Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • NTI, UNESCO to train 250 teachers on family life, HIV education, says Director, Chief Executive

    NTI, UNESCO to train 250 teachers on family life, HIV education, says Director, Chief Executive

    News Desk

    The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Kaduna and UNESCO will collaborate to organize a capacity building workshop for 250 teachers from five States of the Federation.

    This collaboration was disclosed by the Director and Chief Executive of NTI, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir during the 42nd Session of UNESCO General Conference that held in Paris, France between November 7 and 11,2023.

    A statement issued by Dr Armiya’u Yabo, Special Assistant to Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir said the Director joined the Minister of Education, Prof.Tahir Mamman, accompanied by him and other Nigerian officials.

    The statement added, “Consequently, Prof. Maitafsir secured a collaboration with UNESCO to organize capacity building workshop for 250 teachers.

    “They are 50 teachers for each of the five states of Cross- River, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos and Taraba, on Family Life and HIV Education ( FLHE).

    “This is to strengthen capacity of in-service teachers, FLHE desk officers to deliver Family Life and HIV nfermce Education that responds to specific needs of adolescent and young people..

    “This is including those living with disabilities and those in humanitarian settings, which will commence by the end of November or early December this year.”

    Dr Yabo recalled in the statement that the Institute has a long history of series of collaboration with UNESCO in the area of advancing teacher training and distance education in Nigeria.

    Accordingly, the duo of NTI and UNESCO had trained thousands of teachers on the use of Mobile Technology in teaching and learning through a programme called ” Mobile Learning Programme.

    “Concurrently, the administration has reiterated its commitment to continue partnering with international development partners in the training of Nigerian teachers and ultimate transformation of NTI as an international distance education Institute,” the statement averred.

    Prof. Maitafsir was in Paris based on invitation through a letter of correspondence, dated September 15, addressed to him and signed by the Secretary -General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO.

    ” NTI being one of the focal agencies in the UNESCO field of competence in Nigeria and expert in education commission,” the letter reads.

    Having put this into consideration and prioritised the needs of NTI, the Director and Chief Executive, who traveled to Paris alongside Dr. Armiya’u Malami Yabo, ensured that the Institute’s needs in the focus area were clearly defined and reflected during the conference.

    Prof. Maitafsir also pressed to obtain the benefits in terms of attracting UNESCO project to the Institute and Nigerian teachers in general.

  • UNHCR, Al-Habibiyya to mobilise N500m to support 3m IDPs annually

    UNHCR, Al-Habibiyya to mobilise N500m to support 3m IDPs annually

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society have agreed to to mobilise N500 million annually, to improve the living conditions of three million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

    The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Fuad Adeyemi, made this known while addressing newsmen at a ‘Donor Journey’ workshop organised for the members of Al-Habibiyyah by UNHCR, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Adeyemi explained that UNHCR introduced a programme to partner with private individuals and business owners to raise funds for the IDPs.

    According to him, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society is the first organisation in Nigeria to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNHCR to mobilise funds for IDPs and refugees in June.

    Adeyemi said, ” So, in order to strengthen our efforts in mobilising funds, we organise this training with them to gain from their over 17 years experience of raising funds of this nature.

    ” UNHCR offered to train us to build our capacity on what we know how to do best so that we can do it better even after our agreement expired.”

    The cleric said the funds would be raised through Zakat (alms giving), government and other organisations that were willing to donate to support the IDPs.

    He said, ” It is not about religion this time around, it is about humanity and that is why we will reach out to big conglomerate, big organisations to support us.

    ” We are targeting like N500 million for this programme annually.”

    Earlier, Mr Shadi Ghrawi, Deputy Regional Manager, UNHCR, Private Sector Partnerships, Africa, said UNHCR was working with different partners to provide IDPs with humanitarian support they needed.

    He said, ” The partnership that we have with the Al-Habibiyya is a very unique one which is focusing raising funds to mobilise resources to provide the internally displaced persons with the immediate needs they need.

    ” We are meeting here today with the team that is coming from our partners, the Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society, who have actually signed an agreement with us to jointly raise funds to help people who have been internally displaced within Nigeria.

    ” And as part of this agreement we are actually establishing a common practices on how to deal with those who decides to donate to this joint initiative.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • 17th Culturati fair holds Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Lagos -Organisers

    17th Culturati fair holds Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Lagos -Organisers

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Organisers of the 17th edition of Culturati, a cultural fair, have scheduled the event for  Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Lagos.

    Tiwasayo Odugbesan, Project Coordinator for Culturati, disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Odugbesan said  that the 2023 edition had been deliberately designed to run through four days as more programmes had been infused into the event.

    She revealed the theme for Culturati as “Exploring Opportunities in African Culture for Economic Development via Strategic Investments in Tech, Tourism & Art”.

    “This year’s edition will break with tradition and run for four days, instead of one, to provide a richer content and variety for Lagosians and visitors.

    “It will feature art exhibitions and competitions, fashion shows, a food village, talent hunt, games, music, an award ceremony and assorted displays of entertainment.

    “According to the schedule of events, the main event will feature a beachside exhibition of food, fashion, arts and more slated to run from 11am between Nov. 30 and Dec.2 at Sol Beach, Victoria Island.

    “The grand finale will take place at 6pm on December 3rd at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

    “This year, we are serving out a far richer variety of the entire artistic and cultural spectrum that will cater to everyone regardless of nationality, ethnic origin or cultural orientation. It is African culture on a global canvas,” she said.

    According to Odugbesan, a pre-event symposium has also been organised to hold on Nov. 16 with the theme “Enhancing Africa’s Economy Through Investments in Culture, Arts & Tourism”, at University of Lagos.

    She said the symposium would  feature several top-notch leaders in contemporary art including Chioma Ude, founder of the African International Film Festival, who will deliver the keynote address.

    “Several prominent names in the Nigerian entertainment industry will be on hand to join the panel sessions and drive conversations.

    “We look to drawing in the younger generation to understand and appreciate the value of culture and the need for cultural identity in the modern global miliue,” she said

    Odugbesan explained that Culturati had remained  a catalyst for the creative economy, consistently creating opportunities for African creatives and SMEs to leverage.
    She said the programme annually brings  together Africans to explore the many aspects of the continent’s rich and diverse culture.

    According to her, this is  an attempt to establish culture and the arts as veritable tools for social cohesion, youth development, tourism and economic empowerment.

    Speaking on the success stories achieved in the past 16 years, Funmi Ojo, Head of Brands and Communications for Culturati, noted that the culturati academy had produced successful visual artists, actors, fashion entrepreneurs and more.

    Ojo said majority of the programmes were scheduled to hold at the beach deliberately to infuse nature.

    “We can lay claim to lots of achievements, Nancy Isime is our product at Culturati and several others, doing well today.

    “The 2023 edition promises to be eventful, you can imagine having Jollof rice port at the beach, visual artists having their exhibition at the beach. Also we have prizes to be won for various competitions,” she said.

    Ojo said that Culturati was created originally as “Sisi Oge” in 2006 and had evolved over the years to become an important part of the entertainment landscape in Lagos, drawing local and foreign visitors annually.

    Also, one the partners for Culturati, Mr Olanrewaju Kuyesi, Chief Executive Officer,  GodMade Homes Luxury, said,  “We have a wonderful partnership with Culturati to take the cultural fair to the next level.

    “Overtime, we have been providing residential apartments for people across Lagos, so for Culturati, we are showcasing that we can provide hospitality and tourism appartments with reflection of our culture in our creativity,” he said.

    Titilayo Oyinso, Executive Assistant to the convener of Culturati, encouraged the youth to participate in the mini masterclasses organised for intending visual artists.

    She said this would guide them on the business of creative arts. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Reframing Tinubu’s Development Agenda Through Diplomacy

    Reframing Tinubu’s Development Agenda Through Diplomacy

    By Stanley Nkwocha

    In his 80-page Renewed Hope policy document released in the build-up to the 2023 general election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu listed some action plans. Top on his priority lists were national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation and education. He said his objective was to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to handling each citizen with equal respect and due regard.
    And to ensure his campaign promises unfold into a pleasant reality, the president, at the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in August this year, unveiled a more vivid eight-point agenda to turn around the economy and make life comfortable for all Nigerians. Encapsulating the action plans in the 8-point agenda, he relisted the eight priority areas to include food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, rule of law, fighting corruption and improving the playing field on which people, particularly companies operate.
    Since assuming office, President Tinubu has unleashed a flurry of economic diplomacy stemming from his notion that the prestige of any country among the comity of nations is proportionally dependent on its social and economic realities, which explains why governments around the world embark on missions to create an enabling environment to attract both local and foreign investments.
    President Tinubu started firing from all cylinders the moment he and VP Shettima took their oath of office. To begin with, he embarked on ambitious plans of warming Nigeria’s way back to global relevance. Beyond the avalanche of domestic reforms being implemented to create an investment-friendly Nigeria, the president and his deputy have also assumed the position of Nigeria’s marketers-in-chief.
    At the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held from September 20-23, 2023 where he delivered his maiden address to the General Assembly on September 20, President Tinubu shot straight, telling the world that “the greatest economy is Nigeria with immense investment opportunities,”. He noted that Africa is not a problem to be avoided or pitied, he said, “Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future”.
    That the President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima synergy is redefining and setting the pace in president/vice president harmony is to say the least in the mildest way. This smooth working relationship between them stems from Shettima’s unwavering and natural loyalty to his boss. The Tinubu government is only five months old in office, but within this period, VP Shettima and his boss have struck a balance never seen in this part of the globe.
    The cumulative effects of this synergy are the positive issues arising from the presidential global engagements that have continued to dominate headlines and possibly for some time to come. Some of the high-hanging fruits, which have resonated well with Nigerians, came in handy by way of the recent bumper achievements recorded by the Nigerian delegation under the leadership of President Tinubu to the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in China, as well as the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, World Food Prize 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America.
    In China where significant milestones in the nation’s journey towards economic prosperity were made, VP Shettima joined world leaders from over 130 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America at the forum to deliberate on the theme, “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.” The Vice President availed Nigeria of the platform provided by the forum to woo investors for more developmental projects at high-powered bilateral meetings with other world leaders. He also promoted Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development agenda of the Tinubu administration.
    One of the most significant breakthroughs was China’s renewed commitment to the completion of the long-awaited Lagos – Ibadan, Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, as well as the Lagos-Ibadan railway. This, economic experts believe, will not only revolutionise the country’s transportation sector but also foster regional connectivity and economic integration. Moreover, the commitments in power generation and digital economy mark crucial steps towards addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and advancing technological innovations, crucial for sustaining long-term growth.
    The signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) valued at $2 billion, alongside the $4 billion worth of letters of intent, reflects the substantial inflow of foreign direct investment into key sectors such as technology, automotive and infrastructure, underlining the growing confidence of international partners in Nigeria’s economic potential. These agreements, which include partnerships with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and various Chinese corporations, are poised to drive job creation, technological advancements and overall economic diversification.
    Furthermore, the agreement on the construction of the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport contract is a testament to the enduring appeal of Nigeria as a premier investment destination. Such projects not only bolster Nigeria’s status as a regional economic powerhouse but also solidify its position as an industrial hub, attracting diverse industries and promoting sustainable economic growth.
    The collaborations with renowned Chinese companies, encompassing fields such as technology, construction, and communications underscore the multifaceted nature of the strengthened Nigeria-China relationship, ushering in an era of enhanced technical capabilities, infrastructure development and knowledge transfer.
    At the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, World Food Prize 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, it was another bumper harvest, as Vice President Shettima wooed investors from the United States and other countries. He said Nigeria remains the best place to invest given its 70 million hectares of underutilised arable land, which he said is 75% of the country’s total land mass. He told them that under President Tinubu’s watch, Nigeria has since demonstrated that the Agrifood sector is a top priority.

    An instant gain from the VP’s engagement in that country was the resolve by an American company, John Deere, to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, first by setting up a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria. The decision was taken during a meeting between VP Shettima and top officials of the firm led by its Vice President on Production Systems, Mr Jason Brantley. The meeting was facilitated by the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr John Coumantaros, a long-time investor in Nigeria.
    Just as one would think it was already enough takeaways, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development announced at the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue that they have voted a whopping $1 billion to further deliver on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) in 24 states of Nigeria. President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, said the decision to pump such huge funds was to develop SAPZs in 13 countries.
    President Tinubu’s administration’s strategic efforts to create a conducive environment for business and investment have undoubtedly paved the way for these remarkable achievements. The emphasis on fostering mutual international cooperation and the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to building robust partnerships that prioritise respect, mutual benefit and non-interference. These are essential pillars for sustainable global relations.
    Just as VP Shettima told the investors in the United States that Nigeria is committed to transforming agriculture as a pathway to tackling insecurity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, President Tinubu is, indeed, taking the courageous decision to revamp Nigeria’s economy. There may be painful reforms as certain opposition elements are trying to project them before the citizens, but they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s economy.
    Tony Blair, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, once said, “Anyone can say yes, but the hallmark of leadership is the ability to say no when you should.” This statement underscores the inevitability of courageous decisions in leadership, and it is a quality that President Tinubu has demonstrated in unmistakable terms.
    On the other hand, Vice President Shettima is another leader who embodies the qualities of loyalty, courage and vision. In a country where tribalism and regionalism are often used to divide and conquer, Shettima remains a staunch believer in the unity and progress of Nigeria.
    The VP has consistently demonstrated his commitment to a united Nigeria where every citizen is treated equally, regardless of their tribe or ethnicity. His unwavering loyalty to the people of Nigeria is evident in his selfless service and dedication to the betterment of the country. He is a man who puts the needs of the nation above his own personal gains, always tirelessly working towards the progress and development of the nation.
    The achievements at the Forum in China and the Dialogue in the United States are not just a cause for celebration but also a testament to the unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructural development. The substantial investments and agreements signed during these fora signal a promising future for Nigeria, indicating the emergence of new opportunities and partnerships that would undoubtedly propel the nation towards greater heights.
    As the nation progresses on this path of growth and innovation, it is imperative to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the benefits of these partnerships are effectively harnessed for the holistic advancement of Nigeria and its people as the power of strategic alliances and international cooperation in fostering sustainable development and economic prosperity cannot be overemphasised.

    Nkwocha is the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President) and can be reached on X @stanleynkwocha_

  • Indian envoy opens Afro-Asian restaurant, “Anchor”, in Lagos

    Indian envoy opens Afro-Asian restaurant, “Anchor”, in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Chandramouli Kern, Consul General of India in Lagos, says Indians have been recognised as the biggest investors in Nigeria with over 27 million dollar cumulative investment and no fewer than 200 companies.

    Kern said this on Sunday while declaring open “Anchor Restaurant”,  an Afro-Asian restaurant in Lagos.

    “This is of great pride to us as indian community in Nigeria. I am happy that we are successful in Nigeria here, we should ensure this success is sustained.

    “We are contributing significantly to engaging the Nigerian youths meaningfully in the area of employment because it was recently declared that Indians in Nigeria are the second biggest employer after the Federal Government,” he said.

    Kern commended the founder of the restaurant for investing in the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

    He encouraged the public  to visit the restaurant which stands to offer African, Asian and continental cuisines adding that the ambience of the restaurant was such that would woo visitors.

    “I congratulate you for opening this restaurant, the ambience is beautiful and welcoming, beautifully decorated and painted blue, all signify the coastal  area here.

    “I wish you goodluck and I hope it will  be a fruitful venture for us all.

    “I encourage everyone to visit this place, it offers all forms of cuisines and drink cutting across nations,” he said.

    Kern encouraged Indians to continue projecting the positive image of the nation through proper conduct.

    Also, Shri N Mahesh, Head of Chancery in Lagos, said, “I congratulate the founder of this restaurant. I believe this venture will be successful and I wish you all the best.”

    A friend to the founder, Mr Sanjay Srivastava, congratulated the founder for delving into the hospitality industry as he encouraged him to do more.

    Earlier, Mr Mohan Kaki, founder of Anchor Restaurant, said that this was the fifth restaurant he had established in Nigeria with four others in Abeokuta and Ibadan.

    Kaki said he had Tamberma Restaurants in Oyo and Ogun states, named after Togolese  language and had decided to give the restaurant in Lagos a different name to replicate the coastal area where it is situated.

    According to him, the restaurant is meant to cater for the needs of Africans, Asians and individuals from other continents.

    He said the restaurant decorated in African designs was to create the right ambience for individuals who would always wish to unwind and take unique meals.

    “We have available here, Nigerian local cuisines like Edikang Ikong, Gbegiri, Efo-riro, Okro, Oha, White soup, Ground-nut soup, Eba, Pounded yam and all.

    “We also have continental cuisines as well as cuisines for the Southern Indians who love it hot and spicy and the Northern Indians who love it creamier.

    “We also offer exclusive seafood menu, our prices are affordable and before the end of next year, I hope to have established up to six branches here in Lagos,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Don tasks African leaders on unity to strengthen continent’s excellence in arts

    Don tasks African leaders on unity to strengthen continent’s excellence in arts

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Prof. Gbenga Fasiku, Director, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Friday called on African leaders to work unanimously to promote peaceful co-existence within the continent.

    Fasiku made the call during the commemoration of the Black History Month organised by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

    He said this was to strengthen African identity and promote the African spirit of excellence, most especially in the area of Arts.

    The programme, held virtually and physically, had its theme as “The Contributions of Africans to the Arts”.

    He said that in view of the success stories always recorded in African arts, music, literature, fashion and all, Africans must remain united to sustain, maintain and improve on the successes.

    “In the face of seemingly continuous regime of recolonisation, Can African arts ever be allowed to perform its functions? One of which is to drive genuine African emancipation, redefine African true consciousness, develop and lead Africa into her rightful position as a world power.

    “This is clarion call to African leaders to unite and strengthen the Africa identity, which will hydrate the African spirit of excellence in all facet of life.

    “At the Grammy Awards this year, Nigerian singer Tems came fringed in ostrich feathers and at the Cannes Film Festival, a young French-Senegalese director, Ramata-Toulaye Sy was a breakout star.

    “African fashion had its own shows in Paris and Milan. In Venice, Africa is the focus of this year’s Architectural Biennale.

    “Last year, an architect from Burkina Faso won the prestigious Pritzker Prize. In 2021, Tanzania-born Abdulrazak Gurnah won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

    “Also numerous of our artistes have continued to make serious impact, we must work on ensuring peaceful co-existence in order to create more succes stories,” he said.

    According to Fasiku, the contributions of Africans to arts were observed to be driven by the African souls, which represent the cultural consciousness that define the identity of Africans.

    He said it was instructive to note that African arts play dual roles as it served as a source of aesthetic pleasure to the artists and as expressions of the artists’ inner being, that represents the African’s shared identity.

     “Therefore, African sculptures are distinctively or peculiarly African, because they represent the soul of Africa,” he added.

    Haven identified the numerous contributions coming from the Africanists, Fasiku noted that it was correct to assert that Africa had reshaped and still reshaping the narrative of art history over the last 50 years.

    He said Africans’ contributions to the growth of arts had brought about novel, interdisciplinary, Africa-centered approaches which had all changed the face of global arts. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Black History Month: CBAAC lauds Rema’s performance at 2023 Ballon d’Or

    Black History Month: CBAAC lauds Rema’s performance at 2023 Ballon d’Or

    By Taiye Olayemi 

    The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) on Thursday commended Nigerian afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema for an outstanding performance during 2023 Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris.

    Its Director-General, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao who recounted how electrifying Rema’s performance was said Africans had contributed significantly to global arts and  entertainment growth over the years.

    Amao, during the 2023 Black History Month celebration organised by the centre with the theme “The Contributions of Africans to the Arts” noted that quite a number of blacks had continue to make notable contributions to the growth of arts.

    The programme held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State was done virtually and physically.

    She said just like in the sciences and engineering, black Africa had made giant strides in the arts and its different facets such as music, literature, fashion, filmmaking, performing arts and many others in the modern world.

    “I had the opportunity of watching the performance of one of Africa’s finest pop musicians called Rema at the World largest football award ceremony, the 2023 Ballon d’Or and indeed it was a very proud moment for me as an African and a Nigerian. 

    “I watched with admiration how Rema held his audience spellbound at this prestigious event. 

    “Indeed, this was a typical example of the contributions of Africans in the area of music and it is little wonder, that many believe music is Africa’s and Nigeria’s biggest export in the creative industry.

    “It is only right that we continue to recognise, celebrate and honour Africans who have made significant contributions not just in the arts but the various facets of live,” she said.

    Amao noted that the black history month celebration had been deliberately organised to create platform for advocacy to the children.

    She urged students present to take pride in their Africanness and black identity.

    “I want you all to be conscious of the fact that your African identity is never a limitation to what you can achieve and become in life.

    “Pls take deliberate efforts to acquaint yourselves with African history.

    “We have carefully instituted this event to celebrate and appreciate black and African history, as well as reecho the giant strides of Africans over forces of domination, discrimination and exploitation.

    “Our celebration of the Black History Month is also geared towards showcasing to the world the tremendous contributions of Black people to world civilisation,” she said.

    The DG noted that the black history month celebration began in the United States as Negro History Week and instituted by the renowned African-American historian, Dr Carter Woodson.
     
    She said the sole aim was to protest the exclusion of the contributions of African Americans from history textbooks in the United States.

    According to her, since it began nearly a century ago, the celebration of the black history month had grown and gained global acceptance.

    Earlier, Prof Gbenga Fasiku, Director, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife described music rendered by David Adeleke, “Davido” and majority of Nigerian artistes as distinctive.

    Also, Speaking, Prof Adetayo Ogunlewe, professor of literature and cultural studies, Lagos State University explained that Africans’ contributions toward world civilisation was mostly from literature, with minimal from history. 

    He said Africans must work on liberating themselves from mental colonisation which was responsible in perceiving African culture as inferior.

    “Pls be proud of your colour, regardless of what you are called. In Africa, we take pride in honour, integrity and achievements.

    “We all must continue to work hard to ensure we remain people of integrity, great honour and loaded with achievements,” he said.

    The event witnessed series of beautiful cultural performances by different cultural troupes and drama l, as well as poetry presentations. 

    Students present for the programme were all made to speak on what the black history month means to them, reawakening their consciousness to the beauty of being an African. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
     

  • Goge Africa bags Destination Awards as 2023 tourism promoters  

    Goge Africa bags Destination Awards as 2023 tourism promoters  

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Goge Africa, a media and culture brand has won the Destination Award as tourism promoters for the year 2023.

    Presenting the award, Mr Oluwadunsin Oluwasuji, said that Nneka and Isaac Moses, Founders of Goge Africa, had been known for showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of Lagos State and Africa.

    Oluwasuji, the organiser of the award, in a statement said they were also known for their multiple-award winning programme, “Goge Africa”, which had been promoting local tourism, African destinations and investment opportunities worldwide.
    He said the event placed the spotlight firmly on Lagos, known for its aquatic splendour, as it recognised and honored outstanding brands.
    “These prestigious awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions of brands in enhancing tourist experience, bolstering Lagos’ reputation as a must-visit destination and the state’s revenue through tourism,” he said.
    In his acceptance speech, Chief Executive Officer of Goge Africa,  Amb Isaac Moses, expressed deep gratitude to the group.
    “We are deeply honored to receive this award. The story of Goge Africa cannot be told without the mention of Lagos, where the idea was conceived and nurtured into the global brand it is today,” he said.
    The best fun destination for kids in Lagos went to Hakuna Matata Theme Park, while Jara Beach Resort won the best managed resort in Lagos and Landmark Beach emerged the best tourism destination in Lagos.
    Eko Hotel and Suites won the best hotel in Lagos; Nike Centre for Arts and Culture bagged the best gallery and museum in Lagos while Terra Kulture won the best cultural centre in Lagos.
    The Arcs and Glass Award for the best architectural firm in Lagos went to James Cubitt & Partners.
    Reddington Multi-Specialist Hospital emerged the best hospital in Lagos; Pablo by Cubana won the best nightclub in Lagos; Ofada Boi became the best Indigenous Restaurant in Lagos and Eric Kayser won the best restaurant in Lagos.
    Other notable awardees include Dayo Adedayo of Dayo Adedayo Photography; Wanle Akinboboye, Founder, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort as well as Mark and Millie Slade, Founders of Jara Beach Resort.
    Also, Lucia Shittu, Founder, Artelier Concierge & City Connect by Artelier Tannaz Banham; Founder of Lost in Lagos, Olumide Osunsinam; Managing Director, Megamound Investments Ltd; and Titiloye Ashamu, Founder, Ethnikologie. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Africans can achieve full democracy without foreign aid, says Don

    Africans can achieve full democracy without foreign aid, says Don

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Dr Ugo Aniga of the Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, says Africans can only achieve full democracy when its leaders jettison foreign aid.

    Aniga made the remark during the 2023 Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) annual public lecture, on Tuesday in Ibadan.

    According to Aniga, the future of Africa’s democracy depends on the operations of its leaders with their western counterparts.

    The theme of the lecture is: “Culture, Security and The Future of Democracy in Sub-Sahara Africa”.

    He said Africans must learn to confront their challenges and proffer solutions to them independently without western influence or aids.

    “The only way to achieve full democracy is to run away from foreign aids, we must learn to confront our problems and proffer African solutions to African problems.

    “Africans’ greatest problem is neo-colonialism and we must be conscious of the fact that democracy cannot triumph where there is neo-colonialism, injustice and bad governance.

    “African governments  must also note that insecurity cannot be curbed when the masses are hungry,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Adetayo Ogunlewe, Secretary General, Platform for African Culture and Development (PACUD), Ibadan, described democracy as a state of mind and borrowed ideology instilled on Africans.

    Ogunlewe said to achieve full democracy, democratic studies must be inculcated in schools’ curriculum to acculturate Africans to its dictates.

    “We need to teach democratic studies in schools from primary level through to the tertiary institutions, so that we all can understand what we want to achieve,” he said.

    Dr Temitope Bello of the Department of Political Science, Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, noted that to tackle the problem of insecurity in Africa, the African culture of selflessness, honesty and taking responsibility must be displayed by every African.

    “Conspiracy, cover-up and extremism practiced in the nation, which are not reported, is against the African culture of honesty.

    “We must go back to the status-quo as Africans and begin to bridge the gap between ethnic loyalty and national unity, we must desist from covering up crimes but be one another’s neighbour,” she said.

    On his part, Dr Sola Olorunyomi of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), said that Africans must take cognisance of upholding indigenous languages to achieve continental development.

    He said Africans must desist from playing dumb to the issue of promoting their languages which could be considered a vital aspect of culture capable of enhancing knowledge in individuals.

    “Being able to speak our local languages will help in accessing great education from technical knowledge to scientific information, to the lowest impulses,” he said.

    Earlier,  Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General of CBAAC, noted that the democratic journey of the

    African continent had been quite a tortuous one as the democratic gains were fast being eroded on account of insecurity.

    She said that this was a sad departure from the African Union’s aspiration for peace on the continent and the subsequent designation of the year 2020 as the year for “silencing the guns”.

    She said that was supposed to be the deadline for achieving the end to violent conflicts, prevention of genocide, gender-based violence, civil wars, and all other wars in the region.

    She said Africans were increasingly losing faith in democracy and democratic governance as a means of guaranteeing improvement in the human condition on the continent.

    According to her, this is evidently reflected in the general jubilations that has greeted the recent waves of coups in some countries in Africa, especially the West African region.

    “To state that Africans’ democratic journey has been marred by conflict and insecurity is to say the least, it is important to interrogate the future of democracy within the African region,” she said.

    Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), represented by Dr Seunfunmi Olutayo, Director, Institute of African Studies, UI, said,  “Let us remember that Sub-Saharan Africa is not just a region of challenges; it is a region of boundless potential.

    “By understanding the role of culture, addressing security concerns and nurturing democracy, we can work toward a future where the people of Sub-Saharan Africa enjoy peace, prosperity, and the full realisation of their democratic aspirations.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)