The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Macmillan

  • An evening with Macmillan

    To the magnificent Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre Onikan penultimate Thursday for the annual literary event of the Macmillan Publishers with the long-missing Okon Anthony Okon in riotous tow. As the Christmas season finally unfolds, snooper was in fine fettle and preppy spirit. Despite advancing years and the ravages of the soul by the post-colonial pandemic, there is still nothing as exhilarating as the Christmas season. In the event, it turned out to be a celebration of everything that is noble and ennobling about the Nigerian project.

    It was Harold Macmillan, the famed scion of the great publishing house, who once famously told his British compatriots that they had never had it so good. With a rising tide of prosperity, with many households owning a car, a fridge and a television set for the first time, it was too good to be true. Coming in the second decade after the most destructive war in human history, it was a remarkable feat of social engineering pioneered by the leftwing government of Clement Atlee and consolidated by the conservative interlude of Churchill, the ill-stared Anthony Eden later Lord Curzon and Macmillan.

    It was a moveable literary feast. Snooper has not had it so good in a long time. It was the night when old literary gurus and the aficionados of high culture interfaced with the younger avatars. The chairman of the Macmillan Literary Event Committee, Mrs Francesca Yetunde Emanuel, was at her energetic and indefatigable best. As painstaking and meticulous as ever, Mama FYE sat behind a desk meant for ushers personally ticking off the attendance register.

    Known behind her back in her Civil Service days as General Franco, mama does not take hostages when roused from her upper class splendour and serendipity. At eighty one, the iconic first female permanent secretary in the Federal Civil Service and gifted actress continues to defy the odds of gravity and age with her dazzling appearance. Little wonder then that the evening was a marvel of artistic delight and tightly controlled timing.

    As soon as we reached the premises, Okon began his rabid commentaries. He had been complaining that he had not been paid for supplying a container of “human and woman being” for Jonathan’s presidential declaration. Very soon and to Snooper’s chagrin, the mad boy began introducing himself to everybody in sight as Mr Ebola whereupon they all recoiled in fright and horror. A punitive eye-whip could no longer do the trick. The rogue was brimming with malice and malign humour. Very soon, Okon collared one of the female ushers and demanded from her where he could get good snuff. Snooper quickly disappeared into the crowd of distinguished Nigerians.

    It was an excellent outing for the Macmillan people. The Ben Tomoloju troupe did not disappoint with its searing critique of the Nigerian political condition. The chairman of the Company, Bode Emanuel Esq, gave a rousing speech which showcased the triumph of human will over adversities. The guest of honour, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo ,delivered an inspirational address which warmed the heart and spirit. The evening concluded with dinner at the adjoining La Scala restaurant. Once again, “General Franco” was on patrol to make sure that nobody sat in the wrong place.

  • Macmillan literary night focuses on rebirth

    Macmillan literary night focuses on rebirth

    Nigerians have been blamed for the challenges which the country is currently battling with.

    The Chairman, Macmillan Literary Events Committee, Mrs Francesca Emanuel, observed this during a briefing at the Macmillan Publishers Ltd office in Lagos, saying there is a burning need to change the mindset of many Nigerians in order to reinstate the norms, values and tenets, which can have positive impact on the society.

    “We amass wealth by hook and crook, stupidly thinking that our wealth will see us, our children, and our children’s children through whatever ills befall our country. All of us, the helpless, the silent, the desperate, the stingy, the greedy all of us are part of the problem. And when religion is used to foist mayhem on the populace, it becomes really frightening. When the society exhibits these symptoms, a REBITH becomes imperative,” she said.

    She believes one of the ways to achieve a rebirth is through social activities. This, she said, is why the 12th edition of Macmillan Literary Night, holding tomorrow at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan by 6pm, will be focusing on the theme: The Rebirth. The theme, according to her, reflects the characteristic responsiveness of Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited, sponsor of the event to the promotion of ennobling and productive values, essential to national development.

    She said: “Hence our theme for pointing the direction for us to see, to address, to know and to actualise. Faith, unity, honesty, love justice, honour, these are words entrenched in our motto, our anthem and pledge. Let these words guide our intentions and actions. And as usual, we shall utilise the various genres of arts to sensitise and entertain our audience in a refreshingly different way.”

    For the past 11 years, the organisation has been engaging the public through the annual Macmillan Literary Night, which they intend to keep doing as part of social responsibility.

    This year’s edition, she said, will feature some Nigerian’s outstanding performers, such as, Joke Sylva, Odia Ofeimum, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and the Crown Troupe of Africa.

  • Macmillan holds youth cultural day

    Macmillan holds youth cultural day

    Nigerian youths have been urged to shun any act that will constitute a setback to national development. Rather, they should channel their energy and creativity towards national unity and development by exploiting their culture for their benefit.

    The Chairman, Macmillan Literary Events Committee, Mrs Francesca Emanuel, made the call last week at Macmillan head office, Ilupeju, Lagos. Emanuel said the aim of Macmillan Literary Committee is to encourage students to take advantage of literature and their culture to preserve the cultural heritage of Nigeria. She noted that it is also to give the youth the window to believe in themselves and their nation.

    For this reason, six schools in Lagos State: Ifako International Private School, Agege, Focus Secondary, Ebute-Metta, Edidoto College, Badore Ajah, Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Methodist Boys High School, and Yaba College Teacher Staff School  will  compete among themselves today at Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. It is the second  edition of Macmillan Youth Cultural Day; with a theme: My Country, My Pride.  The competition which is to celebrate centenary existence of Nigeria, will focus on sub-themes such as religion, education, security, governance and culture. It will feature  about 60 students drawn from other schools in Lagos to watch and support their fellow students as they perform; while two reputable judges, which the committee said they will like to keep secret, will anchor the competition. The  participants will be awarded prizes in various categories while certificates will also be awarded.

    “At a time like this, channeling the thoughts of our youths in the direction of this theme will encourage them. Despite all challenges faced by the country, we can still remain strong, united and equipped with all the capacities needed to build a country that we all can be proud of.

    “To drive home the chosen theme for this year, six schools have been invited to use our cultural values and aesthetics to interpret the various sub themes,” Emanuel said.

    She noted that the future is still bright for Nigeria even though “it might be true that we have not been reaping the dividends of our immense natural wealth and the democracy that the move to civilian government was supposed to have ushered in, yet we do not have to give up. There are some green shoots to show that there is hope for the country. And these shoots are symbolically, the young ones.

    “Everyone should appreciate the fact that Nigeria is still a work in progress. Thus we should all be encouraged and challenged everyday to keep building in spite of various obstacles that we may be facing. Nigeria is a great nation that any citizen can be proud of. The country has produced many resourceful, intelligent and talented sons and daughters, who have exhibited strong passion to take the world to great heights. Every day, these men and women all over the world keep contributing immensely to global development,” she stated.

    She advised Nigerian youths to show love, and respect to the country and to one another. “We should stop the destruction of lives and wasting of our talents. We should rather come together to realise and harness our diversity and potentials for the development of our nation.”

  • Macmillan marks Literary Day

    Primary and secondary school pupils got a chance to air their views about Nigeria during the seventh youth Literary Day organised by Macmillan Nigeria Publishers at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

    Participants drawn from 10 primary and secondary schools competed in traditional dance and playlets depicting various ethnic cultures. Their performances were on the theme: Nigeria our Tears, our hopes. Their presentations urged Nigerians to live in unity and embrace other cultures for peace and harmony to reign.

    St. Bernedette Nursery and Primary School, Gowon Estate, Lagos came first in the primary category, while Dejkol Nursery and Primary School, Ojo emerged first runner up.

    In the secondary category, Foucos Secondary School, Ebute-Meta won, while Igbobi College, Yaba came second.

    Chairman, Macmillan Publishers, Bode Emmanuel said the theme portrayed the fact that there are hopes for Nigeria in the face of her daunting challenges provided the views of the youth could be given more attention.

    He said: “At Macmillan, we firmly believe that our dream for a better Nigeria must not die, neither shall our collective efforts be in vain. We must look beyond hopelessness, frustration and despair and see the bright light ahead.”

    A retired Professor of the University of Lagos, Sophie Oluwole described children as Nigeria’s hope.

    She canvassed the teaching of local languages and History.

    “It (history) is the way forward because understanding ones past, and what is good or bad in it will aid the development process,” she said.

     

  • Macmillan marks Literary Day

    primary and secondary school pupils got a chance to air their views about Nigeria during the seventh youth Literary Day organised by Macmillan Nigeria Publishers at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

    Participants drawn from 10 primary and secondary schools competed in traditional dance and playlets depicting various ethnic cultures. Their performances were on the theme: Nigeria our Tears, our hopes. Their presentations urged Nigerians to live in unity and embrace other cultures for peace and harmony to reign.

    St. Bernedette Nursery and Primary School, Gowon Estate, Lagos came first in the primary category, while Dejkol Nursery and Primary School, Ojo emerged first runner up.

    In the secondary category, Foucos Secondary School, Ebute-Meta won, while Igbobi College, Yaba came second.

    Chairman, Macmillan Publishers, Bode Emmanuel said the theme portrayed the fact that there are hopes for Nigeria in the face of her daunting challenges provided the views of the youth could be given more attention.

    He said: “At Macmillan, we firmly believe that our dream for a better Nigeria must not die, neither shall our collective efforts be in vain. We must look beyond hopelessness, frustration and despair and see the bright light ahead.”

    A retired Professor of the University of Lagos, Sophie Oluwole described children as Nigeria’s hope.

    She canvassed the teaching of local languages and History.

    “It (history) is the way forward because understanding ones past, and what is good or bad in it will aid the development process,” she said.

     

  • Macmillan’s Break it at Muson

    Macmillan’s Break it at Muson

    Worried by the deteriorating socio-political situations in the country, the management of Macmillan Publishers Nigeria Limited will present a mixed grill of music, drama and dance to draw attention to issues that constitute obstacles to national development.

    The tenth Macmillan literary night, with the theme, Break It…stumbling blocks to national development, will hold at the Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos tomorrow by 6pm.

    Renowned artistes that will feature at the event include Joke Silva, Norbert Young, Irhia Enakhimio, Tina Mba and Segun Adefila’s Crown Troupe of Africa. Compere for the night is poet and social critic, Odia Ofeimun.

    Chairman, Macmillan Literary Event Committee, Mrs Yetunde Emanuel has identified corruption, anarchy, ethnicity, religious bigotry, poverty and ignorance as problems hindering national development. But, she noted that these issues that must be addressed for the situation to improve.

    She explained that in order not to make the night depressing, considering the issues at stake, music, dance and drama would be used to highlight those fundamental issues in a humourous format. She said most Nigerians are aware of the challenges but that the literary night would be a presentation of the messages through laughter. “We don’t want to further depress the people, so we are bringing humour and laughter,” she said.

    Mrs Emanuel explained that the 10th Macmillan literary night is another manifestation of the total commitment of Macmillan Publishers Nigeria Limited to its corporate social responsibility policy.

    She observed that the world is changing and moving forward, ‘if we do not change with it, we will be left behind,’ adding that Nigeria must look forward in anticipation of global political changes and social demands and tailor its plans to mitigate the negative effects of such changes.

    “We believe very firmly that if we are to get where we need to get to as a nation, all hands must be on deck to deal with the issues. That includes the public and private sectors in Nigeria, civil society, ordinary Nigerians and the media. We have unshakeable faith in the possibility of a better Nigeria and believe that together with the media, we can make significant contribution to the changes needed in attitudes, values and determination to ensure development in Nigeria,” she added.

    Mrs. Emanuel said in the short term, the literary night has been rewarding as a corporate social responsibility programme.

    The managing director, Macmillan Publishers Nigeria Limited, Dr. Iyiola Adesanya Adenekan reiterated that the literary night is being put together to reinforce the key issues for the people to digest. He added that the audience would include leaders at all levels, especially the family unit. “Our audience will have a mixed grill of our package,” he said.

    A member of the Macmillan Literary Events Committee, Mr. Ben Tomoloju observed that the presentation would attract the Nigerian people that elect the political office holders and who are bigger than the government officials as well.