The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Awosika urges women to live their dreams

    The Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, has charged women to strike a balance between their homes and workplace with godly wisdom.

    Awosika spoke at the 2016 inspiring change conference organised by Esobs Heroes in commemoration of the World Mother’s Day held at the Wisdom Arena, Agege, Lagos. The programme tagged Yes I can, brought together Christian faithful from across the country  and featured prayer, lecture and distribution of free sewing machines, deep freezers, scale and cash donation to indigent entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

    She said that women should know their roles as mothers in the home but understand that by operating within the order of the home as instructed by God there will be happiness in the home.

    “No matter what you think I am, in my house, my husband, in spite of my achievement is the head of the home. Whatever I am today, I can kneel down before my husband in front of 10 million people and it would mean nothing to me because he is my husband,” she said.

    She advised mothers to hold their home in very high esteem and should not put their home at risk in the course of serving God.

    She also advised mothers to do what they are passionate about, adding that if Mrs. Awosika could be a successful mother, wife and entrepreneur, every woman too could.

    The convener of the programme, Mrs. Adesumbo Adeoye, said that the aim of the programme is to encourage and reawaken the spirit of motherhood with a view to surmounting the challenges of parenthood through entrepreneurship and capacity building. Adeoye advised women, in their capacity as mothers, not to bottle their dreams.

  • Arthouse makes N31m at auction

    Arthouse makes N31m at auction

    About N31,050,000 was realised from 72 per cent of works sold at the Affordable Art Auction by the Arthouse Con temporary at the Kia Showroom on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    It featured 116 lots from leading artists. Top sales included Rom Isichei’s Rejuvenation (2011), oil on board that sold for N1,322,500  ($6,613); Ben Osawe’s Mask (1985), a gouache on paper that sold for N920,000 ($4,600) and Kolade Oshinowo’s The Family (2009), an oil on board that sold for N782,000 ($3,910).

    The auction also included three charity lots in support of the Society of Nigerian Artists, which raised N506,000 ($2,530) with all proceeds going to their fundraiser to expand their operations.

    The auction was the third, after the Arthouse Contemporary’s bi-yearly auctions of modern and contemporary art in May and November. Each work was priced  below N 500,000, casting a wider net to showcase a broader scope of contemporary artists. The auction aimed to engage emerging markets and the rise of a new collector base.

    Arthouse Contemporary displayed many artists in the auction for the first time, and it also included works by leading modern masters and Africa’s most prominent artists — all scaled to a more affordable and accessible price point.

    It was founded in 2007 as an international auction house that specialises in modern and contemporary art from West Africa. It aims to create awareness of the scope of contemporary art in the region, encourage international recognition towards its talented artists and strengthen the economy of its art market.

    Arthouse Contemporary has expanded with Arthouse – The Space – which organises exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as the Arthouse Foundation, a non-profit residency-based programme in Lagos.

    The auction was supported by Ecobank, Kia Motors and Luxeria.

  • Homage to Stephen Oyetade, Ashipa of Ife

    Homage to Stephen Oyetade, Ashipa of Ife

    When the sad news filtered into the public space on July 28, last year that Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Ooni of Ife has joined his ancestors, the social and mainstream media went to town without giving the palace ritualists the benefits of conventional official announcement. Thus, when it was eventually confirmed on August 12, of the same year, the apparent demystification of Oonirisa, Iku Baba Yeye in the estimation of Ife Traditional Royal Council; has taken its toll on many prominent traditional chiefs, including the influential Ashipa of Ife, Chief Stephen Obaloluwa Oyetade, aka Jabidan.

    The deification of Olofin Oduduwa through various rituals estimated at over 200 is believed to have been relegated as the media blitz persisted causing severe emotional distress and tragic heart conditions that assailed Ooni’s high chiefs and the ancient town. Unfortunately, it is in the light of performing the transition rituals while the conflict with the news media lasted that his bosom friend and illustrious Ife son, Chief Stephen Oyetade was transformed, sorry transited ‘’into great beyond”. Ashipa was quoted as saying moments after, “It can’t be true” That bombshell opened a wound in his heart and other traditional chiefs, but he never recovered from the rude shock. The patriarch of the Owafegun family, Fegun compound, Ogbon-Agbara, Ile-Ife, Osun State Chief Oyetade passed on gracefully on August 6, last year, a week after newshounds literally seized the jugulars and coronary blood vessels of many traditional chiefs including sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, who were shocked by the controversy that trailed Ooni’s death. For close to a decade that Ife Consultative Network (ICON) has been associated with the late Ashipa Oyetade, he was a frontline businessman whose passion, determination and ethical principles, inspired and encouraged our  youths, siblings and many top flight professionals on the daunting challenges and adventures of life. Armed with a Grade III Modem School Certificate, he obtained from The Apostolic Secondary Modem School, Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Osun State, Chief Oyetade had brief working experience at Araromi Rubber Plantation Estate, Ijebu Ode as a farm hand. He, however, left the job for great adventures in Lagos in the early 70s through his mentor, the late Pastor A.A. Oyewole, who exposed him to gainful employment opportunity at Cadbury Nigeria, Ikeja, where he eventually sat for GCE’O’ Level. With a life of adventure and abiding faith, Oyetade who was born at Ogudu village, Ile-Ife curiously lived in Ogudu GRA, Lagos, where he established a solid base as a wealthy businessman by dint of hardwork and providence.

    Chief Ashipa eventually quit Cadbury to set up a flourishing textiles and supply channel distribution in Lagos Island, However, his financial break came in the late 70’s when he discovered huge business opportunity in Austria, Switzerland, Britain, Holland during the boom era of Swiss lace (Wonyosi) Hollandais fabric. This development heralded the growth of Jabidan Ventures Limited, a company specialised in textile distribution and freight forwarding business. Interestingly, Ashipa Oyetade had steadily taken a cue from his father, Pa Samuel Oyetade Elujoko, who was a successful textile dealer in Ile-Ife. This became the nucleus of Jabidan Group of Companies, which later included courier logistics, freight forwarding, building construction and a hotel business. As a result, Oyetade became a frontline businessman in Lagos and built his first house in 1979 at Parakin Obalufe Layout, Eleyele, Ile-Ife. The modern house was among the choice flats in Ile-Ife in the exclusive Eleyele neighborhood it was occupied by senior staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, including the Chairman of Oduduwa University Ipetumodu (OUI), Chief Ramon Adedoyin. With the support of his wife Mrs lyabo Oyetade, whom he married in 1974, Jabidan Ventures became a household name in United Kingdom and Nigeria, especially Ereko, Moshalasi and Balogun markets. Chief Oyetade took a second wife Mrs Yemisi Oyetade, ostensibly to complement the fast-growing endeavours at the homefront. By the time Oyetade was installed as Ashipa of Ile-Ife in 2005, he had become a prominent businessman with social, business and international connections across the globe. Those connections gave him high visibility, defining moments and was constantly on the entourage of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who unveiled Ashipa’s ultra-modern hotel complex at Ogudu, Ojota, in 2007.

    He was a pioneer member of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Ilupeju and continued to be a blessing to all those who came in contact with him as an Elder in The Apostolic Church Ketu, Assembly where he served God until his last breath.

    Ashipa found great delight in open discussion with friends and family and will be remembered for the wisdom and clarity of judgment he brought to every interaction no matter how small. He was great example and inspiration to Ife youths as a former Treasurer of Ife Developmental Board (IDB) as he delved into every aspect of life-business, health, relationship, money, and happiness.

    Business and general discourse aside, Ashipa’s greatest passion was for peace, love, friendship and freedom to be the best and his greatest pleasure came from deep conversation with friends associates and children- compelling stories that were full of curiosity about how the world worked and moral fortitude about how it should work for us to make a difference. In my encounter with him, I found Ashipa to be genuinely good, faithfull, and motivated to make a difference in the lives of people around him. Nurtured in the strict Christain faith and spartan background, Oyetade was gracious in carriage, humble and articulate and often doled out financial support to politicians of stripes. He was revered by the Ife Traditional Royal Council as a constant donor with integrity, who preferred cash donations at public functions rather than giving frivolous pledges. By whatever measure, Ashipa Oyetade has lived a successful life and a significant modest lifestyle.

    Despite the spiritual significance of Ashipa’s traditional title, Chief Oyetade kept faith with his Christian beliefs and manifested deep convictions on the transcendent dimension of propriety, through, ethical premise and good conscience. According to Ashipa, these convictions constitute the basis of all religions whether Christian, Muslim, or traditional worshiper. I personally will sorely miss his friendship, advice, insightful ideas and humors.

     

    • Mr Balogun is a journalist and co-ordinator of Ife Consultative Network (ICON)
  • Little Drops: Anguish, travails of Niger Delta women

    Little Drops: Anguish, travails of Niger Delta women

    As part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) presented Prof. Ahmed Yerima’s Little Drops at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Thursday. The travelling drama, which kicked off in Abuja last Tuesday, is a campaign to bring to the national conscience the anguish of Niger Delta women and children, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports. 

    For the first 30 minutes, the red carpet was very busy.  Guests, who were mainly women, took turns to sign and endorse a board pledging parity between male and female genders, which is an offshoot of this year’s theme: Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality. Inscriptions such as “I love girl-child”, “I pledge to help and mentor girl-child,” and “Help a woman grow the community,” were some of the graffiti on the board.

    As the endorsement was going on, a dance troupe entertained guests at the entrance of the hall, setting the tone for the main drama presentation of Little Drops in the evening, featuring renowned actresses, such as Joke Silva; Tosan Edremoda-Ugbeye; Najite Dede; Zara Udofia-Ejoh; Toritseju Akiya Ejoh and Abiodun Kassim.

    The play was directed by Niji Akanni while Alhaji Teju Kareem was the Technical Director.

    Poetry performances of Through the eyes of the storm and We Thought it was oil also spiced the evening that attracted guests such as the wife of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, renowned author Pa Gabriel Okara, top management staff of the commission and women leaders among others.

    Justice Nyesom-Wike, who arrived half an hour into the event, said women should be cared for in terms of their mental health because there are always cases of rape and violence against them.  She noted that when the childhood of a child is stolen, he or she cannot get it back. “I got married at 27. Yet, I am still facing challenges of maintaining a family. How can a girl of 16 years cope? I cannot think of any greater challenge than what the girl will face. When you marry off underage girls, they face many health challenges. The mental health of our women is what we must take serious because only a stable woman can manage a home,” she added.

    Justice Nyesom-Wike urged the government to do all it could in order not to destroy the womenfolk, saying ‘we need to love one another.  Men should give women a chance to grow and develop. When you build a woman, you are raising generations.’

    On the increasing spate of killings in the state, she said Rivers is big enough for all and do not see why ‘we should have issues.’

    Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari described the event as one of the activities of the commission to inspire and celebrate the courage, determination and achievements of ordinary women facing extraordinary circumstances every day. She said Pledging for Parity is a campaign everyone must support as it is in recognition of the importance of women in their capacity to positively impact the world.

    As part of efforts to raise awareness and improve human capacity in the region, she disclosed that the commission would begin the Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS) programme and the Queen Kambasa awards for excellence. All these, she said, are to encourage young girls in the region embrace science and technology, and provide quality manpower.

    Beyond hosting Yerima’s play, Little Drops, which is a more compelling and urgent  anecdote, Semenitari disclosed that it is the objective of the commission to re-introduce through such engaging platform, issues confronting the Niger Delta to national consciousness, conscience and discourse through the voice of women, who are ‘the unscripted victims of our region’s continual struggle for development’.

    “Today, we want to reaffirm and consolidate on that goal. Today, in Port Harcourt, in the  heart of the Niger Delta, we want to remind ourselves again of the inequities that led to agitation and conflict and ask again that the Niger Delta region should not be forgotten, but her challenges resolved. Little Drops shows what the women of Niger Delta are faced with each day by great environment, political, social and economic challenges,” she said, adding that notwithstanding, women must continue to play the important role beyond the stage and the portrayals of drama, taking it to the communities and creeks of the Niger Delta.

    “Little Drops could not have been staged at a better time than now when the region is faced with increasing spate of violence. The on-going campaign by the commission should go beyond the elite to the grassroots –schools, communities where the unemployed youths are recruited for different crimes and criminalities,” she said.

  • ‘NICO a strategic partner to traditional institutions’

    ‘NICO a strategic partner to traditional institutions’

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has described the traditional institutions and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) as significant partners in promoting Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultures. He said NICO was an important agency of the Federal Government because of its role in re-orienting and renewing the minds of Nigerians towards cultural renaissance.

    He said he would be glad to identify with the institute to sensitise Nigerians, especially the younger generation, about our unique culture, noting that the traditional institution’s synergy with the institute is very important because the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and other minor cultures in Nigeria are gradually fading away.

    The Ooni, who spoke in his palace in Ile Ife, Osun State, while receiving the Executive Secretary of the institute, Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma who paid him a courtesy call, said there are a lot of rich traditions and unique cultures, particularly in Ife, and by extension, Nigeria, which the world has not heard of and which he intends to showcase to the entire world with the collaboration of culture organisations such as NICO.

    The Ife monarch reiterated that such partnership is pertinent because research has shown that Nigerian and indeed, African religion and traditions, are the fastest growing in the world and there is urgent need to promote more of them to the world.

    On the unique aspects of our cultures that are unknown to the rest of the world, the Ooni disclosed that his palace is the oldest traditional institution in the country, which many Nigerians are not aware of. “We need to do a lot together to project our culture to other parts of the world,” he added.

    Ayakoroma said his visit was to congratulate him on his well-deserved choice and installation as the Ooni, to pay homage and to pledge his allegiance to the Kabiyesi’s reign.

    Ayakoroma intimated the monarch on the major programmes of the NICO, informing him that the institute organises a national conference for traditional rulers in Nigeria annually with the theme: Culture, Peace and National Security: The Role of Traditional Rulers, which has been pivotal to sensitising royal fathers on their strategic importance as primary peace agents in sustaining Nigeria’s national security.

    According to him, plans are on to organise this year’s edition of the conference and it is the hope of the management and staff of NICO that ‘Kabiyesi is going to give NICO his royal blessing and sensitise royal fathers in Nigeria to massively give their support towards actualising this year’s national conference. “And when arrangements have been concluded we would want you, Kabiyesi, to grace the occasion as the Royal Father of the Day,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary, who was accompanied on the visit by the female talking drummer, Aralola Apeke Olamuyiwa; his Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. James Imohiosen; Mr. Law Ikay Ezeh and the Head of Ibadan Office, Mr. Kenneth Odum, presented souvenirs and a collection of books to the Ooni.

     

  • Ogun unveils logo of maiden edition of Nigerian drums festival

    Ogun unveils logo of maiden edition of Nigerian drums festival

    Ogun State Governor Senator  Ibikunle Amosun of  Ogun State has unveiled the logo and launched the raffle draw of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival to be held between April 19 to 21, 2016 in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Unveiling the logo and the raffle draw,  Amosun, represented by his Deputy,  Mrs  Yetunde Onanuga, said the event would foster development and unity of the country, being the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa.

    Amosun said the festival would also promote the cultural heritage and tradition of the people as it would draw participants from the 36 states and Abuja, aside showcasing their talents and skills on drum beating, dancing and performances.

    He stated further that it would enhance tourism opportunities which, in turn, would create employment for unemployed youths.

    The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otunba Muyiwa Oladipo, expressed optimism about the event, saying it would turn around the face of culture and tourism not only in Ogun State but in Nigeria and Africa, as it would promote cultural heritage of the country which other African countries would take a cue from.

    ”Drum is a common factor that binds tribe and ethic groups with different cultures and traditions in Nigeria and the Nigerian Drums Festival will be an avenue to bring the different types of drums together”, Oladipo stated.

    He said the unveiling of the logo has set the ball rolling and placed an official stamp on the organisation of the event which planning had begun in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism towards the successful staging of the event.

    He said: “The event is purely an initiative of the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism supported by the the Ogun State Government and some stakeholders, but more stakeholders and sponsors are welcome on board, the more the merrier”.

    The commissioner, however, said  the raffle draw was to create awareness and promote the festival amongst the people at the grassroots, adding that it would be an opportunity for buyers to win fascinating prizes to commemorate the Nigerian Drums Festival of 2016.

    ”This is part of the side attractions of the Festival, there are other side attractions and they will be unveiled as time goes on” the Commissioner said.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaja Salmotu Ottun, enjoined the intending participants to be steadfast and focus as the event would bring about the cultural and traditional promotion of their respective states, saying that the event was first of its kind in the entire Africa.

    She said that the event would be a soft landing one which other African countries would  emulate, as the Ogun State was known to be number one in cultural and traditional values across the country even in Africa.

    The event which had in attendance, Minister of Information and Culture, represented by Ms. Grace Gekpe, Senator Olorunmbe Memora, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Shokefun, her counterpart in Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, House of Assembly members, Head of Service, Elder Sola Adeyemi among other dignitaries.

     

  • We’re on the trail of kidnappers in Lagos – says Police PRO Badmos

    We’re on the trail of kidnappers in Lagos – says Police PRO Badmos

    The police did great in rescuing the three girls kidnapped from the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School in Ikorodu recently, why have they not responded in this same fashion to cases in FESTAC and environ, where at the last count about ten businessmen have been kidnapped in the last couple of months?

    First, I want to debunk the claim that we have like ten abducted cases. That is not right and this is what we’re trying to let people know, you don’t blow things out of proportion. There is no point in doing that because it concerns lives and property. Again we don’t like to send out panic messages because it’s also not healthy for our society. But as you have said concerning the issue of FESTAC, I want to assure the public that Lagos remains one of the most secure places in Nigeria today. But I can also tell you authoritatively that from all indications, being a very cosmopolitan area, there is no way we would not have one or two of the share of what is ‘reigning’ in the country now. You’ll agree with me that if Lagos as a cosmopolitan city is just having one or two cases, then it doesn’t really mean that it is on the rise.

    And concerning what you said about the swift and unprecedented feat of moving in and rescuing those three girls, it simply sends the signal that the Lagos Police Command is not sleepy. That we’re combatant and that we’re ever ready to fight crime and criminality. However, I’m aware of the cases of Chief Francis Umeh and Cosmas Ojukwu…

    (Reporter cuts in) There is also the case of Elias Ukachukwu?

    As we speak, Elias Ukachukwu is back home with his family.

    Was he rescued by the police or his family paid a ransom?

    We don’t have any evidence of ransom payment. However, I will like to put it on record that it was the hot pursuit by the police and the tab that we placed on the abductors that made them release him. Therefore, if the police could have done what they did in the case of the Ikorodu girls and also done the same to get Elias Ukachukwu back home, then I think the public should be assured that the police is working hard to get these other people back to their families. And it is a thing that we want the public to support by giving us information, and by partnering with us, because we are not spirits. We are human beings. Even if you go abroad, which our people are quick to cite as example, they work on information and the public is always quick to partner with them to achieve. There is no rocket science about it. So we want information from the public. But as for the criminals, we’re still on the look-out for them; we have not abandoned the cases of these kidnapped Nigerians. The police, as I speak with you, is investigating the cases. Rescue operation is also ongoing and it’s a matter of time and active partnership between the members of the public and the police.

    Part of the argument the public has held onto is that the police only respond with swiftness when the case is high profile and receives huge media hype and sensational headlines; what do you say to this?

    Are you saying the case of Chief Umeh was not reported? Are you saying the other cases were not reported in the media? I don’t want the public to have a feeling that the police are not doing anything. Maybe if you are able to reach these victims’ family members, they would be able to tell you what the police is doing and how we have been working closely with them. I don’t want to be the one to tell you the things we’ve been doing, otherwise it will sound as if I’m blowing our trumpet.  I just know that we have not abandoned these cases. We are on it and we will achieve on it. But we still need the partnership from the public by giving information, by also supporting our activities. When situations like this happen, people should be able to open up, including family members, friends, neighbours and people that they do business with.  On our own, we have been adducing all the facts and evidences we have and we’re so sure that we will get them back home soon.

    What is the police doing to ensure this kind of things don’t happen more regularly. Is there any kind of measure or protection that you’re putting in place to protect people who may be targets?

    Every week, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State reviews operational strategies of Lagos State Police Command. And what does that suggest? It means we sit on a round table to review criminal acts and work towards forestalling reoccurrences. We also think ahead. If this has happened, this might also want to happen.  And then we put up our operational strategies all around such places.  I want us to be optimistic. Although for cosmopolitan areas, you are sure that there will be crime. There is no environment or society that is totally free of crime; the only thing we can do is bring it to the barest minimum, which is what we’re doing in the Lagos State Command. So I want us to be optimistic. We should not be condemning the force; if we have information, we should partner with police and let’s give them a chance.

    A certain Evans is being bandied as the kingpin behind this spate of kidnapping; how true is this and do the police have a lead on him?

    Whoever is connected, whoever is behind it, be rest assured that the police will get them. But it is not going to be of any good for us to open up and throw our investigation into the open. I don’t even think it will be healthy for those people in custody. So why don’t we just leave the police to do their investigation discretely; and then when we achieve, we would reel out to you how we got them, the part which we think is necessary for you to know.

  • Day Ile-Ife became tourism zone

    Day Ile-Ife became tourism zone

    As the Ooni of Ife, Alayeluwa Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi declares Ile-Ife a tourism zone, Edozie Udeze reports on the importance of this epoch

    When the Ooni of Ife, Alayeluwa Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi ascended the throne of his forefathers last year, one of his avowed cardinal points is to make Ile-Ife a tourism town.  Ile-Ife being a rich town in terms of cultural artfacts and festivals, it was clear from the evidence before the Ooni that tourism could be made richer if these great traditions are tapped for the benefit of Ife people and Nigeria.

    This was what happened on February 27th in Ife when the town was officially declared as a tourism zone.  The programme which lasted for 2 days saw Ife in a festive mood with visitors from far and near to give official vent to a town that is not only the cradle of the Yoruba, but a place reckoned by the people as where creation started; where man’s origin began.

    It is clear that Ile-Ife had been under-utilized as a cultural haven given its enviable position as the headquarters of the Yoruba race.  That the Ooni, a well-known entrepreneur, estate mogul and business man has come out openly to elevate the town to its proper position as a tourism zone, needs the commendation of all.  Like he rightly noted during the occasion, “with over 250 deities worshipped and adored on different days in the town and other numerous gods and goddesses, it will be imperative to use these to attract visitors to the town.”

    Most cities of the world rely purely on the natural contents of their vicinities in terms of traditions and heritage to encourage tourism to prosper and spread.  If the Ifa festival is allowed every year to take the centre stage; if the people themselves help in ensuring that these traditions are promoted, then visitors themselves will obviously see the need to be part of it.  This is the task before the Ooni – to let the people have value for what is their own.

    His claim that the Noah’s Ark anchored within Ife territory is an interesting claim.  Yet it is a claim to be properly verified by cultural and Biblical historians who up till date, have not told us that such a claim is valid or verifiable.  This claim has to be given its proper empirical proof and even archeologists have to be invited to do all the excavations to bring this claim to the surface.

    Even the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs. Sally Mbanefo made it clear on the occasion that the corporation would go into research to see how authentic this can be.  “It is after that, that we can conveniently come out to make our position clear.  That the Noah’s Ark may be in Ife is a good boast to tourism.  However, we have always made it clear that it is our responsibility to dwell on domestic tourism.  It is time to develop domestic tourism.  I have always believed that if domestic tourism is properly harnessed, its contribution to national GDP can never be overemphasized.  Therefore all institutions and objects of interest in the town of Ile-Ife have to be put in their proper perspectives for the good of the people,” she said.

    Even though the Ooni is keeping the actual place of the Ark close to his chest, the fact that Ile-Ife is reckoned as one of the cradles of humanity, makes it an important historical town.  This importance, in the view of Akin Adejuwon, the Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria should be kept safe particularly in terms of using the festivals to keep the people agog.  He said “Ife is essential to us as a beehive of cultural heritage.  Even we as the Yorubas can never do without the imperativeness of the town.  So, this is time to encourage every content of tourism in the town to be celebrated.  This is why the National Troupe is also involved,” he decided.

    He went on; “we know that we have to promote towns and cities with serious culture contents to promote tourism.  We have plenty of such in Nigeria.  The states are the ones that own the tourism contents and we have to start from there.  It is when they have developed these contents that the national can take them up for proper promotion.  So this one on Ife is geared essentially towards encouraging the Ooni.  Since he came into office he has been saying that he would dwell on the promotion of domestic tourism.  Ife occupies a pivot place in it all.  As at today he has promised to make Ifa a global cultural destination.  Already Ife is a global destination.  Ife is rooted in Ifa festival and tradition.  Ifa is one of the foremost of Ife deities.  The world wants to see it celebrated.”  Adejuwon affirmed.

    Beyond that too, Ife will be remembered as a town where the Ooni is never bereft of ideas on how to preserve these historical and cultural relics.  Adejuwon said, “When we were invited to perform for the Ooni at the instance of the Cuban Ambassador in Abuja, we also keyed in to promote what he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed implored us to do.  That is to ensure that culture is tapped to add to the GDP of the country.  Very soon culture will be one of the foremost export commodities in Nigeria.”

    When the declaration was done last month, visitors came from far and near to honour a town known for its cultural efficacy.  Julian Curtis from Brazil described it as a home away from home.  “This is great.  I will come again when the Ifa festival is being celebrated.  In Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, we love the Ifa; we believe in the Ifa and we have been celebrating it for ages.  What the Ooni did today is memorable,” he said.

  • Folorunso Alakija: Here comes Nigeria’s first matriarchal chancellor

    Folorunso Alakija: Here comes Nigeria’s first matriarchal chancellor

    It’s Wednesday, 9th March 2016 and the Osun State University, now Bola Ige University, was a bee-hive of activities. Students, the academic community, royal fathers, politicians and dignitaries from all walks of life thronged the sprawling compound for the 4th and 5th convocation ceremonies for the award of first degrees, honorary degree presentation, as well as the investiture of Folorunso Alakija as Chancellor of the university.

    At exactly 10.02 am, the procession of graduating students began and the different faculty officers took turns to coordinate the graduants from the different departments. You could feel the excitement of graduation in the air and the auditorium was filled to the brim. By 11.20 am, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguntola Jelili Alamu, led the procession that signalled the beginning of the event. Members of the university senate, members of the governing council, the visitor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, and guests from other universities took their seat in the gallery.

     This was followed by a welcome address by Professor Obafemi Adetola. At this point, the acting vice chancellor stepped out on the podium, doffed his cap to the incoming chancellor and informed that she was also going to be conferred with a doctorate degree. “By the authority vested in me as the acting vice chancellor and in accordance with the provisions of the university statues, I confer on you an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa, with the rights and privileges therewith.”

    The visitor to the university, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, then asked Alakija to pledge total allegiance throughout her tenure to uphold the university’s laws, leadership and privileges completely and perform all the functions of the chancellor.

    “I promise to perform my duties faithfully and diligently as the chancellor of Osun State University,” she replied.

    Aregbesola went on to talk about the reason why women must be celebrated. “Let me recognise the icons that are here. I will start with my predecessor in office, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and my deputy, Iya Aafin Titi Laoye Tomori, who went to represent me somewhere.  Yesterday was an important day for women and I would come to that shortly.

    “It is my joy to be the first visitor in Africa sub of the Sahara to install a woman as chancellor of a university. Today is significant because it is going to be the last day that we are going to refer to it as Osun State University. The title of my speech is New thinking of University Administration. Yesterday was great, today will be better.”

    The change of guards in any institution, Gov Aregbesola said is a constant reminder of the transient nature of time. “We appreciate her for choosing to serve as a chancellor of our university, when she could easily have turned it down because of many other requests. She is a role model in the true sense of that phrase, she is the ideal woman. Well educated, intelligent, hard working, successful in her business, religiously devoted and happily married, a good mother and a lover of mankind. As a designer, she took the profession to unprecedented heights, also a top ranger in the oil business.”

    He reiterated the fact that Alakija is not just the first woman to be a top player in the oil business but one of the best players, as executive chairman of Famfa Oil. “Not just a speculator. Some two years ago, MTN partnered with her foundation to build a chest clinic, brought state-of-the-art equipment to us. That was when I heard of her in real terms and I told myself that something would make me recognise this lady. That was last year, and I didn’t know that the Ooni would pass on and when the passage of that eminent royalty happened and we had to reflect on who was qualified, without a doubt, her name just featured.”

    A trumpet heralded a new dawn, screams, shouts of joy, applauses rented the air as she put on the academic robe transiting from Mrs. Alakija to Dr Alakija. Just before sitting down, she planted a kiss on the lips of her husband, Modupe Alakija, who was all smiles.

    From that point, the chancellor who has a five-year tenure was invited to preside over the assembly and address the convocation. She began with a story of what she captured as her Cinderella years, doing a flashback to life as a 7-year-old girl who was taken to a snowy country with little or no direction but struggled to the top against the odds. “Many doors were shut in my face but I kept going back and it paid off. It is important to be determined, there is always a way. Time is money, use it wisely. Say no to corruption, find mentoring, exercise patience and have courage.”

    While admonishing Nigerian women to improve on their education, she asked the audience to join her as she sang “Bata mi a dun ko ko ka” (meaning my shoes would sound smart like an educated person).

    “My watchword is,” she said is “Let the sky be your stepping stone.” She added these two additions to her crowded caps mean a lot. Her words: “I have had four other honorary doctorate awards, not that this one is less important. But it is the first from a public university in the whole of Nigeria and I think I heard the governor say south of the Sahara. But to God be the glory, elevation does not come from man, it comes from God. God ministers to people and gets them to act on issues and His desire. I guess I am walking in God’s purpose and it is not something that I orchestrated. I believe it is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in my sight.”

    The event which came a day after the International Women’s Day also made it memorable for the Amazon. “I am very happy to be a woman, especially at this time. I won’t say the next day because the convocation ceremony actually started yesterday and it’s culminated in today’s event and it’s an honour really. And I didn’t see any reason not to accept when I got my husband’s approval.”

    The award which is in line with her prowess for entrepreneurship, Alakija said would make her do more and she used the opportunity to advise young entrepreneurs to be hardworking, dedicated and diligent. “I love entrepreneurship. I love buying and trading. My advice for young people is to make sure that money goes a long way, investing it and getting value for your money, making sure that both parties are happy. That is what trade is about. You get what you want, I get what I want and the world goes round. Everybody is happy and we continue to improve and impact on the world completely, as we grow industries, as we grow our businesses, impact on our world by expanding its scope. When you can make a thousand, ten thousand, even as the Bible says, you know what the multiplication effect is, fruitfulness and multiplication.”

    Peter Oluwatobiloba Daniel, the best graduating student with a G.PA of 4.81, gave a valedictory speech tagged Never stop trying. In it, he talked about his inspiration to excel, urging others to try and try again instead of giving up in the face of challenges.

    You also find other students seated under the canopy outside while a handful could be seen milling around a big banner placed at the entrance of the auditorium by the Osun State Chapter of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs Student Association (AYESA) welcoming the New Chancellor who also doubles as their chief executive matron.

    For Anuoluwapo Olasukanmi, a graduant of the Industrial Chemistry Department, “It’s a great idea that a woman is coming in as chancellor of the university. I believe that she would be able to do more and see things that the men won’t see. A lot of us are excited and I came all the way from Zamfara where I am currently on Youth Service.”

    Like Olasukanmi, Bukola Arigbede, a graduate of Mathematics, talked about her expectations of the new chancellor. “I have read a lot about her and she is my role model. I am serving in Abeokuta and I would say that I came for the event because of the great admiration that I have for her.”

    The Osun State University was licensed by the National Universities Commission on 21sth December, 2006 as the 30th state university and the 80th university in Nigeria.

    The vision is: ‘To be a centre of excellence, providing  high quality teaching and learning experiences, which will engender the production of entrepreneurial graduates capable of impacting positively on their environment while being globally competitive.’

  • Sights and sounds of Tuodeinye’s Motion and Emotions

    Sights and sounds of Tuodeinye’s Motion and Emotions

    UdemmaChukwuma reviews Ogaga Tuodeinye’s ongoing art exhibition, Motion and Emotions at the Terra Kulture

    Every piece at Ogaga Tuodeinye’s art exhibition currently which opened over the weekend tells a story, even without words. The focus of the show which is to run for almost two weeks tallies with its title, Motion and Emotions.Viewers are confronted with his new distinctive creative vision, bursting variety, colour and remarkable new works and technique. The scale of works on display is imposing, yet it allows viewers to put themselves into the scene.

    Featuring over forty paintings and drawings, which Tuodeinye is delighted to show the public,the artist presents astonishing, thought-provoking works of unique sensibility that wonderfully combine a variety of different styles, technique and medium. The works give viewer insight into how the artist sees the current ways of man’s behaviour towards his situation. One fascinating thing about the exhibition is the new technique, which the artist introduced as dripping technique.

    “The dripping technique came as a result of the theme of the exhibition, which I started developing two years ago. I have always desired to paint without using brush or painting knife. The dripping effect allows me to express myself/attempt subject matters that are difficult to approach when using brush,” the artist explained.

    He played with colours, forms and moods. In some of the works, you see vibrant colours and some warm colours while some are like illusion. To him, “controlled extreme individual attitude in art is the drive that carves a niche for the creative mind, giving the artist an identity that makes him stand out in a cloud of other creative minds. All the concept from the show has to do with movement.”

    Exploring technique in works such as Attitude, Infinity, Colours of Courageetc, the artiste says;”The dripping technique lends itself to a wide range of none objective and abstract renditions.”

    Another intriguing aspect of the show is the artist’s works in different media.There is important connect between his dripping technique and his paintings.

    The exhibition runs till March14.He is offering collectors and viewers a variety of choices, ranging from mix media, oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas. Several narratives could be seen from the works as the theme depicts. Drawingson display,he hinted were done during his student days. The other thing worth mentioning is the beautiful mix media works created with waste materials. The oldest work was done in 2000.

    What inspired Motion and Emotions? The artist who hails from Bayelsa State said; “The entire universe is always undergoing endless movements, which results in continuous change. Our earth is also revolving around the sun in a continuous 365 days change which results in change in times and seasons, depending on what part of the world you are situated. Man is never stagnant, except if an individual is dead… From the day of conception to when a child is born, there is always a desire for movement. In the process of all the above, man exhibits different forms of emotion, either positive or negative. This, we see in a good number of the works which are on display.”

    Comparing his other solo exhibitions, what stands this third show out, he said, is the introduction of the dripping technique. The artist confessed that a lot of canvases went into the dustbin before he could perfect the technique. A technique where the artist doesn’t paint with brush, palate knife or impasto. “You create an abstract on canvas…it can be quite difficult. I have been experimenting this for a long time. It was last year that I started getting a good sense of direction on how to achieve what I really want.”

    Tuodeinye said he decided to move out of the box to do things unusual and not his usual style. He had participated in twenty-three group shows and two solo exhibitions. Motion and Emotions, being the third. His works can be seen in numerous galleries in Nigeria.

    “The years of hiding in a box gave birth to the technique,” he said. He added that it is important for an artist to stage a show when he has something new to show the public. “I don’t want to come out with my usual style, I had to stay back a bit. Not until two years ago, I started doing the dripping technique.”

    The resulting image reflects the artist’s feelings about the works,which reveal a lot about social issues, predominantly by female subjects, which are worth discussing.Tuodeinye has been a professional artist for many years, and his paintings hang on the walls of many collectors and art lovers across the country, having exhibited widely throughout Nigeria.

    Explaining one of the pieces on display Priceless journey of a mother, he said”At the first glance of this painting, you see browns dripping on this woman’s face, she gets married at a certain period in her life, she gives birth and in this process,she needs to still look presentable.”

    On other works, Loud Silence I and II, the images have a profound effect on what goes on in contemporary families. Loud Silence I depicts a mouthless male while onLoud Silence II, the female face has its mouth. The artist said this represents the communication between a couple when they have misunderstanding at home. The woman can express her feelings and the man most times keeps to himself.