The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Rebirth for arts, culture, creative economy

    Rebirth for arts, culture, creative economy

    By Dr. Deji Ayoola

    Beyond a seeming cosmetic spruce-up, the new Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE) benefits from a fundamental vision tweak and structural reconceptualisation from which the impactful achievements it has recorded in a year flow.

    A baby of “Renewed Hope Agenda” and rigorous visioning by President Bola Tinubu, FMACCE, under the guidance of youthful minister, Hannatu Musawa, has chalked up some key achievements as of Q1, less than a year since she set sail at the instance of the President.

    “As a nation, we are trying to diversify from oil, and the creative economy is a strong alternative as the new oil because the future of the country depends on the creative sector.

    “Nigerian creatives all over the world are doing great things and that is why our ministry is set to be a beacon of creativity, innovation, and inclusivity,” Musawa said in a keynote address at the opening of 2024 management retreat for ministry workers and agencies in Abuja.

    Cutting to the heart of her mandate, she added: “We play a critical role in shaping the creative and cultural landscape of our nation while promoting and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    “Since establishment of the ministry by President Tinubu, we have witnessed remarkable achievements and milestones, thanks to the dedication and passion of our predecessors and key stakeholders.

    “From establishment of cultural institutions to implementation of landmark policies, project and programmes, our ministry has been and will continue to be in the forefront of driving positive change and transformation.”

    FMACCE is committed to aligning itself with the presidential priorities enunciated by President Tinubu for ministers and top government functionaries back in November. These include reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, boosting agriculture to achieve food security, among others.

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    Musawa nailed it when she insisted: “The Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy sectors have a crucial role to play in achieving these priorities and are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation. By ensuring the development and continued investment in these sectors, we can harness their potential to stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and attract investments, thereby contributing to diversification and resilience of our economy.”

    With notable clarity and emphasis, she reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to working together to ensure that efforts that birthed FMACCE are consolidated and institutionalised. Significantly, Musawa, who boldly proclaimed that the creative economy is Nigeria’s “new oil,” has kept her pledge, mirrored in the impressive, critical grounds FMACCE has covered on her watch, despite challenges.

    As the administration of President Tinubu marks its first anniversary in office, it will be pertinent to track its governance progress. It is a good opportunity to beam the searchlight on achievements of FMACCE.

    Under Musawa’s watch, the FMACCE, as at the first quarter, recorded 1,005 individuals trained in professional development programmes in the creative sub-sectors through NICO, National Theatre, NFC, NFI, NGA, MOWAA. It has also recorded 103 trainees trained in cultural and creative academies established in partnership with higher institutions. These positives come under capacity building/training of individuals.

    The ministry has also embarked on PPP for infrastructure renovation/construction. The renovation of the National Theatre through PPP with the CBN & The Bankers Committee.

    On partnerships and collaboration, it has commenced mapping of potential domestic and international partnerships and collaborations. It has signed MOUs for partnership with the Recording Academy (Grammy’s); International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) with NCMM, ABU Zaria, and AUN Yola.

    On job creation, the ministry has recorded 257,754 new jobs. In terms of its contribution to GDP, it has scaled up GDP contribution share by 0.37 per cent from 1.3 per cent to GDP share of 1.67 per cent.

    In the period of assessment, FMACCE has increased Nigerian Cultural Heritage on UNESCO Representative List by two. These include Sango Festival Oyo and Midwifery.

    On the soft power front, FMACCE spearheaded increase in Nigeria’s cultural influence from 2.5 per cent to 46 per cent and recorded increase in Nigeria’s cultural influence from 2.5 per cent to 46 per cent. It further recorded increase in Nigeria’s Brand Perception Index from 1.5 per cent to 18 per cent.

    In terms of stakeholder engagement, it conducted 18 stakeholder engagement events with the public through industry stakeholder workshops, organized by CBAAC and NGA.

    Against the backdrop, the creative economy is a fountain of opportunities, a wellspring of economic growth, and a catalyst for societal transformation. It is also a testament to the ingenuity of Nigerians, the richness of its cultural heritage and the imagination that defines it as a nation. It was not surprising the minister pledged her ministry will facilitate creation of two million jobs.

    Hear her: “We are trying to diversify from oil through the creative industry. Job creation is key and we want to create and contribute two million jobs by 2027. We want to increase the GDP by $100 billion by 2030. It is doable. We are going to work round the clock to ensure we are able to do that.”

    President Tinubu, through reconceptualisation and creation of the new FMACCE, demonstrated his commitment to supporting growth and development of the art, culture, and the creative economy sectors. He recognises the role these sectors play in the national development agenda.

    It’s little wonder that Tinubu has peered into the future and proclaimed his administration would create a trillion-dollar economy in 10 years. For Doubting Thomases, it could be recalled that California recorded over $3 trillion-GDP in 2023 by leveraging human and technological resources.

    Leaning on his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the consensus is that Tinubu can leverage Nigeria’s population and resources to build a trillion-dollar economy in the next decade.

    The President noted that achieving his goal of creating a trillion-dollar economy in 10 years can be facilitated by job creation, access to capital for SMEs, inclusiveness, rule of law and battling insecurity, hunger, poverty and corruption. Musawa is a key player in that compelling big picture.

    What’s more. Musawa has demonstrated an awareness and knows it’s no secret that today, the world, Africa and Nigeria stand on the brink of disruptions – and of considerable opportunity – as new governance, political and business models challenge traditional playbooks. She demonstrated capacity, competence and leadership in her previous engagements. FMACCE, under her watch, is benefiting from these capabilities as she drives the creative economy.

  • Breathe of novelty opens fresh vista

    Breathe of novelty opens fresh vista

    With the exploration of the use of multi-colours in the production of batik works, Head of Departments, Industrial Designs, School of Art, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr. Hakeem Adeyemo is raising awareness on the possibilities of using multi-colours in the production of batik wall hangings with his current works at his first solo exhibition.

    The exhibition, which was held at the Yusuf Grillo Art Gallery, School of Art, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology, themed Breathe of novelty focuses on inspiring creative discovery of artistic expressions with innovations and unique knowledge.

    According to him, ‘Breath of novelty is to open inventions, creating documentation of inventions, researches and so on. This is to show people that textile is not only wearable, but we can do batik as wall handguns that will give you the colors we wants if you look at the colours in the wall, some of them are more than 5-10 colors which is not common to every other art work. It’s more like painting in its own.’

    Adeyemo who is well known for his artistic works, tutoring and encouraging younger ones has been in arts since 36 years, during which he got his Ph.D in textile from the University of Benin (UNIBEN). He has learnt how to manually mix colours to create uncommon colours, and is ready to inculcate the industrial print into the concept of designs he produces manually.

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    He said that until now he has been exhibiting in group shows but decided to host a solo now. “People say charity begins at home let me dance in front of my people first before going out. But I have exhibited my works in group shows. This is my first show after my Phd.  That’s why I decided to do it in-house before I move out. Very soon by the grace of God, in the next few months, I would be showcasing my works in the public domain,” he said.

    The exhibition features a variety of his artworks, each providing a unique peek into his creative process and subject investigations.

    He explained that with the concept of this exhibition, as a textile artiste, he has been able to showcase some of his strength in the area of batik as it wasn’t always easy to get the right control of waxes and dyes for the job.

    “As a textile artiste, I’ve been able to showcase some of my strength in the area of batik, how one can control the wax and dyes,” he said.

    Chairman of the occasion, Managing Director, Adept Creations Limited, Mr. Olurinde Peters Jimmy stated that the exhibition shows excellence and awareness that textile deserves to be exhibited.

    “What happened here is the celebration of a colleague, an old time friend; we were colleague 36 years ago as art students. I chose graphic and advertising, while he chose to be an academia in textile. If you look at the arts here today, you would see that it has portrayed excellence here today, because hardly will you see people in textile hosting exhibitions. Adeyemo set the tone that textile is capable of being exhibited and you can see the works, the excellence in all of the jobs. Both print and batik, and all other works here are excellent jobs,” he said.

    With this show, the artist is encouraging the youths to make good use of their talents as is it innate and an expressive ability. Considering the state of the economy, pursing arts will help them make a good living.

    “Art is hands on. Arts, textile, graphics, all of arts is hands on, especially with the type of economy that we have today, if you studied art, you don’t have to beg for job. If you studied textile for instance, you don’t have to go and beg for job. I encourage the youths to take this opportunity that God has given. Most of these things are God’s given, they’re innate, latent ability that can be expressed. I want to encourage them to pursue it and make excellence out of their life,” he said.

  • Sound institute marks 10th anniversary with lecture, book

    Sound institute marks 10th anniversary with lecture, book

    The critical role sound engineering plays in enhancing the worship experience came to the fore when Starlight Media Institute (a school of audio engineering) marked its 10th anniversary.

    After years of helping to build and grow the sound departments of houses of worship, the institute held a lecture, book presentation and award ceremony to mark its anniversary.

    The event, which was held at the Trem King Court, Ojodu, Lagos, drew notable dignitaries. With the theme: “Achieving Exceptional Audio Quality Production In House of Worship”, the seminar focused on the significant role of audio quality on worship places, while stressing how they can achieve exceptional audio quality production. The lecture shed light on best practices and showcased the vital role of sound engineers in worship settings.

    According to the CEO of the institute, Steve Aluko, churches and good worship experience cannot do without a sound and audio department, adding that at the heart of it are sound or audio engineers.

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     The lecture was followed by the launch of the book “Microphone Demystified”, authored by the CEO of the institute, Steve Aluko. The book aims to demystify the complexities of microphone technology and equip individuals at all skill levels with a better understanding of its significance in achieving optimal audio outcomes.

    According to Aluko, the Institute chose to mark its 10th anniversary with pomp owing to achievements in the last decade. “Before the coming of Starlight Media Institute, there was no institute for the formal training of Sound Engineers in Nigeria. Practitioners were only trained by observation and hence, there was no established curriculum for training and this was the gap Starlight Media Institute was conceived to fill and has been filling for the past ten years,” he said.

    Aluko, who is a leading sound engineer, led the discussions on essential practices for sound engineers in such environments, while highlighting the relevance of sound engineers in churches. He shared insights on proper equipment management and the benefits of maintaining a positive attitude to uphold value and professionalism in the field.

    He, therefore, called for sound or audio engineering in Nigeria being inculcated into a formal curriculum in higher institutions of learning, positing that “since there is not yet any established curriculum for the course in our higher institutions is to segment the course into already existing related departments”.

    Speaking on opportunities available in sound or audio engineering in Nigeria, Aluko said: “There are numerous opportunities available in the field beyond the present belief that it only lies in music or church audio productions. Sound Engineering opens vistas in music, film production, cinematography, theatre production and so many other areas of the entertainment industry as well as acoustic or audio manufacturing. The seminar is meant to provided valuable insights and resources for individuals seeking to enhance audio quality in their respective environments

    “You cannot be academically sound as a graduate of Sound Engineering and be looking for a job. Rather, jobs will be looking for you. In radio and television broadcasting, in information technology where service providers like networks need sound engineers and even in medical facilities where ultrasound is done, sound technologies are always and will continue to be in high demand. All that is needed is the training to encourage expertise in all these fields, and that is where Starlight Media Institute comes in. To provide Nigerian youth with the expertise needed in these fields.”

    During the event, some dignitaries were honoured for their contributions to the growth of audio technology in Nigeria.

    They included Mr. Pedro Fatai, Laolu Akins, Mr. Shola Okiki, Rev. Roland, Mr. Diran Fajuyigbe, Mr. David Joshua, Mr. Femi Ojo, Engr. Sinmiloluwa Oyeleye, Mr. Emmanuel Shalom, Mr. Tunde Spencer, and Mr. Giwa Osagie

  • Enwonwu’s Legacy holds in London

    Enwonwu’s Legacy holds in London

    Oliver Enwonwu: A Continued Legacy, a joint exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculpture by Oliver Enwonwu and his father, late Prof. Ben Enwonwu, MBE, (1917– 1994) will open at Mall Galleries, London, between May 21 and June 1.

    To coincide with the 30th anniversary of Ben Enwonwu’s passing, the exhibition, which is organised by OM234, is conceived as a conversation between both artists exploring their shared depiction of femininity as a symbol of indigenous aesthetics and primordial feminine power. The exhibition venue pays homage to Ben Enwonwu’s 1985 exhibition Dance Theme also staged at Mall Galleries, London.

    For this joint show, Oliver Enwonwu has created new paintings that deviate from his father’s aesthetic to unpack ideas of nationhood, the female body, gesture, and symbolism. With a focus on the movement, hair, and clothing of his sitter’s Enwonwu depicts “strategy of resistance” emphasizing the self-assertiveness of his subjects. Enwonwu also engages with the works of other modern masters who failed to fully acknowledge their sources of inspiration in the geometric shapes of African masks and sculpture. Significantly, he has reinterpreted Picasso’s Les Desmoiselles d’ Avignon in a new work titled Were God to be a Woman. This painting asks us to reimagine the role of the women depicted by artists such as Picasso and celebrate indigenous African power over objectivity and colonialism.

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    Legacy of Resistance, Enwonwu’s interpretation of the 1804 Igbo Landing, is another notable work. Here, he explores the reality of historical trauma by recalling the past and written accounts of history and having them retold as myths or legends. In this painting as well as in the ‘Children of Biafra’ series, the artist adapted his father’s Anyanwu to continue a conversation with him as well as a metaphor for emancipation. The series on Idia (Iyoba, the warrior queen and mother of Oba Esigie of Benin) celebrates women through the concept of heroism, while Beauty and Morality and Musings challenge the gaze cast on women by White European artists such as Matisse and Modigliani, respectively.

    The use of archival material will underscore the exhibition and the relationship between the older and younger Enwonwu artists. Photographs of Ben Enwonwu with his iconic bronze Anyanwu at the National Museum in Lagos will be juxtaposed with images of his son standing next to the same work decades later. They also serve to highlight the beginning of the latter’s exploration of sculpture as a medium. Completed works in limestone and paintings appropriating Anyanwu that express ideas of the woman and nationhood will also be presented.

    In a long career spanning over six decades Ben Enwonwu’s broad oeuvre embraces several themes including the metaphysical, colonialism, sexism, gender inequality, environmental sustainability, and peace. Among Ben Enwonwu’s most acclaimed works are three iterations of Adetutu Ademiluyi, then a youthful princess of Ile-Ife. In continuing a conversation with his father, Oliver Enwonwu returns to the royal household for the making of another series of royal portraits. His subject is Adetutu’s niece, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi (nee Ademiluyi, great-granddaughter of Ooni Ajagun Ademiluyi and wife of the present Ooni). In this new series of paintings Oliver Enwonwu re-enacts an artistic process of his father and continues his legacy. Printed editions of Ben Enwonwu’s ‘Adetutu Ademiluyi’ works will also be available.

    Ben Enwonwu’s sculpture of HM Queen Elizabeth II is also among his most celebrated works and will be remembered through a series of archival images depicting the late artist working on the sculpture and his meeting with HM to explain his artistic process in 1957. There will also be a few photographs of Oliver Enwonwu presenting the work to the then HRH Prince Charles on an official visit to Nigeria.

    Together the work of Ben and Oliver Enwonwu in A Continued Legacy will examine the meeting point of tradition and modernity while highlighting the continued relevance of indigenous African identities, values, and beliefs in the contemporary globalised world. The exhibition is sponsored by Geregu Power PLC and CSL Capital UK.

  • Accessible studybase is game changer

    Accessible studybase is game changer

    • PAWA, UBEC, others endorse platform

    The recent launch of Accessible Studybase learning management platform at this year’s Nigeria International Book Fair was a game changer to teaching and learning in today’s schools. Designed and developed by the Ibadan-based Accessible Publishers Ltd, the Accessible Studybase will not only enhance teaching, but also promote effective school administration.

    Students, teachers and school administrators will find it as an enhanced tool that ease school work in teaching and learning as well as school management in real time. The launch had as theme, Leverage Technology to Enhance Learning and Reduce School Operational Cost and targeted at ‘Next Gen: School Platform with Content and Analytics, and latches on the catch phrase, ‘Digitise. Engage. Learn’ as drivers.

    MD/CEO Accessible Publishers Limited, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, said since the unfortunate advent of Covid-19 four years ago, he saw the need to leverage technology as the future of book publishing. He added that he has been looking for ways to better tap into ICT and maximise its benefits to the industry.

    “It was precisely for this reason that he rebranded his publishing outfit Rasmed Publications to Accessible Publishers Ltd in 2021, with a vision to make his products that include e-book, audio books, braille, virtual learning, App, more inclusive and accessible to all strata of the learning environment.

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    “As an organisation which prides itself in making contents accessible across all formats, we are excited to introduce to you our customised curriculum-based learning management software in Nigeria called ‘Accessible Studybase Learning Management Platform,” he added, noting that the platform incorporated a teaching series for all subjects in various textbooks as approved by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the educational regulatory body in Nigeria.

    Continuing, he said: “Over the past few months, we have engaged highly qualified and seasoned teachers to virtually teach all subjects as presented in our textbooks from elementary classes to Senior Secondary School classes, all in the bid to make learning and development easier for students and to augment physical teaching deficiencies for students both within and outside the school period.”

    Adedapo gave five reasons why a platform like Accessible Studybase has become an imperative given the apparent deficiencies easily noticed in Nigeria’s educational system, particularly poor teaching and learning environments, poor remuneration for teachers and lack of adequate teaching personnel to cater for the large student population.

    According to him, ‘it is important to understand our inspiration behind this project. You will agree with me that reading is ingrained in our daily lives whether we realise it or not. A significant portion of our daily communication happens through our social media engagement, text messages, emails, and messaging apps. Reading and learning are involved in our professional and academic lives and in navigating our environment. In all of these, we realise that most of our reading and learning process nowadays are 80% in digital form; that is, through our respective gadgets. Therefore, we thought it will be great to package our contents and book products to fit into what people are mostly interested in – the gadgets!’

    He explained that Accessible Studybase was borne out of the need to build resilience and to sustain the publishing industry beyond today. “Covid-19 taught us resilience and also served as a catalyst for change, innovation, introspection, prompting individuals, societies, and organisations to re-evaluate their priorities, strengthen their resilience, and prepare for the future. Accessible Publishers has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by taking advantage of the synergy between ICT and publishing to enhance the learning process and improve school operational cost,” he said.

    Adedapo, however, assured that Accessible Publishers still have physical books, but the e-learning platform provides leverage and serves as additional resource from other experts’ viewpoints to further boost our knowledge, and to augment our curriculum-based textbooks.

    Aside the content and virtual classes, he said, the platform is very robust and comprehensive, adding that it is loaded with an end-to-end school management software with modules such as ‘enquiry/admission module’, ‘students’ profiling’, ‘teachers’ profiling’, ‘documents’ hub’, ‘school fees’, ‘management/online payment gateway’, ‘attendance management’, ‘calendar’, teachers leave’, ‘library’, ‘expense management’, ‘inventory’, ‘exams result’, ‘question bank’, ‘session/class/groups’ and ‘lesson planning’.

    Others are ‘online exams’, school timetable’, ‘340 feedback’, ‘custom reports’, ‘analytics’, ‘salary management with biometrics’, ‘messaging and SMS integration’ and ‘compatibility with assistive technologies (AI)’.

    Mr. Adedapo also introduced three of the authors on the stables of Accessible Publishers Ltd, which include Mrs. Bolaji Ladipo, Funmi Ilori, and Mr. Anote Ajeluorou.

    Accessible Publishers’ Digital Manager and developer of Accessible Studybase Learning Management Platform, Mr. Dapo Adebayo, highlighted the unique selling points of the App in resolving the numerous challenges schools in the country currently face that inspired the App development. The App, according to Adedapo, comes especially handy “Where there is no teacher, we have got you covered, student can subscribe to practice questions and prepare for examinations, individuals can subscribe to home schooling and learning and personal development, schools can sign up for fee, over 2,000 library access materials, and personal tutorial sessions.”

    Present at the event were Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, Chief Cyril Uchenna Anioke, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, Dr. Wale Okediran and Mrs. Grace Samuel.

  • Exploring social media for empowerment

    Exploring social media for empowerment

    The time was simply auspicious for the yearly gathering. The ambience of the venue, Church of God Mission International, Victoria Island Zonal Headquarters (Garden City), Oniru, Lagos, was more than an ideal setting for the audience who were mainly youths. Guest speakers ranging from clerics to business executives, top government functionaries, social media influencers and other entrepreneurs were at hand to inspire the audience, who sat patiently through out the five hours event.

    The event was the annual The Roundtable, Lekki, a business development, economic empowerment and networking forum, created to share information that will assist businesses, business owners, investors, SMEs and individuals on how to take advantage of growth opportunities that abound in their operating environment.

    Convener of the roundtable was the Parish Pastor, Rev. Chris Ubamadu. It was held penultimate Wednesday.

    Leading the pack of speakers was Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who disclosed that Lagos State had sponsored and invested in many companies leveraging social media, and that there were many programmes entrepreneurs could tap into like LASSRI, voucher programme for entrepreneurs that require physical office, multiple programmes for multiple sectors of society.

    Speaking on the topic Lagos State Government Youth Empowerment through Innovation, Science & Technology, Alake said using collaborations, between 2020 and 2023, Lagos State brought up 70 start-ups from Fintech, construction, leveraging social media, secular economy and environmental sciences.

    “There are quite a lot of supports that Lagos state has been giving to young entrepreneurs. We also have an internship program through our agency, Lagos Employment Trust Fund. What we do, young entrepreneurs who want to start a business, whether they are leveraging social media or other tech, we put them with industry experts.

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    “For instance, if you want to start a cement plant we will pair you up with Dangote. If you want to start a Fintech we will link up with an expert in that industry. The expert will help coach you and help prepare your business for pointers. We also give what we called Hub Voucher Ticket.

    “For entrepreneurs that require physical space. You can apply at Lagos Innovate platform, you will get that voucher and you can redeem it at over 45 spots in Lagos. If you want to do business, you need electricity, internet, all the resources you require. You need networking and facilities. With the voucher you applied for. Once you are accepted, you can redeem that voucher in any of the spots in Lagos for free,” he said.

    Alake added that there is also “Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, LASRIC, they are the one that grants company funding. You can follow them to know when there is a call for application.”

    President Benson Idahosa University, Dr. Feb Idahosa who spoke on how to build a personal brand online, stressed that mindshare increases market share.

    “What can help you build a personal brand: When building our brands, most times we are obsessed with getting followers, you don’t have to do everything. Niche on one. TikTok will blow you up if you have a niche. You can solve a problem, you will prosper.

    “Mindshare increases market share. Don’t chase market share, chase mindshare. We trust people we know about their details, and that is why we trust actors we never met before. You see a certain actor advertising a detergent, and because we know the actor we trust them. We want to buy the product, but minding if they also use the same detergent they are promoting.

    “Teach what you know, someone is praying to find answers to the things you know and you do every day. Your post should educate, entertain or encourage. Most of these social media influencers either educate you like Aproko Doctor or entertain you or encourage or edify you.

    “Another way to build your personal brand is by posting frequently. Be consistent. You must not post perfect content, just post what you have,” he said.

    In his remarks, Rev Ubamadu said: “Our strategy is to use free conferences, seminars, and networking platforms to stimulate interest and aid economic emancipation, especially in difficult times like this. By doing this we intend to make our humble contribution to reducing poverty in the land and helping households. It is purely a CSR initiative.

    “Each year, The Round Table Lekki, which made its debut in 2021, selects a sector in the economy, and focus on it with the help of professionals and key players in that sector. The goal is to critically analyze the sector in order to reveal the business potentials inherent therein. Our strategy is to stimulate interest in the audience and encourage them to use the information provided to be economically empowered.

    “This year, The Round Table Lekki has set its eyes on the Social Media space. Although many see social media as an entertainment outlet, we know that it has huge potential for businesses and individuals to make money. It is arguably the fastest means for businesses to reach millions of consumers at the same time, creating awareness for their products and at the same time gathering clientele.

    The social media has great potential to engage millions of Nigerians, especially the youth. It is therefore our interest in helping our participants to know how to tap into its vast economic opportunities.” He added that vision of the church is to release potentials; creating a Godly world.

    Continuing he said: “We feel we can help reduce poverty by showing people little things they can do on their own to make money. We started this programme in 2021, we did something on real estate twice. Last year, we looked at the entertainment industry, and we brought the likes of Joke Silva, Ali Baba and many others. There are always testimonies anytime we organise this programme.

    “This year will not be different in terms of impact. At the Church of God, we decided that we would not be part of those that assign blame, we decided to take the bull by the horns.

    “To do something specific to address poverty, unemployment, underemployment and all the social vices that come with it. For us as a church, we believe that Matthew chapter 5: 13 says, “You are the salt of the earth… and the light of the world.

    ‘We believe the church exists to solve society’s problems. We in the church of God Mission, Garden City believe the church exists to address issues affecting society, family, nations, and individuals. That was what gave birth to The Round Table Lekki.”

    For Mrs Oremeyi Ajah, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Interswitch Group, social media is a platform for business and marketing, which she said, has become part of our life and a required skill for business and marketing.

    Akah who spoke on Social Media and Its Potentials To Make Money, urged participants to leverage social media effectively and strategically. “If you are going to leverage social media, you need to be strategic, define your products using the 4 Ps approach. Also identify social media by generation, which explains the patience level of each generation on social media in terms of attention span,” she said.

    She however warned that one can be ‘talented yet poor but social media can change your story. For instance, the darkness that envelopes Africa because of poor power supply, is a bundle of opportunities to explore.’

    The event also featured two-panel sessions, which had the likes of Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni), Afolabi Nosa Adeyemi (Lasisi Elenu), Clinton Baruch, and Dr. Noso Egemba (Aproko Doctor), sharing their personal experiences from which people could learn from and be inspired too.

  • Nigerian bags life jail in UK for killing wife

    Nigerian bags life jail in UK for killing wife

    In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, 48-year-old Olubunmi Abodunde, a resident of Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom, has been sentenced to a lifetime behind bars for the killing of his 41-year-old wife, Taiwo. The incident saw him bludgeon his wife to death with his son’s skateboard on November 28, 2023, shattering the hopes of a brighter future the couple sought when they relocated abroad a few years ago. London Bureau Chief OLATUNDE KAZEEM reports the chilling turn of events.

    In a tragic turn of events, Olubunmi Abodunde, 48, hailing from Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom, has received a life sentence for the brutal killing of his 41-year-old wife, Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde, on November 28, 2023. The tragic incident saw him bludgeon his wife to death with his son’s skateboard, which was discovered stained with blood, some fragments lodged in Taiwo’s head, resulting in severe neck, head and brain injuries. Presiding over the case, Judge Martyn Levett of the Ipswich Crown Court delivered the somber verdict, marking a tragic conclusion to a family’s strife-ridden tale. With a minimum of 17 years before parole consideration, Abodunde’s jealousy and financial disputes with his wife were cited by prosecuting attorney Stephen Spence as contributing factors to the heinous crime, underscoring the corrosive impact of domestic discord.

    Detective Inspector Dan Connick prosecuting said after the hearing: “This was an awful attack on a woman that has had a lasting impact on the community and most importantly on the victim’s family” and “we are pleased that Taiwo’s family will no longer have to go through the pain of a trial. Our thoughts remain with Taiwo’s family and friends and hope this result will bring some small comfort to them.”

    Nneka Akudolu KC, in her defense, asserted that the level of violence displayed by her client was entirely uncharacteristic and potentially influenced by medication he may have been taking. However, she acknowledged that no medical evidence was provided to substantiate this claim. Olubunmi, who changed his plea to guilty before sentencing, reacted with shock, clasping his hand over his face, speechless, realising the stark reality that less than two years after arriving to join his wife in the UK, he would now spend his days in the desolate confines of a prison.

    The absence of family banter, where children joyfully play and parents smile in contentment, now looms over his life. In a poignant victim impact statement, Kehinde Owoeye, the late Taiwo’s brother, expressed the profound and enduring trauma inflicted upon the children, who may struggle to reconcile the fact that their father is responsible for their mother’s death. Seeking solace in justice, the family implored that the law be upheld, offering a semblance of relief amid their grief. Furthermore, they requested that certain family members be permitted to visit the children, facilitating their healing process and honouring their late mother’s desire for familial support. They emphasised the importance of migration to be with their extended family, providing a nurturing environment for the children’s emotional recovery and ensuring continuity in their education, a value cherished deeply by the family. This migration, they asserted, would be instrumental in fulfilling their sister’s wish for her children’s well-being and academic advancement.

    Taiwo Abodunde was a dedicated employee at Cambridge Manor care home, renowned for her compassionate care towards residents, especially those requiring dementia, residential and respite care. TLC Care, the owner of the facility, expressed profound sorrow and shock at Taiwo’s tragic death, describing her as a cherished member of their community. Their spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences to her family, emphasising Taiwo’s legacy of kindness and compassion, which touched the lives of both staff and residents alike.

    In contrast, Olubunmi, lacking stable employment, relied on sporadic shifts at Tesco and Wickes. In a statement to the police, he claimed self-defense, alleging years of physical abuse inflicted by his wife. However, the sequence of events paints a different picture. On November 27th, 2023, Taiwo contacted Suffolk Police, reporting an assault by Olubunmi, adding to a series of previous assault reports dating back to August 15th, 2023. Subsequently, Olubunmi was arrested on suspicion of these assaults, leading to his temporary release from police custody later that day, albeit with stringent bail conditions. The imposed bail conditions prohibited Olubunmi from returning to their shared residence and from contacting Taiwo directly or indirectly, save for arranging child contact via a third party.

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    The bail condition, erroneously stating 239 Exning Road, Newmarket, should have been recorded as 259 Exning Road, Newmarket. However, when Suffolk Police visited Taiwo’s residence on Tuesday, November 28th, for a scheduled meeting to gather evidence regarding the assault allegations made against Olubunmi Abodunde on November 27th, they heard disturbing noises emanating from within the house. Upon entering the residence approximately 25 minutes later, they made a chilling discovery: Taiwo, a mother of three, lifeless on the floor of her living room. The police speculated that the fatal assault likely occurred between 9:12 am and 9:20 am.

    According to the police report, officers arrived at 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Taiwo’s home address, at 9:55 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Inside, they found Taiwo unresponsive on the living room floor. Despite immediate medical attention, paramedics pronounced Taiwo dead at the scene. Olubunmi, Taiwo’s husband, was discovered within the residence and promptly arrested on suspicion of her murder. He was subsequently transported to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for interrogation and later appeared at both Ipswich Crown Court and Suffolk Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing. Olubunmi asserted that on November 28th, an argument escalated, during which Taiwo allegedly brandished a knife, leading to him defending himself by grabbing the knife, resulting in an injury to his hand. However, the court was informed that although he sustained a hand injury, no knife was found near Taiwo’s body.

    Prosecutor Simon Spence KC grimly informed the court that the banging heard by officers was likely the sound of Abodunde persisting in his assault on his wife, even after she had become unconscious or deceased. Following his arrest for the murder, Abodunde was taken to the hospital due to what appeared to be a mental episode. A neighbour residing near the couple’s unfortunate home in Newmarket recalled her observations, stating: “I arrived home to find the entire street swarmed with police and ambulances. Just two days prior, there were police present. I knew it was something truly terrible given the number of police and their reluctance to share information. Normally, they would provide some details, but they were exceptionally tight-lipped.”

    Another neighbor added: “It’s simply dreadful; everyone is in shock. I used to see some young boys playing in their garden.”

    The three children have been placed in foster homes in Norwich, UK, and they are set to be reunited with their uncle and aunt next month when two family members will meet with them. Kehinde Owoeye, twin brother to the late Taiwo, expressed gratitude for being granted visas by the British Consulate in Lagos to visit and assess the children’s situation.

    Kehinde disclosed: “I will be accompanied by my sibling, Alaba Owoeye, next month. The plan is to check on the welfare of the children, bond with them and proceed accordingly.

    However, Kehinde lamented the lack of support from the Nigerian Government, stating: “Nobody reached out to check on us; we had to handle everything ourselves with the assistance of the British Police, social services and the government in general.”

    Adekunle Owoeye’s social media post delivered a poignant message to their extended family, urging composure amid the anguish. Expressing gratitude to the UK Government, detectives, private investigators and the Nigerian Embassy in London for their unwavering support, Adekunle also thanked the Igogo-Ekiti community, friends and well-wishers for their solidarity and comfort during this challenging period. Addressing their mother, he acknowledged the irreplaceable loss and emphasised the need for divine solace.

    Reflecting on the past 18 years as a “living nightmare” for his late sister, Adekunle recounted her journey, underscoring her aspirations for independence and academic achievement. He revealed the husband’s attempt to hinder her financial independence by withholding her academic certifications for a decade out of envy. Despite the challenges, Adekunle remained resolute in seeking justice and closure for his sister’s untimely demise.

     Elder Ayo Abodunde, the husband’s uncle, expressed profound sadness for the Owoeye family in light of the tragic events. Despite his attempts to extend condolences via phone calls, he noted their decline, understanding their emotional turmoil.

    Seeking intervention from Oba Oladipupo Kolade, the Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti, Elder Abodunde, emphasised the imperative of addressing previous issues of domestic violence and counseling for the husband. He stressed the importance of patience and understanding in marital relationships, urging conflict avoidance given the legal and familial consequences.

    The late Taiwo hailed from Igogo Ekiti, while Olubunmi was from Ipoti Ekiti. Their paths crossed in 2004 during a Seventh Day Adventist Church social-religious camp in Otun Ekiti. Despite initial reluctance, Taiwo eventually acquiesced to Olubunmi’s persistent pursuit, leading to their marriage. However, their 17-year union, fraught with challenges including controlling behaviour, domestic violence, infidelity allegations and distrust, ultimately deteriorated. Kehinde Owoeye, Taiwo’s brother, recounted the escalating verbal and physical abuse inflicted by Olubunmi, underscoring the profound strain on their marriage.

    The tragic events surrounding the couple’s relationship sent shockwaves through the neighboring towns of Igogo and Ekiti, where conversations about the case permeated both the airwaves and street corners following Taiwo’s passing. Kehinde Owoeye, speaking on behalf of Taiwo’s family, recounted a distressing incident from years earlier in Igogo Ekiti, where Bunmi and Taiwo engaged in a heated altercation during an event over sleeping arrangements. Reports indicated that Bunmi resorted to physical violence, even striking Taiwo and her protesting mother-in-law. The conflict was eventually mediated by the respective monarchs of the towns, namely, the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I, and the Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I. Expressing deep sorrow, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I, conveyed his dismay at the untimely demise of Taiwo, lamenting the efforts invested by the royal house to foster reconciliation within the marriage. He underscored the guidance provided to Taiwo in their shared pursuit of a better life overseas, emphasising the heartbreaking outcome in light of their collective aspirations.

  • Okoroji, Sama Tcha-Tchere, others receive awards at AmEE’s concerts

    Okoroji, Sama Tcha-Tchere, others receive awards at AmEE’s concerts

    Tony Okoroji, the chairman of the Board of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Ibrahim Sama Tchatchere, Cultural Affairs Officer at the Alliance Francaise Cultural Institute in Lagos, Afrobeat singer Agbeniyi Edaoto Olaolu, Oluwole Isaac Adetiran, composer of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) anthem, Bolaji Irele, a music enthusiast, along with others, have been honoured for their dedicated support to the advancement of fellow musicians and artists in Africa.

    The recognition took place at the AmEE’s FGG concert and Award Night held recently at Freedom Park, Lagos.

    The event, organized by CreativeM Entertainment, was a vibrant affair featuring artists from various music genres who captivated the audience with their performances.

    Speaking at the event, the organizer, Harrison-uke Frank, professionally known as AmEE, stated that the occasion served to celebrate his return to the music industry after recovering from an accident that sidelined him for years.

    He added that it was an opportunity to recognize and appreciate individuals and mentors who have significantly contributed to his growth in the music industry.

    He said: “I wanted to appreciate people who have supported me from the beginning till this moment, because I am a very passionate person, and I believe in people who are selfless with what they do. And I have always seen myself as using my music as a tool to give good morale to people”.

    AmEE, who sang songs such as Aye Yi Ole, from grass to glory and Sora which are his original songs said that he just loves to play good music. I play afro, Regae, blues, and country music depending on my mood and what I want to express.

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    “I was just trying to play around the minds of people and to tell them that you can always be whatever you think you want to be. People will tell you that you cannot be anything. If you have been told you are an outcast, just keep struggling.

    Keep doing whatever you know how to do best.  I will tell you one thing that the work of your hand will never deceive you”, he said.

    The artist who still lips as he plays his songs passionately, said “I want to make a mark and I want people to remember me for good music. I want to tour the world because my name is AmEE means water that cuts across different boundaries.  Make people remember me. You know, know me for good music.

  • ‘World Dance Day elevates local dances’

    ‘World Dance Day elevates local dances’

    Emmanuel Adejumo is a professional dancer, actor and choreography instructor. He is a member of the National Troupe of Nigeria where he doubles as a comedian and dancer. With his stage name as Boi Sala and as the son of legendary comedian, Baba Sala, he has come to make a name for himself. In this chat with EDOZIE UDEZE, he states why April 29th every year is important to all dancers globally and locally.

    Emmanuel Adejumo who goes by the stage name Boi Sala is the son of one of Nigeria’s most popular and celebrated comedians Baba Sala. Emmanuel is also an artiste like his father. As a multi-talented artiste he is a professional dancer, dance choreographer, comedian and actor. He is a staffer of National Troupe of Nigeria where he started out as a dancer. Today he has risen to become one of its most visible actors and dance instructors.

    Today he has gone all beyond that. He has made a name for himself. He is now a dance director and one of the prominent members of the Guild of Nigerian Dancers (GOND) where his role to ensure the steady growth of the guild is always noticeable and applauded. On April 29 which is the World Dance Day, he said, “All my life it has been dance, dance, dance galore. The WDD was established in April 1982 just to promote dance world over. It was established by the International Dance Council, and ambit of the United Nations. The purpose is to promote all the dance ideal and ingredients and then bring to prominent the people that give life to dance as a profession”.

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    He went on: “Since then we have been celebrating it in Nigeria especially in states where we have organised dance groups and organizations. We celebrate World Dance Day every year in Nigeria. This year also we took time out to gather to celebrate it with pomp and pageantry. It was celebrated everywhere, in Ogun State, in Lagos State, in Oyo State, in Enugu, and even some students celebrated in their universities. Here, GOND Lagos State Chapter celebrated it in a big way. And that is how we have been doing it year in year out. The idea, for us, is to ensure that we draw attention to ourselves, to our profession and generally make ourselves happy”.

    Emmanuel sees dance as a way of life. At all times and in every situation, he considers it one of the best form of theatre where one can easily fit in if you have both the interest and the ability to do so. “At University of Lagos, dance is made prominent in collaboration with the department of Creative Arts. Once in a while, it helps to bring out the best in our profession through some of the programmes they have enunciated. There this year, we performed all kinds of dances as part of the celebration. We had dance workshop where older dancers and professionals were invited to teach some of the younger ones some skills. There are new dance skills which the younger ones need to imbibe in order to grow in the profession. All these were taught them at the workshop at Unilag”, he said.

    Also some elements of traditional dance patterns were taught to the people. Emmanuel himself comes from a family where traditional form of dance is most known. So at the workshop, he was one of those that handled traditional dance choreography. Traditional dance form appeals to so many people these days. But as an artiste, Emmanuel believes that Nigerian have since moved on to hip-hop dance form, and to other forms that also combine traditions to make broader statements. “Today we have different genres of dance where even Nigerian professionals have proved their worth. Sometimes too, some dancers in some states of federation use local dance patterns to build up different stories. In all, we have witnessed tremendous transformation of our dance styles and patterns up to the international arena”.

    Beyond what Nigerian artistes have done with dance during the WDD celebrations, they have gone far into the international arena to prove that dance is a serious profession in the country.  So far, the likes of Boi Sala have taken dance to almost all corners of the globe where the different patterns were displayed generously. Aside the roles being played by the National Troupe of Nigeria in this regard, Emmanuel and his colleagues always feel that traditional dance patterns when properly harnessed and projected can give Nigeria a deserved place of honour globally.

    Hear him, “With the different dances we adopt from different states of Nigeria we can build stories that can make one Nigeria possible. Traditions appeal to people. Dances are used as a way of life. Dances also entertain the people and generally help people to relax. So why not use it as a medium to bring the people together to form unity, build hope and love across boundaries and borders? “ he asked blinking his eyes.

    With dance “We can talk our own talk. We can tell our own story. We can also reach out to the outside world. And that is why the WDD is so precious to us here in Nigeria. Over the years, we have used the occasion to give awards to different dance groups and troupes. We have also used the occasion to discover new talents; talents we were able to nurture, promote and take to places. Yet we have equally borrowed some dance patterns to infuse into our own. That indeed is the nature of theatre, in fact, the nature of life generally where you can never exist as an island onto yourself”.

    As a professional dance instructor, Emmanuel is vocal about how the profession can be made better. He said, “We have to embrace other genres of dance to move on ahead. It is more common here in Lagos to notice lots of infusions. It is just so because Lagos is a prominent place. It is a centre of excellence in terms cultural evolution and so on”. For him therefore, the role of Bata and Gbedu and other local drums cannot be over-emphasized.

    “Gbedu has its own uniqueness”, he said shaking his head. “So also is Bata. These instruments often add greater impetus to our traditional patterns. They are so unique that wherever and whenever you hear the sound, you quickly react to their evocative rhythms… Emmanuel reasons that these sounds emanated from traditional shrines. “If you look closely, you discover that there is hardly any African traditional dance that was not originally attached to the shrine. That is where the beauty lies and you cannot take it away from the people”, he said moving his legs to the sounds of unseen spirits.

  • Odo Iragunshen community protests non-installation of Oba in ten years

    Odo Iragunshen community protests non-installation of Oba in ten years

    •Appeals to Sanwo-Olu to wade into crisis

    Residents and leaders of Odo Iragushen, a community in Eredo Local Council Development Area, Epe, Lagos State, on Friday staged a peaceful protest to demand expedited action on the appointment and installation of a new traditional ruler for the town.

    The residents noted that the ancient town has had no monarch for more than 10 years, since the passing on of the former traditional ruler, Oba Olawale Olagoke Ogunsanya Aladegusen of Odoragusen

    The protesters, who were led by the youth leaders of the community, argued that the lack of a traditional ruler in almost ten years, had impacted negatively on its development.

    They appealed to the Lagos State government to ratify the community’s choice of new king in the person of Prince Tomiwa Odutuga.

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    Youth leader in the community, Comrade Babatunde Moshood, who spoke on behalf of the residents, asked the government to consider the people’s choice and speed up the process of installing a new king for the community, stressing that any manipulation against people’s wishes may plunge the town into chaos.

    He noted that all their effort on the matter had been truncated by the bigwigs in and outside the community, the two unrelenting contenders, who have further jeopardised the issue.

    He noted that the community leaders and the youths, have, on several occasions, had meetings with the two contenders to allow peace to reign but none of them was ready to step down for the other.

    Meanwhile the  community, early last year, staged a peaceful protest to the Governor’s office, and State House of Assembly this year, where they presented petition letters to Governor babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other related ministries.

    Last week, the people again staged another peaceful protest in the community, where they reiterated that they would not rest until the Lagos State government acceded to their wish.

    Moshood stated that Prince Tomiwa Odutuga, who is the people’s choice, is a full-blooded indigene of Odo Iragbushi, who is well qualified in deed and contribution to the community.