The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Does censoring or banning a movie really work? Effective or just political muscle-flexing?

    Does censoring or banning a movie really work? Effective or just political muscle-flexing?

    By Samuel Samiái Andrews.

    Culture, morality & creativity

    The Media reports recently in Nigeria that the government through the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), issued a directive to censor and ban certain categories of creative content and expressions of cinematographic works made in Nigeria or made by Nigerian filmmakers (Nollywood).

     Filmmaking is both a constitutional and statutory right of Nigerians. It is also an internationally guaranteed right, which is stipulated by multiple international treaties of which Nigeria is a signatory to most.

    It is a fact that all laws are local, loosely interpreted to mean that a nation-state is the sole sovereign to set laws for its jurisdiction that enforce acceptable norms, policy and social good governance of her people. However, in the contemporary era, law-making that offends laws in the books within the same geographical sphere of a nation-state may offend the rights of its people.

    If laws are made from the prism of solely enforcing moralities, sectional sensitivities and ideologies, a nation-state risks descending into State-sponsored illegalities and the illegal deprivation of private properties (intellectual property is mostly private property).

    Moral, religious, and ideological sensitivities or idiosyncrasies are complexities that ought to be handled with the highest scrutiny in a state like Nigeria. In Nigeria, there are people of a variety of religious, social and cultural beliefs. Therefore, forcing any socio-cultural norm on an entire people is not just unfair but against the principles of democracy. The terms ‘…ritual killings and glamourizing other crimes…’ should be subjected to legal and anthropological certainties.

    Most content shown by Nollywood are realities of Nigerian culture, folklore and history, so why criminalize, illegalize or shame our culture? The emergence and ingenuity of Nollywood are linked to the creativity and originality of the interpretation of Nigeria’s indigenous culture and folklore.

     I am not stating that Nigerian culture or history is enmeshed solely in criminality or gruesome killings of her people. However, if it happens (which is a fact) what is wrong or illegal in showing these events on cinematographic platforms or sharing these stories via songs? Can NFVCB ban the existence of smoking? so, why engage in the impossible?

    Some indigenous Nigerian cultures and customs may be caught in this NFVCB ban or censor directive. For instance, an unelected public official may cite a section of a regulation (which has not been subjected to public scrutiny) to ban Ifa incantation, Ekpe masquerade, Ekpo masquerade or any other traditional customs–which in most parts of Nigeria includes skulls of dead animal, hides and skin of wild animals e.t.c–for the misplaced discernment of “gruesomeness or barbarity”.

    ‘Na Who Send You’?

    Cultural sensitivities have become a quasi-public policy of the National Film and Video Censor Board in its regulatory activities. NFVCB cites ‘cultural sensitivities’ as one of the criteria in granting permission for the release of a Nollywood film. This policy has been a trend from the onset. The current directive of NFVCB concerns smoking in movies, cultural scenes (reality) in films-sacrifices, ‘money-making rituals’ etc. Who defines what depictions of creativity are immoral or illegal? The government or the people of Nigeria?

    It is improper to censor the visual and audio depictions of historical events and cultural practices through the medium of fiction and non-fiction storytelling. Why do we have categorizations-classifications of films- fit-for audience- ‘R’ ‘Adult’ ‘G’ etc.?

    We have experienced this censorship or Ban threat from NFVCB before. Half of a Yellow Sun, a movie based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s book with a similar title, faced censorship issues. Other Nigerian-directed and produced films have faced a similar fate. Did the censorship or ban stop the movie from being seen by Nigerians? No! Of course, it did not although, the delay of the film’s release in Nigeria due to the interference of NFVCB may have affected the bottom line of the filmmakers in Nigeria and the censorship or ban certainly affected the creative entrepreneurial spirit and efforts of Nigerian creatives.

    A More Effective Approach To Regulation Of Artistic And Literary Works.

    Sensible and effective national policy to regulate citizens’ conduct shouldn’t be expanded to include arbitrary abuse of power or infringement of the citizen’s creative rights legally protected as private property by the Constitution of Nigeria. Within the jurisprudential divide, one common denominator remains that laws should be effective and ‘democratically’ made for governance.

    When laws or rules become anti-citizen, the essence of societal ordering becomes complicated. In modern or contemporary governance, the formal and institutional arms of government conduct empirical and deep consultations with the people (especially, those who may be fundamentally affected by a new law/rule), for filtration, analyzation and feedback on the overall significance of a new law/rule. Did the NFVCB conduct consultations with the stakeholders of Nigeria’s entertainment industry experts and professionals? As a researcher and scholar of Nollywood, I’m unaware of the occurrence of such consultation.

    Nollywood remains one of the relevant productive sectors in Nigeria. The existence of Nollywood through its efforts continues to enrich Nigeria’s economy and boosts a positive reputation for Nigeria in the comity of nations. So, why try to fix something that isn’t broken? The Nigerian government should revert to its drawing board and approach this issue more smartly based on the current global standards of classification of movies.

    Banning goods or products that have recreational or entertainment benefits to its citizens generally doesn’t work! In a digital era of creative production with ubiquitous distribution platforms powered by digital technology, how can NFVCB effectively enforce its ban or censorship? How effective is (was) banning or censoring online piracy of Nigerian movies? According to studies and research, banning online content lacked the intended impact on piracy (an obnoxious affliction on Nigeria’s socio-economic objectives) of audiovisual content. Rather, another regulatory body in Nigeria adopted a more effective mechanism to dull the effects of piracy on movies and musical works of Nigerian creatives.

    The unintended consequences of the NFVCB censorship and ban directive will be the catalyst for the emergence of another wave of the black-market economy for Nigerian films that will undercut the hard work of legit Nollywood producers and directors; artists, actors, actresses, and the downline community. The focus of the NFVCB should be on the effective and realistic regulation of films not banning or censoring. The desired outcome of the NFVCB properly implementing its duties should be to propel Nollywood’s creatives to spur Nigeria’s dire national economic situation towards growth.

    Samuel Samiai Andrews is a Professor of Intellectual Property Law & United States Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholar.

  • French Embassy, IFRA-Nigeria commemorate environment week

    French Embassy, IFRA-Nigeria commemorate environment week

    The Ambassador de France and the IFRA-Nigeria recently organised a conference in commemoration of the Environment Week titled: Green or Grey urban Jungle: What place for plants in Nigeria’s cities?

    The conference, which went with Spoken word & Acoustic set and cocktail, held at the Allianz Francais, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos with stakeholders and environmental activists, including: Emilie Guitard, a research fellow and anthropologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research; Theo Lawson, a Lagos-based architect and Chief Warden at Freedom Park, Lagos; and Folu Oyefeso of the Save Our Green Spaces Ibadan and photographer, who uses his works to capture the beauty, diversity and resilience of Nigerian and African people; discussing and fielding questions.

    Also on the panel were Iyabo Aboaba, Chief Operating Officer at Freedom Park and Jomi Marcus Bello, co-founder of WAFFELSNSCREAM, Nigeria’s first skateshop; while Tabia Princewill, a journalist, strategic communications consultant and public policy advisor, moderated.

    Discussions centred around the fast disappearing greenery within urban centres in Nigeria, how such loss is denying citizens veritable avenues for catching up with nature alongside its God-given therapy and its debilitating impact on the environment.

    Folu Oyefeso said the effort to conserve nature has to be deliberate and concerted, even as he stressed that nature has a way of finding its way back if given a chance. “All we need do is change our attitude towards nature.”

    Mrs Aboaba spoke of the need to preserve nature near people’s homes or residential areas, drawing attention to how a few moment or time spent in parks and natural settings could get one rejuvenated and back to optimum capacity.

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    “It’s tough to live in Lagos; you wake up, concrete, go to class, concrete; apart from markets and schools, they should also have parks for these children. They don’t have to go miles, some people come all the way from VGC to Freedom Park… and you need to see how the children run around when they come.”

    Emilie Guitard called for increased activism in this area, citing what Folu and his group are doing in Ibadan, which is aimed at calling the government to order in the fight to preserve our environment.

    Jomi Marcus Bello concurred with Guitard on the need for activism, disagreeing with a member of the audience, who, a moment earlier, had advocated a softer approach. 

    “Go and walk home between the hours of 12 and 3; I skate, so I kind of understand the street. Walk home, I think you will be an activist.”

    In Folu’s opinion, the same problems we grew up with have gotten worse. He therefore said, “Enough of the ‘Let’s talk with them… They are not listening. So we need to make them listen. They work for us, we pay them….”

    He regaled the audience with the efforts his group has taken to fight the deforestation effort of the Agodi Gardens, which is a protected forest reserve in Ibadan, which is taking the construction company and the Oyo state government to court.

    A member of the audience however advised that going forward, he should use the power of numbers, either by getting huge number of lawyers to stand up for him, like he once adopted in Lagos during the case of the Ikoyi building collapse or getting a huge number of multitude to walk the streets to press his case home his point. 

    “That”, he said, “is the language the government understands.”

    Ruth Mahogany used her spoken word poetry and music to further drive home the message of the evening.

  • Trend’s place hotel suites hosts Sallah feast at unveil

    Trend’s place hotel suites hosts Sallah feast at unveil

    Trend’s Place Hotel and Suites along airport road Abuja will hold on Monday, June 17 with Sallah Feast in commemoration of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Strategically located after the popular Dunamis Church Headquarters, by NNPC filling Station along airport road, Trend’s Place Hotel and Suites was introduced to bring a paradigm shift in the Abuja entertainment hospitality industry.

    A statement by its management, on Sunday, June 16, noted that apart from the serenity of the environment in which it is located, its proximity to the airport is another selling point guests are expected to enjoy.

    It states: “It has 40 exclusive rooms, conference hall, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, gym, 24 hours laundry services,Spa,mini botique,free internet and game centre where guests can play variety of games.

    “The Soft opening and the Sallah Feast will be a superb outing that Abuja residents will not want to miss.

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    “It will feature lots of fun as top entertainers are expected to thrill guests with the best of entertainment.

    “Among others expected to perform at the event, Kaycee Kline and other Abuja comedians,Djs to trill you as Sweetband will also be there live.

    “The hotel management has graciously made entry free for every guest at the opening and the Sallah Feast.”

  • Children rewarded in art talent hunt in Lagos

    Children rewarded in art talent hunt in Lagos

    On May 27 every year, being Children’s Day, the National Gallery of Art (NGA) organizes art competition for children in nursery, primary and secondary schools across the nation. It is always a moment to discover new talents, promote, reward and encourage them. This year children were also allowed to dance, sing, do choreography, engage in dance drama and generally represent different Nigerian cultures in costumes and traditional adornments. EDOZIE UDEZE reports on the colourful presentations that graced the programme this year.

    The  National Gallery of Art (NGA, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Culture, Art and Creative Economy has already carved a niche for itself.  For many years now, it has been creating, promoting and championing programmes to discover and elevate children artists. Last week when the Children’s Day was marked on May 27th, NGA organized one of the most elaborate and largest gathering of student artists in the history of Nigeria. A mammoth crowd of pupils and students and their teachers and other visitors from different primary and secondary schools in and around Lagos were in attendance. For a while it seemed that the sprawling esplanade of the NGA office premises located within the National Theatre complex, Iganmu, Lagos could not take the crowd. But like most things artistic, more spaces were quickly improvised; lots of more shades and canopies were erected to accommodate the teeming crowd.

    The children were in their best jolly mood. The festal mood of the environment further induced them to perform their best dances, dance-dramas, poetic renditions and songs. Guests were very excited to see and witness such high quality productions and presentations by kid artists. Indeed, the children took over the arena, commanding and displaying their artistic prowess. It was their day; it was their moment to shine, to take over the surface of the earth. There was every good reason to believe that most of them have already chosen the part they want to follow in life. This is so because most of their presentations were unique, natural as the rate of fluidity of their performances proved that these were really artists in words and actions.

    Even though the theme of this year’s package centred entirely on visual arts, it is certain that the act of creativity can often be all-encompassing. The children in arts talent hunt exhibition 2024: Visual art as a panacea for the growth of our economy! Nothing can be better than this given the state of the nation right now where emphasis is on people trying to create to live and live to create. According to Mufu Onifde, the zonal head of NGA in the south west, this programme has been in existence for years and it has offered the NGA the rarest opportunity to see that one can start on time to discover these talents. And when they are discovered, it is also imperative to prod them on, encouraging them and guiding them to move on in the right direction.

    The drawing and painting competition equally proved Onifade right. The quality of those art works both in ceramics and sculpting done by the children point to the fact that there is plenty in the creative economy. The students can sculpt, they can also paint in such a way to interpret the theme expressively. A look at those works as they were mounted inside the Aina Onabolu Gallery showed that there is creativity in lots and lots of children and they need to be explored and encouraged right on the dot of time. Not only that prizes were awarded to the best winners in different categories of the visual art competition, some of the school presented awesome dance-dramas that astounded people. Those who presented musical renditions and played so many different instruments stole the show. Those that chose to dance traditional dances proved that culture is ever rich in Nigeria. Adorned in different colourful costumes, the students demonstrated that given the chance they can promote Nigerian cultural values without let or hindrance.

    With about 16 nursery and primary schools and 14 secondary schools in attendance, the assorted colours and decorations of the arena became more engrossing and attractive. Out of them all, eleven schools were chosen to perform in areas of choreography, dance-drama, cultural dances and more. And so the Director General of NGA, Ahmed Sodangi explained that the show was purposely to reflect on the significant role children play in shaping our society and contributing to a brighter future for Nigeria. He gave examples of those bright children the NGA as an agency of government has taken time to celebrate.

    Sodangi said more, “This day is very important in the life of a child as well as their parents. To the children, I say that the day reminds us about our duties towards you all. You are like tender bud”, he said with lots of funfair. With this statement the mood was set for the children to be more eccentric in their presentations. And in her usual motherly manner, Dr. Peace Odogwu, the curator of NGA, Lagos office, said “So as young artists, I encourage you to continue exploring by creating visual arts. Your passion and talents have the power to not only enrich our culture but also contribute to the growth of our economy”.

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    This also goes to support what Onifade said earlier. The theme is to encourage the creative economy to triumph even in the face of mounting odds. The government of Ahmed Tinubu has done well by creating and empowering the Creative Economy Ministry so as to ginger artists on endlessly. What the NGA has been doing over the years is to ensure that the sector is kept on its toes in this regard. “Over the years, we have discovered and encouraged many young artists, some of whom went on to prove their mettle in the world of art”.

    Another striking feature of this year’s is that NGA got more sponsors. Some of them who were present praised the theme which is children in art talent hunt and other sundry issues geared towards children’s arts promotion. Oware Alex of Young Professionals for Tinubu said that the idea of the group is to encourage talent to blossom. “We formed this group before president Tinubu became the president. The idea cuts across. It is to encourage and promote talents everywhere, allow them to grow, to prosper and to achieve. This is why we are part of this show to encourage our children to become sound professionals in the nearest future”. So also was the AB Art world. They came with their products mainly visual materials for painting and more. The outfit located in Surulere, Lagos, is meant to promote arts and artists through their products and materials.

    Awards were given to students. In the primary school category in painting,  Araoluwa Akanbi of St. Leos Catholic school Ikeja came first. He was followed by Chinweuba Onoh of Gem Star private school, Lagos who came second while Okechukwu David of the same school came third. Their works thoroughly explored and captured the theme and indeed set out to prove that children do the damndest things. In the primary graphics category, Isabelle Ejinima of St. Leos Catholic school Ikeja came first followed by Okunbor Daniel of Kids Montessori who came second while Efodi David of Gem Star school, Lagos came third. Their works in graphics are not just modern and synthetic; the works are also a representation of an era, an era of creativity in a special way.

    In the secondary school category in painting Udoka Divine of Oloye Comprehensive College came tops while Okoro Franklin of Holy Covenant school came second and Adewara Ezekiel came third. In the secondary school graphics, Obi Joshua of Ekum College came first while Kalmadeen Sodiq of the same school followed. The third position was won by Ibrahim Sulaimon of the same school. In the award of secondary school graphics in sculpture, Emmanuel Prince came first with Labulo Teleola coming second in the ceramics category, while Goodluck came third in textile. What all these have shown is that it is instructive to engage Fine Arts teachers in all schools across the nation to teach and guide the children early enough.

  • Innovative marketing leader driving brand growth, consumer engagement

    Innovative marketing leader driving brand growth, consumer engagement

    Olawande Meyungbo is a creative and results-driven Brand/Product Marketing professional with over eight years of experience collaborating with diverse specialists to plan, build, launch, and manage best-in-class campaigns and other marketing initiatives. With a strong foundation in brand management, marketing strategy, and data-driven decision-making, Olawande has successfully maximized product and brand marketing performance across multiple touchpoints. Known for executing impactful marketing campaigns, increasing brand awareness, and driving conversions, Olawande has consistently delivered results that align with strategic corporate objectives.

    Currently serving as the Media & Equity Manager at Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Olawande leads the development and execution of marketing communications initiatives for key brands such as Cowbell, Onga, Top Tea, Kremela, Twisco, Miksi, and Loya. This role combines consumer insights, creative strategy and development, media strategy, media investment optimization, vendor relations, and campaign performance management. A notable achievement includes managing the launch of the Onga Great Taste and Aroma campaign across digital and traditional media in Nigeria, leading to a 20.6% growth in brand awareness. Additionally, Olawande spearheaded the collaboration between Onga and DStv for the 2024 AMVCA Cultural Day, which featured an on-ground activation attended by over three thousand guests and an online amplification that reached over eight million people and generated over four million online engagements.

    Previously, as Manager of Account Management & Strategy at Digitas Nigeria, a Publicis Company, Olawande led the management of key Nigerian Breweries accounts, including Star Radler, Gulder, Desperados, Amstel, and Star, across digital media touchpoints. Key achievements include developing and implementing Star Radler’s thematic campaign, “Refresh The Moment,” which positioned the brand as a lifestyle brand that fits seamlessly into consumers’ lives.

    Olawande also played a pivotal role in redefining Gulder’s brand positioning through the “Senior Man” campaign, shifting its image from a medieval, hard-edged identity to a more relatable lifestyle-driven narrative. This included a strategic approach to personalization at scale, selecting the right ambassadors and influencers, and overseeing key tactical brand activities.

    During Olawande’s tenure as a Digital Marketing Executive at Fidelity Bank PLC, the responsibility extended to managing the bank’s digital properties, including the website, mobile app, blog, and social media presence. A major highlight was leading the bank’s employee digital transformation engagement campaign, which significantly boosted staff relations with management and improved internal engagement. Other key initiatives included conceptualizing the “A Grin Christmas” nationwide festive campaign, which successfully acquired over 15,000 leads and increased account openings, as well as launching the “Fidelity Pay Yourself” product, which attracted over 5,000 individual registrants and 100 corporate representatives.

    Additionally, Olawande played a key role in the production and strategy overhaul of Fidelity Bank’s YouTube channel, which resulted in a significant increase in viewership and a 100% rise in subscriptions within three months.

    Prior to that, Olawande worked as a Creative & Strategy Executive at Starcom Media Perspectives, where they provided creative and strategic content for brands such as Samsung Nigeria, Cloret, TomTom, Cadbury Hot Chocolate Drink, ARM Investments, UAC Food brands, Novartis, TGI brands, E & J. Gallo Winery, and Philip Morris International. Notable achievements include leading the digital strategy and execution of the Samsung A Series launch, which significantly grew market share in Nigeria. Additionally, Olawande developed a cost-effective niche marketing strategy for the Galaxy Note10 launch, ensuring top-of-mind awareness among key demographics. Other major projects included conceptualizing Novartis’ first digital media activation for Coartem malaria drugs, leading the creative team in TomTom’s Super Eagles 2018 World Cup sponsorship campaign, and collaborating with UAC Foods’ marketing team to revamp the visual brand identity of key brands such as Gala, Swan, Supreme, and Funtime.

    Olawande holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Gas Engineering from the same institution. Additionally, Olawande has obtained a Certificate in Professional Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Professional Marketing, expected to be completed in 2025.

    With a strong command of tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Meta Business Suite, Microsoft Office, and WordPress, Olawande combines analytical skills with creative storytelling to develop and execute marketing strategies that drive tangible business results. Expertise spans across strategy development, product marketing management, digital marketing, media planning, creative development, content strategy, market research, and campaign execution. Known for a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, Olawande remains committed to delivering innovative marketing solutions that enhance brand equity and drive business growth.

  • Abibat Mogaji goes on stage

    Abibat Mogaji goes on stage

    Come June 15th and 18th the Aso Villa and Nicon Noga Hotel in Abuja will be agog as guests watch an epic play titled Abibat Abisola omo Mogaji. Written and directed by Prof. Ahmed Yerima, the play is to celebrate the life and times of Abibat Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. EDOZIE UDEZE, who watched the rehearsals in Lagos, reports

    The theatre scene in Nigeria is abuzz at the moment with the coming of a great Amazon on stage. The story is on Abibat Mogaji, the Iya Oloja General of Lagos. Written and directed by Professor Ahmed Yerima, a former General Manager of National Theatre and Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria, the stage play is an epic show about the life and times of Abibat Abisola Omo Mogaji, mother of Nigeria’s president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The idea of the play is, first and foremost, to show the world the story of a tenacious and purposeful lady who rose from nowhere to become a leading light. Second, it is to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the demise of this woman who rose to become the mother of the nation through her various engagements with traders, business men and women, both at the national and grassroots levels. An exemplary woman indeed.

    At the rehearsals of the play in Lagos, Yerima situates a woman who believes in herself and her ability to turn things around. A woman who has boldness and determination as her second nature. The stage opens with a big chant, as the sound from a piper resounds and reverberates all over the scene. A solemn, sombre, invocative, somewhat like a chronic staccato noise follows slowly in the background. A sign that a big female masquerade is about to enter the arena. The piper sound resounds higher now with market women who flow onto the stage, stooping in their droves to welcome their leader.

    Then like a volcanic eruption, the men and women begin to sing and dance, accompanied with provocative sounds from different instruments. It is a dance of joy and merriment, infused with moments of celebration. In theatre, this scene sounds like a teaser, an opening to usher the audience into the workings of the personality that is about to unveiled. As the music and dance intensify, beautiful sounds of drumming and pipe travel far into the distance to be smoothen the atmosphere. People sit engrossed, with glued attention to welcome this wonderful character, a character that bestrides the scene like colossus. Then there is the moment of accentuated suspense as the scene moves quickly to the hospital.

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    The birth of Abibat Abisola Omo Mogaji in 1912 was heralded and indeed foreseen by ancestors. The signs and symbols that usually accompany the advent of a great leader were all in the horizon announcing her coming. Here the narrator plays her role clearly and professionally. At the hospital, the elders wait to see the new born baby. But what they have predicted has also come to pass. As soon as baby Abibat is born, within seconds, she grabbed her mother’s breast and began to suck. This behaviour is unprecedented as the elders gather in groups to observe and make their comments.

    Instantly, the elders of the family, in conformity with one another exclaimed: “Abibat Abisola Omo Mogaji”, thus signifying a great leader, someone who is hungry to hold life in the jugular, eager to move into the world and overcome and conquer. As the elders thus gave her the names spontaneously, the women and men around go into deeper chants of music accompanied with dances and jubilations. From that auspicious moment, till she died eleven years ago, Abibat Mogaji was a celebrity of the highest order. She came, saw and conquered. She touched lives. She overcame all odds. She impacted on people. She molded characters. She equally developed markets alongside capable traders peopled by men and women. Many of these, she made millionaires.

    From Tinubu Square, to Idumagbo, to Martins and Idumota, all the way to Kakawa Street, up to Iddo and Oyingbo markets, Abibat ensured she encouraged markets to prosper. As she did so, she humbled herself with an unbridled dignity that enabled her train men and women.  Hers was a God given talent. She towered far above others. This made Oba Adeyinka Oyekan of Lagos to confer on her the Iya Oloja General of Lagos State. This was the pride that took her spirit higher and almost to the point of professional crescendo. Thus, she gave more time to her calling. She joined the Egba Omo Oodua. She became a member of Action Group. She trained herself within the principles of Awo Politics and immersed herself in the wisdom of Herbert Macaulay. She believed in the grassroots politics of Lateef Jakande and Adekunle Ajasin. Also she extended her leadership acumen to the doctrines of Gbadamosi and Mobolaji Johnson.

    In all , .her reach out to the people became larger and more encompassing. No one was left in doubt that even with little education, but wider exposure, Abibat Abisola Omo Mogaji had come to overtake and recover. The play traces her early life from amalgamation in 1914 to the time of Herbert Macaulay. Her time from Obafemi Awolowo era of free education, free enterprise and growth and all were recorded. She witnessed the 1966 coup when Akintola, Balewa, Okotie-Ebo and others lost their lives. When Col. Mobolaji Johnson was made the military Governor of Lagos by Gowon, she welcomed the development, insisting that she and others must move on with the world. Thus, she became a close ally of the military and helped Lagos to experience more tremendous economic prosperity.

    When she was interviewed by the press, her responses were clearly for the progress of Nigeria. Abibat had her trust that Lagos State will eventually grow to become a mega economic hub of West Africa. She never rested in this regard and that was why Oba Oyekan did not hesitate to recognize her. This is why also Professor Yerima said in an interview that the primary purpose of this play is to show how a woman rose from practically nothing to become one of the best celebrities of the times. “In her life, you see how determination and belief in yourself can take you higher in life. Abibat typifies determination and resilience in times of trials and peace. This is why this play is important. It is also to celebrate eleven years of her demise”, he said.

    Prof. Yerhma and the cast during the rehearsal

    It is remarkable that the play is embellished with lots and lots of dances and songs. There are songs and dances that represent the egalitarian and cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State. Almost before and after every scene, there is a dance to celebrate. Dances and songs and chants and praises induce Yoruba cultural heritage. There is plenty of those in the play. When you come across a number of Lagos slangs on stage, it is all part of the theatricals to celebrate an Amazon, a peculiar pacesetter who came to impact on people.

    On stage, Abibat is a good dancer and singer. She moves with grace. She loves

    Owambe. She works hard; she enjoys hard. Every of her movement, utterances, interactions with her people are all in tune with her graceful nature and propensity to love and share. She is a very gregarious woman. Always, she carries herself with guided respect. For her, life needs to be celebrated as she talks and spices her words with proverbs, wise sayings and jokes. In her, motherhood is seen to be in bloom. She cherishes her role, this opportunity to see fellow women make money and overcome poverty. On stage too, she displays power and authority, characteristics of a good leader.

    In one of her mid-day reveries, Abibat encountered Macaulay, Awolowo, Abiola and Tinubu. In those moments her inner self revealed to her that these four strong Yoruba men would touch the world. Even though in that vision she did not see clearly what her son Tinubu would turn out to be, she nonetheless kept the vision aglow in her subconscious. Today it is clear what the 4th person has become. According to Yerima, the play will be staged twice in Abuja, one in Aso Villa while the second will be at the Nicon Noga Hotels. On the 15th and 18th June therefore all roads will lead to these two venues to watch this heroin on stage.

    Yerima made it clear that the play will last for one and half hours. “It is not a time to keep guests for too long in the hall”, he said. But the book itself is a compendium, full of facts and figures about this amazing woman called Abibat Mogaji, the Iya Oloja General. A date will be fixed later for the play to be staged in Lagos with the Glover Hall as the venue.

  • “Uzo Anya”: Mavic Chijioke Okeugo redefines the power of the gaze

    “Uzo Anya”: Mavic Chijioke Okeugo redefines the power of the gaze

    Rele Gallery, Los Angeles, presented Uzo Anya, a striking solo exhibition by Nigerian visual artist Mavic Chijioke Okeugo, on view from May 27 to May 31, 2024. The exhibition delivered a bold, emotionally charged body of work that positioned the gaze not as passive observation, but as a site of power, memory, and resistance.

    Derived from the Igbo language, Uzo Anya translates to “the way of the eye” a phrase that encapsulates Okeugo’s inquiry into how Black bodies, particularly Igbo women, are seen, interpreted, and remembered. Through masterfully composed fine art photographs, the artist reclaims visual authority, presenting women not as subjects to be consumed, but as carriers of history and consciousness.

    The exhibition featured richly textured portraits and narrative scenes that fused photography with painterly sensibilities. Coral beads, scarification marks, ritual adornment, and controlled lighting functioned as both aesthetic and symbolic elements anchoring the work in Igbo cosmology while situating it firmly within contemporary global art discourse. Each image demanded stillness, compelling viewers to slow down and reckon with their own position as observers.

    At Rele Gallery Los Angeles, Uzo Anya unfolded as an immersive encounter. The gallery space became a crossroads where ancestral presence met modern exhibition practice, attracting a diverse audience of curators, collectors, academics, and art enthusiasts. Conversations ignited around themes of visibility, cultural sovereignty, and the evolving language of African photography beyond documentary traditions.

    Okeugo’s work stood out for its quiet intensity and conceptual clarity asserting that representation is not enough without intention. The women in Uzo Anya look back, holding the gaze with confidence and insistence, disrupting inherited hierarchies of seeing.

    By hosting Uzo Anya, Rele Gallery reaffirmed its role as a leading platform for African and diasporic artists, fostering meaningful engagement between continents and communities. The exhibition marked a significant moment for Okeugo’s practice and for the growing presence of contemporary African voices within the U.S. art landscape.

    Uzo Anya leaves a lasting imprint an invitation to see differently, and to understand vision as both an act and a responsibility.

  • Tourism Minister tours Obudu mountain resort

    Tourism Minister tours Obudu mountain resort

    Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John and her team visited to Obudu Mountain Resort, in Cross River State to inspect ongoing renovation of the world class resort being undertaken by the new concessionaires for the resort.

    The Minister, who was accompanied by a team that included the Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism and officials of OMR among others, was at the resort to assess the current state of the resort in line with the national eco/community tourism roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Tourism.

    This is to ensure that the Nigerian tourism sector delivers economic benefits, positive social change and profound goodwill to the country.

    Last year, CIBA Construction Company Limited, was picked as the most preferred concessionaires to re-design, redevelop and upscale the resort. CIBA Hospitality Limited has undertaken the upgrade of the resort in partnership with Marriott Hotels International, which it has already entered into a business relationship with to redevelop and manage the facility.

    Speaking on this development, Dami Adepoju of Marriott noted that ‘‘the progressive partnership with CIBA Hospitality Limited on the remodeling and management of the Obudu Mountain Resort, will provide an alignment with leisure and business travellers’ behaviours”.

    The Group Managing Director CIBA Construction Company Limited, Mr Josiah Samuel commended the Minister for Tourism for her great strides since assuming office. He assured the Minister and the Cross River State government of the company’s commitment to deliver on the project on time and reposition the resort to stand out as one of the recognizable touch-points in tourism industry in Africa.  

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    With the ongoing construction of the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport and the upgrade of the resort, a growth pole that will open socio-economic activities of Obudu axis is in the works.

    When completed, it will serve as an accessibility point for international travellers and tourists who desire to experience nature and the serene environment and scenic views that Obudu Mountain Resort offers. 

    Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport will provide critical connectivity that will be a significant engine of economic development and catalyst for growth as well as beneficial to the communities in northern Cross River while industries in Ebonyi, Benue and Taraba states that are reliant on quick transportation, such as logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce will also come into the mix.

  • Transforming lives, communities through affordable housing

    Transforming lives, communities through affordable housing

    Addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis requires innovative solutions. With a deficit of 28 million homes and an estimated N21 trillion needed, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is spearheading transformative efforts for affordable housing, BOLAJI OGUNDELE reports

    Nigeria’s housing crisis, characterised by a 28 million home deficit as of 2023, requires an estimated N21 trillion to resolve. Stakeholders in the industry believe the current administration is addressing this challenge with innovative solutions tailored to different population segments.

    Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an architect and expert in housing and urban development, was appointed to lead this critical effort.

    At a recent Ministerial Sectoral Briefing in Abuja, marking one year of the administration of President Bola Tinubu and nine months of Dangiwa’s leadership as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, he highlighted the ministry’s achievements and future plans. This briefing provided an opportunity for officials to present their progress to the public. The Minister emphasised the ministry’s dedication to creating an efficient housing market and ensuring access to secure, decent and affordable homes for all Nigerians. A cornerstone of this vision is the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme, launched earlier this year.

    This ground-breaking initiative aims to plan, design and develop modern, sustainable cities and estates that offer affordable housing solutions while fostering vibrant, inclusive communities. By focusing on urban development and housing infrastructure, the programme seeks to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians across various income levels. Nigeria is grappling with a housing crisis, with a deficit of 28 million homes as of 2023 and an estimated N21 trillion needed to address it. To tackle this issue, the administration has crafted innovative solutions for various population segments.

    Key objectives of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme include increasing the availability of affordable housing units, initiating urban and slum upgrading programmes, implementing policies that promote inclusivity, and fostering public-private partnerships to boost housing production and urban infrastructure development. Under this programme, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development aims to transform the urban landscape, improve living conditions, upgrade infrastructure, and provide essential services in informal settlements. By addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups, such as persons with disabilities, women and the elderly, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to social equity and sustainable urban development.

    The ambitious phase one of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme is set to revolutionise the housing landscape in Nigeria by delivering a total of 50,000 housing units across the country. This initiative represents a significant step towards realising the vision of providing secure, decent and affordable homes for all Nigerians. As part of the plan, the Renewed Hope Cities will feature 1,000 housing units per site in strategic locations within each of the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These integrated living communities are designed to cater to individuals from all income brackets, offering a variety of housing options, including one-bedroom flats, two-bedroom flats, three-bedroom flats, terraces, and duplexes.

    In contrast, the Renewed Hope Estates are tailored to meet the needs of low- and medium-income earners, with each site accommodating 500 housing units in the remaining thirty states. These estates will feature one, two, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, designed with flexibility in mind to allow for expansions as beneficiaries’ incomes grow over time. To ensure that the housing units are accessible to a wide range of prospective homeowners, the programme offers various affordable ownership options. These include single-digit mortgage loans with repayment terms of up to 30 years provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own schemes that allow beneficiaries to gradually transition to homeownership through manageable instalments, and outright purchase options for high-income earners.

    With a total budget of N126.5 billion approved from the 2023 Supplementary and 2024 Budgets, the programme is well-funded to support the construction of housing units, slum upgrades and urban renewal projects nationwide. Currently, estates are under development in 12 states, while cities are taking shape in three key locations: Abuja, Yobe, and Lagos. Contractors have hit the ground running, with work underway to deliver the first phase of 3,500 housing units. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has forged partnerships with reputable developers through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to accelerate the development of 100,000 housing units across the country. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to addressing inequalities, promoting homeownership, and creating sustainable communities that foster economic growth and social well-being for all.

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    Recent developments have seen the commencement of work on an additional 3,112 housing units through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This brings the total number of housing units currently under construction to an impressive 6,612, marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to address the housing needs of Nigerians. A key strategy employed to enhance affordability and promote integrated living for low- and medium-income earners is the implementation of cross-subsidy schemes within the Renewed Hope Cities. Under this concept, housing units will be sold at commercial rates, with a significant percentage allocated for sale at concessionary rates to members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. This approach aims to ensure that affordable housing remains accessible to those who need it most, fostering inclusive communities and social well-being.

    The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is not only about providing shelter, but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth. The construction and development of new housing areas are expected to create a substantial number of employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments. The delivery of 50,000 housing units under phase one is projected to generate approximately 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs, with additional economic benefits derived from the value-chain effects such as increased demand for building materials and services.

    In line with the commitment to expanding access to affordable housing, the Ministry is set to roll out another batch of Renewed Hope Estates comprising 250 housing units each in six additional states, totalling 1,500 housing units. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to provide diverse housing options and support homeownership for a wider segment of the population. To streamline the process of acquiring homes under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, the Ministry recently launched an Online Housing Portal. This digital platform aims to simplify the home-buying process, enhance transparency, and make it easier for prospective homeowners to explore available housing options and access relevant information.

    In addition to the housing initiatives, the Ministry is also actively engaged in the National Slum Upgrade Programme under Phase 1. This programme targets a total of 26 sites nationwide, focusing on improving essential services such as water supply, solar streetlights, access road rehabilitation, drainage construction, waste management, and sanitation services. Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Renewed Hope Housing Programme has been unwavering in its commitment to fast-track the sale and occupation of housing units across the country. With a focus on inclusivity and affordability, the programme has adopted strategies to cater to the diverse housing needs of Nigerians.

    To facilitate the sale of homes and accommodate different income segments, the Ministry advertised expression-of-interest forms with four subscription windows, including outright payment, mortgage, rent-to-own, and instalment payment options. This approach has garnered significant interest with a total of 8,925 expressions-of-interest received, reflecting the broad appeal of the housing options offered. In a recent development, the Ministry released the first batch of offer of new provisional allocation letters for successful applicants who opted for outright payment. This milestone represents a significant step towards ensuring that more Nigerians have access to secure and affordable housing solutions, supporting the government’s vision of providing decent homes for all citizens.

    In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, including the most vulnerable and underprivileged groups, have access to dignified accommodation, the Ministry is in the process of creating a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). This initiative aims to establish a sustainable framework that will provide financial support for social housing projects across the country, recognising housing as a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all. The National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) is poised to become a vital pillar in Nigeria’s quest to provide affordable housing for its citizens. Drawing from various funding sources such as the removal of fuel subsidy, post-tax profits from pension fund administrator investments, corporate contributions, and public-private partnerships, among others, the NSHF aims to significantly expand access to affordable housing and promote social inclusion. By leveraging these diverse funding streams, the NSHF is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of vibrant and sustainable communities across the country.

    In tandem with efforts to establish the NSHF, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has embarked on a wide-ranging reform initiative aimed at transforming the housing sector. Central to this initiative is the Housing Reform Task Team, which comprises experts, stakeholders, and industry representatives tasked with developing a robust framework for reforming the housing sector. This includes reviewing key legislations, such as the Land Use Act and National Housing Fund Act, to promote increased investment in housing and enhance legal protections for homeowners.

    Recognising the importance of building materials in housing affordability and sustainability, the Ministry has also established a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team. This team is focused on boosting local manufacturing of building materials to lower costs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce reliance on imports. To expedite the delivery of housing projects, the Ministry has assembled a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team comprising professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management. This team is dedicated to fostering collaboration among housing agencies to accelerate the implementation of housing projects.

    Furthermore, the Ministry is committed to streamlining access to land for housing development projects. By addressing existing bottlenecks and simplifying land acquisition procedures, the Ministry aims to facilitate quicker access to land resources and catalyze the growth of the housing sector. In a ground-breaking move, the Ministry has also initiated efforts to reform the obsolete Land Use Act of 1978. By establishing a dedicated Land Reforms Task Team and proposing amendments to the Act, the Ministry aims to unlock the full potential of the housing sector by fostering inclusivity and streamlining land administration processes. As these task teams make significant progress towards their objectives, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing reforms that will reshape the housing sector and create a brighter future for all Nigerians. Through strategic partnerships, legislative reforms, and targeted interventions, the Ministry seeks to foster sustainable growth, expand access to affordable homes, and create vibrant/inclusive communities across the nation.

  • NGA: Children represent a glorious future

    NGA: Children represent a glorious future

    The Director-General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Sodangi, has said the proposed Nigerian Creative Industry bill is underway to provide a legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the development of a sustainable environment for the Visual Art.

    He said the bill would be in sync with the provisions of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2005 Convention of the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and Aspiration 5 of the African Union Agenda 2063 for an African with a strong cultural identity and common heritage.

    This, according to Sodangi, who spoke on Visual Art as a panacea for the growth of our economy at this year’s Children Day Visual Art exhibition and prize-giving ceremony, held at FCT Exhibition Pavilion, Area 11, Abuja, last Monday, is what Mr. President’s creative economy mantra aims to achieve in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The exhibition, which attracted about 350 students from the FCT, was curated by Perpetual Onyejekwe, NGA Abuja Head of Station. 

    He, however, noted that Nigeria’s Visual Arts industry was yet to live up to its full potential, but that, according to experts, it has the capacity to contribute $100 billion to the nation’s economy by 2030, when the government and the private sector partner to create an enabling business environment.

    Sodangi said beyond the fact that the artworks being exhibited were as innocent as the children’s thought process, they represent a glorious future for Nigeria that only you can see.

    “Your ability to interpret the theme for this year’s commemorative art competition in such an amazing expression is a thing of pride to me as Custodian-in-Chief of our Nation’s creative spirit; and I thank the teachers who have motivated the children to show their talents on this occasion. Now, you all can enjoy the fun-filled activities as outlined by the National Gallery of Art,” he added.

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    Reflecting on the significant role children play in shaping the society and contributing to a brighter future of Nigeria, he recalled that one month ago, at the Transcorp Hilton, in Abuja, the National Gallery of Art celebrated one of our children by name Kanyeyachukwu. He noted that there are several other Kanyeyachukwus amongst the children at the event.

    “This day is very important in the life of a child as well as their parents. To the children, I say that the day reminds us about our duties towards you all. You are like a tender bud, who in whichever way, can and must be molded. Children’s Day is celebrated with lots of fun and frolic activities. This is the day, which removes all the barriers against children and allows them to celebrate as they want. I have seen the awesomeness of your creativity as expressed in the works of art exhibited here,” he said.

    He stressed that through visual art, the creative industries have emerged as the most dynamic sectors in the Nigeria’s economy, providing new opportunities to both the young and old. “Visual art as a panacea for economic growth has no single definition,” he added.