SAKOBA DANCE THEATRE

By Sanjoy Roy

(The Guardian, Wednesday 9 March 2005)

If you think African dance is all about traditional rituals, talking drums and dynamic energy, think again. Here's a man dressed as a woman, hamming it up to the hilt as he rails against an unfaithful husband and tells God to mind his own business. Aseju (Excess) is the first work by Bode Lawal (the guy in women's clothes) following his return to the UK after a sabbatical in the US - and it shows him to be energised, irreverent and brash.

Lawal, who founded his company Sakoba in 1987, can certainly choreograph traditional African forms when he wants to. In the first half of the show, for example, he shows off his dancers' impressively sharp technical skills in abstract compositions that highlight the pump of their shoulders and the roll and twist of their limbs about their spines. It's a lively exposition of his base material - on which he then builds a series of more narrative scenarios about aspects of modern urban life: commuting, job-hunting, clubbing, going to the gym. So in each section you sense the stylistic root and also see how Lawal adapts it for the theatre. Rhythms are evened out into steady pulses for the club scene. In an outrageously provocative podium dance, with Lawal dressed in the tiniest black PVC shorts, all the expansive pump and roll of his body seems to have been compressed into his tautly swivelling buttocks.

Lawal seems much better at starting sections than at ending them. Yet the work is made vivid by the confident, versatile and physically expressive dancers, and enhanced by the live percussionists. Despite its flaws, the lasting impression is of a fresh, populist and often mischievous piece that is much more direct and entertaining than the pontificating programme notes would have you believe.

Bode Lawal: Exit of a famous international dancer

A popular dancer, choreographer and founder of Sakoba Dance Company, UK, Bode Lawal, is dead. Newswatch Times learnt that he was reported dead on August 13, 2015 in Manchester, where he had been running a Dance workshop. Details of the circumstances of death are still being put together by the Police in London, and will be reported here as soon as it is clear. Mr Peter Badejo (OBE) of Badejo Arts, and Alhaji Teju Kareem (CEO Mirage Multimedia Company) – two of his close associates -- are on top of the case, and are already in touch with his family both in the UK and in Ibadan, Nigeria.

 Profile:

Bode Lawal MA (emca), is hailed as one of the finest exponents of creative African dance working in Britain. He studied dance, choreography and drama before being invited to join the Nigerian national dance troupe with which he toured internationally, winning the Ministry of Culture’s Dancer of the Year award in 1985. After this success, he moved to Britain to form Sakoba (meaning new dawn), to celebrate the rich traditions of African dance and music and to spread the profound messages encapsulated in his choreography across Europe. 

OSHIOMHOLE GOOFED-DR ADESINA

“It is uncharitable and against the interest of Nigerian public to politicise issues of agriculture and food security as Governor Oshiomhole did in his criticisms of that sector.
“Nigerians know better and will not allow this governor’s attempt to reinvent the wheel. “Foremost, it is a bad public relations stunt, not expected from the governor. Secondly, his comments detract from the ATA – a reform that was vigorously pursued and implemented by Dr Akin Adesina, now president elect of African Development Bank,” the former minister said. Governor Oshiomole ought to know better that, under ATA, efficient distribution of subsidised farm inputs – also known as the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), reached 14.3million farmers with 1.3million MT of fertiliser, 102,703 metric tons of improved rice seeds, 67,991 metric tons of improved maize seeds, 6,171 metric tons of improved cotton seeds, 130 million stems of cassava, 45.5million seedlings of cocoa, nine million seedlings of oil palm amongst many other crops between 2012 and 2014.
“Those inputs helped produce an additional 21million MT of food that has acted as a buffer against inflation with the devaluation of the Naira. “Particularly troubling is the fact that a political leader of a State as enlightened as Edo State could feign ignorance at the fact that the number of integrated rice mills, needed to produce parboiled rice, preferred by Nigerians, has grown from just one in 2010 to 24 in 2014. “Equally worrisome is the fact that he is unaware that our parboiled rice milling capacity increased from 70,000 metric tons to 800,000 metric tons. His former colleague in Lagos, at some point, had bought as many as 56 trailer loads of paddy rice from Kebbi (a major massive producer of rice under ATA) for processing into ‘ Eko Rice ‘ brand in Lagos. It means Governor Oshiomhole’s criticism is fraught with irregularities.
AKINWUNMI ADESINA(PHD),Ex-Minister of Agriculture,President Elect,African Development Bank(ADB).

IGBO GROUPS WANT JUNAID MOHAMMED TRIED FOR TREASON

Frontline Igbo socio-political groups on Wednesday condemned the convener of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, Junaid Mohammed, for asking Ndigbo to break away from Nigeria if they feel marginalised.
One of the groups, Njiko Igbo Forum, said Mohammed’s statement amounted to treasonable felony.
President of the Njiko Igbo Forum, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, who reacted to the development in an interview with our correspondent in Enugu, said Mohammed should be tried for treason.
Also, foremost Igbo socio-political body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in its reaction to the matter, described Mohammed as a “northern bigot.”
Mohammed made the statement while replying a former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who said the Igbo had not been treated fairly in terms of political positions and appointments in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

A VALID ID OR NO HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN SOKOTO -TAMBUWAL

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said that any guest who wants to lodge in any hotel in Sokoto state will need to have a valid identification card from next year.
According to Imam Imam, his spokesman, the governor said this new directive became necessary in view of the precarious security situation in the country and the need to protect lives and property in the state.
Tambuwal, who spoke when his secondary school classmates paid him a visit at his residence in Sokoto, said the new policy, which he said was a standard procedure in all parts of the world, would affect both Nigerians and foreigners.
He said the implementation is delayed until next year in order to sensitise hotel owners, security agencies and the general public on the new policy.
“In other parts of the world, you cannot just go and lodge in any hotel without valid identification. However, this is not the case in Nigeria. We are introducing this policy as part of our commitment to security of the citizens.
“Sokoto has enjoyed peace but we will not relent on our oars, we will continue to do more to support our security agencies.
“If you are a foreigner, you must present your international passport with a valid Nigerian visa. If you are a Nigerian, the hotels will demand one of drivers’ licence, international passport or national ID card.”
While urging all citizens of Sokoto to be security conscious, Tambuwal appealed to the people to support security agencies, adding that responsibility for securing the state lies with all persons.
He commended the Federal Government for the proactive measure adopted to contain insurgency in the country.
Culled from The Recorderng

PLEASE BE KIND! CHARLY BOY WRITES ON MAJEK FASHEK'S STRUGGLES

The other day I was at the Rain Makers ( Majek's ) press conference, a little anxious but mostly excited about the personal progress made so far in regards to his physical well being. Anxious if the press in firing questions at Majek were going to be kind this time around or insensitive to his situation.
The questions where mostly directed to Majek and my colleagues in the media were gentle,till one of them had to voice out what was probably on the minds of most of them.
"Am seeing a different picture in front of me, and I am pleasantly shocked at the way you have answered all questions thrown at you. I came here expecting to meet someone incoherent, confused and off track, but am faced with someone who is not only articulate, but who understands what is happening to him and is desirous of a positive change. Im glad I came here today or I wouldn't have believed this.
It was Majek's answer that inspired this piece.

The Importance Of Buhari Becoming An Editor

By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

There are too many faultfinders in good old Nigeria, and these troublemakers cannot stop complaining. These unrepentant captains of criticism are full of voice that President Muhammadu Buhari has done absolutely no governance except to keep chirruping repeatedly about corruption like a parrot. Let these critics know that Buhari has to do a lot of work as an editor before beginning governance. For now, Buhari is simply an editor heavily involved in editing the book on Nigerian corruption. This is indeed a very large book, and our Spartan president needs all the time on earth to do a thorough edit.
As every unpaid journalist who has been in any underpaying newsroom knows, the editor’s decision is final. Even more conspicuously, the editor’s indecision is equally final. Now that military dictatorship is out of fashion, the next best port of call is the editor’s desk. There is no democracy in the newsroom, even as journalism bears the glorified epaulette of the so-called Fourth Estate of the Realm. The editor’s toga affords the needed cover to inject a dose of the dictatorial in the name of the democratic.

LIST OF SONGS NOT TO BE AIRED IN NIGERIA AND REASONS

The songs listed below are not to be aired by Radio stations in Nigeria as shared by OAP, Yaw.
-LIB

PHOTOS OF FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND HIS FAMILY IN KENYA

Photos from Miss Virginity 2015 held in Lagos on August 15, 2015 at Surulere Local Government presmises

200 Level student of Nursing, LUTH, Miss Mosunmola Oladipo, Winner of Miss Virginity 2015

Winner of Miss Virginity 2015, Miss Mosunmola Oladipo  and Head of Judges for Miss Virginity 2015, Princess Ada Dalyn Dike

Photos from Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima's condolence visit to his deputy's family today

GOV. AMBODE AT SEMINAR FOR INTENDING PILGRIMS TO 2015 HAJJ

Drunk man dies fighting wife

Aba man slumps and dies fighting wife in drunken state as she challenges his drinking - See more at: http://goo.gl/Y94tnH

Source: Nigerian Watch

Photos from the funeral of Late Deputy Governor of Borno State, Zannah Umar Mustapha, who died in his sleep on Saturday

Late Deputy Governor of Borno State, Zannah Umar Mustapha's corpse. May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant his wife and children the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen. I humbly sympathise with my former classmate and wife of the late deputy governor of Borno State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Hansatu Goldben Zannah.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife and children on 3-day visit Kenya's Maasai Mara Games Reserve.

Buhari Searching for ‘Fearless’ Judges To Try Looters

President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced the process of identifying a few fearless and courageous judges who will be saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting persons who have been found to have stolen national resources, THE PUNCH has learnt.
READ MORE......
See More

Source: Sahara Reporters

Nike Oshinowo, Mai Atafo, Lanre Da-Silva, others grace Martell 300 Gala Celebrations .

 Great and beautiful people from corporate and social Nigeria, including Nike Oshinowo, Steve Babaeko, Uzo Nwagwu, Kemi Adetiba, Koleka Maringa, Mai Atafo, Lanre Da-Silva, and Dolapo Oni attended Martell 300, the worldwide anniversary celebration of the oldest and finest Cognac House, took Lagos by storm on Saturday, August 8, 2015.

 The spectacular event opened with music by Femi Toy, who played the piano to the delight of the guests, as they were ushered along the Blue Carpet into the venue, where Martell’s 300 year history burst out in vive and celebrations.

The brand hosted 80 VIPs, in Black-Tie, to the fine craftsmanship of this great Cognac House and the celebration of the French art-de-vivre that started it all.

Hosted at the spectacular Skyline Terrace Hall of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, guests were immersed in a sumptuous culinary delight curated by celebrated Chef, Majdandzic Ivica. Designed around Jean Martell’s original journey to Cognac, the 6-course experience was preceded by a magnificent 10 minute fireworks display which lit up the Lagos Lagoon skyline.

Nollywood actor, Uche Anyamele, becomes brand ambassador …As Pumoh.com unveils online shopping mall in Lagos

A multi-dimensional service oriented company, providing innovative IT solutions, Pumoh Group, has launched its online shopping mall – Pumoh.com and also named a Nollywood actor and director, Mr. Sam Uche Anyamele, as the brand ambassador.
Anyamele is responsible for the integration of the brand name amongst relevant publics.

Newswatch Times gathered that Pumoh, offers a wide range of quality products at affordable prices. The service which is already available provides the best of both worlds to consumers and merchants in and outside Nigeria and offers the most convenient and rewarding online shopping experience. The online mall is partnering merchants with world class products to sell their goods at recommended factory prices to end users.

Unveiling the product to the media on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the company’s Headquarters in Lagos, the Executive Director and Legal Adviser of Pumoh online, Barrister Umoh Adingwupu, stated that: "Pumoh online shopping mall will focus on best practices while offering clients and visitors the best of local and international goods. Our aim is to foster continued e-commerce growth in Nigeria, bridging the gap between physically visiting the shop to a truly viable, stress free and sustainable endeavour."

Miss Chidinma Adingwupu, Executive Director Pumoh.com presenting the document of agreement to Mr. Sam Uche Anyamele as Pumoh Brand Ambassador at the Media Launch of Pumoh Online Shopping Mall

AFRIMA unveils 2015 nominees today ...As Jury members feel the heat of the adjudication process.

The International Committee of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with African Union Commission (AUC), has announced the arrival of the 13-man jury panel to Lagos, the host city of the 2015 edition of  AFRIMA to screen the 2558 entries received ahead of the nominees unveiling conference on Friday, August 14, 2015.
The jurors are music professionals with commendable reputation in the African and global entertainment industry. They have been involved in many music productions, live performances, music festivals, music distribution and have contributed to the success of many African music artistes who are thriving today.
Reaffirming the integrity of the jury members, AFRIMA Programme Director, Adenrele Niyi, stated that the members of the jury are well grounded in the African music industry. “There is no doubt the adjudication process will be seamless and credible, we could not have put together a better team to screen the large number of entries we received.”

Osun Osogbo 2015: Goldberg increases tourists experience at Iwopopo ceremonies

The Ataoja of Osogboland, His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji flanked by his wives and members of the council of chiefs led the cleansing procession.

In line with its commitment to promote and celebrate indigenous culture, Goldberg lager beer, the official beer of the Osun Osogbo festival was on the ground to celebrate with the people of Osogbo as they kicked off the 2015 Osun Osogbo festival with the Iwopopo ceremonies. Apart from brightening Osogbo town with communication materials, Goldberg also provided a mobile cart that served cold beer to visitors and residents alike who participated in the ceremonies.

Commenting on Goldberg support for the festival, the Public Affairs Manager West/MidWest, Nigerian Breweries Plc Mr. Tayo Adelaja pledged that the brand will create a memorable beer experience that will excite and reward loyal consumers and indigenes of Osogbo town. He said Goldberg will stay with Osogbo people throughout the Osun Osogbo festival.

Finalists emerge for 8th Annual National Art Competition

The Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre U. Ekanem; Director, African Artists’ Foundation, Mr. Azubike Nwagbogu; Olayinka Olatoye, Dudu Emmanuel and Emete Tonukari flanked by 12 finalist for the National Art Competition 2015

BY ADA DIKE

African Artists’ Foundation and Nigerian Breweries Plc last week Thursday, unveiled twelve finalists that will take part in this year’s edition of the National Art Competition (NAC).

The artists were selected from over a hundred proposals received from all geopolitical zones in Nigeria after long and careful consideration of the selection committee led by one of the best contemporary visual artists in African, Professor El Anatsui.

They are: Adetunwase Adenle, Funmi Akindejoye, Michael Enejison, Chinenye Emelogu, Maryam Kazzem, May Okafor and Stacey Okparavero.

Others are: Komi Olafimihan, Ngozi Omeje, Babatunde Oyeyemi, Folami Razaq and Sabastine Ugwuoke.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos last week, Director, African Artists’ Foundation, Mr. Azubike Nwagbogu, expressed delight at the selection and reiterated that the national Art Competition aims to promote the development of contemporary African Art and raise awareness of social issues through the use of creative artistic expression. “This year, we had an unprecedented number of strong, conceptually sophisticated entries, proposing a variety of artistic practices in response to the “Future Histories”.

Jonathan did not lobby our committee to stop Buhari’s probe – Kukah

---------------
The National Peace Committee on Tuesday dismissed reports that it was lobbied by former President Goodluck Jonathan to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from probing his administration.
Read More: http://t.co/RyQ5lxpMSu

Source: Premium Times

Emeka Ojukwu's Super Bentley car in the 1940s

Ikemba Nnewi Emeka Ojukwu's Super Bentley car with Nigerian Registration ON 1175 (Onitsha) seen in the 1940s, Oxford, United Kingdom

Burial rites of Ooni of Ife has commenced

The burial rites of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
“The proclamation of the demise of Ooni will be made public during the Oro festival, being the final rites on the demise of Ooni of Ife. “The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4p.m. during which the Oro deity will be out. “With the announcement, people are advised to stay indoors for the period when the Oro will be out”.

Chief Dennis Osadebay during campaign in 1964

Chief Dennis Osadebay, Premier of the Midwest Region, campaign entourage, Asaba Ferry, December 1964. Note all the Mercedes's cars behind him.

Okwaraji’s Portrait To Be Displayed At Federation Cup Venues

The Nigeria Football Federation has perfected plans to unveil the portrait of late Nigerian footballer Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji at all the eight venues where the quarter-final of the Federation Cup will be played this evening – Enugu, Benin City, Neros Stadium, Oleh, Lokoja, Abuja, Ilorin and Makurdi.

Making the revelation yesterday, on the eve of Okwaraji’s 26th year remembrance, the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, praised the patriotism and professionalism of the player who died on August 12, 1989 while playing for the Senior National Team in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Pinnick, who spoke to the late soccer star’s mother, Lady Jane Okwaraji, over the phone, described him as “a star for Nigeria, a name that no one has been able to forget no matter how much they tried. He was the quintessential professional and patriot per excellence. “Rest assured that Sochukwuma will continue to be in our hearts and consciousness. He was a rare gem. I assure you that the NFF will continue to keep in touch with you.”
Pinnick recalled that as a young boy, he was at the National Stadium, where he saw the star slum while playing on the pitch.
Also, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confessed to being one of the spectators on that day.
Okwaraji, a doctorate degree student of law, slumped 13 minutes to the end of the match and was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital. His brother, Patrick Okwaraji, described Amaju’s call as “soothing”.
“We are grateful to the NFF President for his phone call. At least, Mama is feeling better now.
Source: Nigeria Camera

REGINALD EBERE WISHES QUEEN NWOKOYE HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND SHARES HOW HE MET HER

"Dateline TRACY HOTEL AWKA 2003.
I was in Awka in preparation for a movie shoot. I had just finished conducting an audition and had cast Chinelo Ndigwe in the female lead role. I headed back to my hotel room and was about to settle down fro the night when a timid knock went off on my door. I opened the door and a rather beautiful young girl stood at my door. She had tears in her eyes. I looked at her and asked her who she was and what the problem was. She mumbled something inaudible. I told her to repeat what she had just told me. "I want to act" She said. She looked so lost and so desperately in need of help that i asked her to come in and sit down. I gave her a script to read and i was so impressed with her amatuerish fervor that i called Chinelo up and gave her another role. That was Queen Nwokoye's inauspicious beginnings in the movie industry. She stepped in and the rest, like they say, is history. I have watched this young woman grow in leaps and bounds and she has become one of the leading lights of Nollywood. She is one of my success stories and i am very proud of her. Today is QUEEN NWOKOYE'S birthday and I will love to wish my fan, one of my greatest champions, my friend, confidant, one of the happiest souls i know, a thorough professional and a very good girl A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I love you endlessly. May God continue to bless and increase you.

now forget the sad faces here. we were only rehearsing a scene"

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, dancing with the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at the new RCCG Auditorium yesterday

Nigerian Army to Punish Soldiers for Maltreating Suspected Armed Robber

Nigerian Army to Punish Soldiers for Maltreating Suspected Armed Robber
The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a front page photograph of some soldiers maltreating a suspected robber at Mararraba, Nasarawa State, on the front page of today’s edition of Daily Trust newspaper.
Sadly, it is also trending on the Social Media.
There is no doubt the photograph has done incalculable damage to the image of the service. The act was unfortunate and at variance with military ethics and professionalism. The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public that the perpetrators of the offence have been identified, summoned and will face disciplinary action.
The Army has also reached out to the management of the newspaper over this poor and worrisome editorial judgment by giving this misdemeanour prominence in their paper. Alerting appropriate Nigerian Army authorities would have been a better option that will be met with prompt response.
We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to protect and respect human rights and that this regrettable incidence should not be used as a yardstick to judge the entire Army.
Thank you.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

Man disguises as a woman, works as a housegirl for a family

ANA Review 2015: Call for submissions

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has called for submissions for the 2015 ANA Review.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the ANA Publicity Secretary, North, Richard Ali. According to the statement, the intention of the ANA is to publish a yearly Review that will showcase the very best of Nigerian and African writing. “Consequently, we request submissions in the following genres:
1. Prose: Including short stories and novel excerpts. Maximum word count 3000 words.
2. Poetry: 3 poems per submission. Maximum, 40 lines each.
3. Drama: 5,000 words maximum.
4. Essays and Reviews: 3,000 words maximum.
5. Illustrations of Novels/Poetry: 3 per submission.
“This call is open to all Africans, holders of passports of African countries, and persons of African descent writing about themes concerning the continent. Works to be positively considered have to be of the highest quality as creative merit will be the sole criteria for selection. It is our further intention, however, to have an inclusive ANA Review.
“All submissions should be emailed together with a 100 word bio of the author to ana.review14@gmail.com. Text must be in the Microsoft Word format while drawings must be in the .jpeg or .jpg format. Deadline for all submissions is 20th of August, 2015.”