Oil marketer, 77, arraigned for N65m ‘fraud’

A 77-year-old oil marketer, Alhaja Mulikat Shonekan, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja, Lagos High Court, for an alleged N65million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the septuagenarian, her company, Mujekanm Petroleum Nigerian Company Limited, and Martins Ogiogwa, for the offence.

They were arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye on a five-count charge of conspiracy, advance fee fraud, theft, fraudulent conversion of funds and issuance of dud cheque.

An ailing Alhaja Shonekan was assisted into the court by her relations as she could barely move even with the aid of a walking stick.

The EFCC, represented by its counsel, A.B.C. Oziokwo, alleged that the defendants defrauded a company, Kuta Stones Limited, of N65 million.,

They were alleged to have fraudulently obtained the money in September 2008 under the pretence of buying 90 acres of land at Kemta Ososun Village in Odeda Local Government Area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, for the company.,

The EFCC alleged that they collected the money from a director of the company, Mr Danladi Verheijen, but failed to deliver the property three years after.

Alhaja Shonekan was also alleged to have issued a dud N5million GTBank cheque through her company’s account on July 15, 2011 as part repayment for the N65million she allegedly collected from the company.

The commission said: “The cheque was dishonoured and returned unpaid when it was presented for payment”.

The offences, according to the agency, are contrary to and punishable under Sections 8(a) and 1(3) and 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006; Section 390 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003; and Section 1(1) of the Dishonoured Cheque Offences Act, Cap. D11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.,

Alhaja Shonekan and her fellow defendants pleaded not guilty.

She was granted N5million bail with two sureties, one of who must be her relation.

The surety must also be resident in Lagos with a tax clearance covering the last three years.

The second defendant was granted N10million bail with two sureties, one of who must be his relation.

Justice Ipaye ordered that the sureties must forward the surety sum in a bank cheque issued in favour of the Chief Registrar.

One of the sureties of the second defendant must also present a N5million bond.

The judge ordered that the septuagenarian remanded in EFCC custody, and the second defendant, in prison custody.,

Counsel to Shonekan and her company, Bamidele Ogundele, urged the court to remand her in the EFCC custody pending when she perfects her bail conditions.

Ogundele argued that the woman was ill and had been rushed to the hospital thrice while in EFCC’s custody.

Oziokwo, while not opposing the defendants bail, however, objected to the remand of the first defendant in EFCC’s custody of the commission because it “does not have hospital in the event that she falls ill again.”

Justice Ipaye said: “Justice must have face of compassion. Having noted the inability of the first defendant to walk, the prison may not be the ideal place to keep her. I order that she be kept in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions”.

She adjourned the matter till January 23, 2015 for trial.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Neuroscientist decodes blindness

With the increase in beggars on the street of various countries, including Nigeria, a headset that takes visually impaired people around cities has been designed by Microsoft.

The headset was invented by a Neuroscientist, Sheila Nirenberg, who found a technique that promises to treat blindness.

The neuroscientist ventured into the world of the blinds in search of technological innovations that would help restore hope to the blind by cracking the brain’s visual code.

Worthy of mention is the fact that each time you seat before a computer, operate your mobile phone or view anything bright under the sun, your eyes are doing a remarkable thing.

In this situation, a stream of light from the words and pictures bounces into the eyeballs, falling onto photoreceptor cells on the retina.

Nirenberg, a neuroscientist, Weill Medical College at Cornell University claims that this visual information is passed on to output cells and then transmitted to the brain as a kind of code, where it is reconstructed to make up the letters in this sentence you are reading right now.

However, she further maintained that degenerative eye diseases can wreck havoc on this process. When they damage the retina, the image in front of you never gets further than the eyeball; the chain is broken.

A report from the genius behind defends that, this is what makes the technology that Nirenberg has built rather remarkable. She has found a way to transmit a visual code directly to the brain, bypassing damaged cells in the eye. In other words, she can help the blind see again.

Source: Thenaononlineng

Group seeks improved literacy campaign

The 14th biennial conference of the Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN) has been held at the Oodua Auditorium of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.

Prof Dele Orisawayi of the Achievers University in Owo, Ondo State, while speaking on Literacy for good governance, said literacy challenge was a universal concern facing many countries. He said illiteracy was still prevalent in Nigeria, noting that socio-cultural and political factors as responsible.

He said reading and writing provided the basis for good governance, saying: “What is written derives its inspiration partly from reading and partly from direct exposure and experience. Both provide the baseline of communication and interaction with the human brain.”

He urged students and scholars to imbibe the reading culture, stressing that it was the fundamental root for achievements and development.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Oladipo Aina, lauded the efforts of RAN, saying the association remained the effective society promoting reading culture and enlightening the minds of the young generation.

The VC, who described reading as the best road to knowledge, urged supports for the association remove the traits impeding development of minds.

The National president of the association, Prof Olu Oyinloye, said: “When we beamed our searchlight into the political situation in the country because of the problems of unemployment and insecurity, we discovered that lack of education was the cause. This is why we came out with theme of the event to promote literacy and good governance.”

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, two of the participants, who are students of EKSU, Ayodeji Ariori, 400-Level Chemical Engineering and Bukola Owatoye, 400-Level Political Science, promised to share what they learnt at the conference with their colleagues.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Was Tonto Dikeh molested

Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, might have lefts hints at possible being molested in the past.

She has expressed gratitude to God for a successful career, which has helped motivate her into giving back to the society with the creation of the ‘Tonto Dikeh Foundation.’ Through this message on her instagram

“Today is a beautiful day for me, today is the official kick off of the Tonto Dikeh Foundation. Today, we’re holding a press conference for the the Tonto Dikeh Foundation, today is the day the Lord has made, the day I have been waiting for, this is an opportunity to be a blessing to so many people around the world.

“The Tonto Dikeh Foundation is a non-profit organisation, which carters for abused women, unwanted pregnancy as a result of molestation/rape etc and motherless children all around the world. We coming with a special package, we are passionate about this.

“I have teamed up with hospitals, clinics, different charity organisations, churches, mosques, well-meaning personalities in the society and government, together we can save souls. I promised God three years ago that if he made me whole again, I’ll touch and save lives. Help me fulfill my promise to God.”

The actress might be converting a bad experience into an opportunity for others. Was she molested and is this a good reason to trust her foundation?

Source: Thenationonlineng

Penn State online graduates come from around the world

Penn State World Campus student Naby Baig visited Penn State in December 2013, and she is returning to campus to attend the summer 2014 graduation.

Image: Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania — Penn State World Campus student Fernando Ribeiro will fly 5,000 miles from Brazil so he can walk across the stage at Bryce Jordan Center on Aug. 16 and receive his bachelor’s degree in psychology.
While completing his Penn State online degree, Ribeiro balanced a busy work schedule and family life. He ran his own executive coaching business in Sao Paulo, taught at a local business school and raised two children with his wife. That’s why being at Penn State for graduation is so important, he said.
“Traveling to State College to accept the degree is, to me, the culmination of hard work and dedication as well as a moment to give back to my family for all the support I have received,” said Ribeiro, who will make the trip from Sao Paulo with his family. “No way would I miss the commencement ceremony.”
Ribeiro is among the nearly 120 World Campus students traveling from across the globe to State College for Penn State’s summer graduation. World Campus will honor them during a ceremony Aug. 15 at the Jordan Center.
Penn State will confer degrees to more than 600 World Campus students on Aug. 16. Graduates hail from across the United States and countries including China, Mexico, Turkey, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
Ribeiro said the psychology training gave him insight into the fundamentals of coaching that he can apply immediately in his work at his executive coaching company, Phercoh.
He also praised his interactions with faculty, who he said were easily accessible by email and communicated with him through online video conferencing, such as Skype.
“This creates a bond and proximity I never thought would be possible,” he said, recalling one online chat with an instructor as late as 10 p.m. “The experience was just like having a professor at a university where I could knock on her door. She would sit with me in my virtual realm and help me out.”
After graduation, Ribeiro plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology or organizational leadership, preferably at a university in the United States.
Another student who will travel here for graduation is Naby Baig, a child protective investigations supervisor in Broward County, Florida. She will receive a master of public administration.
During her studies, Baig served as secretary of the Penn State World Campus Blue and White Society, and that led to one of her most memorable student experiences. She visited Penn State in December 2013 to participate in a panel discussion about online learning.
She said she formed lasting friendships with fellow World Campus students during that trip, and one of them is coming from Baltimore to celebrate graduation with her.
“We formed such a great connection,” said Baig, who is exploring Ph.D. programs. “You can still have that familiar, personal touch you would get at school.”
Student Hector Cruz-Rosa will travel from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to receive his master of finance. He sought the degree to gain skills he could immediately apply in daily decision-making in his job as a pharmaceutical business unit leader with the Alcon Division of Novartis.
“In my case, a degree in finance provides me with the additional knowledge and skills that make it possible for me to speak the same language as our corporate senior management, who ultimately approve our proposals,” Cruz-Rosa said. “Being able to link key accounting and financial principles as well as apply company valuation topics and skill-building exercises really prepares me to better lead the kind of business I am responsible to grow.”

I’ve got a crush on Chidinma, says Wizkid

Star Boy, Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, as revealed he has deep liking for 2010 Project Fame winner, Chidinma Ekile.

Wizkid, who made his thoughts known as guest artiste on the popular MTV Base, did not mince words, as he gave some exclusive scoops about himself.

The documentary, which airs this week, showcases the other side of Wizkid and reveals various interesting facts about him.

“I’ve had a huge crush on Chidinma for a long time… she doesn’t know it but it’s true,” the singer said.

Wizkid will also reveal his journey through music and how he has managed to maintain the hype.

The show airs this Thursday, 27th November at 6pm on MTV Base Channel 233 and STV at 10pm.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Safety tips while driving

September to December are classified as the ember months. There is the popular myth that ember months attract more road accidents, which may or may not be true. The Federal Road Safety Corps Marshall, Boboye Oyeyemi has however advised Nigerians to do the following in order to stay alive while driving especially as the year comes to an end.

1. You must fasten your seat belt: Seat belts have been designed to conveniently fit the user and to be easy to use. Despite this, many Nigerian still do not use seatbelts while driving. It is important to know that seat belts are not just enforced to punish people; instead, it helps to give a high level of protection in case of a crash. Wearing the seat belts can reduce the injuries of a person as it stops them from coming out of their seat to avoid hitting other interiors of the car, including the windshield in case of an auto crash.

2. You must always keep to the right lane except you want to overtake:  The left lane is called the speed lane; therefore, driving on the right side of the road will allow you give way to those driving faster. Also, in case of a burst tire or a vehicle malfunction, it is easier to get off the road and park without causing obstruction. If you are flagged down by law enforcement agents or people in need of help, it is also easy for you to park. Nigeria operates the right lane style of driving, therefore it is easier to overtake from the left. Traffic code also specifies that those driving faster can overtake without obstruction and much risk.

3. You must not use your phone while driving: It will create divided attention and distract you. You are supposed to drive with both hands or one hand when you want to engage the gear of a manual vehicle. Even with an automatic vehicle, if you are driving with your phone in one hand, you may not be able to quickly make some life saving decisions, such as swerving to avoid impending dangers.

4. You must not drink and drive: Alcohol intoxicates and can make you drowsy. You could sleep on the steering, have blurred vision or not be fully alert which is dangerous to you and other road users.

5. You must have your full concentration on the road and not fiddle with CD’s and CD players: CD’s and CD players could distract your attention and take your eyes off the road to the pigeon hole or the CD player. As a result, you may not see oncoming vehicles, broken down vehicles ahead, vital road signs and vehicles driving slowly.

6. Stop at traffic lights and wait until you see the green light to move: Traffic lights are programmed to alternate. Therefore, a red light for you to stop gives the other person on the right or left side of the T junction a green light to move. If you move on red and the other person moves on green because he has the right of way, there could be a collision which may be fatal.

7. Comply with minimum safety standards, Minimum safety standards say you should drive to arrive safely, using necessary signs and parking broken down vehicles properly among others. Compliance with these standards will help you stay alive these ember months.

Above all, stay focused on the road and avoid any form of distraction. Do not forget to imbibe defensive driving techniques as if the driver in front of you or behind you is a potential threat to your existence. Driving safely could save your life and those of others.

 Source: Thenationonlineng

Sorrows unlimited

Title – Tears of Rebellion
Author – Terhemen Andula
Publisher – Dooshima Publication Entreprises, Abuja.
Year of Publication – 2014
Number of Pages – 198
Reviewer – Awele Okwudarue
The protagonist, Terdoo Shande, as the only son, has responsibility thrust on him when his soldier father resigns from the army. His family moved from Ikeja, Lagos to Zaki-Biam, Benue. He begins a journey of helping his parents fend for the family, after his tertiary education. After his graduation, he realises his father’s finance has dwindled, so he takes up paying his sister’s fees through trading.
His first venture into trading was livestock, which he left after not finding job satisfaction. Terdoo later became a thrift collector, and succeeded due to his charm. He managed to draw people, mostly of low-working class to engage in business with him. Meanwhile, his father, Tyovenda Shande is in the frozen fish business with Chief Okonkwo, who encourages Tyovenda to open a branch in Zaki-Biam.
He meets Hembadoon in Goddy’s Inn, who is her uncle. Hembadoon tells Terdoo that she is a single mother and some other things about herself. She later becomes his love interest, and a relationship blossoms between them. Terdoo later makes the acquaintance of Ngozi, who knows he has a girlfriend, but still manages to cause friction between the lovebirds.
Hembadoon becomes unsure of Terdoo’s love for her, and is always trying to test him even with the use of seduction. He refuses her advances because he tells her they are not married. The issue of trust is prevalent, as it is a determining factor in most relationships. Abstinence among youths, which has become a rare thing, is also touched on by Andula. This is very commendable coming from Terdoo as a male, because they always do the asking.
The age-old battle of parents choosing partners for their children can’t be ignored when Kpadoo, Terdoo’s mother is vehemently against his relationship with Hembadoon. She says Hembadoon is used, that she will find a fresh, young maiden for him. Terdoo kicks against this saying he is old enough to find a wife for himself. He is even ready to be disowned by his parents if need be.
Things turn for worse when Denvihin ill-advises Hembadoon in using the services of a native witch-doctor to ‘secure’ Terdoo’s love and attention for her. it turns out Kpadoo was right after all. Terdoo breaks up with her, and refuses her entreaties for them to get back together.
Terdoo’s business takes a downfall, and with the help of his parents, he gets back on his feet.
Andula’s Tears of Rebellion touches on a few societal values, that are considered old-fashioned, but draws the reader’s attention by emphasising that these values are still to be treasured. From the prologue to the end, the book is riddled with a lot of grammatical and typographical errors that could have been avoided. A reprint of the book with corrections is highly advised.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Living life abroad

TITLE : Diaspora and Imagined Nationality
PUBLISHER: Carolina Academic Press.
AUTHOR: Koleade Odutola
REVIEWERS: Wale Fatade
Nigerians love to talk and we are proud of our ability along that line. Outside the shores of our country, we are not afraid of airing our views and holding court on issues affecting the motherland. Among the hotly debated issues is whether or not Nigeria is a mere geographical expression, to use the words of a late political leader, or has emerged fully into a nation. While those living within the borders of Nigeria are engaged in debating this, those in the diaspora too are not left out.
KoleadeOdutola’s Diaspora and Imagined Nationality: USA-Africa Dialogue and Cyberframing Nigerian Nationhood is an attempt at using the digital space to explore nationhood issues. The book is a revision of the author’s PhD dissertation, which required extensive re-work of the initial research. “The whole idea behind my PhD was to make sense of what Nigerians discuss online,” Odutola said in an online interview.
“I discovered there are many issues and I choose how the issue of nationalism is discussed online. It is a book that can be read in part by different audiences depending on their social location and background. You can just read the exchanges without the theory and methodology sections and it will still make sense to you.”
In his research, Dr. Odutola discovered that “Nigerians in diaspora are very passionate about Nigeria. They want a change like yesterday.” He added that the style of writing of most Nigerian scholars look toward Europe and America for authorities when it comes to complex issues like nationhood and “I thought I could locate Afrocentric ideas about nationhood but somehow I’m still searching.” Asked whether the concept of nationhood is alien to Africans then, he responded, “No, just that there are not many authorities who have articulated the concept.”
He added, “Most of us confuse the State with the nation but Dr. Adebayo Williams expressed the idea of State-Nations for most postcolonial countries instead of Nation-States.”
Three concepts are therefore evident: The nation; the State, and the country.  “A nation is like a dream, it exists first in the imagination of a few before it finds vent in text or in discourse. In the same way a virtual nation is normative in conceptualization. It is constructed through conversations and reflections. It speaks to how a nation structurally and functionally ought to be as opposed to how it is. The virtual narrative depends on external ideas to a great extent and on intuition in very rare cases. The purpose of a virtual concept of nationhood is to act as a parameter on which the real nation with all its imperfections and contradictions are judged. One issue the idea of virtual nationhood brings to the fore is that of legitimacy; who is qualified to discuss how a nation ought to be? Should the task be left to those who are within the malfunctioning national space? Or should the task be left to those who are located outside of the national space but depend on mediated communication and information for their knowledge?”
Odutola equally acknowledges the eternal debate of ‘inside/outside’, which complicates the situation in that those inside may also be outside of the system and thus alienated. Immigrants, especially those in well developed countries with functional systems and coordinated structures take more than passing interests in the political affairs of their homeland and there are many examples of immigrant groups that have facilitated change sin their homelands using different information and communication technologies to connect and mobilise and organize geographically dispersed members.
Does this then mean that Nigerians in the Diaspora engage more with nationhood issues than those in the country? “No, I can’t say that, please,” he answers. “I made a research decision to focus on Nigerians in the Diaspora because I was going to use a virtual ethnographic methods that relies more on text than on the ground observations. I know that Nigerians at home verbalize their concerns at different spots in the country. A visit to a vendor’s stand would provide enough data to do the same thing I did online.”
Asked if he thinks Nigeria would evolve fully into a nation based on his findings, Dr. Odutola says,” Ha, that’s a very tough question for a researcher without a crystal ball but reading what Nigerians in the Diaspora express online, I think Nigerians want the nation to survive beyond that “mere geographical expression.”?Divided into five chapters, the book concludes that when identity is no longer anchored on location, home and nationhood become indistinguishable.

Source:Thenationonlineng

UNIBEN graduate 16, 458 students

A total of 16,458 graduands were conferred with different awards at the 39th and 40th convocation/44th Founder’s Day ceremonies of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Thursday.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, who disclosed the number while addressing the gathering, said the university combined the 30th and 40th convocation due to the inability of the university to hold the 39th convocation ceremony last year due to the strike action embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He noted that the convocation ceremony would be his last as Vice Chancellor of the university as his tenure ends in November 2014.
Prof.Oshodin disclosed that since the inception of his administration in 2009, a total of 173 staff were promoted to the rank of full Professor while 214 were elevated to the position of associate Professor.
He said, “Apart from numerous infrastructures we have put in place with the help of the Federal Government, two new faculties were established during this period; they include the Faculty of Environment Sciences and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Also, the distance learning Center was established to provide additional access to the learning number of candidates.”
Prof.Oshodin further commended the Federal Government, the National University Commission (NUC) and the Governing Council of the University of Benin for their support throughout his tenure as VC of the university, adding that the infrastructural development on ground in the university is an indication that the funds accrued to the university was well utilized.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Crisis: UNIBEN suspends exam

The management of University of Benin (UNIBEN) has temporarily shot down all academic activities in the school due to a clash between suspected cultist groups and indigenes of Ekosodin community in Benin, the Edo state capital.
According to a source who simply identified herself as Faith, the brawl started at about 7:45pm on Thursday when cultists stormed students’ hostel at Ekosodin community with different harmful weapons, ranging from axes to guns of different brands, demanding for students by names.
Faith, a student of the institution, recounted that one of the student fearfully pointed out the room of a lady whose name was mentioned when the cultist threatened to burn down the hostel when the bearer was not produced on time.
According to her, the pandemonium continued until about few minutes before mid-night only to continue early on Friday morning with an uproar from the cultists who were precluded from entering the school premises by school security by locking the gate against them.
Furthermore, several students returning from night studying in the school on Thursday were beaten and displaced as they run helter-skelter for safety. Meanwhile some sustained varying degrees of injuries while few others were reported to have died in the process.
Later on Friday morning, ambulances were spotted around the community to convey corpses and injured victims for treatment.
Resultant from this brawl, the institution has issued a notice to all students concerning the suspension of the second semester examination earlier slated for Friday, 21st of November till Monday, 24th of November.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Stephanie Okereke speaks on brother’s rape allegatio

Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus has finally spoken out after the arrest of her brother, Daniel Okereke, who raped a student of the University of Lagos.
The actress is asking that her name and photographs be removed from all stories relating to the case.
Read the statement below.
“I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of rape brought against a relative of mine, Daniel Okereke (my brother). While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face of the accused is. Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should be able to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their persons. This conviction led me to be involved in numerous initiatives combating violence against women in several countries including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at the University of Calabar. As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my work with a team of dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for VVF victims across the country; and my self-produced, soon to be released movie, ‘DRY.’ So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence against a woman. I am devastated. This case is now in Nigeria’s criminal justice system as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of my brother. For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should be the impact of rape on the alleged victim, and resources for other alleged victims, not me. Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accuser; using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in their stories. This is a form of victimization of me as a woman; it’s unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged accused. I therefore please ask all bloggers and the media who have placed my pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to sensationalise this story. I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and ask for your continued prayers. God bless.

Source: Thenationonlineng

In Soyinka’s name, the beat goes on

•Soyinka sitting with students during LABAF

With the theme ‘Freedom and the Word’, renowned literary eggheads gathered in Lagos last week to discuss Wole Soyinka at 80 and Freedom and Nation Building. It was part of activities for this year’s edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival as put together by the Committee for Relevent Art. Edozie Udeze reports
The essence of every coloquium is to highlight a theme and bring it into life in the consciousness of the public. This was what the erudile professors and literary eggheads who gathered last weekend at the Freedom Square, Lagos, were able to do to some select works of Professor Wole Soyinka. It was the occasion of the 16th edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) organised by the Committee for Relevent Art (CORA)
Even though the overall theme of the festival was Freedom and the word, the discussion around Soyinka’s works was anchored on Freedom and Nation Building, using The Man Died, Ake, Ibadan, Isara, You Must Set Forth at Dawn, Penkelemesi and so on, to get the ball rolling. Handled by Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, the idea was to see how Soyinka has been able to use his works to set the necessary agenda for the society. In a society where many things have gone wrong, where the leadership of the country is often foolhardy, where the people themselves, even the so-called champions of the cause of the common man keep silence in time of oppression and massive corruption, what then is the role of the writer in all these? How has Soyinka used his works to tackle these issues and reached out to the people as an activist?
Professor Biodun Jeyifo who gave the keynote address noted that the likes of Soyinka are rare in the literary firmament of the world. He drew attention to the era of King Richard II in England who was so wicked and avaricious that William Shakespeare did not spare him in some of his poems and plays. So also is Soyinka whom he said has come for his own generation and the generation to come with abundance of visionary and revoluntionary works to set the tone for possible changes.
“To relate what Soyinka is to Nigeria is to make poignant reference to what Shakespeare did in the era of King Richard II. In a land of abundance, a place where wealth is available to make the people happy, there is plenty of poverty, sadness ad agony. In England, Richard II was besotted with expensive lifestyle like most of the Nigerian leaders of today. The leaders are obviously insensitive to the suffereings of the people. This is what we face today in Nigeria. The common understanding here today is that leadership does not care about the people, about how to use the necessary elements of governance to distribute the wealth of the land equitably.”
In his works, Soyinka follows in the same sequence in his style of writing, attacking issues, lampooning leaders for their inability to make the country better. “So we have so many Richard II in Nigeria and this is why Soyinka has refused to relent. The two WS lived in worlds filled with inequalities and bad leadership. Now we have in addition bad leadership, total looting of what belongs to the people. This was what Shakespeare tackled in his best quintessential artistic ideas and expressions. Therefore the works of Soyinka are deeply embedded in their intents on politics. He deals with the nation and its dispossessions”.
In Dance of the Forests, Jeyifo noted, Soyinka drew attention to the early signs of fault starts and mistakes in the nationhood. The play which was premiered in 1960 to usher in the independence of Nigeria from the shackles of the British overlords. The play is full of injustices of all kinds. “Here, truly, Soyinka talks about the dispossessed. The work is more explicit as it clamours for change, a proper stage for change.The state of the dispossessed is always clear in all his works.”
With reference to The Man Died, Season of Anomie and more, his radical activism came fully to the fore. In his memoirs he did not even spare the enemies of the people. Using both social, political and religious undertones, Soyinka pointed out the ills. In Trials of Brother Jero and others he foresaw the revoluntionary approach of men of God towards hoodwinking the people. However, in all these, Soyinka puts himself into his works. He uses himself to projest his stories and present the ideas before him. “This was why he deliberately broke away from the conservative forces to become a revolutionary, an activist just to face and deal with bad leaders in a society peopled by reactionary forces. When Soyinka became involved in the June 12, 1993 protests to right the wrong against M.K.O Abiola, he did so as a revolutionary, someone touched by the problems of the society. All these are what he brings to bear in all his works. Today, there is no African writer as powerful as he is in the way he implores his revoluntionary ideas to better the welfare of the people. This is why he is seen as a rampaging social crusader, who uses metaphors to externalise his ideas. He sees this as a monstrous society, with deep moral and social decadence where political forces are at work.”
When King Henry IV became the leader of England, things became better, the English people smiled and the economy became more bouyant. Jeyifo infers that this is what Soinka wishes to happen in Nigeria. “When you compare the two leaders in England and then come home to see the irony of leadership in Nigeria, you then see why as a writer, Soyinka wants this era of eldorado to come now. He continues to search for good leaders and seek ways to actualise this in all his works. As a popular writer, the dispossessed must have a say, they should be given back what belongs to them”.
In his own contribution, Professor Ropo Sekoni concurred with Jeyifo that Soyinka creates himself as one of the characters in most of his works. “He may not really make other protagonists in his works, but then to situate himself in them for proper effect. In his Pekelemesi years in Ibadan, Soyinka uses a character to project highly positive ideas. Even though he did not join any political party, he uses the involvement of those in them to champion his ideas for total change. Therefore in Ake, Isara, Ibadan and You Must Set Forth at Dawn, you see a revoluntionary anarchist, but with redemptive reformism”.
Sekoni particularly made reference to the role Soyinka ascribed to women in Ake where he projects them as truly diplomatic and good leaders. He did this so well and ethusiastically, even in his story on Ogboni where he discovers that the place of women as leaders cannot be overlooked. In all, he agrees that as a writer, Soyinka is an activist with unbridled revoluntionary mind, a mind ever determined to ask for change for the good of all.
For Profesor Mabel of the University of Abuja, Soyinka could only display his innocence as a boy child in Ake. There, he was untainted by the society and gradually he began to be involved in the affairs of the people with his works. According to her, “In Isara, he is now in the world of the grown-ups, asking for justice. You see him concerned for justice. He does not run away from fights. A vivid recount of women’s role in politics comes out clear here. The role of women in Egbaland in the choice of who leads them becomes Soyinka’s total portrayal of women.
If the women could unseat the Egba monarch, if they could speak with one voice in such an organised manner, Soyinka is saying that women have a lot to offer to the society. “At that point, he was a young man fully prepared to ask for change in his community. This is why he was more interested in teacher-education through his own father who was equally a teacher. And so in traversing all genres of literature, you see Soyinka involved in social, political and moral issues of the people. The Pekelemesi years shows and epitomises the strength of character in him. To him, freedom becomes a symbol, Nigeria becomes an unfinished business.”
Describing him as a moving dramatist , Mabel said, “Soyinka believes strongly that the human mind and psyche has to be free. This is why his works try to make life meaningful for the people. He is more guided by the sentiments of his time, of the people around him both now and forever,” she said.
In his comments, Kunle Ajibade observed that Soyinka has chosen to live for humanity, for the common people, for a better society. “He is a moving tank of ideas; ideas that do not in any way go obsolete but remain relevant for all time to come. Soyinka’s life is for people to realise who they are and what must be done to have a concerted change in the society.”
In his opening remarks, Ogunbiyi commended CORA for the outing and noted that this is the time to draw attention to serious literary issues to make the society change. “Whether it is the Port Harcourt Book fair or LABAF, we need to keep books alive in the society and in the lives of the people themselves. Biodun Jeyifo has written series of articles on the complexity of Soyinka’s works. We are today to listen to him and to learn more on the redical aspects of Soyinka, not only as a writer but as someone who brings himself into what he writes.”
Ogunbiyi who is also a literatti reminded the gathering that Soyinka uses his deep Yoruba cultural values to shape his works, projecting the people for total effect. “Yes, indeed is a deep political activist who situates his works within the context of the people, the society, the leadership and sustains the interest of readers to follow him all through. This is why his works are of stupendous quality which often gives his literary productions some level of complexity”.
The discussion was part of series of activitists to give vent to the freedom of the word, in honour of Wole Soyinka at 80. It was to truly see how the man as a writer has fared in his numerous works to effectively touch humanity. It showed that Soyinka even at 80 years of age has not slowed down, has not relented in his quest for an ideal society for all peoples of the world.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Coke Studio Concert at ESUT

Posted by: Group in Campus Life, Photo / Video 36 mins ago

L-R
Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Olufemi Ashipa; a winner of the singing competition, Chukwudi Odo; hip-hop artiste Dammy Krane and another winner of the singing competition, Adebayo Azeez at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend.

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Hip-Hop artiste Dammy Krane performing live at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend.

Cross Section of students at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend

Product sampling

Hip-hop artiste, May D, performing on stage at the Coke Studio Campus Concert held at Enugu State University, ESUT, over the weekend.

Mr Lin, May D & Femi Ashipa

Source: Thenationonlineng

Don Jazzy to perform at Unicef imagine Campaign

 

Great news everyone!! Don Jazzy will be performing at the General Assembly of the United Nations for the UNICEF Imagine Campaign.
He confirmed this on his instagram page
“Would be performing alongside some great world musicians at the UN-GA tomorrow, for the UNICEF #Imagine campaign.” He stated as he shared photos from the rehearsal.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Two sisters held for ‘smuggling’ drug to detained sibling

For allegedly smuggling 11 wraps of Marijuana India hemp to their detained brother at the cell within Ikeja High Court in Lagos, two sisters have been arrested by the police.
The suspects, Shade Oyetobi (24) and Atinuke Adebanwo (32), allegedly committed the crime while visiting their brother, Babatunde Oyetobi at the inmates’ cell inside the court’s premises.
The suspects were apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Prison Services (NPS).
Babatunde is facing charges of assault and armed robbery before Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya.
The prison official who foiled the suspects’ plan, Mr A.R. Muhammad, said they had approached him that they wanted to see their brother.
Muhammad said Shade was holding a cellophane bag and when he queried her about its content, they told him it contained leather slippers.
He said upon his insistence that the bag should be searched, 11 wraps of marijuana and a jar of Vaseline were found there.
According to him, inmates usually insert wraps of marijuana in their anus with the aid of the Vaseline and excrete them inside the prison yard.
Shade, a hair-dresser, said one of her brother’s friends, simply identified as Jamiu, gave her the drug to deliver to him.
On her part, Adebayo, said she had three children and was the elder sister to Shade and Babatunde, adding that she used to come to court to meet her brother whenever his matter was being heard.
She, however, denied knowledge of her younger sister’s plan to smuggle the drugs to Babatunde inside the cell.
The suspects were later handed over to operatives from the Area ‘F’ Police Command for investigations and prosecution.

Source: Thenationonlineng 

Guard dupes students

A security guard at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ogba, Lagos, has defrauded four students of the school, promising to help them secure accommodation in the area. Basil Chukwuma Okosa disappeared after he collected the cash from the victims.
The students, Eniola Balogun, Vivian Orekyeh, Chidinma Ubani and Precious Opara paid N20,000, N30,000, N40,000 and N28,000 to the security guard.
Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Chidinma said after Okosa collected the money from her, he started telling her stories. She said: “After I paid him the N40,000, he told me that my roommates were not in school, because of Industrial Training. It was then I noticed that he was up to something. He told different lies but by the time I noticed, he had run away.”
Eniola said anytime she asked about the accommodation, Okosa would give flimsy excuses.
It was gathered that Okosa is not the owner of the house he showed to the victims; the house is owned by a lecturer, who gave the security guard the key to show students, who wanted to rent an apartment.
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the lecturer told Okosa not to collect money from anyone interested in the property.
Vivian, who said she came from the same village as Okosa, spoke of her desperation  for an accommodation, because she lives in Okokomaiko, which is far from the school. “It is for this reason I paid N30,000 to the security man. When he told me to bring additional N10,000, this was when I noticed that I had been duped. I later discovered that some students had paid money to the man for the same apartment,” she said.
CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Okosa also ran away with the salary of two of his colleagues. He has been declared wanted by his employer, Alpha Forte Security and Guards Services.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Students invent automobile

The Mechanical Engineering Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has become a centre of attraction after five of its graduating students fabricated an automobile, using locally-sourced materials and gadgets. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400-Level Mass Communication) reports.
Can Nigerian engineers manufacture an automobile, using local resources? It is possible! Five engineering students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, have shown how the feat can be achieved.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering of the university was the centre of attraction last week when the students unveiled an automobile they designed and built. They drove it round the campus.
The manufacturers, Augustus Okoyenta, Chukwuebuka Okeke, Chikeluba Ezeani, Kenechukwu Ofoegbu and Ebenezer Igbokwe are graduating students of the department. They fabricated the vehicle as their final year project, using locally- sourced materials.
They named their vehicle “Auto-Zik Formula 1 Car”. The design of the racing car, which operates at the speed of 180km/h, was carried out under the supervision of a lecturer in the department, Dr Solomon Nwiegbe.
There was excitement on the campus when the vehicle was test-driven by Chikeluba around the Administrative Block before it was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku.
The VC was joined by senior management members to shower encomiums on the students and their supervisor, describing the project as a brilliant feat. Members of the management were astonished when the students explained how they came up with the automobile. They analysed the mechanics, principles and calculations that made the project a reality.
Prof Ahaneku hailed the students, saying they had started home-made automobile transformation in the country. He praised Prof Sam Omenyi, the pioneer lecturer in the department, for shooting the school into technological spotlight. Science and technology, the VC said, are the engines that power economic transformation.
He said: “This university has always been known for excellence and these students have demonstrated the excellence. This is a novel project; you don’t need any further evaluation to know that these students belong to the class of excellence. They will be going Abuja in December to exhibit the project and other works. We train students to leave as job creators and not employment seekers.”
Dr Nwigbo described the students as wonderful and resourceful, saying it took the team two years to design the automobile.
He said: “The spirit of engineering in them was brought to bear. The boys passed through stress and training; now they have achieved their goal. Showcasing undergraduate research project before the management is no mean feat. I am not happy because they made a car but the quality of students we are churning out. They are disciplined, ready to learn and obedient.”
The leader of the team, Augustus, said the task was to design a racing car with less air drag when in motion, using cost-effective materials. This took them almost two years.
He said: “The achievement was not easy to come by; it took us days, weeks and months of hard work, sleepless nights, brainstorming and determination to succeed in the assignment. We used division of labour model, with each of us specialising in certain aspect of the design. I designed the chassis, the suspension as well as the hub. Chikeluba designed the brake system. The transmission and steering systems were designed by Chukwuebuka. While Ebenezer focused on the ergonomics (comfort of the driver), Kenechukwu designed the body.
“We spent about N400,000 on the project. Although the department and Students’ Union supported us, but we bore most of the financial burden.”
The students were grateful to their parents, who they said believed in their vision and supported them financially and morally. They also described their supervisor as a “wonderful man,” who encouraged them to work. They listed the challenges encountered in the process to include unstable electricity that prevented them from testing some of the gadgets in the vehicle, and working overnight, funding and lack of requisite machines.
The Head of Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr Chinonso Achebe, said the feat was an indication that the department was not only proficient in theory but teach its students in practice. According to him, theoretical laws were juxtaposed with practical principles to carry out the project.
“We are grateful to God for giving these students wisdom to achieve this feat. This shows that engineers are good managers of resources. A project of this magnitude was carried out at a very conservative cost,” he said.
The HOD said the department had keyed into the programmes of the Vice Chancellor, who, he said, wrote a proposal to departments to look into research and set funds aside to facilitate it.
On how to overcome challenges faced by students carrying out research, Dr Achebe said: “The department and Institute of Mechanical Engineering partly supported the Auto-Zik project. There was epileptic power supply which affected the pace of work but things improved later on. Plans are underway to improve facilities in our engineering workshop and make it better. The Dean of Faculty of Engineering is working towards achieving that.”
Source: Thenationonlineng

Enter the UNIBEN Idol

There was excitement at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last weekend when the Students’ Union Government (SUG) held the maiden edition of a talent hunt show, which was graced by the highlife music legend, Sir Victor Uwaifo. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.
The second semester examination could not stop the show. By 10am last Saturday, the Akin Deko Auditorium at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) had been filled to capacity by students for the grand finale of the maiden edition of UNIBEN Talent Quest organised by Koko News Publication in collaboration with the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
In a carnival-like manner, the contestants walked into the venue with their fans, who displayed their names on placards. At the entrance of the auditorium, a group of students displayed: “Amanda is the one”, “Support Annabel”, “Vote Emily to become the next UNIBEN Ambassador”.
It was gathered that over 90 students bought forms to participate in the reality show, which involved singing, dancing, acting, poetry, painting and acrobatic display, among others.
The audition was held for two days at the Banquet Hall Basement in the university. There were various emotions when the judges screened the contestants. Some broke down in tears; others in laughter. Of the 80 students who participated in the audition the first day, only 42 were asked to proceed to the second stage. On the second day, they were shortlisted to 21 for the final round.
In his speech, Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi, a former Minister for Works, said the event would go down in history as the biggest social event aimed at harnessing the talents of the youth for a productive venture. He urged the organisers to sustain the event, while encouraging students not to be carried away in the excitement.
Editor-in-Chief of Koko News and a 400-Level Medical Physiology student, Daniel Uwadia, said the objective of the event was to promote, publicise and encourage students who are exceptionally gifted in various arts to develop their talents.
He said: “We discovered that there are many students endowed with different talents, but there was no platform to support their talents. This event will project them into the world and, in a way, will help to solve unemployment and youth restiveness.”
After the address, the stage was set for the performances. The session was anchored by Mc Papi, a campus artiste. The panel of judges was led by highlife music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo.
Other members were Dr Chris Ugolo, Dr Okosodo Okomama, Mr MacDonald Anyangbe of Silverbird Television in Benin, Lawrence Osarenkhoe and Mc Casino.
The contestants filed out in succession to perform. Some of the performances were greeted with laughter and condemnation. The contestants in comedy dished out hilarious jokes, which thrilled the audience.
The audience was held spell-bound when a contestant, Joseph Obinna, sketched and painted the portrait of Sir Uwaifo in less than two minutes. When he was done, the auditorium was literally brought down as students shouted: “Na you go win o.”
When Garrick Graham, another contestant, was called out for his performance, there was pin-drop silence in the hall. He read a poem on a fictional creature Abike. He demonstrated in an emotion-laden voice and translated the speech in body language.
The participants also engaged in daring stunts and dance.
However, some of the contestants whose performances got the audience excited were not among the top four. The decision of the judges generated an uproar in the hall because it did not go down well with members of the audience, who had expected a contrary verdict.
When order was restored, members of the audience were asked to choose the winner among the top four contestants through voting.
At the end of the voting, Precious Okukusie, 300-Level Adult Education and English Literature student with stage name Mr Play-P, emerged winner.
He was rewarded with N100,000 and a recording deal with Lockdown Entertainment.
Caroline Igben, a dancer and a student of Theatre Arts, was the first runner-up. Emily Omili, a Fine Arts student and Amanda Onoabhagbe, were the second and third runners= up. Other contestants got consolatory prizes.
Afterwards, Sir Victor Uwiafo entertained the students. He was presented with an award of excellence with Linda Iheme, Chief Executive Officer of International Initiative for Youth Inspiration and Development (IIFYIGD).
Precious said he never expected to win but only participated in the event to showcase his talent. He said his determination and zeal to be better stood him out.
Dr Okosodo said originality and professionalism were part of the criteria the judges used to measure the abilities of the contestants.
The SUG president, Ifidon Ikhide, said the event was a platform to hone the talents and creativities of students and show them to the world.

Source: Thenationonlineng

Multiple rape allegations trail Bill Cosby

Zuriel with Bill Cosby

 
His purported crime did not just happen yesterday; in fact, one of the notable allegations leveled against popular American entertainer, Bill Cosby, was committed in 1985, and it only goes to confirm a popular Yoruba adage that says, ‘the pounded yam of 20 years remains hot’.
What started like a joke by a male comedian, Hannibal Buress, who called Cosby a rapist, as snowballed into series of ‘actual’ rape allegations against the 77-year-old entertainer.
Barbara Bowman, an artist in Scottsdale, Arizona, it was who first spoke out in a Washington Post op-ed published last Thursday. She claimed the entertainer had raped her in 1985 – she was just 17-year-old then.
She wrote: “Cosby won my trust as a 17-year-old aspiring actress in 1985, brainwashed me into viewing him as a father figure, and then assaulted me multiple times.
“In one case, I blacked out after having dinner and one glass of wine at his New York City brownstone, where he had offered to mentor me and discuss the entertainment industry. When I came to, I was in my panties and a man’s T-shirt, and Cosby was looming over me. I’m certain now that he drugged and raped me. But as a teenager, I tried to convince myself I had imagined it. I even tried to rationalise it: Bill Cosby was going to make me a star and this was part of the deal.”
Bowman said she didn’t alert authorities at the time because “dismissive responses” from those to whom she appealed for help convinced her no one would listen to her. “That feeling of futility is what ultimately kept me from going to the police,” she said.
But if you think that Bowman’s case took so long to come, then, the allegation by Joan Tarshis, a journalist and publicist may be more shocking- she told CNN on Monday that Cosby sexually assaulted her 45 years ago- she was 19-year-old.
From Tarshis claim, the strategy used by the actor, whom she accused of being a serial rapist, wasn’t too different from the ones told by the other women.
According to Tarshis who said she met Cosby in 1969 in Los Angeles when she was invited to have lunch by some friends of his, the actor invited her later to his bungalow to work on some comedy routines.”I thought, ‘That’s cool, getting to work with Bill Cosby on jokes,’” she told CNN’s Don Lemon.
She said Cosby made her a drink that he knew she liked, a Bloody Mary topped with beer known as a Red Eye. She claimed that shortly after drinking the Red Eye, she passed out.”I woke up or came to very groggily with him removing my underwear,” she said.
Tarshis said that she tried to deter Cosby by saying she had an infection that his wife might catch, but that he then made her have oral sex with him.
However, Cosby has been denying the allegations of sexual assault since the decades-old accusations began weeks back, saying he has never been prosecuted.
Cosby’s lawyer,John P. Schmitt, said in a statement that, “The fact that they are being repeated does not make them true. Mr. Cosby does not intend to dignify these allegations with any comment.”
The entertainer was said to have settle a case in 2006, filed by Andrea Constand, a staffer for Temple University’s women’s basketball team, who accused him of drugging and molesting her at his suburban Philadelphia home.
Constand’s lawyers said they found 13 Jane Doe witnesses with similar stories, but no witnesses were ever called.
Like Bowman, Tarshis said she had kept quiet because she felt “the guilt and the shame of the victim” and because she didn’t think anyone would believe her.
“Who’s going to believe me?” she said on CNN. “Bill Cosby, the all-American dad, the all-American husband, ‘Mr. Jell-O’ that everybody loves. Who would believe me? They’d probably think I was out to get something.”
But she said she decided to speak up now in order to support the other women and give them “some more credibility.”
Bowman recently became an ambassador for a victim advocacy group, and she proposed changes to legislation that imposes time limits on assault victims’ claims.
Cosby, is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician, activist and stand-up performer got his start at the hungry i in San Francisco and various other clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show I Spy. He later starred in his own sitcom, The Bill Cosby Show. He was one of the major performers on the children’s television series The Electric Company during its first two seasons, and created the educational cartoon comedy series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, about a group of young friends growing up in the city. Cosby also acted in a number of films.
During the 1980s, Cosby produced and starred in one of the decade’s defining sitcoms, The Cosby Show, which aired eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. It was the number one show in America for five straight years (1985–89). The sitcom highlighted the experiences and growth of an affluent African-American family. He also produced the spin-off sitcom A Different World, which became second to The Cosby Show in ratings. He starred in the sitcom Cosby from 1996 to 2000 and hosted Kids Say the Darndest Things for two seasons.

Source: Thenationonlineng

I posed nude to feel good about myself- Kim Kardashia

34 year old Kim Kardashian West has finally responded to questions about her shocking nude shoot with Jean-Paul Goude for Paper Magazine in their #BreakTheInternet issue.
In an interview with Richard Wilkins of Channel Nine’s Today, the reality television star revealed
‘I had a really bad pregnancy and I gained a lot of weight and I did not feel good about myself. I felt probably the lowest I have ever felt in my life,’

‘Just yesterday I saw a clip of me when I must have been about eight months pregnant – huge! ‘I said, “guys, just wait until I have this baby, as soon as I get my body back and I feel good about myself, I’m going to do some naked shoot so just be ready,”‘ the reality queen said.

Terra Kulture: Celebrating decade of excellence

• Terra Kulture

In the past 10 , Terra Kulture, Lagos has positioned itself as a leading gallery featuring over 80 per cent of leading artists at its gallery. It has also impacted positively on the performing artistes, writers, fashion designers and Nollywood stars, In this article, its funder Bolanle Austen-Peters writes on the journey so far.
Terra Kulture, Lagos, is an educational and recreational private sector organisation set up in 2003 to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture. It commenced operations in 2004.
Today, Terra Kulture is a resounding success recognised as a major cultural hub in Nigeria for expatriates, students, Hollywood and Nollywood stars, artists and members of the diplomatic corps. When Terra Kulture started, the founder Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters was supported by Mr. Tayo Aderinokun the late Managing Director/Founder of GTBank.
Terra Kulture has positioned itself as the leading gallery in Nigeria with over 80 per cent of the major and young artists having exhibited at its gallery. The gallery has exhibited artists such as Kolade Oshinowo, Abiodun Olaku, Bruce Onobrakeya, Ablade Glover, Abayomi Barber, Olu Amoda, Sam Ovraiti, Alex Nwokolo, Ndidi Dike, Olu Ajayi, Sam Ebohon, Lekan Onabanjo, Defactory studio, Iponri studio, Guild of professional fine artists of Nigeria, Diseye Tantua and Segun Aiyesan .
It has successfully changed the face of the art practice in Nigeria in the 10 years of its existence, professionalising the art business and promoting cultural heritage. It also started an art Auction House in 2009 with the late Aderinokun having raised the idea. Terra Kulture auction has grown to become one of the leading auction houses in Nigeria, stimulating activities and growth in the secondary art market with hundreds of works sold, boosting the growth in the primary market. The auction house has also helped in valuation of works and promoting price stability.
In 2006, Mrs. Austen-Peters initiated the Theatre @ Terra project ignite growth in the theatre industry. Today, Theatre @ Terra is the only consistent theatre house in Nigeria with live plays every Sunday and with renowned Nigerian thespians that include Segun Adefila, Joke Silva, Wole Oguntokun, Kenneth Uphopho, Nick Monu, Sefi Atta, Uche Nwokedi and Gbenga Yussuf.
Terra Kulture has also played a major role in the literary art with its bookstore promoting hundreds of Nigerian books and organizing book reading sessions to help promote reading culture in Nigeria. The centre has hosted writers such as Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, Sefi Atta, Tony Kan, Lola Shoneyin, among others.
Terra Kulture, reading room and, virtual office has been part of the success stories of many companies which started small at Terra Kulture but grew to own their own office spaces. It has also supported the ambitions of many people who have studied for many local and international exams at Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture has played host to most of the foremost primary and secondary schools in Lagos who over the years have consistently visited the centre on excursions to learn more about Nigerian art and culture. Terra Kulture has also conducted cultural orientation programs for some embassies and foreign missions in Nigeria, teaching them about our culture, way of life and language.
Nigerian fashion has also enjoyed the Terra Kulture touch with award winning brands like Ituen Basi, Tae and many more having been promoted at Terra Kulture. It has also played host to numerous fashion shows and fashion label launch.
Of recent Terra Kulture has ventured into the promotion of Nigerian movies. Its introduction of Nigerian movies to the corporate world through corporate private screenings has revolutionalised movie promotion in Nigeria, thereby bringing Nollywood to the fore front of corporate entertainment.
In its 10 years of existence Terra Kulture has organised over two hundred art exhibitions, seven art auctions, ninety plays, sixty book readings and over ten thousand adults and children have attended its language classes and excursions.
In association with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions, Terra Kulture raised the bar in the theatre industry with the production of SARO the Musical last year, a production which enjoyed numerous accolades and reviews from international media houses including the BBC and SKY News and has since produced five additional plays despite the lack of infrastructure to support such.
A proudly Nigerian organisation, Terra Kulture has been in the forefront of the promotion of Nigerian art and culture, developing talents and creating employment in the sector with the employment of over 60 staff and the creation of over 150 additional ancillary jobs on a monthly basis through its theatre and arts products.
Some of its staff have grown to become experts in art and culture matter, travelling to  various countries for work and professional development. This has positioned them to be leaders in the industry and has helped in making Terra Kulture a truly professional art centre.
Despite the difficult business environment Terra Kulture has continued to excel in all aspect of the arts, a sector that is heavily funded by the government and grants all over the world but that suffers neglect in Nigeria. Terra Kulture has been passionately encouraging investments in the arts and cultural sector, building capacity and also discovering and developing talents.
With the visionary leadership of the founder Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, Terra Kulture continues to attract local and international attention and accolades, standing out as model in the art business helping drive growth in the sector.
In celebrating 10 years of innovation and value add, Access Bank is partnering with Terrakulture in promoting its  programmes through its sponsorship of the anniversary celebrations and Saro the Musical 2 coming up between December  24 and28  . This is consistent with Access Bank’s commitment to the promotion of Arts and Culture and women owned businesses.
With a decade of outstanding service to Nigeria, and now with the backing of Access Bank, Terra Kulture is well-positioned as the cultural hub of Nigeria and truly the   Cultural Centre.
Source: Thenationonlineng