The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Strengthening bond between Egba, Yewa in Diaspora

    Chief ‘Femi Shodunke, is the President of Olumo Progressive Association, Canada, a socio-cultural Yoruba sub-ethnic group of Egba and Yewa indigenes from Ogun State. The former Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Compass newspaper speaks on the leadership of his association its successes and challenges, and the Nigerians in Diaspora in an interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    What are the objectives of your association?

    “Thank you. Let me start by saying that we are a group of Egba and Yewa indigenes in diaspora in Canada.  Our association was founded in 2006.  The association is to, among others, promote family atmosphere and unity among Egba and Yewa descendants; to promote cultural and social values of our sub-ethnic (and Yoruba in general) tradition, norms and values; to improve and uphold the image of our people and to protect our reputation in Canada.  It is, similarly, our focus to involve in the provision of infrastructure and amenities, and to engage in communal projects in Canada and also to help, and contribute to the development of Greater Toronto Area community, Canada and Nigeria in the areas of socio-economic, education and health advancement, among many.

    Olumo – the rock – is in Abeokuta, and it is synonymous with the name of your association, but there are Yewa indigenes among your members.  Why not a joint name?

    For you to understand why the name is like that there is the need for a bit of historical background, explanation and understanding of the rationale behind it.  This association was originally founded by the Egbas.  Later, more members came in who are Egbas too, but historically their ancestral root is in Yewa.  In fact, virtually all of them were born in Abeokuta – in Ibara, Oke-Ilewo, and Joga, though these communities too are in the main Yewaland. These areas are in Abeokuta, in what we generally called Egbaland.  So, to a larger extent these members are Egbas in actual fact.  And in fact, outside the country we don’t even remember who this is or that once we are able to share similar identity, ideas and aspirations together.

    Are there ties between Olumo Progressive and other similar associations promoting the image and interest of Nigerians in diaspora?

    Yes indeed, we relate quite well with other associations as at when and where necessary, particularly in the advancement of our ethnic culture, particularly Yoruba and Nigeria in general.  Under the umbrella of Yoruba Community Association, indigenes of Owo, Ekiti, Eko, Kwara and Ile-Oluji do come together and meet to promote the course of Yoruba race, and Nigeria in general.  We also relate cordially with other associations representing Nigerians in general here in Canada.  Similarly, we relate well with similar bodies outside Canada.  For instance, Olumo Progressive Association is one of the 17 chapters of Egba National Association US and Canada and barely couple of months ago, we met in Dallas, Texas, US to celebrate the 5th Biennial Convention of our association and virtually all the 17 chapters were in attendance.

    How do you relate with those at home and how do they feel the impact of your association?

    Definitely, home is our base and that’s where we come from to this part of the world.  Therefore, we cannot forget our people at home.  Part of the relationships led to the constant presence of Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and his team, and Otunba of Yewaland, Chief Ayinde Ibikunle at our events, most of the time.  Similarly, because we monitor events going on at home, that was why we were able to identify our fellow indigenes doing great things at home to develop our communities, and the decision to honour them in faraway US, the national headquarters of Egba National Association.

    However, let me quickly say that recently our chapter in conjunction with Egba National Association gave N1 million scholarship to indigent students chosen from our communities to cushion their financial burden in higher institutions in Nigeria. Also, our chapter is working on donation of some health equipment to our people back home in Nigeria.  And in order to further the advancement of Yoruba language in Canada, we are planning to donate some historical books on Egbaland to some libraries here, as there are plans by the Yoruba Community Association to ensure the inclusion and teaching of Yoruba language in Canadian high schools.

    As President of your association, how has the journey been?

    Well, it is full of challenges in various dimensions, particularly in a foreign land.  But with the support of my loyal members, we are forging ahead in the overall interest of the association, our members and our people at home.  In fact, under my able leadership, we’ve won the right to host the next convention of Egba National Association holding here in Toronto.

    And we have mapped out plans for other projects for the immediate benefit of our people here in Canada and in Nigeria.

    What are the major impacts your leadership has made in the last one year?

    The cohesion of our members in this part of the world is very significant, as this environment is more of an individualistic society compared to our home country where family ties and cohesion are of greater necessity.  However, as part of cohesion, we meet regularly, give pieces of advice to members, and helping those in need in the area of immigration issues amongst others.  You’ll recall that I told you earlier that we’re part of the N1 million scholarship assistance to students in Nigeria.   And we relate well with government agencies, and our name, Olumo Progressive Association, is well known not only in Ontario, but the entire Canada.

    What are you doing to maintain good image for your people and Nigeria in Canada?

    It is a must task for us to ensure good image for our people and our country.  Therefore, this is why from our level we carry out adequate screening for intending members.  Only those that are found in good character, names and have identifiable sources of income are allowed to be members, not just anybody because we want to be many.  And our members are found in various sectors of the Canadian economy and social life doing their best legitimately, though there is the possibility of few erring ones, but we have not recorded such to my knowledge anyway.  Besides, you should trust Nigerians, we always excel wherever we find ourselves, and we are doing that here – contributing our significant quota to the development of Canada in various sectors of life and development in this land of greater opportunities.   For instance, the slogan of Ontario is “Yours to discover” and our people are, indeed, taking the ample advantages to discover the milk and honey in Canada.

    What is your professional background?

    I am a trained journalist.  I started my journalism career at Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Abeokuta where I studied Mass Communication and got Higher National Diploma (Upper Credit). I later went to the University of Ibadan where I obtained a Master of Communication Arts.  Let me however, remind you that I’ve worked in National Concord, The Comet, The Nation and lastly the Nigerian Compass, where I was the Deputy Editor (Sunday), before I moved to Canada four years ago. You’ll see all along that I am a newspaper man.  And in Canada in order to prove my worth – when I was faced with the challenge of “You never school here” coupled with no practical knowledge in North America – and to sharpen my professional dexterity with modern trend in journalism, I decided to enrol for a Master of Arts in Media Production at Ryerson University, Toronto, which I concluded last year.  And I have been doing my job, and looking forward to being independent in my chosen profession pretty soon – to realise my long-term ambition of publishing online, particularly as my master’s thesis is on online publication for effective political information dissemination, enlightenment and education.”

  • Transcorp Hilton wins World Travel Awards

    Transcorp Hilton Abuja, for the second consecutive year, has won the prestigious Nigeria’s leading hotel 2014 and Nigeria’s leading MICE hotel 2014 awards presented by World Travel Awards.

    The General Manager Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Mr Etienne Gailliez, was delighted by the recognition, saying: “To receive these two prestigious awards in key categories from World Travel Awards is a great honour and an achievement for our hotel and indeed for team members who have and continued to work tirelessly to make ours the leading world class hotel in Abuja.  I am delighted that our commitment to the consistent delivery of world class experience to all our guests has been recognised once again by a reputable industry watchdog. I have no doubts that the awards will spur us to work even harder and attain greater heights of excellence.”

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, who received the awards on behalf of the hotel at the Nigerian stand at the World Travel Market in London last Wednesday, said he was pleased that the outstanding work and dedication of the team at Transcorp Hilton Abuja continues to be recognised internationally.

    Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sally Mbanefo noted that it is remarkable that Transcorp Hilton Abuja has won these awards consecutively.

  • Benin hosts Whose centenary

    Whose Centenary, a multi-series exhibition will open at Igun Street, Benin City, Edo State on December 6, featuring performance art, installation art, poetry reading, community workshops, songs/choreography, painting, photography and video. The collaborative project is being curated by   Inês Valle and will feature Jude Anogwih, Jelili Atiku, Josephine Ebiuwa Abbe, Victor Ehikhamenor, Andrew Esiebo, Taiye Idahor, Peju Layiwola, Elizabeth Olowu, Wura Ogunji, George Osodi and Jumoke Verissimo.

    The event is the first time a multi-dimensional art show is being held in the country focusing on a historic event that borders on our nationhood and the global issues concerning restitution and vandalisation of arts.

    According to one of the participants, Jude Anogwih, there are plans to take the show to other parts of the globe such as Portugal and UK next year. He said local artists and artisans in Benin will be strongly involved in the interactive sessions of the show. “It is a shift from the regular format of presenting art event. It will be preceeding the famous Igue festival in Benin while complementing the 100 years anniversary celebration of Nigeria,” he said.

    The ground breaking art intervention will begin with public art exhibitions and life performances following a procession route from the King’s quarters at Akenzua Street, through Airport Road, Ring Road and will culminate at Igun Street – a world heritage site and the home of traditional bronze casters in Benin City who for centuries have produced the bronze works the city and country is renowned for.

    The project is a critical analysis of significant historical aspects of Nigerian social, political and cultural memory, with a particular emphasis on 1914. The multi-series exhibitions will include performance art, installation art, poetry reading, community workshops, songs/choreography, painting, photography, video and collaboration between contemporary Nigerian artists with traditional Edo bronze casters and their wards, in a series of community based art projects in Benin City.

    The exhibition will explore themes around the centennial commemoration of Nigeria’s amalgamation, as well as and the multilayered nature and prevalent results of colonialism in the country, revealed in the primordial space of Benin, where history was itself played out a hundred years ago with the exile of Oba Ovonramwen to Calabar in 1897 and eventual entrenchment of British rule.

    The year 1914 also brings to mind the passing of the king who stood against British imperialism in defense of his kingdom. In its rhetorical form, several questions emerge: Who and what is being commemorated? In what forms do these memorialisations occur?

    Whose Centenary? is a two year long series of artistic collaborations that also aims to redefine the boundaries of museological spaces in Africa, where places, people and their memories continuously enrich our understanding of life, art and history. Therefore, Igun Street is apprehended as a living museum, becoming an ideal space for this first intervention.

  • PMAN sends SOS to Jonathan, Tambuwal

    The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), has sent an SOS to President Goodluck Jonathan and Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Representatives, calling for the immediate liberalisation of collective administration in Nigeria.

    “The forced monopoly in the copyright administrative system in Nigeria is killing entertainment business even more than piracy. We have demanded for audience and written series of letters to the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) on the issue, but have received no response,” Lucciano lamented in a chat with The Nation.

    According to Gabriel, in August 2010, a group of entertainment practitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Copyright & Intellectual Property Owners (CCIPO), protested against the imposed monopoly and the Attorney General promised to reverse the situation within two weeks.

    “Four years on, the problem is still there and this is unacceptable,” Gabriel continued, recalling that in May 2013, PMAN, alongside other stakeholders, also participated in the Investigative Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committees on Justice and Judiciary, which presented its report and recommendations to the plenary session of the House of Representative on December, 18, 2013. This was followed by the adoption of the report and its recommendations which culminated in the passing of far-reaching resolutions directing the NCC to immediately end the monopoly.

    Gabriel disclosed that one of the resolutions was that the NCC should approve MCSN as a collecting society immediately. He described the continued refusal to register MCSN as casting NCC as being compromised and pursuing the interests of a particular section of the industry among others.

    “More than nine months after, the NCC has done nothing to carry out the directives of the National Assembly and this is tragic! Now we are faced with a regulatory agency which is acting with absolute impunity in order to protect the vested interests of a cabal. What NCC is saying by their determination not to obey the National Assembly’s directive is that the National Assembly is a toothless bulldog!

    “NCC is equally rubbishing the Transformation Agenda of the President, which is aimed at enthroning the rule of law and respect for the fundamental human rights of citizens and opening up the entire economy for all Nigerians to participate.

    “It is on this basis that PMAN is calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to wade into this matter and call the officials of the Nigerian Copyright Commission to order and save the music industry. PMAN equally calls on the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, to bring the powers of the National Assembly to bear on NCC.

    ”If Monopoly is bad for all the other sectors including the political sector where we have more than 50 political parties jostling for power, definitely, it cannot be good for the music and the creative industries at large,” Gabriel concluded.

  • The attendant evils of free, checked culture

    The attendant evils of free, checked culture

    Book review

    Title: Diverse But Not Broken

    Author: Iyorwuese Hagher

    In his fourth publication, Diverse But Not Broken: Wake Up Calls For Nigeria, Dr. IyorwueseHagher examines the pervading culture of our society, Nigeria. What should be and what should not be. As the ‘what should be’ had been turned inside out while its reversetakes center stage.

    The author broaches the evils of certain culture practices in the nation that has reduced Nigeria to its current state, an eagle with broken wings. Likewise, he expands on the shackled cultures that would have made a difference.

    Literary icon, Chinua Achebe said, the problem with Nigeria is her leaders or lack thereof. The author emphasizes, the Nigerian leadership culture, wallowing in lies and grand corruption. These endemic qualities ensure that leaders, no matter how honest or will powered, cannot change that culture. Since those mired in that culture are more dominant than the ideologies of the leader.

    Once he is successfully sitted at the Aso Rock, the reader inherits the Neo-patrimonial crowd that ensured his rigged ascent. The leader’s fear of penchants of office tenants, those who manage to outlast governments; and the undecided voters is less than the pacification of his excessive lovers and the opposition prepared to oust him at all means.

    These excessive lovers must be appeased lest they turn into excessive haters. To avoid this pendulumic swing of votes, leadership turns a blind eye on their antics; of amassing wealth, turning personal celebration into state affairs, collecting traditional titles and taking medical jaunts abroad. All these further widen the gap between the supposedly poor electorates. It hardens the capillaries of the haves and embitters the hopeless have-nots.

    On the lower rungs of power, there is no exception. The writer calls attention to developments in Benue community sometime ago, the creation of ten traditional chiefs, where there was none before. According to him, there was no need to create more liability for Benue people, for a few who play advisory roles to the government. This capacity the Tor Tivas well as the existing wards represent. The new bill shows contempt to the 1999 constitution, by seeking to confer powers on traditional chiefs. It is a return to feudalism where some traditional leaders believe they have the divine rights to rule and would do anything to hold power. Also, it is retrogressive to the efforts of its ancestors who knew better to install the Tor Tiv. They had with care ensured that any Tiv would inherit the title. Thus at the death of the Tor Tiv, his children are the least likely to inherit.

    The icy fingers of the free yet damaging culture trickles down to the education system. Among politics being played in higher institutions, the endemic culture of cultism, drug addiction, fallen standards, ill-facilitation, indigenization of admissions and strikes has devalued education. Unknown to leadership its lofty ideals of meeting 2015 MDGs and the 20.2020 vision is unrealistic, owing to the dearth of intellectuals and lack of research in universities.

    Further crippling progress is the western ideologies that African needs more scientists than arts graduates. The Intellectual whom the author describes as one who refuses to be confined to his designated specialization, foliage elsewhere and everywhere. This is contrary tothe academic, a specialist who has disciplined his curiosity to operate largely within designated area. Intellectuals are the bearers of change in a society. Through their canvass, books, ideas, music and humane outlook, they reflect to the society, truths it fails to see or heed. They foresee the self destruction it’s racing towards. In similar manner of individuals like Galileo, Socrates, Aquinas, John Locke, Descartes, Leonardo Da Vinci, Picasso, Van Gogh did, Fela. Problems exist in society like ours where the intellectuals distance themselves from national discourses today.

    The artist’s admiration of Achebe is expanded as he describes the man’s contribution as an intellect to the nation. Achebe without mincing words writes to cause headaches to those who have”refused to hear one another, especially the anguished voices of those undergoing oppression”, the underdogs at any point in time. In Things Fall Apart, it was against the western world that he defined the humanity of Africa. In No Longer At Ease and Man of The People, he stood with the victims, the poor, against predatory leaders who has failed their post independence expectations.

    Hagher ends the 287 pages of lectures, essays and tribute collection with poetic reminisces of his intellectual residence, Canada. The poems rich in imagery, allusion, rhetoric, personification, euphemism, irony and satire explore the plundered depths of Dawson city, the true descendants of Canada, the Inuits and the Yukon. It also champions the minority in Canada, and the simplicity lost in the vast diplomatic games of leaders and the led.

    The author’s tone conveys his emotions, from unpleasant awe and despair of leadership culture, to pity for Nigeria’s Failed Code of Shame. The tone veered to outrage in the Chieftaincy Institution and Constitutionality in Nigeria, then advocatory to Artists as Intellectuals in the society, and admiration in his tribute to Achebe.

    The reader is swept along with tides of emotion evoked. Few exceptions appear in technical terms and couched words in chapter 13, and the author’s prolonged citations to prove a point.

    Some points were also not properly nuanced, his marshaled points on Nigeria’s utilization of her soft power, enlightening, does not clearly reveal, the idle nature of Nigerian embassies in their host countries, which contributes to her negative image abroad. In countries like South Korea, UAE, Czech, Russia, what have those countries done for Nigerian residents much more in the projection of our unique cultures.

    Indeed, the Nigeria creative industry is an active propagator of Nigerian culture; selling Nigerian languages to the world. It has however, been over run by western identification. It is skimpily clad, bottom-shaking dancer, offensive and nude. The greater avenues of exporting unadulterated (the least unchanged at the most) culture, the moving theatre and literature lack the financial clout and policy to thrive. Both have the capacity to resurrect the Nigerian textile industries and fashion, values and African leadership ideologies to gain louder reception. This is precisely what the Korean music, film and fashion industry wields smoothly. Persuasive power.

    It is with pride and shame that we must embrace the lessons, challenges and criticism bound in this book and work as leaders and followers to uproot the harmful cultures that is yet to break Nigeria.

  • Three writers for Ebedi

    Three writers have arrived at the Ebedi International Writers Resort in Iseyin, Oyo State, for the October/November Residency Programme. They are Stephen Adinoyi, Tukura John Daniel and Zaasi Dawn Meneh.

    Adinoyi, a Kaduna-based  writes poetry, short stories, plays and film scripts. He is a former Vice Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Kaduna State Chapter and the past Chairman of the Kaduna Writers League. His works have featured in several newspapers and magazines in Nigeria and abroad, and has participated in many BBC and Commonwealth playwriting competitions. He has also been published in an anthology of Pidgin English, If Yu Hie Se A De Prizin, while his pidgin play, A No Beta Pas Mai Nebo, was recently staged in Abuja. He is a graduate of Mass Communications and a Consultant in Human Resource Development and Educational Services.  Adinoyi will spend his time in Ebedi completing a collection of short stories entitled: Tales Of Chrislam. The work focuses on the tragedies, gains, loses, hypocrisies, perversions, ignorance and extremisms of the two major religions in Nigeria. It also touches on issues relating to these religions in other parts of the world.

    On his part, Tukura, an Abuja-based writer and filmmaker, will be utilising the solitude at the residency to complete a new screenplay and a novel. Tukura has attended many workshops on screenwriting, such as the Ford Foundation/Afrinolly

    Writers Workshop and the Bold & Beautiful Academy organised by the New York Film Academy.

    Between 2013 and 2014, Tukura undertook an online Screen writing course organised by the New York Film Academy. His creative works include the screenplay, Every Woman that is currently in preproduction in Los Angeles, US.

    He also wrote the screenplays Avnigo, for Ford Foundation’s Cinema4change and Mrs & Mrs Johnson for MNET.

    Meneh from Rivers State is the third resident. He intends to use his six-week stay at Ebedi to work on his debut novel, The Lion’s Dream and to carry out further research on other manuscripts he is currently working on. The 2007 Accountancy graduate from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology has worked extensively in the area of research into the folktales of the South-South and North-Central states of the country.

    The Ebedi International Writers Residency, a private initiative for writers to complete their on-going works at no expense to the writers, is in its fourth year of existence. Since inception, it has played host to over 50 writers from Nigeria and other African countries.

  • The revolutionary legacies of Customs boss

    The revolutionary legacies of Customs boss

    Author: Musa Omale

    Reviewer: Evelyn Osunbor

    Publisher: Pensrule Communications Limited, Lagos

    Year of publication: 2014

    The achievements of the Comptroller-General of the Customs (C-G-C), Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi has been documented in a compelling new book.

    The book entitled: Witness to a Revolution: The Nigeria Customs Service Under the Leadership of Inde Dikko Abdullahiis a commendable effort at documenting the achievements of the CGC who has been hailed as an unprecedented performer, in the last five years at the helms of Nigeria’s biggest non-oil revenue generating agency.

    Written by an Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Musa Omale, a lawyer and personal aid to the CGC, the 304-page, 43-chapter book captures in a detailed analysis, the strides taken by the current CGC to ensure a radical turn-around in the operations and productivity of the Customs right from his time as an Area Controller at the Seme Borders, prior to his appointment as CGC.

    Abdullahi was appointed as CGC by the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on August 18, 2009. On resumption, he flagged off a Six-Point Agenda as the road map for his intended reform agenda. In five years, his administration has taken the agency to unprecedented level. Among the many accomplishments documented include a 100 percent salary increment and capacity building programs extended to all levels of officers and men across and beyond Nigeria as part of human capital development and motivation program. Added to that is an aggressive infrastructural development which saw the building of new barracks, rehabilitation/upgrade of old ones, construction of office buildings, printing press, hospitals, schools among others across the country in addition to the magnificent Regional Training Academy in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Besides the purchase of a jet to ease Customs operations, the revenue profile of the Customs also shot to an unprecedented high, with the agency raking in a record N100 Billion a month at a point as against monthly average of N30 Billion in past administrations.

    His supplying of the officers and men of the Customs with hundreds of vehicles, arms and equipments, heightened awareness of importers, and community-based programs in border communities also helped in reducing incidences of smuggling and arresting leakages and corruption as well as conscientious efforts at revamping the image of the agency. His women empowerment program via the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) was also touched. These strides among others, earned Dikko as he is popularly called, two National Awards namely the MFR, OFR and CFR by Late President Musa  Yar’Dua and the President Goodluck Jonathan’s government respectively. The Nigeria Customs also, in a historic accomplishment, hosted the 66th session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)’s Policy Meeting in Abuja in 2011.

    The 54-year-old Bulgaria-trained economist who is known to enthusiastically encourage scholarship also vigorously pursued the E-Customs project in ensuring fast clearance of goods and the general Customs and Exercise procedure so as to meet up with global standards. Under him the Customs also entered bilateral agreement s with Customs bodies of several countries.

    Witness to a Revolutionis truly a page-turner with rich photo illustrations of the various infrastructure, facilities and activities of the Customs under the current CGC and spanning five eventful years. A potpourri of a book, the 43 chapters are divided into various segments on  a wide variety of issues ranging from “The Dikko I know” which profiles the subject’s life and attainments as well as the author’s study of his life in about six-year acquaintanceship, starting from Dikko’s time at Seme where the author served as the command’s Public Relations Officer (Pro). There is “Emergence of a Revolutionalist” which chronicles his achievements in transforming the Customs. Then there is The Rise to Global Acclaim which documents the entrance of the Nigerian Customs into international highlights and accolades following the signing of bilateral agreements with other countries, the hosting of the WCO’s Policy meeting in Nigeria amongothers. While ‘The Importance of CEMA’ contains articles dealing with the Customs and Excise Management Act and related issues, “Other Customs Matters” takes on topics such as smuggling, money laundry, economic terrorism, Trans-National Crime, revenue generation, 48-hour clearance among others. A few officers also contributed   few other related topics under the ‘Other Informed Articles’ section. The elaborate photo session is aptly tagged ‘Images of a Revolution”.

    The book, bounded in hard copy with a combination of green and the Customs’ grey colour,  is quite a commendable effort, first for minimal typographical errors and then for the sheer size of issues discussed. The photo session serve as an appetizer that would help hold down a bored reader considering the intimidating size.

    Perhaps the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Hon. Sabo Nakudu, sums up the essence of the book when he wrote in its Introduction: “I appreciate the honour to introduce this priceless book, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to… officers of the Customs, students of the Customs systems, and just about everyone interested in studying the dynamics of leadership.”

    The book’s subject, Abdullahi, who penned the Foreword to the book himself noted that it is an attempt to document an ongoing history as well as preserve the spirit of industry.

    “This book therefore should be seen beyond the pictorials of the realities on ground, the accomplishments which have won us accolades far and near. It should be seen as the triumph of the human spirit, the fact that we can achieve all we set our hearts while leaning on various sources of support, “he wrote.

    The author, Omale, an Ahmadu Bello University-trained lawyer with two previous books to his credit, has succeeded in this book of words, statistics, colourful pictures and analysis, in portraying Dikko as a man on a clear mission to change and whose continuing legacies are held up before the mirrors of History.

  • Advocating women’s rights through Connections

    Advocating women’s rights through Connections

    Uchay Chima and Jimmy Nwanne are women’s rights advocates. Their ongoing art exhibition focuses on gender equality, girl-child education and security.

    The show of 37 fascinating multi-media artworks, titled Connections, which is still on at Temple Muse in Victory Island, is not just to give an overview of such social issues, but to also advocate for the “voiceless”, especially women who have no medium to state their mind and those who speak, yet, no one listens to them, according to the two artists.

    As the world has become a global village where people are connected  via the internet, the artists are also connecting women and the world through their beautiful works, Connections. They seem to know almost the unspoken words, thoughts, motion and emotions of women and girl-child, and insecurity of all sorts, which they presented in this show.

    “I am interested in social and environmental issues, and my work revolves around these. I have often questioned the issues of social crisis and inequality around the globe and have looked for ways to promote oneness and equality through my work. How could the playing field be leveled so that women as well as people with any kind of gender orientation have equal opportunities to realise their rights and desires? It is my belief that everyone is needed and is equal, regardless of colour, tribe, background, gender or language.

    “In the past, women have not been treated right but with the campaign that is going on around the world, I think there is a good future for women when it comes to gender equality, which is why I did this particular piece: Forgetting the Past. Let us forget how women were treated in the past, let women be treated better in the coming years and we are going to continue the campaign for women with our works,” Chima said.

    “As a person I want to speak to people and my means of doing that is through my art. I try to talk about things that are familiar to us and bring things that are not familiar to us to our attention. Things that we don’t really choose to talk about, like the issue of girl-child education. I have three works in this exhibition to advocate for girl child education. I feel everybody has the right to be educated. Malala, the Pakistani girl’s story triggered me to do these pieces. Even though I am a man, I don’t see any reason why a girl should not be allowed to go to school or drive a car,” Nwanne added.

    In their pursuit to advocate for women and promote girl-child education through works, most of Chima and Nwanne’s pieces in this show consist of female subjects, who are mostly young ladies. Chima have been a fulltime studio artist since 2005. He has 13 solo exhibitions to his credit. He is known for his massive sculptures that focus on environmental and social issues, also into installation, sculpture, video art.

    He studied painting at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State, and has had numerous successful shows and art residencies in Canada, the United States and Europe. His works have been featured at the Museum of African Culture in Maine, USA and many other international auctions, including Bonhams in the United Kingdom (UK).

    You can call Nwanne a new comer because Connections is his first exhibition in Nigeria. He is based in Germany. He studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State.

    Chima’s major works for this show are connected with strings as Chima chose to draw with strings rather than pencil, even though he titled one of the works: No String Attached. “When I do works that have to do with relationship of human connections, I look for materials that I believe are synonymous with the notions of bonding, togetherness, intimacy, entanglement and oneness. These materials include strings, ropes and thread along with painting materials. I believe that the resonance of my preferred materials infer a need to revaluate and, more importantly, to strengthen our relationship with those around us, in the interest of supporting one another through current global difficulties. We are very much attached to one another with strings regardless of our differences,” Chima explained.

    Many may not know him with this medium, however, Chima decided to revisit this medium (drawing with strings) as some people, according to him, have the notion that he cannot draw.

    While the exhibition curator Sandra Obiago said the works are not on display because of this notion. “Connections presents two artists whose subtle lines and texture, kinetic colours and unique materiality bring the vibrant Lagos art scene closer to the global need to keep connected, lined and inter-dependent for life. It is important for him to bring his delicate strings and artistic style. I think a curator should pick something slightly unusual about an artist and present it to the public. I felt that these works were phenomenonal, they have not been exhibited in Nigeria, may be abroad, but people don’t think about string drawing when they think Chima,” she said.

    His ability to capture feminine beauty, their hair do, the contours, and their body movement with delicate strings is fascinating. The drawings are richly done with colour background in dynamic mood and tone, which are appealing to sight.  You cannot but wonder about his innovation and skillful string drawings. “The ultimate beauty or the ultimate part is the female figure and if we see the female figure as the ultimate art, that means there is something about womanhood that you need to celebrate. Instead of putting women down, I think we should celebrate them,” he said. Most of the works in this category are nude subjects.

    A look at Chima’s A village Was Burnt Down, a mixed media of newspaper, charcoal and paint, one is immediately plunges into the world of torture, cruelty of Boko Haram, Chibok village and the kidnapped Chibok girls; and all the recent bombing in the country, a burning issue in the hearts of many.  “What inspired it was when Boko Haram struck and the newspapers said over a hundred people were burnt in Borno. I used charcoal to depict the houses and the newspaper represents the message.”

    Other works on display are Ashes of Yesterday, Spire, and Allure.

    On his part, Nwanne works are connected in a way. His creativity and craftsmanship are presented in a mature way in this show, even though he is presenting his works for the first time in Nigeria. One astonishing thing about his paintings is that they are accompanied with texts, which are very faint but readable on a closer look. Nwanne’s Liberation is an inspiring work because of the message behind it. His other works are  Fed Up, Tomorrow, Nation Building, Songs of Tomorrow, Step by Step, Giving it a Thought, Obscure and Written in the Skies.

    Connections is supported by Ruinart, which is a proud sponsor of many international art events including Masterpiece London, Art Basel Hong Kong and Miami, MiArt, and PAD Paris and London.

    “We are proud to showcase Chima’s amazing experimental art and host Nwanne’s first exhibition in Nigeria,” said Temple Muse Director, Avinash Wadhwani, whose design and fashion concept store is gaining international recognition with recent coverage in the New York Times and Vogue Magazine.

  • ‘Nigeria‘s tourism project is worth billions’

    ‘Nigeria‘s tourism project is worth billions’

    The multi-billion naira Kashimbila Dam was top on the list of tourism projects marketed at the 35th World Travel Market (WTM) in London, that attracted over 50,000 travel executives from across the globe. At the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)’s stand at the four days event, 20 indigenous firms exhibited, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, who was in London. 

    For four days, a documentary on the construction works at the ongoing multi-billion naira Kashimbila multi-purpose dam in Taraba State was screened. The documentary showed, among others, the dam’s airstrip, hydro power capacity, height, length, reservoir’s capacity and irrigation area.

    At the far end of Nigeria’s pavilion were some demonstrations of the production process of Adire by artists of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    The Ogun team, led by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Yewande Amusan, demonstrated how Adire (tie and dye) is produced to encourage the younger generation.

    These and many other groups’ presentations lured tourists and visitors to the Nigerian stand at the World Travel Market (WTM) held in London between November 3 and 6. It attracted over 50,000 senior travel executives. You want to ask what dam has got to do with tourism.

    According to Director, Dams and Reservoir Operations, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Reginald Ikpeawujo, aside the main economic benefits of energy, water supplies and job creation, the Kashimbila Dam project is incorporating the development of tourism sites – Wildlife Park, water sports and a tourism village.

    The dam is located between the towns of Kashimbila and Gamovo on River Katsina-Ala in Taraba State.

    Unlike last year, Nigeria recorded an improved performance with about 15 private firms showcasing different tourism products and services’s at this year’s World Travel Market.

    Nigeria’s leading airline Arik Air, Eko Hotel and Suites, Skye Bank, Treavan Limited Travels and Tours, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism led the pack of exhibitors at the NTDC’s stand at the event.

    NTDC Director-General Mrs Sally Mbanefo described this year’s outing as a greater improvement on past editions, saying the success of the corporation’s efforts was a function of the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to the growth of tourism. She said the corporation was also enjoying the support of the private sector, especially the financial and aviation sub-sectors.

    “Private sector must be involved in the promotion and development of tourism. Already, we have the support of key players in the sector, such as Arik Air, Skye Bank and Eko Hotel and Suites. In fact, transport is a very critical element of tourism development. We are also in partnership with some state governments and parastatals, which is why the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism are showcasing at this year’s World Travel Market in London,” she said.

    Managing Director, Treavan Limited Travels and Tours, Mrs Ifie Ezenwa-Ugwoke said there are lots of good things many do not know about Nigeria, which she said, is part of the Dream Nigeria package the company is championing. She noted that since the launch of Fascinating Nigeria last year, the tourism sector has been making progress, adding that ‘’we cannot make great impact overnight it must be gradual.’’

    Despite reported cases of Ebola disease in some parts of West Africa, experts at the WTM 2014 have expressed optimism in the future of tourism and travel business in the continent, saying Ebola will not affect the growth of travel and tourism.

    Head, Travel and Tourism Research, Euromonitor International, Caroline Bremner said that despite the numerous challenges, the continent has recorded a three per cent increase in the influx of tourists into Africa. According to her, the percentage growth is not a very bad development.

    She said: “At the moment, there is a three per cent growth in the influx of tourists into Africa. This is not very bad considering the outbreak of Ebola and conflicts in the continent. However, Ebola is an isolated health challenge in West African region.

    “There are always diseases but travellers will always adjust. Ebola has so far a minimal impact on travels and tours in Africa”, said Travel and Tourism Futurologist, Ian Yeoman.

    Bremner noted that for Africa to further boost its tourism industry, governments in the continent need to work towards promoting health and safety measures; and the messages have to be very positive.

    She added that African governments must also engage potential visitors on different media platforms, including social media while ensuring that they provide warm welcome when they come. She, however, identified transportation as a critical element in building capacity and encouraging influx of tourists to destinations. She regretted that the aviation industry in Africa is faced by competitive restrictions.

    “There are good aviation operators in Africa but there seems to be restrictions that serve as impediments. Governments in Africa should encourage competition in the aviation business”.

    In his remark, Senior Exhibition Director, WTM, Simon Press, stated that this year’s outing will facilitate deals worth about £2.5 billion in travel industry contracts between exhibitors and buyers from WTM buyers’ club. This figure is against the sum of £2 billion recorded last year.

    He also informed that WTM Portfolio, which comprises Arabian Travel Market, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa, is the catalyst for deals worth almost £4 billion.

    “Despite this clear desire to conduct business, the industry faces many huddles, but I am pleased to see that report finds the high level of industry optimism for 2015”, Press added.

    According to WTM 2014 industry report, UK holidaymakers predicted the end of physical passports, which will instead be replaced by the use of fingerprint technology at customs and visa controls. “Nine out of 10 senior industry executives said that this was likely by 2049, as did almost two-third of UK holidaymakers,” the report added.

    One of the panellists at the opening session of the WTM, Ian Yeoman, a Futurologist, shared his thought on where he sees the travel industry going: “The concept of biometrics has been around since the 19thcentury when Alponse Bertilon developed the concept for French police and today it is the central concept for securing personal identity. Biometrics goes beyond passports; it is the central feature of facial recognition systems that will appear on Google glasses. Disney is already using fingerprint scanning to fight against forged resort passes.”

    Travel industry is confident that recent high-profile sporting events will see an increase in bookings to those destinations. “Almost seven out of 10 industry executives believe Rio, as one of the host cities of the 2014 Football World cup and also where the 2016 Olympics will take place will see an increase in bookings. And 15 percent of UK holidaymakers agreed, saying they were likely to visit Rio following the World Cup,” the report said. On space tourism, 34 per cent of industry executives believe that despite the recent Virgin Galactic crash, space travel will be in place by 2024.

     

  • 7Streams: God’s original wealth creation plan

    7Streams: God’s original wealth creation plan

    1. Reuben Chinedum Onwubiko has gone through the ladder of life from its rude beginnings.  He knew how to live in lack and struggle to achieve financial freedom.  He worked his up the corporate ladder to hold very senior management positions in six multinational corporations in over 20 countries across three continents. He is currently the Africa Marketing Director, Glaxosmithkline Plc. In this unique treatise, he unveils biblical secrets to multiple income streams.

    The end of a thing is far better than its beginning (Eccl 7:8). Take that from the mouth of the wisest man, Solomon. Reuben has digested the wisdom of Solomon more than most. His time travel has yielded these 7streams of income.  These are no theories, but time-tested principles juiced by the writer from the fruits of ancient wit.  Onwubiko has done better than most theologians by telling us how to turn the gold mine of Scripture into real gold. Drawing heavily from Ecclesiastes 11, the writer insists that each one of us must have a minimum of seven (7) incomes to achieve financial security the Bible way, no matter the winds that blow.

    The writer combines good story-telling skills with wholesome humor and punch lines to communicate business wisdom, encapsulated. By helping us to develop keen and razor-sharp foresight, this book is determined to save us from the pain of hindsight after a depressing financial fall.  The writer’s conviction and passion literally jumps at you from the book.

    If you have only one source of income, you will have several queries awaiting you from the Master of thousands of cattle on thousand hills; who gives us the power to get wealth.  Onwubiko posits that it is not God’s plan that we live in penury.  The only way for God to promote His work is to bless His people who would in turn sponsor the gospel. Once your life is in line with His and you live for God’s glory, God will trust you with silver and gold.

    The author begins by attacking long-held paradigms and mental chains that have held generations of people down in the financial dumps.  Many are prisoners of their wishful thinking, assumptions, cherished, superstitions, misconceptions, fears, and blinding bias. Many indeed, are perishing for lack of knowledge.  He echoes prophetically: “The greatest undoing of mankind is not poverty or disease but ignorance” (Onwubiko, 2014, xxix).  This financial doctor has diagnosis this disease of Ebolaic proportions as ROTS, Running on the Spots.

    The author argues eloquently that God does not expect you to have only one source of income. Many government tax forms also expect you to have up to 14 sources of income in the categories of “earned income,” “portfolio income,” and “passive income.” The axiom “do not put all your eggs in one basket” also indicates that you have multiple streams of income.

    The author’s creativity is amazing as he gives practical examples of areas people can make money. His illustrations, charts, tables, and diagrams bring clarity to his teaching. Examples include his pillars of income generation and the streams and tributaries of income. He also employed African proverbs and maxims as an ardent practitioner.  As a true Sabbatarian, the author seems fascinated with sevens: 7 aspects of discipline for financial success; 7 deadly sins that ruin; 7 divine bases for 7 streams; 7 heavenly virtues for successful living; 7 steps to income generation; and 42 ways of hearing from God.

    One of the unique features of this book is the review mechanism at the end of each chapter to ensure digestion of the life principles he spoon-feeds readers with. The writer artfully provides an avenue for quizzing the readers, forcing them to find practical life applications relevant to each reader’s unique situation.

    The author emphasises the importance of perseverance. He agrees with Stephen Richards’s mantras: “When you do what you fear most, then you can do anything.” “The only thing limiting your aspiration is your imagination.” “If you do not have persistence then no amount of education, talent or genius can make up for it.”

    The author believes you can achieve anything by ignoring your limitations.  “The realization that limitations are imaginary will make you strong and overpowering” (Richards, 2011, n.p.).  “You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making” (Richards, 2011, n.p.). Tommy Lasorda agrees: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination” (www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/395665.Tommy_Lasorda).

    Onwubiko’s clarion call is to take control of your life now.  Start today. “Inaction creates nothing. Action creates success,” agrees Stephen Richards (Richards, 2011, n.p.). You cannot afford to do nothing.  Richards concurs further: “Happy people produce. Bored people consume” (Richards, 2006, 93). He continues: “Our souls sparkle brightly with creative energy, our beings are as complex as the universe, and at the same time we help make up a higher body of energy” (Richards, 2006, 93).

    To strengthen the groundbreaking ethos of this literary piece, I would suggest the following:

    Ideologically, the book suggests that everyone could become financially self-sufficient in life.  The Bible says the poor would always be with us.  Some would also not be able to carry this out because of extenuating circumstances of health or disability totally beyond their control.  The tendency may be for some to mistake the thrust of this book as advocating the “prosperity gospel.”

    Exegetically, the book is bereft of thorough exegesis of the main chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes on which it is based. Not enough word-study was done outside of the English language.  Examining the nuances of the key words and terms of Ecclesiastes 11 in the original language could further strengthen this book.

    Contextually and thematically, the book of Ecclesiastes is about: “vanity of vanities, all is vanity!”  The book, 7Streams of Income, does not key into the general themes of the book of Ecclesiastes as a whole.

    In biblical accuracy, one can only conjecture the income streams of some of the Bible characters.  There is no strong biblical support that Apostle Paul harnessed all the possible income streams suggested by this author.

    Spiritually speaking, it could really be that some people are called to fully dedicate their entire lives and carrier to emotionally and spiritually enrich the downtrodden, like Mother Theresa. Love and acceptance are the most valuable means of exchange there is in the world. Money does not pay the highest role in kingdom building.

    In conclusion, Onwubiko has made a unique contribution to poverty alleviation by teaching these grand Bible-based and research-supported ideas. Charles H. Spurgeon advocates: “Poverty is no virtue; wealth is no sin” (Spurgeon, 2014, 99).  Samuel Johnson backs: “Resolve not to be poor.  Poverty is a great enemy of human happiness” (Boswell, 2001, 128).  Adam Smith concludes: “No society can surely be flourishing and happy; of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.”  Onwubiko’s book attacks poverty like a plague. It is an antidote to the disease of low productivity, meager achievement, not thriving, colorless dreams, intelligent and talented people living below their potential, and minimalist and mediocre tendencies.  It is a must-read for all religionists and all wanting to take control of their future.