The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • ‘I am not going to give up that easily’

    ‘I am not going to give up that easily’

    Adetayo Ademorin speaks with up and coming musical act, Omowumi Fosudo on her career

    What is the focus of your songs?

    I want to be able to pass across the message of the music.

    You talked about passing a message. Is there any social message in your first single ‘Gbona’? Or did I miss it?

    My focus is on love. You know how they say “love is the greatest”. “Love makes the world go round” and all that.  Well, love seems to cover everything- Within its context you will find everything else- love for family, friends of both sexes, God, country and other people- which is the social issues you are talking about.  It is not just portraying or lamenting about what is in society that’s important but also what we can do about it and I think love is the answer.  Love is a verb. It is proactive

    It seems you’re stay in America has you talking lots about Peace and love. The whole love and peace thing, is that he American part of you?

    There is nothing more love and peace out there than there is here.

    How long were you in Nigeria before you left?

    17 years

    How long were you in the US?

    10 years

    That’s long enough to colorize you…make you think like them

    You could say so but the switch back here is definitely an eye opener and a bit of a culture shock. I mean for one thing, there seems to be a social event here every other day. Everything is fast paced here. There is no cruise control here. No cruise control in Nigeria.

    At what point did you decide to take up music?

    It was way before I actually did. I thought about it and talked about it for like three years but I couldn’t work up the courage to do it. It took me time to find the guts to eventually make the move.

    What happened to your guts? They failed you?

    Not really. It was a question of how you explain it to the people around you. It won’t make complete sense to them

    I believe you’re a graduate of Finance?

    Yes I am.

    Why didn’t u stay back in US and do the music thing there?

    Well. I have always been fascinated with Nigerian music and wanted to be part of it…and I couldn’t be part of it from there.

    What fascinates you about Nigerian music?

    I love our sound. I love the fact that we are growing as an industry. I have been following things here for a while and then finally decided the time was right. It was like ‘now or never!’

    You kind of fascinate me too. Running away from a stable society, comfortable job, leaving all you had going on for you in the US and coming back here.

    It is not just me.   A lot of other people have taken that risk at so many different levels. They left better conditions than the one I was in to come back home. Thing is, you can’t come back home with a double mind, with a soft mind. You have to be all in to be just to stand a chance.

    So you came back with a plan, saved up all you needed…

    No. I don’t have like all the money and everything but slowly and surely we’ll get there. A lot of people who start this journey- whether abroad or here- didn’t start with everything. If you’re going to be something…you will be.

    So you believe in destiny?

    Of course, I do.

    Which Nigerian musicians have inspired you the most?

    Asa. First and foremost. I remember when her first album came out. It is one of the best albums I have ever heard in a long time. They were playing it everywhere- in barbecues, in bars and lounges. Another thing I heard that got me was Tufaces’ African Queen which was the soundtrack to the movie, Fat Girls. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Then of course there is Fela. The boldness of his messages, his craftsmanship, the rawness of his sound, the afro-centricity of the whole thing. That’s why he is celebrated worldwide. A true voice of Africa.

    Apart from these three, almost everyone here inspires me. The pure resilience, the work rate, the belief, the outputs are just amazing. Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Omawunmi. What they have done here helped inspire me to come back.

    Are there people you would like to work with?

    Definitely. I would love to do a duet with Patoranking. He simply has so much soul. Asa and Tuface of course…Flavour too.

    So what is different from what you are bringing to the table? Anything distinct about what you are doing?

    I like to fuse genres. My first song is a fusion of Afrobeat and Soul. The next song is a fusion of R’n’B and highlife. I like to fuse. I love to create. As long as I can be creative and successfully do that…one day Nigeria will ‘recognise.

    You feel you have what it takes to blow here?

    Of course. Of course. I recognize the fact that a lot of people are out there trying. Some are succeeding more than others and that life offers no guarantees but I strongly believe that if you work very hard, focus on improving the quality of your output, there is nothing that can hold you back.

    So if this doesn’t work out the way you planned, would you go back to your banking job in the US?

    There is no going back.  We are here. We are doing this. Will do mainstream music as long as I can then who knows what next? Judge talent shows. Coach other artistes. Talk shows. The entertainment industry here is going to keep growing. There is so much to do, so much to plug in to.

    So what do you have lined up next?

    Definitely a super duper highlife and R’n’B song in about a week and then a super duper club banger.

    So it’s just music?

    Yes. If you want to do something, do it well. Stay focused, keep at it. Been busy learning. Learning the industry. Learning the environment. Learning how things work.

    How have you been learning?

    Observing, Mingling. Talking. That’s how you learn.

    Who and who have you mingled with since you came back?

    A lot of people. I don’t want to star name drop but of course I have linked up with several artistes and producers. I can safely say I have met Ikon and UC Prof- the producers of my first single and the one that’s dropping soon.

    And you have had some performances?

    Of course. I did the Lagos countdown in December at the beach. I performed at the one on Christmas and the one on New Year’s. After my debut single dropped, I was performing a lot.

    So you have been enjoying the industry?

    Enjoying? I enjoy what I am doing, the process, the lessons, the friendships but I am not sure one can say they are ‘enjoying’ the industry till one reaches a certain level of success as an artiste.

    Has there been any kind of pressure?

    There is pressure to do the kind of music that is popular.  Pressure to play it safe and conform to what everyone else is doing, not doing love songs and expressing yourself. A lot of pressure to go ‘commercial’.  You know when they are doing the big shows, they don’t usually call those who are pouring their hearts out talking about love and all.

    How have you been taking it?

    Think I am taking it well. I understand that it isn’t an overnight thing. I know nothing comes easy.  Some people it takes 8 songs before they get their hit. Some take 10 years. So I think I am doing ok so far.

    How are you coping with male fans and admirers ?

    Male admirers? They admire you. There is nothing you can do about that.

    No bad encounters?

    Nothing out of the ordinary really. As a woman you learn to respect yourself and appreciate them. There is no wahala there.

    Since you’ve come back, have you had any memorable experience? Is there any experience that stands out?

    Let’s talk about the fuel scarcity! That was a memorable experience! There was so much I had to do- photoshoot, recordings but we couldn’t do anything. No movement. It was scary on the Sunday because no one was selling. It felt like a war zone. Like there was some kind of zombie apocalypse.

    You don’t feel like running back?

    No. I am not going to give up that easily. I know people who have run back to the States after two months after selling all they had to come back to Nigeria but there’s no going back for me.

    When do we get to see your music videos?

    We are currently working on a video treatment for the new single and we are hoping to shoot it mid- June.

    So what can we expect from Imanse?

    The best. Nothing but the best. I will keep putting out good music that will keep getting better and better. I will keep tweaking the sounds. I will keep performing. Reaching out to the fans.

     

  • ‘My guidance counsellor said I shouldn’t enter college’

    ‘My guidance counsellor said I shouldn’t enter college’

    From a little boy growing up in a farm community to one of United States (US) enterprising journalists, New York Times, Washington correspondent, Ron Nixon’s life inspires hope. His story typifies the saying that great things spring from little beginnings. For 27 years, Nixon has brought his experience to bear on America’s journalistic landscape. His incisive investigative pieces have earned him a place in the world of investigative reporting. Nixon visited Nigeria for a workshop organised by International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). In this interview with  Evelyn Osagie, he shares his journey to greatness.

    How easy is it, practising journalism in the US?

    It is not easy. Journalists, I think, are the same, no matter where you go. We complain about our editors; we complain about the hours we work. They assign us stuff and we don’t like it but we’ve got to do it anyway – that is happening throughout journalism. We face the same thing at the New York Times. For most part, you do great work and get to meet people. I got to meet all kinds of people whom I never thought that I would meet. I started out as a sportswriter covering high school football. We had typewriters at my first newspaper.

    My first interview in journalism was with Whitney Houston. I started in 1987 and she had a concert in the town I was working in, so they sent me to interview her and Jonathan Butler, the South African singer who opened for her.

    Like I said I’ve met lots of people whom I never thought that I would meet. The rock star Bono wrote me a really nice handwritten note that I still have after I did the on his “Red” campaign and that felt was cool. I am sure there were a lot of things that they didn’t like but he took the time out to write me a three-page note. This guy is a multi-millionaire, one of the biggest rock stars on the planet; and he is writing me, kid from a place of 500 people, a note. I got to interview Rwanda President, Paul Kagame. And what was interesting about it was we sat down and talked; and that was just like two men talking. I was telling him about my experience in the military and he was saying that he misses being in the military what was interesting about him. And his staff was always coming in to say, “Mr President we have to go”. He just enjoyed sitting there and talking to someone. I never would have thought that I would be interviewing presidents of countries and people like that. Anyways,  it has been interesting and I hope that it continues. I hope that I have another 27 years with which to practise. If I don’t, it’s been great and I am sure I’ll find something else to do.

    Some argue that oftentimes state-owned media houses usually avoid criticising the government, how true is it of those in America?

    I don’t think that it is necessarily true. People think of Voice of America (VOA) as state owned, but they do critical stuffs on the US government.  And sometimes people just don’t like it. I am not saying that every time they go and criticise the US government because they are the US government. But I think oftentimes they do criticise. We don’t have newspapers owned by the state – it is just not an American phenomenon. Most of the media houses are privately owned. It is not subject to government oversight, you don’t have to have a license to be a journalist. Anybody can be a journalist. There are times accreditation is necessary, such as if you want to cover the US Congress, then you have to get a ‘congressional pass’.  We have guidelines among ourselves but the constitution gives freedom of the press, so the US media takes its cue from that.

    How was it growing up?

    I am from a little tiny town of about 500 people in a place called Lauderdale, Mississippi. It is close to the Alabama border. Many people weren’t going to college. Most of them work in agriculture, cutting timbers. That was what most people did. It was a family  thing – as little boys, you did that with your father. Your father did, his father did it and that is what you did. And there was a factory. That was kind of stuff that I grew up in.

    So, growing up, I didn’t really know anybody who had gone to college. One of my mother’s younger sisters was the only person that I knew went to college. And my mother’s went to college but she didn’t finish because she had me. But I didn’t know that at the time. My dad didn’t finish high school. At that time, kids had to go work to foot the family. School was not really an option, you had to go out, help in the farm and make a living. And that was not just something that I wanted to do.

    At what point did you decide you wanted to toll a path different from norm?

    The first time that I realised what was going on. I felt differently. In school, they are teaching you about writers, you are learning the alphabets and how to count; and I thought that was exciting.  You met these black people who were teachers. This was the first time, you are seeing professional black people – and you are like ‘whoa’! There were some really good teachers – because not all of them were good – that encouraged you. My guidance counsellor said I shouldn’t even try to go to college because I was not a college material that I should just go work in the factory.

    Why did she say so, was it a racial thing?

    She was black too. I don’t know what her motivations were or what she was thinking. She helped other people go to college – a young woman that I went to school with said: “Miss Nelson helped me”. All I know is that she telling me not to just made me want to do it more.

    How did that incident inspire the journalist you’ve become?

    I didn’t set out to say that I want to work at the New York Times someday’. I just knew I didn’t want to be there (hometown). I am glad that I worked at The Times: it’s a great place, it’s a great career but it wasn’t in my mind when I was there, thinking that I need to go work for the New York Times. I just wanted to get out of there (hometown). When I look at some of my classmates now, they look old; they look like people who are beaten down. it is depressing…I don’t want to do that. People have this image of America that people go to Harvard and Yale; we come out and get good jobs, drive BMWs that is not true. There are a lot of poor people in the US. There people who struggle, people who work during the day and go to school at night. You see people who are 70 something years old getting their degrees for the first time. But the opportunity is there. I think that is one of the amazing things about the US.

    In course of your schooling, did you also have to work alongside your studies?

    Yes. I worked at restaurants and other places and on my break, I would study. And then at night, I would study, get up in the morning and do the whole thing over again. I worked at the Burger King, then at this chicken place called Mrs Winters as a cooked.

    What advise do you for young Africans who have the image of America that you mentioned earlier?

    One has to exercise some caution because America is not that way. Of course, there is tremendous wealth in America. It is the biggest economy in the world. But not everybody has wealth. There poor people who grow up there. I mean if you at Ferguson, Baltimore or all these places where there is uprising, what it tells you is that it is not a perfect system. You look at Trayvon Martin, who got killed and nobody goes to jail. A child gets killed by a guy, a wannabe cop, who was just out cruising. Obviously, blacks, African Americans do suffer but there are tremendous opportunities there because you see people like Oprah Winfrey and Shander Realms, who have some of the tops shows on TV. And that is what President Barak Obama talks about and people say he’s talking down to blacks by saying that racism is not a barrier. Although it can be a barrier, it is not the barrier to achieving greatness. You’ve got to try; you may fail but you’ve got to try. I failed at a lot of times. I first started out, working at a small black newspaper, and I was telling Evelyn that we would get paid on Friday and rush to the bank to withdraw first because they didn’t have money and everybody else had a car and I didn’t. So, I am trying to get my cheque first and run so that I can get to the bank, which was half-a-kilometre down the street, before they do. So, it hasn’t always been rosy.

    What kept you going at those moments?

    I just thought that I can sit here crying and complain but once I finish crying and complaining, I am still in the same condition so I may as well try something. It may not work but at least try. And that is the thoughts that kept me going. We don’t know what we can do. I had no idea I would one day be a writer. My grandmother used read magazines and newspaper to me. One day she read me this article in the National Geographic magazine about Kenya. And I said: ‘hey, I am going to go there one day!” And she was like “okay baby!” I didn’t if she believed it or not but I most certainly did. And I have been to Kenya more than once. That kind of thing is unimaginable. Here was a woman who didn’t finish school because she had to work but she is encouraging her grandbaby to do whatever and not think that you can’t do stuff. So she encouraged me to do whatever I set my mind on.

    How do you feel when you’ve achieved what you set out to?

    That is the easy part: achieving what you’ve set out to is the easy part. The hard part is that you’ve got to stay there. So you have to work; got to produce. I didn’t set to cover riot or stuff like that but it my job. So I did the best job that I can. Just like when Baltimore’s happened, I put in 12 hours a day and went where other people weren’t.

    People that once you’ve achieved a certain level of success that you are good or done. But you’ve got to stay there. As a musician, you can rest on just one CD; you’ve got to keep producing CDs. It is the same with if you are an artist, screenwriter or scientist; because two years from now, nobody is going to care. So you’ve got to keep doing it: compete with younger people who are just coming out schools, people with different skills and qualifications, and you got to always stay on top of what you are doing.

  • Behold, the new face of justice

    Behold, the new face of justice

    Despite the differences in the concept and theory of justice dating back to the ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato, in his work, The Republic, one thing, however, remains constant-the depiction of justice.

    Lady Justice, a symbol of justice, is depicted as a goddess equipped with three items: a sword, symbolising the coercive power of the court; scales, representing an objective standard by which competing claims are weighed; and a blindfold indicating that justice should be impartial and meted out objectively, without fear or favour and regardless of money, wealth, power or identity.

    Last Friday, all that changed at the Law Faculty of the University of Lagos. A new statue of justice created by Deola Balogun a lecturer at the School of Arts, Design and Photography, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos,  mounted at the faculty is embedded with cultural elements to reflect and project the traditional paraphernalia of justice, authority and honour as signified by the Eben, Irukere, Suku, Jigida and Udu. Balogun speaks on the relevance of the statue to national aspiration, its concept and inspiration among other issues.

      What is your reaction to the concept of the statue as symbol of justice in relation to the political situation in the country now?

    The new administration’s campaign slogan is Change while the immediate past administration’s slogan is Transformation, what we should deduce from the two slogans is that it is high time for us to Change or Transform in the way and manner we conduct our affairs as a people. It is imperative to embrace ‘Change’ in order for us to experience ‘Transformation’ socially and economically’.

    However, this might turn out to be a mirage if pertinent sign-posts that will subconsciously serve as element of re-orientation are not in place such as the newly created statue of Justice and Culture.

    Nigeria runs a mono-economy, which implies that a large percentage of her consumables are imported as most Nigerians prefer items with foreign contents to locally produced ones. No nation can develop with this kind of attitude. Yearly, Nigeria celebrates her independence from the colonial masters, yet, she has not been able to detach herself from the former’s influence. That is why I talk about sign-post; one of the ways by which we are influenced subconsciously is through what we perceive visually. Reason why most dictators will erect imposing statue of themselves in order to constantly be in the psyche of their subjects. Therefore, it is very germane at this point in time in our national life to project ourselves positively in the light of our cultural heritage. Thus, the title of the monument is very apt- ‘Justice and Culture’.

    The brief was for me to re-conceptualise the universal symbol of justice in traditional Nigerian context. It was a bit challenging as relevant motifs from different ethnic nationalities had to be considered in order to give the monument a national appeal. It was successfully revolutionised; the concept of the universal symbol of justice now reflects and projects traditional paraphernalia of justice, authority and honour as signified by the Eben, Irukere and Udu respectively.

    I must acknowledge the initiator of the idea in person of Professor Ibidapo Obe who is very passionate about a symbol of justice imbued with local content. Most especially, the contribution of Omooba Yemisi Shyllon cannot be overemphasised to the success of the project.

    How readily were you to execute the project considering the material, labour and time factors involve in the project?

    When it comes to executing some sculptural pieces, division of labour,  a system  of production has to be introduced, especially in the production of bronze sculpture; it will require one to pass through 5 different stages before a piece can be accomplished and for most commissioned project, time is of essence. However, considering the fact that I embarked upon the job around the I was supposed to be observing my annual leave. The studio-ground work lasted two months after which the moulds were moved to the foundry and that stage lasted three months.

    How relevant are those cultural motifs and elements used on the work (ie Eben, Urekere, Udu etc)?

    The blindfolded universal symbol of justice has a long history as far as its design is concerned; the statue was designed based on the mythologies and goddesses of Greek and Romans. Since the goal of the project was to adapt symbols from different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria , then, the chosen motifs such as Eben, Irukere, Udu etc are very relevant as representational emblem of authority  of obas and obis in this clime.

     How long did it take you to execute it and who were other persons that assisted apart from Mr Paul Omorodion the bronze caster?

    Aside Paul Omorondion who assisted at the casting stage,  Fatai Abdulkareem who happens to be my studio assistant was very much involved. While others are students on industrial attchement in my studio and they include: Azeez Daniel, Dapo Dada, Biodun Akinola and Aanuoluwa Omolade.

     Among the outdoor monuments you have done in the past, what special place does justice statue occupy in your works?

    It is a great privilege for me to have been considered for the execution of the project of this nature and magnitude, certainly, it’s going to occupy a special pedestal in my mind amongst other public monuments I have executed.

    What are the other materials used apart from bronze?

    The entire piece is cast in bronze aside the base, which was constructed with black galaxy marble.

    How relevant is the statue to the university community?

    The location is very appropriate as the university campus is the right environment to beam the essence and beauty of our culture to the younger generation.

    What would be the value of the work if you were to sell it?

    As regards the monetary value of the piece if I were to sell it, it will be difficult for me to tag it with a particular amount publicly  as cases of kidnapping is yet to subside (on a lighter note). However, execution of the project runs into some millions considering logistics implications nowadays.

    What are your views on the quality and quantity of public monuments in Nigerian cities?

    When it comes to quality public monuments, it has always been a controversial issue even in advanced clime. However, there several factors to be considered before a public monument can be commissioned and these include design content/size/medium  vis avis the relevance of the monument to the location amongst others. It is also pertinent for the artist to intimate the community concerned with his concept for approval even if the project is going to be sponsored by an individual. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case in our environment, especially with government’s sponsored public monuments; government officials award the contract to themselves and sub-contract it for peanuts, regardless of the competency of the sub-contractor. On very few occasions had the public shown its discontent about a particular piece and got it destroyed through an arsonist in Lagos.  It is not unusual for the public to protest a particular monument even in saner climes, but one would notice that in those places, a significant number of factors amongst the one mentioned above must have been taken care of. At least, Rodin’s statue of Balzac was rejected despite his popularity. The statue was later installed several years after the death of the sculptor.

    Our cities and public buildings need to be imbued with aesthetic appeal, however, we might continue to get the reverse if it’s not done through the right channel; reason why the public should not be docile. My public works include Obafemi Awolowo Statue Ikeja, (2000), Brig. Samuel Aderunlegun (2001) Ondo State, Sir John H Glover and Madam Williams Tinubu Courts (Union Bank Building Foyer 2007), Funsho Williams (2007), Costain Roundabout, Lagos, Towards Achieving Distinction monument (University of Ibadan (UI) 2009.

    In Sweden there are Tamed, Uteshberg, (2003) and Veteran, Trollthan, (2013).

     

  • National art competition calls for entries

    National art competition calls for entries

    Nigerian Breweries Plc in collaboration with the African Artists’ Foundation has called for entries for this year’s national art competition initiated to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in the country as well as raise awareness on relevant social issues through the use of creative expression.

    The competition, which has as theme Future Histories is open to aspiring Nigerian artists, and accepts entries in diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation and video art.

    According to Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem collection of entries will close on July 3 after, which a shortlist of 12 best entries will be announced for the final. This, he said, will be followed by artists retreat and workshop facilitated by leading artists and scholars. He said the competition has evolved into a leading platform for the development of the next generation of contemporary artists in Nigeria.

    “The grand finale and judging ceremony will hold in November to select winners. The winners will be decided by a panel of judges led by Prof El Anatsui. The prizes to be won include N2million and a solo exhibition for the first place winner. There will also be a N1million each for winner of outstanding concept and outstanding production,” he said.

    He stated that the objective of selecting this year’s theme is to encourage artists to think laterally about social, political and cultural climate of their local communities while exploring their creativity. He noted that the competition places emphasis on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely on the end product and that it is designed to support artists to develop ideas and the message of their work.

    Director African Artists’ Foundation, Mr Azu Nwagbogu disclosed that there will be a session on proposal writing for the artists this year in pursuance of their art practice.

    Past winner of the prize, Modupeola Fadugba described the competition as a perfect platform to launch her career as it allows her to plan creatively. “Also, the competition brought great visibility to my works. And lots of people now have access to my works including galleries form the US,” she said.

  • Aare Arisekola: Death, the lion and the dog

    Aare Arisekola: Death, the lion and the dog

    tribute

    Tomorrow, Thursday, June 18, is the first anniversary of the death of Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao, CON, the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Aare of Ibadanland and Vice-President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). He died  on Wednesday, 18th June, 2014 in his London (UK) home, aged 69 years, and was buried on Friday, 20th June, last year in his home at Oluwo Kekere, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State. May Allah (SWT) forgive him his sins and keep him in Aljannah Fridauous. Amen.

    To say that Aare’s death has created a big vacuum in religious, economic, traditional, social and political realms in Nigeria and abroad is an understatement. A man of huge means and influence, whose open palms and gates are legendary, but yet very humble and jovial, Aare had friends, admirers and protégés across class, religions, tribes and nations. Well, all these are terrestrial and Aare had equals, juniors and seniors – as God creates geniuses for seasons and climes in His unfathomable wisdom and time.

    In the celestial realm, however, we, ordinary human beings become aware of people with mystical touches from the Creator when we read, hear or see extraordinary deeds or inventions of our fellow beings. Or what do we say of the discoverers of light, radio, aeroplane, television, telephone, penicillin, train, motor-car, boat, ship, rocket etc. In the same league are great orators, thinkers authors, artists, scientists, musicians, composers, athletes, dancers etc.

    But, because talented people described above and others outside my stated scope were/are by nature humble, self-effacing and without airs, we take them for granted. And as the Yoruba say, “Ojo iku la d’ere, eniyan ko wuyi laaye” (Geniuses/mystics are not revered while alive). In my tribute to Aare last year as published in major newspapers (for ease of reference, The Nation newspaper issue of Saturday, 14th February, 2014), I stated that I was and still is, a student of the philosophies/lifestyles of great men and women in and outside Nigeria. I gave a long list which of course, included Aare Arisekola Alao. Those who know will testify that the cells of my strong bond to Aare included history, culture, music (especially Yusuf Olatunji’s genre of Sakara music) dresses, among others. I am improving in my pace in the tracks of piety and charity though! You will soon read how a dirge by Yusuf Olatunji a.k.a “Baba l’Egba” in one of his LPs influenced the title of this piece and the connections thereof. May God help me, a common prayer of Aare to people.

    The celestial realm that I mentioned earlier influenced the title of the piece. Aare’s Oluwo Kekere home at Basorun area of Ibadan is expansive and comparable in size, structures, amenities population and traffic to some towns/countries in Nigeria and abroad. In there is a zoo which boasted of a family of lions (until he donated them to the UI zoo), camels, crocodiles, ostriches, tortoise, and many species of birds, fishes and animals. I once touched one of the lions! The hawks, doves, egrets etc knew when to fly down without fail at their breakfast and lunch hours in the open courtyard in Aare’s home. You needed to see the massive flights or birds that descended from the sky to feed while Aare was alive. After each pick they would, ‘sing’, as it were and spread their wings as if saying “see you soon” thank you.

    Now, to the “Baba l’Egba” nexus I mentioned earlier. In the Sakara music genre among the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria, Yusuf Olatunji, alias “Baba l’Egba”, was no doubt a philosopher-king, going by his numerous highly melodious and philosophical songs. Until he died on December 15, 1978, the Abeokuta, Ogun State – born musician waxed the largest number of LPs (40) in Nigeria, apart from small records and EPs.

    In his volume no 2 LP titled, “O wo’le Olongo k’eyin”, “Baba l’Egba” sings a dirge for one of this many fans, the late Mr. Ramon Alao, from Ijaye-Quarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State (track 2 on the flip side of the said LP) in Yoruba, which translated goes thus –

    Among those who are noble.

    (i)         A gentleman has passed on in Ijaye (Abeokuta)

    Wailings filled the air

    Death has wrecked havoc by taking Ramoni Alao away

    Lati’s father has gone on a journey of no return.

    Alao, when you get to heaven continue your good deeds.

    The rest is a journey in our dreams.

     

    (ii)        Please don’t forget AbdulRamoni, our people

    Wherever you may be –

    Don’t forget Mulikat’s father, Alao

    Death has taken him away.

     

    (iii)      “A noble soul has gone and has become part of history

    He who knows the value of the egret please mourn the great with me.

    Egba nobles, I condole with you

    Alao the famous has died, we shall all die.

    Babalawo (native doctor) will die.

     

    (iv)       “Death snatched the lion, the king of the jingle

    Alao, the dog swaggers past its den with impunity

    Alao has journeyed to the home of giants

    If they create wonders in heaven with wealth Alao, ensure that you make a good mark.

    If they recreate in heaven Alao, do wonders

    Alao, you have been so generous while alive

    God, please consider Alao’s charity and good deeds

    Prevent Ramoni from going to hell

    A notable fan of “Baba l’Egba” was the late Aare Arisekola Alao, who possessed ALL the recorded works (singles, EPs & LPs) of his music idol, Yusuf Olatunji and other great musicians.

    Authors, musicians, poets and other creative minds who reach philosopher – king levels, appear to ‘see’ tomorrow, as the Baba l’Egba’s dirge for Mr. Ramoni Alao quoted above aptly demonstrates when placed in context with the passage of Aare Arisekola.

    “Baba l’Egba” sings about the impunity and the audacity of a dog as it swaggers past the dead lion’s den! A suicide bid on the part of the dog were the lion to be alive. But death has taken the lion, the king of the jungle!

    Born on February 14, 1945 to the late Pa Abdul Raheem Olaniyan Alao and the late Alhaja Olatutu Alao at Adigun village of Ibadan, in Ona – Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, young Abdul Azeez attended St. Luke’s Primary School, Adigun and ICC Primary School, Igosun, Ibadan where he persistently topped his class until he obtained the Grade ‘A’ Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1960, the year he came to the city from his village. Till he died, he kept referring to himself as an “Omooko” i.e. Villageboy. He, thereafter, successfully passed the entrance examinations into the prestigious Christ School, Ado – Ekiti and Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, but could not take up his admission in either school due to the poor financial position of his parents. A scholarship opportunity was not allowed by fate to be utilized by him either.

    Nonetheless, the determined AbdulAzeez studied Western, Arabic and Quranic education privately, and comfortably transacted business with the brightest and the best in the corporate world.

    Young AbdulAzeez first joined his uncle, the late Alhaji Karimu Olasupo Jenrola at the popular old Gbagi Market in Ibadan as an apprentice trader. After successfully understudying his uncle, he started the sale of Gammalin 20 products vide the incorporation of his Azeez Arisekola Trading Company in 1961 with a loan of 310 pounds given to him by Mr. Olaniyi Owodunni. The Western Regional Manager of Imperial Chemical Industry (ICI) of England, Mr. P.K. Hampel, discovered in the young AbdulAzeez, great business acumen, a fantastic impetus for hard work, integrity and creativity and therefore appointed him a dealer of their products in the now – defunct Western Region of Nigeria. From there, the future business magnate took off, combining charity as a hobby.

    Within a year, he received a commission of 1,000 pounds from ICI and an all – expenses paid trip to the company’s headquarters in the United Kingdom. An astute young man, he purchased a Peugeot pick up van at the cost of 400 pounds and by 1970, he built his first house at the age of 25 years. In 1972, he registered his motor company, Lister Motors, becoming the star dealer for the Japanese brand, Datsun. It was during that era that Aare’s fame as a philanthropist soared as he donated cars to institutions and individuals like one donated loaves of bread. He also had a fair share of social life and became the toast of parties and juju bands. But all the social circuit stuff stopped in 1980, when he became the first Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

    His business interests included, oil and gas, banking and insurance, food and beverage, farming and animal husbandry, real estate, publishing, transportation and food processing.

    From his league of friends, staff and admirers, Aare was a detribalized man as his love for Nigeria was great. His avowed love was based on a popular saying of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) that: “The love of one’s nation is part of faith”.

    He had amongst the staff of his business conglomerate, all ethnic tribes of the federation as well as foreigners. Knowing the importance of education, Aare gave scholarships to indigent students both as primary and tertiary levels within and outside Nigeria. He established a scheme for that purpose in honour of his father, Pa AbdulRaheem Alao. In appreciation of his love for his place of birth, Ibadan, he was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Aare of Ibadanland in 2006 by the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Yinusa Bankole Oladoja Ogundipe, Arapasowu I.

    He performed his first holy pilgrimage to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia in 1971, and was turbaned the first Aare Musilumi of Yorubaland by the League of Imans and Alfas in Yorubaland on July 14, 1980. Being a celebrated Muslim leader, he established the Abdul Azeez Arisekola Mosque on Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State. He founded the Grand Council for Islamic Affairs (GCIA) in Nigeria in 1996 to complement Islamic propagation efforts just as he set up the Asalatu Ibaadu-Rahman Society for the spiritual advancement of the womenfolk. He was patron and foremost financier of more than 100 Muslim organizations in Nigeria and abroad. From 1980 when he became the Aare Musulumi of Ibadanland, he extended annual Hajj scholarships to hundreds of Muslim faithful just as he sponsored Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem annually too.

    Aare was one of the privileged few honoured by the Chief Iman of Mekkah to send delegates for the annual ceremonial washing of the Holy Ka’bah. He was also invited to the annual Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs International Convention in Cairo, Egypt.

    Aare was on record as the one who mobilized support for the settlement of the internal rift amongst the members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke-Seni, Ibadan and ensured the settlement of their rift out of court. The said church eventually conferred on him the title ‘The Defender of Faith’ in recognition of his love for religious peace and harmony.

    He was married ad blessed with children who are successful professionals at home and abroad or currently in higher institutions of leaning. The training he gave them makes them excel intellectually and morally. A blessing which he always ascribed to God. Can one complete a piece such as this on Aare without a mention of his passion for Oka (amala) and ooyo (ewedu)! He once had his favourite menu packed from home while on a transatlantic business trip to China.

    May his kind and noble soul continue to rest in Aljannah Fridaous. Amen.

  • Shyllon donates sculpture to UNILAG

    Shyllon donates sculpture to UNILAG

    The Law Faculty of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was given a facelift last week when a 15-foot bronze sculpture, Justice and Culture, donated to the faculty by Yemisi Shyllon was unveiled byart patron Justice Amina Augie of the court of Appeal.

    The event was attended by eminent personalities, such as UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Rahaman Bello; Registrar, Dr Taiwo Ipaye, Dean, Faculty of Law Prof Akin Ibidapo-Obe, Prof Yusuf Grillo, Dr Ronke Adesanya, Mr Kolade Oshinowo and Mrs Bolanle Austin-Peters.

    Justice Augie described the statue as a testimony that God blessed Africa with unique gifts of culture, which, she said, Shyllon is leaving a proof that ‘before the coming of the colonial administration, Africans have law and order rooted in culture.’

    Bello commended Shyllon for his gesture noting that he is not new to the University of Lagos in terms of philanthropy. He said Shyllon has been very active at the faculty of arts with the sponsorship of the annual creative workshop. “Today, he is reaching out to the faculty of law which is his second part. This is a very welcome gesture and we commend him,” he added.

    Prof Ibidapoi Obe said the new statue was initiated following the poor state of the old one at the faculty and that he chose to contact Shyllon for the assistance. “The erection of the statue at the faculty of law was not by accident. The reason for the statue is to encourage the students and that culture is not all about dancing but that law should be a representation of our sociological values,” he added.

    Shyllon said he would use art to ‘promote Nigerian identity and culture, put us in the map of civilisation. We are a people with a proud past and we can return to it if we believe in what we are as a people.’

    He said his family decided to chose art as area of contributing to the society, adding that ‘we are not a rich family but we are struggling.’

     

  • No one wants pain…

    No one wants pain…

    All over the world, several books have been written on pains, but I have not seen any book written to capture understanding of pains from the perspectives of different segments of the society in clear terms. Pain experienced from the womb to the grave with enourmous “gain” for human existence in a detailed manner is not what can be exposed overnight, it seems. This scenario, is what the book:  ”Life is Pain: No Pain, No gain” clinically addresses.

    The book chronicles why pain is unavoidable from birth to death. It explains different types of pain and reasons for pain. Chapter 2 begins with the origin and concept of life, DNA as the language of life, the anthropic principle, and the vanity of life. Chapter 3 reveals marriage and family as critical institutions of life worldwide. Chapter 4 looks into society and culture, national and regional conflicts in Nigeria and Africa at large including the newspaper stories of “when the heaven wept for Rwanda” among others.

    Chapter 5 dwells on God as supreme in understanding and handling pain. Chapter 6 reveals fear as connected to pain and how to deal with it. Chapter 7 takes the reader to the journey of success and how to deal constructively with failure and end with all round success. Chapter 8 reflects the golden age and extensively details useful submission of the African iconic legend on his 95th birthday – Late Nelson Mandela. It also contains sayings of other well known wise men. Chapter 9 looks at how beautiful life with a desire to live on if possible.

    Chapter 10 talks about inevitability of death and how it is understood by different religious leanings. Death in the perspective of heaven, hell, reincarnation and what happens after.  Beyond death who deserves to go to heaven or end in hell? Chapter 11 cracks this mystery.

    Apart from being written in a matter-of-fact style that keeps every reader engaged towards the end, the references are fantastically phenomenon which is an indication that the book was well researched to meet the needs of the academia. The incredible assertions and quotations from the religious books (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) and other philosophical pedagogies without unnecessarily creating controversy but deepening healthy argument, is commendable.

    Indeed, many intellectuals would find the revelation embedded in this book interesting for education and counselling; hence it is a must read for cleric, spiritual leader, philosophers, researchers, community leaders, parents and students. The masterpiece is more than spiritual as it exposes the nitty-gritty of life, now and thereafter.

    The photograph used in the front cover of the book would have shown a better gesticulation of painful mannerisms. Also, the author seems to have more in his quivers as the book keeps the reader in suspense of more books in pipeline. It is amazing that despite his busy schedules as a banker with Nigeria’s apex bank, the author, Mr. Francis Amagwu, still did justice to the subject matter with unparalleled details. In fact, it will not be out of place to term him – a pain therapist!

    Without mincing words, the mystery unfolded in this practical life literature, to say the least, speaks volumes. It is therefore recommended for every lover of knowledge.

     

  • Remembering Alao Arisekola

    Remembering Alao Arisekola

    The Book,”Arisekola in Our minds; A Compendium of Tributes” compiled and edited by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye of University of Ibadan is a collection of documented as well as published articles and tributes on the subject i.e. Aare Alhaji Abdul Azeez Akanmu Arisekola Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. Although, it is a publication with articles and tributes on the Subject (Aare), it is however, more of a “Collection” on the personality of the subject which is intended to immortalise as well as celebrate the ‘life and times’ of an ‘internationally acclaimed good man ’who departed this world on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in London.

    The introductory aspect of the book i.e. the “Front Matter” covers 17 pages in roman numerals which includes the foreword by the Aare AlaasaOlubadan of Ibadan, OloyeLekan Alabi, the preface by the Editor and other ancillary contents. The 202 paged book, published in March 2015; barely a year after the demise of Aare, is indeed a beauty to behold which probably gives credence to the fruitful and  beautiful life that the Aare lived. The entire tributary contents which include relevant and appropriate pictures add up to 195 pagesof 11 sections (sectionalised by titles) with 82 articles being an editorial and publications from Tribune Newspapers, 38 from the Nation, 8 from the Sun, 6 from the Punch, 2 from This Day, 2 from Village Fortune, 1 each from the Guardian and Vanguard Newspapers while 14were compiled from the Condolence Register and other sources such as letters sent to the Deceased. The sectionalisation of the Compendium with different titles as well as relevant, rich and exquisite pictorial references added value to the Book and actually, further justifies its being “A Compendium”.

    Pages1-75 of the Book, articles from the following individuals, Femi Abbas, Ladi Williams, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Ayinla Mukaila, Imam, Alhaji Abdul RazakAkuru, Dr. Taiye Ayorinde (Baale of Ekotedo), OloyeLekanAlabi,Prof. D.O.S Noibi, The late Chief Imam of Ibadan,Chief Imam Busairi, On page 67-71  we have  the famous, astute and prolific Punch Columnist TundeFagbenle,  Paul Omorogbe and JimohMumin.

    Pages 77-84 could best be described as Presidential Tributes of the Compendium as five former Heads of State and one former Vice President described the late Aare as a good man who lived for the benefit of others and would be sorely missed. These include, Presidents Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Goodluck Johnathan, Gen, Ibragim Babangida and MuhammaduBuhari as well as Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

     Pages 85-102 can better be described as the Governors Tributes as it contained tributes from Military to civilian and Deputy Governors published in different news papers. They include, Governors  Geneal Tunji Olurin, Prince Amien Oyakhire, Omololu Olunloyo, Rashidi Ladoja, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alao Akala,Kayode Fayemi, Gbenga Daniel, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu,Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola,Senator Isiaka Adeleke,Muazu Babangida Aliyu,Ibikunle Amosun,Olusegun Mimiko, Alhaji Fatai Ahmed, Babatunde Fashola,Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Isiaka Ajimobi.  Deputy Governors include Hazeem Gbolarumi and Chief Moses Adeyemo both of Oyo state. Details of the content of their tributes is better appreciated in reading the book.

    The fourth section of the Book which captures tributes from Royal Fathers and Religious Leaders on pages 103-116 include those of  the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Samuel OsundiranOdulanaOdugade I; The Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Sulatan Abubakar Saadu, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba LamidiAdeyemi III, the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba OladunniOyewumiAjagungbade III; the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi); the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs.)Alaba Lawson; traditional rulers from Okeogun and Ibarapa areas of Oyo State; the Prelate emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde; the National Missioner of Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, the Aare Musulumi of Ibarapaland, AlhajiSanusi Mustapha, Ojolowo; the Chairman Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), AlhajiTaofeekAkeugbagold; and the leader of Anglican Church of Nigeria, Ekiti Province, Rev. (Dr.) R.A Adetiloye.

    Politicians were not left out as their tributes spread over Pages 117-132. They include those of Senate President,Senator David Mark, Speaker House of Representatives, Tambuwal, Chief OlajumokeAkinjide, Senator MusiliuObanikoro, Ambassador TaofeekArapaja , Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, Mr.RemiBabalola, Senators  TeslimFolarin, Olufemi Lanlehin, Hosea Agboola, IyiolaOmisore and RasheedOlasunkanmiAkinlabi. Others include Seyi Makinde, Muhammad Dele Belgore (SAN), Alhaji Abdul JeliliAdesiyan, Hon. Segun Olulade,

    The various Islamic Organisations Tributes were capture on pages 133-140. These include the The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to which he was the Vice President, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) through its Secretary General and National Coordinator, Prof. IshaqOloyede, The Oyo State Muslim Community via its Chairman, AlhajiIshaqKunleSanni, ObafemiAwolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA),The  Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. IshaqAkintola, the founder of DaruDawah Islamic Centre, Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Jama’atuNasru-l-Islam (JNI), Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, The Companion, Al-Muminaat Organisation, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (AUD/ASN) and National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NACOMYO) and the University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates Association.

    Family and Friends could be find from pages 141-162. Some of them include, Pa Jenrola, the Mogaji Arisekola at the Ita-Baale family house, Oba-Otudeko AlhajiYekiniAdeojo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, Chief Harry Akande, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, the Pioneer Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi,  Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) Joseph O. Sanusi, Prof. A.O Popoola of the Faculty of Law, O.A.U, Ile-Ife, Ambassador Roland Ola Omorua, Nigerian Embassy, Bangui CAR, Pastor (Dr.) J.A Adeniji, S.D.A Conference, Oke-Bola, Ibadan

    A section of compendium contained those who could be described as beneficiaries as they all described him as a father to all as we can find from pages 163-167. These include Yinka Ayefele, Hafeez Adeaga, Rashidat Ogundele, IyaboYisa and BashiruAyinla all acknowledged that Aare was more of a father to them whom God has made a pillar of success in their lives.

    Pages 169.184 contained Tributary Messages.

    These are mainly advertorials in National Dailies which opened with what could be described as a poetic ode with the title “Good Night, Aare” written by Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State and his wife.

    Last of the tributary messages/advertorials on page 184 announcing, the demise of Aare is a list (36) of Aare’s children.

    Arisekola at 70 a Posthumous birthday article on Aaare was last part of the Compedium authored by on pages 185-195 authored by Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi  and  Ayo Akinyemi published in both The Nation Newspaper (Saturday, February 14, 2015) and February 14, 2015 on page 34 of Saturday Tribune.

    In concluding this review, efforts of the editor and all those involved, directly or indirectly in the compilation of this Compendiumare worthy of commendation considering the speed at which the book was published.

    Aaare was mirror in this Compendium as a God  creation to the service of humaniyt, a special envoy of God to bring smiles to the faces of those that came across him. He came, doggedly ran his race, faithfully delivered on the errand his creator sent and left in a blaze of glory”  Suunre o enire Ibadan (good person of Ibadan). Aare Alhaji Abdul Azeez  Arisekola Alao, the first (1st) Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and Aare of Ibadanland and Vice President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

  • Same Boundary: From workshop to gallery

    Same Boundary: From workshop to gallery

    What started like an ordinary interaction at a workshop at Green House, Lambe in August last year has evolved into a platform determined to promote art in local communities of Ibafo, Mowe and Ofada in Ogun State. As a first step, the 5-man exhibiting artists: Stella Ubigho, Oguntimehin Ariyo, Luke Iyorah, Okoro Nathan and Chijioke Nwoga last Saturday held a group art exhibition of sculptures and paintings at the Quintessence Gallery, Park View Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The group show tagged Same Boundary is featuring five works by each artists most of which mirror the day to day activities of making a living. They include scenes such as market, milkmaid, party time, overcrowding, celebration and landscape. Apart from borrowing from indigenous imagery, their works lend themselves to contemporary trends. Thematically, the collection on display tells stories of the dignifying way Nigerians eke their living riding on buses and going through roughages with smiles on their faces.

    Ubigho’s Beauty of creation is a landscape painting that highlights the flourishing trees as well as their different characteristics.  Will I see you again? is a painting any viewer will give a second look as it highlights the state of insecurity focusing on the missing Chibok girls. The artist shows a woman staring through a window into the sky asking ‘will I see you again?  It is a reminder of the travails many mothers of the missing girls would have been going through since last year April when the Boko Haram militants kidnapped the girls.

    Instructively, the artist uses cracked brown walls and the barricade between the mother and the invisible girls to symbolise the state of the nation in terms of security and unity.

    Nwoga captures the Lagos women’s social life in Ode ya showing the elegance of head tie most women adorn on during social outings at weekend. Although a metal sculpture, Ode ya is as simple as it is elegant in presentation.

    According to Ubigho there is possibility for the group to evolve into another formidable group of exhibiting artists with a strong interest in creating awareness on art in local communities. This, she said, will be carried out through workshops in studios in the communities in order to bring the art closer to the people. Same Boundary will run till June 26 at Qiuntessence Gallery, Park View Ikoyi, Lagos.

     

  • Winners emerge at Tastee Spelling Bee competition

    Winners emerge at Tastee Spelling Bee competition

    The annual Tastee Spelling Bee Competition has come and gone with three popular Lagos Nursery and Primary Schools emerging winners. The one day event took place at the cozy, large hall of Tastee Fried Chicken Festac Town branch eatery. After an intensive competition, the winner’s trophy went to the First Prize winning school New Hall International school, Lekki, who was represented by Isaac Inemesit Abasi.

    The Second Prize went to Corona School, Ikoyi, represented by Imo-Imo Ukpong, while the Third Prize went to Pampers School, Surulere, and was represented by Eshiotse Hemuagbor. The competition had a robust participation with 50 schools competing for the three winning positions.     The winners all went home with juicy prizes among them a brand new Ipad, computer Laptops and numerous gifts from other corporate organisations that also supported the event.

    For the group of boys and girls from the competing schools that were also inside the cozy hall to cheer up their representatives, the organisers of the event Tastee Fried Chicken ensured that they had a swell time enjoying every moment of the day.

    The competition was anchored by Cool Fm popular presenter, Mannie, while presentations were done by the Acting Managing Director of Tastee Fried Chicken Mr Bode Ogunsanwo and Dr Fowoke Akinleye a member board of directors Tastee fried chicken.