The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CULTURE

  • Uncultured power corrupts culture

    By his intense intervention in the controversy relating to control of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, demonstrated cultural progressivism, distinct from but connected with his political role.

    Through an October 11 statement that reportedly bore his personal signature, Aregbesola communicated cultural intelligence that was both correct and corrective. It was an official response to Nobelist Wole Soyinka who had announced his resignation as Chairman of the CBCIU’s Board of Trustees. It also mirrored Aregbesola’s interior.

    Aregbsola said: “In the interest of the public and the culture of our race to which Soyinka is passionately committed, he must continue in his capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre. Yes, Wole Soyinka has resigned but he himself has conceded the fact that the governor must accept it. We cannot accept the resignation even though we hold him in high esteem, because of the responsibilities attached to his chairmanship of CBCIU, which is beyond him and even beyond us.”

    He stressed: “It has to do with the culture and tradition of our race which we believe that the CBCIU is meant to preserve and promote…We call on all people of goodwill to prevail on Prof Wole Soyinka to kindly reconsider his position and avail us his world acclaimed knowledge, intellect, international network and commitment to black culture and civilisation,”

    There is no question about Soyinka’s exceptional creative capacity and cultural quality. In a specific and striking instance of his inspirational importance, when Boko Haram terrorists seized over 200 schoolgirls at the Girls Senior Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, on April 15 last year, the evil coincided with a timely three-day academic conference inspired by Soyinka.  The All-Comers Colloquium on Fundamental Imperatives of Cohabitation: Faith and Secularism, organised by the Soyinka-led CBCIU, in collaboration with The State Government of Osun, took place at the centre’s Auditorium, Abere, Osogbo in Osun State.

    The conveners said the colloquium was “organised against the background of perceived religious war by Boko Haram and tension in some states, for example Osun, where religious differences are being exploited to cause trouble.”  Soyinka, however, emphasised that the event should not be seen as just a direct reaction to the Boko Haram terror campaign which has escalated in the northeastern part of the country since 2009.  “The conference has been conceived in many minds for decades in the face of rising problems,” he said.  In his opening day speech, Soyinka had pointed out that “we cannot underestimate the religious inspiration”, suggesting that religious adherents could go to unimaginable lengths to further their cause.  Soyinka was proved right following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls by the Islamist terrorists.

    This background has relevance to the current dispute over control of CBCIU, particularly because of Soyinka’s observation in another context at the colloquium. Focused on faith-based extremism, perhaps with his eyes on extremities in general, he noted: “The mind is where it started and ultimately the mind is where this disease will be cured.”

    To appreciate how a disease of the mind, or a diseased mind, might be a factor in the CBCIU drama, it is useful to reflect on an informative narrative by a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who has gone to court to seek validation of his claim to the position of CBCIU’s board chairman.

    A revealing report of a press conference organised by Oyinlola, in Okuku, Osun State, said: “According to Mr. Oyinlola, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in 2007 took a decision to establish a Category Two Institute (on culture) in Africa, which, it noted, would be the first of its kind on the continent. “A number of countries in Africa showed interest. Nigeria was one of them,” Mr. Oyinlola said.  “To strengthen Nigeria’s bid for the institute, the presidency decided to acquire archival materials of renowned culture icon, Prof Ulli Beier and sent then minister of culture, Professor Babalola Borishade, to Sydney, Australia, to seal a deal with him on the matter. However, Beier gave two conditions which he said must be met before he would grant the request of Nigeria. These two conditions are, one, the institute must be sited in Osogbo where he lived and around where majority of the materials were gathered over the decades he was here.”

    Oyinlola continued: “The second condition was on who would preside over the board of trustees of the centre. Beier told the Federal Government delegation that he did not know the minister who visited, the same with the president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but that he knew Oba Moses Oyinlola, the father of the then governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. He then demanded that an agreement must be reached that Oyinlola would be the chairman of the board of the centre in his personal capacity ostensibly to ensure the protection of his vision on the archival materials. The Federal Government agreed to the two terms and signed an agreement with Ulli and Georgina Beier on May 10, 2007. It was after this that the Federal Government contacted and informed me of the agreement.”

    The following sequence of events speaks volumes about the power of the mind and the exercise the mind in power: In 2008, as governor of Osun State, Oyinlola signed into law the CBCIU Act which stipulated that he would be the Chairman of the Board for life. Four years later, with Aregbesola in the saddle as governor, the Osun State House of Assembly amended the law to state that the Chairman of the Board shall be “the Governor or anyone appointed by him for that purpose.”  Governor Aregbesola appointed Soyinka as Chairman of the Board in August 2012.

    In the first place, what was on Oyinlola’s gubernatorial mind when he endorsed a law that would make him a permanent chairman of a public institution, considering the impermanence of public office?  In the second place, what was on Oyinlola’s mind when he took the matter to court, considering the competence of the House of Assembly to effect legislative amendments?

    When cultural thinking is informed by uncultured thoughts, or when cultured thoughts don’t inform cultural thinking, it is easy for the powerful to fall into error based on confusion.  According to Aregbesola in his statement, “The issue here is not difficult at all.” He is probably correct.  All it requires is the conjuncture of cultural thinking and cultured thinking.

  • Librarians lament poor reading culture

    Librarians lament poor reading culture

    The Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has expressed its discomfort over the apparent waning interest in reading in the country.

    The body added that this poor reading scenario can be blamed for examination malpractices.

    Speaking during the association’s week in Umuahia, the state chairman of NLA, Dr Udo Nwokocha said it is a shame that students are no longer reading which is among the reasons behind their poor performances during examinations.

    Nwokocha said that the onus is now on parents to join hands with the association through ensuring that their children read books like in the olden days, instead of watching films on televisions on daily basis.

    He also blamed the parents for encouraging their children against reading, “They do this by ensuring that they obtain special or magic centres for them to sit for their examinations which do not make them better students or workers at the end of their education”.

    The Abia NLA chairman said that the theme of the week’s celebration, ‘Bring Back The Users’, said that there is need for governments at all levels and relevant agencies to improve upon the funding of libraries of all types.

    Nwokocha said, “By so doing it will enable the libraries to provide modern facilities that will make our libraries more comfortable and attractive to users, as we can never do without libraries for all academic works”.

    He commended the state government for building the e-library saying that it will help to boost the enthusiasm and attract users back to the library, since it will offer electronic services to the users.

    The Abia NLA chairman said, “We advise that the e-library should be integrated into the state public library system since it will provide electronic services under the library board, as it will help to form the hybrid library that is in vogue all over the world”.

    Nwokocha regretted that people are relying more on Information Communication Technology [ICT], which he said has gone a long way in affecting the way the modern day students write.

    He noted that students across the country are currently finding it difficult to write correct spelling of simple words, “This could be attributed to their ability to write text messages in short words

    which has made them to lose focus on correct spellings”.

    The Abia NLA boss then called on federal and state governments to order for the opening up of all locked up libraries in different schools as well as provide the necessary materials that will make the place attractive to students and other users.

    He said that unless the libraries are reopened across the country for students to make use of them, “This may means that in the near future we will be training graduates who will be illiterates since they would not be able to read or write well”.

     

  • Sumptuous culture at Ojude Oba Festival

    Sumptuous culture at Ojude Oba Festival

    The rich cultural heritage of the people of Ijebu-Ode was on display penultimate Saturday, as the community marks this year’s Ojude Oba Festival. ERNEST NWOKOLO reports

    For several hours penultimate Saturday, Ijebu-Ode, the royal home of the Awujale of Ijebu land, Ogun State was lively. Guests from far and near joined residents to celebrate this year’s Ojude Oba Festival.

    The town was literally shut down as huge crowd of residents made their way to the palace of Awujale to behold a cultural spectacle and catch some fun usually experienced once in a year.

    There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breathtaking dance steps by cultural dancers who thrilled guests that had seated before the arrival of the dignitaries.

    It was all glamour and show of opulence, as an estimated crowd of 45,000 that included residents, friends, well-wishers and tourists, participated in the celebration of the over 100-year-old Ojude Oba carnival.

    The festival provided the opportunity for indigenes to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba 11, who is often referred to as Orisha Ijebu (the god or Oracle of the Ijebu nation) by his subjects.

    •One of the Regberegbe
    •One of the Regberegbe

    As early as 9:30 a.m. that day, the mini-stadium-like precincts built by Ijebu citizens primarily for the festival started witnessing massive influx of spectators and various age grades (the regberegbes). At noon, more crowd had gathered at the Awujale archway.

    As if the areas were not enough to accommodate the surging crowd, the spectators literally took over Folagbade and the adjoining streets as well as the Itoro; the headquarters of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.

    At one end of the arcade were Oba Adetona, his Special Guest of Honour, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma and the monarch’s wife, Olori Kemi Adetona.  Also seated near the monarch was the Acting Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga.

    Local drummers and entertainers in their various groups were available to thrill guests for no fixed price. Within the arcade, different age groups who dressed in various appealing colours competed for attention. Their mode of dressing revealed the rich cultural heritage, success, wealth and enterprising spirit of the Ijebu people.

    By 10: 30 a.m., the regberegbes had started paying homage to the Awujale, Oba Adetona, who equally poured immeasurable royal blessings on them.

    First to perform the rite with rythmic Ijebu dance step were the Egbe Mafowokun Age Grade to which Senator Biyi Durojaiye belongs and Oba Shafi Agbolade Sule of Odosenlu Kingdom as their head.

    The Egbe Mafowokun Age Grade, to which the Awujale belongs, is well known for always adorning thick fabric of ox-blood colour with bold stripes. This year, however, the group wore deep grey colour fabric.

    No fewer than 25 age grades paid homage to the paramount ruler, followed by corporate organisations. Globacom that has been the official sponsor of Ojude Oba for a decade running took the lead.

    The major signpost of this year’s Ojude Oba was the engaging dance steps of the various male and female regberegbes age grades. They danced round the palace arena in healthy competition; as each group tried to outdo the others in dressing, show of affluence, success and entrepreneurial spirit.

    There were about 36 regberegbes in Ijebu land and over 25 of them were present to pay homage to their spiritual head, who, in turn gives them his royal blessings. Some of them included the Egbe Arobayo (female), Egbe Gbobaniyi (Obinrin Olori), Egbe Jagunmolu (Obinrin), Egbe Obafuwaji (male), Egbe Obaleke, Egbe Jagunmolu Akile, Egbe Bobaniyi (male) in which former chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Mufutau Oseni, is the Giwa, among others.

    The glamour and carnival in Ojude Oba took an exciting dimension by noon with the gallant parade of the Baloguns and Eleshins of Ijebu land. These are the descendants of Ijebu war heroes who executed wars and gained major victories for them during the war-torn era of Yoruba history.

    Among them were Balogun Odunnuga, Balogun Bello Odueyungbo Kuku, Balogun Agboola Alausa, Balogun Alatishe, Balogun Otubu, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Odejayi, Balogun Adesoye Onasanya, Balogun Towobola, Balogun Aregbesola and Balogun Ajibike Odedina.

    The horse riding Baloguns

    Others were Balogun Sarunmi, Balogun Areagba, Eleshin Keregbetu family, Eleshin Oyewole family and Eleshin Josi family. They took their turns to ride triumphantly into the palace on horseback in the fashion of soldiers returning from a successful military campaign.

    The colourful parade in succession was accompanied by disorderly and intermittent booming of dane guns as each family of the Baloguns and Eleshins took turns to pay homage to Oba Adetona who, in turn, blessed them in Ijebu dialect.

    Ojude Oba, which was a Muslim religious affair in Yoruba land took a firm root in Ijebu with the settlement of the first convert to Islam in Ijebu-Ode during the reign of Awujale Adesimbo Tunwase around 1889. During the period and up to the time of Oba Adeona Fusigboye (1906), horse riding was not an integral part of the festival.

    But horse riding became part of it during the reign of the duo of Oba Adenuga Folagbade and Oba Adesanya. The festival took a glamorous dimension when Oba Sikiru Adetona mounted the throne over five decades ago. Since then, the festival has been accorded national and international recognition.

    This year, many of the horse riders, particularly those from Keregbetu family of Baloguns displayed their expertise to the excitement of all. Many notable Ijebu sons have suggested that horse riders should be allowed enough time to display their prowess during future celebration of Ojude Oba Festival.

    Yearly, the Ojude Oba Festival attracts tourists from within and outside Nigeria. The theme of this year’s festival was “Harnessing our Cultural Heritage for Economic Development.”

    Hospitality industry received a boost as many tourists visited various tourists’ sites in the area while the celebration lasted. An estimated N50 million worth of businesses were transacted during the event. Such businesses included catering services, printing, rentals, artists on display, hoteliers, transporters, tailors and hawkers of souvenirs, among others. Firms such as Globacom and others used the festival as a showcase for their products and services.

    In his message, Oba Adetona praised his people for the peaceful celebration of Ojude Oba which draws Ijebu sons and daughters home to discuss issues of development and peace in Ijebu land.

    Expectedly, the indigenes used the event to further agitate for the creation of Ijebu State to be carved out from the present Ogun State. Oba Adetona commended the chairman of Globacom, Otunba Mike Adenuga for not only sponsoring the festival for the 10th year running, but also for being change agent  that has positively affected all facets of life in Nigeria.

    “Globacom’s sponsorship of Ojude Oba Festival has raised it to an enviable tourists’ delight which attracts people from all walks of life and from other parts of the country.

    “Through Adenuga, thousands of jobless people now have means of sustenance. He has greatly enhanced the economy of the country through his business ventures which have grown and extended to other parts of the world.

    “Globacom has, through its innovative technological edge, become the leader in the telecoms market in Nigeria and since Globacom undertook to be the main sponsor of the festival 10 years ago, we have been going up and up, better and better,” Adetona said.

    The Special Guest of Honour and Vice-Chairman, South Atlantic Petroleum, Senator Danjuma, who had her secondary education in Ijebu-Ode, said Ojude Oba is a symbol of national unity, religious tolerance and harmony.

    Mrs Danjuma praised Globacom for its support for culture and tradition exhibited through its partnership with organisers of cultural events across the country.

    For Deputy Governor, Mrs Onanuga who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun  at the event, Ojude Oba does not only serve as a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people, but has also placed Ijebu nation, Ogun State and Nigeria on a global map.

    Contributing, Dr Adenuga described Ojude Oba as a social melting pot where all divergent issues affecting the lives of the people are discussed and where sons and daughters of Ijebu land both at home and in the Diaspora regard themselves as active players in the socio-economic development of Ijebu land.

    According to him, Globacom is mindful of the importance of the festival to the cultural and religious well-being of the people of Ijebu land, hence, its commitment to its sponsorship.

    In this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, Globacom gave cash prizes to some age groups whose performances impressed Oba Adetona at the fiesta.

    While Egbe Bobaejeye (female Double T) won N500,000 as best regberegbe in the female category, Egbe Gbobaniyi Obinrin Olori and Egbe Jagunmolu Obinrin came second and third and went home with N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

    In the male category, Egbe Obafuwaji came tops winning N500,000 while Egbe Jagunmolu Akile and Egbe Obaleke took the second and third positions; winning N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

    Some dignitaries that attended the event were Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, ex-governor of Bayelsa State, Diepriye Alamieseigha, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Prince Suraj Adekumbi, former Ogun State Governor,  Gbenga Daniel, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, among others.

     

     

  • Culture, splendour at Udiroko Festival

    Culture, splendour at Udiroko Festival

    The rich cultural heritage of the people of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, was on display on Saturday, August 29, as the community marked this year’s  Udiroko Festival. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports

    For several hours on Saturday, August 29, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, was in festive mood as guests from far and near joined residents to celebrate this year’s Udiroko Festival.

    The town was literally shut down as a huge crowd of residents made their way to the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti to behold a cultural spectacle and catch some fun usually experienced once in a year.

    There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breathtaking dance steps by cultural dancers who thrilled the guests who had seated before the arrival of the dignitaries.

    The Udiroko Festival marks the beginning of a New Year in the Ado-Ekiti traditional calendar during which indigenes gather at the palace of the Ewi to offer supplications for the favour of the Almighty and to deliberate on issues affecting the development of the town.

    Indigenes of Ado-Ekiti, various ethnic nationalities, interest groups, quarter chiefs, traditional chiefs, queens, indigenous war chiefs, age groups, market men and women and politicians from all walks of life pay homage to the monarch.

    •Governor Fayose (left) Oba Adejugbe and Olori Bosede
    •Governor Fayose (left) Oba Adejugbe and Olori Bosede

    This year’s edition of the festival was different from the previous ones as the Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Ayo Fayose played a pivotal role in adding colour to the occasion by majorly sponsoring the event.

    Fayose had mounted huge billboards in many parts of Ado-Ekiti to raise people’s awareness and personally going on air to invite residents to the festival.

    The governor was joined at the festival by other dignitaries, including his deputy, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, Senator Fatimat Raji Rasaki, Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Adewumi; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Modupe Alade; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Chairman, Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Idowu Faleye; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Senator Bode Ola and the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye.

    Others were the Vice-Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Prof. Saminu Abulrahman Ibrahim; the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Taiwo Akande; Provost, College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof. Francesca Aladejana; Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mr. Sola Omole, state legislators, council chairmen and board chairmen.

    It was a culmination of a week-long activities which commenced with prayers at the palace of Ewi on Monday, public lecture on Tuesday, health seminar on Wednesday, homage by artisans, market women and other professionals on Thursday, final of the Ewi Cup Football Competition and Draught and Ayo Olopon on Friday.

    Earlier on Friday, Fayose inaugurated the Palace Hall financed by his administration in its contribution to making more facilities available at the complex.

    Barely 24 hours to the D-Day, the excitement in the air had reached its climax and was temporarily put on hold by the conduct of the monthly environmental sanitation between the hours of seven and 10 in the morning of Saturday.

    As the sanitation exercise was concluded at 10:00 a.m., enthusiastic indigenes and other residents started making their way to the palace to witness the festival.

    Courtesy of Fayose, this year’s Udiroko Festival was transmitted live on the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES).

    Obey
    Obey

    Music legend, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey added colour to the festival with his evergreen songs while other local musicians dotted the palace grounds entertaining crowds at various designated points.

    Fayose later moved to Obey’s bandstand where he danced enthusiastically to the tunes dished out by the septuagenarian musician.

    Aspirants jostling for positions in the forthcoming local government elections also used the Udiroko Festival to market their ambitions as the palace square was adorned with various campaign banners and posters.

    The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, who wore a special crown for the occasion, beamed with smiles as he received homage from various segments of the population.

    The Ado-Ekiti king, who was joined on the dais by his consort, the Eyesorun, Olori Margaret Bosede Adejugbe and Fayose, waved the royal horsetail (irukere) in appreciation of the obeisance paid to him by his subjects.

    Groups that took their turns to pay homage to the Ewi included the Oloris (palace queens), the Omo Owas (princes and princesses), Iyalojas and Iyalajes (market chiefs), the Elegbes (traditional war chiefs), the Efas (traditional police) and the Bafon (traditional generalissimo) who was followed by the traditional troops.

    •The Elegbes (Ado-Ekiti traditional war chiefs) on their way to pay homage to the Ewi
    •The Elegbes (Ado-Ekiti traditional war chiefs) on their way to pay homage to the Ewi

    The President of Ado-Ekiti Progressive Union (APU), Chief Obafemi Ojo, praised the various projects initiated by the Fayose administration in the town.

    He also urged the governor to give more Ado sons and daughters political appointments to enable them to contribute to the development of the state.

    The chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, Alhaji Dauda Ajise, explained that Fayose’s contribution to the development of the town would remain indelible.

    Ajise said the Governor, within the short time of his second stint in power, has beautified the town and executed projects such as roads and drainage, among others.

    Founder and President of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Michael Ajisafe, donated N10  million towards the completion of the projects going on in the palace.

    Fayose, who defied protocol by prostrating before Ewi said he decided to contribute immensely to the success of this year’s Udiroko Festival because of the huge electoral support he received from the people of Ado-Ekiti at the June 21, last year governorship election.

    He explained that he couldn’t ignore or neglect a community that gave him over 50,000 votes which played a key role in swinging electoral victory in his favour, saying no governor can afford to joke with the people of Ado-Ekiti.

    Fayose also used the opportunity to explain the projects being carried out in the community, promising to build and complete a new Etekesan Market before next year’s Udiroko Festival.

    Extolling the virtues of the Ewi, Governor Fayose promised to continue to accord the royal father the respect he deserves and work closely with him to develop the kingdom and give it what is due as the capital of the state.

    Fayose said: “Kabiyesi, we are proud of you and I am proud to be called the Governor of Ekiti State under your monarchy. When it is good, there are forces behind it and you are the force behind Ado-Ekiti.

    “Your reign has witnessed unprecedented development and under my government, we are about to start. Last year, I was here as governor-elect but today as the olori oko patapata of Ekiti State.

    “I want to build the new Ado Market, which will be more beautiful than the Tejuoso Market in Lagos. By this time next year, you will join me to inaugurate the project. I want to put a flyover in Ado-Ekiti.

    “In less than two months from now, we would have completed this amphitheatre and by the time I leave, no governor will have any project to do in this palace again.

    “Next year’s Udiroko Festival will be greater than this year’s. They used to bring small musicians here before but this year, I brought Ebenezer Obey here but next year, I will bring both Obey and Sunny Ade.”

    In his address, the Ewi, Oba Adejugbe described this year’s Udiroko Festival as “the best arrangement in the past 25 years despite the fact that it used to be celebrated with kola nuts in the past”.

    He expressed satisfaction that Udiroko Festival now competes favourably with prominent traditional festivals such as the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and the Osun Osogbo Festival in Osogbo, Osun State.

    The traditional ruler paid tributes to ABUAD Chancellor, Aare Babalola who holds the title of Fiwagboye of Ado-Ekiti.

    The Ewi expressed concern over the activities of hoodlums popularly known as Area Boys and land grabbers known in local parlance as the Omo Oniles; urging the government and security agencies to clamp down on them to allow law-abiding residents go about their normal businesses without molestation.

    Oba Adejugbe further said: “Governor Fayose, you are doing well and I want you to continue doing your good works. If dividends of democracy get to the people, they don’t care who is in power.

    “I urge all sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti to support the government of the day and I appeal to the governor to do more for citizens of Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State.

    “I also appeal to all sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti all over the world to assist the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

  • Boosting global competitiveness through service delivery culture

    Boosting global competitiveness through service delivery culture

    Despite Nigeria’s huge customer base, leveraging on quality service delivery culture to build brand equity remains a herculean task for most businesses. But The Workplace Centre Limited (TWPC), a human resource and information technology consultancy firm, is set to reverse the trend. TWPC is  to host business managers, chief executives and social entrepreneurs to its customer service training. The aim is to provide insights into consistent service delivery strategies that will revolutionise customer service culture. Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

    Most successful global brands are built on a track record of excellent service delivery culture. But this is not the case in Nigeria where, despite an intimidating customer base of about 170 million, most companies and businesses have not been able to make their products and services irresistible.

    The verdict by brand analysts and managers is that Nigerian entrepreneurs, despite being acknowledged globally for their tenacity and ‘can do spirit,’ have not been able to ride on the platform of a robust service delivery culture to build brand equity.

    This much was confirmed by a recent ‘Africa’s Top 50 Companies’ published by African Business Report, in which only seven Nigerian companies made the list. The survey, which jolted not a few business owners, brand experts and stakeholders, added that many local brands failed in according their customers the required excellent service delivery. The belief is that when compared to some businesses that invest immensely in excellent customer service strategies, Nigerian businesses still have a long way to go. The ‘care-free’ attitude of most brand managers and chief executives is said to be largely responsible for the poor level of patronage of local brands.

    But the situation appears set for a reversal. The Workplace Centre Limited (TWPC), a human resource and information technology consultancy firm, has concluded arrangements to engage managers, supervisors and client interfacing executives on how to make strategic decisions to transform their organisations’ customer relationship management and to emotionally connect and add value to every interaction. Specifically, the firm is set to host business managers, chief executives and social entrepreneurs to its customer service training scheduled for the 24th of this month, in Lagos.

    The training is aimed at providing insights into consistent service delivery strategies that will revolutionise customer service culture in Nigeria.

    The forum, tagged: “The Customer Amazement Revolution Master Class” will, according to its organisers, expose participants to current trends in customer service relations, drawing from the wealth of experience of speakers, including Shep Hyken, a customer service expert and the award winning author of books, such as The Amazement Revolution; Benjamin  Ola Akande, the 21st president of Westminster College, Missouri, United States; and the immediate past Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University, among others.

    To meet the increasing demand for quality customer service, co-founder and Managing Partner, TWPC, Mrs. Bola Adeniyi-Taiwo, urged business owners, managers and social entrepreneurs to join hands with her company, which offers unparalleled quality services in its areas of expertise, to promote the much-needed amazement revolution in customer service delivery.

    She expressed optimism that if stakeholders in Nigeria heed the call for a consistent amazing customer service, more consumers of goods and services within and outside the country would increase their demand for products, which would in turn reduce  unemploymen in the country. This, she noted, will help the nation gain global competitive advantage.

    Adeniyi-Taiwo, who emphasised that TWPC is guided by strong values and high ethical standards, said the company’s mission is to provide innovative solutions and excellent services that maximise client’s return on investment. According to her, the best way to do that is not to view customer service as a cost, but as an investment in building future and long lasting relationships that would create customer evangelists.

    Quoting Shep Hyken, she said: ‘Hitherto, one unhappy customer would tell 12 people about his experience. Now, one customer may have 500 Twitter followers to spread the message to.”

    For Tobi Oni, a stakeholder, the theme of the forum is “apt and timely.” According to him, there is no better time for such a thought-provoking event that is designed to change the face of service delivery in Nigeria and Africa at large. He noted that apart from several economic challenges, thousands of Nigerian businesses have collapsed due to the inability of their owners to manage stardom by adopting amazing customer service culture that can give their customers reasons to come back. “I expect owners of dead and living companies to attend the TWPC training and specifically learn from the masters (Hyken and Akande among others). We should start looking forward to practicing the much needed consistent service delivery system,” he told The Nation.

    Mr. Oni is right. Not a few industry experts and stakeholders agree that the importance of quality customer service training cannot be overemphasized for businesses regardless of their sizes, services or market focus. As Adeniyi-Taiwo pointed out, for instance, “The most successful companies take customer-service farther by applying it directly to their employees. When a service or sales team regards and treats one another with the same consideration and respect that they would offer the customer, amazing team spirit is created and the overall work dynamic of the establishment is improved.”

    She, however, added that there are certain skills, tools and priorities that are essential to the growth and development of amazing customer service. “We must have the technical knowledge, financial and material resources as well as the required infrastructure and up to date technology to attend proactively to our customer’s needs. The benefits that excellent customer care skills provide to every business are endless,” she noted, adding that not only can it make the difference between an immediate sale or lack, thereof, it can also make or break a potential long term client relationship.

    The TWPC Managing Partner further stated that all things being equal, almost everyone will choose the company that recognises and meets their needs consistently over the one that does not. She said when dealing with quality customer service, the most immediate and important factor is establishing an orientation of respect, which is one element that is immediately felt by the consumer. “This alone can lead a hesitant customer to make an instant purchase or cause them to walk right out of the door. After the respectful attitude is established, then it is vital to anticipate and very importantly focus on the customers’ needs. This is when active listening skills are essential,” she admonished.

    Indeed, such admonishment could not be timelier. At the moment, Nigeria is largely perceived as a nation where businesses/factories are commissioned daily, without adequate plans to relate the sustainability of the business to customer relationship management. Nigeria and Africa consume mostly imported products and always rate their service delivery higher. This, according to customer service experts, hinders Africa’s quest for cultivating unparalleled quality of its service delivery.

    “We are basically a consuming nation; we applaud service delivery of foreign brands and multinationals because we have failed in ours. We praise others for doing what we can do to protect and secure the future of our brands. I believe several local brands can compete internationally if only the correct measures are put in place,” Gbenga Osho, a former manager with one of the defunct local fast food outfit, said.

    Interestingly, these are issues that will engage the minds of participants and resource persons at the training.  Already, world’s number one customer service guru, Shep Hyken, has given his words that ‘The Customer Amazement Revolution Masterclass’ would engender more competition among businesses within the same segment leading to positive change in the perception of service delivery in Nigeria.

    Founded in February 2013, TWPC is a state-of-the-art skills development centre that provides employability and entrepreneurial skills develop-ment as well as human resources and ICT services to its clients.

  • Their culture, their pride

    Their culture, their pride

    Igbo students at the Faculty of Humanities of the Imo State University (IMSU) have marked their Cultural Day during which a female student was installed Ada di Igbo Mma of Lake Nwaebere. EKENE AHANEKU (400-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

    The Department of History and International Studies of the Imo State University (IMSU) is a place where students are taught history of nations and cultures. But, such instructions are only given in theory. Last week, Igbo students of the department had an opportunity to showcase their culture to members of the school community.

    It was during the department’s Cultural Day and coronation of the first female chief.

    The event started with a cultural dance by the department’s troupe. This was followed by the cultural performance by the Department of Theatre Arts. This drew students to Faculty of Humanities annex building, where the event was being held.

    It became colourful when the History students marched round the campus in elegant traditional attires. As they proceeded, some of them sang odes in praise of their cultural values and their ancestors.

    At the venue, various traditional cuisines were served to guests. The students prepared Ukwa (breadfruit porridge) and local beans known as Akidi to entertain their guests. There was also Ugba Agworagwo, which is African salad garnished with garden egg and stock fish. The students said they served their native food to promote their culture.

    •Chiamaka presenting an award to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Imo State Command, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, as Igwe Mbanefo looks on
    •Chiamaka presenting an award to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Imo State Command, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, as Igwe Mbanefo looks on

    The climax of the event was the coronation of Chiamaka Osueke, a 400-Level student, as Ada di Igbo Mma (an adorable woman) of Lake Nwaebere, which is a nickname the university is called by students. Her coronation was to demonstrate changes and civilisation, which Igbo culture undergoes to bring about gender equality and eradicating gender stereotypes that existed in the traditional society.

    Sandra Odunze, a 400-Level Law student, described the event as epic, saying it was a reminiscent of cultural celebration in traditional Igbo society. She said Chiamaka’s coronation indicated that women could now be allowed to take up chieftaincy titles of their choice in the school.

    She said: “As women students’ leader, I am delighted to witness the cultural display by students of the Department of History. It is a wonderful event organised to educate people on the changes the Igbo culture has undergone. I am happy that women can now be offered traditional titles in our different cultural organisations on campus and in the larger society. This will go a long way in eliminating the age-long barrier placed before the women in our society. Gender equality is what we seek and if many people identifying with this cultural campaign, the gender stereotype in Igbo land would be a thing of the past.”

    Chiamaka’s friend Silva Mmegwa, a 300-Level Psychology student, said: “I am happy because my friend has just broken a jinx, having been installed as Ada di Igbo Mma of IMSU. It is a good development for Igbo students and it sends a strong message that Igbo tradition is coming off age. We must praise the department for this beautiful event in this 21st century when we are campaigning for gender equality. I believe that if this is continued, our cultures will never be relegated to the background.”

    Dignitaries at the event included Ofor IX of Umuofor, His Royal Highness A.F.C. Emetumah, Head of the department, Prof Martins Nwankwo, Archdiocese of Okohia, Dr S.I. Nwabugwu, Prof J.C. Nwadike, Chief Andrew Ewerew, Hon. Ezeji Odinaka, Mr Emeka Uba and Barry Nwabueze, among others.

  • Documentary reveals how Africans live their culture abroad

    Documentary reveals how Africans live their culture abroad

    MAKING debut on urban lifestyle channel, Soundcity, a soon to be premiered documentary reveals how Nigerians and other Africans in the Disapora have been sustaining their culture in the western world.

    Produced by Labi Odebunmi, a British-Nigerian director based in London, the film was conceived to educate Nigerians back home about the rise of Nigerian culture in the United Kingdom.

    Airing today, Saturday, August 15, the special documentary, according to Odebunmi, will focus on Moelogo, a British-Nigeria music star and first Afrobeat artiste to sign a recording deal with Island Records, a notable international record label, with credits for the works of artistes such as Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse.

    According to Adebunmi, son of ace broadcaster and owner of popular Obalende Suya London, Tokunbo Odebunmi, the documentary will cover Moelogo’s moment in June 2014, at the Island Records’ headquarters in London when he signed the recording deal. He revealed that the work will include an interview segment with emphasis on his background, his incursion into music, his day-to-day itinerary with the production crew, his video shoot and personal experiences on the rise of African culture in terms of music in the UK.

    “I want to give the average Nigerians who may not have the opportunity to fly to London to have the feel of the society and appreciate the cultural realities being imbibed by most Nigerians in the Diaspora,” Labi explained.

    The graduate of Film and Television from the University of Hertfordshire noted that while several Nigerians at home are looking at UK and America for inspiration, their peers abroad are having a reawakening and looking in the direction of Africa for cultural education.

    “We have got to that stage in the UK where white folks including those at West End now dance to Nigerian music at their clubs and even play our Afrobeat songs on their radio stations. The other day, Wizkid’s Ojuelegba was played on the influential Capital FM and everybody could feel the vibe. This is because of the Nigerian culture which gives originality to the genre of music they play,” he added.

    The filmmaker disclosed that a number of African achievers will be featured on the show subsequently, to tell their stories.

  • Oba Sijuwade an embodiment of culture — Tinubu

    Oba Sijuwade an embodiment of culture — Tinubu

    Former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, as an embodiment of culture and tradition

    Asiwaju Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the passing on of Oba Sijuwade, said:    “Oba Sijuwade will be missed but will be remembered as one of the foremost rulers in Nigeria and a powerful and influential custodian of the Yoruba culture whose influence reaches beyond Nigeria to continental and international levels.

    “The passing on of Oba Sijuwade is a loss to the Yoruba race and all of Nigeria. Due to the force of his personality and character, he had been a prime instrument in the revival and greater relevance of the Yoruba traditional institution and culture.

    “He shall now take his place among the great figures of our race who have moved on from this life into immortality.”

  • Buhari urged to revive culture of discipline

    Buhari urged to revive culture of discipline

    The most potent way to curb corruption among the new generation is to revive and instill discipline among youths in the country.

    To this end, President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to set machinery in motion to fight social disorder, indiscipline, as well as renewal of pursuit of a civil discipline that will respect the rights of Nigerians.

    The call was made by a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, while speaking on the spate of moral decadence among the younger generation at a programme organised by New Era Youth Forum in Osogbo, the state capital.

    According to him, if the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime introduced in 1984 had been sustained by successive administrations, the spate of indiscipline among Nigerians would have reduced drastically.

    Lamenting that indiscipline has become a norm in the society, the lawmaker called on the federal government to commence a reorientation campaign to discourage indiscipline especially among teenagers.

    To actualise this objective, Oyintiloye said the federal government should strengthen all enforcement institutions, in addition to setting up a Discipline Corps to restore sanity in the society.

    He said: “It is important for all of us to realise that our society is suffering from lack of discipline and this has eaten deep into all sectors. This is one of the primary problems facing Nigeria as a nation as most people do not see corruption as a social vice that most be corrected.”

    The lawmaker identified gaps in society, which include high level of chaos on highways, market places and disorderliness in public places among others, saying orderliness is the first law in heaven and an indicator of civilization in any society.

     

  • UNIZIK’s day of culture

    UNIZIK’s day of culture

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital, was agog with festivities when the students marked their Cultural Day. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    It was a sight to behold. The Igwes (kings) and their lolos (Queens) led their subjects in processions. They moved in measured steps, and wherever they stopped, they beseeched the gods to bless their subjects. The subjects offered gifts in return as a mark of respect to the ‘custodians’ of their cultures and traditions.

    It was not a scene in an epic movie; it all happened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital, last week. The school literally became a melting pot of cultures. There was celebration in every nook and cranny of the campus as  students marked their Cultural Day.

    For many, it was the first time they would be witnessing a large-scale cultural event. Hitherto, such event was held without much publicity. But, the cultural festival was marked in all departments of the institution.

    Students were clad in colourful traditional attires, each reflecting the culture of a typical Igbo society. Each department had its own uniform just as they had their kings and queens. They all marched round the campus, celebrating with exceptional displays, which attracted a large crowd of residents of the institution’s host community.

    All departments’ troupes took turns to entertain their colleagues with their traditional dance steps.

    The event was held to rejuvenate social life on the campus and to promote values of the nation’s cultures.