Showing posts with label Edition 203. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edition 203. Show all posts
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Saturday, 19 September 2009
The crusader for light!
WHEN Amara Nwakpa and a group of his associates decided to start the campaign for Nigeria to have stable electricity supply, many people thought it was just another attempt to ‘shine’. But with more than 15,000 Facebook friends, and hundreds of young people passionately preaching the message, it seems like this project has touched a raw nerve. But will anything come out of it? We sit the youngman down mto a chat:
Who are those behind Light up Nigeria – and what do they do?
Over 19,000 Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora concerned about the development of Nigeria and willing to do their bit to improve conditions in the country. We expect everyone to be behind the campaign, as it’s a problem that affects us all.
How did this idea emerge?
The idea evolved from a discussion among young Nigerians on twitter about what we can do to contribute to a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
Did you imagine it would gain such traction?
Within the first few hours after we coined lightupnigeria on twitter, we knew we had happened on a great idea; however, we were quite pleasantly surprised by how quickly other Nigerians responded to the idea and wanted to be a part.
What do you think is most responsible for the reception?
I think the timing of the message and its presentation played a great role. Nigeria is at its lowest ebb of power generation, everyone is feeling the squeeze more than ever. We also think there are a lot more people than we think who are waiting for an opportunity like this to make a difference in this country.
Why NEPA?
This isn’t about NEPA or PHCN at all. PHCN, or more precisely, the 18 or so successor companies, are only part of the power supply ecosystem in Nigeria . This is about governance and the citizen’s role in making it deliver tangible results. Maybe you wanted to ask ‘Why Electricity?’
Evidently, you are against the president’s seven point agenda?
Definitely not. No one who wishes Nigeria well will be against the 7-point agenda. We all want those things in there: Food security, Education, Power and Energy, Transport infrastructure, Security etc. and if all things were equal, there shouldn’t be a reason why we shouldn’t be able to achieve them. However, LightUpNigeria is our own contribution to the National dialogue. According to several polls (one was conducted by NNNGO for instance), 95 per cent of Nigerians believe that, of the seven points in the agenda, Electricity infrastructure should be prioritised. Even government agrees. The problem though is, their efforts haven’t yielded any results, hence the campaign.
Some of your collegues in ten campaign are outside the country – how can they possibly connect with what’s going on here?
Of all the African communities in the Diaspora, Nigerians abroad are perhaps the most connected to home. Being out of the country doesn’t mean they are disconnected from the problems caused by the lack of constant electricity supply. It is a problem that has constantly affected Nigeria for decades and has gone worse. Some of them have memories of it and feel a patriotic sadness that it is yet to be solved. Some look forward to returning home and would like to invest in advance for a better Nigeria. The fact that it is now a trend for Educated Nigerian professionals to return to Nigeria to participate in the economy is evidence of the fact that though they are abroad, most Nigerians still have their heart at home.
There’s a perception that some of you are comfortable young people with too much time on their hands — what do you say to this?
The perception is wrong, however even it were correct, it is irrelevant. Getting involved in making your country a better place isn’t suddenly going to be less significant just because you are young or you have free time. In fact, we would encourage every young person with free time to join the movement. If we all spent our free time going above and beyond our civic duties to build this country, we’d probably be hotter than Dubai, and I don’t mean temperature-wise!
Some may ask – why not some more pressing issue facing young Nigerians, you know, like the ASUU strike?
The ASUU strike is an important issue and I guess a solution to it would probably involve comprehensive reforms within the entire education sector. One could point at other sectors too and make a case for attention there too. But I think Nigerians overwhelmingly agree, after all said and done that this issue of electricity needs to be given priority.
Have you been able to translate your online presence to the mainstream media?
Apparently, this interview is for mainstream print media, so I guess if it made it to print, then there is already empirical evidence as to how the campaign has transitioned into the mainstream. However, prior to this interview, it had already been on radio in some major cities and on television. A few weekend newspapers have run editorials and articles on the subject too. We intend to blanket the media, so we would consider these, baby steps!
So what is the long-term practical plan for this project?
The plan is to engage Nigerians in a structured dialogue, using every medium — electronic, print, physical — about what needs to be done to guarantee constant electricity in this country, to power our homes and our economy. The objective is to get the Nigerian citizenry to the point where we can boldly make specific demands of our Governments and ourselves to ensure that our desire for constant electricity is fulfilled and sustained.
Do you honestly think that this can bring change?
I think so, with all honesty. Every great change started with a movement. We have repeatedly looked outside of ourselves, hoping that a messianic leader would come and lead us to the Promised Land. I think we are now beginning to realize that things don’t change that way. Real change comes when we look within and each of us finds the strength to change ourselves and that which is around us. We are not deluding ourselves that this will happen overnight. But it has to start sometime. This, I think, is the beginning of that revolution.
People seem to think there is a rally on October 1, is this so?
No, not anymore.
Why not?
A rally was initially intended, but based on feedback from supporters and volunteers we have agreed that the time isn’t right for a rally yet. We will continue to build the support networks necessary to sustain the movement for the length of time that is required to achieve its objectives.
A lot of people are gearing up for it though — won’t it dampen spirits if they heard it wasn’t happening after all?
We certainly hope not. The movement isn’t about just a rally. It is actually more about building a positive network of people who are determined to evolve a consistent and committed string of actions that will cascade into affirmative nation building behaviour and national ethos. Whereas people are eager to see large physical manifestations like rallies, we believe they will understand that great things also start small.
So what exactly will be happening in its stead?
There are a lot of things happening in its stead. We are piloting town hall meetings as platforms to engage people and spread the nation building paradigm that the campaign is about. We are connecting with like-minded individuals to expand the network. We are working with groups that already have events planned who want to feature the theme as part of the events.
These town hall meetings, how are you going to dispel suspicions that it is a social affair?
I don’t think it will matter if it’s a social affair or not. The discussions at the town hall meetings will be responsibly moderated, we will do our best to ensure that the right mix of people attend and the resolutions and outcomes of each town hall meeting will be available online both for further deliberations and possibly to guide other groups who want to host something similar.
Back to social networking, where this all started: there’s a perception that people on facebook and twitter are always ready to join a group with a click – how can you generate enthusiasm and transfer it beyond facebook?
Most people underestimate the power of social networking sites. It takes a lot of commitment to be active on a social network and most of the contents on those sites are generated from offline activities. I think the best example of how sites like facebook have been used to galvanize real results was the last election in the United States where the Obama for America campaign successfully leveraged it to win an improbable victory. We are learning from that example and we hope to accomplish something similar.
Now, you have said this is not just about young people – but can you really get older people to take this seriously and how do you intend to achieve that?
Older people want change too. They want constant electricity, just like the youth. They might be more skeptical about whether it can be achieved, but they will take seriously any movement that shows consistency and resonates with some of the fundamental expectations they have. We are taking our time to break down the ideology to the simplest and most practicable forms possible. We believe that this simplification will help make whatever actions we evolve consistent and sustainable. We are taking time to consult people, individually and as groups to assimilate as much as possible the essence of our common national expectations in the cause for this movement so that it will be easier for the average Nigerian (old or young) to be aligned with it.
Don’t you think many Nigerians believe that nothing can ever change in this country? Definitely there will always be pessimists but a lot of people are also desperate to see change. They just want change they can believe in and this is what we are trying to achieve.
How do you intend to generate grassroots participation – or is this only for a certain cadre of Nigerians?
This is still work in progress but this is definitely not for a certain cadre of Nigerians only. In fact, the town hall meetings we mentioned earlier are actually well suited for grassroots participation. There is nothing exclusively elitist about a group of people who live in the same vicinity using a couple of their regular social gatherings to discuss the electricity issue and make progressive resolutions that, given support, will be accessible to many.
What is your personal motivation for doing this?
Patriotism. The love of country. The longing for a better future for coming generations, where our children will only read the words “Up NEPA” in history text books.
How do you intend to fund this?
Right now, volunteers are funding their involvement from their own pockets. Though we have received support in kind from a few organizations, we expect concerned groups and organisations to support the efforts of the movement and we will continue to actively court this support. It doesn’t necessarily have to be financial.
If you don’t get enough support for these efforts, what would you do?
Keep going till we get enough support!
Do you honestly see Nigeria changing? How will that happen? Yes. Nigeria can and will change. It will take a critical mass of key people who understand where we are coming from, how we got where we are and what steps need to be taken to get us re-orientated. Then we need to take those steps consistently and without personal aggrandisement. Ultimately, this is our mission.
POWERED BY RedSTRAT
ASUU, others protest in Ibadan
BY KAYODE BELLO
A JOINT protest was held during the week by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), over the lingering national strike around the Ibadan metropolis. Barely two weeks ago, the Students’ Union Transition Committee, SUTC of the University of Ibadan, Nigerian Youths in Motion (NYM) and the NANS had protested over the lingering impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government on salary increase and adequate funding of university education, pleading with the government to resolve the issue. In a bulletin issued and distributed by ASUU, the union accused the Yar’Adua administration of provoking the ongoing strike by refusing to sign an agreement it had earlier reached with the union through the Gamaliel Onosode–led Government negotiating team. The bulletin states: “our schools from the primary to the university levels lack adequate facilities for quality education. Nigerian universities lack adequate academic staff because of the poor condition of service that discourages several thousands of qualified persons from taking up teaching jobs. Deficiency in facilities and human resources is a major factor that seriously limits the access of qualified students to university education. For, instance just about 153,000 out of 1,050,000 qualified candidates representing about 15 per cent gained admission into universities in 2008/09 session. The ASUU Chairman, UI Chapter, Dr Ademola Aremu, also said it was the Federal Government that is on strike, not ASUU, and the onus rests on the Federal Government to resolve the lingering crisis. However, the Federal Government had approved 40 per cent salary increase for the striking teachers and stated that it had addressed other educational demands by ASUU.
Students’ leader urges state of emergency on education
BY BOLAIGE ALABI
THE President of the National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS), Comrade Theophilus Adolphus Ibodeme, has said that government should declare a state of emergency in the education sector.
Speaking in Benin during a solidarity rally organised to press forward the demand of Nigerian student from the Federal Government/ASUU face-off, Ibodeme berated the government’s ‘I don’t care’ attitude towards the future of Nigerian youths.
He argued that if it was possible for President Umaru Yar’Adua to set up an immediate Presidential Task Force (PTF) to find lasting solution to the wounded football sector in Nigeria, why can’t he do such to the education sector that is already on its way to the morgue?
He called on the president to set up, as a matter of urgency, a standard Educational Task Force (ETF), which will oversee the failed action of the queried FG/ASUU Negotiation Committee led by Deacon Gamaliel Onosode and find a lasting solution to all the imbroglio caused by the acclaimed ASUU/FG signed agreement.
“Our educational system needs proper maintenance and caring. Take a visit to any of the first generation universities spread across the country, hardly would you observe one with a place worthy to be referred to as a functional laboratory. All these are what ASUU is putting forward to the Federal Government to address, but our government will rather prefer raising billions of naira to celebrate political parties ten years anniversary, 10 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, Presidential Task Force on Football, among other unworthy events to celebrate,” querried the union leader.
While saying that Nigerian students are fed up with the slow action of President Yar’ Adua’s administration, which allows its youth to roam about the streets for over three months due to ASUU/FG misunderstanding, Ibodeme called for the resignation of Education Minister, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu.
The rally, which took off from the King square, through Oba’s market, later climaxed at the popular Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
annointedprofessor@yahoo.co.uk
‘Gani was always there with students in their struggle’
BY GBENGA SALAU
FORMER Students’ Union President of the Lagos State University (LASU) and Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Ayodele Adewale, has described the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi as a lover of the downtrodden, and always defended their rights at no cost.
While recounting his encounter with the late Senior Advocate of the Masses, Adewale, who is the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Council, said the image that came to his mind was when students were tear-gassed, harassed and shot at by Nigerian military officers. “It was at the Campos Square in Lagos Island, we were there alongside Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana and other prominent activists, to fight against the oppressive tendencies of Nigerian leaders, but the goodwill of the people whose cause we were championing prevailed and shielded us.”
Describing Gani as a lover of the downtrodden, Adewale said Gani was always on the defense of Nigerian students and always defended their rights at no cost, even at the expense of his life. “Working with him was very cheerful, but he was somebody you will like if truly you are sincere about the struggle. As the president of the student union in LASU, he was our life patron. During various increments in pump price of petroleum products, we were together carrying placards. He really used the law to help people.”
UI looses two doctoral students
By Abraham Oladipupo
15th of September will remain a day the University of Ibadan staff and students will want to forget. Life’s greatest tragedy is not death, but dying without achieving one’s goal. No thanks to the on-going strike, which had elongated the learning time of students that finally ended the dream of two doctoral students.
For David Akwakwa and Theresa Aigue, they would both have defended their PhD project last month but for the ASUU strike that has paralyzed activities in the university. Painfully, the dream is now dead. It is not only a pain to their families but a great lost to the university community.
Both David Akwakwa (42) and Theresa Aigue (32), student of the Department of Botany and Microbiology, had left UI to see off their friends according to a source, when a speeding trailer at the NNPC mega station hit the car, with five passengers.
The students, in a Toyota Carina car driven by Akwakwa, were trying to avoid another commercial bus when the trailer, whose whereabouts as at press time, is yet to be ascertained, hit them. Akwakwa, though a PhD student at Ibadan, is a lecturer at the Niger Delta University.
The security operatives of the university, popularly known as ‘Abefele’, evacuated the bodies of the two students, before they were moved to the Anatomy department, while the three other passengers in critical condition were rushed immediately to the University College Hospital (UCH). Investigations during the week revealed that one of hospitalized have been discharged.
Tafawa Balewa Hall was silent as a graveyard when Life Campus visited. The warden of the hall, Dr. Ayelari, who confirmed the incident, narrated how the accident occurred. “An eyewitness reported that the students had bought fuel from the NNPC Mega Station and where trying to cross to the other lane when the over-speeding trailer ran into them. Theresa was trying to come out of the car with her head out of the window when the car landed on her, leading to her death.
Members of IITA, Ibadan, where David was said to have been carrying out a research in collaboration with the institution, visited the hall to condole with the students and collect photographs of the deceased. One of the women revealed that the news had not been reported to Theresa’s father, even though it has been reported in the media had published it. She said, they had convinced her father that it was an error by the paper and that Tessy (Theresa) is still alive.
Majority of those who mourned the painful death of the students condemned the on-going strike, which had hindered the students from defending their project. Arriving at the department of Microbiology and Botany, everyone wore a straight face and they were in a sober mood over the loss of the students whom one of them described as brilliant. In fact, there was an emergency meeting of staff when the reporter visited. Mr. Bamidele Aliu, an IT student from the Polytechnic of Ibadan, who is serving as the receptionist, said the incident had put the whole department into mourning.
abrahamprecious@yahoo.com
Sleeping Beauty
(PANORAMA)
BY REBECCA AKINMOLAYAN
RESEARCHES carried out recently have traced higher risk of developing diabetes, weight gain and obesity in people who have an inadequate amount of sleep.
A survey of over 80,000 people revealed that the incidence of obesity was higher in people who sleep for less than six hours at night.
Everyone spends one-third of his or her life asleep. The human body has a systematic cycle of sleep. It begins with the release of serotonin (a brain chemical), which in turn, leads to the production of a hormone melatonin.
Once the hormone is secreted, the body enters a period of deep sleep of about five hours.
The muscles relax, heartbeat, pulse rate and blood pressure slow down, secretion of hormones from glands stops, temperature falls, breathing slows.
Also at this point, growth hormone (GH) becomes active, during this time of deep sleep and begins to regenerate, revitalise and help the body to recuperate from the stress of daytime activity. In short, sleep can be likened to the recharging of a worn down battery.
MANY years ago, the famous Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, remarked, “a man needs six hours sleep, a boy needs seven, only women and fools need more.”
I have no idea why he said this but based on the hormonal activities in the body during sleep, seven to eight hours are sufficient for adequate sleep.
Individual daily requirement for sleep vary though, while newborn babies can sleep for 15 hours a day, adults cannot afford to spend all that time except the old, those who are sick and pregnant women.
Inadequate sleep reduces the time allotted to the body to recover from the stress of life.
Although occasional loss of sleep is harmless, recurrent sleep deprivation has drastic effects.
The effects include: irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, constant tiredness, indigestion, premature aging, tendency to snack (because insufficient sleep induces appetite), which will lead to weight gain, and accumulated stress.
Most of the effects do not show up immediately but begin to manifest in later time if the body is deprived of sleep for a long time.
NOW before you begin to agree or disagree with Churchill, how can you know the ideal time required for sleep? While some can live comfortably on one to two hours sleep and catnaps, many others cannot.
Well, you can only know you are getting enough sleep if by the time you wake up, you are feeling refreshed (not dragging yourself out of bed for another day).
Sleeplessness, and its brother insomnia, arise from uncomfortable rooms or beds, taking stimulants like tea and coffee in the evening, excess fatigue (too tired to sleep), hunger or eating too heavily at night.
When next you have difficulty sleeping; read, listen to cool music, watch TV (not an exciting programme preferably a documentary), have a warm bath, take a walk, blank your mind from any anxiety and if all else fails, count sheep!
Sleep goes beyond relaxation and resting. No matter how tight one’s schedule might be, find time to sleep well. About the best position of sleep, whether you sit, lie down, stand, squat or hang in swings like the primitives, any would do, as long as you feel comfortable.
rubystar2004@yahoo.com
No Parking... Not on the dance floor
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
HE was smiling as he read the letters, suddenly, he burst out in laughter.
What’s the matter?’ she asked.
‘Ah, nothing much o. Just that this megacity matter has touched my life again,’ he said still laughing.
‘How, what do you mean?’ she asked as she craned her neck trying to read the letters herself.
‘Well, I am being informed that I shall have to carry my car on my head once in a while,’ he said.
‘What!’ she exclaimed, as she grabbed the letters from him.
He continued to chuckle as he made his way to the room. She followed him.
‘But that’s not what the letter says,’ she said.
‘I know it doesn’t say that exactly but that is what they want me to do’.
‘Look, what the letter says is that the waste disposal trucks cannot get into the street to pick up our refuse because residents of the street double park their cars. And so the local government is requesting for a meeting with representatives of the street association, that’s all.’
‘Okay, read the second letter.’
She was silent for a while as she read it.
‘What?!!’ she exclaimed, yet again.
‘Okay, now that you understand what I was talking about perhaps you’ll be able to tell me what days you shall be carrying your own car because, remember we are in an equal relationship; you know, what a man can do etc. I can’t carry it all alone so we will have to alternate the car carrying.’
FOR a brief moment, she was worried but she sighed in relief when she looked at him and saw that he was still smiling.
‘But this doesn’t seem fair. The second letter from the street is ordering all residents to stop parking on the street. I mean, if the reason why the local government called the meeting was to discuss the problem the refuse collectors have when trying to collect refuse from the street isn’t it logical that parking should therefore be restricted to working hours, say 8am to 6pm? At least, the trucks don’t work at night.’
‘Maybe there is no need for people who are in charge of our megacity to consider people who live in the megacity. But then again, do the trucks work every day?’
‘No, they don’t, just Tuesdays and Thursdays.’
He started to laugh again.
‘What again?’ she asked.
‘Hmm, it is just like killing a fly with a barrel of gunpowder. Trucks come around for maybe 20 minutes twice a week (a total of 40 minutes per week) and because of that people have to stop parking for the rest of the one thousand four hundred minutes!’
‘Well, maybe they have so many important things they are working on like road construction, provision of health facilities, housing, water and so many other things. Then of course, there are the not so important things to do too.’
‘Not so important things? Like what?’
‘Eh, like production and distribution of letters like the one I am holding.’
‘My friend was telling that they “arrested” her car last week. The officials said she had parked on the wrong side of the street, that parking on the street was only allowed on the right side of the street but the problem was that there was not one sign anywhere on the street telling anyone what side of the road was the ‘right side. To free her car it was either she paid N5,000 at their office or N1000 bribe on the spot.’
‘Let’s hope the megacity people obviously need to think some of these things through.’
‘Naija people, forever hoping and praying. Why won’t we learn to think things through and do what is fair to most if not all.’
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter me!
(Strictly for the you)
BYTOSYN BUCKNOR
SOME chose to see it as the weekend three black people acted up. Others went philosophical... They whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. Then there are those who think it is a question of pride! What do all three have in common, they ask?
They are successful and are now letting it get to their heads. For you must be proud... and maybe a bit silly to get on a stage during an award ceremony to interrupt another artiste who is giving an acceptance speech. Especially as, in Kanye’s case, it was not even your category! What else defines taking expired paracetamol for someone else’s headache? And what was Serena thinking when she dared to get upset and curse out a sports official during a crucial game?
As for Michael? Well, everyone knows that you do not ruin the moment when everyone has come to celebrate you, to then settle old scores and share your controversial opinions and philosophies! I mean, how about a simple, ‘thank you’?
For me, I see this as an opportunity for others to learn! It’s like learning from someone else’s experience!
Kanye has since apologised and said he is taking a break, Serena has also, after saying she wouldn’t, apologised publicly to fans, and Michael... well, he is Michael!
Life goes on, and maybe in a few days, weeks, months or years, we will forget.
But not if twitter, and other social networking sites have to do with it!
SPEAKING of twitter...
As usual, this was one of those sites that you hear about but resist checking out until some random day.
My random day was when I had to interview Kel and someone tweeted a minute-by-minute account of the interview!
The drop of Ijebu in my blood, which is a very strong drop, immediately imagined the possibilities… commercial wise. But since getting on twitter, I have seen it as much more… and less!
Twitter is a micro-blogging site so if you have a blog or read blogs, imagine a site that allows you update your thoughts as often as you like, as long as you keep those words within a limit.
A friend once told me that twitter isn’t the site for writers as it limits what you can say, but I have since found that to be not necessarily true. You just have to learn to write for twitter. (Remember when in Rome...)
You could also see twitter the way I see it- the convenience and genius of facebook status updates, without the baggage! Unlike facebook, there is no mutual followership! If five thousand people choose to follow you and you choose to follow three... it is all well and good!
Catch me on twitter- www.twitter.com/toptosyneh
You might wonder why you should get on board twitter today and I could give you the top five reasons I am!
• It allows me express myself!
• It allows me communicate with a regular group of people!
• I have access to peoples’ thoughts. These people include my friends, colleagues, and celebrities like Colbie Caillat and Sound Sultan!
• It is very entertaining and interesting! There is access to loads of cool sites through it!
• You can promote your self, cause, event and more on it!
And to include a friend’s reason... It is not facebook!
In non-related news, another one bites the dust!
After a gallant battle with cancer, Patrick Swayze passed on last week. He was fifty-seven, and it is very sad. This was the man young girls fell in love with in ‘Dirty Dancing’, and who young boys wanted to dance like! His other movie credits include, ‘North and South’, and ‘Ghost’. So many icons that shaped my childhood memories are passing on! It makes you celebrate them and remember your own mortality.
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Life lessons
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
ON August 29, which was my birthday, I woke up in the morning to read a couple of short messages on my phone, I also received phone calls too. The weather was cool and the breeze suits the skin like an air conditioner. It was a great day.
I took time out to reflect on the kind of life I had lived, and the kind of life I want to live in the future. I thought about my past, my present, and my future. Some of the lessons life has taught me are the things I want to share with you.
Show appreciation. There is an axiom that says, “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” The way I see it is that there is a tendency that you undervalue some of the things you have now. The key to happiness in life is appreciating the things you have now, because some people do not have them.
Appreciate and celebrate yourself. A blind person knows the importance of sight. A barren woman knows the importance of having children, and an orphan knows the importance of having parents. You don’t have to wait to loose the things you have now, before you begin to value them. Value the gift of life.
Appreciate the people in your life. A simple text message can work the magic. I saw an headline in one newspaper recently that reads “Girl, 9, masters 600 sign language gestures so she can tell deaf mother ‘I Love You’.”
Don’t be sorrowful over the things you don’t have. It is your focus that will determine your feelings. You can decide to focus on the things you lack, and be sad, or focus on the things you have, and be happy. It all depends on you. Don’t give yourself headache over what you don’t have. What you don’t have, you don’t have.
No one has all the solutions. It is true that you can’t have it all in life. Some people have billions of naira in their account, but they are not famous. Some have all the fame, but have little cash in their accounts. In fact, the people you envy, that have the things you crave for, may lack some of the things you have.
Trade what you have for what you lack. One of the things I discovered is that you can’t play with the cards you don’t have in the game of success. But you can play with the cards you have in your hand, and win. Zig Ziglar, America’s top motivational speaker, counseled, “you can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Nothing may be 100 per cent guaranteed. There are times that unexpected events will crop up. For this reason, you need an emergency fund. Your emergency fund should be approximately equal to your income for six months, or more. If for instance, you lose your job today, you can bank on your emergency fund.
Enjoy your life the way it is now. Enjoy your life the way it is now, positively, and envision a brighter future for yourself. You can pack all the lessons you’ve learnt from your past, invest it in your present, and bounce back into the future.”
Wait for your time. Don’t determine your own speed by another person’s clock. Focus on your own journey, and gain speed without being in a hurry. I like the way the musician Ill bliss put it when he said, Aiye po gon, meaning there is enough space.
Don’t regret your past. We all probably wish we did some things right in the past, but the past is now past, and cannot be changed, but you can learn from it. Instead of regretting some of the things you didn’t do in the past, maximise the moment.
In conclusion, maximise every moment of your life by making impact. Have a wonderful week ahead of you.
Manners and artisans
(GOOD MANNERS)
BY MIKE EKUNNO
ARTISANS are a wonderful group of people. What can we ever do without them? Whether it is fixing the car (mechanics, auto-electricians, vulcanisers), or working at home (painters, carpenters, welders), the artisan is one workman you are forced to reckon with every once in a while.
Artisans have peculiar things that set them and their vocations apart. They are mostly illiterate (and l don’t mean any offence by this).
Of course, those who ‘went to school’ are increasingly becoming members of this group because of the nature of Nigeria’s labour market.
They also deal with clients who are mostly of higher social status than they. Many of them work on stuff they are not able to afford themselves. Sadly, they are also distinguished by their poor attitudes and bad manners, which shouldn’t really be.
The class differential between them and their clients means that often, the two groups exist in isolation.
Like the falcon and the falconer in W.B Yeats’ poem from which Things Fall Apart took its title, the one does not hear the other.
This disconnect can begin to be addressed if only artisans can know how stuff works among the middle class.
Since they are not likely to read columns like this in a quality weekly, how can the falcon ever hear the falconer? But we shall keep trying.
THE common and major mannerism challenge of most artisans is that of not keeping to appointed dates and times.
Evens when you allow them choose the date/time that is convenient, you are still likely to come and meet your clothes waiting the tacking of buttons or your car half-fixed.
This lack of respect for appointed times might be traceable to the carefree nature of the lower classes.
Middle class clients know the time value of money and the monetary value of time! This knowledge gap may be one of the things that keep most artisans poor.
AGAIN, most artisans are not sensitive to clients’ feelings and business ethics. You leave your car for just one hour for your mechanic to fix.
On your return, the driver’s seat has been adjusted; the radio dial re-set; your serviette paper pack depleted and a different CD loaded on your CD player. Your dare not complain.
If you do, they will apologise of course but behind you they will talk of whether you think ‘your car na egg’ and how they’ve taken such liberties with ‘heavier rides’ and went scot-free.
Again here, the territorial spirits of their social class keep these artisans from realising that upper class folks (like me, you know!) demand respect in their relationship with anyone of a lower class.
In a previous piece l had written about market traders who would ‘advise’ a customer that a particular item is too expensive for their level.
Many high-class people are privacy-conscious. This is more so in Nigeria where the huge disparity in comfort levels of the classes is hardly traceable to hard work or merit.
This makes most wealthy people fearful of the company of those they have defrauded, deceived and disenfranchised from our commonwealth.
You can then imagine the scare the wretched electrician gives when he is invited to fix a faulty chandelier at home and he goes about gawking around.
Moral: the wealthy don’t like you gazing at their household electronics and fittings or their daughters if you don’t belong.
When you go to do a house job or home delivery, mind your business and be professional.
Knock on every room door before you enter or allow a guide lead the way. Do not behave in suspicious ways like going away with the house or car keys in your pocket.
chudiekunno@yahoo.com
BY REBECCA AKINMOLAYAN
RESEARCHES carried out recently have traced higher risk of developing diabetes, weight gain and obesity in people who have an inadequate amount of sleep.
A survey of over 80,000 people revealed that the incidence of obesity was higher in people who sleep for less than six hours at night.
Everyone spends one-third of his or her life asleep. The human body has a systematic cycle of sleep. It begins with the release of serotonin (a brain chemical), which in turn, leads to the production of a hormone melatonin.
Once the hormone is secreted, the body enters a period of deep sleep of about five hours.
The muscles relax, heartbeat, pulse rate and blood pressure slow down, secretion of hormones from glands stops, temperature falls, breathing slows.
Also at this point, growth hormone (GH) becomes active, during this time of deep sleep and begins to regenerate, revitalise and help the body to recuperate from the stress of daytime activity. In short, sleep can be likened to the recharging of a worn down battery.
MANY years ago, the famous Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, remarked, “a man needs six hours sleep, a boy needs seven, only women and fools need more.”
I have no idea why he said this but based on the hormonal activities in the body during sleep, seven to eight hours are sufficient for adequate sleep.
Individual daily requirement for sleep vary though, while newborn babies can sleep for 15 hours a day, adults cannot afford to spend all that time except the old, those who are sick and pregnant women.
Inadequate sleep reduces the time allotted to the body to recover from the stress of life.
Although occasional loss of sleep is harmless, recurrent sleep deprivation has drastic effects.
The effects include: irritability, restlessness, lack of concentration, constant tiredness, indigestion, premature aging, tendency to snack (because insufficient sleep induces appetite), which will lead to weight gain, and accumulated stress.
Most of the effects do not show up immediately but begin to manifest in later time if the body is deprived of sleep for a long time.
NOW before you begin to agree or disagree with Churchill, how can you know the ideal time required for sleep? While some can live comfortably on one to two hours sleep and catnaps, many others cannot.
Well, you can only know you are getting enough sleep if by the time you wake up, you are feeling refreshed (not dragging yourself out of bed for another day).
Sleeplessness, and its brother insomnia, arise from uncomfortable rooms or beds, taking stimulants like tea and coffee in the evening, excess fatigue (too tired to sleep), hunger or eating too heavily at night.
When next you have difficulty sleeping; read, listen to cool music, watch TV (not an exciting programme preferably a documentary), have a warm bath, take a walk, blank your mind from any anxiety and if all else fails, count sheep!
Sleep goes beyond relaxation and resting. No matter how tight one’s schedule might be, find time to sleep well. About the best position of sleep, whether you sit, lie down, stand, squat or hang in swings like the primitives, any would do, as long as you feel comfortable.
rubystar2004@yahoo.com
No Parking... Not on the dance floor
(Just Life)
BY OMOLIGHO UDENTA
HE was smiling as he read the letters, suddenly, he burst out in laughter.
What’s the matter?’ she asked.
‘Ah, nothing much o. Just that this megacity matter has touched my life again,’ he said still laughing.
‘How, what do you mean?’ she asked as she craned her neck trying to read the letters herself.
‘Well, I am being informed that I shall have to carry my car on my head once in a while,’ he said.
‘What!’ she exclaimed, as she grabbed the letters from him.
He continued to chuckle as he made his way to the room. She followed him.
‘But that’s not what the letter says,’ she said.
‘I know it doesn’t say that exactly but that is what they want me to do’.
‘Look, what the letter says is that the waste disposal trucks cannot get into the street to pick up our refuse because residents of the street double park their cars. And so the local government is requesting for a meeting with representatives of the street association, that’s all.’
‘Okay, read the second letter.’
She was silent for a while as she read it.
‘What?!!’ she exclaimed, yet again.
‘Okay, now that you understand what I was talking about perhaps you’ll be able to tell me what days you shall be carrying your own car because, remember we are in an equal relationship; you know, what a man can do etc. I can’t carry it all alone so we will have to alternate the car carrying.’
FOR a brief moment, she was worried but she sighed in relief when she looked at him and saw that he was still smiling.
‘But this doesn’t seem fair. The second letter from the street is ordering all residents to stop parking on the street. I mean, if the reason why the local government called the meeting was to discuss the problem the refuse collectors have when trying to collect refuse from the street isn’t it logical that parking should therefore be restricted to working hours, say 8am to 6pm? At least, the trucks don’t work at night.’
‘Maybe there is no need for people who are in charge of our megacity to consider people who live in the megacity. But then again, do the trucks work every day?’
‘No, they don’t, just Tuesdays and Thursdays.’
He started to laugh again.
‘What again?’ she asked.
‘Hmm, it is just like killing a fly with a barrel of gunpowder. Trucks come around for maybe 20 minutes twice a week (a total of 40 minutes per week) and because of that people have to stop parking for the rest of the one thousand four hundred minutes!’
‘Well, maybe they have so many important things they are working on like road construction, provision of health facilities, housing, water and so many other things. Then of course, there are the not so important things to do too.’
‘Not so important things? Like what?’
‘Eh, like production and distribution of letters like the one I am holding.’
‘My friend was telling that they “arrested” her car last week. The officials said she had parked on the wrong side of the street, that parking on the street was only allowed on the right side of the street but the problem was that there was not one sign anywhere on the street telling anyone what side of the road was the ‘right side. To free her car it was either she paid N5,000 at their office or N1000 bribe on the spot.’
‘Let’s hope the megacity people obviously need to think some of these things through.’
‘Naija people, forever hoping and praying. Why won’t we learn to think things through and do what is fair to most if not all.’
omoudenta@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter me!
(Strictly for the you)
BYTOSYN BUCKNOR
SOME chose to see it as the weekend three black people acted up. Others went philosophical... They whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. Then there are those who think it is a question of pride! What do all three have in common, they ask?
They are successful and are now letting it get to their heads. For you must be proud... and maybe a bit silly to get on a stage during an award ceremony to interrupt another artiste who is giving an acceptance speech. Especially as, in Kanye’s case, it was not even your category! What else defines taking expired paracetamol for someone else’s headache? And what was Serena thinking when she dared to get upset and curse out a sports official during a crucial game?
As for Michael? Well, everyone knows that you do not ruin the moment when everyone has come to celebrate you, to then settle old scores and share your controversial opinions and philosophies! I mean, how about a simple, ‘thank you’?
For me, I see this as an opportunity for others to learn! It’s like learning from someone else’s experience!
Kanye has since apologised and said he is taking a break, Serena has also, after saying she wouldn’t, apologised publicly to fans, and Michael... well, he is Michael!
Life goes on, and maybe in a few days, weeks, months or years, we will forget.
But not if twitter, and other social networking sites have to do with it!
SPEAKING of twitter...
As usual, this was one of those sites that you hear about but resist checking out until some random day.
My random day was when I had to interview Kel and someone tweeted a minute-by-minute account of the interview!
The drop of Ijebu in my blood, which is a very strong drop, immediately imagined the possibilities… commercial wise. But since getting on twitter, I have seen it as much more… and less!
Twitter is a micro-blogging site so if you have a blog or read blogs, imagine a site that allows you update your thoughts as often as you like, as long as you keep those words within a limit.
A friend once told me that twitter isn’t the site for writers as it limits what you can say, but I have since found that to be not necessarily true. You just have to learn to write for twitter. (Remember when in Rome...)
You could also see twitter the way I see it- the convenience and genius of facebook status updates, without the baggage! Unlike facebook, there is no mutual followership! If five thousand people choose to follow you and you choose to follow three... it is all well and good!
Catch me on twitter- www.twitter.com/toptosyneh
You might wonder why you should get on board twitter today and I could give you the top five reasons I am!
• It allows me express myself!
• It allows me communicate with a regular group of people!
• I have access to peoples’ thoughts. These people include my friends, colleagues, and celebrities like Colbie Caillat and Sound Sultan!
• It is very entertaining and interesting! There is access to loads of cool sites through it!
• You can promote your self, cause, event and more on it!
And to include a friend’s reason... It is not facebook!
In non-related news, another one bites the dust!
After a gallant battle with cancer, Patrick Swayze passed on last week. He was fifty-seven, and it is very sad. This was the man young girls fell in love with in ‘Dirty Dancing’, and who young boys wanted to dance like! His other movie credits include, ‘North and South’, and ‘Ghost’. So many icons that shaped my childhood memories are passing on! It makes you celebrate them and remember your own mortality.
tosinornottosin@yahoo.com
Life lessons
(LIFE COACH)
BY AGBOLADE OMOWOLE
ON August 29, which was my birthday, I woke up in the morning to read a couple of short messages on my phone, I also received phone calls too. The weather was cool and the breeze suits the skin like an air conditioner. It was a great day.
I took time out to reflect on the kind of life I had lived, and the kind of life I want to live in the future. I thought about my past, my present, and my future. Some of the lessons life has taught me are the things I want to share with you.
Show appreciation. There is an axiom that says, “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” The way I see it is that there is a tendency that you undervalue some of the things you have now. The key to happiness in life is appreciating the things you have now, because some people do not have them.
Appreciate and celebrate yourself. A blind person knows the importance of sight. A barren woman knows the importance of having children, and an orphan knows the importance of having parents. You don’t have to wait to loose the things you have now, before you begin to value them. Value the gift of life.
Appreciate the people in your life. A simple text message can work the magic. I saw an headline in one newspaper recently that reads “Girl, 9, masters 600 sign language gestures so she can tell deaf mother ‘I Love You’.”
Don’t be sorrowful over the things you don’t have. It is your focus that will determine your feelings. You can decide to focus on the things you lack, and be sad, or focus on the things you have, and be happy. It all depends on you. Don’t give yourself headache over what you don’t have. What you don’t have, you don’t have.
No one has all the solutions. It is true that you can’t have it all in life. Some people have billions of naira in their account, but they are not famous. Some have all the fame, but have little cash in their accounts. In fact, the people you envy, that have the things you crave for, may lack some of the things you have.
Trade what you have for what you lack. One of the things I discovered is that you can’t play with the cards you don’t have in the game of success. But you can play with the cards you have in your hand, and win. Zig Ziglar, America’s top motivational speaker, counseled, “you can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
Nothing may be 100 per cent guaranteed. There are times that unexpected events will crop up. For this reason, you need an emergency fund. Your emergency fund should be approximately equal to your income for six months, or more. If for instance, you lose your job today, you can bank on your emergency fund.
Enjoy your life the way it is now. Enjoy your life the way it is now, positively, and envision a brighter future for yourself. You can pack all the lessons you’ve learnt from your past, invest it in your present, and bounce back into the future.”
Wait for your time. Don’t determine your own speed by another person’s clock. Focus on your own journey, and gain speed without being in a hurry. I like the way the musician Ill bliss put it when he said, Aiye po gon, meaning there is enough space.
Don’t regret your past. We all probably wish we did some things right in the past, but the past is now past, and cannot be changed, but you can learn from it. Instead of regretting some of the things you didn’t do in the past, maximise the moment.
In conclusion, maximise every moment of your life by making impact. Have a wonderful week ahead of you.
Manners and artisans
(GOOD MANNERS)
BY MIKE EKUNNO
ARTISANS are a wonderful group of people. What can we ever do without them? Whether it is fixing the car (mechanics, auto-electricians, vulcanisers), or working at home (painters, carpenters, welders), the artisan is one workman you are forced to reckon with every once in a while.
Artisans have peculiar things that set them and their vocations apart. They are mostly illiterate (and l don’t mean any offence by this).
Of course, those who ‘went to school’ are increasingly becoming members of this group because of the nature of Nigeria’s labour market.
They also deal with clients who are mostly of higher social status than they. Many of them work on stuff they are not able to afford themselves. Sadly, they are also distinguished by their poor attitudes and bad manners, which shouldn’t really be.
The class differential between them and their clients means that often, the two groups exist in isolation.
Like the falcon and the falconer in W.B Yeats’ poem from which Things Fall Apart took its title, the one does not hear the other.
This disconnect can begin to be addressed if only artisans can know how stuff works among the middle class.
Since they are not likely to read columns like this in a quality weekly, how can the falcon ever hear the falconer? But we shall keep trying.
THE common and major mannerism challenge of most artisans is that of not keeping to appointed dates and times.
Evens when you allow them choose the date/time that is convenient, you are still likely to come and meet your clothes waiting the tacking of buttons or your car half-fixed.
This lack of respect for appointed times might be traceable to the carefree nature of the lower classes.
Middle class clients know the time value of money and the monetary value of time! This knowledge gap may be one of the things that keep most artisans poor.
AGAIN, most artisans are not sensitive to clients’ feelings and business ethics. You leave your car for just one hour for your mechanic to fix.
On your return, the driver’s seat has been adjusted; the radio dial re-set; your serviette paper pack depleted and a different CD loaded on your CD player. Your dare not complain.
If you do, they will apologise of course but behind you they will talk of whether you think ‘your car na egg’ and how they’ve taken such liberties with ‘heavier rides’ and went scot-free.
Again here, the territorial spirits of their social class keep these artisans from realising that upper class folks (like me, you know!) demand respect in their relationship with anyone of a lower class.
In a previous piece l had written about market traders who would ‘advise’ a customer that a particular item is too expensive for their level.
Many high-class people are privacy-conscious. This is more so in Nigeria where the huge disparity in comfort levels of the classes is hardly traceable to hard work or merit.
This makes most wealthy people fearful of the company of those they have defrauded, deceived and disenfranchised from our commonwealth.
You can then imagine the scare the wretched electrician gives when he is invited to fix a faulty chandelier at home and he goes about gawking around.
Moral: the wealthy don’t like you gazing at their household electronics and fittings or their daughters if you don’t belong.
When you go to do a house job or home delivery, mind your business and be professional.
Knock on every room door before you enter or allow a guide lead the way. Do not behave in suspicious ways like going away with the house or car keys in your pocket.
chudiekunno@yahoo.com
‘It’s as simple as jeans n’tee… oh, yeah, sneakers’
Adedayo Elusakin, darling of the listeners of Unilag 103.1fm, hails from Ife South, Osun State. Born February 16, 1983, the radio presenter, who is known as Dee-Shark in the mornings and afternoons and Dy, when on night shift, attended Nigerian Airport Authority Staff School, now Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Staff School. He then moved to Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, for his secondary education, before attending the University of Lagos, to study Educational Administration. Dayo, who is in his final year, is also a writer, who sometimes writes for major newspaper anchors the Morning train programme of the station. He tells DAMILOLA ADEKOYA what fashion means to him.
Definition of fashion: To me, it is what a person interprets it to be. Generally, it implies what people can see as regards adornment on a person. It is what you put on. Style of dressing: It has to be comfortable. Usually, my idea of dressing is a tee shirt, a pair of jeans and sneakers. Uniqueness of style: Apart from the fact that I am someone, soft-spoken and reserved, my friends always say that I have this calmness around me that makes me look high. Favourite piece of clothing: That’s my Adidas-made watch. Favourite colour: It’s blue because I just think it’s a natural and suiting colour for guys. Favourite designer: It could be local or international, as long as it looks good, but very importantly, if comfortable, then I will go for any of it. Favourite food: I don’t have one because I don’t eat that much. Most cherished possession: I don’t really have a most cherished possession because of the implication of that. A friend of mine once told me that what you can’t give out, then you don’t own it. Anything I can’t give away, then, I don’t want to own it. Turn on: I like ideal people actually, but I might not always find ideal people, so, I could go along with polite people. Turn off: Insensitivity. I do not like insensitive acts. When you don’t give much concern about the effects of your actions on other people, it turns me off. Happiest moment: I think it was the day I found out that I was going to be on radio because for me, it has been a long time dream. Most embarrassing moment: I don’t think I can remember. I’m not very central and I don’t venture much. Before I could venture, I think and analyze, so, if I think it’s going to be a problem and it would not work out, then, I don’t venture into it. Describe yourself in three words It’s the word ‘I am different’. When I’m on radio, I always say something that ‘when you’re different, you’re different and let no man turn you otherwise’. I find out that the problem with people is conformity, trying to conform to a standard, people expect you to act in a particular way and you find yourself gradually conforming to be like that. This is not about neglecting sensitivity, just be yourself. When I say I am different, it means I acknowledge my uniqueness, I appreciate it and I’m in love with myself for who and what I am regardless of what anybody says. How do you combine working and schooling?
It has always been a matter of priority. Academic is awesome; it’s a good thing to go to school and get a good degree, but I have a passion and projection towards my future and broadcasting is a major component in my future. It’s not a problem for me to combine both. Philosophy of life: I don’t really have written constitution as regards my life but there are things that I could regard as unwritten constitution and one of them is which I have said earlier ‘When you’re different you’re different’ and another thing I believe in is that things are not always the way they seem. If you were given an opportunity to change something in Nigeria, what would it be?
I think I will change the way politics is being run here. All this rests on government because if it ensures that the right people get to power, then things will change for the better.
The House Nike Built
After years of dreaming it, and living and reliving its spirit, leading art maker and women empowerment specialist, Nike Okundaiye has finally birthed a befitting home for her volumptious art works. The new Nike Art Centre, her first in Lagos after that in Ogidi-Ijumu, her home town; Abuja and Osogbo, where her career really started is a baeutiful edifice with lavish space for the display of her works and that of the multitude that she mentors through her various workshops and skill acquisition programmes for the less-priviledge artistes and art enthiusiasts. The gallery is situated at Plot 2, Lekki 2nd Roundabout at Ikate Lekki. Robustly jovial as usual, Mrs Okundaiye told The GuardianLIFE during the week: “The new ‘Nike Art Centre’ with an art gallery and textile museum in Lagos is built to celebrate Nigerian cultural heritage”. In deed, every one of Nike’s activities in hernear-five decades lofty career has been remarkably slanted to stress this patriotic dimension to the service of the arts and humanity. She disclosed that the new gallery may be formally opened sometime in October.
IN the past 20 years, Nike has given workshops on traditional Nigerian textiles to audiences in the US and Europe. While she is known for her colorful batik and paintings that offers a modernist gloss on traditional themes, she was brought up amidst the traditional weaving and dying practiced in her native village of Ogidi in Western Nigeria. Her fame as an artist and teacher has taken her all over the globe. Now, she invites you to visit her in Nigeria and immerse yourself in African tradition”, stated her website. “Nike found that the traditional methods of weaving and dying that had been her original inspiration were fading in Nigeria. She used her international success to launch a cultural revival, building art centers where young Nigerians master traditional arts and crafts. You can now visit the world of the Yoruba, to explore a culture that has flourished in Western Nigeria for well over 1000 years”.
Black Box of Ideas
THE Nigerian Photography collective, Black Box, which emerged after a workshop in Ajegunle, FootballWorlds, organised by the Goethe Institut, Lagos and conducted by Berlin-based Akinbode Akinbiyi in March, 2006, was at the 10th Havana Biennial, which held earlier in the year. The biennial brought together more than 200 artists from 43 countries, majority of whom were from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the middle East, and to a lesser extent from North America, Europe and Australia, who exhibited their works and projects in different colonial buildings of the Historical centre and cultural centres, as well as in fairgrounds in modern zones of the city capital. The seven members of Black Box, Mary Kasim, Abraham Oghobase, Uche Okpa-Iroha, Adeniyi Odeleye, Charles Ologeh, Andrew Esiebo and Chiemela Azurunwa, each with his or her own approach to work, style and going out into the open spaces to find visual path. Themed Integration and Resistance in The Global Era, the biennial celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding. It also paid tributes to several artists, who had contributed to the strength and development of expressions in different regions of the world such as Leon Ferrari, Fernell Franco, Antonio Ole, Sue Williamson, Wilfredo Lam and Raul Martinez.
THE way in which artists approach the issue of integrating to a global world in construction – which becomes highly complex due to the peculiarities of so many societies and cultures, on one hand, and the way in which they, in turn try to resist the hegemonic trends that strive to homogenise from other territories the repertoire of ideas and forms, on the other — was the central axis for the projects and works in the Biennial. Without pretending to offer solutions or answers to a reality that day after day reveals the complexity of its network from different angles and perspective, the Havana Biennial sought to reflect on such interesting phenomenon that has not lost applicability nor current importance, and which was one of the main cornerstones of the debate on the identity of individuals, groups, communities, countries and religion. As in previous editions, one of the attractions of the Biennial was to come in contact with the diversity of contemporary Cuban art through the extensive network of galleries in Havana by means of solo and group exhibitions, multidisciplinary projects and actions. In moments of expansion of what has been called “New Cuban Art” by different theorists and critics from the continent.
Disrespecting Fela
SEUN Anikulapo-Kuti, recently (before he embarked on his latest tour of Europe) had occasion to wine and dine with the elders when friends and associates of his legendary father, Fela, as well as his own growing clan of fans converged on Fela’s Gbemisola Street, Ikeja, Lagos house to give the late music master a befitting 12th year remembrance party.
Among the people at the event were the Octogenarian music maker, Fatai Rolling Dollar, who was once a neighbour (lived two houses away) of Fela at the old Kalakuta Republic in the Moshalashi area of Mushin-Surulere axis in Lagos; and who in fact suffered incalculable damages when Fela’s Republic was razed in the infamous Unknown Soldier episode that eventually destroyed the Republic... The destruction itself was part of the reason a thriving career of Rolling Dollar (real name Fatai Olagunju) went down and was not rebuilt until nearly three decades after -- when the man re-emerged in the early 2000s as the frontrunner in the revival of Highlife music .
Also in attendance at the event that was conceived and sponsored by Fela’s alter ego, Dede Mabiaku was the ace-broadcaster, Benson Idonije, who is reputed as the man who first managed the then fledgling career of Fela; including recruiting the members of the Fela Quintent -- the very first band that Fela formed when he returned to Nigeria after his study in United Kingdom; and later the more famous Koola Lobitos including Isaac Olasugba and Tony Allen.
Idonije was also a colleague of Fela at the then Nigerian Broadcasting Services; and once had to share an apartment with the legend, when they were building the career. Idonije is currently writing a Biography of Fela from an insider’s perspective.
The event at Gbemisola’s house, however, brought home the reality of the waste the legacy of Fela is being put. It is indeed a shame that 12 years after the legendary afrobeat music creator passed on, the Governments of Lagos and of Nigeria, through their so-called Tourism and Cultural agencies, have not thought it wise to look into the posibility of converting his residence, into a monument. Yet this is a property tha has become a mecca for researchers and some tourists who have frequented the country since 1998 that Fela stepped on.In its current shape, the facility looks decrepit; very unbefitting of the magnificient image that Fela cut globally through his illustrous career.
As at now, not less than 12 documentary (audio-visual and publication) projects are going on around the world on the career of the man who invented the music genre called Afrobeat. But at home, those who should act responsibly in this direction are busy slumbering on half-baked policies; insincere promises; and of course grand failures of governance.
Jim Iyke seeks new identity
STORIES BY CHUKS NWANNE
Call him ‘the bad boy of Nollywood’ or whatever; Jim Iyke seems not to have objection to that. But with the way events are unfolding, the actor has proved that there’s more to him than the bad boy image his movies have created for him. Iyke, who has just concluded works on his 13 track musical album, Who am I, says he has resolved to tell his own story by himself. “I am tired of having to have others define me or give me an image that is not mine. It is true I am a bad boy and that is so because of the roles I play in movies, but my roles are not who I am.” He continues: “People see my sunglasses as me trying to be tough guy; I’m only shy and my sunglasses are my own way of trying to shield myself. Others have tried to define me based on my relationships that have been blown out of proportion. My relationship is not all about me; I’m human. The fact that I am Jim Iyke does not give me immunity against failed relationships. As a matter of fact, I lost a thriving relationship because of bad press. I want everybody to know that I’m also human, capable of various emotions.” The Globacom ambassador says his album is a way of trying to define himself to the people without coming across as in-your-face kind of person. “Music has always been a part of me and I’m using it as a tool for telling my own story with my own mouth.” According to his manager, Omar Oyin Bala, the album has got nothing to do with Jim Iyke as a star. “Jim is comfortable, he is doing well but he feels uncomfortable seeing children who could be better off with little assistance. He is embarking on massive drive for this work and he is leaving no stone unturned to make it a success. The tour, the album, the concert and donations are not all about him. Everything is about expressing a part of him that yearns for the less-privileged kids. He is trying to put his money where his heart is.” Meanwhile, a percentage of the proceeds from the album will go to less privileged people in the society “I’m trying to give a helping hand to the poor; that’s the kind of person I’m. I’m very emotional about children and I sympathise with them. I feel their pain and I’m most comfortable around them because they are less complicated unlike adult.” In line with the project project, the Anambra State born actor had to walk through the street of Abuja with over 7000 children to raise awareness for the children of Adonai Orphanage in Kaduna, whom he is planning to build a N5 million worth of house for, since their landlord has given the kids quit notice. The walk, which involved notable celebrities started from the FCT Minister’s office and ended at Millennium Park. The campaign will climax in Abuja on Saturday, September 26, at Thisday Dome, where the album unveiling is billed to take place. The event, which is being packaged by Rita Echeozo, led Promotie Entertainment, is being touted by Abuja resident as the most anticipated. Already, some distinguished personalities and celebrities, have indicated their readiness to grace the event. Epected at the concert include the chief launcher, Terry Wayas; Senate President, David Mark; 2face Idibia; Rita Dominic; AY, Sound Sultan; Slow Dog; Francis Duru; Terry G, Funke Akindele; Yinka Davies; Ali Nuhu; MI; Durella; I Go Die; Gandoki; Omobaba; Ireti Doyle; Mercy Johnson; Chinedu Ikedieze; Osita Iheme; Klint Da Drunk and all other Glo ambassadors. There are indications that Globacom, the telecommunication company Jim represents as an ambassador, is throwing its weights behind the album, which featured Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan and Yinka Davies.
M.I., Cobhams Others for Artistry Hennessy, one of the leading Cognac in the world, has kick-off of the third annual edition of the acclaimed Hennessy Artistry series in Nigeria. The global art of mixing, which arrived Lagos on September 10, will feature series of live-music concerts and cocktail, with some of the city’s fastest rising urban-music artistes on parade.
In a bid to make the best out of this year’s edition, Hennessy is teaming up with five of the notable music producers in the country, including Cobhams Asuquo, Jesse Jagz, Knighthouse, Dokta Frabz and Mr. Daz. The producers have been mandated to select an artiste from their repertoire, with the potential to be ‘the next big thing’ in the entertainment circle. The artistes will battle it out on the Hennessy Artistry stage this month, before the Grand Finale scheduled for September 25 at The Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Competing artistes are Bez (for Cobhams), Ice Prince (for Jesse Jagz), Mo’Cheddah (for Knighthouse), Jimmy Flames (for Dr. Frabz) and Blaise (for Mr. Daz). The shows will involve an exciting eclectic mix of soul, hip-hop and R&B.
Meanwhile, the Grand Finale, will feature rap artiste, M.I as the headliner for Hennessy Artistry and chief host for the night. The Crowd Mentality singer, whose accolades include a string of Hip-hop World Awards, will thrill the audience with live performances of some of his popular hits. M.I. will then join Hennessy and audience in declaring one of the 5 contesting artistes winner of Hennessy Artistry 2009.
The Nigerian arm of Hennessy Artistry is part of Hennessy’s global urban music initiative, which has brought musical stars such as Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, Ashanti, Fabolous, Leona Lewis and a host of other award-winning musicians around the world to the Hennessy stage. Later this year, hip-hop impresario, Common, will headline the ultimate Hennessy Artistry Halo Finale alongside The Roots in New York.
GDN Nigeria Limited is the exclusive agent for the Moet Hennessy portfolio of products in Nigeria. Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, V.S.O.P, X.O, Paradis, Richard Hennessy and Ellipse.
Eziashi returns with Intimate Moments
After many years of performing in the United Kingdom, Nigeria-born-singer, Gabriel Eziashi, has thought it wise to head homewards with his latest work, Intimate Moments.
The ten-track album paraded notable Nigerian music producers such as Cobhams Asuquo, Wole Oni, Rotimi Akinfemiwa and Iyke Onka among others.
On his choice of working with Nigerian producers, Eziashi who is currently on a six weeks album promotional tour in the country says, “I’ve listened to works produced by our producers such as Asa’s album (produced by Cobhams Asuquo), Olorioko (produced by Wole Oni) and Midnight Crew’s Igwe (produced by Rotimi Akinfemiwa) and I’m convinced that they are world-class. So, when I decided to do a new album, I thought it wise to contact these guys. To me, Nigerian producers are doing their best. ”
Eziashi described his on going music tour, which saw him perform at the recently concluded yearly convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) before more than a million audience, as revealing.
“It has been a beautiful and awesome experience just as it has been tasking. It has been an eye opener for me,” he says.
At the moment, two of his tracks, My Praise and We Declare Your Kingdom are currently on air in Nigeria and UK TV and radio stations. He has also shot the video for My Praise, which was directed by cinematographers, Joel Benson and Akin Bakare.
Is Eziashi changing base?
“I am not thinking of relocating now, maybe that can come much later in the future. The focus is just to promote my work back home in Nigeria,” he says with laughter.
Born in Lagos as the fifth child in a family of seven, Eziahi’s foray into gospel music dates back to his day at the Business Admnistartion Department of The Polytechnic Ibadan, where he joined the choir of Rhema Chapel, Agbowo. He also had a stint with a music group known as Public Notice, but the group’s effort at recording an album at Klink Studios, Lagos, could not materialize before its members parted ways. From his humble beginnings as a cleaner and Nursing Assistant in his early days in UK, the artiste is now married to Oludayo with two kids.
In the summer of 2006, Eziashi recorded his first album entitled Stand By Me, a live recording, which was described as the first of its kind at the thousand-seater auditorium of Jesus House, London. The success of the album produced by UK-based Eddy Martin, was wrapped up with two years extensive tour of the United Kingdom and Europe.
He has shared the same stage with notable artistes such as Muyiwa of Riversongz, MOBO Award’s Best Jazz Artiste, Yolanda Brown, Bishop John Francis, Pastor Paul Irabor, Mike Aremu and Donnie McClurkin, amongst others.
For her video shoot, Nita P shops in Dubai
BY OYINDAMOLA LAWAL
Having concluded arrangements for the shooting of her music video, Chewing Love, featuring the self-styled Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Ogochukwu Anita Okuno, is currently in Dubai, where she had gone to shop in preparation for the shooting.
Popularly called Nita P in the music circle, the light skinned artiste informed that Wudi Awa has bee contracted for the work, while Lolar Shon will be in charge of make ups.
“It’s a dancehall track, currently playing on air. Chewing Love was produced by Jiggy Jek, while Foster Zeeno of Zane Pro Studio, mixed and mastered the work,” Nita P says.
Aside her music career, the 25 years graduate of Business Administration of the Lagos State University, has made a mark on in the industry through her fashion outfit, Xynosure.
Fourth in a family of nine, Nita P said she gets her inspiration from the cool breeze at the beach where she loves to write. Her target is to be the greatest female artiste in Africa.
TEETH 4 TEETH
Big Boy, Bovi
DO you still remember Bovi Ugboma? Yes, the comedian, who is popularly known as Akpos? Fine, in case you still do not remember whom Akpos or Bovi is, then this will help. There is this comedian who gradually rose in the industry through his role in a TV comedy series and later branched into stand-up comedy. If you have been reading this column, T4T told you how God answered his prayers and he ‘uprooted’ a brand new Geely car (he abhors Tokunbo cars, a source revealed) about a year ago. Good, Bovi a source revealed, has further stepped up; he now lives in Lekki area of Lagos, the millionaire playground just like Beverly Hills in America. When the news hit T4T, he called the comedian’s number to confirm the information, but was told by someone who claims to be his Personal Assistant (see how life be, Bovi sef don get P A) that he was unavailable. We will confirm the news soon, but the import of this piece is to show the world how levels can change at any time. This is the same Bovi about a year ago, who was struggling with no permanent home or abode; now, he has ‘hammered’ and he is now the next door neighbour of bigger boys such as Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth and Ali Baba. How did this happen? We will keep you posted, but everyone just prays it is true. To God be the glory!
A Y @ Finicky
WHY do I keep running into these stars in Surulere area of Lagos? Na dem dey find me or me dey find dem? We will leave the answer to this question for another day, but the main issue now is, comedian AY was spotted at Finicky Fast Food, Kilo Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos some days ago as T4T drove his tuke tuke car past that zone. One quickly pulled over to see if there would be a slip (as if AY wan fall). The black Infiniti SUV with customised plate number A Y parked quietly in the lot, had its front passenger door open. The person that came down was Mrs. A Y. Wia is A Y na? T4T waited patiently in his beat down car. You can’t see the inside of the car, all the glasses are tinted, smart A Y. Minutes later, Mrs. AY came back heavily laden with three branded paper sack of Finicky, she climbed in and the SUV zoomed off. Great!!! The lesson to learn from this short story is this. AY is not a gentleman, even when he saw that Mrs. AY was almost bent double from the load she was carrying, he did not deem it fit to come down and assist madam! AY needs a two-month crash course at Grace Oforiokuma’s Finishing School, to learn etiquette and how to treat a lady Course Code 101. Verdict: AY needs to be flogged!
Help, Elenu’s bloating!
COMEDIAN Elenu, T4T told you some time ago was putting on weight so fast, his family members and friends were getting worried. At the moment, they have more cause to be worried as the ace comedian is near bloating stage. T4T saw him in a car in traffic recently and he was aghast. The fella sitting in front and breathing with difficulty turned out to be Elenu, his designer shirt was all strung tight to give room for his tummy, which is chasing a Japanese’s sumo wrestler for size. I warned the last time that Elenu would soon be into sit-down comedy (no longer stand-up) because his size may not allow him to stand. Well, I am warning again because as talented as the young man is, if im allow plenty belly and yansh to block im waka (some detractors claim he now waddles instead of walking), naim know. A word is enough ... (fill in the blank spaces), na so JAMB dey set their question o o.
Seyi Law’s M L
THINGS are certainly looking up for all AY’s sidemen. Recall I told you how one of his alter egos, Emeka Smith, nearly smoked me to death in traffic recently with his Mercedes Benz 190? Yes, then how Elenu (also one of A Y’s boys) is showing signs of wealth through his size? Good, another of A Y’s front men, talented comic Seyi Law is having the fun of his life. T4T saw him cruising in a sleek Mercedes Benz ML. There was a lady by his side. Na lady I talk o, weda naim im sister or friend, na you no o o. Life is sweet, this was Seyi Law that A Y saw operating a telephone call centre popularly called Business Centre not long ago and thought he was a gifted comedian. Na so life be, Seyi, enjoy, you work hard for am, but remember your left o o, na the warning wey dem say Thunder Balogun wife warn am be dat o o. If you are conversant with that myth, you will know what happened immediately after the legendary footballer failed to heed his wife’s warning and took the shot.
Segun Arinze’s shiny shiny shirt
NOLLYWOOD star, Segun Arinze, arrived at O’jez last week Sunday spotting a glittering long sleeve shirt. Was it a satin material used in making that shirt? I doubt because that shirt sure looks like one worn by traders in the popular Idumota Market. Uncle Sege, what went wrong? You are known with designer shirts and all, so what happened that night? Anyway, if I hear you say that shirt dat nite na designers, I will call in Niger Delta militants to resolve the issue.
Ashionye’s Free At Last
HIP-hop female act, Ashionye, T4T told you recently got married to her Oyinbo boyfriend and record label owner. Yes, you were also told how the Oyinbo man was dancing zig zag to Nigerian music at the traditional wedding held at Ashionye’s family house in Itire, Surulere-Lagos Good, that is not the issue. The crux of the matter is that now that Ashionye is married, she is free from water wahala. Before you start getting the whole thing wrong, Ashionye does not need to fold her trousers and swim across a mini ocean to get to her house any time it rains again. She will be ensconced in her husband’s luxury home by now. No be me go tell you say Ashionye street (before she got married) off the popular Irapada Street, Itire, na small River Benue wen rain fall o o. Make una no put me for trouble. Anyway, Ashionye is free at last any way you look at it. ogbuus@yahoo.com
DO you still remember Bovi Ugboma? Yes, the comedian, who is popularly known as Akpos? Fine, in case you still do not remember whom Akpos or Bovi is, then this will help. There is this comedian who gradually rose in the industry through his role in a TV comedy series and later branched into stand-up comedy. If you have been reading this column, T4T told you how God answered his prayers and he ‘uprooted’ a brand new Geely car (he abhors Tokunbo cars, a source revealed) about a year ago. Good, Bovi a source revealed, has further stepped up; he now lives in Lekki area of Lagos, the millionaire playground just like Beverly Hills in America. When the news hit T4T, he called the comedian’s number to confirm the information, but was told by someone who claims to be his Personal Assistant (see how life be, Bovi sef don get P A) that he was unavailable. We will confirm the news soon, but the import of this piece is to show the world how levels can change at any time. This is the same Bovi about a year ago, who was struggling with no permanent home or abode; now, he has ‘hammered’ and he is now the next door neighbour of bigger boys such as Julius Agwu, Basket Mouth and Ali Baba. How did this happen? We will keep you posted, but everyone just prays it is true. To God be the glory!
A Y @ Finicky
WHY do I keep running into these stars in Surulere area of Lagos? Na dem dey find me or me dey find dem? We will leave the answer to this question for another day, but the main issue now is, comedian AY was spotted at Finicky Fast Food, Kilo Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos some days ago as T4T drove his tuke tuke car past that zone. One quickly pulled over to see if there would be a slip (as if AY wan fall). The black Infiniti SUV with customised plate number A Y parked quietly in the lot, had its front passenger door open. The person that came down was Mrs. A Y. Wia is A Y na? T4T waited patiently in his beat down car. You can’t see the inside of the car, all the glasses are tinted, smart A Y. Minutes later, Mrs. AY came back heavily laden with three branded paper sack of Finicky, she climbed in and the SUV zoomed off. Great!!! The lesson to learn from this short story is this. AY is not a gentleman, even when he saw that Mrs. AY was almost bent double from the load she was carrying, he did not deem it fit to come down and assist madam! AY needs a two-month crash course at Grace Oforiokuma’s Finishing School, to learn etiquette and how to treat a lady Course Code 101. Verdict: AY needs to be flogged!
Help, Elenu’s bloating!
COMEDIAN Elenu, T4T told you some time ago was putting on weight so fast, his family members and friends were getting worried. At the moment, they have more cause to be worried as the ace comedian is near bloating stage. T4T saw him in a car in traffic recently and he was aghast. The fella sitting in front and breathing with difficulty turned out to be Elenu, his designer shirt was all strung tight to give room for his tummy, which is chasing a Japanese’s sumo wrestler for size. I warned the last time that Elenu would soon be into sit-down comedy (no longer stand-up) because his size may not allow him to stand. Well, I am warning again because as talented as the young man is, if im allow plenty belly and yansh to block im waka (some detractors claim he now waddles instead of walking), naim know. A word is enough ... (fill in the blank spaces), na so JAMB dey set their question o o.
Seyi Law’s M L
THINGS are certainly looking up for all AY’s sidemen. Recall I told you how one of his alter egos, Emeka Smith, nearly smoked me to death in traffic recently with his Mercedes Benz 190? Yes, then how Elenu (also one of A Y’s boys) is showing signs of wealth through his size? Good, another of A Y’s front men, talented comic Seyi Law is having the fun of his life. T4T saw him cruising in a sleek Mercedes Benz ML. There was a lady by his side. Na lady I talk o, weda naim im sister or friend, na you no o o. Life is sweet, this was Seyi Law that A Y saw operating a telephone call centre popularly called Business Centre not long ago and thought he was a gifted comedian. Na so life be, Seyi, enjoy, you work hard for am, but remember your left o o, na the warning wey dem say Thunder Balogun wife warn am be dat o o. If you are conversant with that myth, you will know what happened immediately after the legendary footballer failed to heed his wife’s warning and took the shot.
Segun Arinze’s shiny shiny shirt
NOLLYWOOD star, Segun Arinze, arrived at O’jez last week Sunday spotting a glittering long sleeve shirt. Was it a satin material used in making that shirt? I doubt because that shirt sure looks like one worn by traders in the popular Idumota Market. Uncle Sege, what went wrong? You are known with designer shirts and all, so what happened that night? Anyway, if I hear you say that shirt dat nite na designers, I will call in Niger Delta militants to resolve the issue.
Ashionye’s Free At Last HIP-hop female act, Ashionye, T4T told you recently got married to her Oyinbo boyfriend and record label owner. Yes, you were also told how the Oyinbo man was dancing zig zag to Nigerian music at the traditional wedding held at Ashionye’s family house in Itire, Surulere-Lagos Good, that is not the issue. The crux of the matter is that now that Ashionye is married, she is free from water wahala. Before you start getting the whole thing wrong, Ashionye does not need to fold her trousers and swim across a mini ocean to get to her house any time it rains again. She will be ensconced in her husband’s luxury home by now. No be me go tell you say Ashionye street (before she got married) off the popular Irapada Street, Itire, na small River Benue wen rain fall o o. Make una no put me for trouble. Anyway, Ashionye is free at last any way you look at it. ogbuus@yahoo.com
Just being me!!!
BY SHAIBU HUSSEINI
Popular actor, Chidi Mokeme, was a visible part of last Sunday’s première of Stephanie Okereke’s new movie, Through the Glass. Moviedom cornered the trendy actor, event manager and show host, who maintained that he is not missing in action contrary to popular opinion.
Many believe that you are missing in action, is this so?
Well, they have a right to their opinions. I am very much around. But I know that I am not missing in action. I have been around and am still around. If because people have not been seeing me in every movie that is the reason they are suggesting that I have been missing in action, then they are missing the point. I don’t have to be in every movie. I should be able to do a few works in a year, rest and return to pick up more scripts. Those who know me, know that from the outset I have always selected movies I do and in my head, I would agree that I would only do so and so number. Once I reach my target, I take a break, do other things and return. So, I am very much around.
So what is next...?
Well, I have scripts lined up. Some I have made up my mind and others I am still considering. So I should be on set of a movie shortly and it is going to be one after the other. I have never jumped from set to set because it is unprofessional. It’s one job at a time.
Looking good
There is nothing so special about how I dress and it’s not about spending a fortune as you are suggesting. It is just about looking good and putting on what is right and what fits. I don’t dress to impress anyone, but simply to look good. Don’t forget that I am in a profession that demands that I must look good all the time.
What’s on your radar next?
Where I am headed? Everywhere. I will just keep being me and doing my work. I am not one who is easily distracted and that is because I try to be focused. Once I keep my mind locked on something and I am sure I am on the right lane, nothing distracts. So I will just keep being me.
Around and about Nollywood..
Premiered
STEPHANIE Okereke’s debut movie as a writer, producer and director, Through the Glass. The 140 minutes movie was premiered before a quality crowd last Sunday at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos. The movie will remain opened to the public till this weekend and will show in other movie theatres across Lagos before it is released to cable stations and then as home video.
New date for Abuja Film Festival
A NEW date has been announced for the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF). It is October 27 to 30, 2009. The organisers had earlier announced September 22 and 25. No reasons have been given for the change in date. But an inside source said it was moved forward because of the ‘sallah’ holidays. When it eventually holds, the late Muyideen Alade Aromire, one of the pioneers of the phenomenon referred to as Nollywood, will be honored for his Ekun, which was shot and released in 1987. The release of this film, according to Fidelis Duker, Festival Director, AIFF, signaled the beginning of the era of films being made on video formats. Also to be honoured is Iyawo Alhaji, the first home video film to be classified by the National Film and Video Censors Board.
Akunyili debunks ‘fraud’ rumour at NFC
MINISTER of Information and Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has debunked the fraud story making the rounds at the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC). The minister paid a visit to NFC Headquarters, Jos, to assess the extent of damage caused by a minor fire incident, which occurred on the second floor of the corporation’s office blocks recently; she maintained that the reversed order on transfer of staff to Abuja was in order and that directives for the affected staff to refund their transfer allowances were also in order and fell within statutory public service procedures. Akunyili, who was in Jos for the rebranding Nigeria campaign in the North Central zone of the country implored staff of the corporation to be committed in the rebranding drive, stressing, “it touches our everyday lives and most especially our national integrity.” The minister said the role of the corporation is crucial in the rebranding programme of the government and directed that the NFC Should henceforth brace up to the challenges inhibiting the monitoring and bringing to the attention of the government to any local or international publications, especially motion picture productions, that portray the image of the nation and her citizens in bad light.
Abu Dhabi’s Festival releases award shortlist
THE Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) today unveiled the line-up of the feature-length narratives and documentaries that would compete for Black Pearl Awards worth over $1 million during the upcoming festival. Presented by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, this year’s MEIFF will run from October 8 to 17. Peter Scarlet, the festival’s new executive director said, “a film festival’s competition selections are the heart of its program, and we’re extremely proud to have assembled such a strong slate, especially with half these competing titles coming from the Middle East and North Africa, and the filmmakers who made them having an opportunity to have their work judged alongside work from the rest of the world. It’s also extremely encouraging that eleven films in each of these competitions are by filmmakers making their first or second work.” Scarlet, Teresa Cavina, Kellen Quinn, Rasha Salti and Intishal al-Timimi made the festival’s selections, supported by a group of international programme consultants. MEIFF’s Narrative Feature Competition comprises 18 films, including two World Premieres, Son of Babylon (Ibn Babil) by Mohamed al-Daradji (Iraq) and True colours (Bil Awan Al Tabiyya) by Oussama Fawzi (Egypt), and one international premiere (screening for the first time outside its country of production), Cooking with Stella by Dilip Mehta (Canada). Another film in the narrative competition, The Traveler (Al Mosafer), a debut film written and directed by Ahmed Maher, and starring Omar Sharif, Khaled El Nabawy and Lebanese singing star Celine Abdel Nour in her first major film role, will be screened as the Opening Night Gala. Most of the 14 other titles screening in the Narrative Feature Competition are being shown for the first time in the Middle East.
IONIFF Port Harcourt 2009 Closes Sept 30
WORKS by the Nigerian Committee of the 6th edition of ION International Film Festival scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt between December 9 and 12, 2009 has commenced. Entries for the festival began in April 2009. The committee is tasked with the responsibility of selecting five movies for a Nigerian retrospective series. They also have to identify 20 movies that will be considered for the official selection in competition, in addition to screening and pre-selecting Nigeria’s public submissions for the official selection in competition, which will then be finalized between Paris and Los Angeles. Bond Emeruwa (President, Directors Guild of Nigeria); Sani Mu’Azu (President, Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria); Emmanuel Isikaku (President, Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association); Jahman Anikulapo and Sewedo Nupowaku for Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) and Shaibu Husseini, film journalist; are members of the committee. Chris David of Shout Studio established the ION International Film Festival in 2004, and in 2007, the Farmani Group acquired it. The Farmani Group is the founder of several charities and art-related business and organisation, including the award-winning VUE magazine, The Lucie Award (the Oscars of photography), Design Awards, Green Dot Awards, Hospitality Awards, and the International Photography Awards. The film festival is dedicated to promoting independent films, documentaries, animation, music videos and student films. Each year, the festival is held in a different location in an effort to promote global awareness and unity. In 2007, Hollywood hosted the event, while 2008 host was Dubai. Istanbul will host in 2010. Submissions of enteries closes on September 30. For information visit www.omcomm.org.
Berlinale Co-Production Market seeks Co-Production Partners.
THE Berlinale Co-Production Market has said that it is seeking promising feature film projects, which it will assist to find co-production and co-financing partners at the Berlinale 2010. Until October 29, experienced producers may submit projects that have budgets between ?2 and 10 million; at least 30 per cent of the funding has to be in place. The projects must also be suited to international co-production. At the 7th Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 14 to 16, 2010), the producers of the ca.35 projects will meet with potential co-producers, financiers, sales agents, and international distributors. The Berlinale Co-Production Market team will put together a personalised schedule of meetings for each of the 450 participants, a schedule that not only coordinates when each party is available, but above all makes sure the projects and partners found for each other are a good fit. Over 80 films have been released since the market was launched in 2004. In other words, 40 per cent of the projects envisioned have already been completed. They include Sergei Bodrov’s Mongol, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2008; Alexandr Sokurov’s The Sun; as well as the crossover success, Lemon Tree, by Eran Riklis, which was shown in the Berlinale Panorama in 2008 and has since been screened in over 20 countries. Main partners of the Berlinale Co-Production Market have been the MDM – Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (since 2004) and the MEDIA-Programme of the European Union (since 2005). The project submission forms and selection criteria for 2010 are available at: www.efm-berlinale.de/en/copromarket/participation/project_submission/project-submission.php
WAKA PASS
Producer- Amebo A. Amebo
Director- Mr. Gossip
Actors- Nollywood Celebrities
Oby Edozie was too hot to handle
WE don’t know what the one we call GQ, but you call Chidi Mokeme, meant by the ‘you are too hot to handle’ he dropped on popular actress, Oby Edozie, at last Sunday’s premiere of Through the Glass. Soon as the former host of the Gulder Ultimate Search reality show sighted Oby, who wore a white blouse on red hot stretch trousers, the only audible remark he made as he walked out of the red carpet stop point was ‘hey gel (that’s to Oby o) you are too hot to handle’. That one-liner got Oby winking to the waka pass that accompanied her to the premiere as if saying ‘what is too hot about me?’ Anyway, to be sure GQ was not just putting the pretty Oby on the spot, we stretched our neck to confirm what could have made GQ -- who we know appreciates ‘good things’ -- to make such a remark and we too found the slit that revealed a bit of the upper section of Oby’s chest too hot to handle. And by the way, didn’t Oby get an invite to the premiere. She was held up at the entrance of the movie theatre for minutes. A waka pass said somebody had to slip a card out of the hall to enable her enter the movie theatre. Come sister Oby c’est true? O blind me…na de only French I sabi be that!
… So, was that ‘Mr. Cool’ we saw in Monalisa’s convoy? SINGLE’ woman (ala one waka pass) Monalisa Dejo-Richards nee Chinda was also one of the popular faces who made it to the premiere of the film. The other faces waka pass was able to rankzerox included another ‘single woman’ Fathia Balogun, Kanayo O. Kanayo, yet another ‘single woman’ Eucharia Anunobi, Tchidi Chikere, Dickson Iroegbu and Ayo Badmus. But Monalisa didn’t make it there during the red carpet reception. She came few minutes to the start of the movie and a convoy of six people — five ladies and a guy who looked a lot like the two album star, ‘Mr. Cool’, trailed her. We tried to confirm if indeed the fellow was the artiste whose stage name was ‘Mr. Cool’ but we couldn’t because light went off for the movie. But one waka pass sitting next to moviedom swore that the fellow was ‘Mr. Cool’. Well, we didn’t want to argue, so we kept our cool. But from nowhere came this unsolicited reply: ‘may be Mona hired Mr. Cool to cool her mind from all she has been reading about her embattled relationship with her husband’ shuoooooooooooooo. This linkage get as e be. We no know book oooooo. To God be the Glory!
shaibu70@yahoo.com
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