The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Artists cart away N5m cash prize

    Artists cart away N5m cash prize

    Erasmus Onyishi, has emerged winner of first place prize of the African Artists Foundation and Nigerian Breweries’ National Art Competitions. Onyishi got a cash prise of N2 million, while Modupe Fadugba won the outstanding concept prize of N1 million. Paul Mbah walked home with the cash prize of N1 million for outstanding production of the competition.

    Two finalists Nkechi Edubedike and Amarachi Okafor got N500,000 each.

    Venue of the prize presentation and exhibition was the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    But following deliberations, the organisers of the competition decided to raise the cash prize and introduced a special jurors’ prize due to the level of outstanding works produced this year.

    At the grand finale, a judging panel of distinguished arts professionals, led by Prof. El Anatsui, deliberated for eight hours before they finally selected the three winners.

    Inaugurated in 2008 with the theme, Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit, the NAC has experienced very exciting and colourful journey. This year’s theme, “Interventions”, examined how contemporary art serves as a catalyst for positive social change; engaging artists to think about their involvement in the social, political, and cultural framework of the society that they live in.

    With a focus on the processes of artistic creation, artists were asked to submit a proposal of their works. After hundreds of entries, twelve finalists were invited to take part in a week-long artists’ retreat in Lagos where workshops by leading arts professionals gave finalists the opportunity to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposal. Finalists were also given a stipend for the production of their artworks.

    As contemporary art is inherently an avenue for audiences to analyze and begin a dialogue about issues relevant to their present day, artists were asked to create art pieces that will spark public discourse and make a difference in their local communities.

    Some of the works displayed included; Lines, Patches and Pathos by Erasmus Onyishi which explores the irony between facts and representation. It addresses how refuse such as plastic waste is often used to create works of art. Other works includes: Mat-Matics by Emmanuel Dudu, The People’s Algorithm and The Butterfly Effect by Modupeola Fadugba, The Quiet Light Within by Nkechi Ebubedike, The T’Eye’meline by Paul Mbah and others.

  • When creative minds missed Mr. President

    They are, arguably, the best. Their professions have etched Nigeria on the world map. Their sector is worth billions. It is Nigeria’s Creative industry. Its members would not forget in a hurry the night President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan treated the industry’s bigwigs to an evening of  exhibitions, music, performances at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. It was also one full of reflection and deliberations on how to develop country through creative endeavours. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME and EVELYN OSAGIE were there.

    Imagine a room full of stars. Imagine the glitz and paroxysm of emotions at a fête for stars.

    That was the feeling that evening when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan brought together under one “large roof” the choicest of the country’s Creative Industry.

    Although the night has come and gone, but its frills and thrills would not be easily forgotten many in industry have said.

    Tagged: An Evening with President Goodluck Jonathan, the epoch-making event was meant to celebrate members of the Creative Industry, which includes creative writing, film, music, visual arts, photography, in the past 100 years. Men and women of “the arts” thronged the Banquet Hall of the impressive Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, with pride written all over their faces. It was their night of glory for putting Nigeria on the world map. And so they came exquisitely dressed for the occasion – some wore outfits that made loud statements for their art forms. Art works of different generation of artists welcomed guests to the event, powered by Zenith Bank.

    There were comedy, dance and musical performances by artistes, such as Onyeka Onwenu, Asa, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Sunny Nneji, Cobhams, Lara George. The audience also watched documentaries chronicling the history of the diverse art forms in Nigeria, such as music, visual arts, literature, film, etc.

    With the theme, Creativity Moving Nigeria, the peace songs by an all-star-cast led by King Sunny Ade – along with Kate Henshaw, Chinedu Ikedieze (alias Aki) and Osita Iheme (alias Pawpaw), Zaaki Azzay, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic and Waje – helped set the pace for the evening.

    The night was meant for revelries turned out to be one of sober reflections and deliberations as the creative community called for the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts and building of structures to enhance the growth of the industry.

    Since they were meeting with Nigeria’s “Number One Citizen”, most of its members said they came with lots of expectations and questions for Mr President, who was later represented by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke.

    This change in the event, the minister said, was not deliberate; but for an unpleasant event that occurred few hours before, they would have had him to themselves for the whole night – a feat which was not so easy to achieve given his tight schedules and theirs as well.

    He praised the achievements of the creative community, saying “truly, the Nigerian creative community has positioned itself as the primus interpares amongst the different socio-economic platforms of this nation”.

    Duke said: “Mr President has asked me to express his appreciation to the creative community… as we define our country’s position in the comity of nations. That while we sit back in our comfort zones, these gathering of stars whom are gathered in this room tonight, by their creativity, by their innate talent, with which nature and God has endowed them, have continued to win hearts and minds for Nigeria. Sadly, only a few hours ago, a few of us and indeed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, began to make our way to this venue. We heard the unfortunate incident in Kano that shattered the peace of the nation. Tonight the peace of our nation has been shattered. Tonight the bloods of our compatriots are flowing. People went out in Kano today to pray in supplication to God to bring peace to this country but so many of them never returned home. As we commemorate 100 years of our nation; as we look at the achievements from the years of our forbearers until today, as we commemorate this evening to the legacy and achievements of our creative industry, our heads are bowed, our eyes are bloodied by the spirit of this nation…

    “Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is already in the building… to pay compliments to the sweat of our creative community, says to tell you he will join us in the course of the evening because for him as a leader of the biggest black nation on the surface of the earth, the challenge of insecurity, the challenge of insurgency is one that breaks his heart and he sees the futility of trying to divide this country. He sits tonight reflecting on the events of the last few hours.”

    While expressing hope over the country’s future in the 100 years, Duke said that Nigerians, particularly the creative industry, have a role play in ensuring peace and unity ensue. “When will insurgency stop being the defining element of Nigeria? When men and women in the creative industry and community are exercising and exploiting their innate talents and creativity to advance the frontiers of our achievement. So we must all stand up against the insurgency, we will move this nation forward to ensure the transformation we desire and ensure that our children and our children’s children will find a wonderful country to live in,” he said.

    The creative community brought the teething issues inhibiting the growth of the industry to the fore, while calling for better framework and endowments that would enhance the progress of the industry and its players. Each sector of the industry came chronicling its contributions to the industry’s growth.

    Renowned artists, Bruce Onobrakpeya said Nigeria’s arts were the first things to put Nigeria on the world map, saying “the so- called “primitive art” were ahead of their time and influence artists like Picasso”. He, therefore, called for the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts to empower the artists.

    He said: “The occasion therefore gives me another opportunity to plead with Mr President to look into two areas which need urgent attention to facilitate the growth. The first is the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts, which include social welfare for the artists and grants to empower them to take care of their various associations and carry out projects. Art workshops initiated by NGOs will be enhanced if they also become beneficiary of the National Endowment. The second is the building of infrastructures to help showcase artistic products. Top on the list is the National Gallery of Modern Art. This is in fact long overdue.  There is also the need for Artists’ village and indeed Artists’ communities within the various estates being developed in our cities.”

    While praising President Jonathan’s support to the film industry by way of grants and towards the hosting of his association’s 2014 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Remi Raji, sought further conversation with the government on the ways and means of building structures and institutions for the benefit of Nigerian writing and Nigerian writers.

    According to him, Nigerian writers had won all possible international literary awards available in the world – such as the Orange Prize, the Man Booker, Caine Prize, the Fonlon-Nichols, and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

    Raji said: “As we salute you for being Nigeria’s number one Nollywood fan, we, the body of authors, in close associations with publishers, librarians, editors and booksellers, and other groups with interests in literacies, would also like to open a conversation on how to support the creative industry further, on how to support the Book industry, on how to support ANA as the largest body of writers on the African continent, indeed, on how to build enduring structures and institutions for the generality of our country’s creative industry. You have been a supporter of Nigerian literature; the Bring Back the Book project, which has been very dear to you, is a mine of ideas in which ANA is most pleased and interested.

    He urged members of the creative industry, particularly writers, to renew commitment to the cause of healing this nation of the malaise called “Insurgency”. “As artists, and artistes, we must heal by our creativities: we must continue to paint it; we must continue to sculpt it; we must dramatise it; we must continue to compose and score it; yes, and for Memory, we must write  it. Admit it or not, paint it, perform it, act it, install it, weave it or sing it, it must still be written about.

    “The centrality of writing for a nation for historical and scientific purposes cannot be overemphasised. It is for these reasons among others, that this occasion becomes a good opportunity to reinvent our interest as a nation in the book and the knowledge industry. We must bring back the book to end the incendiary of ignorance in the land. We must, at the insistence of our resolve, continue to lend our voice to the call to bring back the book, bring back all our beauties to end the pockets of uglinesses around,” he said.

  • Bayelsa hosts peace-culture pageant

    THis year’s Miss Niger- Delta peace Cultural pageant will hold on Saturday at Gabriel Okora Cultural Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The pageant, which is in its 14th edition, will feature 22 contestants from nine states of Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom,  Ondo  Bayelsa  State,  Imo and Abia.

    According to the organisers, the contestants are already in camp in preparation for the grand finale on Saturday. The peace/cultural pageant, which started in 1999 has produced 13 beauty queens, who are using their positions and offices as role models of change.

    The pageants post-event pet project activities, according to the organisers, are carried out with the  noble  objective  of  promoting  peace,  socio-cultural  integration,  reorientation  of  values,  skills  development,  empowerment  and  sustainable development.

    The event, according to them, is not just about fanfare of crowning beauty queens, but one with a purpose that has brought about positive transformation, especially among the youths in the region.

    This year’s edition, the organisers say, hopes to attract the crème de le crèmein the society and will feature side attractions and appearances  like  Harrysong,  Gordons,  Jaywon,  Lady  IB,  and indigenous-cultural  and  music  performances  to  showcase  the  region’s  rich cultural heritage.

  • Bongos Ikwue, Angela Christie for Ibom Carol Night

    After setting a new Guinness world record as the largest assembly of 9,300 carol singers on December 26, 2008, and 9,999 choristers in 2011, Akwa Ibom State government is celebrating yet another Carol Night on December 20 at the new Ibom International Stadium in Uyo, AKwa-Ibom State capital. Leading the choir for the night is the quartets, Soweto Spiritual Singers of South Africa; the Chorale Devine de Merveilles from the Republic of Congo; the National Choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Winneba International Youth Choir from Ghana and the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO). Also expected to perform at the carol night are AKSG Choir, Ibom Orchestra, Unity Brass Band, Bongos Ikwue and Angela Christie-renowned American Gospel Music Saxophonist, the Voices of Jamaica Choir and the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan Umanah said the “9,999 Carol Night, apart from being a record-breaking gathering of Carol Singers, has become a major source of spiritual tourism that attracts pilgrims from around the world.” The event, according to him, “gives the Christian community and general public a compelling need to be in the city of Uyo to celebrate Christmas and honour the birth of Jesus Christ.”

    He stated that the event, which is the creation of the Akpabio administration, and coordinated by the Akwa Ibom State Directorate of Protocols, was inspired by the Governor’s desire to gather people from every Church organization, hamlet and village from across the State to share in the joy of Christmas by singing praises to the Almighty God.

    According to him, since its inception in 2008, “the Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Night has enjoyed the benevolence, involvement, support and passion of Governor Akpabio, and has also served as avenue for the promotion of spiritual growth, peaceful co-existence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the State, in an evening of praise, worship, love and unity”.

    Mr. Umanah added that apart from boosting the tourism potentials of Akwa Ibom, the Carol Night, which has maintained its unique theme and tradition, has evolved with new ideas and concepts on yearly basis. The tourism potential of the carol, he noted “has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the State.”

    With a blend of unique vocal and digital rendition of medley and lyrics as well as a repertoire of colourful visual decoration, dance, costumes and lighting, the Umannah noted that “the ambience in and around the event venue often engender bliss and spiritual awakening.”

    A unique feature added to this year’s 9,999 Carol Night, according to Mr. Umanah, is “special performance by Quartets from each of the choirs from different countries who have performed at the six past editions of the Carol Night.

    Mr Umanah who said this year’s edition which will feature the Catholic Bishop, Cardinal John Onaiyekan as the officiating Minister, will equally have internationally renowned gospel artistes such as Don Moen, Panam Percy Paul, Nathaniel Bassey, as well as Aity Dennis, El-Mafrex, Freke Umoh Linda Etukudoh, Buchi, Mosaic and Patience Esekhile, ministering in songs.

    He disclosed that the AKSG Choir, Ibom Orchestra, Unity Brass Band, Bongos Ikwue and Angela Christie -renowned American Gospel Music Saxophonist will be part of the event, adding that with the Christmas Carol Night, Governor Akpabio has created a compelling spotlight on the City of Uyo while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and complementing the Uncommon Transformation programme of the State Government.

    Commending the Permanent Secretary, Protocol, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkanang and members of his team for a robust and hitch-free preparations for the event, the Commissioner said this year’s edition will be live on major networks like the DSTV 199, African Magic, NTA, AIT, TBN, Channels, STV, CTV and AKBC, and implored those who have planned to be physically present at the Carol Night, especially first timers, to find time to visit other places of interest in Akwa Ibom,  as, according to him, destination Akwa Ibom story has become a reality.

     

  • Jude Isiguzo: Good night

    Jude Isiguzo: Good night

    It about 12:25pm on Saturday, November 29, I got a call from a colleague, Tunji Sanniowo. I wanted to give him the usual pleasantries, but he would not want any of it, rather to confirm or inform me of the death of my brother, senior colleague, and a precious friend, Jude Isiguzo, the crime correspondent of The Nation newspapers. “Olopa done die,” he said. Which Olopa? I queried. Jude now, he reaffirmed. I said, IG? No lailai! I said it as if he would not die in 90 years time. It was really unimaginable.

    I immediately reminded him that, Jude was on leave and that he travelled to the United Kingdom (UK), but Sanniowo said I should reconfirm because some people used Jude’s photo on their BBM.

    Bewildered and unsettled, I scrolled to Tunde Bishi’s number, another colleague, who could probably confirm the story, but the network would not go through. I again tried The Nation daily editor’s   P.A’s number, Idris Akinpelu, the response was ‘no network coverage’. Enraged this time, blasting Nigeria network provider, I waited for another five minutes and dialed another close colleague of Jude, Joseph Udeh, alas! He picked the call. “Baba how far? Happy weekend,” I greeted him.  His response was shocking, for 20 seconds he was silent. “Prof as he would call me,” Jude done die o, naso we see am…….”

    Visibly shaken, reminisces of my five years relationship with my Oga, brother, friend and colleague encapsulate my entire memory. My first encounter with him was in March 2009, when he came to the advert department. As a new employee then, I was fascinated by the way he spoke; it was a very unique quality that attracted all to him. Mrs. Vera Chidi-Maha sent me to buy him a bottle of water, when I came back he was talking to me as if he knew me for a long time. I was not surprised, because of the way he mingled with people.

    Jude isiguzo was one in a million. A rare Igbo man, an example of what human being should be. We would argue over political matters and other sundry issues.  He was a perfect social man. We never saw him get angry, so accommodating and enviable personality.

    To qualify his worth is attempt to measure up the water in an ocean. He lived an exemplary life, always very supportive to the younger generation. It is with painful heart I join others to say, may his gentle soul rest in peace.

  • Peugeot backs Ake Festival

    Peugeot backs Ake Festival

    HOW would you rate a book festival that featured Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Wole Soyinka, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi? And what would be your expectations from such interactions that also attracted literati from across the globe for 5 days? Expectedly, the corporate bodies that supported the annual festival were leading players in the economy. One of them was foremost Nigerian automobile brand Peugeot was among top supporters of the organisers of 2014 edition of Ake Arts and book Festival through the provision of executive shuttle services for the concluded event in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

    The second edition of the Books festival brought many African writers to celebrate African talents in literature, arts, theatre, music, dance and drama.

    The level of support and participation of private organisations, government functionaries, institutions and individuals in the campaign for reading culture in Nigeria through workshops, public readings and book festivals obviously accentuated the theme of the event – Bridges and Pathways.

    Regional Director, Peugoet Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Mr.Erick Maydieu, noted that the need for the promotion of knowledge acquisition informed its support for the festival and arts in all of its genres.

    “We have provided the services of different range of our executive cars to help in the provision of shuttle services to participants at the festival and also to help provide seamless movement for the organisers of the event and all of their premium quests and partners”, he added.

    Part of the activities which gave colour to the six-day days event included varieties of cultural, artistic and literary events. Some of these were woven around readings, master classes, workshops, performances and talks delivered by both Nigerian and international authors, thinkers, poets, filmmakers, actors, artists and academics.

    Many schools in Abeokuta were visited by writers such as Yejide Kinlanko who read from her novel, Daughters who walk this path, a stage play, film showings, musical concert, and a comprehensive book fair which pupils, publishers and book buyers took advantage of.

    Discussions at this year’s festival touched on important issues such as the public and individual perception of nationhood and how freedom of expression in Africa could be established. More targeted themes such as women’s rights and child literacy were also addressed, as a way of examining how the arts can contribute to development in these areas.

  • ‘Tourism is no luxury’

    ‘Tourism is no luxury’

    Text of the paper delivered at the 8th annual conference of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria in Abuja by the  Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Director-General, Mrs Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo. 

    Tourism is about providing assets for people to invest in. But people will not invest in assets unless there is a revenue stream from that investment and a return on their capital. What are the assets that we have in Nigeria? Nigeria is blessed with waterfalls; caves; hotels; parks; sandy beaches; large lakes and historic sites. Nigeria is able to offer a range of tourism experiences applicable to the general holiday maker as well as the traveller looking for something off the beaten track.

    To invest in tourism there must be clarity on how people can invest their tourism dollars for a fixed period, how they can monetise this tourism investment and how they can see a clear path for exit or onward – sale of their investment if need be. My idea is to identify for investment, tourism projects aimed at specific tourists and to create an enabling environment that respects and encourages this investment.

    And the first step is to identify six projects in the six geo-political zones that will benefit from investment and bring these investments up to a world standard. I see a read-across for Nigerian tourism with countries like Morocco, Tanzania, Vietnam, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa, parts of the Caribbeans and even Peru in terms of creating a unique experience not to mention beach experience and golfing experience, where with the right type of investment, will provide alternatives to Morocco and parts of the Caribbean.

    We are a friendly nation, welcoming visitors. Once identified, I intend to put the six (specific) projects into a prospectus, which should be a document that forms the compendium of opportunities we are inviting people to invest in.

    To generate revenue we would need to achieve a world standard tourism experience. To do this, we will target for cooperation those, who have had experience managing emerging markets tourism experiences and turning those into benchmarks that attract hundreds of millions of tourism dollars annually.

    Tourism in Nigeria is where telecoms was, say 20 years ago. Today as an investment proposition, Nigerian telecoms is probably the best in the world. The same will be said of tourism in 5–10 years from now if appropriate measures and initiatives are taken

    The investors will be given long term tenure for their investment and where applicable, the underlying asset will either revert back to the government after the project investment period lapses or continue with the pioneer investor once revenue has been created for the government and a generous return on capital achieved for the investor.

    With this plan we can achieve Nigeria’s goal of being tourism destination hot-spot where people come to spend their dollars, yen, euros, yuan, rand, ringgits and British pounds and this is achievable within 5–10 years

    But first, we must define what makes the world class standard experience unique to Nigeria. We cannot be everything to everyone from day one, but we can entice them by knowing what they want and what their alternatives are.

    What we want to create is a must – have experience that meets a world standard benchmark for these tourists and investors.

    For example, a tourist may have seen the slave trade story from other African countries’ perspectives, but the story is not complete until they have visited Nigeria for the last part jigsaw. They may enjoy golf and so want to be playing in the sunshine, which we have an abundance of, but be surrounded by first-class amenities at a price that represents value. The tourist may want to travel across water to an offshore beach resort just as he does in Tanzania or Zanzibar. He or she may want an ecological experience and yet know that when they get back to base they too have comfort, a great meal and seamless internet connections. The tourist may want a well-planned tour of durbars and festivals, but know that at each place he will be spending the night in comfortable world–class accommodation that enhances the experience. We want to create family–holiday destinations whether these are at the beaches, water parks or even focused around Nigeria’s numerous lakes. There are ideas that we need to focus and galvanise to create a product that meets all health and safety requirements.

     

    Why a bond?

    We intend to launch a tourism bond underpinned by what will be a secure revenue –stream generated from a prospective tourism development levied on departures. The bond will give us the money we need for investment in the six projects today and these investments will create jobs, careers, transfer of skills and the right product. The yield on the bond will recognise that we want investment and recognise where we are on the tourism ladder today. It’s all about upside.

     

    What do we have today?

    In Lagos, for example, we have Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate. We have a burgeoning resort at Epe Health Resort and Spa that aims to be a market leader. We have Old Lagos, which we should use to create a heritage experience full of small café’s. We can partner with Lagos State to make Old Lagos a heritage site with good access and paved roads and sidewalks. There could be a law that protects the heritage of those (historical) buildings in the old Lagos and whose architecture tells a compelling story that is of interest to many people around the world.

    In Abuja, for example, we have Jabi Lake, which is a tourism gold-mine that must be developed by tourism investors that the bond will attract.

    In Obudu Mountain Resort, Calabar, we have ecological experiences that require further investment to make it comparable with ecological experiences in Rwanda and Uganda and Zambia.

    In Rivers and Bayelsa, we have hotels to be renovated and turned into real 5-star experiences. We have riverine communities in which boating experiences can be turned into a world – class product.

    The Festivals and Durbars of the North are a rich and vibrant tapestry of color and enchanting mystery that is sought after around the world.

    The vast geographical features of Nigeria have long been an object of fascination for people around the world who want to spend a great deal of time enjoying its inherent assets.

    These are just some examples.

     

    What other products can we offer for sale to tourism investors?

    Sports Tourism – Polo is a huge selling point for Nigeria. But we must have a world class standard because Polo lovers are so passionate and can travel anywhere for a polo game experience.

    Art Tourism – Art, sculpture is also a selling point for Nigeria, where if properly nurtured the bespoke tourist looking for that experience will pay his or her hard earned money to Nigeria to enjoy that experience.

    We have a fast growing middle class who want to enjoy their lives and want to spend their hard earned money but want in turn, value for their money. They do not want to be cheated. We need to create and develop top quality tourism products for them and their families. That is why we want to launch a bond.

     The way forward

    In 2015, we intend to form a tourism committee, and I would like for Mr President and the minister to form a committee with people with international exposure to contribute to the new tourism journey. I would like for Mr President to give them a 6 – month tenure to come up with a template.

     

    Tourism – a value proposition

    Historically, tourism in very much where the telecom industry was 20 years ago, and as a value proposition, it is an attractive investment. My role and the role of the committee is to answer the tourism question in terms of creating viable business opportunities for investments that enhance the Nigerian tourism experience. Being a business, we must not forget that investors must see appreciable value and a handsome ROI (return on investment). For the investor it is not just about a Durbar, a Sango Festival, a New Yam Festival, or a beach, it is about a sustainable business with handsome returns.

     

    Emphasis

    Nigeria cannot remain a mono hydrocarbon economy. We must create and exploit our other natural resources which are our landscape, our dynamic people, our plethora of young people, our sunshine, our lakes, our beaches and our warm friendly nature in order to attract the billions of tourism dollars looking for destinations and looking for choice. Tourism should rightly be a considerable contributor to our GDP. As an investment value – proposition it is unrivalled.

     

    How would you conclude

    I would conclude by saying that tourism is an imperative for healthy living and not just a pastime. Rest and relaxation are the cornerstone of any civilized society. Nigeria needs to ratchet up this asset we have and make Nigeria open for tourism business in a meaningful way. Government should not and cannot do this but Government should create the right enabling environment and investment incentives that foster investment. Government owns tourism assets which are underutilised or underperforming. Investment in these is required.

    For 2015, we are talking with and partnering with State Governments, oil companies, the manufacturing sector and banks to see what role they can play. We are looking at issuing a bond.   We would like to partner with strong brands like General Electric (GE) and brands like AEG to create music venues for our youths. Attached to these venues will be streaming rights, so both investors and artists make money and the world gets an on-line insight into what a vibrant country Nigeria is. As mentioned, we will be talking to oil companies to partner to create recreational experiences and similarly to banks on what they need for their staff and families and see how we can partner with them to build something bespoke that will be branded by them and form the nucleus for wider investments. In all of this the bench-mark is WORLD STANDARD. Nigerians expect so much more today in the 21st Century and don’t want to be cheated. Tourists around the world expect similar because they have choices and it is not ‘by force’ they come to Nigeria.

    It is my job to point Government in the right direction in order to create the right enabling environment because Nigeria is a destination for Polo lovers, golf lovers, eco-tourism, sun sand and beach experiences, music lovers, heritage lovers, people who love being around lakes and for domestic tourism couched both in term of short and long term breaks. Others are interested in the history of Nigeria, for example, the Benin bronzes; our natural caves and waterfalls. Every tourist has a requirement and Nigeria’s other natural resource can provide everything.

    I want Nigeria to be a country where people can work, live and holiday, and it must be comparable to what other countries in the Far East, in South Africa, East Africa have to offer. Tourism is not a luxury but is a modern social imperative.

    Tourism is and must be a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. Tourism creates jobs, capacity and career opportunities for our youth. Taking a holiday to rest and be with family is extending our lives and building strong family units. Tourism creates well – being. All work and no holiday leads to a stress-filled life and short life span.

     

  • Wanted: New value system for Africa

    Wanted: New value system for Africa

     

    For  three days, scholars, historians and thespians converged on Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, to chart a new pathway on how to use culture to drive development in   Africa and the Diaspora, reports   Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    If the calibre of Nollywood stars at the International Cultural Festival and Colloquium held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, is a measure of success, the event can pass for grade ‘A’ performance. Expectedly, the stars led by humour merchant, Chika Okpala of the New Masquerade fame, (Chief Zebrudaya) backed by royal fathers–King Amalate Johnnie Turner, the Obanema of Opume Kingdom, (who was represented) and King Alfred Diete Spiff, the Amanayanabo of Twon-Brass, added colour to the festival that attracted historians, academics, Pan-Africanists, activists and other experts drawn from Africa and the Diaspora.

    The  theme of the three-day event (November 26 to 28) was: Using Culture To Drive The Transformation of Africa And The Diaspora in a New Global Order. It was organised by Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAC) and Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs in collaboration with the University of Port Harcourt.

    The hitherto serene Peace Park, Yenagoa, venue of the festival was literarily ignited by colourful parade by the Nollywood stars and Enugu masqueraders. Among them were Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwo, Keppy Ekpeyong, Alex Osifo, Ajibola Dabo, Charles Inojie, Francis Duru, Yakubu Abubakar, Ejike Asiegbu, Ejiro Okurime and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki). Pupils of St. Jude Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, Women Affairs School, University of Port Harcourt Alumni, Ekpe masquerades and Enugu State cultural troupe also featured in the parade.

    Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, represented by  Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolor said the time has come for African leaders to use culture for diplomacy and development, noting that CBAAC must be prepared to drive the efforts.

    Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) Sir Ferdinand Anikwe has identified music, video, fabrics and food as means through which African culture is being internationalised.

    He said  Nigerian home videos have become popular and a reference point of cultural and social influence all over the world.  He noted that through home videos, Africans and the rest of the world are picking up vocabulary of Nigerian languages.

    “Diaspora Nigerians and Africans should endeavor as much as possible to promote African fabrics and food.  This, in a way, has endeared African foods and fabrics to the hearts of most foreigners, which have become strong factors in their way of lives. This development is in tandem with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) view, that social transformation generally comprises change in existing parameters of a societal system, including technological, economic, political and cultural restructuring,” he added.

    According to Anikwe, such lofty attempts by the artists, actors and creative writers need to be institutionalised and strengthened for more effect. African States, he said, must continue to harp and invest on artists and actors that have become the continent’s great cultural ambassadors.   “Please permit me to state unequivocally that we can only underrate our culture at our own peril. We are witnesses to the impact that western culture has had on the minds of our youths through music, movies, novels, football, religion, internet activities, costumes and fashions.  It is in this wise that we must remain eternally indebted to the fathers of African Literature such as Chinua Achebe,  Wole Soyinka, J. P. Clark, Ngugu Wa Thiongo, Chimamanda Adichie, and a host of others for pioneering African writers series with its robust cultural background, that capture the minds and attention of our youths,” he added.

    But he observed that it is of great significance that the Western world has started showing enormous interest in studying and promoting African culture and history.  He stressed that there is the need for Africa to recognise its cultural uniqueness and potentialities, package it properly, with the conscious objective of using it to influence the ways of lives of other peoples.

    Continuing, he said: “This will ultimately lead to more recognition and economic benefit for the continent.  African States need to evolve both policies and programmes for the internationalisation of her cultures through art, music, science and technology, education, tourism and diplomacy.  Achieving this requires doing all it takes to revamp the spirit of our various cultures. It is in African cultures that the oneness of her peoples could be found. We therefore appreciate that the task before CBAAC and other culture agencies is to pursue the sustained and possibly, the aggressive promotion and preservation of African culture.”

    Nollywood star Pete Edochie described the movie industry as second employer of labour after government noting that Goodluck Jonathan will invite him for the celebration of his re-election next year.

    The colloquium held at Ijaw House auditorium, Yenagoa, featured papers on culture and cultural regeneration in Africa and the Diaspora, Culture and national development in Nigeria, Using culture to fastrack African development, The Nollywood industry in the promotion of national development, Re-engineering Pan African cultural studies in the Black Atlantic among other sub-themes.

    In a communiqué issued at the close of the colloquium, organisers recommended:

    •That the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), should intensify its efforts in the preservation of African culture most importantly, the re-introduction of the teaching of History in Nigerian schools;

    •That CBAAC canvass for the de-colonisation of the already colonised African cultures, as this is a challenge to all Africans.  This is to be done in partnership with the intelligentsia, artists, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and all allied agencies in Africa.  This will make for self-reliance, in socio-economic and cultural affairs of African State;

    •That CBAAC should develop a pathway through which the book can be used for new value-system development, since the values of the past are continuously being eroded;

    •That a national policy be established for use of Bibliotherapy in value-system re-orientation for behaviour modification, and change within the society;

    •That the National Censors Board, in collaboration with CBAAC and allied agencies, aim at censoring music dramatization to ensure nudity is reduced at production – editing stage, before public viewing on air;

    •That CBAAC canvass for the establishment of a Department of African Studies that would cater for a purely African culture and the handling of African Traditional Affairs;

    •Explore the possibility of incorporating traditional models of conflicts resolution devoid of modern adulteration, and institutionalizing these for use, in Africa;

    •That gender must emphatically, not be a determinant in apportioning responsibilities.  When men and women render services from their natural areas of responsibilities without discrimination, development results, borne out of the exploration of potentials inherent in synergy;

    •That, films are capable of being used as instrument for making peace, and managing conflicts when scriptwriter, actor and director chose to make films that espouse pure culture, and ignore money-making.

  • Solarising the systemic

    Solarising the systemic

    Being an excerpt of a paper: Education at the Historic Crossroads: New path for a new beginning delivered by renowned US-based historian, Prof Toyin Falola at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode.

    Because of five red emotional buttons anything that has to do with education often triggers in the deepest point of my heart, the invitation to deliver this convocation address could not be turned down under any circumstances because it was in accordance with my long-held principle of adding value to our institutions for the purpose of advancing the course of humanity—the fact of which, I must confess, has become something of an obsession. First, Dr. Tai Solarin (who was born and named Augustus Taiwo Solarin) is (I can’t even come to terms to think of Tai Solarin in the past tense!) a living example of an educated or enlightened soul. Through his wonderful deeds as an educator par excellence and as the famous columnist of the Daily Times newspaper’s “Thinking with You” column, he still lives among us. It is similar to great deeds such as those of the youngsters of Ghana’s Young Pioneer Movement in the days of the late President Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, who used to scream at the top of their voices as part of their pledge: “Nkrumah never dies!” To the critics of the Ghanaian leader, that was impossible. Yet Dr. Nkrumah has been dead since April 1972, yet his soul marches on, as his books are being used in schools and the ideas and socialist policies of Nkrumahism keep on popping up every now and then. In fact, some Ghanaians and other Pan-Africanists long for his reincarnation. And it is the same with Dr. Tai Solarin, whose name honors your great institution! “Tai Solarin never dies!!”  Second, from the time Dr. Solarin left Molusi College, my own alma mater, in the early 1950s to establish The Mayflower College at Ikenne, he had lived true to the character of a teacher who did not merely tell but instead showed and demonstrated. Tai Solarin, as a pilgrim, taught by example. He was also like an eagle and, as you and I know, eagles not only soar high, but they also fly alone. They are the only birds known to fly head on into the eyes of the storm! Furthermore, pilgrimage is for the bold and courageous, not for the chicken hearted. Eagles do not keep the company of chickens, whose idea of flying is hopping on the curbs!

    Tai Solarin’s sojourns, odysseys, and audacity as a pilgrim to move away from all the luxuries and comforts his guaranteed and secure position in Ijebu Igbo to the unknown Ikenne wilderness with all the risks of going solo to establish Mayflower College was no less a pilgrimage; he was accompanied, at the time, by only his dear wife, British-born Sheila Mary Solarin (née Tuer), whom he married in 1951 while in the United Kingdom after serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II. But a pilgrim is someone on a long journey or search, especially of something of exalted purpose or moral significance. It may interest you to note that Mayflower was the name of the ship on which the Pilgrims sailed to America in 1620. The life and works of Tai Solarin not only demonstrated that we too can make our lives sublime, but also showed us what a huge difference one person who was willing to walk his talk could make to change the world and create opportunities for others. Many alumni of Mayflower College have made a considerable difference and have chosen to live above board and carry on Tai Solarin’s torch of integrity and probity, even in our decadent and unpredictable Nigerian society.

    Third, your university has just not been rightly named after our national heroic legend and pioneer of proper education Tai Solarin, but it is the first university of education in Nigeria. And no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. Hence, without competing with Oyo State, whose motto is “pacesetter state,” your university—as the first educators or teachers’ university—is, to say the least, the yardstick to measure where Nigeria is at the moment, and how far in the future Nigeria can go! Why? Because teachers make the nation, and Nigeria, as a nation, cannot go beyond the quality of your product: the teachers. You, as teacher trainers and trainees, are the pacesetters for every sector of our economy. From early years to the university level, you mold the character and quality of our nation. You build the nation. The influence your graduates have in the lives of all the children that will pass through their classrooms will determine the quality of health service, architecture and infrastructure, goods and services. Your burdens and responsibilities are, in some ways, not enviable because our nation’s destiny is in your hands. As teachers, the past, present, and future of Nigeria are in your hands. You have quality education to dispense, and we are happy that your great institution is named after Dr. Solarin, who himself valued education. He used post-war benefits to earn his own high-quality education from the Universities of Manchester and London in the United Kingdom.

    Fourth, the entire world, not just educators, is at the historic crossroads. And the challenge of managing the associated confusions of being at the crossroads while at the same time directing, guiding, and compassing the entire world in choosing the appropriate route to take depends on teachers! For ages, the world has historically used property ownership as its yardstick to measure success, and as the compass to guide our movements on the chessboard of the political economy. Now and then, crossroads arise when there is a regime change of property ownership. To appreciate what creates or constitutes the crossroads, and what they mean in our times and in the new Internet virtual and real global village, let’s cast our minds back in history. In the fifteenth century, Christopher Columbus journey to the West, accomplished without dropping into the oblivion, debunked the religious myths not only that our planet earth was not flat but also that it was not the center of the universe.

    Consequently, the British naval power and shipping industry automatically enthroned Britain as the world’s mercantile imperial power, trading in goods and humans. Medieval mercantile aristocrats lived side by side and in harmony with the feudal lords because vassals, with scattered farm or village settlements, and small workforces served the mutual interests of the feudal lords and mercantile aristocrats. Might was Right. Everyone knew his or her place, either in the king’s courtyard or within the larger society. And, on one hand, no one dare crossed the lines separating the slaves and the drivers supervising the slaves from the vassals, and on the other hand, no one crossed the boundary between vassals, the feudal lords, and mercantile aristocrats.

     

  • When dance meets photography

    When dance meets photography

    Last Monday, a solo art exhibition, Eko Moves, featuring photographs by Ayeni Babaeko, opened at the WheatBaker Hotel, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    It was organised in collaboration with The Society for Performing Arts of Nigeria (SPAN) that reflects dance and photography, capturing the beauty of dance, movement, time and space, within the dazzling city of Lagos.

    The show of 25 beautiful images revealed classical ballet and hip hop dancers, will run until mid-February 2015. The exhibition is ‘not just to give fun to the audience, but to speak out for the voiceless, especially youths, who have the talent of dancing but are not giving the chance to show their values, the organisers said.

    Babaeko said: “Dance needs to be seen as the heartbeat of Lagos interpreted through powerful imagery. We’ve come to understand that dance is more than performance, dance represents the spirit of the people, who despite all odds, are proud of their city and all its stands for.

    “Audience needs to see dance beyond a perfunctory glance, but see it as reality through artistic interpretation.

    In order for dance to be promoted and be brought to life in city of Lagos, Eko moves in partnership with SPAN, leave the comfort of their mirrored studios, and expertly lit stages, and dance through the markets, the bus stops, the beaches, the under-bridge spaces, the water highways and shanty towns of Lagos for the people of Eko.

    The dance, which took them to places such as the famous Obalende bus stop, the bustling Balogun Market, during sunset at sand-fill beach by having dancers silently pose in classical ballet attire, with Hip Hop speed, in other to capture both the dance and the unassuming audience gathered to watch the spectacle of performance.

    “It was amazing how the dancers’ performances on the streets were able to build bridges. During our photo-shoots, which often lasted numerous hours in a single location, we were not harassed by anyone. Instead, there was curiosity and absolute admiration,” Ayeni Babaeko said.

    She has trained young female photographers through professional workshops at the Goethe Institut, Lagos, and she has added values to them. She has also been active as a photographer with a social conscience, chronicling the life of modern Nigeria.

    She studied advertising photography at Studio Be in Greven, Germany, and returned to Nigeria to joined Ess-Ay Studio for photography programme. This experience spurred her to deepen her photographic skills by enrolling at Macromedia, a school for art and design in Osnabrueck, Germany.

    The curator, Mrs Sandra Mbanefo Obiago said: “Eko Moves is a beautiful convergence of two different art forms, photography and dance, against the ever moving backdrop of urban growth and challenges.”

    She added: “SPAN has, over the years, always been in support of promoting artists by strengthening their talents with skills and professional techniques through formal and informal classes in theatre, music dance and art management.

    “SPAN has trained hundreds of Nigerian dancers and has provided opportunities for them to work with international choreographers.

    Among the sponsors of the exhibition were Deutsche Bank, the Wheatbaker and Ruinart.