The Nation Newspaper

Category: Midweek Magazine

  • Rotary pledges hope in new year

    Rotary pledges hope in new year

    Rotary International District 9110, which comprises Lagos and Ogun states, has promised to offer hope to the less-priviledged in its consituency in its new year.

    President of Rotary Club, Onigbongbo, one of the clubs in the district, Babatunde Adesina Salau, stated this on the sidelines of a Fellowship by the club last Thursday.

    He said the offer was indeed Rotary’s theme worldwide in the 2023/24 service year, which is “Create Hope in the World” and that they would work towards its fulfilment. 

    Salau, a general manager, at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), who was re-elected by the club, promised to execute outstanding programmes and projects.

    He said funds for projects were often raised in-house from members, urging public-spirited Nigerians to support them.

    He also urged the government to assist Rotarians, saying they were helping the government as progress partners to make life better for the people.

    Salau scored the club high in performance in the past year. It would be recalled that the the club won many awards.

    He said: “The Rotary Club of Onigbongbo has done well in attaining its set goals as they relate to the Rotary seven areas of focus. In addition, the club sponsored and also participated actively in the various programmes of our District 9110.”

     Some of the programmes were the District Inter-School Quiz Competition, the Zonal Inter-Club Training Programme, the Disaster Relief Fund for victims of the Earthquake in Turkey, the Medical Mission, the District Team Training Seminar, the District Training Assembly, the President-Elect Seminar, the District Conference and the Women in Rotary Conference. 

     The club, he also said, laid the foundation of its proposed Rotary Health Post at Odo-Ogun Community, Irawo, Ikorodu, Lagos, which German floor has been completed.

    However, he urged his colleagues not to rest on their oars in the new year. Rather, he advised, they worked towards restoring the club to its glorious days. He added: “The reward for hardwork is more work.”

  • Obey rules, Rector urges students

    Obey rules, Rector urges students

    The Rector The Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM), Redemption City of God, Mowe, Ogun  State, Dr. Stella Mofunanya, has urged students of the College not to take  laws into their hands as any violation of  rules and regulations will not go unpunished.

      She said the College has zero tolerance for cultism and hooliganism, corrupt practices and other vices.

    Mofunanya, who spoke at the fifth matriculation of the College last  week, stressed that the institution will not award its diploma to students who are found wanting in character and learning.

     “I need to advise you to show respect to your colleagues , staff and the Governing authorities in the College to make your stay fruitful and productive,” she said. 

     She reassured the 326 fresh students  admitted into the College that the institution will continue to work round the clock to ensure the security of lives and properties of its students. 

    “You are aware that there is CCTV camera at every nook and cranny of the Redemption City, including your hostel and the lecture arena. You are expected to be security conscious throughout your stay at the Polytechnic,” she added.

    The Rector also urged the students to attend lectures timely and shun deviant behaviours/vices that could expose them to danger.  Assignments and projects, she said, are to be taken seriously.

    “In RECTEM, attendance at lectures, College Chapel programmes and other special events are of top priority; you are, therefore, encouraged to attend all lectures timely and ensure you shun deviant behaviors/vices that can expose you and others to danger.  Assignments and projects are to be taken seriously,” she added.  She urged the students to dress according to acceptable standards.  “Be modest and decent in your dressing. Undue exposure of body parts that have the potential to infuriate the sensibilities of others  is condemned and not cordoned,” she noted.

    Appreciating the great height the institution has attained and the brilliant champions raised, she gave the credit to the vision and mission of the founding fathers in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which she said, has come to fruition. 

    “I feel highly honoured for the commendable feat RECTEM has achieved. We have been rated as the fastest growing private Polytechnic by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE),” she said.

  • Fresh fillip for reading culture

    Fresh fillip for reading culture

    How can a country desire development and not read? How can development happen without reading infrastructure like libraries that are well stocked with books?

    These questions formed the conversation at the Dr. Tony Akpokene-led Abuja Book Fair, that ended recently.

    It had as keynote speaker, Mr. Dare Oluwatuyi, who is the President, Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN) and Chairman, Nigeria Book Fair Trust (NBFT).

    Oluwatuyi spoke on Towards a Reading Culture Renaissance in Nigeria, a topic in sync with the theme of the book fair. He stated that many things could be done to return to Nigeria’s golden era of reading for book-reading renaissance to be real. The proverbial all hands being deck, according to him, is what is needed to return to a national pastime that has suffered a dysfunctionality and why Nigeria is headed in the wrong direction development-wise.

    According to him, “It (reading) is a task for all. Industry players, the government and the reading public. A lot of deliberate advocacy, lobbying, publicity and awareness are needed. Events like this (Abuja Book Fair) are very welcome part of the mix. We must keep pushing the book in the faces of all of our people, both big and small. This is why NBFT, for example, has, for 22 years without fail, also conducted the Nigerian International Book Fair (NIBF).

    “Governments’ policies pertaining to book development and the reading culture have to be rejigged and given fresh or renewed impetus. Libraries must be better funded to become very attractive go-to centres for the population. The National Book Policy has to urgently and formally come into effect. Given its import as a core directional driver for the ecosystem and reading culture enhancement, NBFT is already contemplating working towards this being done within the next three years. It can even be earlier. We invite all lovers of books and the reading culture in Nigeria to support us in achieving this goal.

    “Librarians, in particular, have to stand up from their chairs and take their front row spot in leading the rest of us into taking the reading culture campaign to the marketplace, to estates, to communities and neighbourhoods.”

    Oluwatuyi harped on the need for book clubs across the country, as a path already being trodden with significant results, and urged stakeholders to take steps to be part of it to broaden the book-reading and take it to communities and neighbourhoods. According to him, “Publishers, booksellers, and again librarians, must become more vibrant and deliberate in the reading promotions arena. One easy route to follow is to key into the activities of Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) that has, in the past three years, been uniting book clubs across the country and setting up new ones for even broader field coverage and effectiveness. NBFT and BAN have identified with them and are already working with them. We and other stakeholders were part of their Lagos Book Walk mega-advocacy street reading promotions exercise in April. We need to pull all the stops and grow to become a country that is reading again, a country that has at least one book club and library per LGA, in the first instance, and thereafter, one book club and reading space within five to ten kilometres of all of our geography.”

    Akpokene stressed the importance of books as agents of development without which a society progresses in error, saying that Nigeria was on that negative path. He said he came from a family of readers and teachers, from his great grandfather, his grandfather, his father and mother, and so had no choice but to read books as first commandment in his early years.

    He expressed gratitude to his parents for inculcating in him reading habits, saying he would have become a hoodlum like most of his friends in Obahor Street, Warri, Delta State, who derided school and never progressed beyond becoming ‘area boys’.

    He said his mates who abandoned reading and school were part of those who ruined that once famous oil city with needless civil strife that has made Warri a shadow of itself. Akpokene went on to study petroleum engineering and worked with Shell for many years before venturing into selling books to satisfy an irresistible innate passion.

    Akpokene said any country that neglects book-reading culture is doomed, noting that Nigeria’s problems stemmed from a largely illiterate political class that was yet to imbibe the art of reading books, the only facility that leads to statecraft, which ultimately, drives development.

    He called on like minds to not despair, but  forge on regardless and lead the way to a book reading renaissance to liberate the country from the clutches of darkness and under-development.  

  • WS@89: Exploring prospects of good governance

    WS@89: Exploring prospects of good governance

    As a prelude to the 15th Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) that will celebrate Soyinka’s 90th birthday next year, organisers of the event have lined up activities for this year’s edition.

    The theme revolves around good governance and nation building.  The events will be in hybrid format – virtual and on-site.

    Activities will climax tomorrow, at Ijegba Forestage, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the home of the project’s ‘patron saint.’

    Selected students from across the country will write an essay on the aforementioned topic Wole Soyinka: Humanism, Artistry and Nationalism, which is the educational/intellectual engagement of the students on the theme through essay writing competitions.

    Eighty-nine students will converge on the base of the project at the Ijegba Forestage Theatre to write the essay in the full glare of the public, including their parents/guardians, teachers as well as other members of the public. The objective is to deepen their understanding of the dynamics of nation building, especially to think through the examples already established through Soyinka’s personal life and intervention in public discourses and engagements.

    According to WSICE’s Executive Producer and Managing Director/CEO Zmirage Multimedia Company (ZMC), Dr. Teju Kareem, the thematic thrust is to reflect on the mood of the nation, and indeed many nations of the world, dealing with the existential problem of navigating the challenges of nation building through the prisms of good governance, individual and national interests and national development.

    The youth section of the edition will focus on the central motif of the project: mentoring and grooming the next generation of thinkers and eventual leaders who will work for the overall national interest of lifting their country and their society to the great height of human and material development.

    Kareem hinted that this year’s edition is a prelude to the 15th, which is primed to mark Soyinka’s 90th birthday in July, next year. The working theme for that edition would be E.N.I.O.G.U.N, which though, set out as acronym, is the renowned alias of Soyinka, encapsulating his character traits and essences as a patriot, global cultural icon and humanist. A series of events including competitions and public promotion and campaigns will preface the edition.

    Winners of the essay writing contests will be unveiled tomorrow the actual birthday of the patron.The entries in English language will be 800 words minimum in text volume. This is a session of free cultural expressions by participants in the project, featuring storytelling, spoken word, poetry, musical, theatrical performances, and film screening etc.

    According to Kareem, “the youth are the key to bringing about change and prosperity in Nigeria and around the world. It is our duty to engage them and ensure that their thinking and goals are oriented towards progress for the motherland and humanity.

    “The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (wsice) mission is to reaffirm and elevate the dignity of man through the platforms of literature, arts, and culture. Project WSICE seeks to create unity among mankind regardless of nationality, culture, or religion by focusing on youth as the future of humanity. Other core value propositions of the WSICE are fostering unity, bolstering integrity, and instilling qualities of leadership in the young people.”

    Soyinka, as a ‘Global Humanist’, has “exemplified and advocated for social justice, democracy and cultural preservation through his careers as a writer, rights activist, and teacher. He has been a strong advocate for free speech, fought against human rights abuses locally and globally and paid heavy personal price as a result. His extensive publications, lectures and creative enterprises have all addressed the fervent societal challenges of his time and for his country; a more equitable and just nationhood,” stated  Kareem.

    The WSICE is organised on the platform of Open Door Series Project WS, an international cultural exchange programme designed for the purpose of using the platforms of arts (literary & performing) and culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Organised and sponsored by Zmirage Multimedia Ltd (Nigeria & UK), led by Dr. Teju Kareem, and jointly promoted with Global New Haven, led by Prof. Segun Ojewuyi, who is the Dean of College of Art & Media, Southern Illinois University (SIU), Carbondale, US. The Open Door Series continues to enjoy support from Ogun State Government.

  • All bright…my story of faith

    All bright…my story of faith

    Founder, Rainbow Foundation, Koko Kalango, has unveiled a new book, All things bright and beautiful, at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos. At the book launch, Kalango was celebrated for her works in promoting reading, particularly, among young people. Her foundation was instrumental in Port Harcourt being World Book Capital 2014. From an ardent promoter of literary resurgence in the country to a woman of great faith, the book chronicles her faith, of relationship, of purpose, of social change and advancing the kingdom of God. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her relationship with God and more.

    My fascination with the “Rainbow”

    oncerning Rainbow, a pastor actually reached out to me and said All things bright… My story of faith.

    ‘You are using Rainbow, do you know what it means?’ I said I know what it means. It is a sign of covenant that God made with us and put it in the sky. So, I am using my father’s property. Others are impostors. We need to drive them out of that space. So, anything I do is rainbow.

      Inspiration behind All things bright and beautiful

    When the Lord called me out of paid employment around 1992, and asked me to start doing things of my own, he gave me the name Rainbow. The origin of the name is God. God said to man – “When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will remember the covenant that I have made with humankind”. He gave me a scripture – “As long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest shall not cease”. And that is what propelled me.

    When I’m doing the work, not to man but to God, because I know I will stand before God during judgment day. After that I set up the Colours of Life Ministry. So, I just think God has made my life bright and beautiful and very colourful, so that is where the title came from.

      Growing up

    I come from a family that values education. My father was a lawyer, who later became a judge. My mother started one of the oldest nurseries—and it became primary schools in Port Harcourt. So, it is in that environment where I grew up. I always saw my father reading newspapers, and my mother usually read Women’s World and Reader’s Digest. In the evening, you’ll see them having a cup of tea and just reading together. I had so many books all around me and so I grew interested in reading.

      My legacy of Godly contentment

    I have my parents to thank for bringing us up the way they did. Along the way, I’ve heard people say if it is money, they won’t get you money, it can be something else. So I thank God and my parents for that. People keep asking me about the word content. There is a God factor and God uses human beings to teach you contentment. God bless my father and mother for bringing us up not to respect material possessions or respect people because of what they own. We respect you if you fear the Lord and have integrity. It makes you able to cope in any circumstance. The first time I fasted for three days, nobody told me to fast. I didn’t have money for food, but something said why you didn’t call your father and tell him you didn’t have money to buy food. But, I said Pastor Adeboye is always encouraging us to fast. So, I fasted for three days and did not die. And I was this beautiful young lady with guys chasing her. And I said Koko why not take money from these guys to buy food. But no.

       My journey of Christian faith

    In the early 90s, we were at Apapa Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). We were little fanatics. We could believe God just for anything. We have been trained so much to give to God. Around that time, we were among the School of Disciples. Pastor Adeboye would train us at the headquarters at Ebute Metta, Lagos. We were very small then. I needed a car and as usual there was no money. I’ve put my money in the church. And I prayed to God to give me a car. There is a joke in the family, my immediate elder sister would say Koko, God knows I have sense I think, I will work hard. But, he knows you will wait for it to jump from heaven and that was what He did. Our other sister believed God was asking her to go to the U.S. to do mission work. Then God came through for her miraculously. She was getting rid of her things and she got rid of her car and she gave it to me. At one point, there was a need at the RCCG headquarters. And I felt the Lord wanted me to give the car. My brother-in-law, Pastor Tony Rapu, was going to see Pastor Adeboye in the camp and I accompanied him with the car. I handed it over to Pastor Adeboye and he asked if this was the only car that I had and I said, ‘yes sir’. And he prayed for me. When I was writing this book, I looked out of the window and counted five cars.

     My message from my book to the world

    This is very important to me. The book is meant to encourage your faith. It will show you how God can move in little things. This book is me pouring out my life as a thanksgiving offering to God. I will speak to my audience. Do I want you to buy the book? Yes! But above that I want you to read it. I won’t be happy even if you paid a million dollars for it and you didn’t read it. So, please read this book and pass it on to someone else. It is God flexing through me. My desire is that this book will go to the end of the earth and touch people for God’s glory.

     Unforgetable memories of dedication to God’s work in the book

    Meeting the Carlings (Old UK missionaries) has remained an unforgettable experience. After our marriage, my husband and I went to the UK for our Masters. It was interesting how God ordered our footsteps. In our accommodation, we had a welcome pack and there was a list of churches. Somehow, we went to an Evangelical Church. When they heard we were from Nigeria, this elderly couple came over to us and said they were missionary workers in Northern Nigeria. They even showed us a video documentary that the BBC did on their work.

    We could have gone to any other church but we chose that one. They took us to their home. And that was how up till date, we’ve remained friends. They visited us in London and in Port Harcourt. They are like parents to us. They are now in their 90s. Before the queen died, they were honoured for their work in Nigeria.

     My word to young couple today

    I will backtrack. Before I met my husband, I was in a relationship. The man was a pastor. But the relationship was a struggle and God delivered me. Then I met him in Port Harcourt. I was working in Lagos. But my parents were in Port Harcourt. I met him at a barbeque and what I noticed was that he was easy to relate with. He took me out for dinner on December 31, 1996. My father asked when he was bringing me home and he said 9 pm sir. And he brought me home before 9pm.

    What I struggled with in my previous relationship became easy. But it wasn’t easy for me to say yes because he moved very fast. As usual, I needed to ask and the Lord spoke to me. He said, ‘behold I come quickly and my reward is with me’. So, I call him my reward. In every marriage there are ups and downs but understanding is what counts. We are opposite in many ways. I am the faith part. He is the work type so he balances me. When we were in England, we had finished school. My husband was working in London and later got a job in the U.S. But it took longer than we had planned for him to get his visa. I was working at the Jamaican High Commission then. So when I get my salary, I will pay my tithe and transfer everything to his account. That was what I did in those four months.

    When we got to the U.S., he had a job because of his visa. I couldn’t work. I was staying at home. He was giving me pocket money but I was getting frustrated. I needed to go to the mall to shop. But, he said he would give me his pocket money. My husband had the password to my account. So, there is total trust.  

  • ‘Why museums are important to kids’

    ‘Why museums are important to kids’

    Experts have identified museums as an important centre for preserving the country’s historical and cultural heritages that help to mould children’s values.

    They noted that children are impressionable and teaching them early to respect the arts, culture and history will help them appreciate their value when they become adults.

    They spoke at the National Museum Onikan, Lagos, at a special event to mark Children’s Day.

    Director, Educational Services and Training (DEST), who also doubles as the Curator, National Museum Onikan Lagos, Mrs. Omotayo Adeboye, emphasised the importance of the theme of the event, “Museum, Moulding Nigerian Children Values with her Cultural Heritage Properties”.

    Adeboye said: There is a need to preserve our cultural heritage for posterity. The children today will be the ones in charge tomorrow, thus from youth, there is a need for them to imbibe the attitude of placing a high value on the culture of their nation.

    “This will be able to foster continuity in our preservation drive concerning all our cultural properties.”

    She noted that because children are tomorrow’s leaders, “it is important to give special recognition to these little ones that will take over from the adult of today in the nearest future.”

    The Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Caroline Sosu also observed that the theme showcased museums’ importance in the lives of children.

    “Therefore, we must all join hands together to see that our children in both government and private primary schools are cared for and given the best of foundation, and are made aware of their heritage and culture,” Sosu added.

    Head of the Education Department, Oloruntosin Olanrewaju celebrated the children that visit the Museum to learn about the country’s heritage.

    He said: “We also celebrate their curiosity to learn and know more about the artefacts they find on display at the Museum.”

    He encouraged them to “indulge your hands and create the future artefacts that people will come to the museum to see.”

    The event featured tens of pupils from no fewer than 18 nursery, primary and secondary schools, including TAMS International Private School, Jodavic Schools, Wisdom Way Nursery and Primary School, among others.

    The pupils, resplendent in their cultural and other attires, engaged in various competitions, including match pass, market scene, fashion parade, cultural dance, spelling of museum’s terminologies, gele competition and choreography, among others.

    Gifts and certificates were presented to winners.

    Assistant Director, Gbaniyi Beatrice, who coordinated the event, gave the vote of thanks.

    The National Museum Onikan has more than 47,000 works of priceless art.

  • Ibadan to host tallest monument in Southwest

    Ibadan to host tallest monument in Southwest

    Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has recorded many firsts as a city. Apart from housing the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, founded in 1948, the first broadcast television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was established on October 31, 1959 at Agodi, Ibadan. In some months’ time, it will also house the tallest monument in the region. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    A multi-million naira monument standing 65 feet high will soon redefine the creative landscape of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The monument, which is crafted from found metal objects is being sculpted by US-based renowned artist Jonathan Imafidor and will emerge as a powerful symbol of Southwest’s profound cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

    Located at Olunloyo Airport Park, Ibadan, the sculpture which was commissioned by the Oyo State government will feature three towering human figures, resplendent in their majesty, standing atop an intricately crafted concrete base of 25ft by 15ft to support the three figures. Among these figures, two symbolise the valiant male and female warriors of the ancient Oyo Kingdom, embodying the region’s rich history and indomitable spirit.

    The third figure, a representation of a drummer, will pay homage to the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the region. The pedestal itself will take the form of a broadcasting dish, an emblematic tribute to Ibadan’s status as the birthplace of Africa’s inaugural broadcast station.

    The monument upon completion in the next nine months, will establish itself as the tallest scrap metal sculpture in the country, thereby projecting Ibadan to the forefront of artistic innovation and cultural significance.

    The project no doubt, is a harmonious fusion of cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and ecological consciousness. It is funded by Oyo State government and will surely leave an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Nigeria.

    According to Imafidor, the sculpture is rooted in traditional Yoruba history and culture, while the two warriors standing in alert mode represent two popular warriors amongst several individuals who are iconic figures in Oyo’s history.

    “The female warrior represents one of the most popular female warriors in the history of the Oyo Empire known as Queen Moremi Ajasoro. Moremi lived during the 12th century and was married to the king of Ife, a neighbouring kingdom to Oyo. When the Oyo Empire was facing invasion from a rival tribe, the Igbo, Moremi volunteered to act as a spy and infiltrated the enemy camp. She gathered vital information and shared it with the Oyo warriors, enabling them to successfully defend their kingdom. Moremi’s bravery and strategic contributions made her a revered figure and a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

    “The male figure represents the most renowned male warrior known as Balogun Ogunmola. Ogunmola was a legendary military commander who lived in the 18th century. He possessed exceptional leadership skills and was known for his tactical brilliance on the battlefield. Ogunmola played a pivotal role in expanding the Oyo Empire’s territory and defending it against external threats. His military campaigns and victories solidified the empire’s dominance in the region and elevated him to legendary status among the Oyo people,” he said.

    These two individuals, Queen Moremi Ajasoro and Balogun Ogunmola, he added, exemplify the valour and heroism displayed by warriors of old in the Oyo Empire, noting that their stories continue to inspire and resonate with generations, serving as a testament to the rich history and martial traditions of the Oyo people.

    Imafidor explained that the third figure, a drummer symbolises the drummers of the Old Oyo Empire who were highly skilled musicians and respected members of society. They dedicated their lives to mastering the art of drumming and passed down their knowledge from generation to generation. Their contributions to communication, entertainment, and religious ceremonies were invaluable, shaping the cultural fabric of the Oyo Empire.

    On the inclusion of a satellite dish in form of a base projecting the figures, the artist said it represents Oyo as the first state to run a broadcast television in Africa, recalling that on October 31, 1959, the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was established in Agodi, Ibadan, in present-day Oyo State.

    This pioneering achievement, he said, marked a significant milestone in African broadcasting history and positioned Oyo as a leader in technological advancement.

    Significantly, these elements depict the rich history and cultural heritage of the Oyo people.

    Asked how he emerged a preferred artist to execute the multi-million naira project, he said: “It was an open call and sculptors of Nigeria origin with a good reputation and qualification in executing monumental sculptures were advised to submit proposals. I submitted a proposal and was selected amidst a vast number of other sculptors who applied.”

    Imafidor is a 2009 graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where he bagged a first-class in Painting, thus breaking a 20-year first-class hiatus in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, of the university.  After completing his mandatory NYSC, he returned to his alma mater, where he lectured for six years before pursuing further studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, USA. Currently, he operates a sculpture studio in Atlanta where he continues to create stunning artworks.

  • Cultural Extravaganza: celebration of shared heritage

    Cultural Extravaganza: celebration of shared heritage

    Despite the initial scare of possible heavy down pour last Saturday morning, residents of Lagos dared the cold weather and converged on Agege Stadium for a colourful Cultural Display and Appreciation Carretta 2023. 

    The residents, who thronged Agege Stadium in different colourful attires depicting the various associations and groups from the five divisions of Lagos State- Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe (IBILE), were all in festive mood to celebrate the inauguration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat for a second term in office.

    But central to the cultural extravaganza were myriad of costumes, rhythms of drums, scintillating dance steps and cultural performances, all symbols of the rich cultural tapestry that is Lagos. Indeed, it was a celebration of the rich culture, heritage and tradition of Lagos State as vibrant colours and sounds encapsulate the diversity and cultural dynamism that define Lagos as a metropolis.

    The event tagged Lagos Cultural Extravaganza, which commenced around noon, featured various cultural displays, performances and dances from different arts and culture groups from each of the five divisions in the state.

    Leading the pack of groups that participated in the performances was an all-female troupe, Kori followed by

    Egungun, Igunnuko, Angere, Gelede, Agbo Remireke, Agbo Orugbo, Meu Boi, Asarokulo and Agere. Others were Zangbeto, Woro, Sato, Footprints of David Arts Foundation, The Brazilian Descendants Association Lagos and the Lagos State Arts Council troupe.

    Nigeria’s foremost female talking drummer, entertainer and cultural ambassador , Aralola Olamuyiwa aka Ara literarily stole the show with her thrilling performances at the tail end of the celebration.

    The event was attended by the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; traditional rulers, some Permanent Secretaries and party chieftains among others.

    In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as a truly pan-African celebration that symbolises unity in diversity and a testament to the shared history of Lagos.

    The governor said the Lagos Cultural Extravaganza is a celebration of freedom, cultural fusion and shared heritage as Lagosians, adding that it was also a manifestation of unity amidst diversity.

    He said: “Indeed, this event is more than just a festival. It is a testament to our shared history, our resilience, and our ability to transform our cultural differences into a vibrant expression of unity. It mirrors the spirit of Lagos, a city that thrives on the strength of its diversity and cherishes its unique blend of cultures.

    “The myriad of costumes, the infectious rhythms of drums, the exuberant dances and the tantalising flavours of our diverse cuisine that grace the events are all symbols of the rich cultural tapestry that is Lagos. They present the harmonious blend of various cultures that have found a home in this great city and contribute to its unique identity.

    “As we revel in the festivities and soak in the vibrant energy of the Lagos, let us not forget the essence of this grand celebration…It is a testament to the fact that our strength indeed lies in our differences.”

    According to the Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-committee of the second term inauguration, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the event was an indication of the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to the promotion of culture and the creative industry.

    He said the event was part of the activities put together by the inauguration committee headed by Mr. Tayo Ayinde to celebrate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and to appreciate Lagosians for re-electing them.

    He added that the event is a forum to show the unity and diversity of Lagos, as well as the spirit and strength of Lagos, and the diverse cultures in the state.

    In acknowledgement of its sterling performances, the Footprints of David, a children’s arts and education advocacy group from Bariga, won the first position for tits cultural performances while the Zangbeto from Badagry and Ajojimale masquerade from Epe came second and third.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Gov. Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 10th Lagos Assembly

  • Groups hold workshop for prisoners

    Groups hold workshop for prisoners

    • By Stephanie Iruh

    The Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR), in partnership with Readland Global, has concluded a one-month creative writing workshop for incarcerated persons in Nigerian correctional facilities.

    The creative writing workshop, which is one of many educational programmes provided by both organisations to provide opportunity for confined persons, had over 60 participants across different correctional facilities. According to the organisers, it was aimed at assisting incarcerated individuals develop skills that help them document their stories and increase employability, personal growth and insight.

    “The educational programmes help to promote rehabilitation and skills training. The programmes will also help to promote rehabilitation and re-integration by empowering Individuals with necessary skills to become productive members in the society. The workshop also aims to provide a platform for incarcerated persons to express themselves through creative writing.

    The workshop included sessions on foundations of writing, Narrative Techniques, Copywriting, autobiographies, screenwriting and the entrepreneurial aspect of writing,” according to the Executive Director CELSIR, Joke Aladesanmi.

    On her part, the Executive Director and founder Readland Global, Mrs. Temioluwa Adeshina, said: “We believe that literacy and writing can be powerful tools for personal development and development. The success of this workshop is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of investing in the education and development of confined persons. We are excited to have partnered with CELSIR to provide these opportunities for confined persons.”

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  • ‘I wrote When We Were Fireflies in a year’

    ‘I wrote When We Were Fireflies in a year’

    Abubakar Adam Ibrahim won the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2016 with his debut novel, ‘Season of Crimson Blossoms’. Two years later, he won the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. In this interview with United States Bureau Chief OLUKOREDE YISHAU, Ibrahim, who is currently a graduate student at the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, discusses issues in his just-released sophomore novel, ‘When We Were Fireflies’, about a man who suddenly realises he had earlier lived twice and was murdered because of love. Excerpts: 

    Can you recollect how you came about the idea for your new novel?

     It was a process. It took some time to come together. But it clicked one day and the moment it did, I felt like someone held hostage by the story and had to work through all sorts of obstacles to power through and finish the novel. I suppose it started with musings over a sudden death for the sake of love, revolving around this figure, this character, who was murdered for love. And then it became an introspection into love And hate and the dynamics between them. Oddly enough, it occurred to me that the relationship between love and hate is often, not always, but often, like yin and yang. That the one exists, is perceived and defined in relation to the other. How would we know what love truly means and represents without a conception of what hate is? The seed of this novel was born out of this musing and quickly evolve into a story of love, hate, redemption and forgiveness. It became more.

     Do you believe there are people who live between the margins?

     We cannot discount the possibilities of marginal entities. The insufficiency of empirical evidence does not discount the multitude of inexplicable experiences and encounters that indicate the fiddling or meddling of these entities in human affairs. Not only in religious texts have these margins and their occupants been explored but also in the myths of people that predate encounters with these religious texts. In cultures that have not met or had contacts, like the Egyptians and the Aztecs, the Kwararrafa and Navajo, you find narratives that are often similar that feature some of these marginal characters. But what is of interest to me is what people and most especially my characters believe and how the beliefs influence the choices they make in the story.

     What interesting interpretations of this work have you seen?

    It is too early to say. The book has just come out and I think readers are forming and articulating their interpretations. It would be interesting to see these interpretations when they are fully articulated.

     Do you believe in reincarnation?

    Not necessarily. I am fascinated by the idea of it and what it means for the people who believe, or through a series of events, are made to believe it. I have read accounts of people whose stories lend credence to this discourse. Like Omm Sety and others, controversial as those others have been.

    What has always been important to me is how our cultures, especially here in Nigeria, have grappled with the concept, of how newborns are given the names of deceased relatives because they are thought of as returning souls of deceased loved ones. For me as a writer, this is a fertile field of imagination to be explored and that is what I did in this story.

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