U.S .Commercial Service Extols Nigerian Business Community, Honors Partners

U.S .Commercial Service Extols Nigerian Business Community, Honors Partners

United States Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of Commerce, Seward L. Jones expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects as the country moves out of recession. 

Hosting over 350 American and Nigerian firms at the U.S. Commercial Service’s annual Networking with the USA (NUSA) Appreciation Forum and International Partner Award Ceremony last week, Jones, who oversees the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, observed that the United States is confident that Nigeria’s economic outlook will remain positive, with further diversification from crude oil and increased fiscal transparency.

“We understand that the commodity super cycle and the precipitous drop in oil prices brought about a fiscal challenge for the Nigerian government, so we strongly support President Buhari’s drive to explore practical ways of fully diversifying the economy. Nigeria is the second largest destination in Africa for U.S. private direct investment, so we are ready and willing to support economic reform efforts.” Jones said.

In his remarks, U.S. Consul General, Mr. F. John Bray also affirmed the strong interest by U.S. firms in Nigeria. He noted that “President Trump’s Business Advisory Council for Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) has made it clear that having success in the Nigerian market is foremost on their agendas.”

The NUSA forum is organized annually by the U.S. Commercial Service to honor Nigerian business owners who promote U.S. products and services and who have contributed significantly to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria - expansion of trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria.

Tales from 2017 Wole Soyinka Int’l Cultural Exchange

Tales from 2017 Wole Soyinka Int’l Cultural Exchange

By Prisca Sam-Duru

 


Events marking the 2017 edition of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE Project, ended recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The weeklong  programme commenced with the arrival on July 12, of the 83 finalists in the annual WSICE Secondary School Essay competition, who were made to write an essay on the topic: ’Intolerance; The Burden of our Moral and National Conscience’. Graced by the Nobel Laureate himself, who welcomed the finalists from 17 states, the students were mentored on the importance of TOLERANCE in human relationships, especially in the area of nation building. The Essay writing competition took place on July 13, and at the end, head of the jury Dr. Razinat Mohammed (an English Language lecturer with the University of Maiduguri announced Hawkins-Ogelle Emmanuel of Jomeg College, Umuahia,   Abia State as coming tops; Nwanga Solomon of St. Charles Secondary 
School, Nigercem, Ebonyi came 2nd while Aboloko Erica of Breakthrough Academy, Ogun State took the 3rd position. The 1st place winner was given a scholarship worth N100000 while the 2nd and 3rd place winners received N75000 and N50000 respectively. As part of the WSICE 2017, there was a performance of one of   Soyinka’s classic drama, ‘Death and The King’s Horseman’ at the JF Ade Ajayi Hall (formerly UNILAG Auditorium)  as directed by Bisi Adigun, Founder/Artistic Director of Ireland-based Arambe Productions. The production featured popular performers such as Tunji Sotiminrin, Wale  Obadeyi, Bukky Ogunnote and Tunde Onikoyi among others. After the highly emotional result announcement and presentation of prizes and certificates, the students were taken on a tour of Prof. Soyinka’s country home, otherwise called the Ijegba Forest Residence in Idi Aba. They were received by the former head of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan and an associate of Soyinka, Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, who also mentored them on the essence of the chosen life and lifestyle of the Nobel Laureate. He enjoined them to emulate the good, focused and disciplined life of Soyinka, and imbibe the spirit of humanism that defined his life and career. Awosanmi presented each of the 83 students with CD recording of Mandeland, a collection of poems by renowned poets selected from around the world in tribute to the legendary political activist/prisoner and former South African president, Nelson Mandela, but which were voiced by Soyinka himself. From the Ijegba Forest, the students were then taken on a tour of the famous Olumo Rock in Abeokuta. The creative workshop for the targeted 1000 Ogun State had students learning how to make accessories and book covers with Ankara fabrics and also print making using oil paint and glass. They also had workshops on storytelling, dance and acting. The students were very excited and eager to learn and at the end of the day came up with very beautiful crafts and print drawings. The events came to a climatic end with the staging of the dance-drama ”Obi at’Orogbo’ by the youthful-members of Footprints of David as devised by Seun Awobajo at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.  

In honour of Stella Amaeyo Adedavoh … Her sister gets ready for killer diseases

In honour of Stella Amaeyo Adedavoh
… Her sister gets ready for killer diseases

 By Prisca Sam-Duru

 Dr Ama Adadevoh is the Deputy Chairman of DRASA Trust, which is the Dr Ameyo Stella Adedavoh (DRASA) Health Trust set up in memory of her late sister who was one of the doctors that helped contain the Ebola outbreak in Lagos and Nigeria in 2014. Tell us more about DRASA Health Trust? DRASA Health Trust was founded following the death of my sister, Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh    and ever since then, it has been making concerted efforts towards ensuring that history does not repeat itself. Stella Amaeyo Adedavoh The Health Trust is working to improve and advance healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in the area of infectious diseases. It was set up to bridge the gap between funding and resources as well as in other areas of greatest need within Nigeria’s health sector. This informed the reason for organising the recent conference in Lagos. The conference was tagged ‘Public Health: It starts with Me’ and it held in partnership with Quramo Publishers and DRASA Health Trust. The Panel Discussion took place as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 3rd year since Ebola entered Nigeria and to remember my sister, Dr Ameyo Adedavoh for her efforts at helping to contain the disease. It was initiated as part of DRASA’s efforts aimed at keeping our environment safe from contagious diseases. What was the core objective of the conference? 



Dr Ama Adadevoh

The conference has actually become a platform to have a discussion about the very important topic of preparedness. And by that I mean, we are very concerned about how prepared we are in the case of any outbreak because we know that there would be another outbreak at some point in the future. It doesn’t have to be Ebola, it could be Lassa fever, meningitis, Zika, there are so many things out there and we want to do our part to make sure that collectively, we’re prepared for what might come next. So the idea of the conference was to bring together stakeholders to have a discussion on what are the concerns and what are the solutions to these concerns going further. This was why we brought in speakers in the caliber of the Hon Commissioner Health Lagos State, Dr Jide Idris; Executive Director, Partnerships Public Health Scientific Affairs Merck & Co. Inc, Dr Joan Benson; Founder/CEO Merit HealthCare Ltd, Dr Lolu Ojo; Professor of Pathology, University of Pennyslavania, Dr Glenn Gaulton etc, in addition to a team of health personnel from US and Liberia. My take home from that conference is that it’s going to be a collective effort; we can’t sit back and wait for the government to do everything. The private sector and other entities need to engage and support the government and collectively, we can ensure that we can be ready for any eventuality. Is there a particular measure that can be taken to prevent any outbreak of disease in the country? There’s no one thing that anyone can say. But general infection control practices, policies, education of the public are very important. Also, health care workers have to be trained and the facilities have to be equipped. There are many factors that we need to work on to ensure that we are safe. From the look of things, hand sanitizer and hand washing exercise have disappeared with the Ebola, why is this so? I agree with you. At the time we were battling Ebola, there was a lot of fear. Also, there was enough public education on the importance of hand washing. So because people were afraid, they listened to the advice. Obviously there’s no longer Ebola and people have gone back to their old ways and this goes back to what I said earlier that we need a lot more public education, people must be made to understand the importance of hand washing whether or not there is an outbreak of disease. One of the things DRASA is doing is that we have a hand washing campaign. And as of today, we’ve reached over ten thousand students working with the ministry of education; we got permission to talk to them about the importance of hand washing. We do a demonstration on the proper technique to wash your hands and we make it very interactive by asking volunteers to come on stage and demonstrate and the kids are really excited. We teach them a song relating to hand washing. It’s been great and it’s having great impact on them. We are hoping that even a quarter of those kids go back to their communities and share this information, it would make a difference. We plan to expand the campaign to other areas such as the food industry. There’s been so much emphasis on private partnership, how exactly should this happen? Well, as you can see from the key recommendations from the conference,    we are already contributing immensely towards actualizing a safer environment for everyone. And we are still very ready to do more with the government.

US Consul General, Lagos, John Bray congratulates students

US Consul General, Lagos, John Bray congratulates students 

by Prisca Sam-Duru

US Consul General, Lagos, John Bray has congratulated students who have been selected to attend U.S. colleges and universities for the 2017-18 academic session. 

John Bray who spoke at a ceremony organised for the students in Lagos, disclosed that "Many of you in this room have received scholarships to attend prestigious universities like Howard University, Syracuse University, Drexel University, University of Wisconsin in Madison, University of Texas at Dallas, Wellesley College, and Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a variety of majors, including engineering, public health, computer science, business, chemistry, and economics both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

I would like to recognize our EducationUSA Advising Center here in Lagos, which has helped thousands of young Nigerians achieve their dreams to study in the United States.  This year alone, students within the Lagos Consulate District have received numerous scholarships from several U.S. universities totaling over $2 million and more are still trickling in by the day through the wonderful work of our EducationUSA advisors.

Of particular importance to me today is that seven Nigerian students who received financial aid through our EducationUSA Opportunity Fund were granted full scholarships by various U.S. universities. These seven students had their up-front costs of obtaining U.S. admission, including testing, application fees, and airfare covered by the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund.  Five of them received funding for their Ph.D studies while the other two will be pursuing undergraduate studies in America. I am confident you will be the next generation of leaders and scholars, scientists and artists, ensuring the continuity of Nigeria’s remarkable input in the global community.

According to the latest Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, Nigeria has experienced a remarkable increase in the number of students pursuing higher education in the United States.  About 10,674 Nigerians are studying at more than 730 colleges and universities in the United States, making Nigeria the leading source of African students in the United States. It is also noteworthy that Nigeria ranks as the 14th nation worldwide with the most students in the United States.

I am pleased to open this orientation program, which will give you some crucial information on studying in the United States.  Please take advantage of this opportunity that will prepare you to make the most of the U.S. educational experience.  You will receive a wide range of practical advice about U.S. culture and educational expectations to set you up for success, such as building positive relationships with professors and peers, time management, and balancing course workloads with a strong social and community life. 

As you depart for the U.S. in the next few days, remember that you are going to be representing your country to many people who may never have met an African or a Nigerian before.  I urge you to be exceptional ambassadors for Nigeria and to take seriously your responsibilities to be good citizens and scholars, just as I wish you great success in your chosen academic fields and a fulfilling experience in the United States of America."

U.S. Pledges Support for Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry

U.S. Pledges Support for Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry

The Foreign Commercial Service of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, in collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Nigeria and its leading local partner, Manifold Computers, have introduced an innovative technology  Synergy and Aruba for use in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Synergy and Aruba helps companies operating in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to increase the efficiency of operations, monitor people, manage resources, make real-time decisions, reduce risks, save costs, and increase flexibility, productivity and company bottom line.

Speaking during a public presentation of the technology product at an event in Lagos last week, United States Consul General F. John Bray renewed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting trade and investment in Nigeria. He encouraged Nigerian oil and gas industry players to avail themselves of the innovative technology with a view to harnessing Nigeria’s abundant resources, improving their bottom-line and ultimately growing the economy.

“Nigeria presents tremendous long-term growth opportunities and the United States government remains committed to supporting American companies and local partners in deploying U.S. technology to help tackle some of the challenges the country is facing,” Consul General F. John Bray said at the event attended by leading oil and gas industry players, technology service providers, and senior government officials.

Acting Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Mission, Mr. Paul Bergman, highlighted Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s long term partnership with the American Commercial Service. According to him, the U.S. Commercial Service will continue to be at the fore-front of promoting trade and investment between America and Nigeria through the development and execution of mutually beneficial international trade policies and promotion strategies.

Country Managing Director, HPE Nigeria, Mr. Chukwuma Okpaka, noted that the high performance computing technology solution meets the modern exigencies of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Modeling and simulation applications, he added, will accelerate breakthroughs in oil and gas, science, medicine, technology, and energy sectors.

U.S. Special Envoy Holds Roundtable with Religious Leaders Fighting Corruption

U.S. Special Envoy Holds Roundtable with Religious Leaders Fighting Corruption

Acting United States Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs Amy Lillis held a roundtable discussion on Thursday with members of the Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group.

The Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group was formed in 2016 by Muslim and Christian religious leaders with the primary goal of addressing how faith communities could take a leading role in anticorruption advocacy in Nigeria. The group has since developed partnerships with leading anticorruption voices in civil society in order to fight corruption at all levels in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Special Representative Lillis pledged the U.S. government’s continued support to the religious leaders as they work to find lasting solutions to stamp out the scourge of corruption.  

“The moral standing of religious leaders, and the capacity of religious institutions to reach a broad cross-section of Nigerian society, make RLAC’s work essential to the future of anticorruption advocacy,” Special Representative Lillis said.  “It is my pleasure to be here to support this next stage of the Religious Leader Anti-Corruption working group. Religious leaders are an essential component of the multi-faceted fight against corruption in this country.”

She explained that working against corruption is essential to many of the priorities of both the U.S. government and the religious leaders, including constructing peaceful, secure societies, and promoting prosperity.

At the event, the religious leaders discussed additional innovative options for bringing the principles of anticorruption to the grassroots. They resolved to disseminate anticorruption messaging through media outlets, sermons, and train-the-trainer workshops. 

The Department of State’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs was established in 2013 to strengthen the U.S. government’s efforts to assess religious dynamics and engage religious actors across a wide range of foreign policy priorities.

US honors 5 Nigerian women

US honors 5 Nigerian women 

 By Vera Samuel Anyagafu and Prisca Sam-Duru 



The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington (r) with the talented women

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/us-honors-5-nigerian-women/
IN her commitment to building the capacity of Nigerian women who in various fields have remarkably contributed to the Nigerian communities, the US government recently honoured five Nigerian women making waves in the science and technology world. The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington (r) with the talented women Making reference to some African-American women who also have contributed to growing their communities through their expertise, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington said that Nigerian women are talented like American women while US and Nigeria were enjoying very friendly diplomatic relationship. The US ambassador spoke as he explained a movie titled ‘Hidden Figures.’ Prior to screening of the movie at Genesis Cinemas, Abuja, Nigeria, in honour of Nigerian TechWomen, he explained that the movie details the story of three female African-American mathematicians employed by NASA in the 1960s. According to him, the three women worked then as human computers but were denied recognition and or promotion, yet, went on to play crucial roles in the American space programme. “It is an amazing story of women who found something that they love, and before there were computers and the Internet, these women made it possible to put the human race in outer space. You too, can reach for the skies,” the U.S. Ambassador said, as he introduced Carolyn Seaman and Damilola Anwo-Ade, two of five Nigerian women who are selected to participate in the 2017 TechWomen exchange programme in the US. Also on the list are Olamide Ayeni-Babajide, Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, and Petra Nnamani. It is interesting to know that Carolyn Seaman is using technology to empower girls through her Girls Voices Initiative, while Damilola Anwo-Ade is mentoring the next generation of coders, including young women, through her initiative CodeIT.

Soyinka’s play relived on MUSON stage

Soyinka’s play relived on MUSON stage 

By Prisca Sam-Duru 






Students of Childville School performing ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ by Wole Soyinka


The Yoruba cosmology (belief in the living, the dead, and the unborn) was the focus of The Childville Schools’ annual drama performance held Friday 16 June at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, when it re-enacted Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, directed by Mr. Gboyega Biletan Jerome. Students of Childville School performing ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ by Wole Soyinka The play, which is one of Prof. Soyinka’s tragedies, is based on a real incident that took place in Nigeria during British colonial rule. It presents the Yoruba worldview. The drama focuses on the element connecting the three worlds according to the Yoruba Cosmology, which is transition. Transition according to this view, is regarded as the pathway on which members of the different worlds meet and interact. The king has just died as curtain opens on the play. Preparations for the ritual ceremonies are in full gear for his burial and we see Eleshin Oba known as the king’s Horseman, who is destined to commit suicide to ensure a peaceful passage for the king. Eleshin Oba, acted by Damilola Akanni, is attired in glorious robes. He enters the village market place in a majestic dance procession followed by Olohuniyo the praise singer ( Opeyemi Ogundimu) and dances till he goes into a trance. One wonders at this juncture why a person on his death trip would be rejoicing in such majestic manner. But then, it’s all about a people’s culture. His enthusiasm to fulfill what he considered to be a big honour – to die along with his king – is however truncated by the intervention of the British colonial district officer, Mr. Simon Pilkings.  Mr Pilkings, acted by Daniel Eta, sees the proposed ritual suicide as barbaric, senseless, and in order to prevent Eleshin Oba from killing himself, arrests him. Eventually Eleshin Oba’s son Olunde (Iniubong Ini-Inyang) comes home from England where he is studying to become a doctor. Surprisingly, he tries in vain to get Pilkings to understand the importance of his father committing the ritual suicide. Out of shame for his father’s failure, he kills himself. What happens next to Eleshin Oba is better seen or read than imagined. Those who are familiar with Prof. Soyinka’s works can testify that they are usually not easy nuts to crack. “I’ve been acting in the school for 5 years now but this was very difficult. You know how Prof. Soyinka’s plays are. We had to learn the words first to be sure we understood what he meant so that we can act it out. Thank God it all went well,” Damilola Akanni stated. The Artistic Director Mr. Jerome expressed excitement that the children performed above expectation considering the technicalities of the play. “Trust Prof Soyinka’s works, we had our dictionaries beside us while rehearsing and some words were replaced by simpler ones to help the actors get into the characters,” Mr. Jerome said.

U.S. Awards Micro-Grants to Support Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS

U.S. Awards Micro-Grants to Support Children Orphaned

by HIV/AIDS

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria on Friday announced a N2.9 million micro-grant to 50 women caregivers to support the economic well being of their families, particularly the vulnerable children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in five local communities in Apapa local government area of Lagos.

Under the U.S. Ambassador’s PEPFAR Small Grants Program, a local non-governmental organization, Blissful Life for Women and Children, will provide training to the beneficiaries of the micro-grants in the areas of business and vocational skills and trade mentorship, and will receive trade articles and supplies.

Ten older orphans and vulnerable children whose parents are living with HIV will also benefit from the training. Blissful Life for Women and Children is one of 27 local organizations that have received funding under the U.S. Ambassador’s PEPFAR Small Grants Program in fiscal year 2017.

At an event held in Lagos and attended by senior local government officials, health, and community leaders, Acting U.S. Consul General Will Steuer said, “The people and government of the United States continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria and Nigerian families in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic."  

“Today’s event highlights the importance of supporting families, especially children who are affected by HIV/AIDS through programs that not only support treatment for the infected, but also to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of families affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as the PEPFAR Small Grants Program seeks to do.”

Beneficiaries of the various training programs are expected to empower themselves and their families by building small businesses that will create more reliable income flows and improve their standard of living.

The U.S.-Nigeria partnership on HIV/AIDS began in 2004 through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  From 2004 to 2016, United States support for HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support programs in Nigeria has totaled more than 4.3 billion U.S. dollars in support of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS response.

U.S. Ambassador Unveils First State-of-the Art American Space in Nigeria

U.S. Ambassador Unveils First State-of-the Art American Space in Nigeria

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. W. Stuart Symington today opened Nigeria’s first state-of-the art Priority American Space hosted at the Yaba offices of technology incubator, Co-Creation Hub (CC-Hub).

At the event attended by technology leaders, Ambassador Symington explained that the space, which is equipped with cutting-edge digital technology, is a center for Nigerians to develop innovative ideas, learn about the United States and its people, explore possible study at U.S. universities, enjoy U.S. cultural programs and also interact with U.S. exchange program alumni.

“At the Priority American Space in Lagos, we are investing in technology and programs to unleash the creativity of Nigeria’s burgeoning community of innovators. We are pleased to partner with Co-Creation Hub, a leading force for incubating social entrepreneurship and technological advancement,” Ambassador Symington said. 

The Centre, now open to the members of the public, comprises a MakerSpace –– a tech area designed to promote digital skill building; a workshop space equipped with the latest laptops and tablets for internet learning; a conversation space for small group meetings and research and a meeting space that supports innovation and creative collaboration.

With a rich array of programs and trainings, the Priority American Space which is the tenth of its sort in Africa, will promote ingenious ideas, critical thinking and reasoned discourse. Worldwide, there are 67 Priority American Spaces.   

The Nigeria Prize for Literature: 184 poets chase $100,000

The Nigeria Prize for Literature: 184 poets chase $100,000  
By Prisca Sam-Duru 

The 184 entries selected to compete for this year’s edition of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, were handed over to the Advisory Board of the prize.



NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke and Chairman of the Advisory Board,  Professor AyÍ BanjÍ, during the hand-over ceremony in Lagos.


The entries for 2017 edition which focuses on poetry were formally handed over to the Board on Tuesday at a ceremony in Lagos. The hand-over of the entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo, marked the take-off of the judging process which is expected to climax in October 2017 when a winner will emerge. Other members of the Board include Prof. Jerry Agada, former Minister of State for Education and Professor Emeritus Ben Elugbe, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. While handing over the entries, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations, Dr. Kudo Eresia-Eke, disclosed that since the inception of the prize in 2004, it has inspired about 1,630 books of which 533, representing 32 per cent, were submitted in the poetry category. “The number of entries for the 2017 edition exceeded the 2016 numbers, showing a six percent rise in the number of entries received and increasing interest in one of the biggest literary prize in the world. This has been the trend since 2005. “We believe that the prize has inspired writers to want to deliberately win the prize. This has led to the proliferation of books and increased the quality of books. The spiralling effect of this is the boost to literacy and education in the country, the foundation of cultural and socio-economic revolution. The impact of the prize is easily discernible and we believe that it supports our vision to help build a better Nigeria,” he said. The entries will be judged in respect of their merits of excellence in language, creativity and book quality. And from Prof Ayo Banjo, the entries were in turn, handed over to the panel of judges led by Professor Ernest Emenyonu, a professor of African Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint. Other judges are Dr Razinat Mohammed, an Associate Professor of Literature at the University of Maiduguri and Tade Ipadeola , a poet and lawyer who won the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2013 in the Poetry category with his third volume of poetry, The Sahara Testament.    

2019 polls: Youths strategise to take over power

2019 polls: Youths strategise to take over power 

by Prisca Sam-Duru
 Youths under the aegis of First Massive Literati, FML, have vowed to unseat the current crops of politicians, by ensuring young Nigerians take over power come 2019 general elections. The youths who gathered at the Creative Arts Theatre, Faculty of Social Science, University of Lagos, with representatives of youth organisations from all the states of the federation in attendance, enjoined youths to avoid being deceived by any political party or politicians but should ensure that come 2019, young Nigerians are elected at every level of government. FML founder, James Useghan, who disclosed that the group will be holding its first national convention later in the year, lamented that “for the past 57 years, Nigeria has never produced a president who is less than 50 years. We are not to be associated with any form of violence. We believe in peaceful revolution, and it is high time we seized power from old generation of politicians who have succeeded in messing up the polity such that most youths run away to foreign countries in search of greener pastures but end up dead or worse of.” 

The seminar featured key speakers, Olakunle Fapohunda and Mr Ken Etete who sensitised the youths on the need to be involved in governance of the country since the elders have failed to build a government that will provide quality life for the citizenry. Speaking on the topic, ‘Youths, the Future’ Etete said, “The strength and beauty of Nigeria is Nigeria. The fact that certain individuals have mismanaged Nigeria is not an excuse for us to destroy the Nigerian vision. I will consider politics in Nigeria and Africa as a moving trailer that has lost its brakes. Young Nigerians desiring to make a change must understand the importance of being practical to solve a problem by identifying the problem and finding a solution that will solve the problem and not just assuming the solution. The youths have to start thinking of solutions on how they can move the country forward and not as a confrontational force that wants to create problems in the country.”

Unraveling histories, lineage and heritage of ubulu kingdom

Unraveling histories, lineage and heritage of ubulu kingdom 
By Prisca Sam-Duru 

The Story of Ubulu Kingdom:  A Historical  Documentary of The People of Ubulu, written by  Esther Nwogwonuwe Wright, is one historical masterpiece that has already sparked off discussions and debates about the origin and identity of Ubulu kingdom in Aniocha South, Delta State, Nigeria. Information on Esther’s book was made known to the press at an event held last Wednesday at the Terrace Green Hotel, Lagos. The book will be presented to the public on April 15, 2017  at Viva Palm Hotel, Ubulu-Uku Aniocha South, Delta State by  12pm. 



L-R: Representative of Ozubulu, Chief Emmanuel Udedike; Author of the book, Mrs. Esther Wright Nwogwonuwe, and representative of Ubuluisiuzor, Onowu Afred Obi Mbanaso, during a press conference in Lagos.  



 Published by Opelsey Ventures Nigeria, the  historical 324 pages with 8 Chapters,  documents   the history of Ubulu Kingdom and the people of Ubulu scattered all over the southern part of Nigeria. The work, according to the UK-based Delta State born author and filmmaker, was originally intended to be a documentary film of the people of Ubulu Kingdom, but as events unfolded, “I realised that a one- hour documentary film viewed on television would be a disservice to the understanding of the complex interwoven political, economic and socio-cultural developments of the Ubulu Kingdom and of the Ubulu people as the research later revealed. After over a decade of thorough research, What I discovered and verified was far weightier. I decided, therefore, that only by producing this information first in a written form would one be able to explain and appreciate the findings, as well as tell the story of the Ubulu Kingdom.” Explaining further on what triggered the documentary, she said:  “I was consumed by the fear of our nation’s fast disappearing cultural heritage, then, the need to preserve my people’s cultural heritage became uppermost in my mind. I therefore set out from Lagos to my hometown, Ubulu-Uku, in 2005. What stood naked before me was the reality of the total disregard of the core values in our cultural heritage and the speed with which these cultural values were slipping away and being replaced with borrowed cultures or none. Bringing together the Ubulu people, a people with common ancestry and affiliations on one platform of sustainable movement as Ubulu descendants, remains the focus of the book. It’s also aimed at assisting in correcting the erroneous impression that being civilised means detaching oneself from cultural practices, burning artifacts, and destroying what was left behind by our ancestors. In The Story of Ubulu Kingdom: A Historical Documentary of The People of Ubulu, the Introduction covers such areas as the location of Ubulu communities; the language they speak; habitat and climate; Seasons; Occupation; Ubulu calendar; Market days; Market arrangements; Currency and Religion. Also speaking, the Onowu of Ubuluisiuzor, Chief Afred Obi Mbanaso, representing Ubuluisiuzor said “What the work started in 2005 by Esther has succeeded in doing is putting our collective history in a book that would speak for us now and in the feature. The work has also succeeded in bringing Ubulu descendants back to the home of the original tree ‘Ubulu’ that gave Ubulu its name.   All sons and daughters of Ubulu would gather to celebrate the story of Ubulu Kingdom and the birth of a movement, the Ubulu descendant’s movement.”  

What a hell it takes to get PhD in Nigeria

What a hell it takes to get PhD in Nigeria

By Prisca Sam-Duru

Since her second novel, What It Takes, was published, Dr Lola Akande has not stopped receiving commendations from colleagues and readers. At the moment, at least five universities have recommended the book for use in their schools. 

Recently at the Faculty of Arts Auditorium, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Lola was honoured with a reading session which celebrated her for lending a voice to call for complete revamping of the Nigerian educational system. The author, a lecturer at the English Department of the University of Lagos, explained that What It Takes is basically about challenges Nigerian students go through to obtain higher degrees in schools.

“It is a product of my imagination and chronicles the experiences of a female PhD candidate, Funto, at the National University of Nigeria, NUN. It is told from the first person narrative point of view and strictly from the student’s perspective.” The unfortunate adventure as the book narrates, begins with a shocker – PhD candidates are to get their own supervisors. Funto’s painful tale continues from one frustration to the other. The readings were rendered in three parts which covered the core areas of the novel. First was from page 26. Page 34 followed after a musical interlude by a guitarist, Aka Abassey, and lastly, Dr Akande read from page 106. Responding to the question of how much of the author is represented in the heroine’s experience, the author disclosed that she couldn’t have been able to write the story in such a believable manner if she didn’t have a PhD. “I will be lying if I say that my experiences and that of other PhD candidates didn’t form part of the story. This is not to judge any character but the book was written in order for readers to learn from the characters.” The essence of What It Takes, Akande hinted, was to concientise the lecturers, make them understand the dept of pain they inflict on their students who are coerced into sacrificing more than necessary to realise their academic dreams, adding that it is also aimed at telling them to apply caution while going about their duties. The book also attempts to speak to school authorities, regulatory bodies, Nigerian University Commission and the government. If they get to know some of the problems undermining the university system as the book attempts to explain, they can take good steps to salvage the educational sector. “Funto’s story is enough to draw tears from the eyes of readers.”, the book reviewer, Samuel Olatunji said. He saluted the author’s ingenuity at penning down the ugly incidences ravaging the educational sector. “There’s an interplay between facts and fiction and I commend the manner in which the story is crafted and its closeness to reality.” “I am happy that we have beautiful story tellers in the English Department who export our narratives to the international scene,” the Head, Department of English, University of Lagos and former Commissioner for Education, Delta State, Professor Hope Eghagha said. Prof Eghagha stated that the celebration was not just about Dr Akande but also for the department of English, for the achievements recorded so far through the monthly reading which has become a tradition in the department. “This has been going on since 1985 and we started with drama productions. We have featured so many writers in the diaspora. And this time we decided to celebrate a writer in our department. This is how English department should go and we aim at encouraging creativity.”

Between Expansion of Time and eternal images

Between Expansion of Time and eternal images

By Prisca Sam-Duru

 We are always late but arrive when expected.” These are the words of multiple award winning artist, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, which sums up the  subject of Expansion of Time, an exhibition of 33 paintings and a mixed media installation that opened the 2017 art season at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos. The works, adorning the walls of Temple Muse, are creations of Ogunji and Raoul Olawale Da Silva, two multi-ethnic contemporary artists, artistically exploring connections, history, improvisational flow and most importantly, the concept of time. Expansion of Time, curated by SMO Contemporary Art which is sponsored by UBS, the Swiss International bank and Luxury House Moet Hennessey, runs till April 28th, 2017. The two Nigerian artists in the diaspora decided few years ago to explore possibilities in their home land – Nigeria. Ogunji, a recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, spent her formative years in the US. 


She showcases stunning works titled Follow the Sun, 8 Ife and Orchids, Catch a Breathe, You must Learn to Walk on Water etc., that portray deeper meanings in cases of identity, feminism and cross continental memories. Her love for Africa is expressed in hand-stitched drawings, made on very delicate architectural trace paper through which she references the daily interactions and frequencies that occur in the city of Lagos, drawing on dreams, reveries and imagination. She uses strong iconic symbols of African civilisation such as the Ife head sculptures which are inserted into modern conversations and spaces, thereby connecting the past and present. Raoul, on the other hand, prefers to express his creative voice through works that are inspired by his passion for surfing, skateboarding and environmental activism. With a conscious abandonment to intuition, “Raoul’s experiments with powerful brush strokes, attempts to defy the passage of time through depiction of flashes from memories and dreams presented on paper, canvas and skateboards. The powerful and colorful abstract paintings on paper and canvas are perfect counter-point to Ogunji’s delicate, small and precise drawings. Raoul’s intricate and symbolic works have a truly universal appeal, making him one of Nigeria’s most exciting contemporary abstract painter.” Interestingly, his works are all untitled, giving viewers  the freedom to interprete each work according to how it appeal to them. In line with this, the curator of the exhibition, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, said “Expansion of Time tells their story from the outside, looking in: two creative souls exploring, seeking, sometimes even battling, to come to terms with cultural anomalies and political incongruity – always attempting to rise above the clutter, constant hum, noise, and over-saturated “Eko-for- Show.” “My works are the result of interchanging factors such as intuitive and impulsive approaches, set against reflection and exploration. This form of encountering through the creative act engages improvisational awareness and reflexive sensibility,” Raoul stated, explaining that the introduction of the skateboards emanated from his decision to “repurpose these Skateboards as objects, and use their form, shape and surface for painting, drawing, collage assemblage, installation and performance….There is a precision that manifests when the skateboard becomes an extension of the skater’s extremities. Images are captured as one seemingly flies by. The soul of skateboarding transcends to a surface for projection of identity into spaces of observation, interaction and reflection. I see the world as a moving canvas and the skateboard as a body of resonance.” “My obsession with the Ife head first came from a very aesthetic experience of just feeling like this. It’s so beautiful”, Ogunji said about the Ife head which has become a recurring feature in her works. She added that “Thinking about time travel and my own cosmology and spirituality and religious systems, and this idea of reincarnation or return, or if you believe in the significance of biology and ancestral family, I had these questions: are those souls returning to the world? The drawings tend to be more about black people. Most of the pieces according to Ogunji were made when there was a lot of shooting of black people in the US. Rather than dwell on the tragedy, she decided to think about the power of transcending. “This particular one, you must learn to walk on water, is really about being super human, which is unfortunate but true if you understand the power of it. You can jump over the limitations of so called reality.” She explains. While Catch Your Breath also references the murder in the US where the police suffocated Eric Garner, Follow the Sun, shows a lot of things going on in Ogunji’s mind. “When I was making the lines, I realised that the lines were similar to lines in some of my drawings I made 8 years ago, which I thought was so cool.”

Unraveling the history of Lagos Brazilian Quarter

Unraveling the history of Lagos Brazilian Quarter
By Prisca Sam-Duru

 Atlantic Triangle, an  exhibition of artworks organised by the Goethe Institute, Lagos, is set to tell  the historical reconstruction of the conditions of exploitation through timely configuration of cultural dynamics and interdependence of the Brazilian Quarter in Lagos. 
The exhibition which is  part of a larger project that includes shows at Saracura Art Space (Riode Janeiro) in June, 2017, and the 11th Mercosul Biennial in Porto Alegre (Brazil) in April, 2018 will feature these artists; AbdulrazaqAwofeso (Nigeria), George Osodi (Nigeria), Karo Akpokiere(Nigeria), Ndidi Dike(Nigeria), Andréas Lang, Germany , Mario Pfeifer, Germany, Iris Buchholz Chocolate, Germany-Angola, Arjan Martins, Brazil, Dalton Paula, Brazil, Vivian Caccuri, Brazil and Jaime Lauriano, Brazil. Also to be exhibited areselected works of traditional Nigerian sculpture from the Femi Akinsanya collection, Lagos.


Speaking of the exhibition, Director of Goethe Institut, Mr Hug Alfons disclosed that “the Goethe-Institut, Lagos, is located right in the middle of what is known now as the Brazilian Quarter, a district reminiscent of the old towns in Rio de Janeiro or Salvador-Bahia, constructed in the 19th century by a group known as the Retornados. To the Retornados called Amarôs or Agudas in the Yoruba language, Africa represented a promise of a return of history and of mercy. Constructions by Brazilian master-builders such as Water House, Ebun House,  the Shitta BeyMosque, and other landmarks in old Lagos, now scarred by the ravages of time, clearly cling to a past that is in danger of being swept away by the megalopolis and its 22 million inhabitants. On the far side of the Atlantic, in Rio de Janeiro, construction work for the Olympic Games unearthed the foundations of the former slave market at Cais do Valongo, where more than one million slaves were sold between the 16th and 19th centuries.” added Goethe Institut director.

Keazor’s Lagos-Hamburg line uncovers Germany, Nigeria business romance

Keazor’s Lagos-Hamburg line uncovers Germany, Nigeria business romance 

 By PRISCA SAM-DURU, PRINCE OKAFOR & VERA  ANYAGAFU
 In recent times, the importance of history as a tool for proper documentation of vital facts, has been emphasised so as to enable people keep good memory of those facts. Historians though a hand full of them are prominent in Nigeria, have made efforts to document facts as well as past events for future purposes while publishing has remained a key method of preserving those useful materials. Recently, one of Nigeria’s brilliant historian, lawyer and 2014 recipient of the African Society of Cambridge University Award for research in African History, Ed Emeka Keazor, gave Nigeria, Africa, Germany and the entire world, what was generally described as a Christmas present in Lagos. It was a book titled, “ The Lagos-Hamburg Line – A Brief History of German Companies in Nigeria”, documenting the history of business relationship between Nigeria and Germany since the 17th Century. The book also traces the tribulations and triumphs of German business in Nigeria during and after the World Wars. The public presentation of  the book  held at Metropolitan Club, V/I, Lagos, courtesy of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos in collaboration with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria attracted the presence of dignitaries from the German Consulate, delegation of German Industry and Commerce as well as some Nigerian business moguls.


 From left; Hon Justice k k Keazor, (retd), Author Ed Emeka Keazor, German Consul General, Lagos, HE Ingo Herbert; Prof Fabian Ajogwu, Dr Marc Lucassen Head of German Trade Delegation, Nigeria. Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Mr Ingo Herbert who congratulated the author for his “tremendous and substantial work”, said that “the book not only reflects the manifold history of German companies, but also explains the historic background of the time of engagement in Nigeria and Germany. Not surprisingly, he points out that the business relationship was often closely linked to the overall political and economic developments, with the two world wars of the 20th century as major setbacks. However, Keazor’s research reveals that there was a lot of continuity by companies, due to their established contacts and knowledge of the Nigerian business environment…I’m confident that this book will encourage German companies in their interest to invest in Nigeria and Africa.” “German and Nigeria have enjoyed long business relationship. The book is a wonderful initiative to build more relationship with Africa and the need to get more Germans back into Nigeria business.” Responding, the author appreciated the Germans for being very open and proactive in the process of publishing the book noting that rather than insist on or choose a German to write the book, allowed a Nigeria, “They were very open minded and keen on encouraging whoever that will do a good job.” He said the only thing Nigerians and investors need to do business in the country is an enabling environment, adding that this will boost trade and investment between Nigeria and the rest of the world. Nigeria needs to provide a conducive environment for business to thrive. He noted that his father Justice Keazor who was also present at the book launch, has been a source of inspiration to him. “ He made sure that reading books instead of watching TV, formed part my growing up. I was inspired to write on Germany- Nigeria business relationship after reading books in my father’s library.” Keazor said. Reviewing the book, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, a Professor of Corporate Governance at the Pan African Atlantic University and the Lagos Business School, described the author as a great man. Commending Keazor for his efforts at documenting such important book, Ajogwu said “The book is  written in third person narrative and simple language which makes it readable for all. “This is so much knowledge packed in one book rather than have volumes. We must commend the author  for lighting up a candle with this interesting book that takes readers down memory on the kind of business relationship that has existed between the two countries.”