Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

Artman Jahman Anikulapo is 60. To celebrate his huge contributions to arts and culture, notable art/culture practitioners and enthusiasts rolled out the drums. It was a day of tributes and thrilling performances. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

Artman Jahman Anikulapo has joined the league of the sexagenarians. To the members of the art and culture community, it is no small feat. Although most legends often go unsung, not wanting such a milestone to go uncelebrated, they rolled out the drums to celebrate him.

Culture activist Eniolorunda Oladejo Anikulapo, is a leading light in Nigeria’s culture and art scene and  is best described as an art aficionado. He is also a committed art promoter.

For decades, he has been promoting the arts/tourism and its practitioners, under the auspices of The Guardian, Culture Advocates Caucus (CAC), Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF), among other platforms.

He has been Programme Director for Culture Advocates Caucus since 2009 and the Programme Chairman, Committee for Relevant Art (CORA). In 1999, he founded the cultural picnic, the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) and teaches young European students media arts and culture.

Although a theatre arts graduate, his voyage into art journalism began in 1993 at The Guardian newspaper, where he rose to become the Editor of The Guardian Life Magazine, and Editor, The Guardian on Sunday

Ever since he turned 60 last week Monday, he is being applauded by many, including Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and President Muhammadu Buhari for his footprints on the media, art/culture activism and tourism sector.

At three separate venues across Lagos, Freedom Park on Broad Street, Adumaadun Art Gallery, in Magodo Phase 2, and Terra Kulture on Victoria Island, artistes, enthusiasts, friends and colleagues converged to celebrate Nigeria’s iconic art journalist Mr. Anikulapo. Expectedly, two of the events were held almost simultaneously featuring cultural performances and evening with Jahman. The Freedom Park leg of the events, which was hybrid, attracted a huge turnout and climaxed with a dinner.

To pay homage to the artman whose impact is still being felt in the industry, an impressive list of a committee of friends thronged the Freedom Park, Lagos for an amalgam of events held in his honour. It was a rain of tributes and lots of thrilling performances tagged Artman Jahman turned 60 that began in the afternoon and ran into the night.

It began with an open forum tagged: Celebrating Jahman @60 that had a keynote address by recently retired Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos, Duro Oni. Guests later moved to the open-air space set up for another feast of tributes and performances. 

Some called him ‘legend of the arts’, others called him ‘an institution’. But, ‘a ghost worker whom no one knows how he achieves what he does.’ 

While applauding Jahman’s support through the years, Soyinka stated: “In just a few words, the best expression I have for him is that of a ghost worker. You hear about the expression ghost worker in a negative sense. Some of them have never been anywhere near the establishment. But someone somewhere is collecting salary.

“I always think of Jahman as a ghost worker. By that I mean you don’t know how he achieves what he does. If you give him a task, you don’t ever see him at work on it. I think he’s an instinctive artistic facilitator. He promotes others without promoting himself. He has assisted me in theatrical production and worked behind the scenes.”

Describing him as “a literary legend” Oni, who spoke on ‘The Artman As Interventionist: Celebrating Jahman @ 60, said: “Jahman has celebrated so many people who are listed in the committee of friends for this programme. The fear of the critic is the beginning of wisdom. Jahman does not suffer fools. He can be very hard. Even at this gathering he is looking around.”

On the panel for the event, which was a mix of virtual and physical speakers were: Molara Wood, Lookman Sanusi, Kole Odutola, Norbert Young, Ayodele Arigbabu, Laolu Akande, Segun Adefila, and Akin Adesokan. Moderated by Deji Toye, each of the panellists regaled the audience with stories of their encounters with Anikulapo and his impact on their lives. 

Award-winning writer and former Arts and Culture Editor, NEXT Newspapers Molara Wood also extolled Jahman for his intervention over the years in the lives of many artists and writers who have grown to be very great as well as his assistance in honing her skills as a writer for The Guardian way back. 

She said: “He gave me the column to write on the broad range of arts. He shipped off all The Guardian Literary Series to me in London. He would always give me context. From there, I was able to build readership. He did a lot to encourage me. He truly believed in me.”

There was poetic adulation of Jahman by former Arts Editor at Punch Newspapers, Akeem Lasisi with drums accompaniment and music from Afrocentric musician Eda Oto. There was a performance art by Jelili Atiku. Guests were also entertained by the Gifted Steppers, Theatre Centrik and the Crown Troupe of Africa. 

The highlight of the evening’s event was the joint singing of Pa Ben Tomoloju’s ‘Epo Biriki’ by the composer himself who is known as the celebrator’s mentor, Jahman, Edaoto, and Yinka Davies. 

The evening of tributes continued as Tam Fiofori, Benson Idonijie spoke on how Jahman had impacted their lives. 

For veteran documentary photographer Fiofori, some of his best works were written for Sunday Guardian, courtesy of Jahman. 

Burna Boy’s grandfather, Idonijie described the artman celebrator as “his son and a man of virtue, who “has groomed a whole generation of journalists. He introduced me to print journalism after I wrote for the radio for 35 years. The fact that I have written books today is because of him.” 

On her part, veteran thespian, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett was of the view that “Jahman represents all that is lacking in our society. He doesn’t care much about himself, and when you get to that stage, it means you have attained freedom. He is the epitome of the true strong society that I want.” 

Veteran actress, Joke Silva also eulogised Jahman’s contribution to the culture space, saying: “You have an amazing understanding of young people, and you expand their minds like what you have done for my son, Soji. Being a celebrity couple, it can be difficult for the children to navigate that space and be their own person.” 

The evening of tributes was topped by Jahman’s son Seun, who while wishing his father a happy birthday said: “You are a mountain of a man and I am grateful to have you as a father.” 

The event, curated and anchored by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Otunba Tunji Sotimirin, Nobert Young, and Pamela Udoka, also had in attendance others such as Otunba Kayode Aderinokun, Toyin Akinosho, Femi Odugbemi, Dr. Dele Morakinyo, Muyiwa Osinaike, Biodun Abe and Bolanle Austen-Peters, among others.

In many communities in Nigeria, issue of fertility is linked to the spiritual. It is also believed that the some gods are assigned for human, crops and animal fertility. There are different mediums that this gods are represented, it could be in carved wooden figures, stones, rivers, shrines among others.

It is believed that our ancestors are still living with us hence they see to anything that concerns their loved ones and the community at large. Most times when reproduction seems difficult, individuals consult and appease the ancestors for child bearing.

Afo is a group that is also known as Eloyi, who lives at the foothills of the Nasarawa and Loko mountains and claim to be related to the Kanuri of Northern Nigeria. The figures are sacred. Once a year they are brought out to the village square and sacrifices and prayers are offered and blessing comes in the form of fertility of the land and human.

Features of Afo figure include feminine figure, matted haird, prominent facial features, slanty tribal-marks on each side of the cheek, whiskers on each side of the mouth geometric designs on the chest down to the breasts, flappy/flabby breasts and and protruding stomach with marking. Others are hands at akimbo, straight legs and prominent female genital.

•Mrs. Okoh is Assistant Director, 

National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja  

I developed a close and much cherished relationship with Ambassador George A. Obiozor, President-General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, since his days as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, and later in Abuja, in the 1990s. I was then serving in the Cabinet Office/Presidency.

 As our lines of duty crossed, I was fascinated by the depth of his knowledge of international geopolitics and the socio-political realities of Nigeria. His academic credentials prepared him for the professional roles he played as a public servant. Born on August 15, 1942, Prof Obiozor was educated at the Institute of African Studies, Geneva Switzerland, and earned B.A (Hons) Political Science degree in 1968 from the University of South Tacoma Washington. He graduated M.A International Law and Organisation from the University of Puget Sound, Washington, before proceeding to Columbia University where he obtained Ph.D in International Affairs in 1976.

 In our official relations and in the performance of my functions as a career officer in the federal public service, I found his contributions quite informed, realistic and helpful. His commitment to work and to the progress of Nigeria was remarkable.

 Our warm friendship continued after my retirement from the service in 1999, through his years of high-profile diplomatic service, and right up to his demise on December 26, 2022. Prof Obiozor had worked briefly as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Cyprus before serving as the nation’s ambassador to Israel (1999 – 2003). He was Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2008. Throughout these diplomatic postings, we remained in touch as our relationship had transcended official duties.

 Prof Obiozor contributed immensely to my literary career. He readily reviewed some of my manuscripts and commented on some of the books. He attended the presentation of my books at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, in 1999, and at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, in 2006. His most recent literary input is the Foreword he wrote to my forthcoming book, Conversations with Bukar Usman. While he would, unfortunately, not see the book when published, his Foreword would remain as a testimony of his steadfastness and intellectual insight.

 His personable disposition and goodness had largely ensured that we sustained our cordial and intimate friendship right to the end. A straight-forward person, he was very open and forthright in our official discussions and quite amiable and jovial in our private relationship. 

 On January 9, 2021, Prof. Obiozor was elected the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation. Judging from his acts and utterances since he assumed the leadership of Ohaneze, notably his assurance that “Ndigbo are committed to Nigerian unity” (Punch, 10 September 2021), it could be seen that his nationalistic disposition to unity, peace and progress of Nigeria remained unchanged.

 I can earnestly and sincerely attest, from our long and close association, that he is a committed patriot. He lamented the way ethnic bigotry and mutual intolerance were hurting inter-personal relationships and the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians. In a September 10, 2019, email message sent to me, where he kindly expressed “tremendous admiration for your good self, intellectually exceptional qualities and genuine patriotism”, he bemoaned, “Bukar, knowing people like you makes me sad to see our great country often in agony under the yoke of ignorance and arrogance”. Given Nigeria’s great diversity and Obiozor’s nationalistic outlook, one cannot but appreciate the delicate role he played in his last few days.

 The last time he was leaving Abuja for Lagos, we agreed to meet during his next visit to Abuja. Alas! That meeting would no longer hold. In the passing away of George A. Obiozor, I must say that, beyond the regret that Nigeria has lost a notable patriot, I truly lost a great friend. May God grant his soul heavenly peace and comfort his bereaved family members and well-wishers.

 •Dr. Bukar Usman is former Permanent Secretary in the Presidency, Abuja  

The crowd of gaily-dressed guests was massive. The venue was colourfully decorated with the adjoining streets full of glittering vehicles. Soul-serenading music oozed out of the giant speakers strategically placed at the corners of the venue with some giant ones in front.

The event was the end-of-the-year musical concert and album launch of Ms. Oluwafunmilayo Kemi Buraimoh, popularly known as Funmine, a highly-talented upcoming act, held at Chukzie Hotel and Suites on Alhaja Kofoworola Crescent, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The well-attended twin events were actually a display of pomp and colours, as the Red Carpet, which preceded them, turned out to be like a competition session where guests competed to show love to Funmine.

The album titled: Igbadie, is actually a three-tracker, including Humanity First, Yeyemi and Igbadie, which Funmine said was a product of painstaking research into some societal ills.

Humanity First is a song that reminds every African that redemption is near and we can only make it happen by taking independent responsibility for our actions, while it enjoins leaders to approach leadership with kindness and shun ethnic and religious bigotry. Yeyemi and Igbadie, both Yoruba phrases, are songs that remind all about the ephemerality of life and the need for all to use the short period they would live to love one another.

All the songs were written and performed by Funmine, who has also been hosted to promote her album by several radio and television stations.

The beautiful performance of the songs sealed the cool night of the concert and album launch, leaving all the guests with mouth agape and sweet memory.

Dignatories on the occasion were: Mr. Segun Ibironke, a lawyer, who was the Chairman; the Chief Executive of Tenstrings Music School, Lagos, Mr Emmanuel Akapo, who was the Chief Launcher; Mr. and Mrs. Foluso Iliasu, the special guests of honour; the Senior Special Assistant (Security) to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Charles Fasuba, among others. Many of the ectastic guests praised Funmine for the quality of her work and urged her not to relent iwn her effort to achieve greatness.

It was, indeed, a night to remember for a long time to come.

Illustrious women of Abia State, under the auspices of Amaba Daughters Association, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state have raised the bar for other communities to emulate. The group comprises of those at home and in the diaspora has called for economic empowerment of women in the area and berated the political class for doing little to improve the lot of their people. It is also to encourage their male counterparts to emulate them (women) by forming groups or platforms through, which they (men) can empower people in the community economically.

President of the association, Mrs. Obiageri Ikpechukwu-Onu made the call when Amaba Daughters Association feted women during Christmas celebration and presented N1 million cheque each to three women groups in the community under its empowerment programmes. The empowerment, which is the fourth in the series, was meant to improve the lots of the women in line with their needs. While a group preferred a skill acquisition centre where women will be trained, others preferred to run event centre by buying canopies, tables and chairs among others.

Mrs.  Ikpechukwu-Onu   said the gesture was to support women in their petty trading enterprises.

According to her, the programme has progressed from individual empowerment to group status with focus on women and children, noting that ‘if you educate a woman, you educate the nation.’ This, she said, will also go for economic empowerment, which also implies empowering the community.

She said: “Each of the three Amaba community groups, namely: Ndioha, Amaokwe and Ohoro, was empowered with  N1 million this year and we are also considering the nursing mothers, infants and children in the community and have formulated  the process and procedure to deliver this in 2023.

 ”We are urging and encouraging men’s groups to come up with an arrangement that will translate into economically empowering the rural people.”  

It will be recalled that in the first year of the association, the group empowered 10 people including men with the sum of N50, 000), while in the second and third years, the empowerment was increased to 20 people  with the sum of N50,000 gifted to them especially those who already have existing businesses.

The association’s Programme Coordinator in Nigeria, Mrs  Okwy  lroegbu-Chikezie  said the programme was targeted at alleviating poverty  among the community women. She stressed that the programme started in 2019 when women were given N50,000.00, each to empower them.

“In the second and third year, we also empowered 20 people with support from the former Chief of Army Staff Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika who assisted us with yam seedlings.

“In 2022, we  issued them with a cheque of N1 million each for different projects they wanted to do, such as skill acquisition, rental business, among others, and we  are happy the women organised themselves to come up with business ideas, hence we encourage them to work hard to succeed as we strive to  do more to encourage them.”

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. David Onwuka of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO),Owerri, commended the association for coming up with the novel idea of empowering indigent women in the community.  He said: “What our daughters are doing is wonderful and needs to be encouraged and I urge the recipients to invest the money given to them wisely to make more money and be able to solve their individual and collective problems.”

A representative of the Eze in Council and the Palace Secretary, Chief Obiora Ogonsiegbe, also commended the association. He recalled how they bought bags of rice during the COVID- 19 pandemic and shared to the people of the community including cash. 

According to him, on two separate occasions they bought over 100 George’s and Ankara textile materials to make for colourful uniformity during their annual events. Some other times, they shared  cash to the elderly and this has made other groups to initiate programmes and projects targeted at different segments of the society.

Ezinne Kanu and Chibuzo Okemmiri thanked the association for the empowerment programme and confirmed that it has boosted their businesses. Others said that surprisingly they had employed between one and three people in their small scale businesses and indirectly lifting others out of poverty.   

Determined to bring smiles on faces of recent flood victims, Chipper Cash, partnered  ActionAid to provide relief support to those affected by floods in Bayelsa State. Relief materials such as monetary gifts, food, water, blankets and hygiene kits were provided.

 Marketing Campaign Manager at Chipper Cash Nigeria, Goldie Iyamu disclosed that the initiative, which is particularly targeted at female-led households among others, is driven by its commitment towards caring deeply about its communities. The initiative was kicked started in Two Clans in Yenagoa: Gbarain and Ekpetiama. ‘’We as a brand that cares deeply about its communities, it is committed to providing immediate relief to those affected by the flood through its partnership with ActionAid. He said: “This initiative will focus on helping families in Bayelsa State rebuild their lives after the flood and providing money and food items to residents in affected areas. And by partnering with ActionAid who have expertise in disaster relief, our goal is to help as many people as possible get back on their feet after this tragedy.

“We are beginning with two areas and are targeting female-led households, the terminally ill and the aged as the primary recipients of the post-flood relief. With over 70 plus household benefiting, we are happy to restore, bring hope and joy to affected families this season.  Governance Team Leader, ActionAid, Comrade Ene Obi noted that the partnership with Chipper Cash was a timely and needed move. “It is indeed a pleasure that Chipper Cash decided to work with us to put smiles on the faces of families.”

 One of the recipients, Rachael Oviri, who suffers from overgrown uterine fibroids, who, before the flood, was doing menial jobs on people’s farms and would sometimes work with Garri processors to make ends meet, said: “When I found out I was selected to benefit from this intervention, I was very happy. My feeding for the next six weeks or more seems guaranteed with this package.”

Another victim, Savannah Brandy said excitedly: “This is a pleasant surprise indeed. I haven’t used soap to have my bath in a long time. I opened the package and saw vegetable oil, rice, garri, maggi, and money. Today is just a good day. I had just bought groundnut to drink garri minutes ago. But by these gifts, I will cook rice later tonight”  

 According to The Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency, the flood affected no fewer than 1.3 million people, estimated 10,000 people were rendered homeless and displaced, with a death toll currently at 96.