Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Taiye Olayemi

The organisers of the ASWAD Film Festival say plans are underway to showcase the Black American, European and African $50billon film market and amplify the black voices in cinema.
Chukwuma Njoku, Chairman of ASWAD Film Festival, said this in a statement, on Friday, in Lagos.
Njoku, who is also an African technology and entertainment entrepreneur, said that the maiden edition of the festival is slated to hold in Dubai from January 24 to January 26, 2025.
He noted that the festival aimed to showcase the richness and diversity of storytelling in Black American, European, and African cinema.
According to him, this will be done through a programme that included screenings of 12 films, industry roundtables, panels, workshops and networking events.
Njoku said “Aswad is not just a film festival; it’s a celebration of our stories and our culture. We aim to create a platform that amplifies Black voices in cinema while fostering connections within the industry.
“The Black American, European, and African film industries are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s time we had a world-class festival to showcase our talents.”
According to him, ASWAD will focus on four key pillars: creative and commercial sustainability; cross-continent and global connectedness; reasserting African control of their own stories in the new anti-DEI world, and the celebration of Black excellence.
He said these pillars underscored the festival’s commitment to not only showcasing Black American, European, and African cinema but also empowering filmmakers and industry professionals to thrive in the global marketplace.
He noted that a recent data underscored the festival’s relevance in today’s entertainment landscape.
He said it was revealed that in the United States, films with casts that were 31per cent to 40 per cent people of colour were the most successful at the box office in 2023.
He explained that there was still work to be done as Black actors play only 11 per cent of leading film roles, despite making up 13.4 per cent of the US population.
“With ASWAD, we’re creating a space where filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinema lovers can come together to celebrate and elevate black voices in storytelling.
“We’re not just showcasing films; we’re building bridges and opening doors for collaboration on a global scale.
“At the festival, attendees can look forward to live music performances, a glamorous red carpet event, and a gala dinner, culminating in an exclusive yacht excursion.
“As we embark on this journey with Aswad, we are not only celebrating black voices but also paving the way for future generations of storytellers.
“This is more than just a festival; it’s a movement that invites everyone to be part of something truly special,” he said.

By Taiye Olayemi

Frontline multi talented print and broadcast Journalist, Frank Meke has won the 2024 Pioneer Tourism Journalism leadership award instituted by the National Tourism Transportation Awards, a corporate flagship arm of Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( ITPN).

Meke, who cut his journalism teeth at Vanguard Newspapers and helped pioneer the Newspaper’s famous National award winning Travel and Tourism pages, is also a pioneer awardee of Nigerian Travel Journalism award by National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies ( NANTA).

He is a Tourism Advocate awardee by the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators ( NATOP) and many others for his incisive developmental reports on the industry for over three decades.

Widely travelled and Nigerian tourism centric, meke is a notable cultural tourism columnist and broadcaster, pioneering Nigeria’s first cultural tourism broadcast programme on Radio.

Meke, also a maritime tourism influencer, is a certified Nature Conservation Educationist and mobilizer.

He is a trustee of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) and National Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON).

In a letter dated November 22nd, 2024, and signed by Shettima Abdullahi, Fellow Institute of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria ( FITPN) for the organisers of award, Meke was nominated for the Pioneer Tourism Journalism leadership award based on his achievements and demonstration of high level of excellence and standards in the reportage and interpretation of travel tourism, transportation and hospitality sectors of Nigerian economy.

The award will be conferred on meke on Wednesday, 4th of December during the Dinner and Gala Night of National Tourism Transportation Summit in Abuja.

By Taiye Olayemi

The third edition of the Global Affairs Magazine Awards (GAMA) is to hold on Saturday Nov. 23, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Regina Robinson, Convener of GAMA and Chief Executive Officer of Global Affairs Magazine, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, in Lagos.

Robinson said that the award ceremony was meant to celebrate and honour outstanding A-list changemakers who have made significant contributions across various sectors.

She revealed the theme for the ceremony as “Global Impact Awards” as it promised to be an evening brimming with inspiration, celebration and unforgettable moments.

“GAMA is a platform that promotes, rewards and celebrates human excellence in the care of mankind.

“This is the third edition, and the event has become a much-awaited fixture in the media and social calendar as it brings together the creme-de-la-creme of global society from all works of life.

“This is indeed another opportunity to remind the world that it is possible to get it right if you determine to do it.

“As we celebrate this milestone and indeed set the excellent benchmark, we are hosting all our awardees with groundbreaking records of humanitarian activities to top media recognition and ceremony.

“We have dedicated immense effort and passion into making this year’s edition of GAMA a truly grand celebration of the remarkable achievements of our impressive nominees and the feedback has been overwhelming.

“The profound significance these awards hold for awardees will go a long way to let the world know that you begin to succeed with your life when the wellbeing of others matters to you,’ she said.

According to Robinson, the Lagos State Governor would serve as the chief host of the event as Dr Segun Musa, former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate would be the Chairman of the occasion.

She said the renowned international Flautist, Dr Omatshola Iseli, popularly known as “Tee Mac” would be the Chairman of the Award Screening Committee.

“Highlights of the event include the unveiling of Global Affairs Magazine Foundation (GAMF) official theme song ‘The World is Watching”, produced by renowned Reggae artiste, Orits Williki.

“There will be a professional music performance from renowned international Flautist, Dr Tee Mac; lectures and presentation of awards to well deserving personalities with credible and enviable track records.

“The keynote speaker is no other than frontline filmmaker and former president of Association of Movie Producer (AMP), Mr Madu Chikwendu.

“Guest speakers include Nigerian broadcaster Rufai Oseni, Comedian Ali baba and the event will be compered by Koffi Tha Guru,” she said.

The outstanding awardees include Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti; Olorigun Obaigbena, Mr Kayode Akintemi, Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Hon. Lukman Oyewole Lawal, Mr Fayoade Adegoke AIG, Mr Tayo Akanle, and Dr Ebose Osegha.

Others are: Mr Adenrele Oni, Global Transport Policy, Barr. Nkechi Onyenso, Mr Joshua Uloko, Ajinomoto, Cornel Medial Consult (CMC), Mr Olukokun Adepeju, Kate Nnanna-Ibemgbo, Onoruoiza Onuchi, Phina Don, Olatunde Martins.

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) on Friday honoured no fewer than 100 children in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

The event with the theme ‘Bridging Heritage and Innovation: Unleashing the Creative Potential of the African Child Through Technology and Cultural Education’, engaged students from six schools in Lagos.

CBAAC, in a colourful and enlightening programme, encouraged the children to soar beyond all limitations as they leveraged technology and the immense potential in culture.

The ceremony, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, featured schools like Ilogbo Junior Grammar School, Costain; STC College, Surulere; and Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi.

Others were: Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School, Victoria Island; Maryann College, Ikoyi; and St. Mary’s Nur. and Pry. School, Lagos Island.

The students were engaged in various competitions, including storytelling, debate, dance drama, quiz, poetic renditions, traditional chants, art exhibition competitions, amongst others.

There were vibrant displays of African culture, music, and dance, as the students showcased their talents and celebrated their heritage.

Some of the students who participated in the storytelling contest relayed traditionally, the essence of hard work, perseverance and dedication, as key to success.

For the debate, the students explored the topic: ‘The role of technology in the preservation of African culture’.

Earlier, Aisha Adamu-Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, emphasised the importance of nurturing Africa’s future leaders and honouring the resilience and potential of the African children.

Adamu-Augie urged the children to always aspire to achieve greatness and soar higher regardless of their limitations.

“Today, we honour our children. We believe in their ability to shape the continent’s future and make a positive impact globally.

“As you can see, it’s all about you today, our children. Today you are the president, the chairman, the mother of the day, the chiefs.

“We are here to celebrate the African child, and we celebrate you because you are beautiful, you are brilliant, you are resilient, you are extremely outstanding.

“I encourage you today, to jettison every obstacle to soar beyond your limitations.

“I also encourage you to be inspired positively with all that would be done here today, to be great representatives of your families, to be great representatives for your siblings, because we’re all here to make the world a better place,” she said.

Patrick Imhakhawo, a User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) designer enlightened the students on the essence of creating intuitive and impactful digital experiences.

He encouraged the students to be engaged in the technological space while they explored the platform to promote African culture through designs.

Chima Agu, Software and Mobile App Developer, educated the children on programming for the future and how software can be developed.

Eventually, Ilogbo Junior Grammar School bagged the first position in the Debate competition, STC College emerged winner for the Dance Drama while Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School clinched the first position in the art exhibition competition.

Special recognition awards were conferred on the best traditional ‘chanter’ and storyteller from STC College.

CBAAC also encouraged three students with a scholarship in the technology space.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of African Child is a day earmarked to commemorate the Soweto uprising of 1976 when students in South Africa protested against apartheid and educational injustice.

It is usually celebrated every June 16.

By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actress, Damipe Adekoya, has revealed plans to bring the extraordinary life of legendary Queen Moore Oronsen to the stage, to celebrate African women’s resilience and hardworking nature.

Adekoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Zevicar Productions, disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

She said the play, put together to depict the life and times of the legendary queen, is entitled “Moore Oronsen (The Mystical Queen)”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Queen Oronsen is a deity from Yoruba mythology, who was the spouse of Olowo Rerengejen, the traditional ruler of Owo Kingdom in Ondo state, over 600 years ago.

The annual Igogo Festival in Owo is celebrated in her honour annually in September.

Adekoya noted that the play would be staged five times from Feb. 22, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025, at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to her, the play will highlight the African women’s legendary nature of hard work, and how their important roles in the community are being passed down through generations.

She said this was meant to take people down memory lane, to bring history alive and celebrate the legend who is still being worshipped in Owo.

Adekoya said that the theatrical experience would honour Queen Oronsen’s historical legacy, shedding light on her remarkable journey and unwavering dedication to success.

“I am someone who loves stories that talk about women in general and in my research as a writer, I found out that we rarely hear the history of the majority of our female legends.

“We just hear bits and pieces of stories about them.

“This is a deliberate effort to reinforce Queen Moore Oronsen’s historical legacy, I have tried doing this three times right from 2012, I am glad this is gaining traction.

“This is an attempt to start telling stories about women in general. I am the voice of the African woman.

“I want to project women in general. As a girl’s girl, a woman’s woman, I like to always project what a woman is, whether emotionally, financially, or anything,” she said.

Making reference to how the love story between Queen Oronsen and her husband, Olowo Rerengejen, led to war, Adekoya said Africans could draw inspiration from such intriguing story.

According to her, the play production will delve into Queen Oronsen’s struggles, triumphs, and visionary leadership, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her community.

“The play is aimed at educating audiences about Queen Oronsen’s remarkable legacy, inspire dialogue about women’s contributions to history, foster a sense of community and shared heritage as well as empower women and girls through Queen Oronsen’s story.

“Queen Oronsen’s legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. This production is a tribute to her courage and a celebration of the unbreakable spirit that defines women.

“I want to encourage women to always be at the forefront of success as exemplified by Queen Oronsen,” she said.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Adejumo, the Artistic Director for the play, said Africans should watch out for how the famous Odudu dance peculiar with Owo people in Ondo State would be transformed.

Adejumo said there would be a display of modern and traditional ways of rendering the dance in the course of presenting the play.

Oluwasegun Adeyemi, the Choreographer for the production, assured that he will seamlessly integrate contemporary and traditional dance techniques to create distinctive and captivating dance styles tailored specifically for the play. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)