MEET QUINTESSENTIAL DRAMATIST LADIPO DURO.

Nigerian playwright, producer, actor, and founder of Duro Ladipo National Theatre which made an innovating contribution to the revival of traditional theatre in Nigeria in the mid-twentieth century.
Duro Ladipo employed his native Yoruba language and the use of Yoruba musical instruments, chants and dance to create, according to Yemi Ogunbiyi's essay in the book Dance and Theatre in Nigeria, "a different kind of Yoruba theatre, self -consciously traditional (in the best of word), invigorating, intense and with a charm of its own. imbued with a genuine sense of cultural revivalism, Ladipo reached beyond the morality plays characteristic of the forerunners of Yoruba travelling theatre, into the new territory of Yoruba historical drama."
Duro Ladipo was born in Osogbo on 18 december, 1931, the son of a local Anglican church official. Despite his parents' intention for a strict christian upbringing, young Duro Ladipo showed keen interest intraditional Yoruba festivals and rituals, "as exemplified by the fact that I followed closely the activities of different masquerades and cultists", he said later in describing his childhood. He nevertheless attended local mission schools, becoming in the 1950s a pupil -teacher at the Holy Trinity School at Ilesha. From there he went to Kaduna in the north of Nigeria, as a teacher at the United Native Anglican School whose dramatic society he founded and launched with a production of his interpretation of Shakespeare's As You Like It.
He returned to Osogbo in 1956, still as a teacher but now with a profound interest in dramatic productions. In June 1960, he produced his Easter Cantata at the All Saints Church in Osogbo, amidst considerable controversy over his use of the Yoruba talking drums in the church. The authorities considered the instrument s incompatible with the christian religion because of their use in traditional festivals and rituals.
A reviewer in the Daily Service said at the time that Ladipo's production was "truly Yoruba in character and a welcome change from the usual dreariness of the English hymns. The church authorities hardly appreciated the importance and significance of his work. They insisted on having conventional english hymns incorporated into the performance, thus ruining the artistic effect of the work." His attitude could be summed up in his phrase: "If Christianity is to survive in Nigeria, it must undergo the general process of Nigerianisation".
From that point, Ladipo sought new avenues for his productions in schools, on television and elsewhere by performing plays on a purpose-built wagon which his group used as a mobile stage. In December 1961 the Duro Ladipo Company produced a Christmas Cantata at the newly founded Mbari Club in Ibadan.
On March 2, 1962, Ladipo founded in Osogbo the Mbari-Mbayo Cultural Centre, emulating the example of the Ibadan intellectuals and artists who had opened the Mbari Club. Soon his Mbari-Mbayo, meaning in Yoruba "when we see it, we shall be happy", became the home based for his company as well as the vocal point of a new artistic expression- the Osogbo School- exemplified by Jimo Buraimoh, Twin Seven-Seven and other yoruba painters.
Having launched the centre with his first musical play Oba Moro in 1962, Ladipo celebrated Mbari-Mbayo's first and second anniversaries with the production of Oba Koso and Oba Waja respectively. Of the trilogy of the Oyo empire, Oba Koso is best known, having been performed more than 2,000 times in at least fifteen countries before Ladipo's death in 1978. Oba Koso won the first prize at the 1964 Berlin Theatre Festival and was enthusiastistically received in Britain the following year at the Commonwealth Arts Festival. Also that same year, 1965, Ladipo himself was made a member of the order of the Niger by his country's Government, in recognition of his impressive contribution of some twenty full-lenght plays and over fifty sketches to the Nigerian theatre. The Oba Koso, Oba Waja and Oba Moro trilogy has become classics of the Nigerian traditional theatre, expounding Yoruba dramatic ideas and rituals to an increasing international audience through world-wide productions and literary criticism.
True to his dedication to growth and promotion of the traditional theatre Ladipo, in the later part of his life, took up a research appointment with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, where he engaged in research work on mythologies. He was doing this, in conjuction with running the Ladipo theatre company, when he died on 11 March, 1978. The company continues to exist and perform Ladipo's work under the headship of his wife, Abiodun Ladipo, also a renowned artist in her own right.

USMAN DAN FODIO (1754 -- 1817)

Nigerian Islamic scholar, politician, and crusader whose Jihad -- holy wars-- were responsible for the spread of Islam in Nigeria in particular and neighbouring West African countries. He was born in December 1754 in the small Fulani village of Maratta in Gobir, northern Nigeria. The family moved to Degel where Usman grew up impure form of islam. This was met with threats to his life and attacks on his followers which force them to flee from Degel to Gudu on 21 February 1804.
This flight, Hijra, still honoured in the moslem calendar in Nigeria, has significance for the Fulani because of its similarity with the flight of Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in the 7th century. Usman's followers saw the Hijra as the final justification for launching a jihad. Usman Dan Fodio was elected caliph and giving the title of Sarkin Musulumi (Commander of the Faithful) and had the political title of Shehu bestowed upon him, in preparation for the wars against the Hausa rulers.
In February 1804 the first attack was made against the King of Gobir but the state did not fall to the Fulani until 1808. However, by 1804 they had captured Zaria and Katsina, paving the way for the taking of all Hausaland in 1809 and the emergence of the Fulani empire which later spread southward as far as the Oyo Kingdom in Yorubaland.
In later stages, the jihad lost most of its original religious character; what had begun essentially as a clash between Usman dan Fodio and the ruler of Gobir turned out to encompass a revolutionary movement, led by intellectuals, with far-reaching political consequences. The jihad thus resulted in a system of government, based on Islam, in place of the traditional dynasties south of the Sahara.
Although Usman's personal involvement in wars decreased with age, he was the mastermind behind the movement whose spirit and intentions he articulated eloquently in his writings. It was he who guided his son, Muhammadu Bello (q.v.) and his brother Abdullahi, during the invasions of Hausaland. With the war won and the new Fulani empire established, Usman divided it into two dynasties, Sokoto under Bello and the other, Bornu, under Abdullahi. He retired from politics in 1809 and went to Sokoto where he died at the age of 63, in April 1817.

MEET MADAM EFUNROYE TINUBU

Nigerian businesswoman and patriot, after whom a prominent Lagos landmark, "Tinubu Square," is named. She lived in the 19th century and was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Western Nigeria, to a trading family.

After a period of trading apprenticeship under her mother, Tinubu went to Badagry, an important trading post on the outskirts of Lagos, where, despite her lack of formal education, she soon established a flourishing trade in tobacco and salt. The entreprising Tinubu was later to expand her trade, which brought her into contact with the European slave traders, with whom she dealt as a middleperson.

In 1846 Tinubu, now a successful businesswoman, played hostess to the exiled King Akintoye of Lagos who sought refuge in Badagry; she used her influential position to inaugurate a pro-Akintoye movement dedicated to the eventual return of the king to the throne in Lagos. Thus commenced her involvement in the politics of Lagos, which was dominated by men of wealth and education.

In 1851 Akintoye regained his throne and Tinubu was invited to Lagos where she soon transfer her business activity. She strengthened her position as an intermediary in the trade between the expatriate community and the indigenous population of Lagos on the one hand and the interior which include her birthplace, Abeokuta, on the other.

Her influence in the court of Akintoye grew to such an extent that she was often accused of beign the power behind the throne, a belief which in 1853 led to the rebellion of two prominent chiefs. By 1853, when Akintoye was succeeded by Prince Dosunmu, Tinubu's influence grew even more.

In 1855 she led a campaign against the Brazilian and Sierra Leonean immigrants in Lagos for using their wealth and power against the King and for subverting the ancient customs of the island, thus displaying a degree of nationalism which worried the British. The latter retaliated with mass arrests of the organisers, followed by explusion from Lagos. Tinubu and her followers were deported to Abeokuta in May 1856.

In Abeokuta Tinubu expanded her business activities to include a wide range of wares such as gunpowder and bullets. In time her influence began to be felt also in Egba politics in which she played two important roles; her contribution to the successful defence of Egbaland during the Dahomean invasion of 1863 following which she was awarded the title of Iyalode (First Lady) in 1864.

In the Alake succession crisis of 1877 her chosen canditate was installed. The conferment of the title of Iyalode placed her in a position of power, which she was denied in Lagos, for, by virtue of it, she not only acquire d a constitutional right to participate in Egba affairs but was also accorded honour and esteem in the community.

She died in 1887 when she was at the height of her popularity. Today in Abeokuta, a monument stands in the town square named after her, Ita Iyalode (Iyalode Square).

REMEMBERING OGUNDE HURBERT.

Nigerian dramatist, musician, dancer, actor-manager, film maker and versatile artist. Hurbert Ogunde was the doyen of modern Nigeria theatre. He was born in 1916 at Ososa near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
His father was a Baptist Minister, Jeremiah Dehinbo Ogunde; his mother was Eunice Owatusan Ogunde. He had a babalawo (traditional healer and diviner) grandfather whose influence blended with his Christianity upbringing and created in him strong interest in both Christian and Yoruba traditional beliefs. these desperate influences shaped his dramatic output, as can be clearly seen in his early Christian plays and the strong flavour of traditional beliefs in his later plays and films.
He had his primary education at St John's School, Ososa (1925-28), at St Peter's Faji School, Lagos (1928-30) and at Wasimi African School, Ijebu-Ode(1931-32). Between 1933 and 1940 he was the choirmaster and organist of Wasimi African School, where he also taught.
He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1941 and while serving there started (as an amateur) a theatre company called the African Music Research Party, and came out in 1944 with his first "Native Air Opera" called The Garden of Eden and the Throne of God. In 1946 he left the police and went professional and stormedthe stage with the production of Tiger's Empire, an opera which earned him a caution by the police. Later that year, in Jos, his theratre was banned for staging the play Strike and Hunger.
Ogunde's theatre progressed through different phases, from the opera concert party to the contemporary theatre it was at the time of his death. These phases are reflected in the different names he gave to his company. In 1945 it was called African Music Research Party, but in 1947 the name was changed to Ogunde Theatre Party. In the 1950s it became the Ogunde Concert Party and it was again renamed The Ogunde Theatre in the 60s and retain this name thereafter.
The thematic preoccupation of his plays varied; from folklore, he went on to tackle other themes, such as satire, history and politics.The themes that interested him are a reflection of the influences acting on his art. He was influenced by European theatre, an influence which he made use of creatively to come up with a unique theatre all his own. He was, perharps, more profoundly influenced by the classical travelling theatre of the yoruba called the Alarinjo theatre which had its beginning in the 16th century.
Ogunde's theatre become very popular, especially among his yoruba audience, because of its preoccupation with cultural nationalism. He catered for the interests of not only the nationalists but also the ordinary people. His theatre came to be closely identified as a vehicle not only for entertainment but also for social comment, political action and instruction. Thus, through his theatre he became a leading figure in the nationalist struggle. The colonial government viewed his theatre with disapproval and saw it as an effective voice in the agitation for independence and consequently did what it could to silence it.
Ironically, Ogunde's theatre also suffered persecution in the 1960s after independence was achieved and this time at the hand of Western Region Government under Chief S.L.Akintola(q.v) after the staging of Yoruba Ronu ("Yoruba Think") in 1964. The theatre was banned for two years until the ban was lifted bythe military government of Col. Fajuyi after the 1966 coup d'etat.
His theatrical performances were remarkable and memorable; he was a charismatic personality. His usual lively and dynamic presentations held his audience spellbound. His was a fascinating family theatre group constituted by himself and his many wives and children. Ogunde has over eight wives and numerous children, and most of them are member of his theatre. The commitment of Ogunde and his entire family to the theatre company which was the family business, was profound. Thus his theatre had a cohesion, durability and resilience lacking in many other yoruba travelling theatres. Ogunde's success in the theatre took him to many parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas where he performed to very enthusiastic audiences.
He was constantly writing and producing new operas and plays all his life. Among the most famous of his operas are The Garden of Eden and theThrone of God(1944), followed by Worse Than Crime(1945), Strike And Hunger(1946), King Solomon(1948), Bread and Bullet(1950), and MY Darling Fatima(1951). Some of his most remarkable plays include Yoruba Ronu(1964), Ayanmo(1970), Onimoto(1971) and Aiye(1972). A large number of his political works provoked a ban or caution from the authorities, but many of the political plays were well received by the government of the day. These works include Song of Unity(1960), a play commissioned by the Nigerian government to mark independence, Keep Nigeria One(1968) Muritala Muhammed(1976) and Nigeria (1977).
One of Ogunde's major contributions to history of professional theatre in Nigeria is thathe made the theatre accessible to the ordinary people, thus wresting it from the tutelage of court and church. He founded the Union of Nigerian Dramatists and playwrights in 1971 and by 1990 the union had a membership of over a hundred professional travelling theatres. He founded a film village in his home town of Ososa. In 1979 he set up a film company to record his most successful and popular plays for posterity. At the time of his death, he has four screen titles, including Aiye and Jaiyesinmi, to his name, in addition to 51 stage productions and eleven record titles, produced by his record company.
In 1982, Ogunde was honoured by his country with the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. Ogunde , one of the finest and most productive dramatists Nigeria ever produced, was active as ever in the last years of life. He wore his age gracefully, and when he died on 4 April, 1990 at the age of 74, he was still a very dynamic and tireless actor and producer.

EKPE & ABAKUA: LINKING NIGERIA & CUBA.

Ekpe is an age -long traditional, sacred institution which served as an agent of cultural dispersal during the slave trade.
Ekpe is open to men in Calabar, and has over many centuries been a part of the hinterland, stretching from Akwa-Ibom to Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states.
Not too long ago, it was reunited with its Cuban counterpart, the Abakua.
These hand crafted cultural representations are carefully handcrafted by the villagers using dyed raffia and wool to create a true representation of the masquerade.
Only men are allowed to wear the elaborate masquerade costumes and in some cases, women are not allowed to look at the masquerades.
The masquerades are displayed at ceremonies, while songs and dances are usually accompanied by cultural drama.
They also come out during chieftancy title presentation and coronations, seasonal celebrations and other important events. It is an important cultural event and its roots are deep in traditional religion.
The Ekpe masquerade, the folklores (known as Ekong-Nkeh, Nke Ekon Abasi) and the Ikombi dance have won international recognition; they have become a form of entertainment to welcome important dignitaries to the state and at other events outside the state.

NOBERT YOUNG IS 50.

Friends, associates, colleaques and relations of beloved actor Nobert Akpojerharo Young will converge at his Isolo home today to felicitate with him as he turns 50.
Cultural tips bid our own Young Happy Birthday.

AYANGALU PASSES ON AT 65.

Celebrated drummer , Ayantunji Amoo, popularly called Ayangalu, has passed on at 65. He died on Thursday, and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
Until his death, he was reputed to have performed on the Yoruba stage classics like, Ona koso, The Palmwine Drinker and many more. His talent and dexterity as a drummer is quite evident in Saworoide and Agogoeewo.

DURBAR, THE NORTHERN HORSE CULTURE.

Some people were of the opinion that the Hausas who are predominantly in the Northern part of Nigeria, are hardly known with any culture other than the ones borrowed from Islam or the Arabian world.
The asertion is very far from the truth, Nigeria is a country blessed with people of diverse cultures and traditional values.
The Hausas are known with so many cultures, but let treat the Durbar first.
Durbar is dated back to pre colonial days when clans, villages, towns, emirates engage in warfare to battle for supremacy over issues. During this period, each town, district and household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defence of the emirate.
This standing army are subjected to a kind of test, once or twice in a year, the emirate head invited the regiment for durbar parade for the emir and his chiefs.
During this parade, the regiments showcased their horsemanship, their preparedness for war and their loyalty to the emirate.
Now, the war parade has transformed to a festival used in honouring Important visitors, dignitaries to the northern part, i.e, visiting presidents, emirs and other people.
It has also been tailored with the two muslims most important festivals, the Id-ei-fitr (marking the end of muslims fast) and the Eid-el-kabir (the festival that is significant with ram).
The festival begins with each emirate racing across the square with their well decorated horses at a full gallop bearing a swords that will be glitting in the sun, they pass through the visitors and then stop abruptly to salute and pay homage.

MEET THE GREAT JAJA OF OPOBO

Over a hundred years ago, King Jaja of Opobo died. But before then, he was known to have fought assiduously for the preservation of the dignity of the black race in the face of scaring opposition from colonialists. He died on his way home from exile in June 1891 and that's why we bring you this piece in commemoration of his centenary, read on.

To the younger generation, the history of African nationalism would not go beyond the past four decades, the period which most African countries attained political independence from their erstwhile colonial overlords. But the truth is that the root of African nationalism dates back to the heroic defence of "national" independence by the founding fathers of traditional African nations.

One of such founding father worthy of note is King Jaja of Opobo. He lived in 1800s and for decades, he dominated the politics of Delta area of Nigeria. However, his relevance today is in the fact that the fight he began, and fought till his death in 1891, remains a living phenomenon in our dealings with the international community up till today.
Perhaps, the humble background of King Jaja was the firing inspiration which brought him to limelight in the thick of colonial adventurism of his time. Jaja was a man who had sterling qualities which suited him for the titanic roles he played in Delta politics and trade.
According to Micheal Crowther, he was a man of exceptional ability, "combined with ruthelessness that alone could ensure survival in the cut-throat competition of the palm-oil trade." It is also clear that in his time, he was a strategist of the highest order.
King Jaja was an ex-slave. In his days, he lived in a society where sheer prowess and ability made men whatever they were. And that was why he was able to rise to the pinnacle of his career as an administrator of no mean standing. At that time, leaddership was not a function of mere royal descent among the Delta people. So, when King William People died in 1865 and his son, George took the stool of Bonny, the effective administration of the Kingdom fell on another ex-slave, Oko-Jumbo who was serving as the adviser to the king. It was so because King George Pepple was a weakling.
Meanwhile, Jaja had taken up the headship of the Anna Pepple house when Alali, the regent, died. And so, the power tussle for supremacy was between Oko-Jumbo and Jaja, two ex-slaves.
The struggle for power was fierce but Jaja's strong will and strategies made it possible for him to declare independent of Bonny as early as January 15, 1870. Though he granted Bonny some concessions in the process, he was able to gain recognition for his"country" from the British government. On that date, Jaja founded a seperate Kingdom and named it Opobo and made himself the king.
As a master strategist, Jaja was able to play foreign trading firms against one another to his kingdom's advantage. The trading companies had engaged in stiff competitions for access to trading locations in the Delta and that created problems. Volumes of exports became static. Barely three years after Jaja establish his kingdom, the trading problems were compunded by fall and fluctuations in prices of goods exported, caused by slump in demand for produce overseas.
At that point, Jaja changed tactics. He bye-passed the trading companies and rulers of his time, he was equally determined to preserve indigenous religion and institutions at all costs. In the process, he incurred the wrath of European traders, who resorted to using their home government and rival states in the Delta as a canon fodder to destabilise Jaja and his kingdom.
As has been rightly observed, it was the growing strenght and confidence of Jaja, not weakness, which provoked European intervention against him.
For a period, Jaja was at loggerheads with John Holt of Liverpool over attempts by John Holt to penetrate Jaja's market in Qua Ibo river. While that was on, Liverpool members of the African Association were pressing for strong action against Jaja over what they described as "falling rates of profit".
What historians described as the "ruthless side" of Jaja would today pass for what we call "defence of national interest". To remain the power broker in the Delta, Jaja built up a formidable "army". His army was so powerful that he sent a contingent to fight in the Ashanti war of 1875. The contingent's performance eventually earned King Jaja an award of a sword by Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch in Britain then.
In trying to protect his kingdom's "national interest", King Jaja dealt severe blows on the Qua Ibo people in 1881. He raided about seven of their villages, captured many, and executed about 100 people for engaging in direct trade with the Europeans.
Jaja would in his majesty, would not allow any whiteman to underplay the importance of his position as a king. He demanded and got due respect from those who came into contact with him. It was true he placed his country under British protection when he founded it, but King Jaja ensured that there was no clause to guarantee freedom of trade in his zone.
In an attempt to break his monopoly of trade, the European traders operating in the Delta area formed an association - the Amalgamated Association. As an intelligence man, King Jaja countered their action. He meandered through and struck another deal with Alexander Miller Brothers and Co of Glasgow. He ensured that the new trading partners agreed to his terms of trade, thus once again subjecting foreign interests in his domain to another round of loss of profits.
Thereafter, the pressures became heavier on the British government to do something to curtail the powers of King Jaja of Opobo.
One such open expression of disgust was reflected in the message sent by the British Consul to the Home Office. He was apparently referring to King Jaja when he talked of "disjointed and incoherent utterances" of African protest because, all along , King Jaja made it an "operation measure for measure". He spoke his mind loud and clear over any issue which he felt the foreigner were doing anything detrimental to the to the independence of his people and kingdom.
By 1887, it had become clear that King Jaja of Opobo was a thorn in the flesh of the colonialists. As would be expected, the colonial masters framed him up. He was invited aboard a consular ship for discussions by the Vice-Cosul Johnston. Even then, King Jaja still showed high level of intelligence. He demanded that his security be guaranteed before he would honour the invitation. The colonialists tricked him into believing that nothing negative was going to happen to him and he went.
Subsequently, he was tricked to Accra, Ghana (then Gold Coast) where he was tried and found guilty of blocking the highway of trade and failure to honour an article of his treaty with Britain. Jaja was then deported to the West Indies and allowed a yearly pension of e800.
Like all men of courage, King Jaja lost life while he could still have been useful to his nation. For on his way home from exile in June 1891, the great hero breathed his last.

BOBAPITAN IS 83.

Professor Festus Ade Ajayi, historian, university teacher, administrator will be 83 on Tuesday May 26, 2009.
Born in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, he was educated at St. Paul's School, Ikole-Ekiti, 1934--39; Christ's School, Ado--Ekiti, 1940;Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos 1941 -46; High College Yaba, 1947; University College (now University of Ibadan), 1948-51; University College, Leicester, 1952 -55; King's College, University of London, 1955 -58; former teacher, he was appointed Professor of History, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,1963; dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, 1964 -66; acting vice -chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan; vice-chancellor, University of Lagos, 1972 -78; he was made Professor Emeritus in 1989; member, Board of Trustees, National Order of Merit; foundation fellow, Historical Society of Nigeria; fellow, Ghana Historical Society Association.
He was conferred with the Nigeria National Order of Merit in 1986. He holds traditional titles of Bobapitan of Ikole-Ekiti and Onikoyi of Ife.

Professor Adelugba is 70

Professor Dapo Adelugba, theatre historian, director, actor, critic, writer and university teacher turned 70 on Monday, March 9, 2009.
He was educated at University of London (Ibadan), 1962, and University of Califonia, Los Angeles.
He began his teaching career at Ibadan Grammar School and later joined the University of Ibadan in 1967.
He was director of Nigeria's drama entry to the Second World Festival Of Arts And Culture (FESTAC '77), chairman of Oyo State Council Of Arts and Culture, the arts director University of Ibadan, Theatre Arts, where he was also a professor for many years.
He is the Secretary General of the Nigeria Theatre Institute (ITI) and currently, a visiting Professor at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Macmillan Literary Day coming

Macmillan Nigeria Publishers will on May19hold its 5th edition of the Macmillan Youth Literary Day, a dedicated to the promotion of writing, reading and value system for the desirable and sustainable development of youths in particular and the nation in general.
Holding at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos at 11 am with the theme, "Regaining Our Cultural Values", the Director, MAcmillan Nigeria, Mrs. Francesca Yetunde Emmanuel, said during a press conference in Lagos that the theme for this year was informed by the dire need at the present stage of the nation's historical development to examine a number of problems linked with origin, existence and development of Nigerian culture.
Over 20 schools in Lagos would be participating in the competition.

Cultural re-branding the best for Nigeria.

The sixth National Council of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation ends with a call on the Federal Government to fashioned her re--branding campaign to the nation's intangible cultural value.
In a communique read by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Senator Bello Jubril Gada, said this will enable it achieve re-orientation of Nigerians for the achievement of sustainable development as envisaged under the seven-point agenda and vision 2020.

Fashola renews governance to the youths

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Raji Fashola (SAN), needs not to be praised but deserves commendations for doing right things at the right time.
Onikan Stadium in Lagos on 14th of May witnessed a filled capacity of uniformed volountary organisation members and others who came to witnessed the official re-inauguration of the youths clubs back to schools in Lagos State.
The volountary organisation clubs re-introduced at the ceremony are : The Boys Scout Movement, The Sheriff Guards, The Girls Guide, The Boys Brigade and The Red Cross.
The governor got it right, because the easiest way of inculcating discipline in children is best derived through this means.

Ovation Publisher, gets Loudest Ovation.

The Publisher of Ovation magazine Chief Dele Momodu and his wife, Mobolaji were conferred with the titles of Bashorun and Yeye Bashorun of Oke Ila Orangun in Osun State on April 10, by His Royal Highness, Oba Dokun Abolarin.
On April 18, Momodu was also honoured with a prestigious National Excellence Award in Monrovia, Liberia.
On April 20, Dele was also decorated and made a paramount chief, The Kiazolu of Grand Cape Mount Country, a title that makes him a honourary citizen of Liberia by the National Traditional Council Of Liberia.
After the recognition done on the Nigeria born publisher, it has been celebration galore by friends and associates for the honour done to their own.

BENIN NEEDS BACK PLUNDERED ARTEFACTS

Benin group protests plundered artefacts in Britain. The Director, Bureau for Cultural Research, Benin National Congress, Mr. Emwanta Osaghae, has written the British Government to return the artefacts violently removed from the Benin Kingdom during its Invasion in 1897.
Osaghae said the Benin people had followed constitutional means in demanding the rerun of the plundered artefacts from Britain.
He said the congress would not to organise a protest at the British High Commissions and embrassed across the world as well as the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

TRIALS OF BROTHER JERO ON STATE IN ABUJA

In its efforts to keep alive the theatre tradition, the Jos Repertory Theatre (JRT) will from April 30 to May 2, stage Wole Soyinka's play The Trial of Brother Jero, at Merit House on Aguyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja. Austin Efe Okonkwo directs it.

MOMOH TONY IS 70

Momoh, Prince Anthony Sulaimon, Lawyer, Journalist, Administrator will be 70 on Monday, April 27, 2009.
Born in Auchi, Edo State; he was educated at Government School, Auchi 1947--1954; Anglican School, Okpe, 1954; Provincial Training College, Abraka, 1960--61; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 1964 -- 66; University of Lagos 1974 -- 75; Former Editor, Daily Times; Former Minister of Information and Culture, presently engage in private legal practice.

FAWEHINMI CHIEF GANI IS 71

Fawehinmi, Chief Ganiyu Oyesola (SAN), Lawyer, Author, Philantropist, Social Critic and Human right crusader will be 71 on Wednesday, April 22, 2009.
Born on April 22, 1938, into the Fawehinmi family of Ondo in Ondo State; Ansar-Ud-Deen school, 1946 -- 53; Victory College, Ikare, 1954 -- 58; University Of London (external student), 1961--64; Nigerian Law School, Lagos. 1964, called to the Nigerian Bar on January 15, 1965; engage in private legal practice, since 1965, Founder, National Conscience Party (NCP). He is the traditional title holder of Lomofe of Ondo State, 1978.

OCTOBER RAIN COMING

The Society of Nigerian Artists Lagos Chapter calls for entries for this year's October Rain, an annual group of art exhibition organised by SNA Lagos.
Entries are expected in the following categories: ceramics, graphics, painting, print making, textile design, drawing, mixed media, photography and sculpture. Award and prizes are also in various categories.
Exhibiting artists should collect forms at the SNA secretariat at National Gallery of Art Complex, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos on or before July 31, 2009.

ZIMRAH HUNT '09 HITS THE AIRWAVES.

For the first time in the history of the entertainment industry, over fifty choir members will stand for a chance of walking home with 'mouthwatering' prizes as ZIMRAH HUNT, a new reality show involving the best of choirs from across the Federal Capital Territory, hit the airwaves.
According to Buree N International, organisers of the evebnt at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the reality show is meant to set standard in the industry with their inspirational and motivating songs.
The event will kick off on May 10 at Sharon Ultimate Hotel while the final will hold on May 24 at the International Conference Centre, both in Abuja.

LIFE IN MY CITY CALLS FOR ENTRIES

Organisers of this year's edition of Life In My City art festival are calling for entries from contemporary Nigerian artists in the fields of visual arts, photography, sculpture, ceramics and textile.
The annual arts festival designed to reposition the arts for social development tagged Nigeria The Beautiful, which hold between June 21 and 27, 2009 at Nike Lake Hotel in Enugu is open to artists aged 35 and below residing and studying or working in Nigeria for at least five years.
According to Chief Robert Orji, CEO of Rokana Nigeria Limited, the lead sponsor of the event, this year's festival will feature entries from Ghana, Burkina Faso, while there are five zones and four centres for easy collation of entries from artists.

NICO OPENS ZONAL OFFICES

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation(NICO) will this month open offices in four geo-political zones. The offices are to serve as research centres for student academic and others interested in cultural studies.
The zonal offices are in Akure, Ondo State, South West; Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South-south; Owerri, Imo State, South East and Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central. Two others in Yola, Adamawa State,North East and Katsina, Katsina State, North West will follow soon.
Speaking at NICO head office in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO, Mr.John Bernard Yusuf, said the take off of the zonal offices will mark another milestone for the organisation which intent on taking to the grassroots the government's seven- point agenda.
With this, NICO has been repositioned to play its role as the engine room of the cultural sector. Last year, it began its training programme in Lagos for the award of certificates and post-graduate diplomas in Cultural Studies. Last month, the head office in Abuja was relocated to a more spacious and befitting edifice to ease operations.

EYO MASQUERADE DANCE COMING

Lagos most popular festival, Eyo masquerade dance is coming, this year edition will comes up on April 25th, 2009.
Cultural Tips implore all fun lovers to troop to Tafa Balewa Square, venue of the show to witness the best of Eyo masquerade dance live.
Cultural tips promises to bring back the graphic details of events as its unfolds at the occassion. See you then.

FANTY CARNIVAL HOLDS

Fanty crnival, a carnival peculiar to Islanders in Lagos was held on Easter day, Monday 13.
It was a fun filled carnival, expect details later.

BENIN OBA IS 30 YEARS ON THRONE.

The Oba of Benin, Omo'N'oba Erediauwa, on Monday 23rd March, 2009, celebrated the 30th year anniversary of his coronation as the traditional ruler of the ancient Benin kingdom.
The monarch ascended the throne of his fore fathers as the king of the kingdom on March23, 1979.

Baba BAbalola 'rele, o digba'

Emeritus Professor Solomon Adeboye Babalola, B.A, M.A (Contab), Ph.D Litt., NMON, is dead.
The Late S.A. Babalola, Author of many books, became a full professor of African Languages and Literature, University of Lagos in 1969. The position he held until 1986.
In 1987, he became Professor Emeritus Of Yoruba Literature, University Of Lagos.

ADIEU PROF. ADIELE AFIGBO

Prof. Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo, a foremost Nigerian Historian passed away in Enugu, Enugu State on March 9, 2009.
Afigbo was born in Ihube, Okigwe in Imo State. He attended Ihube Methodist Boys Central School, Ihube in 1944 and later moved to St. Augustine (CMS) Grammar School, Nkwerre, Orlu Imo State Through an Okigwe Native Administration scholarship won in competitive examination.

MULTI CULTURE CHIEF IS 75

Otunba Olasubomi Balogun is not only the Chairman of the First City Group alone, he also holds series of chieftancy titles to make him qualify as a cultured man.
Born March 9, 1934 at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, he was educated at Igbobi college, Lagos; Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan, London School Of Economics, London University, London, He was called to English Bar in 1959.
He was former Crown Cousel, Ministry of Justice, Western Region, 1961, Parliamentary Counsel, Secretary, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank Limited, 1966--1975.
Executive Director, ICON Securities Ltd.,1973; ICON Ltd. (Merchant Bankers), 1975 -- 1977; Executive Chairman, City Securities Ltd.,1979 -83; Chairman, First City Monument Bank Ltd., Chairman CSL Stock brokers Ltd; UI Ventures Ltd.(University of Ibadan), since 1989; First City Group.
Member and fellow of many professional associations, NIM, CIBN, CIS e.t.c. Confered with Honourary Doctor of Law degree LLD (Honoris Causa), University Of Ibadan, awarded the Degree of Doctor of Science, D.Sc (Honoris Causa) in Management Science, Ogun State University,(now Olabisi Onabanjo Univerity), Ago Iwoye, 1999, Commander of the Order Of Niger; Distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Law School by Legal Coucil of Education, 2004.
He holds the traditional title of Otunba Tunwase of Ijebu-Ode, The Olori Omo Oba of Akile Ijebu and The Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians.
N.B. profiled culled from the new WHO'S WHO in Nigeria third edition, NIBC.

VILLAGE HEADMASTER FATHER IS 74

Chief Olusola Segun, Diplomat, broadcaster, television producer and director was born on March 18, 1935 and will be 74 on March 18, 2009.

He was educated at St. Jones Catholic School, Wesley school, Iperu, Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, Ogun State; Syracuse University New York, USA; Pittsburg University, USA; National Institute For Policy And Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

His career span through Junior Technical Assistant, Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation [(NBC), now Federal Radio Corporation Of Nigeria(FRCN)], Ibadan, Broadcasting Officer, NBC, Features Producer.

He was Africa's first television producer, Western Nigeria Broadcasting Services/Television; Executive Producer, Controller Programmes, NBC/T; General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority(NTA), Lagos and Zonal Managung Director, Director Commercial, NTA.

He was former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Organisation of African Unity. He was the founding Director, Players of the dawn, Ibadan, Founding Director, Theatre Express, Lagos, Chairman, National Festival Committee, Nigeria Arts Council, Director, Second All-Nigeria Festival Of Arts and Culture, Vice Chairman, National Museum Society.

Chairman, Broadcasting Organisation Of Nigeria Planning Committee, Second All African Games, Lecturer, Nigerian Institute Of Journalism, Chairman, Lagos, Centre for Cultural Studies, Founder/President, African Refugee Foundation, Chairman, Ajibule Moniya Gallery; Talents Associates Of Nigeria Ltd; Vice Chairman, Didi Museum, LAgos.

He was writer/series producer, Broke Time Bar, a radio drama series, 1962; Associate Producer, Taiwo Sango, a television feature film 1965, Writer/Director, Morning Moon and Night, Lagos, Edinburg, 1967; Writer, Series Creator, Village Headmaster, 1968, Writer, Associate Director, My Brother Children.

He married Elsie Thomas-Nkune, (Deceased) a.k.a Sisi Clara of the famous Village Headmaster's fame.

NB: the profile is culled from the new WHO'S WHO in Nigeria, third edition by Nigerian International Biography Centre.

ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL COMES OF AGE

The year 2009 annual Argungu cultural fishing festival was held on March 14th, in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
The fishing and cultural festivalwhich originated in 1934 has transformed into a big tourist attraction.
Men and boys in their hundreds would enter the river with large fish nets, accompanied by canoes full of drummers and men, rattling huge seed-filled gounds.
They move to the shallow water for a catch.
Kebbi State Governor has reaffirmed its commitment to developing its socio-cultural endownment by continuing to hold the annual Argungu international fishing And cultural festival.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman main committee of the festival, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, said the present administration was committed to sustaining the festival through public private partnership.
He said the 75 year-old festival was born during a diplomatic visit of the 16th Sultan of Sokoto to Kabi kingdom. The festival was staged as part of the activities to welcome him.

PASSAGE OF ARTS AND LITERARY

Passage Of Arts and Literary Icons

The year 2008 witnessed the passage of so many people and as well as many births.

Death is inevitable as we will all be pronounced dead one day, but why it is painful is because some are avoidable and can be avoided if the right things are done at the right time. A stitch in time saves nine, so they say.

For instance, if there are good road networks, accident would be reduced the bearest minimum, and where we can boast of good health facilities, untimely deaths will be controlled.

The long arm of death caught erudite Professors like Prof. Ime Ikiddeh of former University of Legon, Ghana, University of Makerere, Kenya, University of Leeds, United Kingdom, University of Calabar and University of Uyo after a brief illness.

Also, Dr. Femi Fatoba, schorlar, writer and actor, lost his life to an untimely death, occassioned by a road accident with some lecturer colleaques.

Others are brillant editor, Abayomi Ogundeji, reknowned musicologist, Steve Rhodes, Ozidi King, Sunny Okosun, highlife Musician Oliver de Coque; Kenerry highlife musician, Orlando Owoh; young musician Sunny Needle.

Also lost to the insatiable hand of death were two former lead characters in Village Headmaster; Oba Funso Adeolu and Oba Wole Amele.

SUSAN WENGER IS CULTURED.

The parents of Susan Wenger did not know what the future had in store for their daughter when she was born. If not, culture would probably have been included in her name.

They also did not know that she would not live and died an Austrian, they would propably have travelled down to Africa, precisely Nigeria, to give birth to her.

But man proposes, God disposes. Susan Wenger, an Austrian-born popularly called Adunni Olorisa, carved a niche for herself with her legendary devotion to Orisa Obatala.

At first, critics were really confused of her genuine motive for Yoruba culture when she came to Nigeria, until she became so devoted and committed.

Adunni arrived Nigeria in 1950 at age 35, as the accompanying wife of Ulli Beier and settled in Ede where she proclaimed her devotion to Obatala, later with the aid of New Sacred Art Movement, a group of artists she founded, built shrine and erected some sculptures for Orisa at Osun groves where she finally settled and died in January 12, 2009, at age 93.

Adunni used her wealth of experience to uplift African art and culture to an international standard.The Osun grove where she proved her mettle was transformed to a level that made the UNESCO confered recognition on the sacred forest as a world tourist centre.

According to Osun State Action Congress (AC), governorship candidate, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola, the federal government should immortalise renowned Osun devotee, Susan.

Aregbesola who was represented by his media aide, Gbenga Fayemiwo, described the death of Wenger, a.k.a Adunni Olorisa, as "the end of an era".

He also asserted that "her promotion of Osun festivalas a veritable cultural heritage of Yoruba, Nigerian and African peoples is remarkable and historical.

she worked tirelessly for the creation of the Osogbo School of Arts while it is a final testimony of her promotion of contribution to the promotion of our culture most especially Osun Osogbo.

We called on the federal government to immortalise Adunni Olorisa for her leading role in the making of Nigeria as a cultural heritage where the past is preserved for the present and as beckon for future" Aregbesola said.

Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola described her death as a national loss.

Oyinlola said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr LAsisi Olagunju, that Wenger's efforts earned global recognition for Osun Osogbo festival.

He said, "This is the end of an era. Wenger came to Yorubaland in the early 1950s with her partner, (Ulli) Beier, in search of their spiritual essence (Ori Inu), which she found in the serene spirituality of Osun.

"Wenger represents the enduring bridge across continents and cultures".

Also, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyewale Matanmi, said the Osun devotee lived a fulfilled life.

welcome to the world of cultural tips

If i choose to address my audience as cultured colleaques, its not supposed to be out of context afterall, lawyers too are 'learned colleaques'.

I welcome you all once again to the world of cultural tips, where we can brainstorm on issues of culture as it affect our lives as individual or as groups. Africa without mincing words is home of culture and we can not discuss Africa culture at this fora, but we can discuss what we have at the time we have it, that is if there is any festival or issues relating to culture at a particular period, we are going to dwell on it here, you can also get informations, news items on culture here.

Furthermore, every other time, we will always discussed other issues on culture but mainly Nigerian culture, and yoruba culture as case study.

welcome on board.

NIGERIANS ARE THEIR WORST ENEMIES

Although, this headline may sound somehow, but each time i ponder on the problems combating this nation and tried to proffer possible solutions to it, i therefore, concluded that they are self inflicted.
To start with, since i came to the earth, about forty years ago, no mortal in this country comprising both the rulers and the ruled have exhibited love for this country, i can not found a single iota of patriotism in any citizen.
This is a country where an office aspirant will stand before the people promising heaven and earth to seek for mandate. After getting into office they Lord it over to the citizen.

Everything about him will change, his children will not school with the 'talakawas' in the country again, but the best brain in the best schools abroad. The wife will not buy foodstuffs in the country market again but abroad, everything in the country becomes inferior to him.

The security around him will not allowed old friends to visit him again, except some selected boot leekers. He will come out to preach to us to patronise made in Nigerian goods, but will take the back door to Germany to shop for himself.

If our friend has promised good roads, good healthcare facilities, the best of education, regular electricity supply, better transportation e.t.c, the first one and half year would be used to understurdy the country situation and to see how much the past leaders have ruined the country.

The second year is to start the campaign of calumny, destroying the former occupants of his seat so that their families name be brought into disrepute in order to make sure that such persons or their families will never assume the mantle of leadership again, so he will be seen as a saint who brook no nonsence.

The third year is for payment of the debt the country have been lured to incurred so that he can make friends with other rulers to give him grants and debt forgiveness to manage the country.

The fourth year will be to start patching of roads, importing fake drugs to our hospital, buying 'molues' and giving to private operators to run, digging wells and calling them bore-holes.

After all these so called laughables achievements, he will roled out drums and praise singers will start praising him to stay in office for another twelve years or forever and started campaigning for the bastard again.

Nigerians are like our local bus drivers who lack the culture of protest, each time our rights is infringed upon, we can't slug it out. Our leaders knows that we areilliterate elites, and they threat us like that.

We the governed are our worst enemies. our royal fathers and spiritual leaders who supposed to be the custodian of our culture and faith becomes bad examples to us, royal fathers can prostrate to thieves in the open in order to get what to eat, while spiritual leaders will assured even hired killers of God forgiveness after praying for them and collecting offerings for God.

There is no dignity in any labour again, because all of us are not committed to our works. Teachers only go to classes to mark their presence, whether the children who are tomorrows leaders achieved or not, that is their own cup of tea, all the teachers want is money, after school hours come and pay extra money to learn more.

Security agents are no more interested to defend and protect sovereignty, what they care for is money. Infact, in all sector or in all our daily lives, corruption have eaten deep to the extent that we don't value any other thing in our daily lives than money which they term as the root of all evil.

This is acountry where lust for money and selfishness have turned citizen against one another. There are stories that husband kills wife, children, mother, father and vice versa all for money making rituals.

This country where corpse of dead person is decomposing and people will still eat, dine and embark on trading activities, all they do is to keep some distance so that law enforcement agents would not come to quizzed them for questioning concerning the death.

I witnessed somew years back when a trailer crushed some roadside traders under a popular bridge in Lagos, killing six people in the process. The place was deserted but after about two hours, the place started bubbling again for business.

It is when we changed our attitude