Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

A septuagenarian and retiree of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Pa Akinwumi Soremekun, a.ka. Baba Sho, has paid glowing tributes to a sculptor and one of the founding fathers of the Society of the Nigerian Artists, SNA, Yusuf Grillo, who died August 2021 at the age of 86.

This was contained in a statement issued by the sculptor which was released to the press. He described the late Grillo as a man who uplifted Nigerian arts to enviable height.

Baba Sho said Grillo was a renowned reductionist who lived and taught arts throughout his sojourn on earth, noting that the late sculptor established the Art Department of the Yaba College of Technology  and deserved to be immortalised for the younger generation to know and appreciate his efforts.

The sculptor, who crafted Prof. Wole Soyinka, a work which gained global recognition said Grillo’s giant strides in the world of arts shouldn’t be forgotten. He called on the government to accord the late octogenarian a place in history.

He gave account of how the late Grillo singlehandedly developed the school of art, design, and printing from the “embryonic stage, expanded the curriculum to cater for the educational needs of the National Diploma (ND) and the National Higher Diploma, (HND) while he held sway at the Yaba College of Technology.

According to Soremekun, Grillo deserves more than he is being given posthumously being the engine room of the development of art in the country. He added that he belonged to the second generation of career artists in Nigeria who lived solely for the promotion and development of art.

Describing him as a quintessential legend in the field of sculptural art, Soremekun noted that were it not for Grillo’s generation, the Nigerian art industry wouldn’t have achieved the fame it is currently enjoying. As a teacher and trainer, the late sculptor trained the late music legend, Victor Uwaifor, in the works of art, and so many others.

He maintained that the late Grillo lived a life of excellence which he achieved through “absolute commitment and seriousness of purpose” which regrettably is lacking in the new generation artists.

Grillo was one of the Nigeria’s celebrated and academically outstanding painters who gained prominence and international recognition in the 60s and 70s as he exhibited large collection of his early works of art. He incorporated his western training into many of his paintings, combining western art techniques with traditional Yoruba sculptor colour blue.

Born in Lagos, Grillo attended the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State where he received a diploma in fine art and post-graduate diploma in education. He went overseas to study at the Academic Hall of of Cambridge University and later travelled to Germany and the United States of America.

“The late Grillo is a man who lives on in the minds of well meaning Nigerians and he would be remembered for all his strides in the Nigerian Art industry. He was my role model and a respected teacher to many of us who are still alive today. We owe him our tribute as we regret his death because he meant so many things to his followers.

“He trained many of us to love art and we not only love it but we imbibed all his teachings exceedingly well. He carried out his assignments excellently. As a mere mortal he had to answer the call of his creator. May his soul rest in the bosom of his creator.”

Soremekun said he crafted the late Grillo as a sign of respect and solidarity to the soul of the departed. He plans to exhibit his work at the National Art Exhibition next year.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs
Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the implementation of the state’s tourism master plan.

She commended the organisers of the annual Destination Tourism Night held in Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Commissioner, who was represented by Director of Tourism Promotions, Mrs Adanma Oni, highlighted varieties of tourism spots for Lagosians and visitors to explore all year round.

She commended the organisers for a focused and determined effort at hosting the events noting that the quality of the event gets better and bigger in every other event since its inception.

This year’s Destination Tourism Night is with a special focus on Destination Lagos.
It is also geared towards talent discovery and skills development in the preparation of the state to fully drive the implementations of the state’s tourism master plan.

The organiser of the event, Mr Ayo Omotoso, said that this year’s Destination Tourism Night is a new blend of attractions to promote tourism talents across humanity.

He said there “there over seven billion talents in the world, everyone should be given a chance to exhibit his or her talents for economic gains”.
This, he said, will further solve the issue of unemployment in the country.

“With tourism talents Development, many youths would find great expressions to the discovery of their innate talents and that is why Destination Tourism Night offers a platform to showcase them to the world,” Omotoso said.

The theme: “Tourism Talent Development: Economic Access in Destination Lagos” was x-rayed at the event by a team of highly cerebral panellists.
It was observed that talents are the ingredients of tourism development and efforts should be placed on training while talented youths should focus on areas where to exhibit their talents for economic prosperity and the good of themselves and the larger society.

The night featured upcoming stars such as Alexander Ikotun aka Kixxie, Osilana Damilare, Milaar; female youth drummer, Titi Irawo and Ugo Klassic.
They thrilled the participants to a blend of vibes and percussion at the Grand Ball Hall, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
Also on ground was the first African female talking drummer, Ara.
The night was spiced by the famous panegyric chanter, Alhaji Ayilara Suleman, famously known as Ajobiewe.

Another attraction was a video presentation on Tour Nigeria put together by representatives of the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Chief Folorunsho Coker.

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the ‘Lagos Local Governments Tourism Market, LLGTM,’ a community based tourism initiative by Destination Communications Ltd.

The National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) have pledged to work together for the benefit of Nigerian artists. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit of the leadership of SNA to the NGA corporate headquarters in Abuja. The SNA President, Mohammed Sulelaiman solicited the support and partnership of NGA in carrying out its programmes slated for next year. Poised to make Nigeria an art destination, the present SNA executive has mapped out ambitious programmes. These are: African Art Summit; an annual art exhibition; publication of a definitive Art Journal and on-going efforts at establishing the Artists Registration Council among others.

Responding, the Director-General of NGA, Chief Ebeten William Ivara, said he is willing and ready to strengthen the existing relationship between NGA and SNA. He tasked the society to partner with NGA in its efforts to get a befitting edifice to house the numerous works of art in its custody. “How Nigerian artists can benefit from what we do here is our concern,” he said, pledging the commitment of NGA to partner with SNA on their programmes. “SNA will also be part of our programmes,” he announced. “This is a strong bond. I’m strongly behind SNA,” he added.

The DG subsequently presented copies of the Harmonised Bill for the Repeal and Re-enactment of NGA Establishment Act and the current edition of NGA in-house magazine, Artivity to the SNA President. He requested the society to work with NGA as the Bill moves to the National Assembly for legislative action.

The society also donated an interesting well framed painting to the Director- General.

The SNA was led on the courtesy visit, the first since the inauguration of the 11th executive by its President, Mohammed Suleiman. Others in team are: Secretary General, Prosper Akeni; National Treasurer, Vera Chijioke; Chairman, SNA FCT Chapter, Aderinkonmi John Adeleye; immediate past chairman, SNA FCT Chapter, Chike Emembo and an artist and PA to the President, Queen Eno Nkantia.

Members of the NGA team are: DG, NGA, Chief Ebeten William Ivara; Director, Documentation and Monitoring, Ngozi John-Uyah; SA to the DG, Mike Ayim and DD, PR, Oji Onoko.

The main auditorium of Fidel Madonna College of Excellence, Iba New Site in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State came alive with several academic activities. That day, four students who were on scholarship graduated. Also, the school inaugurated its ultra-modern laboratories.

It was a day the students and their  parents expressed their gratitude to Mr. Fidel Morah, the proprietor of the school, for taking over their worries of raising money to pay their children’s school fees.

Morah said: “The formation of the individual through teaching and learning is the greatest legacy to bequeath to humanity to lift society. The business of training the individual could be characterised by difficulties and successes.

“The moulding of the human person towards success is sometimes taxing, but it enhances humanity.

The head teacher of the college, Mr. Francis lmohimi, said: “This year’s graduation is unique because we are inaugurating our college’s laboratories. We are also presenting the graduating students of the class of 2021.

“What a journey it has been for the management, members of staff of the college in the past six and three years.

He listed the graduating pupils as Master Divine Onyekwere – SS Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, ljegun, Master Divine Kingsley – Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, lba, Miss Chioma Onuoha-SS Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, ljegun and Miss Emmanulla Nwachukwu of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Victory Estate, lba.

“Another important segment of today’s event is the inauguration of our re-branded Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Argic laboratories to fit in with modern needs and requirements of the quality assurance of the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

“To us as an educational institution, we have done everything necessary to ensure that these graduating students were trained academically and in the acquisition of skills which they will need to step into the next phase of life.

“We assure you that these graduating students are ready for any future challenges that may confront them because they were well prepared for the future.

He advised them thus: “Your families are here today to celebrate your achievements. We are here to honour your achievements over the course of this past six to 12 years or more (from Basic to Senior Secondary School level),

“I wish to reiterate what I believe to be the most important part of the quality that we have strived to cultivate in you. Some people call it determination; others refer to it as grit. It is perseverance.

“During these years you have been with us from the cradle, you have pushed yourselves through difficulties and have stayed on course. Your parents entrusted you to us. For many of you began in KG, continued through primary and journeyed through secondary and finally ended at Fidel Madonna College.

“We took this responsibility very seriously. As you prepare to face the world, remember the importance of perseverance; it will serve you well. It is through struggle and failure that you learn and grows to succeed. As you begin a new journey, you should keep it simple and follow your heart. Don’t spend so much time planning your future so much so that you ignore your present. Above all, you must approach life and other people with respect, support, encouragement and confidence.”

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing Head Boy Master Divine Onyekwere promised that they would be good ambassador of the college. He advised the students to keep the flag flying and maintain the excellence for which the college is known.

Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the laboratories, rendition of soul-lifting hymns from the sonorous voices of students of Fidel Madonna College of Excellence and dances, among others.

Built as the Broad Street prison during the colonial era then reconstructed to become an epicenter of cultural heritage and historical antiquities, Freedom Park Lagos animates the exuberant spirit and energy of creativity, imagination and a sacred home for artistic freedom of expression. It was, therefore, a befitting location to unveil the monthly series Free the Vibes.

The series is an initiative of Unchained Vibe Africa, forged out of the urgent call for artistic freedom from internal repression, intimidation and censorship from both governmental agencies and other sociocultural institutions. The debut of the series interrogated the theme: Hate Speech Regulations and Threat to Artistic Freedom.

With a mission to leverage the power of the arts and to promote civic education, cultural diversity and the spirit of solidarity across Africa, Unchained Vibes Africa is resolute in their advocacy to bring to the fore artistic freedom of expression and cultural liberation with the official launch of Free the Vibes. Created by the founder of Unchained Vibes Africa, Ayo Ganiu, the innovation is focused on the abuse of artists’ right to express themselves and hone their crafts creatively without fear or intimidation from both the government and cultural or religious institutions.

In sync with the theme of the night, performance by veteran hip-hop artist Eedris Adulkareem and Nigerian talking drum icon, Ara, thrilled the guests to set up the tone for the event; Topedo also agog the guests with reverberating poetry on the freedom of artistic expression.

According to  Ganiu, there is no greater moment than now for advocacy for artistic freedom of expression. Referencing the clampdown on #ENDSARS protesters and the ban of Twitter as some of the many examples of deliberate attack by the government against artistic expression, he noted that the freedom of artists to express themselves still remain an unaffordable luxury in this part of the world. He recounted some of the experiences he and his team had encountered in their struggle against artistic repression and censorship.

He said: “In Nigeria artistic freedom remains a grossly violated fundamental right. Artists are confronted with a system of censorship imposed by a variety of actors.  There are central censorship bodies like National Broadcasting Commission, the Federal agency that controls content, including works of art, transmitted via radio and television.  As a result of censorship, the rights of artists to criticise government policies which are a fundamental right and demand accountability in governance are threatened in Nigeria. Personally, I and my team have intervened in cases of artist releasing a song about a governor who was caught receiving dollars from a contractor and sang about it. “He was arrested on a Monday, arraigned on Tuesday and sentenced to two years imprisonments on Wednesday. I was shocked that the Nigerian judiciary system is efficient in dealing with crime that quickly. But the crime he was charged for is defamation. Although the artist didn’t mention the governor’s name but mentioned his position with the video that went viral about the dollars he received from contractors. We’ve had to intervene in such cases and many others like that.  So, we’re here today to support and promote artistic freedom in the country,” he said.

For musician and cultural activist, Ade Bantu, the problem with artistic restriction is endemic to the Nigerian art industry. He resolved that the only way forward is to mentor young artists and educate them on the history of their nation, to let them see why advocacy for artistic freedom expression is not only important, but also inevitable. “We’re talking about the trauma of military dictatorship. This is what we’re seeing here, and we haven’t fully addressed it. Biafra has never been fully addressed – the trauma of an internal conflict, the trauma of military dictatorship. And artists, in particular, instead of them guiding the young ones, mentoring them, they get bitter,” he said.

Addressing the topic, Hate Speech and Threat to Artistic Freedom, renowned actress and social activist Hilda Dokubo spoke on why many artists are lagging as advocates for artistic freedom of expression. She noted that the reason why these artists don’t speak up is because they have forgotten their primary purpose as artists. According to her, the artist is the voice of the people, and his reticent will only leaves the populace gagged. Artists have to be the first people championing freedom of speech because of the vital role they play in the society.

“Those of us in the entertainment industry often forget what our business is about. We think it’s all about the glamour and glitz. Your business is not just to entertain people but to educate and fight for them. It is your business to ensure that the art you bring forth will motivate people towards chasing their dreams”.

Ota-Awori, Ogun State, is set to hold Iganmode Cultural Festival for the year. The festival, which is aimed at showcasing the cultural heritage and rich traditional values of the people, will hold from Monday, December 13 and to 19.

The announcement was made by the Olota of Ota land, Oba Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, at a press conference his palace where Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege hosted royalties and dignitaries from Ota and its environs to brief them on the forthcoming programme.

The theme of this year editon is ‘Culture: A Module for Sustainable Leadership’.

In his address, Oba Obalanlege stated that the festival will help remind the people of their great cultural heritage and the need to preserve the tradition of hard work, tenacity and the spirit of brotherhood.

According to the chairman, planning committee of the festival, Aare Ayodele Bankole, this year’s edition will display the exploits of the historical Awori warrior, Iganmode and to also promote cultural and traditional values and norms among the Ota People.

He said: “We celebrate our cultural and ancestral hero, Iganmode, that irrepressible Awori, every year. His exploits in history have become the staying power and spirituality of Ota Aworis wherever you find us. Iganmode is a symbol of leadership, influence, hard work, unity and teamwork.”

Worried by the growing animosity over the outcome of the #EndSARS Panel, especially in Lagos state, a community leader, High Chief Lukman Olayemi Adebanbo, Gbadewolu Adegboro I, Ibeju Lekki, has impressed on the citizenry the need to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

Fielding questions from selected journalists, ahead of his official coronation coming up soon, Arowolo, who is currently Baale Ilu Araromi Ibeju, the Oba-elect of Ilu Araromi Ibeju, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, said Nigeria cannot afford to witness another ethnic conflagration, especially at this time when insecurity is rife as that could spell doom for the country.

While acknowledging the fact that a lot of what led to the bitter exchanges was as a result of the past animosities and ill-feelings against the law enforcement agencies, the community leader would rather Nigerians let bygones be bygones.

“If we have differences amongst ourselves it is not enough reason to make it affect our commerce and trade. We must seek for the development of the state. I’m particularly appealing to the victims of the #EndSARS protest, especially the families who lost loved ones.  I beg you all to forgive and forget. I urge them all to accept this as the Lord’s doing and something fated to happen,” he said.

“I urge all Nigerians to sheathe their swords over the outcome of the #EndSARS panel sitting. Nobody is above making mistakes. Once a mistake has occurred all we need to do is to get to a round table and dialogue peacefully to resolve the issues and differences. I particularly appeal to all traditional rulers and community leaders across the length and breadth of Lagos state and the entire country at large to hold peace talks with their citizens wherever they are,” he further stressed.

He reiterated the need for traditional rulers and community heads in Lagos to sue for peace, saying, “Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of the country and a lot of industries are domiciled here whose continued existence is dependent on peaceful and harmonious relations with everybody including the indigenes and settlers. We all must join hands together to build Lagos and make it a better place for us to live peacefully.”

This year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture  (NCAC) that held in Ado Ekiti, may have come and gone. But, memories of the unity festival will linger for a long time. Expectedly, there were some revelations and surprises, which made the event memorable.

One of such revelations was the unique exhibition mounted by the National Gallery of Art.  Titled: “Argungu”, the special exhibition featured images of original paintings at Kanta Museum Argingu, Kebbi State.

The exhibition didn’t only serve as a link between the ancient and moden times, it also celebrated the relatively unknown history of Argungu beyond the fishing festival.

Unknown to many, Kanta Museum is one of the richest museums in Nigeria yet to be explored by researchers and scholars as well as the general public.

The concept for the paintings dotting the cultural artifacts which seems unusual to many people was hatched in early 2004 during the visit of President Olusegun Obasanjo to Argungu for the Argungu Fishing Festival. The present Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera (CON) saw the need to have paintings in the museum that would further buttress the important historical instruments as well as the warriors of the kingdom which are self-explanatory of that era when Kebbi Kingdom had great warriors.

In order to realise this, the Emir invited a brilliant artist, Suleiman Muhammed Kamba, an indigene of Argungu and attached him with some great historians as well as the families of some of the warriors and the various instruments that they used during war time for him to draw and paint to show the actual mode of their dresses as well as their structures.

During the recently concluded World Tourism Celebration in Kebbi State, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Kakakin Kabi) and some of his Director Generals were at the Kanta Museum, Argungu. While on a guided tour, the Director General National Gallery of Art, Ebetwn William Ivara  saw these paintings in the midst of the rich artifacts (collection of the Museum) and his attention was drawn to them, hence he directed for research into them.

That happenstance eventually gave birth to one of the special art exhibitions at the recently concluded NAFEST in Ekiti State. Also, a standard and detailed book is being published by NGA on this.

In Kanta, founder of the kingdom, a painting done by SS2 student of Kanta Unity College Argungu shows the sword he is holding was seized from his master Askiya the great. It’s more than 500 years old. It serves as symbol of authority by any serving Emir of Argungu.

Goje mai sanda kaiwa is one of the paintings which extols the power of the Argungu warrior.

From history, he was among the great and strong warriors in the kingdom who used only stick cut from a tree called Kaiwa to fight. Other exhibits on display were War situation (battle field), Before the war starts, Magajin Dankana warrior, Royal band group, Hunters and their musicians,  Male dance group, Matanfada river during fishing, Ritual after farm harvest and Trade by barter market.

The Kanta Mluseum is divided into 11 different units but inter-related galleries. The first is King’s court; the second depicts ethnic identity; the third unit shows the tombs of the first rulers while the fourth showcases the traditional occupation of Argungu. The fifth is the continuation of the cemetery; the sixth shows traditional musical instruments; seventh is their weaponry and the eighth depicts the Surane (defence wall). The ninth contains fishing and hunting tools. While the 10th gallery is an administrative block and the 11th depicts the traditional modelled village professionally set up to service the public.

The collection did not only mitror the life and.time of the warriors but also the fishing business Argungu community is famous for.

The exhibition was curated by the Director Curatorial Services National Gallery of Art, Dr Simon Ikpakronyi.

As part of activities marking the first year anniversary of Yaba Art Museum of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), the institution has conveyed an inaugural meeting of Art Schools in Nigeria.

The meeting, which was held at the Yusuf Grillo auditorium on the campus, aimed at bringing together creative intermediaries and representatives of Art Schools across higher educational institutions in Nigeria to critically discuss and work out possible solutions, collaborations and development plans towards Art Museum across Nigeria’s tertiary education sphere.

The event was declared opened by YABATECH Rector, Engr. Obafemi  Omokungbe, represented by Deputy Rector, Academics Dr. (Mrs.) T. A. Ukabam. In his address, the rector said that recommendations proffered at the meeting should be added into the curriculum so as to move art education forward in Nigeria.

“I want to commend the zeal you have towards art education. I appreciate your efforts to help art education move forward. By coming together, I believe we will develop a template that will move the art education forward. I believe at the end of the meeting we will factor into the curriculum training of the art students so that we can move art education forward and we can impact the society positively,” he said.

The representative board of trustee Yaba Art Museum, Engr. Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, founder/CEO of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyon Shyllon Art Foundation and who is also currently Nigeria’s largest private art collector spoke on challenges facing the art sector in Nigeria. He frowned at our collective attitude towards art work, especially ethnographic art work whom because of religious indoctrination are now labelled or seen as juju. He kicked against the restitution of the stolen because when they are brought back we lack the capacity to preserve the art work. .

Earlier, Mr Mackemjika Dabesaki spoke in support of restitution of the lost or stolen ethnographic art work to be bright back to their abode, urged participants and art stakeholders to do more in preserving artistic and cultural heritage, particularly works of great artists. He said: “What stories can we tell about contemporary issues like ethnicity, accountable policy, gender and other using our preservation frame?

“Art preservation requires intentionality on what stories we want them to tell. Preservation also requires that we have a conversation that is proactive to human development through art preservation.

“And I think I have to say that YABATECH has done a good job in steering a conversation around some of these contemporary issues. The story of preservation is important to capture both what we still have and what we have lost. It is worthy of note how YABATECH is preserving parts of the institution’s culture and history by creating a space where you can showcase these items.”

During a chat with the curator of the museum, Dr. Odun Orimolade, she revealed that the Yaba Art Museum is not just a museum for only showcasing artworks, but is also an education-based institution.

Yaba Art Museum, a project funded by Ford Foundation was recently listed as one of Lagos State Tourism sites by Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Art & Culture, like the Museum, since it was unveiled in November 2020  has been at the forefront of presenting Art Exhibition that supports Youth Advocacy, Social Justice, Sexual Harassment Gender-Based Violence.