By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, on Tuesday visited ailing Nollywood actor, Zack Orji, at a private hospital in Abuja, where he had a brain surgery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was received by the wife of the ailing thespian, Ngozi Orji, and some family members .

According to the minister, the visit was to support the veteran actor, wish him quick recovery and as well convey the Federal Government’s goodwill to him and his family .

“This is a man that has given his time, his effort not only to make us laugh but to entertain Nigerians for decades.

“He is one of the individuals that was the very foundation of the film industry in Nigeria, and unfortunately, he is having health challenges and had a Neuro surgery.

“The least that we can do as an administration is to give him all the necessary support to ensure that he recovers quickly.

“Neuro surgery is very delicate, so it was important for me not only as a minister of arts, culture and the creative economy but as a Nigerian to visit him.

“For me, it was just a matter of coming to see him and his wife, and we are able to talk today, by God’s mercies, he is alive.

“I want Nigerians to pray for him and do what we can to give the family the necessary support to save his life,” she said.

Musawa explained that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government understands the pivotal role of the creative industries to national economic growth and was committed to the welfare of stakeholders in the sector.

According to her, “the ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, under my watch, is working painstakingly towards ensuring that programmes and policies are in place towards the welfare of industry players.

Musawa, who made a personal donation of an undisclosed amount to support the medical bills of the ailing actor, assured that better days were ahead for Nigerian creatives.

“One of the main initiatives that we have within our ministry is to give welfare, not only to veterans in the industry, but to see how we can give welfare to all members of the industry.

“We understand that the issue of mental health is key in determining the quality of life of members of the society, especially members in this particular industry.

“One of our initiatives in the ministry is to ensure that we look at and interrogate the different policies in terms of the kind of welfare that we give them and we will be able to run that very soon.

“I can assure you that members of the entertainment industry and of course, members of the arts, culture and creative economy will have full support from this particular administration .

“It is part of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President to ensure that we give the best and achieve the best in terms of what the industry has to offer,” she said.

NAN reports that Zack Orji, 64, reportedly slumped on new year eve and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in Abuja, before he was transferred to a private hospital for the surgery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng))

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Taiye Agbaje

A non-governmental organisation under the auspices of CBM Global says it will partner the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, and music artistes to combat all forms of inequality against persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The Country Director of the NGO, Ekaete Umoh, stated this on Saturday at a global leadership programme by Ford Foundation for Global Leaders to disrupt inequalities in Abuja.

“This exercise is all about painting to disrupt inequalities. By disrupting inequalities, we are also challenging stereotypes.

“So today, we are gathered here to see how we can, collectively while relaxing, send out the message of inequalities and challenge stereotypes that people with disabilities may be facing.

“We have said we will stay under this beautiful trees to paint and send out the message that inequalities must be disrupted.

“So it is a way of using creative art to send messages that inequality is unacceptable, especially around people with disabilities in terms of stereotypes.

“This is just the begining of the project.
“So we will be looking at other forms of creative art like music, theatre.

“We are going to be organising musical festival yearly to push out these messages of inequalities.

“And we are going to be partnering with Nollywood to see how we can collectively drive back these inequalities,” she said.

Umoh, who is physically challenged and a 2021 Ford Global Fellow, said the fellowship was about getting people together to organise to disrupt all forms of inequalities.

“So in my fellowship, I am looking at organising people with disabilities to disrupt inequalities.

“This is not to say that people with disabilities have not been disrupting inequalities but how we are disrupting inequalities is what we are rethinking or re-strategising to see how it goes.”

She said some of the inequalities the PWDs face cut across various sectors, including employment, healthcare, access to quality education, inaccessible buildings, etc.

According to her, it is the barrier that they face that is not enabling them to participate effectively in all sectors of the economy they find themselves.

“As I speak with you, how many persons with disabilities do we have as House of Representatives members? How many persons with disabilities are in the Senate? How many governors with a disability do we have?

“Why were they not elected? Was it that they did not participate? What are the issues around their not being able to effectively participate in politics and get representation?” she asked.

Umoh, who commended the Federal Government on the Disability Act passed into law in 2019, called for its effective implementation.

The Creative Director of Potter’s Gallery, Donald Unanka, said the painting exercise was a way of sending a message to the government and private sector operators to wake up to protecting their rights by nipping in the bud all forms of discrimination against the PWDs.

Gabriel Samuel, a visually impaired flutist and saxophonist, said the bright future he believed in kept him moving on.

According to him, tough times don’t last, tough people do; result is what we should be aiming for.

“We should consolidate effort, amalgamate energy to get and achieve greater results.

“Evil thrives not because of the bad persons or the actions of the bad persons but it is as a result of the inactions or counter actions of the good persons,” he said.

Abubakar Sharhu, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, FCT Chapter, urged the PWDs to be ready to take up a challenge in any field they found themselves.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Visitors trooping to Cross River for the 2023 annual Calabar carnival are battling to find hotel space in the capital city, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

NAN reports that the 20th edition of the annual carnival which began on Dec. 1, have lived up to its billing in spite of the security challenges in the capital city.

Several activities have been lined up for each day of the 31-day carnival with Dec. 28 slated for the main carnival tagged: “Carnival Calabar”.

Some of the visitors who came into the city on Monday described their experience in scouting for hotel space as terrible.

The visitors, who spoke with NAN, said they were almost giving up the search when they secured one in the outskirts of the city.

The respondents said though, difficult and expensive, but they had to make do with what they got.

One of the visitors, Adams Adah said, “we thought it will be easy when we came in but we were made to understand that bookings had been made earlier by several of those who planned to come for the carnival.

“We moved about for hours before we could secure the one when eventually got last night.”

In the same vein, Mama Obi, who said she is from the state, but reside in Lagos, attributed the difficulty to the influx of visitors for the carnival.

She noted that for the lack of space, many of the hotels have adjusted their rates.

“As I speak with you, there is no longer any hotel space in the heart of Calabar Municipality. If you are lucky, you can get one around Atimbo, Ikorishi, 8mile or in Calabar South,” she explained.

Similarly, another visitor who identified himself as Dan, said he came in on Tuesday morning from Port Harcourt with friends but settled for an apartment he had secured over two weeks ago.

According to him, I actually came with some friends for the carnival but couldn’t get another space for them in the same apartment as it was fully booked.

“We all had to manage the one I had secured for wants of space. We were told we will not find any, even normal hotel space except in he outskirts.”

NAN reports that no fewer than 15 states of the federation and Cameroon participated in the cultural event of the annual carnival on Tuesday.

The states that were on the ground to perform at the cultural parade included Enugu; Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom amongst others.

The Chairman, Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, said that 15 million viewers across the globe are expected to watch the main event live on DSTV on Dec. 28.

NAN reports that the state had declared 14-day public holiday for its civil servants for them to participate in the carnival. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Joshua Olomu

The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has extolled the role of stakeholders in the Nigerian art and creative industries in building a peaceful and united nation.

The minister gave the commendation in her Yuletides’ goodwill message to artists, performers, artisans, cultural workers and other stakeholders in the sector across the nation.

According to her, creativity inspires hope, fosters unity and contributes to the vibrancy of citizens, irrespective of age, tribe and religion.

“In the spirit of the season, let us also remember the less privileged and extend our love and a helping hand to those in need.

“Together, we will strive to create a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society where arts and creativity can flourish for generations to come,” she said.

Musawa also congratulated Christians across the country as they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, adding that the season was an opportunity to demonstrate the virtues of love, selflessness and service to humanity.

She, therefore, said as Nigerians celebrate and unwind, they should also reflect on the reason for the season.

“Christmas provides us with a unique opportunity to come together as a nation to appreciate our diversity, cultural heritage and invaluable contributions of artists and creatives to our society.

“In this holiday season, we encourage everyone to experience Nigeria’s rich tapestry of artistic performances and cultural festivities that make this time of the year very special.

“Whether it is the traditional performances, art exhibitions, cultural events, movies and our rich Nigerian foods, let us all enjoy the creativity that unites us and lights up this season.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, I wish Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, happiness and the joy of artistic expression” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Taiye Olayemi/Babajide Awoyinfa

Veteran Nigerian film and television actor, Dejumo Lewis, has died, aged 80.

Actor Saheed Balogun confirmed the actor’s death via his instagram page, @saidibalogun, on Saturday.

Balogun, sharing the picture of late Lewis said: “Good Night DEJUMO LEWIS, may your soul rest in perfect peace. RIP.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dejumo Lewis is a Nigerian film and television actor, famous for the Kabiyesi role in ‘The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera shown on NTA from 1968 to 1988 that stared Justus Esiri and Femi Robinson among others.

Some actors also took to the comment section of the post to pay their tribute to the deceased.

Funsho Adeolu wrote,  “Oh wow! An icon has gone, may his soul rest in peace.”

Also, Mustapha Sholagbade said,  “May heaven be pleased with him 🙏.”

Veteran Nigerian singer, Daddy Showkey also wrote, “Oh my God.”

Akin Olaiya said, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Kunle Afod said,  “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Also, Eniola Badmus wrote,  “Awwwwwwww.”

Raphael James, an arts curator, wrote,“Good night ‘Kabiyesi’, the ‘Kabiyesi’ we all knew growing up in the 1970’s-80’s, Sir Dejumo Lewis, who played the lead role of ‘Kabiyesi’ in ‘The Village Headmaster’ television series which was Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera on NTA 1968- 1988. He lives on.” (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Olayinka Olawale
A Canadian disc jockey and music producer, Derek San Vicente, popularly known as DJ Power, is set to tour Africa, starting with Nigeria.

Dr Monica Eimunjeze, Executive Director, BAROQUE Works Studios, and official promoter of DJ Power in Nigeria and across Africa, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Eimunjeze said that the tour is expected to not only entertain but also foster cultural exchange and collaboration between local and international artistes.

She said that the disc jockey would embark on an African tour, with Nigeria being one of the key destinations.

She described the DJ as a cultivated global musical circus that reflects the diverse nature of his work.

“The highly anticipated tour will see DJ Power perform in various cities across the continent, spreading his unique blend of music and entertainment.

“DJ Power, known for his electrifying performances and ability to captivate audiences, has gained a massive following worldwide.

“His infectious beats and seamless mixing skills have earned him accolades and recognition from industry peers and fans alike.

“With a diverse range of musical genres under his belt, DJ Power promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to Nigerian music enthusiasts.
“With a career that spans continents and cultures, DJ Power has been opportune to meet international music luminaries.

“From the infectious grooves of SL to the dashing presence of Sean Paul, the lyrical genius of Vybz Kartel, the beats of Walshy Fire from Major Lazer, the Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy, and the Soca Monarch, Machel Montano.

“DJ Power’s distinctive productions have not merely floated on the airwaves but have been embraced by critics and audiences alike.

“With accolades from venerable institutions like The New York Times, Complex, and The Fader, he has etched his name onto the musical map and created an electric fusion of electronic and urban music,” Eimunjeze said.

According to her, Nigeria often referred to as the cultural hub of Africa, has long been a favourite destination for international artistes.

She said that the country’s vibrant music scene and enthusiastic audience make it an ideal place for DJ Power to showcase his talents. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Perpetual Onuegbu

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, has reiterated his determination to reposition the agency to attain a greater height.

Ali said this at the 60th birthday anniversary and retirement party for a Deputy Director NAN Library, Mrs Liza Orakwe, in Abuja.

The managing director said he was poised to see a better version of NAN, beginning with operations and then to the welfare of staff.

He also said that the management was working towards making the working environment conducive to guarantee improved productivity.

“I want to see a better version of NAN. There will be a retreat for management of NAN as part of efforts to reposition the agency for the future; we will eventually extend the transformation to the zonal offices.

“We also intend to organise a retreat for the general staff but because of logistic reasons, we will postpone the one for the general staff.

“Next year, things will change positively. And I want staff members to be part of this history,” he said.

Ali said that there was the need to move forward by putting the negative events of 2023 behind and move with 2024, since there was a new dawn in the agency.

“The multimedia unit was asking me what my New Year resolution will be, but I told them that New Year resolution is only made when you know that you are doing things in the wrong way.

“I will rather work towards a better me and in extension a better NAN in 2024 to enable us leave behind all that happened in 2023 and forge ahead into the new year.

“Concerning welfare, we will make sure the staff members get something for the festive season,” he said.

The MD, while congratulating the retired deputy director, said she exhibited a high level of professionalism within the short period they interacted.

He described Orakwe as a reliable and committed officer, who offered her best to NAN while in service.

“The fact that colleagues are celebrating you like this speaks volumes of the kind of impactful life you lived while working in NAN.

“I celebrate you and wish you the best in life,” he said.

Ali said that as a Deputy Director, NAN Library, Orakwe impacted members of staff through her services.

The MD, therefore, advised journalists to seek more knowledge through research and learning.

Ali also urged reporters to be wary of fake news that emanates from even credible quarters because of technological advancement.

“We should be careful of social media because there is much false news going around.

“In 2010, I was one of the persons that used a story from NAN in my former place of work, which was later discovered that the NAN portal was cloned; so we should be very careful because of technology,” he said.

He said that there was the need to scrutinise and filter information before publishing.

Also speaking, the Editor-In-Chief (EIC), Mr Ephraims Sheyin, congratulated Orakwe for attaining her retirement age, describing her as a dedicated leader who had impacted positively on everyone that passed through her.

Sheyin urged other members of staff to emulate Orakwe’s commitment to service, stressing that she had put in her best to ensure the success and growth of her unit and the agency in general.

He described her as a practical person with the capacity to call a spade a spade.

The EIC lauded Orakwe’s capacity to deliver on crucial assignments and wished her well in her future endeavours.

Earlier, other members of staff showered encomium on the retiring officer who according to them exhibited humility and hardwork in the discharge of her duty.

Responding, Orakwe commended the management for the kind gesture and for also giving her the opportunity to serve and excel while in service.

She encouraged other members of staff to always put in their best and be disciplined when discharging their duties.

“Today, as I bow out of service, I am happy that I am retiring in good health. I want to appreciate your cooperation and support to succeed in my unit.

“I thank you all for the expression of kindness and love. I thank you for your prayers,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola