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Tag: Glamour

  • Royal Roots, Modern Glamour: A Review of Agbons-GL’s “Igodomigodo” Collection

    Royal Roots, Modern Glamour: A Review of Agbons-GL’s “Igodomigodo” Collection

    • By Victor Adewole

    Glory Agbonita Ehizuenlen’s “Igodomigodo” collection for Agbons-GL stands out as a powerful tribute to Benin’s ancient heritage, while still feeling fresh and modern. This 2021 collection uses rich materials like velvet, tulle, crinoline mesh, luxury lace, feathers, and beads to tell the story of royalty and tradition in a way that feels both respectful and new.

    The first thing that strikes you about the collection is its bold use of color and texture. Velvet gowns in deep, regal shades immediately give off a sense of luxury. The way the velvet drapes and hugs the body brings out the confidence and strength of the wearer. Tulle and crinoline mesh are layered skillfully, adding volume and drama without making the dresses look heavy or overdone. These layers move beautifully when the models walk, creating a sense of lightness and grace.

    Luxury lace details are used thoughtfully, often as overlays or accents that add a delicate, feminine touch to the stronger velvet base. The lace is sometimes decorated with beads, which catch the light and add a subtle sparkle. Feathers are another standout feature in this collection. They’re not just an afterthought—they’re carefully arranged to create movement and a sense of royalty, reminding viewers of the grandeur of Benin’s history.

    One of the collection’s real strengths is how it balances tradition and modernity. The designs clearly draw inspiration from traditional royal attire, but they’re cut and styled in ways that would look at home at any high-profile event today. The use of beads and feathers, for example, pays homage to the elaborate regalia of Benin royalty, but the silhouettes are sleek and contemporary.

    Critically, while the collection is visually stunning, some pieces do lean heavily on embellishments, which might not appeal to those who prefer more understated fashion. However, for anyone who loves bold, statement-making outfits, “Igodomigodo” delivers in every way. The craftsmanship is evident in the careful placement of every bead and feather, and the overall effect is one of elegance and power.

    In summary, Glory Agbonita Ehizuenlen’s “Igodomigodo” collection is a memorable celebration of Benin’s royal history, brought to life with luxurious fabrics and thoughtful design. It’s a collection that honors the past while embracing the present, and it firmly establishes Agbons-GL as a brand to watch in Nigerian fashion.

  • Glamour as dignitaries celebrate Olanipekun’s SAN

    Dignitaries gathered in Lagos to celebrate the conferrment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on Mr Olabode Olanipekun. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports.

    That it would be a night to remember for a long time was evident in the grand preparation to usher in the event. Everything reeked of class, panache, power, influence and royalty. It was a reception to celebrate the elevation of Olabode Olanipekun to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    Bode is a scion of Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and frontline lawyer in the country.

    It could not have been more classy with the array of guests at the high octane occasion. Captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps, top government functionaries, legal luminaries, foremost traditional rulers and clergymen of note gathered at the Landmark Event Centre,  Oniru, Victoria Island, to celebrate Bode Olanipekun.

    The event was made more spectacular with the impressive resume of Olabode as the youngest senior advocate and obviously a chip of the old bloc, who has held his own in the legal firmament. Most of the guests noted that they were enthralled by the brilliance of the 35-year old Olabode, prompting them to honour the invitation as a way of paying respect to the renowned family of lawyers.

    The event kicked off at 7:45pm with an opening prayer by the Bishop of the Lagos Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd (Dr.) Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye. He noted that God has blessed the family of the Olanipekun, adding that the patriarch of the family, Chief Wole Olanipekun has made his mark as a philanthropist and lawyer of note.

    “We thank God for Chief Wole Olanipekun’s family. We thank God for Bode, that we are celebrating today. The glory of today will be a rising glory. The rod of the avenger will never touch him and I pray that he will be greater than his father.”

    The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Tony Elumelu, congratulated chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, and his wife, Erelu Omolara Olanipekun for providing the third Senior advocate of Nigeria in the family.

    Elumelu, who is the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holding Limited, commended the parents of the new silk for giving him the best of education and ensured his moral uprightness.

    “You have trained them well. I am quite impressed that a young man of 35 is being decorated as a SAN. Bode, you are a worthy son of your parent,”he said.

    Elumelu noted that he had always admired the new silk and he is convinced that he would do very well in his future endeavours. He added that the patriarch of the family, Chief Olanipekun is worthy of emulation with the way he nurtured Bode and his older sibling, Oladapo.

    “Oladapo Olanipekun SAN, indeed opened the way for you Bode. I am happy with the progress of the family and this is indeed, the sort of success I like to identify with. Excellence will drive success for you and I am very optimistic that you will succeed,” he said.

    The Banker cum-philanthropist also noted that enterprise and discipline should be the guiding philosophy of anyone, who hopes to achieve greatness in life.

    “These are principles I know you (Bode) have. I will be surprised if you are not a man of excellence and execution having grown under the tutelage of your father. We need to work hard to ensure that our children surpass what we do,” he said.

    Elumelu’s opening remarks set the tone for an interesting event as the next item on the programme was an intellectual discourse anchored by the first son of Chief Wole Olanipekun, Dr. Oladapo Olanipekun SAN.

    Oladapo himself, became a SAN at a relatively young age and is well acquainted with the profession as a lecturer at the University of Lagos and also the Editor-in-Chief of the Banking and Finance Law report.

    Moderating the discussion on how the youths in the society can seize opportunities amidst the challenges and obstacles mitigating against growth in the country, Oladapo threw pertinent questions at the discussants. Mr. Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State and presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming presidential election and a partner with Price Water House and Coopers, Mr. Uyi Akpata.

    Akpata set the ball rolling by noting that the youths are afraid to take on  challenges that seem to place them at a vantage position. He noted that they are often overwhelmed by the circumstances that could be political, environmental and psychological. He added that good education is a spring board to lift the youths to an enviable position, but the will and confident to excel must also be inculcated in them.

    “It is very easy to just look at Bode and say he is an example of a young man that has excelled. It is very important to have early education and also take it upon yourself to find solution to challenges.

    “Other young men would have been overwhelmed and rather let their parents do the job while they lap in luxury, but Bode did not take the  challenge of self-development for granted. He constantly upped his game even though he also has a privileged background,” he said.

    Akpata noted in a nutshell that professional conduct, right background, good education, adherence to ethics and hardwork will give the youths an edge.

    Duke was a little simplistic on his approach to the issue of seizing opportunities and turning them to advantage. He noted that the ability to constantly re-invent one self and the drive to do better than the rest would push the youths to achieve success in any choosen endeavour.

    “Earlier on, I was teasing Oladapo on sibling rivalry. I told him that he was the youngest when he became a SAN, and that Olabode has beaten him to that title now. We laughed it off.

    “What we make of our opportunities are left to us. You must have personal vision, a clarity and the will to bring your vision to fruition.

    “Those are the components that makes anybody achieve at an early age like Bode. He had a vision and the will to pursue it,” Duke said.

    The moderator further asked discussants to give success nuggets to the teeming youths at the gathering to encourage them on how they can break barriers despite obstacles.

    Akpata noted that the issue of mentorship must be taken seriously by any youth that intends to excel.

    “I have just spent 34 years in the profession. At the age of 28, I became a partner in PWC. In those years, I have had the rare privilege of rendering services across board. A true professional will exhibit sound behavior and the thought of giving back to the society is often uppermost in the mind.

    “You must share the vision of your firm. In the last 23 years, I have had the opportunity of mentoring people,” Akpata said.

    Duke stated emphatically that whoever is afraid of failing in any endeavor is not prepared for success.

    “I was called to the bar 25 years ago. I read law to please my father. At 37, I was a governor. One critical thing is to be not afraid at all.

    “People learn from their failure and even get better with it. If you excel at the expense of the larger society, you have failed, but if you excel to the betterment of the society, you have succeeded,” he said.

    After a very insightful discourse, guests took turn to pay glowing tribute to a family that has used power, talent and moral example to transform many lives.

    Leading the pack was the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), who noted that he has enjoyed a chummy relationship with the Olanipekun’s for several years, adding that Bode was personally known to him.

    “Today, I wear different caps. I am here as the NBA President and I am also here as a member of the Olanipekun’s family. Bode is a chip off the old block and I am immensely proud of him. I see a great future for him and I congratulate him and his father, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN” he said.

    Former Minister of Petroleum and a leading businessman, Chief Don Etiebet didn’t mince words in describing the new silk. He noted that the family has been renowned for excellence in all facets of human endeavour.

    Stating in explicit term his association with the family over the years, Etiebet said hardwork and dedication to his profession is what set Bode apart from his peers. “From his upbringing, you will know that he cannot but do well. It is not a fluke, it is hardwork.

    “I have been a client of Chief Wole Olanipekun for several years and I know he puts so much into his work. Bode is only living true to type. His senior brother, Dapo, is an encyclopedia of the profession and I am not surprised that they are both doing well.

    “Your father, (Wole Olanipekun) is a professional, who represents his clients very well and I know you (Bode) also have a great future,“ he noted.

    A family friend and client of Wole Olanipekun and Co, Professor Ndi Onyuike Okereke could not hide her admiration for the new silk. Onyuike-Okereke, who was the former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) disclosed that she knew “Bode would go places”.

    “Wole himself, is thorough. Dapo is brilliant and I know he will soon be a professor. Bode is fantastic. I am so happy to be here to share their joy. Erelu Omolara Olanipekun has done well as an excellent mother. It is good to get this kind of honour when you are alive. I am proud of the family,” she said.

    One person who added humour to the eulogies for Bode was his former teacher in the University, Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN). The University don noted that he taught Bode in the university, but Bode had faced him in legal battles in the court several times after his call to the bar

    “I came in hoping to quietly sit down, enjoy my meal and banter with my colleagues but here I am, being told to talk about Bode.

    “Where do I start from? Bode was my student in the Faculty of Law in the University of Lagos. I stand here to attest that he was one of my best students.

    “Both Dapo and Bode were my students and I am still their mentor. Bode is hardworking, focus and very strategic. We have had to square up with one another in the court and the moment I become victorious, he comes to ask jokingly that “Excuse me sir, you never taught me everything I needed to know otherwise I would have floored you”, to which I will tell him that a teacher will not teach his student everything so that he keeps coming back to ask for advice. He noted that “there is always a Joker a teacher pulls when things become knotty”. This drew a wild laughter from the guests.

  • Glizt, glamour as monarchs, others celebrate Olokun Festival

    It was another entertaining grand finale, for probably the oldest privately funded festival in Nigeria, the Olokun Festival at the Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos. The Olokun Festival which was conceptualized by Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams in 2002, is in its 16th edition. It has become a rallying point for the propagation and promotion of Yoruba tradition and culture. It is also a source of promotion of tourism in Badagry and Yorubaland as a whole.

    Suntan Beach, the host venue of the Olokun Festival witnessed thousands of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) from within and outside the country. There were also top traditional rulers from Nigeria and Benin Republic in attendance.

    The Olokun Festival is an eight-day  event with activities such as both regatta, festival float, traditional dance, beauty pageant, ayo olopon (a Yoruba traditional leisure game) and many other activities.

    The grand finale last Wednesday had music display, cultural dance and traditional Yoruba activities.

    In his address at the occasion, the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Prince Babatunde Ajose, commended organisers of the festival for their contribution to tourism in the state. He said the Olokun Festival is captured in the tourism masterplan of the state and that the Lagos State government will partner with the organizers to move the festival forward. He also commended the organisers for the huge economic contribution of the festival to the economy of the state which he put in the region of N300 million.

    Despite the huge turnout at the festival, the horrible state of the international highway linking Lagos and Seme border town was of huge concern to the guests.  The promoter of the festival, Iba Gani Adams, decried the current state of the highway saying it is a disincentive to tourism in the area. He said: “Badagry has some of the greatest tourist sites and can by a major tourist destination in the world, but our government both at the federal and state levels need to partner with private organizations to boost tourism across the country. It is sad the road leading to Badagry has been under construction for close to a decade. This has affected people plying the road daily. It has also affected the economic potentials of the ancient town.”

    He said considering the importance of the road as international highway used by both ordinary citizens and diplomats from all over the world, it ought to fixed immediately.

    Gani also lamented that other historical cum tourist sites including  Point of No Return in Gberefu Island, have not reached their full potentials, calling for immediate face-lift of the sites in the area.

    On the celebration of the festival, Gani said: “Today’s event is not about the fun, merriment or jamboree. It is about how best we can sustain our cultural identity. It is not about the festivity and celebration, it is about the Yoruba heritage. It is about sending a message of hope to everyone that shares our dream.”

    Gani said  despite starting humbly in his quest for cultural rebirth, he and his group have succeeded in making remarkable progress by extending the frontier beyond the shores of the country. He said: “At every of our struggle and cultural evangelism, we have shown great confidence and respect for our traditional institutions.”

    The high point of the festival was bestowing of honour to some deserving sons who have contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture as Olokun ambassadors. They include: Chief Abiodun Fagboro, Otunba Aderinokun Babs Olurinde, Mrs. Yemi Ajide Olayinka, Abayomi Mate( Ifankalleuyah), Bashiru Adisa (Baba Gboin), Fakoya Qudus Olwadamilare (Qdot) and Mr. Muyiwa Oshinaike.

    Among the traditional rulers present at the occasion were a representative of the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu, the Timi Of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and many others.

  • Glamour as Omu-Aran installs Prime Minister

    History was made in the ancient town of Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on May 11, 2018 when Chief Olaniyi Jide Adebayo, was installed as the 6th Eesa.

    The four day coronation ceremony kicked off on Thursday morning with religious prayers at the family residence of the Eesa at Afin Quarters, Ihaye ward. The prayer session which illustrated the height of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence as a whole was done in both Christian and Muslim ways.

    In the evening of the same day, a dinner for family, friends and well-wishers of the new Eesa took place at Mucenty Hotel till the early hours of Friday.

    On Friday which was the installation proper, well-wishers trooped in as early as 8am to wish Adebayo well.

    Inside a well-furnished palace in his ancestral home, the Eesa was surrounded by some chiefs and friends as he sat regally with all the glamour befitting the Prime Minister.

    Sitting on a black leather chair, he donned a white agbada with a chocolate-coloured cap to match and customized blue shoes boldly engraved with the name and insignia of his new title.

    Colourful costumes

    Among those who came to wish him well were masquerades believed to be heavenly beings, in colourful costumes, with wild singing and dancing. The first group of masquerades named Jelenke made their entrance at exactly 10:08 and were closely followed by Amuludun group. Okin masquerades came next with Areekejegbo following.

    In an orderly manner, the masquerades came before the Eesa to give him their blessings and were generously acknowledged with monetary gifts. Having given their blessings, they came out into the open to entertain onlookers.

    With the entrance of the masquerades the atmosphere was charged and some people who were earlier aloof to happenings in the compound came closer not only to watch the cultural display but also to partake in the celebration.

    It was easier for the people to interact with the masquerades because, unlike in some areas where fierce looking,  blood-chilling masquerades brandishing whips or even other dangerous objects usually come out they were friendly, colourful and accommodating and carried no whips.

    At 10:29am when it was time for the Eesa and his entourage to proceed to the Palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran for the installation, women of Afin Quarters were already stationed at the entrance to the palace hall where the Eesa sat, singing and dancing and requesting for the traditional ‘feeding money’.

    The Eesa emerged flanked by his wife Alice and like the benevolent father and husband he stepped into the waiting arms of the women who eulogized him as he patiently distributed monetary gifts to them. Done, he then made his way to waiting vehicles which conveyed him and his entourage to the palace.

    The palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran wore a merry mien as gaily dressed men and women in traditional outfits trooped into the vast compound.  The facade of the palace was decked in bright colours of posters felicitating with the new Eesa and wishing him a fruitful reign.

    While guests awaited the commencement of the installation ceremony, the Fakalayo cultural troupe and ‘wives of Eesa’ were on ground to entertain guests with cultural music. The ‘wives of Eesa’ comprised of young women who wore white clothes and adorned their hair, wrists, necks and ankles with red colourful beads.  They danced around the compound greeting people and felicitating with the Eesa.

    On the other hand, the Fakalayo cultural troupe lit the compound with scintillating Bata drum beats and deft, nimble dance steps.

    A mild drama was enacted as the family of the Eesa came forward to formally request the Olomu-in-Council for the title of Eesa for their son, Adebayo. With permission granted, the family showed their appreciation with monetary gifts while each segment of the community also supported them. Immediately after the show of appreciation, the Eesa was brought forward amidst a crowd of family, friends and well-wishers.

    Adebayo was presented to the Olomu-in-Council and he was accepted with each of the chiefs praying for him and wishing him a fruitful reign.

    At 12:01 when he was formally installed as the as the sixth Eesa of Omu-Aran, his family members were called upon to kneel in solidarity with him as he knelt to receive the coveted title.

    The acting Traditional Head of the community, Chief Festus Awoniyi, who performed the traditional rites urged the new Eesa to be a good ambassador of the Olomu-in-Council and Omu-Aran community in particular and charged him to imbibe the act of humility, transparency, diligence and trustworthiness in the discharge of his traditional duties.

    In his acceptance speech, Adebayo, who is also a former Executive Director (Marketing), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed gratitude to God and the good people of Omu-Aran for the opportunity given him to serve.

    He pledged his allegiance to the Olomu of Omu-Aran, the Olomu-in-Council and Omu-Aran community in general. He promised to work with all segments of the community and appealed for the support and cooperation of the people to make his reign a smooth and successful one.

    Immediately after his acceptance speech, local hunters added their voices to the ceremony with gunshots at intervals.

    Led by boisterous masquerades, traditional drummers and women singers the new Eesa was led away from the Olomu’s palace to his palace at Afin Quarters accompanied by a mammoth crowd of family, friends and well-wishers thereby shutting down the whole town as they proceeded through the major street of the town.

    The day ended with guests and friends of the new Eesa being treated to an elaborate reception at the Omu-Aran Town Hall.

    The climax of the four day installation took place yesterday with a thanksgiving service held at 2nd ECWA Church, Agamo, Omu-Aran.

    The Eeesa was born on December 14, 1955, into the family of Mallam Karimu Adebayo Iyanda and Madam Munirat Adeponle Atunke (both of blessed memory).

    He attended SIM/ECWA Primary School, Agamo, Omu-Aran from 1960 to 1967; Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran (1969 to 1973) Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos (1978) for a Certificate Course in News Writing and the University of Lagos for Diploma in Mass Communication from 1978-1979).

    He had served as a reporter and city editor of the Nigeria Herald newspapers in Ilorin, Kaduna and Akure between 1974 and early 1980 and was one time the State Commissioner for Information.

    Eesa is not a honorary title but one of the three highest chieftaincy titles in Omu-Aran community. The other titles are Asenlu and Odofin titles. While the Eesa is head of the Ihaye ward, Asenlu is head of Ifaja ward and Odofin is head of the Aran ward.

     

  • Glamour, traditional festivals and the economy

    In recent times, traditional festivals in Nigeria have been helping to boost the economy. As these celebrations spread to more states and locations, Edozie Udeze, samples the opinion of some local people – hawkers, artisans, traders and more – on how they have benefited from these cultural festivals.

    Most art practitioners and stakeholders feel that culture strives more during economic and political glut in the society.  Even though culture is the traditional way of life of a people, it is one of those issues, when well celebrated, yields money for practitioners.  This is what has been obtainable in most cultural celebrations and festivals in Nigeria in the past few years.  From the Abeokuta International Drum Festival, to the Ofala Festival in Onitsha and the Abuja Carnival, whenever any of these celebrations takes place, it is usually time for artisans, hawkers, traders and craftsmen and women to quickly key in to make some money.

    During the just concluded Drum festival in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, most of the local people were excited to be part of the momentous occasion.  Within the arena of the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, were all sorts of traders and hawkers who came and displayed their wares.  Apart from the main stage where the drumming festival took place, the surrounding spaces were given to those who had goods to display and market.  From Adire fabrics, to Guinea Brocades, to all sorts of local foods, drinks and other edibles, traders deployed all sorts of gimmicks to win over buyers.  The beautiful ways the different stands were built, the colourful displays of wares and other cultural elements in the arena, further gave the Cultural Centre its proper allure of attraction.

    But beyond the allure and beauty of the arena, traders were charged some amount of money by the organisers of the drum festival before they could display their wares.  Aduke, a native of Abeokuta who came with assorted adire fabrics said it was not the money each trader paid that mattered, but the huge amount they made from the sale of their wares.  “Business is good”, she simply intoned.  “Before this festival”, she explained further scratching her head, “we used to sell very few materials everyday.  But between yesterday and today, we have sold more than forty pieces.  Oh no, we did not increase the price.  All we need from government now is to ensure that this festival is better organised so that we, the local traders will also gain from it”, Aduke said as more buyers invaded her stand for more goods.

    Next to her stand was Kingsley who concentrated on popcorn.  That was the only item he and his sister sold.  As we spoke, buyers lined up behind one another to buy the popcorn as he dished them hot and spicy.  “Oh yes, it is time really to make quick money”, Kingsley responded.  “You see, last year we came in a bit late.  We didn’t hear about it on time.  This year alone, I have made over N20,000 from the sale of popcorn.  As you can see, we have two burners and sell an average of ten containers of it everyday.  The state government promised to include us traders in the early stage of this festival from next year.  If this is done, it will help us to plan ahead, employing more people to prepare the popcorn and sell it faster”, he said, grinning and grabbing a spoon.

    All over Abeokuta, the people bubbled with enthusiasm.  The streets wore golden looks.  People trooped to and fro with their wares, attracting buyers in the process.  Those who could not afford to pay the money charged by the organisers, stayed outside the gates to make brisk money.  One of them was Isiaka, a boy of fourteen years. He abandoned school for the four days that the festival lasted to make quick sales and add to the economy of the family.  Isiaka said, “today  I have sold twelve cartons of malt.  People are thirsty.  Foreigners want to taste our local drinks.  One of them from Ghana told me that he loves the flavour of our malt drinks.  Everyday, he comes here to buy five or more cans”.  So how much does he make everyday?  He was asked.  He smiled inanely and shifted on one foot.  “I won’t tell you”, he said, still smiling.  “But all I know is that this festival is good for me.  My dad and mom are inside selling amala and egusi soup.  Together, we make plenty of money and we are happy”. Isiaka was soon drawn away by more customers.  As he dashed off, he looked back and waved profusely, showing the face of a teenage boy in the throes of business boom.  For him, life revolved around that moment, wishing in his heart of hearts that the drums beat forever so that more money would enter his family’s scoffers.

    Whenever the Ofala festival happens in Onitsha, this business hub of Anambra State, practically everything comes to a stand still.  Businesses move to the arena at Ime-Obi, venue of the festival. The Obi of Onitsha and his entire cabinet use the opportunity to invite their friends and business partners from across the nation to Onitsha.  The Ime-Obi wears a new look, very glamorously decorated.  The arena becomes more attractive, quite suitable to hold the attention of foreigners and other VIPs.

    “It is the pride of an Onitsha person”, Odiari explained. “This is when our people make money in abundance.  You can see all the native attires in this arena.  You can see the bangles, the beads, the anklets.  They are all done by our people.  If you go over to that place there, you will see one of t he shops.  It was owned by my late grandmother.  Today, my sister has taken over and she makes enough every year at the festival to buy more materials for her works”, Odiari, also a culture activist, said.  He also said, “it is time for pick pockets and criminals to invade Onitsha”.

    The Ofala festival offers Onitsha indigenes in Diaspora the opportunity to return home to interact with their people.  “Yes, it is so attractive and alluring that even those who have not been home in a long while are made to return”, Obiageli, a native of Onitsha informed.  “It is time for them to share foreign currency.  It is time to allow money to circulate.  People are generally happy, generous and the Obi uses the opportunity to meet with his people, dance in the arena with other chiefs.  Generally, as money flows, happiness spreads.  People come from far and near to hawk all sorts of wares.  Foreigners also besiege Onitsha and savour the hospitality of this commercial city.  They too spend money to buy local items”, Obiageli explained, giggling with euphoria.

    However, the grandmasters of them all are the Abuja Carnival and the Calabar Carnival.  These two are the very moments when the country comes alive culturally in all facets of its social life.  The Abuja Carnival usually electrifies the city.  Those dull moments of a gentle and quiet city are put in abeyance.  Abuja Carnival draws on conspicuous routes that shake the entire capital city.  Residents troop out to see the epitome of cultural display.  Hawkers also surround the Eagle Square venue of the festivity.  Goods and wares are sold arbitrarily.  Different types of dishes become the norm.  Human traffic from different parts of the nation usually make Abuja wear the true colour of a capital.  There is this glow of love, tolerance and togetherness.  Businesses boom; people sell to their hearts content.  Those local foods that have not been seen in a long while suddenly surface.  Visitors are then made to eat and take some home to their families.  For instance, at the last celebration, locusts (grasshoppers) were displayed.  Most people ate it for the simple fun and taste of it all.  It was even said that it is now exported to some neigbouring countries for its high nutritional values.

    In all, the Calabar Carnival has come to be the classical example of using culture to empower and prosper a people. All the artisans, artists, participants, planners, organisers and other stakeholders in the show in the last sixteen years or so, do not hope to miss the show any year.  The Cross River State government, initiators of the programme insists that it is still one event that is the most sought after in Nigeria’s tourism calendar every year. Its glamorous tendencies are enough to yield more money to the entire state and its people.  For these and more, cultural festivals have come to keep stakeholders and artists rich while the economy seems to be in the Doldrums

     

  • Glamour, excitement as drum festival begins in Ogun

    The 2018 edition of the annual African Drums Festival began yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, with glamour and excitement.

    There were colourful dances by troupes, who danced to drums, which depicted the unique but diverse Africa’s rich cultural heritages.

    The festival, an initiative of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration, has its theme as: “Reviving our culture in drums.”

    About 25 of 36 states, 60 private cultural troupes and many African countries attended the opening.

    Amosun said the festival, the third edition, had assumed international dimension, fostering unity and boosting socio-cultural and economic development of Ogun State.

    Troupes from Ghana, South Africa, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, among others, entertained and competed for prizes.

    Dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, attended the event.

    Others are Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Obong of Calabar, Etubom Ekpo and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

  • Glamour, excitement as drum festival begins in Ogun

    The 2018 edition of the annual African Drums Festival began yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with glamour and excitement.

    There were colourful dances by troupes, who danced to drums, which depicted the unique but diverse Africa’s rich cultural heritages.

    The festival, an initiative of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration, has as its theme: “Reviving our culture in drums.”

    About 25 of the 36 states, 60 private cultural troupes and many African countries attended the opening ceremony.

    Amosun said the festival, the third edition, has assumed an international dimension, fostering unity and boosting socio-cultural and economic development of Ogun State.

    Troupes from Ghana, South Africa, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, among others, entertained and competed for prizes.

    Dignitaries including the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, attended the event.

    Others are Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Obong of Calabar, Etubom Ekpo and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

  • Glamour as Ido-Ekiti celebrates Ajodun Ido Oganganmodu Festival

    Glamour as Ido-Ekiti celebrates Ajodun Ido Oganganmodu Festival

    •Oba corrects historical distortion of Kiriji War

    Community development occupied the front burner at this year’s Ajodun Ido Oganganmodu, an annual festival that brings together those that are indigenous to Ido-Ekiti. This year’s celebration was grandiose as the cultures and traditions of the community were on display. The event was also a platform to correct the historical distortion of the role of Faboro, a great warrior of the community in the Kiriji War. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    The people of Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti had cause to celebrate 2017 which they believed was a fruitful one. Ido-Ekiti is one of the major towns in Ekiti State.

    The town has been expanding continuously due to  the presence of a relatively large market, its situation on a major junction that connects it with Ekiti, Osun,  Kwara, Kogi and other states of the federation.

    It also plays host to the Federal Teaching Hospital, the only Federal Government’s presence in the town, and the famous Ekiti Parapo College, a school named after the war that pitted the Ekitis against Ibadans in the 19th Century.

    But the traditional ruler of the town, the Olojudo, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, Ajiboyede III, is not relenting in his determination to make his domain a tourists’ delight and an investors’ destination.

    Since ascending the throne in 2009, Oba Ilori-Faboro has been galvanising his subjects every year through the Ajodun Ido Oganganmodu to raise funds in order to execute some capital projects.

    Through his efforts, some members of the community have come home to invest in their fatherland and contribute their quota to its development.

    The week-long event featured environmental sanitation, inter-school debate, free health services, widows’ empowerment, marathon race, football competition, stage play on Kiriji War, homage to the Olojudo, cultural competition and beauty contest, among others.

    This year’s Ajodun Ido Festival lived up to its billing as citizens of the town trooped out in large numbers to the sports field of Oganganmodu High School, along Igbole Road to witness the event which they observe one in a year.

    In his welcome address, the President, Ido Progressive Forum (IPF), Chief Jomo Olofinlade expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of this year’s edition of the festival.

    Social and age groups took turns to pay homage to the Olojudo who, in turn prayed for them and wished them success.

    Some of the groups that attended the event were Ido Progressive Union, Ido Movement Club; Golden Social Club of Ido, Ido-Ekiti Empowerment and Industrialisation Committee and Rainbow Club of Ido, among others.

    Each of these groups paid homage to the monarch in their characteristic manner and in colourful, cultural style.

    Awards were given to some eminent sons and daughters of the town to recognise their excellent contributions to the development of the town. They included Alhaja Suwebat Adebola Suleiman, Chief Idowu Faleye, former state Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Gabriel Fasuyi, Mr. Olorunda Esan, and Pa Jimoh Afolabi Obelawo, among others.

    The people were ecstatic when Chairman of the occasion and long-time associate of Oba Faboro, Alhaji Muhammed Awwal Garba donated the sum of N20 million to support their N250 million fundraising for community projects.

    The Rainbow Club followed suit with a donation of N5 million while many other sons and daughters and their friends donated generously towards the community’s development project.

    A book on the history of Ido written by Ireti Omodola, was also launched by the monarch.

    Commenting on the success of the festival, Oba Ilori-Faboro said: “I’m happy at the progress we are making as a people and as a town. My people very much identify with me and I am grateful.

    “All the events of the week-long festival were carefully thought out and planned. The football tournament, the marathon race and dance competition all contributed to the success of the festival. On the grand finale, we are raising money for the development of the town.

    “We have projects such as Army camp which we are building. There is a small detachment of the Nigerian Army that is staying in my house currently. So, what we want to do is to build a small camp and relocate them there.

    “We are also building a town hall. The town hall was inaugurated in 1969. We will also ensure that the hall is completed for the benefit of the people.”

    Wishing the monarch and his people well and advising them to keep joining hands to develop the community, Chief Bayo Ogunmodimu, an ex-student of Ekiti Parapo College and first alumni of the school to be appointed its Vice-Principal, Pa Sesan Akinola, a popular legal practitioner based in the town, Chief Babatope Bejide, Chairman of Ido Summit Committee and Mrs Olabisi Fakorede, President, Golden Social Club of Ido, all said they were impressed with the turnout of people at this year’s edition of Ajodun Ido Oganganmodu Festival.

    Explaining the novel idea of presenting a free historical play to the people of the community, Oba Faboro said it was to correct an erroneous impression, allegedly created over the time, by earlier historians who relegated  the role played by the town in the popular Kiriji War.

    One of the great warriors of Kiriji War, Faboro, was the great grandfather of the present monarch.

    Oba Ilori-Faboro said: “Painfully, when people talk about the Kiriji War, they relegate the role that Ido played in the prosecution of that war.

    “It is true the war began as a result of Fabunmi action at Okemesi but Fabunmi was very young at that time. It is true he was rascally, and also true that Fabunmi beheaded the Ajele, who was the Ibadan envoy to Ekiti, which resulted in the war.

    “But being a young man, after beheading the Ajele, he panicked and ran away from Okemesi to his mother’s town Ogotun to hide. Ibadan people at that time were powerful and they were going to sack the whole of Okemesi, which was just a village then.

    “Fabunmi’s mother’s people took him to the Ologotun of that time and explained what he had done to Okemesi, and sought advice. Ologotun also panicked, saying Fabunmi’s act would ruin his town, and so he brought Fabunmi to the palace of Olojudo here.

    “Oba Olayisade, the first Olojudo was equally a young man  then. This was around the 1870s.  He also sensed that he would be in trouble if the Ibadan people found out that Fabunmi was hiding in Ido. He took Fabunmi and his mother’s people to an elderly monarch, the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, who he thought may know the right step to take on the matter.

    “Now, the  Oore of Otun was vast in Ifa divinity at that time when the Olojudo, Ologotun and Fabunmi’s people went to see him.

    “It was at the Oore’s palace that the people invited a team of Ifa priests to inquire from the gods the right step to take to avert tragedy for Ekiti communities.

    “Ifa oracle then told them that all Ekiti people had to come together to fight the war so that they won’t lose and become slaves to Ibadan people. That was why they invited all the monarchs who were very few at that time in Ekiti land.

    “We had the Oore of Otun, Olojudo of Ido, Ajero of Ijero, Alara of Aramoko, Alayemore of Efon Alaaye and Elekole of Ikole. Ewi of Ado, was a traveller from Benin who settled in Ado-Ekiti later.

    “These Obas organised their warriors and went to Okemesi, a border town between Ekiti and Osun, the place where the war was fought. Ido wasn’t prominent then. The Eleyinmi was head of warriors but he was very old then.  Ido  Kingdom at that time consisted of Aaye, Igbole, Ora, Ifaki, Esinsin, Usi and Ulogbo.

    “They all contributed men to fight, but those who did not have brave and strongmen to fight were pushed to the war front by other strong soldiers and they easily got killed. And so Ido was losing men initially at the war front.

    “The Ibadan warriors were gaining the upper hand, even after our forces  got Ogendengbe who had experience in warring, still Ibadan was winning and our people began to panic at home.

    “It was at this point that all Ekiti Obas began to look for marcenaries to fight for them. In the course of this, they remembered my great grandfather, Faboro who had earlier left the town for Ilorin. History has it that Faboro was a very restless youngman before he left Ido and became a very powerful warrior in Ilorin.

    “The Kabiyesi here then was reminded that his brother, Faboro who was chased out of town for being restless had become a prominent warrior in Ilorin and he should look for him.

    “The Olayisade 1 then sent delegates to Faboro to come and fight for Ekiti. He was invited three times and he turned down first two invitations. But when they told him that his father’s home and legacy would be wiped off by the Ibadan warriors he agreed and returned with the warriors who were his colleagues at that time. He joined forces with others and went for the war. Olayisade, Oore and Ajero joined Faboro to the war front and that was the beginning of the stalemate of the war.

    “It was then the Ibadan warriors began to realise that Ekiti was becoming stronger and were asking who was fighting for them. The discovery that Faboro from Ido was the one who changed the tide made Ido’s popularity to spread across board.

    “Olojudo then and Faboro with other kabiyiesi spent nine years at the war front with their wives before they returned and when they did, the Olojudo then did many things for Faboro to compensate and immortalise him.  That was when the then Olojudo officially named my great grandfather Faboro Ido to confirm what many had started calling the town, Ido Faboro (Faboro’s Ido) during the war.

    “The Olojudo then gave Faboro land and married wives for him. I am the first Faboro’s son to sit on the throne as monarch in Ido, “ Oba Faboro concluded.

  • CAROL KING: I’m not about the glamour

    CAROL KING: I’m not about the glamour

    Nollywood actress, Caroline Eferamor King, who plays lead role in Kunle Afolayan’s new movie, The Tribunal, has come a long way. From her early days on Everyday People to present day big screen, she admits that the bane of her career is on always being cast as a gentle, understanding mum. She speaks with OVWE MEDEME on the journey so far, plans for the future and sundry issues.

    How was it working with Kunle Afolayan? It is always a pleasure working with him. This is not the first time I’ll be working with him. His movies always up the stakes. He’s good at what he does. When he has a production, he always has a plethora of talents on his projects. So I knew it was going to be something fantastic and I wasn’t disappointed.

    Was the role very challenging?

    Well, every role is challenging. I don’t believe that any actor should undermine any role, even if it’s just one line. You know, because it is courtroom drama, the legalese, the language isn’t the normal day-to-day language. All that put into perspective, it was a challenging role. And then the chairman of the tribunal, her profile is that she’s in her 60s. Having to fit myself into the mindset of a 60-something-year-old was challenging. But I enjoyed playing it.

    How far away are you from your 60s?

    Well, I’m still just about to hit my mid 50s, (laughs).

    What was your general experience on set like?

    It was like a family coming together. There were jokes everywhere; everybody laughing, the cast and the crew just got along fantastically. And I think it’s also due to the fact that when you have a leader, for want of a better word, who knows their onions, everybody just seems to fall in line. So it was wonderful. We finished shoot on Monday and we all sat outside on the pavement of City Hall, just discussing and catching up for almost an hour before we parted ways. This was at about 4am. That’s to tell you that there was a synergy and it was beautiful.

    The Tribunal is centerd around albinism. Have you had a personal encounter you’d like to share?

    No, I haven’t, but when I read the script, I thought it was beautiful because these are things that we don’t address in the society but it’s quite prevalent. Much like when people say, they are not racist. I really don’t see colours but the truth is that, if a white man comes in, I’ll definitely notice that he’s white. So also, if an albino comes in, I’ll notice he’s an albino. But the point is, at the end of the day, we are all humans. We all have the same spectrum of emotions: anger, surprise, joy or happiness. It doesn’t matter your skin colour; we all feel these things. Kunle always treats thematic issues and this was really fantastic.

    How would you describe your journey as an actress?

    It has been fantastic. As I always say, I’m one of the very blessed ones in the industry because, from the very first day that I came in, I’ve just had the good fortune of working with good hands; with the kings and the queens of the industry. So, I’ve been blessed. It’s been a wonderful journey. But then, I’m still looking for that juicy role that every actor is always dreaming about.

    One would think this is it for you

    No, it’s not. There’s always something ahead. As actors, we are always looking for that script that will be more challenging than the last one we just did. For me, I loved playing the tribunal chairman because, if you had followed my career, I’ve been put in a box and they labelled me in capital letters, ‘sweet mummy’. So it’s been quite a job trying to extricate myself from that box to show my versatility and all that. So any role that challenges, that makes me dig deep, I’m looking forward to that.

    So far, have you had the chance to play that bad person?

    I’m currently playing one on Tinsel as Laide Cole. She’s a bad woman and I love playing her. At least people get to see a different part of me.

    Would you agree that the roles that you have always been cast for is fashioned after your original personality?

    As they say, you can’t give what you don’t have. And I’m also of the school of thought that in every human being, and even animals, there’s good and bad. It is the measure of which is more that determines. So I guess the good in me is more.

    So, what are some of those demons you have had to fight?

    You think I will share that with you? Really? (laughs).

    For your fans and your followers’ sake…

    They don’t need to know my demons.

    From your days in Everyday People, you have come to be known more as a TV personality. Where does your heart lie?

    Personally, I prefer TV and the reason is this: for TV, you have the opportunity to grow the character. People see the character grow from week to week. But with film, it’s rapid. Like with Everyday People, you could basically watch my children grow. For Edge of Paradise, the little baby that I had is in secondary school now. So with TV, we get to see the evolution of each character. That’s the beauty for me. And that’s why I love TV so much.

    Did you go through a transitioning process when you started doing movies?

    Every character that you want to play, you still bring ‘you’re a-game’ at every point in time. So whether it’s TV, stage or film. You still go through the same process.

    Which has been more financially rewarding?

    If I was in this industry for the money, I would be destitute. By that, I mean I would be poor. So, most of us have other stuffs that are basically our sources of income apart from movies. That’s not to say that I haven’t done jobs that paid me well. The point I’m making is that I might get a job that pays me well today, but I might not get another of such in another eight months. So what happens during the wait?

    So why are you doing this?

    Because I love it. It’s a passion. As I always tell people, it is a ministry. I like it when I identify a cause I want to champion and I get involved in it. So I don’t even think about the money and all that.

    You seem to be very picky when it comes to movies…

    I am very picky.

    So what are those things you look out for?

    The first thing for me is there has to be substance in the scriptwriting. I have to know that someone is sitting at home watching and learning. When we say movies are entertaining, we should remember that they are also very informative and educative. They can be the archive of a nation. Like the movie 76, it’s a historical piece. Edge of Paradise that I played a couple of years ago still airs on TV and people still see me on the road and talk to me because they got something from it. I’m not about the glamour. I want a message, something that people will learn from. Another thing is the kind of cast that will be involved in it is also one of the determinants for me. And then the most important thing is the director.

    Aside acting, what else do you do?

    I do a bit of buying and selling. As I said, if you don’t have another source of income and you depend on acting alone in this country, it will be difficult. If you look at the jobs I’ve done, I should be living very fine, but that’s not the case. My living fine is not from acting.

    If you had a chance to address young people, what would you say to them?

    I would tell them the same thing I say to my children. That thing that you love doing so well, that you know that whether they pay you or not, you will do it and it will bring you joy, go for it. And let your premise never be money, because money has wings. It will fly away. Build relationships and maintain your integrity. Nothing is worth losing your integrity over. Be focused.

    What happens after now?

    I pray for scripts to come now. Good scripts; the type I like (laughs).

    Do you see yourself at any point hanging your boots?

    Never! I have plans to gradually shift to behind the camera, but even when I’m working behind the camera, once a while, the acting thing will bite and I must answer.

  • Glamour and style at Lagos Fashion show

    Glamour and style at Lagos Fashion show

    The last one month in the fashion industry has witnessed class, colour and innovative fashion designs showcasing indigenous fabrics.

    Two weeks ago, the Lagos Fashion, organized by Merydian International, the 5th in the series, was staged at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was a competition that can be regarded as world class. The country leading and most popular designers gave the new kids on the block of fashion chance to showcase their talent.

    According to FADAN president,  Moji Ajila-Ladipo, “the aim of the one day event, which was a collaboration between Turkey and Nigeria, is to see how Nigerian fashion designers can mass produce more, we want them to teach us how they do some of those things and then we want people to see what has been done in other countries.

    “If you look at it, these people came all the way from Turkey, over 60 of them, and they are designers and they mass produce. These are the things many Nigerians are wearing here. So we want to try and see how we can do our own thing. Our own people can mass produce and then we want our own people to see what is happening in other countries as well.”

    She also revealed that the plan is to give Nigerian designers a platform to exhibit their products, hone their skills and show them how to mass-produce quality end products to the Nigerian masses and the world.