Category: Arts & Life

Book review

Title: Dotun Oyelade Reporting… (Memoirs of a Newshound)

Authors: Dotun Oyelade, Tola Teriba and Ayodeji Ajisope

Reviewer: Isaac Olawale Albert

Publisher: Aikon Integral Concept, Ibadan (2022)

Prince Dotun Oyelade, is a broadcast journalist, publisher and politician. But he restricted the coverage of his publication, Dotun Oyelade Reporting…(Memoirs of a Newshound), to the first two aspects of his life: journalism and publishing. He intends to write on his political life in the years to come but flagged some of his political landmarks in the work to include being Publicity Secretary to Alliance for Democracy in 1999 and Private Secretary to Governor Lam Adesina from 1999 to 2003. He was Special Adviser on Public Communications to Governor Alao Akala from 2007 to 2011 and was also Head of the media campaign team of Governor Seyi Makinde January 2018 to May, 2019.

The interesting publication is broken into five parts of 18 chapters. The first part consists of two chapters and these have to do with how Prince Oyelade cut his professional teeth in journalism by working at NTV. The first chapter ought to have chronologically been the third but the author made it the first invariably to teach some lessons to students of journalism education. Oyelade was in Akure in 1978 to report the visit of Olusegun Obasanjo. As he charged through the crowd with his microphone to get a scoop for his federal television channel he was bullied back by some unfriendly soldiers guiding the head of state. It took him some time to get out of the panic mode. This must have been included in the book to show that it is not easy for an early career journalist to get breaking stories as taught in the classroom; it involves unpredictable risks and embarrassments. It was actually in the second chapter that Oyelade narrated how he was employed by NTA in August 1977 under the leadership of Yemi Faroumbi. His supervisors on the job included Bayo Sanda, Fabio Lanipekun and Biodun Adetuberu. In the news department, Oyelade worked with Segun Oyedele, Kunle Adeigbe and a host of others. He used colourful adjectives to describe the innovations brought to NTA by each of these personalities. He called attention to the suspect image of the journalist working under the military, the intrigues of reporting the “Ali must go student protest”, attempts to repress the media etc.

Part two of the book consists five chapters focusing on Oyelade’s sojourn and exploits at the TSOS/BCOS.  In chapter three, he told the story of how the amity between Governor Bola Ige and Dr. Yemi Farounbi led to the founding of TSOS and how the station was provided the best facilities and conditions of service  for practising journalism. He listed all the people he worked with in the station but singled out Yanju Adegbite, who later become the Project Coordinator at BCOS from 2011 to 2019, as the first face to appear on TSOS TV. In Chapter 4, he called attention to a number of ground breaking reports he wrote for the station: the Lawrence Anini saga, trial of Gen. Mamman Vatsa, the Cocoa House inferno, the death of Awolowo and Dele Giwa; the inaugural AFRC meeting of the Babangida regime etc. In chapter 5 Oyelade called attention to how the corporate identity of BCOS changed when the NPN government of Chief Olunloyo came to power in October 1983 in Oyo. Chapter 7, is  the shortest of the essays.

Part 3 consists of seven chapters and has to do with Oyelade’s foray into publishing: another field in which he has made outstanding contributions. In chapter 8, he told the story of how it all started in February 1988 after interviewing Professor Ojetunji Aboyade, the former Vice Chancellor, University of Ife, now OAU, at the BCOS Studios. Within a month of this discussion Oyelade was hired to manage a publishing house jointly established by Professors Akin Mabogunje and Aboyade: Fountain Publication. Oyelade was with Fountain Publication for just a year; the owners were more engrossed in their academic activities. In chapter 9, Oyelade narrated how he had to move to Chief Joop Berkhout’s Spectrum Books where several works were produced: including Emeka Ojukwu’s Because I Am Involved. Chapte 10 has to do with how he left Spectrum Book in 1991 to register his own company, Current Publications.

Read Also: 2023: Experts urge journalists to set agenda for transformational leadership

Part 4 of the book consists of only one chapter (15th) and it is on the “Current Studios & Publications”: a broadcast commercial studio for video & audio recording and post-production.

Part 5 is on the man Dotun Oyelade. The rest of the chapter lists his achievement on the job: staff manpower development, staff welfare, motivation and reward system, execution of iconic projects, amendment to the corporation’s edict with a view to identifying certain provisions inconsistent with modern day realities; reinstatement of officers wrongfully dismissed/retired; redeployment of staff of bcos from the mainstream of the civil service. Chapter 17 are people’s perception of Prince Oyelade while the last chapter, the 18th contains tributes by his family members: wife and children.

The publication, Dotun Oyelade reporting…(Memoirs of a Newshound), is not an everyday autobiography but an innovative case note that has a lot of lessons for students of journalism studies. The publication describes Oyelade as a newshound. The term refers to an aggressive or energetic journalist with insightful and instructive attainments.  He worked closely with several eminent politicians (Lam Adesina, Alao Akaka, and Seyi Makinde) but he said this has not made him a professional politician but a journalist in politics. In other words, the work under review is not an autobiography per se but an autobiography innovatively redefined. He prefaced each of the issues he raised with detailed historical background in a manner that makes the chapters instructive for students of history. I found this approach to academic writing to be very original and worthy of commendation.

Students of journalism studies have a lot to learn from the publication not only in terms of the exemplary way Prince Oyelade did his work but more importantly his writing skills which he excellently demonstrated here.

For the seventh consecutive year, the United States Mission in Nigeria has supported the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), to further strengthen the collaboration between the Nigerian and American film industries.

This year, Disney and Amazon were leading American creative industry participation at the festival. The two organisations premiered a movie each for the opening night of festival, including the participation of some of the cast. Disney hosted the African premiere of Black Panther II, while Amazon screened The Nanny on Sunday, November 6.

AFRIFF, which ran from November 6 to 12 is an annual showcase of the world of filmmaking, with participation from local and international actors, directors, film critics, buyers, distributors, visual artists, film students, and equipment manufacturers.

The US Mission’s participation in AFRIFF is part of the US government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between Nigerian and American filmmakers and strengthen the voices of the next generation of filmmakers.

Read Also: Shaffy Bello wins big at 19th Abuja International Film Festival

Building on last year’s successes, AFRIFF with the US Mission’s support, awarded a $25,000 grant to five emerging animators who produce works in broad areas of climate change, elections and good governance, women’s empowerment, youth engagement, and countering disinformation.

At the reception for representatives from the Nigerian and American entertainment industries, US Consul General Will Stevens hailed the growing US-Nigeria cultural ties. He said AFRIFF provided an incredible platform for artists to explore new ideas, promote dialogue, and foster valuable business connections.

“Since 2015, the US Mission has partnered with AFRIFF to bring together American and Nigerian screenwriters, directors, and film experts to share ideas, network, and collaborate. Our long-standing partnership with AFRIFF helps to further strengthen the Nigerian creative industry as well as our strategic partnership. This year’s event highlights the Nigerian movie industry’s creativity and growing global reach,” Stevens said.

Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF Chioma Ude noted that the 2022 theme of the festival “Indigenous for Global” seeks to raise awareness about African cinema, its vast potential, and the tremendous socio-economic impact it has on African economies.

“Our stories need to remain authentic, and we must find ways to make it global. In making it global, we get the right value and the right pay,” Ude added.

As Lagos hosted the country at the 2022 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), along with thrilling cultural and artistic activities, the festival preached peaceful co-existence. ASSISTANT EDITOR (ARTS) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

This year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) with the  theme: “Culture and Peaceful Co-existence” resonated in almost all its cultural activities, tagged “Eko NAFEST 2022”.

The theme of the festival which ended in Lagos on Sunday, November 13, couldn’t have come at a better time than now when the nation is experiencing some existential challenges.

From drama to essay writing, cuisine, music and interior decoration competitions, the 29 participating states and the FCT came into the festival with a clarion call for unity and peaceful coexistence, among all.

At the start of the festival last week Monday, Lagos State Cultural Troupe presented a command performance of a drama titled “Osusu”, which harped on the need for Nigerians to consciously work towards living together peacefully.

“Osusu” in Yoruba language is symbolic and means bunch of brooms that can be difficult to break and was likened to the way Nigerians must remain united.

But the trend continued during the drama (musical) competition, as the thrust of states’ performances were calls for good governance, electoral reforms, and anti-corruption wars as panacea for peace and unity to reign in Nigeria.

In particular, Ekiti State troupe’s performance focused on promotion of unity among ethnic nationalities, using the tree as a symbol of Nigeria and its interdependence. It also drew attention of audience to the symbiotic relationship between all parts of a tree for it to be a source of shelter, food, herbs and fruits. But, unfortunately according to the drama, few people are exploiting the tree to the disadvantage of the majority. This is a mirror image of the Nigerian situation.

In the drama, protest and agitation later became common place as a result of the unequal access to the benefits of the tree. Still, the call for unity took the better parts of the performance.

Like Ekiti State, Osun State also presented a drama that was a theatrical narrative of the nation’s trajectory that was characterised by many military incursions in governance. Also, it highlighted issues of hatred among ethnic groups and the need to co-exist in peace as a people.

Little wonder Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu tasked Nigerians to always follow the path of dialogue and other non-violent approach in resolving potential issues capable of igniting violence.

He said that it is almost impossible not to have our differences, considering the multiplicity of our culture and languages as Nigerians.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke at the closing ceremony of this year’s festival, held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos last Sunday.

“One of the lessons from this year’s NAFEST is that if we pay serious attention to harnessing the differences in our culture, it can assist in building consensus and bond of friendship towards genuine reconciliation that will promote the much needed unity, reduce tension and tribal conflicts in the country, “ he added.

He charged all participants at the festival to continue to imbibe the good virtues learnt through the platform of this year’s NAFEST and also share the good lessons with their kinsmen in their respective states.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the concept of carrying school children along in the annual cultural event, noting that it is the best way ‘we can sustain, protect and preserve our culture for posterity.’

He urged National Council for Arts and Culture, organisers of the festival to continue to engage more children in this competition introduce them to our cultural heritage and sustain the children corner of this competition so that more talents can be discovered and groomed.

He said: “It is my belief that if we take deliberate steps to put these youths on the right path through positive orientation and meaningful engagements, the rate of youth related crime and violence will gradually reduce and the whole society will be better for it.

Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, said Nigeria has changed positively with the celebration of arts and culture. He said Rivers and Ogun who came with 1,000 and 300 contingents and others contributed massively to the economy of Lagos State. He commended the First Lady of Lagos for donating laptops and tablets to all the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

For the competitive events, Lagos state won the overall best state prize while Rivers and Bayelsa states emerged joint-second place winners, with Ekiti coming third.

Sanwo-Olu’s wife also harped on the theme of the festival as she admonished participating children at this year’s to be of good behaviour and good ambassadors of their states in particular and Nigeria at large. She spoke when she hosted the children to a befitting reception at the Lagos House Marina on Friday. The governor’s wife, who is Mama NAFEST 2022, said the decision to host the children at her official residence “was intentional to give you a sense of history,” adding, “We want you to be part of the history too.”

She noted that ‘we have decided to invest in our children; we do not play with our children at all.’ To add value to the children’s participation in this year’s festival, the first lady gave out laptops, tablets and other educational materials to the children from the 29 participating states.

“That is why we deemed it fit to give you gifts that will be memorable, a gift that you will not throw away, a gift that will be planted in your minds. Your experiences will tell the whole world what you have seen and how Lagos treated you to hospitality. “NAFEST has come to stay. We are the ones hosting the 35th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). Lagos State hosted it in 1988 (24 years ago). We welcome all the children from the 36 states of the federation of Nigeria. Welcome to Lagos, the Centre of Excellence and aquatic splendour,” she said.

Beyond the gifts, the governor’s wife organised a tour guide of the old parliament in the colonial building at the Lagos House, Marina for the children who also participated in dancing competition, games amid sumptuous meals and drinks. The Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, who accompanied the participating children and state delegates, presented a portrait painting of the Lagos governor and his wife, Ibijoke, to the host. Runsewe urged Nigerians particularly the children to be patriotic and appreciate the cultural values and ethos of Nigeria.

At the Entrepreneurship roundtable, Runsewe urged Nigerians to make friends between ethnic groups to discourage and stop separatist agitations.

He said the stimulus was necessary in light of separatist turmoil in some parts of the country. According to him, this will bring more understanding, effective communications and peaceful coexistence.

“At this stage of our national development, we need each other more than ever; we need to stick together as friends.

“I want everyone to become friends with each other so that we can understand each other very well and guide each other against constant rancor,” he said. Runsewe pointed out that the essence of drama and other cultural competitions was to ensure that children were guided on cultural topics at a young age. He also urged parents to always instill cultural values   and norms in their children.

The 35th edition of the festival, which ran from November  7 to 13 at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Lagos was not all about competitions in cultural events. For three days, hundreds of women and girls were trained  in make-up, basket weaving, bag making, leather works, freely at the skill acquisition section of the festival.

Revellers and other fun-seekers were thrilled to scintillating performances from Sir Shina Peters and Alariwo of Africa on the entertainment ground on Saturday night.

The entertainment segment in the festival was to enable revelers have a bit of the Lagos nightlife experience.

Alariwo of Africa kicked off with impressive performances, irresistible for his fans to walk away. He replicated the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti on stage with his dance styles and evergreen instructive music. Fela’s popular songs such as “Water No Get Enemy”, “Palava”, and “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” dominated his performances.

For Shina Peters, he gave some doses of his “Shinamania”, “Omoge Loke Loke”, and other songs.

After a successful outing in Benin between October and November 2019, a solo art exhibition on Benin royal art tagged: “Uhunmwen Vbe Ehinmwen and Master of the Circled Cross in Benin Kingdom”, by Dr. Princess Theresa Oghogho Iyase-Odozi moves to National Museum, Lagos on November 10. It is being organised by Green House Art Empowerment Centre, in collaboration with the National Museum, Lagos. 

According to a statement by the organisers, the second leg of the travelling exhibition is focusing on Benin iconography and Edo Batik and consists of five main components: mixed-media paintings; art installations; Edo Batik textiles and wax prints; an empowerment workshop; and presentation of an art journal/brochure. The exhibition will open till November 17. 

“A key objective of mounting the exhibition is to create awareness and publicise appropriations of the rich Benin icons found on artefacts dating as far back as the 16th Century which are now being deployed by the exhibiting artist in her endeavour to revive the waning culture of Edo Batik clothing.

“During the exhibition, a collection of Edo Batik textiles and wax prints designed and produced by the exhibiting artist, will be on display,” the organisers said. 

Special guests expected at the opening ceremony include Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, (Mrs) Nike Monica Okundaye, Omooba Yemisi Shyllon and Atedo Peterside. 

Dr. Iyase-Odozi said she recognises and admires the wealth of Benin culture, which was reinforced by her beloved father (Iyase N’Udo of Udo) of blessed memory.  

“Thus, I developed the yearning to promote enlightenment about that culture and the history that sustains it, a quest that propelled my research into Benin art history. Since then, I have been completely absorbed in that endeavour which has been fulfilling in terms of the works I have produced and my personal experiencing over the years.

“ The journey culminated in the exhibition on Benin Art and Iconography, the first leg of which was held in Benin City from 26th October to 30th November, 2019. That first outing was a huge success, judging not only by the large number of prominent personalities and foremost artists who graced the opening ceremony, despite the torrential rains on that day, but also the appreciable number of visitors who showed up on subsequent days of the exhibition,” she said. 

She disclosed that the Lagos leg of the show was initially scheduled for November 2020 but had to be postponed indefinitely following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in late 2019. 

Dr. Iyase-Odozi is a professional visual artist, writer, curator, empowerment expert,

community leader, philanthropist and Founder/CEO, Green House Art Empowerment Centre. She received her B.A. Degree in Creative Arts (Painting), M.A. and PhD (Visual Art Education), all from the Department of  Creative Arts, University of Lagos.  

EPE Local Government has put a spotlight on investment potentials and opportunities in the tourism industry in the ancient town.

Under the leadership of Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the council celebrated the richness of the tangible and intangible exports of the place at an event anchored on the theme: Rethinking Tourism with a periscopic view on rural and community-centric tourism. It sought to chart a new course with a mind of building a formidable and inclusive tourism ecosystem that will enhance, stimulate and promote the livelihood of Epe and the community.

The Epe Marina Waterfalls was agog with activities as the people of Epe defied the early morning rains to celebrate tourism. It was an electrifying and equally dramatic moment for the people and indeed guests as drums of culture pervaded the entire environment; from different cultural dance displays to the masquerade performance and then the boat regatta, the richness of Epe cultural artistry and its heritage were further epitomised. The mastery of colours was a beauty to behold.

The event was a two-fold spectacular occasion.

The second part of the celebration continued at the Jubilee Chalets Event Hall where the aesthetically crafted ambience further created a warm hospitality for guests and participants.

The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture troupe creative, scintillating musical and dance performances by was breathtaking.

Animashaun reiterated her commitment to putting Epe in the global map of tourism and development and create the enabling environment that will foster peace and attract investors to Epe land.

She said: “Epe is blessed with rich culture, vast lands, diverse natural resources, aquatic abundance, skillful artisans all within a peaceful community – and it will be a shame to see this all go to waste.  If we do not take calculated steps to harness and develop the resources at our disposal or tell our own stories through rich cultural exchanges such as festivals and the likes – outsiders will come in, do it for us, benefit and take credit for it while we remain onlookers on the sidelines.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, our end goal here in Epe Local Government, is to create an ecosystem that is inclusive; where every single individual from the tour guide to the fishermen, farmers or petty traders and investors alike can benefit from it in equal measure. One by one, structures are being put in place for the ease of access and to encourage trade and investments including the construction of the 18km concrete roads between Eleko to Epe and the commencement of the second phase of road construction from Eleko to Abraham Adesanya – and this is just the first step. The completion and launch of the Lagos Film City by the State Government, situated within Epe division will further open up this region and position it as a global village. Great things are in the works and as we speak, the word out there is that Epe is the best place to be and invest in within Lagos. Therefore, I urge the good people of Epe not to stand idle or turn their backs on the growth that is coming to us.”

The Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa was not left out of the celebration. On his part: “Celebrating this year’s event in Epe area provides the opportunity to appreciate the hospitable people of this locality blesses with rich cultures and aquatic life for community based tourism, ecotourism and aqua tourism.

“Reflecting on the objectives of this year’s world tourism day theme on Epe Local Government Area, I see a platform for inclusive dialogue to identify solutions to realise tourism’s potential as a vehicle for recovery and transformation the rural areas. This effort will amplify the message of tourism as an inspirational and transformational force, and the role of NIHOTOUR, UNWTO and the whole of the sector in fulfilling this potential.”

He called for is the political will to ensure tourism is a central part of policymaking, stating that the government must identify solutions to realign tourism for the future.

Dignitaries present at the event were HRH Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe Kingdom; HRH Oba Adewale, the Oba of Epe, among other dignitaries.

Grace is believed to be a divine way God positively affects the lives of human beings; it is seen as the hand of the Divine helping one to prosper, endure trial, tribulation and resist any form of temptation.

Chuks Ukor’s music video entitled ‘Grace’, produced by Sunny Pee and directed by MJ, laid credence to that fact and more. It encourages the listener that Yahweh (God) loves you too much and has lavished you with His Grace in excess to confront and win the battles of life’. Thus, to win the present and the future battles of life, one needs the abundant grace of God.

A passionate gospel singer, Ukor has three musical albums to his credit. And they are, My Testimony, Praise Uninhibited and Sound of Praise. His single released in 2020, entitled Halleluyah preceded Grace. As an ordained man of God, Ukor is the convener of Afikpo Arise and Praise, an annual event he organises in his hometown. And in Abuja, he hosts an annual music concert, tagged: Sound of Praise Concert.

The music video is both lyrical and performance. And it is divided into three interconnected sequences featuring an 11-man band, which consists of a lead vocalist, five support vocalists, two keyboardists, two guitarists and a drum-set player. The video starts with a melodious display that involves all the musical instruments on display. The opening, which is built gradually from the lead keyboardist, becomes intense when others join its flows. Ukor, the lead vocalist later controls the pace of the music and breaks into the intro of the song: “It’s all about your Grace/Thank you Jesus/Come on everybody, let’s do this together/This is my testimony”. This is immediately followed by the first chorus by the other five other vocalists.

Ukor is seen singing a solo verse in the next sequence of the video. After the solo verse, the support vocalists lend their voices to back it up while appearing from the wings one after the other singing the main chorus.

As the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) holds in Egypt, the Federal Government, represented by the Federal Ministers of Environment, Power and Trade, has recommended a white paper entitled: Trade, Energy and Climate Change: Harmonising Nigerian and Global Concerns on Climate.

Led by PUTTRU, the white paper is a collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Energy Commission of Nigeria and the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate.

The objective of the white paper is aimed at informing the international community and Nigeria’s trade partners on how the country’s national concerns on trade, energy and climate change can be harmonised with global concerns in a manner that ensures that Nigeria’s interests are seen as global interests. The white paper posits that given Nigeria’s large and growing population, achieving this balance between trade, energy and climate change is a matter of national, continental and global concern. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a global trade partner in the global supply chain as the world moves towards a net-zero future.

The 58-page document is divided into four chapters namely: ‘Climate Change’, ‘Energy’, ‘Trade’ and ‘Trade, Energy and Climate Balance’ with three Forewords written by Mohammed  Abdullahi (Minister of Environment), Abubakar Aliyu (Minister of Power) and Otunba Niyi Adebayo (Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment).

Enriched with insights, the document has an impressive list of contributors and reviewers drawn from members of Technical Working Group (TWG) with experts from the Federal Ministries of Environment, Power, Industry, Trade and Investment, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and other ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government, the academia and civil society organisations.