Governor, Benue State, Samuel Ortom (third left); DG of NIHOTOUR, Balogun (third right) and other officials… during the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja

WITH ceaseless drop in the price of crude oil in the international market, some states have begun to explore other revenue generation sources. And for Benue State, tourism has a lot to offer considering numerous products and destinations the state is blessed with. Yet, the step towards developing the potentials must begin with manpower development.

But the process of building the capacity took a definite dimension last week with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) – the establishment saddled with the responsibility of training hospitality and tourism operators.

The MoU was to guide and facilitate the establishment of the branch of NIHOTOUR in the state.

The event, which held in Benue State House, Abuja, had the Director General, NIHOTOUR, Mrs. Chika Balogun, Benue State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Sekav Dzua Iyortyom, and Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom in attendance.

For the governor, hospitality and tourism formed part of the areas the state has comparative advantage and citing of NIHOTOUR in the state was only apt in helping to actualize the dream of Benue as a tourism destination of choice.

He added that with the continuous fall in the price of crude oil coupled with projections of future decline, it was expected that states should take quick actions towards economic stability by exploring areas where they have comparative advantages.

His words: “This is a right step in the right direction and we must thank NIHOTOUR for the passion and initiatives. As at yesterday, the price of crude oil was $28 per barrel, the possibility of coming down more is there and going by the projections made by both OPEC and IMF, it is likely to fall below $20 per barrel.

“So, that calls for quick action and quick means of adding value to our economy. There is need for the country to diversify its economy; this is a right step in the right direction.

“And for us in Benue State, we have several areas where we have comparative advantage. They include agricultural, solid minerals, tourism and culture.

“No doubt, hospitality and tourism is one area where we have very big advantage and we are happy that you are coming in at this time”.

The governor stressed the need for capacity building in tourism and hospitality. With well-equipped manpower, Ortom said tourism should be one of the ways out of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

He therefore, assured NIHOTOUR of every necessary assistance to ensure that the project takes off as soon as possible.  “On our part, we shall do everything possible to ensure this programme takes off as soon as possible. We assure you of our commitment”, he added.

Mrs. Balogun, said the decision to cite the Institute in the state was motivated by the enthusiasm the government of the state has shown towards tourism development.

Noting that hospitality thrives in quality service delivery, there was need for trained and experienced tourism personnel or operators to help drive the vision of the state.

“Hospitality is all about service delivery. So, we need trained and experienced personnel to drive the industry. Benue State is adjudged one of the most hospitable states in Nigeria – I can say one of the first three in the country.

“These are evidence in their rich and variety cuisine, excellent dance culture as well hospitable people. I witnessed all these in my recent visit to the state and I still look forward to going for those wonderful experiences again”.

The DG added,”it is to be commended that in your wisdom, you have decided to take tourism very seriously and have decided to do it in a scientific way so as to get desire result.

“Also, you have realized that the bedrock of hospitality and tourism is trained and efficient manpower that will run the sector.

With Benue State adjudged one of the most hospitable states in Nigeria, it has the capacity to develop like some notable tourism destinations across the world,” she said.

Prof. M.T. Abdulrazaq (left); Prof. O.D. Amucheazi; Prof. Tayo Fashoyin; Mr. Odunayo Bamodu; Managing Partner, Hybrid Solicitors, Mr. Bimbo Atilola; and Justice Ken Amadi at the unveiling of Nigerian Labour Law Dictionary: Case Law Perspective authored by Atilola during the firm’s 4th annual lecture and luncheon held at the Westown Hotel, Lagos…recently

HOW do young Nigerians be reacquainted with their history since the subject is not studied fully on its own as before so it stands out? Ola Opesan, the head teacher at Meadow Hall School, Lekki, Lagos, has partly solved this problem for youngsters and anyone who is interested in the country’s recent past and the personalities that shaped its history. His new book, Nigeria in 101 Headlines is one compelling, colourful resource material.

Opesan noted recently that the book is designed to make historical facts accessible to teenagers and older people who need a quick reference material on events and personalities that shape the country’s history. According to him, “It’s a book of events and personalities; personalities make events. It’s very useful for teaching children historical and social events. From my experience, teenagers don’t always know such personalities like Awolowo, Azikiwe, Balewa and the others; they can’t tell you about the achievements of those personalities. So yes, the book is history in snapshots”.

Although his subject area is Mathematics, Opesan admitted that not enough history is being taught in schools as the subject is subsumed under Social Studies, he maintained that it was “important to still teach our history to our children otherwise our young ones will be alienated from our past. Our children must have idea of what happened in the past and how the country’s evolution.

Mathematics is about finding solutions. A major problem with Lagos is traffic; we ought to find solutions to it. Introducing odd and even numbers was once introduced to curb traffic jam years ago. It’s in the book”.

For him to realize the book, Opesan said he had to read a lot of biographies and autobiographies. According to him, “Reading through autobiographies helped me connect the dots of what happened in the country in the past”.

The Nigerian Archive, the British Library, the War Museum in Umuahia, old newspapers and magazines and other sources helped him actualize Nigeria in 101 Headlines, he said, adding, “There is a lot of archives in the country if you took time to look for it; they helped in this work.”

However, the challenge the author encountered included being able to track down some of the materials which he said took ages to accomplish. “It was very challenging to track down some materials”.

Also, the title of the book, Nigeria in 101 Headlines, Opesan said, is in line with Nigeria’s Centenary anniversary celebration.

Evwierhoma

The inaugural lecture of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja, Professor Mabel Evwierhoma (FSONTA, FCAARS) holds tomorrow, January 21 at the Faculty of Management Sciences, Main Campus.

The lecture, which is coming about a decade of professorship is titled Mother is Gold, The Mater, The Mater and Women-Centered Drama in Nigeria.

Professor Evwierhoma, said the near abstract title draws from her gender-centered ideology that has influenced her academic pursuits over time.

“In the title are tributes, first to the womb that bore me and hands that rocked my cradle – my mother, Princess Theodora Tobrise, nee Aiwerioghene and other women who advance the cause of women through dramatic creativity in textual or performative contexts.
She noted, “I look forward to a day of opportunities granted by God, the Governing Council, Vice Chancellor and Administration of University of Abuja to inform the audience on academic input and output on the path to the Chair”.

In dramaturgy, she sees the task before womanist or feminist writers in the nation’s socio-cultural environment without stepping on the sensitivity of men as simple.

“Womanists and feminists whether they are women or men should continue to ventilate what it means to be a woman through writing – that it does not mean she is second-rate,” she added.

Cuban envoy to Nigeria, Amb. Carlos E.Troja Sosa (Omowale); his wife, Mrs. Trejo Sosa (Oshunyinka); Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeleye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and Deputy Cuban envoy, Ms Miriam Morales Palmero (Yemoja) during the courtesy visit to the the Ooni… in Ile-Ife

This time around, the Ooni played host to one of his own, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos E.Troja Sosa, Omowale, who has a history of long association with the palace dating back to the era of the late Oba Sijwuade. He was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Trejo Sosa (Oshunyinka) the deputy envoy, Ms Miriam Morales Palmero (Yemoja) following a royal summon by the Ooni.

The visit spanned two days with the first day witnessing a grand reception for the visiting envoy and his team at the Enu Owa palace where he was treated to musical and cultural entertainment with Osirgi dance group, Abubu Ola and the Elewo Agogo Group and the duo of Olo Midan Bata and Anu, the lady Ekwe from the stable of Atunda Entertainment as well as Sango Oba Koso, which is known in the Caribbean as Shango.

The visitors were hosted to a private dinner by the Ooni, who is also the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, an organsiation founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the president of La Campagne and also the consultant and adviser on tourism to the Ooni.

The night ended with tour of Omi Yeye Moolu, a mysterious river within the inner recesses of the palace while on the second day of the visitor, the team was at the Ile-Ife Grand Resort and Leisure site, a 156 hectare of land, which on completion will house a N7.6 billion resort. A baby of the Ooni, The resort will provide employment for hundreds of people and open up the tourism economy of Ile-Ife.

The team visited Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where the Cuban envoy held court with the students at the amphitheatre. He also visited the Natural History of Museum and the Institute of Cultural Studies.

The visit afforded the Ooni and his guests the opportunity to exchange ideas and pledge cooperation in the area of cultural and tourism promotion with Cuba: According to the envoy, a chunk of the population of Cuba are people of Yoruba descent with many as devotees of Ifa.

Oba Ojaja II took time to educate and expose his visitors to the rich history and tradition of his people and the supremacy of Ile – Ife. He debunked the migratory theory about Ile – Ife and declared that Ile – Ife is indeed the cradle of mankind and not only the Yoruba.

He said Olodumare, the creator of the universe, controls the world from Ile – Ife, as evidenced by the mysterious Igi Nla, White Forest, Ark of Noah and Tower of Babel, all domiciled in Ile-Ife. He elaborated on the significance of the 201 deities created by Olodumare and their relationship with mankind, right from the days of Adam and Eve days.

‘Evening Sunset’ (b. 1972) 2012 Acrylic on paper 69 x 53.5 cm. (27 x 21 in.) by Ola Balogun

Being organized by Arthouse Contemporary, the latest addition tagged The Affordable Art Auction, which holds on February 17, 2016 at Kia Showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos, features works of artists across generations and genres. Ahead of the sales, the previews of the auction are scheduled to hold on February 25-26.

Arthouse Contemporary, regarded as a pioneer auction house in West Africa, has been organising bi-annual auctions of modern and contemporary art sales in May and November since 2008. Supported by Ecobank, Kia Motors and Luxeria, The Affordable Art Auction, according to Arthouse is being organised as a result of “an explosion of interest in contemporary African art in recent years.”

The auction house added that there has been a commensurate potential for investment.

“The market is maturing,” Mrs. Kavita Chellaram, CEO at Arthouse Contemporary had noted after last November sales. “Blue chip is of high value and we had multiple buyers for the premium works.” Chellaram therefore disclosed that “we are going to separate the smaller works from premium and have a sale of works up to N500, 000 naira upwards.”

Three months after and from a call for entries that totaled over one hundred submissions, Arthouse has selected the lots, which include many artists who are featuring in the house’s sale for the first time. The auction also includes “works of art by leading modern masters and Africa’s most prominent artists —- all scaled to a more affordable and accessible price point.”

Listed among artists whose works are making the inaugural Affordable Auction are Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Twins Seven Seven, Rom Isichei, Peju Alatise, Ben Osawe and Lemi Ghariokwu, among others. International artists include Paa Joe and Jacob Tetteh-Ashong (Ghana), Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou (Benin), Cyrus Kabiru (Kenya), Sokari Douglas Camp (UK), and Chipika Simanwe (Zambia).

Specifically, the definition of Arthouse’s ‘affordable’ is based on pricing “below NGN 500,000,” which allows what the auction house describes as showcasing a wider scope of artists.

“Through this auction, Arthouse Contemporary seeks to open more opportunities for artists in Nigeria to sell their work and create a new audience to appreciate and interact with contemporary African art,” the auction house explains its mission. “The aim of the Affordable Art Auction is to encourage first-time buyers to take the leap into their first art acquisition and for more seasoned collectors to expand their repertoire.”

Gucci Representative, Vien Odofin-Daniel (right);OAP Osagie and Marketing Manager, Eniola Ositelu and others at Ikeja City Mall

While stating the reason for the dinner for couples, the marketing manager of ICM Eniola Ositelu said, “The purpose was just to reward our shoppers for their patronage and since it was a love season it was time to reward them for being loyal to Ikeja City Mall.”

On how the mall was able to select 20 people out of its numerous customers, Ositelu said, “We selected those that were able to shop N20,000 or more. We also took two people from social media who did not shop but are our ardent followers. We then asked them to write
a love note and the best was selected”.

The Highlight of the event was when one of the couples proposed to his girlfriend.

Ajitalo noted, “While we were contacting and informing our winners, he told us he wanted to propose to his girlfriend on that day. So, we just tied it into the diner event”.

Some partners also won a weekend stay at Protea Ikeja anytime they were ready while others got vouchers of up to N10,000 they could use at the mall. Gucci also gave the couples beautiful gift packs.

Cast and crew of Farewell Eldorado

The red carpet starts at 3.30pm.

Written and directed by Lekan Adeniyi, the play set in the Urhobo Kingdom in 1930 is intrigue-filled. It centres on Omokiniovo, who in his late teens was born into a loving family. They had everything aside farmland and cattle. Two things that drew the line between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’. His father worked tirelessly on other people’s farm with hope that one day he would own his.

Determined to liberate his family from poverty, Omokiniovo embraces western education, a lofty dream for the nobles of his days, but swims against the tide.

The play, suspense filled is produced by Fourth Party.

eventbrite.ca

Head of Sales, IDL, Hope Gbagi, said the reason for supporting the event was to create a robust atmosphere for unwinding and fun for the club members.

Moradeyo commended IDL being a supporter of many events at the Lagos Country Club such as New Year’s party and new member’s night. With the bubbly ambience, brands like Action Bitters, Veleta Fruit Wine, Chapeau, a cow for barbeque and a DJ, the mood became charged, as Club members gyrated late into the night.

Members of Spirit and Truth, the music arm of The Pater’s Heritage, with the director, Mr. Ben Chiadika (left), at a Valentine’s Day group performance

BUT it wasn’t just the songs; there was drama also. A Love Triangle, also written and directed by Chiadika, played up some of the curious troubles plaguing the homes of many young couples, as they battle to contain the many conflicting emotions and tendencies that threaten to rip their marriages apart. Kenneth and Ada is a young couple living in the city. Their marriage is strained on many fronts. The initial love spark is gone and they are barely tolerating each other. Like most women, Ada resorts to nagging her husband; Kenneth takes the cue and stays out late and finds beer parlours a place of solace to avoid her. Also, their initial Christian fervour has waxed cold, as they are daily at each other’s throat.
 
The situation is not helped by the appearance of a charming neighbour, Doctor Abdul and a bachelor who shows Ada the attention and care she does not get from her husband. Abdul helps Ada from her car to her flat one evening with a sprain in her back when she fell in her office. That simple gesture sparks off tension in the home. Kenneth is not happy Ada allows herself into the arms of another man even if Ada needed the help. She is in pain and cannot even stand up and walk. Kenneth is not exactly the best sort of man; his laxity costs him his job to further compound their problem. He is saddled with having to take care of his wife at home and face her constant nagging. Her inability to bear children soon enough isn’t helping matters either.
 
Abdul becomes a regular feature at Ada’s side while the husband is away drinking himself to stupor. This gives him ideas; he senses Ada is lonely and seeks to fill the void in her heart. But just as he makes his move, Ada promptly puts him in check; she shoves him hard and rebukes him for taking advantage of a lonely and helpless woman. Abdul resorts to blackmail and informs her that her husband is making a pass at the canteen/beer parlour woman nearby. Kenneth returns home and owns up to his misdeed in front of Abdul and apologises to his wife. He also confesses to having turned the bend; he is now talking about Jesus to the said canteen woman and is close to converting her for Christ.
 
His attempt to also sway Abdul fails, as the doctor is so carnally-minded like the rest of the Valentine brood that anchors their fate on romance without Christ.
 
Although a simple plot structure that was also well executed, a few distractions marred A Love Triangle’s overall enjoyment. Scene changes took too long to happen. Static sounds from the body microphones also happened; external noise from backstage crew unknowingly speaking into microphones caused distractions for the audience. Lighting, too, left much to be desired. Although not exactly a purpose-built theatre, the producer and the cast and crew managed as best they could at PEFTI Hall. But having settled there, with its comfortable air-conditioning, The Pater’s Heritage performance group would do well to master its proper use and minimise the distractions that can possibly flow from it for the overall enjoyment of a theatrical production.
 
Although essentially an evangelistic, Christian outreach production for the propagation of the gospel, it would not be out of place to start charging an entrance fee to encourage the cast and crew and for continuity.

Abdullai

Dr. Emmanuel Wesley Okachi, a Senior Lecturer at ABU could not have captured better an aspect of Professor Luka Bentu-his ability to spot talent, nourish it and grow it to star status. This is besides being a humanist, mentor, prodigious scholar, creative czar and astute administrator.

It was in his honour that all had assembled from different walks of life on Monday January 25, 2016 for the official opening of an Art Gallery put together by his family and named after him- Prof. L. T. Bentu Gallery of Art located at Tere House, 60, Murtala Mohammed Way, Jos, Plateau State. A one-week art exhibition was also organized as part of the commissioning of the Gallery with technical support from the National Gallery of Art (NGA).

In a power point presentation titled, “Art-A Source of Living,” the guest speaker did justice to a subject that would have titillated his former teacher and mentor were he to be around-the viability of Visual arts not only as a vocation but a profession. Citing Yusuf Grillo’s painting- Truly Hijab (Oil on Canvas) which was sold for N11 million in 2015; Ben Enwonwu’s African Dances (Oil on Board), N17.1 million also in 2015 and El Anatsui’s Sculpture- Zata (Oil on Wooden Panels), N15.4 million in 2014, he asserts that “despite the uncertainties in the global economy, Art, public art and monuments and architecture have continued to a large extent to impact positively on tourism development and promotion. Businesses and employment in the service industries associated with art and tourism create wealth and employment for citizens in areas where they are sited.”

In the main, however, the day was about Professor Luka Tokan Bentu, a revered artist and scholar who passed away on October 19, 1996 but lives on not just by his great works, the lives he touched but also his children carrying on the torch. His daughter who is the Curator of the Gallery and Chief Executive, Tapshak Entertainment Ltd, Dorcas Bentu, for instance, is a Ceramist. Though she had not practiced since leaving ABU, she has been into other forms of art like costume and make-up design for theatrical productions, music and marketing/management of arts while working with the Plateau State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and currently a private sector art and culture practitioner. Her brother, Stanley Bentu studied Industrial Design, specialising in Graphic Arts but is into marketing, advertising and in the last four years working as a media person. The other children have their specialties in Theatre Arts, Broadcasting and Music. As Dorcas puts it: “Art I would say was a gift my family inherited in different forms from not just my dad but my grand-mother as well who was a traditional potter whose works are currently on display at the National Museum in Jos.” 

No doubt, Prof. Bentu in spite of almost 20 years of his passage still resounds with many as speaker after speaker extolled his virtues at the event. The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden who commissioned the Gallery, said he had to be personally present because Bentu was a name he knew from an early age and admired for his extraordinary achievements not only in the field of Arts but in other endeavours. He said it is for this reason that the Plateau Arts Council is named after Bentu. “The door of Plateau State government is open and it will do what it can to support L. T. Bentu Gallery of Art,” he announced. In his remark, Senator Suleiman Adokwe, while praising Prof. Bentu said he will rally fellow senators to support visual arts in Nigeria as a viable sub-sector.

The Senator equally asked that some works be tagged for him as part of his contribution to the Bentu Gallery of Art. Waxing philosophical, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, former Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi and representative of the former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Aliyu Akwe Doma, said: “Art is what we are; what we were and what we would be. Bentu was a great artist.” He consoled Bentu’s widow, Mrs. Patricia Bentu to be happy because his husband played his part creditably and would continue to be remembered by all.

And in a glowing tribute to the art scholar, the Director General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Abdullahi Muku, titled, “Prof. Luka Tokan Bentu: Timeless Worth of a Selfless Artist” revealed an aspect of the man that is not well known- his activism! “His name will forever resonate in contemporary Nigerian art not only due to his scholarly activities and artistic productivities but for also playing a selfless role as Vice President of the Dele Jegede led Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) in 1989. Prof. Bentu was actively engaged and deeply involved in all radical, evolutionary, revolutionary and administrative activities of SNA that tactically led to the re-opening of the closed NGA which at the time was ‘embryoed’ within the National Council of Arts and Culture,” he declared.

Muku recalled that following that success was another agitation and powerful advocacy which convinced the Federal Government to pay due attention to visual arts and its significance to national development. “These activities eventually culminated in the government’s germane decision to grant a parastatal status to the NGA in 1993,” he stated. Turning to Bentu’s artistic prowess, the Director General said that his timeless works have been exhibited in Ausria, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Japan and several times in Britain. “Two of his paintings are currently on permanent display at the London Museum alongside other world-famous artists. His competencies fetched him government patronage/commission to produce many paintings including one for the 2nd World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) held in Nigeria in 1977,” he asserted.

In a declamatory note, Muku said: “Indeed, Prof. Luca Bentu adorns a badge of timeless worth. What with his many works on which his signature of immortality is engraved? What with his selfless activities and rare tirelessness? “The Director General announced that NGA will be putting together a commemorative scholarly articulated exhibition to be complemented with a standard brochure that aptly immortalizes him and his many outstanding explorations, expositions and developmental contributions to Nigerian art.”

Highlights of the event were the purchase of works worth N1.2 million by dignitaries and the donation of a brand new Hyundai car to the Gallery by a philanthropist and art lover who craved anonymity to facilitate its programmes and activities. A highly elated Dorcas Bentu, says of her feeling on the opening of the Gallery: “I’m extremely happy and excited. What started as a dream has become a reality…”

Mujila

On Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the winner of the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature (EPL) will be announced at a grand ceremony. The month-long tension and anxiety that have characterised the pitch for the 2015 edition will reach its climax, with one of the three shortlisted debut fiction writers of African origin, who are neck-to-neck in the epic final battle, named winner. Who will that new crowned force of African literature be?

Without any doubt, the yearly Prize has assumed the flagship status among other literary initiatives in its competitive set. It also incorporates the Flash Fiction category as a strategic measure to celebrate unpublished writers across the continent and challenge budding writers to create compelling stories. The Prize was launched in 2013 as a platform to promote creativity and talent development in Africa.

In its few years, it has significantly contributed to the growth of African literature as well as giving the continent a louder global voice. This is evident in the number and quality of participation and the window of opportunity it has afforded some of the past winners. For example, winner of the 2013 edition, NoViolet Bulawayo of Zimbabwe and her winning book, We Need New Names, has gone on to win more accolades including the prestigious Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award and Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University.

In 2014, Songeziwe Mahlangu of South Africa emerged winner with his novel, Penumbra, ahead of his contemporaries, Nigerian Chinelo Okparanta, author of Happiness, Like Water and South African, Nadia Davids, author of An Imperfect Blessing. Neema Komba of Tanzania was also announced winner in the Flash Fiction category of the Etisalat Prize for same year. She won a cash prize of £1,000 for her entry Setting Babu on Fire. The runners up, Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, writer of the short story, I Saved my Marriage and Irabor Justin Ikhide, writer of the short story, These Words I Do Not Speak, were presented with a cash prize of £500 each.

This year, the three finalists on the pitch are, Fiston Mwanza Mujila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Africa’s duo of Penny Busetto and Rehana Rossouw. While Mujila’s book, Tram 83 earned him a space in the final list, Busetto got on the list with her work, The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself while Rossouw’s What Will People Say? gave her a place.

Indeed, come Saturday the stake will be much higher because the competition presents a very interesting mix: one male author versus two female authors or one DRC citizen versus two South Africans.

What about the all-encompassing rewards for the winner: £15,000 cash, engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen and Etisalat-sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia, including mentoring by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland.

In addition to the great rewards for the winner, all the three shortlisted writers will enjoy a sponsored multi-city book tour and have 1,000 copies of their books purchased by Etisalat for distribution to schools, libraries and book clubs across the African continent.

It has been a fierce contest all the way. At the submission of entries for the literary prize earlier last year, writers from across the continent submitted over 100 titles.

Each of the 100 titles was reviewed by the esteemed three-member judging panel: Professor Ato Quayson, a professor of English and inaugural Director of the Centre for Diaspora Studies at the University of Toronto (Chair of Judges); Molara Wood, writer, journalist, critic and editor; and Zukiswa Wanner, author of Men of the South and London Cape Town Joburg.

After the rigorous month-long review, nine longlisted titles were announced in November 2015. The panel did a further review of the nine books and released the shortlist in December 2015, thus setting the stage for the three finalists to compete for the ultimate prize.

Fiston Mwanza Mujila (Tram 83)

A RECIPIENT of French Voices 2014 grant and winner of the Grand Prix du Premier Roman des SGDL, Mujila’s book had also been shortlisted for numerous other awards, including the Prix du Monde. Tram 83 has also drawn comparisons to Fitzgerald, Céline, García Márquez, Hunter S. Thompson and even a painting by Hyeronimous Bosch or a piece by Coltrane. of French Voices 2014 grant and winner of the Grand Prix du Premier Roman des SGDL, Mujila’s book had also been shortlisted for numerous other awards, including the Prix du Monde. Tram 83 has also drawn comparisons to Fitzgerald, Céline, García Márquez, Hunter S. Thompson and even a painting by Hyeronimous Bosch or a piece by Coltrane.

Tram 83 is the story of Requiem, a gangster rapidly gaining power and influence in a fictional, dystopian African city and his friend, Lucien, a writer who visits him and is sucked into Requiem’s corrupt empire and the city’s outrageously extravagant, filthy-glamorous nightlife.

Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1981, Mujila studied Literature and Human Sciences at Lubumbashi University. He now lives in Graz, Austria and is pursuing a PhD in Romance Languages.
Penny Busetto (The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself)

BUSETTO’S book, The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself is a novel set principally on the island of Ponza, off the Italian mainland, but has a haunting South African backstory that edges into the narrative about a fifth of the way in. The fictional novel won the 2013 European Union Literary Award as well as the 2014 University of Johannesburg Debut Prize.

Busetto grew up in Cape Town, but moved to Italy when she was 17, where she studied and married. She moved back to Cape Town in 1996, and is currently pursuing her doctorate in English and psychology.

Rehana Rossouw (What Will People Say?)

WHAT Will People Say? by Rossouw is a story of the Fourie family, residents of Hanover Park in the Cape Flats during the height of the struggle era. The main characters include Magda, the church-going mother, who doesn’t see what’s going on in front of her; Neville, the concerned and loving but not always effectual father; Suzette, the oldest daughter, who is bound and determined to get away and make a better life for herself via a career in modelling. Nicky, the smart and sensitive middle child, who proves herself capable of making unselfish choices; and Anthony, the naïve and doomed son, who gets caught up with a gang and meets a sad end.

Ojaide

Nigeria’s Prof. Tanure Ojaide has been awarded the Fonlon-Nichols Award for his commitment to democratic ideals, humanistic values and literary excellence in Africa. Ojaide is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Frank Graham Porter Professor of Africana Studies. He will receive the prestigious honour at the 42nd annual African Literature Association (ALA) conference in Atlanta, scheduled for April 6 through 9. The thematic focus of the conference is ‘Justice and Human Dignity in Africa and the African Diaspora.’

The Fonlon-Nichols Award is given annually to an African writer for excellence in creative writing and for contributions to the struggles for human rights and freedom of expression. The award was established in 1992 to honour Bernard Fonlon, who was a writer, teacher and editor, and Lee Nichols, a journalist, for their contributions to African literature, support for human rights and advocacy of freedom of expression. The founding endowment of the award is housed at the University of Alberta, under the responsibility of the Dean of Arts.

ALA, which nominated Ojaide for the award, is an independent, not-for-profit, professional society that facilitates attempts of a worldwide audience to appreciate the efforts of African writers and artists.

Ojaide is a prolific writer with 17 poetry collections, two memoirs, three collections of short stories, four novels and seven scholarly books. His poems have been published in dozens of major anthologies, including The Poetry of Men’s Lives: An International Anthology, Emergency Kit: Poems for Strange Times and Border Lines: Contemporary Poems in English.

In 2006, he received the UNC Charlotte First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal for his distinction in creative writing and scholarship.

Four-man Precious Omuku musical group that added a harmonic, classical orchestral intermission with its sonorous renditions at Titi Horsfall’s recent book reading event at Terra Kulture, Lagos; she read from her latest novel Influence of a King

After a successful run at the just concluded Lagos Theatre Festival 2016, the rich blend of cultural and contemporary drama, music and dance, Ìtàn (the Story) will be returning to stage on March 26 and 27, 2016 at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Packaged by the Thespian Family Theatre and Production (TFT), the play captures the modern day relational tension that crops up between the different age – generations as Àsìkò (‘Time’ personified) intervenes by taking ‘old school’ – die-hard -village-elder, Pa Latinwo and his newly discovered city, roller-coaster grandson, Dee-Kay, on a journey into the past and future. They discover dark secrets shrouded by the veil of time and come to terms with the fact that they need each other to make the best of the present.

The playwright, Ayo Jaiyesimi, who has produced and staged plays such as The Five Maids of Fadaka and Mad King of Ijudiya, is passionate about trying to minimize the challenges that multi-generational relationships pose in families and the workplace, and the disharmony it causes in families or teams within corporate organizations or communities.

Historically, the generations just consisted of the old-timers and the young hotshots. But today, one can identify five different generations of people influenced by major historical events, social trends, and cultural phenomena of its time. These generations include; the Traditionalists (born pre-1945) usually loyal, respectful of authority, conventional, possessing excellent work ethic but may be grave and sombre.

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) usually well-educated, tend to question authority but are excellent team members and thrive on adrenaline-charged assignments. Generation X (born 1965-1980) are independent, family-focused, intolerant of bureaucracy, critical, hardworking, and socially responsible. Generation Y (1981-1995) Influenced by technology and doting parents, are highly socialized, technologically savvy, socially responsible and require work-life balance. Generation Z (born after 1995) is also known as the “The Facebook Crowd” and Influenced by a media-saturated world. They are technologically dependent, closely tied to parents, accept alternative lifestyles and tend to be involved in social activism.

With Ìtàn, Jaiyesimi believes that many families and work teams are frustrated because of the lack of generational understanding. Beyond the visible youth culture – dress, music and dance that the older generation and body corporates exploit to their advantage, how tangible are the investments that are being made in youth issues? How well are young people engaged and being involved in crafting corporate and national strategy in a world that they would form majority of the population? On the other hand, how have young people tapped into the experience and structure that older have to offer? These are some of the contentious issues that the play subtly throws up. It calls on all of us to question and fashion a way to bridge this gap before it leads to further disintegration in our society.

The production is led by Ayo Jaiyesimi who is also the Executive Producer, renowned theatre veteran and Journalist- Ben Tomoloju, as Artistic Director and Lookman Sanusi, Productions’ Director. Ìtàn also features a talented 60-man cast and crew which include Nobert Young, Wazobia FM’s ‘LOLO 1’ – Omotunde David, Sam Uquah, Nissi George, Segun Dada amongst others.

MD Librty TV Toyin Alabi (left) and the Executive Chairman ATAR Communication, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan at the event

Liberty Television Nigeria was one of the biggest winners at the sixth edition of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) that took place last weekend at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

The TV channel in the Northern part of the country won a double award carting home the Best TV Channel and Best Indigenous TV Station. Transmitting on Startimes Channel 180 and Strong HD Decoders, it is a news and currents affairs driven platform strategically broadcasting from Kaduna to a global audience, founded on the tenets of free speech, human and civil rights, and exercise of free market.

The Ace juju singer, Sesan Akinpelu popularly called Chelsea Bobo, has unveiled the video of his latest single entitled ‘Milengbe’, featuring the hip-hop artiste Jaywon.

The unveiling took place in the presence of top entertainers and fans at Open Gate Bar, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the week.

Chelsea Bobo, a graduate of Music Engineering from The Polytechnic Ibadan, has produced so many albums. The video, which starred the likes of YQ, Dr. Smile, Wale Dada, Kasnaty, Hi-Tech and others was shot in the city of Abeokuta and directed by MLAKE.

According to the musician, the reason behind his collaboration with a hip-hop artiste is due to the fact that “Milengbe is a pure Juju song and I chose Jaywon because of his unique presentation.”

The special get together, compered by Dr. Smile, had in attendance Mr. Latin, Mc Murphy, Taye Elemeta, Olori Khadijat Tailor (KHADTAY), TOSOK and friends, Tokunbo Akinremi (DOXY), SLAD, OPA 5, Akin Alabi, Bunmi Mustapha, Bola Solate, Bisi Oyedele (CITICIDE) and other special guests.

Bem Abu

Music lovers will be thrilled to Organic, an exclusive spoken word poetry and alternative music rendezvous today at Bantu studios, opposite Unity House Ahmadu Bello way, Area 11, Garki Abuja, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The performance is featuring feature Bash, Sage, Aysia, Cef and the Isomers, while introducing Bem Abu from Lagos.

A movie produced by Abraham Eromosele and directed by Ade Bukola Fawole would be premiered on May 29, at cinemas nation wide.
The flick takes its audience into the world of deceit, hatred, betrayal, greed and more. It portrays the sinful nature of human beings, who always want to do anything to satisfy their desires. The sin is an adventure, thrilling and thought provoking movie about Africa cries of life and how it reflects our mundane contemporary life of today, and Man’s taste of injustice.

The script and screenplay were written by Michael Ochioya, AKA Tee Coram and it stars artistes such as Niyi Johnson, Abraham Eromosele, Peter Fatomilola, Leornard Slaboh, Oluseyi Edun and others.

Humour legend Wale Adenuga, the Creative Power house behind one of Nigeria’s largest selling and award winning magazines, Ikebe Super, Superstory and Binta for over three decades, is set to release the first-of-its-kind in Africa; the Nnenna and Friends Cartoon Magazine, which will make its debut in the magazine market on April 5.

The family delight is an “all-work-and-all-play” creative mix, which has colourful and interesting packages with wide range of contents specifically prepared for the whole family. Some of the content range from the Super Nnenna Adventures; where Nnenna’s eyes are wide open to the plight of children and she comes to their aid at the twinkle of an eye. The ever hilarious chronicles of one of the interesting Comedy Group; Papa Ajasco and Company adds fun and laughter to the package, Binta’s dilemma stories are full of lessons for children with particular reference to the girl-child as well as parents and guardians.

For lovers of animal stories, the Nnenna and Friends contains Cartoon stories of Tortoise and other interesting animals.
Other interesting contents that would actually engage and educate especially the children are Jokes, Puzzles, Tongue Twisters, Pocket Cartoons, Games, Stunning Facts, Art and Craft, and African proverbs that teach about culture. Interviews, Parenting tips, latest Fashion designs are also abound in the magazine.

Kwitee (left), Yemi King, Femi G and Abey Sax

A group of musicians performing different genres; Jazz, Gospel, Afro beat and Hip Pop will be coming together for their first major concert on May 13th, at Freedom Park, Lagos.

The experienced musicians with a combined experience of about four decades who have been performing through solo efforts have come to realise that the adage, the team makes the dream is absolutely true, hence, the collabo.

The band already has a new album and will be performing the songs from it. They will also officially present the album to the public.

Elliot (second left), Uche Jombo, Lancelot Imasuen, other well-wishers at the premiere

Actor, producer and director released Reflections in the cinemas nation wide last week. Shot in Sierra Leon about three years ago, the movie bothers on finding a solution to our problems as a nation by looking inwards. It is more of a theatrical film as at against the drama that we are use to. A girl is on the run for the murder of her husband but eventually finds out that the only person she is running away from is herself.

The filmmaker cum politician who is bent on contributing his quota to the change Nigeria said, “I will not be making movies now unless they are charitable projects for instance, I am working on a movie that is to rebrand the Nigeria police image.”

He added “Nigeria is at a point of not just moral decadence but economic flatness and if we do not become tough at handling the problem we will hit a brick wall as a nation.”

The movie stars Desmond Elliot, Uche Jombo and Lydia Forson among others.