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Author: Taiye Baiyerohi

  • Nigerian visual artist, Zinno Orara, is dead

    Late Nigerian Visual Artist, Zinno Orara
    Nigerian visual artist, Zinno Orara, is dead
    Death
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian contemporary Visual Artist, Zinno Orara, is dead, aged 60.
    Orara’s colleagues, Gab Awusa, disclosed this on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
    Awusa wrote, “My friend, my brother has gone home to be with the Lord….Rest in peace Zinno Orara.”
    Also, Biodun Omolayo, Founder of Omotayo Art Gallery, took to his Facebook page to mourn the deceased saying, “WE LOST A GEM – ZINO Zinno Orara 😭😭😭😭
    A Graduate with distinction!
    A brilliant visual artist!
    A Philosopher!
    A Painter of Philosophy!
    A gentleman per excellence!
    One of the cleanest Artists in Nigeria!
    A lover of family!
    A gentle mentor to children & teenagers!
    “Zinno Orara thank you for adding colours to the lives of others even when you were going through your own silent pains! 🙏🏿
    “Young at Art Creative Workshop appreciates you, especially for coming to groom them on our 20th anniversary last year!
    “Who would have imagined that your DIALOGUE at the National Museum, Lagos, this year was going to be your last major outing!
    “Hmmm, life is so ephemeral!
    Zino, we love you but the Lord loves you more!
    Good night, finally, dear brilliant fine artist and friend! May the Lord rest your soul and grant your family the strength to bear your exit! 🙏🏿
    😭😭😭😭.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zinno Orara was born in 1964 in Benin, Edo.

    He graduated from the School of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic in 1988 and had been a full time studio artist since then.

    Orara had his first independent exhibition, Metamorphosis, at Didi Museum in 1991. Since then he has had 13 independent exhibitions and over 20 collaborations.
    His works are exhibited all over Nigeria and overseas including South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and United States of America. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • “Kids Say the Darndest Things” to host 3rd edition in Africa

    Chichi Nwoko, Chief Executive Officer, What Media Group, and Lauren Marriott, SVP, Content Partnerships and Brand Strategy, Paramount Global Content Distribution.
    Show
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos June 25, 2024 (NAN) “Kids Say the Darndest Things”, a television family show, is set to begin its third season in celebration of African children as well as their unique voices and perspectives.
    Chichi Nwoko, Chief Executive Officer of What Media Group, in a statement on Tuesday said the show was set to deliver its unique blend of humour and authenticity to audiences in the forthcoming edition.
    Nwoko said the show would be hosted in partnership with Paramount Global Content Distribution and What Media Group.
    “Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa is bringing more laughs, more surprises, and more heartwarming moments.
    “This season marks a groundbreaking partnership between the iconic show and two entertainment powerhouses, Paramount Global Content Distribution and What Media Group.
    “Opening up the show across the African continent will allow kids and parents alike to watch this hilarious reimagined format together as a family,” she said.
    She noted that the show was committed to celebrating the diversity and originality of African kids
    “With the support of Paramount, we are setting the stage for a season like no other.
    “We are dedicated to maintaining the show’s essence, where the candidness of our young stars takes centre stage.
    “In the past, the show focused on kids from Nigeria, but this year we are excited to open it up to kids from across the African continent.
    “Our aim is to keep the content fresh, engaging, and true to the experiences of today’s connected and vibrant generation,” she said.
    According to her, Kids Say the Darndest Things Africa brings the unfiltered brilliance and humour of Africa’s children to the forefront.
    “The new season promises a diverse cast of children from across Africa, sharing their spontaneous and often hilarious insights on life.”
    Nwoko noted that in keeping with the show’s tradition, the children to be involved are not professional actors, and not rehearsed.
    “This ensures that their responses remain genuine and unpredictable as we never know what they are going to say.”
    She said casting calls would be announced shortly, inviting children aged four to 11 from all over Africa to share their unique perspectives.
    Also, Lauren Marriott, SVP, Content Partnerships and Brand Strategy, Paramount Global Content Distribution, said: “We are thrilled to be working with What Media Group to bring the Kids Say the Darndest Things format to audiences across Africa.”
    The U.S. version of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is produced by CBS Studios in association with Anvil 1893 Entertainment and She Ready Productions.
    Paramount Global Content Distribution licenses the format rights. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    WFLA golf tournament logo

     

     

    WFLA Golf tournament unveils logo

    Logo

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 25, 2024 (NAN) Walk For Love Africa (WFLA) project, a flagship programme under African Union Foundation has unveiled the official logo for its Green Classics Golf Tournament.

    Toni Ukachukwu, WFLA Chairman in a statement in Lagos, on Tuesday said the tournament had been slated to hold on Saturday June 29 at Ikeja Golf Club.

    Ukachukwu said WFLA was saddled with the responsibility of promoting a sustainable Intra-Africa travel, tourism and trade.

    He said the event aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and responsible practices, using sports as one of its pillars under tourism.

    According to him, the logo featured a stylised design incorporating elements of nature, symbolising the harmony between the game and the environment.

    He said the colour scheme reflected the natural world, with shades of green and representing growth, serenity and the planet.

    “The Green Classics Golf Tournament, scheduled for 29th of June at Ikeja Golf Club will bring together business leaders, golf enthusiasts and environmental advocates to raise awareness and funds for sustainable initiatives.

    “The event will feature a competitive golf tournament, networking opportunities and educational sessions on environmental best practices.

    “WFLA is committed to promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship through the Green Classics Golf Tournament

    “We believe that small actions today can lead to a significant positive impact on ESG and our planet’s future whilst using different programmes to promote travel, tourism and trade ecosystem in Africa and supporting UN SDGs.

    “For us Green Classics is more than a game as it seeks to make environmental impact across Africa using golf which contributes to sequestration and carbon balance,” he said.

    Ukachukwu noted that environmental sustainability was no longer a choice but a business imperative.

    He however, called on corporate brands and well meaning individuals to partner with WFLA on the inaugural WFLA Green Classics Golf Tournament and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Cholera outbreak: Hotel association urges members to take precautionary measures

    Chief Patrick Anyanwu, National President of Nigeria Hotel Association

    Cholera
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) on Monday advised hoteliers across the country to take precautionary measures against the spread of cholera.

    Chief Patrick Anyanwu, National President of NHA, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    According to him, each hotel management should upscale and maintain hygienic environment in their kitchens and dinner sections, following the increase in the spread of the disease.

    He advised the hoteliers to take conscious effort in adhering to the preventive measures outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government.

    “This is a delicate period for everyone.

    “We should all adhere to improving our personal hygiene, prioritise food safety, clean the hotel premises well enough, disinfect often and always sensitise staff on these preventive measures.

    “We should not be agents for the spread of cholera,” he said.

    Data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the country has recorded 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 11  in 30 states, with over 1,141 suspected cases. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Zimbabwean- American poet celebrates African women

    Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state; Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Mr Summy Smart-Francis, Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State during the opening of Èyò by La Campagne in Lagos, on Sunday.
    Zimbabwean– American poet celebrates African women
    Women
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos June 24, 2024 (NAN) In a soothing and thought-provoking performance, Zimbabwean-American Poet and Artiste, U-Meleni Adebo on Sunday celebrated the beauty of African women.
    Adebo who performed during the unveiling of “Èyò by La Campagne” in Ikoyi extolled the uniqueness of the skin of the black women.
    The poet encouraged African women to remain resilient and always stand to protect one another.
    In a blend of spoken word and musical performance she appraised the beauty of every black woman, this was to the excitement of the revellers.
    She eulogised the African women’s inner beauty of self assurance, strength and wisdom, likewise, their radiant skin, hair texture and body shape.
    Èyò by La Campagne is an Afrocentric relaxation centre, established by Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.
    The opening of the recreational centre was themed “African Beats and Bites”.
    Akinboboye said the facility which comprised of a swimming pool, event centre, performance arena, conference centre, VIP section, art gallery and more, would henceforth be made available for all to unwind.
    He said the recreational centre would hold nightlife event every Sunday night which would be tagged “African Beats and Bites”, where tourists would have access to local African cuisines.
    According to him lovers of nightlife would also be treated to beautiful performaces from renowned African artistes and bands.
    “This is an extension of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, tourists will enjoy wonderful nightlife experience here, accompanied by their choice of any African cuisine.
    “This is still my way of promoting everything African,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atunda musical entertainment in scintillating performance brought back beautiful and nostalgic memories of music from older artistes, which revealed instructive proverbs and witty sayings as well as morals.
    Other artistes that performed were: Ara Thunder, Olo-Omidan Bata and Tasha. The guests also enjoyed an interesting performance by a group of Eyo Masqueraders.
    Eyo performance during the show 
    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Artist urges FG to support sector with more grants

    Nigerian Visual Artist, Promise Ebegbulem with some of her recent works
    Grant
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos June 22, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian visual artist, Promise Ebegbulem, on Saturday urged the Federal Government to create more avenues for artists to access grants, to enable them thrive in their chosen profession.
    Ebegbulem made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
    According to her, this is important because the few available platforms for grants are not easily accessible for many artists.
    She said to encourage more individuals to embrace the profession, government must be deliberate in encouraging the existing artists.
    According to her, this encouragement can be in way of providing opportunities for artists to access grants and establishing more public art galleries for constant exhibition.
    “Investing in arts education from an early age, providing grants for art projects and establishing more public galleries and art spaces can significantly boost the industry.
    “Creating platforms for artists to showcase their work internationally can elevate the perception of Nigerian art on a global stage.
    “By doing so, we can inspire younger generations to pursue their artistic passions and contribute to the cultural and creative economy.
    “It is crucial for the government to recognise the arts as a vital component of cultural identity and economic development.”
    Speaking on her challenges, the artist said she had to contend with limited access to funds and inadequate exhibition spaces.
    According to her, there is also the issue of inconsistent support, which makes it difficult for artists to sustain a career in the arts.
    “It is also disheartening to observe lack of public appreciation for contemporary arts.
    “To improve the industry, the government can establish more art grants and scholarships, develop infrastructure for art exhibitions and workshops, and create policies that protect and promote the intellectual property rights of artists.
    “Fostering partnerships between local artists and international art institutions can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” she said.
    Ebegbulem, who has been practising for over nine years said she had participated in more than seven public exhibitions where she shared her reflections on human nature and cultural values.
    She said her journey, sparked by a profound personal challenge, led her to create captivating paintings that resonate with deep cultural, real life experience and emotional layers.
    Ebegbulem said growing as an artist, she drew inspiration from artistic legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ben Enwonwu.
    Speaking on her recent work entitled “Reflections of Humanity”, Ebegbulem said she tried to make people realise the essence of engaging in self-reflection.
    “Reflections of Humanity” is a mixed-media installation that combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary digital elements.
    “The piece explores the importance of self-reflection, acknowledging Nigerians’ shared human experience, and celebrating cultural diversity.
    “I was inspired by the current global happenings, where there seems to be a growing disconnect between people and their cultural roots.
    “With this work, I aim to encourage viewers to pause, reflect on their own lives, culture and recognise the potential for greatness and unity within our human diversity.
    “There will be a solo exhibition of this work in August,” she said.
    Ebegbulem, who described herself as a self-taught contemporary visual artist from Imo, said she is currently a certified Artificial Intelligence Scientist and aspiring to do more. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Don’t be ashamed, speak up when traumatised, therapist advises

     

    Lara Kudayisi, Founder of Lara Kudayisi International, with Teddy Don-Momoh, co-founder of Lara Kudayisi International during a media briefing in Lagos, on Friday.

     

     

    Trauma

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 21, 2024 (NAN) Lara Kudayisi, a relationship expert and therapist, has advised individuals undergoing any form of trauma to speak up and seek help.

    Kudayisi, Founder of Lara Kudayisi International, gave the advice at a news conference ahead of the maiden edition of “Finding Love After Trauma Fiesta” (FLAT), on Friday in Lagos.

    According to her, keeping quiet while going through trauma can be risky.

    She said to encourage the culture of speaking up promptly, ‘Finding Love After Trauma Fiesta’ would be hosted to help traumatised individuals in the society to recover.

    Kudayisi said the programme was targeted at singles, married and divorced individuals who are trying to recover from one form of trauma or the other.

    She said the programme slated to hold on June 29, at Muson Centre in Lagos, would be an avenue to address sensitive issues, particularly marital and relationship trauma.

    According to her, certified relationship therapists will be engaged during the fiesta to offer professional help.

    She said that the fiesta would feature panel sessions where individuals who had healed from traumatised relationships share their experiences for others to learn and recover as well.

    She said that the programme would also provide an avenue for people to understand the essence of maintaining sound mental health in relationships.

    “FLAT is meant to bring traumatised individuals to their safe spaces. We are looking at the singles, married and the divorced for this maiden edition.

    “From this programme, people will get to learn effective communication techniques to enhance their connections with others.

    “People will also learn strategies for navigating challenges and conflicts in a healthy and constructive way as well as gain inspiration from real-life success stories.

    “We will have Omowunmi Akinnifesi; Sandra Eze; Morayo and Femi Afolabi-Brown; Chiamaka Obuekwe; Oladotun Ojuolape and many others speak on the panel.

    “This is going to be a celebration of love, learning and connection for all; we want to debunk the narrative that being single means going into prostitution, ” she said.

    Speaking on the entertainment segment of the fiesta, Teddy Don-Momoh, co-founder of Lara Kudayisi International, said the programme would not only feature healing and therapy sessions.

    Don-Momoh said there would also be comedy session, musical performances, dance session, games and networking session. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Music practitioner, Femi Esho, dies at 77

    Late Femi Esho, Chairman, Evergreen Musical Company
    Music practitioner, Femi Esho, dies at 77
    Death
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Chief Femi Esho, Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company, is dead, aged 77.
    The deceased’s daughter, Bimbo Esho, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos said the music practitioner died on Monday after a brief illness.
    She said: “We announce the passing unto glory of our patriarch, Mr Samuel Babafemi Esho, popularly known and referred to as “Baba Esho”, Baba Musician, etc.
    “Baba Esho departed to greater glory on Monday 17th June 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 77.
    “Baba Esho until his demise was the Chairman of the Evergreen Musical Company as well as the Founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation.
    “Baba Esho was a mentor  and “encyclopedia” to many ‘Highlife music aficionados.
    “He will be remembered as one who gave so much of himself to see to the “immortality” of the musical works of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat and a crop of other Nigerian/African genre of indigenous music.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • FTAN urges prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline 

     

    Tourism

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Lagos chapter, has urged prospective tourists to explore West Africa’s coastline.

    Its President, Babatope Fajemilokun, made the call when he led members of the association on a boat cruise expedition tour of the coastal area of Lagos through Badagry to Porto-Novo on Saturday.

    The team of 30 members explored the coastal areas to project and market the beautiful coastlines for global exploration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tourism expedition began at the National Inland Waterways Authority  jetty in CMS, Lagos.

    Fajemilokun said the expedition was deliberately planned to expose the beauty of Lagos and Porto-Novo coastlines to practitioners for better marketing of acquatic tourism in the two countries.

    “With the heavenly view of the waterways, the lush greenery vegetation around the lagoon, the fresh and slightly brackish water as well as the cooling and calming ambiance, aquatic tourism can be easily promoted.

    “There are a lot to be seen here in Benin Republic that most people do not know existed.

    “I am using this opportunity to call on intending tourists to exlpore these coastal areas just as we have done, we want tourists to know that travelling on water can also be fun.

    “We also want to encourage Africans to travel within Africa to boost our economy.

    “This adventure is also meant to serve as an avenue for members of FTAN to mingle well and reunite, I want FTAN Lagos chapter to come back on track, we have been doing this before, we have started again.

    “I am happy, the turnout is impressive, our next outing will be better than this and I want everyone to look out for it,” he said.

    The practitioners also enjoyed a city tour of Cotonou township, with visits to Place des Martyrs, Esplanade des Amazones and Club des Rois beach.

    The Topa Market; Martin Luther King St.; Akpakpa environs and some other iconic tourism attractions were also visited.

    Also, Mr Frank Meke, a tourism consultant, advised the Federal Government to take conscious efforts in nurturing tourism in Nigeria as observed in Benin Republic.

    “It is obvious that the government of Benin Republic has prioritised grooming of the tourism industry by taking deliberate steps of building the needed infrastructure.

    “The Nigerian government, however, needs to emulate such.”

    The Tour Guide who conducted the tour, Anago Osho, commended President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic for improved infrastructural development in the country channelled toward tourism growth.

    Osho said that Porto-Novo, capital of Benin Republic is located on the coastal lagoon at the extreme south-eastern part of the country.

    He said the city, formerly known as Ajase, served as the capital for the Yoruba state of Popo as it later became the centre of the kingdom of Porto-Novo and flourished as a result of slave trade with the Portuguese.

    Tunde Kolade, Vice President of FTAN, commended the tidy state of the tourism sites in Benin Republic and advised the government not to relent in grooming tourism.

    “I am really impressed with the neat environment here, the organised and orderly manner people are conducting themselves, this is indeed a place to visit again,” he said.

    Jamiu Talabi, President, Lagos Hoteliers Association, said,  “I am so proud of our association, FTAN, I am happy to have been to these exciting places.

    “In Nigeria, we have more than what can be found here but we have not exploited them well enough, we need to do more in Nigeria.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Folasade Adeniran

  • 2024 LIMCAF: Access Bank board chairman tasks youths on creativity

    Advice
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Usoro, Chairman, Board of Directors, Access Bank Plc, has advised Nigerian youths to focus on creativity and skills acquisition rather than seeking shortcuts to wealth creation.
    Usoro gave the advice during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF), held in Lagos on Saturday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme featured exhibition of  about 106 artworks by up-and-coming artists from across the nation.
    The programme has the theme “Humanism”, which the artists depicted in their works.
    Usoro, who was the special guest of honour, said knowledge and skills acquired could be easily converted to wealth through hardwork.
    He urged the youth not to lose hope in spite of the economic hardship but remain hardworking and creative.
    He advised them to be committed to utilising their brains positively.
    “I will like to advise Nigerian youths not to lose hope; don’t look for shortcuts; all you really need to do is to use your brains.
    “Even as artists, you can be successful. Make yourselves knowledgeable and skillful.
    “I am impressed with the works these young people have created here.
    ”I wish the organisers can project it to a larger audience so that it can inspire our leaders to formulate policies that will make life much better and give the young people hope,” he said.
    Also, Kelvin Ejiofor, Executive Director, LIMCAF, said that at the end of the programme on June 22, the exhibitor of the best artwork would win N1 million.
    Ejiofor said that LIMCAF aimed at encouraging creativity and empowering aspiring young artists , including those with disabilities.
    “LIMCAF, in its 17th edition recorded remarkable impact of convincing people that arts was no longer an occupation not to be proud of.
    “It is my main source of joy helping the young people to find their feet in their chosen profession, giving them opportunity to showcase their works,” he said.
    For Jekami Adetiloye, one of the Jury, said the exhibition is  a clarion call to every Nigerian to be humane, regardless of the happenings in the society.
    “There seems to be the absence of humanity in the society because of the current economic hardship in the country, hence the choice of the theme.
    “The artists who have exhibited their works are suggesting ways government can solve problems as well as sensitising Nigerians on the need to show kindness and compassion to others.
    “This exhibition has seen our youths solving the problem of unemployment as they become relentless, hardworking and creative to have come up with unique perspectives to things happening in the society.
    “The youths are also now interested in documentation which has been a great challenge,” he said.
    One of the artists, Praise Edward, who described herself as a digital artist and and a graphic designer, said her work titled “Strong Together” exposes the chaotic experience of women who have been marginalised.
    “So, I tried to picture these women coming together to build hope by way of uniting, sharing their experiences and creating better lives for themselves,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran
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