The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • Lekki Port rewards UNILAG students for creative expression

    Lekki Port rewards UNILAG students for creative expression

    The Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, has applauded the students of the University of Lagos for investing their energy and creativity in producing works of art that captured the full potential of the port.

    Qiang who spoke during the grand finale of the art exhibition titled The Lekki Port Story Through Art organised by Lekki Port in Lagos recently, described the paintings as a full expression of the beautiful sight of marine infrastructure and facilities at the port. He noted that the art exhibition offered the opportunity for the students to tell the story of Lekki Port through various paintings while also unleashing their talents. He said the occasion had further helped to cement the relationship between the academia and corporate organisations such as Lekki Port, especially with the quality of infrastructure in place.

    Special guest of honour, the Consul General, the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing, described the paintings as impresive noting that the creativity showcased by the students was a symbol of China-Nigeria best co-operation. While appreciating the 13 outstanding artists, she noted that their works had placed them as true ambassadors of China-Nigeria friendship.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

    “As you know, China-Nigeria has a long history and tradition. I think the students have not only shown their painting talents, they have also showed their love for China, the Chinese people as well as China-Nigeria friendship. This is indeed a big contribution to the bilateral relations between both countries,” she said.

    Chairman, Lekki Port, Biodun Dabiri commended the management of Lekki Port for playing its role to promote creativity, which was evident in the quality of paintings on display.

    It would be recalled that a delegation from the Department of the Creative Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, led by Dr. Victor Ogunyemijo visited the Lekki Port in June 2025 where each of the students was asked to do a live painting of infrastructural facilities and the port itself.

    At the grand finale, each of the thirteen students was provided the opportunity to make presentation of their artworks.

    Upon evaluation by judges, Shalom Oluwa emerged the winner while Oluwafemi Morakinyo and Ajeseni Godin emerged as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively. Shalom went home with a cash prize of 500,000 naira while first and second runner-up got a cash prize of 300,000 naira and 200,000 naira respectively.

    Shalom, a graduating student of the University of Lagos, expressed excitement about the outcome of the exhibition adding that it is a soothing reward for her devotion to choose creative art in defiance of her parental preference.

    “I feel very blessed to have emerged as winner. This painting is one of the interesting parts of my work. This is first time I am painting freely. I am one who enjoys bright colours. I love beautiful contrasting colours. The title of the work I did was Breaking of a New Dawn and it is basically Lekki Port pioneering a new era for Nigeria,” Oluwa said.

    She explained that the reward would certainly serve as a great motivation to invest and improve on her craft. Some of the paintings that were represented during the grand finale included tugboat, cargo ship, caricature and image of the Managing Director, Lekki port, Wang Qiang, among others.

  • Metamorphosis: Homecoming exhibition to celebrate Prince Adeyemi at 80

    Metamorphosis: Homecoming exhibition to celebrate Prince Adeyemi at 80

    Art lovers are set to witness a rare celebration of creativity, mastery and storytelling as Prince Yinka Adeyemi, one of Nigeria’s foremost artists and a foundational member of the Osogbo Art Group, marks his 80th birthday with a landmark exhibition titled Metamorphosis.

    Organised by Mind of the Masters and curated by Moses Ohiomokhare, the commemorative show will run from September 13 to 28, at The Art Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Curator Ohiomokhare described Adeyemi as one of the older masters whose works remain strikingly modern and relevant even after decades of practice. 

    “Prince Adeyemi is an exceptional artist, especially in beadwork,” he said. “His artistry is unmatched, and every piece he creates is a masterpiece. After more than three decades of work, he continues to produce contemporary pieces that resonate globally.” Adeyemi’s artistic journey began in the Osogbo Art School movement of the 1960s, a pivotal era in Nigerian contemporary art under the teaching of Susanne Wenger. The movement encouraged self-expression, storytelling, and the preservation of Yoruba cultural identity through visual art. Adeyemi mastered multiple forms from painting, printmaking, and batik to his signature beadwork, which often carries a sculptural quality.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    For over 20 years, Adeyemi lived in the United States, primarily in California, where he exhibited widely and conducted workshops in cities like Oakland, Washington D.C., and Atlanta. His international exposure broadened his audience while keeping his African artistic identity at the core of his work. “My work depends on stories from what I see, hear, and experience,” Adeyemi explained. “I want the world to know that Africa is great and has something unique to present to the whole world.”

    His teaching career in the U.S. particularly as a recreation specialist in Oakland, gave him a platform to introduce African art to diverse communities. Adeyemi also participated in Living Blacks, a movement celebrating the creative expressions of Black artists in America. His works from that period remain in collections across the United States and Europe.

    Metamorphosis will feature works across multiple media, allowing visitors to experience Adeyemi’s evolution over decades. Paintings, prints, textiles, and beadwork will reflect the fusion of traditional African designs with modern techniques. Ohiomokhare calls it “a landmark exhibition” because it captures the artist’s range and versatility, while also marking a symbolic homecoming after his years abroad.

    Initiator of Mind of Masters, Mr. Larry Segun-Lean said the exhibition is not only a celebration of years, but a reflection of a life devoted to the elevation of art, culture, and the enduring legacy of Yoruba visual traditions.

    He recalled that he first encountered Adeyemi’s work some three decades ago, at a time when he was just beginning to build his art collection. “His batiks and graphic compositions struck me immediately—they were rich with meaning, layered with cultural memory, and pulsing with a sense of timeless beauty.

    “I was drawn to the complexity of his lines, the vibrancy of his palette, and the silent wisdom embedded in his figures. His work, for me, was not just decorative—it was deeply spiritual, intellectually arresting, and profoundly African,” he said. 

    He noted that Metamorphosis presents not just a retrospective, but a journey—a visual chronicle of an artist who has continually evolved, absorbing influences from every season of his life while remaining grounded in the essence of his cultural identity. “Metamorphosis will no doubt offer viewers a rare opportunity to witness the breadth and depth of his artistic career: from early ink and batik experiments to his later, more refined compositions marked by maturity, rhythm, and grace,” he added.

    The Lagos exhibition is not Adeyemi’s only celebratory show this year. An exhibition of his works opened on August 30th 2025, at the Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions in Ibadan, Oyo State. That show, which ran for two weeks, offered art collectors in the Southwest an early glimpse into his recent creations ahead of the Lagos unveiling.

    Adeyemi’s Metamorphosis promises more than a display of art as it is a narrative of resilience, cultural pride, and creative transformation. As Nigeria continues to celebrate its artistic heritage on the global stage, this exhibition stands as a reminder of the enduring relevance of artists who bridge the past and present.

  • Tributes, music and memories for Lasode at PMAN concert

    Tributes, music and memories for Lasode at PMAN concert

    The Kaphub Event Center, Ikeja witnessed an unusual gathering of musicians last Tuesday as the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) hosted a tribute concert in honour of its late former president, Femi Lasode.

    The evening wove together music, memory, and legacy, with friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to celebrate the life and immense contributions of the veteran producer, filmmaker, and cultural icon.

    For many, the concert was not only a farewell but also an affirmation of Lasode’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s creative industry.

    A member of PMAN, Adene Adage, popularly known as PSA, recalled how Lasode gave him a platform that changed the course of his career.

    “He was a great man, a philanthropist who supported a lot of people. He named me PSA, Prince Sunny Ade, and produced my first video back in 2000. That gave me recognition, and I will always be grateful,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

    Another protégé, Felix, also known as FFD (Full Force Demand), lauded Lasode with shaping his journey as a producer and sound engineer.

    “If I am a qualified sound engineer today, it was because of the impact of Femi Lasode. He taught me that everything must be done perfectly. Even my AIT jingle, ‘Mama, Papa, AIT,’ was influenced by his insistence on excellence,” he said.

    FFD captured Lasode’s character in three words: “a man of integrity, a man who loved people and someone who never tolerated nonsense.”

    Another member and artist Zubby Enebeli described Lasode as “the late father of PMAN” and recalled his encounters at Ibn Ezra Studios.

    “Generally, Femi Lasode touched lives. In his time, he touched many artists. I did a few of my productions in his studio, and I know how he came to my aid then,” he said. He described Lasode as, “Fair, intelligent and a father to all.”

    Speakers at the gathering highlighted his generosity, recalling how he opened doors for upcoming talents and nurtured many of Nigeria’s renowned musicians.

    “Femi Lasode empowered young people through training and education. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” one participant noted. While some reflected on the modest turnout, others encouraged those present to see themselves as the “chosen few” entrusted with carrying forward Lasode’s vision.

    “Many are called, but few are chosen. Those who are here today should be considered the chosen few. We must continue to honour his memory and work towards the best,” another remarked.

    The memorial ended with prayers and renewed commitment to uphold Lasode’s legacy. His contributions to music, film, and cultural promotion, many agreed, remain etched in Nigeria’s creative history.

    Together, the tributes underscored PMAN’s role in safeguarding the memory of its leaders while inspiring a new generation to continue the work they began.

  • Sound, memory and legacy converge at CCA Lagos

    Sound, memory and legacy converge at CCA Lagos

    Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos held a double at the weekend with the opening of two exhibitions — Wind Chimes, Gongs and Bells, For Whom is This Called? and A Collective Remembering — each weaving sound, memory, and legacy into the fabric of contemporary art.

    Curated by Bukola Oyebode-Westerhuis, Wind Chimes, Gongs and Bells forms part of the global Listening Biennial 2025, which is unfolding simultaneously in 28 locations across the world.

    Lagos, one of the key sites, had earlier hosted the Listening Academy under the theme Go Slow, Engaging the Imperceptible before transitioning into this exhibition.

    Oyebode-Westerhuis explained that the show features six artists working across sound, interactive installations, video and performance.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    Among them are Colombia-born Ana Bravo Perez, Swiss artist Dunja Herzog, Sudanese artist Eythar Gubara, and Nigeria’s Ayo Akinmande. Their works engage themes of protest, conflict, resource extraction, and the global unrest that predates the pandemic.

    “I haven’t curated this to influence anyone. I am personally responding to the affairs of the world right now, and bringing artists who are also thinking like this into dialogue with my own observations,” she said.

    She added that Lagos must widen its curatorial horizon: “The art scene is still very much focused on conventional practices. I am interested in performance, sound, video, and interactive worlds. Perhaps this is an invitation for young curators not to shy away from exploring these forms.”

    Running alongside is A Collective Remembering, a collaboration between CCA Lagos and Goethe-Institut Nigeria, centred on the archive of the late Bisi Silva — the pioneering curator whose vision shaped Nigerian and African contemporary art.

    Curator, artist and filmmaker Amanda Madumere, who co-curated the project described her involvement as an honour. She noted that the archive is “a treasure of the world,” offering resources that continue to shape her practice as an artist and filmmaker.

    “The act of collectively remembering is about going back to the things that mattered and seeing how they still matter now.”

     We are enlivening the archive, making it relevant to the communities it was created in, not just a storehouse where things are locked away,” she said.

    For Madumere, the project also offers artists a sense of solidarity across time.

    “I hope visitors realise they are not alone. There is a long legacy of artists, curators, and creatives who carried these same questions and curiosities. And to know that this vast resource has been preserved at home, through the lens of someone as iconic as Bisi Silva, is powerful.”

    Together, the two exhibitions underscore CCA Lagos’s role as a hub for contemporary art and curatorial imagination, situating Lagos within a global dialogue while honouring a homegrown legacy.

  • ‘Wellness, fitness of clients our top priority’

    ‘Wellness, fitness of clients our top priority’

    Of the 23 floors, the fifth floor at the highbrow hospitality outfit, Lagos Continental Hotel, on Kofo Abayomi Street, Lagos is an uncommon one. Beyond being the tallest hotel in West Africa and offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel’s fifth floor houses an outdoor swimming pool and the Oriki fitness centre and spa – a one-stop floor for wellness and fitness for guests as well as members of the public.

    Human traffic to the centre, according to the Director of Rooms, Lagos Continental Hotel, Curtberga Onuoha, is overwhelming, noting that guests’ experience is not complete without fitness and wellness, most of which are complementary.

    She stated that apart from in-house guests, the wellness centre and spa is a major attraction to other guests to the hotel. “For the non-resident guests, it has been overwhelming because currently, the range is between 200 to 250 non-resident guests that use the gym on a monthly basis,” she added.

    Driven by the ideals of work-life balance, the hotel incorporates health and wellness packages in its itinerary of guests’ experience. Combining African-inspired treatments with global wellness techniques, the spa offers therapies designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

    But Onuoha said guests don’t have to stop their life style while at the hotel, but ‘we provide tailor-made fitness for them.’  She explained that from the check-in, the gym is introduced to guests, even non-guests are patronising the gym as it has become the number one fitness centre in the city.

    She disclosed that the hotel gym is equipped with the latest machines and professional trainers including state-of-the-art facilities like stepper boards, climbing boards, treadmills, elliptical bikes, rowing machines, weight sections, and boxing class, among others.

    “Our gym caters to every routine—from high-intensity cardio to strength training and yoga. All the equipment at the gym like treadmills, bikes and weight benches among others are from technogym. So, we have professionals who are out to meet the needs of guests for workouts, live classes and mindfulness sessions,” she added.

    Guests can indulge in massages, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy at the serene environment.

    Onuoha stressed that wellness and fitness packages complement room patronage, enhance guest satisfaction and encourage longer stays. “Wellness is very important to our guests. It offers a new experience for guests.  Everybody now feels that it is very important to take care of themselves and fitness and wellness have become very essential to every traveller,” she noted.

    “Our gym is well-equipped with techno fitness equipment. They are the best providers of equipment when it comes to fitness and wellness. We also have professionals that are very knowledgeable and experienced to guide and train our guests. We also try to create tailor-made fitness goals for our guests to meet the individual needs,” Onuoha said.

    According to her, the hotel has the best coaches and instructors in town, amid personal touch to their work and informed guidance to help the guests to achieve their fitness or wellness goals.

    Corroborating Onuoha’s positions, the hotel’s gym and fitness instructor Mr.  Joseph Akpereta, a certified professional in the fitness world, said his duties included making sure that the guests are comfortable. “I give guests basic training physical and health wise and I also try to provide tips on food intake for them, like what they should eat at different timing to enhance good health status and nutrition,’’ he said.

    On the services at the gym, he said, ‘we have one of the best state-of–the–art facilities in Africa, and of world class standard.’ But to Akpereta, the serene setting of the gym is among the elements that make it a unique closet to explore wellness offerings. “There are so many things that make this gym more special, we have standards and procedures and such procedures entail you being properly dressed, use of good clothes and we ensure that every guest maintains such standards,” he added.

  • Adebowale explores care, lineage and resistance in Amsterdam’s show

    Adebowale explores care, lineage and resistance in Amsterdam’s show

    Amsterdam-based Nigerian artist Tyna Adebowale opened her second solo exhibition, They Call You Mother; They Call Me Mama? last Saturday at Ellen de Bruijne Projects, Amsterdam. The show, which runs until October 18, is self-curated in collaboration with the gallery.

    Running concurrently, Adebowale is also part of a group exhibition at Centraal Museum Utrecht, curated by Laurie Cluitmans and Heske ten Cate, which remains on view until September 14.

    For Adebowale, the exhibition extends her long-term research into ‘Motherwomb,’ a project inspired by traditional forms of motherhood outside biological structures. Drawing from the lived experiences of women in her native Akoko-Edo council area of Edo State, she reflects on care, resilience, and the right of women to rest.

    “The works in this exhibition are deeply inspired by the lived experiences of women,” she explained. “Particularly women from my region. In 2019, after two years of living in Europe, I returned home. That journey brought to life what I had been researching mentally and marked the beginning of ‘Motherwomb.’ It was inspired by my great-aunt, Mama Nii Dezedo, who, despite not having children of her own, was a mother to all,” she recalled.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    Adebowale’s installations bring together paintings, videos, performances, and collaborative forms, layered to capture multiple narratives of care and survival. She frames motherhood as both resistance and legacy, challenging patriarchal demands for endless labour while affirming women’s right to rest and joy.

    “They call you Mother; They call me Mama is honouring women’s commitment to nurturing beyond bloodlines. It calls for recognition of their right to rest. This call for rest and ample enjoyment is a form of justice long denied under patriarchal systems,” she noted.

    Though this is her second solo presentation, Adebowale resists measuring her work in conventional terms. “I do not quantify my works in numbers. My exhibitions are layered, presented in several parts, and unfold as dialogue rather than a scripted show,” she said.

    Her first solo exhibition, She Called Me Woman, was held at the same gallery during the COVID-19 lockdown. Inspired by a Nigerian queer activist’s book, it wove together themes of identity, resilience, and memory. “For me, success is tricky to measure. The fulfillment came from knowing that the works reached the right audience, even amidst the lockdowns,” she reflected.

    This year has marked a particularly productive phase for the artist, with Motherwomb publicly evolving through multiple projects. From Vrouwen van Amsterdam – Een Ode (Women of Amsterdam: An Ode) at Museum Amsterdam, to Good Mom/Bad Mom at Centraal Museum Utrecht earlier in March, Adebowale has traced threads of lineage and memory across contexts.

    “Each of these exhibitions allowed me to engage care structures in different forms—through sound, ceramics, or community voices. Together, they make this year deeply meaningful for my practice,” she said.

    Looking ahead, Adebowale expressed her desire to bring her work home. “Of course, I am still Nigerian. Plans are to show in Nigeria soon,” she affirmed.

    Through this latest solo exhibition, Adebowale situates care not just as an act of survival but as a radical legacy of women whose labour has held families and communities together. In doing so, she expands the conversation on motherhood into one of justice, rest, and recognition.

  • When U.S. city celebrated UNIBEN’s top alumnus

    When U.S. city celebrated UNIBEN’s top alumnus

    Africa’s monarchs, intelligentsia, daughters and sons recently gathered with funfairs to celebrate one of their own when the Mayor of the City of Appleton, Jacob Woodford, honoured His Imperial Majesty Prof. Fonkem Achankeng I, of Atoabechied, Cameroon for his scholarly distinction, cultural stewardship and dedication to elevating the city on both local and international stage. Assistant Editor, BOLA OLAJUWON reports.

    The air of royalty is noticeable around the alumnus of University of Benin, Benin City, 1980-1984, who graduated with a BA (First Class Honours). Beneath this is the legacy of scholarship and humanitarian service of his Majesty, Prof. Fonkem Achankeng I, the traditional ruler of Atoabechied in his Southern Cameroons country, his second home nation Nigeria, across Africa and his base at the City of Appleton, United States (U.S.).

    As part of continuous impact in the Nigerian scholarship community, few years ago, he presented one of his books with a lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). The event drew many of his former classmates and friends in the academia.

    All these came out to showcase the traditional ruler and Nyatema of Atoabechied, a distinguished academic, and a respected custodian of the Nweh culture of Cameroon, when the Mayor of the City of Appleton, Jacoh Woodford, proclaimed him for his scholarly distinction, cultural stewardship, and dedication to elevating the city to the global stage.

    The event also turned out to be an African cultural jamboree, which brought together kings, princes, princesses and leaders from Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa and others, drawing participation from residents of Appleton and beyond on Friday, August 29, this year. His Royal Majesty of Ogoniland, The Ikpo Mene Senewo of Ogoniland, was part of those who attended the event.

    At the proclamation, former Mayor of Appleton, who served the city for 24 years,  Timothy Hanna, in a citation on the distinguished John McNaughton Rosebush University Professor and a Hubert H. Humphrey International Fellow, said the scholarly work of the man who is recognised for his global leadership in conflict science and peace studies spans post-colonial nationalism, interstate conflicts, non-violence, human rights, refugees and international mediation with notable publications, including Nationalism and Interstate Conflicts in the Post-Colonial World from 2015, British Southern Cameroons, Nationalism and Conflict in Post-Colonial Africa from 2014, and a forthcoming book, Second Chances, Crime and Human Services.

    Hanna said: “As the traditional ruler of Atoabechied, Prof. Achankeng I bridges cultural heritage with academic leadership embodying the global perspective and rich diversity cherished by the Appleton community and whereas his services extend beyond research through leadership roles with the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, the Global Education and Research Team of Dignity and Humiliation Studies, and the Transnational Education and Learning Society and whereas HIM, Prof. Fonkem Achankeng I ‘s lifelong commitment to education, cultural understanding, and conflict resolution inspires students, scholars, and citizens, strengthening the values of empathy, academic excellence, and global citizenship in Appleton.

    READ ALSO; Open letter to the Northeast Development Commission

     “Now, therefore, Mayor Jacob Woodford, Mayor of the City of Appleton recognises HIM, Prof. Fonkem Achankeng I as a celebrated Appletonian honouring his scholarly distinction, cultural stewardship, and dedication to elevating Appleton on both local and international stages, presented this 29th day of August 2025, signed by Mayor Jacob A. Woodford.”

    Other notable dignitaries in attendance were Prof. Michael Mejai Avoseh of the University of South Dakota and Prof. Ryan Donland of Indiana State, Terre Haute, Indiana, HRH FORMIN of Quibeku; HRH Foutazeh of Fosimouck; HRH Fuojiawung of Ajiawung; an Otunba of Ijebu Ode, Anthony Awofeso, Prof. Bola Delano Oriaran, Dean of Education at St Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin; and Ron Wolfe, former Superintendent (mayor) of Grand Chutte, Wisconsin; Professor Carlson Anyangwe, retired Rector of Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, among several other dignitaries.

     Others are Maa Assaba Fuankem of Atoabechied Kingdom; Prof. Ekokobe Fonkem, former Chair of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Dr Edwin Kimbo of San Jose California.

    Prof. Fonkem’s PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University is scaffolded by his master’s in the same field from Antioch University, Yellow Springs, Ohio.

    He also earned master’s degrees in French from a university in Cameroon.  He served as adjunct faculty at UW Oshkosh in both the Department of Human Services & Educational Leadership and in the Department of Foreign Languages, at UW-Parkside, Marian College, Antioch University, Fox Valley Technical College and UW-Fox Valley.

    In addition to having served as a Fulbright scholar in 1995/96 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, he has over 18 years of experience as Executive Director of the Association for Nonviolence, diplomatic experience in the Foreign Ministry of Cameroon, and has been actively engaged in scholarly teaching, publishing, and public presentations on social issues at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, in U.S. and abroad.  Prof. Fonkem received the Chic Nichol Essay Award for Best Article in the April 2009 edition of The Mediation Journal.

    Speaking to The Nation on the recognition, the monarch said: “The proclamation by the City of Appleton in Wisconsin is all about who I am, my achievements and contributions to the City of Appleton, where I’ve lived, where I have a good community of family and friends. I’ve been a good contributing member and the city knows my contributions and my achievements.”

    On why he was so recognised, the humble scholar submitted: “I do not know. The city probably knows why they did. Well, I’m not only a father of one of the most educated families in North America. Appleton is a city, it’s our base. We’ve made much impact out here. We have about five members of the family, who hold doctorate degrees, which is very exceptional for immigrants.

     “And also, we have two children in the military – one in the army and one in the Air Force. We have a very eminent medical doctor; a Harvard-trained medical doctor who was until recently Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. We also have a member of our family, who is a partner at a top tier business law firm.

     “As a monarch of African descent, most people don’t know about me, but those who do, know that I have other responsibilities and they are very respectful of those responsibilities.”

    On why many monarchs attended the event, he said: “Culture being what it is, I am friends with many monarchs out there. As a matter of fact, His Royal Majesty of Ogoni in Nigeria, The Ikpo Mene Senewo of Ogoniland, was part of those who attended the event. Monarchs from Pretoria in South Africa, all the way to the Gambia, through Ghana and Nigeria also graced the event.

    Asked to comment on the political issues in Cameroon, he said: “It’s very regrettable. What is happening to Cameroon is a great regret. I hope that the society will find its feet again soon. The way out of what is happening in Cameroon is politics. So, if there’s the political will to change, there will be change.

     “But as long as there’s no political will to change, it can be difficult to predict any way out.”

    However, Prof. Achankeng said: “I feel very humbled and delighted for the honour from the City of Appleton under Mayor Jacob Woodford. While I remain thankful for my children who created the opportunity to celebrate me, l am most thankful to God Almighty for directing my family and me to Appleton, Wisconsin, one of the very best American cities in which to raise a family. Appleton, Wisconsin is truly one of the reasons for the celebration of the many successes, blessings and achievements my family has had. The Queen, Dr. Patience Eweli Fonkem, the children, and I are most thankful to God for this recognition.”

    The event, which witnessed the NkRi-kung ritual announcing important event, was spiced with performances, songs and continental foods from Cameroon and other African countries. It also witnessed the traditional African party-after party.

  • Ogun SNA holds August Visitors, to redefine Egba arts

    Ogun SNA holds August Visitors, to redefine Egba arts

    By Olorunshola Osasona

    Businessman and art enthusiast Chief Lai Labode, Patron of the Ogun State Chapter of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the association to usher in a new era of Egba modern arts. He disclosed this during the 2025 edition of the stakeholder engagement event in the arts community in Ogun State, tagged August Visitors, held at the Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, penultimate Saturday.

    Relishing Egba’s rich history, renowned for its pioneering accomplishments and groundbreaking records across various fields, Chief Labode lauded the contributions of Egba ancestors and their remarkable achievements. Challenging the art community, he emphasized that Egba’s past efforts in arts and other disciplines placed the nation on the world map through numerous ‘firsts’ in diferent fields of endeavour. However, he cautioned, “we cannot rest on the laurels of the past. We must break new grounds, set new records, conquer new territories, and champion innovative causes for future generations.”

    Labode elaborated on factors that have hindered the artist community from maximizing its potential. Among these, he noted that many artists lacked the vision to think big and bold. He urged creators to adopt a transgenerational outlook, emphasizing that his team was working on building the world’s tallest human monument in honor of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the progenitor of the Egba nation. Many viewed this as an audacious and impossible idea, especially considering the costs involved. “That’s where the problem is,” he said. For Chief Labode, no amount is too much for an idea whose time has come, especially when driven by a resolute people. He extended an invitation to the Society of Nigerian Artists to join him on this bold journey to redefine Egba arts through innovative initiatives.

    READ ALSO: Of envy and short memory in Ekiti politics

    He also condemned the individualistic approach prevalent among many artists, describing it as a barrier to industry growth. He called on stakeholders to unite and pursue ambitious projects, urging artists to always aim for excellence through quality work, refinement, and impeccable finishing—attainable through continuous training, retraining, and exposure.

    A key highlight of the event was the interactive session with Pa. Akinlawon Alaba Soremekun, a seasoned sculptor and septuagenarian, who offered counsel to young and aspiring artists. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he advised young creatives to prioritize creating value over pursuing quick financial gains. “When you create value over time, money will follow,” he said. Pa. Soremekun also encouraged artists to invest wisely, care for their health, and adopt routines that promote rest despite work pressures. He further cautioned against drugs and smoking, advocating for discipline and health-consciousness.

    Dr. Adeola Balogun, chair of the event planning committee, expressed satisfaction with the event’s concept and outcomes. He highlighted the event’s purpose as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and foster meaningful conversations to advance the arts industry. He reiterated the association’s readiness to partner with Chief Labode in pioneering a new phase for Egba modern arts.

    Otunba Nkang Ini Dan, vice president of the Southwest Zone of SNA, also lamented the individualistic tendencies among Nigerian artists, advocating for increased collaboration and unity. He pledged to champion awareness campaigns aimed at fostering cooperation and emphasized that collaborating with traditional institutions could catalyze development in the arts sector.

    Moses Ogunyinka, one of the event’s exhibitors, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate actively in the August Visitors edition. He called for more such platforms and encouraged young artists to join the Society of Nigerian Artists and engage in its activities.

    In his  remarks, Mr. Olufemi Ogunseye, chairman of SNA, thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to the event’s success. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with relevant partners to set new records, elevate Nigerian arts’ impact, and enhance its visibility nationally and internationally.

  • Ode to man of many parts

    Ode to man of many parts

    As friends, family, and colleagues gathered in Lagos recently to honour the life of Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports that what emerged was not a tale of sorrow but celebration of a man of many parts: sailor, administrator, politician, cultural custodian, mentor and friend.

    Hymns sung in reverence; stories told with laughter, and tributes shared with tears best describe the mosaic of moments the final rites of late Navy Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade was in Lagos a fortnight ago.

    It began on a Friday evening, August 8, at St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, where voices rose in worship during a Service of Songs. Between the prayers came waves of tributes from family and friends across the world, offering glimpses into the impact of a man whose influence had crossed borders and generations.

    There were also moments of Bible readings with Dame Patience Jonathan taking the first scripture drawn from the book of Ecclesiastes, which reminded guests there was a time for everything.

    The next day, mourners gathered again for the funeral service, before the cortege moved to Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, for interment. The final stop was the Naval Dockyard on Victoria Island, where a reception brought together comrades and loved ones who, over meals and quiet conversations, recalled a man who always seemed larger than life, yet approachable to all.

    The Man Behind the uniform

    Beyond the titles and offices, Olubolade was remembered for the little things like the humour in his voice, the ease with which he mingled across cultures, and his quiet insistence that peace was always the better path.

    He was known to cherish family, to celebrate friendships with warmth, and to value culture as much as command.

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    His story was not just one of professional achievements but of a life lived with balance: stern in discipline, yet gentle in humanity; a Yoruba son who became at home in Bayelsa; a man of the military who understood the power of restraint; a public servant who left every place he touched better than he found it.

    To many, Olubolade’s life was a bridge across Nigeria’s often-divided landscape. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) called him “a nobleman and illustrious son” whose loss was felt beyond region or tribe.

    Speaking through its chairman, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF hailed Olubolade as a sailor and administrator remembered for both firmness and compassion.

    “Though proudly Yoruba, Olubolade was often described as “Ijaw in spirit.” As Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, he embraced the people’s culture, traditions, and struggles as his own,” stated Igali, as PANDEF urged his family to take solace in the legacy he left behind, adding that “a life is not measured by years but by impact.”

    Bayelsa’s True Son

    In his tribute, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, spoke of Olubolade as though he were native to the land. “He was a dual citizen of Nigeria. Yoruba by birth, Bayelsan by service,” said Diri, who fondly recalled how Olubolade donned the state’s attire with pride and moved easily among its people.

    “But beyond the cultural ties was a defining moment of leadership. During a period of tension, Olubolade chose peace over violence, refusing to use force even when it was within his power to do so,” the governor added.

    That choice, Diri said, saved lives and cemented his reputation as a man who valued humanity above authority. Reflecting on his 70th birthday celebrated in Yenagoa, the governor mused that the joyful gathering had felt, in hindsight, like a final gift and farewell to Bayelsa.

    A Proud Ekiti Son

    To Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, Olubolade was a source of pride for his home state, Ekiti. He urged the family to take strength from the glowing tributes, which painted a picture of a father, leader, and statesman any community would be proud to claim. He thanked Bayelsa for honoring Olubolade with a farewell that transcended geography and showcased Nigeria’s unity.

    The Navy’s Farewell

    For the Nigerian Navy, Olubolade was more than a colleague; he was family. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, delivered the funeral oration, praising his discipline, humility, and loyalty.

    Ogalla, who was represented by the Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode, said Olubolade’s contributions to the Navy were etched into the service’s history

    “His death is a great loss not only to his family but also to the Nigerian Navy and the nation in general. We loved him dearly, but God loves him most. His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” said Ogalla.

    Stories from the Ranks

    In earlier tributes, those who served closely with Olubolade remembered him with deep affection. One of such was that of Rear Admiral Olugbode, his former Aide-de-Camp (ADC), who called him a visionary, recalling how he left structures in Bayelsa that were still functional today. Chief among them was the State Council for Arts and Culture, a body that continues to promote and preserve Ijaw heritage.

    Olugbode also reminded mourners that Olubolade’s influence extended well beyond Bayelsa. His later three-time ministerial roles: Special Duties; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , and Police Affairs- demonstrated his adaptability and trustworthiness in both military and democratic spaces.

    Also, Rear Admiral Rotimi Ademoluti traced his lifelong friendship with Olubolade back to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) . He revealed that it was Olubolade who persuaded him to join the 16th Regular Course, a decision that shaped his destiny. From then on, their friendship was marked by shared holidays, family celebrations, and professional milestones.

    Similarly, Rear Admiral John Jonah added a lighter note, recalling how Olubolade taught him to drive in India. “After an hour of practice, he pushed me onto the highway at 100 km/h,” Jonah laughed, drawing smiles from mourners.

    He also recalled the trust placed in him during delicate naval operations, a testament to Olubolade’s ability to combine humor with deep confidence in his comrades.

    As the sun dipped over Lagos and the final rites concluded, those present left with more than memories of loss. They carried with them the reminder that some lives are too layered to be confined to a single role.

    In the words of one mourner: “We say goodbye for now, but never goodbye forever.” Although Captain Caleb Omoniyi Olubolade’s earthly journey ended with his death on May 11, the man who was at once a sailor, a statesman, a cultural custodian, and a friend lives on in the stories, the structures, and the lives he touched.

  • TAMPAN mourns actor, Kanran

    TAMPAN mourns actor, Kanran

    By Aisha Busari

    The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Canada Chapter has lamented the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Olusegun Akinremi.  Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died last week at the age of 70.

    The President of the association, Temidayo Enitan, recalled that Akinremi, who was a household name in the Yoruba film industry, honoured the chapter at the 2019 inauguration of their body’s new executive.

    Enitan explained that at the event, the deceased displayed energy, warmth, humility and left lasting memories for the chapter to remember for a long time to come.

    According to him, the chapter extended its deepest condolences on the passing of the renowned actor who he said was more than an actor.

    “On behalf of the executive and entire members of TAMPAN Canada Chapter, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Olusegun Akinremi (popularly known as Kanran),” he stressed, adding: “He was a good, positive, and energetic man who always preached peace and gave life to traditional and wealthy characters on screen.”

    Enitan described Akinremi as a cultural icon who dedicated his career to showcasing Yoruba tradition and values, noting that ‘during his lifetime, he honoured us with his presence at the inauguration of TAMPAN Canada executive in November 2019.’

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    Deputy President, Otunba Kemi Agbeke, remembered him as a jovial and passionate actor who portrayed Yoruba culture with his iconic royal roles.

    Agbeke described the late actor as a man of the people who used his art to promote Yoruba heritage, just as the association’s Publicity Secretary, Otunba Ayo Komolafe also said of the deceased: “Chief Kanran’s love for and promotion of Yoruba culture is unmatched. His distinctive style and sharp humour will be sorely missed.

    “We pray that Almighty God grants his family, colleagues, and the Nollywood industry the strength to bear this loss.  May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the Acting Secretary/Financial Secretary, Adejoke Adesokan stated in a statement.