    First prize winner of the three finalists will get N2million, solo art exhibition and a trip to Dubai while the second and third place winner get the outstanding concept and outstanding prizes of 1million naira each.

    This year’s competition is being supported by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and Samsung Electronics West Africa.

     

  • Ogakwu’s Illimite holds at Terra Kulture

    Ogakwu’s Illimite holds at Terra Kulture

    Illimite, a solo art exhibition by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tresor D’Afrique, Chinedu Ogakwu, has held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. It showcased his latest creative works.

    The subject of the exhibition is premised on the fact that the mind of an artist is  unrestricted in terms of ideas, media and styles of artistic expression.

    Ogakwu said the theme was informed by the notion that the arts, as forms of creative beauty, are really everywhere, and that there is art in whatever we find ourselves doing as humans.

    The 40-year-old mixed-media  painter and holder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in painting from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, started painting at six.

    Ogakwu’s Afrocentric art company, Tresor D’Afrique, which implies Treasures of Africa, is focused on producing artistic works that are mostly historical and cultural in nature. These works, according to him, convey strong messages as they relate to the primitive life of an African man. “My vision as an artist is to really remind Africans and the world at large of the former’s root and cultural heritage which should not be allowed to fade away,” he urges humanity.

    On the guiding philosophy of his style of artistic expression, he remarks: “The life we live is also an art … the exhibition explains the unlimitedness of our talents in a general perspective. We all think and live a common life, but in our own unique ways. This makes you different from the other person.”

    Professionally, the Tresor D’Afrique CEO, who discloses that his greatest influence in the arts are Messrs Segun Aiyesan and Olusegun Adejumo has continued to learn unconventional ways of using various materials while honing necessary skills to advance productivity in his trade. “My artistic process has continued to develop and undergo many transformations,” Ogakwu says with enthusiasm.

    Ogakwu,  a member of professional groups, including Pan-African Circle of Artists, Imago Mundi Artists, Society of Nigerian Artists and Port-Harcourt/Enugu Messenger Group of Artists, has participated in various solo group exhibitions in Nigeria and overseas. Such exhibitions include ‘Stone Age: As Old as Man’ at Sofas Furniture /Art gallery (2013); ‘Chronicles of Truth’ at My Drim Art Gallery; ‘Solidarity and Sharing’ at Total Village, Port-Harcourt; ‘Art in Minded’ at Bricklane Gallery, London, UK; ‘Africa and Post Coloniality 2’ at  Dakart Biennal, Senegal; ‘Lagos Art Auction’, in Lagos, all in 2014.

    His past exhibitions include those held at the Art Fusion Gallery, in Miami,Florida, United States; Monument de la RenaissanceAfricaine, Senegal;National Art Gallery, Lagos; National Museum of Unity, Enugu; Nike Art Gallery, Lagos; as well as The British Council, Alliance Francaise, Ofu Obi African Centre, in Enugu.

     

     

  • Isese festival kicks off today

    Isese festival kicks off today

    The Isese Festival of Oke-Odo land in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Government Area of Lagos State begins today, the Baale, Dada Saliu Babatunde, has said.

    The celebrations, which will climax tomorrow, will feature diverse cultural activities and displays at the Baale Palace.

    Baale Dada said the essence of the feast is to promote their cultural heritage, adding that the safety of indigenes and guests throughout the celebrations is uppermost in the agenda of this year’s festival.

    He made the statements while receiving youths of the community on courtesy visit to his palace.

    The Baale, who addressed his guests in Yoruba, praised the youth for their courage and enthusiasm in the forthcoming festival, promising them an exciting festival that is different from the previous years.

    He said: “Arrangement has being made to ensure the security and safety of both the indigenes and the visitors. The people have nothing to fear but to pray for the peaceful hosting of the festival. We holding the festival to promote culture and bring harmony and common interaction for unity of the communities and the state at large.”

  • Honours for founding fathers

    Honours for founding fathers

    They were there when it all started. They gave their all to make it work. Fifty years on, their efforts have etched an enduring legacy in the world of arts, giving birth to an outstanding edifice for all to see. Welcome to the grand celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), which feted its founding fathers and others who have contributed to its advancement over the years. EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

    It was a banquet of awards. It was a feast of creativity garnished with professionalism. The masters came to dine and wine – the takings, a gold-plated key.

    The week-long feast of music, comedy, play, seminar and exhibition climaxed with the awards of excellence to founding fathers and others.

    As they arrived at the Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), they scanned the edifice. It is the Department of Creative Arts reloaded. They beamed with pride – their years of commitment and perseverance have paid off.

    They smiled and walked into the department’s Theatre Complex, with heads raised in poised satisfaction. Past memories kept flooding back. They were home with honours.

    Full with dignitaries, especially from the arts and entertainment worlds, and students, a grand reception was awaiting them. This was the day they dreamed 50 years ago. They beamed at protégés and students in acknowledgement as they were cheered to their exclusive seats. The ovation was at its loudest as they took their seats.

    “Welcome home!” screamed the compere, Mr Olatunji Sotimirin a teacher in the department. “We are proud, honoured and happy to have you with us.”

    And the masters and founding fathers, Prof E.J. Alagoa; Eze Ijikala II, Prof Edward Nnanyelu Laz Ekwueme and Prof  Abayomi Barber, nodded in response. Each had played key roles in ensuring the creative legacy lived on. Alagoa was the first director of Centre for Cultural Studies; Ekwueme was the first Head of the Department and Barber built the department of Visual Arts and after retirement, remained a point of reference.

    Along with others who had made immense contributions to the growth of the department, they were treated to a feast tagged:  Homecoming cum “Grand Celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts”.

    The award recipients were divided into four groups: former lecturers/directors that contributed department’s growth. In addition to the founding fathers, they included Prof Akin Euba; Prof Ebun Clark, two-time director of the Centre for Cultural Studies; Prof Dele Jegede; Prof Bode Osanyin, who was represented by Lilian Osanyin; Prof A.V.E. Anthony V. Ekwemezie Mereni;  Prof Duro Oni,  who served as Director and later as Head of Department; and others served either as directors of the Center for Cultural Studies or as Head of Department, and Prof Abayomi Sherriffdeen Adetoro.  The contributions of General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya; Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and Chief Yemisi Shyllon earned them the “excellence award”; while Mr Demola Olayiwola’s meritorious service to both the Center of Cultural Studies and the Department of Creative Arts got him “long service award”.

    The department also honoured journalists who had done their bit. The Nation’s Assistant Editor (Arts), Mr Ozolua Uhakheme was part of the last group of recipients. Others included former Sunday Editor of The Guardian, Mr Jahman Anikulapo; Mrs Tolulope Lamidi of Television Continetal; Mr Tajudeen  Sowole of The Guardian and Ms Chioma Okpara of Nigerian  Television Authority (NTA).

    The feast brought together former lecturers and past students. They were elated to meet with their predecessors. It also featured performances from the former students, who have become icons in the entertainment industry.

    When in 1975, the authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) established the Centre for Cultural Studies that later metamorphorsed into Department of Creative Arts, they did not imagine how far it would go. But those men did. They gave their sweat and blood, envisioning a future where their products would rule the arts world. And so, for Igwe Ekwueme, now a monarch, and his contemporaries, it was more like a “harvest of dreams”.

    “I am very glad to be here today. We have come a long way from where we started. Fifty years after, I am proud to be honoured and be asked to be part of this. We have performed greatly and produced many excellent performers in whatever genre – all icons in their own rights.

    “This centre has taken tours to different parts of the world. I hope the department would continue to grow from strength. I am proud that here are members of the certificate class that rose to be profession and great artistes and icons,” he said.

    Recounting the old days, the traditional ruler said it was not an easy task, ensuring that high standards were maintained.

    He recalled: “It was rough then but we were determined. It gives me special pleasure to see Abayomi after a long time because even before there was Creative Arts Department, there was African and Oriental Studies and from this small school was formed, the Centre for Cultural Studies.

    “There was the late Ayo Bankole, myself and Alagoa, later others were added to us and we then started the Performing Arts Troupe in 1974, and 1975, Centre for Cultural Studies was born. It is good to see what our efforts had become.”

    After leaving UNILAG for the Niger Delta, Alagoa said his experience at the institution paid off. “Coming back here, the memories of the time when I was here all come back to me. I am glad at what it has grown into. Moving from Lagos to the Niger Delta, it was like another country, but the experience I gathered from here were very useful,” he said.

    Former lecturers and students also shared the experiences. It was the old versus the new as each sought to outdo the others in their reminiscences. But the performance/recollection of popular comedians, Helen Paul and “Princess” Damilola and Wole, graduates of the department, were particularly engaging.

    Wole took guest down memory lane. While declaring the greatness of the contemporary and future artistes that the department would yet produce, he reminded guest of its great past. Guests sang with him, Abe Igi Orombo, when he sang  some popular Yoruba folksongs and nursery rhymes.

    While Comedian and DSTV host Paul involved the audience in a mind game by mimicking different lectures in voice and action, Princess encouraged young ones to keep their dreams alive by paying attention to the teachings of their lecturers.

    “Theatre is now very  sweet and easy. But in our time it wasn’t so. We were competing with others for space. We were drilled and tasked; and would in most cases rehearse under trees and in the open because of space. Today all that has changed,” Paul said.

    Princess said: “The trainings I got from this place are what have kept me going. At that time, I hated it because they were tedious; the lecturers would drill you. But in the end the trainings I received have taught me discipline and determination.”

    Olota, thrilled guests with his performance of a popular hymn, Then Sing my Soul and the late Bankole’s Iya, saying: it gives me great pleasure to be back home.

    The award ceremony, like other activities marking the Homecoming, was meant to bring together “those who have worked so hard to create the foundation on which the department is built”. It also marked the end of the tenure of the Acting Head of Department, Dr Peju Layiwola, which was from August 1, 2013 to July, 31, 2015.

    Having produced alumni that have distinguished themselves in the fields of music, performing arts and the visual arts, Layiwola said the occasion was also a scorecard for the department and reflection on the progress it has made.

    She said: “It is a time for us to recall institutional memory and in many ways thank those who have invested time and resources in shaping and people since 1975. We are celebrating the homecoming of several persons who have served in the Department of Creative Arts and also others who contributed immensely to the old Centre for Cultural Studies from which the Department evolved in 1997.

    “This event is coming at the close of my tenure as Acting Head of Department The multilayered event heralds our entry into the new Creative Arts Complex, a complex which has the most iconic mural in the University of Lagos.”

    While listing the names of its alumni, Dr Layiwola added: “The award is shaped as a key. This is metaphoric of the awardees valuable contributions to humanity. Speaking metaphorically, they are the keys that have and is shaping many lives. Notable amongst these alumni are Patricia Uwaje-King of the midnight Crew Fame; Famed classical act, Pat King of the Midnight  Crew  fame, Olota; Seun Olota; Mo Cheddah, Femi Brainard; Pricess Tessy Iyase-Odozi; Wole Ojo; Kachi Nochiri; Seun Ajayi; Princess; Paul, Mercy Aigbe; Segun Adefila; Dare Art Alade; Stella Damascus and many more.”

    Also, 40 popular arts/entertainment icons also received honourary mention, including the late Afolabi Alaja- Browne; Dr Sheri Ajasin; Stella Monye; Olu Adeniregun; Amos Oludotun; Olu Amoda; Ras Kimono; Cybil Amuta Kimono; Richard Bucknor; Francis Igboke and Margaret Henshaw Dacosta.

    Other activities of marking the Homecoming events include lectures on Traditional Textile/Contemporary Art by Art Historian and Research Fellow at Boston University and Clark University United States, Prof Jean Borgatti; and What about Art Markets in Lagos (Early XXIth Century) by Dr Emmanuelle Spiesse Fourchard, a Research Associate lecturer and, LAM of Bordeaux (Science Politiques). There was also art confab introspection on Dele Jegede at 70 by the Society of Nigerian Artist (SNA). Bolaji Ogunwo’s Art Exhibition also held at the Theatre Complex. There two performances on different days: Felix Okolo’s The Walking Stick as directed by Felix Emoruwa and Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest by Crown Troupe of Africa.

     

  • Benue to support Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre

    Benue to support Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre

    After decades of neglect, Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre is being considered by the Benue State government as a priority tourism project for development, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports. 

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has promised to support the Aokpe Prilgrimage Centre, near Ugbokolo.

    He spoke at the 21st anniversary of the centre at the Our Lady of Aokpe Mediatrix of All Ages.

    Ortom, who was represented by Director of Tourism, Mrs Dooter Ajoko, reiterated his administration’s commitment to promote  tourism, saying that the government takes pilgrimage seriously and has spent much on sponsoring people on pilgrimage.

    He said tourism is a big money spinner which can boost the economic fortunes of a country.

    He said indices abound of what countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Bahamas and cities like Calabar benefit from their investment in tourism.

    He stressed that time had come for a diversification of the economy from the mono-oil economy to a multi-economy and that tourism is one of the preferred sectors.

    “The Aokpe apparition ground has become a prominent religious tourist site/destination that deserves international attention and which I believe the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation would project considering its significance as a pilgrimage centre. The importance of pilgrimage to Christianity and Islamic religion cannot be over-emphaised. If you consider the volume of pilgrims who troop to Mecca, Jerusalem and Rome for pilgrimage viz-a-viz the monetary value on the economy, and you imagine that replicated here in Aopke, not only would the rural economy get a boost but the state and country at large would benefit from the multiplier effects of these,” he said.

    Ortom stressed that as soon as the pilgrimage centre is authenticated, some of the pilgrims would come and perform their religious duties at Aopke, noting that government is very willing and ready to provide the necessary enabling environment for the realisation of authentication of Aokpe as a pilgrimage centre.

    Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Uwechue Mbanefo, said Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre is one of the many religious sites in Nigeria that needs to be promoted within and outside the country. She noted that NTDC in line with its statutory mandate recognises and identifies Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre as a religious tourism site worthy of recognition and onward publicity on the corporation’s website to attract more foreign pilgrims all over the globe.

    “This will form part of religious tourism like the Winners’ Shiloh and Redeemed Church convention which hold every December in Ota and Lagos respectively. In view of the importance of this site to the good people of Benue State, Aokpe community and Nigeria at large, I hereby approve and authenticate Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre as religious tourism site under the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act which encourages religious tourism in Nigeria,” she added.

    Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism Mr Sekav Dzua Iyortyom recalled that 20 years ago, the story of apparition in Aokpe of mother Mary started and her consistent appearance to Christiana Inebu Agbo.  He noted that there were apparitions in Mexico, France, Portugal, Egypt and Rwanda but that ‘our own joy today is that we are also recognised by nature to see with our own eyes what we used to hear.’

    “Today, as Aokpe comes on the Nigerian Tourism map, we should expect that the world would also come here to our door step just as we go to Israel and Mecca for pilgrimage. God in His infinite mercy has provided us what we have been praying for, it is now left for us to sustain it,” he added.

    Mrs. Ajoko assured that the government was determined to develop tourism as income from oil has continued to dwindle. She said tourism is one of the priority areas the new administration is given attention to generate income alongside agriculture, entrepreneurship development and creating enabling environment for industry to strive.

    She said Aokpe is of interest to the state because it has spent much money on pilgrims to abroad. “With Aokpe, government intends to promote it to encourage domestic tourism instead of spending foreign exchange on pilgrimage abroad. Unfortunately, not many people in Benue are aware of the centre at Aokpe. So, the government wants to promote and develop the centre,” she said.

    According to her, the state government has concluded plans to revive the Makurdi   airport and construct the access road to Aokpe recalling that past administrations in the state started the seven kilometre Ugbokolo-Aokpe  road project, which was abandoned. Mrs Ajoko praised Mrs Sally Mbanefo led Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) for the promotion of domestic tourism, which she said, has lots of multiplier effects on job creation.

    Director Benue State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr  Terseer Aernyi, assured that tourism can drive the economy because the state has all it takes – cuisine, dance and folklore to offer tourists. He however observed that for Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre to thrive, the road leading to it should be made accessible and conducive for pilgrims. He added that government is keen in turning the centre around as one of the best in Africa.

    On what kept the state troupe successful, he said: “We have had lots of encouragement from successive administrations. That has been our source of strength and it forces us to do more.”

    The visionary Mrs Christiana Agbo Ejeh, a lawyer, said the Blessed Virgin Mary started appearing to her since 1992 when she was 12 and that Virgin Mary told her She would appear on August 4, 1994 to bestow grace on her children.

    “Virgin Mary told me that every August 4 should be set aside to celebrate a special day of grace,” she said.

     

  • Nigeria Breweries unveils 12 art finalists

    Nigeria Breweries unveils 12 art finalists

    I came to Lagos in 2001 broke. As a young artist, I approached Biodun Olaku an older artist to ask him how  I would survive on art. He told me to come back in five years time to get an answer. But, 4 years later, I met him again and he recognied my face, saying he has changed his mind to tell me the answer to my question. I told him I am no longer interested in the answer and that I have gotten the answer. That’s the spirit, he said to me.”

    These were the words of 2008 winner of African Artists Foundation /Nigerian Brewery PLc’s organised National Art Competition Emmanuel Dudu in an answer to a question on how to found his feet in the Lagos art scene in 2001.

    Today, Dudu has not only succeeded in the art practice but has also become a role model for other younger artists. After a successful group art exhibition at the Gallery 23 in Dubai, he has moved from being a local artist to an international artist being sorted after by foreign and local art galleries. Dudu spoke at the unveiling of this year’s 12 finalists of the 8th National Art Competition held at the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Lagos. The theme of this year’s competition is, Future Histories.

    Unveiling the 12 finalists, NB Plc Corporate Affairs Adviser Mr Kufre Ekanem said the competition has been organised in the last eight years to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria as well as to raise awareness on relevant social issues through the use of diverse creative artistic expressions.

    The 12 finalists include Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Enejison, Chineneye Emelogu, Mariam Kazeem, May Okafor, Stacey Pkparavero and Komi Olafimihan. Others are Ngozi Omeje, Babatunde Oyeyemi, Folami Razaq and Sabastine Ugwuoke.

    Ekanem said with the competition, the organisers were projecting  arts as a tool for reengineering of society towards the objective of achieving progress for the nation.

    “This year’s edition is challenging budding artists to come up with interpretation to the theme, Future Histories. With this theme, our intention is to stimulate our participating artists to think literally about the social, political and cultural climate of their local communities while exploring their creativity,” he said.

    Director African Artists Foundation (AAF), Mr. Azu Nwagbogu, said the competition would continue to run on merit while pushing for increased awareness drive across the country.

    Reacting to the absence of artists from a section of the country in the final shortlist, he said the jurors gave no consideration to ethnic or regional affiliation in screening the entries.

    No fewer 200 entries were received from across the country out of which 12 were shortlisted. The panel of judges led by Prof El Anatsui considered each proposal on the grounds of its originality, creativity and clarity in relation to the theme.

    The description of materials and technique submitted in each artist’s application is also considered by the jurors and is an important tool for sharing unique aspects of the creative process and the works represented.

    Following the selection of the artists, they held a retreat from August 3 to 5, during which they participated in workshop that focused on exchange of ideas among others. The retreat will be followed by three-month within which the artists will execute their final projects.

    First prize winner of the three finalists will get N2million, solo art exhibition and a trip to Dubai while the second and third place winner get the outstanding concept and outstanding prizes of 1million naira each.

    This year’s competition is being supported by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and Samsung Electronics West Africa.

     

  • Ogakwu’s Illimite holds at Terra Kulture

    Ogakwu’s Illimite holds at Terra Kulture

    Illimite, a solo art exhibition by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tresor D’Afrique, Chinedu Ogakwu has held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos showcasing his latest creative works.

    The subject of the exhibition is premised on the fact that the mind of an artist is  unrestricted in terms of ideas, media and styles of artistic expression.

    Ogakwu said the theme was informed by the notion that the Arts, as forms of creative beauty, are really everywhere, and that there is art in whatever we find ourselves doing as humans.

    The 40-year-old mixed-media  painter and holder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in painting from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, started painting at age six.

    Ogakwu’s Afrocentric art company, Tresor D’Afrique, which implies Treasures of Africa, is focused on producing artistic works that are mostly historical and cultural in nature. These works, according to him, convey strong messages as they relate to the primitive life of an African man. “My vision as an artist is to really remind Africans and the world at large of the former’s root and cultural heritage which should not be allowed to fade away,” he urges humanity.

    On the guiding philosophy of his style of artistic expression, he remarks: “The life we live is also an art … the exhibition explains the unlimitedness of our talents in a general perspective. We all think and live a common life, but in our own unique ways. This makes you different from the other person.”

    Professionally, the Tresor D’Afrique CEO, who discloses that his greatest influence in the arts are Messrs Segun Aiyesan and Olusegun Adejumo has continued to learn unconventional ways of using various materials while honing necessary skills to advance productivity in his trade. “My artistic process has continued to develop and undergo many transformations,” Ogakwu says with enthusiasm.

    Ogakwu,  a member of professional groups, including Pan-African Circle of Artists, Imago Mundi Artists, Society of Nigerian Artists and Port-Harcourt/Enugu Messenger Group of Artists, has participated in various solo group exhibitions in Nigeria and overseas. Such exhibitions include ‘Stone Age: As Old as Man’ at Sofas Furniture /Art gallery (2013); ‘Chronicles of Truth’ at My Drim Art Gallery; ‘Solidarity and Sharing’ at Total Village, Port-Harcourt; ‘Art in Minded’ at Bricklane Gallery, London, UK; ‘Africa and Post Coloniality 2’ at  Dakart Biennal, Senegal; ‘Lagos Art Auction’, in Lagos, all in 2014.

    His past exhibitions include those held at the Art Fusion Gallery, in Miami,Florida, United States; Monument de la RenaissanceAfricaine, Senegal;National Art Gallery, Lagos; National Museum of Unity, Enugu; Nike Art Gallery, Lagos; as well as The British Council, Alliance Francaise, Ofu Obi African Centre, in Enugu.

     

  • Idanre Oke (for victims of bombings)

    Idanre Oke (for victims of bombings)

    poem

    O Rock of defence
    To you I bring my greed
    My lust goes out to thee

    I long to possess
    What you earnestly keep
    Forgive my thirst for thee

    I’d give my life
    To possess your peace
    I’d steal from you your bliss

    O let me drink from your alluring zest
    Now that death is near
    I see your beauty true and clear

    O let your shielding presence
    Hide me from man-made threat
    O save me from terrorist earth

    When time and night have come and passed
    Do preserve me from wear and tear
    That comes with passing of age and fear

  • ‘Battle for food security cannot be won by wishful thinking’

    ‘Battle for food security cannot be won by wishful thinking’

    Uduak Afangideh is a Biology professor and researcher (specialising on plant breeding and genetics) at the Faulkner University, Alabama, US. She is a member of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, the Agricultural Society of Nigeria and the Alabama Academy of Science. In 2011, Prof Afangideh initiated the first research and creativity day of the university, which has sparked interest in collaborative researches among different departments and with other universities in the states. She speaks with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME on the differences in education standard between Nigeria and US, why she returned to the US to teach, why Nigerian professors and students should be exposed to research techniques and resources available internationally and how Nigeria’s battle for food security can be won, among other issues. 

    You chaired Faulkner varsity’s first research and creativity day committee. What was the research about and what were your experiences?

    In spite of the fact that Faulkner has existed as a university for over 60 years, until a few years ago, it was primarily a teaching university.  With recent increase in post-graduate degrees in various fields, faculty members began to be involved in research in different disciplines.  In 2011, I presented a proposal to the university’s faculty board on the need for a university-wide research day, in which the faculty and students would showcase the research that they are involved in in their fields of study. The proposal was approved by the Board and I was made the chairman of the planning committee for Faulkner’s first Research and Creativity Day.  The event has been successfully hosted twice by the university; and in addition to creating an awareness of the different research areas at Faulkner University, it has sparked interest in collaborative research among different departments and with other universities. It has become a biennial event in the university and the next one is scheduled for March 2016.

    How do you feel getting your full professorship few years ago?

    Getting full professorship is a mighty feat in itself and considering that the promotion was achieved in a reputable American university, known for its high standard of scholarly activities, made it an even greater accomplishment.  I am aware that, like the scripture says, “promotion is not from the East or the West but from the Lord,” and so I give Him all the glory.

    You had your first and second degrees in the US before coming to work at Unical and got your Ph.D? What were the attractions returning to the US?

    After my Ph.D in Plant Breeding and Genetics, it became more and more obvious that the lack of sophisticated equipment, infrastructure, research materials and other resources would make it almost impossible to carry out meaningful research in Nigeria.  My desire was to grow in my field and to form meaningful connections with international geneticists and I knew this would be difficult to do unless I looked beyond the borders of Nigeria.  When the opportunity came to travel back to the United States, I embraced it with the full support of my Department at UNICAL.

    You were among three that got full professorship at Faulkner, and effectiveness in your discipline, commitment to scholarly pursuit and dedication were factors considered. How would you have felt if you did not get this recognition?

    I don’t think there was any doubt that I would be promoted to the rank of full professorship.  When you give 110% in your duties, working as if you are working unto the Lord, it quickly becomes obvious to your peers and your employers.  I think this was the case with my promotion.

    How regular does the varsity carry out such promotion?  

    The university has an equivalent of an Appointment and Promotion Committee (A&P) that meets annually, at the departmental and faculty levels. Those who meet the requirements for promotion apply and are either recommended for promotion or denied promotion based on evaluation of their academic contributions and achievements.

    How will you describe the education standard in Nigeria and US, using Unical and Faulkner varsity as case study, especially in your discipline?

    There are so many differences in educational standards in the two countries.  For starters, at Faulkner classrooms are well equipped, not just with enough tables and chairs for students but also with loudspeakers (in large classrooms), computers, projectors and other things that make for effective lecture delivery.  Compare this to teaching in University of Calabar where students scramble for chairs and tables and can barely hear the lecturer who is shouting at the top of his or her voice in front of the classroom.  Also, in 2013 Faulkner embraced ICT on its campus fully and every registered student since then is issued an ipad.  This empowers the students to take ownership of their learning and makes it easy for professors to increase student engagement and learning therefore becomes more of an interactive activity.  This is a far cry from what is obtained at UNICAL. Finally, one cannot teach science without well–equipped laboratories and facilities.

    At Faulkner, every science class has weekly laboratories whereas UNICAL students in my department are lucky to be engaged in three to five labs per semester.  I think this and other factors are reasons why there is such a disparity in the standard of education in both countries.  Having said that though, it is amazing that the Nigerian student strives to excel academically, in spite of the less-than ideal conditions in which they are taught.  The stamina and desire to learn displayed by the students that I teach at UNICAL is a testimony to the depth of the Nigerian spirit, and it is quite admirable.

    As a specialist in plant breeding and genetics, are there gaps between town and gown that are hindering the realisation of food security in Nigeria?

    Definitely! It is amazing that research done in our universities seem to be more curiosity-driven than driven by the need to solve problems that the country is facing.  Every year, we graduate hundreds of students who have carried out research in fields of agriculture and biological sciences, just to mention a few. Yet, the research projects are aimed at getting them good grades and are seldom transferred to practical applications for farmers and consumers.  I think it requires a change of mindset and a change of focus among professors who are the supervisors of research and the student researchers. Given the global nature of science, there is the need to expose Nigerian professors and students to research techniques and resources available internationally.  This requires collaboration between Nigerian professors and their counterparts in other parts of the world.  The fact that such collaboration is encouraged by UNICAL and other universities in Nigeria will go a long way towards bridging the gap between town and gown.

    How prepared is Nigeria in the battle for food security?

    I think for the reasons mentioned above, we still have a long way to go.  For an agrarian society, food security should not be a problem that we face but it is and that means that there is something fundamentally wrong.  Very few states in America are blessed with the tropical weather we have in Nigeria which favors food cultivation and yet they produce most of their food items and even export them to countries like Nigeria!  Why would a country like Nigeria import food items like strawberries which can be grown in parts of this country?  Why is the Tilapia sold in our local markets imported from China with all the Riverine areas we have in this country? The battle for food security is one that that can definitely be won, but not by wishful thinking. All hands must be on deck to ensure that we are prepared to win this battle.

    What profession would you have chosen apart from teaching sciences?

    I love education.  My husband and I are blessed to own a secondary school in Calabar, called The Christian Science College and impacting the lives of these young students gives me a great sense of fulfilment.  So if I wasn’t a biology professor, I think I would have gone into educational administration.

    How fulfilling is teaching especially in a foreign land?

    It is quite fulfilling.  Nothing surpasses the joy of seeing the light dawn in the face of someone when they finally grasp a concept.  Students everywhere seem to struggle with science and so I love being able to simplify complex concepts and make it meaningful to students at different levels.

    “Teaching at Faulkner allows me to combine the two things I love most: influencing lives and pointing people to the One who designed us as the master piece of His creation.” How do you mean, and is there any link to Christian Science College?

    There appears to be a tension between scientists and atheists, with people claiming that you cannot be a scientist and believe in a Creator.  For me, it is the reverse.  The more I study biology as a science, the more I am awed by the intricate design of biological beings that point to a Master Designer. Since Faulkner is a Christian University, the emphasis is on seeing God’s influence in everything we teach and I love being able to do that as I teach biology.  With reference to the Christian Science College, it is a dream come true for my husband and I. We are excited about the growth of the school and the doors of opportunity that have allowed us to affiliate the school with Christian universities in America. Along with parents, I think teachers are in a unique position to influence lives and I take this responsibility seriously.

    Raising children in Diaspora is a big headache to most Africans. How are you handling this in your family such that the children will not be lost to the world?

    I think raising African children in Diaspora is challenging for those of us who do not want our children to lose track of the things that make us uniquely African, but it is a challenge that we embrace in my family.  We intentionally inculcate traditional values into our children such as respecting their senior siblings, not addressing their elders on a first name basis, morning duties and family chores.  We incorporate African dishes into our daily diets, use our native language at home and dress in Nigerian attire on Sundays and on special occasions.  Our children are constantly reminded that they are Nigerians by Divine design and not by accident, and we make a point of spending as many holidays as we can in Nigeria.  I think it is great for them to be exposed to American culture and traditions but even more important for them to hold on to the things that are important to us as Africans.