The Nation Newspaper

Tag: drums

  • Drums as heartbeats of Africans

    The roundtable discussion was titled drumming the future – drums of life, rhythms of development, and was held at Abeokuta during the African Drums Festival. It had fifteen African nations, including the Diaspora, in attendance. The consensus is that drums are native to Africa, indeed they are rare gifts from the ancestors, to keep, promote, elongate and shape the social, cultural, religious and economic lives of the African peoples. Each country had a case or two to make for the upkeep and preservation of the drum tradition. Edozie Udeze was there

    One basic instrument that binds all black people all over the world together is the drum.  Even as African slaves moved to Europe, to the Americas and other parts of the world, they did not forget to keep this wonderful musical instrument close to their chests.  This is so because, for every African, man or woman, the drum is evocative; it is the basis of the union between the living and the dead.  As it comes with different sounds, vibrations, makes and purposes, so does its sundry effects on the soul when it is played.  The message of the drum, the rhythms and vibration of its sounds can never be taken for granted or replicated by any other instrument.

    This is the reason an aspect of the African Drums Festival in Abeokuta that is now compulsory is the intellectual workshop and discourse designed to deliberate and stimulate on these salient aspects of this instrument.  At the workshop, a lot of professional drummers and scholars were drawn from different parts of the world, more so Africa, to discuss the essence of the drum.  It is basically to discuss the rhythms, the tonality, the origin, the format, the melody, the message content, the interpretations and more, in order to see if it can be moved to the next level for future relevance.

    With the theme of this year’s workshop as drumming the future – drums of life, rhythms of development, a lot of Africans were on hand to lend their voices to the theme.  Some of these countries included Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Congo Kinshasa, Haiti.  Others were Togo, Benin, Ghana, Cameroon, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote D’ivoire, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and those who came just to be part of the wonderful outing and to see how the efficacy of the drums has become a world-wide phenomenon.

    Johman Anikulapo, a journalist and culture activist, opened the floor with emphasis on the need to accord the drum its rightful place as one of the most unifying and outstanding musical instruments in global arena.  He described the drum as an inevitable component of African musical heritage.  While Professor Wole Soyinka, the festival consultant refers to the rhythms as something we shouldn’t take for granted.  “We forget that they are sometimes generated by the processes of material production.  Thus, the cessations of certain rhythms in daily existence provide subtle to strident signals of the loss of certain forms of productivity, often sacrificed for dubious actions of progress…”

    Thus, the roundtable became a platform through which the very nature and character of the drum and the vocation of drumming can be distilled in order to discover its potential as a significant instrument for advancing the cause of the society.  How then can they be properly projected to help the youths go back to the drums as a way of continuity?  This was why the roundtable was held at the Olumo Rock Resort Centre, one of the best tourism enclaves of Ogun State to further expose people to those wonderful sights that make the state an Eldorado of sorts.

    The session was handled by a Cameroonian master drummer, scholar and director of Africa Music Market.  He is Luc Yatchokeu who made it clear that this is the very instrument that connects Africa and the Diaspora Yatchokeu quickly added, “But now can the youths, I mean the younger ones, conveniently embrace the drums in order to promote, preserve and project its efficacy for posterity?  There are new technologies now which seem to propel them on; it is easier to embrace those new concepts and ideas.  Yet it is our role to endeavour to keep the drum floating in the musical arena because of its importance and special spell, appeal and relevance in African musical composition.  What then is the future of drums in Africa?” he asked as he threw the question open to his colleagues to lend their voices and seek solutions.

    Sylvanus Kwashie Kuwor from Ghana believed that this is one of those binding traditions Africans must hold dear and therefore guide jealously.  “Yes, the drums belong to us Africans.  Therefore it is our tradition.  We need to keep them together.  In Ghana, we cherish the importance and the place of drums in our traditions.  We then have to seek plausible ways to ensure we keep them for the future.  The drum is a form of connection between the past and the present.  It is also the repository of the future of the lives of the peoples of Africa, whether here or in the Diaspora”.  Kuwor is the head of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana.  He also belongs to the African-Trans Disciplinary Research Network where he is noted as a great story-teller, an innovator and more.

    Jeleel Ojuade of Nigeria who teaches Performing Arts at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, stated that Africans are so intelligent when they combine the rudiments of the drums to make sounds of different rhythms.  It is the movement that produces the rhythm and it is the rhythm that sounds the drum out.  “But then when you combine the gong with the drum, the sound it gives you is far more phenomenal.  This is where you have deeper conversation with the rhythm.  But how do we transfer this to the future, to the younger generation?  We can do so more conveniently through workshops, training, and retraining on the importance of drums”, he presented.  Ojuade is also a master drummer, inherited from his forebears.  He also plays it when it matters.

    From Mali came Cheickne Sissoko who learnt to play drums from his father.  He loves the drums so much that he lives on it, professionally.  He said: “Yes, in Mali drums have a future.  Our people love it, they love the sound of it.  Most of our local celebrations – weddings, marriages, church sessions – are interspersed with the drum.  I also play at social celebrations and so this helps to continually renew the importance of drum in our traditional lives in Mali”.  A seasoned performer, he is the head of the Somane Theatre Troupe in Mali.

    From DR Congo came Eddy Mboyo, who is the leader of the Mbonda Elela drumming group.  He is not just a songwriter; he is also a choreographer, dancer and percussionist.  He said, “I have been a professional drummer for 28 years.  I like the way this African Drums Festival promotes African drums.  It is good for African governments to wade into this matter.  Let governments across Africa come in to ensure that these things we have do not die.  There has to be a concerted effort to encourage the younger ones to learn and play the drums.  In DR Congo, we have over 300 types of drums.  But our problem is how to harmonize and harness these different drums.  Therefore, what I will do now is to take this idea of the festival to my home country”, he promised, saying, “drums remain a unifying factor for blacks all over the globe”.

    The Kenyan representative and also a master drummer, Dennis Ngurwe opined that they need great support and backing by the government to make the importance of drum to grow in Kenya.  “The drums are there in different shapes.  They’ve been there before we were born and they will continue to be there.  When the history of drums in Kenya are re-enacted we will remember how they were used to dazzle the audiences and heads of states in 1981 when President Arap Moi was being inaugurated as Chairman of OAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  And more.  Therefore, we have to lift the drums beyond mere talks”, he said, frowning a bit.

    The Algerian called Frendi Sofiane, whose troupe is Babylone Freekan started playing drums at a very young age.  “Oh, when you play the drum, the sound it produces will show whether you are happy, sad, moody or confused.  It is usually deep with discernible tonality for those who are versed in it.   But it can make even the uninitiated to move or stir.  It is good when a drummer brings out those moments of sober or serious reflections.  Drums thus show total identity, so that you are forced to know who you are and what the rhythm is telling you”.  Sofiane also plays congas, tabla marimba, timpani, percussion and other Algerian local instruments.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • When drums beckoned on Africans

    The grand finale was indeed grand.  The drums were well-located on the stage for effective and maximum beating.  It was time to show the evocative powers of this very important instrument in musical productions in Africa.  This year’s African Drum Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State came in a form that made it a wonderful outing. It made the whole state come alive in all facets of life.  People came from far and near to witness the provocative nuances of drums and drumming and other props of the arts.

    Artistes came in different costumes of different colours and makes.  Abeokuta for three days wore the look of a city under the influence of a street carnival.  The aura and flavour were like a burg.

    Both old and young, white, black and all manner of people were in attendance.  The local people were happy.  It was time for them to make quick and meaningful sales.  Adire and all manner of local fabrics and foods flooded the arena of the event.  For the beauty to come out better the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, venue of the show was decorated to meet world-class taste.  It was glorious and momentous to see that people could easily come together irrespective of tribe or tongue to embrace culture, eat together and show their concerns for one another.

    People chatted, they cheered; they showed love and togetherness.  There was laughter, plenty of banters in the air.  People came out in their best native attires.  They looked well and gorgeous.  Yes, even the colours of adire batik dominated the arena, showing that Ogun is the home of  culture and tradition, with profound hospitality.

    The noises made by visitors, by all manner of people proved that culture is a rallying point.  Culture can be used to preach peace, love, ethnic tolerance, et al.  The level of interaction across ethnic groups; the intensity of love, and tolerance displayed by all showed deeper concerns for progress.  Even foreign countries that came keyed into the euphoria.  Some felt that Nigeria is full of cultures, very rich elements of historical relics relevant for world peace.  Tony from Zimbabwe simply said, “you guys can use this to overcome the world.  The drum sentiments can be used to overwhelm the United Nations.  Oh use it well”, he yelled as he beat away on his drum, going after his colleagues.

    The beauty of the moment was accentuated by the presence of more African nations than the previous years.  They came with the biggest artistic ensemble to steal the show.  They drummed, they danced, they sang and gyrated to the delight of guests.  At a point it looked like an arena for All African Games.  Different colours of flags and emblems blossomed.  Africa was alive in Abeokua and it was truly unity in diversity.  French language intermingled with English for effective communication.  Most Nigerians were eager to learn French, to speak it at least to win friends and warm their ways into the hearts of beautiful ladies from these countries.  You could hear some trying to speak a bit of French and then French people were in the mood to reciprocate.  Then once love flowed, people mixed, hugged, dined and ate together.

    African countries and others

    In attendance were: Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tchad, Liberia, Congo, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Benin, etc/  There were other individuals who tried to use the occasion to visit Nigeria for the first time.  One of them, a black man from the Caribbean said, “I am here to seek for my original roots”.  He was heralded on stage and so the drums did the rest.

  • Drums as tool for economic growth

    It was not only about drumming. Organisers of the yearly African Drum Festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, held a conference tagged: Drumming for advancement, a workshop and an exhibition at the Olumo Rock. The three-prong event featured renowned scholars and drum experts from across the continent. It was initiated to explore the drum as a tool for education, socialisation, cultural and economic advancement of Africa, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    Renowned scholars and drum experts, including 91-year-old ex-Rex Lawson’s drummer Pa Tony Odili, were among participants who spiced up this year’s African Drum Festival in Abeokuta with intellectual flavour. At a conference, they examined the drum as a tool for education, socialisation as well as cultural and economic advancement of the continent.

    The presence of monarchs, such as Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and Obong of Calabar, Etubom Ekpo, underscored the drum’s critical place in Africans’ socio-economic life..

    Also there were Ogun State Governor Senator IbikunleAmosun, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed and Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, who directed the conference.

    The theme was Drumming for advancement, with a sub-theme: Drumming for socio-economic development.

    In line with the concept of the conference, the session provided a veritable platform through which the very nature and character of drum and the vocation of drumming were distilled to rediscover its potentialities as a significant instrument for advancing the cause of the society.

    Setting the tone for the discussions, Soyinka raised the alarm that a thick cloud hangs over the indigenous creative and festival events in Nigeria due to religious extremism, violence and instability. In his prologue, From Olatunji to Marsalis, Soyinka related the profound feelings of the familiar in the works of Fela Sowande and the reason for selecting his memorabilia for exhibition at this year’s festival.

    He gave three anecdotes – which centred on the musical works of Babatunde Olatunji, Quincy Jones and Winston Marsalis – to discuss the possible lack of understanding of the true nature of the African drum by most African-American artists who, though are descendants of Africans, are not able to grasp the intricacies of the African drum and its multi-rhythm uniqueness. This, he described as ‘poly-rhythm’- the absence of which deprives their music of the true ‘African pulsation’.

    A revered Nigerian musician of BLO fame, composer, repertoire expert and consultant, Laolu Akintobi (Akins), said African drums have names and their texture determines their tonality, adding that the procedure of making a drum determines the rhythm it produces. He stressed the importance of education via drums.

    In his paper titled: Sustaining drumming culture via structured education, he stated that drumming should be inculcated and entrenched into the younger generation so as to preserve the culture of drumming.He identified different types of drums, noting that African music producers use the rhythms and tonal sounds of African instruments to produce music that is commercial and globally acceptable.

    A member of the famous Osogbo Art School, Mr.Muraina Oyelami, identified lack of reference materials for teaching drum and drumming in schools as a hindrance to an effective transmission of knowledge about drums, while lamenting the lack of interest by publishers to publish his manuscripts.

    Oyelami, who was also a founding member of the late Duro Ladipo Theatre  Company as an actor and a musician spoke on production of digital documentation of an educational audio-visual facility and publication of Bata Drumming Techniques and Notation, a document he has been longing to publish. To drive home his points, he gave a brief demonstration of the speech patterns of the Dundun drum.

    Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, a master drummer and expert dancer, classified drums into three groups – ideophones (these are self-sounding instruments), aerophones (these are instruments such as flutes, trumpets, saxophones) and membranophones (these are the drums made from animal skins).

    In his paper, Drumming for socio-economic development: The application of Dundun and Bata drums,  Ojuade said that drums possess innate language through which messages are transmitted in African societies. “Drums possess ‘sound codes’ which only the initiated can understand,” he said, using Yoruba Bata and Dundun drums to illustrate the essence of drums in African cultures. He noted that drumming is one of the ways value is brought out of any socio economic endeavour without words, but observed that Nigeria is not harnessing the economic capital of the drum. He therefore appealed to the Federal Government through the Minister and other stakeholders to salvage the African culture through the promotion of drum festivals such as this.

    An Ibadan-based research scientist, Consulting Engineer and Culture Activist Dr.Tunde Adegbola stated that the bandwidth needed to communicate in Yoruba language is 10 times less than that needed for other languages because one can lose the consonant and vowel sounds alternatively in a speech and still be understood.He said that the objective of his paper, ‘Probabilistically Speaking: A Quantitative Exploration of Yoruba Speech Surrogacy’ is to demonstrate that history is not a joke based on the use of musical instruments such as drums and flutes, which express the tonality of the Yoruba language. He recalled that in the past, speech surrogacy was the mode of communication in African communities, adding that the tonality of Yoruba drums is mathematically and scientifically demonstrable.

    A public speaker and pan-Africanist, Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, stated that drumming gives life and must be preserved just as culture preserves life. According to her, drum is not accorded a place of importance in our society, hence, people with talent in drumming engage in other more lucrative jobs while others go out of the country, resulting in brain drain. She, however, questioned the place of gender in the drumming and reiterated that women can contribute to the socio- economic advancement of our nation through drumming. Citing examples of schools such as the Women Drum Centre in USA, Jaiyesimi called on government and the private sector to continue to support the arts in order to contribute effectively to the nation’s economy.

    Speaking on “Swange Music and Socio-Economic Importance: The Jovena Swange Band of Gboko in Perspective”, Mr. Solomon Terkura Adaa, a master drummer, observed that there had been a paradigm shift in the music industry in recent years where youths moved from disco night clubs to focus on cultural dances choreographed for swange music in Benue State.

    According to him, swange music has been in existence as a form of socialisation for a long time but it did not have a dance expression until a choreographer of Yoruba origin evolved the dance in the course of a workshop. “Swange music has over 100 dance groups in the country and every evening they dance to entertain people,” Adaa said, highlighting the didactic messages passed through swange music, which helps in the social correction of the younger generation.

    Swange traditional performance entertains, educates and has the potential to help the youth earn some income and contribute to the economy of the nation, he said.

    Dr.Sylvanus KwashieKuwor, a master drummer and scholar at the University of Ghana, Legon, said  drumming should not be made to suffer on the altar of modernity as both could be synergised to formulate a holistic aesthetic. He identified Economic Values, Cultural Values and Aesthetic Values as the three major pillars of his paper, noting that drumming can be vocalised and textualised. To him, education is not only about books because education is experiential.

    Other participants who spoke at the plenary included Wanle Akinboboye, Dr. OluAdeniran, Tunde Kelani, Akin Adejuwon,GregoireKabore, Landry Louoba, Bokossa Cocou Armel and Brenda Uphopho. Akinboboye suggested that Ogun State should build adrum festival resort located around the beautiful hills onShagamu-Abeokuta Road because of the availability of expanse of land to accommodate hotels, arts centers and cinema houses that are necessary to drive tourism.

    The workshop segment was coordinated by Peter Badejo – an international African dance ambassador, while Isioma Williams and Emmanuel Ikwue both master drummers and drum instructors were resource persons that assisted in coordinating the workshop. Stand-by troupes such as Footprints of David, Eko Brass Band, Atunda Entertainment and Ogun State Cultural Troupe gave performances.

    There were demonstrations, during the plenary session, by Salisu Mashi, AbegwaAlu, Goiserey Louoba Landry and Mukanyandwi Claudine – all master drummers from various parts of Africa. The session also accommodated honoured performances given by Pa Anthony Odili (Nonagenarian ex-drummer of the late Rex Lawson); Ajewole Oniluola (octogenarian ex-lead drummer of Ayinla Omowura Band); and Mallam Magaji Mahuta (octogenarian ex-drummer of Mamman Shatta Band.

    Also, an exhibition featuring collections of literary works by Fela Sowande was  opened at the Olumo Rocks to celebrate the life and time of the great icon, to critique Yoruba heritage and tradition through Sowande’s works, to develop new audiences for Yoruba art and culture in Abeokuta and beyond, among others.

     

  • Drums Festival: Anu D Lady Ekwe wins award

    Drums Festival: Anu D Lady Ekwe wins award

    The  Ekwe lady drummer, dancer and songstress of international repute, Anu D Lady Ekwe, put on a class art at the just held African Drums Festival to clinch the award for the Most Outstanding Performer in the Individual Category. Cultural fiesta, which debuted last year, was organised by the Ogun State Government at Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Anu, who is Nigeria’s only female Ekwe percussionist, gave a breathtaking performance, displaying her dexterity with the musical instrument, deft stage performance and compelling command of voice sound to the admiration of the packed audience.

    The songstress, who was recently conferred with the title of the African Ambassador of Music by the leading music school in Nigeria, Tenstrings Music Institute, mesmerised and tantalise the crowd with her  choreographed dance steps and electrifying drum beats, all benefits of her tutelage from the stable of Atunda Entertainment, where creative African youths are groomed and transformed into world-class arts.

    She was at the end of the three-day event adjudged by the organisers as the best individual performer and rewarded with a prize of one million naira (1million).

    The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Salmot Olapeju Ottun, while presenting her with the award and cheque, commended her for her endearing and lovely performance at the event and said she is a great inspiration to teeming youths all over Africa who are seeking veritable platforms to express their talents in order to become formidable entertainers like her.

    The music ambassador expressed thanks to the state government and the organisers of the event for a job well done and also for the recognition and award bestowed on her, which she said is a great honour and boost to her career.

    She promised not to rest on her oars and that she would continue to be a role model for youths, not only in Africa, but for youths all over the world.

    It would be recalled that Anu and Atunda Entertainment also featured in last year’s event with Anu winning the admiration and recognition of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who rewarded her for her talents.

    The event was attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including royal fathers, governors, and the diplomatic community with over a hundred participants from Nigeria, many African countries and also the Diaspora.

  • Ogun hosts 20 countries to Drums Festival

    Ogun hosts 20 countries to Drums Festival

    The Ogun State government, today, begins the 2017 edition of African Drums Festival. The show which is touted as an expanded version of the 2016 maiden edition, tagged, the Nigerian Drums Festival continues till Saturday, April 22, 2017.

    The Ogun state government, had during the 2016 edition, unveiled the world’s tallest drum.

    Speaking at a World Press Conference to unveil the official logo for this year’s festival on Tuesday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga, said over 20 African countries had indicated interest to participate during the festival.

    This, he added, is in addition to the over 12 states of the federation that had confirmed their attendance.

    The governor said that the festival, with the theme, “Reviving Our Culture in Drums,” would reveal the richness and depth of Ogun, Nigeria, and by extension, African culture, to the world.

    Amosun, while emphasising the preservation of African cultural heritage, said “the 2017 African Drums Festival would afford us the opportunity to learn from our cultural values and diversity and promote African unity.”

    Also speaking, Chairman of the 2017 African Drums Festival Local Organising Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, said the event would enhance the economic value of the citizens by showcasing talents and the cultural heritage.

    In his welcome address, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr. Muyiwa Oladipo said the festival would foster development, growth and unity, not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa.

  • Ogun community to relocate 304 years old drums, others

    THE Alaye Ode of Ode-Remo in Remo North Local Government of Ogun State, Oba Adetunji Osho, yesterday, said he would relocate the town’s valuable artefacts to a safer haven for posterity.

    The monarch, who spoke to reporters in Ode-Remo, preparatory to the inauguration of his palace, added that the culture and tradition of a people should be protected from extinction.

    According to him, the need for ‘’safety” of the “artefacts,” among other things, informed building of phase 1 of a new palace.

    The traditional Prime Minister (Lisa) of Ode Remo, Chief Richard Olubodun, said the 304-year-old drums, the Alaye’s two original crowns, among others, would be taken to a safer location.

    Olubodun noted that the “crowns, which are venerated and adorned on occasions because of their place in Ode Remo traditional institution, are jealously guarded from the public”.

  • Ogun FA drums support for Odegbami

    Ogun FA drums support for Odegbami

    • Holds Under 18 Soccer Tourney

    The Ogun State football Association has thrown its weight behind the candidature of former Green Eagles winger, Chief Segun Odegbami, who is standing for the vacant presidential seat of FIFA.

    According to the chairman of the football body, Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi, the move became necessary following the exemplinary performance of the mercurial footballer for both club and country.

    Majekodunmi recalled with nostalgia the exceptional talents of the 63 year old former national team captain, srtressing that the troubled world football governing body FIFA needs the experience of such versed man to reform it. Chief Segun Odegbami had six weeks ago declared his intension to run for the vacant role in FIFA.

    Speaking after the last group match at the Abeokuta centre of the State Under 18 football championship, powered by the Sir Adebutu foundation on Wednesday, the Ogun football association boss advised the young footballers to give their education top priority while playing football.

    He called on all well meaning Nigerians to to support the efforts of football stakeholders in developing the game,adding that hebwill continue to develop more talents to age grade national teams.

  • YOBO DRUMS SUPPORT FOR EAGLES

    YOBO DRUMS SUPPORT FOR EAGLES

    Despite Nigeria’s loss to Sudan in an AFCON qualifier on Saturday, former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo believes it is not the end of the road for the national team. In his opinion, the team still has what it takes to hoist Nigeria’s flag in Morocco.

    His words: “Sometimes things don’t turn out the way you planned. I have seen many of such moments in my football career. At such times, I have learnt never to give up. This team is passing through a phase and I know they have what it takes to weather through the storms.”

    The 101 capped ex-international, however, opines that the onus is on the players to negotiate their way out of the current situation.

    “I have no doubt in the quality of players I left behind in the national team. They have to talk to themselves and find a solution. At times like this, the players’ motivation is key. You know in 2012, we failed to qualify for AFCON, but in 2013, we made up our mind to win the trophy against all odds. Now that the odds are against the team, the players should resolve to go all the way. I have no doubt that Nigeria would still defend the trophy in Morocco. The boys just have to dig deep and find the inner strength”, he said.

    But would he opt to come out of retirement to salvage the situation?

    His reply: “No, I have done my bit. I have to move on so that the younger ones can develop. The problem in the team is not lack of quality. For one, I know Kenneth Omeruo has what it takes to captain the team and have a long illustrious international career. I won’t be there forever. There must get to a point when I must stop and the younger ones will carry on. I have been talking to the players and telling them of the need not to give up.”

    He called on Nigerians to rally round the team.

    “This is the time the boys need our support most. Even as they play against Sudan on Wednesday, we have to support them. It is not over yet but this is the best time to show our support and patriotism. We should not abandon them in this time of need”, he added.

     

  • The real problem with Nigeria

    SIR: When I first started writing some years back, some of my write-ups used to catch your attention and this motivated me to write more. These days, the reverse is the case leaving me to wonder on the criteria used to choose the opinions featured in your newspaper. This is after writing series of articles on security, economy, education, and governance to mention but few without getting published. My impression these days is that you concentrate on issues that have to do with politics not minding its benefits or impacts on the society. Of course, this is done at the expense of the beautiful write-up on other subjects that can as well do the nation good.
    A case in point is a letter written in March 11, tagged “Transforming Nigeria to Paradise.” In the letter, I made a comparison of Nigeria’s aesthetic values with that of United Kingdom. Inference was drawn that the bane of Nigeria poor environment was bad leadership and poor follower-ship. No good planning, no continuity; no prudent management; no accountability and no fear of God.
    The Europeans are not wasteful as we do here. Houses built in the 18th century are still there competing favourably with the modern ones. This explains why they have enough to take care of infrastructure like roads, water, electricity and other social amenities. Historically speaking, Nigeria must have caught a fine figure of developing nation in 70s. What led to her unfortunate and deplorable current status? Leadership. Imagine a situation when a leader looses focus or direction of his/her leadership!
    Our leaders pursue national goals with less intensity and zero perseverance as a result of unnecessary and egoistic distractions.
    As if that is not enough, the followers lack the capacity and reliable system of checkmating them. Instead, they applaud their mediocrities, inefficiencies and corruptions by rolling out drums, trumpets and bells to welcome them at the expiration of their corruptive tenures. In some cases, they confer them with costly titles. Worst still, at election time, they fall prey to them, gullibly and naively voting them into office, for second and even third term! What rubbish?
    Now that the 2015 general elections are fast approaching, it is high time the electorate realize that they are the employers of their leaders. This means they can hire and fire them at the poll, most especially those that failed to perform or perceived to have failed to deliver. We the electorates should stop trading away our votes on the altar of religion or ethnic sentiments. Let us start the appraisal and evaluation work on the performances of our leaders and this step will guide us in making sound judgement on who or how to vote in the next coming general election, for a better nation.
    • Ipadeola J. Adebayo,
    Ibadan

  • South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations: NTDC drums suppport for Eagles

    South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations: NTDC drums suppport for Eagles

    Super Eagles players have been assured of massive support at next year’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa following their superlative 6-1 demolition of the Lone Star of Liberia in Calabar last Saturday.

    Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Segun Runsewe, who was physically present in Calabar at the weekend to support the Eagles in the quest to beat Liberia to the AFCON 2013 ticket, said that it was time that Nigeria returned to the top of African football.

    “We at NTDC came here (Calabar) fully loaded to support the Super Eagles in the quest for the ticket to the Nations Cup next year. We are happy that all our effort did not go down as a waste as the boys have made us all proud,” observed Chief Runsewe.

    He, however, ever noted that the real task of getting Nigerian soccer back to the top of Africa begins with the qualification to the AFCON 2013.

    “This is the time for the players and coaches to redouble their efforts. After we missed the last edition jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, the only way the Super Eagles can rekindle the kind of followership they had in the past is to finish the competition decently,” observed the NTDC director general who stormed Calabar with several bags of branded t-shirts, mufflers, jackets, pins and pens for the fans at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

    “What you have seen here is nothing compare with the plan we have for the competition proper in South Africa next year. We are going to make sure that Nigerians stand out of the crowd with our green and white colours. We did it at the World Cup in South Africa and also repeated it at the last Olympic Games in London where we used the opportunities to market Nigeria to the world as choice tourism destination,” stressed the sports loving director general.

    Runsewe however called for adequate preparation of the Super Eagles by the Nigerian Football Federation and the National Sports Commission.

    “Nothing should be spared to ensure that the Super Eagles lack nothing in their preparations to go and make a statement at the Nations Cup. Thereafter, we can then begin to look forward to also qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” concludes the tourism chief.