Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

In keeping with their mission to promote  students’ entrepreneurial and self-reliant skills and prepare them for the emerging challenges of post-COVID economy, Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Mowe, Ogun State has announced its screening of both students and non-students candidates for vocational and technical education.

The programme, which will hold from May 17 to 19, is part of the second international conference of the institution with the theme: Vocational and Technical Education: Catalyst to National Development. The three-day event, which will be both online and on-site, seeks to develop in students transferable technological  skills such as Cyber security, ICT and software design, website development as well as other vocational and entrepreneurial trainings.

Interested participants are expected to register on the school website, providing necessary information as well as the submission of necessary documents for sensitisation.

The programme will also include presentation of scholarly papers on varieties of topics on technology, humanity, liberal art and nation building by students from diverse institutions. Papers are expected to be submitted on the school website, and are to be published in the school’s journal.

Led by its Rector, Dr. Stella Mofunanya, the conference will feature lectures on liberal art and national development, electrical training and technological development, digital marketing and nation building, food nutrition and health technology, architectural designs, automation and control system, accountability and budget implementation, as well as other academic topics.

In order to provide a suitable learning facility for candidates, the institution will also make available accommodations for both foreign and indigenous participants at a very affordable price.

Other guests expected at the event include Mrs. Jahou Saamba Faal, Prof. Ibiwunmi Alade, Dr. Funso Odesola and Dr. Gbolade Soneye.

To ‘tell a story’ and most particularly to ‘tell your story’ is the well-worn advice for building a successful jazz solo.

According to trumpeter and vocalist, Doc Cheatham, “If a guy plays a beautiful solo and he’s playing from the heart or he’s talking with his horn, we say, he’s telling a story.”

Originality cannot be faked. I recently had the privilege and good fortune of listening to an album that embodies this fact. Sit back, relax and let me take you on a smooth jazz ride with Victor Ajayi, who performs under the moniker, Veeesax.

A prolific musician and multi-instrumentalist, Veeesax’s passion for the brass has made him to specialise on the saxophone. The artiste, whose speciality is a core genre of Afro smooth jazz, has featured in more than 10 albums. Not only that, within the last five years, he has played in more than 30 stages across Nigeria and the UK.

Right now, he has a fresh 2-track jazz album, Life’s Journey on the rack. The opening track, Peaceful Storm combines smooth vocals and cool guitar riffs to achieve an intricate sequence of notes that are musically satisfying. However, the piercing sound of a lone trumpet interrupts the melody, but this is immediately muffled by the throaty, powerful sound of Veeesax’s saxophone. It’s like experiencing peace in the midst of a storm.

Veeesax’s diverse orchestra experience and his background as an instrumentalist in the choir all come to play in the track, Not Alone. The result is a gospel infused, smooth jazz. For over a decade, Veeesax has been a part of the Living Faith Church choir brass team, garnering a record of over 1,000 appearances as well as performing in front of a live audience of over 100,000 every week. He has also championed and arranged at least 10 brass bands that performed at Shiloh, an annual event that welcomes over a million congregants.

On this album, Veeesax is a jazz musician, composer and soul healer who splashes his sheets of sound over the troubled waters of our everyday life. In deed, for over three weeks, I haven’t stopped listening to this album. Whether drawn from his own experiences or those of others, Veeesax speaks to us all: men and women; husbands and wives, lovers and lost loves. We hear his rich, plaintive saxophone and somehow we know that everything is going to be alright.

A new book on Boko Haram captive Leah Sharibu will be unveiled at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on May 14. She was in 2018 kidnapped with more than 100 other schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, by Boko Haram terrorists, and is the only one still in captivity because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.  The book, titled Heroine of Faith, also deals with the nature and essence of religious faith and the country’s fight against terrorism. The author, Rafiu Kuteyi, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Court Parish, Lagos, in this interview with Femi Macaulay, speaks about his new book.  

Why did you write this book, Heroine of Faith?

This book came into being by divine leading. God drew my attention to the significance of the unbeatable decision that Leah took at the expense of her life and freedom as a little Christian, which many of us as adult believers may find extremely difficult, if not totally impossible, to take if we were to be in her shoes. So, for this reason, Leah is a heroine of the Christian faith that deserves to be celebrated by all. My goal as the author of this book is to create global awareness and draw attention to the story of Leah Sharibu, the heroine of faith of our time, to get us better informed about the global issue of terrorism and also to get us involved in finding solutions to this menace.

How long did it take to write the book?

If I remember correctly, it took a period of one year and three months.

What challenges, if any, did you face?

Yes, there were a few challenges while putting the book together. And this is due to the socio-political nature of this particular book which made it much different from the other two Christian faith-based books l had written before now. So it is as a result of the uniqueness of the book that it became pretty difficult for me, as I had to engage myself in a whole lot of research, both social and political. I tell you, this is something I was not used to prior to this time. However, the grace of God was there to help me through. And this I will never take for granted, May His name be praised forever.

What lessons can people learn from Leah’s experience?

Thank you for this question. Really, there are a whole lot of lessons we can learn from this heroine of faith called Leah. And I believe you wouldn’t want to dispute what I have just said, considering her display of extraordinary courage and unwavering faith in God as a little Christian girl. This is why she remains in captivity with her abductors up till now. However, we shouldn’t forget that it is her unequalled faith in God that has made Him promote her from obscurity to a girl of global relevance. Believe it or not, Leah has today become a global icon of the Christian faith. The lessons here are clear, just as seen in Leah, which are: demonstration of big faith in God has nothing to do with age, education, pedigree, or spiritual titles as a person. And also God is able to raise anyone who can conquer his or her fear, and would not deny Him before men but rather stand with Him in faith even in the face of possible martyrdom.

It’s been four years since she was kidnapped. Do you think she will be released or rescued someday?

This question is thoroughly addressed in the book under the sub-title: For Leah, Any Hope? Yes, I strongly believe that one day Leah will regain her freedom. God will bring her back to us, for with God all things are possible. For as Christians, we do not walk by sight, but by faith in the God who can do all things. So, I will never give up on the hope of seeing this “little but mighty” heroine of faith, returning home to our welcome embrace. I will also want the admirers of Leah all over the world to have faith and hope even as we press for her release from her abductors.

What is your view on the level of insecurity in the country? 

Truly, the answer to this question can also be found in the book. Without doubt, it is evident that the issue of insecurity in our dear country Nigeria that led to the kidnapping of Leah alongside her other schoolmates has not in any way decreased. This is a fact that no reasonable person will deny. In my view, though, the Nigerian government is doing the best they can to address this menace but the monster of insecurity ravaging our land seems to be too large for the government alone to deal with. However, even as our government takes the lead since the provision of security remains their primary responsibility, we all should be ready to give them our necessary support.

Thus, we must all come together in unity and stay strong on this issue so as to defeat the common enemy threatening the sovereignty of our country. All hands must be on deck concerning this needless bloodshed. And I trust God to fight for us as a nation.

What do you think should be done to tackle the security crisis?

Our government really needs to do more than they are presently doing. The present security architecture needs to be critically looked into with changes made where necessary. Basically, every crime is local; therefore the Federal Government must be willing to give more power, in terms of security, to both state and local governments, for effective policing. The Federal Government should be attentive enough to listen to this popular cry from the majority of Nigerians. So also the government must have the political willpower to name, shame and bring to justice those people responsible for our current security crisis. Finally, our government must pay serious attention to the issue of remunerations and general well-being of our security personnel as this will motivate and embolden them to be more offensive in operation and more aggressive than they are presently in the war against terrorism and other criminal acts going on in our dear nation.

Title: The Trial and Other Stories

Author: Ifeoma Okoye

Reviewer: Dr. Bukar Usman

Publisher: African Heritage Press New York, Lagos (2005)

Pagination: 86

The book, The Trial and Other Stories written by Ifeoma Okoye, contained nine stories about widowhood in Igbo land. Much of the settings are in Enugu, Enugu State where the author is based. Other places mainly in Igbo land include Onitsha, Abakaliki and Owerri and several villages. Outside Igbo land the settings include Lagos, Kano, Ibadan and Calabar.

The first story, Soul Healers, is about a woman who resides in Lagos but had her two children schooling at Owerri. One was aged five and half while the other was 4. Her husband was a civil engineer at Kano when his business collapsed. Though the woman was a graduate she was jobless. A friend of hers found her a job in a bank in Lagos. She defied her husband and left with the children to take up the job. The husband who refused to follow them died suddenly from stroke. His relations accused the woman of the death of her husband by abandoning him in Kano. To punish her, they took away the children from her, put them in custody of the husband’s elder sister at Owerri where they were put in school. She was warned not to visit them. She did not obey the instruction. The children are her soul healers and was prepared to die for them.

The second story titled: Between Women is about a woman who was an orphan and a widow. Her five and half year-old daughter lived with her mother-in-law in a village in Ebonyi State while she took a job at Enugu as a domestic servant and had not seen her daughter for nearly two years. She had wanted to bring the daughter to Enugu but the wife of her employer would not agree. She asked for permission several times to go and visit the daughter, but the wife of the employer who proved to be insensitive to her plight would not agree. The widow could not afford to leave the job even though she was paid a pittance.

“Strange Disease” is the title of the third story in which a widow’s brother-in-law insisted on marrying her. She did not want to but was afraid to tell him because he might harm her and her two teenage children. As a way out, she pretended that she had a strange venereal disease and stripped naked before the man to prove her point. It was at that stage that the brother-in-law left her for good.

“The Trial” is the fifth story that also doubles as the title of the book. It is a story about another widow in a village who was put on trial by a team of 30     women made up of her husband’s relations, accused her of poisoning him. Hence, the traditional trial which if proven she would die within 28 days of the trial. Even her mother advised her to undergo the trial or else she and her relations would be ostracised by the whole town and condemned her as a husband killer.

Other stories included “The New Business Woman” (the tale of a woman whose husband was a motor spare part dealer at Enugu before he died of hepatitis but resolved to continue running the business even though she doesn’t know how and the business was virtually a male dominated business); “From Wife to Concubine” (a narrative of a widow who aside from being subjected to dehumanising widowhood rites, her brother-in-law went about telling people that she was only a concubine); “Second Chance” (a case of a widow in a dilemma as to whether to marry and leave the children or remain alone in poverty); and “Daughter for Sale”.

The fate of widows and their children in Igbo land depicted in the stories as it concerns inheritance and the traditional rites widows are made to pass through, is somewhat pitiful and horrifying. While some of the practices might have served the society in the past, they evidently require a serious review in modern times.

Amstel Malta Ultra and top-quality sports brand, The Mix Africa, brought all the fun and lit up the walls of the Jabi Lake Mall at the grand opening of the flagship PUMA store in Abuja.

The event was an eclectic mix of athletic style, fashion and great vibes as guests celebrated yet another PUMA store opening in Nigeria. Attendees included A-list socialites, Abuja sport and fashion influencers, fitness enthusiasts and the brand’s esteemed customers, who had the opportunity to meet and network with ace musician and global PUMA ambassador, Davido and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki at the event.  Guests had their fill of delicious hors d’oeuvres and, of course, were refreshed by chilled cans of Amstel Malta Ultra.

Senior Key Accounts Manager, Nigerian Breweries Mr. Olukayode Akintola affirmed the brand’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports. “With health and fitness being our greatest priority at Amstel Malta Ultra, the brand believes in the importance of advancing sports culture in Nigeria. This is why we are supporting PUMA on the grand opening of this exquisite outlet to make sports wears accessible to all Nigerians. Being a brand of so many firsts in championing a healthier alternative for Nigerians, Amstel Malta Ultra has repositioned itself as the number one malt drink of choice for all consumers, especially among the teeming health-conscious class,” Akintola said.

As a health and fitness inspired brand, Amstel Malta Ultra remains a top choice of healthy refreshment for sportsmen, health and fitness enthusiasts. It is the first-ever, no-added-sugar malt drink in Nigeria, fully enriched with Vitamins and Minerals to deliver healthy refreshments, premium nourishment with superior taste.

Afro beat legend, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Lagbaja, the masked man and saxophone wizard share many things in common. Beyond being talented as Afro beat singers and composers, they are both masters in wing instrument. But, last week, the legacies of the two musical icons took centre stage at a joint art exhibition held in Lagos.

While one of the two exhibiting artists showcased the portrait of Fela and Gele Odun, a thread on linen, showing a lady with a head gear reminds viewers of Lagbaja’s Gele odun, classical songs by the two musicians welcomed guests to the opening ceremony. Interestingly, the two artworks are positioned on opposite walls of the hall.

The exhibition tagged Me & Him, by Oluwatosin Toromade and Temitayo Badru opened last Monday at The Art Pantheon Gallery, Oniru, Lagos to honour tradition and personal history. It also offered a space to reflect, appreciatively, on individuals’ identity as well as on the various phases of the artists’ journey that make them who they are.

The two artists are graduates of the same department at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife and are making success of their careers. In 2019 they held individual solo exhibition between October and September.

Badru, who hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, has built an œuvre that draws inspiration from Yoruba tradition and cosmology. According to him, he is keenly interested in amplifying the etymological meanings of traditional adire eleko patterns. Myths, folklore, proverbs, and spirituality animate his works.

Explaining the concept behind a fitting Gele (head gear), Badru said: “In Yoruba setting, there is a proverb that says Gele o dun bi ka mo we, ka mo we ko dabi ko yeni. When women wear their attire, they have to put Gelé. It is not that you know how to tie it, that is a different ball game. But, for the Gelé to fit you is another thing entirely.

Badru who specialises in textile started using thread while at the university. “And there’s no way you’ll pass through textile department, that you won’t be given embroidering assignment,” he recalled.

For Toromade, he started the sojourner series in his last solo exhibition and also showcased it here.  “So basically, it’s just the same person. We are looking for the same thing. The guy pushing the wheelbarrow, a woman carrying the child, everybody is on a journey to better themselves. It is a complimentary series,” he said of Celebrating Sojourner.

With this show, Art Pantheon Gallery is regenerating new approach in promoting identity, tradition and personal history. And capturing the theme in incendiary visual culture are two artists whose individual skills generate unique aesthetics and insights.

Among artworks showcased at the exhibition Breathe, Problem No Dey Finish (acrylic on canvas); Balloon Series Masked and Proud (acrylic and charcoal on canvas); and Tribute To Eden II (oil on canvas). Others are King Makers (The osugbo), acrylic and new print on canvas, Gele Odun III, (thread on linen, TRMW (gratitude) acrylic on canvas, Self portrait (Taste and feeling series) thread acrylic on linen, Ayaba and Celebrating sojourners.

With these and other artworks, the artists weave some kind of suspense around the Me & Him theme of their painterly convergence. Curator and Founder Art Pantheon Gallery, Nana Sonoiki said. “What energies and renewed awareness are created at the boundaries of interaction between the sojourn of the individual and the legacies of tradition?” Sonoiki explained: “Me & Him is, among other things, about the insights we reap from this kind of reflection. The two artists are Nigerians who grew up in the country, and their works reflect this much.”

Toromade, born in Lagos and educated in Ife, paints figures that bear the dissatisfaction, struggle, tenacity, and joy that Nigerians anywhere would recognise. His figures in his Balloon and Sojourner series typify these aspects of our character as a people and invite us to ponder them closely. The exhibition will remain open till May 22.

Art Pantheon, which opened in 2020 consists of a team of professional and creative minds who believe strongly in contemporary African art. The team specialises in exhibitions, documenting private and corporate collections. Also, they contribute to global art economy by offering services such as appraisals and valuations for insurance and market evaluations.