By Taiye Olayemi

Oba Francis Agbede, Okowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom in Ondo, has commended Segun Runsewe, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on his developmental strides in the culture and tourism sectors of Nigeria.

Agbede, in a statement on Monday, said Runsewe had shown seriousness in handling everything that has to do with culture in Nigeria.

He also commended Runsewe in his efforts to combat the ills and social-vices bedeviling the society, and appreciated Runsewe’s collaboration efforts with other governmental organisations to develop the culture sector of the country.

He enjoined all the stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry to put heads together to move the industry to higher and better level.

“Runsewe’s effort in empowering Nigerian youths in converting waste to wealth is also commendable, this has helped to create employment especially for the youths,” he said.

Agbede took time out to pray for Runsewe, for God to strengthen him in all his efforts to make culture the new oil of Nigeria.

In his response, Runsewe thanked the traditional ruler for paying him a visit, and told him of his intention to see that every traditional ruler carves out a place within the palace where works of arts and crafts will be displayed for visitors especially foreigners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Ikenna Osuoha

Ms May Ikokwu, a Culture Advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Save Our Heritage
Initiative (SOHI), has called for preservation of African heritage.

She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday
in commemoration of the 2023 African World Heritage Day, annually celebrated on May 5 for people around
the world to celebrate Africa.

The day was declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2018.

Ikokwu, therefore, said Africa is blessed with intangible assets inherited from past generations, including monuments,
languages and vegetation which should be preserved.

She reiterated the need for preservation of the African cultural heritage, adding that they were significant in defining peoples’ true Identity.

She said “there are over 2,000 recognised languages on the continent. The most spoken language is Arabic, followed by English, Swahili
and French.

“Africa, according to UNFPA, has 1.1 billion people, and over half of the population are under the age of 25 years.”

Ikokwu urged African governments at different levels to evolve policies that would preserve the cultural heritage.

The culture advocate expressed the imperatives of fighting malaria and other diseases that tend to threaten African heritage.

According to her, the World Health Organisation says about 90 per cent of malaria cases in the world take place in Africa.

She advised that more effort aimed at preserving lives and cultural identities be put in place in the fight against malaria.

She added that it was time to prevent Africa’s cultural and natural gifts from the risk of losing universal value.

Ikokwu, who warned against negative influence and pressure of foreign culture affecting Africa, called for stronger
resistance against such incursions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Taiye Olayemi

Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP), Indian community in Nigeria, has celebrated the 100th episode of the nation’s “Mann ki BAAT”.

Mr Sanjay Srivastava, President of OFBJP, Nigeria chapter disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mann Ki Baat, which is in Hindi, means “Speaking from heart”

It is an Indian radio programme hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he addresses the people of the nation.

Srivastava said the programme, which began in Oct. 3, 2014, had become a key pillar of the government-citizen outreach programme addressing multiple social groups.

He said that the broadcast, usually done every last Sunday of the month, had its 100th episode held in April 30, 2023.

Srivastava noted that the platform had enabled the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi speak directly with every Indian across the globe through radio broadcast.

According to him, the women, youths and farmers are all addressed and the engagement has spurred various community action.

“We celebrated the 100th episode of Mann ki BAAT because for us, it is historic.

“Mann ki BAAT is a platform we have enjoyed since 2014 and our Prime Minister has been able to boost Indians’ confidence in his governance.

“For us, it is a celebration of unity, peace and harmony among Indians across the globe and we look forward to this.

“The radio broadcast was held in 10 locations within Nigeria like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin, Abuja and more,” he said.

Srivastava urged all Indians to embrace and appreciate the qualities of others as advised by Prime Minister Modi.

Modi said, “Friends, for me, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has been like worshipping the qualities in others. I had a guide – Shri Laxmanrao ji Inamdar.

“We used to address him as Vakeel Saheb.

“He always used to say that we should worship the qualities of others.

“No matter who is face to face with you, be it your compatriot, be it your opponent, we should try to know about their good qualities and learn from them.

“This trait of his has always inspired me. ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a great medium to learn from the qualities of others,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

By Taiye Olayemi

Dr Bonny Abisogun-Botoku, Secretary-General, Nigeria-Republic of Benin Inter-border Forum, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote policies that will ensure seamless travels within the region.
Abisogun-Botoku, who made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said that it was high time ECOWAS leaders facilitated free movement of people as enshrined in the regional protocol.
“Beyond the rhetoric, ECOWAS leaders must be committed to the treaty signed by all parties.
“Activities on regional integration, growth and development should be taken as seriously as possible to entrench regional growth.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the secretary-general made the call at the maiden Mahindi Carnival held from April 28 and May 1 at Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire.
The secretary-general praised the organisers of the carnival, emphasising the need for regional integration through tourism and cultural promotion.
He noted that the carnival was initiated by the International House of the Agneby-Tiassa Region (MIRAT), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Regional Council.
Abisogun-Botoku, who doubles as the Leader of the Africa Integration Arts Palace and Tour Cultural Troupe, expressed satisfaction that the troupe projected Nigeria well in cultural performances.
He said that the troupe celebrated Nigeria’s culture, showcasing some of the cultural heritage of its various tribes and reinforcing the need for harmonious living among the ethnic groups.
He praised the Ivorian Minister of Health Pierre N’gou Dimba, for his passion for art and culture.
He noted that countries that participated in the carnival included Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Senegal and Martinique.
Earlier, the Ivorian Minister of Health, Dimba, expressed delight at the exhibition of talents by troupes at the event.
The carnival featured singing, fanfares, storytelling and cultural performances from participating countries. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Ijeoma Popoola

By Taiye Olayemi

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on Tuesday urged the incoming President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to create a sole ministry for tourism and culture, once he assumes office.

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN President, made the call in Abuja during a creative stakeholder’s meeting organised by the  National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The meeting had as its theme: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”.

Onung said that it was important to separate the tourism and culture industry from information to give room for growth in the creative sector.

According to him, tourism and culture industry would have thrived better if separated from the ministry of information as currently obtained.

“I want to seize this opportunity to plead with the incoming president to separate the ministry of information from culture and tourism.

“We want a stand alone ministry for tourism and culture so that proper attention can be given to the creative space, such that will engender remarkable growth.

“The combination of culture and information has hindered the growth of the culture and tourism industries over the years because more attention has  been drawn toward information so much.

“We also plead that individuals appointed to head government parastatals within the tourism and culture industries should be made accountable while in office to ensure growth, novices should not be engaged,” he said.

Also Mr Israel Eboh, National President,  National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), harped on the need for the incoming President to work unanimously with stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry, to ensure that the nation’s cultural values were upheld.

Eboh noted that the problems confronting the nation in terms of lack of unity was due to the fact that Nigerians had lost their cultural values.

He, however, called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) to wake up to their responsibilities of upholding the nation’s cultural values.

“Agenda setting is absolutly necessary as we move into the next administration.

“The incoming administratiom need to pay attention to all elements of our culture, in storytelling, dancing, songs and all.

“NOA, NICO and other cultural parastatals need to be deliberate and systematic in cultural re-orientation in the incoming administration,” he said.

Television analyst, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, urged Nigerians generally to be totally committed to building a better nation in view of culture collapse the nation is experiencing.

Kolade-Otitoju also advised the President-elect to reduce cost of governance to make remarkable progress in nation-building.

He noted that if Nigeria could have three good successive leaders, the nation would be great again. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has advised Nigerian youths to shun  the ‘Japa syndrome’, saying it does not  guarantee shortcut to affluence.

Mr Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, NCAC,  gave the advice during a tourism and culture stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting meant to set agenda for the incoming government, had as its theme: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”.

Runsewe gave instances where some youths travel abroad to embrace menial jobs which they found difficult to practice  in Nigeria.

He said it was high time the ‘japa syndrome’ was addressed as he urged the youth to remain creative and work on being self employed.

He noted that traveling abroad did not give room for automatic affluence.

“It is our duty to culturally guide the country, our youths are frustrated due to the state of the economy but it is not enough to travel out of the country to embrace menial jobs when they can stay and be creative to create wealth.

“There is the growing feeling of alienation among the vast majority of our youths,  manifesting in various forms of restiveness and the internationalisation and exhibition of vices that are at variance with our culture.

“We need to wake up to this reality and ensure the situation is promptly corrected as government and parents,” he said

Runsewe noted that the meeting was deliberately planned to guide the incoming government on what to be done in the cultural sector.

He said three garmane issues were addressed: the Japa syndrome, religious intolerance and violence as well as the need for cultural rebirth.

He appealed to Nigerian leaders at all levels to work as a team in providing the enabling social environment for the development of the nation by preaching peace, living in peace and working together in peace.

Also, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said , “there is no greener pasture anywhere, the youth only need to be appropriately skilled to be self employed.

“The observation is also that the youth are too proud to embrace the reality; wasting their future abroad;  their choice of greener pasture can be created here in Nigeria as they embrace various skills.”

Earlier, Mrs Rebecca Ede, Chief Executive Officer,  Hadid Consult, said government’s assistance and urgent intervention was needed to position the youth to know what they have to project for wealth creation.

She advised that internet fraudsters should also be harnessed for rehabilitation  and reorientation.

She urged the youth to constantly upgrade themselves with some globally transferrable skills.
According to her, these skills refer to abilities or knowledge that extend beyond a specific role, function or profession

“The youth can empower themselves with power skills, also known as transferable skills like: problem solving, critical thinking, project management, relationship building, communication skills and technology skills.
“All these can be developed and served from Nigeria as they dominate the universe from home.
“These skills have the potential to be applied in various contexts, industries, or job functions, making them highly sought-after by employers worldwide.
“Possessing these skills can be an invaluable asset and can help you succeed, no matter where your career takes you. The good news is that developing these skills is straightforward, and they can be applied to any career path,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

NECLive, a West African annual conference of creative industry professionals has introduced a new multi-venue and global format as it celebrates 10th anniversary.
 
 
Ayeni Adekunle, Founder of NECLive, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
 
NECLive brings together music artistes, comedians, Nollywood artistes  and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry such as producers, marketers, creative arts and media professionals for a full day of conversations, workshops, exhibitions and master classes
 
Adekunle said after 10 years in a single city, the conference would now hold simultaneously in other parts of Nigeria and in key cities across Africa, Europe, and America.
 
According to him, these changes are a matter of necessity, given where the industry is today; and in line with the new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
 
“When we conceived the idea for an annual conference 10 years ago, it was out of frustration.
 
“Frustration about lack of education, about piracy, about lack of platforms, access and opportunities for entertainment practitioners to monetise their talent at scale.
 
“Today, most of those problems have largely been solved but we are now faced with even bigger problems and opportunities.
 
“I believe that it’s time to begin the work of making sure Africa’s creators and everyone else in the value chain; as well as our societies and economies, get the maximum possible value from our contribution and growing participation in the global entertainment marketplace,” he said

According to Adekunle, from 2024, the new NECLive will hold over the course of a month, from April to May every year.
 
He explained that it would begin with a flagship event in Lagos, and run through cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Ibadan.
 
He said the event would also run through London and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom; Atlanta and New York in U.S., as well as other key African cities like Nairobi, Accra and Johannesburg, among others.
 
He said that NECLive was founded in 2013 and had provided a sustained platform for conversations and interventions for an industry that has fought against all odds to survive and thrive.
 
He said the annual conference had hosted 11 events that have seen over 100,000 participants, reaching an audience of over 100 million in more than 30 countries with over 40 broadcast hours.
 
According to him, NECLive has generated over 100 partners, sponsors and brokered more than 700 deals.
 
Adekunle said NECLive would henceforth present a global showcase of the African entertainment experience.
 
He said this would be for the benefit of platforms, labels, investors, brands, businesses, talents, governments, and other stakeholders.
 
“The industry, even the whole world has changed a lot since we kicked off NECLive in 2013.

“Having realised that most of the frustrations that led us to found NECLive have since been solved, I believe it is now time to face newer, bigger battles.
 
“We wanted some standardisation around distribution, now we have it. We wanted access to bigger markets and opportunities to monetise and it’s already happening.
 
“We wanted honour, recognition and acknowledgement. It is happening; It is still early days but it is already happening. But what does it mean? Where is it headed? How do we benefit individually and collectively sustainably? What happens next?
“We are spending the next 10 years of NECLive answering these questions and more.
“And to do that well, we have to overhaul the entire format. So, starting April 24, 2024, we will decentralise the platform, hosting shows and workshops and exhibitions and more all over the world,” he said.
Adekunle noted that the flagship events in Lagos and other Nigerian cities will be retained.
“But no matter where you are in the world, the plan is for you to be able to witness the African entertainment experience.
“This is from the point of view of carefully selected professionals who have given and continue to give everything it takes to build what I am convinced will shape up to be the most successful creative industry in the world.
 
“NECLive will now be presented annually by Africa Creative Foundation, an invite-only membership-based organisation to be launched this summer. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Dr Bobby Moroe, South African Consul-General in Lagos, on Saturday called on Nigerians to choose South Africa as their preferred tourist destination.

Moroe made the call during the South Africa Week, held in Lagos, to celebrate the country’s 29th anniversary of democratic rule as well as bilateral and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

According to the Consul-General, South Africa is  a suitable country to visit for business, conferencing, tourism, education and leisure.

“Today, we are celebrating the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, we are also celebrating 29 years of democracy in South Africa.

“We have chosen to celebrate in Nigeria to appreciate the role Nigeria has played in struggle for South Africans’  liberation.

“South Africa will never forget the role Nigeria has played in its liberation agenda, so this is how we show our appreciation.

“Today is the begining of a new journey in the renewal of our friendship with Nigerians. So, we urge Nigerians to visit South Africa for conferencing, studies, business and to find love.

“South Africa is open for tourism,” he said.

Also,Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head, South Africa Tourism (SAT), said the ‘Rainbow Nation’ was well endowed with choice destinations for tourists as he explained the available attractions.

“We at South Africa Tourism are excited to be part of the celebration of South Africa week. We have been here since 2015 and we appreciate the relationship so far.

“We seize this opportunity to welcome tourists to South Africa to explore the abundance of beaches, wildlife and all,” he said.

Some of the South Africans and Nigerians at the programme, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) spoke on their attractions for cultures of other countries.

Musa Nzuza, a South African, who is into  industrial catering, said ” I cherish Nigerian food and their respectful nature; the greetings are second to none; I always feel like a queen when they greet. Infact, Nigeria is my second home.”

Also, Herman Franken, who works with South Africa International Breweries, said having worked in Zambia, Namibia and Ghana, he could boldly say Nigerians were more friendly and approachable.

Similarly, Lynette Mitchell, Financial Manager with SON International,  described Nigerians as welcoming, hospitable and best people in Africa.

A Nigerian Model, Mr Kenneth Joseph, said ” South Africans are also loving individuals who are so passionate about their culture. This, I cherish in them.

“Nigerians must also learn to take pride in their culture and improve on exhibiting it.”

NAN reports that delegates at the event were entertained with scintillating Zulu dance performance.  (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran