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Tag: Evelyn Osagie

  • Evelyn Osagie: Osun APC chieftain condoles with The Nation, family

    Evelyn Osagie: Osun APC chieftain condoles with The Nation, family

    • Arts community mourns ex-colleague

    A governorship aspirant, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has condoled with The Nation newspaper and the family of its Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie, who died on Sunday.

    The late Miss Osagie was an award-winning journalist, cultural advocate, and spoken-word artiste.

    In a statement yesterday, Ogunbiyi, who is the Chairman of Mutual Benefits, described the late Miss Osagie as an easy-going person and a thorough-bred professional who was committed to her trade.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who is seeking the party’s ticket to run in next year’s Osun State governorship election, recalled that Evelyn displayed true professionalism when she reviewed his autobiography: Akin Ogunbiyi: Footprints of a Peerless Entrepreneur.

    He wrote: “She did the review from an intellectually unique angle. She saw and analysed life and individual achievements from a human angle that was unique to her.

    “We have lost a very brilliant journalist who always promoted human life. Anytime we discussed, she told me that an insurance conglomerate must always deliver meaningful and outcome-based benefits to its customers.”

    Also, the Nigerian arts and culture community has expressed grief over the passing of Miss Osagie.

    A statement yesterday by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), Tony Okuyeme, reads: “It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and member, Evelyn Osagie. She dedicated her life to celebrating and nurturing the arts, enriching our cultural landscape with her insightful writings, passionate advocacy, spoken word performances, and unwavering commitment.

    Read Also: When time leapt: A tribute to Evelyn Osagie

    “Over the years, Osagie built a reputation as a passionate promoter of the arts, using her pen and voice to spotlight talents, inspire budding creatives, and deepen public appreciation for Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

    “Colleagues and associates remember her not only for her professional excellence but also for her kindness, generosity, and enduring love for artistic expression.

    “Her legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and an enduring love for cultural expression,” ACWAN said.

    The association urged members of the creative community and the general public to pay tributes to the late writer, extending its condolences to her family and loved ones.

    “May Evelyn Osagie’s soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.

  • Arts community grieves over Evelyn Osagie’s death

    Arts community grieves over Evelyn Osagie’s death

    The Nigerian arts and culture community has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Evelyn Osagie, an accomplished journalist, culture advocate, and spoken word artiste.

    In a statement issued by the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), chairman, Caretaker Committee, Tony Okuyeme, on Wednesday, described Osagie as “a cherished voice and inspiring figure” whose writings, advocacy, and performances left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s creative landscape.

    “It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and member, Evelyn Osagie. She dedicated her life to celebrating and nurturing the arts, enriching our cultural landscape with her insightful writings, passionate advocacy, spoken word performances, and unwavering commitment, the statement read.

    Read Also: When time leapt: A tribute to Evelyn Osagie

    Over the years, Osagie built a reputation as a passionate promoter of the arts, using her pen and voice to spotlight talents, inspire budding creatives, and deepen public appreciation for Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

    Colleagues and associates remember her not only for her professional excellence but also for her kindness, generosity, and enduring love for artistic expression.

    “Her legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and an enduring love for cultural expression,” ACWAN said.

    ACWAN has called on members of the creative community and the general public to join in paying tributes to the late writer, while extending its condolences to her family and loved ones.

    “May Evelyn Osagie’s soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.

  • Elergy for the Songbird

    Elergy for the Songbird

    (For Evelyn Osagie, The Poet)

    From Dr. Sola Balogun

    Her tender voice resonated loudly in parts…

    Thrilling the crowd in the open arena…

    Of a creative hub tucked in Adeyipo….

    A suburb of Ibadan..in a season of lock-down.

    Evelyn was the main voice..in an evening of lines and hymns…

    In the glare of the host and guests…

    Who have thronged the serene square…

    In honour of the written word..

    Again, Evelyn gave her words to all..

    Eulogies in ballads…

    Odes in rhythms…

    Like the lady of songs that she was…

    Evelyn thrilled all in the arena…

    Read Also: Keep praying for our country, Babangida urges Nigerians

    And reminded all about her multiple gifts….

    Singer, poet, writer, composer and all…

    Evelyn was a sister from another mother …

    A friend from another land…

    A benefactor with humility..

    A comforter like no other…

    So sad death snatched you too soon..

    And left your friends in grief..

    But we are consoled by your earthly strides..

    Of immense value…

    Your creative works that’ll continue to live in our hearts…

    Adieu Evelyn Osagie…

    Till we meet to part no more.

  • When time leapt: A tribute to Evelyn Osagie

    When time leapt: A tribute to Evelyn Osagie

    “Time is not the fancy clock on the wall, or the tolling of a church bell at dawn. It is not even the famous chime of Big Ben…”

    Time, as my father once wrote in a poem in honour of Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, which was presented at the Uyo Book Club, is the cry of a cradle that grows into footsteps, into voices, into memories worth celebrating.

    That is how I remember Evelyn Osagie. Not in the number of her years, but in the moments that leapt with meaning.

    Our own time began with a chance encounter at Oduduwa Secondary School, Ladipo, during the Nation Journalism Foundation’s anti-bullying campaign. I had just started writing for the foundation. Evelyn was on stage, her words rolling like a tide. She rounded off her presentation with a poetic call to action.

    When the story was published, however, that poem was missing. Cut out in the rush of editing. I told her this the following Monday. She smiled knowingly and said, “The heart often gets cut in the rush for space.” That single line was so Evelyn – accepting, witty, yet holding on to the truth of what mattered. And just like that, our conversations began.

    I introduced her to my father not long after. Their shared love for Konga became an interesting side attraction in our conversations.

    What stood out most was her heart for mentoring. Her interns were like her own self. She poured herself into them, correcting gently, celebrating loudly. It was what first drew my admiration.

    Once, I asked her to teach me how to write. She laughed and threw her head back. “You are doing just fine. I have read a couple of your reports. As you grow, it will get better.” That laughter carried belief. I left feeling taller.

    Another time, someone came to her for help publishing a story. What began as a simple request soon turned into a debate about ideas, and we found ourselves discussing Orwellian philosophy, particularly 1984 and Animal Farm, which describe dystopian themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth.

    Evelyn was in her element. She listened deeply, pushed back when necessary, and always brought the conversation back to people and their lived realities.

    The next time we met in the office, she surprised me with kind words about my contribution. I felt appreciated.

    Then came her promotion to Assistant Editor, Arts. She told me in a whisper, eyes shining. I was about to shout in excitement when she pressed her finger to her lips.

    Days later, I teased her that she must “wash” the promotion. She asked what I wanted. I said, “Corn is in bloom this season.” With a chuckle, she sent one of her interns to buy me the fattest cob. That was Evelyn. Making even the smallest moment rich with joy.

    There were the road trips, too. At the close of work, I would sometimes drop her off. Those drives through Lagos nights, headlights sweeping across the road, radio humming softly, and our chatter filling the car became a rhythm of their own. Ordinary, yet unforgettable.

    Our last outing together still feels like yesterday. The Foundation had gone on a courtesy visit to the Lagos DSVA. Our meeting point was at the Ikeja City Mall, from where other members of the team all proceeded.

    On the steps of the mall, I teased her Konga-style dressing and asked after the trademark jacket. With that playful smile of hers, she said it was in her bag, waiting for the right moment. True to her word, just as we approached the DSVA building, she pulled it out with a wink.

    We parted at the bus stop after about ten minutes talking about nothing in particular – small things, everyday things; wishing each other a good weekend afterwards. That was it. That was the last time. Time closed the chapter quietly, like a curtain falling.

    But Evelyn’s life was never quiet. She was a journalist, poet, actor, photographer, mentor, and advocate. She wrote not just news but advocacy. Her story of Indian Ayuba, the teenage girl caring for her mentally challenged mother, touched the nation.

    Yes, our time together was short. But time with Evelyn was never small. It leapt. She often spoke of her journey in the newsroom, with useful advice on how to navigate the Nation newsroom and grow.

    She spoke of her associations with art clubs and troupes, her ties with the Wole Soyinka organisation, the women’s page she curated, how her ideas often arrived unannounced, and the reactions her columns always stirred. It was a mosaic of her life: journalism, poetry, advocacy, art…all in one breath.

    And in that leaping, she became timeless.

  • The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie is dead

    The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie is dead

    • Lagos govt, IPC, writers, others mourn

    The Nation’s Arts and Life writer Evelyn Eseoghene Osagie is dead.

    She died on Sunday at a private hospital in Lagos. She was 49.

    Evelyn was lively and had passion for her job and devoted to the world of art.

    Her death, which occurred in the early hours of that day, was a rude shock to everybody in The Nation and all those who came across her.

    Read Also: ‘Nigerian visa applicants to show five years social media activity’

    She was extremely passionate about her job, declared Victor Ifijeh, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Nation during the editors’ conference yesterday.

    A minute silence was observed in her honour at the meeting dominated by discussion of the life and times of the reporter in the organisation

    Her sister, Patience Osagie, who broke the news of her demise, said she got a call from her that she was seriously sick on Thursday.

    Patience said she went to see her, took her to the hospital on Friday and, by Sunday morning, Evelyn was gone.

    Apart from her regular job as a journalist, she was also an actor and a poet.

    The late Miss Osagie built a network of friends, contacts and sources in the Art and Life world.

    She performed at many events, locally and internationally.

    She was an Assistant Editor on the Arts and Life Desk and she handled the Women’s section of the Mid-Week Magazine in the Wednesday edition of this newspaper.

    Evelyn also kept a column on feminine affairs and other issues.

    The 2003 University of Benin (UNIBEN) graduate had various training locally and internationally during her 17 years career at The Nation.

    She won many awards, including Beatrice Bassey’s Prize for Female Report of The Year 2015 of the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA).

    She was a member of many organisations, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Arts and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN).

    The Lagos State government has commiserated with the management and staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation on the passage of Miss Evelyn Osagie, a reporter, poet, and cultural advocate.

    Beyond reporting, the Lagos-born journalist nurtured a rare passion for poetry so much that she was recognised by the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.

    She was also an advocate of culture, women and child rights, civil rights and mental health.

    One of her major works, the story of Indian Ayuba, a 13-year-old girl who refused to abandon her mentally challenged mother, was an outstanding journalistic work of empathy and resilience, which put Osagie in the limelight.  She followed the story till the end.

    Winner of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Beatrice Bassey Prize for Female Reporter in Year 2015, Osagie earned many recognitions for her outstanding contributions to journalism and poetry.

    A statement by Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso noted that Miss Osagie was always warm and friendly. Besides, she did her job with a unique display of talent and commitment that made her stand out among her colleagues.

    “On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu sends his condolences to the staff and management of Vintage Press. He urged that God to bless Evelyn Osagie’s soul and grant her relations, friends and colleagues the strength they need to bear the burden of this great loss.”

    The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) described Miss Osagie as a rare blend of artistry and activism.

    “Though gone too soon, her voice continues to echo through the stories she told, the verses she penned, and the lives she uplifted,” it said in a statement. Also in a tribute, the creative writer, journalist and critic, Molara Wood recalled that the late journalist was “an intrepid culture journalist, tireless, highly resourceful, full of verve”.

    In a statement by IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the organisation said the late journalist would be remembered for her commitment to amplifying women’s voices in the media space.

    “The death of Evelyn Osagie is a huge loss to the journalism community. She was a renowned journalist who, through her inclusive reports, amplified the voice of women across board,” he said.

    Arogundade added that Miss Osagie’s journalism was not limited to reporting events as she also served as an advocate who inspired action and influenced change.

    “We will particularly remember Evelyn for her outstanding contributions at the recent European Union-supported IPC and NAWOJ interface in Port Harcourt on creating enabling newsroom environments for the inclusive reporting of women’s issues during electoral processes.

    “She made personal commitments in this regard and pledged that The Nation would be a trailblazer in projecting the voices of female politicians ahead of 2027,” Arogundade stated.

    The family is expected to announce her funeral arrangement.

  • Chilled wine: The taste of take down

    Chilled wine: The taste of take down

    “Ladies …ladies…ladies! Relax. Be calming down…Gist boku,” Alice said amid laughter and shouts of the girls. Our girl had conquered.

    It was a mission accomplished for our friend and sister whose husband was literally taken away by a mistress. On getting her SOS, the ladies of the Women’s Corner sprang into action, setting up strategic teams and strategies of a ‘takedown’ mission. It was a war. And the girls were up to the task.

    It was an excited Alice that took the floor to share her success story at Tamara’s place that Friday morning. She was looking like an 18 year-old in a tank top tucked in blue jean trousers. Her words: “My husband is back,” threw the room into a frenzy of joy which she tried  hard to calm. “Helloooo! I have lots of gists for you girls; but before I begin, let me grab the wine I promised you; and some fried peppered meat,” she said and zoomed off.

    “I am so happy for her. It is not every day that you’d find such testimony,” Tinu said. “The husband is a good man who did not want his home to scatter. He could have gone with the wind, but thank God the voice of reason brought him back to his senses,” Jolaolu added as she helped to clear the table.

    “I would have sued him to Germany and back; and leave him with nothing so that his eyes go clear,” Barrister Ada interjected.

    “Jolaolu, beyond him being a good man, I think the proactive steps taken by this eminent group and our dear Sister Alice with the help of God saved the day. We must be strategic in what we do. When the need arises, it is good to speak to the right people. You may not know how many homes and marriages our coming together has mended. Whenever Evelyn writes about some of our adventures, it opens my eyes to how amazing the Women’s Corner is – we are confirmed “Wonder Women” jare,” Christabel noted.

    READ ALSO: Celebrating President Tinubu’s remarkable two years in office

    “I agree. I can’t wait to hear her story,” our host, Tamara stated with excitement. Just then, Alice walked in with a bowl of meat and a surprise – it was joy to see her hubby entering with a bottle of chilled wine in hand.

    “Hello girls! This is not to disturb your gists. I came here with my wife to say  thank you for the role you all played in our lives. Without shouting or making it a public affair, you stood up for us and your efforts turned things around. Once again, thank you so much. Please, permit me to support the movement with this token,” he said as he dropped a huge envelope on the table and left amid the shouts of joy and a thousand ‘thank yous’.

    “I like a man of action. Did I not tell you Alice’s husband is a good man? In fact, he is “Odeme, my brother, the great man’. God bless,” Tamara stated. “Ehen, before we forget, oya Alice come siddon…leave fried meat alone. Come gist us, abeg,” urged Jolaolu.

    “My people na God o! What started with late nights gravitated to him coming home every other day and suddenly, I was no longer seeing my husband again. I didn’t even know things had gotten that bad until my children left for school and I was home alone. I was almost running mad with frustrations. I didn’t know when I started wearing oversized gowns and tying wrapper on my chest all over the place. While others were whispering and condemning me behind my back, it was Christabel who first openly confronted me about my looks; some of you. The way you spoke to me and the love I felt in your midst when I first attended your meeting under the elebebo tree won my heart and gave me confidence to cry out,” Alice recalled.

    “So, how were you able to win him back,” I asked, the journalist in me was interested in the “meat” of the story.

    She continued: “Following all the strategies outlined by the group, I started sending very loving and sometimes sensual text messages every 4am after my prayers. I didn’t know I was that creative.As advised I started going out to different events and snapping with young people, particularly guys, wearing those beautiful hot pants and gowns.  And I made sure I was doing daily posts.

    “I was also snapping myself on my hot pants and tops at home, and using the Canva app, I would say: ‘See what you are missing’. While you girls were calling his mistress out on social media as you advised, I was silent. Suddenly, on Wednesday, na so my husband show with an angry look on his face. ‘What do you think you are doing flaunting yourself everywhere? When did that one start?’ Before I could answer, I found myself in the bedroom, I apologised about my shortcomings and he did too and as they say the rest is history. And we’ve been home throughout yesterday, eating, cruising; and towards evening we went to watch a romantic movie and continued till this morning. And when I asked about his secretary, he said, “God punish devil! I sacked her on Monday….and here we are. I did not know the takedown would happen so fast – within a week, what has been going on in the past four months, was resolved. I can’t thank you ladies enough. Abeg, let’s pop the wine!”

    “Yes o,” we chorused.

  • No healthy woman should be idle, says Kufre-Ekanem

    No healthy woman should be idle, says Kufre-Ekanem

    In a post-COVID world where it is becoming more difficult to navigate through marriage, motherhood and even when the nest is empty, radio host, Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem, has become a voice of motivation for many. Drawing inspiration from her own experience, Kufre-Ekanem, who is also the CEO of Rosemary’s Furnishings and Beddings, is providing women a platform for sharing stories, networking, and learning through the UpYouWomen Conference. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on why no woman should be idle and more

    Navigate business and family life

    Navigating business and family life has been a journey of balance, prioritisation and delegation. Over the years, I have learned to adapt to the changing seasons of life, particularly in this season of being an empty nester. This transition has afforded me more time to focus on my business endeavours without the daily demands of raising children. Prioritising has been key to managing both aspects effectively. I make sure to set clear goals and identify what tasks need immediate attention versus those that aren’t urgent. This helps me maintain a sense of order and ensures that neither my business nor my family commitments are neglected.

    Delegation is another crucial component. Recognising that I cannot do everything myself, I have built a strong team both at work and at home. This support system allows me to focus on strategic decisions and long-term planning, knowing that day-to-day operations are in capable hands. Ultimately, it’s about creating a harmonious balance that allows me to thrive in both my personal and professional lives, continually adjusting to the ebb and flow of responsibilities and opportunities.

    Growing up that made you the woman I am

    Growing up as the first child in my family had a significant impact on shaping who I am today. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility and leadership from an early age. I often found myself in a position where I had to set an example for my younger siblings, which taught me the importance of being reliable and dependable. My upbringing was filled with moments that required resilience and adaptability. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to navigate challenges both in my personal life and in business. The values of hard work, perseverance, and empathy that were instilled in me during my formative years have become the foundation of my character. Additionally, being the first child meant that I had to learn to balance multiple roles and responsibilities, a skill that has been invaluable in managing my career and family life. The lessons from my childhood continue to guide me, driving my passion to empower others and make a positive impact in my community.

    Inspiration behind UpYouWomen Conference

    The amazing stories of Nigerian, particularly women who have faced and triumphed over adversity are the inspiration behind my convening the UpYouWomen conference. Their stories continue to inspire and equip participants with the resilience and strategies to overcome their own challenges, yearly. And this year is no different. It has since become an annual event dedicated to empowering women by providing a platform for sharing strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving success; as well as networking and learning. This year’s edition, which will be hold on the 31st of this month at EbonyLife Place in Lagos, parades an exceptional lineup of speakers, panelists, and moderators. A distinguished leader and staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, Nkeiru Olumide Ojo, will serve as its chair and keynote speaker – with the theme “Through the Fire: Triumphing in Adversity”. Idea of the conference was an upshot of my radio programme, UpyouwithEzinne.

    Read Also: Olumide-Ojo headlines Up You Women conference

    Idea behind UpyouwithEzinne programme

    Several years ago, I was a guest at a women’s conference where I spoke on a woman and her dreams. It was well received that I was made the keynote speaker for the United States of America version of the same conference. That gave rise to my book, “Up You”. So the concept of “Up You” is that of a woman’s incredible attributes and the validity of her dreams. I wrote that book to encourage women that no time is late. You don’t have to squash your dreams. You can keep them on the burner until you find the time and the season to chase them. And from the book my radio programme, UpyouwithEzinne was born. It’s an upbeat one-hour radio show aimed at encouraging the woman to keep going and being the best she can be in any given circumstance. It was meant to amplify what the book had been doing. I try to reach a wider audience with the same message by getting other women who are doing well in different areas to come and speak to the women. Their inspirational stories and the impact of the programme on womenfolk led us to start a skill mastering programme in digital skill mastering so women can sit at home, take advantage of the digital world and make money.

     Motivation behind my women’s self–care advocacy

    It stemmed from my own experience. I remembered telling my husband after we got married that he needed to make me happy in the marriage. But I later came to the self-realisation – after he told me categorically that my happiness in his hands, – that irrespective of whether I’m married to him or not or even married at all, nothing should replace my own self and my source of joy. Of course, he would do some things that would make me happy but my happiness needs to stem from myself. So women need to know that they need to find this.

    But we tend to get absorbed in marriage. It’s okay so long as you don’t lose yourself. You must find your own joy. You have common interests, but also find those interests that are not common to you and build on them.

    Life’s lesson women should learn from mine

    One valuable life’s lesson women should learn from mine is the importance of paying attention to one’s self-care. Women must learn to put themselves first, before others. Help yourself first so you can help others.

    I remember later on in our marriage, my husband took ill and I dropped everything to look after him. One day, I realised that I was just sitting down, not doing anything, not talking to anyone and refusing to go anywhere. Literally stopping my life wasn’t the solution. It hit me rather than square. And I had to live again while doing what we had to do. So I got up. Every week I had to do something for myself. I had to find a balance. I do not subscribe to a woman not finding herself or losing her dream because she’s married or even because she’s had children. No healthy woman should be idle.

    Beauty to me

    Beauty to me is a combination of inner and outer qualities that radiate confidence, kindness, and authenticity. It’s about embracing who you are and expressing that through your actions, words, and appearance. True beauty comes from a genuine sense of self-worth and the ability to see and appreciate the beauty in others. It’s also about taking care of oneself, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. When you feel good on the inside, it naturally reflects on the outside. Beauty is also in the way we carry ourselves, the kindness we show to others, and the strength we display in facing life’s challenges.

    My fashion style

    My fashion style is a blend of elegance and practicality. While I appreciate and enjoy fashion, I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a fashionista. I gravitate towards classic, timeless pieces that are both comfortable and versatile. Fashion for me is about expressing who I am and feeling confident in my own skin, rather than strictly following trends. I appreciate well-tailored outfits that can transition seamlessly from professional settings to more casual environments. I also love incorporating vibrant colors and unique accessories that reflect my personality and heritage. Whether it’s a beautifully designed dress or a simple, stylish ensemble, my goal is always to feel confident and authentic in what I wear.

     Fashion item I cannot do without

    A stylish kaftan is one fashion item I can’t do without. It’s incredibly versatile and comfortable, perfect for various occasions, whether I’m attending a formal event or enjoying a casual day out. A kaftan allows me to express my style effortlessly while maintaining a sense of elegance and grace.

  • When Thailand marries Nigeria

    When Thailand marries Nigeria

    “Dear sisters, sit and grab yourselves a drink or snack, I have hot gist for you…plenty gist!” That was an excited Sexy Lola, who would often arrive late, welcoming other members of the Women Corner gang who joined us at our usual spot under the Ebelebo Tree, last Sunday.

    I know the gist she wanted to tell but others, except Tamara, didn’t. I pretended as if I didn’t know myself so that the gist can be sweet, because no one tells it like Lola does.

    “Lola …Lola…Lola has come again,” taunted Tinu as she strolled in with a tray in hand that she covered with napkin – it contained her baked noodles pizza, or so she called it.

    “Relax. Grab a sit, Tinu. Let me gist you of the Thailand festival we attended yesterday. What is that in your hand,” asked Lola, nothing misses her attention.

    “Oh, it’s my treat for us this evening. I call it my baked noodles pizza. It has an Asian root. I found it on YouTube.”

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    “Oh-oh-oh YouTube again…not another of those you people specials wey dey purge belle. You should have told us to take purgative before coming, na,” cried Ada, who had already helped herself with a slice of the snack immediately Tinu dropped the tray.

    “Ada, be calming down, o. I’ve made it for my kids and they loved it. I assure you that you’d ask for it. Better grab yourself another slice before you regret it.”

    We watched as Ada took a bite, and held our breath as she stopped chewing, closed eyes and kept an expressionless face.

    “Ada what?” Mummy Fawaz asked.

    “Ada wetin dey happen na,” queried Tamara. Even Tinu had a worried look on face as Christabel added, “why not spit it out, instead of you to die.”

    And suddenly, Ada started chewing very fast, opened her eyes and said, “you must give me this recipe,” while laughing.

    “So why were you silent? You almost gave us a heart attack,” I said angrily.

    “I was trying to savour the moment, while wondering what it tasted like and what she put in it. It has a blend of pancake and jollof rice taste.” By this time, I and the others were struggling to grab a slice.

    “Don’t worry I still have more in the oven,” Tinu assured, and seeing that as her cue, Lola continued with her gist. “Ehen, like I was saying, you should have seen the Thailand festival we attended yesterday. Like Tinu’s pie, I mean, Tinu’s Noodles pizza,” which has Asian root but has a blend of the taste of pie and jollof, according to Ada, the festival was a marriage between Thailand and Nigeria.” She turned and looked at Tamara and I as if seeking for approval.

    And without thinking, we both said: “Yes”.

    And then, she continued, stealing the show from me and Tamara who was also in attendance. I had invited Lola and Tamara to the event which a friend had invited me to. But Lola and Tamara seemed to have enjoyed themselves thoroughly. “If you ask me, I’ll tell you, Nigeria and Thailand have a lot in common. I mean the cuisines at the festival were similar to ours. Aside a few twist here and there, they could pass for ours.” Tamara and I shook our heads as we took a slice each from Tinu’s second tray of pizza special.

    “Take for instance, they have soups that could pass for our own pepper soup. The fun part was that we met Dame Danjuma there, and she was so warm and homely. And she expressed the same observation too when Evelyn chat her up. What about the music. Let me Evelyn to explain,” she said, turning to me.

    “Don’t worry, they can read about it once my report is out,” I replied her as she moved to the table to grab a slice but was greeted with an empty tray.”Wey my pizza?”

    Silence.

  • Muson Center to host iconic stage play

    A musical production on African cultures titled Legends Kings and Kingdoms will be showing at the Muson center from December 22nd to 26th.

    The stage plays which focus on Africa heroes who passed through earth and left their indelible marks. Such as Sango – King of the Old Oyo Empire, Nana Yaa Asantewa of the Ashanti Kingdom, Queen Nefretiti – Wife of Akhenaton of Egypt, Queen Amina of Zazzau and Shaka – King of Zulu.

    A play directed and produced by Ayo Ajayi and Gbenga Yusuf.

    Ayo Ajayi speaking at the press conference said “the journey started sometimes in February 2018 when Gbenga and I had a conversation about how we can really contribute to promotion of Arts and Culture in Africa.”

    “Rather than just lip singing it as it is today. We came up with the idea of Legends and our first stop was the Muson Center, because we believe in this institution is the foremost and most effective center for the promotion of Arts. We were not disappointed because they opened their doors to us.”

    “We also contacted a young friend whose job was to listen to our story, pick brains and come up with an excellent script, emphasis on excellent. He also failed to disappoint.” Ajayi said

    He further said “The next hurdle was to create musical idioms that are synonymous with the cultures and era these Legends represent without getting stuck in the past, these was quite challenging but was achieved.”

    According to Gbenga Yusuf, who is also a co-producer of the movie, it is all about love for culture and history.

    “It is a story about love and about coming together of different African heroes to save the universe similar to what what Marvin does.

    “There is no story in the world that have brought these heroes together, just like avengers, black panther coming together to achieve a goal .” Gbenga said.

    Read Also: MUSON graduates demonstrate skills

    Stressing the inspiration that led to the project, Gbenga said ‘The major inspiration was avengers, if they can sell their idea to us let us take our own to them too”

    Kelvinmary Ndukwe one of the actor in this project, revealed “I played the role of Sezangakhona in the previous edition of this project now I am playing the role of Shaka Zulu.”

    While speaking on his challenges he said “fitting into this new role accurately has not been easy, the previous actor who played this role has this unique accent like that of Black Panther which am trying to adjust to. It has not been easy for me but am improving.”

    “Trying to act like the previous Shaka Zulu is not an easy task for me and also the dance, I’m not a good dancer but I just have to do what is required for the success of the play.”

    Mojisola Kediri, another actor in the project, playing the role of a Ghanaian legend Yaa Asantewa, said “Legend is a fantastic project and I am proud to be a part of this project from the music ,dance, costumes and style of play everything is just spectacular.”

    The actor said we should be expecting a different person in this play, “stepping into this character took a lot from me, I am in my 30s, but I have to act the role of a 60 year old woman, I even have to sound and speak Ghanaian language. So expect to see a different version of me.”

    “It took me 3month to fit into this character especially for the fact that i need to act older that my age.”

    For Uche Chika Elumelu, who played the role of Amina of Zazzau in the project “This play has so much of glamour it is not about what you can see. It is about what you can feel and also pass across hidden information.”

    The project, sponsored by MTN and the Muson Center, is a family show and has no age restrictions.

  • Foundation launches programme for young entrepreneurs 

    A non-governmental organization, Esther Ajayi Foundation has launched a Youth Empowerment Seminars (YES) that will provide useful tips to young entrepreneurs in becoming successful in their business or chosen professions.

    The foundation, which is the brainchild of Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, General Overseer, Love of Christ C&S Church Clapham, London, said that the initiative was a means to inspire youths with real life experiences and how they could become their own bosses.

    The programme Themed “Developing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Today”, was held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.

    A UK-based motivational speaker and an award-winning trainer and entrepreneur Mrs. Bebe Clement in her addressed said there entrepreneurs should learn the habit of saving and culture of investment.

    “You (youths) should be able to set up a business in vocations and professions that you have passion for. Don’t be in a hurry to begin something because everyone around you had done so, but develop ideas that will stand the test of time” she said.

    Also, Dr. Aderemi Banjoko, a Medical Practitioner turned avid investor, trader and financial expert.

    In his own remarks, urged the youths to make the best use of their time and data by engaging in online trading and other forms of online businesses that have low start-up capital and are low risk.

    While the host, Rev. Mother Ajayi in her address said it was better the youths are taught on to fish, rather than being giving one so that they can flourish on their own.

    “I am not here to give you fish, rather to teach you how to fish so that you will be self-sustaining for the rest of your lives,” She stated.

    Read Also: MTN Foundation hosts masterclass for music scholars

     

    “there is no country you can call your own expect here and your love for this country is important , Cause when you love your country you will not want evil to happen to that country Nigeria need our positive attitude, don’t be violent election is coming don’t do anything bad it won’t help”

    In an interview with one of the participant Olayinka Egungohun a student of Yaba College of technology (yabatech) said the empowerment focus of the event was what attracted to the programme.

    “Have learnt a lot from this event like how to invest myself and I met a lot of experienced entrepreneurial   who made this programme more interactive” she said.

    Another participant Daniel Chibuzor Amant also said the programme focus on investment was an eye opener for him.

    “I have been here looking at the focus, identifying that the youth are the future of this country and they have to be empowered, Firstly we have to change our mind set to be business minded. This opportunity has been positive to me in particular”.

    “I was able to understand what financial literacy is, how to identify finance, how to spend your money and investment” he said

    The organizer, Rev. Mother Ajayi revealed that the programme will now be held four times every year, and the first in 2019 will come up at Eko Hotel & Suites on March 20

    Discussants at the session included Monilola Oladiti, Prophet Israel Oladele Genesis, Gbaniro Bamigbe Olarofimi, Ohis Imiere, Doyinsola Ola, Mojisola Niran-Oladeinni and Toyin Okuyiga.