By Oladele Eniola

Mr Victor Okhai, Founder, International Film and Broadcast Academy (IFBA), has urged youths in the country to learn skills to achieve self-sustainability.

He said this would reduce the unemployment rate among the youth and develop the national economy as well as enhance self-reliance among them.

Okhai said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on the sideline of the conclusion of a five-day training of 100 up-and-coming photographers on the art of photography.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was held at the Academy Centre, in Surulere area of Lagos State.

He explained that the training would enhance skills of the participants and also help in filling the void of inadequate skills acquisition amongst the youth.

“We are training 100 photographers on the techniques of photography, as this is part of our mandate to offer free training to over 20 million people around the continent.

“Skills acquisition is very important as it plugs different holes and ensures that people can explore and use their skills set to use.

“We have been doing this type of training over the years and we are committed to ensuring that we empower the masses through these means and give people the platform to enhance and put their skills into use,” he said.

Okhia, who is also the President of Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN), revealed that the participants of the training were selected from faith-based organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and advert placement of Facebook.

He said that 2000 people in each state would be empowered before the half of the year, adding that collaborations with the Federal Government and NGOs will aid in spreading the outreach.

“We plan to spread the outreach to other parts of state as that is part of our mandate. So, collaboration with the government and its agencies would help us do more.

“We remain committed to ensuring that we play our part in ensuring that we impact the lives of the people through empowerment programme as this,” he said.

One of the participants, Mr Michael Adeyinka, who is a person with disability, applauded the training noting that it would help him develop a new skill.

Adeyinka, who is a Disc Jockey by profession, said,“I’m very glad I was able to do this training as I was always interested in enhancing my skills in photography, so, this was a great opportunity for me.”

Abaji Yahaja, an actress and movie producer, said the training would help in improving her photography skills as she has always known the basics about it. (NAN)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Folasade Adeniran

By Joshua Olomu

Jeffrey Daniel of the legendary American R&B vocal group ‘Shalamar,’ has applauded the ingenuity of Nigerian musicians and array of talents in the country.

He gave the commendation when he featured on NAN Forum of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the multi-talented music legend, the Nigerian music industry has produced most of the best artistes from the continent that have showcased the African music genre on the global stage.

“When I got here in 2010, and I looked around, I said, my God, wait till the world see what is going to come out of Nigeria, as I was calling it the Nigerian renaissance.

“ I was right; now look at what is coming, Burnay Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Tems and lot of others, I knew this was going to happen.

“The funny thing back then in 2010, if you went out, 90 percent of the music that you hear in the clubs was American music, and that 10 percent was Nigerian music.

“Now, it is the other way around; it is 90 percent Nigerian music and 10 percent foreign music, and I am very proud of the Nigerian music industry, how it has grown up.

“They have their own thing and I would love to see their own thing blossom and develop because that is what will make the rest of the world intrigued by them.

“A lot of them are already telling their stories within their music and it is coming out loud,” he said.

Daniel, who was a judge on the first three seasons of the popular talent hunt show ‘Nigerian Idol’, however urged Nigerian music artistes to keep their originality in telling their stories.

He advised that the quest for foreign validations in form of awards and contracts should not make Nigerian artistes discard their uniqueness and style.

According to him, African music already has strong appeal and acceptance on the global stage.

“I understand that they want to be like the Chris Browns and the Jay -Zs and all that, but you still represent something better when you tell your own story.

“I see that a lot of Nigerian artistes are now going over there, signing contracts, publishing deals overseas, and when you go over there, you are dealing with their culture, with their paradigm.

“They want to be a part of that, and they want to get that big money, but when will Africa start standing for our own?

“I would love to partner with some Nigerian artistes, help develop some artistes,but at the same time, I do not want to compromise their thing.

“Still there are things that they can incorporate in their works so that they do not fall in some of the trap like some of their Americans counterpart’s did,” he said.

Speaking on the trendy ‘Japa Sydrome’, especially among the youths, Daniel who is married to a Nigerian and now based in the country, said it was time Nigerians look inward and develop their own.

He however added that the resourceful and creative Nigerian youths only needed more support from within for them to stop the rush for greener pasture and validation abroad.

“Now people say, why am I here when Nigerians are trying to go over there? but what are they going there for? I was born and raised over there so I know what is there.

“There is no doubt that Africa is the most resource-rich continent on the planet.

“I am not talking about just resources in the ground, I am talking about human resourcesm because right now, Nigerians are the number one university students in America.

“Nigerians are some of the number one doctors, engineers, pediatricians, designers, or whatever in America, in the UK, and Canada.

“You have resilience and the tenacity of the Nigerian people, African people and all we have to do is fix what we have here, then we will have this amazing experience,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joshua Olomu

Jeffrey Daniel, American multi-talented music legend, says African music does not need external validation for significance.

According to him, “it already has strong appeal and acceptance on the global stage”.

The singer-songwriter, dancer and choreographer, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Daniel, a founding member of the renowned R&B vocal group ‘Shalamar,’ stated this amidst growing agitations by African music artistes for international awards and recognition, especially the Grammys in recent times.

According to him, it is high time Africa learnt from the intrigues that trailed the recently concluded 66th Grammy Award, with the creation of an African category and look inward to celebrate itself.

“I don’t think African music artistes need to seek validation from America to know how great they are because they are already great and they are taking over the world.

“You don’t need validation from America and other places because in reality, when P-Square, D’banj, MI, and all those people were popular, they were basically still within the continent.

“They were making more money than some American artistes and getting accolades more than them, but they wanted that validation from America because they looked up to the American music industry.

“Today, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and others are selling out stadiums and arenas around the world, so why do they need the Grammys to say, okay, we accept you when they are already accepted.

“I would like to see Africa get behind all the stress and create its own platform and support its own, besides the Headies.

“Over there in America is about 350 million people, while the African continent is about 1.4 billion, so this is even a bigger market than America.

“I think this market will better validate the African success barometer,” he said.

The “A Night to Remember” crooner particularly lauded the remarkable progress the Nigerian entertainment industry has made, especially Nollywood films that are now known across the globe.

He commended both Nigerian music and motion picture artistes, adding that they only need more support from within for them to stop the rush for greener pasture and validation abroad..

“The Nigerian movie industry, which is the second largest in the world, has really told African story to the world, and that is commendable.

“They might not make as much money as American stars when they make a movie, but you guys have your own industry, and I think that means a lot,” he said.

NAN recall that after the 66th Grammy Award was held earlier in the year, Afrobeat fans and industry players accused the Recording Academy of using Nigerian artistes to market the show for viewership purposes.

They argued that despite having five Nigerian artistes nominated in 10 combined different categories, none won. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Actor

By Taiye Olayemi

Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, has died after a prolonged illness, at the age of 62.

This was disclosed by a social commentator, Morris Monye, via his X handle on Sunday.

Muonagor was said to have suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis.

The sudden news of his demise comes just few days after a viral video where he solicited funds to help him have a Kidney transplant.

Monye wrote, “Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing.

“He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.

“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muonagor, a native of Idemili in Anambra, was born on Aug. 20, 1962.

He was an actor and producer. In 2016, he was nominated for AMVCA 2017 Best Actor in a comedy.

In 1989, after his youth service, Muonagor started working for the News Agency of Nigeria.

He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Priscilla Osaje

Mr Kim Changki, Director, Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has urged poets to use their  creative writing to inspire humanity for the betterment of society and preservation of cultural core values.

Changki said this at the KCCN March Culture Day Event with the theme: “Express Your Korea” in commemoration of the World Poetry  Day (WPD), on Thursday in Abuja.

The director was represented by Ms Suyeong Kim, Cultural Event Manager of KCCN.

He said that the centre on the day always looked at the poetic side of individuals in the likes of Yoon-Dong Ju, Kim Sowol, Lee Jenny, who had impacted humanity with their poetry.

According to him, poetry has become a way to learn, understands cultures as well as the emotions of other people.

He said that poetry predated literacy, adding that the very first poem could be dated back to 3,500 years ago.

“The word ‘Poetry’ itself means ‘create’, and today after a brief presentation on the essence of poetry, you will be divided into groups to be creative.

“An experience I hope you all are looking forward to as I urge you all to engage yourselves in cultural art, looking forward to seeing your artistic side,” he said.

Mr Matthew Nweze, an English and literature in English teacher, Saints Simon and Jude Seminary Kuje, said writing poetry seemed to be interesting, compared to reading due to the feeling attached.

Nweze, who spoke on the topic: “How to write and Read  Poetry as a Beginner”, said a good poet had  to be inspired with wonders of nature and such could occur in a quiet place.

According to him, poetry is not written in paragraphs or chapters but in a few words in single lines.

He  said that those words might not make a meaning to the reader initially, but meaning and understanding comes as he or she continues to read.

“The properties of poetry such as stanza, rhyme, rhythm, among others give poetry the flavours to be sung as a song.

“Something must cross your mind when writing poetry in order to inspire.

“You must have emotional feelings because poetry is not what you sit down and start thinking; rather something must strike your mind.

“It can be a gentle incident, a single word, social or moral issues or wonders of nature.

“You determine the format in which you want to write because a particular pattern may restrict expression of emotions on points to make in a poem,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of poems like ‘Against My Better Judgment’  ‘Korea Affairs’ ‘My Korea ‘ ‘Hallyu’ ‘The Line Where We All Meet’ and ‘Soul My Soul ‘ by various groups of participants.

Ms Shammah Teru, group one leader and presenter of the poem ‘The Line where We All Meet’ emerged winner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Poetry Day, which was created by UNESCO in 1999 is celebrated on March 21.

It aimed at supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression, and increasing the opportunity for endangered language to be heard. (NAN)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Joseph Edeh

By Taiye Olayemi

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Brazilian Descendants Arts and Culture Association (BDACA) is set to host the third Popo Aguda Easter Arts and Music Extravaganza.

Mr Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, during a news conference in Lagos on Friday commended members of BDACA for the laudable effort in consistently promoting the culture of the state.

Aregbe assured intending tourists and revellers of an interesting edition, urging everyone to be part of the two-day Easter extravaganza, which will hold on March 29 and March 31.

Aregbe also appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his support toward the growth of the entertainment space.

“I wish to salute the Brazilian descendants association for preserving the history and culture of the state.

“We are proud of what you are doing and I will assure you that this will be more colourful than the previous editions,” he said.

Giving details on the entire programme, Chairman, planning committee for the third edition, retired Rear Adm. Anthony Oni, said the first day of the event, Good Friday, will feature Frejon food festival.

Frejon, is an import by Brazilians to Nigeria, and is commonly eaten at Easter, particularly on Good Friday.
He said the food festival would hold at Igbosere Holy Cross Primary School, where the local cuisine would be prepared for over 1,000 people to eat, dine and wine.

According to him, for the second day of the event, March 31, there will be series of cultural performances, including a match past to begin from Tinubu Square through to Obalende.

He said this would involve different masqueraders like Gelede, Sango and many more.

“We have embraced our culinary heritage with the introduction of a food festival, showcasing the iconic Frejon delicacy.

“This traditional dish, to be prepared on Good Friday to commemorate the Easter season in Popo Aguda, not only symbolises communal love but also reflects the inter-generational transmission of culinary knowledge within our community.

“We are delighted to witness a resurgence in the appreciation of this cuisine, thanks to our collective efforts in promoting cultural renaissance.

“This event is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity that is embedded in the state as well as what it has to offer.

“The event, initiated by BDACA in 2019, under the Coordinator-in-Chief, Bolaji Mendis, serves as a platform for fostering unity, social interaction, and cultural preservation through music, arts, and tourism.

“Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in our commitment to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of our cultural identity,” he said.

Oni urged Lagos residents to turn out in their numbers to experience and learn more of the state’s culture while being entertained.

Mrs Oluruntoyin Atekoya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the Brazilian descendants for always coming up with innovative ideas during the annual Easter extravaganza. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran