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.”

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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