The rich cultural features of the annual Okorosha Izombe cultural festival in Imo — eastern part of the country — qualify it for recognition as a fundamental cultural heritage that can boost tourism sector, culture enthusiasts have observed.
The culture has two months entertainment action packed windows, starting from the Itornkwa for Owu held around the first week of June to final Okorosha market carnival which comes up at Ogboafor market square on Aforukwu day in the first week of August every year.
Enthusiasts then note that if English Anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor says culture includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, law and custom, among other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society, then Okorosha Izombe cultural festival is to reckon with in that regard.
These attributes by Tylor are encapsulated in Izombe cultural festival, an oil bearing community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.
The clan has estimated population of 162, 576 based on the figure obtained from the 2006 National Population Census, comprising 19 villages in the four autonomous communities of Aborshi, Umunwama, Obeabor and Ndiuloukwu in Imo.
As usual, the residents have begun the 2024 edition of the festival with Owu dance marking the beginning of Okorosha season.
Some cultural enthusiasts, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), bared their minds on how the community sees the Owu/Okorosha culture and its potential for the development of tourism.
Mr Valentine Onwuka, a cultural enthusiast, from Amakofia community who gave the historical background of the culture said that Amakohia and Okwuorji villages were the originators of the culture in Izombe.
“Because our forefathers brought the culture before it spread to other villages, we are the first to perform the Itornkwa ritual, ushering in the Owu/Okorosha season before other Izombe villages yearly.
Onwuka said that the “culture recognises yam as the king of all crops in Igbo mythology and it begins after the cultivation and planting season by the people.
“It is after the market carnival and subsequent wrestling activity that the people begin to harvest and eat the new yam for the year’’.
According to him, as defined by Tylor, Okorosha culture has mechanism to promote peace and order during the season as the rules forbid residents from quarrels and anti-social behaviour.
“Okorosha has been an influential culture in our community and has survived more than 150 years providing arts, entertainment, fashion, happiness, strong consumer brands, innovation and prestige among our people,’’ he said.
Chief Marcellinus Ogbodo, a community leader from Umuokwu Izombe, described Okorosha as an age-long cultural heritage of Izombe people which synchronises with the agricultural activities of the people.
“If you look at the farm calendar in Izombe, in the month of June, an average farmer has finished cultivating and planting in his farmland and this is when the Owu dance starts.
“The festival climax in August with the Okorosha market carnival by from all the villages at Ogborafor Market Izombe.
“It is after the end of the festival that our people now go in the wrestling and harvesting of new yam which is the chief agricultural produce.
“During the season, the Okorosha rules prohibit quarrels and helps to unite the people, promoting peace and good neighbourliness, among others,’’ Ogbodo said.
He said in the time past, “ if you have an Izombe person as a friend and he hadn’t invited you to witness this culture, the person does not take your relationship seriously.
“The glamour and merriment associated with the market carnival is spectacular, each village Okorosha (masqueraders) made in beautiful designs and colours, sign and dance in their unique Okorosha language.
“The ambience of the event can be likened to best carnivals in the Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and some Caribbean countries,’’ he claims.
Eze Uzoma Akopunwanne, the traditional ruler, Obeabor Izombe Autonomous Community, described Okorosha as a cultural identity of Izombe, noting that average native would want it projected internationally if possible.
He said in recent time, the clan is looking at the reform of the culture at a commercial point of view, saying “we hope to record high number of local and foreign tourists attracted to it annually’’.
Dr Akopunwanne, a retired director from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Port Harcourt before he became the Obi II of Obeabor community, explained that the reforms would give Okorosha a 21st century tourism status.
“When I became the traditional ruler, I inaugurated a cultural committee in 2021 with a charge to the members to help come up with the innovation to transform the Okorosha and other cultural heritage of our people.
“This is because all the materials for the design of the Okorosha are articles of trade; fanciful materials and other entertainment materials promoting good businesses during the event.
“Two years ago, the kind of creativity exhibited by some communities, especially from Aborshi area was spectacular.
“Some produced animated isi egwu (type of Okorosha) that looked like tipper, forklift and other gadgets which innovators and technologists can take advantage of.
“The creativity was so fascinating that those who witnessed the event left with blissful memories and some of the dignitaries that we invited from the ministry of culture and tourism are itching to come again and again.
“We expect going forward that each year’s outing should have a special message to the extent that tourist who came would return home with meaningful messages,’’ he said.
Akopunwanne added that the uncertainty in the yearly date for the market carnival which affects willing tourists from planning ahead to enable them to participate is among the areas of reform.
The royal father said that the community would reach out to some big entertainment firms, corporate bodies and individuals, especially the Nollywood for partnership.
Akopunwanne explained that “Okorosha is not fetish, contrary saying there is nothing like the culture being fetish, besides our people have brought series of reforms in the culture which makes it a merry making and convivial venture’’.
For Mr Lucky Dibiagwu, the President, Umuokwu Izombe Development Association, an umbrella group for Umuokwu people in the Diaspora, participating in Okorosha festival is among the yearly activities for his association.
“We see this culture as the pride of our people that should not be left to die in the hands of our ageing community leaders.
“This year, we are going to sponsor at least 100 Okorosha to ensure Umuokwu emerged as the outstanding village during 2024 market carnival.
“My organisation also feels that promotion of this culture can be a vehicle to attract foreign investment and interests to our homeland.
“Izombe is richly blessed with numerous opportunities being an oil bearing community with vast arable land for agriculture. We strongly feel that through this means, a lot of development doors could open for our people,’’ he said.
Dibiagwu regretted that some Africans, including Nigerians abroad, would no longer remember their roots, saying getting involved in this kind of activity could be an antidote to bring such persons home.
The diaspora leader said that apart from promoting the cultural heritage of his people, the association had championed a lot of development programmes in Umuokwu community.
He used the medium to call on other Nigerian diaspora communities to identify with the homeland to assist in the development of the nation.(NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)
**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to promote Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.
This is contained in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Mr Abiola Abdulkareem, in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister’s promise was made at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin and other parts of the country after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Abdulkareem quoted Musawa as saying that her commitment underscored the ministry’s dedication to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s diverse heritage.
“I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroot levels to fashion our new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.
Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity.
She said that the durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.
“The Emirate Durbar in Ilorin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.
“Our ministry is committed to ensuring that such events receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“We believe that by partnering with local and national stakeholders, we can create new avenues to showcase the beauty of our traditions and bring them to the forefront of national consciousness,” she said.
Musawa said that the pledge was part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda.
According to her, by supporting traditional events like the emirate durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians.
She said that the initiative would boost the local economy by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.
Musawa highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders, and cultural organisations to create sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation and promotion.
According to her, the plan includes capacity-building programmes, financial support for cultural events, and the development of cultural infrastructure across the country.
“Promoting our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a vibrant future where our traditions can thrive and inspire future generations.
“The Emirate Durbar is a testament to our rich cultural diversity, and we are committed to making it a landmark event on both the national and international stage,” Musawa added.
She promised to promote cultural celebrations in Nigeria, where the beauty and diversity of the nation’s heritage will be honored and cherished.
She stated that through these efforts, the ministry would position itself as a strong player in the cultural sector, dedicated to nurturing and promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage.
She added that the commitment would not only help to celebrate the past but also paved way for a culturally-enriched future in the country.
She commended the organisers for a great job and the wonderful hospitality experienced at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Mr Chuks Anyaduba, the Convener of the Crossroads of Culture Festival, says the festival will attract foreign investments and showcase Nigeria’s culture to the world.
Anyaduba said this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said the festival, slated for August in Brampton City, Canada, would feature Nigerian cuisines, Afro fashion marketplace and Afro commerce connect.
“The festival’s mission is to export Nigeria’s cultural richness while promoting its diverse cultural heritage on the global stage.
“Canadians will explore Nigerian food, culture, music, fashion and the rest of them; and by that way, we are operating a bridge to build the country.
“The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and Ministry of Tourism as well as Nigeria Tourism Development Agency should come in by giving us technical support, creating awareness, giving us the platform to strive.
“We want them to support this event and give us a platform to thrive and make sure that Nigeria’s culture is exported.
“We have a welcome letter from the Mayor of Brampton, His Worship Mayor Patrick Brown, extending greetings to all attendees ahead of the festival,’’ Anyaduba said.
The convener recalled that the unveiling of the festival which was held recently in Abuja featured a high-level dialogue with policymakers, cultural experts, and representatives from UNESCO and other international organisations.
He said discussion was centred on the critical importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Anyaduba added that the event served as a precursor to the main festival scheduled to take place from Aug. 9 to 10 in Canada.
“The Crossroads of Culture Festival promises to be a celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry and a platform for fostering global cultural exchange.
“The festival will serve as a bridge, connecting Nigeria and Canada, and promoting unity, inclusiveness and collaboration
“As preparation continues for the main festival in Canada, anticipation grows for an event that will showcase Nigeria’s vibrant culture to the world,” Anyaduba said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Mr Ahmed Jaha, has called for deliberate efforts to return all Chibok people displaced by Boko Haram back home.
Jaha said though Chibok and most parts of Borno are now safe from the activities of insurgents, a lot of people who fled the state have not returned.
The lawmaker said this during the 2023 cultural festival organised by leaders of Chibok community in Abuja, under the aegis of Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA).
Jaha said after more than a decade of displacement, it was time for the people to return home.
He that the children born within the period and those that left their homes when they were so young, needed to internalise and diffuse the culture of their ancestral homes.
He said that thousands of Chibok people had been living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in different parts of the country including FCT.
According to him, Chibok people are still living in IDPs camps and taking refuge in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Nasarawa, among other cities.
The lawmaker however commended the military, state and Federal governments for the restoration of peace in most parts of Borno, including Chibok.
“The efforts of the government is highly commendable but we are human beings and the journey of 100 miles begins with a step.
“Actually we have to commend the federal government for recovering some of the Chibok girls but we still have in captivity 87.
“We are equally quite happy with the way and manner peace has returned to some part of Chibok, but we are still working tirelessly, begging and soliciting for the federal government to provide security where security personnel are not present,” he added.
Jaha said the cultural event was an opportunity for the children born and brought up outside Chibok, to learn and embrace their culture.
Also, the Chairman, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno, Umar Ibrahim, commended the KADA leaders for their commitment to preserving their heritage.
Ibrahim said Chibok people usually hold such event every Dec. 26, where those living outside who came home for holiday, witness the rich display of their culture.
“It is not only to celebrate their culture but also to strength the unity that has been the bedrock of their stability over the years.
“Today’s gathering will play a significant role in promoting and preserving our culture for generations to come.
“The Chibok people are known for their resilience, hard work, bright attributes that resonate strongly with them.
“Rest assured that at the local level, the interest of all sons and daughters of Chibok will remain our foremost priority,” the council chairman said.
The National President of KADA, Mr Dauda Iliya, said the cultural festival has been held since 2011 when terrorism took away the peace and tranquility in Chibok.
“We are holding this event as a stop gap so that those born outside Chibok could see the details of our artifacts, our dance, our food and our culture,” he said.
Iliya expressed the hope that the 2024 celebration would take place in Chibok, considering the relative peace that had returned to the community.
Nkeki Mutah, Chairman of KADA, Abuja branch, said the festival was organised to let their children know that they came from somewhere and as such should not forget their origin. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in partnership with relevant stakeholders in Abuja, on Wednesday, held a road show to showcase the nation’s cultural diversity.
Its Director, Entertainment and Creative Services, Mrs Ugochi Nwosu, said this while marking the 2023 World Culture Day with its theme “Embracing Cultural Diversity: Building bridges for a Harmonious World’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is held every year on May 21.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
Nwosu said that the ministry was marking the 2023 World Culture Day for diversity and development to create awareness on importance of culture to national development.
“We are also creating awareness on the potential of the Nigerian culture and creative economy to nation’s building.
“Today, we are showcasing some of our elements of our culture, creative economy and economic diversification.
“This sector is a sector that will enhance and develop our economy and create jobs for our teeming population.
“As you can see, the youths are here and everybody is here to showcase our diversity. We are showcasing the manifestation of our cultural diversity and that is the strength of Nigeria.
“It is also a day to create awareness on the need for cultural dialogue. From culture to dialogue, they bring out their potential of the entire population,’’ she said.
Also, Miss Gold Ugoji of Black Bones Theatre Company stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace cultural diversity to become more united and stronger as a nation.
According to her, this road show is a good avenue to celebrate our culture and heritage as Nigerians.
Ugoji said, “I’m feeling privileged to be a part of it. Nigeria is a very blessed and rich country. If really we can take advantage of the diversity God has blessed us with, we will be greater than any country in the world.
“Nigeria is diversified culturally and we need to embrace that culture to become more united and stronger as a nation.’’
According to Emmanuel Danladi, the road show will tell people about cultural diversity of Nigeria and inform people about today which we are celebrating the world culture day.
He said, “Nigeria stands to gain unity because no matter your state, tribe and ethnic group where ever you are coming from, just know that we are one. We are unified power with this name called Nigeria.”
Another participant, Martha Patrick, said that the road show would assist in uniting Nigerians irrespective of their cultural diversities.
“I feel very excited and happy. I pray that this will go a long way to uniting Nigerians. Culture is very important no matter where you come from, no matter the differences, culture always brings us together.
“My advice to Nigerian youths is that they should take advantage of this culture. We can make so many things from the culture not just the unity and diversity but also we can make good money.
“This can be achieved by taking it out there and people abroad love our culture so much.
“So, it is time for our parents, leaders, statesmen and each and every one comes together to tell our children and youths more about culture,’’ she said.
Also, Valentina Effiom, urged Nigerian youths to go back to their home towns and learn more about their cultures.
“I feel very excited and I think it is one way to say that we are diverse in culture. I feel excited that Nigeria is doing this today.
“Nigerian youths should go back to their home towns and learn more about their culture because there is so much to learn about our culture,’’ she said.
The Federal Government on Thursday pledged to improve the culture of handwashing, as only four per cent of Nigerians practice it at critical times.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said this at a news conference to commemorate the 2023 Global Handwashing Day with the theme, ‘Clean Hands are within our Reach’ in Abuja.
Utsev said imbibing the culture of handwashing at critical times would curtail the spread of preventable diseases, promote human health and strengthen communities.
According to him, handwashing is a ‘first-line of defence’ in preventing outbreaks and reducing the toll of pandemics, as can be attested from the last experience with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Quoting the 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) Report, Utsev said national access to basic hygiene services stood at an abysmal 17 per cent.
The minister, represented by Engr. John Ochigbo, Director, River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, noted that there is 99 per cent knowledge of handwashing practices, while only 8 per cent practiced it.
“It may also interest you to know that a high knowledge of handwashing practices estimated at 99 per cent was reported, in practice, only 8 per cent of the population can demonstrate proper handwashing with water and soap under running water.
“In addition, only 4 per cent are likely to practice proper handwashing with water and soap in critical times such as after defecation, touching animals or sick persons, playing and before cooking, eating, handling food, or feeding others.
“These low indices indicate the need to review our strategies in order to strengthen our interventions for greater effectiveness and for sustainable results”.
According to him, in oder to reverse these trends, the ministry has commenced the implementation of the Hand Hygiene for All Roadmap, which gives a strategic direction to achieve hand hygiene for all.
“This will help the country chart a course towards ensuring available and affordable products and services that will help entrench a culture of handwashing with soap for all, especially for the less privileged population.
While appreciating the efforts of the development partners and other stakeholders, the minister called for renewed commitment, to build good hygiene culture for Nigerians.
Earlier, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said the day was an opportunity to promote and encourage handwashing as a cost-effective way to prevent diseases and preventable deaths.
She said it was the desire of the ministry to see a community of healthy people who would contribute to economic development, saying effective handwashing at critical times would make it possible.
“Handwashing with soap and water is an easy, cost-effective, and affordable way to prevent disease and save lives.
“When handwashing with soap is practised after using the toilet or before eating, it can dramatically reduce the risk of diarrhea and pneumonia, which can cause serious illness and death.
“When people are healthy, they will be productive and contribute to the economy of the country, that’s why we are advocating making this a culture”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day, celebrated annually on October 15, is aimed at increasing awareness and understanding the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way for disease prevention.
Highlights of the day were sensitisation rally, distribution of handbills to create awareness about the importance of handwashing and why it should be prioritised. (NAN)
The Creative Industry Group (CIG) has called on Nigerians to come together to tackle the issues of drug abuse among youths in the country.
Felix Duke, President, CIG, made the call during a Cultural Day event organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said, “Drug abuse is one of the issues to be taken seriously in every sector before it swallows up our young people.
“ We no longer understand what is going on. Even in the entertainment industry, drug abuse is a plague. We, most especially the media, must join hands to fight it.”
According to the CIG President, drug abuse has become so prevalent in our society, with addicts in all parts of Nigeria.
“We don’t know what has come over our youths, a lot them have gone mad because of drugs and most parents have failed in their responsibilities.
“Many don’t know what happens to their children, drug abuse is a serious matter that we must team up to tackle, as it’s now a matter that requires urgency for us as parents.
“We must put our feet down concerning our children so that they will not cause heartaches tomorrow,” Duke said.
The CIG President also noted that the group had been doing a lot to get the youth off the streets and engage them in the creative industry.
“ The creative industry is empowering the youth in various sectors including music, comedy, Nollywood and beauty industry to remove them from the streets.
“ Without these efforts and others, the security situation in some states would have been worsened,” he said.
Duke urged all well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that the youth were not abandoned but encouraged in the drive to secure their future.
“It concerns everyone of us; we all must join our hands together to remove our youth from the streets.
“So many innocent people also suffer much from these drug addicts among our youths because of peer group influence,” he said.
According to Duke, parents should closely watch their children and know their friends and the company they keep.
The Cultural Day celebration held in NAN Multimedia Centre was part of activities lined up to mark the week-long 2023 NUJ, NAN Chapel Press Week.
Some of the highlights of the event aimed at promoting the Nigerian culture and their unifying effect included displays that depict various cultures, food, fruits, drinks, dances and songs.
Some Nigerian traditional dishes displayed during the NUJ NAN Chapel, Lagos,Press Week 2023
A troupe of dancers from the National Arts Theatre group thrilled the audience at various intervals.
Faces of some staff adorned in traditional attires during the NUJ NAN Chapel, Lagos,Press Week 2023
Faces of some staff adorned in traditional attires during the NUJ NAN Chapel, Lagos,Press Week 2023
Also, Koffi Tha-Guru, a comedian, said that drug business thrived in the country because Nigerians celebrated wealthy people without investigating the source of their wealth.
According to him, the Nigerian state must go after people dealing in illegal drugs to save the nation of the threatening risk and danger.
He noted that thriving illicit drug business had become so bad that many youth today describe education as scam.
“ The mentality of the young generation of Nigerians need to be rechecked and recalibrated.
“What is going on shows us that we are sitting on kegs of powder, as journalists and media practitioners, let us use our pen to constantly speak on these ills before it consume our future generations,” he said.
The comedian said that the negative impact of social media on drug abuse by the youth was part of the problem, adding that Nigerians, especially the youth, were some of the most toxic users of social media.
He explained that the way young people insult and abuse others and elders had shown the erosion of cultural values.
According to him, the menace has spread to girls, adding that drug addicts among girls are worse than those among the the boys.
“ These are our future mothers; we should pay attention; do something now before drugs consume all of us because these youths of today are our future talents and hope.
“ We should start from the children in nursery school, we need to change our education curriculum and we need to start to honour and respect individual not what we have,” he said.
The comedian said that people must discourage the mentality of placing value on money to get honour and respect.
Faces of some staff adorned in traditional attires during the NUJ NAN Chapel, Lagos, Press Week 2023
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee of the event, Mrs Vivian Ihechu, said the event was aimed at fostering unity, peaceful co-existence and national development.
“As a news agency and journalists, we are watchdogs of the society and we felt it’s good to use our strength and reach to spread the message of unity.
“When we are united, we will have one voice to surmount our challenges, work toward a common vision and develop the nation,” she said.
Ihechu also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth to appreciate and value their cultural heritage.
Similarly, the Acting Managing Director of NAN, Mr Abdulhadi Khaliel, said the event is important because it showcases the cultural values across the various ethnic groups.
Khaliel, who was represented by Mr Kayode Olaitan, Head of Lagos Operations, NAN, said it was essential to share the values in homes.
“Let’s imbibe cultural values, teach our youths how to respect people so we can build a better nation tomorrow,” said Khaliel. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Prof. Uche Waleke of the Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, on Friday urged Nigerians to embrace and uphold their culture to achieve national security and economic development.
Waleke made the call during the investment forum segment of the 16th International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC) in Abuja.
The professor spoke on the theme “Culture, Economic Development and National Security”.
According to him, culture plays a significant role in economic development and national security.
“The nation has embraced a mono economy for too long hence its challenges of insecurity and minimal economic growth,” ‘Waleke said.
He noted that when Nigeria begins to diversify its economy with a look into the culture industry, it will be better for it.
According to him, creating a more prosperous, equitable and secure society entails government rendering utmost support to the arts, crafts, fashion, music, movie sectors of the culture industry.
“Mass production of Nigerian cultural products is capable of ensuring employment creation, income generation, export promotion ,creation of some sense of identity and belonging as well as attracting tourists.
“This will also guarantee social cohesion.
“Culture is critical to economic development, skills development should be encouraged as well as good sense of business ethics.
“Also, to enhance the ease of doing business, efficient and non corrupt bureaucracy must be ensured, taxes be harmonised and the culture of paying bribes be dealt with,” he said.
Waleke advised the Federal Government and Nigerians generally to cultivate the habit of savings, as it leads to investment, growth and development.
He said that the government must begin to involve local communities when developing cultural products.
“This will help to ensure that the products are relevant and meaningful to the people who create and consume them.
“Government must work on protecting intellectual property rights so that cultural producers are compensated for their work.
“Government needs to promote cultural diversity so that all cultures are represented and respected, as well as support small-scale producers so that they have the resources they need to produce high-quality cultural products.
“Nigerian culture that values meritocracy, fair treatment, civility, harmony, rule of law and equality before the law and hard work is going to produce a far more developed and secured society than a culture that values nepotism and caste system,” he said.
Also speaking, Suleiman Mohammed, National President, Society of Nigerian Artistes, urged Nigerian universities to intensify efforts on conducting research on the nation’s culture and ways of advancing the sector.
He said this would go a long way in positioning the arts and culture industries.
Picto Uzochukwu, a security expert, said that the issue of national security must be a collective effort of every Nigerian.
He noted that culture had great potential for employment creation, urging Nigerians to tap into the preservation of historical sites as a means of wealth creation for themselves. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, says the 2023 Ofala festival slated to hold between Oct. 14 and 15 will showcase the cultural heritage of Onitsha people.
Achebe, who said this on Thursday at a news conference on the level of preparedness for the Ofala at his palace in Onitsha, said arrangements were in top gear to celebrate the festival.
The Igwe, who was represented by the Chairman of sub-committee of the Ofala Steering Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, said that the Ofala was an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they displayed their rich cultural heritage.
According to him, the celebration of the Ofala festival is billed for Oct. 14 and 15, and will be held in his Palace, situated along Awka road, Onitsha.
“The Ofala is the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period, the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.
“It is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shares with his subjects at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food,” said the monarch.
“First day is the Ofala proper, “Iru Ofala”, which is Saturday, while the second day, “Azu Ofala”, that is Sunday. The theme of this year’s Ofala is, ‘Better , Stronger and Together,” he said.
The traditional ruler said that the activities lined up for the celebration included road show and a paper presentation at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka.
According to him, the lecture will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felis Ajakaye, to sensitise people on the Ofala festival, among others. (NAN)
The global animation market size was valued at US$ 354.7 billion in 2020. Since the creation of the Black Panther comic into a movie, the world has seen a burgeoning of interest and investments into African Content.
It is always interesting to watch animation at any age. Seeing animation in today’s world, which has devoted a lot of its productions to it, can be a part of daily life.
For several years now, Iranian animations have heated up the market of this festival and animation productions in Iran have grown well. However, many are of the view that there are still shortcomings in its supply.
Of course, an attractive plot and the creativity of animators are also important in the production of animations, which is felt in Iranian animations.
Dr Alireza Mohammadinigjeh, an Abuja-based producer, scriptwriter, and media consultant and producer of an animated film titled ‘Mina va Doustan’ is one of the best-animated movies in Iran.
He spoke on ways that Iran and Nigeria can expand cultural and artistic cooperation through animation.
Animation in multimedia is more than necessary for modern business promotion. With the help of animation, it will be easier and simpler to develop your storyline and the characters while producing incredible explainer videos for your company.
Animation has allowed storytellers to tell stories in unique ways. The visceral fantastical worlds in animated films can reignite inspiration and the magic of stories no matter what age.
“So if you’re a storyteller, or want to be, animation is a great place to start,” he said.
According to him, animation is a method of photographing successive drawings, models, or even puppets, to create an illusion of movement in a sequence. Because our eyes can only retain an image for approximately 1/10 of a second, when multiple images appear in fast succession, the brain blends them into a single moving image.
“In traditional animation, pictures are drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed. Early cartoons are examples of this, but today, most animated movies are made with computer-generated imagery or CGI.
“To create the appearance of smooth motion from these drawn, painted, or computer-generated images, frame rate, or the number of consecutive images that are displayed each second, is considered.
“Moving characters are usually shot “on twos” which just means one image is shown for two frames, totalling 12 drawings per second. 12 frames per second allow for motion but may look choppy.
“In the film, a frame rate of 24 frames per second is often used for smooth motion. There are different types of animation. They are:
Mohammadinigjeh says in the lower hall of the National Museum of Iran, there is a special showcase. A glass showcase is empty all around and a clay cup shines in the middle, a cup that is a sign of the peak of art, ingenuity, and creativity of the people of the burnt city.
“Many researchers have considered the date of the burnt city to be the same as the Bronze Age and the same period as Jiroft civilisation. This ancient site is located in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan.
“The most important work of art discovered from the ancient site of Burnt City is a clay jar with the world’s first “moving picture” or “animation” on it.
“On the body of this cup, a goat is depicted in five different positions, each of which is a continuation of the previous one. In the first picture, the goat is standing in front of the tree, and in the next four pictures, it moves towards it and feeds from this tree.
“This is the first animation in the world. Related to Iranian civilisation,’’ the consultant said.
Mohammadinigjeh said in Nigeria, which is home to the world’s second-largest film industry, animators and cartoonists are struggling to make a name for themselves in Nollywood.
Although there is a scarcity of formal training opportunities in the animation space, many Nigerian animators are carving a niche for themselves by creating local production and animated short movies.
‘Iwájú’, which has been described as Nigeria’s first animation series, is expected to be released soon by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the pan-African British-based entertainment company Kugali Media.
It will be set in a futuristic version of Lagos and will explore themes of inequality, class divide, and coming of age.
“Studio executives and streaming services are taking a critical look, even though they are not doing a lot to change the situation.
“A lot of animation professionals have to go outside our borders to experience real value conversion. Animation takes longer and is more expensive.
“With more partnerships and investment, Nigerian animation will improve significantly,” he said.
According to PR Newswire, the total value of the global animation industry was projected to reach $270 billion by 2020. The streaming market for animation content peaked at $ 2.9 billion in 2018 and is experiencing growth at an annual rate of 8 percent.
Animation is capital-intensive and involves different sections and processes of production which require specialised skills.
The absence of an adequate training hub to train animators is another challenge that the industry faces.
Most animators in Nigeria are self-taught as there are few animation training centres in the country. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.**
According to him, in oder to reverse these trends, the ministry has commenced the implementation of the Hand Hygiene for All Roadmap, which gives a strategic direction to achieve hand hygiene for all.
