The Nation Newspaper

Tag: colours

  • Celebration of colours, movements on canvas

    Celebration of colours, movements on canvas

    One of Nigeria’s contemporary artists, Mr. Micheal Adigwe has identified the role of apprenticeship as complementary to formal education in art, which provides strong foundation for practice. He stated that apprenticeship offers a unique chance to learn from established practicing artists in a real-world studio setting.

    At a recent sneak preview of some of his current paintings in his Lagos studio, the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos trained fine artist said that building a career as an artist is a challenge he truly enjoys. He believes that there is always a potential buyer for every piece of art he creates, and he is constantly exploring different channels to promote and sell his artworks.

    One of Adigwe’s paintings in the  collection, titled Nature reflects the peaceful ambience of a rural settlement, the concept of serenity, peace, and harmony which he captures in this fascinating semi-realism painting. The lush green leaves of towering trees form a natural canopy, their green hues painting a picture of life and vitality. A row of humble huts huddles in the greenery, each one a testament to simplicity and the beauty of rustic living. These small houses, nestled among the vegetation, stand as silent witnesses to the mutual relationship between humanity and the natural world.

    Behind the huts, more vegetation blooms, a lush backdrop that further emphasizes the abundance of nature in this peaceful setting. The scene is punctuated by a small fireplace situated between the trees and the houses. The fire burns steadily, sending smoke curling gracefully into the sky, a signal of life and warmth in this serene landscape. Though no human figures are visible, the presence of the fire hints at human activity, suggesting that people live and thrive in this harmonious environment. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the artwork, enhancing the sense of tranquility that permeates the scene.

    This piece beautifully illustrates the deep relationship between humans and nature. It speaks to the delicate balance that exists in rural areas, where people live in harmony with their surroundings, respecting and nurturing the environment that sustains them. The absence of visible human figures emphasizes a deeper truth: that humans are but one part of the larger design of life. The burning fire symbolizes not just warmth and sustenance, but also the enduring connection between human life and the natural world.

    Read Also: Challenging preconceived notions of beauty, colours

    In this painting, viewers are reminded of the serenity that can be found in simple living, and the peaceful coexistence that is possible when humanity lives in harmony with the environment. It is an emotional reflection on the beauty of nature and the quiet, unspoken bond that ties us to the earth. Through this artwork, we are invited to pause, reflect, and appreciate the tranquility and balance that nature offers, urging us to preserve and cherish the natural world that is so vital to our existence.

    But in Flow a vibrant abstract painting, Adigwe captures a dance of colours and emotions showing vivid shades of black, yellow, blue, white, and a touch of grey. The artwork has open white spaces at the upper left side and at the lower right side, creating a sense of balance and breathability. Between these white spaces, the colours twist and turn, flowing together like a river cutting through a white landscape. The colours are bold and strong, streaming down from the upper right side to the lower left side. This heavy flow of colours resembles a powerful current, moving with energy and purpose.

    The black colour stands out the most. In the middle of this black area, threads of white, blue, and yellow weave through, adding depth and intrigue. Surrounding the black, yellow hues appear on both sides, more prominent towards the upper left and fading gently towards the lower right.

    Aesthetically, the artist uses the painting to tell a story of movement and connection, while the interplay of colours represents the dynamic flow of life, with its twists and turns, highs and lows. The heavy black area, with its threads of lighter colours, symbolizes moments of intensity and complexity, while the surrounding yellow hints at hope and warmth.

    The white spaces provide contrast and relief, much like calm moments in the midst of life’s busy flow. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance, showing how different aspects of life come together to form a beautiful, cohesive whole. This painting invites viewers to reflect on their own journey, the flow of experiences, and the connections that shape their lives. The Flow is a celebration of colour, movement, and the ever-changing nature of our paths.

  • Symphony of boundless colours

    Symphony of boundless colours

    Buoyed by over two decades of consistent studio practice, Joshua Nmesirionye is celebrating his rich experiences in a solo art exhibition tagged Symphony that breathes freshness onto the Lagos art circuit. 

    Currently showing at Yenwa Gallery, Muri-Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, and ending tomorrow, the exhibition comes at a time art appreciation space of Lagos is connecting old and new generation of art followers. Nmesirionye belongs in that generation of artists representing the resilient past and emerging new energies of contemporary art.

    He shares similar status of connecting diverse textures of art with newly opened Yenwa Gallery, founded by independent curator, Ugonna Ibe in 2021. Yenwa Gallery was launched, as a facility, in April 2023 with maiden exhibition titled Inner Space

    that featured nine contemporary artists across two generations.

    Nmesirionye’s creative wellspring, according to Yenwa Gallery, draws from the manifold sources of people, the environment, and the boundless realms of imagination. The gallery said that the artist’s multifaceted approach imparts a profound richness to his artwork, creating a dynamic fusion of influences that beckon viewers into an immersive world of reflection and contemplation.

    “In this body of work, Nmesirionye`s paintings masterfully convey a sense of movement that is both mesmerizing and evocative,” Ibe added, noting that “the brushstrokes seem to dance across the canvas, creating a dynamic interplay of forms and colors that hint at the transient nature of existence.”

    In a curatorial statement, Ibe noted how the subdued tones employed by Nmesirionye lend his works an aura of tranquility or perhaps a touch of melancholy, yet he leaves it to the audience to discern the emotions evoked. For each of the strokes, viewers are invited ‘to embark on a personal journey of interpretation, allowing them to find their own meanings and emotions within the canvas.’

    Read Also: Impeachment: Your ex-parte injunction cannot stop us, Ondo speaker tells Aiyedatiwa

    According to her, “In contrast, his sculptures exude a serene calmness that commands a quiet yet powerful presence. The sculptures stand as stoic sentinels, inviting contemplation and introspection. It’s as if they hold within them the secrets of time and wisdom, encouraging viewers to pause and listen to the silent narratives they whisper. The juxtaposition of the sculptures’ quiet confidence against the vibrant energy of the paintings creates a harmonious dialogue within Symphony.

    Symphony marks a significant milestone in Nmesirionye’s artistic journey as he takes center stage to present a collection that reflects his unique vision and creativity.”

    Born in Umuahia, Abia State in1968, Nmesirionye completed his Higher Education at the famous School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State in 1998 with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in painting. He had his post-school training from notable Nigerian master, Abiodun Olaku.

    His most recent group exhibitions are Legacy (I) and (ll), at Mydrim Gallery 2021, 2022 respectively; Infinite Treasures, Terrakulture Lagos in 2017; October Rain, National Museum Lagos 2016; and Mutual Art Inspiration, Zoetemeer, Netherlands 2016 among others.

     Nmesirionye is a multimedia artist, committed to studio practice. He tells his stories through textured surface canvases. Inspiration for his works comes from people, his environment and imagination. His goal is to connect representational art with abstract and contemporary sensibilities through the physicality of paints on the canvas.

     Nmesirionye is a member of the Universal Studios of Art, Lagos, where he practices. He also finds time to instruct and mentor students of art and upcoming artists. He is a member of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), and Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA)

  • Colours, voices at June 12 celebration in Niger Delta

    Prominent individuals from the Niger Delta converged on the highbrow Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital to celebrate June 12 and the winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola. BISI OLANIYI, Southsouth Bureau Chief, reports that the participants maintained that what the country sorely needs is good governance for development.

    After two decades and six years of struggle by pro-democracy activists for successive administrations to recognise June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day, President Muhammadu Buhari, has signed into law the bill which legalises the day.

    The country celebrated her maiden June 12 Democracy Day penultimate Wednesday – in recognition of the June 12, 1993 election – Nigeria’s freest and fairest ever. The election was won by frontline businessman Moshood Abiola, who died in a bid to claim his mandate.

    In the Niger Delta, a group known as the Unity House Foundation and the Garden City Leadership Initiative organised a lecture to mark the day. It was the second edition of the event since the group’s inception last year.

    During the celebration, which featured lectures and other events, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Unity House Foundation, Kingsley Wali averred that corruption is Nigeria’s greatest problem, even as he added that good governance must be the fulcrum of our democratic experiment.

    The lecture was aimed at celebrating the historic day of freedom from oppression and dictatorship and the winner of the fairest, freest and the most credible presidential election ever held in the history of Nigeria, the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

    It is generally agreed that Abiola laid down his life for the survival of democracy in Nigeria. Any wonder President Buhari shifted Democracy Day celebration to June 12 from May 29.

    This year’s June 12 lecture, which took place at the highbrow Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, had as its theme “National Security: Beyond Power, Passion and Politics.”

    The guest speaker was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, while the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Ndowa Lale, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hakeem Fewehinmi.

    Panelists at the lecture included Prof. Eme Ekekwe of UNIPORT; a frontline activist, Elder Timi Ogoriba and an Abuja-based lawyer, Ibiba Okunye; while topic of the lecture was: “Insecurity – Bigger than Recession and a Bigger Threat to Democracy.”

    Also present at the event was the Deputy Commandant and Head of Private Guard Company (PGC) Department of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, Claire Nnenna Okpo.

    The guest lecturer, Prof. Osaghae expressed his optimism that Nigeria would soon be a country where people would live in peace and be secure.

    He said: “There is hope for Nigeria. There cannot be absolute security. Security is relative. There is as much insecurity in Nigeria, as in the United States of America, United Kingdom and other developed countries of the world. Insecurity makes Nigerians to look for alternative security, such as vigilance groups, militants or cult groups, which leads to greater insecurity.

    “Hunger can provoke someone to abnormal behaviour. Food security and the security of tenure/work are very important. Corruption is provoked by insecurity. Humankind is the essence of security. If there is no humankind, we cannot talk of recession and democracy. We must first be alive, before being democratic. Intelligence gathering thrives on volunteerism to get reliable, timely and useful information.

    “Government has fund, but it is unable to deliver on security. The current federal system is dysfunctional, because it is highly centralised. It must be decentralised in order to move forward. Nigerians need to specially consider community and state policing, which must be tailored to our peculiarities, with adequate checks and balances to avoid abuse.

    “Insecurity in Nigeria must be frontally tackled to pave way for peace and development. If a state/country cannot deliver on security, the state/country has failed.”

    Prof. Osaghae, who now teaches at the University of Ibadan (UI) Oyo State, also stated that providing adequate security should not be left for the Federal Government alone, stressing that the state and local governments must be involved. He added that hunger and unemployment must be tackled adequately in order to ensure safety of lives and property.

    The don noted that the two fundamental responsibilities of any government are provision of adequate security and caring for the welfare of the citizens, which he said should be taken very seriously to ensure peace.

    He said: “Nigeria will get better. It has taken longer to get to the point of having Democracy Day on June 12, but reconceptualisation through rethinking is very important. We also need value reorientation.

    “Security is accountability. We must hold our leaders accountable. We cannot continue to allow the state and its officials to misbehave. One person’s insecurity is our collective insecurity. Security is a collective responsibility.”

    The guest speaker also advised all Nigerians to continue to contribute to societal development, stressing that generations unborn would appreciate their efforts.

    While speaking at the event, one of the panelists, Prof. Ekekwe noted that part of the problems in Nigeria was that the people do not know their history; a situation he described as unfortunate. He insisted that leaders must be able to take constructive criticisms and that the ruling class should not be myopic.

    Ekekwe also stated that Nigeria’s military deserved more than they were currently getting from Nigerians and the government at all levels.

    He said: “In Nigeria, truth is very costly. There should be adequate training and retraining of the security personnel, especially in the area of intelligence gathering. The security agencies should also be adequately equipped and funded.

    In her remarks, Ibiba Okunye described insecurity as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, adding that some politicians and top government officials had been encouraging insecurity.

    The Abuja-based lawyer noted that no country could flourish with poverty and insecurity, stressing that most government officials and politicians had failed, making most young people to lose hope in Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Elder Ogoriba stressed that when criminals were not adequately punished as a result of weak judicial system, crimes would flourish. He urged Wali and other organisers of the event to sustain the June 12 lecture initiative.

    He noted that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was not being properly funded by the Federal Government, stressing that the June 25, 2009 offer of amnesty to repentant Niger Delta militants was because the Federal Government was only interested in the crude oil and gas available in the region.

    The frontline activist reiterated that Abiola died while pushing to be president to make Nigeria better, declaring that the late business mogul sacrificed his life for Nigeria’s democracy. He wondered why the youth preferred to be thugs to politicians whose children would be in the best schools overseas. He added that the government must be responsive and responsible.

    In his address on the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai stated that the Nigerian Army had restored normalcy to the creeks of the hitherto volatile Niger Delta, thereby increasing the level of socio-economic activities in the region.

    He also assured that the Nigerian Army was poised to live to its constitutional responsibility by ensuring that all threats to the country’s national security were nipped in the bud.

    Buratai, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) six Division, Nigerian Army Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham described Nigeria as a blessed country.

    Buratai, who spoke as a special guest of honour reiterated that Nigeria was passing through a difficult period of its history.

    He said: “The topic of the lecture is very contemporary and very relevant, as we mark the first Democracy Day on June 12. The security challenges facing the country at the moment have stretched the police and the military and, indeed, other security agencies in personnel and resources.

    “The Army, whose primary role is the defence of the territorial integrity of the country, is currently deployed in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja, on the secondary role of ‘Aid to Civil Authority.’ This reality is, by no means strange, as other great nations have passed through similar experiences in their history.

    “A lot of progress has been made in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, which hopefully is at its last stage. The main efforts have been achieved as the insurgents’ capacity to hold territories have been greatly degraded.

    “The Nigerian Army is at the stage of conducting stabilisation operations, which will ensure that the civil populace in the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camps returns to their homes for socio-economic activities to thrive in their communities.”

    He also stated that crimes such as pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, sea piracy and kidnapping had been reduced to the barest minimum, while assuring that the Nigerian Army would ensure that the criminals are brought to justice.

    Buratai praised members of the Unity House Foundation and Garden City Leadership Initiative for putting together the lecture, stressing that the initiative proved that the next generations were ready to take over the mantle of leadership of the country and tackle the challenges of their time.

    He said: “I wish to encourage you to continue in this stride, as there can be no progress without a vision. It is through visions that we can take the country to its full potential.

    “The biggest resource any country can have is its human capital, which, when harnessed, can take any country to greater heights.”

    The Chief of Army Staff also urged members of the public to always volunteer useful and timely information to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, assuring that their identities would be protected.

  • Colours of Uhola: Celebrating Zuru heritage

    At a time many of his contemporaries are being driven by the dictates of the art market, Moses Oghagbon remains focused on documenting the hidden treasures of Nigeria using his paintings.

    In 2004, he initiated the Tour Nigeria Project to promote unity of the country using its cultural landscape to tell good story. In line with the objectives of the project, Oghagbon undertook documentaries on landscape of Nigeria, Argungu fishing festival in series and in two distinct genres of art; painting and photography.

    On Saturday, December 8, his latest collection of paintings on Uhola, a festival in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State will be on show at Weave & Co Gallery, Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The solo exhibition tagged Colours of Uhola, is another effort by Oghagbon to showcase the colours and thrills of the festival he has enjoyed over the years.  With 26 paintings, water colours and drawings of landscape and figuratives on the yearly celebration, the artist offers the many sides of the festival to viewers.

    From action moments to when the dancers and other participants in the festival are returning home, the artist captures all these on canvas. But the artist major concern is the need to use his paintings to promote peace, unity and love among Nigerians, especially at a time when terrorism and violence are common place.

    To Oghagbon, art can unify Nigerians than any other thing because it gives peace of mind to the viewers.

    According to the artist, ‘’all this while I have been enjoying the thrills and colours of the festival, so I decided to paint the scenes for the public to savour’’. Each of the 26 paintings and drawings is packed with actions, movements, use of colours that reflect the festive mood and season of Zuru Emirate. From many of the paintings, the dusty and sandy landscapes of the communities are evident to the eyes of viewers.

    Paintings, such as Collective effort and The way we are symbolise the spirit behind the project. Collective effort shows some men dressed in green and red attires with drums hanging on their shoulders, walk down home at the close of the festival. The harmonious use of bright colours in the painting tells much of the mood and peaceful co-existence between each of the participants at the  yearly feast.

    Other paintings are Somewhere in Zuru,Focus, Rhythm of Uhola, Zuru, Expereince, Conversation, Joy, Life is beautiful and In the spirit of Uhola.

    Oghagbon recalled that his passion for art dated back to his youth days at school when he reproduced comic magazines which were resold to his colleagues. “I used to keep my chocolate money to buy crayon for drawing. With arts, I have been to many places I never imagined I could enter. In fact, at graduation at Yaba College of Technology, I told my colleagues that I will never work for anybody, but for myself as a painter. And it has been paying my bills,” he said.

    Oghagbon’s Tour Nigeria project is not limited to the landscape of the north as he will be shifting attention to Badagry or Ile Ife in Southwest zone next year.

     

     

     

  • ‘Why I love expressive colours’

    In this interview with Edozie Udeze, Moses Prince Ozange, a Port Harcourt-based studio artist talks about his love for colours and how important social issues of the moment shape his works and more

    As a full time studio artist, what sort of painting and drawings gives you the greatest attention and patronage?

    For me my creations are out of the “box”. An artist should work to a satisfactory stage, which is what I call a finished work. I work in different mediums and influence, in and outside my State because we are in a global village. So I am doing what my body and soul require of me at a point in time. It is simple once I am convinced with my group’s idea, and a fantastic message across to let enjoy what they have done and let them pass through your beautiful ideas, you have already gained the attention of your audience. For me I will tell you that my works have sold, and as an artist, I’ve not seen anything that I’ve painted or drawn etc. that have not been sold before. Over time I have got attention and patronage in all I have created.

    You are known as an  adventurous artist in your oeuvre, which medium appeal to you most?

    “Oil” for me, oil comes first appealing before any other medium based on this nature.

    Your concept of colour is sharp. What colours dominate your works more and why?

    “Blue” it appeals to my soul because it is cool in nature. The sharpness of my colours come from the element of nature

    As someone who learnt at the feet of Duke Asidere, what element of his works defines your experiment as an artist?

    “Duke Asidere is a master”. Over the years I have listened to him speak and his philosophical statement on arts motivates me, his technique is prolific and also his value over his arts moves me. So I can say that Asidere’s words explains the elements in my figure, I also like to express in textures (impasto) it makes me feel my work as a 3D. But in total, my experimental quests still have no ending.

    What is the state of studio arts in Port Harcourt? How prosperous?

    The Port Harcourt art market and studio practice  are just like other arts markets in our society. There is not much difference; we also express ourselves in diverse mediums and experimental too. The artists in my state, I observe we are highly business conscious in nature, that means also that will help us to pull our arts further. For me art in Port Harcourt can be lots better and bigger if we have more galleries and collectors in the state. And this also can help the Port Harcourt artist to make more recognition internationally and otherwise.

    How do social issues in the society reflect in your work?

    Over the years, I have increased my technical proficiency. In my consciousness and sub-consciousness, the echo has also been the social-political situations in our society. I paint with news print, which for me helps me to capture all social activities that happened in my country and as a historical means to Nigerians. So I paint my frustrations when I speak. We have too many negative things around us, from our infrastructure, roads and others etc. we have eroded our values completely, we need some of us to lift us up and celebrate the positives, because “we have condescended so low as to sacrifice merit on the altar of mediocrity. So am trying not to be psychologically submerged. To that fact, I paint to help myself in that regard.

    What are the new ways of expressions you want to explore?

    I want to express myself more with colours as a 3D effect on 2D grand and still looking forward to making my work to be in round. Playing with more figures, patterns and textures.

     

  • The healing power of colours

    •Concluding part

    The vegetables radiate green energy. Eat plenty of vegetables for energy and strength. Green is good for ulcers, (external and internal), heart problems, and all forms of infections, such as STD, allergy, skin reactions. Rub green oil for all this.

    When faced with difficult situations where you must make a decision, relax and be still. Wrap a green cloth on your face and head. Green is a helpful colour for leaders, counsellors, and those who make decisions. When confused, unable to sleep or agitated, squeeze bitter leaf in water and drink two glasses. When agitated and worried, you radiate red. The solution is more radiation of green through application of oil to the body, and eating greens like bitter leaf and plantain. Do not make serious decision when your aura is red. Balance it with green before making decision.

    Green is the colour for healing. We all need healing. A lot of people are sick simply because they do not know why they are here on earth, what they are destined for and what their life is all about. They become confused and find it difficult or even impossible to make decisions. They are afraid of what tomorrow will bring. Such people need a lot of green energy to help them rediscover the dynamism of life. Green gives us wisdom and inspiration to forge ahead in this life. It is true that there is a lot of uncertainty, insecurity, unhappiness, injustice and evil in the world. Yet, we can still be happy, despite all these. In green we find the courage to face life and befriend uncertainties.

     

    Blue

    Projecting blue energy into the body reduces inflammation and swelling in joints and other tissues. Blue is the colour of peace, gentleness, calmness and protection. It is the colour of rest, sleep and relaxation. Have you ever noticed an office painted with dominant blue? You will notice calmness and peace. Blue does not excite, unlike red.

    Blue is the colour for musicians, artists, poets and preachers. Blue radiates peace, health and tranquillity. Sound, music, and water are often linked with blue. Sound is linked to creation. The world came into being when God uttered the creative word. Christ often cast out devils by uttering the healing  word. To the dead girl he said: Tabitha cum. To the woman caught in adultery he said: “Has no one condemned you? Go and sin no more.” Words go a long way to shape people’s feelings and sense of identity. Music and poems are advanced forms of speech. Why are they so powerful? It is because they open us to a deeper level where healing can take place; a level beyond the material level of competition, greed and materialism.

    In times of sickness, learn to sing a meaningful song. Utter positive words while bathing, for blue is the colour of water. To chant mantra while bathing is very useful. It brings calmness and peace. It also helps to hold a glass of water in your hand and say some words like: ‘May the river of life flow through me’, or ‘may the healing rays of God radiate through me’; ‘Christ my light, wash me clean’. You can hold a glass of water in your hand and say: ‘Tabitha cum, little girl, get up’ to arouse your dormant energies and power to come to the surface. Blue is the colour for fevers, insomnia, and appendicitis, allergic reactions, diabetes, cancer and other viruses like the notorious HIV virus. In families where there is tension, disagreement, blue is desirable. Wives, whose husbands get easily irritated should try to create a blue environment.

     

    ORANGE

    Orange colour is derived from a combination of red and yellow. In other words, it is a combination of intellectual and reproductive energy. Orange is directly related to the large intestine and the reproductive organs. Orange helps in proper metabolism without which constipation and toxicity would result. It is an active ray. It puts emphasis on health and wellbeing through proper physical, healthy lifestyle, e.g. physical exercises, balanced diet, vegetarian diet. Orange is the colour for vegetarians. In life, it is good to learn to do something physically positive. Faith without works is nothing. Orange-coloured oils, lotions and herbs are very useful for physical health. Fruit fast is capable of absolving poisons and toxins from the system.

    Orange colour increases oxygen, helps lungs and menstrual cramp, encourages interests and activities, releases gas, draws boils, helps in abscesses, depresses the parathyroid and stimulates the thyroid. It increases flow of milk in mothers and flow of sperm in men with scanty menses. It also helps in impotence and rigidity in women.

  • The healing power of colours

    The healing power of colours

    We are all deeply affected by colours more than we realise. Colours can evoke in us memories of events buried in the mind. Seeing a colour can evoke feelings of joy, pain, love, sorrow, belonging and acceptance. Colour is the window to the hidden depths of our complex soul. We all know that there are many aspects of ourselves that are hidden from us. Sometimes we are afraid to look into our soul, for we may not like what we see. Colour creatively links us with our inner selves. It re-binds, re-unites and re-creates. Colour is very much with us as our guide and motivator. Colour is the forgotten healer within us, the voiceless voice, and the healing ray within.

    Colour refreshes, reenergises and reactivates. It softens the hard heart, consoles the sad, soothes the weary, enlivens the depressed, calms the excited and reorients the confused. Do you often experience failure in your business? Do you have problem keeping friends? Do you have problem passing your exams? Are you jobless and need a job?  Do you suffer from constant headache, perennial stress, persistent fever, recurring nightmares, irregular heartbeat, problematic blood pressure, painful menstruation or difficulty in conception? Do you know the cause of all these ailments? Well, colour knows. You know too, only that you don’t know that you know. Get attuned to colour, and it will teach you many things.

    From sunrise to sunset, light changes in brightness and intensity. As the morning sun rises, hues of red, gold or orange envelops the earth.  Have you ever gone off to garden or a hill and gazed at the morning sun as it rises?

    The animals respond creatively as the red/gold rays of the sun energises their cells and they feel a new lease of life. The Lions roar. The birds sing. The cocks crow. The leopards leap. The plants radiate aliveness and health as they bask in the rays of the sun. Each plant and animal respond in thankfulness to God for the sheer gift of life. Human beings, on the other hand, are often too busy to notice the resplendent beauty of light. Those who live in the cities do not even have the luxury of being able to relax and gaze into the sky to notice the beauty of the rising sun, no thanks to our sky scrappers and luxurious metallic confinements we call cars. Colour affects us at the different layers of our being, whether we see it or not. Every cell in the body is very sensitive to light and absorbs colour rays easily.                Attraction to a particular colour is attraction to a very specific sort of energy. Colour, like food, supplies needed nutrients to the body. A person’s favourite colour reflects the energy that they need to maintain balance. If you are attracted to a particular colour, it is to reinforce you by supplying what you need. If you don’t feel comfortable with a colour, it could be that you have too much of a particular energy which that colour supplies and so you need to balance it with another energy. For example, if you feel lonely, shy and withdrawn, indigo will only add to your feeling of isolation and will not make you comfortable. Indigo creates a feeling of aloneness, solitude, being alone, and that is not what a lonely person wants. Such a person will be more drawn toward red. On the other hand, a hyperactive person will be drawn toward blue. Rejecting a particular colour may indicate the aspects of our lives that we are not willing to face and change.

  • Cultures, colours at Lalong’s inauguration

    Cultures, colours at Lalong’s inauguration

    For 16 years, the people of Plateau State endured lack of good governance. They ardently prayed for quality leadership. The 2015 general elections provided them with the opportunity to elect Governor Simon Bako Lalong who they believe will offer them the leadership they desired. He was inaugurated on May 29 as the fifth governor of the state who wrestled power from a ruling party. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports that the event was a celebration of cultures and colours

    The people of Plateau State had endured lack of good governance for a decade and six years. They literally became accustomed to the kind of leadership that alienated them from the scheme of things, even as they had yearned for a man who would offer them quality leadership.

    They prayed and waited for 16 solid years for a leader whose policies and programmes will impact positively on the people, even as they longed for a leader who would not be disposed to nepotism.

    God heard their prayers as He heard those of Israelites when they were in bondage in Egypt. So, during the governorship and House of Assembly elections on April 11 this year, God provided them the kind of leader they most wanted. Simon Bako Lalong was their choice. He defeated former Governor Jang’s candidate from Berom at the polls.

    •The Rwang Pam Township Stadium, venue of the event
    •The Rwang Pam Township Stadium, venue of the event

    On May 29, Lalong was inaugurated as the fifth governor of the state created in1975. The colourful event held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium.

    It was an incident they never expected, at least for now. But that was real; the political party that didn’t provide them with what they expected is now in the opposition in the political equation of Plateau State.

    Any wonder the people heartily celebrated the coming of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its standard bearer in whom they believed would provide them good governance.

    The event was akin to a carnival. The razzmatazz that was the feature of the inauguration in Plateau State made the transition of power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC to have the semblance of an independence celebration.

    The people prepared for the inauguration ceremony as if they were preparing to celebrate a new state. But this is not the first civilian governor of Plateau State; Governor Lalong is the fifth civilian governor of the state. This apart, the jubilant Plateau citizens said: “We are celebrating our emancipation from a second slavery. We are celebrating for defeating an incumbent government that wants to run a fourth term in office. We are celebrating the departure of PDP after taking us for granted for 16 solid years.”

    A day to the inauguration, people started moving en-masse from all the 17 local government areas of the state to Jos, the state capital for the ceremony. Also, on the day of the inauguration, the people started moving to the stadium as early as 6:00 in the morning. By 10:00 a.m., the stadium was filled to capacity.

    The Plateau Police Command deployed not less than 500 policemen to the venue of the inauguration, aside from those deployed by other security agencies. Yet still, it was taxing for the security agents to control the huge crowd.

    The APC supporters came in their droves to witness the transfer of power from the PDP to their party and their governor-elect, Simon Lalong. They were so enthusiastic, and genuinely so.

    But their enthusiasm was informed by the fact that it was the first time in 16 years that an opposition won an election in the state.

    Different cultural groups were present at the celebration. The Tarok people came with their cultural dances such Nzem-Zur cultural group and Nzem-Shir traditional dancers. The Shargindim traditional dancers from Garkawa in Mikang Local Government Area were also present. The Berom people were there with their Vwanna, a female dance group. People of Pankshin Local Government Area were not left out of the carnival; they came with Veku dancers from Chip and Jingla women dancers also from Chip.

    The Mopung people came with their Fer group, Bhwel dancers and Chier dancers. The Amo ethnic group from Bassa Local Government Area also came with their Iwana dancers as well as Izara dancers.

    The people of Dengi in Kanam Local Government Area paraded their Ngyal-Nzam traditional dance, Ngyal-Lyang as well as Ngyal-Lak. Some cultural groups that had no space to display inside the stadium were outside the stadium entertaining some crowd.

    The people had enough reason to celebrate. Most people believed that the last eight years of Jonah Jang administration could be likened to military rule. The conduct of the former governor, Jonah Jang in his eight years in office made the people develop hatred for the PDP as well as the Berom ethnic group.

    The Berom people never had the opportunity to govern the state since its creation in 1975. But in 2007, the opportunity came for the people of Plateau North Senatorial zone and the Berom ethnic group was favoured to produce Jonah Jang. However, many believe that the former governor had disappointed them with the policies and programmes which his administration enunciated.

    One of the elder statesmen, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande said: “Jang ruled us for eight years within which period he brought several infrastructural developments. He built roads and so on, but he messed us up. Jang’s tenure was full of bloodshed; he inherited that insecurity but he failed to manage it. He also helped to damage the image of Plateau people outside by the way and manner he played his politics at the national level.

    “Remember his role in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum where he claimed 16 votes was higher than 19. Such action brought shame on Plateau people and it almost became a global embarrassment.”

    Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu said: “Former Governor Jang brought some development to the state, but he over-rated himself and started playing God. He became a tribal warlord and failed to carry all Plateau people along. He believed more of his Berom kinsmen than any other ethnic group in the state. Some of his attitudes made him lose popularity in the state.”

    Mr. Daniel Manjang, a Berom indigene said: “I am not surprised that the people are celebrating the APC’s victory in a manner akin to a carnival. It was because the people have succeeded in defeating the candidate imposed on them by Jang and the PDP. Some of us from Berom told Governor Jang then not to impose governorship candidate on the people, but he refused and thought he will do his wish in the state without hindrance.

    “So, the people teamed up and selected their own candidate to face that of Jang. Eventually, the people won and Jang lost. So, the people are merely celebrating their victory over an incumbent governor.”

    It was a popular view that Jang had challenged the people’s power by bringing a governorship candidate from his own ethnic group. They believed that voting for Jang’s candidate as governor was like giving Jang a third term in office.

    A former commissioner in the state, Dr. Patric Dakum had said: “Voting for Jang’s governorship candidate is like voting Jang for a third term because Jang does not believe that any other ethnic group in the state can produce a governorship candidate apart from his Berom kinsmen.

    “So, the plan of Jang was to impose another Berom man on the people and after another eight years in the hand of Berom, he would have made one of his own sons the governor and no other ethnic group will occupy the Government House. That was why the people rose up against him and voted against his candidate.”

    The PDP had ruled Plateau State since 1999. Within the period, the PDP held sway. The opposition battle in vain to displace the PDP government.

    However, with the birth of APC in 2013, the people were resolute in their resolve to effect a change. They saw in the APC a formidable front to achieve their long political desires.

    An APC supporter, Alhaji Idris Musa said: “We rolled out drums to celebrate the end of PDP, the end of tyrant rule, the end of impunity, the end of imposition and the end of bloodshed on the Plateau. And most especially, we rolled out our drums to welcome the new party; the APC. That is the only way we can express our state of mind. We are happy that the will of the people has finally prevailed. At last, our votes counted. This is a liberty carnival.”

     

  • Colours that will define 2015

    Colours that will define 2015

    COLOUR is the catalyst that can spark the your outlook, define the face and create the magic and the mood. When adoring a dress or  applying a make-up product, knowing what colours to use is critical to your total package

    The colour forecast for 2015 reveals  new colours that soothes, renew and even surprise. They are gloroius vibrant  jewel colours; we will see them all, buttery golden yellow, green, emerald, ruby, teal, blue, coral, peacock blue, shiny silver, deep oranges, navy and turquiose, all supported by the use of silver,gold, lusciuos thick creamyn creams, ivory and warm white. Warmth, texture, layers, opulence and luxury is the key for 2015.

    Enchantingly glossy cream, peach, chocolate, ox-blood, wine and energetic black are the other colours to look out for. The year will see a wonderful  mix of gaiety and colour in what we wear and in our homes. In all, fashion has become more of an individual thing. 2015 should be all about working on what is in your wardrobe, buying new ones, mixing and matching different style pieces to achieve a unique style; and while you do this, remember,, fashion is always moving and elvolving in an unpredictable way.

  • Copy the orange look

    Copy the orange look

    DO you know the queen of colours at the moment? It is no other than orange. Orange is the rave of the moment. Colours are synonymous with fashion. Specific colours of fabrics rule per season and the trendiest colour for both night gigs and daytime events at the moment is orange. Thanks to the ingenuity of our designers, many attention-grabbing dresses are in orange. Orange is everywhere, in every imaginable style. Depending on your choice, you can choose fabrics in banana, custard, burnt-orange, pint orange etc.

    One interesting thing about orange is that it comes out best when it is used to add quality or beauty to any fabric of any other colour. Depending on the skill of the designer, orange fabrics can make you look elegant, bold and tasteful. On its own, orange is actually a very bold and lousy colour that you may not want to wear alone.

    By the way, you should never make it an all round orange affair; for instance, you may go for gold shoes and bag or better still another popular colour that blends with all orange, black. This is certain to give you the gorgeous effect that you desire. Go ahead and spice your wardrobe with orange!