The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Olatoye seeks government support for emerging Nigerian artists

    Olatoye seeks government support for emerging Nigerian artists

    A visual artist, David Olatoye, has called on governments at all levels to provide necessary support to artists, particularly emerging ones, to enable them also contribute to economic development of Nigeria.

    He said such support would empower the artists to unlock their creative potential, generate income and create jobs.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an Art Exhibition, theme: “One Dream at a Time”, Olatoye lamented that emerging artists in Nigeria face significant challenges that require government intervention. 

    According to him, by supporting artists, government can tap into creative industry’s potential to promote cultural exchange, national identity, and economic growth. 

    He said: “Artists are not collecting salary, we need fund and we need money, one of what can boost economy of the nation is art and beauty, work of art might not be for anybody, but it should be for everybody.

    “Artists will always think of beautiful things and think large when government assist them and give them necessary support. Government should help us and support us, they should do the needful so that we can all grow the nation together.”

    Speaking on the rationale behind “One Dream at a Time”, Olatoye said: “This is a testament that God is alive and to know that someone can achieve his desire. Todays event is a dream that has come to reality, because supporting artists has been one of my dreams.

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    “Giving back to the society has been part of me. I don’t know what I would have done if I don’t do art, I studied art and I also went under a tutorage. The story I’m telling you is a shared story and shared experience people can key into. 

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    “I’m a dreamer boy, I believe you can dream as much as you want and as big as you want, empowering young emerging artists for me is like laying down a legacy.

    “I brought seven artists together to do the show, and this is to back up the legacy I’ve started, which is supporting the younger artists, party of my dream is to support emerging artists, I believe that young shall grow.

    “These artists include: Adebayo Kehinde, Ademola Ajayi, Ayomide Okanlawon, Oluwatoyin Ologunloluwa, Oluwatobiloba Fasalejo, Samson Olatubosun and Vivian Chintua.”

    He urged up coming artists to be patient, learn study and dream big.

    The Curator for the exhibition, Frances Akinkuoye, who described Olatoye as a dreamer boy said “One Dream at a Time” was a testament to Olatoye’s commitment towards supporting emerging artists.

    “His dream is to continue to support artists, build community and support art work. Our goal is to pick emerging artists, support them and bring them into lime light globally.”

  • Yemipoet launches new poetry contest on UN SDGs

    Yemipoet launches new poetry contest on UN SDGs

    A wave of creative activism is sweeping through Nigeria’s literary circles as Yemipoet Creation, a fast-rising Instagram poetry platform, unveils a new contest themed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The announcement comes just months after the platform’s May contest, which focused on Zero Hunger, drew widespread attention online, receiving 195 submissions from young poets nationwide. 

    Many of the entries delivered stark reflections on food insecurity, with lines like “Too many eat hope for dinner and call it feast” and “Over 700 million starving, their dreams torn apart” resonating with audiences far beyond the poetry community.

    The upcoming August edition, according to sources familiar with the organisers, will spotlight all 17 SDGs from poverty eradication and climate action to gender equality and quality education. It marks a significant step in the platform’s evolution from a creative outlet to a driver of youth-led advocacy.

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    Founded by poet and nutritionist Opeyemi Moses, Yemipoet Creation has grown organically into a hub where poetry meets purpose. The platform, now marking its one-year anniversary, has steadily built a community of writers using verse to engage with real-world issues.

    “We want to show that young people are not just aware they care, they act, and they create,” Moses said in a statement. “Poetry is our tool to fight, to heal, and to inspire.”

    Although three winners will be awarded, insiders say the true goal is to spark dialogue and build momentum around the SDGs, particularly among Nigerian youth and creatives.

    Submissions are expected to open in early August via the Yemipoet Instagram page, where entry guidelines will be released.

    This development underscores a growing trend in Nigeria’s literary space, where art is increasingly being used as a form of social commentary and resistance.

  • National Art Gallery to receive inventory of national art collections

    National Art Gallery to receive inventory of national art collections

    The Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Sondigi, said that the agency will receive the first inventory of national art collections by Friday, 1 August 2025.

    Sondagi explained that the inventory is part of the efforts to reposition the gallery and make it contribute to the economy.

    Sodangi disclosed this during a media parley in Abuja.

    He explained that the inventory will help place monetary worth on the country’s arts.

    He said, “I am glad to announce to you that on Friday, the 1st of August, we are going to receive the first set of inventory of the National Collection, a digitised inventory that we’ve been working on with the Goethe-Institut for the first part. The next part is because the collection has spread across Lagos.

    “Both of them are between Lagos and Abuja. So the next phase of it is to see how we can come down to Abuja and do the exact same thing. Because if we do not have an infrastructure to exhibit, let’s digitise this process.”

    He said, “So what we’ve done is to see how we can first and foremost restore the National Collection, value the National Collection, and have a digital catalogue of the National Collection.

    “So based on that, we’ve entered into some strategic partnerships with the Goethe-Institut, with the Museum of West African Art, with Julius Berger, just to mention a few, to see how we can quickly revamp the collection we have”.

    He also noted that the Gallery has entered into a partnership with Google and others as part of the ongoing efforts to reposition the National Gallery of Art.

    “While we were doing this process, we had a partnership with Google Arts & Culture. They saw what we were doing, and they said, “This is something they want to partner with the National Gallery to see how they can host the collection on their platform.

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    “I don’t think there’s a bigger platform than Google has today. So it gives us the necessary attention and traction that we need. I’m saying all this to tell you that so many activities have been happening, and it’s all about repositioning the National Gallery.”

    He stressed that what the agency is doing right now is to elevate the Gallery to become all artists’ dream place to be exhibited.

    “Every artist’s dream is to have his work in the National Collection. And this is a symbolic statement, because the reason why we keep hammering about the edifice is because it gives you an establishment where you can go in,” he stressed.

  • Captured Essence: From shots to unveiling

    Captured Essence: From shots to unveiling

    You are getting into a world where light and shadow engage in a harmonious dance, revealing not just the surface of the subjects but their deeper, more intimate essence.

    At the heart of Precious Fine Art photograph ‘Aerial Wonderland’ lies a remarkable use of perspective. The soft, billowy clouds in the foreground contrast with the distant landmasses, while the curvature of the Earth subtly contributes a sense of both scale and tranquillity. The artist’s angle of capture—a high, sweeping view of the planet evokes a profound sense of awe, gently reminding us of our own insignificance in the face of nature’s vast expanse.

    Precious Ozemoya’s fine art photography exhibition ‘Aerial Wonderland’, presented at the Chanai International Photo Festival in Greece 2025, displayed at the Grand Arsenali in Chania, Greece from July 20 – July 24 2025, captures the vast beauty of our planet from an elevated perspective, giving viewers a serene glimpse into the clouds, presenting an inspiring sense of vastness.

    In terms of composition, the artist’s approach is thoughtful. The fine art photograph’s calm demeanour encourages introspection, drawing the viewer into a space of quiet contemplation. Her artist manipulation of the natural contrast between the clouds’ textured forms and the vast, open sky creates a balanced and visually pleasing composition. The wide-angle photography technique further enhances the scope, allowing the viewer to experience the vastness of the scene, with the gradation of blue sky gently merging into soft clouds.

    The textural quality of the clouds is a highlight of this exhibited artwork. The artist showcases the texture of the clouds as intricate patterns and layers, which resemble a painting in nature, evoking soft, rolling waves that create a dynamic visual rhythm within an otherwise still scene. Her use of lighting is skilful; light interacts with the clouds in subtle ways, adding dimension, illuminating certain sections while leaving others in shadow, adding depth. This interplay of light and shadow brings the photograph to life, imbuing it with an energy that contrasts with its tranquil stillness, making the image feel alive.

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    The absence of a direct focal point or horizon line creates a uniformity in the cloud formations, inviting the viewer to wander through endless layers of texture and form. This intentional lack of focus amplifies the sense of vastness, allowing the mind to roam freely across the image. The artist’s skilful manipulation of light conveys the peaceful serenity of the scene. The subtle variations in illumination not only highlight the soft, fluffy texture of the clouds but also create a calming atmosphere that draws the viewer into the photograph’s quiet embrace. In this way, precious captures not just the natural world but the very essence of the atmosphere itself.

    This work is not merely an image of nature; it is an artistic tribute to the world’s quiet majesty and the often-overlooked beauty above our heads. The colour tones, lighting, and textures all converge to create an inviting, contemplative mood, reinforcing the sense of peace and the magnificence of our planet, and the quiet beauty that exists above our heads.

    In contrast, Ozemoya’s ‘The Living Shore’, a fine art photograph, presented at the Orbital Exhibition in Echos Studio, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from March 22 – April 4, 2025, brings us closer to Earth’s raw, tactile beauty, offering an intimate study of nature’s resilience.

    Precious captured a low-tide coastal scene, offering a closer, more intimate view of the textures and organic forms that define coastal ecosystems. In this artwork, the artist focuses on the often-overlooked intricacies of rocks, seaweed, and sand—elements that form a delicate balance, speaking to nature’s endurance and fluidity. Using a    wide-angle perspective photography technique, Precious presents a broad view of textured surfaces, with sharp focus on the details of each rock, its surface intricately shaped by the forces of nature, telling a story of nature’s endurance and fluidity.

    The artist’s fine art photograph’s strength lies in its attention to texture. Precious masterfully captures the variety of surfaces that make up the coastline—smooth, rough, wet, and mossy—each texture adding depth to the scene. The stones, worn by time and the elements, are draped in patches of moss-like algae, creating a rhythmic pattern forming a natural story of persistence and renewal. The contrast between the rough stone and the soft, velvety seaweed introduces a tactile quality that invites the viewer not just to observe, but to feel the image.

    The artwork invites the viewer to imagine the physical sensations of being there. One can almost sense the cool dampness of the rocks and the velvety touch of the seaweed. This tactile quality, achieved through sharp focus and careful attention to detail, elevates the fine art photograph beyond mere visual representation into an immersive experience of nature’s materiality.

    Light, again, plays a crucial role in this work. Soft, diffused sunlight bathes the scene, casting gentle shadows that reveal the curves and contours of the rocks and seaweed. The light’s interaction with the water creates subtle reflections that further enhance the image’s beauty. Precious sensitive manipulation of light transforms this coastal scene from a simple landscape into a meditation on the natural world’s rhythms. The play of light and shadow adds a quiet majesty to the composition, evoking a sense of calm and strength.

    The mood of ‘The Living Shore’ is one of quiet introspection. There is no drama in this scene—only a profound study of patience and resilience. The rocks, steadfast against the ebbing tide, and the seaweed, clinging gently to the stone, evoke a sense of stillness and quiet strength. The neutral tones of sand and stone, enhanced by the vivid greens of the algae, create a harmonious color palette that further deepens the introspective mood.

    In this sense, the fine art photograph becomes more than just a depiction of a coastal landscape; it is a meditation on the passage of time and the cycles of nature. The seaweed, nourished by the tide and then left behind as the waters retreat, symbolizes the fleeting nature of moments—something that appears, disappears, and returns once again. The rocks, enduring and unyielding, stand as a metaphor for resilience in the face of time’s inevitable progression. Together, these elements weave a quiet story of persistence, the ebb and flow of life, and the forces that shape the world.

    Both ‘Aerial Wonderland’ and ‘The Living Shore’ are a celebration of the seen and the unseen showing artistic vision.

  • ‘Oba Sijuwade’s legacy mirrors traditional good governance’

    ‘Oba Sijuwade’s legacy mirrors traditional good governance’

    In spite of the wet season, the weather was clement. The three-in-one event in honour of late Oba Okunade Adele Sijuwade Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, was a mix of celebration and national retrospection of lingering challenges. It also provided appropriate ambience for policymakers that converged on Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos to reawaken their collective memories and deepen understandings of traditional leadership in contemporary Africa, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, reports.

    Last Friday, it was a befitting gathering for a monarch whose influence still re-echoes across the globe ten years after he passed on. Organised in his honour by Sijuwade Royal Family in collaboration with National Council of Traditional Rulers, a symposium, a memorial exhibition and reception attracted distinguished monarchs, policymakers, academics, and community leaders from across the country. They gathered to celebrate the revered monarch and a visionary bridge-builder whose reign illuminated the profound possibilities inherent in blending time-honoured customs with modern governance. The guests included King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanayambo of Twon Brass, His Royal Highness Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Nasir Ado Bayero, His Royal Highness Dr. Haliru Yinusa Ndanusa Emir of Shonga, Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor, representatives of Oba of Lagos, and Olu of Warri.

    Others were representative of Secretary to Federal Government, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Prince Julius Adeluyi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Sunny Kuku, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Ondo State Governor Dr. Segun Mimiko and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II expressed gratitude to the guests saying: “I am fulfilled that you can all be here for this event.” He disclosed that the anniversary event would have been held in Ile Ife, but for the convenience of all, the family agreed to host it in Lagos. While urging the guests to rise for a minute silence in honour of the late Ooni, he said it should not be one minute of silence but one minute of joy and clapping in honour of Oba Sijuwade.

    Dr. Oludamola Adebowale is Curator and Consultant to the Family on the memorial celebrations.

    To former President Olusgun Obasanjo, who described the symposium as a moment of national introspection, Oba Sijuwade represented one of the highest players of African tradition and global diplomacy.

    “In a world where the traditional institution is constantly tested by the tides of modernity, we should not forget that all paths are not relics of the past, they are anchors for the future.

    “As we nurture the cultural institution with so many challenges, how do we protect the cultural institution from the corrosive influence of violence? he asked.

    Obasanjo who was represented by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said the best tribute ‘we can pay to the memory of our superiors and indeed to the memory of all that came before us is to do what is right. The values of honour, cultural contribution, dignity and truth in leadership are worth certain amount. We all should protect and advance their frontiers for their greater multilateral success.’

    He disclosed that many may not know that behind certain political processes in Nigeria’s turbulent democratic journey stood the prior intervention of the late monarch who believed in peace and equality. 

    “As we begin this great event, let us also remember our responsibilities to our people, to our culture, and to  truth.

    Let us not reduce our values to the extent of extreme culture. Let us embody these values and how we live, how we serve, and how we live,” he added. 

    Secretary to Federal Government, Senator George Akume said that the profound leadership of the late Sijuade left an indelible mark on the history and the culture of our people.

    He noted that Oba Sijuwade has been dedicated to the preservation of heritage, adding that his unwavering commitment to peace and unity and his compassionate leadership continue to inspire generations.

    “As we remember his invaluable contributions, we celebrate a life worthy in service to a united Nigeria and beyond…

    “Let us use this occasion to honour the legacies of this revered monarch to reflect on their service to renew our commitment to upholding the rich traditions and values they exemplify. It is our collective responsibility to foster unity, promote development, and preserve the cultural heritage that unites us as a people.

    “We pray for continued wisdom, strength, and prosperity for the Royal House of Ife and for all the people who hold such legacies dear to their hearts,” he added.

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    Akume who was represented by Prof Babatunde Bolaji Benard, SA (Technical) to SGF, said that as custodians of culture, history, and moral authority, the traditional rulers in the country serve as anchors of stability and sources of communal strength across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape. This gathering, he noted, aims to highlight how leveraging the influence and authority of these institutions can promote peaceful coexistence, facilitate conflict resolution, and reinforce national unity.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has very often reaffirmed his own administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the traditional leaders towards building cohesive national identity, securing the nation, and driving economic progress and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Oba Sijuwade’s reign was marked by profound commitment to the preservation of a rich cultural heritage and the fostering of unity among diverse peoples. According to him, his leadership demonstrated the indispensable role traditional institutions play in safeguarding peace, promoting social cohesion, and advancing development in our beloved nation.

    He stressed that in a Nigeria often challenged by ethnic, religious, and political divisions, the wisdom and authority vested in traditional rulers providing a unifying force are capable of bridging divides and nurturing harmony.

    These institutions, he said, possess an unparalleled capacity complementing formal government structures by engaging communities and addressing them, preserving cultural identity, and initiating conflict with respect and understanding.

    “Nigeria State, as a vibrant and cosmopolitan part of Nigeria, continuously supports and collaborates with traditional institutions in enhancing security, fostering unity, and promoting inclusive development,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, observed that Nigeria can harness the strength of its heritage and the spirit of cooperation that Oba Sijuwade championed while he was with us to build a Nigeria that is peaceful, united, and prosperous to all.

    “As we reflect on the life and contributions of Oba Sijuwade in his time, let us be inspired to deepen the partnership between traditional leadership and modern governance for the enduring stability and advancement of our great nation. I wish this symposium fruitful transitions and every success in achieving its objective,” he noted.

    In his keynote, Prof Jacob Kehinde Olupona, a renowned Nigerian-American Professor of African Religious Traditions, who spoke on Unifying and Securing Nigeria’s Future Through Traditional Institutions, interrogated how the lessons of Oba Sijuwade’s reign can inform practical strategies to foster inter-ethnic understanding, strengthen community based security frameworks, and also to encourage traditional authorities to play more dynamic and innovative roles in national development.

    He said Oba Sijuwade’s leadership elevated the prestige of the House of Oduduwa to global prominence, strengthening the Yoruba identity across generations and geographies.   

    “My purpose today is not only to talk about Oba Sijuwade but the institution he represented, that of traditional rulership.  We are here to discuss two major issues currently facing Nigeria; division and insecurity and how the traditional institutions that have the position of sacred kingship, tribal leadership and king council representing traditional ways of life and local mode of governance can address these challenges and the problems. “I ask how can we empower traditional institutions, particularly the institution of Obas, Emirs and Obis to secure the national integrity of this country?”

    According to Prof Olupona, the goal of the symposium is to arrive at a situation where ‘we can say with declarative confidence that aberrations will not take place if the Oba is in charge. But, how does the Oba take charge when in reality they are not in charge? So part of the question we are going to be asking today is how do we make the Obas to be in charge? We really know that in reality, they are not in charge.’

    This and many more puzzles were addressed by panel discussion, which featured Oba Abolarin (Orangun of Oke Ila) Dr. Ndanusa (Emir of Shonga), Benjamin Ikenchukwu, (Dein of Agbor), Alhaji Suleiman Emir of Misau, Colonel Kayode Are (retd) and Chief Dele Momodu. The session was moderated by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi. 

    A close associate of Oba Sijuwade, Prince Adenekan Adewuyi described the monarch as king of kings, who came first while others followed. “He was a man of character, integrity and style. He created style and he maintained it till he passed on. He made great efforts to foster unity among Obas in Yorubaland and Nigeria in general. He ensured the unity of North and South. A true custodian of traditions and culture of Yorubaland,” he said.

    But one of the monarch’s daughters, Princess Adenike Sijuade was nostalgic in recalling the life and times of her late father, who, she said, was a lovely man and father to many. “He nurtured us, made us to withstand difficult times. To him, education was very important, which we all excel in. We were able to make our future for ourselves. Today is celebration of him, the good things he did in Nigeria and the world. It is the celebration of his life’s journey. We never forgot him. As for me, there is no man like him. He trained us to be self-sufficient. He always warned us to remember the child of whom we are, which guides us till now,” she recalled. 

  • ‘Stop waiting for foreign models’

    ‘Stop waiting for foreign models’

    Group General Manager, Continental Hotel, Mr. Karl Hala, has tasked critical stakeholders in tourism industry to adopt Egypt, Turkey and South Africa’s models of tourism development, which rest on owning their narrative, branding their heritage, elevating their culture and selling a compelling story to the world. He said that these countries, particularly Egypt and Turkey have faced years of unrest, yet they lead Africa and the Middle East in tourism inflow.

    Hala  who spoke as guest speaker at the BusinessDay Tourism Conference held recently in Lagos, said unknown to many, ‘we’re sitting on tourism gold — yet still choosing to wear a borrowed crown.’

    He disclosed that tourism contributes 4.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria compared to 8.6 percent in South Africa, and 9.2 percent in Kenya. “Imagine what’s possible if we tap into just 10 percent more of our potential? he asked. 

    “We look to Turkey, Egypt, even South Africa, admiring their visitor numbers and glossy tourism ads. But let’s be real — Egypt and Turkey have faced years of unrest, yet still lead Africa and the Middle East in tourism inflow. Why?  Because they own their narrative. They’ve branded their heritage, elevated their culture, and sold a compelling story to the world,” he added.

    Identifing perception trap as the nation’s biggest barrier and not infrastructure or insecurity, he explained that, unfortunately, when some people hear ‘Nigeria’ they think risk, whereas Nigeria is energy, hustle, creativity and vibe. “Where else do you find a nation where tradition and tech walk hand-in-hand, where a Fulani herdsman’s cattle can be geo-tagged, and a Nollywood director is shooting films on a mobile phone? Where else does every day feel like a celebration of culture, connection, and resilience?” he wondered.

    He stressed that hospitality is Nigeria’s fastest route to economic growth saying that hospitality and tourism industry is not just an economic sector but a national amplifier.

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    Hala said: “At Continental Hotels Nigeria, we operate two five-star hotels in Lagos and Abuja, with over 1,000 rooms, state-of-the-art Convention Centres, and host guests from across the world daily. What we see is clear: When a guest feels welcome, safe, and inspired—they become an ambassador for Nigeria.

    “Tourism contributes just 4.5 percent of GDP in Nigeria-compared to 8.6 percent in South Africa, and 9.2 percent in Kenya. Imagine what’s possible if we tap into just 10 percent more of our potential.”

    He described Nigerian youth as the unknown superpower, which is under 25 and constitute over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population.  To him, that’s not a statistic but an army of dreamers, doers, coders, chefs, guides, entrepreneurs and artists.

    “We need to train them not just to follow jobs but to create industries. From culinary tourism to adventure travel, from digital nomad hubs to heritage restoration, the future is theirs. This is where we build inclusive tourism models: Community-owned lodges in Osun or Cross River local guides trained in eco-tourism in Taraba. Cultural festivals in Zaria, Enugu, Ibadan are marketed globally. There are smart partnerships between hotels, tech, and youth platforms,” he added. 

    On the key pillars of the industry, he urged players to stop waiting for foreign models and build African solutions for African dreams. He said train, up skill and empower the people who must own tourism and not just serve in it. “Heritage is not just art in a museum — it’s music in our streets, stories in our palaces, food on every corner. Celebrate it, digitise it and export it. Yes, we need better roads, airports, policies and competitive VISA regulations. But we also need better thinking. Invest in experiences, not just buildings. Imagine a tourism innovation hub in Lagos, a culinary institute in Calabar, a heritage trail from Ife to Kano. 

    “Let’s stop waiting to be chosen. Let’s train harder, act bolder, dream bigger. Tell the world not just that Nigeria is open for tourism, but that we are the future of travel. We are not the underdog. We are Africa’s heartbeat. And the world needs to feel it. ..and let’s build something unforgettable,” he noted.

  • Cavista Holdings elevates two female officials

    Cavista Holdings elevates two female officials

    Cavista Holdings has elevated two women Funlola Akintonde and Anthonia Attoh to senior positions that reflect their outstanding contributions, leadership excellence, and continued commitment to driving transformation across the group.

    Akintonde was promoted to Senior People Director and Chief of Staff to the Chairman, a dual role that places her at the heart of the group’s strategic execution. In addition to leading the group’s people function, she will support Founder and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide in aligning enterprise-wide priorities, enhancing cross-functional collaboration, and driving organisational effectiveness.

    Akintnde who is a distinguished Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience across finance, energy, and tech, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan. Her elevation is a testament to her vision, impact, and ability to lead with both heart and strategy.

    Attoh has been appointed Vice President, Operations at Agbeyewa Farms, transitioning from her role as Director of Operations at Cavista Holdings. Since joining the Group in 2024, Attoh has been instrumental in strengthening operational capabilities and professionalizing operational processes across the Group. Her new role will see her focus on driving operational excellence and institutional growth at Agbeyewa Farms, reporting directly to the MD/CEO of the business.

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    She is an alumna of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (HND, Mechanical Engineering) and Lagos State University (MBA, Human Resource Management), and also holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Analysis from The George Washington University School of Business, and is a certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence.

    Founder and Chairman of Cavista Holdings Niyi John Olajide said: “At Cavista, we are deeply committed to recognizing talent and advancing leaders who embody our values of excellence, purpose, and impact. Funlola and Anthonia represent the very best of our organisation. Their leadership, character, and ability to deliver results will play a defining role in the next phase of our growth across industries and continents. I am incredibly proud of them and excited for what lies ahead.”

    These appointments not only reinforce Cavista Holdings’ commitment to empowering women in leadership but also signal the group’s continued investment in top-tier talent to drive lasting impact across Africa and the global markets in which it operates.

  • UNESCO, Foundation partner to honour Okigbo

    UNESCO, Foundation partner to honour Okigbo

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will partner Christopher Okigbo Foundation to host a high-level commemorative event in honour of one of Africa’s most influential poets, Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo. The event will hold on August 28, at the UNESCO Nigeria Office, UN Building, Constitution Avenue, Abuja. Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (1932–1967) is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most original and profound poetic voices.

    It is in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). The gathering is themed: The Importance of Christopher Okigbo’s Nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage and Literary History.

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    The event is organised to celebrate Okigbo’s recent nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, a prestigious international recognition that highlights the significance of his literary manuscripts and contributions to world literature.

    It will feature a keynote address, a thought-provoking panel session, Spoken word and poetry performances inspired by Okigbo’s work as well as an exhibition showcasing rare manuscripts, photographs, and visual tributes.

    “This partnership between UNESCO and the Christopher Okigbo Foundation reflects our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Africa’s literary and cultural heritage,” said Ifeeanyi Aajaeggbo, a representative of UNESCO Nigeria.

  • Free recycle residency opens in Ibadan

    Free recycle residency opens in Ibadan

    FREEE recycle has launched the maiden edition of its FREEE Residency Programme, a new initiative fusing environmental sustainability with cultural preservation. The FREEE Art Residency Programme, running from July 28 to August 30, 2025, will host selected young Nigerian artists for a five-week intensive programme focused on transforming recycled materials into artworks that reinterpret lost Nigerian artifacts.

    Themed Echoes of Reclamation: Rebuilding Heritage from Waste, the residency is designed to empower a new generation of eco-conscious artists while advancing circular economy principles. The selected participants will explore and bring to life Nigeria’s rich, but often forgotten, artistic legacy through contemporary works crafted from reclaimed materials.

    Participants were selected from various Nigerian tertiary institutions through a competitive process that assessed their passion for art, cultural research, and sustainability. Over the five-week programme, they will work in a dedicated on-site studio at the FREEE Recycle facility in Ibadan, where they’ll have access to materials, expert-led workshops, and communal discussions tailored to support their creative and intellectual development.

    A faculty of artists and cultural scholars will provide mentorship and critique, offering both technical guidance and historical context.

    The residency will conclude with a public exhibition in Lagos, providing a platform to engage the wider community in conversations around culture, sustainability and innovation.

    “Too often, we treat waste and heritage as unrelated challenges. This residency suggests otherwise that the things we discard may hold the power to reconnect us with what we’ve lost,” said Managing Director, FREEE Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe.

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    The FREEE Art Residency is part of a broader movement across Nigeria to integrate sustainability into education, culture, and industry. Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced a ban on single-use plastics in ministries and government agencies, which is a policy shift that aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental pollution and support responsible production.

    Programmes like the residency are contributing to that vision from the grassroots. By giving young creatives the tools to think critically about history and waste, they may be laying the foundation for future solutions that are both environmentally and culturally grounded.

    Beyond its artistic focus, the residency also signals a shift in how creative institutions are responding to calls for circular economy practices. The program positions artists at the intersection of waste and memory. It also highlights the role of the creative sector in shaping more sustainable and reflective societies.

    Throughout the residency, participants will engage in hands-on creation, guided research, and expert-led workshops, culminating in a public exhibition and auction in Lagos.

    With growing concerns about waste and the need to foster circular economies, initiatives like this are timely. Since commencing operations in 2020, FREEE Recycle has processed over 350,000 used tyres and developed sustainable products used in schools, offices, and public spaces across Nigeria. This program builds on that impact by fostering cultural revitalization and empowering young people through creative and inclusive engagement.

    Sponsors of the FREEE Residency Program include Sage Grey Technologies Limited and the Netherlands Consulate, who also serve as endorsers. Other endorsing partners include the Scrap Art Museum and the National Museum of Unity. The program also benefits from the expertise of a distinguished faculty: Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, Deputy Director and Curator at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan; Dotun Popoola, visionary metal sculptor and founder of the Scrap Art Museum; and Tunde Odunlade, a globally recognized printmaker and textile artist. These faculty members will contribute to the final candidate selection, lead creative sessions, and provide mentorship and institutional credibility throughout the residency.

  • JAA @ 85: A measure of public spirit

    JAA @ 85: A measure of public spirit

    • By Louis Odion

    How time flies! Just five years ago, we serenaded Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (fondly called JAA) as he joined the octogenarian club. No cymbals sounded nor any bell jingled anywhere back then. Not that there was any lack or that his legion of mentees now immensely accomplished in all fields of human endeavour were incapable. It was his fervent wish.

    Rather, as August 2, 2020 approached, he requested for prayers for the country and deep introspection by family and friends on how to collectively rededicate, to recommit to the pursuit of the common purpose.

    As Pa JAA turns this week (August 2), there will be no Owambe anywhere still. It is by choice. Obviously, the effluxion of time has not in any way diluted his existing prescription for a better country. This was one’s conclusion after reading his interview featured by The Nation at the weekend.

    Hear him: “I think we need to tell the younger people that apart from education and knowledge they need character. Part of the problem we have in this country now is the complete lack of population with character … For example, somebody who is wealthy is envied, somebody who is intellectually successful is respected, somebody who is in power, politically is feared.  But only a person of character is trusted. So if you are known as a person of character, you will be trusted.”

    In the thick of COVID 19 in 2020, yours sincerely wrote a tribute entitled: “Adelusi-Adeluyi @ 80: The giver’s hand is on top” to toast him. Five years on, I have no cause to modify or recant any word in the eulogy. I crave readers’ indulgence to bring excerpts as follows.

    “Doubtless, pharmacy taught him the ancient secrets of medicine. But in rather engaging the Nigerian public more intimately in the last half a century, Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi has amply demonstrated that duty of care to society is much more than administering injection or dispensing medication. He is obviously one of Nigeria’s surviving doyens of medicine and arguably her most iconic pharmacist in the past five decades.

    “By going extra mile to make a bigger career of the art of inspiring the wary, raising the weak, comforting the traumatized and reconciling the estranged, Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi has certainly touched a far greater number across various disciplines and continents more intimately than the possible reach of ether-smelling lab of medical research and solutions.

    “Note, in our society, when the appellation of ‘Daddy’ is invoked outside biological affiliation, it is often an emotional acknowledgement and submission to the authority of another and emplacing such individual on a higher pedestal. It is undoubtedly the highest form of cultural veneration. It presupposes a hand that provides daily-bread, a voice which resonates for compassion and solidarity.

    “Were a survey to be conducted today, far more are surely those who fondly address the Ado-Ekiti prince as ‘Daddy’ than his biological brood. Few, if any, would indeed rival Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi in contemporary Nigeria in terms of the turnover of mentees in various sectors. His own exertion is certainly on industrial scale.

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    “So, unlike the Freudian kid who eyes the father with malicious envy, our calling the Ekiti patriarch ‘Daddy’ is a gesture of affection – a worship and appreciation of not just his ever cheerful and accommodating airs, but much more of an instinctive mentoring spirit. His enigma lies not only in the generosity in donating time to mentor, but also the humility to cultivate the friendship of those who, by all yardstick, are his juniors and inferiors.

    “Again, there is something enthralling about his aristocratic carriage in the public, garnished with a badge of honor earned undoubtedly from a life-long commitment to charity causes. To say nothing about the sartorial impeccability of his trademark all-white ensemble, rimless glasses and a dimpled smile. More, not many have his remarkable gift of a flawless command of eight international languages.

    “Through him, we learnt the great power in little things. Being visible without being voluble. Accessible without being cheap. That there is a stark distinction between being in the service of society and indulging in the vanity of a socialite. It is possible to be sociable without being vain.

    “Let me illustrate the latter point by declassifying a secret. Long before the disruption of Covid-19, some conspirators had begun to hold nocturnal meetings, plotting an elaborate ceremony way ahead of Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi’s 80th birthday. Among them was my friend and brother, Azubuike Ishiekwene. I was conscripted at some point. We agreed  among ourselves to keep everything discreet, to make it a big surprise to our common benefactor.

    “But even before an action plan could crystallize at the drawing-board came a freezing order from the man himself. Till now, what remains a puzzle to some of us is how the secret leaked to him. Perhaps, maybe it was by sheer intuition. The seasoned hunter is probably able to foretell a mischief even in the seemingly impregnable forest by simply reading the lips of its denizens.

    “Considering how Covid-19 would later unravel with all its forbidding protocols, Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi’s earlier restraining order would then appear clairvoyant indeed. It was as if the old man saw pandemic ahead of all of us. Surely, the shrewd elder depends on the sixth sense more than anything for their own fortification. 

    “Typically, his objection to our proposal was lovingly expressed. To him, any form of revelry will be utterly meaningless at a time of great distress in the land, suggesting he remained mindful of the sixth social sin Mahatma Gandhi talked about – pleasure without conscience.

    “Otherwise, why feast when increasing number of our compatriots are unsure of their next meal? Why make merry and dance wildly in the shimmering marquee when in several locations across the country, millions are huddled in makeshift tents, daily tortured by thoughts of homelessness inflicted by relentless Boko Haram terror and cruel banditry. 

    Rather, he would wish an atmosphere for deep national introspection and true healing. 

    “We listened and understood his message.

    “Everything considered, yours sincerely will surely be counted among the legion of his mentees. In media industry alone, the list is endless. Since the torrent of tributes began a week ago in commemoration of his 80th birthday, media heavyweights like Sam Omatseye, Dr. Reuben Abati, Segun Adeniyi, Azu (Azubuike Ishiekwene), Simon Kolawole have individually given touching testimonies.

    Indeed, these tributes have celebrated his trophies and laurels in multiple fields of human endeavor. But it will require tomes and tomes to document his positive impact on the lives of so many.

    “From his vantage position, he certainly sees far and is ever eager to push the younger ones to attain their full potentials. Back in 2005, he assembled a number of us from the media he considered equipped with ‘critical skills’ to dream of jointly authoring a book to set agenda for the nation in the decade ahead. That included Reuben “The Monumental” Reuben (Abati), Azu Ishiekwene, Simon Kolawole and this writer. After a couple of sessions at his Ikeja office, we developed content ideas. But hard as he pushed, the book project became stalled at some point due to some technical challenges.

    “At inter-personal level, his sense of humor can be summarized with one word: subversive. When I turned 40 in 2013, he attended a reception hosted in my honour by my big brother, Benita Obaze (owner of Bevista, Ikoyi). As usual, he was so generous with his time to sit through the event as the Chairman from evening till late in the night. He was flanked on the high table by the durable Aremo Segun Osoba (former Ogun Governor) and Right Honorable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lagos State Speaker. Immortal Kongi (Professor Wole Soyinka) sent a goodwill message read by Sam Omatseye that day.

    “But it took our next meeting at his Ikeja office several days later for Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi to tell me his impression by way of a postmortem of the event.

    ‘I heard everyone hailing you as “Mr Capacity! Mr Capacity!!” at the party. I almost didn’t suspect anything until I started noticing one slim lady running all over the place. Now, as the ‘Daddy’ you call me, tell me who is that fine lady?”

    ‘Oh, you must be referring the the event planner of the ceremony,’ I replied casually. “Just an event planner?,” he probed further, his face contorted with a playful frown. ”And she was always smiling coyly and all over you as you sat next to me on the high table?”

    ‘“Ah, Daddy…,” I burst into laughter.

    ‘“Just one more word from you and I will…” he interjected in a raised his voice, twirling a finger in mock threat.

    ‘Of course, the unspoken message was to squeal on the findings of his discreet investigation.

    ‘We both reeled in a prolonged hearty laughter.

    ‘On regaining his breath, he fired more shots with suddenly contrived sobriety: “I know that very soon, you’ll start saying you inherited your handsomeness from me. But if I may ask you, is that “Capacity” part of the genes you took from me?”

    ‘The laughter only grew more delirious.

    ‘Ever since, the invocation of “One more word!” has become the trigger for laughter in our conversations or interactions. Once he tried to reach Azu in Abuja on phone from Lagos without success. It eventually took the latter several hours to return the missed call.

    ‘After Azu tried to apologize for the delay, Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi replied with feigned severity: “You’re supposed to be a bachelor in Abuja. Last night, I called you to discuss a matter of urgent national importance, you deliberately refused to pick your call. Now, just one more word from you and I will tell Madam!”

    ‘Both parties burst into laughter.

    ‘Indeed, with Pa Adelusi-Adeluyi, laughter never ends.

    “Happy birthday, sir!”