Fifty… Celebrating African women coming of age

Fifty… Celebrating African women coming of age 

By Prisca Sam-Duru 

There was no better time and better tool to celebrate African women that the screening of the blockbuster movie, titled Fifty which largely showcases femininity like never before. Chronicling the highs and lows of women coming of age, Fifty was screened to mark the 2016 International Women’s Day. The screening came courtesy of EbonyLife Films which hosted about 200 women to a special private champagne screening of the record smashing FIFTY at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas in The Palms shopping mall Lekki, Lagos. Directed by Biyi Bandele, Fifty has been described as Mo Abudu’s quest to showcase African women coming of age, loaded with increasingly similar aspirations and dilemmas faced by their contemporaries everywhere, while yet navigating unresolved traditions and obligations. The star-studded special screening had in attendance a special blend of movie and music personalities, captains of industry and socialites including leading characters from the movie, Ireti Doyle, Omoni Oboli, Nse Ikpe Etim, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju and Uzor Osimkpa who were rewarded for their roles in the film. 



Also present were music sensations Omawunmi and Ruby Gyang, Mosun Ogunbanjo, Nollywood actress Kehinde Bankole and ‘woman’ of the moment Olajumoke Orisaguna amongst many others. Fifty opens with Tola (Dakore Akande) weeping silently in pains while obviously, waiting up late for her stray husband who oblivious to her, has found solace in the warmth of another 

: Actress, Fifty, Kemi  Lala - Akindoju; Actress, Fifty, Iretiola Doyle; Producer,  Fifty, Mo Abudu; Model, Olajumoke Orisagunna, and Actress, Fifty, Omoni Oboli, at the special VIP screening of Fifty in commemoration of  international Women’s Day

woman. She is soon to find out to her chagrin that it is someone close. Now, that is typical of life in most broken homes. While Tola exhibits attitudes of a frustrated shrew at fifty, Gynaecologist, Dr Elizabeth (Ireti Doyle), a single mother, is busy frolicking with her toy boy who is bent on sucking her dry; body, soul and finance. At the same time, she navigates through disentangling herself form continuing being at loggerheads with her daughter who despises her for sleeping with her boyfriend. Kate, (Nse Ikpe Etim) on her part, battles childlessness and refusing to accept the report of the doctor that she has cancer, resorts to seeking help in the Church while her jobless husband busies himself, gambling away her hard earned money. For Maria( Omoni Oboli) at fifty, she is single and detests children but when she reaches ‘heaven’ through the arms of lawyer Kunle, (Wale Ojo) Kate’s husband, she lets her guards off in those moments of ecstasy and this results in pregnancy. And the saga continues. Mo Abudu, Founder of EbonyLife Films and Executive producer of ‘FIFTY’ said, “It is international women’s day and I thought it would be nice to extend a gesture to women everywhere of all ages and background and treat them to a private screening of our movie FIFTY. This is also a girl’s night out that had champagne, popcorn and special cupcakes served all in a bid to celebrate women as we all have a story worth celebrating.”

IWD: Aisha Babangida, Bello-Olusoga others train women
By Prisca Sam-Duru

 Chairperson of Better Life for Rural Women (BLW) Hajiya Aisha Babangida and Chairperson, Access Bank PLC, Mrs Mosun Bello-Olusoga were among the team of eminent Nigerians that trained women at the Civic Centre, Lagos as part of activities held to celebrate the 2016 International Women’s Day. Organised by SME 100 Nigeria and Rubbies Vocational School, the special conference tagged ‘Pledge for Parity: Empowering the 21st Century African Woman’, featured trainings in the areas of politics, agriculture and technology with the objective of empowering women to live out their full potentials. In his opening remarks, Executive Director, SME 100 Mr Charles Odili said the time has come for Nigerian women to be competitive on a global level in the areas of politics, agriculture and technology. The country he noted, can only develop substantially if women make efforts at being professionals in these male-dominated sectors. Launching the training plan for 1,000 Women Empowerment Training Programme, which is part of their annual commitment to move the women sector forward, Executive Director, Rubbies Vocational School, Mrs Orode Ryan-Okpu said there would be training in diferent vocations that best suit their locality. The training according to her, would be conducted by partnering with the House of Tara for the Make-up category, Otres Restaurant for catering category, Nuts About Cakes for baking category etc. She further stressed that, “Women in the rural areas in the country would not be left out of the training programmes plan for 2016.” The speakers unanimously called on women to fight collectively against the scourge of poverty by becoming empowered with necessary skills that challenge the status quo. In her presentation, Aisha Babangida emphasised on education of the girl child as key to empowerment of women in order to drive the much needed change in the country, adding that “ Individuals require tools and enabling environment to succeed.” She charged women to look beyond the limitations of gender inequality, social and economic poverty and rather than continuous striving for equality with the men, women should engage in ventures that would make them better. Other vital issues raised during the conference were, the need to encourage women and girls’ interest in mathematics, science and technology based subjects and careers; for women to sit on corporate Boards which as noted, would do Nigeria good as women are more honest, dedicated and can drive the country’s economy forward. In attendance at the high profile event were, Former Governor of Delta State, Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lagos State, Hon Lolade Akande; APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson; Founder, Harvesters Farms ltd, Mrs Mosun Umaru; CEO, Signal Alliance, Adanma Onuegbu; Executive Director W.TEC, Oreoluwa Somolu; Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli and many others.

Lagos Theatre Festival, an ambitious display of site theatre

Lagos Theatre Festival, an ambitious display of site theatre

By Prisca Sam-Duru

Features of the 2016 Lagos Theatre Festival especially with regard to spell-binding theatrical performances, were eloquent indication of how the event has grown bigger, bolder and better. Art enthusiasts, Caucasians, sponsors and those in the creative industry were among individuals in attendance at the grand opening of the biggest performing arts festival which ended at Freedom Park, Lagos on Sunday. It was the 3rd edition of the theatre fiesta and in all ramification, the festival was an extravaganza of exciting music, dance, spoken word, musical and stage plays.

The Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 is part of the UK/Nigeria 2015–16, a major season of arts in Nigeria geared towards building new audiences, creating new collaborations as well as strengthening the already existing relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The festival featured over 60 performances from the stables of the finest of local and international production houses such as Bani Productions, Comic Republic, Creative Arts Collection UNILAG, Make it happen Productions, Thespian Family Theatre, Troopers Arts, Women in Arts and many more including 4 International productions from the UK!. Events were held at over 15 venues 

including Freedom Park, Muson Centre, Terra Kulture, University of Lagos, Bogobiri, etc, throughout the duration of the festival. There were also special workshops for actors, creative writing, directors and producers.

The week-long theatre festival which began on Tuesday 23, ended Sunday 28 February, attracted Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, writers, directors, producers, singers with a host of arts, culture and theatre enthusiasts. Also in attendance were their British counterparts.

At the opening ceremony, guests were treated to good music by popular artiste, Isaac Geralds which was followed by a play titled, Every Single Day produced by Kemi 'Lala' Akindoju for Make it Happen Productions. Every Single Day was staged behind the iGrove radio, Freedom Park Lagos. The play featured Linda Ejiofor as Linda, Patrick Diabuah (Pastor), Martin Iwuagwu (Landlord's son), Rita Edward (Mother), Rotimi Oluwo (Barman), Ife Salako as Land lord, Paul was the police officer while Funmi Ajibade acted as Area girl. It tells the story of Linda, a mature single lady who has diverse dehumanising experiences to contend with in her daily life. The play echoes the negative impression the society has on mature single women who are most often, treated with disrespect.
Guests present at the opening include the Lagos Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker, Yeni Kuti, Wana Udobang, David Evans, Bikiye Graham - Douglas, Artistic Director, Lagos Theatre Festival, Kenneth Uphopho and many more.
In her opening remarks, the Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Connie Price said “The programme of performances produced by Nigerian and British theatre makers, is part of UK/Nigeria 2015-16, a major season of arts aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships. Programmed in association with a host of partners, the festival features more than 30 projects and more than 80 events in art, fashion, design, theatre, dance, music, literature and film throughout Nigeria and includes showcases of Nigerian arts and creative industries in the UK. Partnerships between Nigeria and British artists, institutions and organisations are at the heart of the season.”

A major focus of UK/Nigeria 2015-16 Price further stated, “Is on creating access to art, new digital work, art in public spaces and working with young people.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker said “Lagos State is proud to host this festival, the largest out door festival in Nigeria and I dare say, West Africa. The festival presents opportunity to showcase talents and creativity and heritage of our great city and in line with our administration's resolve to create a year round programme of arts, culture, entertainment and tourists attracting events across the length and breadth of the state. I’m pleased to say that from four productions in 2013 the festival has grown to 40 productions and about 100 shows. In the subsequent years, we would like to see even more expansion from Agege to Epe, to Badagry and Ikorodu and we would find ways to work with the British Council to see how we can achieve this expansion.”  

Adeleye's book on good leadership for launch

Adeleye's book on good leadership for launch

By Prisca Sam-Duru

As part of its contributions to ensure that Nigerians begin to enjoy good governance, Segun Adeleye Foundation For Good Leadership In Africa (SAFFGLIA), a new initiative to promote good governance in Africa, is to be inaugurated at the Afe Balalola Hall, University of Lagos on March 10, 2016.

The launch at an intellectual setting in the presence of top business executives, government officials including ministers, governors, scholars, future leaders, and the media will also feature the presentation of the 1^st SAFFGLIA African Leadership Lecture by the Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. 

Mohammed, a lawyer and former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will speak on a topic ‘Setting Agenda For Good Leadership In Africa’ at the event where a book, ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’ authored by Segun Adeleye, founder of SAFFGLIA, will also be launched.

Adeleye, President/CEO, World Stage Limited, a journalist, author and media entrepreneur said SAFFGLIA was founded to leverage on his experience over the years to help in whichever way possible in the development of leadership culture in Africa, as his way of giving back to the society henceforth.

“From my exposure over the years through interactions with business organisations and top government officials both at home and abroad, I’m concerned about how the issues of leadership failure and lack of corporate governance robbed our country and the continent the opportunity to be great,” he said

He listed the objectives of SAFFGLIA to include; To carry out activities and projects that will encourage governments across Africa to embrace good governance in order to uplift the standard of living of the people. We will employ all possible means including legal actions to achieve this; To draw attentions to activities of governments from local to national levels and encourage/compel them to do things in best interest of the people; To engage in leadership training programmes that will raise new generation of positive leaders who will champion the spirit of development of their societies in Nigeria and Africa; To provide scholarships in higher institution level to youths with leadership quality in Nigeria and other African countries.

Others include, To promote research into good leadership in Africa; To engage in research into alternative policies to existing government policies that are not working; To provide counselling, support and care for people that are unjustifiably victimised by bad governments in Africa; To organise Annual SAFFGLIA African Leadership Lecture, seminars, briefings, workshops and interventional programmes on issues of good leadership; To engage in opinion moulding, empowerment, and building confidence of people on how to make their governments accountable; To develop SAFFGLIA Good Leadership Africa Index (SGLAI) as a barometer for measuring performances of leaders across Africa; To encourage/recognise leaders that are doing well through The African Man Award and To establish the African Hall of Fame for distinguished leaders both in the public and private sectors.

August Inmates...Iweka’s approach to ending corruption

August Inmates...Iweka’s approach to ending corruption

By Prisca Sam-Duru

Corruption, greed and unpatriotism will make perfect storyline any time, any day in any African narrative, for as long as her leaders remain insensitive to the need for total transformation of the continent.

In Chidubem Iweka’s latest offering to literary firmament; a 64-page drama titled, August Inmates,the above issues and more, echo the priority of changing the African narrative by no other than Africans themselves.
Published by Krafts Books, Ibadan, Oyo State, August Inmates is an exquisite book that exposes the levels of corruption in an imaginary African country as well as how to deal with the perpetrators of this unholy act.

Written as an Exposé of how men who are entrusted with the task of transforming the nation, end up leaving it comatose, Iweka's play is a conscious and concerted effort to bring about a revolutionary change in politics. It also brings to the fore, what corruption has done to African countries such as Nigeria, how bad eggs in the police force either connive with some top government officials or turn a blind eye to their excesses, how government spends trillions awarding contracts which are never executed as well as the menace of what the author calls Black on Black apartheid.
And as it is customary for the author, putting his best foot forward, he begins with vivid descriptions of his characters which are well chosen and developed. The description accorded each of the 12 major characters, gives the reader a glimpse of what role he ends up playing. The author maintains his expertise at comparing very contrasting descriptions to drive home his point. This is especially evident in his description of the journalist, Obi Akoli. One wonders why a journalist who is clever and learned 

August Inmates by Chidubem Iweka,

 published by Kraft Books Limited, 

Ibadan, pages 64, 2015.

and also has the ability to deal with situations confidently, could still appear as shabby as the author paints him. And worse of it all, is lice infested. Wait until you savour Akoli’s narrative.August Inmates, a stinging satire on African politics, begins and ends in an unknown holding in an unknown location and for unknown reasons, at least initially, to the captives who are a mixture of different personalities and with different designations.
There is an element of suspense as readers/audience get anxious to know about the inmates’ plans to break out. Thought of impending shameless death, makes Chief VIP Okoli, a man of timbre and calibre, reveal startling amounts he looted and stashed away in foreign accounts. Their time together in holding, opens up cans of worms harbouring ills such as promotion of tribalism and poverty in addition to the plights of journalists in spite of the existing Press freedom.
Somehow, towards the tail end of the drama, readers are lured into thinking that August Inmates has the subject of campaign against military junta in Africa but it goes beyond that. This, the author drives home through issuing out death sentences on the inmates without fair trial as well as death sentences for cases that require jail sentences. These are actions typical of dictatorships.
The play criticises Africans who ill treat their fellow blacks the same way foreigners do. These people look down on fellow blacks once they attain a considerable height in life. This is expressed in Act Two Scene one. The different characters of the three major tribes in Nigeria also play out here. Okoli as a core Igbo man, is fearless, takes risks and dabbles into what even an Inspector-General of Police, Adebayo is sore afraid to do. Adebayo is an epitome of cowardice. Fate brings the main acts together with a condemned criminal, Ojemba Ntubari. This creates an opportunity for Ntubari to criticise other inmates, especially, IGP Adebayo who is accused of being the worse armed/pen robber since he, Adebayo robs millions of people while himself, robs only a few people.
At this juncture, the author clearly accuses environment, peers, poverty, necessity and habit as responsible for breeding miscreants who have rendered the polity insecure.
The author makes caricature of situations and individuals as portrayed in the scenes. Obi Akoli acts like a real society watch dog that he is supposed to be as he opens up cans of worms of the corrupt government officials. He poses in the drama as the proverbial wind that exposes the anus of the fowl. A very honest and shrewd journalist who acts as the conscience of the prisoners.
A brilliant blending of humour and serious issues with action, and with a cover page aptly illustrated to suit the title, August Inmates is written with a touch of mastery, borne out of the author’s brilliant imagination. The content also portrays Iweka as a concerned citizen who has spent his life in a country bedevilled with corruption, hoping that some day, someone as patriotic as Obi Akoli will make a difference as a president.
The plot is tightly controlled such that even while spicing up serious situations with humour, there is no room for non-essentials. As appealing and as interesting as the drama is, Chidubem Iweka will never cease to wow the battalion of fans he has earned for himself. And hey, he tricked his readers a great deal, kudos for doing that successfully!
The author’s choice of a simple plot and use of everyday language, makes assimilation easy for all ages.

Adejoke’s poetry collection of blazing hope speaks for Nigeria

Adejoke’s poetry collection of blazing hope speaks for Nigeria
By Prisca Sam-Duru

L-R: Mr Sikiru Bakare, Mrs Adejoke Ajibade-Bakare and Navy Commodore Mufutau Ajibade (rtd), at the book Launch in Lagos.

At a time when the country is experiencing harsh economic realities, the encouraging words from guests and launchers at the public presentation of The Sun Shall Soon Shine, a collection of poetry written by Offa, Kwara State-born Sociology graduate, Adejoke Ajibade-Bakare , were enough to assure Nigerians that in spite of living in one of the most crucial moments in the history of the country, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The well attended event held Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Conference and Exhibition Centre, Ikeja Lagos was not just a book launch, but it largely turned out as an occasion embellished with just what Nigerians needed at the time; soul inspiring words. The seventy-two page book which contains a total of sixty-two poems embodies life in its different phases and faces. It is a representation of the dreams individuals nurse from womb to childhood, as individuals and as a nation while hoping for brighter future.
“The title is a tongue twister and its deliberate.”, the Master’s degree holder in Marketing and Advertising from Coventry University in West Midlands, UK began saying about her book. “In the process of trying to say it you could make mistake and then laugh, its all about bringing happiness and hope for a better tomorrow. If you look around us there’s a lot of negativity and its a reflection of the society and everyday struggles of Nigerians. It sends the message of hope from the womb to childhood, to individuals and the nation as well as the entire world. Amidst all trails and challenges, there’s hope for our nation.” Adejoke said.
The author further explained that the collection was published with the clear and concise vision to positively impact the minds of readers towards becoming the best version of themselves, appreciating and understanding life for what it truly is. She added that the book needs to get to every youth so as to empower and expose them to the rising realities of everyday life, knowing that in them lie lessons and opportunities.
“Poetry found me as a form of expression and I found it as a means to let out my emotions. Poetry has a lot to offer to Nigeria in terms of opinions and I encourage people to support Poetry by reading.”
The Chairman of the occasion, Rear Admiral A A Oshinowo, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Lagos, said the book is targeted at the youths in order to get them empowered and exposed to opportunities in life. Oshinowo who was represented by Commodore Nesiama noted that, “In every problem there is a solution and an option. Things have gone too bad such that the youths are derailing, oblivious that they have a lot of options and solutions to their challenges. The author despite her prowess in the academic field and being gainfully employed is able to find time in another profession- Poetry. This is a motivation to the youths who are discouraged due to joblessness.”
While reviewing the poetry collection, Mr Bambo Oguntoyibo described the book as a classic material which encapsulates journey from the womb to the tomb, as well as things that matter to us in Nigeria are all documented in the collection, insisting that the book is not meant for the youths alone but would inspire adults to be optimistic about life. 

Bob -Nosa, addresses societal ills with Protest Art

Bob -Nosa addresses societal ills with Protest Art

By Prisca Sam-Duru

For over four years, one of Nigeria’s finest painters, Bob-Nosa Uwagboe has been working on a body of work titled “Shorning life without Armour”. This is part of his kind of art known as the Protest Art. With this body of work, Nosa aims to address the consequences of bad leadership on the common man, a situation that births illegal migration, refugees, inhumanity, human trafficking, child labour etc. Interestingly, he was selected to exhibit part of the work in ‘That Art Fair’ taking place in Cape Town South Africa on from 17 February, 2016.

In spite of few major successes he has recorded, the Auchi Polytechnic graduate believes that his art is yet to receive the desired acceptance owing to how vibrant it is meant to be.

He describes this form of art as “Social and political commentary which I refer to as The protest art. It is the art that speaks for the oppressed, the art that kicks against bad leadership, the art that condemns inhumanity in our society.”\

Bob-Nosa’s paintings are more of a testament to his voice. Most of his paintings shocked his viewers who believe them to be thought provoking, radical, unique as well as life changing. One wonders why these works would not be easily collected or displayed in galleries. The Niger Delta-born creative artist supplies the answer to this mind boggling question. “My most challenging encounter as an artist is acceptability by family members and the society at large. I had to pursue my art career against my fathers’ wish and due to the nature of my art, the society finds it difficult to accept my form of art as “ART” rather they see it as being rebellious against what they term the usual. So I was not allowed to participate in some very important art exhibition but with the intervention of Signature Art Gallery and Catherine Pittet of Gondana Art in Cameroon, my art enjoyed mass appeal and my initial rejection became the tool that launched me into the international art space, though sometimes I still feel imprisoned being a protest artist in a country Bob -Nosa, addressing societal ills with Protest Art

“ You hardly find my works in galleries. It is not because I want it that way but because of rejection. It is only Signature Beyond Gallery in Ikoyi that has my works on display. People don’t appreciate this kind of art because it fights against corruption, and you know most people are corrupt. So, the galleries don’t collect my works because they feel it is working against those who should patronise them. Its like putting their mirror before them. I’m from the Niger Delta and I like to use my art to confront the issues plaguing the region. As well as issues affecting mankind. For instance issue of migration. There’s one piece I titled “The Floating Dead Bodies”. This piece captures the ugly incidences of migrants perishing in the Mediterranean sea while attempting to flee their countries due to war and poverty.”

On how he became a protest artist, Bob-Nosa noted that “I never had the opportunity to decide whether I want to be an artist or not, I found myself in Art right from childhood and also served as an apprentice in few private studios before I started full operation of the Protest Art Studio.”

While many would have called it quits owing to such daunting challenges such as Nosa experienced, he maintained that he chose to stick to art since it is the only thing he must continue to practice adding that he had reason to regret.
“I have no regret being an artist. Art has been a blessing. I have been able to move my art practice forward in spite of challenges because of my strong believe in Art.

Nigeria is the best place for me as an artist to practice. Nigeria is a huge material deposit site for me as a protest artist especially in terms of idea generation.”

“Art is serious business and I would advice that people don’t engage in it with the intention of just making money. I celebrate any person that shows interest in my work because it is not easy.

The artist frowned at neglect of the art sector by the government stressing that the government has a lot to do to promote art in the country. “Ive been to some African countries and I discovered that they have support from their government. Cameroon for example, once you are 50 years and above as an artist, you start receiving pension. This makes the artists to practice without fear of retirement. And this is why I strongly advise artists to use their art as their voice, to speak to the government, to make demands and to correct ills in the society. Many are just painting landscape, beautiful portraits but art is not just something we must use to decorate apartment. We can use it as a weapon against bad government, that was what Fela did as a musician. Visual artists can do likewise even though they may label you it doesn’t matter with time, you will be accepted.”