Stirring lyrics at Abuja Poetry Slam

Stirring lyrics at Abuja Poetry Slam

The colours of Abuja carnival

The colours of Abuja carnival

NIGERIAN ARTISTES ARE BETTER THAN SOME OF THE WORLD BEST –

In the last few weeks, an article by the Chairman Editorial Board of the Guardian sparked off controversies from the Nigerian music scene. In this interview conducted by JERRY ADESEWO in Abuja; Edmonton, Canada based Nigerian writer and cultural activist, Nduka Otiono who was National Secretary General of the Association of Nigerian Authors for four years offers his view on the article, the controversies and other issues on popular culture and the Nigerian Music scene.

How would you best describe popular culture?

There are different aspects of popular culture. Popular culture covers the music, the video films, popular theatre, popular press and popular literature. We need to break down the units and see which aspect of it we focus on. The idea of popular culture comes from the opposition between the high culture and the popular culture in which people use pop culture as a denigration of the kind of cultural products that are associated with the popular or the mass, I mean mass production. These are all implied in popular culture. Often time, people use them interchangeable but sometime they are not even clear what they mean if they say popular culture. So, if we say popular culture in the Nigerian context, it becomes very problematic to define, especially for me as one working in that field. So I would want to take it within specific context or genres like music, film making, Nollywood and even popular art as we found them in lorries buses and mammy wagons.

What is your opinion of Reuben Abati’s Recent Article and the controversies trailing it, especially as it concerns the content of Nigerian Music?

I have to first acknowledge the fact that Reuben Abati is a very brilliant writer. He is not one of those who take up an argument without first reflecting on it. As someone who has been a columnist myself, I think it’s a fortunate columnist that writes an article that generates a lot of responses. And I think he must be basking in the euphoria of the type of provocation it has proved to be. Though I haven’t read the article critically to be able to respond to every part of it but I have engaged it at the level of general brushstroke of the kind of ideas that he has dealt with and the kind of response since generated. I will begin by saying the responses, especially from the younger generations is very predictable. You do not begin to stir the honest nest with a generation that is very passionate and very much involve in the kind of environment they operate in and think that they would not respond. So, the basic thesis of Reuben’s article for me is worth taking seriously. It is worth paying more attention to beyond the adornment and colouration that the article goes with it which gave it some kind of attitude. This article must be read metaphorically because it has raised very strong points about what is considered popular music in Nigeria may not necessarily be anchored on a kind of foundation that it ought to be. And so, in conducting that argument, I think he also overshot the bound. We can also be looking at ways in which to get these things properly done. But to begin to say that there has been some prostitution of the art or that there has been some reduction or denigration of what otherwise is high culture. The argument about what is considered as popular, high or low is already emerging. The moment you create this dichotomy, we begin to run into this kind of crisis. These also have antecedents in some of our local cultures. In my town Ogwuachukwu in Delta State, there is a festival where people express their affection. They go to this festival to sing what you may call dirty songs. So what we should be doing now is looking back with the aim of determining what really constitute tradition? At what point is this tradition been broken by the younger generation? Where are they going wrong? Then it will be possible to conduct an argument to show that we have veered away from what some people considered as the hallowed or sacred tenet of these genres – be it music, literature, sculpture and other forms of art. And then, those at the receiving end should be magnanimous enough to accept reality and make amends rather than struggling to engage Reuben Abati who like I said earlier remained one of the best columnist this nation ever produced.

Do you share the view that Nigeria suffers identity crisis?

These artistes I think should feel great to have been credited with creating identity problem for Nigeria. This is a proof that what they are doing is not passing by unnoticed. I wouldn’t want to agree with that notion. The fact that the effort of these young artistes is been widely noticed should be commended. The issue of identity crisis has to be viewed based within the context of these cultures across the world and especially in West Africa. It’s like Nollywood. Can you say Nollywood for instance is an aberration? People started by not taking it serious but it is today the third largest film producer in the world. This is the same thing I foresee for Nigerian popular music. It hasn’t quite achieved the status of an industry in the sense that everything is still disorganized. You still buy CDs that are bleached and cannot measure up to international quality like in the case of Nollywood. So, if it is recognize as been capable of creating identity crisis for Nigeria then it mean that it is an art form that has potentials for being use for political statement and I personally would want to see that happen. So against this background I want to remind you that these are youths who have been frustrated by their society. Many of them never had the opportunity to hold down a job. Some of them don’t have the means to produce their art forms. They are exploited by their producers and recording companies. And so live a wretched live. And when they finally make something small they think they have arrived. Therefore, we must begin to engage this generation in a way that they would begin to package their art forms the way Fela did. Fela was able to package his music for the international market. Today, it may be difficult to handpick any artiste that has been able to capture international status in the real sense of it. If you take away the emerging ASA, Femi Kuti and Lagbaja Then, there is a whole cacophony of other artistes many of who are one album artistes like a flicker. The light flickers and then goes off because we haven’t that kind of structure that could create the global feel and sustain it. So, if this is the case, we may just then be exaggerating its capacity to create identity crisis for Nigeria.

Is the commercialization of the art responsible in anyway for the lack of quality and depth in content of most music produced by the younger generation today?

I have continued to emphasize the idea of this culture. Let’s shut our eyes against these artistes and the content of their works and look at the average youths of this generation. What kind of cloths do they wear? What prompted the University of Lagos to prescribing a dress code for its students? It is not specific as it were to musical art or other cultural productions. It is indeed part of this generation that you talk about Yahoo-Yahoo. So, in some cases, commercialization would make the artistes try to produce what the market need. It is a market driven kind of productions and this is common with mass culture. Mass culture is a universal phenomenon that is not peculiar to Nigeria. We talk about market driven economy, deregulation and capitalization at the level of policy making. This is like saying whatever is happening now, it is like the youths are taking there destinies into their hands because they have been neglected for too long. And it is indeed a tribute to the Nigerian spirit and the Nigerian youths that they manage to create some form out of chaos in an environment that hardly care for them. In doing so you would expect that commercialization would be the way. However, the point that Reuben raised should be taking seriously that it cannot be all commerce. We don’t all have to play to the gallery. There must be some of these artistes that should be able to sit back and create some balance between youth experience and popular culture.

Where do you see the Nigerian Music Industry ten years from now, considering what is on ground presently?

If you look around the scene now, you would see that there are artistes who emerged in the mid - 90s but have frizzled away. Its look if you go away from Nigeria for a few months and before you know it there is a new star on the block. You get a CD and listen and its looks you have since been cut off. This is the indication of the amazing talents in this country. However, it is such a shame that we do not have the kind of structure that is required to make these artistes emerged as global musical forces. The same way you have a R-Kelly or 50 Cent coming in and is being advertised for N100,000 gate fees against some local artistes who are as good or even better and who have seen greater odds to even emerge to play music at all. And the claim that they don’t know how to play musical instrument should not even arise at all. It is a digital age. Many of these guys don’t necessarily need to know how to play instruments because the whole concept of music production itself is evolving. There are people who have become computer merge. They use the computer to all sorts of computer animation. If you take one of Lagbaja’s musical video for example, it deals with the June 12. It is talking about serious political issues but the video was made in animation. Even at the level of Nollywood where films are now been produced with animation without human stars. These and many more are all the things we need to consider before rating this generation. As for the future, I think there should be no going back for the industry.

Last Word

I am very happy about the Nigerian musical scene. I am happy about the abundant talent and the capacity of these youths to overcome almost creeping to make sure their voices is heard. This same thing is already also happening with spoken word. Jahman and co are at the fore-front it and I am also involved in it because I am studying this popular culture productions in order to see how we can evolve the content so that we can also begin to take them seriously. This is the good thing about Dr. Abati’s article. It has drawn attention to the capacity for critical engagement of this works. That is a major achievement of this article. Would they have preferred that nobody discuss them at such high level? Like someone of Dr. Abati’s caliber? So it points the way forward. It shows that more people like Nollywood begin to pay attention to the quality of what is been produced. Once this is done it begins to generate discussions academically and intellectually in very serious literary journals as indeed have been the case with hip pop in the United State of America and other parts of the world. And I see that the industry will recognize the importance of money making within if it can deal with piracy and copyright violation which continue to pauperize these young talented people who should be megastars and extremely wealthy based on God-given talent. Nigerian government should work towards that by recognizing it as a major foreign exchange earner and begin to build structures like they have done for Nollywood with film school in Jos, Plateau State or all of this Zuma film festival. There should be a proper Nigerian music festival that is conducted within like the Jamaican Reggae festival. Michael Jackson is dead and already there is a shrine put up for him at the Galleria in Lagos. This shows the level of contradiction in our society which reflects our recognition of imported cultures at the detriment of local ones. All these need to change.

KARAYE PRIZE: PROMOTING WRITING IN INDIGENEOUS WRITING

The gradual extinction of our indigenous languages over the years in preference for English and a few other foreign languages has already spread its fangs into the increasingly booming Nigerian literature. As Nigerian literature continues its upward surge, with Nigerian writers home and abroad winning prizes even against some of the best in the continent and the world over. It does so at the detriment of writing in our indigenous Nigerian languages.

Indigenous writing in Nigeria is on the decline. None of our emerging budding writers are interested in writing in indigenous Nigerian languages because of its limited reach and acceptability beyond its primary enclave. Inspite of its obviously important roles in defining our identity as a people, interest by both the old and younger generation of writers is waning. “Why should I waste my time writing in my language? Who will read it? How many people can even read or speak these indigenous languages self? It’s a waste of time and effort, my brother” was a writer friend’s response when asked when asked why he is not writing in his Ebira language.

In recent time, there has been no conscious effort to promote the art of indigenous literature in Nigeria. Publishers for the fear of its limited reach and marketing consideration are no longer interested in engaging indigenous writers, unless its is for some scholarly reasons. The few existing indigenous writings are not in circulation, either as a result of poor quality of production of the work or for some other reasons.

Hence, in a little less than three years ago, a literary seed was sown. Today, beyond anyone’s expectation, that seed – The Karaye Prize for Hausa Literature which was inspired by a loving and committed wife’s quest to immortalize her late husband has become a household name, not only in Abuja and the north but across Nigeria and far beyond. Most importantly, it has advanced the course of indigenous writing in Nigeria, especially within the Northern hemisphere.

It is in this vein that the magnanimity of Hajiya Bilkisu Bashir and the ingenuity of ANA Abuja should be commended in establishing the annual Karaye Prize for Hausa Literature which is already in its third year. Though the real intention was ensure that the memory of Engineer Mohammed Bashir Karaye never fades, but the prize has created a renewed interest in indigenous writings, especially Hausa writing.

The maiden edition of the Karaye prize was greeted with mix feelings when it was first announced by the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja Chapter in 2007. Even members of the Nigerian literati and the academia are skeptical of the seriousness behind the prize, and most importantly, its sustainability. The financier of the prize and widow of Engineer Mohammed Bashir Karaye was never known to be a lover nor patron of the art. Those who know her only know her as the Executive Secretary of Federal Judicial Service Commission and may be just a reader, whenever she ever finds the time to do so. Nothing more!

I was recently in Kano and was marveled at the level of popularity and acceptability of the prize after just two editions. Indigenous writers who are able to recognize myself and Patrick Oguejiofor could not hide their appreciation and so commended the chapter for establishing the prize. One of them even suggested that subsequent edition of the prize should be for unpublished works so as to give the myriads of unpublished Hausa manuscripts locked up in their writers crest the opportunity to get published (with the prize money or a publishing contract in addition to the prize money)

Buoyed by the achievement of the Karaye Prize in promoting Hausa literature in just two years of its establishment, the National Executive of the Association of Nigerian Authors, in addition to two international colloquiums held in honour of Professors Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe, not only recently held one in honour of the patriarch of the Hausa literature, the late Abubakar Imam to make case for indigenous writing in Nigeria, but has concluded plans to organize a creative writing workshop for Hausa writers in Kano later in the year.

Prior to the establishment of the Karaye Prize, little to nothing is been done by relevant government establishment, literary organizations, publishers and wealthy individuals to promote indigenous writing. More effort has been concentrated on the English literature. There are a handful of literary prizes, creative writing workshops and other activities for English writers and writings to the detriment of indigenous writings.

The Karaye Prize, as it is today is gradually bringing to indigenous writing the same glitz and glamour that has been synonymous with creative writing in Nigeria and other parts of the world over the years. As Nigerian Writers today look forward to the NLNG Prize, the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature and the various Association of Nigerian Author’s Prizes amongst others, year in – year out; indigenous writers in Nigeria and in the diaspora now looks forward to the Karaye Prize.

The current edition of the Prize as a measure of its success, like the two previous editions has elicited unprecedented response as some writers are said to have already translating their works from English to Hausa languages while the younger ones are also perfecting their writing knowledge of the language to be able to give the prize, which according to endower of the prize will continue to appreciate, a shot.

While the deadline for submission has been extended by one month on popular demand, to enable some interested writers put finishing touches to their works to enable them make their submissions. The prize has attracted several high personalities who are said to have submitted their works. One of such is the NRC Presidential candidate in the 1993 general elections, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, who recently launched eight books, all written in Hausa.

The award ceremony for this year’s edition of the prize is scheduled to hold on October 18 and for the first time at the home country of the late Engineer Mohammed Bashir Karaye, in the ancient city of Kano and I am sure that by the time it is over, it would have added another value to Hausa literature and indigenous writing in Nigeria as a whole.

ANA ABUJA HOSTS NDUKA OTIONO

The immediate past Secretary-General of the association of Nigerian author, Nduka Otiono, will on Thursday 2nd of July 2009 be Guest of the Association of Nigeria Authors (Abuja Chapter) 's much sort after Special Guest Reading session.

Nduka Otiono, writer, scholar, and journalist, is Izaak Walton Killam Scholar in the Department of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, and Fellow, William Joiner Centre for War and Social Consequences, University of Massachusetts Boston, USA. Born in Kano city, Nigeria, he holds a Master's degree in English from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he has been an Associate Lecturer in the Department of English. He was for four years the General Secretary, the writers’ guild of Nigeria called the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). A cultural activist, he has served as founding member, Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature; Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Nigeria International Book Fair; member, National Committee on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. A fellow of the British Council Cambridge Seminar, Otiono has also been a grantee of the US Department of State’s International Visitor programme, the French Embassy in Nigeria, and Goethe Institut also in Nigeria. His first book, The Night Hides with a Knife, jointly won the maiden ANA/Spectrum Prize for fiction, while his second, Voices in the Rainbow (Poems), was runner up for the ANA/Cadbury Poetry Prize in 1997. The third, We-Men: An Anthology of Men Writing on Women, which he co-edited with E.C. Osondu, a Writing Fellow at Syracuse University, USA, was hailed by The News magazine as “subject of the greatest controversy in Nigerian literature.” Otiono is also co-editor of Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria (Short stories) (2006).

A widely travelled intellectual, Otiono has been an Associate Researcher for the Chinua Achebe Foundation, and was founding Editor of The Post Express Literary Supplement (PELS), which won Lit­erary Column of the Year 1997 and the first ANA Merit Award in 1998. Before consulting as Literary Editor for NewAge, Otiono was on the Editorial Board of THISDAY newspapers.

Otiono’s second collection of poems, Love in a Time of Nightmares, was recently published in the US. He is currently co-editing two books on oral literature in Africa: Beyond Text: Issues in African Oral Literature and Diaspora Studies dedicated to Isidore Okpewho at 70, and Azania Speaks: Spoken Word and Visions of Partnership in Postcolonial Africa.

Most recent awards include: Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship, the most prestigious graduate studies award at the University of Alberta, Canada.

Academic Distinctions

• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship, April 2009
• William Rea Scholarship, Spring 2009
• Sarah Nettie Christie Research Award, May 2009
• Andrew Stewart Memorial Graduate Prize for Research, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (2008).
• University nominee, Trudeau Scholarship, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (2007).
• FS Chia Doctoral Scholarship, August 2006

The reading which will commence at 4pm will take place at the Shehu musa Yar'adua Centre library. Some notable literary characters who have appeared on the ANA Abuja Special Guest Reading Session include Kudo Eresia-Eke, Bello Musa Dankano, Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Dr. Dull Johnson, Denja Abdullahi and Amatoritsero Ede amongst others.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT, RE-BRANDING AND THE NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS

It was the other side of me, acting – which I most often see as the better side – that took me to the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja; venue of a one-day tourism communication workshop organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, NIHOTOUR where I acted in a drama sketch which as a matter of sincerity betrays my conscience because it smirks of propaganda.

After the sketch, titled Beautiful Underbelly which did not take the audience much pain to connect with as they all chant ‘the Squeeze’, ‘the Squeeze’ long after the play had finished, I decided to stay back to participate in the workshop which was meant for tourism journalist of which I am one. I listened with rapt attention as speaker after speaker do justice to their respective topic of discussion and receive applause from the audience. Though none is comparable to the applause received by the drama sketch but they nonetheless deserved the applause all the same for a job well done.

Without prejudice to any of the egg-heads that delivered those well researched papers; it was obvious that the message, unanimously passed across by all four speakers is that Nigerian writers/journalists should learn to always write about the beautiful aspect of Nigeria rather than concentrating on the negative aspect which is capable of scaring international tourists and investors away from our country.

The question is; do we have to pretend that we are good when we are not? How much of lies do we need to tell in order to make our country a tourist destination? Aren’t we rather supposed to be asking ourselves what we are suppose to do that we are not doing or rather what we are doing that we ought to atop doing.

One of the paper presenters argued passionately and I do concur with him that the development of our tourism depends a great deal on what impression we create of our country through our writings. Not to forget that for this same reason, the Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili, recently had a breakfast meeting with the Association of Nigerian Authors for this same reason – to appeal to them, as critical partners in the re-branding project to promote the better side of Nigeria with their craft and be a good ambassador of same – rather tan face their real issues.

The real issue, as I was able to sum up the courage to tell the gathering is for government to stop pretending and create the enabling environment for an improved standard of living for Nigerians and in Nigerian for the would be tourists and investors rather than calling a spade by a different name. To say nothing is working in our dear country may sound like overkill but it is the truth all the same. There are well known private tourism development initiatives that are not able to thrive because of the economic situation, epileptic nature of electricity supply, security issues and other factors too numerous to mention for fear of doing that which you are asked not to do – write Nigeria down.

No matter how we try. No matter what we do. Even if we commission some of the best among us to write about the Beautiful Underbellies of this country –which in the first place are yet to be full tapped into – it may never be enough to woo tourists and investor. What we need to do is to create the enabling environment rather than push the blame of not being able to live up to our biddings on the writers/journalists.

There is crime in South Africa. There is homicide in the US. Terrorism is the order of the day in India. Japan is prone to natural disaster. The list is inexhaustible. These problems are known to everyone the world over because they write about it but yet, it has not in anyway stop tourists from visiting those countries. So, why then should the fact that Nigerian writers/journalists write about the bad things happening in Nigeria be responsible for tourists’ failure to visit Nigeria.

Like the Yorubas will say Ohun to wa leyin ofa, o ju eje lo – which literally meant that ‘what is after six is beyond seven’. Our government should call a spade a spade and as a matter of urgency and with all sense of responsibility put their acts together and create the needed enabling environment and dividend of democracy. Without constant supply of electricity, adequate security and such other amenities, we cannot be talking about re-branding or tourism development.

JERRY ADESEWO

THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP

The bond of camaraderie between the Italians and Nigeria took a new turn this year as the Italian Embassy in Nigeria organized series of art competition to commemorate its 2009 National Day (June 2nd) in Abuja recently.

In addition to an annual Art Competition and Exhibition which had in the last three years ushered in the Italian week in Abuja, the Embassy in conjunction with Culture Renaissance, an Abuja based art organisation organized a national poetry competition with the theme: Nigeria-Italy: The Art of Friendship.

According to the Italian Ambassador, Dr. Massimo Baistrocchi, himself a published poet with four published collections to his credit, the poetry competition was conceived as an addition to the art competition to give opportunities to local poets to express themselves through their craft. “And I must tell you that it has been highly successful because we received entries from more than 80 poets across the nation. And we are making arrangement with one of our companies to sponsor the publication of all the entries into an anthology” he said.

Corroborating the Italian Ambassador, the Founder and Coordinator of Culture Renaissance, Ekene Atusiubah, himself an ward winning poet fondly referred to by the Italian Ambassador as the Nigerian Bard said before the presentation of prizes to the winners “Nigeria and Italy have a long history of friendship, since I got to know the art loving Ambassador, they have always enjoyed my poem and so together we felt there is need to promotion of local poets”

The cash prizes of N30,000; N20,000 and N10,000 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position out of the over a thousand entries received was won by Ebuenyi Ikenna Desmond (from Aba, Owerri-Imo State) with his poem Different But One, Anthony U. Chukwuka (from Abia State) with his poem True Love Strange Bird Fellows and Port Harcourt based Chitzi Ogbumgbada with the poem Our Symbiotic Complexity which without prejudice to the panel of judges Culture Renaissance and the Embassy, some member of the audience believed should have won the 1st prize rather than 3rd.

Chitzi, while speaking to the press later expresses his gratitude, in the first place for having the opportunity to participate in the project and of course being one of the winners – 1st or 3rd not withstanding - “that is always the situation with literary competition and especially with poetry. We see it differently. I appreciate those who think I should have taken the first position. I am happy to have participated and won something” he responded.

Two days earlier, on Monday 1st of June, at the opening ceremony of the Art Exhibition of the ten best entries received for the art competition which this time around was in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art who’s Director-General, Chief Joe Musa headed the team (Jury) comprising of renowned Art Connoisseurs: Mrs Ireti Kingibe, Mr. Abdullahi Muku, Mr. Ephraim Ekah and the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Sherif Naguib that selected the winning artwork. Abiola Idowu, Oladimeji Olaniyan and Muyiwa Akinwolere received their prizes as 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively for their entries.

It was not just about poetry on the night as immediately after the presentation of prizes and rendition of the winning entries, guests were treated to a musical concert by the Nuovo Trio Parsifal with Barbara Castelli on Violin, Laura Pierazzuoli on Cello and Ana Paola Milea on the giant Piano. Though, from the looks on the faces of the Nigerians and Africans in the house, and a handful of the sea of European, Asian and Southern American diplomats and guests in the house, it was obvious that they could hardly decipher what the wordless musical rendition was all about, the award winning and widely travelled group delivered a beautiful rendition of some Italian classics – Trio in D Major (1860-1861) by Alexander Borodin, Trio Elegiaque n.1 in G minor (1892) by Sergei Rachmaninov and Las Cuatro Estaciones Portenas (1965-1970).

They play with such great temperament and fantasy that left the few in the house who appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of this classical music gasping for breath and stood rooted in standing ovation for more than three minutes for the group after their heartwarming performance.

The week-long activities tagged ‘A Taste of Italy’ which started in Lagos on Saturday May 30th a musical concert by Omo Bello will be wrapped up with an Italian film show on Friday 5th of June at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Abuja and a National Day reception at the Italian General Consulate in Lagos on Saturday 6th.

Jerry Adesewo

APO SIX KILLINGS: CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS CANVASSES FOR END TO EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS

Access to Justice, in coalition with other Civil Society Organizations, among who are the Legal Research Initiatives, Constitutional Rights Project, CLEEN Foundation, Legal Defense and Assistance Project among others, on Monday 8th June, marked the 4th year anniversary of the Apo Six Killings in Abuja.

In his address to newsmen at the Bolton White Hotels in Abuja, Mr. Joseph Otteh, the Executive Director of Access to Justice on behalf of the Coalition demanded that the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency hastens up efforts to reform the Nigerian Police Force and take immediate steps to end the reign of impunity within the force by ensuring accountability for every abusive action, including every instance of extrajudicial killings as well as prosecute policemen who have killed without justification.

“President Yar’Adua should in making the next appointment into the office of the Inspector General of Police, appoint someone strongly committed to the reform of the Nigerian Police and is ready to provide leadership for the needed changes in which the present IGP has proved to be a total failure.” He added.

The coalition also called on the National Assembly to pass key reform bills like the Police Bill, Freedom of Information Bill and other justice sector reform bills, as well as domesticate the United Nations Convention on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment.

Speaking on behalf of CLEEN Foundation, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo advocated for proper oversight function on the Nigerian Police. “Officers responsible for oversight functions on the Nigerian Police who failed in their duties should be prosecuted” Those responsible for oversight functions on the Police include the National Assembly Committees on the Police, Human Rights and Justice.

The question and answer session of the briefing provided more than enough for the Force PRO, ACP Emmanuel Ojukwu more than enough to chew. Responding, he pleaded for more understanding from the public. “We are partners with the civil society on the way forward for the Nigerian Police. We are already working on our mode of arrest and the use of torture as a means of investigation” He said adding that what the police require is a gradual dis-sensitisation and not bashing from all corners.

The coalition however, directed that the Police find all their men and officers involved in the Apo Six Killings, especial the DPO of Garki Police Station, Othman Abdusallam who are alleged to have fled from justice, and also Corporal Benjamin Oyedi who was implicated in the death of Dr. Awosika, and hand them over for prosecution.
Felled by the bullets of men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force in June 2005, friends and families of the Apo Six, some of whom were present at the memorial briefing are still waiting patiently for a justice they may never live to witness.

“Ifeanyi was the bread winner of the family. I now carry that responsibility on my frail shoulder. It’s not been easy” Elvis Raphael Uzodinma lamented, adding that “No amount of compensation can make up for my bother’s life. What we demanded for in court was N100,000.000 compensation, the naming of a street in honour of the Apo Six as a reminder and deterrent for future occurrence and prosecution of all the officers responsible for their death. At the end the day what we got was N3million. As far as I am concerned, that is not compensation but a burial rite. I still look forward to the government to do more in terms of compensating the family. They need to do more if truly they take seriously the welfare of their citizens” he explained.

Ekene Isaac’s nephew, Mrs. Pauline Uzochukwu fought back tears as she explained that while her sister (Ekene Isaac’ mother) four years later still suffer silently the loss of her only son and breadwinner of the family, the Divisional Police Officer, Oathman Danjuma Abdusallam still walks the street a free man. “He used his power and position to order my nephew’s killing. He was dubiously granted bail and till now we are yet to get justice. There is a deliberate ploy to unjustly sweep the case under the carpet. That is why they are delaying justice. They want to deny us justice” She cried.


Jerry Adesewo

A DAY AT THE JACARANDA CASINO

Casinos are what I see in television and read about in novels but in the blink of an eye, one a wet Thursday evening, I found myself in one - The Jacaranda Casino at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers. Gambling is no doubt a beautiful temptation and the Casinos as most of us would think of it a place for the denizens of this cursed earth.

As I walked into this prestigious Casino with gambling machines and tables, the type I have seen in various Gangster films like Shanrukhan’s ‘Badshaar’ staring me In the face, It was into the waiting hands of fellow gamblers who had come on this same adventurer.

Only that, in this case however, the gamblers are members of Abuja literati and other literary enthusiasts, friends, families and associates made up largely of members of the Association of Nigerian Authors who had gathered for yet another reading by the golden voice of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, Eugenia Abu who only recently was promoted to the position of an Assistant Director of News at the Nigerian Television Authority.

While Mrs. Bimbo Olusola - a friend and colleague who would rather be addressed simply as Aunty Angel describes the Author cum broadcaster as a wonderful person, a true profession – proactive, persuasive and capable of handling work pressure, Omale Allen Abdul-Jabbar, a national executive member of ANA describes Eugenia and her award winning book as ‘a Nigerian Brand’ and went on to commend her for being a writer with love of her country at heart.

The reading activities on the evening in the belly of the colourful Jacaranda Casino, was set off with a reading from the Author’s book ‘In The Blink of An Eye’ by Mrs. Lucy Mangu Tarka an Interior Decorator and Guest Reader at the reading who read Eugenia Abu’s Interview with Wangari Maathai. Poetry performances by Prince Toby and Ifueko Ogbomo who entertained the audience with their poetry and Ayo Babatope, the wonder-kid drummer boy who employed the services of this writer as a backup drummer to thrill the audience with his drumming skill.

It however turn out to be a night of new discovery as the versatile Eugenia Abu after reading a couple of stories from her published book, for the first time decided to show the poetic side of her as she read a couple of poems from are unpublished collection of poem titled ‘Don’t Look At Me Like That’ and a short story titled ‘From Umuofia’ the story of Okonkwo’s re-incarnation.

The audience was full of praises and encomium for the author who undoubtedly is gradually writing her name in the annals of Nigeria’s literary history as an accomplished writer, even with just one published work. Denja Abdullahi, ANA’s National Secretary-General commended Eugenia’s creative approach to her writings “We all know that this work is not a fiction but the creative approach with which Eugenia writes are story is what endears the work to must people and made it possible for her to win the ANA/Flora Mwanpa Prize for Fiction.”

Dr. Seyi Adigun, chairman of the Abuja chapter of ANA who chaired the reading session in his remark encouraged writers to emulate the relentless resolve of Eugenia by going all out to promote their works rather than wait for the publisher to do it for them. “Talking about reading habit, it is not the business of government but of every single writer. With reading like these, in Casinos, hospital, hotels, prisons and schools, we are indirectly promoting the inculcation of a good reading habit. Congratulations Mrs. Abu” he said.

Mr. Collins, the Manager of the Casino expresses his gratitude to all guests who attends the reading and thereafter led them on a tour of the casino. In addition to the sumptuous refreshment provided, each person at the reading went home with a free entry voucher of the casino. Like every other person, I collected mine but the question is would I ever want to go back there? Yes, if for another reading activities.

Other guests and writers at the reading include Senator Dangana Ndayako, Anthony Ibeachum, Dr. Ike Okonta, Dr. (Mrs.) Jennifer Braimah, Chiedu Ezeanah, Daniel Akpaida, Joy Okoduwa, Barrister Ahmed Maiwada and a host of others.

TEACHERS ARE CRITICAL TO NATIONAL INTERGRATION... Dr. Jerry Agada

(He is an author, teacher, public administrator, and a former federal minister of State for Education. Recently, he was re-appointed into the Yar’adua government as Board Chairman of the National Commission for Colleges of Education. He spoke to Jerry Adesewo on his new appointment and related issues.)

Vision for the Commission

My personal objective here is to influence the charting of a new course for the commission, to regulate the activities of all colleges of education for the purpose of turning out well qualified teachers from our colleges of Education.

The Executive Secretary is in charge of the day to day running of the commission while the board plays a supervisory role. What this means is that the board is not involved in the administration and management of the commission in the discharge of its regulatory role on our colleges of education. The board which I head is in charge of ensuring quality control, policy formulation, direction and implementation as well as performing some oversight functions. We are here to ensure that everything the commission does is in accordance with laid down rules.

On the essence of a teacher

The essence of a teacher is, first, one who is embodied with all characteristics of goodness, honesty, commitment and dedication with the purpose of impacting knowledge to pupils. He is one that is looked upon as being above board to direct, motivate, inspire and provide direction for those enthrusted into his hands. The teacher is the best being in the universe because of the unique role he has to play.

On Restoring the Novelty of Teaching Profession

The problems facing the teaching profession in Nigeria are legion. Today, not many people want to be a teacher because our society has put the teachers at the lowest rung of society ladder thereby making it not as dignified as it used to be. Teachers are seen as the wretched of the earth such that hardly can you get two out of ten pupils who want to be a teacher if you ask them what they would want to be in the future. In view of these, this board has lined up some programmes intended to use in turning around the fortunes of teacher education and restore the novelty of the teaching profession. Thus, the role of the teacher in the society will be further enhanced.

The board also intends to ensure that the quality of teachers produced by our colleges of education and other institutions of learning meets up with international standards.


On the relationship between NCCE and NTI

These are two different bodies. One is an institution and the other a regulatory body. They are not doing the same thing. The NTI is an autonomous body just as you have the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and such other bodies involved in ensuring the professionalism and improved quality of the teacher education. Thus, the NCCE is responsible for the accreditation of courses and certificates of any institution responsible for the production of teachers in Nigeria. And that includes the NTI. It is an institution that trains teachers subject to the accreditation of its courses and certificates by the NCCE.

On Curriculum and Literature Development

Curriculum development is a continuous process. You continue to look at the curriculum by asking yourself: What should be there? What should not be there? What is in vogue? What to do to bring about the desired type of development, especially the introduction of technological approach. It is not true to say that curriculum development is not taken seriously. The problem is that those who say this don’t even understand what curriculum development is all about. It obviously is not all about cramming the curriculum with both relevant and irrelevant things. That is why here, we have a well programmed curriculum department which liaise with the different colleges of education to develop the right curriculum which will enhance the quality of teacher training.

And talking about literature development, our colleges of education do have standard texts specifically designed to meet up with the curriculum in use. While it may be true that the use of handouts has become a culture in our tertiary institutions generally – not just colleges of education – we have recommended texts for each of the courses in the curriculum. So, if anybody is saying otherwise, it is either such person is using just one institution as a yardstick or has not bordered to visit our colleges of education to see that we have standard text books. Having said that, I wish to add too that we are not looking away from this scandal of the use of handouts, the commission will continue to encourage lecturers to engage in publications of standard texts as academics.

Teaching Practice and the 7 Point Agenda

We are working very hard towards making Nigeria one of the 20 most developed economies in the world by the year 2020. And remember that one of the 7-points agenda of Mr. President is human resources development under which we have education which includes the teacher’s training. I think we have what it takes to achieve that. The important thing is to work towards it. For instance, the Ministry of Education recently launched its Roadmap for the development of Nigeria’s education, I heard the Honourable Minister, Dr. Sam Egwu saying that he has a four point agenda for Nigeria’s education which if dutifully implemented, the education sector would have been revamped in such a way that it would have contributed to the overall objectives of Mr. President’s agenda. And if you look at this roadmap, you will discover that it gives priority to teacher training. The Minister had set up an Implementation Committee to ensure that the provision of that Roadmap is implemented. And that is a giant step towards repositioning the education sector.

On Teaching and National Intergration

The best and only way to achieve national intergration is through the teacher. When you talk about national intergration, just look at the whole segment of the society and tell me which one you can talk about without the teacher. If you talk about power generation, the people that are working there today to ensure that we have constant electricity supply. Is it not a teacher that trained them to become engineers, scientists and whatever they are? What about politics? To be a politician you need to have knowledge. You need to go through series of tutelage because you don’t just wake up overnight and announce that you are a politician. The teaching profession is at the fore front of all professions and it is the teacher that is at the middle of it all. So, teaching is about the best means of achieving the much desired national intergration. Unfortunately, as at now, the teacher is being looked down upon but by the time that essence of a teacher is fully displayed, our people will realize that it is a mistake we are making by relegating teachers to the background. If we want progress, if we desire sustainable development, we must give teachers the pride of place in our society. We must take the welfare of the teacher, the comfort of the teacher more seriously. The teacher is the missing link in Nigeria’s developmental quest. The teacher is a critical partner in national intergration.

On the face off between teachers and Benue State Government.

The situation in Benue State is not different from what obtains in other parts of the country as regards the clamourng for the implementation of the Teachers’ Salary Scheme. The Federal Government has made it very clear that request for the implementation of the TSS should be directed to the various state governments as provided for in the constitution. And the state governments, under the auspices of the Governor’s Forum met with the leadership of NUT and had agreed on what to do. What is left now is for the various governments to implement the TSS has agreed. Therefore, what teachers in Benue are supposed to do is to meet with the leadership of the state for the implementation of the TSS as agreed by the Governors. My advice therefore is for the state government to find a way of resolving the matter as amicably as possible so that the teachers will not suffer because, if the teachers suffer, our children who are the students will suffer and the state as a whole will also suffer. It’s like the ill-wind that does not blow any good.

On possibility of undergoing a teacher’s conversion programme

It is a truism that some students in colleges of education today are not there because they are interested in teaching as a career but because they see it as the last resort and opportunity to get into higher institution. Many of them pursue other trades as soon as they obtain their certificates. One sure way to avoid this kind of situation is the new converged examination programme being introduced by JAMB. All candidates for higher institutions will now take one single examination and will be placed according to their marks into Universities, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics respectively. With this arrangement, even those who see the colleges of education as the last resort may even find it difficult to get admission.

As for conversion programmes, it is not a new thing. It’s been tried before and it had worked effectively. I am a very good example; I did not go to any Teacher Training College. After my secondary school, I went to Kaduna Polytechnic for my Ordinary National Diploma. There was shortage of teachers then and so those of us who didn’t have teaching qualifications were ask to go to National Technical Teachers College for a One-year program to do the Pedagogy of teaching which would help you impact knowledge effectively. NTTC Yaba in Lagos and the present Federal College of Education, Technical, Gombe State were the two centres in Nigeria then. That is the conversion programme we are talking about.

On his life as a Teacher

I have no regrets for being a Teacher. If I ever say I have regrets, God will not forgive me. I can say for sure that if I have the opportunity to relive my life, I will prefer to be a teacher again and again. I will even want to do it better by going into the Teacher Training College from the beginning and not through a conversion programme like I did so that by the time I come out, I will be a well rounded teacher. This is because as I have always told people, there is no height you aspire to reach as a person that you cannot reach being a Teacher. I have risen from being a classroom Teacher to become a Principal (On a Special Grade Level 16). I became the Executive Secretary of my State’s Examinations Board and later Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education. At a point I was the Acting Commissioner of Education in my State. To crown it all, as you all know, I was appointed into the Federal Executive Council as a Federal minister of State for Education. What more could I ask for? So, if through being in the teaching profession I have achieved all these, why would I have any regrets? If I had been an accountant, engineer, lawyer or doctor, it is possible that I would not have been what I am today. Teaching has always been and will remain a prestigious profession.

BEHOLD! THE NEW SLAM CHAMPION

Ifueko Ogbomo, after three rounds of keenly contested poetry performance of three minutes each brushed aside ten others which includes Toby, the defending slam champion to emerge as the new Slam Champion with a record score of 49.2 in the last round and a total of 142.1 from the three rounds put together from the 150 point obtainable.

For the first time in the history of the slam, more than ten poets contested which includes two Slam Champions, The Storyteller and Toby, the defending champion. Others are Ambassador Ayo olukanni, Gospel, Mac Captain G and sixteen years old Shallom Sunday, a student of Government Secondary School Garki and President of the school’s Rugged Writers Club who came third in the last edition amongst others who are first timers.

The contestants stepped on the ‘hot stage’ for their performance, one after the other with each providing such sterling performance that it not only becomes difficult for the audience to give their cheering support to any particular contestants but for the five judges to discern what scores to give to who because of the in-depth quality of all the contestants in terms of the content, delivery, presentation and demonstration.

From the time she stepped out for the first of her three rounds of performance, Ifueko won the heart of the audience. Her choice of poem, her velvety honey coated voice and the ease of her body movement endears her to the audience, Judges and her co-contestants who cannot help but applaude her poetic brilliance. The first runner-up, Gospel and second runner-up, Storyteller who took home N20,000 and N15,000 respectively have no problem in conceding defeat to this worthy champion.

Anchored by Ken Ike-Okere, the Slammaster and assisted by his long running Co-Slammaster, Jide Attah, the night was not just about poetry performance as Ayo Babatope, one of Abuja’s promising talking drummer who entertained the audience and Ben Sar, a guitarist whose music seared through the heart of everyone in that Borno Room of Transcorp Hilton Hotel and reverberate beyond its walls.

While Miss Ayo Momodu, a staff of Junior Achievers, an Abuja based NGO describe it as ‘exciting, revealing, beautiful, the best of poetry in motion’ Dr. Kabura Zakama, popularly referred to as Fulani Poet describes this edition of the slam as the best ever “The quality of the performance was better than the poems.” He submitted adding that “Ifueko’s performance was exceptional but her poems needed to be tightened up.” As an observer and a veteran poet himself, Dr. Zakama without prejudice to the Judges decision believes that in terms of content which is an important element of poetry slam believes that The Storyteller’s poems stood out but performance gave it to Ifueko.

Earlier in his address, Mr. Ken Ike Okere reiterate the society’s promise that the slam has come to stay and that the prize money for the champion will continue to be on the rise. “For the first time, the prize is a record N30,000 and I can assure you that for as long as we have the required financial support, the prize will continue to improve. It will get to a stage where poets will fly in to Abuja from across the nation to participate in the slam. That is our dream – A Nigeria Poetry Slam Contest” He said and went on to request interested individuals and organizations not to shy away from supporting this noble project.

The Abuja Poetry Slam is an Abuja Literary Society initiative aimed at promoting the art and power of the spoken word otherwise known as poetry performance. The slam is a quarterly event usually rounded up with a Grand Slam in December of each year where all the Slam Champions slugs it out. Ekene Atusioba popularly known as Poet for Life and the Storyteller are currently the two Grand Champions of the Poetry Slam.


Jerry Adesewo

MISS INSPIRATION WINS THE 9TH ABUJA POETRY SLAM IN GRAND STYLE

The 9th edition of the Abuja Literary Society’s performance Poetry Contest popularly known as Abuja Poetry Slam was held on Friday 3rd May at the Borno room of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with Ifueko Ogbomo, a poet and motivational speaker emerging as the new Slam Champion.

Ifueko brushed aside ten others in a keenly contested performance to emerge the Slam Champion, the second female to do so in the history of the slam after the very first edition was of the slam was won by Halima Ali in 2005.

Described by Professor Ojimma Umelo of the Nassarawa State University who was one of the five Judges as ‘refreshingly spectacular’, Ifueko, no doubt is everyone’s choice of a champion at the slam. “She blends quality and performance to give poetry that is scintillating” he added.

Ifueko Fex Ogbomo a.k.a. 'Miss Inspiration' Ifueko is a writer, poet, singer and speaker who focuses on inspiring people to achieve successful and fulfilling lives, irrespective of background, gender, age, race and/or challenges. She is the Creative Consultant for InspiroLogos World, an Abuja based

With Three Little Word, a poem which describes the all-encompassing power and appeal of the simple words 'I Love You', Miss Mosquito, Fairest of All; a comedic outlook on life from the mind of a female mosquito and Beneath My Lovely Mask: a dramatic piece on the desire for people to look beyond your outward beauty, talents and or fame, see the flawed person within, and still love you; she unleashed her unique voice and performance of the judges and audience.

If she was happy to have won the N30,000 prize only on her first attempt, emotion never gave out any such. She was cool, calm and collected even as she walks up the podium to receive her prize. Ask her who Ifueko is and she begins another round of poetic performance:

i am creative, intelligent, insightful; i am warm, nurturing, giving; i am influential, positive, innovative; i am soft, gentle, beautiful; i am humble, gracious, virtuous; i am the glory of man - a WOMAN; I am Ifueko - the one who CANNOT fail!

And indeed, she did not fail. However, it remains to be seen if she can afford to hold on to the title when the next edition come up in July and whether she is good enough to challenge for the Grand Slam in December.

NIGERIANS PRAY FOR THE MWALIMU

The Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, Corp Marshal/CEO of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Mr. Osita Chidoka, Minister of Transport, Alhaji Isa Biu, DG of National Orientation Agency, Dr. Idi Farouk and TV personality and award winning Author, Mrs. Eugenia Abu, in Abuja on Tuesday 28th of April 2009 join other Nigerians to pray for the enthronement of patriotism, discipline and selfless services among other virtues that can propel Nigeria to become the bride of the entire African continent and the world at large.

The venue was the National Press Centre at the Radio House in Abuja and the event is the public presentation and launching of a nationwide reading tour by Seyi Adigun of his new book, a collection of poem titled Prayer for the Mwalimu.

Presenting the book, Hajiya Bilkisu Bashir, the Executive Secretary of Federal Judicial Service Commission and financier of the Engineer Bashir Karaye Prize for Hausa Writing which is already becoming the toast of literary competitions in Nigeria, who read a poem ‘Let Memory Fade’ from the collection extols Seyi’s creative talent as well as the social relevance of the collection. “My happiness is that the poems in this collection speak to readers differently. I have just read a poem which speaks to me. I am sponsoring the Karaye Prize for Hausa Writing not because I have the money to throw around or for want of something to do but because I do not want the memory of my late husband to fade”

Others who spoke after her finds one relevant point of view or the other to the poems in the collection. ACP Prince Chukwu, the Force PRO who represented the Inspector General of Police charged Nigerians to pray for what the Mwalimu is known to stand for “It is not the poet here that is praying for the Mwalimu but everyone of us. We need to imbibe the good spirit of a good people in order to ensure a good nation. This call is not just for good leaders but good followers as well.”

On his part, and corroborated by Mrs. Eugenia Abu who spoke after him, Commondore Enebong Akpabio reading a poem titled ‘Song of the Road’ on page 34 believes that Road Safety is the responsibility of all and so commended the poet. “We are all stakeholders in the road safety business and one of the best ways to ensure this is through education. That is why to us Seyi’s collection makes a lot of sense for using his craft to educate the people”

As is the case with literary and educational gatherings in Nigeria, the bulk of guests expected at the presentation which includes the Minister of Information and Communications; Professor Dora Akunyili did not make it to the presentation which was made up of what the representative of Minister of Transport, Dr. Agha in his remarks refers to as quality audience. “I am not surprise that this hall is not filled to the brim. This is an intellectual gathering. If it had been meant for some other activities like comedy, political meetings or birthday party, it would have been a different case. My consolation however is that what we have her is the right kind of audience – quality audience” he commented and had some support in the words of Mrs. Eugenia Abu who challenged writers to ensure they support one another. “If Seyi as the Chairman of ANA Abuja is launching a book and this hall is not filled with writers, then we must start asking ourselves questions. If we don’t support ourselves, who will?”

Others present at the presentation are Mr. Joseph Ojo who represented the Postmaster-General, Alhaji Yahaya Dangana, Hon. Dr Wale Okediran, Ms. Teresa Ameh, Barrister Ahmed Maiwada, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Mr. Kunle Yemitan, and Mr. Alasa, the Medical Director/CEO of Kingscare Hospital among others.

Prayer for the Mwalimu will commence a nationwide reading and interactive sessions of the major cities across Nigeria beginning from the poet’s home state of Kwara later this month.

Jerry Adesewo

ABUJA ARTISTES CELEBRATES WORLD THEATRE DAY

On Friday 27th of March, Performing Artistes in Abuja join their colleagues the world over to celebrate the 47th World Theatre Day. The event is one day theatre forum tagged We Are Theatre.

Jerry Adesewo, Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre and convener of the event in his welcome address challenged theatre practitioners to remain the voice and conscience of the people. “We must use our profession to effect a change in the society without fear or favour. Theatre is not just about entertainment but a medium to inform and educate. Theatre is undoubtedly one of, if not the most effective means of communication. Most importantly, we must strive to build a theatre culture in Abuja with or without the support of the relevant government agencies of the organised private sector.
Organized by Arojah Royal Theatre, the performing arm of Arojah Concepts, an Abuja based edutainment outfit, the event which took place at the NTA arena features the presentation of Spencer Okoroafor’ The Three Wisemen, by Arojah Royal Theatre; poetry performances by the Elixir of Mankind and Adesewo Fayaman-Bay who performed Jerry Adesewo’ poem titled Worried Mother; Music and Dances by Afri-Theatre who thrilled the audience with the popular Swange Dance, SAW-SHAD Entertainment – a group of seven hip-hop dancers - and of course one of Abuja/Nigeria’s music sensation, 6 Foot Plus while Wahala, Ben Ubiri and Spanix treated the audience to rib-cracking comic performances.

The World Theatre Day 2009 message written by Augusto Baol, the Initiator of Theatre Forum and Theatre of the Oppressed was read at the event by veteran broadcaster and award winning author, Eugenia Abu of the Nigerian Television Authority while Chief Aigbokaode Asimiafele, an Abuja based poet and cultural administrator chaired the event.

Most importantly, the forum provided theatre practitioners in Abuja the opportunity to relaunch the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) which has been non-existence in the last two years. The current National President of the association Greg Odutayo had during his recent visit to Abuja mandated practitioners in Abuja. It was also hinted that plans are underway to ensure theatrical productions in Abuja on regular basis.

Reproduced below is a text of the theme talk titled Theatre As A Cultural Brand delivered by Mr. M.M. Maidgugu, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture who was represented at the event by Mallam Denja Abdullahi the Assistant Director, performing department of the council:

ABUJA ZOOLOGICAL PARK TO GET FACELIFT

The visit by members of the Joint Tourism Board and other participants led by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) is good omen for the Abuja Zoological Park.

The visit to the eight years old Park, established in 2001 and commissioned by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo is one of the activities lined up for this year’s Joint Tourism Board Meeting of the Tourism sector held at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Abuja recently.

Mr. Ahmed Mohammed, the Park Manager who conducted the august visitors round the Park introduced them to the various animals in the Park. Some of the animals include one of the most dangerous animals in the world - Buffalos (from South Africa), Wild Beast which are said to be easy prey for lions (from East Africa), Impala (from Central and Southern Africa) and the fastest and biggest two-legged animal – Ostriches which is said to be capable of running 65 km/hour for 30 minutes non-stop. Others are Giraffe, Horses, Black Crown Crane, Crocodile, Ducks, Monkeys, Baboons and an eighty years old tortoise.

Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo who revealed that Delta State is planning an open range Zoological Park however expressed dissatisfaction that most of the animals are imported as the Park Manager informed the tourists that while the specie of Giraffe was cited in Adamawa in 1991, the Black Crown Crane is completely extinct as they were last cited in Taraba and Adamawa.

One of the attendants at the Park confessed that the greater challenge they face is security as they have to keep watch day and night to ensure that hunters don’t invade the Park with the intention of hunting the animals.

However, while briefing the journalist after the visit to the Park, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe assured the press that the corporation will take up the challenge of turning the park around soon. “Go to the in park in two months from now and you will be surprise what you will find. I will make it as attractive as it should be. I know what other Parks around the world look like and will definitely give it a touch of excellence. You will say I say so.” He promised.

A TOURISM VILLAGE WITH A STYLE

Long before now, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation head office is like any other office(s) within the old federal secretariat complex located at Area 1 Garki in Abuja.

However, a trip to the same office today is a prove of the taste of its chief occupant, Chief Olusegun Runsewe who upon assumption of office decided to turn around to the area of the expansive complex that has served as the corporation’s office for close to a decade now.

Contrary to what use to exist on that same piece of land, the office, now named Tourism Village is a beauty to behold. The village portrays the rich cultural heritage of our great nation having been adorned with a medley of picture, colours and images of the different part of our cultural life.

One interesting aspect of the tourism village is that, apart from the main office building, all other structures are our local huts with thatched roofs. Some of the structures at the Tourism Village include the Village Hall, Village Restaurant, a weaving loom and a state-of the-art recording studio.

Conducting participants and journalists round the village, The NTDC DG explained the need to have such a befitting environment as the NTDC office. “We have the strongest tourism culture in the world and like my people will say Eni to ma d’aso ro ni, t’orun e la’nwo (he who will cloth another person must have good cloths himself to prove his/her ability). So, we cannot remain in some filthy environment to market ourselves. This is a re-branding of the office. We want to make the place liveable and colourful so that investors, stakeholders and Nigerians generally will take us serious.” He explained adding that it is important to set an example of what tourism should be.

“Tourism is all about beauty and wonders of creation and that is what we have created here. Our office already is a tourist attraction any tourist cannot resist and is already generating revenue for us. People come in from far and near to buy artworks and crafts, cloths, locally made shoes among others or to eat in our village restaurant. What you have here is a practical demonstration of the ability of tourism to generate much more revenue for us than oil. Besides, we also create employment for the youth” he added.

The recording studio, also located in a round thatched-roof hut, according to the DG is second only to AIT and NTA stations “what we have here is undoubtedly one of the best and I would want all the tourism board here to ensure that you replicate what you have seen here today once you return home” he appealed.

Jerry Adesewo

PRACTICAL TOURISM: RUNSEWE’S REPOSITIONING TOURISM FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH

Otunba Segun Runsewe’s passion towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism is undoubtedly yielding result. Upon his appointment as successor to Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho in November 2006, he swung into action, embarking on what stakeholders in the tourism industry called practical tourism.

At the 2 day annual Joint Tourism Board meeting held in Abuja last week, the Director-General of NTDC reiterated his commitment to the development of the nation’s tourism sector. With a statement which has become more or less a mantra “Oil is good but exhaustible while tourism is better and is sustainable” he maintained that tourism is key to Nigeria’s growth and the achievement of President Yar’adua’s 7-point agenda and went on to charge all the states tourism board present at the meeting to ensure that they develop their tourism potentials so they could help diversify our economy and help Nigeria actualize its vision 20-20-20 and the Millennium Development Goals.

The annual meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers had in attendance Commissioners of Culture, Directors of the Tourism Boards form the 36 States of the federation and the FCT and other independent stakeholders in the tourism sector. This also included The Minister of Culture, the Senate Committee Chairman on Tourism and Culture, the Director of SSS.

At the end of the meeting the Board resolved that:
- Government should mainstream tourism to the seven point agenda and
Vision 20-2020, and empower relevant bodies at the Federal and state levels to enable them fully align with the economic and goals.
- All security agencies in the country are given full support and cooperation to sanitize the Nigerian tourism climate and create enabling environment for tourism to grow.
- Each state to concentrate efforts on the development of tourism products in which it has comparative advantage.
- That there should be understanding and cooperation between NTDC and the state tourism bodies in the National registration of Hotels and other Hospitality industries.

In a communiqué signed by Commissioners of Culture and Tourism of Kaduna and Delta States, Hon. Allahmagani H. Yohanna and Richard Mofe Damijo, and the MD/CEO of Gateway Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Tomi Shoboyejo commended Otunba Segun Runsewe for his giant strides and positive impacts towards the development of Nigerian Tourism made since his assumption of office three years ago, and especially for providing a platform for participants to interact and exchange ideas. He was also commended for the new vision he has brought to bear in the tourism in Nigeria.

The communiqué also appealed to the government to give all the necessary support to NTDC to continue its international tourism promotional drive, using the nation’s diverse cultural festivals, entertainment and tourism endowments to rebrand Nigeria at international tourism fairs and expositions.

In a press briefing with journalist after the meeting, Otunba Runsewe further revealed that it has been agreed that there is the need to come up with a uniform calendar of tourism events in Nigeria in order to eliminate duplication of responsibility and ensure wider participation in domestic tourism programmes.

“My dream is to make Nigeria a one stop shop tourism destination. Already, we have investors who are willing to build state-of-the-art tourist centres in six locations which will be selected by the investors from the six geo-political zones. This will require the state contributing only 25% of the cost of the investment while the investor provides the rest.” He further revealed.

In further demonstration of his practical tourism approach, Otunba Segun Runsewe took all the participants and journalists on a tour of the federal capital territory showing them, especially the first timers in Abuja all the important landmarks of the city. The journey which began from the tourism village at Area 1 ended at the Abuja Zoological park where the Park Manager, Mr. Aminu Mohammed introduced the tourists to all the animals in the park. The team then return to the Tourism Village where this year’s proceeding was rounded up with a plush luncheon.

BUILDING THE MAN: Spiritual Re-branding Key to Re-branding Nigeria

The renewed attempt by the Honourable Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili to re-brand Nigeria has been greeted with mixed relations by Nigeria. Why some readily accepted it as been the right step in the right direction considering the battered image of our country. Some others simply believe it is business as usual. This skepticism was borne out of the fact that many such attempt has been made without any meaningful result but a waste of tax-payers money.

While this may or may not be the case with many others, they already find their place in this familiar project. As the fever catches further, different Nigerians from different walk of life already designed are carrying out various programmes to demonstrate their relevance. In fact, there have been claims and counterclaims from different quarters about who should and who should not be responsible for the image laundering of Nigeria and what form it should have taken or not.

It is against this background and in line with the word of our Lord Jesus in his that “seek ye first the kingdom of God....” that the Eckankar, a Spiritual Organisation believes that it behoves on us as a nation to think first of building the man spiritually rather than waste time and resources in building structures that may not last if proper foundation is not given to the man which made up the society that we are struggling to build, re-build and re-brand over and over again.

In further and practical demonstration of their believe in the spirituality of man over the building of structures, the Eck as they are popularly known and referred to by their faithful will be holding a public discourse on Building the Man as they present five new books by the Spiritual Leader of Eckankar, American Born Harold Klemp on Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th of April at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre.

The books exhibition and public discourse will feature the five new books by Harold Klemp, Spiritual Wisdom on Health and Healing, spiritual Wisdom on Relationship, Eckankar: Ancient Wisdom for Today, Truth has no Secrets Touching the Face of God and other such life searching books.

Particularly, the book Touching the Face of God is an expose on the way we experience God in our life which is important to becoming the man that God want us to be so that we can be a leading light in our society. Each quote in the book help every individual discover how daily practice of contemplative techniques and spiritual exercises helps you to receive guidance via direct communication with the divine spirit to become a wholesome being and in effect build a society to behold.
Going the way of the Ecks and other schools of thought, it is obvious that it will do us a lot of good to think of how to build the individual by ensuring that those in power search their minds, re-brand themselves spiritually and not their pocket. It is pathetic to think that day-in-day-out, our leaders divert funds with which they are suppose to provide the basic necessities of life for the people to their personal account for the benefit of their families and generations to come alone, sowing the seed of corruption which has now eaten deep to every facet of our lives – religious organisations, schools, offices etc

Ford Foundation Celebrates 50 Years of Grant Making in Nigeria

Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999 after long periods of military colonization. One distinguishing characteristic of this return is frequent civil strives and conflicts pitching one ethnic or religious groups against another in a case of identity politics and violence. This situation has for a long time remained a threat to our national life and peaceful-co existence. A good example is the recent crisis in Jos which is yet to be resolved and already pitched the Federal Government against the State Government.

Thus, when Ford Foundation, the International Organisation which had provided funding for development in different aspect of Nigeria’s life – education, development, arts and human rights - celebrated recently, its Golden Jubilee anniversary in Nigeria, it does so, not with partying but with a 2-Day National Conference on Citizenship and Identity Politics in Nigeria.

The conference, held in Abuja at the NICON Luxury Hotel on from 24-26 organised in collaboration with another NGO, CLEEN Foundation drew participants from more than twenty civil society groups involved in human rights issues.

In his opening address at the conference, Ford Foundation’s Programme Officer for Human Rights at the West Africa Office, Dr. Joseph Gitari who reveals that the organisation’s annual budget is $10m for the West African Region went on to inform participants that the organisation will not relent in his effort at contributing to the development in Nigeria. “Identity problem is a big problem and the best we can contribute to finding a solution to it is by bringing the attention of both the government and the public” he said.

Professor Okwudiba Nnoli who chaired the conference challenged the participants to ensure that a line is drawn between Individual and group identity politics because in his view, Individual base citizenship is a myth. “Over time we have conducted several studies on this issue but it has defiled all analysis and solution. What is the impact of our studies if the problem intensifies rather than abating” he lamented and went on to explain that citizenship is a collaboration between individuals and the state which varies depending on the dynamism of the individual and state involved.

Commending Ford Foundation on his 50th anniversary of grant making for governance and human rights in Nigeria, Mr. Innocent Chukwura, the Executive Director of Cleen Foundation in his welcome address revealed that the conference becomes necessary at this time because conflicts arising from identity politics and problems have led to so much blood letting, destruction of properties, displacements and disruption of people’ and livelihoods in Nigeria. “In the last ten years of elected civilian government, it is estimated that over 20,000 people have lost their lives and hundreds of thousands displaced in over 200 outbreaks of violence traceable to identity related disputes” he added.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Nigeria’s deputy Senate Present who declared the conference open through his representative, Mr Tobi Okechukwu, charged the organizers to take their campaign to the public. “The issues we are discussing here should not remain a purely academic matter treated in the comfort of a hotel. There is the need too take our campaign to the street” he advised and the appeal to them to bring whatever they intend to do within the context of law once the problems are identified. The Senate President however revealed the Senate’s readiness to partner with Cleen and Ford Foundation in addressing the issue of identity politics especially as it is set to review the nation’s constitution.

Having declared the conference, the participants broke into plenary session where Professor Ashutosh Varshney of the Department of Political Science, Brown University, Providence, USA presented a paper Citizenship and Identity Politics: The Indian Experience while Professor Ogoh Alubo of the Department of Sociology at the University of Jos presented a paper on Citizenship and Identity in Nigeria.

Some of the personalities present at opening ceremony of the conference include Chief Chika Ezeife, former Governor of Old Anambra State, Mr. Yinka Odumakin of the Afenifere Renewal Group, a representative of the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Shiunkafi of the Arewa Consultative Forum and a host of civil societies and guests invited to the event.

MUSING ON THE BALCONY

I was on my way to the NTA Headquarter office in Abuja for an unscheduled interview with the newly appointed General Manager of NTA Plus, Mr. Fred Jonathan when I received a call from Mallam Denjah Abdullahi with whom we had agreed to go see the Jos Repertory Theatre’s presentation of ‘No Exit’, asking if I would want to attend a literary gathering at the ActionAid office called ‘Balcony Muse’.

It did not take me much time to confirm my attendance, which I think will serve as a good prelude to the French Cultural Centre event because, while I am aware of all literary gatherings – Abuja Literary Society, ANA Abuja, Guild of Artistes and Poet, Abuja Writers Forum and Just Doodles - in the city of Abuja, I have not heard of Balcony Muse and so would want to go and see what it is all about. So I make a quick detour to Denja’ office.

A quarter of an hour later, I was sitted on an expansive balcony at the ActionAid wing of the NAIC Building from where you can for sure catch a good glimpse of some part of the capital city and get . The ambience at the balcony no doubt reminded one of the famous ‘Abe Egi’ (under the tree) at the National Theatre, a popular spot where writers, artistes and literary enthusiasts in Lagos thronged to almost on daily basis to answer the call of the muse amidst plates of amala and assorted bottles of drinks. Over the years, this spot has provided the right kind of ambience and opportunity for Lagos Writers and visitors to horn their creative talent.

In his opening address at the fun-filled 90 minutes gathering, Tunde Aremu, communications Officer pf ActionAids Nigeria, Abuja explains that Balcony Muse was conceived last year and the first edition held sometime in November 2008 “to contribute to the expansion of opportunities available in Abuja for a virile literary culture.”

The gathering, dedicated to Nigerian women in commemoration of International Women Day (March 8) and Mother’s Day (March 22) was kick-started with a reading from an article, Over Cognac written by the late May Ellen-Ezekiel which expresses the intrigues behind her departure from Quality Magazine where she was the Editor then and her life general – the expectations, failures and success stories.

Prior to his reading from the book Abuja Nunyi, Mallam Denja Abdullahi (the Secretary-General of the Association of Nigerian Authors) commended the initiation and the initiative. “Abuja is an emerging city as far as literary culture is concerned. Balcony Muse is a good addition to those already in existence and I you would agree with me that the there is the need to encourage such gathering for the betterment of our society” he said before going to read ‘Gbagyi Woman’ and ‘Zone 4’ from his collection of poems on Abuja.

More readings dedicated to the women-folk were taken and these includes Eugenia Abu’s ‘To My Little Sister’, Valente Makagatanza’s ‘Woman”, Emem’s ‘Strength of the Woman’, Helen Reid’s ‘I am a Woman’, Dr. Tonia Ekpa’s ‘Lament from Womanity’, ‘Journey of a Thousand Years’ and ‘I Got a Flower’, a tragic poem by an unknown poet read by the in-coming Country Director and Oboh, a staff of ActionAids respectively.

According to the conveners, Balcony Muse will come up quarterly with the next edition schedule for June 12 with the theme CRY FREEDOM.

Mr. President, VP, Governors and Others Needs to do more Reading- Dr. Jerry Agada

It is no longer news that President Umaru Musa Yar’adua
probably spent most of hi time during his recent vacation engaging in reading activities as made public by his spokesperson, Segun Adeniyi. In this interview at a recent literary event, Dr. Jerry Agada, the immediate past Minister of State I for Education who was also the Chairman of the ministry’s National Action Committee on Read Campaign provided so insight to the President’s action.

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Recently, the news of Mr. President’s decision to spend his vacation reading took the nation by surprise. Are you surprised?

Surprise? No! I am not surprised. Instead, I was actually very happy when I read the report and I felt vindicated that what we started doing through the National Action Committee on Read Campaign is beginning to yield result. Mr. President was actually schedule to read to the nation during the Read Campaign Dinner but that was not to be as it was the Minister of Science and Technology then who represented him at the dinner and read on his behalf. Besides, it is not just our own President that is reading but other great personalities and world leaders. Recently, I watched a documentary titled ‘Obama Everywhere on CNN where President Obama of the United States went with his wife to a school. It was reported that the school authority did not have any idea of his coming because they just walked into the school to read to a class of second graders, an equivalent of primary two in Nigeria. So you can see that there is nothing new or surprising about the President decision to read. He is simply keeping up with what is expected of people of his status.

What type of book would you suggest to Mr. President to read during this reading vacation should you have the opportunity to advice him?

Mr President is well read. Prior to his becoming President, he was a University lecturer and so you can imagine the number of books he must have read. So to talk of prescribing book for him may not be a wise thing to do. For him to decide to want to spend his vacation reading, I am sure he knows the right type of books to read. If I must add then, I would think that since the essence of his vacation is to rest, he would not need books that will further strain is brain but one that will put him in a very relaxed mood. I think he should read a lot of poetry because I once read somewhere that if you are tensed, picks up a piece of poetry, read and you’ll feel relaxed. On the other hands, if he requires books that will task his intellectual capability, he knows which to choose, such that by the time he returns from his vacation he would be reinvigorated to face his duties of leading this great nation. I must confess to you that the task of leading this nation is not an easy one and so, the President needs a lot of intellectual exercises to do which reading will help him accomplish.

You popularized what is today known as I READ, I LEAD, NIGERIA READ, NIGERIA LEADS. In view of this slogan, what is your concept of reading?

What this is simply saying is that a good reader is a good leader and to become a good leader, you must be a good reader as well. This concept that I popularized has reflected in our President’s action during his vacation. Therefore the feeling that this slogan is intended to instill is that once you engage in extensive reading, you can be sure that you are on the right track because reading refreshes your mind, re-focuses your mind, builds your intellectual ability and puts you on the alert such that you are always well articulated and organized in whatever you do.

What would say is the significance of Mr. President’s reading?

Reading makes a man. Reading prepares a man, shapes him and help focuses his mind to achieve whatever he is set to achieve. In other words, to be well read is to be well informed. So for Mr. President to have decided to read, I can be sure he is looking to achieving one of the objectives above.

How can Mr. President help contribute to the development of the reading culture?

My greatest pleasure will be to see Mr. President, his Vice, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, our governors, legislators and other government functionaries and celebrities pay unscheduled visits to schools like President Obama did and read to the children as a way of encouraging them to take reading seriously. For Mr. President in particular, I don’t think it will be out of place to include in his schedule of activities to visit any school of his choice in a month to read with the pupils/students of that school. That will go a long way to boost their moral as it will have a long lasting on them. An easy way out of it is for the President during his state visits to the 36 states of the federation to include in his activities, visitation to at least 3 schools (one each fro the three tiers i.e primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools) in the state.