The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • Babalola, Edun, Nwoko, Tunji-Bello, Akobundu, others for Afrikanwatch lecture, award

    Babalola, Edun, Nwoko, Tunji-Bello, Akobundu, others for Afrikanwatch lecture, award

    The 14th annual lecture, award and induction of Afrikanwatch Network Communications will hold on May 3, 2025, at LimeRidge Signature Hotels and Suites, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Olatunde Babawale, Provost, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, while Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chairman, Editorial Board of the Nation Newspaper, will deliver the lecture, titled, The Nigerian Leadership Structure and its unsung national heroes, as Senator Anthony Adefuye is the special guest of honour.

    Read Also: Nigerian tech entrepreneur wins $30,000 award

    At the event, distinguished Nigerians will be honoured with the prestigious African Gold Merit Award (AGMA), they include, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of economy, Sen. (Prince) Ned Nwoko, Senator, representing Delta North Senatorial district, Sen. (Col) Augustine Akobundu, representing Abia Central, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of youth development,  Vice Chancellor, Lagos state University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor,  University of  Lagos, Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola, Barr. Adebayo Akinade, Deputy President and Chief Executive officer, Institute of Security, Nigeria (ISN), Pastor (Prof) JF Odesola, Continental Overseer, RCCG, Dr. Segun Obayendo, GMD, Temple Group limited, Mr. A.S Oyerinde, DG, NECA, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Chairman, Ikorodu LGA, Dr. Joseph Effiong, CEO, UpdateAfrika, Dr. Babatunde Raimi, Pension and Retirement coach, and Mr. Omoh Ernest Odinaka, CEO, Iyk Media.

    According to the Editor-in-Chief of the news outfit, Mark Orgu, the event is to look at the country’s leadership structure and trace milestones and also various government setbacks while identifying heroes among them.

  • Creating art authenticity…peep into artists rights

    Creating art authenticity…peep into artists rights

    • Obidike Okafor

    Creating Art: Authenticity and Ownership in the Visual Arts by Professor Fabian Ajogwu SAN and Dr. Jess Castellote offers an analytical dive into two defining forces within the art world: authenticity and ownership. Ajogwu and Castellote present a balanced perspective, grounded in legal frameworks and real-world case studies that unpack the many facets of authenticity beyond straightforward attribution. The book argues that an artist’s intent, the work’s cultural context, and its journey through preservation and restoration all contribute to what might be defined as “authenticity.” This dynamic concept resists reduction to a single moment of authorship, a perspective that calls readers to consider the afterlife of artworks—their ownership transfers, re-contextualizations, and even the commodification that impacts their cultural and financial worth. Here, the authors also engage with a delicate subject: the role of institutional and private collectors who, knowingly or unknowingly, may shape a work’s perception through the provenance they ascribe to it.

    By examining copyright law through its foundational elements of authorship, innovation, and economics, Ajogwu and Castellote unravel the complexities of ownership in the art world. Copyright, as the authors illustrate, is not merely a shield for intellectual property; it is a critical means for artists to ensure financial stability and market control. The legal rights discussed, especially moral rights—the rights to attribution and integrity—are presented as vital protections for artists who might otherwise face their work being reshaped or commercially exploited in ways that conflict with their original vision. This issue is particularly pertinent given today’s global art market, where commodified art and big-name branding frequently overshadow originality.

    Ajogwu and Castellote meticulously explore these concepts with an emphasis on clarity. Readers are guided through topics that might otherwise appear opaque, such as the international dimensions of copyright law, the specifics of infringement and appropriation, and the nuances of collaborative ownership in the digital age. Their use of case studies strengthens this approach. Each study sheds light on real disputes over authorship and infringement, where artists’ and collectors’ interests clash in courts or behind closed doors. These cases do not simply illustrate the mechanics of copyright; they reveal the fragile ecosystem in which art exists—a space where financial interests, cultural narratives, and legal frameworks intersect.

    The book’s primary focus is the artists who, perhaps more than any other group, rely on copyright for their financial viability. Ajogwu and Castellote argue convincingly that copyright mechanisms, like licensing and resale royalties, are essential tools that artists can use to capitalize on their work without sacrificing their creative autonomy. For many, this book serves as a guide to navigating the often bewildering terrain of copyright law, outlining how artists can employ these frameworks to retain control over their creative legacies while securing diverse revenue streams.

    Read Also: Lagos Marine Bridge to close for 60 days starting April 27

    This book is not only an instructive resource but a critique of the power dynamics that shape art. Ajogwu and Castellote navigate the reader through a landscape where institutions, collectors, and artists each hold distinct but interconnected roles.

    In Creating Art, Ajogwu and Castellote have written a compelling work that speaks to the legal practitioner as much as it does to the artist and collector. It is both a resource and a call to action, advocating for a nuanced understanding of authenticity and ownership as forces that not only define the value of art but also protect its integrity.

    Creating Art: Authenticity and Ownership in the Visual Arts is widely accessible and available at major bookstores like Jazzhole, Quintessence, and Ouida, as well as on platforms like Amazon, making it an invaluable addition to the library of anyone invested in understanding the intricate layers of art’s worth, meaning, and preservation.

  • Behind the masks of faith and fame: A tale of two lives

    Behind the masks of faith and fame: A tale of two lives

    Richie Adewusi’s book “Promise Kept: My Friend Majek Fashek and I” features a provocative title, “The Cult of Wickedness”, in its acknowledgement pages. It is a title that piques the reader’s curiosity. As the latter delves deeper, he soon discovers that the title critiques the modern-day Nigerian church, particularly Pentecostal denominations, for prioritising human doctrines over biblical teachings. The author writes, “If you do not believe in what they want you to believe in, behave how they want you to behave… then you do not belong, and you’ll be tagged with negative labels.” To further illustrate his point, he invites readers to research specific personalities.

    Obviously, Adewusi’s scathing critique of the church is rooted in his personal experiences – after all, he has been down the aisle of deception himself. In this two-volume exposé, he invites readers to join him on a wild ride through the hall of mirrors that is human nature, where piety and perfidy often wear the same mask. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of aspiration versus oppression, Adewusi finds himself trapped in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where the price of discovery is perilously high and the very foundations of hypocrisy begin to crumble.

    But what’s the connection between Richie Adewusi’s scathing critique and the legendary musician Majek Fashek, whom he met in the sweltering Lagos of 1987? As it turns out, their experiences intersected in ways that would profoundly shape Adewusi’s perspective. Their paths first crossed in the unassuming offices of Just It! Magazine in a Lagos Mainland  neighbourhood, where creativity and chaos likely reigned supreme. Years later, after parting ways with Majek in 1992, Adewusi naively thought he had left the world’s troubles behind by focusing on his Christian community. Little did he know, the church would become its own labyrinth of intrigue. The parallels between Majek’s bitter experiences with his own people and Adewusi’s with his church brethren would prove eerily similar – a stark reminder that some patterns are destined to repeat themselves.

    Read Also: Tinubu to Muslims: Be ambassadors of justice, compassion, peaceful co-existence

    Ecclesiastical authority has long been wary of independent minds, craving instead a conformity that threatens to suffocate the spirit. Richie Adewusi’s experience was a poignant illustration of this timeless dynamic, where the price of nonconformity is often paid in blood, sweat, and tears. As a trailblazer, he inevitably drew both admiration and scorn – a dichotomy that speaks to the very nature of innovation and progress. Yet, it is the hypocrisy that accompanied the backlash that truly rankles, a stark reminder that the greatest sins are often those committed under the guise of righteousness.

    Rooted in the shadows of betrayal, Richie Adewusi’s narrative eerily resonates with Majek Fashek’s torment at the hands of those who should have been pillars of support – but apparently, pillars can crumble under the weight of their own duplicity. Their parallel journeys underscore the insidious machinations that seek to strangle the human spirit, extinguishing the flames of aspiration and creativity with the damp blanket of conformity. As the readers venture into the darkest corners of the human condition alongside the author, they are confronted with the sinister puppeteers who hide behind the masks of faith and kinship, manipulating reality to subjugate the upward-striving soul – a masterclass in moral gymnastics. In this treacherous landscape of aspiration versus oppression, Adewusi, just like Fashek, finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, where the price of truth is perilously high and the very foundations of hypocrisy begin to crumble. The only difference is that Majek Fashek did not survive his ordeal, but the author survived, albeit with help from an unknown pastor and a naval officer who was meant to be his executioner – a twist of fate that could have been scripted from On High.

    Tethered to the harsh realities of an unforgiving industry, Majek Fashek’s contract with Interscope Records in the US seemed like a dream come true, but it turned out to be a double-edged sword. The deal didn’t include his band members, leaving him to shoulder the weight of over fifteen people who depended solely on him for survival in America. To make matters worse, he was saddled with substantial debt from loans arranged by his influential relatives from his mother’s side, who had connections in the Nigerian banking industry and even the US Embassy. This precarious situation eerily parallels the struggles of Richie Adewusi, whose narrative exemplifies the transformative power of adversity, echoing the quintessential spirit of a Bildungsroman. Through the crucible of their experiences, both Fashek and Adewusi emerge transformed, armed with profound new insights that reveal the complexities of the human condition. Fashek’s journey, marked by a belated awakening, serves as a haunting odyssey of self-discovery, underscoring the bittersweet nature of wisdom earned through hardship. In this narrative, we see the darker side of fame and the music industry, where artists are often forced to navigate treacherous landscapes of exploitation and betrayal. Yet, amidst the turmoil lies an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and redemption – a powerful affirmation of the human spirit’s capacity to persevere in the face of adversity. Majek Fashek’s story, in particular, is a poignant reminder of the fragility of success and the enduring power of music to transcend borders and boundaries.

    Satisfyingly, the narrative – a must-read for devotees of the Nigerian music scene – reaches a denouement, leaving behind a profound meditation on the intersections of art, friendship, and self-discovery. Through the lens of Richie Adewusi’s experiences as Majek Fashek’s publicist and confidant, the trials and triumphs that shape the trajectory of creative genius are laid bare. This book, albeit containing some typos, is enriched by Adewusi’s keen observations and bolstered by the insightful prefaces and foreword, standing as a powerful tribute to the enduring power of collaboration and the indelible mark that artists like Majek Fashek leave on cultural consciousness. The true value of art lies not only in its ability to inspire but also in its capacity to chronicle the human experience in all its complexity, a profound legacy that continues to resonate through the stories of artists like Fashek.

  • My takeaways from IBB’s autobiography

    My takeaways from IBB’s autobiography

    Book Title: A Journey in Service

    Author: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
    Book Reviewer: Bukar Usman
    Publisher: BookCraft, Ibadan
    Year of Publication: 2025

    Number of Pages: 420

    Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), now 83, had hinted in an interview he granted to TELL magazine in 1995, about two years after his exit from office, that he was already working on his memoir. Since then, one could say, the nation had been anxiously waiting for the publication of the memoir. The anticipation was due to IBB’s extraordinary antecedents, particularly the controversies surrounding his assumption of and exit from power, his controversial transition to civil rule programme, his laissez-faire economic policies, as well as other roles he was perceived to have played in the military and in the political re-engineering of the country.

     The long-awaited former military president’s memoir, a product of about 3 decades of reflections, was finally presented at the Congress Hall Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on February 20, 2025. Though the staggering amount of about 20 billion Naira realized at the occasion made instant news, the weightier outcome of the occasion consists of the revelations in the book about past key events, including the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. There were also forceful and unfeigned remarks by high-profile personalities many of whom had helmed crucial public and private establishments during the Babangida era.

     The 420-page memoir has 13 chapters spread across its five parts; there are also a copious appendices section and an epilogue. Apart from the chapter on June 12 (which happens to be Chapter 12 – what an intriguing coincidence!), I will conduct my review of this book roughly in the order in which the chapters and closing sections are presented.

     Parts One and Two contain the chapters on Babangida’s early years: his birth, parentage, upbringing, education, and enlistment into the Nigerian Army. His promising leadership qualities manifested when he was appointed a Head Boy in Provincial Secondary School, Bida, Niger State. He joined the army in 1962; the portions of the book about his strictly military roles leave no one in doubt that IBB’s 8-year public service as military President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces was preceded by a distinguished professional military career that saw him rising from his enlistment as Cadet in 1962 to the post of Chief of Army Staff in 1984. In the process, he faced several notable challenges that brought out his bravery and gallantry, among other leadership qualities that endeared him to not only the rank-and-file and officer corps of his immediate constituency, the elite Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army, but also the generality of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Indeed, the reputation and popularity of the gap-toothed General extended beyond the military to the Nigerian population. Many who had close contact with him, including this reviewer, would attest to his personableness and sharp memory.

    One testimony to his gallantry and bravery was his participation in the prosecution of the Nigerian civil war as a Major and Commander of 82 Battalion in 1969. He was wounded in the war which left a physical scar on him to this day. Another was leading troops to the Radio House in Lagos to flush out Major Buka Suka Dimka and his soldiers who were in the process of overthrowing the government of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976.

    In Part Three, Babangida discussed, among other topics, the overall impact of military interventions in Nigeria and drew the conclusion that military administrations, in spite of real or perceived shortcomings, made major ‘unquantifiable contributions’ to the growth and development of Nigeria. Notable examples of these contributions, according to him, included structural balancing of the polity via states creation exercises; establishment of the National Youth Service Corps; introduction of Universal Free Primary Education Scheme; attempts at creating institutions that outlive everyone, e.g. People’s/Community Banks; monumental infrastructural developments that opened up the country; exemplary UN peacekeeping roles played by Nigeria.

    He also cited economic restructuring of the country as a major contribution of military administrations, although virtually all the examples he cited took place during his own administration. Inspired by three Chinese axiomatic expressions (“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”, “Let a million flowers bloom”, and “It does not matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice”), President Babangida freed up the economy from government control and introduced open-market principles that enhanced import substitution and led to greater liberalization of the media, banking, airline, textile and agro-allied industries sectors. There was, however, neglect of ‘agriculture’ and over reliance on oil, for which he expressed regret. Unfortunately, some of these policies and programmes, like the Structural Advancement Programme (SAP), evoked serious protests alleged to have been instigated by adversaries, mostly politicians and ideologues in the academic community. This is discussed in Chapter 8.

    IBB is of the opinion that in spite of efforts made at restructuring and constitutional reviews, Nigeria’s continued existence as a united country is hinged on the attitude of the citizens and on the country’s capacity to build and sustain durable institutions, like those in successful developed countries. As he puts it, “…most of our problems are attitudinal. In other words, you can have the best laws in the world, the best constitution in the universe, and even the most committed leaders; however, if the attitude of the key political players remains unchanged from retrogressive set ways, nothing will change…institutions matter because they endure, they outlive us” (pages 114-115).   

    Foreign policy is discussed in Chapter 9 where IBB revealed that Nigeria’s foreign policy initiatives during his dispensation were rooted in ‘Afrocentric Activism’ and ‘soft power’ projection. Examples of such initiatives were Nigeria’s demand for expansion of United Nations (UN) permanent membership seats; demand for an African to head the Commonwealth that resulted in the appointment of Chief Emeka Anyaoku as Secretary-General of the organisation; military intervention in Liberia that ended the civil war and brought peace in that country; and restoration of relations with Israel. Other foreign policy programmes undertaken by the Babangida administration were formation of Concert of Medium Powers after the end of the Cold War as an alternate forum for the Non-Aligned states; establishment of Technical Aid Corps to enable Nigeria supply much-needed manpower to other developing countries; hosting of Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit as alternate venue to Addis Ababa which was under serious threat of being overrun by dissidents, who, indeed, succeeded in doing so; and the institution of ‘Economic Diplomacy’  as centre-piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

    In Chapter 10, Babangida narrated in detail the major events that evoked opposition to his rule and led to acts of destabilization. He cited the following as the causes of the main incumbency challenges his administration faced: Death of Dele Giwa by parcel bomb; the Mamman Vatsa attempted coup; Gideon Orkar attempted coup; alleged Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC); Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) riots against rising cost of living and upward adjustment of fuel prices; and the NAF C-130 Air Crash that killed 159 officers of the various armed services.

    Lindsay Chervinsky, author of The Cabinet, has pointedly noted that “For as long as men have wielded power, women have facilitated their reigns.” IBB fleshed out the truth of this view in Chapter 11 where he discussed his dear wife, Maryam, who ably managed his Home Front. According to him, one of the criteria the Army uses in judging its officers is maintaining a stable family. This he got from his dear spouse Maryam of blessed memory, to whom he devoted the entire chapter. He wrote about her upbringing, the circumstances of their marriage, her activism as President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wife’s Association (NAOWA), her roles as First Lady and Chairperson of Better Life for Rural Women. IBB talked about her diligence, discipline, energy and sense of purpose which were evident in all her roles:

    Sometimes, I felt that 24 hours was insufficient for her in one day. She was a wife, a mother, a housewife, a passionate advocate for rural women, and most of all, a partner. She was very close to the children and knew what they were doing at every point. We decided together what was best for them and sought to shield them as best as we could from the rough and tumble of living in the public eye. We didn’t want our perceived faults and shortcomings to rub off on our children.

    I am grateful for the life Maryam and I shared and for the fruit of our union. Coping without her has not been easy, but it has been made much less demanding by the memories of our life together and the length of her shadow (p.236).

    In the last Chapter of the book (Chapter 13), IBB discussed his life after retirement stating that upon retirement to Minna his home-place on August 27, 1993, he assumed the status of a non-partisan pan-Nigerian statesman open to and sharing his experiences and vision with all category of persons and groups, the young and old. According to him, to date, no week passes without him playing host to visitors.

    At the end of it all, IBB noted with delight that by and large there is an unquestionable acceptance of Nigeria as a united, strong, and indivisible federation. In a bid to sustain and strengthen this vision of Nigeria, he dedicated the book’s epilogue (6 pages) to 30-year-old Nigerian youths (the next generation) and charged them to be better-informed, pan-Nigerian and global citizens with shared dreams and desires in an advanced technological world. He advised them to know their country, make connections, serve to the best of their abilities, combine compassion with ruthless decisiveness in leadership and above all embrace fundamental minimum ingredients of Nigeria’s nationhood that must not be toyed with. Christened as ‘no go areas’, they include federalism, constitutional republican democracy, diversity, secularity and inclusiveness. They should also bear in mind always that Nigeria remains the most significant black nation in the world and that the future belongs to them.

    ‘Acknowledgments’ that traditionally come at the beginning of a book are left to the end in IBB’s book, which is dedicated to his parents and his wife Maryam of blessed memory who uplifted and gave meaning to his life. It is also dedicated to fallen heroes. IBB says that the book is a testament to a collective effort of several persons, many of whom he mentioned and appreciated.

    There are 6 appendices that take a sizable portion of the book (81 pages). Appendix I is a full-length reproduction of IBB’s maiden address on August 27,1985 upon assumption of the reigns of government after overthrowing then Major-General Muhammadu Buhari. Appendix II carries an extensive interview with TELL Magazine on July 24, 1995 in which IBB out of office was drilled at length about June 12 and in which he dropped the hint that he was already working on his memoir. Appendix III is IBB’s address to UN General Assembly delivered in his capacity as Nigerian President and Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on October 4,1991. Against the background of the end of the Cold War and thawing of relations in Eastern Europe and taking account of the growth in membership of UN from 51 in 1945 to 166 states, IBB called for a New World Order that would address the prevailing challenges and put Africa on the path of sound democratic culture and economic development. Among the issues he said should be given due attention by the international community were: self-reliance as cornerstone for economic reform; debt crises; proliferation of conventional weapons; democratization of the UN and enlargement of the UN Security Council as well as appointment of an African as UN Secretary-General. Subsequent to that address Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt and Kofi Atta Annan of Ghana were appointed UN Secretary-General in succession. Appendix IV is a 2-page statistical result of votes scored by the two leading candidates in the controversial Presidential Election of June 12, 1993. The schedule clearly records that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola met the required votes in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while Othman Tofa won in 11. Appendix V is IBB’s address to the National Assembly members-elect on July 27, 1992 on a New National Order. Appendix VI brings about an end to the book. It was IBB’s lecture to a symposium on “The Babangida Regime: Problems and Perspective of Interpretation” organised by the Open Press Ltd and The African Centre for Social and Political Research, held at the Hill Station Hotel, Jos, October 13-15, 2000.

    Read Also: IBB salutes ‘courageous, selfless’ Tinubu at 73

    This brings us to Chapter 12, the longest chapter of the book, which I chose to discuss last in this review because it is devoted to the annulment of the June 12 Presidential Election – the single most controversial act of the Babangida era. Much of the details and the controversies about June 12 evoked after the book’s presentation are already in the public domain. Suffice it to say that much of the controversy surrounds the narrative on who and who were responsible for the annulment that threatened the existence of the country. While IBB alleges that forces in the military led by Gen Sani Abacha were responsible for the annulment, his adversaries contend that since the annulment took place under his presidency, it is wrong to hang it on the neck of Abacha, more so when IBB was in a position to stand his ground, notwithstanding the reported serious threats to his life and the lives of those around him. Denying that his actions were motivated by self-survival, IBB maintains that his actions were dictated more by national interest, perception and interpretation of all the happenings then. As he put it, “…I decided it was better to keep the annulment of the 1993 Presidential Election rather than end with a full-blown conflagration that could have spelt the end of a great country” (p.288).

    Babangida’s A Journey in Service should interest everyone, someone said, because it contains the good, the bad and the ugly. I think that beyond the issue of June 12, the overriding value of IBB’s memoir is that it tells the story of a Nigerian leader who superintended over a period of unusual developments marked by unprecedented political and economic initiatives that, in varying degrees, reshaped the political and socio-economic landscape of this country. Babangida’s inventiveness included, among others, Option A4 (the grassroots-driven open-ballot electoral system that made it almost impossible to rig); creation of additional 11 states and additional 288 local governments; restructuring of the Nigerian Security Organization (NSO), leading to the creation of State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); deregulation of the economic sector and privatization of public enterprises; deregulation of the broadcast industry, leading to establishment of private radio and television stations; and accelerated relocation of Nigeria’s seat of government from Lagos to Abuja.

    The annulment of the presidential election of June 12 1993 tends to over-shadow, some would say unfairly, the positive effects of the aforesaid unprecedented initiatives of the Babangida administration. Some readers of the Babangida narrative on June 12 think it is frank while others consider it one-sided, as some of those adversely affected are no longer alive to tell their stories. However, one may advise that everyone should take solace in what should be regarded as IBB’s ultimate submission on June 12: speaking during the presentation of his memoir on February 20, 2025, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, as reported by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said, “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held on 12 June 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process. That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret.” IBB also categorically said that M.K.O Abiola won the election.

    It was an admission many considered courageous, one that might bring some closure to the June 12 saga. Babangida was speaking to an elite audience, which included the current president, four former heads of state of Nigeria and former presidents of Ghana and Liberia. It was the kind of stage he needed to present his version of what happened during his rule. Having read Babangida’s political memoir, which I consider quite revealing, I cannot but concur with David Torrance, journalist and author, that political memoirists write out of “a determination to set the terms of (their) legacy and how (they’ll) be remembered”. Whatever anyone’s view of Babangida, A Journey in Service invites all to read the motivating factors behind some of his leadership positions and actions.  

    •       Dr. Usman, OON, Former Permanent Secretary in the Presidency Abuja
  • Ekiti to invest in Sagbonke, hidden treasure

    Ekiti to invest in Sagbonke, hidden treasure

    As early as 7am, hundreds of adventure seekers and tourism enthusiasts, particularly the locals, had started walking their way to the Sagbonke Mountain top in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State last Monday. Men, women, young and old who ordinarily would have been at the Galilee celebrating the rise of Jesus of Christ, joined the race to get to the peak of the mountain by foot before the arrival of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. While some government officials drove their way up, fun seekers who couldn’t undertake the one-hour endurance trek chose to hire bike for the rigorous ride. For most of the people that made it to the peak of the mountain, it was a unique way to celebrating this year’s Easter Monday. 

    Symbolically, Ekiti State Government unveiled another of its hidden treasure capable of becoming a globally recognised destination as thousands of adventure seekers and tourism enthusiasts converged on Sagbonke Mountain in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State for the 7th edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari. It is an initiative by the Discover Ekiti Tourism Club in partnership with Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development led by Wale Ojo-Lanre.

    Leading the army of hikers and fun seekers Governor Biodun Oyebamji, in company of other top government functionaries last week Monday, got to the peak of the mountain where tourists hiked and dined in the skyline of the glorious Oke Sagbonke, the hill that ‘pulls off your chin and raises your gaze to the heavens.’ A handful of vendors marketing different cultural items and agricultural produce were also on the hill top promoting their wares.

    Inspired by the economic potentials of the location, Oyebamji directed the relevant government officials to develop a comprehensive investment plan for the site and others like it across the state.

    “Our goal is to make Ekiti a top destination for local and international tourists, and to create jobs and revenue opportunities for our people in the process. Ekiti is truly blessed. Let us work together to transform our tourism sites into economic asset,” he said.

    He urged the agencies to work out a sustainable way of making the place active all year round.

    “So within the next few weeks, they will come to me with that road map. Now, that I’ve come here today, we must ensure that this place is active,” he said.

    Read Also:2027: Ekiti APC leaders endorse Tinubu, Oyebanji for re-election

    He noted that standing at the peak of the mountain and taking in the view, he was reminded of the natural endowments that Ekiti state possesses.

    “Sagbonke is a hidden treasure with the potential to become a globally recognised destination,” he added.

    Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, who commended the governor for his visionary and unwavering interest in enhancing the natural and human endowments of Ekiti, described the event as a direct response to one of the major demands made by the 20-strong Efon delegation who visited the governor two months ago. He stated that holding this edition of Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari in Efon is not just a location decision—it is a value-added action. “It uplifts the town, injects pride into its people, and enriches the tourism tapestry of our dear state,” he added.

    He stated that hiking is not merely a leisure activity but a multi-billion naira economic stimulant. “Research shows that hiking, when properly harnessed, can pump over 2 billion naira into the Ekiti economy annually through transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment, and local commerce. Countries like Switzerland, New Zealand, Peru, Nepal, Canada, and South Africa generate millions of dollars in revenue annually from hiking tourism. Why not Ekiti? Why not now,

    “This year’s edition has pulled over 1,000 hikers from across Nigeria and beyond, including over 200 proud sons and daughters of Efon, thanks to the tireless mobilization by Olu Olu, Bose Olubo, and President Efon. It’s more than just a hike—it’s a movement of bodies and an awakening of enterprise. Behind every footstep lies a ripple of economic activity. Behind every breath taken in these hills is a fresh gust of opportunity.” he said.

    Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative Omotayo Adeola said it is an enchanting experience to be on the mountain top. “I believe when tourists get here they will be enchanted and beautiful. Ekiti is blessed and I pray that as we promote what we have in Ekiti, a lot of people will be coming to Ekiti to experience what we have seen today,” she noted. 

  • Bam Bam is TAFTA Ambassador

    Bam Bam is TAFTA Ambassador

    • By Precious Godwin

    The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) held its third graduation ceremony recently, at the Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event, themed Celebrating Creative Transformations, marked a significant milestone for the academy, with over 8,000 graduates from Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states attending both in person and virtually. The ceremony, which began at 10 a.m., was held in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation.

    Founded by renowned theatre director Bolanle Austen Peters, TAFTA is committed to addressing the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s creative sector while bridging crucial skills gaps. Peters reflected on the remarkable growth of TAFTA, having impacted over 30,000 graduates to date. “I want to thank the Mastercard Foundation for their continued investment in the future of young creatives, you are not just recipients of an education, but creators of change in your communities and the world at large.” She stated.

    Austen Peters emphasized the transformative power of the arts and encouraged the graduates to use their newfound skills to challenge injustice and inspire positive change in society. “Every great name begins with a blank page.” She said, drawing attention to the importance of creativity in tackling societal challenges.

    Country Director, Mastercard Foundation, Rosy Fynn, praised TAFTA’s commitment to advancing inclusive creative education. She noted the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy and the role the graduates would play in shaping it. The potential of the creative sector to contribute $15 billion to the economy by 2025 was emphasized, and to create 2.7 million jobs, alongside the importance of empowering women and people with disabilities. Rosy Fynn urged the graduates to use their voices and skills to drive change and stand out in their industries.

    The event featured performance by the participants, in a theatrical presentation that addressed crucial issues like sexual harassment, violence against women, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. The performance received applaud  and underscored the graduates’ commitment to using their craft to spark meaningful conversations and drive change.

    Veteran actor and writer, Bimbo Manuel congratulated the graduates and shared lessons from his own journey. “I wasn’t taught how to write. I had to learn it because acting jobs don’t come every day,” he said. Manuel stressed that the creative industry rewards skill, not certificates.

    Read Also: Tinubu to Muslims: Be ambassadors of justice, compassion, peaceful co-existence

    “This is not a certificate industry. It is performance that counts. Be so good they choose you first,” he advised. He also urged the graduates to build integrity and keep their word, as trust and professionalism are key to long-term success.

    A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan, popularly known as Bam Bam, as TAFTA’s ambassador. Reflecting on her journey from auditioning on the Terra Academy stage to achieving success in the entertainment industry, she encouraged the graduates to stay authentic, work diligently, seize every opportunity and leverage platforms like social media to showcase their work. Her message to the graduates was clear: remain true to yourselves and never diminish your passion or talents for anyone.

    Her Royal Majesty, Olori Ameenah Adeleye Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, also graced the event. She emphasized the importance of empowering women, calling it a crucial step toward empowering entire nations. Olori Matemilola advocated for equity, urging that women be provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.

    The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates by the TAFTA Academy Lead, Mr. Joseph Umoibom, and other distinguished dignitaries. In his closing remarks, Umoibom congratulated the graduates, thanked the Mastercard Foundation for their support, and wished all attendees success in their future careers.

    TAFTA’s graduation ceremony highlighted the academy’s ongoing efforts to nurture creative talent and foster inclusivity within Nigeria’s growing creative industry.

  • ‘I wrote my book sleeping in a car’

    ‘I wrote my book sleeping in a car’

    Seeking to spike a national awareness on the increasing divide that continues to marginalise the under-represented voice, Port Harcourt-based writer and author of Twinkling Shards (2017), Cyan Frank-Hanachor, recalls her journey in the writing world, her latest book co-authored with her son, Emmanuel Frank-Hanachor: Behind the Gossamer Bar with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    How did the writing start?

    Growing up in Benin City opened us up to creativity in the natural: a live-wire imagination, “fast” tongue that is encouraged as “fabu” and a propensity for doing right by your parents that fed off the nuances of a middle class family from Sabongidda-Ora. Being the child of retirees is tough luck. You are constantly broke, have to learn to make do; added to peer pressure, you are at the cusp of maturity, desperate for experience and eager to be part of a group. As the “middle” child in a large family, I sought solace in books.

    Creative writing was inspired by Papa. At age six, he discovered I could neither read nor write and took me under his wings. The teacher put me through my paces and by the next summer, I had a new found love for reading. He encouraged me to write short stories, I never looked back since.

    First encounter with the reading public.

    As a teenager, Papa entered an article for an essay writing competition for which we received a parcel. To my abashed pleasure: “A Pristine Christmas Day” was published by celebrated writer and PR person, Toni Kan, who admirably built a stable of writers through “SUNDAY SUNREVUE”. My mentor and the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso, as the Editor of The Nation permitted “CYAN’S ORB” for a time.

    You are an “unknown” in the writing world.

    In 2004, a determined attempt to read law literally unleashed the gates of Hades. Persistent attempts to involve the Police failed. I resigned myself to a hobby I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m afraid our peculiar situation has limited not only our output but its content. We are yet to replicate the books that started us out on this path. I am promised to get through the backlog of work before starting on the real adventure of writing.

    By your admission, your writing feeds off personal experiences.

    My kids grew up with me running circles round them and my laptop, often writing into the night and waking up early in the mornings for editing. Like John Locke, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, we believe that “All men were born equal and all should be treated on the basis of their personal dignity and convictions”; yet we have endured a consistent pattern of systemic violence which is strangely incongruous with who and what we are. I had run the gamut of NGO’s and legal aid institutions. I have been assured that the present administration has since shored up the channels open to people like me.

    I got confirmation of an admission I had pursued for decades. For close to six months, I had a lump the size of a child’s fist on my skull. After treatment at LASUTH, I had just the one outfit I had run out of the house with to sit in an air-conditioned lecture theatre in UniLag. Soon, that would be one of my sleeping corners in the expansive school asides from my “getaway” car.

    Nobody knew squat about me, nobody cared. All I cared about was that my kids were out of harm’s way, finally. It should have been the worst experience of my adult life. I should have been discouraged, broken or even dead. I determined to damn the odds. In the dead of the night when insomnia set in, I would put up my feet on the dashboard and drop words randomly. You would be amazed how much made it to our collection of poetry.

    Regrettably, Twinkling Shards (2017) got mangled in publication. Warts and all, I entered it for the NLNG and ANA competitions, confident and comforted by the content. Of course, it was just an affirmation of our determination and a last ditch effort to establish my writing.

    I would hibernate in my car and flip for “base camp” to enjoy my kids and the ambience of home. It was different from anything I had ever done. For the first time in fifteen years of marriage, I did not have anything to “fix” but me. It started to grate in the last three years but by then, I had caught my breath and rallied enough to get private lodgings whenever I had school. Painfully though, yet again, the attack had truncated any attempt to complete the work on a full-length novel.

    Your current project?

    Our new book Behind the Gossamer Bar will be out in the 1st quarter of 2025. It is a joint effort with my son, Emmanuel Frank-Hanachor. It is a social commentary on class, power, adolescence, education, relationship, cultism, gender, drugs and sexuality.

    It was cathartic. The manuscript was completed as late as 2014 but in the past two years of hibernating in Port Harcourt we edited the work, this I thoroughly enjoyed.  Its setting is no accident, though. Our work and life has been singularly impacted by the Niger Delta and its environmental issues. “Behind the Gossamer Bar” had been pencilled down as a possible commentary on the impact of environmental degradation but a brief hiatus with the people gave us a front row seat at the drama of the crux of the issue.

    We rather quickly became targets of a system we thought to correct. Of course, yet again any attempt to involve the Police was scuttled. I’m afraid we had to belatedly realign our priorities to address a perspective close to home: bullying in the Nigerian public school system and its ramifications on a closed family setting. A few years down the line perhaps, we might come clean about our reality but just now, we are more comfortable sharing this much.

    Of course, Twinkling Shards has evolved. It is been reissued as two volumes: Twinkling Shards and Wrinkles in the Puddle from the stable of Cyan’s Orb, our PR and publishing outfit. They are ideal gifts. A must-read for discerning parents.

    Inspiration for Behind the Gossamer Bar.

    Sadly, it literally wrote itself. Bullying is sickening. It is time to make it centre stage. I am a proud product of the public school system. I was singled out for punishment, bullied, scourged and broken…almost. Despite being very hands-on, unfortunately, so were my kids but I will always champion its cause regardless of its glaring inadequacies because of the reality of human nature and the horrific lapses in the private school in Nigeria.

    Read Also: NDLEA intercepts cocaine in Saudi-bound religious books

    Thematic content as a social commentary.

    We have read widely, nothing serious, just beautifully crafted novels for young people that made us question the lacklustre experiences outside the campus in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s.

    Where is the adventure, challenge, stimulation and thrill of living in Nigeria?

    We have witnessed some improvement in the past ten years in the parts of the country we have visited: Lagos, Delta, Rivers and Edo States but it must get better and quickly too. There must be a definitive plan to scale the environment, make it particularly attractive to a vibrant, youth population  feeding on payTV and the internet. Nigeria is moving ahead in the right direction but we might pick up the pace if we veered off a humdrum construct of delivery instead of a fast-paced, multidimensional upgrade uniformly, statewide.

    This project runs its vein through our work and underscores our preoccupation with education, parenting and attitudinal construct as it affects the mindset of a child. It has birthed our interactive, non-denominational, syndicated lecture poised to bridge the generational gap in lifestyle options, family values and interpersonal relationships in the home, school and workplace: “The ‘Good’ Lesson series.”

    Your work is centred on kids, gender and environmental issues.

    Incidentally, my favourite poem is “He that is down need fear no fall” by John Bunyan. Wish we could say our books are stimulating, exciting and thrilling. They were borne of a desire to expose a system that condones endemic violence. They are definitely a no holds barred, thought-provoking discourse that impacts on the minutiae of society. There is a recurring decimal though, juvenile literature and a particular type of feminism in a patriarchal justice system.

    We will always throw up the “Nature vs Nurture controversy”. We have thrust several topical issues in the public domain in the past eleven years and are proud of the giant strides in the psyche of the Nigerian. We continue to hope for a humane element to drive the machinery of government. My biggest regret is that we were unable to replicate the environment we grew up in for our kids. Today, they rule!

    Asides writing what are you actively engaged in?

    Several attempts to engage the government in the backwoods of Port Harcourt on the fallen standard of education failed. Our presence in Rivers State motivated us to attempt to initiate a project in certain L.G.A’s. as immediate remediation to address the hydra-headed monster through our most delightsome baby: the Papyrus Club.

    The Papyrus Club is a community-based, aspiring writer’s and book club to create an exciting cross-cultural experience, sustain public interest in reading and explore writing in the inner-city by fostering an appreciation and respect for the environment. It is an interactive medium to change the rhetoric of the South-South by exploring the fauna and flora of the region to give the narrative back to the kids. It is a project close to our hearts. We have actively propagated it in our immediate environment since inception in Isolo, Lagos State, in 2004.

    Cyan’s Project is another long-running community-based programme which we rested due to funds. Like everything we do, it is voluntary; in fulfillment of a father’s dream for a much-loved, erring daughter’s education.

    For every book sold by Cyan’s Orb, 10% will be donated to “Green Fingers” – our research into environmental degradation, sustainable development, renewable energy and the best way to introduce an appreciation for the environment from the cradle. 

    When is the best time to start writing? 

    Sadly, I am in no position to answer that truthfully. In spite of the implosion in the net, I would rather delicately aver that we all cannot be brilliant writers. We all have intrinsic gifts, I should know, that is the tragedy of my life. Writing is instinctive. It is not drudgery or learned but a beautiful, timeless expression and flawless sharing that cannot be replicated no matter how hard or well you try. That’s why we have our masters: Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Hope Eghagha, J.P Clark, Femi Osofisan… But experience has shown that like in all things:”like the early bird…” soon as the seeds are sown. Trust me you will know when.

    Favourite book or writer?

    We are fickle. Always on the prowl for the next exciting find…my kids and I swap books. I have read several beautifully crafted books though we are open to explore as many as we come across in future but the one we might never forget I believe is the most recent flyaway copy of any author who incorporates adventure, passion, exciting people far removed from my present humdrum location and a repertoire to go with it.

    Philosophy of living.

    Undoubtedly, the creed of “The ‘Good’ Lesson series”: “using the little to achieve the most”. We are circumspect about living the “good” life. Frugality is a suit I wear proudly. We are content to watch for the future with grace and “good” sense.

    Moving on

    There is a startling increase in the fatality from bullying that we feel must be addressed. We have succeeded in raising the stakes as a nation, it is time to address the fabric of society. To reset the limits in polite society. To rewrite the code that governs our conduct and interactions as a people. There is no better time than now.

    Parents in the past ten years have uniformly shown a maturity, an awareness of their responsibility in the face of the tough economic environment. They are to be commended. We must hold the school management accountable. We must hold the government accountable. We must hold the society accountable.

    We have a story that bears telling. It is an indictment on social justice. It must be shared to ensure that the culture of violence is broken.

    Plans for the future?

    I have an extensive repertoire of Literature yet unpublished. I believe we have come to a crossroad, I have decided to create an avenue to further our primary job commitment.

    We have decided to extend our influence to other pursuits we have actively developed behind the scenes: PR, community development, educational advocacy and our first love, publishing.  Our experience and knowledge makes it imperative that we continue to engage government on its hegemony and the inherent lapses in our education-sensitive environment.

  • Lagos Fanti Carnival rekindles Afro-Brazilian flame

    Lagos Fanti Carnival rekindles Afro-Brazilian flame

    In the heart of Lagos Island, the Fanti Carnival rose like a phoenix—bold, rhythmic and unapologetically Afro-Brazilian. After years of silence, it returned not just as celebration, but as resistance. Beneath the feathers and samba beats was a deeper drumbeat: a people reclaiming their voice, rewriting the narrative. This wasn’t just about spectacle—it was about survival, identity and the unstoppable power of memory passed down through generations, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    On Easter Sunday, the soul of Lagos Island stirred to life. The Fanti Carnival surged through its storied streets like a river of memory and music—drums pounding like ancestral heartbeats, dancers gliding in cascades of satin and sequins, sunlight catching on feathers and beads as if the city itself were exhaling history. This was no mere spectacle. It was a poem in motion, a rebellion draped in colour.

    Born of the Aguda returnees—freed Africans who brought samba and spirit from Brazil—the Fanti Carnival is a celebration forged in the crucible of migration and survival. Its return was not just a performance; it was a resurrection. Each rhythm was a declaration. Each step reclaimed stolen ground. As Yoruba chants wove into Brazilian beats, Lagos bore witness to a culture unbroken and unbowed. It danced its truth across Military Street and Catholic Mission Street, across hearts both old and young. With each vibrant step, Lagos didn’t just celebrate culture—it declared it unyielding.

    It was a hymn to heritage, a parade of pride, and a rejection of forgetting. In a world racing toward homogenisation, the carnival stood firm—loud, luminous, unapologetically alive. Lagos didn’t just celebrate; it sang a song only the soul could hear. The Fanti Carnival did not simply return—it roared back, reclaiming space, cultural identity and pride. Lagos did not just remember—it sang. And in that song was a promise of unity in diversity.

    The Lagos State Government has reignited the spirit of Afro-Brazilian heritage with the vibrant revival of the Fanti Carnival—a festival long woven into the cultural fabric of Lagos Island. Held at the historic Remembrance Arcade, this year’s spectacle drew an exuberant crowd of residents, tourists, cultural troupes, and community leaders, all united in a jubilant celebration of identity, rhythm and ancestral pride.

    With the theme “Heritage and Unity,” the 2025 edition of the Fanti Carnival underscored the twin pillars of cultural preservation and community cohesion.

    Spearheaded by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos Island, the carnival served as a living tribute to the resilience of history. It breathed new life into the legacies of 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnees—freed slaves who brought back to Lagos not only their memories but also samba rhythms, ornate costumes, and the carnival tradition that once enlivened these very streets. Once a major fixture in the Island’s festive calendar, the Fanti Carnival had slipped into silence for years. Its spectacular return now marks a pivotal moment in Lagos’ journey to preserve and amplify its multicultural story.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event alongside the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to community-led cultural expressions. He emphasized the carnival’s potential to stimulate local economies, inspire generational pride, and foster social harmony across Lagos State.

    Read Also: Lagos Fanti Carnival holds Sunday

    To understand the significance of the Fanti Carnival, one must journey back to the 19th century, when freed African slaves—many of whom had been transported to Brazil—returned to the shores of Lagos. These returnees, known locally as the “Agudas” or “Brazilian Descendants,” brought with them the echoes of a dual heritage: Yoruba traditions layered with Afro-Brazilian cultural expressions, including architecture, cuisine, religion and of course, carnival. What they brought was not just festive spirit—it was survival through celebration. At a time when colonial structures sought to define what it meant to be “civilised,” the Afro-Brazilians pushed back with pageantry, colour and costume. Through song, samba and satin, they preserved their identity, resisted erasure and rewrote the narrative of who they were.

    The recent revival of the Fanti carnival marks a powerful return, not just of a festival, but of a community reclaiming its voice. In the words of Governor Sanwo-Olu, who graced the event with his family, “The Fanti Carnival is a celebration of a people bound by history and strengthened by diversity.” But beyond the speeches and smiles was a deeper resonance: this was about heritage as resistance, culture as confrontation, and history as a living, dancing entity.

    For the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the carnival’s revival signals not just nostalgia, but a strategic cultural renaissance. And indeed, every drumbeat at the parade was a heartbeat of a people who refused to be forgotten. She said, “The Fanti Carnival is more than a festival, it is a living memory of our Afro-Brazilian roots and a showcase of the cultural richness that defines us as Lagosians. The ministry remains committed to initiatives that strengthen social ties, promote tourism, and keep our heritage alive.

    “Rooted in the 19th-century customs of Afro-Brazilian returnees-freed slaves who brought back samba rhythms, flamboyant costumes, and carnival traditions from Brazil, the Lagos Fanti Carnival had once been a major fixture on the Island’s cultural calendar before slipping into dormancy. Its vibrant revival marks a significant milestone in preserving Lagos’ multicultural legacy. As Lagos continues to grow and modernize, our cultural stories must not be lost. These plaques, embedded with QR codes, will preserve and share the stories of sites and traditions that shaped our city,” she explained.

    In his remarks, Ambassador Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Jr., the Consul General of Brazil in Lagos, eloquently underscored the profound historical and cultural connections between Brazil and Nigeria. “Our nations share a rich tapestry of history, culture, cuisine, and spirit,” he said. “The Fanti Carnival is a vibrant testament to the enduring bond between our countries, holding immense promise for future collaborations in trade, education, technology, and beyond.”

    The ambassador also highlighted the lasting impact of Yoruba traditions on Brazilian culture, citing the influence of Orisha-based religions like Candomblé and the enduring popularity of Yoruba cuisine in Brazil. “A Brazilian can indeed feel at home in Lagos,” he noted, underscoring the deep cultural affinities between the two nations. Peter Richie of IconGeo then presented the ceremonial route map of the carnival, emphasizing the importance of community-led urban renewal initiatives. He also unveiled rare archival maps of Lagos dating back to 1924, which showcased the significant Brazilian presence in the city.

    Historically, the Afro-Brazilian descendants of Lagos faced unique struggles. Despite their contributions to the city’s architectural landscape and cultural identity, they have often been overlooked in broader narratives. As gentrification, modernisation and cultural homogenisation swept through Lagos Island, the spaces and stories of the Aguda community began to fade. The dormancy of the Fanti Carnival for several years mirrored this quiet displacement. But its return, infused with government support and grassroots enthusiasm, tells a different story: one where the community refuses to vanish quietly.

    The brilliance of the Fanti Carnival lies in its layers. While it dazzles with colours and captivates with choreography, it is far from frivolous. The costumes—bold, bright, and sometimes provocative—tell stories of migration, memory, and resistance. Characters inspired by Brazilian folklore blend seamlessly with Yoruba deities. Historical figures are reimagined, and traditional attires are given contemporary flair, all in a bid to communicate identity. The music, too, is not mere entertainment. Rooted in both Yoruba rhythms and Brazilian samba, it forms a sonic bridge across the Atlantic. Each drumbeat is a dialogic call to ancestors. Each chant is a coded message, a historical footnote.

    As the final float passed through Catholic Mission Street and the crowd began to disperse, the question lingered: what happens next? Reviving the Fanti carnival was an important first step—but sustaining it requires intentional effort. The culture must be documented, taught and continually performed. The youth must be engaged, not as spectators, but as custodians. And government support must remain true to the vision of cultural preservation, not simply performance. Cultural resistance, after all, is not a one-day parade. It is a lifelong dance.

    In resurrecting the Fanti Carnival, Lagos has done more than honour a tradition—it has reignited a movement. At a time when so many cultures are fading into the background noise of globalisation, the Afro-Brazilian descendants of Lagos have said, clearly and colourfully: we remember, we resist, we rejoice. The Fanti Carnival is proof that culture is not static—it adapts, it resists, it survives. And through each beat of the drum and shimmer of a costume, it declares: we are still here.

  • Peter James wins future leader of marketing 2025 ADVAN awards

    Peter James wins future leader of marketing 2025 ADVAN awards

    Peter James, Brand Manager at FrieslandCampina WAMCO has been honored with the prestigious “Future Leader of Marketing” award at the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) 2025 Awards after an assessment screening by the judges. The ceremony, held on Naval dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated outstanding achievements and contributions to the marketing and advertising industry in Nigeria.

    This award recognized Peter James’s exceptional talent, innovative thinking, and significant impact on the marketing landscape. He demonstrated remarkable leadership potential and a forward-thinking approach to brand strategy and campaign execution, leveraging on a strong analytical and commercial acumen.
    “I am honored to be selected as the winner amongst other brilliant applicants.” said Peter James. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of my managers and colleagues at FrieslandCampina in driving collective growth and capacity building. I am excited to continue contributing to the growth and innovation of the marketing industry in Nigeria.

    After bagging 2 awards at the FrieslandCampina WAMCO Specialized Nutrition Conference in 2022, Peter is back on the recognition stage with the Prestigious Advertisers Association of Nigeria Awards for Marketing Excellence.

    The Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Maureen Ifada, applauded Peter James on his achievement, “We are incredibly proud of Peter James’s accomplishments and believes he represents the future of marketing in Nigeria.

    The ADVAN Awards are highly regarded in the Nigerian marketing and advertising industry, recognizing excellence across various categories. The “Future Leader of Marketing” award specifically celebrates individuals who are shaping the future of the profession through their innovative strategies, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence.

    Peter James’s recognition as a Future Leader of Marketing underscores FrieslandCampina’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation within its marketing team.

    About ADVAN: The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) is the umbrella body for advertisers in Nigeria. It is committed to promoting and protecting the interests of advertisers and the advertising industry in Nigeria.

  • Gamers Assembly hosts Nigerian video games professionals in France

    Gamers Assembly hosts Nigerian video games professionals in France

    In a landmark move aimed at strengthening international ties in the creative and cultural industries (CCI), the French Embassy in Nigeria has sponsored a Nigerian delegation to the prestigious Gamers Assembly 2025. The assembly is one of Europe’s biggest esport and video games events. The three day event which kicked off on the 19th of April will end today, 21 April, 2025, in Poitiers, France.

    This initiative underscores France’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration between both nations, particularly in the rapidly expanding video games and esports sector.

    The delegation consists of 14 leading Nigerian video games and esports companies, with 10 delegates that will showcase the vibrancy of Nigeria’s video games ecosystem and engage with international partners. Additionally, four delegates will embark on a 10-day immersive internship at the event, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in key industry disciplines such as event project management, exhibition coordination, event management, content creation, Television (TV) production and technical operations.

    The delegates were selected from some of Nigeria’s most innovative video games and esports companies, including 10N8E, AfricaComicade, Deluxe Creation Studios, Game Evolution Partners, Gamr, Kon10dr, Kucheza Gaming, Maliyo Games, Xane Studios, alongside a professional esports player and ecosystem supporters, Infinix Nigeria. Their participation highlights the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit driving the Nigerian video games industry forward.

    Read Also: LA 2028 Games: IOC increases  women’s  soccer teams to 16 teams

    “This is an exciting moment for the Nigerian video games industry,” said Désiré Koussawo, Honorary President, Association Futurolan (Gamers Assembly). Christophe Pecot, the audiovisual attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria added: “France has a rich history in video game development and esports, and this initiative is a tangible step toward fostering stronger economic and creative collaboration between both countries.”

    Nigeria’s video games and esports sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with local studios, content creators and tournament organisers gaining international recognition. With Gamers Assembly celebrating its 25th anniversary, this delegation aims to accelerate that trajectory by providing Nigerian professionals with direct access to leading European industry figures, cutting-edge technology and best practices in video games and event management.

    “Gamers Assembly is the largest esports LAN event in Europe and an invaluable platform for learning and connection,” said Olubukola Akignbade, founder and CEO, Kucheza Gaming. “The opportunity to gain first-hand experience in key industry areas will equip Nigerian video gaming professionals with the skills and relationships necessary to drive the sector forward at home.”

    The collaboration between France and Nigeria in the video games space aligns with broader efforts toenhance cultural exchanges and business opportunities within the CCI. With the global video games industry poised for continued expansion, initiatives like this mark an important step towards positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international video games ecosystem. This support to the Nigerian Cultural and Creative Industry was made possible thanks to specific funds. This year again, the program, Creation Africa, continues to support entrepreneurs in the cultural and Creative industries. This fund has been entrusted for 18 months by the French Ministry ofEurope and Foreign Affairs.