The Nation Newspaper

Category: Arts & Life

  • In your Sokoto series launched in Lagos

    When one hears “Beyond the distant clouds”, one’s mind could travel way back to the 1990s when the television series, ‘Behind the Clouds’ was aired on NTA or it could be a book of poems. But, it is none of the above.

    Although according to the author, Ngozi Omolaiye, the intial name was ‘Beyond the clouds’ later, she added ‘distant’ to differentiate it from ‘Behind the Clouds’.

    Omolaiye launched her debut novel, “Beyond the distant clouds” at the Lagos Resource Centre on Victorial Island,Lagos. The event was attended by  the Managing Director, Mansard Insurance, Tosin Runsewe, Chief launcher, Mr George Thorpe and Managing Consultant, Market Space, Mr Tokunbo Adesanya and other special guests,former colleagues, friends and family.

    Published by Author House, “Beyond the distant clouds” is a new relationship novel and the first in the In your Sokoto series, takes readers through a journey in the l ives of multiple individuals as they dance through the world of love.

    In the book, readers are invited to watch a marriage go sour. A pure relationship becomes tainted and endless futile search for “the one”. When a lady is caught in the middle of the couples’s woe, a tragic event occurs that changes the couple’s life forever.

    “I see a lot of relationships going wrong around me and most times, the solutions to the problems are near to people. This inspired me to write a series of five books with the same theme but different characters and stories,”  Omolaiye said. She provides her own, personal perspective at the novel’s conclusion as well as discussion questions.

    In the review by Kirkus Reviews, the novel s a dramatic story of a love triangle  that delves into the darker parts of the human heart. It offers a cautionary tale about people acting on impulse and refusing to confront their weakness. The complications of love and loyalty run deep in this rich story set in Lagos,Nigeria.

    The three characters at the core of the story-Donald; his wife, Shirley; and his dear friend and potential love interest, Tife shares intense ties, as well as the power to destroy one another. Donald struggles to hold on to his marriage despite Shirley’s frequent absences and flimsy excuses. His work life is similarly fraught with tension, as the oil company he works for fails to find new resources. Shirley leaves him on his own for a long period of time with only Tife to assist with the children. Although, Donald is like a brother to Tife because he took care of her when she lost her family. Donald’s platonic and tender love for Tife soon shifts into something much more romantic, and he eventually tilts the balance of their relationship and his marriage with a stolen kiss. As Donald and Tife’s connection deepens, its revealed that Shirley’s trips is actually related to spiritual explorations. Shirley, Donald and Tife’s saga, told in a straightforward manner is an honest look at how selfishness can be toxic to happiness.

    Over the course of the story, each character faces a tough choice, and the consequencies of his or her actions which serves as instructive lessons on how to approach life’s challenges. Indeed, this work is more than just an engaging read,it is also a thought-provoking and instructive moral lesson.

    According to Ngozi, at the book presentation, which the host of the day, Cordelia Okpei of Metro FM, turned to a talk show,  Omolaiye started writing the book in 2006 and stopped. Later on, she gave herself a deadline of three weeks and she was done with the book. During that three weeks, she had people pressurising her to finish the book.

    Omolaiye said the ‘Sokoto’ in the name of the series means that a lot of people are in relationships and they keep going to look for solutions to their problems in distant places when the answers are within them. She said what you go looking for in Sokoto is right there in your ‘Sokoto’.

    “So, ‘Beyond the Distant Clouds’ is the first of its series of Five books. I have four more to go. The idea of “In your ‘Sokoto’ series” is that I want to make people know that things are not as complicated as it seems but quite easy. People just tend to complicate matters”.She said.

    Omolaiye said the journey of writing the book required hard work and discipline especially these days when one have the option to be an independent publisher and so, the book is a self-published effort.

    Omolaiye said one of the challenges she faced was what is called ‘writer’s block’ when at a certain point, she ran out of ideas. “What I do at this time is that I talk to people I can trust that will not steal my ideas.Another challenge is finding time to write after work and also making out time for the family”.She said.

    Omolaiye attended the Federal Government College,Calabar. There, she wrote for the Press Club and got a literary award for “best literary student”. Later on, she went to the University of Jos to start up her purpose in life and that is writing. After school, she decided to pursue a carrer that would give her the opportunity to write which led her to corporate communications and marketing.

  • 2015 elections test for Nigeria, says US envoy

    United States Ambassador James Entwistle has said the 2015 elections will be a test for Nigeria. He urged politicians, the media and Nigerians to pledge “that they will not advocate, support or condone violence before, during and after the elections.”

    Entwistle made the plea during  his visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    The visit was part of his tour of the North  ”to interact with the people, learn more about the security issues in the region, and to share the United States’ wishes for peaceful elections, good governance, development and a better future for Nigeria,” according to a statement.

    He visited Governor Gabriel Suswan and met religious and community leaders.  He also called on the Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, and interacted with students.

    At these meetings, Entwistle emphasised the importance of U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship, in terms of trade and economics, democracy issues, partnering on shared security, and advancing access for all Nigerians to education and health resourcesHe said the US will lend its support to Nigeria’s efforts, but will not dictate to Nigeria.He said: “Nigeria has great potential.  Your diversity should be a source of strength, not strive.  People must learn to tolerate and get along with each other.  Across the globe, history has shown that countries that make progress are those whose communities live in peace with each other.”

    He said with the North’s strong tradition of inter-faith cooperation, the US will support efforts aimed at promoting tolerance, and assist both government and civil society to promote transparency and accountability, strengthen media, and support national and local elections.

    He also toured two US Government-supported projects on health and agriculturein Markurdi.  He learned about the successes of USAID’s technical support on HIV/AIDS to the General Hospital, North Bank, Makurdi; in addition to the progress and growth of the rice value chain being promoted by the MIKAP rice mill that is working through USAID’s MARKETS project, to stimulate commercial production and processing of rice in Benue State.As part of his tours in the Middle Belt, the ambassador will also visit Nasarawa and Plateau states.

  • Whispering for the rise of Africa

    Whispering for the rise of Africa

    Book review

    Title:                      Midnight Whispers

    Author:                Adesina Adetola

    Reviewer:           Chinasa Ekekwe

    Publisher:            OpenWay Books

    Pagination:         35

    There is no doubt that Africa has slept for too long. While the sleep is never  sound, the land has also slept with its eyes widely opened. Therefore, these are Midnight Whispers, to bring Africa back to its consciousness.

    Adesisna Adetola’s Midnight Whispers is a compilation of contemporary poems about Africa.While some of the poems seek to address the prevailing issues in Africa, others are also designed to preserve Africa’s identity and its cultural heritage. The collection is aimed at panegyrising the virtues of Africans.

    However, the book does not fail to address the ugly sides of Africa. It tries to raise the political and socio-economic consciousness of the people. In all, the book represents a contemporary idea of the black race. The messages do not only wake up Africa, but also make her stand and move the continent to higher ground.

    The book is divided into five parts and each part has poems attached to it. Part 1 is tilted, Renaissance messages with 7 poems; Part 2 is titled, Black’s beautiful heritage with 12 poems; Part 3 is titled, Memos to friends with 4 poems; Part 4 is titled Current heresies contains 3 poems and part 5 is titled Others with a poem.

    The major themes driving the poems in part one include love of motherland, exile and alienation and immorality. The first poem, Midnight Whispers adopts the classical tone and calls for attention:

    “Lend me the innermost of your ears

    Listen to my deafening whispers

    Lest you wake up once more

    To the pressure of the adulterated world”

    Calling for immediate attention in quick succession with Arise Africa, the author seeks to re-awake Africans from “the obscure pit to the uppermost light of the new age”; (Arise Africa, from your great slumber.Wake up the giant of the ages. The cradle of civilisation), A clarion call (Leaders of our fatherland. Retreat from your wasteful trips. Dispose of all your corrupt bags and remove your neckless of fraud.While the greedy are tilling the motherland, turning Africa into a big theater of shame.The rampaging political juggernauts.Milking the flourishing land to destitution) He throws in a deeply political question for Africa’s election-riggers in One Man One Vote (Why not embrace the universal language, spoken in the realm of the developed, a language of one-man, one-vote?

    The rituals of polls manipulations.With the confusing electoral results) before screaming out in disgust against the fast-spreading act of same sex marriage in A letter to Adam and Eve (What has now come over your world? At the altar of strange matrimonial covenants.When two Adams dominate the maternity scenes and the earth shall be in utter desolation.As Eve and Eve exchange marital vows) A new dawn where equal chances will be given to all and this gives a resounding new hope.

    In part two, the poet opens it in a rhythmic flow of a sequence of words with My Golden Pen, which eulogises the wonders a pen can perform in the hand of a writer. Adesina affirms: “When my pen is on duty. Mountains are subdued and great storms are stilled”.

    Undoubtedly, the author proclaims his love for Africa ‘In mother Tongue’ the longest poem in the book where he celebrates the African mother tongues as against the Queens English and the many joys of the mother tongue.

    In Black is beautiful’, My native name’, Africa my Beauty and ‘The African spirit’, he encourages readers to embrace Africa’s rich cultural values. In this section, Adesina also pays tribute to Mandela, the city of Lagos and Afro-beat king,Fela Anikulapo Kuti with his ground breaking song, ‘I no be gentleman at all’ (I no be gentleman at all…/Na so baba Fela talk am/ I be African man original/ I no dey pretend/ E dey for my blood).

    In part three, he takes off from his primary assignment with Memos to Friends’ addressing the US president, Barak Obama, To A Son-in-law, To A Slave master and an Ode to a Known Stranger.

    In part four of the book, the poet shares his memory of Jos, re-affirming his love for motherland in ‘Bleached’ and the need to return home irrespective of the urge to see the world (I am proud of my colour. Black bold and beautiful) ‘Abdul Mutallab’ indentifies the desire to elope to another land “for a better life” and bring back “The glories of my sweat, my labour and my pains to motherland to enjoy forever”.

    (To die in the cold I will never pray… I am an African I don’t commit suicide. Abdul mutallab your offer I reject. Back to motherland I go in peace).

    The final part of the book is in rememberance of the earthquake victims in Haiti, 2009 with the poem, Agony of a friend.

    With a clever use of metaphors, imageries and other poetic devices, the poet arranges the flow of the poems in a position of the richness of the African culture and pointing out the issues affecting the black race.

  • East meets West documentary

    “Crocodile in the Yangtze” is a film that tells a story of how China’s first Internet entrepreneur and former English teacher Jack Ma battled the United States giant, ‘eBay’ to build China’s first global Internet Company, Alibaba Group.

    The “documemoir”, written, directed and produced by an American, Porter Erisman, who worked in Ma’s Company for eight years, captures the ups and downs of life in a ‘Chinese Internet world’ between 1995 and 2009 when the Internet brought China face-to-face with the West.

    An English Language film, Crocodile in the Yangtze is a compilation of period footage shot in the 1990s-2000s in Hangzhou, China. Film editor Giuseppe De Angelis spent hours editing the footage into a comprehensive and smooth film drawing on 200 hours of archival footage filmed by over 35 sources.

    Erisman followed his heart to China and spent ten years living and working there. He worked as a Vice President at Alibaba.com and Alibaba Group in Hangzhou, China between 2000 and 2008. It is clear from the film that Erisman was a truly integrated and respected member of the Alibaba family. In several scenes, he and Jack shared the glory of the developments in the company.

    It is incredible to consider how this footage was captured in real-time and preserved. But, according to Erisman, a camera was always rolling behind the scenes at Alibaba’s, from the earliest days of the company’s formation. The film contains childhood photos of Ma as a small boy and his personal journey from English teacher to a global business leader. It also shows Erisman as a young boy in the US and later as a young adult in China, telling the story of what brought him to Alibaba and what caused him to want to stay.

    The story rolls forward on a double lane: Alibaba thrives in a time when social, economic and technological transformation are happening in China and the outside world watches Alibaba with a careful eye, finally realising its strength.

    In addition to behind-the-scenes footage, Erisman and De Angelis weaved in archival news coverage of reporters on Wall Street interviewing Ma and assessing his company to potential investors. It is interesting to watch the narrative about Alibaba’s change over time within the financial media.

    The film is more than an account of the history of a Chinese internet company. It gives a truly inside perspective on internal meetings and private conversations between Ma and his team, capturing the triumphs, but also repeated struggles to turn a profit.

    It mirrors how Ma led Alibaba to startup the business in a small apartment which later grew into a global company of more than 16,000 staff.

    One of Erisman’s goals in making this film was to inspire young entrepreneurs with a dream. As the film chronicles, Ma was originally trained as an English teacher, with no background in computer science or business. For that reason, his story is one about a simple man with a dream. That relatability makes this film accessible to everyone.

    Konga.com has hosted the technology business community to a special screening of the film documentary. Konga believes that the year will be a promising and rewarding year for the Nigerian technology and business eco-systems, not only because there will be growth, but because these sectors will provide solutions to Nigerians at large.

  • Seraph Voices in glorious celebration

    Seraph Voices in glorious celebration

    It was a carnival of praise at the Choirs Day of the C and S Movement Church in Surulere, Lagos. The event will c linger in the memory of those who witnessed it.

    The Seraph Voices, as the choir is called, demonstrated their love for God by praising and worshipping Him in one voice, in one accord, in English and various Nigeria languages, and with diverse instruments.

    The show, with the theme Heirs of the Covenant, was a celebration of theatre praise and worship in Lord’s house. A large crowd filled the large tent erected on the church premises. The choir performance was inspiring and soul lifting, drawing tears from men.

    The stage was a sight to behold. The choir, estimated to be 5,000 used digital techniques, graphics and light effects to beautify the stage and enhance the plays and songs. There were Plasma televisions on the wall for those far from the stage to watch the show.

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Oludeyi Coker, who represented the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeyemi said: “The commissioner wants to felicitate with the church of God, he is thanking God for this programme which he believes has been a source of blessing to everyone because is a time of praises and time of thanksgiving to God and God dowels in the presents of his people, he is using the event to thank God for His Grace in his life, his family and work.

    “He also wants all Christians to live their lives as Disciples of Christ, to live our lives in faith and in the strength that we have in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, a name given to us whereby all men will be saved. In that respect he believes one with e are God his peace which incidentally is the message of restoration will always continue to be with us in Lagos and Nigeria.”

    Though the church is a white-garment one, the choir dazzled  with an array of colourful attires and beautiful costumes. “It is because we want to carry everyone along,” said the general choirmaster, Prophet Sunday Korode.

    “What we are doing today is a buildup of what we did at 40th anniversary. I saw ourselves through the wilderness of life into the land of Canaan and have gotten to the land we have to inhabit our occupation and as we do we are also going to face normal life experience of temptation, problems and hazards but because we are socked in the covenant we are now talking about all of us that has landed in that Canaan land as Heirs of the Covenant; and it is the covenant celebrated literarily, trying to remind everybody that is not by your power that you got into Canaan and when you arrive at Canaan you must appreciate God.

    And he is a covenant-keeping God but we have obligations and responsibilities under that covenant and that is what we are trying to show in the graphic presentation of the various drama presented today.

    Korode urged Christians not to lose guard and ensure that they focus on the goal on staying well and staying alive for salvation with the covenant of God. “The world of God is our basis, the Bible is our dictionary for all forms of references to pick what we want and then we look at environment in which we live to really look at how this environment can affect and afflict believers, what you can take out of it, how you can enjoy the blessings, how you can get rid of the causes those are the things that count,” Korode stated.

  • Seoul: The living soul of asia

    Seoul: The living soul of asia

    Penultimate weekend I was in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, on the invitation of the Korea Foundation as a guest of the foundation and the Korean government. The visit which was under the auspices of the Korea Foundation invitation programme for prominent and distinguished guests in culture for the year, had invitation extended to 11 countries, including Nigeria. Other countries represented at the event were the Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Panama, the People’s Republic China, United Arab Emirates, the People’s Republic Bangladesh, Guatemala, Israel, and Iran. One or two persons represented each country, I represented Nigeria at the event, and incidentally the only African delegate to the event.

    The invitation for eminent and distinguished persons in culture is the brain child of Korea Foundation. Since its establishment in 1991 by Korea, the Foundation has been promoting mutual understanding, interaction, cooperation and friendship between the good peoples of Korea and other nations through various educative and highly informative international exchange programs.

    Within the scope of these events, the Foundation invites prominent individuals from abroad who have distinguished themselves in various professional fields to visit Korea and have the opportunity to meet with their Korean counterparts, share knowledge and expertise, network and seek future meaningful and enduring collaborative initiatives, and familiarise themselves with Korean culture and society.

    The week long visit to Korea was an eye opener to me, as I saw a people and country determined and resolved in their quest to develop by providing necessary infrastructure, giving meaning to the lives of its citizenry and determined to influence and make positive impact in the world space. Right from Seoul Incheon International Airport on arrival, I had a fresh breath in my interaction with warm and very friendly Koreans. The airport is extremely beautiful and one of the best in the world that I have had the opportunity to see. Without the fear of sounding immodest, I have seen an airport too many all over the world, so I can be as assertive as I am trying to. The structure, neatness, security, workability of facilities and courteous ground staff at the airport were out of this world, and simply put were incredibly charming and inviting. What I saw at the airport on arrival and the impression I left there with actually prepared me for the great places and persons I visited and met while in Seoul, the beautiful and captivating city of Korea……In short, Korea is alive and moving in a positive direction.

    The invitation program for distinguished guests in culture to Korea entailed visits by delegates to very important and notable art and culture institutions, interaction with practitioners in the arts and related fields, lectures and selected tours. Institutions visited by delegates included the Korean Broadcasting Service, Seoul Arts Center, the Korean Folk Village, Korean National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organsation(UNESCO), the National Museum of Korea, Namsan Park-N Seoul Tower, the National Theatre of Korea, the Digital Media City (DMC), the Arts Council of Korea, the Korea Foundation Cultural Centre, the World Cup Stadium and the Palace at Hanok Village amongst others.

    The visits to the Korean Broadcasting Service (KBS) and Korean Foundation were another eye opener as they revealed how Korea, deliberately using the platform of arts and culture attracted and captured the world’s attention to its culture and made it irresistible to all. At these venues, the delegates were given a lecture on the Korean Wave of globalisation and cultural exchange as exemplified in Winter Sonata, a Korean drama which has changed the view of many of Korea in South East Asia in particular and the world in general, and Gangnam Style by Psy. Winter Sonata added value of 4 billion USD to the Korean economy in the first year. An estimated figure of over 1.9 billion You Tube view (the most ever) was enjoyed by Gangnam Style by Psy all over the world. The Korean Wave which started from Korean drama is now reaching new shores and expanding to K-pop, thanks to the internet. You Tube has facilitated the consumption and distribution of the contents which enabled people to watch TV programs on the very next day of their broadcast in Korea. In this way, the Korean Wave is expanding from Asia to the whole world.

    The visit by the delegates to the National Museum of Korea, apart from it being situated in a large expanse of land and a magnificent building was refreshingly inspiring, informative and educative. The museum has 11galleries filled with more than 1,400 precious works donated to the National Museum of Korea by various benefactors from the world. Five rooms displayed around 830 art works and cultural objects gathered from Asia, featuring pieces that reflect the universal aspects of Asian culture while simultaneously representing the unique characteristics of each country. Seven rooms displayed 710 finest specimens of Buddhist culture, metal arts and ceramics.

    The Digital Media City (DMC) is a state-of-the-art digital media entertainment cluster, which is located in Sangom-dong on a large expense of land. The Digital Media City is another Hollywood, California in the making in Asia, as it is planned to be the next business and entertainment hub of the world. It will greatly contribute to Korea’s positioning in the knowledge-based market of the 21st century through its advance IT, human  resources and entertainment capacities already  demonstrated  in the global phenomenon called Korean Wave.

    The Korean Folk Village simply put is the conscious transfer of ancient Korea into modernity, a perfect blend of the very old and new in terms of culture and architecture. A typical village of the Joseon period has been created on a 245-acre site regarded as a propitious location according to the principles of Feng Shui, with a river flowing in front of it and a mountain behind it. With 260 traditional Korean houses which have been relocated from the various regions of Korea, exhibition space and, performance arena. It is indeed the re-enactment of the ancient way of life of Korea. The Korean Folk Village was a delight and beauty to behold and speaks volume about the positive fusion of ancient and modern in the cultural evolution of Korea. It provides an opportunity for Korean children to experience and learn the culture of their ancestors first hand; and equally promote traditional Korean culture to both domestic and international visitors.

    The Seoul Arts Center is an architectural masterpiece and an imposing structure. With its stylish architecture in the shape of a gat (a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo and house chair). The Opera house opened in 1993 to become the first culture complex in the country. Across six floors, the Opera House is equipped with plenty of space and top-notch facilities for performers and workers.

    This article will be termed incomplete by many without the mention of “Arirang” and “Soju” as they occupy very prominent positions in Korean culture. Arirang is a quintessential Korean Folk song that is loved by Koreans living all over the world. Hundred of variations of the song have been sung over the generations. The flexibility of the lyrics have allowed “Arirang” to transcend time, by offering a powerful sense of freedom and self-expression to the singer. Although the song is quite easy to learn, it is far from simple, as it embodies the soul, spirit and culture of Korea.

    In December 2012, UNESCO inscribed “Arirang” on the Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming the song’s status as an intangible cultural asset of the entire world.

    To anyone visiting Korea, the average Korean will always inquire if you had tasted “Soju” at lunch or dinner. Soju is a traditional distilled drink made from rice, it is unique with a distinct flavour of its own that so quickly captures the hearts of consumers. Koreans love Soju and are very proud of its quality as they affirm that it is the best drink in the world. The Koreans equally have a unique drinking habit. Drinking alone is quite a rare sight in Korea. Drinking customs in Korea are very passionate and in groups, as if it is to prove the notion that alcohol can strengthen the collective spirit, bonding and solidarity. This is how the distinctive Korean custom of after-work get–together drinking sessions got started. Can a Korean really do without Soju?

    On the slope of Mt. Namsan are the Namsan Park and the Seoul Tower, a landmark which offers an unobstructed panoramic view of Seoul as a city. The tower located in the heart of Seoul, houses an observatory from where you can see Seoul in its entirety, and the space is consciously bringing art and technology together. From the observatory, any visitor can behold and savour the beauty and the very alluring architecture and landscape of Seoul. Indeed, Seoul is beautiful, captivating and a city everyone should visit in a life time.

    In all, my Korean experience was thrilling and rewarding as I developed a network of accomplished art and culture practitioners, ready for meaningful and beneficial collaborations to involving parties. I now know more about the Korean culture and its very widely acknowledged successful approach for reaching and influencing other parts of the world. I can safely say that the Korea Foundation public diplomacy initiatives of helping develop expertise while building solid foundation of cooperation and friendship is working very well and worthy of emulation by others especially those from the developing countries.

     

    • Ogbechie is with the National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja.

  • ‘Why we are reviving community theatre’

    ‘Why we are reviving community theatre’

    Charles Ukpong has come a long way as an artiste. A former Secretary – General of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), he is one of the very few artistes who had shown interest in community theatre where he has indeed proved his mettle. He is currently working on a project to bring back theatre for development on the streets and market places in many cities and villages in the country. He spoke to Edozie Udeze on this and more

    harles Ukpong is not only a former Secretary General of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), he is one of the most vibrant artistes who has been working round the clock to keep the sector on its toes.  A screen and stage expert, he have been involved in many productions that have shown him as a serious professional.  At the moment, he and a few other artistes are bent on reviving guerilla or protest theatre which has been relegated to the background due to many unfortunate developments in the country.

    “At the moment,” he said in an interview, “we are trying to revive community theatre which we have now tagged theatre for development.  We are trying to rebuild a vibrant practice, using drama.  We know that in the process of doing so, we need young people, energetic and zestful artistes who are rearing to go to accomplish this mission.  We need younger people for us to grow this sector.  Some of us have spent long time in the profession and now we need to build people we have to hand over to; people who can adequately carry on and ensure that theatre remains a vital segment of an evolving society.

    You can call it community theatre, guerilla theatre or theatre for development.  In some situations it is also called protest theatre.  But all we know is that time has come for us to go to different communities of the federation to create the necessary awareness using the kind of drama relevant to the needs of the people.  All the plays are issue-targeted theatre practice.  It is in the process that we can discuss issues germane to the people and that they really need to realise and appreciate some topical socio-political problems in and around them,” he said.

    The main focus of theatre for development, in most cases, is to enable the communities and the people involved to solve their communal problems using theatre and this is exactly what the project is meant to do.  Ukpong who, is a known face in most of NANTAP – organised plays and shows in the past, explained that the beauty of this sort of project cannot be overemphasised.  He stated: “It will afford the people the opportunity to be fully involved.  This is why we are looking at the issues of governance, issues of electoral malpractices, we are looking at community health, issues of terrorism, at least you know terrorists do not fall from the sky.  We know most of the terrorists grew up in the communities and some of them can even be identified by their kith and kin.  And so we need to let people know why they do not need to be involved in all these crimes, social vices that do not speak well for the people.”

    The inherent idea behind this project is to encourage the local people to develop their places and shun social ills, ills that make for the retardation of the ideas and ideals for which a community is known. Ukpong said: “We need also to use this platform to discourage rural-urban migration.  If the people are kept busy; if you give them the sort of entertainment relevant to their needs in which they are also a part, of course, they will be happy to stay on to make it work.  What this means is that we will build the capacity of artistes, young people with potentials who really understand the very issues involved and how to pass the message across to the people.”

    Equally, the artistes involved, according to Ukpong will, at the end of the day be allowed to own the project.   In his words:“They can continue even when we are not there.  This is why we are looking at a whole gamut of relationships that we are going to build.  We are also looking at international communities for funding and assistance because this is a big project that we intend to use to turn around the theatre business for good.  We are also looking at the local government to see how they can be fully involved to give it the desired clout.  In fact the local government can also be part of the ownership of the project not necessarily in terms of human resources, but they can play very prominent role to make it work, so that in the end, it will help to stem crime, steady the nerves of the youths and encourage them to think good about their people.”

    This is one project in which the leadership of NANTAP is prepared to give so much to promote.  “Of course,” Ukpong said, “this is one project NANTAP is fully involved in.  You know it has a national reach; we have branches in all the states of the federation and so it is easier for us to use the structures to attain our dream.  So, what it means is that we cannot revive community theatre without NANTAP that has its offices in 36 states of the federation.  In other words, NANTAP is a serious and committed stakeholder in this project and we equally have our artistes on ground already for our take-off.”

    For the community theatre to be effectively monitored, the organisers have mapped out a few states as pilot states; states where the project will take-off from for a start.  “To start with,” Ukpong further stressed, “we have taken four states to launch this to see how it works.  These states include Akwa Ibom, Edo, Kaduna and Lagos.  From there too, we will move to other states in such a way as to make it appealing to the people.  With my experience over the years, I have learnt that the best way to make a community run is to make the people own what they do.  So, it is going to be a workshop process with renowned theatre practitioners.  These people will handle the workshops which lead into the project coming alive.  The young people who go into these workshops will then develop the drama that will go into the communities.

    The primary concern of the project handlers is to use local languages to project the people.  After the workshops are done, each project will be translated into the local language of the people concerned so that the message will not be difficult to permeate everybody.  “This is to ensure that the message is not lost on anybody.  You know how potent and strong a language can be and the people concerned will be happy to be told in their own local tongue.  We will throw open the call for those who are interested to come forward.  People will apply and then we choose those who can do it well,” Ukpong said.

    To make most of the street movements colourful and attractive, the project will involve street dancers in which colourful masquerades with beautiful costumes will parade the streets.  To this, Ukpong said: “The topical issue here is to use dances to spice our movements on the streets.  The dances have to be relevant to the communities.  We will equally involve community masquerades.  Apart from that, we will use all the dramatic elements of the people to catch their attention and work on their psyche.  We will look at their specific cultures; what is major selling point of the community that make them turn out en-masse to listen to the messages we have for them.  In as much as we do not want to make this protest in nature we will have to bear in mind that we have to sensitise the people on the issues that concern them now.  It is not going to be like a street carnival.  What we have is total theatre on the streets, with full community elements that have the interest of the people and what they believe in,” Ukpong clarified.

    The basic locations the artistes have in mind are busy street junctions that will not obstruct traffic, market places, motor parks and such other important places where people can easily converge to watch total theatre and listen to the messages.  “We will also go to the very slum places where you have masses of people who yearn to know more about the society.  We know that funding has not been easy for the stage or community theatre, but we are here now to see what can be done to revive it,” hesaid.

  • ‘My race against time’

    ‘My race against time’

    Art is beauty; it is the gem of life. Art fuels your power of perception and vision; and how wonderful it is to emulate God in the art of creativity. The artist connects with nature, the sublime terrains of the universe, and the community because he is the mirror of society. “He maybe a prophet sometimes crying and screaming in the wilderness for those who care to listen. He is a friend of the muse. What can be more exhilarating?” asked Morgan Nwanguma rhetorically as he takes Yetunde Oladeinde into his world

    Tell us about some of your works.

    I practice in various mediums and modes of expression, all culminating in making me a well rounded creative agent – a complete artist: My creative energies find expressions in the visual arts such as painting, graphics designing, etc. On the other hand, I am a poet and creative writer with a couple of unpublished books lying on the shelves for now.  As a painter my works are rendered in two major mediums – oil painting and watercolours. My watercolours are a celebration of spontaneous colours and ‘happy accidents’, in which you capture the fleeting moments, your patience is put to test while you take a breath of fresh air in visual poetry as I usually refer to my works in that whimsical medium of expression.

    Oil painting affords me the freedom to express hard and deep concepts. I am able to execute concepts on a larger scale and of course a more durable format such as the canvas. The oil medium no doubt is the king of painting or two dimensional medium of expression. But in all, my paintings and drawings in whatever medium, will cut across impressionistic, and semi-abstract expressions most of the time. Sometimes too I would also delve into the surreal when there is the urge to express some ethereal impulses. One of my favourite paintings in this mode is the one I titled ‘Time is against you’. It is a race against time, and we are all involved in it. Therefore whatever is there to be done must be done right now, because you lose this moment, it is gone forever.

    What are some of the exhibitions and projects in which you have participated?

    I have had the privilege of having my works shown in various parts of the country and a few times abroad. My works also are proudly adorning so many private homes in Nigeria. Some adorn the walls of corporate entities as well as galleries. In foreign lands I am proud also to say that my works are in private collections in places such as – USA, Russia, Spain, Kenya, Venezuela, Taiwan, U.K., and Germany. My most memorable exhibition so far is my third solo show at DIDI Museum, Victoria Island in 1999, titled ‘Lyrical Expressions’. I am also a curator, and so have handled quite a few curatorial projects for group shows. A good example of these is ‘The Pains, The Tears, The Regrets’ – an art exhibition on violence against women by (LRRDC), also in 1999, at the National Museum in Lagos.

    What are some of the challenges encountered as an artist?

    The artist in Nigeria encounters similar kind of challenges that other professionals come face to face with such as the lack of adequate social infrastructure, e.g. inadequate power supply, unorganised public transport system, etc. And sometimes, there may be slightly different kinds of challenges in that our low level of development has a serious negative impact on art and artists. Patronage is low and there is just a hand full of dedicated art patrons and collectors out there. The level of enlightenment is low and government has no interest whatsoever. Quality art materials are all imported and as such are very expensive to acquire. You should pity the student artists as they have to go through gruelling times to pull through art school these days.

    How do you cope with some of these challenges?

    The artist should learn to stay focused; whatever you do, keep your eye on the ball. It does not matter if you take a different route, but just know where you are going. And that is what I am doing. I try to diversify as much as possible and be determined to succeed. I have also learnt to improvise where necessary.

    Let’s talk about some of your memorable moments as an artist.

    When I am in front of my easel bringing to birth yet another creation and I enjoy what I am seeing, that pleases me; when I create from my computer a graphic concept, watching it grow from idea, to design, and to production, I am full of gratitude. I also love exhibitions: it is the melting pot for creative synergy and a meeting point for kindred spirits – everyone that matters in the art society. There you rub minds with fellow artists, art writers, patrons, connoisseurs, and art lovers alike.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    This is a hard question for me. I have admired a mixture of both Nigerian and foreign artists over the years. It may be due to my personal idiosyncrasies or exposure, I do not know. But I have been a great admirer of the works of the impressionists, e.g. Turner, Constable; the chiaroscuro master – Rembrandt, and the great British portraitist – Sir Joshua Reynolds, etc. Back home, I am excited by the woks of Abayomi Baber, two great watercolourists – Obiora Udechukwu and Sam Ovraiti. Other big influences on me have been Olu Oguibe, and my affable lecturer, the late Gani Odutokun.

    I am deeply moved by lush romantic landscapes, and so I love to portray them. Right now I am working on a series of these in oil. The quaintness and serenity of unspoilt country landscapes is a wonderful experience and inspiration. These, coupled with our variegated cultures have had a great influence on me.

    How would you describe the achievements of Nigerian artists?

    Nigerian artists over the past recent decades have attained great milestones: The standard and quality of works you see these days are remarkably high, and in the course of these the artists have continued to conquer new frontiers that were hitherto great barriers. Our works have gained international fame and recognition as many of our practitioners have become internationally acclaimed. So much of Nigerian art is already getting into international auctions abroad.

    If you had to compare what they are doing with those in the diaspora, what would you say?

    In terms of quality of output, I would like to place them at par. But the real difference is that undoubtedly our Nigerian colleagues abroad, especially in the advanced world continue to have an edge over us: There the level of art appreciation and patronage is higher; the working environment is more conducive to productive ventures.

    Where do you hope to see Nigerian Arts in the next 10 years?

    In the next decade from now Nigerian art will be more visible on the global scheme of things. This is what I hope to see. We need more discipline though, and greater exposure right from the training ground to the studios. We can get there.

    Tell us about some of your mentors in the arts and what you admire about them.

    The great Bruce Onobrakpeya (Dr.) is one of them. Both from the distance and even personal contact, this great icon of Africa has taught me many things. Sam Ovraiti is a great watercolourist who has helped to keep me on that course. I have followed his works with keen interest over the years even though he does not know it.

    If you had to advise younger artists what would you tell them?

    The younger artists should be focused; they should try to master their craft in the course of their work by exploring materials and techniques. It is very important to hone your skills and not be too engrossed with chasing after the money. But if they are consistent, they are bound to be successful. It is not at all a bad idea for an artist to graduate from the art school and still go into apprenticeship under a master – it all depends on what you want out of the practice. It is also not a bad idea for the artist to first of all look for paid employment while he is still practising; it does a lot of psychological cushioning.

    The younger artists and indeed Nigerian artists should form groups like is done in advanced climes. It is a big pity Nigerians, including the artists are not very cooperative; they should learn to share ideas. A lot of selfish tendencies abound, and this is not healthy for growth.

  • Tricks of women

    Tricks of women

    Title of book:                     Ete

    Author:                                Moshood Oba

    Publisher:                            The Oga World

    Year of publication:         2013

    Number of pages:           72

    Reviewer:                           Joe Agbro Jr

     

    ince time immemorial, the guile of women over men has always occurred. Despite being considered in the society as the weaker, through cunning, rather than brawns, history records how women have overpowered men. According to the Bible, Adam succumbed to Eve’s wiles to eat the ‘forbidden fruit.’ Defeating the strongest armies of the Philistines, Samson fell at the hands of Delilah.

    And so, in Ete, a play dedicated to women and written by Moshood Oba highlights the cunningness associated with womanhood.

    The scene opens with a professor enmeshed in his books and pursuit of study. H is interrupted by his wife, Jelili, who succeeds in getting the professor to give her money for domestic purposes as well as fulfilling some payments at her social club.

    He discovers his wife may have collected money from him to give another man purportedly her lover.

    Professor Dauda gets subtle hints that confirm suspicious stories that a junior colleague of his is his wife, Jlili’s lover. A message from his wife’s social club about the amount required from his wife and his wife’s insistence on not writing a name on the cheque he gave her, surly enriched what he felt was a rumour. When Musendiku, his driver had said his wife was involved in a romp with Dr. Hassan, the professor had dismissed it as a drunken outpour.

    His response when he fails to recognise his wife’s frolics despite hints lingered on.  In his search for counsel, h meets Baba  Malik and while there, a txt message the professor receives dazzles him. “I just received a debit mail on my phone that one Dr. Hassan collected the sum of five hundred thousand from my account.”

    Baba Malik then told him of women’s prowess but Professor Dauda would hear none of that, to which Baba Malik concludes; ‘You know a whole lot of things as a professor but, little you know about the issue at hand.’

    Baba Malik then retells a story of two royal fathers, Oba Olukoju and Oba Ilufenwa in their quest to understand the behaviours of their Oloris (wives) discovered how little they understood women. In the forest on their way to consult Baba Awodi at Ile-Ife, the kings meet Ndu, a powerful fair lady whom they are afraid of.  They are forced to have sex with her to save their lives and they learn what they needed without having to continue their journey to Ile-Ife

    Professor Dauda also decides to learn about women. And for that, he packs for an overseas academic exercise, despite urgings against such venture by his wife. And off, he stubbornly heads on. However, wittingly brought back home by his wife’s wiles again, the professor arrives to a very surprising welcome. He learns well the hard way.

    Ete is a Yoruba word but the author purposely does not translate it. ‘Some titles are best left hidden and seeming meaningless at first; as an attempt to translate them may cause some literary damages and thus mar the beauty of the work.’

  • Badagry monarch lauds tourism boss

    Badagry monarch lauds tourism boss

    THE Oba of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Oba Babatunde Akran, has described the domestic tourism promotion agenda of the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, as an incontestable way to promote Nigeria’s tourism and boost the nation’s economy.

    The monarch said: “Sally Mbanefo is hitting the nail on the head with the promotion of domestic tourism. This was what the government of Japan did some years ago with a law stopping Japanese from traveling out of the country for holidays. It paid off. It did not only endear Japanese to their country and the tourist attractions therein, but it also wooed foreigners to the country and developed their economy.”

    Oba Akran spoke last Saturday during a courtesy visit by the NTDC boss to his palace.

    “Domestic tourism remains the best approach to promote Nigeria’s tourism and better the lots of Nigeria and Nigerians. Hence, the NTDC boss should be well-mobilised and supported by every stakeholder in the industry to achieve her domestic tourism promotion cause, which in turn will boost our economy, hearten peace and unity, drastically reduce social vices and woo hosts of foreign tourists to our country,” he added.

    The monarch, who described the NTDC boss’ visit as momentous, as the visit coincided with his 37th coronation anniversary, noted that Mbanefo is the first director-general of the NTDC to come to Badagry to appreciate the tourist sites in the town  to champion their promotion.

    Mrs Mbanefo, who congratulated the Akran of Badagry on his 37th peaceful reign and prayed for more fulfilling years for him, said tourism will enable Nigerians know the country, appreciate the many tourist attractions in the country, appreciate its various fascinating cultures, and attract foreigners to the country.

    This, according to her, will have a positive reflection on the economy.

    She described her visit to Badagry as part of her ongoing visit to the geo-political zones in the country to know the tourists’ sites in the states, “assess how to develop and promote them to encourage Nigerians and foreigner travel within Nigeria”. This, according to her, will immensely benefit the nation and her good people.

    Mrs Mbanefo described Badagry as the first tourist site in Lagos. She added: “There is no way the history of Nigeria will be written without prominently mentioning Badagry, where Christianity was first preached in 1842 by Revd Thomas Birch Freeman, where the first Christmas was held in Nigeria, where the first church, the first primary school and the first storey building, just to mention a few, were located in Nigera.”

    The Akran of Badagry while presenting a gift of coconut to the NTDC boss, prayed that God should give her Solomonic wisdom to achieve her lofty dream for the tourism subsector, which will make Nigeria stand tall in the comity of nations and enrich her people.

    “Sally, you are a symbol of Nigeria tourism. It is, no doubt, with your strides since you assumed office that you meant business with the promotion of domestic tourism. Therefore, I pray that God will endowed you with the wisdom to practically develop and promote domestic tourism in Nigeria,” the monarch said.

    The monarch also presented the NTDC boss with the Badagry Pilgrimage Certificate, which, according to him, is not given to every Tom, Dick and Harry, but patriots, who meant well for the nation and the town.

    The Badagry Ambassador of Tourism and founder of African Renaissance, Hon. Olaide Mesewaku, described the appointment of Mrs Mbanefo as the NTDC director-general as a round peg in a round hole, adding that she is poised to record more successes than her predecessors.