The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CULTURE

  • ‘Culture vital to learning’

    GOOD upbringing and cultural orientation are central to the education offered at City of Knowledge Academy (CKA), which opened in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    Its founder Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga told The Nation that the school will provide leadership training, ethical orientation as well as academic grooming in an excellent environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the Lagos cities.

    With ethical pillars anchored on a tripod-culture, character and confidence, Belo-Olusoga said the school is “determined to begin a quality cultural re-orientation that would spur pupils’ interest in indigenous values. These values would enhance social awareness, conscience, empathy, diligence and academic excellence, while developing mind wealth among the pupils.”

    “The pupils are selected future leaders with the capacity to bring lasting positive change in within Nigeria and the world stage in general.”

    She however, cautioned that finance will not guarantee pupils’ admission, adding that they and their parents’ ability to share in the goal of the school would be a prerequisite.

    She said the school would emphasise good upbringing.

    “Culture is a huge part of our heritage that has been taken for granted in the quest to provide quality and well rounded education for Nigerian children. So, while much emphasis has consistently been placed on the provision of infrastructure, educational resources, qualified teachers including curriculum content, this (culture) important tool that could be used to bring about development has been neglected. We should revive our basic moral values of honesty, respect, hard work and integrity,” she said.

    “For me, culture and integrity are really important. You have children, who can’t speak their local languages; who don’t know the meaning of their names. Here, our children will be confident about who they are. By the time a person finishes from CKA, you will know that this is a well brought up individual who is morally sound, has empathy and can stand his ground with any child from anywhere in the world,” she concluded.

    The Head of School, Ms Biola Lamikanra, said the school rules will not be sacrificed to satisfy parents’ whims.

    She said: “I have been a teacher for a very long time. I am totally confident and there is no parent I will allow to do things we do not allow.”

    Ms Lamikanra said the school has employed the ‘best crop of teachers’.

    In addition to teaching a combination of the Nigerian and British curricular, she added that CKA pupils would be required to learn vocational subjects.

    “In line with British curriculum, they (students) will take the checkpoints and the IGCSE examinations in Year 9 (JSS3) and 12 (SS3),”.

     

     

     

    Lamikanra added that the school plans to run A Levels, and would ultimately, switch to the International Baccalaureate (IB).”

     

    Mr Abayomi Owodunni, a parent who was present during the media tour of the school, praised the school management for its vision, noting that he is convinced he has made the best choice for enrolling his son in the school.

    “I want the best for my son. Indeed he took several entrance exams to other secondary schools and he performed excellently. But a friend told my wife about CKA and we decided to pay the school a visit. The visit sealed the deal as he fell in love with all the facilities, structures, teaching and recreational aids available in this large spacious educational complex. Its really is a haven for learning and development.

    “They seem to have a way of teaching that makes everything fun, can you imagine that now one of his favourite subjects is Mathematics? A subject he once dreaded”

     

  • Making culture part of children

    Making culture part of children

    Calabar, the Cross River State capital, was agog with children cultural celebration last weekend when the Heritage and Culture Department of the Governor’s Office and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) organised series of dance-dramas and art exhibitions for children. Edozie Udeze who attended the show reports that the occasion offered the children the opportunity to display their talents to the delight of guests.

    Calabar, the Cross River State capital was frenzy with children cultural activities and festivals last weekend. It was one weekend when children took their fate in their hands. The Ekpe and Ewe masquerades which hardly appear in public were being celebrated by children. The children’s version of these great masquerades formed part of the many activities to ensure that the younger ones are in tune with their culture. As they moved from street to street, soliciting for money and appreciation, the drums beat and the masquerades danced. The street shows formed part of what makes Cross River State spectacular and unique especially this time of the year.

    But beyond the street masquerade dances, at the Cultural Centre in Calabar, the real big event for the weekend also took place. There, children from different parts of the state were on hand to display their dexterity and dancing prowess as part of the efforts by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) to ensure that Nigerian cultures do not fizzle out.

    This year’s annual children cultural festival was celebrated in Calabar for the first time. The idea was to give the celebration a national spread and to equally encourage children from that part of the country to continuously pay attention to what is their own. The theme was entitled My Root, My Pride, and done in collaboration with the Heritage and Culture department of the governor’s office in Cross River State. This was why the first lady of the state, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, was on hand to receive visitors and also encouraged the children to always be proud of their heritage.

    As the children mounted the stage to dance, the hall erupted with hilarious acclaim. With their series of costumes, set designs and props, they proved how much they had given to the dance patterns in order to demonstrate their level of preparedness. The dances were in different modes and shapes. The maiden dances for which the local people are well known dominated the scene.

    Yet the school children were mandated to showcase some elements of both the Ewe and Ekpe dance patterns. Here, the show was more of dance-dramas. The children were free to use the dance to tell their own stories. As they were engaged in it, they told the stories of the moonlight, the after harvest moments, fishing and farming, all of which formed the traditions of the people.

    There was plenty of grace and opulence in their movements on stage. At a point, many people began to wonder if the kids were really professional dancers. Each school was given fifteen minutes to showcase their dances. Since it was a competitive show, the timing was necessary to ensure that there was total discipline and cohesion. By this, the dances came in different stages as each school tried to outdo the other.

    More than what people expected, the drummers and other instrumentalists added the greatest vibes to the movements on stage. As they beat away with maddening frenzy, the stage was equally electrified with the best dance patterns one could ever expect from kids. It was the styles and the change from one pattern to the other that thrilled people most.

    Mrs. Imoke who chaired the occasion sat all through the programme and the glow on her face depicted her joyful mood. She was compelled to recognise that “there’s abundance of talents in these children. Therefore, we’ll continue to support CBAAC in its efforts to continue to promote our culture. The attention being paid on the kids is even more laudable, for they are the future of this great nation,” she said, while the audience applauded.

    In his own speech, Professor Tunde Gabriel Babawale of CBAAC commended the state government for the opportunity to have the show in Calabar. The natural allure of Calabar, Babawale reaffirmed makes it the cultural centre of our country and the people. He also reminded the gathering that CBAAC has chosen to invest in the culture of the kids because it is necessary to catch them young.

    According to Babawale, “Central to our quest for cultural continuity is the need to restore and promote interest in cultural values which are being gradually eroded by the impacts of exposure to western norms and values. This situation has dwarfed our children’s ability to understand and appreciate the beauty of African culture. Our children are as a consequence now dangerously exposed to western values transmitted via the media.”

    Based on this, the topic was chosen to direct children’s attention to their local languages, art exhibitions and dances, all of which centred exclusively on how to bring the message closer home. To Babawale, “Our prosperity as individuals and country lies in the values we inculcate in our children. Therefore parents, teachers and of course, the society at large should complement these efforts. The task of creating a peaceful and progressive society based on our common heritage is our joint responsibility.”

    In his own remarks, Chief Edem Duke, the Minister of Culture agreed that time had come indeed to induct culture into the lives of the children early enough. “If this lofty vision is to be realised, then our children should be initiated into these cherished values that are inherent in our children. In fact, given the pervasive dwindling interest in our culture and the need to encourage our young people to take pride in their roots, this programme is appropriate and represents a timely effort at national re-engineering.”

    With an exhibition of some art works by the kids, the event comprehensively paid tributes to the inherent talents in the children. And with over twenty schools in contention, it proved that if given the necessary leeway, children can always prove their mettle. This was why Senator Bassey Henshaw who was involved in the show and who provided the prizes for the winners felt that nothing done to encourage the kids could be seen to be too much.

    Present at the occasion were dignitaries from different parts of the country. They included Martin Adaji, Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Professor Okon Eya Okon of the University of Calabar, Senator Bassey Henshaw, Mary Agba of Heritage department and many others.

  • Their culture, their pride

    Their culture, their pride

    Seven sons of Ekiti were honoured by a socio-cultural group, Ekiti Parapo, Lagos Chapter, last Saturday with Icon of Corporate Nigeria Award for their service to humanity. The event was held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    The yearly Ekiti Day organised by a socio-cultural group, Ekiti Parapo, Lagos chapter, held last Saturday at the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    For Ekiti indigenes in Lagos, the event was a homecoming and a time to commemorate their cultural heritage and to bring together those of living in Lagos.

    The event also featured a fundraiser for the development.

    Ekiti Parapo is a non-political but socio-cultural group, for Ekiti indigenes in Lagos.

    The Oranmiyan Hall sparkled. It was decorated in red and green. Chairs were stylishly set round the rectangle shaped tables which had various designs that enhanced the beauty of the hall.

    The ushers, in their green Ankara tops on black trousers, happily led guests in traditional attires into the hall.

    Ekiti dialect and English were the languages of the day.

    As soon as the guests sat, the event began with the recitation of the national anthem. It was followed by a prayer.

    The President of Ekiti Parapo, Lagos, Chief Kola Akomolede, thanked the guests for honouring their invitation.

    A live band entertained guests with various Ekiti songs.

    The duo of Chief Ojo Erugale and Tolu Oguntoyinbo anchored the event.

    The award, Akomolede said, was to recognise the achievements of those who have contributed to the development of the state.

    ‘’Ekiti people should come together for the purpose of developing our state, nobody can do it for us, and we have to do it ourselves.

    “We are rich in human resources and we have great numbers of professors and professionals in the country but we must translate it to the development of our state, because Ekiti State receives the second least allocation from the Federation Account,” he said.

    He urged the awardees not to relent in their good gestures.

    In his keynote address, Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi thanked the group for its support to the state.

    Represented by his deputy, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Fayemi spoke on the eight-point agenda of the state, which are: governance; infrastructure development; agriculture; education and human capital development; healthcare service; industrial development; tourism development; and gender equality and empowerment.

    He told the group to get involved in issues affecting the state.

    “Let us not continue to fold our hands. It is high time we as individual citizens of Ekiti State, Ekiti social groups and all stakeholders got committed to the development of our dear state and start to see government as ours and not just about the governor, or the deputy governor, or the political office holders,” he said.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the day, former Ogun State governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, hailed the organiser for the colourful event.

    The event continued with donations for the development of the state and the completion of a cassava processing factory which was started three years ago.

    The chief launcher, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, urged Ekiti investors in Lagos to also invest in their own town – Ekiti. He made his donation after which others followed.

    Atiku congratulated the awardees, urging them not to rest on their oars.

    The awardees were; Chief Sam Bolarinde; Chief Oladeji Fasuan; Rt Revd Peter Awelewa; Otunba Kunle Olasope; Mrs Funke Fatogbe; Dr Ola Orekunrin and Mr Folu Ayeni and wife Bose, who were represented by Mr Olumide Ale.

    After receiving the plaques, an Ekiti indigene and graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Tayo Oyeniyi, presented a big card to the governor.

    One of the awardees, Chief Oladeji Fasuan, described the award as unique.

    “It is coming on the heels of many others but I cherish this completely because of the fact that the people recognised what is happening.

    “Ekiti is worth struggling for, you cannot be isolation, and you must be able to elevate your society and make your contributions to the development of your community. The award tells us to be more committed and contribute more to our environment, Fasuan said.

    Chief Sam Bolarinde said he felt honoured being among the recipients.

    ‘’I don’t know what I have done to deserve this award. I love the recognition and its going to make me work harder and do better things for Ekiti,’’ he said.

    Mrs Funke Fatogbe said she was grateful to the organisation.

    ‘’It encourages me to do much more for my state and I am proud to be an undiluted daughter of Ekiti,’’ she said.

    Present at the event were former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; the Chairman of Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada; patron and immediate past president, Sir Remi Omotosho; Prof Babalola Borishade; Shina Awolewa, Jumoke Akintoye; human rights lawyer Femi Falana; Prof Afolayan Ojo; Dr Gbenga Owojaye; Chief Ayodele Otitoju; Mr Kehinde Olaitan; Prince Toyin Ajibade; Mr Ayo Obilana; Tosin Okosi; Omotayo Olotiji and Bola Omoniyi, among others.

  • For their culture they rise

    For their culture they rise

    Last week, the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) was agog with a cultural carnival. Students of Delta State origin in the college under the aegis of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) rolled out drums to mark their annual cultural day on the campus. They were clad in various cultural attires that showcased the rich heritage of ethnic groups in the state.

    The event brought notable personalities in the state to the campus. They included Brigadier-General Oviemo Ovadje (rtd), who chaired the occasion. He was represented by Mr Benson Uwheru, secretary-general of Atamu Social Club.

    Other guests were Dr Peter Egbenni, head of Biological Science Department; Mr Austin Ejiofor, personal assistant to the YABATECH Rector; Mr Ikechukwu Oyemiko, ex-social director of the association; Mr Peter Dafe-Aphia of Caleb International College, Lagos; Mr Fidelis Umukoro and Ms Imene Kayoma, a reporterwith Urhobo Voice.

    Addressing participants in the Art Complex, where the event held, Ovadje charged the students not to relent in sustaining the culture of Delta people on campuses.

    He reminded the students of the values and virtues of excellence, advising that they must remember their primary goals in the college.

    Noting that the association was founded in the Delta State University (DELSU) in 2001, he urged members to unite irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, saying: “We must continue to remember that we are from the same state.”

    Ejiofor noted that, over the years, the association has waxed stronger, urging students to promote peace and harmony among themselves.

    Some of the dignitaries were honoured for their support to the association. They included Ovadje, Ikpen Mudiaga Willington, a lawyer; Mr. Fidelis Odia, Dr. E. Bikomo and Mr. Clement Mudiaga Enajemo.

    The president of the association, Francis Isiekwe, said the event showed that Delta State students took pride in their culture.

    “In fact, we derive joy and happiness whenever we gather like this to celebrate our culture, irrespective of our ethnic groups,” he said, thanking the guests for honouring the students’ invite.

    Highlight of the event included a drama presentation, news casting in various local languages and traditional dance.

    Just as the Delta State students were rounding off their event, drum beats heralded the cultural day of the Rivers State students.

    Amid excitement and display of traditional dance steps, members if the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) swarmed the campus to mark their cultural day.

    The event was witnessed by personalities, including the College Registrar, Ms B.C. Amapakabo, who is the grand matron of the union; Mr. Omobayo Raheem, Dean of Students’ Affairs; Mr. Nigeria Linus, chairman of the event; Mr ThankGod Meekor, managing director of Menewi Ventures Nigeria Ltd; Mr Festus Nwiue, managing director of ShipBait Nigeria Ltd and Chief Emeka Echi, managing director of Nhejirukam Service Ltd, among others.

    Linus told the students to see their culture as the best way of life, urging them to preserve it.

    Amapakabo advised the students to be good ambassadors of the state by championing good causes and morals in their academic and cultural lives.

    Highlight of the day included presentation of awards to indigenes of the state, who supported the cause of the union.

    Some of the awardees were Amapakabo, Linus, Hon. Demus Ledee Demua, Hon. Allen Nma, chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State; Reverend A.B. Lemon and Moses Gaawa, an engineer.

    The NURSS president, Emeka Echi, said the culture of Rivers people was unique, adding that members appreciated the guests for attending.

     

  • Anambra community holds cultural fiesta

    Abba community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State has held its new yam festival/cultural fiesta; setting a pace in cultural revival.

    At the fiesta, many traditional activities were competed for. These include cultural dances, yam exhibition, music, wrestling, songs and praises, among others for which Ndigbo are known. The event was conducted in the Igbo vernacular. Students who were best in their classes were given presents and winners of the various competitions went home with prizes like fridge, plasma television, electricity generating set; fan as well as cash prizes.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Leonard Nwankwo Ezeh, who presided at the event, said “the fiesta was aimed at reviving their culture and tradition for the benefit of their children. The new yam festival is a general return so to speak for the community.

    He encouraged families to return home for the annual celebration of new yam and cultural fiesta each year as there are many things to learn from the events.

    Igwe Ezeh commended Chief Cosmas Agagbo, Augustine Egbe and Captain Ebele Edochie for sponsoring various prizes won by participants. He also praised those who brought food and drinks for the event, even as he urged other Abba men and women to emulate them in upcoming events.

    Chairman Planning Committee, Mazi Alfred Chikelue Amasiani said the addition of the cultural fiesta during the Iwaji ceremony was an innovation to recapture the real essence of the event which, he said included bringing back the good old days of the community, projecting the community to the limelight and re-imbuing in the present generation a sense of pride. It is also, he said, aimed at making the young generation of Ndigbo realise that hard work pays.

    Senior Special Adviser to Governor Peter Obi on Religious Matters who is indigenous to Abba, Sir Anslem Okafor noted that “culture started in Abba and they have returned to set the pace for other communities to emulate.”

  • Monarchs urged to respect culture

    Monarchs urged to respect culture

    The president of Agbefaga of Yoruba Empire,Chief Fayemi Fakayode, has urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to support traditional religion rather than giving it a bad name.

    He said monarchs in the land are supposed to be agents of the traditionalists. but but this is not the case.

    Fakayode, who spoke as a guest lecturer at this year Ifa festival of Masifa-Ile Traditional Religion Youth Movement in Osun State, said the traditional leaders are also contributing to the impression that those practise such religion will be destroyed.

    Fakayode maintained that the unpopular nature of traditional religion is as a result of the fear created in the mind of the people that anyone who practises traditional religion will end up in hell.

    He, therefore, called on the Youruba traditional leaders to be an agent of change and promoter of their inheritance from their ancestors.

    According to him, “the unpopular nature of traditional religion in Nigeria can be traced to the negative influence of the traditional rulers on the religion which is supposed to be their first choice. The other religious leaders are not also helping matters as they normally preach and implanted in the people the fear that whoever practises such traditional religion will go to hell fire.

    “Kings in Yoruba land are representatives of what we believe (orisa) but they refused to follow the laid down procedure of tradition. The kings in the land are also supposed to be the custodians of tradition but, they have become agents of destruction of the religion.

    “I therefore want to implore my fellow yoruba especially youths never to allow people to take away our inheritance and replace it with something else. I also want to tell you that the culture and the religion we see as taboo are what the Western world are learning in our universities. They noticed that there is a way in what we are doing and they are gradually joining us. Please let us all stand up and embrace the truth.

     

  • ‘Resist western influence on Bini culture’

    Life of Edo State Deputy Governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu, has urged the Bini people to resist western influence on their culture.

    She said the culture was unique and worth preserving.

    Mrs Odubu spoke at the unveiling of the female version of the Bini traditional attire “Ewu Iwu Oghikhuo” which took place in Benin City.

    Deaconess Odubu, who was represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Maigida, said the Bini traditional attire for women came at the right time when the youths seem to be losing grip of their cultural values and ethics.

    She noted with sadness that Benin moral values were fast being eroded by western culture and appreciated the designer of the traditional attire for Bini women, Dr. Helen Uhunmwanagho, for the initiative aimed at giving the rich cultural heritage of the land its pride of place.

    Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism Mrs. Ainena Jemitola said the introduction of the traditional dress code for women would reduce the threat of extinction posed to African culture.

    The chairman of the occasion and Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe noted that the Benin, traditional attire remains the pride of the Benins all over the world, and called for more unity among the Benins.

    President, Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC), Dr. Roland Ehigiamosoe said the traditional outfit for women is a derivation from body tattooing as practised in Benin Kingdom.

    The initiator and designer, Dr. Uhunmwangho, explained that the attire had been designed into blouses and robes, which can be worn at formal or informal settings.

    She said the new IWU dress Code was not introduced to do away with the notable Benin attire of wrapper and beads but to enhance what is already on ground.

     

  • ‘Slow uptake, culture hinder premium expansion’

    Decades of slow insurance uptake exacerbated by widespread cultural aversion and the inefficiency of the micro economic parameters, have slowed down the desired growth in the sector.

    A report by Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) obtained by The Nation, indicated that this was happening despite significant headway for premium expansion the grassroots base provides

    NIA said if the various initiatives in the sector are strengthened, the sector’s revenue will assume a positive dimension in the coming years.

    It said: “The long term call on the sector is ably supported by its obvious demographic advantages and Nigeria’s economic growth prospects relative to other emerging markets.

    “Based on statistical data made available by Swiss Re Economic Research & Consulting, insurance premium on the global scene resumed growth in 2011 as insurers gradually restore underwriting capacity to pre-crisis level, while building larger capital buffers after two years of sluggish growth following global economic crisis.

    “Robust economic recovery and reforms especially in the developing economies continue to fuel strong rebound in premium across a broad spectrum of the insurance industry value chain.

    “Globally, the near term outlook suggests that risk aversion will continue to wane, supporting modest premium growth across regions, as the world assumes full speed economic recovery.”

    The report continued “Meanwhile, global life insurance premium shrank by 2.7 per cent. Similar trend permeates both the advance and emerging markets while the non-life segment proved robust in most cases. The emerging market of the non-life sector recorded 9.1 per cent in premium growth and 1.9 per cent over all. The fluctuations in life market resulted in -0.8 per cent record decline in world total.”

    On global losses of 2011, NIA said the promising start to the year was shortlived by disruptive disasters of monumental proportions.

    “By July 2011, the sector was reeling from the impact of one enormous disaster after another, and was looking at the highest payout year on record, eclipsing the previous record payout year 2005.

    “A series of natural disaster, including the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March, combined with flooding in Australia and Asia-Pacific, the New Zealand earthquake, tornados in the eastern United States, and political unrest in the Middle East and Africa racked up claims costs enormously.”

    It added “It was reported that on August 1, 2011, insurer Lloyd’s of London was reporting pre-tax losses for the first half of the year – $139.5million – and other insurers were also reporting steep losses.

    “In all, the sector is facing losses of more than US$50billion. In response, US catastrophes reinsurance rates went up by 10 per cent while premium in the areas most affected by catastrophes have risen in some instance by 50 per cent.

    “We expected fast growing economies in Africa, such as South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Angola to witness appreciable increase in nominal premium in the near term. However, the greatest downside risk to premium growth in Africa remains economics and political instability, insufficient awareness of the operation and structure of insurance policies, as well as their significance.

    “Population growth has, historically, outpaced growth in insurance premium in most African countries in the past, accounting for the low density across the continent. Nonetheless, we expect a deeper insurance market in Africa premised on expected rapid economic growth.”

     

  • Cinema culture and the elitists’ equation

    Cinema culture and the elitists’ equation

    AT the 100th edition of Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) stampede, a mild drama that could be titled ‘the sides of the Thespians’ played itself out amongst the panelists who originally were supposed to be talking on the modalities for accessing and disbursing Jonathan’s grant/loan to the entertainment industry.

    While a school of thought led by the Ace Cinematographer cum Culturalist, Tunde Kelani was of the opinion that more cinemas should be built and cinema culture should be promoted, another school of thought led by a renowned filmmaker, Mamood Alli- Balogun believe that the cinema model is elitist in nature, hence DTH is key and should be encouraged while the marketing /distribution process should be fortified.

    Technically speaking, these two personalities spoke beautifully and convincingly in support of their models. Both models are acceptable to me and workable, especially with the population of the potential viewers across the nation and beyond. However, as much as I wouldn’t want to pitch my tent against either of the models, I would also advise that we should do a critical analysis of sustainable marketing and distribution models across the leading film producing nations.

    First, viewing the cinema model from a business angle alone will be an attempt to strangulate the beauty of film as encapsulated in Sembene Ousmane’s adage that, ‘his films were “the night school” of Africa. In films, audiences could see the source of their alienation and oppression revealed’. A cinema across the globe is the centre of modern urban leisure, and to a great extent a virile tool of stress management. Also, cinema is where social education is being administered in a serene ‘classroom’ (cinema), larger than life sized screen, real to life sound, quality picture, etc without the formality of an instructor or text books. This is not to say that we can’t learn socially via home videos, but researches established the fact that, reception and negotiation of film text are determined by where and who you watch the film with. Nothing diminishes a movie so much as shrinking the height of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde into a DVD miniature of Aki and Papaw. If you doubt this, try the two.

    Second, Connor Ryan in one of his write-ups made us to understand that , there are close to 13,000 theatre screens ( multiplexes and e-cinemas) in India for different categories of people, and an average of 15million Indians out of the1.2billion visit the theatre daily; which simply means, an average of one screen per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) identified 39,580 movie screens (38, 974 Indoor and 606 drive-in) in the United States of America. In nearby South Africa of 48 million people, the viewers are hosted to more than 400 screens, while Nigeria of 160 million people can only boast of 50 screens- equivalent of one screen per 3million Nigerians. Considering this simple arithmetic, it a clear indication that the industry is losing huge amount of money and denying the army of unemployed youths the potential employment opportunities.

    Be that as it may be, the argument of per capita income of the potential viewers can’t be over looked. But the way out is very simple. Private participation under BOT arrangement should be introduced to promote and sustain community cinemas at different local councils, and cottage cinemas at each ward to encourage competitive market. The Indians watch movies between 50 to 250 Rupees (#100- #2000). This is quite achievable in Nigeria, especially with the massive bandwagon effect that we have experienced in the patronage of GSM phones and eateries. This model will definitely reduce the exorbitant sharing formular in favour of the current cinema owners, and also contain the hydra headed surge of piracy to a commendable level as DTH will be the last resort.

    Primarily, the Nigerian audience would enjoy standard films, because filmmakers would need to up their games to meet up with the cinema standards. We are likely going to have critical audience who will not again be subjected to cultural mutilation, idiotic stereotypes, moral erosion, social immiseration, paranormal promotion and materialistic doctrines. Our films would now be issue- centred and bring to fore the realistic plane of understanding with respect to cultural memory and national identity.

    See you at the cinemas!

    -Adesemoye, a film content director, is a lecturer in the department of Mass Communication, Lagos State Polytechnic.

  • Promoting culture among youths

    A multiple events featuring cooking competition (edikang-ikong soup and garri, gbegiri soup and amala, painting competition on My new Lagos (how the children want Lagos to be), march past and the display of hairdo at the National Museum, Lagos.

    It was this year’s Children Day celebration organised by the National Museum, Onikan Lagos with the theme, An agent of creativity and social change. The event was designed to promote Nigerian cultural values among the youths. It featured children who were drawn from primary and secondary schools in lagos State who demonstrated, how to receive a traditional ruler, how he should be respected and honoured in the society.

    Curator of the museum, Mrs Judith Ekunke, said it was essential to celebrate children and inculcate in them norms and values of our tradition ‘because they are the future generation’.

    According to Ekunke, “we use this event to celebrate the African child, inculcate into our children the things of tradition because they are like the carrier of our tradition”. She urged the children to appreciate the nation’s heritage and preserve the cultural patrimony.

    This year’s theme is coined from the International Museum Day theme: Memory plus creativity equals social change.

     

    Assistant Chief Museum Education Officer and Coordinator of Children’s Day celebration, Adegboye Janet Yemisi, said: “What we want from the students is to show interest in our indigenous culture. More so, we give them an avenue to be able to relate with each other, inculcate love and promote culture among Nigerian children. By so doing, they would disabuse their minds on any ethnic crisis”.

    She explained that the cooking competition was aimed at making children learn how to cook, particularly when children these days only cook indomie and fry eggs at the expense of traditional meals which are fading away. The event was sponsored by corporate organisations and individuals, such as Iyabo Lawani, MTN, Sweetco, Viju, Milkose.