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Tag: 25 years

  • Mydrim marks 25 years with Masters

    For over 25 years, the founder of Mydrim Art Gallery,Lagos,  Sinmidele Adesanya, has been consistent in promoting Nigerian arts and artists. The gallery has remained a major player in the Nigerian art industry with the keen oversight of Adesanya, who is highly regarded for making art relevant and accessible to contemporary audience.

    As part of the activities to mark the galleries’ 25th anniversary, a private preview of an exhibition titled: The Masters Exhibition held last week in Lagos. It was sponsored by Templars, a law firm.

    It was an amazing experience to attend the preview as it’s not everyday one gets to see 56 works by 12 Nigeria Masters in one room. Some of the works dated back to the 60s and some were done in 2018. A piece by Yusuf Grillo got the most attention as viewers were fascinated by the piece painted this year, considering the renowned artist’s age. The piece titled: Won Kere, depicted a girl dancing energetically, losing herself to the rhythm of the music.

    The Masters are Yusuf Grillo, El Anatsui, Abayomi Barber, Jimoh Akolo, David Dale, Nike Davies-Okundaye, late Bisi Fakeye, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Muraina Oyelami, Jimoh Buraimoh and the late Gani Odutokun.

    The exhibition of paintings, sculptures, mixed media and bead works was opened to public from  Sunday, June 3 to Monday, June 4 at the Desiderata, plot 5A, Abuja Street, Banana Island, Foreshore Estate, Lagos.

    For this particular initiative, Templars was pleased to collaborate with Mydrim Gallery to host a private preview of the Masters Exhibition in its our Lagos office. This initiative was aimed at celebrating Nigerian art and the works of renowned artists who contributed immensely to the development of visual art in Nigeria.

    Union Bank of Nigeria also organised a session for about two hundred young artists and art students to interact with the Masters during the course of the exhibition.

    According to Adesanya, the exhibition was organised to share their memories with the public, such that art lovers, artists, and art students know the source some of those artists who steered the course and remained committed and focused to developing the visual arts in Nigeria in the face of monumental challenges.

    On December 1, 1992, Adesanya, a lawyer and an avid collector, left law to pursue a career in art. He officially opened the gallery and ever since, it has organised over 70 exhibitions.

    “A Nigerian proverb says: ‘A river that does not know its source will soon run dry.’

    “They made the sacrifices for the present generation of artists. Young artists today need to know the history of those who paved the way for them. We celebrate them today,” she added.

    Reminiscing on how the gallery was established, Adesanya, who spoke passionately about her journey said: “Mydrim was borne out of passion for the fine arts and recognised the incredible talent of Nigerian artists. Unfortunately, that time art profession was generally not regarded as one of the noble professions and the society did not accord much importance to the artists or their works.”

    When she opened the gallery, the art profession she said, “was frowned at and artists were like town criers. “We had to tell people that this is art, come and buy art. As the objective of the gallery was to rectify this anomaly and create a platform for educating Nigerians about the importance and the value of art, the gallery also sought to discover and promote new artists and  showcase the works of emerging and established artists,”she said.

    The journey, she revealed, has been extremely challenging, but she was happy with the progress of the sector in recent time. “The promulgation of art as a great store of value has been established and artists are now held in high esteem. The works of Nigerian artists are now sought after all over the world,” she said.

    Mydrim Gallery remains at the forefront of providing art lovers in Lagos and across the country an avenue to discover and acquire important and collectable works of art by African artists. In 2015, the gallery represented Africa at the modern art sector of International Art Dubai Fair in recognition of its involvement with art in Nigeria.

    The gallery also sought to discover and promote new artists and  showcase the works of emerging and established artists, and this it has done successfully. Some of the artists, who spoke with The Nation attested to the achievements and contributions of the gallery in promotion of Nigerian arts and artists.

    “I have known the owner for almost three decades,” recalled OlusegunAdejumo, a full time studio artist, who has taken part in over 10 group exhibitions at Mydrim. “Mydrim is the bedrock of the artists’ gallery experience that is being enjoyed now,” he said.

    To him the gallery ‘has never been good at blowing its own trumpet. And I have collaborated with Mydrim Gallery on many major projects and consulted on a few others not so major projects. So, my relationship is that of an artist primarily, art consultant and a gallery owner colleague,” he said.

    Another artist, AtoArinze, who participated in a group show in the gallery organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists, said: “They have tremendously contributed to the growth of Nigerian art and many Nigerian artists. Many artists have exhibited there and I have been attending their openings since the late 90s.”

    Gab Awusa, who started doing business with Adesanya from her house at Adeniran Ogunsaya, said the reason the gallery never folded up was due to ’sincerity of purpose, and integrity. “Mrs Adesanya started by organising a saloon. She is a pioneer of serious art business in Nigeria. The art business is dynamic and is quite challenging, she’s doing her best. Remember, she left law practice to pursue a career in art,” he said.

    Mydrim gallery has also organised events, including a series of nation-wide public lectures on contemporary arts and culture delivered by international speakers, and organised in collaboration with renowned art curator, Bisi Silva, operating at the Institute of Visual Arts and Culture.

    It inaugurated the Living Masters exhibition in 2017, which was declared open by the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka. In 2010, on behalf of the Lagos State government, Mydrim Gallery organised Nigeria at Fifty, a photo exhibition for Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

     

  • Ogun community gets light after 25 years

    Ogun community gets light after 25 years

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has lighted up Gbamugbamu community in Ijebu East Local Government Area with the inauguration of 85KW (kilowatts) solar hybrid mini-power grid, after 25 years of no-connection to the national power grid.

    Amosun described the inauguration of the power project, a collaboration with the European Union (EU) and German Government, under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), anchored by the German Agency For International Development (GIZ), as another milestone in his administration’s journey towards making life better for the people.

    The governor noted that it was also in tandem with one of his five cardinal programmes, aimed at reducing unemployment and providing jobs for the teeming youths through the provision of regular power supply.

    He said: “Our belief is that the provision of state power supply will boost socio-economic activities of our people, promote employment generation by enhancing and scaling up Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMSEs), promote value chain development and reduce rural-urban migration.”

    Amosun assured the residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with private investors and developmental partners to make the state conducive and secure for businesses and for the foreign investors to operate effectively.

    The governor said his administration would mobilise contractors to begin the Ogbere/Gbamugbamu road, which would stand the test of time and improve development that the solar mini-grid had brought to the community.

  • 25 years of promoting Nigerian arts

    25 years of promoting Nigerian arts

    The Experience Nigeria Art Show has marked its 25th  anniversary, with over 100 works of various media at the National Museum, Lagos. EVELYN OSAGIE reports. 

    Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya was staring at the wall inside the exhibition hall of the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos, with a smile on his face. The acclaimed artist is a sight to behold at art events. His black Awo cap and his grey Niger Delta outfit were perfect accompaniment to his grey hair. But it was not just his looks or the twinkle in his eyes that captivated guests at the 2016 Experience Nigeria Art Show, organised by African Art Resource Centre (AARC), it was the plastograph print, which he was looking at.
    The guests followed his gaze. They saw, a metal foil deep etching artwork that had imprints similar to that of the acclaimed artist. But as they took a closer look at the work titled: Hunters…traditional hunters in the forest, they saw that it belonged to a young artist, Rabiu Adeleke.
    “It is a very good work. I got attracted to it the moment I saw it. The plastograph print is an art form that is very dear to my heart. Although I established the plastograph print, a deep etching technique in which aluminium foil is used to draw the engraved images, it is exciting to know that the young ones are keeping alive that art legacy. I am going to buy it and have it in my collection. This is indeed, good to see,” Onobrakpeya said.
    Adeleke’s work, which was sold for N150000, was one of the over 100 artworks exhibited at the 2016 Experience Nigeria Art Show. Adeleke belonged to AARC’s Experience Nigeria Art Show “Class of 1996”. But he was not the only one whose works drew attention.
    To mark its silver jubilee, the organisers held the 2016 edition with over 100 works of various media, including those of established artists, such as former Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Tola Wewe, Ato Arinze and Adeola Balogun. For 25 years, the art expo has featured and created opportunities for hundreds of established and emerging Nigerian artists. This year’s edition was unique.
    With Fresh Forward: Refreshing for the future, forming the theme of the exhibition, rich a heritage of the show were highlighted by bringing together past participants from the previous years, and showcasing their recent works.

    The journey so far
    Over the years, the show has brought gains to artists and encouraged them to use their talents to influence social change. Despite last year’s economic downturn The Chairman, AARC Board of Trustees, Dele Olaopa said the organisation was more determined to ensure that the vision behind the art showcase did not die. But the 25-year journey has not been an easy one, according to him.
    He said: “Running Experience Nigeria Art Show consistently for the past 25 years has been a challenging, yet fulfilling voyage. With a mind of celebrating and promoting Nigerian art, the show has been supporting and nurturing the creative development of emerging artists in Nigeria. During that time, hundreds of artists have benefitted from its programmes, including Mr Wewe. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, wrote about the show in the ‘90s while he was a reporter with The Guardian newspaper
    “But despite the difficulties, especially the economic downturn in the country, we are glad that we have been able to sustain the vision of creating opportunities for emerging artists, which is the essence of the show. This year, we invite past participants from previous years: it is great to be able to showcase their works; including those that have passed away and some of them that are abroad now.”
    Award galore
    The event also featured awards ceremony, and later a Children’s Creative Camp. Olaopa said the awards have made immense contribution to the development of the arts, adding that the recipients were also contributors in their own rights. For instance, the Gani Odutokun Award For Excellence in Art, he said, was in honour of the late art master, Odutokun, who passed away recently.
    Prof Onobrakpeya led the list of recipients. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. “I commend the organisers for the initiative. We all know how challenging it is economically, but they have continued to encourage artists for 25 years. It is indeed, commendable,” he said.
    Clara Aden could not hold back tears when her work, Hopephobia, out of 100 works by 50 shortlisted artists, won the N100, 000 award category.
    “I was shocked when I heard my name. It is one thing for you to have the talent, it’s another for you to be nurtured and rewarded for your efforts. And Mr. Olaopa has always been there for younger artists, even if you have not sold any of your work, he will tell you, to keep on doing what you know how to do best.
    “I remember my first exhibition was 2003. I remember him saying my work as a female pencilist. Today, I have won several awards. This is due to the legacy of AARC. I, not only participate, but they also nurture us to greatness,” she said.
    On the final day, 150 children (aged five to 12) were hosted at this year’s edition of the Children’s Creative Camp. They were treated to a day of art and crafts activities designed to nurture their creativity.
    Mr Dotun Alabi of Federal College of Education bagged the 2016 Art Teacher of the Year award, while the Sammy Olagbaju Award for Sponsor of the Year, went to Mr Ranti Omole of the Radial Circle Group.
    “Art is abstract; it’s never respected. But we have our young ones day-in day-out, who are interested in becoming artists. So, that means we also have to find a future for them. Just like selling any other thing, there has to be ready-made customers for it to build the industry. And the customers will not come from the moon, but from amongst us. It is high time we began to pick interest in supporting the arts and artists among us,” Mr Omole, an engineer, urged.

  • ‘Plateau schools 25 years behind time’

    ‘Plateau schools 25 years behind time’

    A tour of Plateau State schools exposes decades of rot which the government promises to reverse, YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports

    First, the bad news: Plateau State school infrastructure has been decaying for two and a half decades without any form of rehabilitation. This much was revealed by the state Deputy Governor Professor Sunny Tyoden after an inspection.

    Yet, it was not all bad news. Tyoden also lifted the spirits of the state residents. Things will change, he told reporters.

    “The standard of education in the state has not improved from what it was 25 years ago,” said the deputy governor who doubles as Commissioner for Higher Education.

    He said, “The state government, not satisfied with a report of the Transition Committee, also decided to embark on a tour which I undertook to see things myself and I came face to face with the reality of things in our schools.

    “To put it straight, our schools are in the state of total decay, the level of infrastructural decay is really disturbing; you would find out that in some of the institutions visited there is no additional value added to the schools in terms of infrastructure and manpower since their establishment 25 years ago.

    “Every system moves in line with the global standard; if you look at it carefully you will discover that education is moving in the direction of skilled economic base. But in our society we have relegated the position of knowledge and skills.

    “Government is so sad and concerned over this because in recent past, Plateau State was rated second best in the entire Northern Nigeria, but today Plateau State is rated second to the last in SSCE results.”

    But the deputy governor added, “Our government is on a rescue mission; we are going to give the education sector top priority, that was why on assumption of office   government released funds to rescue its university which was in total mess. Our university could not graduate their students 10 years after it commenced admission because their courses were not accredited due to poor lack of necessary facilities.

    “It will amaze anyone to discover that the state university had four vice chancellors in its 10 years of existence, there was no stability until we came in, that was why we brought somebody like Prof Attahiru Jega to head the council to stabilise the school.

    “We have been able to provide basic facilities and the NUC has recommended for the accreditation of the university. We shall give same prompt attention to our secondary and primary schools and we have already made provisions for that in our 2016 budget.

    “Apart from facilities, all our schools lack relevant teachers and  they have not recruited staff since the last 10 years. We are currently taking an inventory of the staff deficit across the state with hope of injecting required manpower who will engender quality in our academic programmes.”

  • Old girls hold reunion 25 years after

    All roads would lead to Rodizzo Restaurant, GRA, Ikeja on October 31, as the 1990 set of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Benin City will be coming together to celebrate its 25th reunion in grand style.

    It will be the first integrated reunion in Nigeria for the old students since leaving the unity school 25 years ago.

    The idea of a get-together was conceived on Whatsapp, a social networking platform, by the Lagos chapter, which took advantage of the forum created on July 21 to enable the class bond and share ideas. Some of the old students told The Nation about their excitement in reconnecting with their friends whom they last saw at the school’s premises.

    Several activities have been lined up to make the occasion a memorable one which includes a Karaoke session where each old girl is expected to sing a school song.

    “We really are excited about this reunion because we’re going to know each other 25 years later. The things we probably missed when we met each other during our school days at Fedeben,” one of the old students said.

    The gathering would offer the women an opportunity to rub minds, celebrate, network and discuss ways of assisting their alma matter.

    A grand reunion for the entire set, regardless of location, is being planned for next October in Dubai.

     

  • 25 years… and counting

    25 years… and counting

    The Chair Centre Group  has held a national discourse to celebrate its 25 years in business. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola led others to the event held at the Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports. 

    AS rule, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) does not confer awards on proxies. So, the Catholic Church Sokoto Archdiocese Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah who was nominated last year lost out as he could not make it to Lagos.

    But when the opportunity came again this year, the senior cleric had to stay back in Lagos to attend the ceremony and pick the award. He was all smiles when he was called after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor for (his citation and) conferment by the Special Members’ Forum (SMF) Chairman, Pastor Bayo Oladesu. The Bishop, who wore his white religious robe and cap, was his usual boisterous self. When he was about to respond, the microphone failed. He was unperturbed. He joked: “I thought the microphone only recognises the naira. It does not recognise poverty.” Pastor Oritsejafor had just donated N1million to BSN. Those who understood Kukah laughed. But more was to come.

    Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who is BSN’s Patron, asked if there was anyone who was 79 or 80 years old. No response. “If there is none, then I can say I am the Father of the Day,” Gowon’s joke received applause. Perhaps he was announcing his forthcoming birthday. Gowon, who ruled Nigeria for nine years, will be 80 this year.

    Oristejafor was presented his award and a Bible with a green cover by Gowon. The televangelist who is an orator did not disappoint in his response. He was frank, fair and firm.  Thanking BSN for the award, the founder of Word of Life Bible Church said, he was overwhelmed, especially as he was picked out of 80 million Christians in the country. He praised BSN for its commitment to preaching the gospel.  In a baritone voice, he said: “BSN has done well over the years in distributing the Bible and giving people the opportunity to read the Bible. Above all, it is using the Bible to unite the church. The church is so fragmented, so divided. We have our different opinions of the Bible. But we believe in Jesus.”

    He added: “I want to appeal to all Christians. Let’s unite. Whether you are Roman Catholic, Pentecostal … let’s not become a second class religion… Let’s strengthen CAN. If this institution is presented in the right way, Christianity will be presented in the world.”

    Like Kukah, Oritsejafor also wants an end to the nocturnal activities of the Boko Haram sect. But Kukah, apparently quoting the Bible, said: “Don’t feel sorry for us. God is still God. ‘This shall come to pass’.” Many chorused ‘yes’, others amen.

    Earlier, when Oritsejafor’s citation was being read, it drew applause. Not only because of his numerous achievements over years from his heydays at the Church of God Mission International to his television sermons and activities in leading the church in the country, but especially in the names of his children – Ayodele, Ayodeji and Ayodeta. Someone quipped: “They are triplets hence the names. However, this could not be confirmed.”  But there is probably another major reason; like his Biblical patriarch Abraham, Pastor Oritsejafor, who is popularly called, Papa Ayo, by his numerous admirers had his children late.

    Be that as it may, it would appear that those who wrote the citation omitted an important fact. Pastor Oritsejafor is the first Nigerian to wear two crowns in the church leadership in the country: President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and that of CAN.

    The other two recipients also made their marks in their stations in life. Overseer David Oladapo Bolade, a an engineer,  from the famous Bolade family in Oshodi, Lagos, a former president of BSN, took over the association in  1996, when its accounts was in the red and brought it from the woods within a year of assuming duties.  Also, he put the society on the world map not a money guzzler, but as a self-sustaining body. Quiet and unassuming, he is the first Nigerian to be elected a member of Global Executive Board of the United Bible Societies (UBS).  While Moses Olubunmi Ajayi, a distinguished civil servant and town Planner was described as a diligent and an industrious personality. A 1971 Geography graduate of the premier university, University of Ibadan, he later founded Molaj Consultants.

    At the event, BSN’s General Secretary Rev Dare Ajiboye solicited for financial assistance for their project – a N150million Translation Centre/Regional Warehouse based in Ibadan. He noted that the body made some achievements – it completed the translations of two Bibles in Igede and Ebira and launched them, thereby making it 22 that it has completed since its inception in the 1960s. The journey is still far, he added.

    BSN National President/Board Chairman Nuru Aaron said: “I want to challenge and encourage you all to use your influence and wealth in making the word of God available in other local Nigerian languages.” He was supported by the Chairman, Daily Needs Group Dr Matthew Oyin Jolayemi who chaired the occasion and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who was guest speaker.

    The cleric, who spoke on the theme: “Building for the Master’s use”, urged all to give cheerfully and bountifully, adding that there is blessing in giving.  Pastor Ighodalo, who is founder/senior pastor, Trinity House, was asked to pray for those who gave.

    Students of the Vocational School of the Blind, Oshodi, Lagos added colour to the occasion when one of them read from the Braille Bible effortlessly.