Showing posts with label Edition 228. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edition 228. Show all posts
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Africa on their minds
THIS group of young people are bonded to enhance the lives and future of young Africans in war-torn countries. The project earned them the Team of the Year awards at The Future Awards held recently.What made your group to win The Future Awards Team of the Year?
The judges would be in the best position to answer this question, considering the fact that all other finalists have also carried out brilliant initiatives. Having said that, it is noteworthy to say in 2009 AFYUCh was able to carry out change projects in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) in spite of our very busy schedules. This could only have been possible through the synergy of committed individuals that make up the team.
Have there been changes since you won?
There have been immense changes since we won the award. There is the attendant media attention as well as opportunities to scale up our projects through collaborations that have come our way.
Would you have continued with your quest for change had your team been disadvantaged in that category?
I would not like to see our not winning the award as being disadvantaged; to be shortlisted alone is significant. We are committed to our projects in-spite of any seeming challenges and would have continued with our initiatives regardless of the outcome of the judges. We are, however, encouraged by the award to do a lot more.
What does African Youth Unite for Change entail?
AFYUCh is basically a group of young professionals from different backgrounds. We have as focus, the building of leadership potential among young people in post-conflict African countries to enable them improve their personal circumstances as well as become catalysts of the accelerated development of their countries. We also aim at building platforms to engage young professionals across Africa to exchange ideas on conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.
Where did the name come from?
AFYUCh was originally called ‘African Youth Unite for Liberia (AFYUL)’ at inception, because we set out to bring together young professionals from different African countries to contribute to Liberia’s reconstruction. We decided to change the name to ‘African Youth Unite for Change (AFYUCh)’ after our successful outreach to Bong County, Liberia in March 2008. The name change was to allow us extend the project to other post-conflict African countries.
You will agree with me that the word ‘Change’ is becoming a cliché these days?
The wind of change is rapidly sweeping across Africa with young people spearheading significant change initiatives. We can’t have too many of change initiatives because there is a lot to be done.
What makes your organization different from others?
We have very strict guidelines that guide our diplomatic disposition, when on our missions. This ensures that we portray Nigeria and Nigerians in very good light to our international publics. AFYUCh also maintains very close ties with LEAP Africa, which has oversight of our activities and allow us to use their proprietary modules and youth empowerment models.
It is perceived that a group of young people below 27, passionate about resolving other people’s conflict cannot be devoid of conflicts in this pursuit. What is your take on this?
We definitely have slight conflicts in the course of our activities, which are quickly resolved amicably. We have learnt to put aside personal preferences for the common good.
What significant change has your interaction with these young people brought?
We have been able to empower about 300 young people who were either victims of gender-based violence, forced co-option as juvenile combatants or those rendered vulnerable by conflict. The participants of our training programmes have also been encouraged to start change projects to impact their local communities.
If you were to paint Africa based on what you’ve seen in the places you’ve been, what would you draw, what colour will you use, and why?
I would paint Mother Africa green. In the lyrics of TY Bello, the land is indeed very beautiful and green with opportunities. In spite of our differences, we have what it takes to become the greatest continent in the world if we can overcome the issues of corruption and establish credible democratic structures.
Why would a set of promising guys be interested in a cause as this, while their mates take romantic trips to glamorous locations abroad?
Many of us are widely traveled, but still agree that Africa has some of the greatest locations to visit in the world. We, however, sacrifice our leave times and funds to impact on the lives of our brothers and sisters, who are not as privileged as we are.
How do you source your fund?
It’s from members, our family and friends. We also have a very supportive advisory board, which includes Dapo Odojukan of Rosaab International; Ms. Ngozi Obigwe of Leap Africa; and Mr. Foluso Phillips of Phillips Consulting.
Who are the key members of AFYUCh and what’s the structure like?
In Nigeria, we have a central working committee with members such as Joseph Mojume, Damilare Adeyeri, Lekan Akanbi, Esohe Okhomina, Tina Ugbebor, Oare Ehiemua, Aramide Abe, Usman Imanah, Vremudia Irikefe, Ismoila Alli-Balogun, Idonreyin Effiong, Kunle Odeyemi, Elizabeth Oghoro, Seun Adelusi and Akin Rotimi
What personal experiences or joint experiences that kick-started this undertaking?
AFYUCh (Then known as AFYUL) was inspired by the moving testimony of Baysah Corvah, a Liberian youth who experienced the war first hand and one of the 101 Young Africans that attended the African Business Leaders’ Forum in Accra Ghana in October 2007.
Would you say it’s worth the pains?
It has been marvelous to be part of this team. I have learned vital skills and exposed to continental issues, which I bring to bear in my personal life and career.
How would you assess the developmental process in Africa?
The comparative economic and human development indices are still not very encouraging. I am in support of the view that Africa’s development depends on Africans. We can do a lot more by establishing platforms for greater collaboration among African countries, especially developing strong trade ties. The emerging order is seeing African nations, urging western countries to establish trade ties with us and not just providing developmental Aid. We are, however, still being slowed down by political instability and corruption that’s why the advocacy for credible elections and good governance is gaining momentum. When we have the right leaders in place in Africa, the continent will develop faster.
What is your take on leadership in Nigeria?
We are still far from having the type of leaders that can rapidly improve the quality of lives of the generality of Nigerians. The starting point as I said earlier is credible elections. In a situation where we have a compromised electoral process, it becomes an exception rather than a rule to produce leaders, who have the interest of the people at heart. Another issue is civic participation in governance. The prevailing apathy of the generality of Nigerians to socio-political issues accounts for the reason a small fraction of the people, usurp authority, to do whatever they like. Leaders need to govern well, but followers also have a duty to hold leaders accountable and resist subversions of the constitution among other undemocratic moves.
In this part of the world we are faced with the problem of recycling bad leadership, how do these youths you’re equipping with leadership skills break through this political pipe to assert their destiny?
Young people all over Africa are indeed tired of bad leaders. There has been an upsurge in the number and variety of youth-led developmental initiatives across the continent in the last decade. The learned and shared paradigm within the vast network of youth organizations is that ‘youths are not leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today’. This paradigm has also been our guiding principle in empowering participants in our programmes, we encourage them to be the change they want to see in their communities by starting a change initiative with what they have and where they are.
What is human relationship like in Rwanda, 17 years after the Genocide?
Rwanda known as ‘the land of a thousand hills and a millions smiles’ has recovered remarkably from the unfortunate genocide that occurred many years ago. The government and people have put in place veritable structures to mitigate issues that led to the violence. It might interest you to know that ethnicity has been outlawed in Rwanda in an effort to promote unity. This means that it is illegal to refer to someone as Hutu or Tutsi. The government of President Paul Kagame has also done very well in the development of infrastructure and creating conducive environment to attract foreign investment. The efforts of the people in rebuilding their country after the genocide has become a post-conflict reconstruction model all over the world.
Is there any re-occurring trend in the conflicts in all the places you’ve visited and why is that so?
Academics in the field of conflict analysis have identified significant conflict trends, especially in the Great Lakes region of East Africa . We can also see trends of conflict spread across geographies especially within the West African Sub-region. I share the view that some of the trends of conflict in many African countries can be traced to negative colonial imprints on our socio-political structure.
What are the lessons for Nigerians from your incursion into other African countries?
Nigeria needs to take conflict prevention very seriously. We cannot afford another civil war in Nigeria, though we seem to be dancing too close to it. Many families are still managing to cope with the negative effects of the over three decades ago war, yet we don’t take ethnic nationalities who feel marginalized seriously. Our leaders wantonly stoke religious sentiments among the masses for their own selfish gains. It is sad that 50 years after independence, we still have ‘conflict flashpoints’ in the country such as Jos crisis in Plateau State and the Niger Delta. Nigerians need to see our heterogeneity as a strong point and learn to live together peaceably.
What are the serious challenge(s) you’ve been faced with in your passion to unite African youths for change?
We have had such issues as language barriers in some countries. We have also had to scale down on some of our projects due to lack of funding.
If you are elected president of Nigeria, what would you do?
I would ensure the mainstreaming of youth and gender issues into every policy and programme including representation in various tiers of government. With a youth population of over 60%, Nigerian youths can no longer be ignored. The change would be replacing tired and compromised legs with dynamic and focused ones.
What will your manifesto look like?
A vote for me is a vote for you. Governance is a collective enterprise that involves both the leaders and the followers.
Do you agree with the axiom ‘what will be, will be’ to characterize the trend of problems plaguing the continent?
I agree to an extent because most African cultures encourage us to accept whatever happens as ‘destiny’. More people are, however, embracing the axiom that places the burden of determining our collective future at our own hands. This means that more people are taking responsibility for shaping our personal and collective destinies.
Where do you see Africa in 20 years time?
I see a continent that has begun to take herself seriously by taking proactive steps among her member nations, to ensure the development of her peoples. I see the end of violence as a means of conflict resolution and more importantly the economic advancement of most member nations.
Looking back 20 years from now, what would you be happy to have achieved?
I would be happy to have put in place structures that would ensure the continuity of the AFYUCh vision and to see our impact spread across geographies and thematic platforms.
Do you think enough has been done to overhaul the political terrain of Nigeria?
No, I don’t think so. The generality of political elite in Nigeria today are pseudo-leaders who are compromised even before getting to office. We are teaming up with progressive individuals/organizations to clamour for electoral reforms well ahead of the 2011 general elections in Nigeria . There are also several organizations like ‘The Future Nigeria’, ‘LEAP Africa’ and the ‘Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI)’ that we are affiliated to, who have as their primary objective instilling the right values and orientation for potential leaders.
For those who wish to take this same route as yourself, what advice would you give?
You would meet several challenges along the way, which would make you question the need to sacrifice for the common good or remain in your comfort zone.
Fruit juice packaging business... A money-spinner
(Biz tool Kits)
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
Business Description
Fruit juice packaging business products made from choice fruits to the delight, entertainment, health and nutrition of consumers. Start-up cost as low as N10 million or more depending on the size of investment.
Can be jointly carried out with packaged water, as the machines for both businesses are almost similar.
• Potential first year earnings: N24 million
• Breakeven time from initial investment: very rapid (can be between 1 to 2 years)
• Future growth potential: very high
• Dynamic, fast-growing industry
• Possible for Small business or Cooperative-based organisations
• Not much staffing required, especially at the beginning
Now, the interesting world of fruit juice business is a whole breadth of product lines ranging from blackberry, apple, orange, pineapple, tangerine, banana, guava, mango, lemon, grape, coconut flavours/products, etc, or a combination of two or more of these fruits.
Fruit juice business in Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed with fruits of various shades, colours, names, multiple nutritional values, tastes, and health composition. However, we have not been able as a nation and people to exploit our fruit juice industry to the maximum.
My colleague and his mother visited their village in the eastern part of the country recently and he discovered that the grandmother’s orchard, which had been abandoned by the woman’s children — since every one of them now resides in the city — was littered with ripe but rotting fruit wasting away on the ground.
Fortunately, he and his mother were able to salvage some ripe ones on some of the trees, which they brought back to Lagos. The story is the same everywhere. We are wasting resources as a nation in every sphere of our human life. From Benue (which is incidentally, the Food Basket of the Nation) to Bayelsa, Aba to Abeokuta, our fruits are wasting away and denying us of the monetary and nutritional values they would have given us as a nation, industry and peoples. Fruit juice business therefore is an investor’s haven, as there are still untapped markets and opportunities in that industry.
Fruit juice products market
This market consists of three often-overlapping product classifications: Storage method, flavour, and juice content. The storage method classification includes refrigerated, shelf-stable bottled, frozen concentrate, aseptic, canned, frozen fruit juice bars, and shelf-stable liquid concentrate.
The flavour classification includes orange juice, fruit drink, apple juice, fruit juice blends, grapefruit juice (including 100 per cent grapefruit juice and grapefruit juice cocktails), tomato/vegetable juice, lemonade (including limeade), and grape juice. The juice content classification includes 100 per cent fruit juices and fruit drinks.
Packaged fruit market
The packaged fruit market consists of four product categories: Canned and bottled fruit; dried fruit; frozen fruit; and maraschino cherries. The canned and bottled category includes applesauce, peaches, pineapple, mixed fruit, pears, cranberry sauce, and citrus. The dried fruit category includes raisins, other mixed fruit, prunes, dates, and glazed fruit.
bridgetolotu@gmail.com
The Devil’s Highway
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
SOME years ago, when I first started writing this column, I found myself often having to explain what it was all about.
After a while, I was able to fine-tune my response to questions about the column by saying, “Just Life”, is about life even if only it’s from my perspective. Some weeks I might find, really quite easily, topics to write about but some weeks are tougher. Some weeks all I have to do is just go about my normal daily stuff and usually something happens which can be built into a story. Some weeks I get the proverbial ‘writer’s block’ and need to really work at getting a story out.
I have also found that whilst some issues can be looked at humorously, some cannot. Issues like child abuse, breast cancer and a few others are really quite serious and should be treated as such.
Now, last week has been particularly tough because I came across something so horrifying I was left speechless. I, like many other Nigerians, came across the shockingly gory photograph of the robbery incident along Lagos-Benin Expressway, which many have said should be renamed ‘The Devil’s Highway’.
I don’t know how that would sound, you know, would anyone of us want to say to anyone ‘Oh, I’ll be travelling on ‘The Devil’s Highway’ tomorrow’? I know I wouldn’t.
IT was such a shock to see the extent some otherwise supposedly ‘happy’ Nigerians among us were willing to go to get money and how merciless they could be to those who didn’t have any.
The irony was that the robbers (who usually are thought to be people pushed by desperate circumstances to crime) could not find it in their hearts to have pity on those whose situation may very well be the same or similar to theirs. But then again, which robber (except perhaps Robin Hood) could be said to have a heart?
Some reports state that the photograph is actually an accident scene and not a robbery attack. Whatever it is, the fact is it’s horrible to even imagine such a thing could actually have happened.
For a long time now Nigerians have complained about the deplorable state of the road and the regularity that brutal armed robbery attacks occur on that stretch of road.
Not much has been done about it. Do we need Einstein to tell us that without jobs for the unemployed, security measures put in place and a provision of basic needs for all, this mayhem will continue?
And when we talk about more security on that road we do not necessarily mean more police checkpoints. There are already too many as is and all the policemen seem to be doing is lining their pockets and filling their stomachs.
PERHAPS, the government awaits a time when Nicodemus will predict the death of a few more thousand souls, which will hopefully include a few ministers and a handful of governors, perhaps, something will then be done.
But since this isn’t likely to happen, is there going to be any action then? We can do little else but to wait and see.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
BY BRIDGET OLOTU
Business Description
Fruit juice packaging business products made from choice fruits to the delight, entertainment, health and nutrition of consumers. Start-up cost as low as N10 million or more depending on the size of investment.
Can be jointly carried out with packaged water, as the machines for both businesses are almost similar.
• Potential first year earnings: N24 million
• Breakeven time from initial investment: very rapid (can be between 1 to 2 years)
• Future growth potential: very high
• Dynamic, fast-growing industry
• Possible for Small business or Cooperative-based organisations
• Not much staffing required, especially at the beginning
Now, the interesting world of fruit juice business is a whole breadth of product lines ranging from blackberry, apple, orange, pineapple, tangerine, banana, guava, mango, lemon, grape, coconut flavours/products, etc, or a combination of two or more of these fruits.
Fruit juice business in Nigeria
Nigeria is blessed with fruits of various shades, colours, names, multiple nutritional values, tastes, and health composition. However, we have not been able as a nation and people to exploit our fruit juice industry to the maximum.
My colleague and his mother visited their village in the eastern part of the country recently and he discovered that the grandmother’s orchard, which had been abandoned by the woman’s children — since every one of them now resides in the city — was littered with ripe but rotting fruit wasting away on the ground.
Fortunately, he and his mother were able to salvage some ripe ones on some of the trees, which they brought back to Lagos. The story is the same everywhere. We are wasting resources as a nation in every sphere of our human life. From Benue (which is incidentally, the Food Basket of the Nation) to Bayelsa, Aba to Abeokuta, our fruits are wasting away and denying us of the monetary and nutritional values they would have given us as a nation, industry and peoples. Fruit juice business therefore is an investor’s haven, as there are still untapped markets and opportunities in that industry.
Fruit juice products market
This market consists of three often-overlapping product classifications: Storage method, flavour, and juice content. The storage method classification includes refrigerated, shelf-stable bottled, frozen concentrate, aseptic, canned, frozen fruit juice bars, and shelf-stable liquid concentrate.
The flavour classification includes orange juice, fruit drink, apple juice, fruit juice blends, grapefruit juice (including 100 per cent grapefruit juice and grapefruit juice cocktails), tomato/vegetable juice, lemonade (including limeade), and grape juice. The juice content classification includes 100 per cent fruit juices and fruit drinks.
Packaged fruit market
The packaged fruit market consists of four product categories: Canned and bottled fruit; dried fruit; frozen fruit; and maraschino cherries. The canned and bottled category includes applesauce, peaches, pineapple, mixed fruit, pears, cranberry sauce, and citrus. The dried fruit category includes raisins, other mixed fruit, prunes, dates, and glazed fruit.
bridgetolotu@gmail.com
The Devil’s Highway
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
SOME years ago, when I first started writing this column, I found myself often having to explain what it was all about.
After a while, I was able to fine-tune my response to questions about the column by saying, “Just Life”, is about life even if only it’s from my perspective. Some weeks I might find, really quite easily, topics to write about but some weeks are tougher. Some weeks all I have to do is just go about my normal daily stuff and usually something happens which can be built into a story. Some weeks I get the proverbial ‘writer’s block’ and need to really work at getting a story out.
I have also found that whilst some issues can be looked at humorously, some cannot. Issues like child abuse, breast cancer and a few others are really quite serious and should be treated as such.
Now, last week has been particularly tough because I came across something so horrifying I was left speechless. I, like many other Nigerians, came across the shockingly gory photograph of the robbery incident along Lagos-Benin Expressway, which many have said should be renamed ‘The Devil’s Highway’.
I don’t know how that would sound, you know, would anyone of us want to say to anyone ‘Oh, I’ll be travelling on ‘The Devil’s Highway’ tomorrow’? I know I wouldn’t.
IT was such a shock to see the extent some otherwise supposedly ‘happy’ Nigerians among us were willing to go to get money and how merciless they could be to those who didn’t have any.
The irony was that the robbers (who usually are thought to be people pushed by desperate circumstances to crime) could not find it in their hearts to have pity on those whose situation may very well be the same or similar to theirs. But then again, which robber (except perhaps Robin Hood) could be said to have a heart?
Some reports state that the photograph is actually an accident scene and not a robbery attack. Whatever it is, the fact is it’s horrible to even imagine such a thing could actually have happened.
For a long time now Nigerians have complained about the deplorable state of the road and the regularity that brutal armed robbery attacks occur on that stretch of road.
Not much has been done about it. Do we need Einstein to tell us that without jobs for the unemployed, security measures put in place and a provision of basic needs for all, this mayhem will continue?
And when we talk about more security on that road we do not necessarily mean more police checkpoints. There are already too many as is and all the policemen seem to be doing is lining their pockets and filling their stomachs.
PERHAPS, the government awaits a time when Nicodemus will predict the death of a few more thousand souls, which will hopefully include a few ministers and a handful of governors, perhaps, something will then be done.
But since this isn’t likely to happen, is there going to be any action then? We can do little else but to wait and see.
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Small space gardening
BY EKWY P. UZOANYAFOR reason of lack of space, many homeowners feel it is almost impossible to have a garden around the house. They contend that a small space will not accommodate most of the principles and rules laid down in gardening manuals. True, small garden spaces present their own challenges, but it needs not be limiting.
A small space garden lends itself to personal expression. Smaller gardens are extensions of your home and go a long way to capture the sensibilities and taste of the gardener. If at any time the taste and inclination change, reworking a small garden is much easier.
From wanting to make the space look larger or just squeezing as many plants in as possibly can, plenty of small gardening help comes handy.
In a small garden, the gardener needs to pay attention to details. It is easier to manage in terms of maintenance, while still having time to sit and enjoy the small garden. Another benefit of a small garden is that the gardener gets to know every space and plant. Any plant that is out of place or not thriving can be spotted and corrected quickly.
Limited space means having to make choices. Every plant or feature will need to serve a purpose. There is no room for wasted space or underperforming plants.
In fact, it takes fewer plants to make a dramatic effect.
Growing every plant you love in the available space is out of it. There is need to check the inclination to buy a plant on impulse and assume that a place can be found for it in the garden.
It also means that colour should also be limited, so as to give the small garden cohesion. Less is more. Subtle colours will make the garden appear larger. However, this can compensate for the limited colour pallette with a variety of textures. The textural contrast will help blend the plant material and allow the garden to flow.
Growing plants in containers is useful in achieving the dream of gardening in small space.
If it’s simple n’casual... That’s me, thanks
WITH a whole lot of fun growing up, the Esan native Thelma Okodua was born into a closely knit, God fearing family with so much love and affection. She and her siblings, she says, have always been like friends and this made it all the more fun for her. The Uromi, Edo State-born lady is from a large family. She grew up in the East and Studied Computer Science in the University of Port Harcourt. The actress, who also holds a diploma in theatre arts, and currently features in soap operas such as Family Ties and Spider, tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA how fashion can be so trendy.Definition of fashion
Fashion to me is any prevailing trend.
Favourite piece of clothing
My favourite piece of clothing is my D&G pair of jeans
Style of dressing
Simple casual, basically anything I’m most comfortable in
Uniqueness of your style
Less is more
Most cherished moment and why
When I had my baby girl because I realised how much God loves me
Most cherish possession
my wedding ring.
Most fashionable or stylish icon(s)
My friend Rita Dominic and internationally, Victoria Beckham
Turn on
Honesty.
Turn off
Liars
What you won’t be caught dead wearing?
Iro and Buba
Favorite body product(s)
Black opal’s body exfoliator
Role model(s)
My late mother
Acting and you
Acting is something I’m very passionate about and I love every moment I spend working
Latest and next projects
My latest project is a TV series, family ties and my next project is a movie shoot in Ghana at the end of d month.
Signature scent(s), by who and why?
Rose Essentielle by Bvulgari. I Love it because it has an extraordinary scent.
What is the essence of your style?
Comfort
Uniqueness of style
Not trying too hard but still look good and confident
What is sexy on both men and women?
It’s really not about what you wear but how you wear it but I don’t think you can go wrong in a crisp white shirt and blue jeans.
What is fashion flop to you?
Too much makeup n accessories
Fact about your style
I try to be as simple as possible
Most expensive item (s)
My Chopard wristwatch
Describe yourself in 3 words
Simple, elegant and down to earth
Favorite food
Afang soup and catfish
Favorite colour and why
Black, because just like White, u can never go wrong because it’s classy and timeless
What do you do at your leisure time
Watch movies
Favourite spot
Swe bar in City Mall, Lagos
Hobbies
Reading, playing scrabble and traveling
If you were given a chance to change something in Nigeria, what will it be?
The poor power supply
Projection into the future
Having my business run itself n being active on d international scene
Who would you like to work with in the fashion and music industry?
Deola Sagoe & Asa
What else do you do, apart from acting and how do you merge the two together.
I just got married and had a baby, so my major priority has been taking care of my home but I still do business on d side so when I’m not on set, I’m either doing my business or with my family
Who and what inspires you
God and my wonderful husband
Favourite designers and why
In Nigeria, Deola Sagoe, her work is creative and truly beautiful
Philosophy of life
Live your life one day at a time.
Amobi and friends bring charity home
By Tope Templer Olaiya
A Katy resident and Houston Texans football player is returning to Nigeria for his third annual trip to promote education, American football and health awareness in Africa. Amobi Okoye, who left Nigeria for the United States at the age of 12, will be joined by teammate Frank Okam, Kasia Muoto and Africa Cancer Center doctors and nurses for the trip to Lagos, Delta and Abuja from March 12 to 20.
“I know that in order to get things accomplished in Nigeria, one will experience frustration,” Okoye said. “After the first year, there was a lot of frustration, and second year had its own problems, but every year has become better, and I am looking forward to this time every year.”
Part of this year’s mission includes delivering approximately 30,000 new and gently used books and school supplies to two local communities in two Nigerian states. The Books Abroad collection drive was a four-month community effort sponsored by the Katy Rotary Club and the Katy Independent School District.
“Books Abroad has been a rich and fulfilling service learning project for students in every part of Katy. Together they have discovered the joy of sharing, and the satisfaction of creating opportunities for others who have so much less than they.”
In addition, the foundation is hosting Kickoff 4 Kids for the second consecutive year to teach the children the game of American football and promote better athletes through physical activity.
“I hope to see a smile on a kid’s face through football camp, knowing he has another side of hope,” Okoye said. “My goal is to bring back a higher level of athletics in the school system, because that seems to be a little forgotten. I think athletics is a real good way for kids to learn discipline and be involved in a team sport.”
The Foundation is hoping to build a prep school through the Athletes in the Diaspora Community Intervention programme to introduce the concept of American football to the continent of Africa. “We have partnered with the federal government, local and state governments of at least five states and the interest levels of everybody is very high,” Okoye said.
Funding for the goal will be through the Foundation’s scholarship programme, Changing Africa Through Education (CATE). Last year, the foundation awarded 28 scholarships to the gold medal finalists of the Nigeria Universities Games Association. This year, the foundation is hoping to award five $15,000 scholarships.
And with the help of the Medical Bridges Organization, a team doctors and nurses from the Africa Cancer Center will be delivering a 40-foot container of medical equipment and supplieas to treat cancer and other illnesses. They will also host workshops for Nigerian medical professionals through the “train the trainer” programme.
“We want to provide healthy kids in the community of Africa, starting with Nigeria,” Okoye said. “In the community, we’re going to be having free medical clinics and to create more cancer awareness.”
Ononogbu, Mr. Lipids, signs off at UNN
By Tope Templer Olaiya
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)’s Mr. Lipids, Prof. Ikpendu Christopher Ononogbu, took the first step to retirement from the University after 39 years service with a valedictory lecture organised by the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Students and staff rose in accord to honour the distinguished retiring don at the revamped Princess Alexandria Auditorium. The air was festive as tradition mingled with academic formalities. The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien was in attendance alongside the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Bartho Okolo.
Many prominent Nigerians notably Ononogbu’s peers in the academia attended the event, including the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ikenna Oyudo, and his counterpart from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Cyril Onwuliri, who was represented by his wife, Prof. Viola Onwuliri.
The professor of lipid biochemistry spoke on “The Cycles of Lipids and Morality: Four Decades of Lipid Studies in Nigeria”. He recalled his experiences working on lipids and promoting specialisation by African scientists through various international and local seminars. Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that constitute a major class of tissue components and a major foodstuff.
Ononogbu’s research efforts have included work on the differences in lipid and lipoprotein levels between black and white populations and their contributions towards Ischemic heart disease; initiating the Nigerian Lipid and Lipoprotein standardization programme aimed at harmonizing lipid studies and methodology in Nigeria and gathering together a body of African scientists to specialise in the study of lipids through the establishment of the African Conference on the Biochemistry of Lipids of which he was the first President.
He continuously propagated what he calls the gospel of lipidology, leading to the establishment of 18 centres of lipid research in Nigeria, supported by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Scientist, poet and writer, Ononogbu has written several books, including an anthropological analysis of his native Nkpa community in Abia State, a book of poetry from his travels around the world and his sojourn in Malawi as visiting professor. There are several books on his area of specialisation including the acclaimed Lipids in Human Existence.
Prof Ononogbu’s long association with the University of Nigeria commenced with his enrolment as an undergraduate. He holds the B.Sc of the university and a PhD from the University of London.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, testified of his former colleague in the Faculty of Biological Sciences: “In addition to giving honour to a deserving researcher, teacher and administrator, an event of this nature serves to remind us of our main mission as academics – teaching and research. It is on record that Ononogbu went after his duties as an academic with both passion and dedication.
He promoted the knowledge about lipids, trained many young academics and attracted many grants to the university. He contributed in no little measure to the profile of our university. In return, he achieved self-fulfilment as a mentor and received both national and international acclaim as a biochemist. I am truly happy to be part of today’s event in his honour.”
Rewarded for passion to humanity
By Daniel Anazia
She stood straight in line, head and shoulders above the more than 5,000 fellow corps members that were passing out with her, after a year of civic duty to the fatherland. Beaming with smiles, 28-year-old Olusola Abodunrin, a medical doctor by training has touched many lives through her initiative during her service year in Lagos.
Sola, with the support of the Medical Mission Initiative (MMI), organised, a one-day health-screening programme at the Isokan Public Health Centre, Ojokoro Local Development Council as part of her community development project, while serving with the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The programme had in attendance 500 respondents from the community, with the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, Samuel Adejare, also gracing the occasion.
Highpoint of the programme include health education and counseling, de-worming of children, screening for diabetes and hypertension, voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, oral health hygiene education and examination, basic eye examination, treatment of minor ailments and referral of major/chronic conditions.
The project was adjudged one of the best of all those carried out by corps members serving in the state. Hence, a certificate of honour was issued to Abodunrin.
Speaking at the occasion, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Tola Kasali, who represented the governor, thanked the corps members for their service and wished them well in their future endeavour. He encouraged them to take advantage of the entrepreneurial skills they acquired and help themselves with the loan facility the Central Bank was extending to outgoing corps members.
Members of Abodunrin’s family, whose presence added glamour to the event, said the Abeokuta, Ogun State indigene, had always have it in her heart to help people.
Elated with so much joy for the honour done to his name and family by his daughter, Balogun, told Life Campus “I am proud of her and we are very happy to be associated with her.”
“She cares for people,” Adeoye Abodunrin, her husband said. “She gives people 80 per cent of her NYSC salary. I always ask, ‘what is wrong with you?’ But this is how God rewards people who actually care for other people,” he added.
For the lady of the moment, she desires to do more and hope the report on the screening will help the council spend the money meant for healthcare for the right purposes.
Ilube’s Foundation supports gifted African students
By Tope Templer Olaiya
Tom Ilube’s African Gifted Foundation (AGF) is working with Professor Deborah Eyre, Vice President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, to select gifted African students for its first ever Academy session in January 2011.
The Academy will be based in a leading university in Uganda, and in its first year will bring together 40 to 50 exceptionally talented students aged from 14 to 19 years old from Nigeria, Botswana and Uganda, growing rapidly in future years to 1,000 students a year from across the continent.
The Academy will focus on mathematics and I.T and students will be immersed in a variety of stretching subjects ranging from space exploration, cyber-security and global commodities trading. Specialist experts from industry and leading universities from the UK and various African countries will engage these brilliant young minds in stimulating debate on how these areas can enhance the continent’s future.
Once the students have completed the Academy session and returned home, they will continue to receive support from AGF through an online virtual academy, where students will be able to access a number of online resources, take part in online discussions that spread across the continent, and engage in pan-African project work.
Across Africa’s 53 countries and a billion strong population, there are a staggering estimated 20 million gifted young people. AGF intends to create a network of these top 5 per cent talented students, guiding Africa and the world’s most eminent universities towards them. AGF also hope to inspire and motivate schools and governments to provide specially tailored and enhanced education to all their gifted students.
Tom Ilube, AGF Chairman said: “In cities, towns and villages across Africa, there are young people who have been blessed with the intelligence of an Einstein. Our mission is to find them, invest in them and unleash their talents to the benefit of the whole continent.” More information on African Gifted Foundation can be found at www.africangifted.org
A Katy resident and Houston Texans football player is returning to Nigeria for his third annual trip to promote education, American football and health awareness in Africa. Amobi Okoye, who left Nigeria for the United States at the age of 12, will be joined by teammate Frank Okam, Kasia Muoto and Africa Cancer Center doctors and nurses for the trip to Lagos, Delta and Abuja from March 12 to 20.
“I know that in order to get things accomplished in Nigeria, one will experience frustration,” Okoye said. “After the first year, there was a lot of frustration, and second year had its own problems, but every year has become better, and I am looking forward to this time every year.”
Part of this year’s mission includes delivering approximately 30,000 new and gently used books and school supplies to two local communities in two Nigerian states. The Books Abroad collection drive was a four-month community effort sponsored by the Katy Rotary Club and the Katy Independent School District.
“Books Abroad has been a rich and fulfilling service learning project for students in every part of Katy. Together they have discovered the joy of sharing, and the satisfaction of creating opportunities for others who have so much less than they.”
In addition, the foundation is hosting Kickoff 4 Kids for the second consecutive year to teach the children the game of American football and promote better athletes through physical activity.
“I hope to see a smile on a kid’s face through football camp, knowing he has another side of hope,” Okoye said. “My goal is to bring back a higher level of athletics in the school system, because that seems to be a little forgotten. I think athletics is a real good way for kids to learn discipline and be involved in a team sport.”
The Foundation is hoping to build a prep school through the Athletes in the Diaspora Community Intervention programme to introduce the concept of American football to the continent of Africa. “We have partnered with the federal government, local and state governments of at least five states and the interest levels of everybody is very high,” Okoye said.
Funding for the goal will be through the Foundation’s scholarship programme, Changing Africa Through Education (CATE). Last year, the foundation awarded 28 scholarships to the gold medal finalists of the Nigeria Universities Games Association. This year, the foundation is hoping to award five $15,000 scholarships.
And with the help of the Medical Bridges Organization, a team doctors and nurses from the Africa Cancer Center will be delivering a 40-foot container of medical equipment and supplieas to treat cancer and other illnesses. They will also host workshops for Nigerian medical professionals through the “train the trainer” programme.
“We want to provide healthy kids in the community of Africa, starting with Nigeria,” Okoye said. “In the community, we’re going to be having free medical clinics and to create more cancer awareness.”
Ononogbu, Mr. Lipids, signs off at UNN
By Tope Templer Olaiya
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)’s Mr. Lipids, Prof. Ikpendu Christopher Ononogbu, took the first step to retirement from the University after 39 years service with a valedictory lecture organised by the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Students and staff rose in accord to honour the distinguished retiring don at the revamped Princess Alexandria Auditorium. The air was festive as tradition mingled with academic formalities. The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien was in attendance alongside the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Bartho Okolo.
Many prominent Nigerians notably Ononogbu’s peers in the academia attended the event, including the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ikenna Oyudo, and his counterpart from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Cyril Onwuliri, who was represented by his wife, Prof. Viola Onwuliri.
The professor of lipid biochemistry spoke on “The Cycles of Lipids and Morality: Four Decades of Lipid Studies in Nigeria”. He recalled his experiences working on lipids and promoting specialisation by African scientists through various international and local seminars. Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that constitute a major class of tissue components and a major foodstuff.
Ononogbu’s research efforts have included work on the differences in lipid and lipoprotein levels between black and white populations and their contributions towards Ischemic heart disease; initiating the Nigerian Lipid and Lipoprotein standardization programme aimed at harmonizing lipid studies and methodology in Nigeria and gathering together a body of African scientists to specialise in the study of lipids through the establishment of the African Conference on the Biochemistry of Lipids of which he was the first President.
He continuously propagated what he calls the gospel of lipidology, leading to the establishment of 18 centres of lipid research in Nigeria, supported by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Scientist, poet and writer, Ononogbu has written several books, including an anthropological analysis of his native Nkpa community in Abia State, a book of poetry from his travels around the world and his sojourn in Malawi as visiting professor. There are several books on his area of specialisation including the acclaimed Lipids in Human Existence.
Prof Ononogbu’s long association with the University of Nigeria commenced with his enrolment as an undergraduate. He holds the B.Sc of the university and a PhD from the University of London.
Vice Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, testified of his former colleague in the Faculty of Biological Sciences: “In addition to giving honour to a deserving researcher, teacher and administrator, an event of this nature serves to remind us of our main mission as academics – teaching and research. It is on record that Ononogbu went after his duties as an academic with both passion and dedication.
He promoted the knowledge about lipids, trained many young academics and attracted many grants to the university. He contributed in no little measure to the profile of our university. In return, he achieved self-fulfilment as a mentor and received both national and international acclaim as a biochemist. I am truly happy to be part of today’s event in his honour.”
Rewarded for passion to humanity
By Daniel Anazia
She stood straight in line, head and shoulders above the more than 5,000 fellow corps members that were passing out with her, after a year of civic duty to the fatherland. Beaming with smiles, 28-year-old Olusola Abodunrin, a medical doctor by training has touched many lives through her initiative during her service year in Lagos.
Sola, with the support of the Medical Mission Initiative (MMI), organised, a one-day health-screening programme at the Isokan Public Health Centre, Ojokoro Local Development Council as part of her community development project, while serving with the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
The programme had in attendance 500 respondents from the community, with the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Lagos State House of Assembly, Samuel Adejare, also gracing the occasion.
Highpoint of the programme include health education and counseling, de-worming of children, screening for diabetes and hypertension, voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, oral health hygiene education and examination, basic eye examination, treatment of minor ailments and referral of major/chronic conditions.
The project was adjudged one of the best of all those carried out by corps members serving in the state. Hence, a certificate of honour was issued to Abodunrin.
Speaking at the occasion, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Tola Kasali, who represented the governor, thanked the corps members for their service and wished them well in their future endeavour. He encouraged them to take advantage of the entrepreneurial skills they acquired and help themselves with the loan facility the Central Bank was extending to outgoing corps members.
Members of Abodunrin’s family, whose presence added glamour to the event, said the Abeokuta, Ogun State indigene, had always have it in her heart to help people.
Elated with so much joy for the honour done to his name and family by his daughter, Balogun, told Life Campus “I am proud of her and we are very happy to be associated with her.”
“She cares for people,” Adeoye Abodunrin, her husband said. “She gives people 80 per cent of her NYSC salary. I always ask, ‘what is wrong with you?’ But this is how God rewards people who actually care for other people,” he added.
For the lady of the moment, she desires to do more and hope the report on the screening will help the council spend the money meant for healthcare for the right purposes.
Ilube’s Foundation supports gifted African students
By Tope Templer Olaiya
Tom Ilube’s African Gifted Foundation (AGF) is working with Professor Deborah Eyre, Vice President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, to select gifted African students for its first ever Academy session in January 2011.
The Academy will be based in a leading university in Uganda, and in its first year will bring together 40 to 50 exceptionally talented students aged from 14 to 19 years old from Nigeria, Botswana and Uganda, growing rapidly in future years to 1,000 students a year from across the continent.
The Academy will focus on mathematics and I.T and students will be immersed in a variety of stretching subjects ranging from space exploration, cyber-security and global commodities trading. Specialist experts from industry and leading universities from the UK and various African countries will engage these brilliant young minds in stimulating debate on how these areas can enhance the continent’s future.
Once the students have completed the Academy session and returned home, they will continue to receive support from AGF through an online virtual academy, where students will be able to access a number of online resources, take part in online discussions that spread across the continent, and engage in pan-African project work.
Across Africa’s 53 countries and a billion strong population, there are a staggering estimated 20 million gifted young people. AGF intends to create a network of these top 5 per cent talented students, guiding Africa and the world’s most eminent universities towards them. AGF also hope to inspire and motivate schools and governments to provide specially tailored and enhanced education to all their gifted students.
Tom Ilube, AGF Chairman said: “In cities, towns and villages across Africa, there are young people who have been blessed with the intelligence of an Einstein. Our mission is to find them, invest in them and unleash their talents to the benefit of the whole continent.” More information on African Gifted Foundation can be found at www.africangifted.org
Day Basket Mouth, Banky W, Eldee, MI others rocked O2 Arena
BY CHUKS NWANNEYou recall the prestigious O2 Arena in London? Yes, the same venue where the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had planned to stage his This Is It concert before his painful exit? That was where Nigeria’s comedy merchant, Bright Okpocha, otherwise known as Basket Mouth, staged the maiden edition of his comedy show, Lord Of The Ribs.
The Abia State native was not alone on the trip to the Queen’s territory; Mr. Capable, Banky W, Eldee, 116, JJC, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz joined him in the concert that attracted hundreds of guests - mostly black - to the venue, which had in the past hosted concerts by superstars such as Madonna, Spice Girls, Kanye West, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Celine Dion, Steve Wonder and others. Aside for the 500 spaces mandatorily reserved in case of emergency - in line with the agreement in the insurance policy he bought for the show — the 2500 capacity hall was filled to the brim.
The stage came alive with 116 Squad, who opened the show with their captivating performance, followed by the popular JJC group, before Big Boy crooner, Eldee took over the stage. Eldee was at his best, belting out songs from his repertoire, but it was his hit track, Bosi Gban Gba, that caught the fancy of the audience.
Hip-hop/R&B singer, Banky W gave good account of his rating as he rocked the large crowd with some of his popular tracks. Strong Thing, one of Banky’s latest works, is currently enjoying massive airplay on radio and TV stations across the country. No doubt, the returnee artiste has succeeded in winning the hearts of most young Nigerians, which is slightly different from the usual hip beat. His brand of music has earned him several awards within his short period of playing in the industry.
Rave of the moment, MI took over the big stage after Banky W. The black, short boy from the crisis-torn Jos led the audience through his usual interactive session with his unique rap lines. The petit rapper proved to whoever cares, that Nigeria could hold it’s ground even outside her shores. MI got several rounds of applause for his rap, which is not too far from Sage’s spoken word; both men sound alike in most cases.
Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz also got their slots to gig the audience, but comedian Basket Mouth was the center of attraction for the evening. The crowd went wild in excitement at the appearance of the dreadlocks-wearing comedian; of course, he was impressive. His jokes were fresh, most times painting a picture of the real life situations in the country.To cap the colourful night, Basketmouth teamed up with MI, Banky W, Eldee the Don, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz in a rap track that got him a standing ovation from the excited crowd. For the host comedian, who started his entertainment sojourn with rap music, it was a nostalgic moment that almost brought him to tears.
“After resting Basket Mouth Uncensored, starting bigger and upping the ante is the best way to start Lord of the Rib. The show was big, successful and profitable, which is very rare in the history of comedy show. The show meets every parameters one uses to measure successful shows. I thank God and my team for the success story,” the Globacom Ambassador boasts.
ONE-ON-ONE... with EL-BLAZE
CHRISTENED Lawrence Agbo at birth, but known as El-Blaze in the music industry, the Benue State native is a delight to talk with. El-Blaze, who holds a National Diploma in Accounting from the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, began his romance with music at an early age, but cut his proverbial teeth in the industry, when he won talent hunt show, Public Delight Musical Show in Zaria. From there, his interest in music was bolstered. He tells DANIEL ANAZIA his plans for the future and his upcoming album.How was growing up like?
It was fun, loving and memorable. I’m from a family of three, two boys and a girl, who we lost when she was eight years. My father is a farmer and my mother now late, was a petty trader. My brother and I are jolly good fellows; though sometimes, we disagree on some issues.
Why the name EL-BLAZE?
The word blaze means fire, brightness and brilliance. Looking at all these, I told myself, ‘Lawrence you are like fire, set the world aflame with your lyrics and beats through your style and shine like a diamond.’
How did you get into music?
I have always loved music from my childhood; I always loved watching musical videos. Basically, I started writing songs in my secondary school days. Every Friday, during free class periods and after school hours, I entertained my friends with my songs. I’ve been involved in some musical groups and I’m a member of my church choir.
What brand of music do you play?
I play hip-pop, R&B with native flavours.
Why native?
When I say native flavour, it doesn’t mean I don’t do songs in English. What I’m saying is, if you look at the Nigerian music industry now, you will see that those making waves now are artiste with native flavours in the style of music. Look at 9ice, Tuface Idibia, Nigga Raw, MC Loph, Sound Sultan and host of others, they have remained relevant and their songs still maintaining a place in the chart. One good thing about this is that, it has helped to bring out the originality and creativity in us.
Your track, The Guy is Mine, what’s it all about?
It’s about the fights among ladies over the male folks; I wrote the song after witnessing one of such fights sometime ago. It’s like an advice to them to desist from that show of shame.
What’s the title of your upcoming album?
No title yet, but it is a call to patriotism, change and unity among the people. It’s a 10-track album and I’m hoping to collaborate some top artiste. I’m currently discussing with my big brothers, Tuface, Blackface and Da Natives on the album. If things work out the way I expect, I hope to have Sound Sultan, Mode 9, Ruggedman and Jona Da Monarch.
Who are your Influences?
I’m fascinated by good lyrics and beats. Tuface Idibia inspires me more; each time I see him, I reassure myself of making it to the top someday.
Any major performance/concert so far?
I hope to be in some of the mega concerts like Star Trek, Star Mega Jamz, MTN Music Fiesta and others very soon. This is the main reason I’m working very hard for the album and with the right people.
What would you wan to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as the guy that made impact in peoples’ lives, especially the youths.
With a wife like Turai…! (2)
By Femi Akintunde-Johns
IT was a lovely garden we entered; white lovely Brazilian lounge chairs and assorted outdoor furnishings here and there. Few praying mats dotted the left section of the garden designed like an alcove.
We were forced to sit on the ground. No one else was in the garden, as far as I could see. Then, a little child walked over, tentatively… with more courage, he cantered over to where my son was sitting glumly wondering what was next.
The little child was pulling at my son’s hands; obviously perking for tumbling game around the garden. It was all so quiet for a toddler in that huge glorious mansion.
Turai came out, resplendent in while flowing gown-dress favoured by Asian aristocrats…she was taken aback at the tug-of-war prattle between the little child and my son.
Her frown dissolved…she smiled, revealing a pleasant set of teeth on a well proportioned face, if a little chubby. She actually looked beautiful, I thought to myself, as I morosely glanced at my wife whose beauty had been severely diminished by the horrors we had gone through in the last 15 minutes.
“Mr. Man,” Turai broke my thought.
“Stand up, tell your people to sit down properly… “
She turned to my son, “Please, feel free, play with my grandson, don’t be afraid…just stay within garden.”
In sweeping musical movement, the little woman changed the course of the drama, sending us into different state of action and inaction.
And in a string of high-pitched and recriminating Hausa, she spoke long and harshly to the soldiers, and then the men in suits… all scampered around and about apologetically, and a little incredulously.
“Don’t mind these security people, sometimes they do what you do not send them,” she switched to us in English, with hardly a pause.
“I have gone through the security tapes of the past one hour, they should have noticed that you people were genuine strangers looking for fun.
Of course, it is strange, about the tape, but then if you are after information, you would have noticed as soon as it fell from you. Me, a simple woman, I saw all that.
So, it means they don’t do their work well. You should not have been allowed to pass their Point 2. So, very sorry, ko?.”
“Thank you, madam for your kind words. Thank you very much.”
“Don’t mention. So, you are a press man?”
“Well, I’m planning to retire, the wahala is too much.”
“Ah, it’s everywhere kuma! If I tell you all the wahala your people give us in this place you will be sorry for us.”
REALISING she was in a mood for bantering, I decided to ride my luck. With long practice snooping for news, I’ve sharpened my memory as a backup for the tape-recorder. I plodded on.
“But madam, how can anybody want to give you wahala, when you have the power of life and death.”
“Ah, no, no. No one but Allah has that kind of power. And then the military. You see, if it was the military that has this kind of problem, all your colleagues would just be looking. No one would dare write all this rubbish they have been writing.”
“But then,” I got carried away, “on the other hand, if it were during military period, the over 80 days you stayed abroad would have led the boys to Gowoned you.”
“Te he he… what is that?” By now, bottles of non-alcoholic wines had emerged with glasses and assorted kebabs…my tongue had totally lost its bridles, to the consternation of my still bewildered wife.
“Have you forgotten that Gen. Yakubu Gowon was in Kampala for OAU summit in 1975, when he was over-thrown? So democracy has its good points too.”
“I know, I know, but your people are too annoying. Ok is it a curse to be sick? Why don’t they want to wait for him to get well? Is it not his own tenure?”
“People are saying any government official who falls sick usually hands over to his assistant, and goes to his hometown to get his strength back. Some people say he can no longer recognize you…”
A moan and firm nudge stopped my flow; it was my wife waking me to get my pillow off her head!
fajswhatnots@yahoo.com or faj-alive.blogspot.com
IT was a lovely garden we entered; white lovely Brazilian lounge chairs and assorted outdoor furnishings here and there. Few praying mats dotted the left section of the garden designed like an alcove.
We were forced to sit on the ground. No one else was in the garden, as far as I could see. Then, a little child walked over, tentatively… with more courage, he cantered over to where my son was sitting glumly wondering what was next.
The little child was pulling at my son’s hands; obviously perking for tumbling game around the garden. It was all so quiet for a toddler in that huge glorious mansion.
Turai came out, resplendent in while flowing gown-dress favoured by Asian aristocrats…she was taken aback at the tug-of-war prattle between the little child and my son.
Her frown dissolved…she smiled, revealing a pleasant set of teeth on a well proportioned face, if a little chubby. She actually looked beautiful, I thought to myself, as I morosely glanced at my wife whose beauty had been severely diminished by the horrors we had gone through in the last 15 minutes.
“Mr. Man,” Turai broke my thought.
“Stand up, tell your people to sit down properly… “
She turned to my son, “Please, feel free, play with my grandson, don’t be afraid…just stay within garden.”
In sweeping musical movement, the little woman changed the course of the drama, sending us into different state of action and inaction.
And in a string of high-pitched and recriminating Hausa, she spoke long and harshly to the soldiers, and then the men in suits… all scampered around and about apologetically, and a little incredulously.
“Don’t mind these security people, sometimes they do what you do not send them,” she switched to us in English, with hardly a pause.
“I have gone through the security tapes of the past one hour, they should have noticed that you people were genuine strangers looking for fun.
Of course, it is strange, about the tape, but then if you are after information, you would have noticed as soon as it fell from you. Me, a simple woman, I saw all that.
So, it means they don’t do their work well. You should not have been allowed to pass their Point 2. So, very sorry, ko?.”
“Thank you, madam for your kind words. Thank you very much.”
“Don’t mention. So, you are a press man?”
“Well, I’m planning to retire, the wahala is too much.”
“Ah, it’s everywhere kuma! If I tell you all the wahala your people give us in this place you will be sorry for us.”
REALISING she was in a mood for bantering, I decided to ride my luck. With long practice snooping for news, I’ve sharpened my memory as a backup for the tape-recorder. I plodded on.
“But madam, how can anybody want to give you wahala, when you have the power of life and death.”
“Ah, no, no. No one but Allah has that kind of power. And then the military. You see, if it was the military that has this kind of problem, all your colleagues would just be looking. No one would dare write all this rubbish they have been writing.”
“But then,” I got carried away, “on the other hand, if it were during military period, the over 80 days you stayed abroad would have led the boys to Gowoned you.”
“Te he he… what is that?” By now, bottles of non-alcoholic wines had emerged with glasses and assorted kebabs…my tongue had totally lost its bridles, to the consternation of my still bewildered wife.
“Have you forgotten that Gen. Yakubu Gowon was in Kampala for OAU summit in 1975, when he was over-thrown? So democracy has its good points too.”
“I know, I know, but your people are too annoying. Ok is it a curse to be sick? Why don’t they want to wait for him to get well? Is it not his own tenure?”
“People are saying any government official who falls sick usually hands over to his assistant, and goes to his hometown to get his strength back. Some people say he can no longer recognize you…”
A moan and firm nudge stopped my flow; it was my wife waking me to get my pillow off her head!
fajswhatnots@yahoo.com or faj-alive.blogspot.com
TEETH 4 TEETH
BY JUSTIN AKPOVI-ESADE
Princess’ bomb
COMEDIAN Princess shocked many of her fans last week when on a brief appearance on TV programme, she pronounced the word ‘bomb’ with the B loud! Geez, Princess, were you not thought in school that the B is silent? Coming from a comic act such as Princess, who has been on the scene for quite some time, this is inexcusable. Advise to dear Princess: go back and read your Brighter Grammar booklet.
Leo’s new married habit
NOLLYWOOD star, Leo Mezie, is married, that is no longer news. He got married on February 28 in crisis-ridden Jos, Plateau State where he braced the dangers of gun-totting ethnic warriors (see wetin love dey cause) to marry his Delta-born heartthrob. But T4T has noticed that since the star joined the married men club, he has picked up a new habit. For some time now, he has been under close observation by T4T (dis T4T na doctor?) and it has been noticed that anytime he comes to O’jez, he now orders for two big bottles water and a plate of chips/chicken. It takes him less than 10 minutes to down the water and he calls for more water, haba. This is Leo that used to cuddle a bottle of a beer in a green bottle before he got married. We dug deeper and found out that perhaps madam has ‘ordered’ ‘ole Leo to kick the beer habit and become a responsible husband and father that he would be in the near future. That is nice of madam but Leo’s case brings to the fore the general belief that once you are married, the woman begins to rule the man’s world. We all are victims; I mean the married ones o o.
Paul Play’s rough rider
IT was on Tuesday, March 9, at exactly 7.32am. T4T was minding his business inside his Tuke tuke car just by Police College, Ikeja, when a BMW X5 SUV raced past driving against traffic. The car was really in a hurry going by the kind of speed level the driver was going. A peep at the registration revealed the customised number plates ‘Paul Play’. And that car could be owned by just one person, Afro-highlife singer turned hip-hop act, Paul ‘Play’ Dairo. Where was he rushing to at that time of the morning? Why would the singer who is supposed to be a role model decide to drive against traffic at a time school children were going to school? And in front of a Police College of all places! Well, he got away with it that day, he may not be lucky next time. So, if you per chance see the music star being dragged and rough-handled by LASTMA traffic officials, please do not pity him because whatever you sow... (fill in the blank spaces).
... And Tony Tonero’s Gone
STRUGGLING music act, Tony Tonero, is dead, according to a report in a national newspaper. He was reportedly hit by a hit and run car as he attempted to cross a road in a Lagos suburb. Tony, according to reports, was on his way home from where he went to watch a football match. See what all these foreign football will do to us? Tony did not go and watch Enyimba Vs Sharks, he must have gone to watch a Chelsea Vs ... Well, the Delta State-born artiste is gone, with unfulfilled dreams of becoming a star. His closest to being a star was his Yoruba rap in Paul Play’s Moserire. Such is life.
Zik Zulu’s it
NOLLYWOOD producer/director, Zik Zulu Okafor, is a made man, and this piece of news is authoritative. Zik would win the award (if there is any like that) of the Nollywood practitioner with the highest taste for exotic cars. For years, the producer has been driving top of the range cars. T4T saw him at an office in Ikeja recently and he was amazed. The BMW X6, maroon red colour pulled over and the small figure behind hailed T4T. Lo and behold, it was Zik. The wonders on wheel zoomed off. Geez, the cost of that car can conveniently build a country home in the village. Bros, when I grow up, I will like to be like you.
Please, remember the young ones like us o.
Bankuli hugs New York
AS you read this piece, artistes’ manager, Seun Abisagbola, popularly called Bankuli, is in New York. T4T got a Blackberry message from Bankuli detailing his itinerary. See how life be? This is Bankuli some years ago that we were always sitting down near an Aboki shop on Airways Road, Surulere, talking about the good life in future. Now that good life is here, he is busy travelling all over the world. Well, but his detractors have just one advice for him: he should get married now that he has everything going for him. But wait o, Bankuli, an unmarried man, is as heavy and big as a 10-ton truck, if im come marry join am? Hmmm, but e no stop peson, at least Howie T marry and born pikin sef.
ogbuus@yahoo.com
Princess’ bomb
COMEDIAN Princess shocked many of her fans last week when on a brief appearance on TV programme, she pronounced the word ‘bomb’ with the B loud! Geez, Princess, were you not thought in school that the B is silent? Coming from a comic act such as Princess, who has been on the scene for quite some time, this is inexcusable. Advise to dear Princess: go back and read your Brighter Grammar booklet.
Leo’s new married habit
NOLLYWOOD star, Leo Mezie, is married, that is no longer news. He got married on February 28 in crisis-ridden Jos, Plateau State where he braced the dangers of gun-totting ethnic warriors (see wetin love dey cause) to marry his Delta-born heartthrob. But T4T has noticed that since the star joined the married men club, he has picked up a new habit. For some time now, he has been under close observation by T4T (dis T4T na doctor?) and it has been noticed that anytime he comes to O’jez, he now orders for two big bottles water and a plate of chips/chicken. It takes him less than 10 minutes to down the water and he calls for more water, haba. This is Leo that used to cuddle a bottle of a beer in a green bottle before he got married. We dug deeper and found out that perhaps madam has ‘ordered’ ‘ole Leo to kick the beer habit and become a responsible husband and father that he would be in the near future. That is nice of madam but Leo’s case brings to the fore the general belief that once you are married, the woman begins to rule the man’s world. We all are victims; I mean the married ones o o.
Paul Play’s rough rider
IT was on Tuesday, March 9, at exactly 7.32am. T4T was minding his business inside his Tuke tuke car just by Police College, Ikeja, when a BMW X5 SUV raced past driving against traffic. The car was really in a hurry going by the kind of speed level the driver was going. A peep at the registration revealed the customised number plates ‘Paul Play’. And that car could be owned by just one person, Afro-highlife singer turned hip-hop act, Paul ‘Play’ Dairo. Where was he rushing to at that time of the morning? Why would the singer who is supposed to be a role model decide to drive against traffic at a time school children were going to school? And in front of a Police College of all places! Well, he got away with it that day, he may not be lucky next time. So, if you per chance see the music star being dragged and rough-handled by LASTMA traffic officials, please do not pity him because whatever you sow... (fill in the blank spaces).
... And Tony Tonero’s Gone
STRUGGLING music act, Tony Tonero, is dead, according to a report in a national newspaper. He was reportedly hit by a hit and run car as he attempted to cross a road in a Lagos suburb. Tony, according to reports, was on his way home from where he went to watch a football match. See what all these foreign football will do to us? Tony did not go and watch Enyimba Vs Sharks, he must have gone to watch a Chelsea Vs ... Well, the Delta State-born artiste is gone, with unfulfilled dreams of becoming a star. His closest to being a star was his Yoruba rap in Paul Play’s Moserire. Such is life.
Zik Zulu’s it
NOLLYWOOD producer/director, Zik Zulu Okafor, is a made man, and this piece of news is authoritative. Zik would win the award (if there is any like that) of the Nollywood practitioner with the highest taste for exotic cars. For years, the producer has been driving top of the range cars. T4T saw him at an office in Ikeja recently and he was amazed. The BMW X6, maroon red colour pulled over and the small figure behind hailed T4T. Lo and behold, it was Zik. The wonders on wheel zoomed off. Geez, the cost of that car can conveniently build a country home in the village. Bros, when I grow up, I will like to be like you.
Please, remember the young ones like us o.
Bankuli hugs New York
AS you read this piece, artistes’ manager, Seun Abisagbola, popularly called Bankuli, is in New York. T4T got a Blackberry message from Bankuli detailing his itinerary. See how life be? This is Bankuli some years ago that we were always sitting down near an Aboki shop on Airways Road, Surulere, talking about the good life in future. Now that good life is here, he is busy travelling all over the world. Well, but his detractors have just one advice for him: he should get married now that he has everything going for him. But wait o, Bankuli, an unmarried man, is as heavy and big as a 10-ton truck, if im come marry join am? Hmmm, but e no stop peson, at least Howie T marry and born pikin sef.
ogbuus@yahoo.com
...On Jungle Ride
BY SHAIBU HUSSEINISTARTING from this weekend, Jungle Ride, Lilian Uchenna Amah-Aluko’s new film on unemployment among youths, will be screened at major cinemas across the country. She hinted at a special premiere of the movie about three Sundays ago that it would also make some festival rounds before finally hitting homes on DVD. The Ojoto, Anambra State-born actress speaks to Moviedom about the film and her future plans.
Culmination of a dream: Jungle Ride is culmination of a dream, which started about five years ago. Ajua Dickson and I had numerous discussions, back then, about our dreams for the industry and desire to produce movies that would make a difference. To this end, she brought a script, Jungle Ride, written by Segun Michaels. It was a beautifully written treatise about virile jobless people.
Making it work : In realising this project, we had to call in a lot of favours. We are very grateful to everyone, who contributed in bringing this project to life — the cast and crew, my parents, my husband, family members, friends, Michaels, whom I am sure will let out many more beautiful stories to fuel our creative energies, EXP marketing agencies, Wired Entertainment and others. Their contributions to the success of the movie even with the global economic meltdown is a tribute to their determination to help the Nigerian youth and also movie industry.
Why are you the absent from the screen: I hadn’t much time until September 2005 because I was working full time in the bank. But outside Out of Bounds, Hit and Run and others such as She Devil and Rough Edges, I have done only a few works in recent time. I did Mnet’s Doctors quarters a while back. I am in Jimi Odumosu’s The Head of State, which just started airing. Tunji Bamishigbin’s Valley Between and Oliver Aleoghena’s Husbands and Wives have still not been released. I also did Okey Ogunjiofor’s Cyberia, which I think is still running on Africa Magic and a few others I can’t readily remember. But Out of Bounds will remain my most memorable, because it was my first.
Why I quit banking: I quit banking because entertainment is what I enjoy doing. My incursion into banking was as a result of my desire to prove that I could hold down a serious job. I did that successfully for about 10 years then decided it was time to do what I enjoy most. But I have no regret quitting banking at all.
Pains and gains of being a celebrity: Well, I don’t have any pains as such because I really don’t consider myself as one. The only downside of that to me is the loss of privacy and the gain is the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
Marriage and Moviedom : My marriage had nothing to do with whether I was running away from being talked about in the press. On the contrary, I didn’t even marry early. Even while I was single, I tried to conduct myself properly. My parents are very important to me and I know they value their good name. It would break their heart if I ruined that name. I also have my husband’s name to protect. He is also an artist and appreciates my job. I only go to places where I have business and don’t indulge in unnecessary talk or frivolous action.
As for whether people get harassed before they are given roles; oh well, it has never happened to me. I hear it happens and I feel people should believe in themselves. Don’t be too desperate for anything. Do your best and let the Almighty handle the rest.
Regrets? No regrets at all. If I had to live this life again, I would still choose the same path with a few minor changes. Also, I can’t choose between writing and acting. Both of them feed different parts of my soul.
Around and about Nollywood...
AMAA 2010: Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi top nomination list
TWO of Nigeria’s leading actresses, Stephanie Okereke and Bimbo Akintola, are in for the coveted top prize of best actress in a leading role at this year’s UBA/AMAA award. Okereke and Akintola have the trio of Jackie Appiah, Lydia Farson and Naa Ashoku Mensa-Doku (Perfect Picture) and then Flora Suya (Season of a life) and Akofa Edjeani Asiedu (I sing of a well). Meanwhile Kunle Afolayan’s Figurine and Izu Chukwu’s Nnenda were among 30 films that made the nominations from over 280 entries received across Africa. Chairman of College of Screeners, announced the nominees on Saturday March 6, in Accra, Ghana. For Nigeria, Okereke, Akintola and their Ghanaian counterparts Appiah, Farson and Mensa-Doku are top nominees for the Best Actress category for their role in Nnenda, Freedom in Chains and The Perfect Picture. In the best actor category, Ramseh Nouah, Lucky Ejim, Majid Michael, Odera Ozoka and John Osie Tutu for their roles in The Tenant, Sin of a Soul, The Figurine, Soul Diaspora and I sing of a well. In the same vein, Afolayan, Shemu Joyah, Shirley Frimpong- Manso, Leila Jewel Djansi, Jude Idada and Ejim will slug it out for the Best Director category. Speaking at the event, Peace Anyiam Osigwe explained the symbolism in hosting the event in Ghana on the eve of the country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, adding that with the awards, Kwame Nkurumah’s quest for oneness of Africa through his Pan-African ideology is being realized. The Ghanaian government’s delegation to the event was led by the country’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs Hannah Tetteh, who said the creative industry in Ghana is evolving while calling Africa governments not to neglect the sector. Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Special Duties and the State Director General for Tourism, Mr. Nathan Egba led the state’s delegation while Mr. Seun Soyinka and some senior staff of the United Bank for Africa Ghana represented the bank. Eminent artistes and celebrities at the event include Delta State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo; Rita Dominic; Segun Arinze; Osita Iheme; Paul Obazele; Ejike Asiegbu; Dickson Iroegbu; Kunle Afolayan; Steve Ayorinde; Muma Gee; and J Martins among others.
Benson’s High Blood Pressure in local cinemas
THINGS are beginning to look good for Nigerian movie artistes. They now have an opportunity to air their works in major cinemas in the country, contrary to the widely held view that offerings of the industry are not good enough to attract such offers. From Stephanie Okereke’s Through the Glass to Emem Isong’s Guilty Pleasure and much later Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine, the cinemas are opening up to filmmakers, who have somewhat upped their game. While the industry awaits the cinema airing of Lilian Amah-Aluko’s Jungle Ride after an impressive premiere at the Silverbird Galleria last Sunday, one of the most sought after creative minds in the industry, Teco Benson, is set to air his latest movie, High Blood Pressure, in major cinemas across Lagos. Benson is working alongside his executive producer/financier, John Okonkwo, of GoodLife Production to have as many film buffs as possible see the film across the country. According to Benson, the film, which features Kanayo O. Kanayo, Clarion Chukwura, Lilian Bach, Yemi Blaq, Jibola Daboh, Jim Roach and several others, will be seen by movie buffs at upscale cinemas, such as Silverbird, Genesis Deluxe, Ozone in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and in other state capitals.
Celebrities, Lagos State endorse Walk Against Rape
THE much awaited Celebrity Walk Against Rape has finally got the nod of Lagos State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Joke Adefulire, who pledged her full support for the event. Various celebrities such as Abike Dabiri, Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, Ara, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Fela Durotoye, Stella Monye, Bolaji Rosiji, Titi Adelagun, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Tosin Bucknor, Ashionye, Ego, Steve Yaw Onu, Timi Dakolo, Ofunneka Molokwu, Funke Akindele and Toni Payne and others have also showed great interest to participate in the walk. The walk is a special demonstration that will bring together Nigerian actors, actresses, sport men, media practitioners, musicians, comedians and showbiz personalities together to lend a voice to sexually abused women in the society, particularly young girls between the ages of 3 - 18 years. The campaign is also strategically aimed at helping the women folks fight against rape and sexual violence. According to the Project Coordinator, Esther Ijewere, “Our aim is to encourage victims to speak out and reduce the stigmatization attached to the victims of sexual abuse as well as use “Walk Against Rape” as a platform to inform the society about the soaring scourge of sexual abuse especially as it relates to young girls and women”. Packaged by Rubies Ink and Acada Magazine, the walk will start by 7am on Friday, April 16, at the Police College, Ikeja (the point of convergence) and end at the Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Secretariat, Alausa – Ikeja (point of departure) where a speech, Rape: its effects, consequences and the role of Government, will be delivered by Esther Ijewere.
Waka pass…
Producer- Amebo A. Amebo
Director- Mr. Gossip
Actors- Nollywood Celebrities
Dickson Iroegbu battles Fatai Rolling Dollars
THERE was a time he locked his hair, I think in protest over the state of affairs in the movie industry. Later, he shaved it, when he realised he had to wear the locks till thy kingdom comes because people were not willing to make things happen soon. Oh well, movie director and producer, Dickson Iroegbu has dared into a trademark reserved only for the legendary and 80-something-year old highlife musician Fatai Rolling Dollar: that is wearing dark shades even at night. It was nomination compere and President (yes oooo, Presido) of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Segun Arinze, that called our attention to this at the AMAA nomination event in Ghana. Arinze actually recognised the presence of Dickson’s dark shades at an indoor event. No one told oga Dickson to take off the shades and he remained without it until he returned to naija.
Memuna Yahaya heads to Idah
BY the time you would be reading this, popular actress Memuna Yahaya (nee Abaji) would have touched base with her people in Idah, Kogi State, as she commences the process of getting her pet project, a film on the legendary Inikpi off the ground. Before she left, the actress of After the Storm fame hinted that she was going to visit the stature of the legendary princess Inikpi, who gave up her life for the liberation of the Igala people. There is something that Memuna mentioned before she left: that people still drop monies at the Inikpi statue in Idah and you know what came to mind — that since sponsors are difficult to come by, may be Auntie Memuna should seek the permission of the local authorities to gather all the monies there as seed money for the film project! no, be laffin mata ….. na advice and as they say in my place, advice no be curse.
Akume Akume is a dancer
WHO said Akume Akume is just a filmmaker? Oh, well waka pass can authoritatively confirm that Nigeria’s Akume is also a confirmed dancer. For the fact that he has an already confirmed ticket and didn’t have prior plans to relocate, waka pass was sure that most Ghanaians, who were at the after nomination party organised as part of AMAA event held in Ghana last Saturday, would have asked Akume to stay back in Accra and show them more of those dance steps. True, we are not making this up: Akume swaggered and gingered. Ordinarily nylon shirts are not supposed to hold back sweat, but the yellow nylon shirt he wore that evening held back sweat as a proof of the Akumetious steps exhibited that evening. One waka pass said: ‘e be like say Madam Peace (AMAA CEO) go consider including award for dancing in the nomination list’.
shaibu70@yahoo.com
… A Tourist Bird Eye View Of Okomu
BY GEOFF LOCKWOODIF all you think of when you hear the word Nigeria is “drugs, 419 scams and winning the Nigerian lottery again …for the eighth time this year” then maybe, like me, you need to think again!
I have just returned from a trip to Lagos and to Okomu National Park, one of the largest conserved areas of lowland forest in Nigeria and the birding experience of a lifetime.
Any trip to a new country — let alone a new region, is always exciting and the prospect of new and spectacular birds had me anxiously waiting for confirmation that my visa had been granted and that the trip was on.
Our small group flew into Lagos on the scheduled SAA flight on Friday 12th January and, taxing up to the sprawling terminal in Lagos International Airport, I saw first hand the effects of the Harmattan — the dry wind blowing off the Sahara which, for two months each winter, turns Nigeria’s skies a hazy, dust-laden yellow.
…OUR arrival in Okomu National Park after a four-hour drive was heralded by a spectacular change in scenery. The forest had been logged historically but is still largely intact and the height, structure and density of the tree cover are breathtaking.
In addition to a spectacular range of birds that was our primary target, it is still home to a number of forest elephant and buffalo, as well as a large variety of primates including a small (and very wary) troop of chimpanzees. It is also home to over 700 different butterfly species and the roads and paths through the forest were ablaze with colour and movement.
The drive through the forest to the lodge at Okomu Eco-resort was at midday and fairly rushed but we still managed great sightings of Fanti Sawwing and Eurasian Honey Buzzard plus spectacular views of the inappropriately-named Black Bee-eater — a gorgeous bird with a crimson throat and turquoise blue — streaked body.
The Okomu forest is characterised by a number of shallow lakes scattered through the forest and these have formed clearings of between 80 and 150 meters in diameter.
As two of these, viewing platforms have been built high into Cotton-Silk trees overlooking the clearings and we made for the newer of these after lunch.
The climb up is not for the faint-hearted or for anyone with a fear of heights – 36 meters straight up inside a lattice-work of wooden struts, and, with the 70 steps placed 450 millmetres apart, a great cardio-vascular workout. Once on the platform however it was all worth it. The view over the canopy was spectacular … and the birding was even better.
OVER the next two hours, I added sightings of numerous new birds. Most striking were the enormous White-thighed-, and Black-, Yellow-, and Black-and-White-casqued Hornbills whose heavy wing beats were clearly audible even across the clearing. Numbers of Piping-, and African Pied Hornbills brought the number of new members of this family to five for the trip and a host of smaller species – Velvet-mantled Drongo, Blue-throated Brown-, Buff-throated-, and Superb Sunbirds, (along with the more familiar Collared’s) plus Purple-headed Glossy-Starlings added colour and excitement.
Just before dusk forced us down from the platform, a series of calls echoed across the clearing. Parts sounded similar to those of a Red-, or Yellow-billed Hornbill but these were interspersed with a variety of eerie hooting sounds — creating for me one of the most vivid memories of this trip. Seconds later I was looking at my first Great Blue Turaco — a breathtaking bird that in spite of its large (about twice the size of our louries) size bounded with effortless grace through the canopy of an adjacent tree.
As we carefully descended, the plaintive-sounding whistles of a Fire-crested Alethe rose from the darkening forest below.
The following morning had us heading for the second platform – even higher at 38 meters above the forest floor. On the way we stopped to observe a large colony of Bristle-nosed Barbets nesting in a large dead tree stump.
There must have been at least 60 pairs of these strange dull-brown birds buzzing around and, with the possible exception of the Naked-faced Barbet, which we saw later; these have to be the ugliest members of this usually colourful family.
Great views of White-tailed Ant-Thrush feeding in the road and a tantalizingly brief glimpse of an African Pitta that flew out in front of our vehicle kept the list ticking over.
Our luck continued and our sojourn on the new canopy platform brought great views of
Cassin’s Hawk Eagle as well as the diminutive Lemon-breasted Crombec, Boiko Batis and a stunning Rufous-crowned Eremomela – a bird that makes our members of the genus look really dull and boring!
Speckled Tinkerbird – a rather large and strange-looking tinkerbird was next but this was followed by stunning views of a pair of Yellow-spotted Barbets, surely one of the most strikingly coloured members of the family.
Piercing whistles announced the arrival of a trio of African Grey Parrots and they repeatedly circled close overhead in response to Phil’s whistling.
What a difference seeing these birds in their natural setting – instead of a cramped cage! We decided to walk back to the lodge and added Red-headed-, Gray’s-, and Red-vented Malimbes an
Maxwell’s Black Weaver; Blue-headed Wood-Dove, as well as stunning views of Blue Cuckoo-Shrike and Green Hylia to the growing list.
OUR last morning saw a return to the first platform where we were treated to a spectacular show by five species of hornbill feeding opposite us. A party of Spotted Greenbuls and a single Mona Monkey later joined them.
Cassin’s Spinetail flitted through the canopy across the clearing, and the calls of Red-rumped Tinkerbird had me searching the trees – but unfortunately the bird remained elusive.
The walk back to the lodge brought great views of Red-tailed Greenbul and a brief stop at a fruiting Oil Palm gave us great views of all four species of tiny Negrofinch – Whitebreasted-,
Chestnut-breasted-, Grey-headed-, and Pale-fronted and then it was time to pack up and head for Lagos and our flight back to Johannesburg.
A Western Bluebill feeding on the road verge before we left the forest plus a flock of the local race of Village Weaver nesting with Veillot’s Black Weavers at a refuelling stop wrapped up a stunning five days.
The list for the trip stood at 127 species, but of these 56 were lifers! Not bad for a winter trip when birding is supposedly more difficult.
I can’t wait to get back to Okomu, and this time I want to also get up to the mountain forests of Cross River and, hopefully see my first Picathartes!!!
Mirror-ing the master in young art
Work that won the first prize at Benin Zone by Osamagbe AiwekhoeBY TAJUDEEN SOWOLE
IF you are still wondering how child art influenced one of the most celebrated artists, Pablo Picasso, a five-month-long art competition and show, which ended recently in Lagos, gives a clue.
Held at the Nike Art Centre, Lekki, visitors to the show, entitled Mirror the Master, mostly adults, had opportunity to share Picasso’s thought process.
Among the visitors were two regulars: Rasheed Gbadamosi and Sammy Olagbaju; Osogbo artist, Jimoh Buraimoh; and Jerry Buhari, art teacher at Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria.
A collaborative initiative between the United Kingdom-based outfit, Kambani Arts, and Access Bank, the project began in October in four cities -- Osogbo, Benin, Zaria and Nsukka.
TOP three works from the zones: Oladigbo Oladiran, 16, Babatunde Folasayo, 13, Tola Akinriola, 13 (Osogbo); Osamagbe Aiwekhoe, 16, Augustina Obi, 15, and Deinma Imabibo 9 (Benin); John Cross Omeke, 13, Oluchuku Okorie, 11, and Ifeanyi Agbo, 13 (Nsukka); Abdulhamid Aminu, 15, Abdulakim Alkasaim, 13, and Ibrahim Isa, 15 (Zaria) were on display.
Gbadamosi, a member of jury, noted that the works “are surprisingly marvelous to believe that these are from children” in the said age group.
It was a keen contest, as it took the panelists a tough time to pick Omeke as winner.
Young Omeke, according to the organizers, will visit some exclusive art galleries in London and participate in an accompanied viewing to see the works of Enwonwu and U.K-based portrait painter, Chinwe Roy.
The enthusiasm shown by these young artists indicated that there would not be a dearth of masters in the future.
At the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin zone where participants set up mini canvases of about 20 by15 inches, each, student’s work gave an insight into “inspiration drawn from the master.”
For Omeke, the confidence noticed in his painting of a mask, using acrylic on canvas, absolutely vanished, when he was announced as winner. From his smooth touch to the fragile draughtsmanship displayed in the painting, young Omeke’s work has confirmed the novelty that attracts adults in child art.
According to organisers, the thrust of the project is to help develop African art by celebrating established masters through talent and aspirations of younger and future artists.
Buraimoh said that the initiative was similar to “our early days when I joined Mbari Mbayo at a one week workshop organized by Uli Beier, which was conducted by Georgina Beier.”
Head, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Access Bank, Omobolanle Babatunde, noted that despite the enviable achievement of such masters as Enwonwu, Akinola Lasekan, Gani Odutokun, among others, “Nigerian art remains a victim of poor transfer of knowledge,” hence it was imperative to have Mirror the Master as a “modest step towards filling the gap.”
A documentary of the initiative would be produced to enhance Fine Art as a viable discipline and career for students as well as promote the legacy of the chosen master, Enwonwu, Ezeilo assured.
Jimmy Smith…Organ too big to fit
BY BENSON IDONIJEIN European music history, the organ is looked upon as the king of all instruments; and its place is the church.
To deploy the organ as a jazz instrument was seen as a mark of desecration in those days, but it took the likes of Jimmy Smith to remove the instrument from its sacred habitat and make it an accepted vehicle for the execution of jazz and rhythm and blues.
And that is why, since his death, tributes have continued to pour in for Jimmy Smith from critics and reviewers of jazz and rhythm and blues, hailing him as the king of the instrument.
This acknowledgement is further strengthened by the new trend where the distinctiveness of the organ has completely disappeared from jazz; having been shrouded in the configuration of the advanced technological device called the ‘keyboard’.
Five years have passed, and the jazz scene is still waiting for “a new organ king to step into his shoes”.
But this has proved a difficult task. While some other person can easily succeed a departed king in ordinary life, through appointment or selection, a successor to Smith would need to work hard to qualify for the position.
Smith’s shoes are awfully big to step into. He took the organ from church and situated it in the club. Smith was such a dynamic force that his death on February 8, 2005 of undisclosed natural causes at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States of America, was a great shock.
SMITH started recording for Blue Note and other record labels nearly 50 years ago, and during this period, he completely transformed the jazz organ.
Through his mastery of the Hammond B-3, which was regarded with awe in those days, Smith has reduced the organ as a vehicle for jazz improvisation to ordinariness.
Perhaps, the most emotionally expressive tributes have come from jazz organists.
He paved the way for such semi-giants of the instrument today as Chris Foreman, Brother Jack McDuff, Ronnie Foster, Jimmy McGrift and Dr. Lonnie Smith whom I met for the first time at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town, South Africa recently.
They all have beautiful things to say about the different ways in which Smith influenced them.
Ironically, the people who are likely to pay genuine tributes to Smith in recognition of his organ virtuoso in Nigeria are mostly devotees and enthusiasts.
The late Sid Moss would sing Smith’s praises because he doubled on the piano and organ and adopted some jazz licks from Smith.
But the real Smith adherents were Austin Emodi, an insurance manager, who, in the 60s, provided us the avenue to hang out and dig the groove because he had all the Blue Note records; Taiwo Okupe, the mechanical engineer who also played the alto saxophone in the Charlie Parker mould and style, even though Billie’s Bounce and Now’s the time were the only tunes he always exploited; Kunle Maja who was responsible for organising the latest albums for our appreciation and listening; and of course, Bola Marquis from whom I first saw The Sermon, one of Jimmy Smiths greatest recordings for Blue Note — even though I had heard it on Willis Conover’s Jazz Hour on Voice of America.
Incidentally, like Jimmy Smith, all these admirers including Fela Anikulapo Kuti who enjoyed Jimmy Smith’s organ as a result of the background it created for Lee Morgan’s trumpet (Fela was playing trumpet at the time) have all gone to meet their ancestors.
As a matter of fact, most of our listening hours were dominated by The Sermon, which Smith recorded with all the jazz stars of that period, including Lee Morgan on trumpet; Lou Donaldson alto saxophone; Tina Brooks and George Coleman, tenor; Keny Burrell and Eddy McFadden, guitars; Art Blakey and Donald Bailey, drums.
SMITH was an advocate of ‘ funk’ the way pianist Horace Silver was.
This element characterised his organ playing but he perhaps exhibited it more copiously and forcefully on The Sermon than any other groove.
He carried the theme of this twelve-bar- blues song and sustained the mood by taking the first solo.
There were numerous other Blue Note records comprising The Incredible Jimmy Smith, House Party, Plays Pretty, At the Organ, Midnight Special, Back at the Chicken shack and others.
He established trio format always consisted of himself, a guitarist and a drummer with horn players making guest appearances. Stanley Turrentine played prominent roles in his recordings for Blue Note Records as a soloist on tenor saxophone, while he worked with such great guitarists as Wes Montgomery, and Kenny Burrell who in fact gave him the backing he was looking for.
But he also worked successfully with other guitar players like Eddie McFadden and Thornel Schwartz while at the same time enlisting the services of drummer Donald Bailey on regular basis.
Smith perhaps made a more significant impact with Verve Records where he met Oliver Nelson as a key collaborator.
The arranger put the organist in front of a big band, as a contrast to his usual combo format on such albums as Hoochie Coochie Man and enhanced his singing on the blues hit Got My Mojo Workin which became popular in Nigeria in the seventies.
Smith’s combination of standards with rhythm and blues, as well as gospel, helped create what became known as soul jazz; and he influenced virtually every organist who followed him. Few dared challenge his stature.
He modeled his melodic style after saxophonist Charlie Parker, a feat that was considered difficult for the keyboard instrument.
But he mastered the organ’s percussive switches and created the ideal shimmer on ballads, his resolute bass lines on one hand contrasting with rapid fire solos on the other.
AFEAT that characterised Smith’s playing, and an innovation that demanded extra energy was his ability to derive bass lines from the left-hand side of the organ by himself.
This ability informed the non-inclusion of a bass player in all his aggregations - either in the studio or live setting.
But a few months before he passed on, Lonnie Smith, one of the celebrated organist’s greatest disciples saw him perform at New York’s Iridium; and noticed that his friend was not looking well.
He was also surprised that he had a bass player supporting him on stage. Obviously, his energy was failing.
SMITH started out learning stride piano and dance under the tutelage of his father outside of Philadelphia.
After a stint in the United States Navy and formally studying harmony and theory, he began working in clubs when he heard organist Wild Bill Davis in the early 1950s.
Davis inspired Smith to commit himself to the instrument.
And because Smith had great talent, he immediately caught the attention of Blue Note’s Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff when he played in New York, at Smals Paradise, for the first time in 1956.
One month after, they brought him into the studio for the recordings that were released and appropriately titled, A new sound... A new star, Jimmy Smith at the organ. The seven years that Smith spent with Blue Note Records produced many classics.
Smith has his kind in every jazz instrument. At the organ, he would be comparable to Charlie Parker on the alto saxophone; John Coltrane on tenor; Wes Montgomery on guitar; Elvin Jones and Art Blakey on drums; Ray Brown, bass; Oscar Peterson, piano; Miles Davis trumpet; Jay Jay Johnson, trombone.
These men were the kings of their various instruments.
Smith was the king of the organ. And in the words of foremost disciple, Chris Foreman, “those are awfully big shoes to fill.”
benidoni@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)