Festivals
Duke of Shomolu Foundation partners Ekiti State in theatre festival
Published
10 months agoon
By
LanreThe Duke of Shomolu Foundation, a leading theatre production company, is set to partner the Ekiti State Government in the Ekiti International Theatre Festival.
The government, through the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, is offering Duke of Shomolu Foundation a five-year franchise for organising the festival starting from 2024 to 2029.
Addressing the media at a press conference, which held at the National Troupe of Nigeria, at the National Theatre Lagos, Rasak Ojo-Bakare, a professor, who is the Ekiti State Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Creative, noted that the event is designed to be the largest indigenous theatre festival in the country with a five-day, multiple venue and 10 play format structure.
“It will pull in massive development in the tourism, infrastructure, hospitality, art and craft sectors of the state as it would involve not only the plays but exhibitions, seminars, tours, sports among others,” the professor said.
On the choice of Duke of Shomolu Foundation, he noted that the theatre production company has proven its worth over the years with quality and sold-out productions, especially Fajuyi, which enthralled Ekiti residents recently.
According to Ojo-Bakare, Kashimawo, a new play by The Duke of Shomolu Foundation, will open the festival, followed by 8 other performances from universities that offer Theatre Arts, theatre associations and companies in the state.
He also noted that there would be a night of short plays for each local government of the state for about 5-7 minutes each. Also, some performances of the festival will hold in Ado Ekiti, while others will be at Ikogosi, the tourism destination of the state.
The festival, according to him, would be rounded up with a play Fajuyi.
On his part, Joseph Edgar, chairman, The Duke of Shomolu Foundation, which doubles as the main promoter of the festival and a major catalyst of economic renaissance using theatre as its main vehicle for operation, noted that the project would change the face of art, culture and even tourism in Ekiti State, amid huge impacts.
He noted that over 200,000 visitors are expected at the festival, which is expected to throw in about N5 billion in generated consolidated revenues to both the private and public sector operators within the state
Speaking further Edgar, an investment banker, said that the festival aims to generate jobs, impact infrastructure and engender youth social cohesion and mobilisation, while arrowheading theatre as a major vehicle for economic growth.
Speaking on the reason for the festival, Edgar said, “We saw the immense potential of theatre in Ekiti when we did Fajuyi.
For us it is an economic thing. We want to use theatre to unlock the economic potential of Ekiti State.
“We are looking at injecting over N2 billion into Ekiti with the festival.
“Hotels, cabs, tour operators, airlines, restaurants and vendors will be impacted positively.
“We want to give jobs to 20,000 people with the festival,” he concluded, noting that his company is using Ekiti as a case study for other states in running projects of this magnitude.
The festival is expected to run for two weeks between August and September.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service is a major partner of the festival, as Yemi Shodimu, a versatile theatre practitioner, is going to be the festival director.
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Festivals
Calavegas band secures back-to-back Carnival càlabar wins
Published
5 days agoon
January 6, 2025By
LanreCalavegas Band, led by High Chief Edem Duke, wins Carnival Càlabar 2025, citing creativity, teamwork, and thematic excellence as key to success.
The Calavegas Band, led by former Minister for Culture and Tourism High Chief Edem Duke, has emerged victorious at the just-concluded Carnival Càlabar 2025, marking their second consecutive win.
Duke attributed the band’s triumph to the unwavering commitment of its members and their creative interpretation of this year’s carnival theme.
During a celebratory get-together at the former Mirage Hotel in Calabar, Duke shared insights with journalists about the secret behind the band’s sustained success.
He emphasised that their achievements stemmed from adhering strictly to the carnival’s rules and fostering an environment where members could fully express their talents.
“There’s no secret to this other than committing ourselves to the very best of creative potential and utilisation of personnel,” Duke stated.
“We focus on interpreting the theme and aggregating all the inherent talents within the band to compete favourably with others, ensuring what we present is unmatched.”
Duke, a seasoned performing artist and cultural ambassador, explained that the Calavegas Band’s philosophy lies in blending creativity with disciplined choreography and an understanding of the carnival’s spirit.
This winning formula, combined with a strong leadership vision, has set the band apart.
The band’s performances this season demonstrated an extraordinary level of collaboration, creativity, and dynamic execution, earning them high praise from judges and audiences alike.
Duke reiterated that while winning is gratifying, the primary focus remains on sustaining the carnival’s vibrancy and cultural essence.
Looking ahead, the Calavegas Band has ambitious plans to expand its reach by launching operations in the Central and Cross River North Senatorial Districts.
This initiative aims to identify and nurture fresh talent, ensuring the band continues to dominate the Carnival Càlabar scene.
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Festivals
Governor Sanwo-Olu hails success of Lagos shopping festival
Published
1 week agoon
January 2, 2025By
LanreGovernor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praises the organisers of the Lagos Shopping Festival for creating a new economic pillar, marking the success of the 72-hour event.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the successful conclusion of the Lagos Shopping Festival (LSF), which wrapped up at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan at 4am on Thursday, December 26.
The much-anticipated event, which ran for an impressive 72 hours, marked a significant milestone in the state’s growing festival economy.
Also read: Lagos set to host spectacular boat regatta in December
Sanwo-Olu praised the organisers, Chain Reactions Africa Ltd, one of Africa’s leading Public Relations consulting firms, for their impeccable execution of the festival.
He lauded their efforts in contributing to the development of a solid festival economy in Lagos State.
“We are gradually building a festival economy for our great State. This idea of a 72-hour shopping festival is another strategic pillar on which the full edifice of a festival economy at Yuletide can rest,” said the governor.
The event was a notable success, with thousands of young people gainfully employed in various aspects of the event management and commercial value chain.
These included roles in design, stage setup, sound systems, lighting, crowd control, volunteer coordination, branding, and exhibition booth installations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed his gratitude to the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), security, and safety agencies who worked tirelessly throughout the event.
He highlighted the smooth running of the festival, noting that it was concluded without any medical emergencies or disruptions, a testament to the organisers’ excellent planning and the collaboration of state agencies.
The festival focused on strategically scaling and optimising small businesses, providing valuable connections between shoppers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
The event also received significant corporate support from major brands, including Tolaram Group, Guinness Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and First Bank, which contributed to the event’s success.
In recognition of the festival’s importance, the governor noted that it was not only an opportunity to boost the local economy but also to provide a platform for small businesses to thrive.
This inaugural edition of the Lagos Shopping Festival is expected to become a key annual event, strengthening Lagos’s position as a leading destination for both commerce and culture in Africa.
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Festivals
Inaugural world iyan carnival celebrates Ekiti’s cultural heritage and agricultural innovation
Published
2 weeks agoon
December 30, 2024By
LanreThe World Iyan Carnival in Ekiti showcased the region’s rich culture, while launching innovative agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting economic development.
The much-anticipated inaugural World Iyan Carnival took centre stage in Ekiti State, bringing together cultural displays, innovative agricultural initiatives, and dynamic performances.
The event, themed “Agrotourism: A New Frontier for Sustainable Tourism and Economic Development,” highlighted the vibrant traditions of the Ekiti and Idoma people, with captivating yam presentations, Oriki Iyan recitations, and traditional dance performances.
Also read: ILÉ IYÁN Nigeria awards scholarships to students at the University of Lagos
A key highlight of the carnival was the renowned Omoge Iyan pageant, celebrating beauty, culture, and tradition, which added excitement to the already exhilarating event.
Prince Ade Ajayi, the Founder of the World Iyan Carnival (WIC), expressed pride in the carnival’s success, stating that the event aimed to showcase Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage while shifting perceptions about the state’s economic potential.
He highlighted the carnival’s four transformative pillars: a 50 million yam tubers cultivation initiative, the documentation of the origin of Iyan in collaboration with Netflix, the creation of the Aafin Iyan Resort, and the annual celebration of the Iyan Carnival.
Ajayi noted that the carnival’s impact would go beyond cultural promotion, boosting the local economy and contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He also announced the establishment of World Iyan Day, designated for December 27th, to annually celebrate these milestones.
A significant announcement during the event was the launch of the Office to Farm Agric Credit initiative, a pioneering project in agricultural financing.
This innovative initiative, developed through a seven-year research journey, seeks to bridge the gap between civil servants, private sector workers, and the agricultural sector.
Ajayi explained that the initiative would allow salary earners and institutions to invest in agriculture by financing and trading not only yam tubers but also other crops.
“This initiative is a key contribution to the Renewed Hope Campaign, which aims to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and unlock its potential for sustainable economic growth,” Ajayi said.
He shared plans to roll out the initiative across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, starting with the western region in early 2025.
The program will provide significant opportunities for individuals and organisations to participate in agricultural wealth creation.
The maiden World Iyan Carnival was attended by key government officials, including Dr. Olowoyo Sikiru, Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Extension, and Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti Bureau of Tourism.
The presence of these officials underscored the importance of the event in promoting both cultural tourism and agricultural development.
Ajayi also mentioned the collaboration with financial institutions and Africa’s leading blockchain technology company to create a platform for easier investment in agriculture, fostering a new era of agricultural wealth.
With the carnival and its initiatives, Ekiti State is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism and agricultural innovation.
As the World Iyan Carnival continues to grow, it is expected to play a significant role in the state’s economic development and in promoting the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s future prosperity.
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