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Tag: rain

  • October Rain begins with Open House

    October Rain begins with Open House

    October Rain, the official exhibition from the stable of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos Chapter, begins, report EdozieUdeze and Joe Agbro Jr

    In what has become an annual ritual, all is set for the 17th edition of October Rain, the annual exhibition organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos Chapter. The juried exhibition which takes place at the Nike Art Centre, Lekki, Lagos, is expected to draw in not less than 50 visual artists. It has as its theme, Open House.

    Speaking at a press conference to set the pace for the exhibition, Chairman, Lagos SNA and October Rain host, DotunAlabi, said that this year’s October Rainallows registered SNA members to put their best works forward.

    “Works for the show shall be in different media and a testimony to the versatility of the Nigerian artist,” said Alabi during the media briefing.

    “This year’s exhibition would in its usual tradition to showcase works by Fellows of the society like Prof Bruce Onabrakpeya, Late Pa Ojeikere, Kolade Oshinowo, Dr.KunleAdeyemi, Dr.KunleFilani, AbiodunOlaku, Abraham Uyovbisere and a host of others including the new members just participating for the first time like Joan Adah, OlubusolaAdenekan and OluseyiOyenukan. Most importantly however, this show will be an indication of what is up ahead.”

    Although October Rain is not open to students, Alabi said that “it is open to graduates of OND or NCE upwards.”

    “So, for the first time in history, we’re going to be having an exhibition where all these cadres, except the student membership would be exhibited and would be captured according to their various cadres. That is why we have the Open House exhibition this year to be able to register the structure of the Society of Nigerian Artists.”

    The event will hold under the chairmanship of Mr Sammy Olagbaju, Chairman, Visual Arts Society of Nigeria (VASON)while special guests expected include Mr Andrew Ine, MD/CEO Krab House Ventures, Mr Wale Fasuyi, MD/CEO The Resource Place and Mr Oliver Enwonwu, President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). Art patrons and art lovers are also expected. And just like it happened for the first time last year when secondary school students visited the October rain and even picked their best works, same is expected to happen this year again.

    Alabi also noted that, beginning from 2016, SNA Lagos will be holding five exhibitions annually for different categories of artists. Towards this end, Alabi also said there was need to review the criteria for the different membership categories within the SNA.

    “Beyond this, there is however need for SNA to review the criteria in which members can be awarded Master artists and Fellows, because there are members of SNA who studied art but are neither studio artists nor academics but are still making contribution to the Society. There are those who have honed their skills in non-studio-related areas such as curatorship, criticism, administration and promotions. All these areas contribute to artistic practice and should equally be recognised by the Society.”

    Alabi also highlighted on the expectations required of the cadres of memberships – Fellows, Masters, Graduate members, Associate members and Student members.

    Describing the exhibition as more of a low key event because of the gloomy Nigerian economy, the general secretary of the chapter, Wilson Okonyeh-Dixon however, reiterated that interest from other out-of-state chapters to participate in the exhibition has been received.

    “We’re hoping to feature works from other states apart from Lagos this year,” he said.

    “We also want to use the opportunity for the government to support and encourage. We hope by our 2016 October Rain, we would be able to have a more robust support for the exhibition.”

    A multi-dimensional artist, BidounBadmos welcomed the ‘different kinds of ideas’ which the non-thematic exhibition attracted. The works on display range from paintings, sculptures, mixed media andsketching to installations. Badmos, who last year exhibited Eyo, a kinetic installation was full of praise for the annual exhibition.

    “October Rain helped me to get noticed,” said Badmos who this time around is staging two woodworks, Faces of Africa and The Royal Procession, designed panels made by etching with a grinding machine. It becomes a tad incredulous to believe the varying shades etched on the wood were made solely by the electric grinder.

    Some of the artists participating during this year’s exhibition includeIsiavweUfuoma, EmekaNwosu, Durudola Yusuf, Israel Benamesia, OnyekachiNzegwu and Animu Oboirienwho is exhibiting two metal sculptures, Family and The Face of a Man.

    Also present at the event were officials of the association and members of the exhibition committee including W. Oknyeh-Dixon (General Secretary SNA), OyenukanOluseyi, Godwin Ugherebe, AminuOboirien, Emmanuel Obonyilo, BiodunBadmos and Ekpo Udo Udoma.

    The Society of Nigerian Artists, SNA, a professional body for all practicing artists in Nigeria, was founded in 1963 by artists emerging from various schools of art and members of the Zaria Arts Society. The Lagos State Chapter was formed in 1981

  • Photos: After the rain comes traffic

    Photos: After the rain comes traffic

    GRIDLOCK ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY DUE TO FLOODING AT GIRI JUNCTION IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY
    GRIDLOCK ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY DUE TO FLOODING AT GIRI JUNCTION IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY
    MOTORCYCLES WADING THROUGH THE FLOOD ON NYANYA-KEFFI ROAD AT MARABA ON THURSDAY
    MOTORCYCLES WADING THROUGH THE FLOOD ON NYANYA-KEFFI ROAD AT MARABA ON THURSDAY
    THE NIGERIAN PRISON SERVICE'S STAFF BUS WHICH BROKE DOWN IN THE FLOOD ON NYANYA-KEFFI ROAD AT MARABA ON THURSDAY
    THE NIGERIAN PRISON SERVICE’S STAFF BUS WHICH BROKE DOWN IN THE FLOOD ON NYANYA-KEFFI ROAD AT MARABA ON THURSDAY
    TRAFFIC ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY AT GIRI JUNCTION DUE TO FLOOD ACROSS THE HIGHWAY IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY
    TRAFFIC ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY AT GIRI JUNCTION DUE TO FLOOD ACROSS THE HIGHWAY IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY
    TRAFFIC FLOWING AGAIN ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY, AFTER THE FLOOD THAT COVERED THE HIGHWAY SUBSIDED AT GIRI JUNCTION IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY
    TRAFFIC FLOWING AGAIN ON ABUJA-KADUNA EXPRESSWAY, AFTER THE FLOOD THAT COVERED THE HIGHWAY SUBSIDED AT GIRI JUNCTION IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY

  • Kubwa Muslims defy rain, throng out for prayers

    Muslims in Kubwa, a satellite in Abuja came out in large numbers to attend the Eid el-Fitr prayers in spite of downpour in the area.

    The prayers, which held at the Eid Praying Ground, Phase 3, Kubwa, Abuja, saw a large turnout of gaily dressed Muslim faithful, most of who got drenched in the rains.

    Imam Abdurrahim Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Kubwa, in his sermon, enjoined Muslims to draw from the lessons of Ramadan and continue to live responsible lives.

    He emphasised the importance of the Zakatul Fitir, which, according to him, all Muslims are obliged to pay on behalf of themselves and members of their families.

    “The days of Ramadan were made lively through fasting and increased remembrance of Allah, while its nights were lightened through night prayers, and people retained an expected kind of behaviour.

    “ Ramadan has left us with several lessons, like truthfulness, piety, justice, patience and goodness, and all these should be retained afterwards.

    “Allah has enjoined all Muslims to observe the Zakatul Fitir at the end of Ramadan, and this is meant to increase our faith, complete or worship and perfect His favours upon us.

    “It is obligatory on Muslims to give out Zakat on behalf of himself and those under his care, including wives, children, parents, relatives and house helps.’’

    The Imam decried the spate of insurgency in the country and urged the government to take decisive steps to end the scourge.

    “Boko Haram is a major challenge to Islam and we urge government to take the necessary steps in ensuring that the menace is ended and its perpetrators and sponsors brought to book.

  • Where did rain start beating APC?

    BEFORE it came to power, the All Progressives Congress (APC) always put the right foot forward. It knew what to do, how to do it and when to do it. It also knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it. It was a thorn in the flesh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was in power for 16 years, between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2015. APC was a dynamite in opposition; ask PDP, the party will tell you what it went through in APC’s hand.

    But being in opposition is a different ball game from being in power. In the few days it has so far spent in power, APC will no doubt be in a position to talk authoritatively on that now. The APC entered a different world when it took over the reins of government on May 29. Occupying the Executive Office for the party was not a problem as we already knew the President and Vice President before they were sworn in last month. The litmus test for the party was choosing the leadership of the National Assembly.

    Should the positions of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, House Speaker and Deputy Speaker be zoned or not? The party resolved not to zone the offices, thereby making it an all-comer event.

    For instance, its choices for Senate President and House Speaker were Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila. They were to pair with George Akume and Mohammed Monguno. Though President Muhammadu Buhari said he had no preferred candidates, those that should know say he covertly endorsed Lawan and Gbajabiamila for the plum jobs. It then became the party leadership’s lot to ensure the emergence of Lawan and Gbajabiamila as Senate President and House Speaker in the face of stiff challenge by Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara.

    Lawan and Gbajabiamila emerged the party’s candidates at  a straw poll at the expense of Saraki and Dogara, who did not hide their displeasure over the issue. The party could not get them to change their minds before the June 9 inauguration of the National Assembly.

    What the party did not want to happen,  eventually happened – Saraki and Dogara became Senate President and House Speaker. To emerge Senate President, Saraki allied with the opposition PDP. That unholy alliance produced PDP’s Ike Ekweremadu as his deputy.

    As bad as things were with PDP while in power, it never sold its right to hold the majority position in the National Assembly for the 16 years that it ruled. So, why is APC throwing away its birthright? What can APC do to reclaim its rightful position without overheating the polity?

    Last week, Odigie-Oyegun said the party was still considering the matter, but added that since Saraki was duly elected by his colleagues that is ‘’end of story”. Has the story really ended? No, the story may just be beginning because the issue is deeper than what  those of us who are  not insiders think. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who with Saraki and others defected to APC from PDP last year, is against the alliance, which gave the former Kwara State governor the Senate Presidency.

    Blaming their party for the development, Kwankwaso said he saw danger in the Saraki-PDP romance for Buhari becuause it showed that members are not loyal to the party.

    On Tuesday, the Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar-led Peace Committee condemned Saraki’s emergence as Senate President. It wondered why ‘’a routine process turned into an ugly, selfish dogfight. This is unacceptable to Nigerians. It neither dignifies the Senate nor does it honour what Nigerians voted for’’, the eminent body said. What spoilt the Saraki deal is the accommodation of PDP in the Senate leadership. A member of the minority party as a presiding officer!

    Saraki may have had his way in emerging Senate President, but the chink in his armour is the Deputy Senate President’s seat, which is being occupied by the minority PDP.  As Kwankwaso noted in Abuja on Monday : ‘’It (Deputy Senate President) does not belong to them…they took it shamelessly and I am sure our party will look at it and take what belongs to our party back’’. Yes, APC should now concentrate on how to get back the Deputy Senate President’s seat. It is not going to be easy but it must be ready to fight for it. It cannot afford to keep quiet and watch PDP deprive it of its right, no matter the pact it may have with Saraki.

    Is it electoral victory that made APC lose its bite? It is unlike the party to go to sleep during a fight. This is not the APC Nigerians have come to know. The APC, we know, does not suffer fools gladly. It attacks its opponents even before they are ready for a fight. But what happened in this instance? Was it the hang over of the euphoria of success? This is why PDP is crowing today over what it calls APC’s ‘’naivety, inexperience and unpreparedness for governance’’. APC was prepared for governance; what it apparently was not prepared for was being outwitted by its own members.

  • Rain of tributes for teacher

    Rain of tributes for teacher

    Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye led others to pay tribute to a teacher, Christopher Ugochukwu Ogbodo, who died last month.

    They spoke highly of Mr Chris as he was fondly called by students. Ogbodo died on March 13 after he slumped. A family source said he suffered high blood pressure.

    Some, who spoke at the session, described the late lecturer as gentleman, who was ready to devout his time in helping others. Students described him as a nice and caring lecturer.

    Ogunleye said though he did not know the deceased, he added that  testimonies of his colleagues showed Ogbodo was a dedicated staff.

    He said: “And this is a lesson for us who are still alive; we should strive to leave good legacies.”

    The Deputy Provost, Mr Jide Johnson, said: “I knew the late Ogbodo to be a gentle man, kind-hearted and good listener. When he joined NIJ, he distinguished himself through hard work. He never complained or grumble over tasks given to him.

    “I even introduced him to the provost when he resumed as someone that would make my job easy. He was to be considered for the Acting Head of Department of Mass Communication before his death. Ogbodo was a good man and everyone can testify to this.”

    Mr Femi Oribamise, a lecturer, said he shared many things with his late colleague. “We attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) together; we got job at NIJ the same period and share same office food. What I know is that death is the end of mankind. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

    The Deputy Registrar, Patricia Kalesanwo, described the late lecturer as a helper, brother and friend, who helped students whenever they were in distress.

    A former student, Olubunmi Adeyera, spoke about how the late Ogbodo paid the balance of his school fee in final year. “He never asked me to pay him back the money. He supported my career and made me to write my final examination. I will always appreciate you Mr Chris,” Olubunmi said in his tribute.

    In his exhortation, a lecturer, Jack Amaso, who is also a pastor, urged staff and students to lead a good life. “How are you spending your life? When death comes, where will it catch up with you? Remember a life to live, a judgment to die; every man should check his life,” he admonished.

    Students sang and rendered poetry in honour of the late lecturer.

    A memorial football match was also played between the staff and students. Staffs won the match. The event ended with a candlelight procession held within the Institute.

  • Rain of blows at parliament

    Rain of blows at parliament

    Members of the legislative arm of the Nigeria Universities Accounting Students’ Association (NUASA) at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) converged for business, but the sitting ended abruptly when they started throwing blows, reports AFEES LASISI (300-Level Political Science).

    It started peacefully as a fact-finding exercise. But, suddenly, there were heated arguments which ended in the throwing of blows.

    It was all at the parliamentary sitting of Nigeria Universities Accounting Students’ Association (NUASA) in the Department of Accounting of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

    Members of the legislative arm of the association turned the place into a boxing arena following a disagreement.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the parliament asked the President, Vincent Adeoba, to present his report on the state of the association and explain how N1.7 million realised from an event the association held in January was spent.

    It was gathered that , while giving the report , Vincent was interrupted severally by the Speaker, Olajide Famakin. Another member, it was learnt, also accused the president of dressing shabbily.

    An enraged Vincent, CAMPUSLIFE learnt, walked out on the parliament. The president reportedly told the Speaker that members had breached the association’s constitution by disrespecting his office.

    Olajide consequently wrote a letter to the president, demanding an apology. But Vincent refused to apologise. Rather, the president asked the parliament members to apologise for disrespecting his office.

    Vincent said: “I obliged to attend the parliamentary sitting to state the interest of our association members and I deserve to be respected because of my office. But, this was not accorded to me by the parliamentarians.”

    The Speaker  fixed another sitting for last Saturday and invited the president. But, the sitting erupted in violence when the Speaker suspended a member for raising a constitutional order.

    This led to rancour as members called for suspension of those who misbehaved at the previous sitting.

    In ensuing melee, members threw blows. Some of them tried to take away the mace.

    A member, who simply identified himself as Olatunde, described the incident as unfortunate, accusing the Speaker of disrupting proceeding because of his personal grudge against the president. “The Speaker should be blamed for the fight,” he said.

    A student-reporter, Sodiq Oyeleke, was attacked by two members while trying to take pictures.  Sodiq described the attack bad.

    He said: “I was attacked and pushed to the wall by two members I recognise as Abdullahi and Fatuga. This is getting too much. Campus writers are being attacked by ignorant students who don’t appreciate the work we are doing. Most of these people attacking us call themselves activists but they are nothing but hooligans.”

    A member of the parliament, Ibikunle Akingbade, said the incident was caused by the  Speaker’s handling of the parliament.

    He said: “It is normal for us to disagree on issues when we go for meetings, but today’s fracas was caused by some members who had earlier said that the sitting would be a battle field. They are unhappy with Olajide’s style of leadership.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that it took the intervention of NUASA  president to douse the tension.

    The Speaker and the president declined comments.

  • Hair styles for the rain

    Hair styles for the rain

    As we all know, the hair is the most important part of the body when it comes to fashion. No one can look really fashionable without the trendiest hairdo. However, the rainy months always affect the hair in the most unpleasant way. As we all know, just spending some few minutes in the rain can ruin your stylish hairdo and make nonsense of your appearance. So, smart women know that the best thing to do is to prepare for this season of the year. Keep a travellers’ hairdryer in your office, Knot your long hair when you are on the run, secure your hair with shower cap and avoid gels during this season, as they could become messy.

     

    Top bun

    A top knot bun is a bundle of hair wound into place on the top of your head. It’s an easy hairdo for anyone regardless of age.

     

    Low cut

    Long hair is great to have, but it can be strenuous, hard and tedious to deal with at times. Short hair can be better managed even if they get wet. So it is better to have a haircut, short hair can be dried quickly and combing it is easier than wet long hair.

     

    Singles plaits (million braids)

    Single plaits are the million braids, which people generally refer to as braids. It could be twisted hair, or you could have your natural hair woven; if you need to braid, check the texture of your hair. This will determine the kind of braid or hair you are going to do; the weight of the attachment could make the hair fall off if your braids tracking are very tight.

     

    Weave

    Weave needs low maintenance and it could actually survive any weather. You can’t predict when rain will fall. Basically all you need to do is (for this) is to blow dry after you have been soaked. In fact, if it’s not much, it will dry off on its own and you will still have your hairstyle.

     

    Wigs

    Wigs are very good, but they have to be synthetic wigs. Why synthetic wigs? We have the human hair and the synthetic hair wigs. The synthetic wig is made from mono-fabric fibres (not human hair) and they have low maintenance costs. You don’t have to blow dry a synthetic wig nor thong it. So it is more or less a wake up and go hairdo.

     

    Jerry curls

    The cold wave hairdo like jerry curls. they could be simply washed, conditioned and re-activated after the rain had beaten one.

  • Still Elegant in the rain

    Still Elegant in the rain

    People tend to think of fashion as being redundant during this season and most are confused about which type of outfits they should wear for office, wedding, birthday and owambe parties. We are finally looking into the period where we definitely don’t have to worry about these dips in temperature. Some of people prefer to wear dull dresses so that the bright coloured ones do not get stained, but in the right hands, rainy season apparel can be incredibly elegant. It is fun to get dressed glam and fabulous during rainy season.

    And when you are thinking in terms of the sweater to wear, it doesn’t have to be the normal, swollen pullover or close fitting knotted jackets with or without sleeves. You can combine a good jacket and a stylish sweater with either skirt or trousers under. Go for long-fitted hand length tops. Search through your wardrobe, you will certainly get some few things to work on. That way, you won’t have to look dull. Gone are the days of wearing sweaters on formal wear. Some sweaters are now being worn as main wear.

    There are some lovely fitted sweaters that can be worn as tops on skirts, trousers, even under suits. And these can be worn by both sexes. So, men too are not left out; brighten up with stylish turtleneck andV-neck sweaters. Waterproof outerwear is a must. It does not have to be unfashionable. Select classy pieces to create a mature, sophisticated look, or try a few well-fit garments in playful colors to brighten up your rainy day style.

    The turtleneck sweater is a classic piece that works well for nearly any woman’s wardrobe. A sweater with a hood will provide you with added protection from the rain.

    Remember, the most important thing is that you must make a fashion statement despite the showery spell; you do not have to look dull.

     

    •Look for a suit or sweater that flatters your figure. Additionally, belted suits or sweater look lovely on girls who want to define their waist and show of their curves.

     

    •Wear thin clothes beneath your suit. Materials like cashmere and thin cotton weaves work best under a well-fitted suit since they do not add extra bulk. Conversely, you should avoid heavy wool sweaters and over-sized garments. These pieces may make you look lumpy beneath.

     

    •Cheer yourself up with lively colours. When the weather is gray and cloudy, your spirits naturally sink. Adding bright, cheerful colours to your wardrobe is a good way to keep your spirits high. Choose colourful suits and umbrellas to add a splash of colour to your rainy day attire.

     

    •Get a good pairs of rubber shoes. Brightly coloured rubber shoes can be trending, especially if they are speckled in polka dots or other loud prints.

     

    •Avoid suede and other materials that can suffer water damage.

  • Naira rain for Rangers

    Naira rain for Rangers

    • Players to get enhanced September salary today  

    • Arrears next week  

    • Remaining 15% signing-on fees upper week

    Players of Enugu Rangers will smile to the bank today as they are due to be paid their enhanced September salary, SportingLife can report.

    Rangers’ media officer, Foster Chime, who confirmed this to SportingLife, said the club’s management has resolved to make all the players’ monies available so as to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to do more.

    The Flying Antelopes have rediscovered their form and went six matches unbeaten in their last matches.

    Foster said the management had made an arrangement to ensure that the players get something to smile about every week.

    The club’s image maker also informed that the players would be paid one month’s salary arrears next week.

    The remaining 15% of last season’s signing-on fees would be paid before the month’s end.

    “I am not surprised by our players’ performances because the management has motivated them. They are happy to deliver.

    “Let me tell you that they will get an enhanced September salary tomorrow (today) as directed by the League Management Company (LMC). The state government has approved the enhanced salary and they are going to get it.

    “Again, as you are aware, some salaries were delayed because of the enhanced salary package, so we have made an arrangement to pay all their salary arrears. So, by next week they will get one month’s enhanced salary for March or April.

    “The remaining 15% of their last season’s salary will be paid before October ending. We have already paid 85%.

    “Apart from all these, the club’s chairman has been motivating the players with financial rewards. They got bonuses for the winning and draws. Their match bonuses are regularly paid. So, if you look at all of these you will agree with me that the players have no choice than to perform,” Chime told SportingLife.

    The team is expected to travel to Katsina-Ala on Saturday for this weekend’s league game against Lobi Stars.

    Chime said his side will increase their unbeaten run when they face Lobi Stars on Sunday at the Katsina-Ala Stadium.

    “We want to take our unbeaten run to seven against Lobi Stars by God’s grace. The players are in fine form and we will try and do everything to get a deserved result on Sunday.”

  • Rain disrupts Falconets training

    Rain disrupts Falconets training

    • We must play as a team — Dedevbo
    • Thanksgiving service held for players

    Falconets Chief Coach, Peter Dedevbo has pleaded with his girls to approach today’s semi final clash against North Korea with a collective spirit.

    Dedevbo, who gave the talk in between the team’s training session on Monday in Moncton, said the stage which the team had reached made the advice necessary.

    “We cannot afford to throw this opportunity away having gotten this far. This is history before us and we have to take it with all that we have,” he said.

    “You do not get this far only to become selfish with the ball.This is the time you have to realise that you need to play as a team,” he said.

    Dedevbo reminded the players of how the Koreans play as a collective unit which he said has been their strength.

    “From what we have seen of the Koreans, they are mobile, can’t be intimidated and are good on the counter and above all they play as a team,” he said.

    The team’s training which lasted over an hour was marred by rain for about 20 minutes. The team had to rush into the dressing room but when it subsided the players returned to the pitch. Training commenced at 3pm.

    Later in the day the team had a thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in Moncton which was to appreciate God’s role in their campaign.

    Interestingly, a clip from a film titled Wings to fly was played for the team which centred on a team that was on the verge of making history.

    The service, which was short, was attended by the Nigeria community in Moncton which is a little city in New Brunswick with a population of 100,000 people.

    The Nigeria community has been hailed by everyone for bringing life and colour to the stadium.

    Nigeria’s match is scheduled for 9pm (Nigeria time) today. The other semi final between Germany and France will be played in Montreal also today.