Ibrahim's day of glory as he receives $100,000 cash prize from NLNG

Ibrahim's day of glory as he receives $100,000 cash prize  from NLNG

BY Prisca Sam-Duru

It was a day of glory for winner of the 2016 The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, as the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited on 29th November formally presented The Nigeria Prize for Literature and accompanying cash prize of $100,000 to him, at a Public Presentation ceremony in Abuja.

Ibrahim’s entry, Season of Crimson Blossoms, was chosen out of 172 other entries to claim the prize in October 2016.

Present at the well-attended event, were the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, representing the Federal Government;the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Maikanti Baru, represented by the Group General Manager, LNG Investments Services (NNPC), Dr Bola Afolabi; the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright; NLNG Management;members of the Advisory Board; Judges; Lawyer, Poet and previous prize winner Tade Ipadeola, the media as well as invitees from the Nigerian literary community in Abuja.

Tony Attah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, in his keynote remarks, said“the journey to this day began some 12 years ago in Lagos, when the inaugural edition of Nigeria Prize for Literature kicked off in search of uniqueness and excellence; and looking for our real identity as a people, using the vehicle of literary brilliance and creativity. This journey is similar to that undertaken by NLNG. Over 50 years ago, the idea of this company was muted; but it remained an idea for several decades before eventually coming to life. There were several failed attempts spanning a number of administrations and it sometimes appeared that this idea was jinxed from the word go.

“There was no shortage of opinions, some of which expressed the belief that Nigeria could not achieve the ambition of becoming an LNG producer nation. However, NLNG was eventually incorporated in 1989 and Nigeria’s dream of owning an LNG company and taking a stronger, more central role within the global energy community began to take shape. With several strategic legal and other instruments put in place to make this work, including the NLNG Act, aspiration became reality, and since then it has been one success story after the other.

“My whole point here is that Nigeria LNG has proved that the rightful place for Nigeria and indeed Nigerians, remains as they say, “up there” with the very best, and I say this without fear of contradiction.  Today, twelve years down the road, we are here to repeat our message and demonstrate our core vision of helping to build a better Nigeria,” he added.

The Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his goodwill message urged for more support from the private sector in transforming the creative industry into a creative economy. He said “we have failed to transit from a creative industry to a creative economy because there is no meeting of minds between the private sector and the creative industry. I think it is the government that can provide this bridge.I enjoin NLNG to join hands with government in ensuring that the intellectual properties of all our writers are protected.”

The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, represented by the Group General Manager, LNG Investments Services (NNPC), Dr Bola Afolabi, in his remarks commended the leadership of NLNG for sponsoring the prize which has encouraged literary work among Nigerian writers, adding that NNPC is very proud to be associated with prize.

In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim commended NLNG for its sponsorship and support for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, saying"It is certainly a great privilege to have been so honoured with the Nigeria Prize for Literature and the attendant financial incentive, for which I am truly grateful. But the greatest triumph today is the light of belief I have seen kindled in the floundering hearts of those who previously thought there was a glass ceiling over their heads because of their background, because of the sounds of their names or what part of the world they come from. If you believe, the only thing stopping you from accomplishing your goals is you and no one else.”

Ibrahim's writings received broader attention in 2012 when he published his collection of short stories, The Whispering Trees, to critical acclaim. Season of Crimson Blossoms is his first novel. He is a recipient of several prizes and fellowships.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature. The 2016 Prize is for prose fiction and comes with a cash prize of $100, 000. Next year’s prize will be for poetry.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science are some of Nigeria LNG Limited’s numerous contributions towards building a better Nigeria.

US committed to assisting Nigeria realize economic potential - Bray

US committed to assisting Nigeria realize economic potential - Bray

By Prisca Sam-Duru

U.S Consul General, Lagos, John Bray yesterday said that as a partner and friend, the United States remains committed to helping Nigeria realize its economic potential.

Bray who spoke on the topic “The Challenges and Opportunities of Managing a Recessionary Economy: The American Experience” at the 2016 Hubert Humphrey Alumni Association Annual Lecture held in Lagos, noted that “As the most populous country on the continent and as the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria clearly stands to gain from increasing its attractiveness to foreign investors. As in the case for the U.S. economy, FDI offers much to contribute to Nigeria’s ability to grow its economy and increase its global competitiveness.” Insisting that “There is not a one size fits all solution, based on the American experience of dealing with recessionary economies it is clear there is no simple answer.
Different times, different circumstances require a unique set of fiscal and monetary policies.

I feel confident saying that the solution is both inside and outside of Nigeria. I am also confident in saying that the policies do make a difference. They can make things worse, they can make things better.

The lesson learned in the wake of the Great Depression is that economies stand to gain more by being open than by being isolationist.

The United States continues to be the number one destination for foreign direct investment for several reasons, including: the confidence foreign investors have that they will be treated fairly, that they can repatriate profits, that the rule of law is supreme, and that it is relatively easy to do business.

At the Department of Commerce, we work every day to strengthen America’s best assets such as our highly productive workforce and our commitment to innovation to ensure that the United States remains the most attractive destination for investment.

I hope that Nigeria will use the current recession as an opportunity to adopt and implement economic reforms to address challenges that existed before the current recession began but that will still need to be met and overcome after the recession ends, which we all know will happen, in order to set this country on course for long-term sustainable development and help it to bring greater prosperity to all the people of Nigeria.”

Marine platform's mobile libraries breathe fresh air in Northern literature

Marine platform's mobile libraries breathe fresh air on Northern literature 
By PRISCA SAM-DURU

When oil firm, Marine Platform promised to encourage reading from an early stage, by donating books to schools in the North, last year at  the 2015 Ake Arts and Books Festival, many thought it was one of those strategies by corporate organisations to gain cheap popularity. How wrong skeptics were as the company penultimate week in Kaduna, took corporate social responsibility to a truly innovative and positive level when 100 primary schools in the state became beneficiaries of mobile libraries stocked with beautiful and colourfully illustrated storybooks for easy access for pupils. Both at governor Malam Nasir El Rufai’s office at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, LGEA Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Model Primary School, Polytechnic Road, Tudun Wada, Kaduna, Marine Platform, donated 100 mobile libraries containing 100 books to schools in the state. At Governor Malam Nasir El Rufai’s office, with some of his cabinet members present, Mr. Abaji Nyam of Marine Platform presented a sample of the mobile library with the books stocked in it, a proof  of  his company’s intention to boost reading culture among school children in parts of the North, beginning with Kaduna State. 



According to Nyam, “We believe it’s a scalable model and, for us, this is not the end of the cooperation. We will work with the state government in whatever way we can. And we hope that that fire of inquisitiveness will be ignited in the children to make better adults later in life.” Nyam showing off the libraries while Governor El-Rufai and others watch, in Kaduna Earlier, while inspecting the 100 mobile libraries on the lawn of Government House, Kaduna, Nyam gave insight into the project and how he hopes it would inspire other donors to contribute in making books available to indigent children, especially those in public schools that often have the challenge of learning materials like books. He said, “We all agree that our future depends on our children. The whole idea is not just for the children to have books, but for the books to be able to trigger off inquisitiveness, trigger off the desire to learn, trigger off the desire to explore. That is the whole benefit of this project. “Books are very significant to children; they spark off that desire to learn and make them inquisitive. Of course, an inquisitive child is one that keeps asking all the questions. Children want to learn about other places; they want to learn about other people and the society around them.” Nyam told the pupils his experience as a young reader, how books became windows through which he explored faraway places long before he visited them as an adult. Although there are other initiatives Marine Platform has up its sleeves, Nyam said it was his company’s hope that the mobile library initiative would also challenge others to take a cue and offer assistance in areas of educational needs across the country. Responding, El Rufai thanked Nyam and his company, Marine Platform for delivering on their promise and promised to revamp the libraries in Kaduna State and ensure that in every local government area, there is one functioning and well equipped library with triple offering: books, electronics as well as textbooks. “Your contribution is significant and creative. We hope to adopt your model and scale it up. It is sad that young people don’t read any more; they prefer visuals and they love pictures. We have to find ways to make young people interested in reading and have access to libraries and good books. We pray God to help expand Marine Platform’s business so that you can do more for us.” As part of El Rufai’s innovative approach of putting young people first, he has sponsored children twice to Ake Arts and Book Festival so they can be part of the ambience of writers and thinkers. “I actually sponsored children to Ake festival,” he said. “I hope we sponsor more next year to get them interested in reading and writing.” Two pupils, Aisha Abdulwasi’u and Muhsin Adam, sampled the books by reading excerpts to the admiration of everyone present. The entire class took the books from the library shelves and leafed through them, admiring the glossy colours and photographs.

Campaign for mother tongues, Wa Thiong’O tells Africans

Campaign for mother tongues, Wa Thiong’O tells Africans
  By Prisca Sam-Duru 

Kenyan literary icon, Professor Ngugi Wa Thiong’O, has advised Africans to resist every effort by their governments to criminalise Africa native languages. According to him, preventing people from speaking or writing in their mother tongues is the easiest way for them to lose their identities. Professor Wa Thiong’O gave the advice while sharing his prison experience at the 2016 Ake Arts and Books Festival at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.



 Speaking on the topic, Prison Stories and Literature of Resistance, the famous writer, who disclosed that he discovered his ability to write in his mother tongue, Gikuyu, during his incarceration by the then Kenyan President, Jomo Kenyetta, condemned the idea of preventing children from using native languages in school. He said: “The time has come for Africans to campaign against criminalisation of our native languages. This was a strategy used by the colonial masters to control their subjects. “They started by imposing their names and languages on their subjects to destroy their naming system, discon-nect them from their names and languages: this is a practical means of mental subjugation.” 

USAID Unveils Nigeria’s First Ultramodern Polio Modular Laboratory

USAID Unveils Nigeria’s First Ultramodern Polio Modular Laboratory 

 by Prisca Sam-Duru

 In a bid to  improve the efficiency of polio diagnosis in Nigeria through reliable environmental sampling, the United States Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have inaugurated a state-of-the-art polio modular laboratory at University College Hospital, Ibadan. 

 While examining the ultra-modern amenities with representatives of the Federal Government, U.S. Consul General John Bray observed that the new facility, which cost an estimated $400,000, exists alongside a World Health Organization (WHO) accredited polio laboratory in Ibadan, but is the first one in the country equipped to detect the wild polio virus from waste water.

 According to Consul General Bray, “This new facility will enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond to polio outbreaks quickly, by promptly diagnosing polio from samples received from the 48 environmental sewage sites across the country.” adding that “The eradication of poliomyelitis will be accomplished only when polio laboratories provide convincing diagnostic evidence of the absence of wild poliovirus infections in humans and prolonged circulation in the environment”  

 More than 70 participants attended the event, including Nigerian government officials, representatives of donor agencies, UN agencies and Rotary International.

 To help Nigeria tackle its high mortality rates, USAID helps increase access to quality family planning and reproductive health services, immunizations, polio eradication, malaria prevention and maternal health services. USAID also provides technical support to immunization campaigns through social mobilization, and other activities.

Ritualistic performances rock 2016 Lagosphoto festival

Ritualistic performances rock 2016 Lagosphoto festival 
By Prisca Sam-Duru



FOR the seventh consecutive time, the first international arts  festival of photography in Nigeria, LagosPhoto, has succeeded in its determination to reclaim public spaces, by showcasing world class photography at every available space in Lagos. ADVERTISING inRead invented by Teads • One of the images on display at the ongoing LagosPhoto festival in Lagos Themed “Rituals and Performances”, this edition of the festival opened to the public on October 22, 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos while satellite exhibition venues in arts and cultural spaces throughout the city extended to Omenka Gallery, Africans Artists’ Foundation, Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Goethe Institute, A White Space Gallery, Red Door Gallery. It features exhibition, workshops, screening, artists’ presentation and large scale outdoor installations in Lagos. Viewers at the grand opening were obviously delighted at the introduction of performances to the festival. The performances by Jelili Atiku attracted many of them to his stand as he thrilled them with various displays of some ritualistic moves involving the use of calabash and other local objects. Winners of the Etisalat Photography competition also emerged during the grand opening. As announced by the CEO Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Wilsher, for this years Etisalat Photography Competition, Maxwell Aigborga took the third position for his entry titled Lagos Traffic, 2nd position went to Oluwatobiloba Amusan (Celebration of Love) while Abidemi Iromini took the top position for his entry, Lonely Walk. They got an iphone, Samsung phone and  canon camera respectively. Contemporary photography LagosPhoto presents photography as it is embodied in the exploration of historical and contemporary issues, the promotion of social programmes, and the reclaiming of public spaces. It features 42 photographers spanning seventeen countries and aims to provide a platform for the development and education of contemporary photography in Africa by establishing mentorships cross-cultural collaborations with local and international artists. The Curator, International Projects, LagosPhoto Foundation, Maria Pia Bernardoni, said they decided to explore the act of repletion to enact the idea and it becomes like a ritual. ”We looked at the repetition that shapes gender, image identity, social agency, power and social constructs in contemporary society. The repetitive acts imbued with belief become coercive and normative, it shapes our general idea of what is true and African image, gender, beauty, religion, social class and so forth.” Rituals and Performance explores the role of acts of repetition that shape gender, image, identity, social agency, power and social constructs in contemporary society. The repetitive acts imbued with belief become coercive and normative. It shapes our general idea of what is true in determining an African image, gender, religion, beauty, social class and so forth. Contemporary visual representations directly affect the cultural meanings associated with image construction and interpretation. Throughout the duration of the festival which draws to a close on November 21, works by the thirty photographers from seventeen countries covering areas of exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, discussions, screening, and large scale outdoor installations in congested public spaces in Lagos, form subjects for debates and conversations.

US SUPPORTS SAVING MOTHERS, GIVING LIFE (SMGL) TEAM BUILDING 

 Last week Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) Initiative concluded a productive week-long, global team-building meeting, sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Calabar, Cross River State.

The five-year, $18 million USG initiative is a public-private partnership that addresses the three primary delays associated with maternal and newborn health: the delay in seeking services, the delay in reaching care, and the delay in receiving high-quality care at a health facility. In 2014, Nigeria became the third country to adopt the initiative after successes were reported by the program in Uganda and Zambia.

The meeting, organized by the Cross River State Government in partnership with USAID, brought together national and regional partners and key stakeholders to share updates on the progress of activities in Uganda and Zambia and guide inputs on expansion in Nigeria. The U.S. Consul General, John Bray, USAID Acting Mission Director, Aler Grubbs, and the Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Benedict Ayade participated in the opening ceremony. SMGL team members worked together to provide solutions to problems, share lessons learned, and lay the groundwork for increased collaboration and technical assistance.

“Health challenges in Nigeria are not always a result of limited access to facilities, but access to enough skilled professionals and quality services within those facilities.  Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative is helping reduce both maternal and neonatal mortality. We will continue to support and encourage the Cross River State Government in its efforts as we look to expanding the program into other areas in Nigeria,” said Consul General, John Bray.

A woman dying from pregnancy and childbirth related complications is a major challenge in Africa and reducing maternal mortality has become a global priority. In Nigeria, the probability of a maternal death occurring is 1:13. In partnership with host countries and non-governmental organizations, the U.S. Government has been working to not only reduce, but also end preventable maternal and newborn deaths globally.

US awards Public Diplomacy grant to Nigerians

US awards Public Diplomacy grant to Nigerians

by Prisca Sam-Duru

US Consulate General, Lagos has awarded a United States public diplomacy grant in 2016, to a 23 Nigerian recipients.

U.S. Consul General F. John Bray who gave out the awards yesterday at the Consulate, Lagos, disclosed that the grant was given because the recipients are working to solve hugely important problems for their communities in southern Nigeria.

He said, “Our 23 small grant recipients have been through a very competitive selection process. With mentors from the U.S. Consulate, these outstanding young women and men design and work on projects that improve the health, economic empowerment, education, and good governance of their communities.”

Finally, we are also recognizing a unique award to the Co-Creation Hub. The Co-Creation Hub is a partner of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria to set up and operate a new Priority American Space at their business incubation facility in Yaba, Lagos.

This Priority American Space will, when ready, be a publicly accessible space for Nigerians to access a broad range of information and materials about the United States and our culture, take part in English language learning, learn about opportunities to study in the United States, and especially to participate in programs on technology and entrepreneurship.

All told – taking our small grants, CYFI Fellowship program, and Priority American Space awards together – the United States Consulate General in Lagos has awarded approximately 381,220 U.S. dollars in Department of State funds to thirty recipients in 2016.

Finally, let me note that, by making these awards, we seek to increase the capacity of non-governmental organizations and individuals to strengthen communities – bringing more opportunity to more Nigerians through creative projects that have lasting benefits in society.”

File:28/10/2016\Saturday foreign

Nollywood, Kannywood tango in EbonyLife’s theatrical excellence

Nollywood, Kannywood tango in EbonyLife’s theatrical excellence 
  By  PRISCA SAM DURU

-FILM TIMES are changing in the world of entertainment and so is Nigeria’s movie industry. Since EbonyLife TV came on board with top notch blockbuster movies, the changes have become even more captivating and impactful. Always daring where others fret to thread, EbonyLife TV’s new political and cultural series, Sons Of The Caliphate, premiered last week, at Imax FilmHouse cinema, Lekki Lagos, with the mission  to banish the stereotypes about Northern Nigeria like never before. Created, written and produced by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya, and screen played by Sifa Asani Gowon,  ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, a 13-part drama series which  strum a unique thematic message, invites viewers into the rich, cultural and flamboyant aristocratic lifestyle of Northern Nigeria. Starring some of the biggest A-listers in both Nollywood and Kannywood such as Patrick Doyle, Mofe Duncan, Sani Muazu, Rahama Sadau, Paul Sambo, Yakubu Mohammed, Yvonne Hays etc, the  high profile movie showcases a part of the North which has remained in the dark for ages. 






Who would have believed the Northerners enjoy the lifestyle portrayed by Kowa Caliphate. And like never before, the drama brings out the best of Kannywood. Sons Of The Caliphate, a fantastic, intriguing production narrates in very spellbinding manner, events that make the Northern Caliphate State of Kowa tick. Elections in the state are fast approaching and as the tussle for the governorship seat goes into full gear, Alhaji Umar Loko(Patrick Doyle), former military Head of State and present political force in Kowa state, presented as a deadly politician and godfather in the region, busies himself with every known political schemings while grooming his own, Dikko to take over. As three rich, passionate and ambitious friends Kalifah, Nuhu, Dikko get caught in the dirty web of politics, the darkness of addiction and the obligations of family loyalty, Abuja-based stunning beauty, Binta Kutigi (Rahama Sadau), who runs an events management company called Binta’s Bespoke Events, joins the men to navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, assassinations, betrayals and love. Binta appears to be at the center of the entire drama. She however, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Nuhu and Dikko, and manages to befriend Naziha and Lottie in the process. Her cool, calm, friendly exterior serves well to conceal her flaw as a shrew. • A scene from one of the episodes of Sons Of the Caliphate Speaking shortly before the premiere, the CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, said “It is very important for us as Nigerians to share as many stories from as many parts of Nigeria as possible. A lot of hard work has gone into this particular project. We took on this gigantic task and we are so proud of the work we have done. We hope that you love the series. It is important that we tell our African story by ourselves. This is a material that must travel across the globe.” The Producer of the series Dimbo who was visibly excited with what Ebonylife TV did with the series said, “We knew that if we are going to tell a contemporary northern story, it had to be on a platform that celebrates the rich culture of Africa. And the northern part of Nigeria has a rich heritage and culture. A lot of people have this mindset about Northern Nigeria. There is the stereotype that the Northern Nigerian is all about chaos and fighting but really, there is so much beauty over there. We set out to do it and we did it right,” he said. In order to ensure that the production would not in anyway, step on northern belief, Dimbo explained that the services of a religious and cultural consultant were employed noting that he decided to tell a northern story from a different perspective which is outside the stereotypes of war and terrorism. TIMES are changing in     the world of entertainment and so is Nigeria’s movie industry. Since EbonyLife TV came on board with top notch blockbuster movies, the changes have become even more captivating and impactful. Always daring where others fret to thread, EbonyLife TV’s new political and cultural series, Sons Of The Caliphate, premiered last week, at Imax FilmHouse cinema, Lekki Lagos, with the mission  to banish the stereotypes about Northern Nigeria like never before. Created, written and produced by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya, and screen played by Sifa Asani Gowon,  ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, a 13-part drama series which  strum a unique thematic message, invites viewers into the rich, cultural and flamboyant aristocratic lifestyle of Northern Nigeria. Starring some of the biggest A-listers in both Nollywood and Kannywood such as Patrick Doyle, Mofe Duncan, Sani Muazu, Rahama Sadau, Paul Sambo, Yakubu Mohammed, Yvonne Hays etc, the  high profile movie showcases a part of the North which has remained in the dark for ages. Who would have believed the Northerners enjoy the lifestyle portrayed by Kowa Caliphate. And like never before, the drama brings out the best of Kannywood. Sons Of The Caliphate, a fantastic, intriguing production narrates in very spellbinding manner, events that make the Northern Caliphate State of Kowa tick. Elections in the state are fast approaching and as the tussle for the governorship seat goes into full gear, Alhaji Umar Loko(Patrick Doyle), former military Head of State and present political force in Kowa state, presented as a deadly politician and godfather in the region, busies himself with every known political schemings while grooming his own, Dikko to take over. As three rich, passionate and ambitious friends Kalifah, Nuhu, Dikko get caught in the dirty web of politics, the darkness of addiction and the obligations of family loyalty, Abuja-based stunning beauty, Binta Kutigi (Rahama Sadau), who runs an events management company called Binta’s Bespoke Events, joins the men to navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, assassinations, betrayals and love. Binta appears to be at the center of the entire drama. She however, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Nuhu and Dikko, and manages to befriend Naziha and Lottie in the process. Her cool, calm, friendly exterior serves well to conceal her flaw as a shrew. Speaking shortly before the premiere, the CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, said “It is very important for us as Nigerians to share as many stories from as many parts of Nigeria as possible. A lot of hard work has gone into this particular project. We took on this gigantic task and we are so proud of the work we have done. We hope that you love the series. It is important that we tell our African story by ourselves. This is a material that must travel across the globe.” The Producer of the series Dimbo who was visibly excited with what Ebonylife TV did with the series said, “We knew that if we are going to tell a contemporary northern story, it had to be on a platform that celebrates the rich culture of Africa. And the northern part of Nigeria has a rich heritage and culture. A lot of people have this mindset about Northern Nigeria. There is the stereotype that the Northern Nigerian is all about chaos and fighting but really, there is so much beauty over there. We set out to do it and we did it right,” he said. In order to ensure that the production would not in anyway, step on northern belief, Dimbo explained that the services of a religious and cultural consultant were employed noting that he decided to tell a northern story from a different perspective which is outside the stereotypes of war and terrorism.

Shafer record label debuts, hits airwaves with fresh, exciting singles

 Shafer record label debuts, hits airwaves with fresh, exciting singles

by Prisca Sam-Duru

Shafer, a brand new top notch record label which made its debut yesterday, appears set to unleash a whole new level of musical ingenuity into the Nigerian music scene especially owing to the motivational nature of its music.

Shafer is the brainchild of a South African-based entrepreneur, Isaiah Oyibo (Shafer), founded as a wholly independent music label on February 17th, 2016. 

Details, Later

African writers scared to delve into terrorism, jihad subjects-Udenwe

African writers scared to delve into terrorism, jihad subjects-Udenwe
 By Prisca Sam Duru 

EBONYI State born and Nigeria’s foremost conspiracy crime fiction writer and author Obinna Udenwe speaks about his first traditionally published work, Satans and Shaitans, a conspiracy crime thriller offering the most intriguing answers to some of the ugly events that have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. “I didn't set out to write a book on terrorism, first I started in 2007 and by that time, it had a different title and it was about a girl and a boy who were in love and she was pregnant for him. I kept on working on that till 2011 and the story changed. By that time the effect of terrorism in Nigeria hit its climax so, I incorporated the plot that contains terrorism. Then the idea of occult organizations and terrorism came along as Nigeria continued to deteriorate into chaos.



 I finally decided to explore and merge both strands into one story with different twists. When you read the book you would notice two plots, the issue of terrorism and love. This was why my dad described the book as a love story set in the time of terrorism,” he said. Throwing light on why he chose such title for his book, Udenwe explained that “In Islam, Satan is called shaitan. In the book you have the Christians who are the followers of Jesus Christ and the moslems, followers of Prophet Mohammed. The two groups came together and formed a secret society called the Sacred Order of the Universal Forces and they control almost every sector of the country. They wanted to ensure that no other person aside them, rules Nigeria again so they established a terrorist organisation and the story goes on and on and at the end, there was crisis and the moslems called Christians shaitans while Christians called moslems, satans. “I’m an Islamic scholar so for a long time, I did research on books on Islam. I read the Holy Quoran several times. I got a gift of the Hadith from a friend, who also helped in the research. A lot of research went into writing the book, without which we would have published it earlier than we did. But we had to be sure of what we were doing. “African writers seem scared to delve into conspiracy and crime fiction, thrillers and others especially the ones that have to do with issues of terrorism, jihad etc. So I felt we needed to start experimenting on these areas. We need to bring to the fore the issue of terrorism which is really destabilising Nigeria especially in the North East and gradually coming to the south and nobody is talking about it. The book will help people realise fully the effect of insurgency on people’s normal life.” Title and the blurb The talented writer asserted “I think we are no longer going to continue to be scared of voicing out on these issues. If we are scared to talk about it, no one will help us do that and it will keep escalating. Well, since the book came out, we’ve been receiving a lot of scary advises from people rather than threats.” They advise that I should be mindful of how I should go about because they believe the terrorists will attack and the Christians will attack me because to some extent it indicts them. The book is liberal to both Christians and moslems, so there’s nothing to be scared of instead is people when they read the title and the blurb, they feel the author is not safe. But when you read the work you will appreciate it.”

Falana, Brymo, Bantu, others thrill guests at German Day

Falana, Brymo, Bantu, others thrill guests at German Day
 By Prisca Sam-Duru & Vera Samuel Anyagafu 

THIS is a season of  independence anniversaries of countries around the world. For weeks now, Embassies and Consulates in Nigeria have seized the opportunity of celebrating their independence, just as Nigeria marked her 56th year, to organize diverse activities to celebrate their freedom. In all of this, the 26th Day of German Unity held Monday, which has always stood out in terms of entertainment, was as usual, held amidst pomp and pageantry.   The recession didn’t affect the party that much and as usual entertainment was at the fore. It was indeed a long evening of super entertainment. This year, the show had Muson Centre band, supplying nonstop music as guests danced and sang along. They performed evergreen tunes from Sound of music and a medley of hits from Africa’s music legend, Mariam Makeeba. Guests will never forget in a hurry, the rendering of Nigeria’s and Germany’s national anthem by Victor Okoli. One would have thought that after Nigeria’s Anthem, a German would perform theirs but Okoli continued and gave members of the audience goose pimples. 

The clarity of his angelic voice made his rendition exciting and the crowd responded with resonating applause and whistling. As the party progressed, performing artists took centre stage and one after the other, gave the already excited crowd a good dose of what brought them to the party in the first place. All the way from Ghana was Gyedu Blay Ambolley, who delighted everyone with thrilling performances. New music sensation, Falana, award winning son of erudite lawyer, Femi Falana who has been making waves since  returning to Nigeria was on stage, giving excellent rendition of the best of his music. Also performing were Brymo and The Theosolites who dished out tunes from 2015 performance of Ade Bantu led Afropolitan Vibes. As a sign of unity and love for their host country, some Germans were dressed gorgeously in Nigeria’s attires especially  Yoruba traditional rulers’ attires. The national dresses added colour to the glamorous event. Declaring the party open, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Ingo Herbert who implored all to enjoy the evening owing to the fact that Nigeria and Germany have reasons to celebrate, announced that very soon his Consulate will be launching a book on the history of Germany and Nigeria business relations. While noting that there are so many reasons the two countries should celebrate, Mr Herbert disclosed his country’s readiness to continue to work towards boosting Germany’s cultural relationship with Nigeria.

Ola’s creative documentation on developing Africa through entrepreneurship manual out

Ola’s creative documentation on developing Africa through entrepreneurship manual out 
 By Prisca Sam-Duru 

Judging by the simple fact that civilisation began in the continent of Africa which is sadly, today, the most backward, poverty-stricken, war-torn, disunited continent where there exists a huge gap between the leaders and the masses, one cannot help but wonder what went wrong. In all of these challenges confronting Africa, unemployment has played and is still playing a huge role in the continent’s underdevelopment. The labour force is largely dormant and the resultant effect is that they utilise their endowments to perpetuate criminal acts. This has been a major bane of Africa’s development. In Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, Ola Grace, a lawyer and an alumnus of the Enterprise Development Centre of the prestigious Pan- Atlantic University, Lagos, explicitly addresses the critical need for harnessing Africa’s enormous resources and endowments through entrepreneurship as well as business endeavours. 


Grace articulates and analyses the dynamics of entrepreneurship development, while positing that governments across the continent must ensure that entrepreneurship development is prioritised for any meaningful socio-economic growth to be recorded. Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, a handbook of 119 pages, is divided into three practical parts of varying lengths, that guide entrepreneurs, intending entrepreneurs and policymakers as they prepare to venture into private enterprise oriented economies to curb unemployment and generate wealth for speedy growth. Although the book lays emphasis on Africa’s development through entrepreneurship, it harps more on tackling local and international dynamics by catering for illiterate women in remote areas in addition to the teeming youths in cities. In a nutshell, the book with foreword written by a personality of no mean repute in the the world of entrepreneurial development, Professor Pat Utomi, as well as Dr Chance Glenn, Alabama, USA, in very strong terms, avers that the need for Africa to sharpen her tools of entrepreneurship so as to enjoy an economically vibrant population, is non-negotiable. Entrepreneurship, the book maintains, “has proven itself as a viable economic order that accommodates great and small businesses of all stripes.” Part 1 of the book examines the basics of entrepreneurial development and its relevance in the much desired development of the continent. With sub-titles such as Proem, Practical Insights in Entrepreneurship Development, A Quick Guide for Entrepreneurs, The Making of an Entrepreneur and Steps to Entrepreneurial success, the book presents elaborately, practical insights and guides for entrepreneurs stemming from the author’s decades long sojourn in the entrepreneurship terrain. Part two entitled Africa’s Entrepreneurship Agenda( 10 Dynamics for Entrepreneurship Development), documents salient propositions for Africa’s development “through a collaborative and integrated entrepreneurship development framework.” Although the word, underdevelopment, could comfortably serve as metonymy for Africa owing to how devastated the continent has been, this part of the book optimistically records that just as Singapore, China and some newly developed economies in Asia turned their woes to success, Africa can develop if economic activities increase. The book emphasises at this juncture that Africa is endowed with all needed resources for development which are unfortunately, left untapped. In the heading, Doing business in Africa, readers are awed by the figures representing the mineral resources and raw materials Africa has, as well as Africa’s billionaires; yet, the continent is retrogressing due to bad leadership. The author however, states that in spite of everything, there are lots of opportunities for entrepreneurs in all sectors. A Prototype standard Entrepreneurship Centre and Postscript which are documented in Part three, would be exceptionally pleasing to the readers as they deal with practical methods and strategies that entrepreneurs or aspiring ones can adopt and become successful in their ventures. The author deploys a very simple and succinct language spiced with references of individuals and countries that are thriving due to entrepreneurial development. With Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, Ola Grace is no doubt, confidently occupying a space in the guild of authors who have provided priceless insights into life-changing mechanisms for self reliance and socio-economic development. The book is a must read for students, entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Traditional music, folk songs loud as Yoruba Lakotun marks anniversary

Traditional music, folk songs loud as Yoruba Lakotun marks anniversary 

by Prisca Sam-Duru

The Ethnic Heritage Centre, Ikoyi Lagos came alive penultimate week as the Yoruba Lakotun, the quarterly cultural flagship programme, celebrated its first anniversary amidst pomp and pageantry. It was a celebration that colourfully showcased some of the Yoruba cultural heritage especially the talking drum and the beaded gourd (sekere). The local instruments were utilised because of their significance as royal musical instruments that elicit excitement at all celebrations. Also, Edaoto Agbeniyi, the renowned guitarist and folklorist, was on the bandstand dishing out melodious folk songs to the delight of the audience.

The anniversary celebration also doubled as a event to revive the Yoruba oral narrations which according to culture activists, has been largely distorted.

 

Renowned author of Egun Ori Ikunle Pa Lasunkanmi Tela who was special guest at the programme, decried the manner in which Yoruba oral narration has been distorted by a huge number of people due to their selfish reasons. He disclosed that some of the distorted narrations brought about by colonialism and individuals for selfish reasons are Yoruba history, traditions and even the culture.

“The Yoruba nation should be united since we are all progenitors of Oduduwa. It is unnecessary for people to tweak histories of their communities in order to pursue their selfish ambition because it would mislead a lot of generations after them and bring about hatred. The damage done by the colonialist still abound in the ways in which names of communities and families have been changed to suit their understanding.” He said.

Tela called for the preservation of various Yoruba traditions which are gradually fading away. These traditions include building reputable family names cum legacies; respect for elders; background check of the families before marriage; the dignity of hard work and contentment.

Another great feature of the evening was the Bata dance class led by Khalid Ayanshina, the renowned Eesa Egungun chanter and dancer, from Oyo town. Ayanshina pointed out that Yoruba oral chant is a specialist art that is different from one type of chant to another. Some of the specialist chants are ekun Iyawo; Rara; Ijala among others.

The host of the event, Olutayo Irantiola, dedicated the anniversary edition to the media houses that educate and inform Nigerians about the different cultures in the country. He encouraged the media to carry out investigative research to produce ingenious documentaries that would enhance the knowledge of Nigerians about their immediate environment.

Cultural enthusiasts at the event were drawn from Corporate and Social Nigeria.

US Consulate hosts wine fair, brings Taste of America to Nigeria

US Consulate hosts wine fair, brings Taste of America to Nigeria

by Prisca Sam-Duru

United States Consul General Francis John Bray and the United States Regional Agricultural Counselor for West Africa David Wolf last Wednesday, September 21, hosted agribusiness leaders to an exquisite wine tasting event.

Themed A Taste of America, the event marked by glitz and glamour, provided agribusiness leaders and other friends of America, a unique opportunity to experience a wide selection of the finest United States wine brands available in Nigeria.

At the event, Consul General Francis John Bray introduced the new United States Regional Agricultural Counselor for West Africa David Wolf to Nigerian agribusiness leaders and stakeholders.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Wolf said, “The Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to address food security challenges in countries they operate in. It mostly supports these challenges by building food and market systems that expand trade and economic development.

“The USDA has trained more than 230 Nigerians in the United States through its Faculty Exchange, Cochran, and Borlaug Fellowship programs in subjects such as food safety, aquaculture, pest management and food processing.”

The USDA’s goal, he added, is to help Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and food distribution, and to bring more Nigerian products up to acceptable standard for the international market.

The program offered members of the U.S.-Nigeria agribusiness community an opportunity to build professional networks, as well as discover new products, ideas, and innovations in the agriculture industry.

Art X Lagos is Africa's new destination for contemporary art

Art X Lagos is Africa's new destination for contemporary art
By Prisca Sam-Duru

Art lovers, cultural practitioners, art collectors and connoisseurs as well as students and young adults are in for a treat as Art X Lagos sets out to position the West African region, and specifically Lagos, as an important destination on the global cultural calendar.
Art X Lagos, put together by TP-Collective is the maiden edition of the new art fair designed to widen Nigeria’s connection to the contemporary art scene across Africa and internationally. ART X Lagos has been created to consolidate the role of the visual arts as an important component of the creative industry and contribute to the increased visibility of contemporary artists from Africa, creating a vibrant art market and positioning Lagos as an emergent cultural capital on the continent. In so doing the aim is to provide the best insight into what the visual art sector in Africa has to offer to a wider local and international audience, and encourage African and international patrons to visit Lagos.

The 3-day art fair will take place at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, from Friday 4^th November to Sunday 6^th November 2016.
Featuring a selected group of invited art galleries from Nigeria, across Africa and the Diaspora, the art show showcases the most innovative contemporary art by over 45 established and emerging artists. Exhibitors at ART X Lagos will include galleries such as Art House – The Space (Nigeria), Bloom Art (Nigeria), SMO Contemporary (Nigeria), Goodman Gallery (South Africa) and Stevenson Gallery (South Africa), amongst others.
The  Programme also features interactive projects and presentations that entertain a broader audience, including live areas for performance artists, illustrators and graffiti artists.
Speaking on the Programme, ART X Lagos Founder, and Director of TP-Collective, Tokini Peterside, said that: “I am encouraged by the interest and support we have received so far from all quarters.  This affirms our decision to go ahead with such an ambitious project. As Nigeria and its neighbouring countries seek to diversify and expand their economies, our investment in the creative industry via Art X Lagos, offers a vital platform for growth and increased visibility, to artists and galleries. Our aim with Art X Lagos is to encourage greater patronage of artists across the board in Africa, and to inspire young people and the future generations of artists. We are very happy to be working with the acclaimed international curator, Bisi Silva,who is working closely with the galleries as well as developing a dynamic programme of exhibitions, commissions and talks.”
Artistic Director of ART X Lagos, Bisi Silva said, "I am extremely excited to be part of this pioneering initiative. I believe this art fair can become one of the key ways in which we begin to develop and internationalise the art sector in Africa as well as add value to the incredible work that is being created across the continent. In this way an art ecosystem can be developed that contributes to the visibility and sustainability of artistic practice as well as allows for collaboration and partnerships across the continent.
During Art X Lagos, visitors will be presented with a dynamic programme of curated projects, live events, as well as a vibrant talks programme. Our goal is for Art X Lagos to deliver an exceptional, uniquely designed experience spread across all three floors of the Civic Centre.”

Lebanon, Soyinka Foundation in cross cultural study exchange

Lebanon, Soyinka Foundation in cross cultural study exchange 
BY Prisca Sam-Duru

Five Nigerian students, selected by their faculties from universities across the country departed Nigeria from Lagos, on Saturday, 27 August for Beirut. They joined students from other countries’ universities in a cultural study exchange programme titled, ‘Study Abroad In Lebanon, SAIL’.
The SAIL programme is an initiative of CEDARS Institute, Notre Dame University, Lebanon, which is designed as an intensive course for international students, in the spirit of the global effort to promote dialogue between cultures.
This was disclosed during a press conference in Lagos with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, members of the Soyinka Foundation as well as the Lebanese initiator of the programme, Dr Jafaar Habib.

Prof Soyinka said “I am interested in the efforts of the Wole Soyinka Foundation to try and expose youthful minds to all the cultures, civilisation, socio-political problems else where to ancient ways. Dr Jaffar is the brain behind the initiative, this is the first effort to participate in youthful exercises especially intellectual cultural artistic sides going on in other places. The five students selected for the SAIL programme is the first group which will be accompanied by Professor Ajayi Soyinka who is a gender study specialist.”

The Lebanese fascilitator of the study programme, Dr Jafaar said it was a privilege for the “Wole Soyinka Foundation to be partnering with Cedars in the project dedicated to cultural exchanges and international collaboration. The partnership of the University of Notre Dame and Nigeria actually goes back some years, one of its most memorable initiatives being an international colloquium on the one year anniversary of the death of Professor Chinua Achebe. It was titled Honouring Chinua Achebe, a Lebanese-Nigerian Celebration, that event was presided over by the then Nigerian Ambassador Plenipotentiary, Amos Oluwole Idowu.”

Five Nigerian students united with their counterparts from other countries in an intensive, interactive course on a syllabus designed to broaden their world perspectives. The students will be introduced to a modern Middle-Eastern nation with a complex history, filled with scenic surprises, a rich and facilitating cultural heritage, and a long experience in conflict resolution through experiments in governance systems.

Dr Habib Jafaar who described himself as a Nigerian of Lebanese descent, having been born in Kano State and boasts of several business ventures in Nigeria, said through his life experience, has noticed that although Nigeria and Lebanon share a lot of experiences and challenges and are both multicultural and multi religious societies yet, “I find there are areas which are lacking in the social and cultural aspects of the relationship between these two countries and people. So over the years I have been in activities to improve that aspect among which is the Nigerian Lebanese initiative and most important is my recent work with the Wole Soyinka Foundation at the Cedars Institute of Lebanon. Lebanon though a tiny country, has been at the cross roads of civilisation, cultures, religion and its rich with cultural heritage. So I'm happy to be facilitating this programme which although is intensive and interactive, its unique course in the sense that students will not only be lectured in classes. They will not only be studying history, they will be living history, through the eyes of Lebanon. It will solidify and improve the relationship between Nigeria and Lebanon.”