Category: Arts & Life

  • Runsewe mourns Zimbabwe’s Kaseke

    Runsewe mourns Zimbabwe’s Kaseke

    President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has expressed dismay and shock at the death of Karikoga Kaseke, the longest-serving chief tourism officer of Zimbabwe, who passed on last week after a long battle with an illness.

     Kaseke, was also vice president, Africa Tourism Initiative, a loose federation of tourism chief executives from Africa, formed at the World Travel Market in 2007 with Runsewe, then director-general, Nigeria Tourism Development Cooperation ( NTDC), as president, died at 62.

    In a condolence message to the family of late Kaseke,  the government and people of Zimbabwe, Runsewe who is also President, World craft council, Africa region,

    recalled the dedication and commitment of Kaseke to dream of bringing the entire African countries together to form a huge bloc in marketing African tourism to Africans and the world.

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    “Together, Kaseke and I were determined to change the perception of African tourism under the African Tourism Initiative. He was my deputy, a very great pan Africanist and tourism giant. Kaseke was humble and unassuming, willing to see through the dream of Africans visiting Africa and taking the advantage of our rich culture and history to change our narratives at world tourism expositions and which we did together across the world” Runsewe recalled with nostalgia 

    Though the date for the burial of Kaseke is yet to be announced, Runsewe urged the government and people of Zimbabwe to give the late tourism pathfinder a hero’s burial as he gave his all not only to  tourism development in Zimbabwe but also to the entire African continent which he believed should not play a second fiddle as global travel and tourism destination marketing and promotion.

    “I will personally miss Kaseke. He was a reliable and dependable partner, a lover of African cultural tourism togetherness. May God rest his soul in peace and give his family and the government and people of Zimbabwe the fortitude to bear his passage. Africa has lost a great son “ Runsewe stated.

  • Traditional marriage in Esan Land

    Traditional marriage in Esan Land

    • From Ighodalo Oseika Stella

    The cultural heritage of a group of people is the legacy of physical artifacts, customs and the tradition of a group of people that is inherited from past generations. Upholding our heritage simply means to confirm, support and ensure continuity of our cultures and traditions. Traditional marriage ceremonies are the most important ceremonies in Esan land. This is mainly because it is a celebration of love.

    Family members travel far and near from different locations to attend the ceremony.

    The traditional marriage rites consist of many activities and goes on for about seven days.

    Marriage is a respected institution in Nigeria, hence every woman of marriageable age looks up to it. Traditional marriage in Nigeria has deep cultural values that have been looked upon with respect and honour. Every tribe in Nigeria has its own unique marriage rites but the people of Esan in Edo State have been able to create one of the glamorous traditional marriage ceremonies in Nigeria.

    Every Esan girl of marriageable age always seek to marry a responsible and hardworking man, who will not only love and cherish her but will also provide support for her financially, morally and physically. It is also every parents dream to give out their daughter to an eligible suitor on a day regarded as sacrosanct for both families.

    In Esan land, it is the duty of the parents to go out and search for suitable brides for their sons, a system known as the betrothal system. But nowadays, the couples can meet each other anywhere and develop affection for each other. Courtship normally proceeds before the marriage and can last for as long as they are ready to marry..

    Before the marriage, the bride to be will introduce the groom to be to her family members. The bride parents will ask the groom some questions about himself, his job, background and his intentions for their daughter. He is then asked to go home and come back with his parents and elders of his family. The groom to be will be given a list of items to bring when he is coming back to request for the hand of his bride officially.

    In the olden days girls are betrothed to their groom for as early as 12 years of age to their groom to be and are married off at the age of 14 to 16 years of age..

    Money is received by the groom family and share by the women in the family of the bride . This is said to be compensation for raising the bride to be an outstanding young woman.

    The bride, her sisters, friends and other female members of her family will stay in a room for the bride ceremony while singing, dancing and collecting money from the bride and his family and share the money among themselves..

    The wedding takes place in the house of the bride family. It is a special day for both families. There is usually a lot to eat and drink on this day..

    Kola nut and palm wine are presented to the guests and the ceremony is presided by the Okaegbe (Head of the family). The bride will be placed on the father’s lap and all the family members will pray for her . The bride will also be asked to sit on the groom legs and pray for her and counting the bride on top of groom lap for seven conservative times. After the prayers and conclusion of the Iwanien Omo (wedding ceremony) the bride who is now called and addressed as Ovbioha is then escorted to the husband house along with her properties by her close friends and family members.

    In the husband house there will be merriments, singing and dancing as they await the new wife. On getting to the house, the husband will be asked to use money to clear the obstacle that is preventing her from entering the house.

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    This will immediately be followed by washing of the bride feet with water in a bowl together with money, this ceremony is done by Ikpobo -Ovbioha. It is usually performed by one of the senior wife.

    Marriage is described as an institution that is common to all human societies.

    Brides were expected to be virgin before marriage were consummated. In those days mother in-law often received gift from their son in-law if at the first intercourse with a new wife the girl bled and soiled the white bed sheets spread for this purpose. But any bride who had premarital sexual intercourse is always a disgrace to her parents and earned a great disrespect from her In-laws.

    Traditional marriage is a vital part of Nigerian culture, and it holds significant importance in the society. It is a customary practice that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is deeply rooted in the country’s customs and traditions,

    In Nigeria traditional marriage is a union between a man and a woman, recognized by their families, Community and Society.

    The importance of traditional marriage Esan land cannot be over emphasized. It is a secred institution that promotes the values of respect, love and commitment. Traditional marriage serves as a unifying factor, bringing families and communities together. It is an opportunity for the family of the bride and groom to come together and form a bond

    •Ighodalo is of Antiquity Protection Department, National Museum Lagos.

  • NLNGPrize addresses climate change

    NLNGPrize addresses climate change

    The Advisory Boards for The Nigeria Prize for Science, The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, sponsored by Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited, have published the call for entries for the 2024 edition of the prizes, flagging off this year’s competitions.

    The Science and Literature prizes, which are now in their 20th year, each come with a cash prize of $100, 000 while the Prize for Literary Criticism has prize money of $10,000.

    The Nigeria Prize for Science recognises outstanding scientific achievements by Nigerians and non-Nigerians and will focus on Innovations and Technologies for Reducing the Effects of Climate Change as the theme for this year.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature, on the other hand, will focus on Children’s Literature. The prize, which honours the author of the best book by a Nigerian, rotates among four literary genres, namely Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children’s Literature.

    The Literary Criticism Prize, which theme is on Children’s Literature, also aims to promote Nigerian Literature, will receive entries on works in literary criticism of Nigerian Literature, especially critical essays on new writings in Nigerian Literature.

    The Call for Entries for the Literature prize and Literary Criticism will close on April 2, while the window for the science prize will close on April 30.

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    Professor Saleh Abdu chairs the panel of judges for this year’s Literature and the Literary Criticism competition. Professor Abdu is a professor of English at the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State. He has taught courses mostly in Literature at various levels. He also served in Bayero University Kano and Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, as Head of Department (HOD), Faculty Sub-Dean, Dean of Faculty, Chair of Senate, Management and Council Committees. He has authored and co-authored several books including his Poet of the People’s Republic: Reading the Poetry of Niyi Osundare (2003).

    Other panel members include Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Igudia Osarobu. Professor Sylvester is a writer who has been teaching at the Department of English, University of Abuja. Her prolific writing career has produced numerous award-winning novels, poems, and academic works.  Dr. Osarobu is a Doctor of Philosophy at the Department of Library Archival & Information Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The Advisory Board also announced Dr. Christopher Okemwa as the International Consultant. Dr. Okemwa is a Doctor of Poetry, Drama & Creative Writing, and he is a Literature Lecturer in Kisii University, Kenya.

    The winners of the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, if any, will be announced at an award ceremony in October to commemorate the anniversary of the first LNG export from the NLNG’s Plant on October 9, 1999. The Science Prize winner will be revealed in September 2024.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science are part of NLNG’s contribution towards helping to build a better Nigeria.

  • Kanwulia spices Easter celebration with Amerikana, city tour

    Kanwulia spices Easter celebration with Amerikana, city tour

    Nigerian-American musician Kanwulia unveils her much-anticipated ‘Amerikana’ album, which kicks off her thrilling “Who’s That Girl?” city tour this Easter season.

     Kanwulia, who shuttles between Nigeria and the United States, is gearing up to reconnect with her fans in Lagos in a big way. With her revamped album in hand she’s poised to elevate her music to new heights and share her passion with her devoted fans.

    The release of the ‘Amerikana’ album is not just strategic, it’s downright genius! Kanwulia is ready to treat her fans to anthems of empowerment and infectious dancefloor bangers that will have everyone grooving to the beat. But wait, there’s more! Kanwulia will hit the streets of Lagos for her “Amerikana- Who’s That Girl?” city tour—a whirlwind journey through some of Lagos hottest entertainment spots. From intimate lounge performances to electrifying club shows, she’ll captivate audiences with her dynamic stage presence and undeniable talent, forging connections with fans old and new along the way.

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    Speaking about her upcoming tour, Kanwulia said. “Lagos holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to feel the city’s energy pulsating through me as I perform. Performing in Lagos, one of the top global entertainment destinations, is a dream come true, and I owe it all to God and my incredible management and agency, Volkano & Inspiro Productions!”

    But Kanwulia’s tour is more than just about music—it’s about empowerment and inspiration. As a Nigerian-American artist, she’s on a mission to break barriers and shatter stereotypes. Through her music and her journey, she hopes to inspire a new generation of artists to dream big and fearlessly pursue their passions.

  • Sometime In May at Terra Kulture

    Sometime In May at Terra Kulture

    Theatre in Lagos is thriving like never before and fans are savouring the experiences. Young filmmakers are also taking their interest beyond screen to the stage. Theatre enthusiasts have been presented with an assortment of stage plays in the past year.

    This year, theatre at Terra Kulture was off to a great start with stage play Sometime in May beginning the year with its showing from February. Starring actors such as Wumi ‘Tuase, Odiah Emmanuel, Joy Nmezi and Toyin Buraimoh, Sometime in May is a romantic comedy that evokes a variety of emotions, making you cheer for the underdog. It follows the story of a struggling photographer who finds himself in a hilarious make-or-break wedding arrangement with his overzealous fiancée.

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    Set in a beautiful garden theatre experience, the play is an interactive one and the audience enjoys engaging directly with the actors. Audience reviews from the play few weeks ago have certified this as a must-watch to set off our love for theatre in 2024.

    Writer Debola Santa Ogunshina, producer Tobe Amechi and director Austine Onuoha, have created a beautiful work of art with Sometime in May. The play had its final showing in last weekend of February.

  • Nigeria Magazine announces March 14 for 5th IWD Awards

    Nigeria Magazine announces March 14 for 5th IWD Awards

    Nigeria Magazine has announced its 5th International Women’s Day Event (2nd IWD Awards Ceremony), will hold on Thursday, March 14 at the University Women’s Club, 2 Audley Square, Mayfair, London.

    The award ceremony aims at recognising the achievements and contributions of exceptional professional and entrepreneurial women from a diverse range of sectors and industries across the globe.

    A statement by Nigeria Magazine says the event will feature a networking and awards evening with the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, in alignment with the International Women’s Day (IWD) ethos of celebrating the social, economic and cultural achievements of women.

    The event will also feature renowned speakers such as Abosede Alaka, Dr Kikie Gardner, Dr Ashiedu Joel, Esohe Denise Odaro, and Elsie Akinsanya, and hosted by esteemed presenter Elaina Boateng.

    Awards will be given to selected nominees at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 14th March at the University Women’s Club. 

    Since its inception in 2010, the magazine has spearheaded initiatives bringing together stakeholders and promoting business to Nigerians and to Africans and has published 40 editions.

    Over the years, they have expanded into the digital sphere, engaging women and men across the globe.

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    According to the statement, “In line with the global mission of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, Nigeria Magazine will be hosting its 2024 International Women’s Day Awards to celebrate the resilience and hard work of women who have made a significant impact in their industries, communities, and the world at large.

    “A total 46 inspiring personalities from various industries have been nominated, with the winners announced on the day. The awards will celebrate winners from the following categories: Finance Culture (Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Food, Fashion, Music, Literature, Film, etc), Social (ESG, Philanthropy),Intellectual (IP, STEM, STEAM).

    “This year’s awards mark a special partnership with the University’s Women’s Club, the historic private members club for women intended to provide an equivalent of the popular gentlemen’s club, accessible to women, alongside an esteemed event partner, full service real estate firm, Aruwa Capital Management and Adesuwa Africa.”

  • Navigating the Maze of Compliance: Top Books Every Professional Should Read

    Navigating the Maze of Compliance: Top Books Every Professional Should Read

    In the dynamic realm of regulatory compliance, professionals face the challenge of navigating a complex web of statutes and guidelines to ensure organizational adherence to legal mandates. Staying informed about the latest developments is crucial, emphasizing the need for practitioners to invest in advancing their knowledge base. Using authoritative literature from compliance books is among the most effective methods for staying abreast of best practices.

    From pragmatic manuals to incisive analyses, myriad resources exist to aid professionals in augmenting their understanding and proficiency. This article highlights several compliance books for every professional’s library. By immersing themselves in these works, practitioners can acquire invaluable insights and excel in compliance management.

    Introduction to the Best Compliance Books for 2024

    Discovering the paramount compliance literature stands poised to revolutionize the professional landscape within the discipline. These compliance books are reservoirs of knowledge that furnish invaluable insights and directives essential for traversing the intricate terrain of regulations and standards. Whether one stands at the threshold of compliance or commands seasoned expertise, the reservoirs of wisdom contained within these esteemed volumes promise enlightenment.

    Within this meticulously curated collection, preeminent compliance literature for 2024 emerges, encompassing an expansive spectrum of subjects. It includes risk management, ethical considerations, corporate governance, and regulatory adherence. These seminal works proffer not only pragmatic counsel but also an abundance of real-world scenarios enriched by the perspectives of luminaries within the industry. Absorb wisdom from these origins, and one will attain not just information but a tactical edge.

    Moreover, in an era dictated by the relentless pursuit of progress, the significance of these compliance books cannot be overstated. They serve as compasses guiding professionals toward the vanguard of their field. Thus, it is incumbent upon discerning individuals to acquaint themselves with these indispensable resources, meticulously vetted and endorsed by leaders within the compliance domain. The trajectory of professional advancement awaits those who heed this call to intellectual enrichment.

    Essential Reads for Compliance Officers

    Jack N Raven’s book, “The Art of Invisible Compliance,” explores the world of compliance, giving a detailed look at its complexities. Offering practical advice and clever tips, Jack helps readers understand regulations better.

    Debbie Troklus and Sheryl Vaca’s “Compliance 101: How to Build and Maintain an Effective Compliance and Ethics Program” is complete for new and experienced professionals. Covering essential principles and best practices in compliance ensures readers understand the basics well.

    Thomas Fox’’s “The Compliance Handbook” is a thorough guide to rules in different industries. With careful attention to detail, Thomas explains the regulatory landscape, making this handbook essential for compliance officers who want to stay updated and follow the rules.

    Top Books for Compliance Professionals

    David Jackman presents a thought-provoking analysis in “The Compliance Revolution: How Compliance Needs to Change to Survive.” Through meticulous examination, He illuminates the dynamic nature of the compliance landscape. David highlights the formidable challenges confronting compliance professionals in navigating regulatory complexities. Yet, rather than merely identifying obstacles, he offers pragmatic insights for adaptation and prosperity within this evolving sphere.

    Essentials of Enterprise Compliance by Susan D Conway is a valuable resource for anyone dealing with compliance issues. Susan breaks down complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making this guide suitable for both experienced professionals and beginners. Susan empowers readers to confidently navigate its complexities by simplifying the often confusing world of compliance.

    In The Revolution in Ethics and Compliance by Michael Volkov, readers thoroughly examine ethical challenges in compliance. Volkov uses real-life examples to provide insightful observations and practical strategies for handling ethical dilemmas that compliance professionals may face. By focusing on practical solutions, Volkov equips readers with the necessary tools to address the ethical challenges that come with their roles.

    The Compliance Program Bible for Compliance Officer

    Delving into compliance: The Compliance Program serves as a detailed roadmap for compliance officers in maneuvering through the intricate landscape of regulations and policies.

    Hands-on approaches: This publication presents practical methods for establishing successful compliance initiatives within companies, guaranteeing alignment with legal mandates and moral guidelines.

    Real-life scenarios: By examining authentic case studies and instances, individuals acquire valuable perspectives on top-notch strategies and techniques for tackling prevalent obstacles in compliance.

    Books That Are Changing the Game for Professionals

    In Effective Crisis Management by Sarah Armstrong, readers are taken on a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of compliance in today’s business world. As regulations evolve rapidly, Armstrong shares valuable insights on how businesses can keep up and thrive in this dynamic environment.

    Joan Poliner Shapiro’s Ethical Leadership and Decision Making in Education is essential for educators facing ethical decision-making dilemmas. Shapiro’s work offers practical wisdom to navigate complex moral issues in education. In an era of constant change, these books serve as guiding lights for professionals dealing with compliance and ethical decision-making challenges.

    Combining practical advice with theoretical foundations empowers readers to tackle obstacles head-on and emerge victorious.

    Essential Books for Developing Your Compliance Program

    Annie Mills and Peter Haines’s “Essential Strategies for Financial Services Compliance” is a beacon of knowledge in this domain. This comprehensive guide leaves no aspect untouched, addressing regulatory frameworks and best practices. This book is an indispensable resource for professionals seeking to fortify their compliance initiatives.

    In The Compliance Handbook: A Guide to Operationalizing Your Compliance Program,” authored by Thomas R. Fox, lies a compendium of practical wisdom awaiting discovery. This guide offers invaluable insights into constructing and sustaining robust compliance programs.

    The practical guide named The Regulatory Compliance Handbook – Everything You Need To Know About Regulatory Compliance by Lauren Boyer offers actionable strategies tailored for various industries. It provides real-world examples and expert advice to help readers develop an ethical framework within their organizations.

    By following the guidance in this handbook, you can navigate regulatory challenges with integrity and resilience. Incorporating these insights into your compliance practices will prepare you to meet regulatory requirements while upholding ethical standards in your organization’s operations.

    Advanced Strategies for Compliance Officers

    Attending industry conferences and workshops is indispensable for compliance professionals, offering vital channels to stay updated on regulatory changes and shifts. It’s not just about attendance but actively absorbing developments to remain agile and prepared.

    Moreover, building solid relationships with key organizational stakeholders is paramount for compliance alignment. These connections foster collaboration and mutual support in navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

    Implementing robust monitoring and reporting systems is crucial, emphasizing proactive tracking and preemptive action to safeguard compliance integrity. By integrating these strategies, compliance officers effectively navigate regulatory requirements, upholding rigorous standards while minimizing risks. Staying informed, cultivating relationships, and implementing robust systems fortify organizational compliance frameworks.

    Conclusion

    Navigating the complex compliance realm can be daunting, but professionals can thrive with the right resources. Studying industry-specific literature offers invaluable insights to improve understanding and meet regulatory obligations effectively. Key takeaways from this endeavor include staying updated on regulatory changes, utilizing literature expertise to streamline processes, and prioritizing continuous learning in a rapidly evolving landscape.

    Armed with these tools and a commitment to ongoing education, professionals can navigate compliance successfully, thus contributing to organizational excellence. Compliance professionals can confidently tackle challenges and uphold standards by staying informed, leveraging available knowledge, and embracing the learning process, ensuring that their organizations operate ethically and per applicable laws and regulations.

  • Reflections on 2024 Cairo International Book Fair

    Reflections on 2024 Cairo International Book Fair

    • By Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

    As an author, I was invited to the 55th Cairo International Book Fair from January 25 to February 6, 2024. The event was conducted at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre situated in the burgeoning New Cairo. The attendance recorded within the 12 days was unprecedented and has been classified as unique and highly successful.

    The 2024 expo was attended by about 3.5 million people; authors and visitors were from over 70 countries across all continents. Books on display cover science, social science, religion, civilisation, disruptive technologies, and history, among others. They were written in various languages such as Arabic, English, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

    The pioneer Cairo Book Fair was in 1969, which translates to 55 years old. The Riyadh Review of Books noted that the exhibition held the position of the world’s second-largest book fair as of 2023. It was eclipsed only by the Frankfurt Book Fair, which takes place annually in mid-October in Germany. Inaugurated in 1949, it will be 75 this year.

    Based on the turnout, the 2024 Cairo Book Fair arguably surpassed the Frankfurt Book Fair. Each year, the authorities in Egypt craft a motto for the event. “We create knowledge, we preserve the world” was the slogan for the 55th convention. Undoubtedly, the world is being preserved through knowledge and its applications, which means skills – comprising soft, social, and hard skills.  

    Around 2.2 million books are published every year, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). In addition, Google made an attempt to estimate the number of books globally, starting from the official invention of Printing Press in 1440, now 548 years old.

    The technology company discovered that as of 2010, more than 129,864,880 books had been published. Therefore, if we reconcile the findings of UNESCO and Google’s count, we can safely say that we would have approximately 160,664,880 books available in the world by the end of 2024.

    Writing and reading books contribute to the success of individuals and communities. Divine messages of the Glorious Qur’an, Injeel (The Holy Bible) and the Attaurah (The Old Testament) are in the form of books and have been playing a critical role in making the world a better place, spiritually, economically, administratively and morally. The first word sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Qur’an was “iqraa” (“read”).

    Late Charlie Munger, a successful business partner to Warren Buffett, said, “I think a life properly lived is just learn, learn, and learn all the time”; part of his formula for success is “never stop learning”. Buffett, a wealthy investor of modern time, dedicates two-thirds of his time to reading, reflection, experimentation, and sometimes writing.

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    Buffett revealed that the secret to his success is simple: “I just sit in my office and read all day.” He also advised: “Read 500 pages every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest…”. Similarly, Barack Obama, while serving as United States President, read for one hour every day. He still reads and writes.

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially adopted the month of March as the “month of reading” to nurture a culture of knowledge and learning. This is a good policy that should be adopted by other developing countries. We also need to reward and encourage young authors and researchers by introducing many incentives for them.

    Reading on a regular basis would significantly reduce the unproductive time teenagers and adults spend on multiple social media platforms. I urge the government, private sector, organisations, and individuals to take a deep dive into the advantages of reading and its benefits to personal, community, and nation building.

    In conclusion, while living, all and sundry are encouraged to either do something amazing worth writing or at the least write something worth reading. If you can do both outstandingly, you can be celebrated as a legend or a great mentor to be emulated.

    _Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is a professor of cybersecurity and Islamic scholar_

  • Lagos Theatre Festival 2024: Celebrating artistic diversity, cultural vibrancy

    Lagos Theatre Festival 2024: Celebrating artistic diversity, cultural vibrancy

    The recently concluded Lagos Theater Festival, brought together a diverse array of theatrical performances, captivating audiences and reinforcing the festival’s commitment to providing a platform for cultural exchange and bridging the artistic landscapes between Nigerian talents and their global counterparts.

    The festival showcased the talent and creativity of local and international theatre artists with three plays, musicals, and poetry performances. From immersive conversations around the theatre to thought-provoking dramas, attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of storytelling that reflected the cultural vibrancy of the Lagos Theatre Festival.

    The 2024 Showcase of the LTF highlighted the power of theatre to bridge gaps and foster understanding in a world marked by differences with captivating performances from Niall De Burca, one of the top storytellers from Ireland at the Soiree/Press Night held on Thursday, February 29. The Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr Peter Ryan, also reaffirmed Culture Ireland’s commitment to more partnerships with the Lagos Theatre Festival.

    Theatre lovers could not contain their excitement at the rich array of drama productions curated by Lydia Idakula, the artistic director. Each of the plays showcased, including Anatomy of a Woman by Nevana Productions, Tuti by Kininso Koncepts Productions, and Before I Let You Go by B/Rated, was overwhelmingly attended, eliciting different emotions from the audiences.

    In addition to stage performances, the showcase featured a conversation with Ms Tola Akerele, Incoming Director General of the National Theatre, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge among theatre enthusiasts, professionals, and emerging talents.

    The organisers expressed gratitude to its main sponsor, Quramo Publishing, partners, Freedom Park, the Embassy of Ireland, Nigeria, Lagos State Government, Culture Ireland, Friends of Ireland, the artists and the enthusiastic audience whose support made the event a resounding success.

    Notable personalities such as Gbemi Shasore, Olarotimi Fakunle, Lota Chukwu, Joshua Alabi, Francis Onwuchei, Joke Silva, and Supo Shasore, who is also Chairman of the LTF board, attended the LTF 2024 Showcase.

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    Bikiya Graham-Douglas, the Executive Director, stated, “The Lagos Theatre Festival continues to be a beacon for the arts, fostering creativity and promoting cultural dialogue. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the artistic community and the public.”

    The Lagos Theatre Festival 2024 underscored the resilience and adaptability of the arts in the face of challenges, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds. Plans are underway for the next edition, a full-blown festival in 2025 committed to promoting theatre in unconventional spaces and easily situated into any given space.

    Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) is the largest performing arts festival in Nigeria and indeed West Africa. It was created to promote theatre in unconventional spaces. Through the festival, theatre makers and producers are supported to expand their practice beyond traditional theatre spaces by creating work that responds to any given space.

    The festival was founded in 2013 to foster exchange collaboration and strengthen relationships between Nigerian and global artists.

    The Lagos Theatre Festival is managed by the Lagos Theatre Festival Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation run by a Board of Directors including Olasupo Shasore SAN (Chair), David Evans, and Tosin Oshinowo.

  • Tech expert unveils books on unlocking multi-billion dollar ICT potentials

    Tech expert unveils books on unlocking multi-billion dollar ICT potentials

    An ICT expert with over 18 years of experience and an astute “Glocal” businessman JohnBull N. Igwe has written books to simplify in most easy and reader-friendly languages step-by-step practical approach towards unlocking the multi-billion dollar potentials in the world of information and communication technology.

    His two books “The Gen Zers: The World at your fingertips” and “Comprehensive digital marketing guidebook: An Effective, Hands-on Digital Marketing Marketing Strategy” are deeply researched masterpieces, laced with experience that has spanned for nearly two decades, providing an elixir for individuals to discover and rediscover their very essence of existence in a world of technology with endless opportunities.

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    While the former is a capsule of solution that rivets the overview of the Gen Z attitude, demystifying internet jargons, assisting them to discover how to maximize and effectively navigate the digital world, and make massive fortunes through dollar earnings, the latter seeks to unlock the secrets to mastering the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape among business owners and top brand executives to avail them the opportunity of always standing out with unprecedented visibility.

    The author of both electronic books is a digital marketing professional who serves as the managing director and CEO of Digito International Limited.

    Both books are must-read for anyone wishing to have a robustly shaped future in the world internet of things and ICT in general.