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Category: Arts & Life

  • 3plebeatz drops sensational new single “Kack it Up”

    3plebeatz drops sensational new single “Kack it Up”

    As the festive ember period approaches, rising Afropop sensation 3plebeatz is turning up the heat with the release of his highly anticipated new single, “Kack it Up.” This infectious track is poised to take over airwaves, playlists, and clubs, solidifying 3plebeatz’s reputation for crafting irresistible party anthems that get everyone on their feet.

    At its core, “Kack it Up” is a celebration of love, loyalty, and fun, wrapped in a danceable groove that captures the vibrant energy of Afropop. From the very first beat, the track sets an electrifying tone with its catchy lyrics, bouncy rhythms, and feel-good vibe. Lyrics like “Holla, girl for your matter / I fit kill anybody wey / Run pon your matter” showcase 3plebeatz’s effortless ability to fuse romantic passion with infectious energy, making this a track that resonates deeply with fans who love to celebrate life and relationships.

    The hook, “Kack it up, kack it up, give it to me oya kack it up,” is a masterstroke of repetition and rhythm, inviting listeners to let loose and dance with abandon. It’s the kind of line that sticks in your head long after the song has finished, ensuring that “Kack it Up” will be a staple at parties, clubs, and festive gatherings throughout the season. Its pulsating energy and memorable chorus make it the perfect soundtrack for the high-spirited festivities that define the ember period.

    Produced under CSE Records, “Kack it Up” serves as the perfect prelude to 3plebeatz’s upcoming release, “Joy,” scheduled for December. While “Kack it Up” focuses on romance and fun, “Joy” will shift the focus to triumph and success, celebrating hard-earned victories and providing the perfect feel-good anthem for the close of the year. Together, these two tracks showcase the breadth of 3plebeatz’s talent, demonstrating his versatility as both a hitmaker and a storyteller.

    Fans are already buzzing with excitement, and DJs across Nigeria and beyond are eager to add “Kack it Up” to their rotations. With its smooth lyrics, energetic beats, and an irresistible groove, 3plebeatz is well on his way to owning the airwaves this season. “Kack it Up” is more than just a song, it’s an anthem for the ember period, bringing people together to celebrate love, joy, and the thrill of the dance floor.

    As 3plebeatz continues to make waves in the Afropop scene, “Kack it Up” is just the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking run of hits. So, be sure to stream and download “Kack it Up” now, and get ready for “Joy” to cap off the year in December. With 3plebeatz at the helm, this ember period is guaranteed to be one filled with unforgettable music and celebration.

    Stay tuned, this is just the start of 3plebeatz’s takeover of the Afropop world.

  • Of Aiyedatiwa and the ‘Lucky Miracle’

    Of Aiyedatiwa and the ‘Lucky Miracle’

    By Marindoti Oludare

    Providence plays an undeniable role in the rise of great men, and this holds true for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. His journey from humble beginnings to the seat of leadership in Ondo State is not merely a tale of political maneuvering but of divine elevation.

    While some critics might attribute his emergence to mere happenstance, those who witness the extraordinary transformation under his administration know better. The people of Ondo State, along with opposition parties, stand in awe of the progress that has unfolded before their eyes.

    The trajectory of this administration has been nothing short of the. miraculous, particularly in its bold economic policies. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s focus on job creation has set Ondo State on the path of sustainable economic stimulation. His administration understands that the key to driving commerce and spurring economic growth lies in empowering the people.

    By creating jobs, the Aiyedatiwa government is not only putting food on the table for families across the state but also ensuring that wealth circulates, stimulating the local economy and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership is in tune with the times. He has embarked on a mission to revolutionise both the education and health sectors-two areas critical to the long-term development of any society.

    In education, his government is laying the foundation for a future where every child, regardless of background, will have access to quality education. By prioritising the health sector, the administration is ensuring that the people of Ondo State have access to world-class healthcare, thereby improving quality of life across the state.

    It is true that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s first name is “Lucky,” and many may attribute his rise to mere good fortune. But what we are witnessing today is not just the work of luck; it is the result of purposeful action, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to the people.

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    The impact of his policies and the transformational change happening in Ondo State are nothing short of the miraculous. It is why the next four years will undoubtedly be marked by what I call “The Lucky Miracle.”

    As we stand on the cusp of this greatness, we are reminded that luck may have opened the door, but it is skill, wisdom, and dedication that are driving this administration forward. The good people of Ondo State are about to experience a period of unprecedented growth and development, and we are fortunate to be part of this historic moment.

    Instead of focusing on campaigning and winning the hearts and minds of the people, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen to busy itself with blaming the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their ongoing woes. Like a football team that lacks quality players, yet blames the referee for a match that hasn’t even been played, the PDP’s actions are laughable. Their inability to come up with a compelling message for the people of Ondo State has left them grasping at straws, sticking to conjectural and asinine arguments that simply do not hold water.

    Where the All Progressives Congress (APC) showed guts and gumption during their time in opposition, rallying their forces and demonstrating strong leadership, the PDP has displayed nothing but weakness and internal strife. Their inability to coalesce into a united front is a glaring sign of their lack of seriousness and resolve. From the suspension of their National Chairman to the disgraceful infighting between their Publicity Secretary and other members, to the debacle witnessed in Rivers State, it is clear that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is motivated by self-interest and greed rather than by any genuine desire to serve the people.

    The cluelessness of the opposition party in the Southwest has further solidified why the people of those states are eager to ditch the party. Their mismanagement, lack of vision, and inability to inspire confidence have left the citizens of these states disillusioned.

    In Ondo State, we have witnessed their total failure to connect with the electorate, and the good people of this state will not be hoodwinked.

    In what seems sounds close to the name of their leading figure in the state, the political party in reference has turned to “Agbo Idoti” (refuse dump), signifying a party that offers no solution or is lacking in vision. Ondo State, on the other hand, is the home of ‘Márìndọ̀tí’, a land of vision, strength, and excellence.

    With the opposition party in disarray, their lack of a coherent strategy is glaringly obvious. They have failed to present a unified front, and their campaigns are devoid of substance. This is why Governor Aiyedatiwa’s victory is not just likely, it is inevitable.

    The people of Ondo State recognise true leadership when they see it, and they will not be swayed by the hollow rhetoric and disorganisation of the opposition. The next four years under Governor Aiyedatiwa will apparently manifest the miraculous, and we are all fortunate to be on the cusp of this “Lucky Miracle.”

    •Dr. Oludare, a medic, is Director of Contact and Engagement,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC). He writes from Texas, United States of America.

  • Joe-Jim’s uniting moods at Bloom

    Joe-Jim’s uniting moods at Bloom

    From October 26 to November 16, the Bloom Art Gallery, Lagos, will exhibit the works of Boma Joe-Jim, whose nine art pieces speak volumes. Titled Uniting Moods, the wood works comprising female figures will attract an unprecedented attention writes Edozie Udeze

    Yesterday the Bloom Art Gallery, Lagos, opened an exhibition of works of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and prominent sculptors, Boma Joe-Jim. Titled Uniting Moods, the nine amazing works done extensively on ebony and kosso woods symbolizing the deep love Boma has for female figures. In a press chat before the exhibition began, Boma, a member of Universal Studios of Art (USA), Iganmu, Lagos, took time to explain why his love for female figures and images has come to dominate his works. He also explained in an exclusive interview with The Nation reasons for the peculiar sizes of the works which are more in medium sizes and meant purposely for indoor displays and decorations.

    He said, “Wood carving is one of the sources of our origin. It is unique to us as Africans and more so as Nigerian artists. Any other medium is foreign.  We know and people around us also know us as wood carvers. The word sculpting came from stone and wood. And from the word go, we have been known as wood carvers from where we developed to where we are now. From there other forms of sculpting came in. Yes, I love female figures because our women are very beautiful and special. It gives me joy and satisfaction to sculpt such adorable and wonderful figures and images. For now, I have chosen to concentrate on female figures because lots of collectors and art lovers love to see female figures in art pieces. By the way, if I do not sculpt women or female figures, is it my fellow men that I should carve”, he asked beaming a smile.

    “I am fond of female figures. Women are regal and beautiful, especially done in art form. You can see that the figures are wonderful. You see this one titled figure eight and you can see how cute she looks”, he said pointing. As the art works were displayed atop a table in the gallery, with array of flowers in the middle, the cuteness of the works came out better and bolder. The curator in the person of Ugoma Ebilah, who is also the owner of Bloom Gallery, said “One could feel the deep sensibilities of the figures”. The works adorned the hall with an irresistible aura, those elements of figure eight, huge backyard and protruding front as elaborated by Boma came out more prominently, beckoning.

    Then Boma said again, “What inspired me is basically my natural love for women. The thing was that during my childhood days and up till date women have been caring for me. Their love is amazing. This is why I have deliberately chosen to focus on them. It is part of my own contribution towards women. At a point however, my friends and some people around me said hei, why don’t you also sculpt men? But I insisted on this medium. In fact, my trademark at least for now is female figures; female figures of all shapes and shades, emphasizing on their shape and beauty and those wonderful shades of contours God has endowed them with”.

    No matter how you seemed to push Boma to shift ground, his love for only female figures for now remains sacrosanct. He cannot shift grounds as yet. For him it is one of those areas of works that give him professional dexterity. He continued, “Normally such figures as these do not have heads or legs. What we usually concentrate on are the chest and the bom-bom. It is a way to bring out the total figure in a purely artistic representation. And you can see that figures are in different postures. They all go to show how different people can be in their different ways of life. They are tussle figures which do not necessarily come with the head. At times I do some that have head”. For him therefore, there is no cultural and tribal barrier or sentiments concerning the women he sculpts.

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    “For me I do not have any reason to pay special attention to where the female figure comes from. Sometimes, all you do is to express yourself in a loose aspect.  Just allow the figure to be free, to flow freely. All I do is to create a beautiful form no one can question or begin to wonder where she comes from. In that way you give the figure freedom to be, no reason for prejudice of any sort. That’s why I have chosen not to put heads in all the works”. The works are titled in such a way to attract attention. They are: spin done on ebony wood, insight done on kosso wood, barley dancer also done on kosso wood. There is elegance done on ebony wood and morning stretch which size is 29.5. All of them spell out a peculiar trademark.

    The works come in different processing which is also very difficult. But you have to cut the wood to size, taking your time not to distort the flow. After that you start to trim to size. “I do not add. It is the way it comes that I figure it out and it then becomes my signature, my own art forms. Sometimes the work can crack after a while. You need to maintain them. And we have durable materials to maintain them. What we tell clients and collectors is never to clean the woods with dry rag or hard metals. All you do is to bring it to the artist to fix it”.

    Ebilah also confessed that she loves Boma’s works. As a curator and gallery owner, who collects works of different artists, she took time to understudy Boma at work. She also played some video clips of the artist at work in his studio. All these helped to inspire her interest in his art form. “His works are unique in a way that no artist can measure up with. Those works are in a class of their own”, she noted as she looked straight at the works on the table. “Yet, the origin of Bloom is the ability for us to identify with the best of arts by artists. That is what we do. Boma captures all these in his works. That is what his works mean to me. Anyone who can easily turn a piece of wood, a tree into an art form, is a unique creator. It is not easy turning a tree into a moving lovely figure, always making that wood or tree come alive and you can feel it, appreciate it or relate with it, that person is a great artist. Boma falls within that category with his works”.

    The exhibition will run till November 16 with some additional days depending on the decision of the curator. Bloom art Gallery is noted as one of the few galleries that goes for the best art pieces for exhibition. The gallery appreciates Nigerian artists at all times, in all spheres especially sculptors and wood carvers and metal artists.

  • Anatomy of Tales and Voices

    Anatomy of Tales and Voices

    Tales and Voices is an anthology or collection of poems in honour of a living sage and legend, a prolific writer, with unabashed fecundity across ages, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, the holder of the distinguished national honour of the Order of the Federal Republic and the title of Principal Emeritus of Nigeria. The book, which has 229 pages, including the list of contributors, is edited by Sola Owonibi and Sunday Afolayan, and was published by John Archers. It has a glossy paper back, and laced in black and lemon colours. The front page is doped with the photograph of Basorun Seinde Arogbofa at about his fifties or early 60s, which bears the emblems of his stern sharp look and the sparseness of the bristles of his corrugated beard.

    Tales and Voices is divided into two parts. Part One is “Tribute and Homages” while Part Two is prose. The sub-contents of each part touch on specific attributes of Basorun Seinde Arogbofa and socio-cultural, politico-economic and experiential human attributions that are phenomenally eclectic. The Anthology has a brilliant foreword written by Sola Owonibi and a preface by Susan Akinkurolere-David respectively. Describing Tales and Voices as “an ambitious anthology”, Sola Owonibi gives a foretaste of the book in the foreword by opining that “a third of the poems and short stories eulogise Basorun Seinde Arogbofa. These writings, armored with contemporaneity, lucidity and cultural intimacies, beyond being the eulogy of a legend, serve didactic purposes, as they extol the qualities that made Arogbofa exemplary” p. xii.

    Poetry, Tales and Voices

    It is noteworthy we are guided by the famous opinion of William Wordsworth to the effect that poetry is “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility”. Therefore, simply put, poetry is about all that we are. Art, including poetry, among many others, helps to; ventilate emotions, give expression to repressed thoughts and social-cultural sensibilities, achieve or improve socialisation and civilisation, preserve culture, valorise individuals or groups and vilify scoundrels, etc. No doubt, art produces the imagination that is behind every civilization, as poets first made a trip to the moon before scientists rode on the imaginativeness of poets to do the unthinkable.

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    Tales are natural parts of the traditional storytelling in Africa, and narratives among humans are not only didactic but therapeutic. Tales could be positive, such as legend, panegyric, love songs, work songs, victory songs, and could be negative, such as lamentations, dirge, elegy, funeral songs, and other songs of sorrow, etc. Voices could be loud or low, clear or hoax, euphonious or cacophonous, constructive or destructive, etc., and they could be used to shape or reshape. Given the interdependence of concepts, Tales require Voices, either spoken or written, and whether silent or loud, in order to be heard.

    Unpacking Tales and Voices

    Tales and Voices contains significant tales about Arogbofa in the subtitle of ‘Tributes and Homages’ where the mentally restless writer is described as kindhearted, supportive, honourable, meek, selfless, rugged, sacrificial, tolerant, inspirational, creative, gallant, agrarian, and an excellent writer who succors than suffocates people. Apart from the eulogies of Arogbofa, other poems in the anthology; teach morals, preach support, recriminate over the parlous state of affairs in Africa, express the desire for freedom, make commentaries about contemporary experiences and bemoan cultural estrangement. Apart from the foregoing, a few poems in the book get philosophical about life, education, the environment, as well as the embattled Nigeria nation, which is artistically reflected to be challenged by hunger, poverty, corruption, perversion of democracy, needless killings and all-round disillusionment and hopelessness.

    Beyond the notion of blame-game, the anthology similarly enunciates collective guilt as a radical approach to the needed new positive order in Nigeria. Musing, family romantic affairs, pandemic, valorisation of virtues, and so on, also get the attention of the poems in Part One. Part Two of Tales and Voices contains reviews of two of the literary titles of Arogbofa, To Her and To the Stars Through Bows and Arrows, letter, and testimonies, where Belau Olatunde Gbadamosi describes Arogbofa as “a man of virtues; righteousness, down-to-earth, impeccable, faultless, and flawless character”. P. 184 

    Acknowledging Arogbofa as tall as Iroko, typifying his unbent physical stature, which also got noticed by my aged mother when she saw him around his 84th birthday anniversary, Gani Enahoro presents him as “a very discerning personality, brilliant, decisive, and knows where, when and how to talk and could figure out what works”. P. 187. The interview part of the anthology, granted by Basorun Arogbofa’s daughter, Folasade Tejumola, offers a kaleidoscopic exhumation of the blurred part of the literary icon that was not mirrored in the other narratives. The interview is also akin to a story told by an insider.

    Language and Style of Tales and Voices

    The language(s) are lucid, with predominantly the use o

  • Olusunle’s books dissect Nigeria

    Olusunle’s books dissect Nigeria

    The Nigerian political landscape requires a reset to enable the country to reach its full potential on the global stage, Babatunde Olusunle has said.

    Speaking at the launch of his books in Abuja on Wednesday, Olusunle described the current political situation, as depicted in his books, as one that has hindered the nation’s progress, noting that the phenomenon has prevented Nigeria from advancing at the pace it should.

    However, Olusunle expressed optimism, stating that the situation could be reversed with a structural reset of the political system while emphasizing that the contributions of key political figures in shaping a brighter future for the country should not be overlooked.

    These emerged in Abuja on Wednesday during the launch of two books by Olusunle, ‘Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria’ and ‘Toasts, Tributes, and Wreaths’.

    The event was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, and supported by Gen. Aliyu Gusau, the former National Security Adviser (NSA), who was the father of the day, alongside Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

    Others in attendance included former Governor of Kwara State Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, Chukwudi Eze, Sen. Sunday Karimi, Isa Aremu, Eyitayo Togun (SAN), and Sen. Augustine Akobundu, among several others.

    The book reviewer, Prof. Genga Ibileye, who is the Provost of Federal University, Lokoja, highlighted the impact the two works stand to make in a time when Nigeria grapples with profound political and social challenges, as the two books provide critical insights into the nation’s past, present, and future.

    The reviewer said the works present a nuanced understanding of the complexities of Nigerian governance and the human narratives that shape it.

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    He said Orisirisi stands out as a multifaceted examination of contemporary Nigerian politics. Olusunle employs a unique duality in its title, drawing on the culinary term for assorted meat while simultaneously invoking the disorderly and chaotic nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.

    According to him, the books dissect governance, corruption, and leadership, reflecting on historical and current issues that have impeded Nigeria’s progress.

    He said: “As noted in the book, ‘Nigeria’s political class has perfected the art of recycling mediocrity,’ illustrating how entrenched corruption has become a barrier to effective governance.

    “Olusunle’s analytical approach is complemented by a thoughtful critique of Nigeria’s leadership evolution.

    “The author effectively links the political missteps of the past to current governance failures, suggesting that ‘the political evolution of Nigeria is a tale of missed opportunities.’

    “Such reflections encourage readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of Nigeria’s political history while recognizing the potential for reform.”

    In contrast, Prof. Ibileye said Toasts, Tributes, and Wreaths shifts focus from political critique to celebration, honouring the lives and legacies of influential Nigerian figures.

    “This collection of tributes provides a poignant look at the human side of leadership, capturing the essence of individuals who have shaped Nigeria’s trajectory.

    “Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Olusunle weaves a narrative that resonates with emotional depth.

    “While the two works differ in tone, Orisirisi being more critical and analytical, and Toasts, Tributes, and Wreaths more reflective and sentimental, they are complementary in their themes.

    “Together, they encapsulate the intricate tapestry of Nigeria’s political landscape, offering readers both macro-level analyses and micro-level human stories.

    “As Nigeria navigates its political evolution, understanding these narratives becomes crucial.

    “The relevance of Olusunle’s works cannot be overstated. As the nation faces pressing governance issues and seeks a path toward stability, these books serve as essential tools for understanding the complexities of Nigerian politics.”

    Represented by Olusegun Adekunke, the SGF praised Olusunle for his inclusive and non-discriminatory nature, noting that he maintains friendships despite differing opinions or political and socioeconomic affiliations.

    Highlighting Olusunle’s deep understanding of Nigerian politics, the SGF remarked that his books aptly capture the complexities of the country’s political landscape.

    He also commended the thorough research underpinning Olusunle’s work, encouraging other writers, both established and aspiring, to follow his example and contribute to preserving Nigeria’s political and cultural history through their writing.

    He commended the depth of research in Olusunle’s books and challenged other writers, particularly aspiring ones, to follow his example while urging him to continue his work, emphasizing the importance of writing to preserve history for future generations.

    Brig. Gen. Saleh Bala (rtd), representing former NSA Gusau, emphasized the need for Nigeria to take decisive action, highlighting the military’s past successes in restoring and maintaining peace globally.

    He lamented the apparent inability of the same military to effectively combat persistent banditry in Zamfara and other regions.

    Bala also referenced the former Guards Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Julius Oshanupin, whose heroic role in the rescue of American hostages remained undocumented and unacknowledged by Nigerian writers, underscoring the need to celebrate such achievements.

    “Here is a hero that hardly do we have his achievement chronicled in the annals of the history of Nigeria.

    “He was the Nigerian commander in Somalia in the heat of the war. This was the kind of men who were brave enough where no other contingent rose to rescue American marines in the heart of Mogadishu.

    “He lost men and equipment, he rescued Americans and he’s nowhere in the history of Nigeria,” he lamented.

    On what motivated the books, Olusunle said being a creative writer and a poet, who has always been engaged in sociopolitical matters, “My literature covers radical themes, and from my school days onward, I’ve not only read about these issues but witnessed them in society.

    “So, it felt necessary to speak out about self-development. You can’t be a committed writer in a country like ours and not address the challenges we face.

    “I’d say I’m apolitical by nature. I’m a scholar and a teacher, so objectivity is crucial for me. I can rise above partisanship when needed, but when it’s important to take a stand, I’ll do so unapologetically.

    “Primarily, I’m addressing leadership and ineptitude. We’re moving backwards as a nation, and it’s worrying. As a people, we aren’t progressing the way we should.

    “We recently marked our 64th Independence anniversary, which was a time for reflection—looking at our past, assessing the present, and hopefully believing in a better future”.

    On the choice of the title ‘Orisirisi’ one of the books, Olusunle said, “Orisirisi represents a potpourri, a mixture of different elements. The book touches on politics, governance, leadership, literature, sports, and even experiences from the ivory tower.

    “It’s a collection of diverse subjects, like a rich soup with various ingredients, each adding its own flavour.

    “We need to reset and realign our course, focusing on moving forward. If we don’t, even countries that once looked to us for guidance will surpass us.

    “Look at how, not too long ago, Nigeria held nations like Liberia and Sierra Leone together, but now, countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are pulling away from our influence.

    “We have to regain our footing, fix our economy, strengthen our moral values, and rebuild our respect in the global community if we want to grow”, he said.

    Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, former General Manager of the National Theatre Prof. Sunday Ododo, Chief of Staff to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Prince Olusola Akanmode, Assistant Inspector General of Police Tony Olofu (rtd), former Commander of Guards Brigade Brig. Gen. Julius Oshanupin, and Chief Onyema Ogochukwu, among others, spoke in glowing terms of Olusunle’s dedication, integrity, friendship, resourcefulness, and solution-driven nature.

    Gusau Institute, Kaduna and another friend of Olusunle purchased copies of Olusunle’s books for N5 million.

    Chief Emeka Offor, appreciating his long-standing friendship with the author, acquired two copies for N2.5 million.

    Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also purchased copies for an undisclosed seven-figure sum, joining other notable individuals, including former Deputy Governor of Kogi State Yomi Awoniyi, who chose not to disclose the amounts they contributed.

    Commenting on the books and depiction of the Nigerian realities, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power lamented that the country “continues to go down”, saying, “Especially our candidate He made some statements, he said, well, that’s exactly where we are today.

    “Nobody would believe that we will get to where we are and continue to go down, and it’s such a big shame that Nigeria that is looked upon by African

    “I think what Nelson Mandela has said is that the world will never take Africa seriously

    until they take Nigeria seriously”.

    “And we continue to go down. We want to make ourselves to be taken seriously….by other nations”.

  • Ekiti to host fundraiser for Olowe Museum

    Ekiti to host fundraiser for Olowe Museum

    Chairman, Board of Trustee, Olowe of Ise Arts Foundation, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has said financing the Olowe of Ise Museum in Ise Ekiti will require significant financial resources for its construction, acquisition of artworks and operational support. He stated that the Olowe Museum project is not that of Ekiti State Government but of all Nigerians who share in the vision of the board. According to him, Ekiti state government is collaborating with both individuals and corporate bodies in the realisation of the project.  

    He stated that the recognition of Olowe of Ise’s genius has sparked efforts to preserve his legacy and promote a deeper understanding of his contributions to art.

    Senator Ojudu who spoke in Lagos on Sunday disclosed that a fundraising event for the Olowe of Ise Museum will be hosted by Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on October 27. 

    “The fundraising event holding on October 27 at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos will be an opportunity for patrons of the arts, corporate moguls and the general public to contribute to the landmark project,” he said. 

    He noted that museums and scholars have worked to document Olowe’s life and works, ensuring that future generations continue to learn from his example.

    “In Nigeria, efforts are underway to celebrate Olowe’s legacy by preserving his works in situ and educating the public about his contributions to Yoruba culture and the broader world of African art.

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    “At the forefront of these efforts is the construction of the Olowe of Ise Museum, a project designed to honour the life and work of this remarkable artist. The museum will be built on the grounds of Olowe’s original workshop in Ise Ekiti, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the environment in which Olowe created his masterpieces. Through the museum’s exhibitions and educational programmes, it will offer a deeper understanding of Yoruba art and culture, as well as the profound impact that Olowe’s work has had on the global art world,” he added. 

    Director General National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NMCC), Mr. Olugbile Holloway reiterated the commission’s commitment to Olowe of Ise Museum noting that NCMM’s role is to preserve the heritage, but to preserve it in a way that generations can learn about themselves. “I feel that heritage is really the reason why we live. If we can’t preserve our heritage, then we want to lose it,” he added. 

    Chief Nike Okundaye who was represented by her daughter, Ms Aina Davies said Nigerians must embrace the culture to document, preserve and showcase their heritage adding that as a nation lots of investments have been made in other sectors of the economy. To her, now it’s time to really invest in our heritage.

    Unfortunately, we are chasing what the West has, while the West has taken what we have. The West has lost its culture. They look up to countries and indigenous cultures to be able to recreate their way forward. So, while we are chasing them, let’s pause.“

    Objective of the museum is the preservation of legacy, to safeguard the works of Olowe and ensure future generations appreciate its contributions to the African cultural home. The museum will become a center of cultural pride for the Ekiti people, and a destination for international artists to share their colors.

    The museum when completed will house galleries and workshops where the history and techniques of the art gallery will be studied and taught. It will also boost local communities, create jobs, and contribute to the cultural economy of the state.

    The late Olowe of Ise was more than just a master carver; as he was a visionary who used his art to bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine, the traditional and the innovative, the local and the global. His works, while deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions, speak to universal themes of power, spirituality, and the human condition. As one of the most important African artists of the 20th century, Olowe’s legacy continues to inspire artists, scholars, and art lovers around the world.

    Among BOT members and guests at the briefing at Nike Art Gallery, Lagos included Olayiwola Olayinka (architect for the museum), Dr. Alex Nwobu, Abiola Adlana, Prince Ade Ajayi and Dr. Gbemisola Akinwale. 

  • Flyzone boss is ECOWAS ambassador

    Flyzone boss is ECOWAS ambassador

    The Principal Executive Flyzone Tourism, Mr. Awomoyi Ayodeji was among other professionals honoured as ‘Ambassador’ by the ECOWAS Youth Council in appreciation of his laudable antecedents of dedication, hard work and diligence in the area of service to humanity and commendable works as an advocate and relentless crusader of promoting development of the African youth. The event was held recently at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Speaking at the sideline of the ceremony, Mr. Ayodeji said that the award was a deserved honour as it recognises his hard work, dedication and commitment in all read of works.

    “This is connected to my laudable antecedents of dedication, hard work and diligence in the area of service to humanity and commendable works as an advocate and relentless crusader of promoting development of the African youth,” he said.

    The honour is coming barely a year after he was honoured as Akwaaba Travel Personality of the year, and a member of the 100 Tourism Personality in Nigeria and a member of the 40 under 40 Nigeria. 

    He described Akwaaba African Travel Market as a strategic platform that continues to promote business opportunities for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, tour operators among others stakeholders, adding that Akwaaba brings different tourism boards, embassies, tour operators and travel agents together for business opportunities.

     “The first thing is that there is no business without connection. When you have a product and the people do not know about it, then am not sure you can do anything.  Even a bad product that is marketed well will sell more than a good product that is not well marketed. Akwaaba has helped travel agencies, airlines, hotels, tour operators to connect with one another.

    Akwaaba is a platform that brings different tourism boards, embassies, tour operators and travel agents together for good business connections and networking. I have been attending Akwaaba for a long time now,” he said.

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    Mr. Ayodeji stated that what Flyzone does is to connect travel agencies with countries as well for their visas, noting that applying for visas of other countries requires lot of documentations.

    “We arrange many things for the tour operators to ensure they are fine, l because we have relationship with some of these countries based on our algorithms, friendship and business relationship, so is easier for us to connect with these countries and their tourism boards than for a travel agent to connect directly. So I will say we are like a middleman between Nigerian travel agents and tourism boards of other countries of the world,” he added.

    He dismissed as rumour the wrong notion that Flyzone is taking over jobs of travel agents, saying that his firm will never take over the job of travel agents. According to him, his firm only serves an interface or middleman between countries’ tourism boards and travel agents.

    “We are not taking over the travel agents business. What we are doing is business to business. Travel agents come to us and we go to tourism boards and supply the travel agents the travel products they need,” he said.

    Mr. Ayodeji identified visa processing as Flyzone’s unique selling point and niche, noting that he prefers to sustain that niche. He explained that because of ongoing business relationship between Flyzone and countries’ tourism boards’ visa processing and documentation is much easier to achieve. He also stressed the significance of trust and honesty, which he said, are the catchphrase at Flyzone.

  • Uptake against sexual, gender-based violence

    Uptake against sexual, gender-based violence

    The just concluded Child Protection Week, in commemoration of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Month, was an eye-opener to a scourge that has bedeviled Nigeria for a long time. SGBV had thrived because of its entrenched culture of silence induced by numerous factors such as fear of further abuse, family dignity, societal ostracisation, shame and weak prosecutorial adjudication. 

    This culture has been the bane of taking justice to offenders and bringing justice to victims.

    Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is a national menace. But only Lagos State is known to have taken the bull by the horns with a slew of legislation, deterrent policies, rehabilitation and counseling. 

    At the Governor’s Commendation and Award Night which drew the curtains on the SGBV month recently, the Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said over 25,000 cases of domestic and sexual violence have been addressed by the State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Agency (DSVA). This is a laudable feat in the agency’s 10 years of existence. The theme of the campaign, “SGBV, not on my watch” is instructive, calling to action everyone connected to humanity.

    “The fight against SGBV requires the participation of everyone: religious leaders, community leaders, families and individuals alike. It is not just the responsibility of the government and the agency alone, it is a collective endeavour. Together we must continue to strengthen our legal frameworks, expand our support systems and most importantly, break the culture of silence that allows abuse to persist,” Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said.

    It was a clarion call echoed by several stakeholders.

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    Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said his administration had convicted 50 persons for sexual and gender-based violence in the past year. “In the past one year, the state has secured over 50 convictions. We have provided holistic services to over 6000 survivors and reached out to over a million Lagosians through advocacy and sensitization,” he added.

    The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said ‘we are gradually breaking the culture of silence, and calling on people to speak up and speak out. So, please pay attention to the people that are speaking up.’ 

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade said the Force was taking ‘giant steps to make sure that those violators, abusers of women and girls, are dealt with within the ambit of the law.’ Another advocate, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsetunwa, said stakeholders need sustainable measures to tackle the menace in the society.

    There is no doubt that eradicating SGBV truly needs sustained collaboration at different levels of the society. In raising the much-needed awareness and enlightenment, the SGBV Month campaign started with the most vulnerable in the society: children and teenagers; bbeginning with activities at the Eko Boys High School, Mushin and a couple of other schools, Advocacy Walk, Child Protection and Safeguarding Week, and a symposium, which assessed the impact of the state’s SGBV response over the past decade.

    Head of Programmes for Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, (RoLAC), Mr. Danladi Plang acknowledged the vital role played by Lagos State government in combating SGBV and rehabilitating victims with enactment of relevant laws. He said more would be done in identified areas.  

    “Some achievements have been made and what we need to do is to build on those achievements, identify why cases are slow and deal with them; identify why convictions are low and deal with them,” he said.

    “A central focus of the event was the empowerment of school children through educational resources aimed at raising awareness about the prevalence of SGBV,” according to Lagos State Project Coordinator for RoLAC, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa. “These materials will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of standing up against abuse and will be prominently displayed in school premises. The capacity-building initiative, which aims to strengthen children’s understanding of their rights, also trained them on how to report cases of SGBV to the appropriate authorities.”

    RoLAC is a European Union-funded programme implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and they are the force behind the SGBV awareness campaign in Lagos. 

    According to a 2019 survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 30% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while a shocking 68% have encountered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse. That data shows large number of the vulnerable people, especially women and children are consigned to a life of trauma. 

    Domestic violence is a pervasive global pandemic for which majority of victims are believed to be women and children.

    The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act

    any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” In like manner, intimate partner violence refers to behaviour by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. It further states that sexual violence is “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting. It includes rape, defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration of the vulva or anus with a penis, other body part or object, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching and other non-contact forms.”

    A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed that about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. The estimates range from 20% in the Western Pacific, 22% in high-income countries and Europe and 25% in the regions of the Americas to 33% in the African region, 31% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and 33% in the South-East Asia region. Globally, as many as 38% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners. In addition to intimate partner violence, globally 6% of women report having been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner.

    In 2020, the year of the Corona Virus pandemic, the prevalence of physical, sexual or emotional violence by a partner was reported to be at 69%. The Lockdowns during the pandemic and the social and economic impacts increased the exposure of women to abusive partners, while limiting their access to remedial services.

    It need to be emphasised, however, that women are not the only victims of spousal abuse as government agencies, including the police, have many reports in this light.

    The damage done to the fabric of the society is unimaginable and that is why the clarion call for this SGBV month, “SGBV, not under my watch” is important, with the need for all and sundry to dismantle the damaging culture of silence. The consequences of SGBV are legion.

    Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings. Exposure to traumatic events can lead to stress, fear and isolation, which may lead to depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior and substance abuse. Adults who experienced abuse as a child may be at risk for bullying or have externalized behaviors such as physical and verbal aggression towards others. They may also struggle with impulse control, and their decision-making may engage in risky behaviors such as substance use or sexualized behaviors. Emotional abuse is linked to thinning of certain areas of the brain that help people manage emotions and be self-aware – especially the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe.

    A 2013 WHO study found that women who had been physically or sexually abused were 1.5 times more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection and, in some regions, HIV, compared to women who had not experienced partner violence. They are also twice as likely to have an abortion; increases the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery and low birth weight babies.

    Stemming the tide of SGBV is a collective responsibility, considering the huge damage it poses to families, the society and the nation at large. This was the spirit behind the theme for this year, “SGBV, Not Under My Watch.”

    The Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency emphasized the critical importance of collective efforts in the fight against SGBV. She highlighted the agency’s work over the past decade, stressing that while significant progress had been made, there was still more to be done.

    She said: “Domestic and sexual violence are insidious crimes that violate the fundamental rights of individuals and have far-reaching consequences for their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. These acts of violence often occur behind closed doors, making it difficult for victims to seek help or justice. Lagos State, as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, faces unique challenges in addressing domestic and sexual violence. Our growing population and rapid urbanization have created pressures that can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. However, we are also a city with a strong tradition of community engagement and a commitment to social justice.”

    The agency provides legal, medical, emergency assistance, counselling, psychological and psycho-social support to survivors; as well as maintains a Sex Offenders Register. Its 7-point strategy is enshrined in the acronym RESPECT: Relationship skills strengthening; Empowerment of women; Services ensured; Poverty reduced; Enabling environments (schools, work places, public spaces) created; Child and adolescent abuse prevented; and Transformed attitudes, beliefs and norms.

    DSVA’s partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) was a great strength to the fight against this pandemic. And with the EU funding, the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Month raised the bar in combating the scourge and breaking down the culture of silence.

    *Onayoade is the Media Consultant to RoLAC IDEA

  • A peep into minister’s stewardship

    A peep into minister’s stewardship

    Title: Alake on rescue mission

    Reviewer: Reviewer: Tunde Rahman

    Pagination: 46

    Alake on Rescue Mission is much more than a photo book of activities, events and work of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Henry Alake, in one year in office. It’s a serious-minded and exciting piece of writing on the minister’s stewardship.

    If you see it as the official book on the Minister’s achievements in one year in office, you will hit the nail on the head. Appointed on August 15, 2023, Dr. Alake has spent around 14 months as Minister of Solid Minerals, meaning one year has actually passed on his watch of the ministry.

    The book’s release was also planned to coincide with the minister’s 68th birthday on Sunday, October 6. However, the organisers of this book launch missed this date by a few days. Perhaps this was deliberate.

    Because the book is on Alake’s stewardship, hard as one may try, it will be difficult to separate its contents from Alake’s scorecards. Both are mutually inclusive and as such, a review of the book also means an evaluation of the minister’s one year in office.

    The 46-page book, which includes 24 articles, 34 pictures, and two appendixes, gives an account of all that has happened under Alake’s watch of the ministry. It presents a holistic idea of the changes that have been brought to bear on the mining sector in just one year.

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    In the first article, written by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the minister’s special adviser, we were taken through Dr Alake’s seven-point agenda for the ministry. Fashioning out a seven-point agenda within the Solid Mineral Development component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda underscored the seriousness with which Minister Alake had approached his assignment.

    Many of us here recall the shock and trepidation that greeted the appointment of Dr. Alake, a media and communication expert and brilliant strategist, as Minister of Solid Mineral Development on August 15, 2023. Naysayers had predicted that Alake would find it difficult to find his feet in the technical field of mining, where geologists and mining engineers hold sway.

    Indeed, the strategic importance of the mining sector to the country can hardly be over-emphasized.

    According to official data, Nigeria is said to be endowed with over 40 types of minerals including gold, silica, lead, marble, tin ore, zinc, coal, iron ore, granite, laterite, manganese and limestone.

    Nigeria sits on mining reserves worth $750billion following a preliminary report on assessment of the mining potentials by a German firm, GeoScan.

    But the sector remains under developed, accounting for only 0.3% of Nigeria’s GDP.

    So given the mining sector’s strategic place in the nation’s development goals and its potential to be a significant revenue earner for the country, President Tinubu might have decided to put in charge of the sector a trusted ally, a patriot,and an incorruptible man who he knew would make the difference.

    Bamigbetan writes that Alake’s forte is strategy. It can be argued, and rightly, too, that one can conquer any ground with planning and strategy. Has Minister Alake mastered and conquered the mining sector? I will soon return to this vital question.

    In the following three articles in the book, namely Working with Dr. Dele Alake, Celebrating Dr. Henry Oladele Alake, and Driving us to Aim Higher, three top public officers working with Dr. Alake, including the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Director-General, Mining Cadastral Office, an agency under the ministry, Engineer Simon Nkom; and the Head of Solid Minerals Development Fund respectively narrated their experience working with the minister, while also highlighting their roles and responsibilities within the ministry.

     The trio seemed to be unanimous in their verdict. Permit me, however, to quote the Perm Sec: “Dr Alake’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria and excellence is something that we all strive to emulate as we work together to realise the full potential of our nation’s solid mineral sector.” 

    Writing on the topic Dele Alake and the Power of Positive Influence, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in his contribution to the book, harped on the close relationship between President Tinubu and Dr. Alake. He surmised that “for many aides, associates, cabinet colleagues and friends of the President who have suggestions and advice for the President and cannot immediately reach him, Dr Alake is the go-to, knowing he has the ears of the President and will never shy from offering sound advice to him.”

    It is noteworthy to mention a couple of other articles like the Investment Report, which gives an update on the situation with respect to foreign investment within the mining sector.  There is also a plethora of other articles, spotlighting the media and its relationship with the ministry like Alake in the Eyes of the Media, Broadcasting Mining and Boosting Mining with Digital Media among others.

    What they all signpost is a good relationship with the ministry and a promise of more support.

    Perhaps, a more interesting and instructive feature of the book is the addition of two articles written in those dark days of the military by Alake in his columns in the defunct National Concord. In “Civility in Public Appointments published on November 23, 1987 and Needed, a Cautious Economic Policy, penned on March 13, 1989, the readers confront the firebrand and irrepressible activist who spared no word in condemning military regimes and their policies. If hitherto, many of those gathered here witnessed the sharp tongue of Mr. Alake against political opponents particularly during the campaign for the election of President Tinubu, now they would encounter his sharp pen as well.

    In all, the leading article, bearing the title of the book Alake on Rescue Mission gives us a helicopter view of Dr. Alake’s watch in the ministry and impact in one year, and thus offers us room for interrogation.

    The minister drew up a seven-point agenda. The first component, and perhaps the most important of the 7-point agenda, is the formation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation (NSMC). Realizing that attracting big investors is a major challenge of the sector, Bamigbetan tells readers that the NSMC “is the face of the Nigerian Mining Sector in the global business space, the go-to company for transactions and the deals to deepen the capital formation that will keep investors coming.”

     The book reveals that the minister had sought to avoid the pitfalls of the defunct Nigerian Mining Corporation in coming up with the structure by comparing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, company. Bamigbetan writes that “Leaning towards the latter, the minister is proposing a NSMC with 25 percent shares held by the Federal Government of Nigeria, 25 percent by Nigerians through a public offer, and 50 percent by private corporate placement with the condition that no private placement exceeds 10 percent.”

    It is important to note, however, that more than one year down the line, the NSMC is still in the works.

     The question can be asked also as to whether foreign investments have rolled in into the mining sector. Following the Investment Report on Pages 11 to 14, there is cheering news. Under Alake’s watch,Nigeria has seen a steady rise in companies establishing mineral processing plants in the country. For example, in April 2024, the minister attended the commissioning of the Asba Group’s lithium processing plants, which is said to worth $50m and in a follow-up letter to the minister, further investments in a tin/tantalite processing plant worth $146m and a Tin/Columbite processing plant in Bauchi State worth $67m are underway to bring the group’s investment to approximately $263m.

     There is also the $5m, which is already in Nigeria Lithium pegmatite belt of Kwara, Niger and FCT Abuja, by Canada-based Orosur Mining through its UK subsidiary Lithium West Limited as well as the commitment of Woodcross Resources to establish a tin refinery in the country, which will be the first of its kind.

     However, it does appear that some of the factors that will attract investors to the sector may not be solely within the realm of the ministry. The government’s fiscal policies, business environment and economic situation in the country must mesh with the arrangements put in place by the ministry to attract more genuine investors.

     With respect to the second component of the agenda, the countrywide geological exploration of key minerals, to de-risk the investment and ensure the government acquires the precise geological data, the ministry had proposed N70 billion to the National Assembly in its budget. This important project is still being hampered by funds. As we say in this country, Nigeria may have happened to the ministry.

     The minister has, however, recorded remarkable success in the area of the establishment of the Mining Marshals and introduction of satellite technology to monitor mining operations among others. On March 20, Alake inaugurated the Mining Marshals, drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior. With 60 officers per unit per the Federal Capital Territory and each of the 36 federation states, the Mining Marshals took off with 2,220 units. About a month later, the NSCDC boosted the Marshals with 350 additional 350 officers.

     Given his commitment towards the resurgence and full development of the mining sector in Nigeria and Africa, Alake was also elected as the pioneer Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group, whose formation he spearheaded. Alake’s appointment to lead the group is a testament to his excellent leadership in the sector.

     Putting the book Alake on Rescue Mission together, in the final analysis, is commendable. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, scholars, administrators, miners, and investors seeking knowledge and information about the ministry, its activities, and its offerings.

    The content is rich, while the quality is high. Save for some identifiable typos, each article is a piece of good, clear, well-structured and easy-to-read writing. Its high aesthetic quality is also typical of the man the book is arranged to honour.

    The jury is out on the minister’s performance in office. But has Minister Alake discharged himself creditably thus far? I think so. Alake has lived up to the billing. He has worked the path trodden by seasoned journalists like Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bisi Onabanjo and Alhaji Lateef Jakande, all of blessed memory and, of course, Dr. Christopher Kolade and our own Aremo Olusegun Osoba who all made the difference in public office. Looking at my crystal eyeball, even at 68, the future is still ahead of Dr. Alake.

    On this note, I would also like to wish him many more years and robust health so he can continue offering our country more valuable services.

  • Reliving Yoruba myths, fables as epic

    Reliving Yoruba myths, fables as epic

    Four years after the launch of his unique historical novel, Gods and Heroes: Itan legends of the golden age  at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Oladele Olusanya, a US-based physician, writer and artist, relived some critical aspects of Yoruba heritage contained in his book to a select audience at the Quintessence in Ikoyi, Lagos. The interaction, which lasted about two hours, was very refreshing as related historical issues were penultimate Saturday interrogated and shared.

    Setting the tone of the interaction, Olusanya read excerpts from some pages of the 345-page book published by Maven Publishing. It has nine chapters. These readings were followed by observations and comments from the audience who were mainly old classmates at Government College, Ibadan (GCI), friends and book lovers.

    Gods and heroes is book 1 of the Itan – Legends of the Golden Age Trilogy, which tells the 1,000-year story of Yoruba people with a blend of myth, history and fiction.

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    According to the author, the book was written to answer the question ‘why can’t the Yorubas have their own epic that can be placed beside the best in the world of legends?’ He said apart from other pursuits and interests, he is extremely passionate about the promotion of Yoruba history, mythology and culture.

    He disclosed that God and heroes has received critical acclaim all over the world. It was placed on the recommended list of the prestigious US Review of Books, while the online Book Club gave it a maximum 4 stars out of 4. According to the Pacific Book Review, the book ‘may be the first step in placing the myths of the Yoruba people among the epics that have shaped the world of legends.’ The book has also impressed notable Nigerian authors including Dr Femi Olugbile, prize-winning author of Lonely men and Dr. Dare Demuren, author of The Kingmaker, who called it a masterpiece.

    Dr. Oladele’s passion for Yoruba heritage is not limited to book publication as he also established a Yoruba Cultural Center in Dallas, USA that teaches Yoruba language.

    Though a historical novel laced with lots of imaginations, the book, according to Dr Olusanya is not meant for controversy. “It’s just for us to understand the traditional view of our origin and other stories from our point of view. It’s a historical novel, which means that you have the facts and you take it out like a book. So, the old woman is the one telling the story. 

    You have to read the book very well to know who this old woman is. I just want you to know that the old woman is telling the story and I am the person writing it down. And different people in the story, we take up the story to tell the part of the story,” he added.

    The author also shared from the book the historical affinity between the Yorubas and the Binis as contained on Page 55 thus: “Later as we know, the name of Oranmiyan‘s son and heir was shortened to Eweka by the people of Bini. According to a legend of the people of Bini, an oracle of the time of Eweka’s birth predicted that as Owo-mika, the hand of this baby would hold the scepter of power as the first in a long and uninterrupted line of kings of Bini as a legacy of Oduduwa through his grandson, Oranmiyan.

    Years later, when Eweka became a king of Bini, he was hailed as Oba, in the language of our people, rather than the previous Bini title of Ogiso.

    The book also chronicles historical accounts on the establishment of Ile Ife by Oduduwa and the sacrifice of the heroine, Moremi; Obatala, Orunmila, Ogun and Olokun, Oba Esigie of Benin, Obanta of Ijebu land  as well as their exploits as legends.  ”One unique character of the book is that each chapter carries a poem and an illustration of an artifact to provide background and context for the contents. 

    In his remark, the Managing Director Quintessence Gallery and Bookshop, Mr. Jude Oni-Okpaku said Olusanta’s book may be the first step toward adding the mythology of Yoruba to the list of epics that has shaped the world of legends.

    “It will take many years before it will be known if this bold ambition may be achieved. However, in the meantime, the book can be enjoyed for its value as an entertaining saga that delivers on its own merits. There can be no doubt that Dr. Olusanya has accomplished his goal of bringing to life the many stories and characters found in the Yoruba oral history. In so doing, he has given readers a perspective that many will not have considered previously,” he added.