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Tag: violence

  • ‘We have zero tolerance for violence’

    ‘We have zero tolerance for violence’

    Five, four, or three decades together and still counting. Not every relationship has been this lucky to survive the odds, they have weathered the emotional storm and still be clinging to the ribs of the love of their youth.

    For those who have done this, it also comes with some reflection, mentoring, and lots of admiration.

    Interestingly, that was the scenario and testimonies shared at the just concluded 2023 Couple conference organised by the Two of a Kind initiative arm of the Evangel Pentecostal church.

    The hall of the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja was filled to the brim that Saturday afternoon. The event tagged: ‘Marriage Essentials: Sex, Finance and Communication,’ started with speakers giving insights and asking questions to buttress their point on building lasting relationships built on love, perseverance, and endurance.

    For the host, Iheanyi Ejiogu, it is important to be sensitive to the needs of your spouse, consider his or her feelings via emotional intelligence, and let God guide your conversations. “Don’t stop talking, always make that call. For me, Marriage is a very integral part of our Christian faith and I think that there is an all-out siege on marriages. If you see the statistics and the high rate of divorce, people not getting married, and children who are having a lot of backlash from poor parenting and upbringing. It has been a burden in my heart for years, almost two decades.”

    Ejiogu, who has been a relationship coach for over twenty years continued: “When the Ministry took shape, it was one of the things that came to me naturally. How do we create a situation where couples can be as honest as possible, address issues without the air of religious sentiments, and just address issues as real problems? And then God can give clarity on how they can do better. This conference started about 5 or 6 years ago. But we have a lot of other events that attend to the issues of singles and married people.”

    He goes on to talk about some of the feedback this way: “For me, it’s been beautiful. I just love it when a couple has sworn never to be together again and then two weeks or six months down the line, they are happy and their marriage is back again. Somebody has come to see me with a divorce paper and six weeks later, they have torn the divorce paper and are back again, happily married. So, the feedback for us is an 85 percent success rate, and most of the people that we have interacted with have gone ahead to mend fences and build their families again.”

    Violence, suicide, and other negative trends in relationships, he opined should not be encouraged. “We have zero tolerance for violence. Even as clergy, whilst I counsel, if there is any situation that is life-threatening, the husband or wife has bruises, I recommend keeping away, let them get counseling till there is a sign that both of them are willing to live within the same space.

    The most interesting conversations came up during the Panel session chaired by Pastor Kelechi Anyalechi with panelists like   Chinedu Ernest and Helen Nwankwo. On her part, Oby Chuma Ugbo, the head of the initiative, has been on a very insightful journey. “There is a huge attack on homes, marriages, especially Christian marriages. We are here to look at ways where we are not getting it right, to see how we can straighten things up and spice up our relationships with our spouses.”

    Ugbo adds: “We also know that the major factors that hinder beautiful homes bother communication, sex, and finances. Those are the areas to focus on and these are the things that are being discussed today. We want to see how we can live an enjoyable marital life.

    She goes on to talk about some of the challenges faced in parenting and the things that can be done. “We don’t give what you don’t have. Basically, you model those values that you want your children to exhibit. Why we have issues basically in the society is that we claim to be Christians and we live differently from what we profess. So, if we really want to be Christians indeed, we must practice what we preach for our children to emulate.”

    She also agrees that there are external influences that they can pick up, but again if as parents they live godly lives that these children can emulate, then they should follow suit. “ My message to parents and to myself is to keep talking, keep communicating. Whatever it is, no matter how simple or difficult, couples should not fail to engage in communication. Good communication, communicate in such a way that your partner understands what they are trying to explain.”

    Christians, she noted, don’t like to talk about sex, they usually shy away from those communication that would portray them as unspiritual. “But, truth be told, that has been one of the major issues that we are having. These include sex, finance, and communications. When we get these things right, then our relationships and marriages would obviously be happy for it.”

    Chika Steven who got married in August 2021  takes you happily into her world and the things that guide her relationship. “We were counseled before marriage on how to enjoy our marriage. Even if one is enjoying their marriage, they would still need to top up once in a while. It is just like if your car goes out of fuel for a while, you would always need to top it. So, that is why we are back here today to grease the engine, get more information that we can use, and go back to enjoy our marriage. Also, the information that you didn’t have or may even have forgotten. “

    You ask for her experience in the past two years and she responds this way: “It’s been lovely and apart from the counseling, you need to attend seminars regularly, read books, and apply to our marriages. It is just to help each other and enjoy each other. There are still issues that we need to work on. Young couples need to study and learn as God intended marriage to be. You need to go back to the designer, not just what people are telling you and you will see that it is a very beautiful thing.”

    Also discussed was the issue of violence which has become rampant in the present generation. “ In the olden days, they endured it.  In the modern day, it is now mostly about freedom of speech. In the olden days, the thing is that you cannot leave your marriage. Now, the younger people are so expressive to the point that there is no longer reason, no longer reasonable separate or divorce.”  They told themselves from day one that this would be for life, while the younger generation already has a clause as to why they can leave their marriage. This in itself is not tidy at all.”

  • Death, destruction trail violence in Ogoni

    The once-peaceful Ogoni land is now taken over by killers and arsonists, writes Southsouth Bureau Chief BISI OLANIYI.

    Ogoni is one of the ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. It is rich in crude oil and gas, but without commensurate development.

    Ogoni consists of four local government areas in Rivers State namely Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.

    The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), then known as Shell D’Arcy, started crude oil exploitation in Ogoni in February, 1958, when crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity at Bomu (Kegbara-Dere) in Gokana Local Government Area. Since then, the area has been experiencing pollution from oil spills and oil well fires.

    On August 26, 1990, Ogoni people decided to adopt the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), which demanded the right to control and use of a fair proportion of Ogoni economic resources for Ogoni development, among others.

    Later in the same year, Ogoni people formed the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) to carry out the objectives of OBR. In 1993, Ogoni people stopped SPDC from operating in the area.

    The renowned environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni activists were hanged at the Port Harcourt Prisons on Friday, November 10, 1995, during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    In order to put an end to the many years of neglect and environmental degradation in Ogoni and to adequately empower the people, former President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) environmental assessment of Ogoni land in October, 2006, the initiative continued in the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

    On August 4, 2011, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan received the 262-page UNEP main report in Abuja. On July 20, 2012, less than a month to the first anniversary of the submission of the UNEP Report, the then President Jonathan put in place the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), with the mandate to clean all oil-polluted sites in Nigeria, which Ogoni leaders kicked against, while insisting that it was contrary to one of the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

    The far-reaching recommendations of the UNEP Report were not implemented by the then President Jonathan, until May 29, 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari took over and he commenced the implementation, with peace gradually returning to Ogoni land.

    The UNEP’s team of environmentalists made 76 recommendations. Fifty of the recommendations are for the government, 22 for SPDC and four for Ogoni communities.

    UNEP Report stated that the water at Nsisioken-Ogale-Eleme in Eleme Local GGovernment Area contained cancer-causing Benzene (carcinogen), which was 900 times the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) standards for water contamination, thereby requiring urgent attention.

    It also noted that the sustainable environmental restoration of Ogoni land would take up to 20 years to achieve, while recommending the establishment of Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Authority by the Federal Government.

    The UNEP Report indicated that the full environmental restoration of Ogoni land would be a project which would take 30 years to complete, after the pollution had been brought to an end, thereby recommending the establishment of an Ogoni land Environmental Restoration Fund, with an initial fund of $1 billion for capacity building, skill transfer and conflict resolution.

    President Buhari, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, after 68 days in office, approved many actions to fast-track the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoni land, including the amendment of the official gazette establishing HYPREP (which was changed to Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project), to reflect a new governance framework, comprising a Governing Council, Board of Trustees (BoT) and Project Management.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on Thursday, June 2, 2016, kicked off the Ogoni clean-up at Patrick’s Waterside, Bodo-Ogoni in Gokana Local Government Area, in fulfilment of his January 8, 2015 promise, when he visited Ogoni land during his presidential campaigns.

    On Friday, April 27, last year, the Ogoni Trust Fund’s escrow account was signed at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, involving the Federal Government, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and representatives of Ogoni people, at a meeting presided over by Prof. Osinbajo.

    Project Coordinator of the reformed HYPREP, Dr. Marvin Dekil, an Ogoni, is showing total commitment to the clean-up of the polluted Ogoni environment and empowerment of the hitherto marginalised people, but the current killings and arson in Ogoni land will definitely hamper the development efforts.

    On August 13, this year, fresh violence erupted in Ogoni land, despite the recent launch of a new security outfit, Operation Sting, by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.

    In the fresh violence that erupted in Khana Local Government Area, nine innocent people were allegedly killed on August 13 and 14, while the palace of the paramount ruler of Taaba-Ogoni, King Nule Junior, was allegedly razed.

    The house of the President of MOSOP, Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, at Nyokuru-Ogoni in Khana Local Government Area, was also said to be burnt in the invasion.

    MOSOP, through its Publicity Secretary, Sunny Zorvah, condemned the violence, saying: “MOSOP received with sadness, the reports from some Ogoni communities of the sudden outbreak of violence and killings carried out by members of some cult groups in the area.

    “The renewed violence, which took place in Okwale on August 13, spilled over on August 14 to Taabaa and Nyokuru, all in Nyokhana District in Khana Local Government Area.

    “MOSOP is pained over these unjustified attacks, which led to the burning down of the house of MOSOP President in Nyokuru. We are also saddened by the killing of many people and attack on the residence of Chief Monday Abueh and other people in Okwale by alleged cult gangs.”

    The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people also declared that the ugly situation in Ogoni land called for urgent and thorough actions by security agencies and every necessary step required of the Rivers State government.

    MOSOP called on the police and the special military joint task force to ensure return of peace to the troubled Ogoni communities by going after perpetrators of the barbaric and retrogressive onslaught on the communities, but without hurt on innocent people.

    The Ogoni umbrella organisation also pleaded with the traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other influential stakeholders in Ogoni land to put their differences aside and work for the peace and security of the area.

    Again, on August 18, eight people (six in Opouko and two in Luumene) were allegedly killed in Khana Local Government Area, thereby heightening tension in the area.

    The President of MOSOP described the killings and arson in most Ogoni communities as a deliberate and direct attack on the peace initiative and process by well-meaning groups and leaders of Ogoni land.

    He stated this while inspecting the extent of destruction in Ogoni land, while commiserating with the bereaved families and people who lost valuable properties.

    Pyagbara condemned the deadly attacks by alleged cult groups on Opouko and Luumene communities in Nyokhana District of Khana Local Government Area on August 18, which resulted in the death of eight people, while the residence of the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Lateh Loolooh, and the palace of Gbenemene Banghan, King Suanu Baridam were also said to be burnt.

    MOSOP President also expressed displeasure over the senseless killings and destruction of properties by people whom he alleged did not want peace in Ogoni land, and were making efforts to put the crude oil and gas-rich area under siege.

    He said: “It seems to me that there are internal factors and interests in trying to put Ogoni land in perpetual fear and siege.

    “Do not forget, people that want to destroy you will always use someone in your house. There is a possibility of some interests that we have not been able to uncover, in this matter.”

    Pyagbara, who earlier visited Nyokuru, Taabaa and Okwale communities in Khana Local Government Area to ascertain the level of destruction and to sympathise with victims’ families and people of the communities, lamented the razing of houses in his compound in Nyokuru and the houses of Chief Nule of Taabaa and those of other people in Okwale.

    He said: “Time has come for Ogoni people to look inward and say enough is enough. Every right-thinking Ogoni man and woman must rise up against this madness and tell those involved that they cannot put Ogoni under siege.

    “The peace initiative that MOSOP and other groups began and which youth groups and key stakeholders are parts of is still on course. I am surprised that some people are not committed to the peace agreement at the Saakpenwa meeting.

    “That people have turned around to do what they are doing is a big surprise and a shame. I thought that we had a moratorium, and that our brothers and fathers promised they were going into deepening the peace process that we kick-started at Saakpenwa. Ogoni does not need this carnage; after all we have laboured for.”

    While also speaking on the Bomu/Lewe renewed clash, the MOSOP President stated that he was surprised with the resurgence of crisis between the two Ogoni communities in Gokana Local Government Area.

    He reiterated that at a point, the matter was resolved, with some Ogoni elders moving into the two communities for peace.

    Pyagbara stressed the need for governments at all levels to redouble efforts and take the insecurity in Ogoni with much concern.

    MOSOP President assured that the umbrella organisation of Ogoni people, in collaboration with other groups, would ensure that there are no lapses in the drive for the return of peace to the affected Ogoni communities, to pave way for development in the area. He pleaded with the people involved in the renewed crisis to stop forthwith and embrace peace.

    Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), assured that policemen were on the trail of the killers and arsonists, in order to make them face the consequences of their actions, thereby serving as a deterrent to other criminally-minded people.

    The governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) during the March 9 Governorship and State Assembly elections in Rivers State, Victor Fingesi, called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly intervene and bring the killings and arson in Ogoni land to an end, to ensure peace.

    He stated in Port Harcourt that he was disturbed by the sad information he received about Ogoni land, with innocent people killed and valuable properties also destroyed.

    Fingesi described Ogoni land as the once-beautiful agricultural field in Rivers State, but now turned into a killing field. He accused the Nyesom Wike administration of being helpless.

    He said: “I urge Governor Wike for once, to take security of lives and property in Rivers State, especially in Ogoni land, seriously by directing law enforcement agencies to take specific actions that will guarantee safety of the people.

    “It is not enough to launch a security outfit (Operation Sting) and spend money, without directing actions such as curfew where necessary, setting up panel of inquiry, meetings with the chiefs and people, and visit to the affected areas. These actions, when considered, will show that the Rivers State government is taking the matter lightly.

    “Only the convocation of a security summit in Rivers State will be the panacea to the current insecurity situation. The summit should comprise prominent Rivers people, leaders of cult groups and other groups that are involved in the breach of peace in the state.”

    The ADP’s standard bearer also sympathised with the victims of Ogoni invasion and their families, particularly MOSOP President, whose house in Khana was razed by the arsonists.

    Ogoni people, particularly the killers, arsonists and cultists must give peace a chance to pave way for the much-desired development.

  • Methodist Church seeks end to violence in North

    The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Metropolitan Diocese of Ikeja, has urged the Federal Government to find a solution to national issues, including violence in parts of the northern and corruption.

    It said if the challenge fester, they could threaten the country’s unity.

    The church stated this in a communiqué marking the end of its three-day annual synod at Methodist Church, Mushin, Lagos.

    The communiqué was signed by the Bishop, Metropolitan Diocese of Ikeja,  Revd Stephen Adegbite; Synod Secretary Rev. Timothy Olatunji and Lay President Frederick Ogunjuboun.

    The communiqué reads: “Synod frowns at the escalating killings the north, especially in places like Kajuru, Kaduna State, Zamfara, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Yobe and Adamawa States.

    “It calls on the Federal Government to fight this sad development as it should not be allowed to continue to fester. The time to act is now.”

    The chuch also urged the Federal Government “to ensure that the anti-corruption fight is holistic and genuine; one that has no ‘sacred cows’ no matter which party they belong.”

    The Synod praised God for the “relatively peaceful” 2019 elections. It congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and all the winners, as well as Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on the completion of his tenure.

    “Synod calls on state governments to ensure that the N30,000 minimum wage  is paid without hitch as workers deserve some reasonable level of remuneration for their labour.

    “Further to this, Synod calls on all tiers of government to ensure prompt payment of pensions and allowances and other outstandings without any delay.”

    The Synod theme: ‘Obedience to God is better than sacrifice’, was taken from I Samuel 15:22,. It enjoined “all Methodists and Christians alike to spread scriptural holiness and obedience, in word and deed.”

  • Akeredolu laments violence in Ondo community

    •Corps member dies in boat mishap

    ONDO State Governor  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has visited the crisis-ridden Oba-Akoko, Akoko Southwest Local Government, following the bloody violence, which erupted in the area at the weekend.

    He was accompanied by Commissioner of Police Undie Adie.

    The governor, who expressed displeasure at the level of devastation at the Divisional Police Station and its barracks, wondered why the perpetrators of the dastardly acts could embark on such height of criminality and lawlessness.

    Akeredolu yesterday said the state government would set up a panel of inquiry to find out the immediate and remote causes  of the incidence, which claimed two lives, to determine the cost implication of damages done to public and private property.

    The governor called on police and other security agencies to enforce government directive to restrict internal human and vehicular movements in the town.

    At the palace of Oloba, Akeredolu regretted that despite the several phone calls made to Oba Nurudeen Adegoroye to prevail on his people to maintain peace and order, the people rebuffed sense of reasoning.

    The Commissioner of Police had earlier briefed the governor on how his men at the station were overpowered by irate mob, whose actions were politically-motivated after they had illegally blocked all entries into the town.

    The CP, who, however, confirmed the arrest of some hoodlums, who engaged in various forms of electoral offences, assured that there would be enough reinforcements to restore peace and order.

    The DPO, Mayegun Adewale, who conducted the governor and the CP round the station and other strategic places in the town, said the hoodlums were not only youths as being claimed.

    He said the sporadic shootings by the criminals showed the calibre of firearms with them and the fact that they were well-coordinated for the attack.

    The Senior Special Assistant(SSA) to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, said distressed calls came to combined teams of  Security Agencies, of plans by the hoodlums to destroy electoral materials, including ballot boxes and result sheets used for State Assembly election in parts of  Akoko Southwest Local Government Area.

    He said the security personnel had to embark on a fierce security operation to dislodge the miscreants before the electoral officials and  materials used in the election could be rescued to the Collation Centre in Iwaro-oka.

    In another development, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who served as one of  the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad- hoc staff has reportedly lost his life in a boat mishap at Agadagba-Obon in Ese- Odo Local Government Area on Saturday.

    Sources said the Corps member, identified as Ibrahim, hailed from neighbouring Osun State.

    It was learnt that the speed boat he boarded was returning from Arogbo ward 2 and capsized at the  river bank in Agadagba -Obon after election duty on Saturday.

    Two other corps members, who sustained injuries, were said to be receiving treatment at the hospital.

    The deceased was said to have not used life jacket as at the time of the mishap and all efforts to rescue him alive failed.

     

     

  • Curfew in Akoko community over violence

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has ordered a total ban on all human and vehicular movement in Oba-Akoko, Akoko Southwest local government.

    Motorists on the route are to seek alternative roads.

    This followed the massive disruption of the electoral process in Oba Akoko leading to indiscriminate and criminal shooting, wanton destruction of ballot boxes, properties, vehicles, homes and the general peace of citizens and Oba Akoko community.

    A statement by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Gbenga Ale, said all citizens and commuters through Oba Akoko are to stay indoors.

    It said “all roads within the town are closed down with immediate effect all commercial activities are shut down with immediate effect. All human beings are to remain indoors until further notice.

    “Law enforcement agencies have been ordered to arrest anybody seen on the streets and other unauthorised areas.”

    The statement warned that any attempt to test the will of security agencies will be dealt with decisively, stressing that all residents of Oba-Akoko are to obey this instruction until further notice.

  • Destiny stirs discourse on violence against women

    In an ongoing all-female exhibition in Lagos titled Destiny, the works on view has one mission: campaigning on violence against women, which seems to have become the norm, in today’s society. Udemma Chukwuma, who was at the opening reception reviews

    On view now at Alexis Galleries in Lagos are 40 compelling artworks by 16 ladies, all declaiming on violence against women with their artworks, to mark the International Women’s Day, which was on Friday, March 8.

    Themed Destiny; the works depict the challenges facing contemporary women.  These challenges the artists captured with different media on canvases, fascinating subjects, composition and colours. All the works, all paintings turn out to be connected with a general theme ‘Violence against women’.

    For Bertha Onyekachi, one of the artists, her paintings are a reflection of her personal experiences, philosophies and view of societal occurrences, especially issues that deal with the girl-child, womanhood and everyday life.

    One of her oil paintings on view, titled Legal or Not, depicts three ladies in bikinis with striking postures, like models ready to walk the runway. The painting has intensive red as the chief colour on the background; complementing it with light blue, green and black to cast the shadows of the subjects.

    “I might not have the power to create instant change in the society considering how much it needs to be salvaged, but I hope through painting, I give my voice of the ideal. Painting is therefore my voice, painting is my vote, painting is the mirror through which I communicate my strength to the world,” said the artist who obtained a BA in Fine and Applied Arts from the University of Benin.

    While Omoyemi Arogunmati portrayed a sad looking woman who could be in her 30s, titled Expectation.  Perhaps she is expecting a child or her Mr Right…it is left to the viewer to conclude. She represented the subject with dark colours such as black, red, sky-blue and green. You could feel the light resting on the subject’s forehead, nose and the left side of her face. She captured this with mixed media (newspaper and oil paint on canvas).

    Onyinye Afam, an emerging artist who has shown her mastery of different mediums of art; for Destiny transformed strings and nails from craft to art. This new exploration with threads and nails has shown her as an artist with patience and precision. Her use of colours, interplay of different strokes of thread on delicate compositions and artistry can only leave her audience in an exquisite expectation for more.

    Afam’s World Apart depicts a naked woman and a naked man sitting on the floor and backing each other. The women bent her head downward while the man raised his head with his hands crossed on his knees.

    One fascinating thing about this piece is the artist’s ability to depict these subjects with thread and nail on board. The accuracy and the detailed work are amazing! The movement of the thread is beyond expression. You just have to visit the gallery to have a feel of her three works on display.

    Uche Okonkwo titled one of her works Negro Family, but only the artist can tell why she settled for a rather racially offensive title, in this era of racial discrimination.

    “I draw inspiration from my environment, people and everyday life activities. It is important to express oneself provided the feelings are real and are taken from my own experience. My ambition is limited to capturing something transient and yet this ambition is excessive. Painting seems like a miracle that I need to have again and again. I don’t think about art when I work, I think about life, some of my subjects are quite beautiful while some are not, my goal is to inspire those who see my work to look more carefully at the world around them to discover beauty in unusual places. I have my works in both national and International clients and collectors. And have participated in few group exhibitions.”

    Obi Chigozie incorporates colour, figures and portraits to convey ideas, which often reflect on the issues she faces; and matters that affect the people around her. “I love to capture people in their space, showing elements of their daily lives, in hopes to express whatever they feel in that moment.”

    Emotion is a big influence on Obi and when studying her work, she intends to make the viewers feel the vehemence the subject carries. Her work authenticates her keen interest in the human aspect of life/body, beauty standards and the strive for self acceptance. She complements this focus with her portrait works by analysing the society––the cultural narratives adopted and how they affect people, especially females. Her works implores for change in the upbringing of humans.

    Folasade Adebowale builds on a platform dedicated to encouraging and showcasing young upcoming female artists, neglecting the old wives’ fable of the feminine gender, thereby re-channelling the people’s faulty perception towards the beauty that lies in the practice; and therefore revealing tranquillity and passion of a true artwork, irrespective of the gender of the artist.  That, she reasoned,  should empower, incorporate, sensitize and encourage more females into the art fraternity.

    Adebowale works mostly with charcoal on paper. Women and children are her main subjects.

    Jolaoluwa Lawal explores several media. Her works are about the place of Africa in the rapidly evolving world of technology. She works majorly with cartons, manipulated spontaneously to create three dimensional forms. Her drawings are created spontaneously with a lot of gestural lines, suggesting movement — a symbol of the never stagnant world of technology.

    Adulphina Imuede’s work explores feminity, urbanisation, and gentrification, inspired by the city of Lagos, which she uses to tell stories. It also explores the strength of women who are considered small, and a city filled with ignorance, hypocrisy and corruption which she feels have left the city crippled. She uses the city of Lagos in her works as a metaphor for Nigeria, Africa and the world.

    Also featuring in the exhibition are Frances Okala, Arogunmati Omoyemi, Kesa Freda, Chinelo Obi, Sophia Omoh, Ayo Olamide Adesola, Gbojubola Obatuyi and Lasode Opemipo.

    “Violence Against” is the general theme of this exhibition.  According to the United Nations, violence against women is “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

    For the first time, artists who happen to be women were given space at Alexis galleries to show their works; and launch a campaign on violence against women. Sponsored by Heineken and Pepsi, the exhibition runs till 15 March 2019.

    “We are partnering with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking, occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation,” said the Founder and Director, Alexis Galleries Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis.

    WARIF is a centre for sexual assault referral centre, established in 2016 to provide a safe haven for survivors of rape and sexual assault. They offer free medical care, counselling, shelter and legal aid to victims.

    “The WARIF Advocacy Through Arts (WTA) is a new initiative by our organization which seeks to create awareness: change behavioural patterns; and discourage gender-based violence in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.”

  • Buhari never called for violence in Zamfara, says Keyamo

    The Director of Strategic Communications for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), has absolved President Muhammadu Buhari of inciting violence in Zamfara State.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Keyamo said: “Typical of the Peoploes Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku’s campaign team, they have continued in their favourite pastime of peddling falsehood, scaremongering and misinformation.

    “This time, the candidate of the main opposition himself, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, sensing a comprehensive defeat this Saturday and out of frustration, threw caution to the wind in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on February 11, when he alleged that President Buhari called for violence when he campaigned in Zamfara State.

    “Nothing can be farther from the truth. The Hausa word the President used in Zamfara, which has been taken out of context, is “fitna”. Incidentally, all our Hausa language scholars have said the word means different things: it means distress, trial, affliction or temptation. It can also be used to describe rebellion or uprising.

    “In this case, President Buhari was actually weighing in on the joke told very often of recent in the North that due to the rice boom, farmers have embarked on pilgrimage and the marrying of more wives.

    “So, what the President meant was actually a joke deliberately taken out of context: he simply told the crowd to ensure they eat very well because of the rice boom before they can contemplate giving in to those temptations.

    “Even in some private meetings with our campaign team, the President has always commented on this joke. Sadly, out of desperation, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has decided to peddle falsehood.

    “We urge Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to realise that it is God Almighty that gives power and takes power. He should not use his palpable desperation to return to power (in order to sell Nigeria to his ‘friends’ and make them rich) to set this nation ablaze by outright falsehood.”

     

     

  • Adebule cautions electorate against hate speech, violence

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Adebule yesterday warned the public against hate speech and any conduct that could lead to violence during the forthcoming elections.

    She spoke during an annual prayer for the nation organised by the Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF), at Muson Centre, Onikan.

    According to her, the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are enough to make the process peaceful only if Nigerians abide by them.

    She hailed the foundation for introducing interdenominational groups into the annual programme.

    Bringing Christians and Muslims together under one roof, she said, would promote peace and understanding.

    “We are trying to create harmonious relationship between religious groups by promoting the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) at state and local government levels. If only we can keep to things that bind us and refrain from those that divide us, it will be good for our nation,” she said.

    FCF President Chief Bintu-Fatima Tinubu said the yearly event was conceived to addressing the nation’s challenges.

    “Your presence here today (yesterday) underscores your desire to see a greater and better Nigeria we all clamour for. And in retrospect, good leadership and good governance form an integral part of every great nation. Nevertheless our common philosophy is to see Nigeria develop, prosper and re-affirm itself as the pride and giant of Africa,” she said.

    The theme: Democracy: For whose benefit? she said, was a significant question to ponder on a time like this when election is coming.

    Mrs Tinubu, the Iyalode of Lagos, said: “The politics we practise must not be a do or die affair. We must all be conscious of the word of God in the Holy Quran which says – Allah is the owner of sovereignty. He gives sovereignty to whom He will and withdraws sovereignty from whom He will; He exalts whom He will and He abases whom He will. In His Hand is all good, He is able to do all things.

    “We must bear in mind that in any contest, there are winners and losers and there are  always opportunities to give it another try. Therefore, the collective goal should be to deliver a sustainable democracy that has the people and the country as its focal point.”

    Deputy President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Alhaji Sakariyahu Babalola, who chaired the event, said there was no substitute for peace.

    Represented by the Managing Director, Istabaraqim Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Babalola urged Nigerians, politicians in particular, not to take peace for granted.

    According to him, Allah gives power to whom He will.

    “Our politicians must know that somebody will win, somebody will lose. If you miss something you strive for, it is a good thing for you,” he said.

    The guest speakers, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, General Overseer of the Trinity Church and SheikhAbdurRahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (Worldwide), called on Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable.

    Ighodalo said Nigerians had not enjoyed dividends of democracy in the last 20 years.

    Ahmad said the electorate  had no say in those chosen to vie for offices.

    “And unfortunately our votes do not count. We can to a large extent predict who will win election in Lagos State today,” he said.

    Democracy, he said, should achieve five things, namely security of lives and property, prosperity, equality, justice and liberty.

    These, he said, are eluding Nigerians.

  • Visa denial, other measures await perpetrators of polls violence, say UK, U.S.

    THE United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) have announced repercussion for any individual, who interfere or responsible for violence in the forthcoming general polls in Nigeria.

    Both countries warned that any form of interference could lead to visa ban for culprits and their relatives.

    Besides, the UK said such people may be stopped from accessing UK-based funds or be prosecuted under the international law.

    The two countries, which  are Nigeria’s critical partners, also noted that the conduct of the upcoming elections in Nigeria is important not only for Nigeria, but for the African continent.

    Their positions were contained in separate statements issued yesterday in Abuja.

    In its statement, the UK reaffirmed its support for free, fair and peaceful election in Nigeria.

    The statements reads: “Twenty-three days to the presidential and National Assembly elections and 37 days to the gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the British High Commission in Abuja would like to reaffirm our strong support for free, fair and peaceful elections in Nigeria.

    “We and our international partners remain committed supporters of Nigeria’s democracy.  We do not support any party or individual and believe that the Nigerian people should be able to choose their leaders in an environment free from hate speech and insecurity.

    “We continue to provide significant support to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to Nigerian civil society to help them deliver credible elections.

    “We also regularly engage with actors across the political spectrum to encourage them to respect electoral rules and maintain an atmosphere of peace and calm.  We will be deploying an extensive observation mission for the forthcoming elections, including coordinating with the EU’s Election Observation Mission.

    “Our monitors will in particular be looking out for any attempts to encourage or use violence to influence the elections, including on social media. We would like to remind all Nigerians that where the UK is aware of such attempts, this may have consequences for individuals.

    “These could include their eligibility to travel to the UK, their ability to access UK based funds or lead to prosecution under international law.

    Read also: Keyamo: why Nigerians must vote for Buhari

    “The UK is a friend and partner of Nigeria.  We hope our continued support will play a role in helping Nigeria take a further step towards consolidating the progress made since democracy returned in 1999.”

    The U.S. also stated that its support in the forthcoming elections is not for any candidate or party but for Nigeria democratic process.

    “The United States government does not support any specific candidate or party in Nigeria’s upcoming elections.  The U.S. supports the Nigerian democratic process itself.  We support a genuinely free, fair, transparent and peaceful electoral process.

    “We and other democratic nations will be paying close attention to actions of individuals, who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections.

    “We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.  Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations may also lead to restrictions on family members.

     

  • 2019: APC needs no violence to win, says Tinubu

    *’Atiku failed to help Lagos when Obasanjo seized LG allocations’

     

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have to engage in violence to win the forthcoming elections,Co-chairman of its Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said on Friday.

    Tinubu who was responding to allegations from certain quarters that the APC was preparing ground for violence during the elections said those making such allegations were already sniffing their defeat at the polls.

    He said the cries of violence were also indications that those making the allegations had already conceded defeat even before the first ballot was cast in the election.

    The APC leader spoke to reporters after a meeting with traditional rulers from the South West in Abuja.

    The traditional rulers were led by the Ooni of Ife,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

    Tinubu said neither the party nor its presidential candidate,Muhammadu Buhari, wanted any Nigerian to a victim of violence during the elections and therefore did not need any form of violence to win the election.

    The APC,he pointed out ,was working hard to win the elections while those alleging violence were busy looking for excuses for their impeding defeat.

    On his meeting with the obas,Tinubu said: “the royal fathers spoke of the need for a peaceful election. When you have the belief that you can get a proper result, you work hard because you want peace.

    “When you believe that you can win, you don’t want violence. We all love our children, our brothers and our followers and none of us would want our followers to become sacrificial lambs. “We won’t encourage violent disruption of any election because we are confident of winning. Those who are crying wolf before the election have already accepted defeat before the election as far as I am concerned.

    “I am very happy and proud of the very promising situation. When you have the endorsement of your royal fathers, it means you have the people with you and the voice of the people is the voice of God. I am elated.”

    The APC Leader appreciated the royal fathers for their support and for not giving up on the APC and for visiting the President to encourage him.

    Taking a fresh broadside at Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,the PDP Presidential candidate,Tinubu said he (Atiku) did nothing to help Lagos State as Vice President when the Obasanjo government seized its local government allocations , but merely asked them to go and comply with Obasanjo’s directives.

    He said: “Atiku was Vice President of this country when the local government allocation for Lagos state was seized.

    “When we led a protest to Atiku then, he said ‘go away. Go and comply.’ Without the allocation, you cannot bring development.

    “When we said we needed power to power Lagos and the industrial base in our region, they said no.

    “They were taking away N250 million from our allocation every month for being innovative and creative.

    “Everywhere we turned, they rejected us and punished us. But we never gave up.

    “Today, we are in that progressive development championed and led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Thank you for not looking back. Thank you for visiting and encouraging him.”

    Tinubu also spoke on his reported collapse on Monday after the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

    His words: “Fake news and whoever is manufacturing it, you better not believe them.”

    He also described as negative and fake news, reports of alleged boycott of the campaign council by APC governors.

    He said:“The point is: the governors had to stay back home because we all don’t have to converge in one place to decide certain modalities when we can easily go back to them on what was discussed and what we expect from your state. That is what we call structuring in an election. There are some jellyfish reporters around Nigeria these days.”

    At the meeting, Oba Ogunwusi said as royal fathers, traditional rulers would, therefore, continue to preach peace and peaceful coexistence.

    The Oni said :“My message to Nigerians in this time of election is peace, peace and peaceful coexistence all the way.

    “The power of every Nigerian and every electorate lies in the thumb.

    Read Also: Atiku’s campaign office in Ebonyi attacked

    “As traditional rulers, we are fathers to all and in playing that role, we pray that there should be peace in this country.

    “ That is what we are preaching and it is very important to all of us to know than Nigeria is greater than any of us. So, we should continue to preach peace and identify with good things that will be beneficial to the nation. That is why we are here.”

    The traditional rulers who had earlier visited the President also included the Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; the Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo; the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabiru Shotobi; the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadiri Momoh 1V, and the Oloye of Oye Ekiti Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III.