Showing posts with label Edition 220. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edition 220. Show all posts
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Sonia’s long route to Mother
BY CHUKS NWANNEAfter years of nurturing her artistc career in far away Italy, Portugal and other parts of Europe, where she has made a mark as an as an actor, singer, designer and culture activist, Nigeria-born Sonia Aimiuwu has finally come up with her debut album, Mother. The new work is a follow up some of her singles, which were released in the recent past.
Already, plans are on for an elaborate album release concert billed to hold in Lagos this February, when the artiste is expected to arrive the country. She’s also expected in her home state of Edo, where she would be treating her people and fans to songs from the new work. According to plans, Sonia would be spending about two months in the country for the promotion of the new album. Already on January 31, she will be
Mother talks about the roles of mothers towards the upbringing and wellbeing of their children. Through the album, Sonia talks about the need for parents to hand over the values and norms of the society to the young ones. Some of these values include respect, dignity, humility and loyalty.
On the fli side, the album gives an insight into Sonia’s life story and the many challenges of living in another man’s country as an immigrant; the loss, the sense of distance from home and the dilemma of returning home.
SONIA’s childhood dream was to be an actress and singer but her mother would have none of that not minding that she initially encouraged the blossoming of the dream. As against an artiste daughter, her Mum prefers a respectable Business Manager daughter.
“I was in the drama group in school where I had the opportunity to work with comedian I Go Die, on the then Radio Bendel (now EBS). My music teacher, Bro Preacher, who had a school in Benin, saw my talents and allowed me into the school free of charge,” she noted.
“But my mother never wanted me to go further. For her, it was something you just have to do there and leave it there. I was learning to play the guitar but I couldn’t go further because my brother was always laughing at me. Then, my mother was very tough. She would say, ‘throw that guitar away.’ She would go to my church and tell them that she didn’t want me to come to the choir again. Sometimes, she would personally come and pick me out of the choir while singing.”
Somehow, Sonia’s mother succeeded in having her tow her way; she got into a higher institution in Nigeria where she enrolled for Business Management. Two years into the programme, 1992 to be precise, an opportunity to travel to Europe came her way.
“My luck came when I got abroad ... Oh My God! But it was tough,” she quipped.
NO sooner than Sonia jetted out of the country and found herself in Italy, the young lady resolved to pursue her dream in a white man’s country, against her mother’s wish.
“I would tell people, and they would say, ‘why do you have to think about that. Go and study some other thing.’ But I said to myself, ‘it’s my mother who wanted that; I don’t want this’. They were telling me, ‘Ah! Sonia, it is too difficult, you can’t do that’. Nobody wanted to assist me then,” she said.
Living on the outskirts of Turin then, Sonia now armed with a little knowledge of Italian language, took to the streets of Turin on a daily basis in search of an art school alone. She would knock on any office that caught her fancy and voiced her request in passable Italian language to anyone who cared to listen to her.
“Any office I saw i would just burst in and say in Italian language: ‘look, I am from Nigeria, my name is Sonia. I want to act and sing!’ They would look at me and say, ‘no, here, we sell plates... Oh! Don’t you see we sell plates here?’ They would then write the address of the place I should go to and even describe it for me.”
That was how Sonia went about, until she chanced on the Music Academy (Centro Jazz Di Torino). At the school, she regaled the fellow she met with what had become her famous introduction. This time around, the fellow, an Italian, caught on and asked her to sing something for him, which she did so well; falling back on her personal composition.
“I sang one of the songs I composed. ‘This is lovely’, he said to me. ‘Where did you get it,’ he asked. I told him it was mine. ‘Oh! Good’, he said. ‘Can you sing solfa?’ ‘Yes’, I said and I did it for him. ‘You can start with me,’ he then said to me.”
Within a short spell of time at the Academy of Music (Centro Jazz Di Torino) in Turin, where she studied music between 1992-1997, Sonia caught the imagination of the artistic community in Europe, as she became an instant theatre artiste, writer, dancer, and choreographer. She didn’t just stop at that; the Edo State native extended her artistic career to broadcasting as a producer as well as an activist.
In Italy, Sonia has had the privilege of working with such troupes as Teatro Dell’ Angolo Di Turino, Alma Teatro and Teatro Argentina Di Roma, National Television RAI 1, 2 and 3. Beside her making name as one of the few black faces, who had been able to hold their own in Italy, she has toured Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Germany and France among others, plying her wares. Indeed, her work with immigrants and minority groups has stood her out.
Aside her music career, human right activism is another area the elegant lady is passionate about. She is not just a flagbearer for the women folk only, but among Nigerian immigrants; she is held up as a role model, a saviour and the unofficial Ambassador for Nigeria. Her Alma Terra, a theatre group, is in the forefront of crusading for immigrants and minorities. They run among others what looks like a micro credit scheme to assist immigrants.
Done with aiding her countrymen in Diaspora, Sonia has also upped the stake by ensuring that issues concerning Africa are seen in a positive light and Africa voices heard, especially in the Diaspora. She is the founder and president of Afro Festival Association and she is also involved with a youth organisation known as Youth Express Network (based in Strasbourg).
Sonia runs a radio programme, known as Afromania, which was started in 2000. Aired on Radio Flash of Turin (97.6FM), the programme created a forum where issues affecting Africans are canvassed. Through the programme, Sonia engages Africans and government officials in Italy on their actions and policies as they affect immigrants and minorities group.
Hakeem Kae-Kazim, home to brew good movie
HAKEEM Kae-Kazim, who is known for Hollywood blockbusters such as X Men Origins: Wolverine, The Fourth Kind and Hotel Rwanda, is home to film his latest flick, Inale, according to Storm 360degree. Kae-Kazim rose to fame playing George Rutuganda opposite Don Cheadle in the oscar nominated Hotel Rwanda. He had appeared in films such as The Librarian, King Solomon’s Mines and the family favourite, Pirate of the Carribean, and the hit TV show, 24. The award-winning actor was ecstatic to be filming in the country of his birth, for the first time in his life. Jeta Amata directs the film. The story centers on an Idoma princess called Inale, who is said to have married the prize winner of a wrestling match, as played by Hollywood actress, Caroline Chikezie (Eon Fluxe).
The actor will be back home soon to do another film with the same director and production team. With his aim of raising the bar of Nigerian movies and to make its presence really felt on the world stage, his face will stay familiar both on a local and international level.
“It is an exciting time in the Nigerian film industry I believe we are on the cusp of telling the African story from the African perspective on an international level, we have so many untold stories; I want to be at the forefront of getting them out to our people and to an international market,” Kae-Kazim said.
Trained in the UK at the highly regarded Bristol Old Vic, after graduation, he was invited to join the Royal Shakespeare Company. While playing at the National Theatre, London, Hakeem received rave reviews sharing the stage with acclaimed actors for his performances as Edmund in King Lear, with Brian Cox, and Tyrell in Richard III with Sir Ian McKellan. Hakeem’s tromance with the British television began with leading roles in Trial and Retribution, The Bill, Grange Hill, Ellington and the distinguished title role of ‘Julius Caesar’ for the BBC.
After settling in South Africa, his work in film and television gave him a huge following, making him a household name and one of the country’s top celebrity actors. While in South Africa, he appeared in numerous television productions and a large number of feature films, including Secret Laughter of Women. After the Rain, Desert Rose, Scarback and God is African.
Hakeem was nominated for an Avanti award (SA) for ‘Madame and Eve’ and his sense of style also led him to be in the running for the Elle’s Fashionably First award (SA).
Hakeem was also nominated for the highly regarded Gemini award for Best Actor in a supporting role for his performance in Human Cargo and gained international notoriety for his wonderful portrayal of George Rutugunda in the Oscar nominated film, Hotel Rwanda.
His performance gained the attention of those in Hollywood, which led to leading roles in the TNT movie, Librarian 2; opposite Noah Wyle, and The Triangle opposite Eric Stoltz and Sam Neill. Right after landing in Los Angeles Hakeem was invited to play in the Blockbuster, Pirates of the Caribbean III, playing a pirate lord alongside such greats as Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush. He then shared his wonderful talent with millions of viewers on Lost, Cane with Jimmy Smiths, Law & Order: SVU with Mariska Hargitay, The Triangle with Sam Neill and The Librarian with Gabrielle Anwar. Hakeem is often recognised for his recurring role as Colonel Dubaki, through which he wowed audiences with his stunning performance in 24’s Season 7, and in the prequel movie, Redemption. Hakeem’s most recent motion picture, Wolverine with Hugh Jackman was an international hit and his fan’s eagerly await the release of his latest work, feature film’s The 4th Kind with Mila Jovovich and Darfur, with Billy Zane. Jeta will direct his latest film, Black Gold.
Olaiya... a good face of Nigeria in the US
By JEFF MURPHYWHILE World War II raged in the early 40s, a sleepy town on the Columbia River in Washington State was
chosen as a site to produce plutonium, a deadly by-product of the nuclear reaction process and a key ingredient of the atomic bomb.
The city of Hanford became the location of the world’s first full-scale nuclear reactor. Long after the war, as many as nine reactors were in place, running day and night as the U.S. engaged in the escalating Cold War with the Soviet Union.
As tensions eased between the two nations, the reactors were gradually decommissioned. The last one was converted to produce electricity.
Something else, however, remained. 53 million gallons of radioactive waste were stored in leaky underground tanks, creating one of the most toxic places on Earth.
The health and safety challenges that resulted from trying to clean up these sites continue to be addressed today by environmental health scientists such as Charles Olaiya.
THE University of Central Missouri (UCM), graduate has dedicated much of his life to helping others, by improving environmental health and safety.
This includes 14 years working for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site, and most recently, two years at DOE’s Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC.
In recognition of his efforts to clean up toxic nuclear waste sites, as well as his groundbreaking research in chemical processing and industrial hygiene, UCM honoured him as the 2009 Distinguished International Alumnus.
Olaiya, who is also known for his generosity to UCM students, overcame many socio-economic obstacles to enjoy a successful professional career.
BORN in Nigeria, he lost his father at age six, but with the support of his mother and siblings traveled to the U.S. to study.
In his doctoral dissertation, he demonstrated how the removal of hexavent chromium from radioactive waste slurries could reduce the volume, time and cost required to vitrify high-energy radioactive waste stored at the Hanford Nuclear Weapons Site.
The research, which was done in cooperation with colleagues at Tulane, also resulted in a patent application filed by Tulane, the DOE and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It also contributed to Olaiya receiving DOE’s Exceptional Services Award. It is estimated that the study could result in a $2 billion savings.
Olaiya got more than an education at Tulane, his stay in New Orleans exposed him to the sufferings of victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which motivated him to give back to the less privileged in the society.
He has done this, by establishing a scholarship award at UCM in honour of his parents and to encourage deserving black students to pick a career in industrial hygiene and public health, with the charge that they return to their home countries to help address poverty and health issues that are overwhelming Africa and the inner cities of the United States.
•Culled from the UCM school magazine
Mr. Sasarobia
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
SHE scrunched up her nose as she got close to him. She’d had a hard job trying to ignore the smell of his perfume the first time she’d come in to serve him drinks and small chops.
The smell slapped and enveloped her all at the same time and it was all she could do to keep a straight face and not flee from the room. As she started to clear the tray, she wondered why he had to use so much perfume.
Had he poured the whole bottle on himself or could the bottle possibly have poured itself on him?
Just then, she realised that his perfume was one of those cheap products from India, which were sold in large bottles. Her friend used to call those bottles ‘Sasarobia’.
Her friend had explained that some people usually take these large bottles of perfume to seers, prophets etc., who fortified them with prayers or put stuff into the bottles supposed to ‘protect’ it’s wearer from evil and evil-doers.
Sometimes, the users requested that the bottles be fortified with good luck so they could always have some every time they put the perfume on. He asked her if he could have a glass of water. The thought of coming back into this room horrified her.
As she left, she decided that the best thing to do when bringing in the water for him was to dash in holding her breath and dash out again, which is what she did.
She waited until he’d been gone some minutes before going in to clear the empty glass. As she bent to wipe the stool, she noticed something black and red in a small corner of the chair he’d been sitting on.
She bent, trying to see what it was. It was a very small gourd, about three inches long and a couple of inches wide, wrapped with black and red threads!
She walked backward from the room and waited at the door for her boss to return. He found her there about 10 minutes later and they both spent another five minutes wondering what to do with the black and red charm.
They decided that the best thing to do would to pray, binding the evil in the charm, before picking up the charm preferably with long sticks.
They found a packet of biros, emptied the contents and plonked their find into it. They were almost certain that the charm belonged to ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ but to confront him with it, was something they couldn’t quite and didn’t want to do.
His next meeting with her boss was in a couple of days. They would have to find a safe place for the charm, safe for the charm and safe for them too.
They cleared out a drawer, prayed for quite a while, put the packet of biro with its unholy contents in it, and then prayed some more before closing the drawer. They then went about their duties as best as they could.
D-day arrived. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ came in and sat down. The meeting had gone on for some time before he noticed this small gourd wrapped in black and red thread on the table, a little to his right. He immediately became uncomfortable and started to fidget. The boss noticed his fidgeting and asked if he was okay. ‘Em, yes’ was ‘Mr. Sasarobia’s response.
The boss started to tell him about worshipping the true God, about not depending on juju. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ nodded, agreeing but all the while keeping his eyes on the charm.
The boss talked about how he’d found the charm in his office and ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ visibly jumped when the boss said that he intended to burn the charm! He started to protest but shut up quickly.
He found some excuse to cut the meeting short and left in a big hurry, probably to seek some more ‘protection’ quickly.
It is always surprising, interesting to see how people combine their faith with charms for ‘protection’ or success.
Some think its okay as long as no one is harmed or hurt while others go the whole hog. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ isn’t the only one, just the only one who got caught.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Away from the old
(PANORAMA)
BY REBECCA AKINMOLAYAN
THE celebration of the New Year dates several centuries back, when the Romans declared it on January 1, as it was a symbol of a new life. These days, the New Year is when people round the world do new things that they believe will better their lives and add spice to it.
Many write the popular New Year resolutions, some change jobs or businesses, others relocate and so on. So can I ask, “How is this year 2010 gonna be?”
For me, it is to advance in my career, change my status and in simple words, step up.
But how many of us stick to our NYRs?
The third week of January, which also doubles as third week of new year, is the most depressing of all weeks in a year around the world.
Why? Aside reeling from the stress of the holidays, it is the ‘blessed’ week when people realize they cannot stick to their NYRs, so they slip into deep depression.
Setting goals on paper is very easy (just as Nigeria with its 7-point disaster, I mean, agenda). Then comes the high feeling of how good life will be when those goals are accomplished. With time the cliché “Easier said than done” dawns on us.
Our fulfilment in life largely depends on how much control we have over our world. This applies to every facet of our lives.
Have you ever realised that our will power and our health work hand in hand? While our mindset and values determine how well our health will be, the will power of a person is at its best when one is healthy.
Moving from our comfort zone is just like fitting into new shoes. You need tons of will power.
That is why we have to be like the two-faced Roman god Janus this year. He has a face looking into the past with the other projected into the future. This simply means reflection and projection.
Reflecting deeply to dig up habits and lifestyles that are and will be detrimental to your health. Little things matter like your diet, your moods and approach to situations and so on. Also, check out for stressors in your job and relationships.
Make a firm decision, not a wish, take and adapt to actions toward a blissful and radiant health this year and for life.
This is the most difficult part. But it can be made easier by taking small steps. For example, an overweight person it is impossible to lose the weight gained for years in one month.
Opening a diary to keep reports on your resolutions and steps to fulfill them can ginger you to progress.
In addition, you can also involve people to put a check if you cannot stick to your decisions easily.
Finally, by thinking of the future gains, you project yourself forward a great deal.
rubystar2004@yahoo.com
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
SHE scrunched up her nose as she got close to him. She’d had a hard job trying to ignore the smell of his perfume the first time she’d come in to serve him drinks and small chops.
The smell slapped and enveloped her all at the same time and it was all she could do to keep a straight face and not flee from the room. As she started to clear the tray, she wondered why he had to use so much perfume.
Had he poured the whole bottle on himself or could the bottle possibly have poured itself on him?
Just then, she realised that his perfume was one of those cheap products from India, which were sold in large bottles. Her friend used to call those bottles ‘Sasarobia’.
Her friend had explained that some people usually take these large bottles of perfume to seers, prophets etc., who fortified them with prayers or put stuff into the bottles supposed to ‘protect’ it’s wearer from evil and evil-doers.
Sometimes, the users requested that the bottles be fortified with good luck so they could always have some every time they put the perfume on. He asked her if he could have a glass of water. The thought of coming back into this room horrified her.
As she left, she decided that the best thing to do when bringing in the water for him was to dash in holding her breath and dash out again, which is what she did.
She waited until he’d been gone some minutes before going in to clear the empty glass. As she bent to wipe the stool, she noticed something black and red in a small corner of the chair he’d been sitting on.
She bent, trying to see what it was. It was a very small gourd, about three inches long and a couple of inches wide, wrapped with black and red threads!
She walked backward from the room and waited at the door for her boss to return. He found her there about 10 minutes later and they both spent another five minutes wondering what to do with the black and red charm.
They decided that the best thing to do would to pray, binding the evil in the charm, before picking up the charm preferably with long sticks.
They found a packet of biros, emptied the contents and plonked their find into it. They were almost certain that the charm belonged to ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ but to confront him with it, was something they couldn’t quite and didn’t want to do.
His next meeting with her boss was in a couple of days. They would have to find a safe place for the charm, safe for the charm and safe for them too.
They cleared out a drawer, prayed for quite a while, put the packet of biro with its unholy contents in it, and then prayed some more before closing the drawer. They then went about their duties as best as they could.
D-day arrived. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ came in and sat down. The meeting had gone on for some time before he noticed this small gourd wrapped in black and red thread on the table, a little to his right. He immediately became uncomfortable and started to fidget. The boss noticed his fidgeting and asked if he was okay. ‘Em, yes’ was ‘Mr. Sasarobia’s response.
The boss started to tell him about worshipping the true God, about not depending on juju. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ nodded, agreeing but all the while keeping his eyes on the charm.
The boss talked about how he’d found the charm in his office and ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ visibly jumped when the boss said that he intended to burn the charm! He started to protest but shut up quickly.
He found some excuse to cut the meeting short and left in a big hurry, probably to seek some more ‘protection’ quickly.
It is always surprising, interesting to see how people combine their faith with charms for ‘protection’ or success.
Some think its okay as long as no one is harmed or hurt while others go the whole hog. ‘Mr. Sasarobia’ isn’t the only one, just the only one who got caught.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Away from the old
(PANORAMA)
BY REBECCA AKINMOLAYAN
THE celebration of the New Year dates several centuries back, when the Romans declared it on January 1, as it was a symbol of a new life. These days, the New Year is when people round the world do new things that they believe will better their lives and add spice to it.
Many write the popular New Year resolutions, some change jobs or businesses, others relocate and so on. So can I ask, “How is this year 2010 gonna be?”
For me, it is to advance in my career, change my status and in simple words, step up.
But how many of us stick to our NYRs?
The third week of January, which also doubles as third week of new year, is the most depressing of all weeks in a year around the world.
Why? Aside reeling from the stress of the holidays, it is the ‘blessed’ week when people realize they cannot stick to their NYRs, so they slip into deep depression.
Setting goals on paper is very easy (just as Nigeria with its 7-point disaster, I mean, agenda). Then comes the high feeling of how good life will be when those goals are accomplished. With time the cliché “Easier said than done” dawns on us.
Our fulfilment in life largely depends on how much control we have over our world. This applies to every facet of our lives.
Have you ever realised that our will power and our health work hand in hand? While our mindset and values determine how well our health will be, the will power of a person is at its best when one is healthy.
Moving from our comfort zone is just like fitting into new shoes. You need tons of will power.
That is why we have to be like the two-faced Roman god Janus this year. He has a face looking into the past with the other projected into the future. This simply means reflection and projection.
Reflecting deeply to dig up habits and lifestyles that are and will be detrimental to your health. Little things matter like your diet, your moods and approach to situations and so on. Also, check out for stressors in your job and relationships.
Make a firm decision, not a wish, take and adapt to actions toward a blissful and radiant health this year and for life.
This is the most difficult part. But it can be made easier by taking small steps. For example, an overweight person it is impossible to lose the weight gained for years in one month.
Opening a diary to keep reports on your resolutions and steps to fulfill them can ginger you to progress.
In addition, you can also involve people to put a check if you cannot stick to your decisions easily.
Finally, by thinking of the future gains, you project yourself forward a great deal.
rubystar2004@yahoo.com
Tired of workout? Try dancing...
BY KIKELOLA OYEBOLA
DON’T really believe in the formal ways of exercising? Or perhaps you are not that interested in the more common ways of working out? Not to worry. It is becoming fashionable for health-conscious individuals to adopt more suitable alternatives that serve the purpose and are effective at the same time.
Increasingly, some exercisers are taking up more interesting and practicable forms of working out. Foremost among these is dancing. Different forms such as salsa, cultural dances and even some intricate oriental steps involving the movement of all parts of the body, are being adopted to make exercising more attractive and fun.
Except the exerciser is targeting particular areas of the body, in which case the types of exercise adopted are also designated, dancing to certain types of music will generally do the trick. It does not matter the form preferred, as the whole idea is to work the body and keep fit.
There is the tendency to under-estimate the potency of dancing as a workout tool, but it need only be remembered that the whole essence of undertaking aerobics for instance, is to enable the exerciser access more energy, enhance respiratory performance and keep the joints mobile generally. All these together make for better health and consequently, fitter person.
Dancing is particularly good because it is fun, interesting and engaging. And because it requires a high concentration, the exerciser is also training the brain and developing the mind.
There are quite many varieties to pick from. The exerciser only needs to ensure that the chosen form is effective and simple. In most cases the pattern is such that the exerciser is required to apply vigour as the steps become a bit more complicated and intense.
One beautiful thing in all this is that age is no barrier to undertaking this form of exercise. From the young to the old, dancing promises to be captivating all the way through. Not only this, it is also inexpensive, easy and convenient to do. It can be undertaken anywhere so long the space is there and even if the exerciser is not interested in going to a gym, it does not pose any threat to progress and effectiveness of the exercise.
It is essential that the exerciser be appropriately kitted though. Comfortable and suitable wears and shoes are preferable. Nothing too loose to prevent distraction and may be cause avoidable injuries.
The dancer should again remember that suitable music is to be used. It is better if the exerciser chooses a favoured piece of music during the act. Dancing to a particular kind of music ensures focus and rhythm, enabling the exerciser to establish his/her pattern and pace while at the same time having the presence of mind to do what is required.
DON’T really believe in the formal ways of exercising? Or perhaps you are not that interested in the more common ways of working out? Not to worry. It is becoming fashionable for health-conscious individuals to adopt more suitable alternatives that serve the purpose and are effective at the same time.
Increasingly, some exercisers are taking up more interesting and practicable forms of working out. Foremost among these is dancing. Different forms such as salsa, cultural dances and even some intricate oriental steps involving the movement of all parts of the body, are being adopted to make exercising more attractive and fun.
Except the exerciser is targeting particular areas of the body, in which case the types of exercise adopted are also designated, dancing to certain types of music will generally do the trick. It does not matter the form preferred, as the whole idea is to work the body and keep fit.
There is the tendency to under-estimate the potency of dancing as a workout tool, but it need only be remembered that the whole essence of undertaking aerobics for instance, is to enable the exerciser access more energy, enhance respiratory performance and keep the joints mobile generally. All these together make for better health and consequently, fitter person.
Dancing is particularly good because it is fun, interesting and engaging. And because it requires a high concentration, the exerciser is also training the brain and developing the mind.
There are quite many varieties to pick from. The exerciser only needs to ensure that the chosen form is effective and simple. In most cases the pattern is such that the exerciser is required to apply vigour as the steps become a bit more complicated and intense.
One beautiful thing in all this is that age is no barrier to undertaking this form of exercise. From the young to the old, dancing promises to be captivating all the way through. Not only this, it is also inexpensive, easy and convenient to do. It can be undertaken anywhere so long the space is there and even if the exerciser is not interested in going to a gym, it does not pose any threat to progress and effectiveness of the exercise.
It is essential that the exerciser be appropriately kitted though. Comfortable and suitable wears and shoes are preferable. Nothing too loose to prevent distraction and may be cause avoidable injuries.
The dancer should again remember that suitable music is to be used. It is better if the exerciser chooses a favoured piece of music during the act. Dancing to a particular kind of music ensures focus and rhythm, enabling the exerciser to establish his/her pattern and pace while at the same time having the presence of mind to do what is required.
One of those girls
(Strictly for the young)
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
SHE woke up the next morning in pain. If you had asked her which hurt more, the physical or the emotional, she would have been hard torn to give a straight and correct answer. It was a bit of both, one she could see, the other she only felt, and yet the scars ran deep.
The previous evening had begun easily enough. Okay, to be honest, it had been full of love and highs! As most evenings with him were.
The plan was simple. Go for karaoke, and come home. But the most simple plans sometimes crumble. And the most charming people sometimes become monsters at night.
For if he was anything, it was charming. Her father would invite him in and smoke a cigar with him on the porch. Or at least, they would want to, but with the rate of armed robbery going on in the area, more often than not, they simply watched television together and criticised the leaders.
Her mother would ask when he was coming and make a meal for him. Or to be honest, would want to make a meal for him, and end up getting pizza instead.
You see, unlike the ideal woman in that commercial that was on air for a while, her mother was a real woman, who could not do it well, and would not allow people make her feel less human or woman for that.
Her brother loved to shoot the breeze with him, although, he ended up always speaking about some girl or the other he was currently in love with.
Her brother loved to fall in love, it was on his list of ‘hobbies’, and if anyone ever wanted to pay him for it, he would gladly take it up as a profession.
That evening, her brother had spoken about Julie. Luckily, not the same one Shank had sang about.
As far as her brother was concerned, this Julie was the one. Or in this case, the one after the one after the other one that was forethought of as the one.
So, this boy was charming and the family loved him. One more week, a few more dates, and she would likely have been picking out aso-ebi, and possibly wondering where they would live.
BUT best laid plans... He had come in the evening bearing gifts. He loved to buy her gifts. Although he would find a way to ruin the gift for her the next week or so.
Like that time he had bought her chocolates, then one week later complained that she had put on weight. And when he bought her some CDs then threw them out the car window because he felt ignored.
You could not say there had not been warning signs. He had told her once, matter-of-factly, that she was stupid and should be grateful he found time for her. This was after she had worn a dress he did not like and had refused to read his mind and change it in time.
There were signs, but she weighed it, and the good and the bad seemed to either be at par, or the good was winning. I mean, how many guys remember silly things like the anniversary of the day I first admired your new haircut?
Yes, there were signs. But signs were signs. Or like Darey sang, Style na Style.
He came to pick her up. Advised her brother to take Julie out with his friends first to see if she would get along with them, watched television with her dad and proclaimed that Nigeria should become a course in the colleges (I mean, where else does the president rule from another country, a rich boy try to blow himself up, and people queue for fuel when there are refineries), and ate the pizza her mother had ordered even though her mom had forgotten he did not like olives. She knew he would mention it at some point between the first song at karaoke and the drive home.
But she could handle that. That’s what love entails, managing and handling.
And the drive was pleasant enough. They listened to some of their favourite songs and sang out loud to each other. They swapped stories about their day, and they fell more in love than they were yesterday.
But then karaoke began, and for some reason, today his voice was not on point, and he seemed to pick the wrongest songs. Who takes on Frank Sinatra unless they are sure? So of course, people giggled. She didn’t, but people did. And that upset him. So he wanted to go somewhere else. But she was sort of having fun.
So he stayed. And then he nagged the whole journey through.
And somewhere between the name calling and the general absurdity of it all, she snapped.
Because she had a fantastic dad who had brought her up with love. And she had a gentle brother who treated ladies well (then let them break his heart). And she had been in loving and respectful relationships in the past!
She wasn’t desperate. She had a good job, loving friends, and other ‘toasters’. So why should she sit in this car and listen to him rant and rave.
So she didn’t. She tried to put the radio on, and that’s when she realised there is always a thin line between verbally abusive and physically so.
It wasn’t even the slap that stunned her. For that came after the twisting of her arm, so she was prepared for it. It was the kick. It was so unscripted and out of place. Who kicks a girl?
Ah!
And what kind of girl allows herself to be one of those girls that are in abusive relationships?
Ah.
We sometimes sit and stare and talk. We wonder how and why it happens. And how and why they let it happen. But everyone of us is a step away from being an abuser or the abused.
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Benefits of planning
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
INTERNATIONAL entrepreneur, Mary Kay Ash, once said, “many spend time planning a vacation than planning their life.”
It is easy to sit down and watch life slip off our hands when we do not consciously decide to plan how to achieve our goals and make our dreams come true.
Year in year out, people come up with their New Year resolutions. That is the first step to making the New Year your best year ever, but that is not enough. You need to write down your goals in their order of priority.
How do you set goals? For a moment, imagine what you would like to have if it were impossible to fail? If you can get anything you wish in your life, what would you dream of? When I asked a friend this question, he said he would like to be a billionaire. I then told him that he should have that at the back of his mind as a long-term goal.
I helped him to break his long-term goal into short-term goals, middle range goals and then, long term goals. You can set quarterly goals and yearly goals.
At times, you will realise that a series of short-term goals can help you to achieve your long-term goals.
Put your goals down. Take a piece of paper right now, and write down three things you will like to achieve. Set goals for your finance, family, friends, fun, faith, future and fun. How much would you like to earn or save? What plans do you have for vacations and corporate excursion? What plans do you have for improving your spirituality?
Every goal has a cost associated with them. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices commensurate to achieving your goals? When I was planning to be a columnist, I realised that I had to sacrifice some time to thinking, composing, and then typing my article on my laptop on a weekly basis. Don’t kid yourself. You will have to forego some things and you also have to get some of the things you don’t have.
Be specific about what you want to achieve. It is not enough to say that you want to shed some weights. Being specific means saying what you want to achieve in details. If one of your goals is to save up more money, being specific means determining how much exactly you want to stack up in time.
Stop procrastinating. Recently, I was talking to one of my clients. I asked her how far she has gone with her makeover company. She told me she was still thinking about setting up her office in her community. I later encouraged her to set a goal for her business in the New Year. If you want to achieve more this New Year, come up with a list of some of the things you have been procrastinating about, and set a goal to achieve them.
Be disciplined. Be committed to achieving your goals. Are you willing to take the risk involved in achieving your goals? In the word ‘goal’ the first two alphabets are ‘go.’ Don’t be too consumed with the details of how to achieve your goals. Go out there and take the first step. Make a phone call or send an e-mail to that person. Force yourself to do something no matter how little that will draw you closer towards achieving your goals.
Reward yourself. When you reward yourself after achieving your short term goals, your body will produce the necessary energy to achieve other goals. In other words, success breeds success.
Be focused. You can achieve almost anything in life if you have a plan of action and you are focused. Keep moving even when you fail. Note that every great achiever in the world has failed at one point or the other in life.
Make sure your goals are smart.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound. Once you are specific about what you want, then you have to be able to measure your progress. Setting goals that are attainable means you should be set goals that will stretch you a bit, but are easy to achieve. Being realistic is the ability to set goals for what you want in life, not what someone else wants for you. Time bound goals have a deadline.
Take action. Don’t be tempted to say I will set my goals later. It may be worthless reading this article if you don’t take action based on what you have read so far. It is not what we know that makes us successful, but what we do that makes a difference. This is my own way to make my world a better place. This is my way of achieving my goal to make a difference. Take charge!
BY TOSYN BUCKNOR
SHE woke up the next morning in pain. If you had asked her which hurt more, the physical or the emotional, she would have been hard torn to give a straight and correct answer. It was a bit of both, one she could see, the other she only felt, and yet the scars ran deep.
The previous evening had begun easily enough. Okay, to be honest, it had been full of love and highs! As most evenings with him were.
The plan was simple. Go for karaoke, and come home. But the most simple plans sometimes crumble. And the most charming people sometimes become monsters at night.
For if he was anything, it was charming. Her father would invite him in and smoke a cigar with him on the porch. Or at least, they would want to, but with the rate of armed robbery going on in the area, more often than not, they simply watched television together and criticised the leaders.
Her mother would ask when he was coming and make a meal for him. Or to be honest, would want to make a meal for him, and end up getting pizza instead.
You see, unlike the ideal woman in that commercial that was on air for a while, her mother was a real woman, who could not do it well, and would not allow people make her feel less human or woman for that.
Her brother loved to shoot the breeze with him, although, he ended up always speaking about some girl or the other he was currently in love with.
Her brother loved to fall in love, it was on his list of ‘hobbies’, and if anyone ever wanted to pay him for it, he would gladly take it up as a profession.
That evening, her brother had spoken about Julie. Luckily, not the same one Shank had sang about.
As far as her brother was concerned, this Julie was the one. Or in this case, the one after the one after the other one that was forethought of as the one.
So, this boy was charming and the family loved him. One more week, a few more dates, and she would likely have been picking out aso-ebi, and possibly wondering where they would live.
BUT best laid plans... He had come in the evening bearing gifts. He loved to buy her gifts. Although he would find a way to ruin the gift for her the next week or so.
Like that time he had bought her chocolates, then one week later complained that she had put on weight. And when he bought her some CDs then threw them out the car window because he felt ignored.
You could not say there had not been warning signs. He had told her once, matter-of-factly, that she was stupid and should be grateful he found time for her. This was after she had worn a dress he did not like and had refused to read his mind and change it in time.
There were signs, but she weighed it, and the good and the bad seemed to either be at par, or the good was winning. I mean, how many guys remember silly things like the anniversary of the day I first admired your new haircut?
Yes, there were signs. But signs were signs. Or like Darey sang, Style na Style.
He came to pick her up. Advised her brother to take Julie out with his friends first to see if she would get along with them, watched television with her dad and proclaimed that Nigeria should become a course in the colleges (I mean, where else does the president rule from another country, a rich boy try to blow himself up, and people queue for fuel when there are refineries), and ate the pizza her mother had ordered even though her mom had forgotten he did not like olives. She knew he would mention it at some point between the first song at karaoke and the drive home.
But she could handle that. That’s what love entails, managing and handling.
And the drive was pleasant enough. They listened to some of their favourite songs and sang out loud to each other. They swapped stories about their day, and they fell more in love than they were yesterday.
But then karaoke began, and for some reason, today his voice was not on point, and he seemed to pick the wrongest songs. Who takes on Frank Sinatra unless they are sure? So of course, people giggled. She didn’t, but people did. And that upset him. So he wanted to go somewhere else. But she was sort of having fun.
So he stayed. And then he nagged the whole journey through.
And somewhere between the name calling and the general absurdity of it all, she snapped.
Because she had a fantastic dad who had brought her up with love. And she had a gentle brother who treated ladies well (then let them break his heart). And she had been in loving and respectful relationships in the past!
She wasn’t desperate. She had a good job, loving friends, and other ‘toasters’. So why should she sit in this car and listen to him rant and rave.
So she didn’t. She tried to put the radio on, and that’s when she realised there is always a thin line between verbally abusive and physically so.
It wasn’t even the slap that stunned her. For that came after the twisting of her arm, so she was prepared for it. It was the kick. It was so unscripted and out of place. Who kicks a girl?
Ah!
And what kind of girl allows herself to be one of those girls that are in abusive relationships?
Ah.
We sometimes sit and stare and talk. We wonder how and why it happens. And how and why they let it happen. But everyone of us is a step away from being an abuser or the abused.
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Benefits of planning
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
INTERNATIONAL entrepreneur, Mary Kay Ash, once said, “many spend time planning a vacation than planning their life.”
It is easy to sit down and watch life slip off our hands when we do not consciously decide to plan how to achieve our goals and make our dreams come true.
Year in year out, people come up with their New Year resolutions. That is the first step to making the New Year your best year ever, but that is not enough. You need to write down your goals in their order of priority.
How do you set goals? For a moment, imagine what you would like to have if it were impossible to fail? If you can get anything you wish in your life, what would you dream of? When I asked a friend this question, he said he would like to be a billionaire. I then told him that he should have that at the back of his mind as a long-term goal.
I helped him to break his long-term goal into short-term goals, middle range goals and then, long term goals. You can set quarterly goals and yearly goals.
At times, you will realise that a series of short-term goals can help you to achieve your long-term goals.
Put your goals down. Take a piece of paper right now, and write down three things you will like to achieve. Set goals for your finance, family, friends, fun, faith, future and fun. How much would you like to earn or save? What plans do you have for vacations and corporate excursion? What plans do you have for improving your spirituality?
Every goal has a cost associated with them. Are you prepared to make the sacrifices commensurate to achieving your goals? When I was planning to be a columnist, I realised that I had to sacrifice some time to thinking, composing, and then typing my article on my laptop on a weekly basis. Don’t kid yourself. You will have to forego some things and you also have to get some of the things you don’t have.
Be specific about what you want to achieve. It is not enough to say that you want to shed some weights. Being specific means saying what you want to achieve in details. If one of your goals is to save up more money, being specific means determining how much exactly you want to stack up in time.
Stop procrastinating. Recently, I was talking to one of my clients. I asked her how far she has gone with her makeover company. She told me she was still thinking about setting up her office in her community. I later encouraged her to set a goal for her business in the New Year. If you want to achieve more this New Year, come up with a list of some of the things you have been procrastinating about, and set a goal to achieve them.
Be disciplined. Be committed to achieving your goals. Are you willing to take the risk involved in achieving your goals? In the word ‘goal’ the first two alphabets are ‘go.’ Don’t be too consumed with the details of how to achieve your goals. Go out there and take the first step. Make a phone call or send an e-mail to that person. Force yourself to do something no matter how little that will draw you closer towards achieving your goals.
Reward yourself. When you reward yourself after achieving your short term goals, your body will produce the necessary energy to achieve other goals. In other words, success breeds success.
Be focused. You can achieve almost anything in life if you have a plan of action and you are focused. Keep moving even when you fail. Note that every great achiever in the world has failed at one point or the other in life.
Make sure your goals are smart.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound. Once you are specific about what you want, then you have to be able to measure your progress. Setting goals that are attainable means you should be set goals that will stretch you a bit, but are easy to achieve. Being realistic is the ability to set goals for what you want in life, not what someone else wants for you. Time bound goals have a deadline.
Take action. Don’t be tempted to say I will set my goals later. It may be worthless reading this article if you don’t take action based on what you have read so far. It is not what we know that makes us successful, but what we do that makes a difference. This is my own way to make my world a better place. This is my way of achieving my goal to make a difference. Take charge!
Praise Jam fills Lagosians with Inspiration
DAYS after the Praise Jam concert organised by Inspiration 92.3FM, it has continued to draw comments from Lagos entertainment circle, not only because of the large crowd that attended the show, but the quality of performance. With sponsorships from MTN, Federal Palace Hotel and GQ Acoustics, the concert had guests turning up as early as 2.30pm for the show slated for 5pm.
Jedi was the anchor while Afresh gave an acapella rendition of the National anthem and other songs.
Next was a retinue of artistes and performers such as Proverbs, Oluremi, Sol, Gbolahan, Mike Aremu, Beulah, Segun Obe, Pita, Lara George, Niki Laoye, Bouqui, Slam, Buchi, Chosen Treasure, Sammie Okposo and Tosin Martins. DJ Gosperella was on the turntables churning out hits to keep guests entertained.
Dance Affiliated & Sons of Liberty gave good performances; while Laoye, as usual, wowed everybody with her exhilarating performance. She paired up with Sons of Liberty to have an entrée that left people in no doubt of her skill and artistry.
Hosted by Dan Foster, Chaz B, Oscar, Titi, Wana and Wale Scott, Jedi, Gordons, Koffi, Owen G, Lepacious Bukky took turns to anchor the show.
Sammy Okposo and Tosin Martins, who delivered a fuji remix of his own songs, also entertained the crowd.
Ali Baba yesterday, today and 20 years after
BY CHUKS NWANNEHis kids were having a ‘swell’ time in the swimming pool when I arrived his Ikoyi residence with some colleagues, who also desired an interview. However, the ace comedian, Ali Baba was said to be out with his wife, Mary. He was aware of my visit, so, I waited -- busy scanning through some colourful magazines placed on the centre table.
Ali soon arrived in a Range Rover SUV with his wife; he hopped out of the car...
“I’m very sorry guys, it was traffic. I actually told them to inform me when you are here, but the road was very tight, I’m so sorry about that.”
He led the team through his sitting room.
to his private library.
Time was in this land when nobody would dare introduced himself as a comedian publicly. Those who did anything close it preferred to be called Masters-of-Ceremony (MC); it was more prestigious to go by the appellation of an MC than to be associated with a bunch of people, then, described as ‘never do well.’
But the industry witnessed the arrival of Atoyota Alleluya Akpobome, better known as Ali Baba; and the rhythm changed... forever!!!
A 1990 graduate of Religious Studies/Philosophy from the then Bendel State University (now Ambrose Ali University) Ekpoma, he dared the odds of negative public perceptrion to make it big in comedy. That way he dusted the quite impressive record of his precursors such as the late John Chukwu (JC), Tony St. Iyke and much later, Jude Away Away. Those were good, great men but they did not take Comedy to the level -- (forking out big doughs from the purse of big corporate spenders and the State houses) -- Ali Baba did
Since he hit the scene in 1993, he has stepped ever higher. In fact, right from the beginning, the Edo State native was set out to play in the big league; a deliberate move that took him years to nurture and package.
By 1998, Ali registered his company, Ali Baba Hiccupurathird; that was the year he erected three billboards in strategic locations in Lagos -- Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island; Osborne Road, Ikoyi; and the Marina. He actually paid N150,000 for each billboard per year, for two years. The billboards carried a simple message, ‘Ali Baba — Being Funny is Serious Business.’
That signaled the transformation in the comedy business in the country.
Today, it is generally agreed that it’s Ali that gave comedy the beautiful face it wears in Nigeria. He became the first comedian to be well paid in the country. You now see him driving around town in a Monster Truck with a personalized plate number ‘Ali Baba 1.’ The other car, Dodge Ram, acquired as showbiz apparatus, is registered as ‘Ali Baba 2.’
The King of Comedy will this year, be 20 on stage as a professional comedian, so, I decided to pay him a special visit, which was quite revealing.
“By September this year, I will be 20 years in the industry; I actually started professional comedy after my university education, when I came into Lagos in 1990. I’m really looking forward to marking the day in a big way, using it as a platform to give back to the society,” he reveals.
Though Ali started comedy back in his university days, the quest for greener pasture forced him to relocate to Lagos. “There were hints then, that this business was something I should work hard on. My Dad was giving me N120 monthly as pocket money when I was in school. As at that time, N120 was a lot of money; we had parents whose salary then were like N500, N600, N700… if you earned up to N1000 then, you were a big boy!”
From earning N80 to N100 per show, for making people laugh, Ali Baba reasoned that the comedy could fetch him serious money if well packaged.
“I did one show in the University of Benin that gave me N600. So, I figured that, if I could earn that kind of money within a month, and I do up to five events, it meant that if I could do it more professionally, I would earn more money.”
He continued: “All the schools in Edo State then, even in the University of Port Harcourt, their highest pay was N500. But Therapy students of LUTH, could pay N1000; the clubs in the University of Lagos paid N1200 and YABATECH students paid up to N1000 per show. So, I figured that Lagos possessed a lot more potentials for me,” he recalled.
In coming to Lagos, the comedian made up his mind to do his business professionally, which made him to invest heavily in the art.
“For something to become a profession, you have to make up your mind that you are going to do everything to enhance yourself, improve the skill and the service that you offer.
“So, those were the things that I had started doing that time. Before then, I was doing it just for fun; there was no preparation towards event. But when I came to Lagos and started charging big money, it occurred to me that if anybody came and said, ‘we need you to do this and that,’ I work and prepare towards it. That’s how I started making it a professional.”
In doing so, Ali Baba was making rules and at the same time, breaking them.
“There were no precedents to follow,” he noted. “It’s not as if I woke up one day and decided to build an industry; it was just about doing something I love doing and doing it well. But gradually, I think some people took notice of what I was doing. But the appreciation level then was very low or non-existent because, a comedian was last on the list of an event planner and the first to go if they decided to cut cost. So, it was like, if for any reason at all somebody paid you to perform, then the person should get the worth of his financial commitment.”
Aside from low level of appreciation, Ali’s father was another big hurdle.
“My Dad needed me to prove to him why I didn’t want to study Law; everything I did was in trying to prove him wrong and showing I was right. My uncle, who I complained to that my Dad refused to pay my school fees when I refused to change to Law in my second year, would ask, ‘tell me, who are the people in this profession you look up to as mentors?’ At that time, who were the people you are to look up to… Natty, Zebrudaya, Papa Ajasco? By the time I came on board, John Chukwu was out of the scene; it would have been nice to say, ‘ok, see John Chukwu.’ But the man was already dead by then.”
Despite the challenges, Ali’s strongest driving force at that time, was the fact that if the audiences encountered the services he was offering, the money they paid would be justified.
“This section here, were the things that actually set me on my path; they were the only things that I had in my box when I came to Lagos,” he said, pointing at Reader’s Digest on his shelves, which contains all sorts of jokes. “The military were in power that time, so we needed some of all those things to continuously boost the services that were offered.”
Ali recalled how his uncle threw him out of his 1004 apartment in Lagos, just because of comedy.
“I just got back one day – I still remember Tokunbo Ajayi was reading the news – and the man said I should come downstairs. He just told me, ‘this is the last night you are spending in my house,” he said shaking his head.
What was his reason?
“He said he had children in the house that he didn’t want to believe that living a late night life and coming back was the way to go. It’s not as if I wasn’t making money,” he noted. “As at the time I came to Lagos, I was already charging N1000, N2000 per show; some of my guys that just came from NYSC, who were in paid employment, were earning like N3000. So, I was like, ‘if I could get four-five of these events in a month, then I was doing better than those guys who were bankers, lawyers and so on. The challenges were there, but the driving force was that this is something that would benefit me later.”
So what happened when you left your uncle’s house?
“I got another apartment; it was very big.”
Where was that?
“Lagos Bar Beach,” he said with laughter. “It was a beautiful place; there was no need for air-conditioner; you didn’t have to pay light bill and the place was close to NTA, so there’s proximity.”
You lived on the beach?
“Yes, the guy that was housing me then, his name is Lati... Then, the bar beach was still far from the dry land, so, you had huts made in an ‘E’ shape. You have these chairs that fold, which they give to you and that’s where you sleep. Before 6am in the morning, you arranged for people that would give you warm water to take your bath. After you’ve had your bath and breakfast, then you resume with every other person; we all lived on the Island,” he said.
Between 1990-91, when things were not falling in place yet, Ali Baba decided to go for his NYSC, where he served with the Abuja Council for Arts and Culture.
“After the one year, I came back and did some Charly Boy Show. I also did Friday Night Life, and Night Train with Bisi Olatilo on the NTA network; the show was created by Danladi Bako.”
For the comedian, Friday Night was a big stage to showcase his talent.
“Everybody looked forward to it because the show (indicated) where things would happen in town. That was a launch pad for me because, a lot of people, who saw me on Charly Boy Show, thought the show was scripted for me, but Friday Night was live. There was even a time I did a request for comedy; people asked for jokes on different areas, and I gave it out immediately. I really had a lot of things to prove and that kept me going.”
The highpoint of Ali Baba’a career was when Guinness launched Satzenbrau beer in Nigeria.
“Thank God for Satzenbrau; they came in and were doing a nationwide tour. That was my first time of holding N1.5 million cheque. Since then, it’s been tough, but to God be the glory.”
Though established in the industry, the King of Comedy is bent on maintaining his status as a frontliner in the business. He is not fazed by the number of comedians coming up on a daily basis.
“I want to remain on top of my performance every time; I don’t want people to be like, ‘ah, I thought you said he’s the best.’ So, I’m still taking things very serious.”
He continued: What I had in mind was that by 2010 when I will be 20 years on stage, there would have been the need for me to cut down on the type of standup comedy I do. For instance, if somebody has an end-of-the-year party and he has an MC, and they called me to just do a 10 to 15 minutes comedy. My plan was to be leaving all those 15 minutes to young comedians, who needed a break to launch into the industry. But I’ve realised that it’s not as if those people don’t see these young comedians, they just wanted you to add colours to the night as a person.”
Sometime ago, it was rumored that Ali Baba had retired after staging his last show, but the comedian informed that, “some people asked me, ‘Ali, if you leave comedy now, what structure would you be leaving for young comedians to build on?’ I looked back and there was none; except for the fact that we’ve created an industry, there was nothing else. So, we need an institution that will regulate, promote and punish erring comedians, and help to improve creativity.”
Improving creativity, according to Ali, includes giving copyright and ownership to jokes.
“This means that if you use somebody’s joke, you are going to pay for it. Abroad, comedians pay royalty for using another comedian’s jokes, but what you have here is somebody telling other people’s joke in a show and the organisers will put those jokes on CDs for sale, without paying royalty to the original owners of the jokes.”
Though Ali Baba is still keeping plans for his 20th Anniversary personal, there are indications that there’s going to be a line up of activities to mark the event.
“Not all of it will be in the press. We’ve discovered that over the years, when we put things on papers about what we plan to do, before you know it, somebody picks it and that’s all. We are keeping them under wrap, but what I want to assure you is that, they are going to match my status,” he boasted.
Rewarding deserving students is also part of Ali Baba’s plan.
“These days, we don’t reward hardwork. Those days, you hear that people don’t pay school fees because they are doing well in school; it makes you want to belong to that class. Some people even got free school uniforms because of their records in school. We want to do a whole lot of that, but we don’t want people to see them as publicity; it’s going to be entirely charity. We plan to have a 24 hours comedy TV channel; we are still working on that.”
Ask about his biggest achievement in life, the comedian said, “coming from nowhere to where I am today is one of the sweetest things in my life; my Dad is a retired soldier man and my Mum is a farmer. If you think back from that point to here, it will be a mark of ingratitude to say that God has not done well. Sometimes, people ask me, ‘what are the regrets?’ And I tell them ‘none’. Look at me…my life right now is a boost; I’m sure my Dad will never tell somebody that he tried to discourage me from doing comedy.”
But on a lighter side, Ali informed that, ‘it’s my children that think that I don’t have a job; they say it all the time. For them, it’s their Mum that goes to work. They say things like, ‘you just sit down there, watching TV. In the evening, you wear your suit and say you are going to work. What kind of work are you going to when people are coming home?’ But in all, I’m really happy with nearly everything that happens in my life.”
As far as Ali is concerned, the future is bright for Nigerian comedians.
“Before, people do not know how much comedians are paid. But thank God that top comedians in the country are blowing up and they are getting respect from people. Look at Julius Agwu, Baskethmouth, Tee A, Okey Bakassi, AY… they are all doing well and we thank God for that.”
... Worming hope into her people
BY GREGORY AUSTIN NWAKUNORON a stormy afternoon, fat drops of rain smear the ground. Occasionally, flashes light the sky. Not too long after, the atmosphere is calm. Mrs. Orezi Edna Jane Esievo walks into her office, beaming with smiles.
A two-time commissioner in Delta State, Orezi appears simple like a teenager. If you didn’t look closely, you would hardly believe her age.
But sure, she is not a teenager. She has three kids and she whispers, “I’m an Isoko girl from Delta State.”
“Girl?” You ask.
“No…No… I’m a woman,” she whoops in a girlie relief. “I’m married with three children.”
With a cackle that seems to lift out of the pages showing the dimple on her face, Orezi says, “I speak my language very well.”
Esievo, Commissioner for Special Duties in charge of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC), says, “growing up was fun. “I was born in Warri and I had my primary education at Ojojo Primary School.”
For her secondary education, she was at Anglican Girl’s Grammar School (AGGS), Ozoro.
Was she into sports in school?
“Yes,” she laughs. “ I was into athletics in my secondary school — track and field. I was also involved in a lot of activities: Debating Society, the chorale group and what have you? I did everything in school.”
From AGGS, Ozoro, Orezi went to Federal Government College, Warri, for Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1984, and thereafter, was at the University of Benin, where she read Law.
After law school, Orezi moved to Commercial and General Chambers on Strachan Street in Lagos. A firm managed by Chuma Nwokolo.
With a bias for litigation, she was at the firm until she established her chambers, and remained on her own for another six years before joining Shell Petroleum as the media relations’ supervisor.
She sings in an upbeat demeanour: “Then, I was moved to the Public Relations Department before I was appointed commissioner and had to resign my appointment with the company.”
After a moment, she muses, “somehow, I found myself back in Warri after 10 years in Lagos.”
She giggles, “in our days, we were not really thinking of Shell. You don’t want to leave Lagos. Even when you are forced, you have this belief that you’ll make it here, so, why leave?”
Fate clearly has a sense of humour. And for the daughter of Mr. Sunday Shedrack and Florence Amangada, the job at Shell led her to the future.
First? She draws a grim face and heaves, “God… a lot.” She had an engaging experience with the locals. Orezi adds briskly, “I love working with community people because you see them all the time, you relate with them at the grassroots level and nothing could be more exciting and humbling.”
Orezi’s Shell background prepared her for the greater assignment ahead. “I love every bit of what I’m doing,” she says.
“You work with everybody… you get to know the people better. They want development, life to be better; they want basic amenities of life. They are happy the way they are…” she let’s the sentence hang and looks out of the window. “It is a participatory thing — a people oriented approach to governance.”
Dressed in a white shirt and trouser, a colour that lends gravitas to the chiselled palette of the discussion, Orezi says, “in Shell, we tried to give to them what they itemised as their needs, not what we thought they should have. So, we drew up a community plan for them, we sat together with them, in participatory dialogue, a people oriented approach and strategy designed to produce the best results and this is exactly what we are doing in DESOPADEC today.”
Speaking with much passion, Orezi, popularly called Madam DESOPADEC, says, “I love what I’m doing, it’s almost the same thing, I’m still working with the community people.”
As Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, she was instrumental to the re-opening of the Nana Living History Museum at Koko. “That is the only National Museum we have in Delta State. We brought the artifacts back home to Delta State and we held a big festival because that same year, we also got the right to host the World Tourism Day in Delta State and everybody came from all over the world for the event.”
Voicing her strong conviction on the programme, she reflects to find out their needs, ranging from roads to schools, pipe borne water, hospitals, cottage industries, and all that makes life bearable by way of basic infrastructure provision. “It’s still the same orientation and with 264 projects executed to date, and the accompanying empowerment, one has every cause to feel emotionally satisfied and fulfilling serving the people and the governor.”
She tells you these people need minimum prompting through these facilities to live their lives to the full because nature has already blessed them with the basic elements that create inner satisfaction.
ANOTHER encounter was when she met her husband. Both had met at a traditional wedding in Warri in 2002, but got married in 2003. She says, smiling broadly, “my husband Emmanuel Esievo and I met at a traditional wedding of somebody, I didn’t see him but he saw me. Then he asked somebody who I was and the person said that’s my boss in the office. I think the person gave him the address of my office and he came around to chat me up and gradually as he sustained the interest, we became friends.”
Orezi adds: “He just introduced himself; I thought he was a contractor with Shell who wanted something, so I was like ‘what can I do for you?’ He said he didn’t need anything, but came to see me; and he sat down.
“Thereafter he started bothering me with phone calls. I found him to be a very caring, hard working man. Realising I was just ripe for marriage, I knew I had found the right person.”
Orezi pauses, then adds what seems a full stop, “let’s talk DESOPADEC, not me.” She shakes her head, her face softening. A strand of sweat slide down her face and she says, “There cannot be any meaningful human development without peace. A peace agenda that includes education, justice and equitable distribution of resources.”
She says wistfully, “analysis of poverty and human development in the Niger Delta paint a dismal picture, particularly when the Delta is compared with other oil producing regions in the world. Competition for economic resources and environmental degradation has taken its toll on the area. Local people often cannot benefit directly from oil industry activities, including employment either because they lack the skills or capital resources.”
According to the commissioner, The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development commission (DESOPADEC) was established in 2006 by an enacted bill of the Delta State House of Assembly, for 50 per cent of the 13 per cent of the state derivation funds to be set aside for the rehabilitation and development of the oil producing communities.
Orezi adds that through this state initiative, change and hope came to the people of the oil producing communities in Delta State.
“DESOPADEC, in two years, has improved inter-ethnic harmony and unity, improved the infrastructure, social and economic well being of the oil producing communities and enhanced peace and security in Delta State. The commission has awarded about 1,198 contracts till date; 447 completed and 751 at different stages of completion. Today we commission 266 projects across Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities,” she remarks.
Aluko comes home for Paul Robeson
BY FEMI ALABI ONIKEKUAs part of activities lined-up for the African American History Month in February, the American Consulate will bring home Tayo Aluko, the Liverpool-based, son of renowned Nigerian novelist, T.M. Aluko, to re-enact the life and times of African-American, Paul Robeson.
In a statement, the spokesperson of Reputations Consult, Lagos, Mrs. Christy Odia, said the play would be staged on January 28 and 29 at The Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos.
Aluko, an architect-turned actor/singer and a multiple award-winning performer across Europe and America, wrote Call Mr. Robeson in celebration of Robeson’s remarkable and eventful life.
It highlights how Robeson’s activism led to his being disowned and forgotten, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movement.
It also features some of his famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River and a spectacularly defiant testimony in front of the Senate House Un-American Activities Committee.
Aluko recalls how he came across Robeson’s story almost by chance in 1995: “I decided that Robeson’s story needed to be told, not just because it was so remarkable, but because it is so inspiring. I am thrilled by the reception the story has received in UK, America and at home in Nigeria.”
Accompanying Aluko on piano will be Lagos’s own Babatunde Sosan – who trained at Trinity College of Music, London. Sosan is equally at home on the church organ or playing jazz, and is a favourite as accompanist and soloist among Nigeria’s classical music talents.
Call Mr. Robeson has achieved acclaim around the UK and in North America. It was last seen in Washington DC, where it was previewed in the Washington Post and was selected as a “Top Pick” by the DC Theater Scene reviewer, who described it as “an invigorating and rich story for novice and scholar alike. Aluko seems to almost channel Robeson’s fury as he takes the stand for justice and equity. It is a must-see experience, a treasure of a show.”
Describing the play in a July 2008 review, the Latest 7 Bill Magazine, Brighton, UK, writes: The forerunner of ... the [new] American president was at the same time one of the most famous singers in the world and the champion of the civil rights movement.
Aluko’s portrayal of Robeson is spot on. “In about an hour, you learn everything about Robeson, but this is no dry history lesson, rather a thrilling, moving and marvelously entertaining musical drama. Aluko’s singing of Robeson songs like Ol’ Man River and Steal Away is totally soulful and convincing!”
My life of make-up
With her selection as one of the four make-up professionals that participated in the just-concluded MTN-Project Fame talent hunt, Seun Ogunsiku, CEO, MyDazzle Make-up outfit, finally established herself in the industry. Although she has been on the scene for quite a while and has already made her mark, Seun has many reasons to feel particularly triumphant now. Not only is she making a success of a vocation she is passionate about, has also discovered a channel through which she can express herself and her talents. She took CHIEMEREM-NNEKA UMENNE on the journey that led to fulfilment. Background/ Education
I am the first girl and fifth child from a family of 10 children. I spent most part of my life in Ebute- metta, Lagos where I attended St. Jude Primary School. Later, I proceeded to Imeko Senior Secondary School in Ogun State. I undertook a National Diploma (ND) course in Mass Communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in 1999.
Thereafter, I attended the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) in 2002, Oprah Benson Beauty Training Institute in 2005 and later to Unveil Make- up Studios, Ikeja because I realised I needed to learn more. I also went to the Nigerian Film Institute in Jos, Plateau State to read make-up for television/ stage.
Growing up
It was a mixture of fun and the not so fun. It was a fair one considering the intrigues that usually play out in a polygamous home. I can still recall all the childhood plays and fun. My parents were also considerate too.
How come you started with Mass Communication through Technology only to end up with
making up?
At a point, I was confused not knowing what to do with my life. At that point, I just wanted to leave Nigeria because I was dabbling into a whole lot of things at the same time.
After my Industrial Training in 2000, I had the opportunity of either leaving the country to study or stay back. I really did not know what I wanted out of life and that gave me some concern.
I sincerely asked myself about the things that gave me joy and satisfaction. I longed for an answer. Before then, a lot of people were already tired of my indecision concerning the career I desired.
In 2004, however, I attended a church programme at DayStar Ministry with the theme: “discovering yourself- your purpose, passion in life”. That was when it clicked. I suddenly realized my passion was for making people look beautiful and helping them highlight their facial features.
Starting point
I started professionally in 2005. But by the time I decided to go into make-up, I couldn’t tell anyone at home. So, I had to divert my NIIT exam fee to enroll at Oprah Benson Centre. This was because my daddy once asked me if I.T was what I wanted to read to which I replied in the affirmative.
So I didn’t have the courage to go back to him to tell him something to the contrary. It wouldn’t have gone down well with him.
Before then, I had always made people look stunning though I wasn’t a professional. I started with my mother’s clients in her beauty salon in 2002 and most of them always wanted me to do their hair and they kept asking for me because of the stylish touch I had. Health and safety in make-up
Most centres don’t teach their students about health and safety roles in make-up artistry. This is lacking among some practitioners and could be very dangerous. It just means that as a professional, one should never, for whatsoever reason, apply products directly from the container on your patron or client.
As professionals, we assume that everybody is carrying something on the skin and we don’t want to give or contract anything. So every practitioner ought to disinfect or wash the hands thoroughly before working on a patron’s face to avoid spreading infection.
Another thing is that after using an eyeliner for a patron, it is either you sanitize it or use another one for another patron.
I have never, for instance, had any patron complaining of skin reaction after service and that gives me joy. In the studio where I was taught, you dare dnot touch anyone without washing the hands because no one knows what and whom you must have touched during the day.
This is so to avoid passage of germs into people’s skin. This is where some professionals are missing out. Some don’t even understand these safety rules not to mention adhering to it.
Common errors on facials
Undefined eyebrow is common among women. It is never advisable to use black, wine or red eye-pencils on the eyebrow. For light complexion, brown eye-pencil depending on the shade will do the trick because it won’t appear the person is making too much effort and the hair at that spot isn’t black anyway.
For a dark person, dark brown eye-pencil can be used for the eyebrow and colors for eye shadow should depend on the mood, personality and event. It is somewhat a challenge though for those with dark skin.
Wear and tear caused by using substandard make-up products is another problem. It gives a separation effect, which doesn’t stay long. Not lining the eye-lid after applying eye shadow makes the eyes look incomplete.
Then, there is the inability to blend the foundation properly, which makes the wearer appear as though she is wearing a mask. It should be blended from the face down to the neck because one is not supposed to see the starting and finishing line of a make-up.
It should also be a flawless looking skin. Using incorrect shades of foundation is another problem.
The overall output may be good but something is definitely wrong. However, using quality products is the life-wire in beauty industry.
Whenever I’m on the road, I observe the kind of make-up people wear. Any time I come across a billboard, I look out for the make-up type used and how they are applied. If it looks good, I know immediately that the artist must be a professional.
Fundamental imbalance in make-up
They are light eyes / light lips for reserved personalities. Light eyes/ accentuated lips where there is colour(s) on the lips. Accentuated eyes/ light lips for bold personalities who love colours and want to be noticed anywhere.
However, there is a limit to where such looks should be worn. Accentuated eyes/ accentuated lips are for the glamorous. And whatever look a practitioner is trying to create must fall into these four categories regardless of the complexion.
What is loud make-up?
There is nothing like loud make-up although some people are reserved and will not use very bright colours. That is simply their personality.
But for a dark person, I encourage them to use little colours depending on their desire. Colours are good provided they are well applied. The important thing is that the client is comfortable wearing that look.
Experience
I was one of the four make-up teams that worked for the recent MTN Project Fame along with Babes Make-up outfit. I have worked for pastor Nike Adeyemi. I do their photo-shoot makeup. I do the make up for Bisi Shola- Connect, an LTV programme on Saturday morning at 7am. I also do the make up for Sola Saloko among others.
Nigeria make-up industry
It is fast growing. There are a lot of opportunities for those who are really willing to go the extra mile. New techniques are fast coming up. It is a vast industry. The sky is just a starting point.
However, only hard working ones will be standing at the end of the day because everyone wants to look good these days including even the guys.
Men’s make-up
Obviously, guys too now want to look good. Male models for all sorts of adverts wear make up. Theirs differs a bit from that of the ladies. I usually use foundation, non-glossy lip balm and powder for them.
I never use white powder for the guys because white powder has grey-fillers and that is a common error in home video films. I arrange their eyebrows though I don’t shape or define them. I also do their moustache.
Trial make-up
This is a must rule for any professional. I engage my patron on a trial fit look before the eventual date of event. This helps to understand what the client wants, purpose of the event, the personality of the client, what kind of make up he/she likes to wear, likes and dislikes on colours to avoid the client developing anxiety, coupled with other challenges in the course of preparing for an occasion.
But the trial make-up is not allowed to be worn outside except on the day of the event. So we wipe it off after confirmation.
Projection
I hope to undergo another training in Canada in 2011 and I am working hard towards that.
Challenges/ charges
The initial challenge was people looking down on me and I used to somehow wonder if I was really cut out for this. There is also the issue of late or non-payment by customers.
But now, we are resolved on clients paying fully before services. Till now, I still have clients who owe us for wedding make-up we serviced them three years ago.
‘For me, it’s got to be creative, crazy, colourful’
Olayinka Lawanson, known more as Lamboginny, has a mission to change the face of gospel music in the country. The artiste, who has done a lot of collaborations and featured in songs by artistes such as Mr. Solek, Nkem Owoh, Pastor goody goody, OJB Jezreel, Sammie Okposo, among others, on December 24, 2009, released his first album titled, Mawomi. He tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA how fashion can bring a change in a person’s understanding of life.Definition of fashion
Crazy! It’s something you shouldn’t predict. For me, it is surprise; creativity; attitude and charisma. A good example: I have about three colours on my hair then, I’m putting on a double belt jean trousers; that’s what I’m talking about. Being crazy and unpredictable!
Style of dressing
Normally, I love to come out looking crazy, but for this New Year, I have decided to re-brand myself. I’m currently working on a corporate project, thus, there’s need to appear in a corporate manner. What this suggests is that I’m leaving the craziness about my hair.
Favourite colour(s)
I do not have one in particular; I just know I deal with bright colours.
Favourite designers
That’s Jordan; I love him because he’s our own. He also makes cloths for Denrele. I also fancy Elvis Okenwa; he’s business oriented, even as a student.
What will you not be caught wearing or doing?
Walking on the streets, naked.
Stylish icon(s)
Locally, I love D’banj because he’s a fan of Fela and Fela’s style is unusual. Again, I love Denrele because his style is unique and crazy. I also love Terry G’s sensitivity towards music, he’s creative and I’ll say he’s stylish. Internationally, it’s DD; his style is corporate and with his outfit, I’ve come to realise that been an entertainer, you are also a corporate person and through him, I’ve been able to develop the corporate part of me. I also love Elephant man.
Signature scent(s)
Unforgivable by Sean John.
Describe yourself in three words
Caring, crazy and creative.
Most cherished possession(s)
God and my vocal chord: those are the two things I cherish most in my life right now.
Most expensive item
My jewelry; the blings. I’m a jewelry freak.
Turn on
Music is the number one thing; it really gives me joy no matter what happens to me.
Turn off
As an entertainer, I live my life diplomatically, so what might be a turn off for me, I look into it, and bring out the best out of it. Basically, nothing turns me off!
Happiest moment(s)
The moments I spend with my family make me feel like the happiest person on earth. I’m always happy when I’m on stage, also.
Embarrassing moment(s)
That was years ago. I was on stage, and I didn’t know where blood dripped. All I knew was that it stained me all over and I have never been so embarrassed that way before in my entire life. Another time was in 2002. As I made towards the stage after I had been called out, everybody began to boo and yell at me to leave the stage because I wasn’t known. It was very embarrassing. However, when I was coming down from the stage, I met Azadus; who spoke to me in a manner that made me determined. Since then, it has been great!
Motivations
My motivator is God, which’s why I think unusually. Another thing that motivates me is when I see another dimension or good work of art; be it music, acting, drawing and others, I get motivated and I pick out something from them. Music also motivates me.
Philosophy of life
The way you came to the world is the same way you will leave. We came empty and we will all go empty, so, while we live, we should live a good life.
If you were given an opportunity to change something in Nigeria, what would it be?
Crime. That’s why I came out with a project titled, Lamboginny says no to crime. I’ve come to discover that music is psychological and has therapeutic effect. For every crime committed, it is first implemented in the mind before being carried out, so, if we can renew the mind, then crime is over. I had a concert in Kirikiri last year, featuring Sammie Okposo, Mike Aremu, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Dekunle Fuji, Rooftop Mcs, Bukky Ajayi, Zeal, Daddy Fresh, among others. There were a lot of government functionaries at the event including the controller of Nigeria Prisons Services, who came from Abuja.
Made in Canaan City
BY CHUKS NWANNEThough the yearly Calabar Christmas carnival was originally conceived to feature a carnival train, which usually takes guests in colourful regalia, through the streets of Calabar, the event has developed into a 32-day of fun featuring other activities such as the carnival Calabar queen contest, the HIV/AIDS Walk/Conference, musical concerts, African food expo, carol night, golf and soccer tournament and a special carnival fashion show.
Just like in the previous editions, this year’s carnival featured a special fashion show, involving some Nigerian designers, who used the platform to showcase their latest designs with which they intend to make a statement in the New year.
Held at the Tinapa Resort, the event, which attracted guests and tourists from different parts of the world, saw elegant models and celebrities displayed fabulous designs created by the designers. It was cheers all the way as the models catwalked on the runway in style to the admiration of the excited audience.
Indeed, the fashion show exhibited the creative ingenuity of Nigerian designers, who are gradually rubbing shoulders with their counterparts abroad, participating in international fashion shows around the world. On the other hand, the fashion show has created yet another attraction in the carnival that is gradually gaining international recognition.
Bimbo... love in the beads
While her mates were still roaming the streets, seeking white-collar jobs in the oil rich Niger Delta, Bimbo Balogun, a graduate of Petroleum Marketing from the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Delta State, is already taking her bead making business to greater level. Though the mother of two got into the business out of frustration, it seems her decision to set up Bimbeads Concept, is finally paying off. Presently the vice president of Beaded Designers Association of Nigeria, Balogun, who has showcased her works locally and international, shares her experiences with OYINDAMOLA LAWAL.
How did you get into the business of bead making?
To be frank, I joined this trade out of frustration; I searched for job for four year. At a point, I had to go into cold room business and later venture into baking, make-up and others. One day, I was sitting at home as a full house wife, when I saw an advert about bead making on TV. Right from there, I knew it was something I could do. That was how I did a course in bead making, majoring in string beads. Over the years, I’ve been able to develop myself.
Inspiration
I like the fact that in jewellery making, designs are unlimited; it brings out your creativity. You can even make a mistake and it turns out to be a design; I could use my biro to make jump ring. The fact is that everything around me is inspiring.
Challenges
Because I started from home, when I was making jewellery and delivering to my customers, now that I have an outlet, my customers are used to me bringing them to their homes. Another challenge I encounter in life was after graduation; most of my friend settled in the oil rich Niger Delta, but I had to come to Lagos because I was married. Hunting for job in Lagos was another big challenge.
Unique Selling Point
I make outstanding designs that cut across. I make gold field jewellery, using 18 karat gold, gem stones among others.
Role models
I admire Kimora Simons; she is a model and she is into everything. She is a young girl with great achievements; a lot of people believe that models don’t have anything upstairs, but she was able to prove them wrong. She has a TV show on DSTV that I watch every time.
Her clientele
I design for different categories of people; from casual to formal, weddings, corporate events and others. Basically, I design for ladies from different sphere of life. But what I look out for in my clients is personality and the occasion’s demand.
Most challenging job
It was a pastor’s wife’s jewellery; she gave me a design from a magazine and I battled with it for a week. But when I finally came up with my design, she was like, ‘wow!’ It was challenging because I didn’t want to do exactly what I saw in the magazine. So, with my creativity, I spiced it up a little and it became more beautiful than the one I saw.
Most stylish icons
Sade Okoya, of course. It’s obvious she is stylish and she knows good things.
Projection into the future
The future is bright. Besides, I want to be a household name in fashion business in the country.
Tories plan to tighten foreign student visa
BY JAMES BOXELL
FOREIGN students seeking to enter the United Kingdom from countries such as Pakistan, India, China and Nigeria would be singled out for extra scrutiny by border officials under the new immigration regulations outlined by the Tories.
Responding to evidence of widespread abuse of the student visa system, Chris Grayling, shadow home secretary, said incoming Conservative government would also ask many overseas students to pay cash deposits worth thousands of pounds, to be returned only when they are leaving the country.
But Mr Grayling, who described the present student regime as a “huge loophole in our border controls”, has decided not to pursue stricter measures such as shutting the door to courses below degree level or demanding higher standards of English language among applicants.
Universities, further education colleges and English language schools have been lobbying politicians not to go too far in blocking overseas students because it would threaten a vital part of their fee-raising capacity, just as they face deep budget cuts. Some estimates suggest international students bring £8.5bn to the UK economy each year.
“International students do not come automatically to the UK,” said Catherine Marston of Universities UK, a representative body. “Our universities work hard to attract them, so, it’s vital we send out the message that we welcome them.”
THE problems with student visas have risen to the top of the Westminster agenda after a Nigerian man allegedly attempted to blow up a passenger jet headed for Detroit on Christmas Day. The 23-year-old suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, studied mechanical engineering at University College London between 2005 and 2008.
Border officials stressed that Abdulmutallab was a bonafide applicant from a prominent Nigerian family. A subsequent attempt to return to the UK was rejected after he applied for a course at a bogus college. Nevertheless, opposition politicians argue that large-scale abuse of the student visa system is a risk to national security.
About 240,000 such visas were granted last year, up from 70,000, 10 years ago. Much of this can be attributed to a drive by Mr Brown and Tony Blair, his predecessor, to establish Britain as a global leader in higher education. However, Phil Woolas, the borders minister, admitted that student visa has become the immigration system’s “Achilles’ heel”, regularly abused as people from south Asia, West Africa and China look to, as such, the introduction of stricter work permit controls. Tens of thousands of people have also arrived to study at bogus colleges set up to circumvent immigration rules.
Other colleges would face greater oversight by border agency officials. The Tories would also introduce stricter rules to make sure people have enough money in their bank accounts to pay for a full course of study, another area widely abused.
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Anxiety in UNN over increment in school fees
BY SCHOLASTICA ODUM
STUDENTS of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, returned to school on January 4, to meet new developments, such as the re-roofing of the female halls of residence and the demolition of illegal structures within the campus.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomew Okolo, determined to give the institution a facelift, has decided to continue from where his predecessor, Prof. Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, stopped, by carrying out the project.
Okolo, since assuming office in July 3, 2009, has lived up to his promise to give the university a fresh look.
However, amidst the on-going renovation exercise, there is a growing agitation by students against the rumoured increase in tuition fees next session, which will commence in two months time.
The rumour has further gained grounds with the recent increase of acceptance fee paid by newly admitted students from N6, 000 to N25, 000, effective from 2009/2010 academic year.
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Ugwueze Malaki, during an interview with Roar Newspaper said, the increment was necessary.
For now, the fear of a possible increment remains a big bug.
UNAD declares war on cultism
By Opeyemi Dibua
THE full might of the University of Ado-Ekiti community has descended on cultism and other anti-social vices.
At a recent rally, students trooped out in large numbers to denounce the practice, which they said had brought dishonour to the country’s educational system.
Organised under the auspices of the Students’ Union, participants vowed to battle the evil of cultism, regretting that a few bad eggs in their midst have given a negative label to numerous students who are leading a decent life in the university.
The students found ally in the management of the school, which promised total support for the rally.
The first of its kind in the history of the university, the rally was followed by a meeting held in front of the Omolayo administrative building, where three former cultists (names withheld), renounced their membership of Eye Confraternity and handed over their weapons to the police.
The leader of the repentant cultists told Life Campus that a friend called ‘Stainless’ initiated him into cultism. “I don’t know his real name, but I met him at a party in Lagos. I was formerly the leader of southwest zone; we operated in all the campuses in the southwest except Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). My parents did not know I was a cultist and even if somebody had told them, they wouldn’t believe. I can’t go back to cultism. I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to the students to forgive us.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Dipo Kolawole, represented by Prof. Olaofe, admitted, “at a time, cultism was a major problem for the institution, but now with the help of God, it has been fought to a standstill.” He described the act as barbaric, and promised that the university would always give cult members -- who desire to renounce their membership -- opportunity to do so.
Kolawole also urged other students involved, either as patron or members, to desist from such act, threatening that the institution will not hesitate to punish anybody found culpable.
Prof Oloyede, the Dean of Management Science, who prayed for confessed cultists, charged them to forget the past. He quoted from Proverb 13:24 to buttress his point.
The Registrar, Dr. Omojola Awosusi, advised them not to allow anything to lure them back into cultism. He also said that they have easy access into any of the principal officers’ office for any assistance and help.
IN another development, nemesis has caught up with Abegunde Michael, a 200 level student of Economics of the school, after engaging in series of admission scams. Michael allegedly collected N88,000 from Toyin Otitolaye to facilitate her admission into the university. Toyin had earned 185 in her JAMB, a score lower than the 200 cut-off mark for admission.
Speaking with Life Campus, Toyin said, “I gave him the amount because I could not find my name on the internet among the admitted students, after spending a year in the university as a pre-degree student.” After waiting for about 11 months without getting her matriculation number, she went to the admission office to lodge a complaint, and was told she was not given admission.
According to Toyin, “he (Michael), gave me a print-out, which I have been carrying around all this while; I came to know I wasn’t given admission when I couldn’t find my name among the names of the matriculated students.”
magodoboy@yahoo.com
Corps member donates materials to schools, brings relief to orphanage
BY ABOSEDE MUSARI, ABUJA
IN order to reduce HIV prevalence and teenage pregnancy among children of school age, a corps member in Abuja, Aboki Theophilus, has decided to provide school children in Abuja with information on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
The project, which has already been carried out in three secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, is part of his Personal Community Development Service (PCDS).
The project provides “accurate information on reproductive health and HIV and AIDS to young people in schools, by donating resource materials on the concerns to the schools,” he said.
According to him, the sexual and reproductive health issues faced by Nigerian adolescents have assumed critical dimensions, with about 220,000 children already living with the virus.
He added that teenage pregnancy has been the single most important reason why girls don’t complete their schooling, aside from the rising cases of teenage abortions.
This, he said, has informed his choice of reproductive health education as a way of reaching out to the younger ones within Abuja Municipal Area Council. The schools already reached are The Regent Secondary School Mabuchi, Lightway Academy Secondary School Wuse II, and Command Day Secondary School, Lungi Barracks.
Also in the spirit of service, the corps member donated a set of beddings to the City of Refuge Orphanage in Maitama.
Aboki said his decision to donate the items was informed after his visit to the orphanage, when he saw four children sharing a single bed. The items donated include double-decker beds, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows and pillowcases.
FOREIGN students seeking to enter the United Kingdom from countries such as Pakistan, India, China and Nigeria would be singled out for extra scrutiny by border officials under the new immigration regulations outlined by the Tories.
Responding to evidence of widespread abuse of the student visa system, Chris Grayling, shadow home secretary, said incoming Conservative government would also ask many overseas students to pay cash deposits worth thousands of pounds, to be returned only when they are leaving the country.
But Mr Grayling, who described the present student regime as a “huge loophole in our border controls”, has decided not to pursue stricter measures such as shutting the door to courses below degree level or demanding higher standards of English language among applicants.
Universities, further education colleges and English language schools have been lobbying politicians not to go too far in blocking overseas students because it would threaten a vital part of their fee-raising capacity, just as they face deep budget cuts. Some estimates suggest international students bring £8.5bn to the UK economy each year.
“International students do not come automatically to the UK,” said Catherine Marston of Universities UK, a representative body. “Our universities work hard to attract them, so, it’s vital we send out the message that we welcome them.”
THE problems with student visas have risen to the top of the Westminster agenda after a Nigerian man allegedly attempted to blow up a passenger jet headed for Detroit on Christmas Day. The 23-year-old suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, studied mechanical engineering at University College London between 2005 and 2008.
Border officials stressed that Abdulmutallab was a bonafide applicant from a prominent Nigerian family. A subsequent attempt to return to the UK was rejected after he applied for a course at a bogus college. Nevertheless, opposition politicians argue that large-scale abuse of the student visa system is a risk to national security.
About 240,000 such visas were granted last year, up from 70,000, 10 years ago. Much of this can be attributed to a drive by Mr Brown and Tony Blair, his predecessor, to establish Britain as a global leader in higher education. However, Phil Woolas, the borders minister, admitted that student visa has become the immigration system’s “Achilles’ heel”, regularly abused as people from south Asia, West Africa and China look to, as such, the introduction of stricter work permit controls. Tens of thousands of people have also arrived to study at bogus colleges set up to circumvent immigration rules.
Other colleges would face greater oversight by border agency officials. The Tories would also introduce stricter rules to make sure people have enough money in their bank accounts to pay for a full course of study, another area widely abused.
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Anxiety in UNN over increment in school fees
BY SCHOLASTICA ODUM
STUDENTS of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, returned to school on January 4, to meet new developments, such as the re-roofing of the female halls of residence and the demolition of illegal structures within the campus.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomew Okolo, determined to give the institution a facelift, has decided to continue from where his predecessor, Prof. Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, stopped, by carrying out the project.
Okolo, since assuming office in July 3, 2009, has lived up to his promise to give the university a fresh look.
However, amidst the on-going renovation exercise, there is a growing agitation by students against the rumoured increase in tuition fees next session, which will commence in two months time.
The rumour has further gained grounds with the recent increase of acceptance fee paid by newly admitted students from N6, 000 to N25, 000, effective from 2009/2010 academic year.
The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Ugwueze Malaki, during an interview with Roar Newspaper said, the increment was necessary.
For now, the fear of a possible increment remains a big bug.
UNAD declares war on cultism
By Opeyemi DibuaTHE full might of the University of Ado-Ekiti community has descended on cultism and other anti-social vices.
At a recent rally, students trooped out in large numbers to denounce the practice, which they said had brought dishonour to the country’s educational system.
Organised under the auspices of the Students’ Union, participants vowed to battle the evil of cultism, regretting that a few bad eggs in their midst have given a negative label to numerous students who are leading a decent life in the university.
The students found ally in the management of the school, which promised total support for the rally.
The first of its kind in the history of the university, the rally was followed by a meeting held in front of the Omolayo administrative building, where three former cultists (names withheld), renounced their membership of Eye Confraternity and handed over their weapons to the police.
The leader of the repentant cultists told Life Campus that a friend called ‘Stainless’ initiated him into cultism. “I don’t know his real name, but I met him at a party in Lagos. I was formerly the leader of southwest zone; we operated in all the campuses in the southwest except Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). My parents did not know I was a cultist and even if somebody had told them, they wouldn’t believe. I can’t go back to cultism. I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to the students to forgive us.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Dipo Kolawole, represented by Prof. Olaofe, admitted, “at a time, cultism was a major problem for the institution, but now with the help of God, it has been fought to a standstill.” He described the act as barbaric, and promised that the university would always give cult members -- who desire to renounce their membership -- opportunity to do so.
Kolawole also urged other students involved, either as patron or members, to desist from such act, threatening that the institution will not hesitate to punish anybody found culpable.
Prof Oloyede, the Dean of Management Science, who prayed for confessed cultists, charged them to forget the past. He quoted from Proverb 13:24 to buttress his point.
The Registrar, Dr. Omojola Awosusi, advised them not to allow anything to lure them back into cultism. He also said that they have easy access into any of the principal officers’ office for any assistance and help.
IN another development, nemesis has caught up with Abegunde Michael, a 200 level student of Economics of the school, after engaging in series of admission scams. Michael allegedly collected N88,000 from Toyin Otitolaye to facilitate her admission into the university. Toyin had earned 185 in her JAMB, a score lower than the 200 cut-off mark for admission.
Speaking with Life Campus, Toyin said, “I gave him the amount because I could not find my name on the internet among the admitted students, after spending a year in the university as a pre-degree student.” After waiting for about 11 months without getting her matriculation number, she went to the admission office to lodge a complaint, and was told she was not given admission.
According to Toyin, “he (Michael), gave me a print-out, which I have been carrying around all this while; I came to know I wasn’t given admission when I couldn’t find my name among the names of the matriculated students.”
magodoboy@yahoo.com
Corps member donates materials to schools, brings relief to orphanage
BY ABOSEDE MUSARI, ABUJA
IN order to reduce HIV prevalence and teenage pregnancy among children of school age, a corps member in Abuja, Aboki Theophilus, has decided to provide school children in Abuja with information on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.
The project, which has already been carried out in three secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, is part of his Personal Community Development Service (PCDS).
The project provides “accurate information on reproductive health and HIV and AIDS to young people in schools, by donating resource materials on the concerns to the schools,” he said.
According to him, the sexual and reproductive health issues faced by Nigerian adolescents have assumed critical dimensions, with about 220,000 children already living with the virus.
He added that teenage pregnancy has been the single most important reason why girls don’t complete their schooling, aside from the rising cases of teenage abortions.
This, he said, has informed his choice of reproductive health education as a way of reaching out to the younger ones within Abuja Municipal Area Council. The schools already reached are The Regent Secondary School Mabuchi, Lightway Academy Secondary School Wuse II, and Command Day Secondary School, Lungi Barracks.
Also in the spirit of service, the corps member donated a set of beddings to the City of Refuge Orphanage in Maitama.
Aboki said his decision to donate the items was informed after his visit to the orphanage, when he saw four children sharing a single bed. The items donated include double-decker beds, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows and pillowcases.
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