The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • From BRAZIL with solution to common problems

    From BRAZIL with solution to common problems

    Considering similarities in politics, culture and economy, Nigeria’s flagging structure invites comparison with Brazil’s. Olubanwo Fagbemi, who visited the South American country recently, recommends the difference as possible remedy.

    BRAZILIANS would be the first to admit that their society is free of corruption as scandals surrounding their country’s controversial hosting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals suggest, but the work ethic is undeniable. Beside the patriotic spirit that attended discharge of World Cup volunteer duty across board, a commitment to duty, from the menial to executive, recommends ordinary Brazilians to the observer. In the face of evidence, a national penchant for holiday and beachside frolic barely hampers the march to economic and infrastructural progress, even if some, as David Santon, an undergraduate and tour guide, believed the country would do much better with a 400-year plus history of political independence from Portuguese overlords if only politicians do not “promise you heaven before the elections and dump you once they get elected”.

    On why Nigeria appeared to toe the same line with worse consequences, Joe Hornet, a Brazil-based Jamaican retiree who had been to Nigeria offered food for thought. “The average Nigerian is not honest. Almost everyone works by asking, ‘what’s in it for me first?’”

    Flyovers and elevators to the rescue

    The will to master the rugged terrain that describes much of Brazil is evident in solution to transportation challenges. Salvador’s peculiar feature of a steep escarpment dividing the city into two sections of Cidade Baixa or the ‘Lower City’ (the business district) and Cidade Alta, the ‘Upper City’ (the residential area) inspired construction of a cable car and the Elevador Lacerda, Brazil’s first elevator. The latter, which has undergone several upgrades since 1873, together with the former, less used today compared to its heyday, generate income from patrons riding up or down in pursuit of business or leisure.

    Super-pedestrian bridges crossing multi-lane highways also dot Brazil’s landscape. Going or coming, the long, arching elevated bridges seem to link every major concentration of pedestrian activity on roadsides. Exit paths also exist to serve pedestrians changing direction on dualised roads. Clearly conceived and executed with the roads, the sometimes obsolete but well-maintained flyovers stand as proof of foresight in construction. They contrast roads built in Nigeria without drainage systems and the spectacle of citizens daily courting death in a mad dash across busy highways.

    Adaptable infrastructure

    Brazil is self-sufficient in production of consumer goods, but apparently mindful of the theory of comparative advantage, the country contracts out heavy manufacturing to foreign giants with major car makers Nissan, Renault, Chevrolet, Ford, Fiat and others represented in assembly plants across the country. The caveat, as pointed out by Waheed Adetunji, a Nigeria-born friend in Salvador, is the required inclusion of made-in-Brazil components and participation of indigenous labour. Compared to a domestic appetite for all things foreign or a love for bogus cars or jeeps, the Brazilian cherishes compact editions. Whether the latter’s preference is informed by parking space as suggested by Santon or a more manageable ego is debatable.

    Dedicated cyclists’, joggers’ lanes

    Dedicated bikers’ and joggers’ lanes running along Brazilian beaches are recommended as answers to the peril of cycling or jogging on Nigerian city roads. Painted in clear green and yellow, the lanes invite activity from sunup to sundown. While enthusiasts are immediate beneficiaries, many in the business of ancillary services from bicycle retailers to food vendors gain from the venture.

    A welfare state

    Still a subject of contention between the poorer northeast and more affluent and heavily taxed south, the welfarist policies of the ruling Workers’ Party, analysts believed, helped return President Dilma Rousseff through a challenging 2014 election run-off to power despite a plunge in popularity ratings before the World Cup finals amidst allegations of corruption and poor services. With poor families handed welfare payments and transport fares subsidised on weekends to facilitate leisure trips to the coasts and hinterlands on weekends, for instance, Rousseff and her party managed to retain the loyalty of voters in the North and Northeast. While the goal of leadership cannot solely be appeasement of followers and electoral votes in return, the political example of poverty eradication and peaceful, organised polls merits emulation.

    Coins with great value

    While indicators of underdevelopment as poverty and high crime rate still beep in Brazil, the country, a proud member of the vaunted BRICS  the next economically developed group of countries including Russia, India, China and South Africa  flaunts enviable economic indices. Compared to Nigeria where the kobo has unofficially gone the way of the dodo, Brazil holds the coin, or centavo, in high esteem. In 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavos as well as 1 real denomination, the coin trades conveniently, from the sidewalk to the shopping mall. The 100 reais note is the highest denomination, by the way. The denomination apparently keeps inflation low and survival on the national minimum wage of R$700 realistic. Had the central bank of Nigeria’s managed to introduce the 5, 000 naira note, on the other hand, its impact on the oft-debated 18, 000 naira minimum wage is better imagined.

    Casa de câmbio

    One of Brazil’s symbols of financial independence and patriotism, the casa de câmbio or bureau de change operates under strict rules enforced by relevant government agencies. Every transaction is documented with the foreigner providing his international passport as evidence. While black market exchange using parallel rates occur, the dollar, or any other currency but Brazilian, is not accepted as a means of payment for goods and services.

    Convenient shopping with Cartao cards

    Issued by all major banks in Brazil, local debit cards called cartão (pronounced canton) de débito are probably the most important cashless payment method in Brazil. Brazilians, especially from the lower income groups, can through it pay for goods from cars to perishables in instalments offered and financed by merchants. With the card, the citizen walks to a store, chooses an affordable item or items with a price list indicating up to 12 instalments of the final price. The customer’s card is charged with the advance payment and he walks away with the article. The seller thus assumes the risk of non-payment, in case the customer eventually fails to pay up.

    But what happens if the customer refuses to fulfil his part of the bargain or relocates elsewhere? “Then he is as good as ‘dead’,” said Johnson Abe. “The Brazilian system keeps effective store of data. Besides possible arrest for criminal offence in the future, the offending can longer afford to pay for goods and services online anywhere in Brazil once his details are noted.”

    Wheelbarrows with multiple wheels

    In the markets of São Joaquim, Santa Bárbara and São Miguel, you are as likely to find African foodstuff and artefacts of Afro-Brazilian religion worship as peculiar contraptions. One of these is the wheelbarrow with three or four wheels. Its capacity to reduce the labour of pushing stuff through challenging terrain and human traffic renders the single-wheeled version in Nigeria primitive.

    Religious tolerance

    With the largest population of Catholics in any country, one might expect widespread discrimination against other faiths in Brazil. That may have been the case in the recent past, especially for adherents of the Afro-Brazilian religion called Candomblé but the tide has since turned. As related by a believer, Silvio Bosco, filling in Candomblé as religion on  a school or employment form would raise about the same eyebrow as Christian Catholic or Protestant Christian  unthinkable 20 years ago, noted Denilson ‘Oluwafemi’ Jose, tourist guide, arts teacher and Candomblé advocate. “It was possible to go from kindergarten to university without reading a single book about blacks until 2003,” he said.  “But, encouraged by the growing interest in Afro-Brazilian cum African history and culture throughout Brazil, the government of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso passed a law in 2003 that made the teaching of Afro-Brazillian history and culture compulsory in public and private schools.”

    Effective policing

    One of the first things a Nigerian visitor notices about law enforcement officers in Brazil is that they look mostly lean and fit, even the women. Almost always in body armour and holstered guns, the Policia appear formidable and actually live up to the capacity to scramble to trouble spots and frisk rabble-rousers. Marching single file to or away from duty posts, they are able to respond to emergency and not get caught flat-footed like Nigerian counterparts stuck on policing by road blocks. They may not eradicate crime in city bad spots and may, now and then, be accused of brutality and human rights violation, but the Brazilian police generally keep citizens safe in the open as all, man, woman and child, enjoy basic rights  especially the freedom of expression.

  • Making them relevant

    Making them relevant

    TITLE: The Missing Daughters
    AUTHOR: Orubebe, G.E.
    PUBLISHER: Grace Springs Africa Publishers, Lagos
    NO. OF PAGES: 285
    REVIEWER: Chijioke Uwasomba

    The Missing Daughters is a morality tale by Orubebe Gandhi to warn men and women alike of the need to accept the will of God as it relates to the sex of their children. In order words, every child, whether male or female is important and should not be discarded. Those who out of foolishness or short-sightedness, dismiss their female child or children are bound to regret like Obi in the novel under discussion.

    The story is set in a village called Ogbabiri. From all indications and by all accounts, Ogbabiri is a village that lacks modern facilities that could make life more meaningful. The commonest source of energy in the area is firewood and no wonder the village is always enveloped by smoke. The point at issue upon which the story revolves round- the less value placed on the female child- further portrays the society of the novel as one that is primitive in every material particular.

    Egbema, who has six boys is always in the habit of boasting to his wife, Nigho that the female sex does not endear to his ancestors. He sees his family from  time immemorial as a male-breeding one. Egbema dismisses Nigho for wanting to have a female child as if she is the one who decides the sex of a child. It is with this mindset that Egbema warns his children: “Any woman you marry among all of you, if she bears a female child in the midst of your children, she would have committed an abomination in that she may have had that female issue from another man, she would have committed adultery” (29). Egbema is obsessed with this reprehensible thinking to the extent that “No female children” becomes the chant in his household.

    It is important to note that out of fear and to satisfy their father, all Egbema’s children are gripped by their father’s story about male/female which they have dubbed ” the male syndrome thing”(35). Bafukeme, the oldest son who has fallen in love with Ereseimo shows signs of fear because he does not want to hurt the sensibilities of his father. This is more so considering the fact that Ereseimo’s family is known as a female-bearing one. But in the end both Bafukeme’s wife and those of the other two siblings give birth to male children.

    Obi’s wife cannot understand the queer premium placed on male children over and above the female by the Egbema family. She sees it as amusing. Obi tells his wife: “You either give birth to male children or you are not part of our family”(55). But unfortunately to Obi his wife gives birth to a female. Of all in the household of Egbema it is only Nigho, Egbema’s wife that defends and identifies with Obi’s wife. She teases Obi: “Becky has given birth to a female child. Go and kill yourself. Since she arrived here, she has been like a woman in harem”(59). Becky gives birth to two other girls and is driven out by Obi her husband: “Go away with your female children”(62),Obi chides her.

    Nigho, a very clairvoyant mother scolds Obi for his foolish decision. Obi’s siblings and their father Egbema praise Obi to high heavens for the decision to send his wife and children away. No sooner has Obi taken this decision than he begins to regret his action, tormenting himself. Even in his place of work, Obi who is known for his exemplary industry and commitment to duties can no longer give his best. He is chided by the management: “Obi your attitude to work which used to be commendable has taken a plunge for the worse. This place is not a civil service arena rather we are a company. You had an adept hand in times past”(68). Obi is eventually sacked. He marries another girl. As if he has lost every modicum of reason, he drives the third wife away saying: “go away with your female child”(69).

    Meanwhile, Becky, Obi’s first wife who had been driven away by Obi has not lost hope in Jesus Christ in spite of all her frustrations. Her three daughters- Dora, Dolphin and Betty- who are under the custody of her parents and being taken care of, over time  become graduates with the first daughter Dora,who at this point has become a lawyer getting married to Dr. Ibeh Ogbebor,a medical doctor.

    By a twist of events the king of Ogbabiri informs his people of how the Ogbu indigenes who the Ogbabiri clan had given its land for their settlement have turned around to be killing the Ogbabiri people. All the Ogbu males are wiped out. Some of the Ogbu girls are taken captive and one of these girls, Edna is married by Obi making it the fourth wife he has married. Strangely, Obi does everything within his power including cooking and serving Edna but the latter does not show any form of appreciation. Obi’s drinking habit which he acquired when he was desperately looking for male children has increased even now that through Edna he has had three male children. His wife Edna and the three children take to alcoholic drinks like Obi leading to the death of the third son Roland.

    Edna is also rumoured to be sleeping with all sorts of men and caught in a room with a man. Because of the irresponsibility of Obi’s children and the waywardness of Edna, Obi decides to keep his money in the bank to prevent it from being stolen but is beaten mercilessly by his children in his farm. Obi is rescued by a good Samaritan, Ogbebor who takes him to his Doctor son, Dr. Ibeh Ogbebor who turns out surprisingly to be the husband of one of the three daughters of Obi (Becky’s first daughter, Dora). Obi is healed in Ogbebor’s house and is given a parcel of land to farm since he says he wants to be Ogbebor’s servant.

    The turning point in the life of Obi comes when he realises that but for Dr. Ibe Ogbebor, all the other eight children of Ogbebor are all females. Obi is at this point in his life full of regrets, more so when he notices the enviable relationship that exists between Dr. Ibeh Ogbebor and his lovely wife, Barrister Dora Ogbebor. Each time Ogbebor’s children display their love for their father with gifts, the gesture evokes thoughtful memory in Obi. He begins to regret his past actions especially the way he treated his wife Becky and children. The invitation of Becky to the Chieftaincy ceremonies for Ogbebor brings Becky and Obi together as Becky recognises Obi and holds him with joy. This leads to a reconciliation between Obi, Becky and their three daughters but with the search for the other daughters from the other women that had been sent packing by Obi in those days of his “madness”.

    As noted from the outset of this review, this is a novel that is rich in didactic disclosures harping on the need for forgiveness. At the denouement of the novel, the reader realises the futility and foolishness in dismissing the female sex as unimportant. The novel throws up a lot of issues bordering on the need for good family values, respect for women, love, the recognition of women as human beings who have the same values as their male counterparts or even better. Ironically, the male children of Obi become alcoholics and father beaters who are given to criminality. Obi’s most loved wife whom he pampers, in cahoots with her children become a thorn in the flesh of Obi.

    But for the love shown to Obi by Ogbebor after the thorough beaten given to him by his male children, he would have died. The love and fellow feeling showed to him by Ogbebor and his household, and the cohesiveness of the immediate and extended Ogbebor family prick the conscience of Obi and usher a turn-around in his entire consciousness.

  • Mission to stop child abuse

    Mission to stop child abuse

    No fewer than 100 pupils converged on Abednego Montessori School in Ketu on the outshirts of Lagos, for a summit organised by the Morna International Children’s Foundation (MICF) in partnership with Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) to commemorate the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse (WDfPCA), some of the children relived their experience. JOKE KUJENYA reports.

    IT was a bright and sunny Wednesday morning. The no fewer that 100 school children sat under a canopy, wearing yellow-coloured T-shirts with the inscription: “Say No To Child Abuse/Assault”.

    The, messages touched some of them personally. Others, they were there because they were invited.

    It was interesting watching them asked questions such as “What is child abuse?” “How can a child be abused”? “What is assault”.

    Setting the tone for the day, some of the convener, Mrs Bukola Afolabi-Ogunyeye, chairperson of Morna International Children Foundation (MICF),  said “for a better Nigeria, we must focus on the children because there are many wolves out there taking their innocence for granted.”

    Mrs Afolabi-Ogunyeye, a trained facilitator against child sexual abuse, a member of National Children Advocate Centre in the United States, (U. S.) and an author , address  “Every child is born innocent. They are born to be loved, to be protected, to learn and to grow. This maxim thus makes the matter of child sexuality a medical and moral concern. Thus, at no time has any society taken the issue of child abuse, assault or molestation lightly. In the extreme, it is a criminal case”.

    For the children with ages ranging from  five to 13  to learn and share with their peers how to escape the male violence there, especially men that want to abuse them. They also had a rally against all forms of child molestation.

     

    Real life encounters

    For a few minutes in an enclosed setting, some of the children were encouraged to share their stories with this reporter.

    Starting from Nkechi, 9, (not real name), she said it was her maternal uncle, that defiled her many times before he eventually relocated. She said she was afraid to tell her parents or anybody because she was always  alone with him. Whenever she returned from school every day then, adding she said he began by always telling her how beautiful she is adding that she could always confide in him.

    Next were Kayode and Bola (9),   were caught playing with their genitals inside the school bus. During a counselling,  Kayode in tears said he learnt sex  from watching pornography movies. He said, his parents watched those movies while he sat in without being asked to leave.

    Kemi, 5, said she was sexually abused by their Security Guard severally. “He told me not to tell anybody that he was only playing with me and that I must not tell anybody. But one day, I told my mummy and the guard was sacked by our landlord”.

    These are just three of the  stories as the other children were too shy  to speak with a stranger.

    Many  parents who had earlier been asked  to allow their children tell their stories declined because of what they called the ‘shame’.

    Mrs. Afolabi-Ogunyeye noted that some of the cases were not often properly handled, adding that in the case of Kemi, she had counselled her and the girl seems to be doing well. She added: “Kemi is always very curious, paying rapt attention each time instructions were being passed to them in their school. I got to know her when she was in Basic 6 and I had asked all of them to close their eyes while inquiring if any of them had ever been sexually abused or still being abused. That was how they all began to open up to me and I gained their confidence”.

    Mrs Afolabi-Ogunyeye noted  “Physical abuse occurs when a guardian or caretaker allows or inflicts non-accidental physical injury that causes a substantial risk to the child’s physical well-being and health.

    “This is why a day as this was dedicated to the creation of awareness about child abuse with focus, more on sexual abuse. “She said in 14  years ago, the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF)  launched the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse (WDfPCA ) to alert governments and civil society organisations (CSOs) across the world to play active roles in respecting Articles 19 and 34 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child which uphold their right to live a life free of violence and abuse, including sexual abuse and exploitation.

    “Sadly, cases of child abuse still abound being perpetuated by ‘mad men’ in every place. This is why we have taken our 19 days campaign to churches, mosques and schools to Ikosi and Ketu all within Ikorodu environs and in Lagos State”, she said.

    MICF vice chairman, Mr Peter Pamisi said his organisation became involved in the 19 days campaign to show the need for a world where children are respected and protected from abuse. He said that was why his group nurturing and empowering children on their fundamental human rights.

    Mrs Afolabi-Ogunyeye urged the children not to allow anyone to touch their buttocks or cases them in secret, asking them to report  such activities to their parents.

  • ‘I did my best at NAFEST competition’

    ‘I did my best at NAFEST competition’

    The recently concluded 28th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2014 with the theme Celebrating Nigeria @ 100: The Role of Culture as a Vehicle for National Unity held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital may have come and gone, but many Nigerians will not forget the festival in a hurry.

    Of the 14,259 participants and spectatorsthat attended  the seven-day festival, a Senior Secondary School 3 pupil of Twelve Apostles College, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Miss Chinaza Igwe had more than unforgettable experience. She represented Ebonyi State in the National Children’s Essay Writing Competitionfor SSS1-3on the topic My Role as Culture Ambassador in the 21st Century. She beat representatives from six other states to emerge overall best in the competition.

    Igwe said her English Language teacher at the college prepared her for the challenge noting that she was nervous during the essay writing competition.

    “My teacher kept on teaching us on how to write essays on different topics. But in the hall during the essay writing, I was nervous at the beginning. I was nervous because of the expectation from my school principal and teachers as well as classmates. So, I decided to do my best,” she said.

    The SS3 pupil who also won the National Green Essay competition held in Abeokuta last September, said she dedicated the award to God and her class teacher.   

    This year’s festival was declared open by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and grand patron of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) ably represented byVice President Namadi Sambo.

    In the march past, 18 states and the FCT showcased the best of their acrobatics, dance and costumes accompanied by various musical renditions. The festival as its tradition showcased competitive and non-competitive events. The competitive events included: Children’s essay writing competition, children’s drawing/painting competition on Celebrating Nigerian Unity @ 100, traditional children’s Storytelling, Ebonyi State got the first position. For the Traditional Wrestling (Intermediate Category 55kg – 65kg) Competition of NAFEST 2014, the first position went to Niger State.

    In the traditional furnished apartment event in which the states showcased the best of indigenous architectural designs and techniques, Bauchi State clinched the first position; while in the arts and crafts exhibition, Ebonyi State won the first position. For the Traditional Dance music (Stage and DVD Presentation) event the first position went to Akwa Ibom State. The area of cuisine was not left out as the Traditional Cuisine event saw Ebonyi State clinch the first position.

    Some special awards were also given such as: Best costumed state – Delta, Ebonyi, Benue and Taraba States; largest Contingent – Niger State (130 participants), Minister’s golden gong – Ebonyi State (for most impressive entry at NAFEST 2014), most consistent state at NAFEST went to Katsina State.

    NAFEST is designed to serve as a veritable index for cultural exchange, marketing and promotion and as a forum for the exchange of ideas. It has over the years evolved as a creativity fair that unites the nation through various manifestations of the rich and diverse cultures of Nigerians as well as become a veritable instrument for the actualisation of government’s development objectives through the instrumentality of our rich and diverse cultural heritage.

  • ‘This oasis must bloom the desert’

    ‘This oasis must bloom the desert’

    This year’s Nigerian National Merit award recipient, Prof Niyi Osundare’s acceptance speech at the ceremony in Abuja.

    If all the prizes and awards that have come my way in my nearly 40 years of professional and creative career, the one whose bestowal brought us all together today has a more special resonance and unusual gravitas to it than I could ever have  anticipated. From near and far, the congratulatory messages pouring in in the past one week have concentrated not only on the lucky winner of the 2014 Nigerian National Merit Award, but also on the timing of the award and the country which is responsible for its bestowal. I cannot disclose many of the messages in full without sounding gross or boringly immodest, neither can I keep silent about them without denying myself a rare opportunity to share something useful with my compatriots, and without depriving my country of a chance to hear one or two things about itself.

    For nearly all these messages say something to this effect: We are happy that this award is coming at a time like this in the history of your country; oh, Nigeria got this right; the existence of this kind of award shows that not all is lost in Nigeria. One writer, a professor of political science and perspicacious columnist for one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, disclosed how “uplifting and therapeutic” it was for him to learn about this year’s award.

    Waxing lyrical and eloquently metaphorical, he added: “In a clime where good news is in short supply, (the news of the award) comes as refreshing drops of water, massaging parched throats”. A stellar US-based Nigerian professor of philosophy renowned for his cerebral, unsparing evisceration of the African anomy, called to say that the award indicates that Nigeria is still capable of doing some things right.

    An old student of mine, now an insightful columnist for a prominent Nigerian daily, exhales, almost carthically, oh, what a breath of fresh air!.  A younger colleague from the Department of English, University of Ibadan, declared in a telephone conversation whose sheer energy nearly blew up the Nigerian network grid: “Sir, I’m happy for you and happy for myself; now it means we younger fellows have something to look up to”.

    Students in my undergraduate poetry class in the Department of English, University of New Orleans, burst into spontaneous applause upon hearing the news, exactly the same way some of my professor colleagues in the same department reacted a few days later. Some of these students and colleagues tell me with an almost filial candor and concern, something to this effect: this is good news, Niyi; better, happier than what has been coming out of Nigeria in recent times. And, never one to miss a good chance to tell Nigeria his mind, the doyen of Nigeria’s op-ed  journalism, avowedly now at home abroad, declares with telling acuity: ‘Amid the gloom that has encircled and now threatens to choke Nigeria, this award has largely been spared the corruption that rules the land. It is a reassuring testament that Nigeria can still be true to its highest ideals’.

    A don from the Communication and Language Arts Department, University of Ibadan, famous for his relentless excoriation of verbal and stylistic infelicities in Nigerian writing, enthused over the phone: with this award, I know there is still hope for Nigeria…. . .

    Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have cited all these episodes not in aid of some megalomaniacal confesionalism. I am not the first person to receive this award, nor am I going to be the last. Worthier people, many of them my teachers and professional predecessors, have walked this path before, and I have them to thank for blazing a worthy trail. The purpose of this narrative is to show how people from different climes, different persuasions, and different stations of life perceive the Nigerian National Merit Award vis-à-vis the nation that has created it as its National Order of Distinction. For the NNOM is larger than any awardee; the light which issues from its beacon transcends the turbulent expanse of Nigeria’s territorial waters. What I deduce from my experience since the official announcement of this year’s award is an overwhelming yearning for the NNOM as an Order faithful to its mission; a Centre of Excellence given free rein and empowered in all legitimate ways to carry out its institutional functions not only as regards the recognition of merit and reward for it, but also the cultivation and encouragement of these attributes in Nigeria’s intellectual culture.

    To the best of my knowledge, the NNMA remains to date, about the only Nigerian Order of grave national importance relatively insulated from Nigeria’s typical political contamination, a national institution with relatively formidable ramparts against the rampaging monsters of mediocrity and intellectual mendacity. We owe it as a bounden duty to ourselves and to our future to help it in the maintenance of its measure of integrity. We must keep supremely hallowed that tradition of the First Thursday of December every year as has been the practice since 1979 when the maiden edition of the NNMA was bestowed on Chinua Achebe, one of Nigeria’s, nay the world’s most famous writers. One of those numerous well-wishers in the past week described the NNOM as an “oasis” in the Nigerian desert. It must be a vital part of NNOM’s mission to transform, by its own sterling example, that desert into a blooming landscape and productive humanscape. Urgently needed in this regard is the kind of robust, consistent endowment befitting its status as the nation’s intellectual and creative reference point/powerhouse jealously protected from of all manner of interference and sordid meddling.

    But as that ancient Yoruba adage goes, Idelorun ite n’idelorun eye (The peace of the nest determines the peace of the bird). Without a nest called Nigeria, there would be no bird called NNOM. These, no doubt, are dangerously hard times for Nigeria. They are also times which call for the best and boldest in all of us: leaders who follow by leading conscientiously, and followers who lead by following responsibly, with a keen eye on their rights as HUMAN beings. We have a country to build, a future to anticipate, a dream to honour.

    Now time for homages and acknowledgements. I remember with the tenderest gratitude today that day in January 1953 when my father, AriyoosuAguntasoolo Osundare of blessed memory, woke me up and said quietly to my mother, Fasimia: Omo oyaju yanu daadaa; aamo’we. Mo nmu lo si sukuru (This boy looks precocious; he will know book. I’m taking him to school). Tall and sprightly like a regal warrior, father led the way while I broke into a rapid cater to keep up his pace. That morning’s journey landed me in Primary One B at St. Luke’s School, Iro, Ikere Ekiti, with my first teacher as Mr. G.O. Asake. It turned out to be the first toddling steps of a long-distance run that would take me to all the continents of the world. The Nigeria I grew up in gave me the education which quickened my pace, the kind of culture that priced mind over money, and endowed character with a prime place in the pantheon of virtues.

    Farmer-born, peasant-bred, I learnt all so early the dignity of labour and the importance of integrity. These have remained the vital chapters in my book of life, my compass through life’s tempestuous voyage. To my wife, Adekemi Olugbenke, and our children, Moyo, Osuntola, and Bayonle, I say thank you for bearing the brunt of my hectic academic and creative calling, and for helping me stay true to my moral and political principles over the years… ..  I am eternally grateful to all my teachers, some of whom are present here today as NNOM laureates: through their worthy examples, I have come to respect teaching as the noblest profession in the world, and to regard my students as my best teachers.. . . .

    And finally I commend Nigeria for establishing the Nigerian National Order of Merit, and the NNOM for striving all these years to safeguard the survival of that Merit and sustain the integrity and relevance of the culture of the mind.

  • Artists cart away N5m cash prize

    Artists cart away N5m cash prize

    Erasmus Onyishi, has emerged winner of first place prize of the African Artists Foundation and Nigerian Breweries’ National Art Competitions. Onyishi got a cash prise of N2 million, while Modupe Fadugba won the outstanding concept prize of N1 million. Paul Mbah walked home with the cash prize of N1 million for outstanding production of the competition.

    Two finalists Nkechi Edubedike and Amarachi Okafor got N500,000 each.

    Venue of the prize presentation and exhibition was the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    But following deliberations, the organisers of the competition decided to raise the cash prize and introduced a special jurors’ prize due to the level of outstanding works produced this year.

    At the grand finale, a judging panel of distinguished arts professionals, led by Prof. El Anatsui, deliberated for eight hours before they finally selected the three winners.

    Inaugurated in 2008 with the theme, Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit, the NAC has experienced very exciting and colourful journey. This year’s theme, “Interventions”, examined how contemporary art serves as a catalyst for positive social change; engaging artists to think about their involvement in the social, political, and cultural framework of the society that they live in.

    With a focus on the processes of artistic creation, artists were asked to submit a proposal of their works. After hundreds of entries, twelve finalists were invited to take part in a week-long artists’ retreat in Lagos where workshops by leading arts professionals gave finalists the opportunity to flesh out the conceptual threads of their proposal. Finalists were also given a stipend for the production of their artworks.

    As contemporary art is inherently an avenue for audiences to analyze and begin a dialogue about issues relevant to their present day, artists were asked to create art pieces that will spark public discourse and make a difference in their local communities.

    Some of the works displayed included; Lines, Patches and Pathos by Erasmus Onyishi which explores the irony between facts and representation. It addresses how refuse such as plastic waste is often used to create works of art. Other works includes: Mat-Matics by Emmanuel Dudu, The People’s Algorithm and The Butterfly Effect by Modupeola Fadugba, The Quiet Light Within by Nkechi Ebubedike, The T’Eye’meline by Paul Mbah and others.

  • When creative minds missed Mr. President

    They are, arguably, the best. Their professions have etched Nigeria on the world map. Their sector is worth billions. It is Nigeria’s Creative industry. Its members would not forget in a hurry the night President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan treated the industry’s bigwigs to an evening of  exhibitions, music, performances at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. It was also one full of reflection and deliberations on how to develop country through creative endeavours. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME and EVELYN OSAGIE were there.

    Imagine a room full of stars. Imagine the glitz and paroxysm of emotions at a fête for stars.

    That was the feeling that evening when President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan brought together under one “large roof” the choicest of the country’s Creative Industry.

    Although the night has come and gone, but its frills and thrills would not be easily forgotten many in industry have said.

    Tagged: An Evening with President Goodluck Jonathan, the epoch-making event was meant to celebrate members of the Creative Industry, which includes creative writing, film, music, visual arts, photography, in the past 100 years. Men and women of “the arts” thronged the Banquet Hall of the impressive Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, with pride written all over their faces. It was their night of glory for putting Nigeria on the world map. And so they came exquisitely dressed for the occasion – some wore outfits that made loud statements for their art forms. Art works of different generation of artists welcomed guests to the event, powered by Zenith Bank.

    There were comedy, dance and musical performances by artistes, such as Onyeka Onwenu, Asa, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Sunny Nneji, Cobhams, Lara George. The audience also watched documentaries chronicling the history of the diverse art forms in Nigeria, such as music, visual arts, literature, film, etc.

    With the theme, Creativity Moving Nigeria, the peace songs by an all-star-cast led by King Sunny Ade – along with Kate Henshaw, Chinedu Ikedieze (alias Aki) and Osita Iheme (alias Pawpaw), Zaaki Azzay, Segun Arinze, Rita Dominic and Waje – helped set the pace for the evening.

    The night was meant for revelries turned out to be one of sober reflections and deliberations as the creative community called for the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts and building of structures to enhance the growth of the industry.

    Since they were meeting with Nigeria’s “Number One Citizen”, most of its members said they came with lots of expectations and questions for Mr President, who was later represented by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke.

    This change in the event, the minister said, was not deliberate; but for an unpleasant event that occurred few hours before, they would have had him to themselves for the whole night – a feat which was not so easy to achieve given his tight schedules and theirs as well.

    He praised the achievements of the creative community, saying “truly, the Nigerian creative community has positioned itself as the primus interpares amongst the different socio-economic platforms of this nation”.

    Duke said: “Mr President has asked me to express his appreciation to the creative community… as we define our country’s position in the comity of nations. That while we sit back in our comfort zones, these gathering of stars whom are gathered in this room tonight, by their creativity, by their innate talent, with which nature and God has endowed them, have continued to win hearts and minds for Nigeria. Sadly, only a few hours ago, a few of us and indeed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, began to make our way to this venue. We heard the unfortunate incident in Kano that shattered the peace of the nation. Tonight the peace of our nation has been shattered. Tonight the bloods of our compatriots are flowing. People went out in Kano today to pray in supplication to God to bring peace to this country but so many of them never returned home. As we commemorate 100 years of our nation; as we look at the achievements from the years of our forbearers until today, as we commemorate this evening to the legacy and achievements of our creative industry, our heads are bowed, our eyes are bloodied by the spirit of this nation…

    “Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is already in the building… to pay compliments to the sweat of our creative community, says to tell you he will join us in the course of the evening because for him as a leader of the biggest black nation on the surface of the earth, the challenge of insecurity, the challenge of insurgency is one that breaks his heart and he sees the futility of trying to divide this country. He sits tonight reflecting on the events of the last few hours.”

    While expressing hope over the country’s future in the 100 years, Duke said that Nigerians, particularly the creative industry, have a role play in ensuring peace and unity ensue. “When will insurgency stop being the defining element of Nigeria? When men and women in the creative industry and community are exercising and exploiting their innate talents and creativity to advance the frontiers of our achievement. So we must all stand up against the insurgency, we will move this nation forward to ensure the transformation we desire and ensure that our children and our children’s children will find a wonderful country to live in,” he said.

    The creative community brought the teething issues inhibiting the growth of the industry to the fore, while calling for better framework and endowments that would enhance the progress of the industry and its players. Each sector of the industry came chronicling its contributions to the industry’s growth.

    Renowned artists, Bruce Onobrakpeya said Nigeria’s arts were the first things to put Nigeria on the world map, saying “the so- called “primitive art” were ahead of their time and influence artists like Picasso”. He, therefore, called for the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts to empower the artists.

    He said: “The occasion therefore gives me another opportunity to plead with Mr President to look into two areas which need urgent attention to facilitate the growth. The first is the implementation of the National Endowment for the Arts, which include social welfare for the artists and grants to empower them to take care of their various associations and carry out projects. Art workshops initiated by NGOs will be enhanced if they also become beneficiary of the National Endowment. The second is the building of infrastructures to help showcase artistic products. Top on the list is the National Gallery of Modern Art. This is in fact long overdue.  There is also the need for Artists’ village and indeed Artists’ communities within the various estates being developed in our cities.”

    While praising President Jonathan’s support to the film industry by way of grants and towards the hosting of his association’s 2014 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Remi Raji, sought further conversation with the government on the ways and means of building structures and institutions for the benefit of Nigerian writing and Nigerian writers.

    According to him, Nigerian writers had won all possible international literary awards available in the world – such as the Orange Prize, the Man Booker, Caine Prize, the Fonlon-Nichols, and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

    Raji said: “As we salute you for being Nigeria’s number one Nollywood fan, we, the body of authors, in close associations with publishers, librarians, editors and booksellers, and other groups with interests in literacies, would also like to open a conversation on how to support the creative industry further, on how to support the Book industry, on how to support ANA as the largest body of writers on the African continent, indeed, on how to build enduring structures and institutions for the generality of our country’s creative industry. You have been a supporter of Nigerian literature; the Bring Back the Book project, which has been very dear to you, is a mine of ideas in which ANA is most pleased and interested.

    He urged members of the creative industry, particularly writers, to renew commitment to the cause of healing this nation of the malaise called “Insurgency”. “As artists, and artistes, we must heal by our creativities: we must continue to paint it; we must continue to sculpt it; we must dramatise it; we must continue to compose and score it; yes, and for Memory, we must write  it. Admit it or not, paint it, perform it, act it, install it, weave it or sing it, it must still be written about.

    “The centrality of writing for a nation for historical and scientific purposes cannot be overemphasised. It is for these reasons among others, that this occasion becomes a good opportunity to reinvent our interest as a nation in the book and the knowledge industry. We must bring back the book to end the incendiary of ignorance in the land. We must, at the insistence of our resolve, continue to lend our voice to the call to bring back the book, bring back all our beauties to end the pockets of uglinesses around,” he said.

  • Bayelsa hosts peace-culture pageant

    THis year’s Miss Niger- Delta peace Cultural pageant will hold on Saturday at Gabriel Okora Cultural Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The pageant, which is in its 14th edition, will feature 22 contestants from nine states of Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom,  Ondo  Bayelsa  State,  Imo and Abia.

    According to the organisers, the contestants are already in camp in preparation for the grand finale on Saturday. The peace/cultural pageant, which started in 1999 has produced 13 beauty queens, who are using their positions and offices as role models of change.

    The pageants post-event pet project activities, according to the organisers, are carried out with the  noble  objective  of  promoting  peace,  socio-cultural  integration,  reorientation  of  values,  skills  development,  empowerment  and  sustainable development.

    The event, according to them, is not just about fanfare of crowning beauty queens, but one with a purpose that has brought about positive transformation, especially among the youths in the region.

    This year’s edition, the organisers say, hopes to attract the crème de le crèmein the society and will feature side attractions and appearances  like  Harrysong,  Gordons,  Jaywon,  Lady  IB,  and indigenous-cultural  and  music  performances  to  showcase  the  region’s  rich cultural heritage.

  • Bongos Ikwue, Angela Christie for Ibom Carol Night

    After setting a new Guinness world record as the largest assembly of 9,300 carol singers on December 26, 2008, and 9,999 choristers in 2011, Akwa Ibom State government is celebrating yet another Carol Night on December 20 at the new Ibom International Stadium in Uyo, AKwa-Ibom State capital. Leading the choir for the night is the quartets, Soweto Spiritual Singers of South Africa; the Chorale Devine de Merveilles from the Republic of Congo; the National Choir of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Winneba International Youth Choir from Ghana and the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO). Also expected to perform at the carol night are AKSG Choir, Ibom Orchestra, Unity Brass Band, Bongos Ikwue and Angela Christie-renowned American Gospel Music Saxophonist, the Voices of Jamaica Choir and the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Aniekan Umanah said the “9,999 Carol Night, apart from being a record-breaking gathering of Carol Singers, has become a major source of spiritual tourism that attracts pilgrims from around the world.” The event, according to him, “gives the Christian community and general public a compelling need to be in the city of Uyo to celebrate Christmas and honour the birth of Jesus Christ.”

    He stated that the event, which is the creation of the Akpabio administration, and coordinated by the Akwa Ibom State Directorate of Protocols, was inspired by the Governor’s desire to gather people from every Church organization, hamlet and village from across the State to share in the joy of Christmas by singing praises to the Almighty God.

    According to him, since its inception in 2008, “the Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Night has enjoyed the benevolence, involvement, support and passion of Governor Akpabio, and has also served as avenue for the promotion of spiritual growth, peaceful co-existence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the State, in an evening of praise, worship, love and unity”.

    Mr. Umanah added that apart from boosting the tourism potentials of Akwa Ibom, the Carol Night, which has maintained its unique theme and tradition, has evolved with new ideas and concepts on yearly basis. The tourism potential of the carol, he noted “has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the State.”

    With a blend of unique vocal and digital rendition of medley and lyrics as well as a repertoire of colourful visual decoration, dance, costumes and lighting, the Umannah noted that “the ambience in and around the event venue often engender bliss and spiritual awakening.”

    A unique feature added to this year’s 9,999 Carol Night, according to Mr. Umanah, is “special performance by Quartets from each of the choirs from different countries who have performed at the six past editions of the Carol Night.

    Mr Umanah who said this year’s edition which will feature the Catholic Bishop, Cardinal John Onaiyekan as the officiating Minister, will equally have internationally renowned gospel artistes such as Don Moen, Panam Percy Paul, Nathaniel Bassey, as well as Aity Dennis, El-Mafrex, Freke Umoh Linda Etukudoh, Buchi, Mosaic and Patience Esekhile, ministering in songs.

    He disclosed that the AKSG Choir, Ibom Orchestra, Unity Brass Band, Bongos Ikwue and Angela Christie -renowned American Gospel Music Saxophonist will be part of the event, adding that with the Christmas Carol Night, Governor Akpabio has created a compelling spotlight on the City of Uyo while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and complementing the Uncommon Transformation programme of the State Government.

    Commending the Permanent Secretary, Protocol, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkanang and members of his team for a robust and hitch-free preparations for the event, the Commissioner said this year’s edition will be live on major networks like the DSTV 199, African Magic, NTA, AIT, TBN, Channels, STV, CTV and AKBC, and implored those who have planned to be physically present at the Carol Night, especially first timers, to find time to visit other places of interest in Akwa Ibom,  as, according to him, destination Akwa Ibom story has become a reality.

     

  • Jude Isiguzo: Good night

    Jude Isiguzo: Good night

    It about 12:25pm on Saturday, November 29, I got a call from a colleague, Tunji Sanniowo. I wanted to give him the usual pleasantries, but he would not want any of it, rather to confirm or inform me of the death of my brother, senior colleague, and a precious friend, Jude Isiguzo, the crime correspondent of The Nation newspapers. “Olopa done die,” he said. Which Olopa? I queried. Jude now, he reaffirmed. I said, IG? No lailai! I said it as if he would not die in 90 years time. It was really unimaginable.

    I immediately reminded him that, Jude was on leave and that he travelled to the United Kingdom (UK), but Sanniowo said I should reconfirm because some people used Jude’s photo on their BBM.

    Bewildered and unsettled, I scrolled to Tunde Bishi’s number, another colleague, who could probably confirm the story, but the network would not go through. I again tried The Nation daily editor’s   P.A’s number, Idris Akinpelu, the response was ‘no network coverage’. Enraged this time, blasting Nigeria network provider, I waited for another five minutes and dialed another close colleague of Jude, Joseph Udeh, alas! He picked the call. “Baba how far? Happy weekend,” I greeted him.  His response was shocking, for 20 seconds he was silent. “Prof as he would call me,” Jude done die o, naso we see am…….”

    Visibly shaken, reminisces of my five years relationship with my Oga, brother, friend and colleague encapsulate my entire memory. My first encounter with him was in March 2009, when he came to the advert department. As a new employee then, I was fascinated by the way he spoke; it was a very unique quality that attracted all to him. Mrs. Vera Chidi-Maha sent me to buy him a bottle of water, when I came back he was talking to me as if he knew me for a long time. I was not surprised, because of the way he mingled with people.

    Jude isiguzo was one in a million. A rare Igbo man, an example of what human being should be. We would argue over political matters and other sundry issues.  He was a perfect social man. We never saw him get angry, so accommodating and enviable personality.

    To qualify his worth is attempt to measure up the water in an ocean. He lived an exemplary life, always very supportive to the younger generation. It is with painful heart I join others to say, may his gentle soul rest in peace.