The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Foundation holds cancer awareness

    Foundation holds cancer awareness

    Worried by the ravaging impact of cancer, a non-governmental organisation, MyBodyMyAsset Cancer Foundation, is raising awareness on the scourge with the aim of reducing its prevalence, especially among women.

    Founded by Mrs. Franca Eze, a cancer survivor, the outfit has adopted football matches to encourage women to participate in sports through which it sensitises them on the dangers of breast cancer and the constant check up.

    Mrs. Eze said: “To achieve its objectives, MyBodyMyAsset Cancer Foundation has organised two seasons of Cancer Awareness Football Match.

    “The first was in June 2020, through which it commemorated the Cancer Survivors Month.

    “Again, on October 2, 2021, it organised another season of football match to also mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is our third in the series of creating awareness on the dangers of breast cancer.

    “It’s unique because we have Muslim and Christian sisters to play against one another. We made them adopt names that have nothing to do with their religions because cancer has no respect for class, religion or race.

    “The team that scores the highest number of goals against cancer takes the trophy but at the end, we are all winners against cancer.

    “October I5 is the International Day for Rural Womenand our team will be checking women’s breasts and encourage them to change their bras regularly.

    “The goal is to be healthy and we are committed to ensuring a cancer-free society.

    “The theme for this year’s Cancer Awareness Campaign is: “Check Your Breast, Change Your Bra.” All adult females are encouraged to embrace this change.

    “This year’s event will hold on Saturday, October 1, at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) MMIA Schools Field, Ikeja, Lagos Local Airport Road (opposite MM2) at 8:00 a.m.”

    One of the awardees at the event was the Vice President, Association of Movie Producers and actress, Queen Blessing Ebigieson.

    This year’s sponsor of the football match is Sagelife Laboratories.

  • Honour for selfless service

    Honour for selfless service

    The is a woman with a heart of gold. Her role in the development of her hometown, Ikere Kingdom, has earned her multiple recognitions and awards, the most recent being the first Iyalaje-General of the town.

    Welcome UK-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Princess Sayo Adenle, daughter of Chief Odunro of Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title by Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom.

    She is a woman of many parts: she is a mother, and wife who runs a successful business. But how does she manage to keep up with the demands of her diverse roles, along with being the Iyalaje-General in Ikere Kingdom? she was asked.

    “My journey to Iyalaje began seven years ago when I decided to contribute to the development of my town and to create job opportunities for the youths.This led to the establishment of companies. I run a boutique, fish farm and animal husbandry (goats and ram farming). Being the Iyalaje-General has been challenging but I always like to set goals for myself. I see every challenge as a stepping stone to greater heights,” she said.

    She linked her dogged disposition to her grandmother whom she spent her childhood with, saying: “I owe a lot to her because I learnt so much from her.”

    Speaking on her role as the Iyalaje-General, she said: “My role as Iyalaje is to make sure that I assist in wealth generation, success and prosperity in businesses in Ikere. Although Iyaloja is the leader of the markets in the town to coordinate trading activities, I am always looking for opportunities that can be beneficial to people around me.”

    She expressed her gratitude to the Oba, saying: “Oba Adu-Alagbado is, indeed, a father to me. Kabiyesi always appreciates people that are focused and make positive contributions towards the development of Ikere town. I sincerely appreciate him. I pray God will crown his efforts with more successes.”

    On her plans for her people, Princess Adenle said: “My plans are in the hands of Almighty God. My aim is to make Ikere Kingdom a town to be envied by neighbouring towns in terms of success, wealth and prosperity in our businesses.

    “One of such projects is the Saver Shopping Villag in Ikere that aims to develop new markets by providing high quality products and services to Ekiti State communities at reasonable prices as the name suggests (Saver Shopping Village).

  • What leaders could learn from Queen Elizabeth

    What leaders could learn from Queen Elizabeth

    I am writing this piece not because I am British. This article is also not composed for the reason that I have been invited to St James’ Palace or because I have engaged with two Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.

    Nevertheless, I reckon that I have a responsibility to share my reflections on snippets of the life of one of the world’s most famous diplomats and arguably one of the most impactful global leaders in the 21st century who just proceeded to another dimension. I agree with King Charles that Queen Elizabeth the second is a pattern for all princesses living and I add for all leaders hoping to have an enduring legacy.

    The death of Queen Elizabeth II is, undoubtedly, one of those endings that one would argue has a bitter-sweet conclusion of impactful, strategic and global self-less leadership spanning seven decades and filled with an enduring legacy. It is bitter in the sense that Britain and, indeed, the rest of the world have lost a great leader with massive wealth and experience of impressive transformation. The sweet part, however, comes in that there are a lot of valuable lessons that world leaders can learn from the life of the Queen right from the point when she unexpectedly became the UK’s sovereign as a young, relatively untrained, and inexperienced heir. That did not, however, stop her from being a great visionary leader. Over the years, she rose to be a powerful political figure, with excellent leadership skills admired in Britain and worldwide. With that said, here are lessons that leaders could learn from the Queen:

     

    Empathy and strength of character

    When it comes to empathy and the strength of her character, the Queen ensured that she remained herself throughout her reign. She remained unapologetically female, and at no time did she pretend to be someone she wasn’t. For instance, instead of ruling other kings (exerting power and always seeking to dominate), she offered a beneficial sounding board in all her sittings with other leaders. According to the former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the Queen always listened fairly to everyone and offered to help solve the most complex problems without necessarily making her physical presence felt or using force. While some criticised such a character, the Queen kept it and never allowed them to interfere with her leadership. Though she did not intervene openly in the operations of governance, Queen Elizabeth II utilised her convening power to exemplify strength, stability, dependability and empathy in her engagement with diverse stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.

     

    Ability to inspire service to humanity

    Right from her tender age, Queen Elizabeth II strongly believed in her uncommon sense of purpose to serve humanity. As her successor, King Charles expressed in his tribute speech, the rested Queen “…made sacrifices for duty…her dedication to serving…never wavered…through times of joy and celebration…and through times of loss…” In doing so, the Queen demonstrated her determination to serve and ensured that she upheld the public pledge she made at the young age of 21 in a public radio broadcast during which she announced that she would devote her life, whether short or long to serve humanity until her demise. Without a doubt, she lived to the promise, and the world will truly miss her compassionate service to diverse laudable causes. From commitment to animal welfare, support for the progress of arts, championing professional institutions and serving as an influential patron of the British Olympic Association, Queen Elizabeth is a wonderful bastion of the peak of leadership-societal leadership (other types are self, team and organisational leadership). Her support of science and technology, for example, during her reign, the world wide web was developed by a British scientist, the world’s first ATM machine was installed in the UK and fingerprint technology was developed in the UK, demonstrates her commitment to global human advancement. Such a regal yet altruistic individual is undoubtedly an inspiration to anyone seeking to make a positive change in the world and leave an enduring legacy.

     

    Strategic leadership

    Throughout her reign, the Queen was very strategic in her decisions and actions, especially when she was required to act quickly. From the death of Princess Diana to the COVID-19 crisis and the Meghan scandal, she was able to decide, align, inspire and learn from all these crises to stimulate the nation to navigate these turbulent times effectively. A quote from her speech during the COVID-19 crisis clearly articulates this:

    “I hope in the years to come; everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, quiet good-humoured resolve and fellow-feeling still characterise this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past. It defines our present and our future”.

    The queen’s focus on the bigger picture even in times of crises and amazing ability to communicate this effectively, one could argue contributed immensely to UK scientists being world leaders in genome sequencing and the country being the first nation in the world to license COVID19 vaccine.

     

    Dedication

    Undeniably, her dedication was another great leadership quality that Queen Elizabeth II displayed over her tenure as the Queen. While she had the liberty to retire at the age of 66, she continued to serve and carry out her duties diligently up to the age of 96 to dedicate her time to serving the UK, Commonwealth nations and the rest of the world. Indeed, even two days before her death, she performed one of her most important roles: accepting the resignation of the parliamentary leader of the country and asking the new Prime Minister to form her government.

    Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Sue Greenaway, captures this in her “heartfelt condolences” to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Dudley.

    “Queen Elizabeth II was a dedicated public servant, whose unfailing devotion to her country was evident throughout her reign.” For any leader to have a lasting positive impact on society they need to emulate Queen Elizabeth II by demonstrating unparalleled dedication.

     

    Discretion, Diplomatic credentials and unifying competence

    As part of her diplomatic work, the Queen visited more than 100 countries and welcomed hundreds of world leaders. She was also always in contact with the renowned Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as part of her efforts to build diplomatic ties. Interestingly, as the head of state for 70 years, the Queen was, of course, subjected to wild rides several times in complex situations that could end up in severe diplomatic rows if not managed well. To solve such puzzles, the Queen exercised her discretion but through carefully calculated moves to avoid causing unending diplomatic issues. For instance, in 1999, Australia organised a referendum to decide whether to remain as part of the monarchy. While the Queen had discretionary power to influence the outcome, she made it clear that she was letting the people of Australia make that decision alone without anyone’s interference. That was one of the ways that she promoted peace and freedom.

    In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth II won the hearts of many through her outstanding leadership qualities and will remain a source of inspiration to world leaders for the next several years. Indeed, there are many lessons that leaders of state, heads of government, and even organisational leaders can draw from the life and reign of the Queen. Without a doubt, anyone granted a leadership position would do well by following her example. I agree with Shakespeare that “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”.

    Queen Elizabeth II though had greatness thrust upon her, she achieved and exemplified greatness and her legacy is a life worthy of emulation.

    • Abubakre is on the Advisory Board of London Business School Africa Club.

  • NCC arrests suspected pirate

    NCC arrests suspected pirate

    Operatives of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) have arrested a suspected broadcast pirate, Mr. Ajaye West William, for the illegal redistribution of broadcast signals belonging to various right owners, in violation of the Copyright Act.

    In a statement by NCC Director, Public Affairs, Vincent Oyefeso, the anti-piracy operation was executed from September 16  to 17.

    “In the operation, the suspect, who had evaded arrest, was traced and apprehended by the commission’s operatives at his base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State while carrying out the unauthorised redistribution of the signals,” it stated.

    According to the Director of the Commission’s Port Harcourt Office, Mr. Collins Nweke, the operation, which was carried out in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, followed months of surveillance by the operatives.

    He said the contrivances seized included DSTV, GOTV, Strong and FTA decoders as well as other materials used for the illicit distribution of signals to “subscribers” who made payments to the suspect to receive the pirated signals.

    According to Nweke, the suspect has made useful statements and investigation was ongoing before prosecution. “The suspect is believed to have a customer base of over 3,000 subscribers on his illegal broadcast network and the Commission is processing the information to get to the root of the crime,” he said.

    The arrest came on the heels of a warning by the Director-General of NCC, Dr. John O. Asein, on Channels Television against signal piracy.

    His words: “Henceforth, anyone found to be engaged in redistributing broadcast signals and all persons who connive with them in the illicit act would be arrested and prosecuted, while any contrivances found to be used for such crime would be confiscated.”

    Asein urged the public to report suspicious activities in their neighbourhood to the nearest office of the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

  • Why Queen Elizabeth sat for Enwonwu 12 times

    Why Queen Elizabeth sat for Enwonwu 12 times

    Last week, the remains of the late British monarch, Queen Elizabeth 11, were interred at King George VI Memorial Chapel, Windsor. But, there were lots of bitter-sweet stories about the late Queen, particularly her visit to Nigeria. The late Ben Enwonwu’s encounter with her 65 years ago was unforgettable experience. The family, through his son, Oliver, recalled how the Queen’s visit in 1956 and the approval to create a statue of her added to the fame of the late deceased fine artist, and the implications on the value of African art. Assistant  Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    The British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 11, passed on recently, leaving behind lots of fond memories among many Nigerians. One family that will not forget her visit to Nigeria in 1956, was the late Ben Enwonwu family.

    Until his death, Enwonwu who trained at Slade School of Fine Art, London, was a famous Nigerian artist. During the Queen’s visit, he received a royal commission to commemorate the visit with a bronze statue, which made Enwonwu the first African artist to create an official portrait of a member of the royal family. What was the influence of this royal feat on the Nigerian art?

    Immediate past President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Mr. Oliver Enwonwu, son of Ben Enwonwu, who is also a renowned artist, recalled that his father received the commission to create a bronze statue of the Queen when art was less appreciated in this part of the world. The project, he said, invariably raised the value and rating of the Nigerian art and artists in the global art market.

    According to the Ben Enwonwu Foundation, Enwonwu began working on the sculpture the following year, visiting Buckingham Palace in London for several sittings.

    “In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II sat for Enwonwu for a large bronze sculpture,” noted the Royal Collection Trust, which oversees the art collection of the British royal family. In all, Queen Elizabeth sat for Enwonwu 12 times, eight of which were at Buckingham Palace, according to the foundation.

    Read Also: Uju Anya’s tweet heard round the world

    Oliver described the commission as a thing of pride to Nigerian artists then, adding that it gave immense popularity and international acclaim as it boosted the profile of the artists.

    “And of course, having a monarch sit for you gives pride to Nigerian artists. I heard of many stories of old artists who told me that when they saw the sculpture installed in Lagos at the parliament building, it was a thing of pride for them. And they knew that they want to study art. Of course, it gave them immense popularity and international acclaim. It largely boosted the profile of the artists that will come after him.

    “Of course, before his appearance on the art scene, art was largely a subject of ridicule. There were more preferred professions like medicine, engineering and law that parents wanted their children to study. But with his many successes, African artists, Nigerian artists were able to frame their works after him. He gave some sort of respectability to African arts today. Today, you see African artists aspiring, especially those artists that work on figurative sculpture and woodworks, to want to emulate his work,” he said.

    His late father’s pioneering efforts may have opened the way for other Nigerian artists to create works of art on the Queen. Other Nigerian artists who painted the late Queen are Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy and Oluwole Omofemi. Few months ago, Omofemi Oluwole received a commission from Tadler Magazine to do a painting of the Queen. Though the late Queen didn’t sit for him, but it’s still a successful commission.

    “So, I’ll say that as an early pioneer, and the fact that he was able to lay the foundation of a new philosophy of Nigerian and indeed African art by infusing of Western conventions and presentations with indigenous aesthetics, I think my father was able to largely influence African artists,”  Oliver noted.

    On how the success of the sculpture shaped his father’s career and acceptance in global art market, Oliver said:  “Before the commission, which was in 1957, he was already a well-known artist. For instance, he was easily the most successful in the commonwealth at the time. That’s one of the reasons he was able to secure that commission. Thereafter, I think it would largely have contributed to the even more international acclaim for him. He was the first African artist that the queen sat for. He went to one of the most prestigious schools in Europe and indeed the world. He was already quite successful.”

    Oliver recalled that the commission was to commemorate the Queen’s visit to Nigeria at that time. “He was immensely proud of it. I know that the international media carried it on and on. They saw that the artist had seen the queen through his eyes as an African. And the beauty of it was that the artist had Africanised the queen. Another thing was that for the first time, the Queen will come under the subject of an African gaze.

    “The royalty was used to looking and turning their own gaze on people. But, the artist was quite confident to turn his gaze on the queen. So, it was such a big deal. But, he was very happy and he said that the Queen was very amiable and charming as well. What he said was that he was very proud and you could see his signature stamp in that work; the realism that you see and the features on the figure.”

    The sculpture is now in the National Museum’s collection, while the late Queen Elizabeth acquired the bust. The late Ben Enwonwu is one of Africa’s greatest modernist artists. Among his works was a portrait of Nigerian princess Adetutu Tutu Ademiluyi, dubbed the African Mona Lisa, which sold for over $1.6 million (£1,205,000) at a London auction in 2018.

  • ‘Investments in tourism will boost economy’

    ‘Investments in tourism will boost economy’

    Women in business and tourism are contributing to the growth and development of the economy, with businesses evolving in sectors like agriculture, textile, arts and crafts, information technology, health and others.

    Experts have noted that major factors limiting the growth rate in Nigeria are access to financing, gender discrimination, lack of career advancement, training facilities and other challenges faced by women.

    These are among the reasons Women in Business and Tourism Nigeria (WIBATN) are bent on changing the narrative by imparting entrepreneurship spirit among women.

    According to WIBATN President, Sophia Khan, tourism is the new oil. In her view, tourism is the sustaining factor in some nations around the world.

    “Tourism is a serious business. That is why WIBATN is doing all it can to promote it. Nigeria should borrow a leaf from countries like Kenya, Gambia and Dubai that are harnessing their tourism sector and making money from it. And to do this it must work on eradicating insecurity.”

    Khan spoke on WIBATN’s forthcoming fashion and textile expo in Abuja, decrying the increasing closure of the few textile factories remaining.

    “We choose Abuja for the WIBAT fashion expo because it is the capital even though Lagos is the hub of activities like these, especially the fashion business. Lagos has a lot of fashion show going on for them because the state government understands tourism, but we decided that bringing it to Abuja the northern and the Middle Belt states can also partake in it. We look forward to partnering the FCT and their participation for the upcoming show to promote Abuja too.  We want to use this to also show case Abuja by making Abuja a miles destination. As I said earlier it will be an annual event.”

    “We are expecting the diplomatic communities at the event. Our fabric, styles, fashion represents our culture. So, on that day, you will see a bit of culture fashion and all that concerns Africa on fashion.

    “The hairdo, the makeup and all that represent Africa. Those days you can tell a woman’s tribe by the way she is made up. You can tell a married from single by the way made up. We have all that we need to celebrate it, it is all about fashion.”

  • Art Fair lights up Abuja art space

    Art Fair lights up Abuja art space

    Barely six months after the maiden edition, the second International Art Fair, Abuja, also attracted top private art galleries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), featuring diverse collections of contemporary works. The effort is an indication of how enthusiastic the organisers are about the fair, which opened on Tuesday at the Amphi Theatre, Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Garki, Abuja. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME was there.

    The late Susanne Wenger, the Adunni Olorisa, an Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess, who passed on on January 12,2009, still lives on in the minds of art enthusiasts.

    One of her works entitled: Iwin series, (brass foil relief) done in 1984, was the cynosure of many eyes at the opening of the Art Fair. It was exhibited by Orisun Art Centre. The work was inspired by consciousness of the Orisa deities and their roles in the society.

    Also on display were quality artworks by master artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, Sam Ovraiti, Bisi Fakeye and Muhamaad Sulaiman. These and more formed the collection of contemporary works of art showcased at the fair for eight days.

    Little wonder Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to diversify the economy and rely less on oil by focusing on tapping the invaluable resource in the creative industry and tourism sector for the socio-economic benefits of Nigerians.

    Mohammed, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mrs. Jafiya Lydia Shehu, described the fair as a springboard for visual art professionals to showcase their creative abilities to the global audience.

    “Against this backdrop, I wish to reiterate that the federal government’s resolve to make the sector viable and I hereby encourage Nigerians in the creative sector to keep striving for excellence in their trade, in order to reap the benefits that abound in the sector,” he said.

    The minster spoke at the eight-day second International Art Fair organised by National Gallery of Art in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), at the Amphi Theatre Cyprian Ekwensi Cultural Centre, Garki, Abuja.

    Among participating galleries are National Gallery of Art, Bureau de Kreativity Gallery, Creative Art and Visual Imagery (CAVID), Female Artists Association of Nigeria Gallery, Hare and Grouse Art Gallery, House 33, International Institute of Creative Development Centre, Nike Art Gallery, Orisun Art Centre, Kokabs House of Art, Society of Nigerian Artists and The Matrix Gallery of Contemporary Art.

    The International Art Fair was conceptualised to serve as a platform that brings artists together annually, bring together artists, lovers of art, art collectors and buyers at point of purchase, to showcase the ingenuity of Nigerian artists and to expose the visual art sector as a major potential player in wealth creation.

    Director-General, National Gallery of Art, Mr. Ebeten William Ivara, said the array of artworks on display reflects the strength and versatility of artists and a confirmation of Nigeria’s readiness to take on the global art scene. The fair, he said, thus presents remarkable opportunities for the empowerment of the participating artists and associations, through the exposure of their artworks to the world.

    Ivara used the opportunity for the umpteenth time to appeal for a permanent edifice for the National Gallery of Art to house and display the national collection. “Such an edifice will project Nigerian art globally, satisfy local and international art enthusiasts, and ultimately generate revenue for the government,” he added. He described the forthcoming Africa Art Summit holding in November as quite ambitious but achievable, assuring that NGA will fully support the programme.

    “I believe that all stakeholders more than ever before must work together for the benefit of artists. We must assure a better future for visual artists today,” he said.

    In her goodwill message, Director General Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Hon. Olubunmi Ayobami Amao said the art fair is an ‘evidence of what great heights we can reach when there is cooperation between the private and government sectors. It is a proof that government cannot do it all alone, but together; we can achieve so much and even more.’ She noted that the collaboration between SNA and NGA is a partnership that works; a synergy well-crafted and an idea carefully curated and properly executed.  “Arts have always been good channels of tourism attractions as we’ll as sources for economic empowerment,” she added.

    Hon. Amao disclosed that CBAAC will be staging a grand event commemorating the FESTAC 77 tagged FESTAC 77 @ 45 at the Eagles Square and the International Conference Centre, Abuja in December.

    In her paper titled The state of visual art today and reform for the future, Prof Funke Ufeta tasked the government particularly policy makers in the education and creative sectors on the relationship between art, digital technology and education in meeting the technological needs of the society. She noted that elements of science are very crucial in the training of art professionals for the practice of digital art.

    “In particular efforts must be made by government establishments such as NGA and individual like Prince Yemisi Shyllon to bring the various professionals for enlightenment in the new global trends. Nigeria has prospects particularly in the film industry as well as manufacturing industries so that fine artists and industrial designers will be involved like China is doing, in the mainstream of industry that include ceramic, textile and other such as stone cutting of precious stones for jewelry, glass making industry etc.

    “Artists should take a cue from Disney world trajectory in the generation of germane Nigerian cultures cartoons and transform them into quality films,” she added.

  • Obasanjo, Runsewe get awards

    Obasanjo, Runsewe get awards

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, have bagged Chinese awards of excellence.

    The duo was among Nigerians honoured by Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebration in Lagos at the weekend.

    According to Chairman on the association, Dr. Eric Ni, Obasanjo was given the award for promoting businesses between Nigeria and China.

    He said Obasanjo’s efforts in creating conducive business environment for the Chinese community was highly appreciated.

    Ni said Runsewe got the award for promoting arts and culture between Nigeria and China.

    He stated that Chinese community has enjoyed cultural exchange programmes due to the support enjoyed from NCAC and Runsewe.

    Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chief Ikechukwu lkoh also got an award of honour for his promoting businesses in science, technology and innovation between Nigeria and China.

    Another recipient of the award was Commander, 81 Division of Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Musa Sadiq, who bagged a commitment award for defending and protecting lives and communities.

    Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Chief Bola Obasanjo, appreciated the award commending the Chinese community for bringing transformation to the country in diverse fields.

    “You brought transformation to the country, the Chinese community has helped our youths in providing employment opportunities, we appreciate you all,” he said.

    Runsewe assured the Chinese community of more years of collaborations.

    He urged the Chinese nationals to visit Nigeria as tourists and investors.

    He said the Chinese community’s assistance was coveted to ensure Nigeria took the rightful position in Africa to improve on local production and technological advancement.

    “We want the Chinese community to visit Nigerians more for the purpose of investing and as tourists. We want to achieve a situation whereby the strength of China in Asia could be compared to that of Nigeria in Africa. I want to specially appreciate the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, for encouraging his people to visit Nigeria and invest; we are known as hospitable, friendly and accommodating individuals,” he said.

    Runsewe commended the Chinese community for impacting Nigerian positively saying the China Industrial and Commercial Association must also be commended for their corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at giving back to their community in form of grants, scholarships and donations.

    He stressed that the NCAC was willing to have a frontline partnership with the association towards expanding the event to Abuja. According to him, this will promote synergies and grassroots participation in the area of training, capacity building, infrastructure development, grants and exchanges.

    “I must not fail to acknowledge and commend the Chinese community for imputing arts, culture and other artistic expressions as essential components in all their programmes.

    “I assure you of the commitment of NCAC to serve as catalyst for consolidating and sustaining China-Nigeria bilateral business, cultural and diplomatic relations for more years to come,” he added.

     

  • Rotary Amuwo Odofin inaugurates 36th president

    Rotary Amuwo Odofin inaugurates 36th president

    The Rotary Club of Amuwo Odofin has installed Mr. Goni Zakari as its 36th president. The event was held at Villa Park, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    District 9110 Governor, Rotary International, Mrs Omotunde Lawson, who sworn-in Zakari, described him as amiable and easy going. “He is a man for everybody and has been helpful in Rotary,” she added. She said it was because of Zakari’s commitment to Rotary that he was made Captain of president  in the district.

    Mrs Lawson, who is the first female DG, described the event as “ceremonial and symbolic” aimed also at raising funds for the club’s projects. She, therefore, urged guests to donate generously.

    Outgoing president of the club, Austin Njoku, scored his tenure high, adding that it was “wonderful and filled with interactions, achievements, contributions, felicitations, empathy and sympathy”. He said he boosted membership. He sought members to support his successor.

    Zakari described his take over as the dawn of a new era. He promised to operate an open door policy and that he would be amenable to suggestions. He also promised to execute the reforms and decisions they took at their retreat.

    Zakari said:  “I will make a personal sacrifice to touch lives.” Specifically, he listed granting of micro credits and scholarships; screening for cataract and other diseases; treatment of fibroids, among others, as his focal areas.

    The Installation planning Committee/President-Elect, Chief Angel Ezechukwu, said their other areas are  disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, educational and literacy, among others.

    The club’s Public Relations Officer, Ikenna Oguejiofor, said Zakari’s was the 36th installation, and its 36 years of existence Amuwo Odofin  has maintained its position as ‘’the leading club” in District 9110.  He affirmed the club’s strides in tree planting, scholarship.

    The guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Dada Olugbenga, who spoke on ,”Good Governance and the Consolidation of Democray”, advised Nigerians to shun corruption, noting that the vice is killing the country and that they should fight it. He wondered how a director in a ministry could put his children in a private university.

    Olugbenga, who is the Head of Studies, Administration Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), asked civil servants to be on top of their game, saying they, rather than politicians, are the engine of the government.

    At the event, four eminent personalities were given awards. They were Deputy Director, Human Resource, Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMISA), Alhaji Hamisu Gambo; Chairman/CEO, Texas Global Marine, Collins Odjegba; GMD/CEO, RevolutionPlus, Bamidele Onalaja; Senior Flight Officer, Azman Air Services, Jamil  Mohameed and Mr. Isichei Osamgbi of NIMASA.

  • Destination project for launch Sept. 24

    Destination project for launch Sept. 24

    Destination West Africa Project (DWAP) will be launched on September 24, at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, according to Goge Africa; Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses, initiators of the project.

    The project, powered by some organisations and individuals in the travel industry, including   tour operators, travel agents and corporates, is designed to market and promote destinations, intra-travel and trade in the West Africa.

    Isaac-Moses said the focus of the launch is the unfolding of the programmes of DWAP and celebration of tourism through interactions and discourse, with the theme ECOWAS of the people: Tourism within the sub-region; Prospects and Challenges.

    She stated that other activities would include marking the World Tourism Day, with the theme: Rethinking Tourism. She said: ‘‘DWAP seeks to, among other objectives, promote tourism, trade and investment opportunities in West Africa, advocate for inter-connectivity and economic linkages within the region; and encourage West Africans to travel within the sub-region.

    ‘‘After the launch, the DWAP team will set out on a tour and road shows within ECOWAS countries, starting with one week in Ghana. Other countries to be visited include Senegal, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Republic of Benin, Togo, and The Gambia.

    ‘‘Among other things, the DWAP team will engage relevant institutions, public and private, to identify and explore strategic ways to lower the barriers that impede travels within West Africa. They will also participate in conferences, summits and similar gatherings to encourage travel professionals in West Africa to support regional domestic tourism and intra-Africa travels.

    ‘‘The team’s experiences in each country will be reported on social media, multiple media platforms, including Goge Africa’s long-running culture and tourism TV series, broadcast on 15 channels with over 40 million viewers.’’

    As part of engaging with the public and eliciting broad participation, she said that volunteers would be welcomed to work with the team.