Events

One day in Soyinka’s Ijegba Forest

Published

6 months ago

July 30, 2024

THE dual carriage expressway, which snaked from Lagos towards Abeokuta felt smooth and in excellent condition. It was not one of those craggy, bumpy and accursed potholes-ridden highways, that have become synonymous with the Nigerian commuting experience. The driver of the weather-beaten Camry capitalized on the road’s fine condition to gain momentum and save time.

“We are running late,” culture potentate and former Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, Oga Jahman Anikulapo muttered. He furiously worked the phones to finalize important arrangements. Urgency is apparent in his voice, he called to check on the progress relating to those responsible for the many activities.

It is the Soyinka at 90 season and Oga Jahman is the engine room of much of the exertions which would combine to make the season a memorable one. As a culture curator and programs coordinator, Jahman, notwithstanding his inexhaustible supply of energy and resilience, is swamped.

There is so much to do and a plethora of inquiries to respond to. He continuously punched the keypads, while looking through his devices as the car sped through the lush green suburbs towards Abeokuta.

When we finally arrive, the city envelopes us with its simultaneous languor and serenity. The level of noise is way lower than in neighboring Lagos, and the air feels cleaner, with less vehicular smoke and smog. Technology in the shape of Google Maps provided an indication of the fastest route.

As the driver gunned the car through the bends, we suddenly came across a shock of forest. It stands with distinction from the rest of the stretch of real estate. The entrance appeared suddenly, revealing itself as we drove closer. There are signs on the driveway warning trespassers and stray cows.

There would be no mistaken the fact that we are now at the Ijegba Forest home of Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. The red earth of the driveway blends with the thick vegetation. The greenery formed a shield of solace around the entire space. Today, however, the serenity will give way to noise and the claptrap of celebration.

We drive up the hilly way and find the house sequestered among a thick coalition of trees. It is an expansive red brick house with a small amphitheater behind the living room. We make our way to the theatre through the visitors’ area. A good deal of the space is covered up with carvings and figurines, all numbered and properly tagged.

That level of attention pointed to how precious these works of arts are to the literary icon. At the theatre, Soyinka is already seated and fielding questions from secondary school students from all over the country. Nine of the students were finalists of the essay competition organized in his honor. So it is their day in the sun, a time to meet the man, who is also almost a myth in their roving imaginations.

The interaction is one moment Soyinka dedicates to the youth during his birthday festivities. It is a time of inspiration for the next generation to keep the flag of creativity and cultural production flying. After the parley, the most sought-after part for the students will be the rare opportunity to be in the same picture with the Lion of letters, when they meet and shake hands with him.

But before those finalities, the larger group of students got the opportunity to ask direct and unvarnished questions. Soyinka was in good spirits all through answering, teaching and riling up the students with good doses of witticism and candor.

Beyond the normal questions about how he started writing and what inspires his craft, Soyinka was bombarded with some trickier queries, which bordered on childlike mischief. A little girl, probably six, asked why Soyinka broke into a radio station to confiscate a tape and stop the announcement of election results. Her teacher must have shared the storied account of the mystery gunman, who tried to stop election thieves in the tracks in the 1960s.

Soyinka’s reply to the child was that he didn’t actually “break in.” He quipped that he only “sneaked in” to help retrieve something, which belonged to the people. A boy who must have been under the impression that the literary icon is from another planet wanted to know if he eats any food.

And then there was another who insisted that Soyinka should sing the Egba anthem, which the Nobel winner did to great applause. Soyinka also answered questions about his hoary hair as the students wanted to know how he grew it. He regaled them with how he got frustrated by the tyranny of barbers and regular haircuts. He resorted to using his comb instead and that is how it has been.

Then came the deluge of accolades from Ogun State helmsman, Dapo Abiodun, who expressed his thanks to God for giving the literary icon the grace to reach the age of 90. Abiodun also announced the donation of prizes and scholarships for the finalists of the essay contest. As the evening wore on, and the throng of visitors began to exit, Soyinka stood at the porch of his forest home to wave goodbye.

He seemed eager for the tumult to end, so that the solace and solitude of his forest home could be restored. With dusk enveloping the day, the crowd moved on to the next phase of the culture party: a stage play, Eni Ogun, The Noble Warrior. Produced by Cash Onadele and directed by Segun Adefila, the play also had Jahman Anikulapo as project advisor, while Toye Arulogun held sway as executive producer.

The play is set in the colonial period when the rapacious activities of British invaders in search of raw materials for their industries, led to the undermining of the rights and interests of the indigenous people. Oluwole “Lowo,” the incurable romantic and noble warrior soon realizes he can no longer stand by and acquiesce to the injustices being perpetrated as a result of the devastating agenda inherent in the colonial takeover of the economy. In between, the sub-themes of undying love, betrayal, corruption, and bad governance, are writ large in the production. In the end, the true warrior who is noble in intentions, must defy his personal comforts to rally the people to realize the goal of emancipation.

Adefila, the director executed a masterstroke to bring this production alive. Although there were moments of lengthy dialogues, which could have made the audience snooze, the love story, and the challenges which the play depicted blunted the larger reality of colonial exploitation.

The fact that the audience at the June 12 Cultural Centre repaid the efforts of the cast and crew with a standing ovation, indicated how well their output entertained, while weighing in with important lessons about justice, humanity and triumph over adversity.

Although, the producer spoke about the challenge of getting support from the corporate bodies to stage the production, the presence of First Bank, Flour Mills, Airtel, First City Monument Bank, Leadway Insurance and FMDQ made it apparent that there remain arts and culture loving corporate bodies, which will lend support to promote excellent projects. The Soyinka at 90 season continues in Abuja, London and several other venues all over the world. Nonetheless, the festivities in Abeokuta are clear indication that this “prophet” has an abundance of honor in his home.

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Events

Igbere Cultural Festival: Promoting Heritage and Unity

Published

1 week ago

January 6, 2025

Lanre

The Igbere Cultural Festival celebrates the ancestral heritage of 13 villages in Abia State, uniting communities through tradition and culture.

Eminent entrepreneur and politician Chimaobi Anyaso has lauded the annual Igbere Cultural Festival for its role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Igbere people.

The festival, held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, is sponsored by the OUK Foundation, founded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Speaking during the event at Amaiyi Village, Anyaso commended the former governor of Abia State for his unwavering support of the festival, which celebrates the ancestral practices of Igbere’s 13 villages.

The event showcases the unique folklore, traditional cuisines, dances, hospitality, attire, and language nuances of each community.

“This is a remarkable initiative to promote our forefathers’ culture, especially the positive aspects,” Anyaso said. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s efforts to unite the people and celebrate our heritage are commendable.

It’s a sacrifice that fosters reconnection with our roots and sets an example for others to emulate.”

Anyaso urged both the government and private sectors to increase investments in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism industries, emphasising their potential for substantial economic returns.

The 4th edition of the Igbere Cultural Festival, a two-day event, was held simultaneously across all 13 villages of Igbere: Agbo, Eziama, Amaukwu, Amakpo, Amankalu, Ibinanta, Amaofufu, Ibinaukwu, Umunsi, Okafia, Ohumola, Amaoji, and Amaiyi.

The celebration featured an array of traditional activities, including local food processing, wrestling, drama, folklore, poetry, lectures, dancing, and beauty contests.

Foreign tourists from the Republic of China also attended, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Igbere people, the pleasant weather, and the region’s scenic hilly landscape.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in a statement, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting unity, peace, and social interaction.

“The cultural splendour of the 13 villages was once again reinvigorated, leaving a lasting impression on participants. This event is a testament to our historical existence and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage,” Kalu said.

The festival not only strengthens community ties but also showcases Nigeria’s vibrant cultural diversity to a global audience, positioning it as a key event in the nation’s cultural tourism calendar.

Events

Destination Lagos Awards 2024: A night to celebrate culture, tourism, and excellence

Published

3 weeks ago

December 27, 2024

Lanre

Lagos celebrates tourism and culture with the Destination Lagos Awards 2024, honouring contributions to the city’s growth and development.

Today, Friday, December 27, 2024, Lagos will shine once again with the highly anticipated Destination Lagos Awards 2024 and the glamourous beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko, taking place at the John Randle Cultural Centre in Onikan.

The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the state’s cultural heritage, tourism, and the contributions of influential figures in the industry.

Also read: Recognition awards celebrate exceptional service during black history month

This year’s awards come on the heels of the IPADA Initiative Celebration 2024 fiesta, which has captivated global attention over the past ten days.

The recent festivities included a host of exciting events such as the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, where vibrant displays from Lagos’ five Ibile divisions dazzled audiences with intricately decorated boats, live performances, rowing competitions, and much more, leaving attendees with lasting memories of Lagos’ aquatic excellence and cultural vibrancy.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is the brainchild of renowned tourism expert Apata Nunanyon Sampson, the Project Director and National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

Sampson has worked tirelessly to position Lagos as a global tourism destination, and today, the event will honour the efforts of key stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who will be recognised for his unparalleled commitment to the tourism sector.

Sampson praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership, which has significantly contributed to the development of Lagos’ tourism sector.

“The Governor’s administration has been instrumental in promoting tourism in Lagos State. His vision for tourism development is unparalleled, and we are proud to recognise his efforts through the Destination Lagos Awards,” Sampson stated.

Today’s event will not only spotlight the achievements of individuals and organisations in the tourism and hospitality industry, but also celebrate Lagos State’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

The activities lined up include cultural performances, an Art and Crafts exhibition showcasing the finest works of local artists and artisans, a Fashion Display featuring the latest trends in Lagos’ vibrant fashion scene, and a beauty pageant, Oju-Ibile Eko.

There will also be an exclusive performance by the Indian community in Lagos, adding an international flair to the celebration.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 will also provide a platform to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the hospitality sector, with awards set to be presented to key figures and organisations that have played a pivotal role in shaping Lagos as a global destination of choice.

Speaking ahead of today’s event, Mr. Diwesh, Managing Director of Donias and Head of the Expatriate Communities Committee for the event, shared his excitement for the unique opportunity that this occasion represents.

“The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 is a chance to showcase Lagos’ diverse cultural landscape and celebrate those who have contributed to its growth in tourism.

We are committed to making this event a resounding success and reinforcing Lagos’ position as a premier global destination,” he said.

The Destination Lagos Awards 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event that highlights the best of Lagos’ culture, tourism, and hospitality sectors while cementing the state’s reputation as the Centre of Excellence.

Events

Samuel Nwajagu makes history as First African Mister international winner

Published

4 weeks ago

December 17, 2024

Lanre

Samuel Nwajagu made history as the first African to win Mister International, taking the title in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 14, 2024.

Nigerian model Samuel Nwajagu has made history by becoming the first African to win the prestigious Mister International title.

The groundbreaking achievement occurred at the 16th edition of the global competition, held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, 14th December 2024.

Also read: Top 10 most spoken languages in the world 2024

The event, which drew 47 contestants from around the world, saw Nwajagu rise to the top amidst fierce competition. His victory is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for African representation in international beauty pageants.

Nwajagu’s journey to the global stage began earlier in the year when he was crowned Mister International Nigeria in July 2024, securing his place in the Mister International competition in Thailand.

This victory was a result of months of preparation, dedication, and his innate charisma, which captivated both the judges and audiences throughout the event.

In the grand finale, Nwajagu went head-to-head with two top finalists: Nguyễn Mạnh Lân from Vietnam and Glenn Victor Sutanto from Indonesia.

The three competed in various segments, showcasing their modelling skills, physical fitness, and personality. Ultimately, Nwajagu emerged as the winner, marking a historic milestone for Africa in the realm of global pageantry.

The Mister International competition is known for its emphasis on not just physical appearance but also character, leadership, and social responsibility. Nwajagu’s win serves as an inspiration to aspiring models and young people across the African continent, reinforcing the importance of confidence, dedication, and hard work in pursuing global recognition.

As the newly crowned Mister International, Nwajagu’s victory is expected to open doors for further international opportunities in modelling and ambassadorial roles.

His achievement continues to raise the profile of African talents on the world stage, proving that Africa’s presence in international competitions is stronger than ever.