By Evelyn Osagie

 

 

The Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA, Lagos Chapter) celebrated its best at an annual art exhibition tagged: October Rain.

The art show, which is in its 22nd edition, featured a bouquet of celebrations. It feted artists’ ability to weather the storm occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic through its theme, Resilience.

It was held both in real-time in compliance with COVID-19 regulations and virtually at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. Physical viewing of works was strictly by appointment. It featured works ranging from paintings to sculptures by 63 artists led by Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Chief Nike Okundaye was one of those honoured at the event.

SNA, according to its chairman, Idowu Sonaya, is celebrating her great contributions to the development of art and craft in the country.

“We are celebrating Chief Okundaye for her impactful contributions in the arts. She transcended from indigenous craft of bead making and textile designs to other areas of art including paintings. She has earned herself a place in the global art market with numerous works of art and a thriving art gallery built by her.

“SNA Lagos is also celebrating our indigenous talents (our artists), their creativity and their thriving within the post-modern art period. It is our prayer that this COVID era will end soon, and we will have our lifestyles back to normal. Since 1982, SNA Lagos’  annual October Rain has survived many seasons, and it is through our resilience that we have been able to sustain the show up till now,” Sonaya siad.

Five artists were each awarded a chieftaincy title by Oba Aderemi Adeniyi-Adedapo, the Balufon Alayemore Olojudo of Ido Osun Kingdom in Osun State. They included Sonaya; Mufu Onifade; the chairman, planning committee 2020 October Rain, Mr. Nkang Ini Dan; former SNA Lagos chair Dotun Alabi and former Deputy Chair, Mrs Omoligho Udenta.

The monarch, an art enthusiast, praised the efforts of Nigerian artists, particularly Chief Okundaye for putting Nigeria on the world map.

“Chief Okundaye’s resilience and persistence in practice has brought her far, including recognition by some universities in America and Europe where she had taught African arts. As an artist myself, I also celebrate these five artists being conferred with the Otunba Asa title. Practising art in this country is not an easy thing, but they have kept at it and should be celebrated,” he said.

The art show also honoured health workers for sacrificing their lives to make sure that they keep Nigerians alive and healthy during the pandemic. According to the chairman of this year’s edition, Mr. Dan. “We are using this medium to celebrate the health workers. We want them to know that the artists in Lagos appreciate what they have done. They have stood in the front line to protect us from COVID-19 and so many other diseases. They sacrificed their lives to make sure we are alive and healthy, so we appreciate them and we are also using October Rain 2020 to celebrate them.”

Meristem Securities Group Business Development Manager, Mr Saheed Bashir praised SNA for honouring Okundaye who is the company’s main character in its TV ads. “To create impact for all stakeholders, we have leveraged the unique platform of the SNA art exhibition to understand the needs of participants and players within the art and craft segment and we are definitely convinced that we can bridge the financial services gap that exists within the industry,” he added.

It was a colourful affair as Mrs Aderonke Olanrewaju Solomon, wife of Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, was installed the 14th District Chairman of District 912 Nigeria at the Rotary Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. She shares her achievements and plans as well as passion for humanity, women and youth empowerment with Yetunde Oladeinde.

 

 

How does it feel being installed as District Chairman today?

To God is the glory; I feel great. It’s a mixed feeling. We really plan to have a grand installation but we can’t blame God. When things come your way like this, you have to immediately make plan B and so we had to do a miniature installation. This is because if we have projects to do, we would definitely source for funds. And this is the only arena where you can source for funds. We are meeting people underground and everybody has been under the carpet of COVID-19. We had already planned what we wanted to do for the year without knowing that this was going to happen.

What is your vision and what should women expect from you and your team?

We assumed office on July 1 and we have been doing fantastically well. We are still doing more and today we are launching six desktops for our beneficiaries. It will be given to those undergoing the computer programme at the Vocational Centre at Amuwo Odofin. Already we have 20 students at the centre; we are launching six desktops today and this would add to those that are already there. That way, we would be able to meet up with the target. We still need more. That is why I am still soliciting for people who have desktops and laptops to donate. At the end of the training, we plan to give the five best youths the laptops. I believe that it is better for you to be transparent, to let people know your needs and where to back up your plans.

Our star project is going to be a very big one and by the special grace of God, we would carry it out on our Inner Wheel Day. On that day, we usually go to the hospitals and visit the first baby. This year, it is going to be a different one and we are going to give phototherapy machines to health centres. This is because sometimes the baby might be born with jaundice and by the time they are referring them to LUTH and other places, the baby might give up on the way. That is why we want to assist some hospitals in Lagos State with these machines. Also, in some hospitals, they do not have enough beds and still put babies beside their mothers. We want to give some baby cots out as well. On that day, we are going to do training for expectant mothers on hygiene and other things. This will include how to care for the baby, as well as how to teach the baby right from the womb. We are going to give them mama and kids kits, and take away the burden from them. There are some people that cannot just afford all these and it is a very huge plan. So, that day, we are going to donate all these things to them. Here we are looking at 100 mothers as beneficiaries.

What advice do you have for Nigerian women?

There is so much to do right now. We have a song that I really love and I would say come and join us to make a difference. Together we can lead the change. Together we can make the world a better and stronger place. If you have any woman who is passionate to serve, this is the place to be. It is a voluntary organisation, and if you love charity, it is where to be. That is what God loves most, He loves charity. So, if you join us to join hands together, we would do more and it would extend to so many less fortunate people in the society. So, my advice to Nigerian women out there is to join us and serve humanity. We also have women in the Diaspora who are committed. We have active members as well as silent members, who use their time and resources for charity. However, we only have our meetings once a month. If not, you send whatever you have to me. You don’t wait until it is big before you serve. Sometimes, it is not even money; it could be counseling, lectures. When we went to Ikorodu, there was an old man that needed to be touched. I was the one who dressed him up, he had stroke and I even taught him how to wear his facemask when people come visiting. So, that is the interesting journey in Inner Wheel. I also gave them palliatives that can last them for at least one month.

For many people, theatre as a production offers needed respite, a chance to laugh, and a chance to escape into healthy fantasy. But, with the torching of the multimillion naira 400-seater Lagos Theatre, Oregun in Ikeja, last Wednesday, all that has been put on hold. Many Lagosians have been denied the theatrical space to laugh, recreate and the opportunity to come together as a community to listen to opposing points of view. Last week’s burning of the theatre by hoodlums has been condemned by stakeholders as barbaric, callous and a huge loss to Lagos State Government, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

 

Theatre across the globe is designed by creative minds to entertain the people. Sometimes, it provides a leveller for both the led and the leaders to be informed and educated on goings on in the society. Though such presentations take different forms such as satire, comedy, tragedy, circuses, spectacle and mime, the overall objective is to enrich humanity. Theatre helps to promote social discourse, dialogue and potential social change. It is a cultural phenomenon that demands that society examines itself in the mirror. It also enables the people to study societal problems and attempt to find solutions using the arts.

What would become of these objectives following the recent destruction of the Lagos Theatre in Oregun, Ikeja by hoodlums during #EndSARS protest?

In his reaction during a tour of the razed facility, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture Mr Bonu Solomon said:  “This is an eyesore and a huge calamity that has befallen Lagos State Government. The Lagos Theatre is a multi-billion naira project spread across the state constructed from tax payers’ money. Unfortunately, some hoodlums came in here and razed it down because of anger and annoyance.

“Some states in Southwest had approached Lagos State Government to have the prototype of this theatre to build in their states. But, here we are, some hoodlums have set fire on it.  The theatre was built by the state for the youth, especially to showcase their creative talents. This is a big loss to Lagos State.”

Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Ajayi Oladele, a member of the inspection team, condemned the destruction as barbaric.

He said: “This is a very barbaric act and uncalled for. And it is a multimillion naira project. This cannot be rebuilt at this time of the year. This is part of the heritage we cherish and to make people happy. It is quite unfortunate that this can be happening in this state. The state accommodates different ethnics and religious groups. But, you can see what they have done to us. We tried to provide them with every aspect of good life to make life meaningful. I use this opportunity to call on everyone to allow peace to rein and make Lagos state of our dream.”

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Parastatal Monitoring Office, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, who was part of the inspection team, couldn’t hold back his disappointment.

He said: “We were shocked from what we saw during our tour of some parts of the state to evaluate the level  of damages. This is uncalled for and it is terrible. This will set Lagos State Government back. It will cost the state billions of naira and more years to reconstruct the facility. I don’t know the barbarism that went into the people to unleash this terror on us. Nothing could have justified this act. These projects are for the benefit of the generality of the people, yet they went ahead. So, some forces are behind this act. I want to call on Federal Government to do all necessary investigation on how mere protest degenerated into massive destruction and looting of private and public properties. I urge everyone to sheath their sword in order to come together and face the reconstruction.”

Renowned playwright, director, dramatist and former Deputy Editor, The Guardian, Mr. Ben Tomoloju, who is a strong advocate of community theatre, is very bitter at the destruction. He said: “The establishment of cottage and community theatres has been my major advocacy for not less than three decades. The torching and destruction of the Lagos Theatre, Oregun or any property for that matter is horrifying and devastating. The case of the theatre, especially, is a personal loss to those of us in the theatre sector. We have been marginalised in the economic scheme of things in the public sector for a very long time. Now, we are beginning to get a bit of attention and this? Talk about the labour of our heroes past. We don’t lay claims to heroism. But, here we are, watching the values we fought and laboured for being laid to waste in a state of anarchy. I don’t want to lament. This is sickening and it can adversely affect one’s health…. seriously. We have to address the challenge of creating an enlightened society where individual citizens will have a sound value orientation.

“If anyone, today, thinks he or she is benefitting from mass ignorance in contemporary Nigerian power-game, such a leader is creating a fertile ground for the rule of the bestial instincts. Leaders, irrespective of what part of the country they come from, should make education in general and civic education in particular a priority. On the whole, I am for civilised dialogue. Let it begin to take effect so that we can put all this behind us and start a rebuilding process in all its ramifications.”

The 18-month-old Lagos 400-seater Theatre, Oregun, Ikeja was among projects inaugurated by President Muhammadu  Buhari in April last year. The theatre was part of four facilities he commissioned while on a one-day working visit to Lagos. Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the theatre project is in line with the promise of his administration to make tourism, hospitality, entertainment and arts together with sports, the centre piece of his development agenda for the youth in the state.

“The Lagos State Government’s initiative to bring theatre experience closer to the people across the state has been generating positive excitement among creative minds across the project locations,” he noted.

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor Arts

 

THEY came from every part of the state to honour the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale who clocked 76.

The birthday party held in Ikeja, Lagos.

They included the APC, Lagos State, Secretary, Mr. Lanre Ogunyemi, who represented the party Chairman, Alhaji Gani Bello;  Joe Igbokwe, Alhaji Mukaila Ajao, Alhaji Kasumu; Former Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area (CDA), Mrs Mary Oseghale;  Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja Agbabiaka; Alhaji  Wahab Raji, Chief Uche Jonas Edom, Chief Chidi Ohams, Mr. Yinka Dosunmu, and Mr. Chris Igwilo.

Commending the sterling performances of Chief Ajomale while steering the affairs of the party in Lagos, Chairman, Igbo Stakeholders United Forum, Lagos State Prince Nixon Okwara said: ‘’We, the Igbo stakeholders, are not taking this privilege of hosting this rear gem for granted. Hence, we have chosen this day to celebrate a pan- Nigerian icon.

“A great in-law of Ndi Igbo; a man who has demonstrated his detribalised nature, both physically, morally, spiritually and otherwise; an epitome and symbol of one, united and peaceful Nigeria.”

Also, the Igbo Stakeholders Forum, Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said they were  celebrating Chief Ajomale because he delivered on his promises as a dependable leader.

He said the Igbo have two serving councillors in the council and excutive officers at the local government and ward levels. He noted that the land issues received prompt attention from the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who mitigated the arbitrary land use charges to favourable rates at the Isolo LCDA.

The focus of the forum, he said, is deepening the love and unity of the Ndi Igbo and the host community, Yoruba.

Ogunyemi said the name of Ajomale speaks for itself as he has carved a great niche for himself. “We will continue to build upon what he has built. We thank you so much for the efforts in putting the APC on a steady pedestal. Ajomale is a consummate professional. God will lengthen your years and we will continue to drink from the fountain of your knowledge,” he said.

According to Bello, the celebration is only on one aspect of his personality, which is peace-making, describing him as a philosopher, father, lawyer and politician.

“Today is unique because my becoming the chair APC Isolo was Ajomale’s efforts. He does many things to people without waiting for any reward. He conceded his councillorship in his ward to an Igbo man. He always come to your level to relate with you irrespective of his age. To me, Ajomale is like Rock of Gilbraltar,” he noted.

Mrs Oseghale said: “He supported me as the first female chairman of Isolo LCDA. He encouraged me to go back to university. I joined the council with School Certificate. Today, I have my Masters degree. Ajomale believes everyone must be onboard.”

To Igbokwe, Lagos is second home of the Igbo and if Lagos is not good, ‘we cannot come here.’

He recalled that Lagos remains the only state that returned the properties of the Igbo after the civil war whereas “our neighbours who speak the same language with us still are keeping those properties as theirs.’

 

 

 

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

 

 

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong and chairman Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emirs, the  Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, have assured the Federal and state governments that the National Festival of Arts Culture (NAFEST) holding in Jos, the Plateau State capital next month will be  a reference touch bearer in showcasing the best of Plateau to nation.

The governor and the Gbong Gwom Jos spoke during the visits  of the NAFEST Technical Team led by Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe.

They reiterated that the government and people of the state were ready to host the 33rd edition of the festival, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They noted that the state is ready to prove that it’s truly the home of cultural tourism in Nigeria.

“We are more than prepared. The best hotels, recreation centres are here.The best  and oldest golf  course, the temperate climate unequalled, the culinary offerings,  hospitality and the rich culture of our people will be generously offered to all delegates and visitors during the event,” he stated.

Lalong assured of the tem of adequate security and welfare to Nigerians, including foreigners, throughout the one week festival. He added that the COVID-19 protocols and health regulations would be implemented and observed to the letter.

“We are the first state in Nigeria to ensure that COVID-19 testing is taken to the grassroots, starting with all ministries and agencies, the local governments and also ensured the total fumigation of all public places. It’s not a fluke that we responded and took responsibility to check covid 19 in the state not only because of our people but because we know we are the home of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria,” he added.

He urged the Technical Committee members to inform delegates and visitors that the state was ready to accommodate those who wished to stay behind and take up residence after the event.

“We know that we shall spoil you people beyond measure, only try and leave something behind, sow a seed in appreciation and for those who do not wish to leave after the event, we are more than willing to give accelerated approval to request for landed property,”  Lalong assured.

Runsewe told the governor and his cabinet members that the Technical Committee members were in the state to inspect and evaluate the preparedness of the state towards hosting the festival and to thank the governor for his commitment to the  success of the festival.

”It was very scary for me and all the stakeholders not knowing what will befall the hosting this festival because of the new normal but when you assured me that you will do the needful I was more than relieved because we know the (visitor) COVID-19 pandemic will not be too long in leaving our shores,” Runsewe said.

Presenting branded NAFEST Jos 2020 souvenirs made from local fabrics to the governor and his cabinet members, Runsewe said the festival is the first in Africa post-COVID-19 and will be showcased with the new normal digital marketing opportunities ever.

He added that if the Jos Technical meeting could witness the presence of 27 states, the prospects of the entire 36 states attending the  Jos event  would be more than a reality.

”Our culture is the solution driver to the many challenges we face as a nation and we, at NCAC, are  more than determined to prove to the world and to all Nigerians that our indigenous diversity  and way of life can help us reshape our future and keep us United and together,” he said.

At the palace of the Gbong Gwom Jos, Runsewe stressed the importance and roles of traditional rulers in the preservation of our culture, calling for concerted efforts to bring back the traditional institutions into preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

“We are here to share and felicitate with His majesty on his birthday and seek his royal blessings for the upcoming national festival in November,” Runsewe noted.

Gyang expressed joy that the festival is taking place in Plateau and urged the delegates and visitors to disregard the tales of fear mongers about insecurity in the state, praising the efforts of Lalong to put Jos on the global cultural tourism map.

”We shall support this event and mobilise our resources and people to show case our very unique best in all areas. We only want you to tell Nigerians and foreigners coming that they should leave something behind as we shall be willing to offer lands for many of you who may wish to stay behind after the event.  We know that will happen because we are very peaceful here and accommodating with rich biosphere and template environment,” he noted.

Nafest Jos comes up between November 21 and 28. Three states – Kwara, Taraba and Kogi – have indicated interest to host the festival in 2022 while Ekiti state won the bid to host next year 2021.

 As internationally acclaimed Emeritus Prof. John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo, popularly known as J.P. Clark, remains was laid to rest last Thursday in Delta State, the Nigeria’s literati across the globe say he lives on. As they mourn the poet, the #EndSARS protests calls to mind his prophetic poem, “The Casualties”, EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

 

Like a receding tide, the renowned ‘tidal poet’ Prof. John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo, has sailed back home to the great beyond.

Announcing his demise, his family puts it succinctly: “Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and siblings, around him”.

Following his demise, scores of tributes have continued to pour in, especially from the Nigerian literati all over the globe. His voyages into the world of literature and academia not only brought him fame, but made him one of the foremost writers whose trajectory redefined Africa’s literary landscape.

The Emeritus Professor of Literature, who also published as J. P. Clark and John Pepper Clark, was buried within three days of his transition, which was his last wish as stated in his poem, “My Last Testament” from his collection, “Full Tide”.

 

“This is to my family:

 

Do not take me to a mortuary;

 

Do not take me to a church…

 

But take me home to my own, and…

 

“If Moslems do it in a day,

 

You certainly can do it in three…”

 

Thus, he was laid to rest on Thursday night after a brief lying in state for a few family members in his country home in Kiagbodo town, Delta State.

Although buried, the literati believe Clark lives on. He is immortalised by his works, notably his poems. For instance, as the #EndSARS protests continue call to mind the warnings in his prophetic poem, “The Casualties”, that reads thus:

 

“…Caught in the clash of counter claims and charges

 

…We fall,

 

All casualties of war,

 

Because we cannot hear each other speak,

 

Because eyes have ceased to see the face from the crowd…”

 

He would be forever remembered for his contributions to development of the Nigerian literature, many stated.

Former External Affairs Minister, who is also author of several books on international relations and a family friend of the deceased, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi (CFR), though famous for his literary prowess, said Prof. Clark was much more.

He said: “I mourn the passing into eternity of Prof. J. Pepper Clark, one of the giants in the literary stage of this country. Nigerians would remember him as one of the triumphrate that visited General Babangida to plead in vain for the life of General Vatsa. But there were other critical and sacred (not in the religious sense) times in the life of this country which must still remain hidden where Prof. Clark was an actor.

“My family was close to Prof and his wife (auntie Ebun). We wish him a peaceful transitional trip to wherever writers go to continue their struggle. Prof, please do not go gently into that resting place. Continue the struggle where you are. Do not forget the movement.”

For the celebrated playwright Prof. Femi Osofisan, a protégé of the late writer who published the biography, “J. P. Clark: A Voyage”, he would be greatly missed. “We are going to miss him. I would personally miss him because he is my friend and mentor. He had a complex personality. He was embodiment of contradictions in his personality, but what interests us is his talent as a poet and writer and conscience of society. He wasn’t a protest poet but was very political in his writing. He was very concerned about the issues that pertain to society,” Osofisan told The Nation.

According to celebrated Poet Odia Ofeimun, JP Clark deserves “every accolade from a worshipful younger generation”. He said: “JP Clark has been one of the big four, the quartet that gave Nigeria to the world as a land of literature. With his friends, Christopher Okigbo, Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, he stood as a pathfinder for literary creativity, making Nigeria the envy of other Africans and the world. He never abandoned his post as a writer. He was always producing, in good and bad times. No season passed without a new play or collection of poems coming from him. His loyalty to literature as a vocation has been quite phenomenal. Although quite self-effacing, he was also quite a prime mover and activist. He was the other friend who went with Christopher Okigbo to bring Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna back home from Ghana to face the music after the failure of the January 15, 1966 coup. He organised his other colleagues. Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka meet General Babangida to plead mercy for Major-General Mamman Vatsa, after the aborted coup for which the latter was executed.

“As one of his well-known critics, I am obliged to report that he was generally a very civil elder who did not over demonstrate his likes and dislikes. He was a balanced Homer who did justice to his Ijaw roots and Niger Delta provenance. A very unapologetic Nigerian, he wished, in his own way, for true justice for every citizen. All his life, he enjoyed a special halo as a writer. He received the National Merit Award as proof of the respect of his colleagues. It makes it simply insignificant that he was not given a National honour. JP Clark will always be remembered for taking poetry very seriously and making it a mark of distinction for anyone to be addressed as a poet. Even in these times of the pandemic, he deserves a truly festive sendoff. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The news of JP’s passing came as a jolt because the last time I saw him at Abuja, he looked very fine for his age…JP and his mates, Christopher Okigbo and Wole Soyinka, created the path of modern African poetry for me and my coevals, such as Niyi Osundare, Funso Aiyejina, Odia Ofeimun, and Chimalum Nwankwo… He has left but he remains with us. When his raft arrives in the other world, he should be welcomed as a very worthy ancestor. For us he left, we will sorely miss his sagely and lively company.”

For celebrated writer of children books, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo: “JP Clark, as he was known while he was at UNILAG in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was my teacher and later my senior colleague when I joined the teaching staff of English Department at UNILAG in 1977 as a Graduate Assistant. This was after my one-year service as an NYSC member in Makurdi and after teaching English for two years at Federal Government College in Kaduna.  As a student,  I was awed by JP’s status as one of the most important poets in Africa and I was proud to be taught by such a great writer.

“As a colleague, I experienced his strict and rather reserved nature, and I must say that I was a little afraid of him then. Later I got to know him better and regarded myself as a friend of his. He was the author of some remarkable works which I found useful in my research.  His book of essays, “The Example of Shakespeare”, is scholarly and highly commendable.  I like his plays and taught some of them consistently in one of the courses, Nigerian Literature that I taught at UNILAG. The plays include “Ozidi, “The Raft” and “Song of a Goat”.  I also taught his poems, especially the collections, “A Reed in the Tide” and “Casualties”.  For me, J. P. Clark-Bekederemo, as he later became known, remains one of the best lyrical poets I have ever read, studied and taught. He is not dead, but lives in his work. May his soul rest in peace.”

The President, Nigerian Centre of PEN International (aka PEN Nigeria), Folu Agoi, said: “The sad news of the passing of Prof JP Clark is about the most devastating of the hard blows that have struck the world, particularly the creative community, in this perilous season, considering his contribution to the development of African literature, particularly poetry. Though he wasn’t known to be an activist, he was a great source of inspiration to many of us who were influenced by the audacity displayed in his imagistic, free verse poetry. He will forever be remembered for his indisputable contributions to civilisation, to the advancement of his Ijaw nationality, to his country and humanity in general through his poems, plays and essays…It’s not surprising that the Encyclopaedia Britannica describes him as ‘The most lyrical of the Nigerian poets.’ The world will surely miss him.”

ANA President, Camillus Ukah, wrote: “The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is deeply saddened by the news of the departure of one of her preeminent writers, Emeritus Prof. John Pepper Clark-Bekederemo. The passing of the internationally acclaimed poet and playwright is, no doubt, an immeasurable loss to the Nigerian literati and the country at large; and that has once again sadly depleted the irokos in the Nigerian literary space…Nigeria stands tall today in the eyes of the international community because of the collective endeavours of path-finding literary craftsmen like JP Clark. May the Almighty God grant the departed literary forebear eternal rest and solace to his immediate family and the larger Nigerian literary community.”