Category Archives: Events
‘Why We Are Taking Headies To The United States’ – Ayo Animasahun
Wole Arisekola’s Ode To Humanity
I Will Reveal His Dirty Secrets In My New Song- Singer, Saheed Osupa Hints Fans As He Declares War On Seyi Makinde
Day Award Winning Photojournalist, Bamigbelu’s ‘The Atmosphere’ Berth In Ibadan(PHOTO)
Ademola ‘Origa’ Bamigbelu
John Olatunbosun
Alhaji Salman Yusuf
It was fanfare at the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan the day ace Nigerian sport photojournalist, Ademola Bamigbelu host media and the general public to his seven days photography exhibition tagged The Atmosphere.
Explaining the theme of the exhibition, Bamigbelu, fondly called Origa by friends and associates, the ‘Atmosphere’ is a compilation of images photographed across West Africa which tells the stories of various events captured by him.
“The cultural and traditional displays fascinate me each time I come across them at different stadiums. And the lens with me goes beyond my imagination and I never deny my mind to illuminate these visuals expressively. The reason I am showcasing the ‘Atmosphere’, he said.
Speaking further,
Bamigbelu, who has been following football matches and cultures attached to the beautiful game since the early 1980s, said the exhibition is about the fans and other characters that make the sporting atmosphere live apart from the major factors which are the players.
“Encountering dedicated fans and supporters despite finding themselves in different situations can be astonishing while working around the pitches.
“The good, the bad, and ugly attitudes are brought to the fore.
“I believe it is worthy to showcase them as a way of appreciating their undying love, keeping the momentum at all times. They are indeed the game changers!
“I have been able to capture in different poise for over 19 years through my lens and they deserve to be celebrated just like the footballers on the field of play,” added the award winning photographer.
Side attracting during the opening day of the exhibition include an encounter with an old man, Alhaji Salman Yusuf, who has been drumming in support of IICC Shooting Stars now renamed Shooting Stars Sports Club for over 40 years and also with a widely traveled football juggler who goes by the sobriquet LL Cool J who was known for his ability to recreate football skills and mannerisms of famous football players, coaches, and referees such as Taribo West, Jay- Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi, Jose Mourinho, Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, and others.
Speaking at the occasion, the director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, John Akinsunmi Olatunbosun showered encomium on Bamigbelu for his initiative that brought about the exhibition saying ” to be exceptional in whatever your are doing, you must think outside the box and this is what make Bamigbelu’s work exceptional.”
SWAN Boss, Niyi Alebiosu with his members at the exhibition
U.S. Government Exchange Alumna Opens Nigeria’s First Waste Museum
Waste Museum Ibadan
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Waste Museum
Guests at the opening of the Waste Museum in Ibadan
A 2019 alumna of the United State of America Consulate’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Jumoke Olowookere has opened the first of its kind waste museum and up-cycling training center in Nigeria with support from the United States Africa Development Foundation.
The U.S. government has always support and encourage sound waste management practices that protect the environment and foster socio-economic inclusion for people in low-income communities.
The Waste Museum will provide environmental education and equip women and youth from undeserved communities with up-cycling skills.
At the opening ceremony of the museum in Ibadan, Olowookere highlighted the importance of finding creative and productive ways to create employment by turning waste into valuable products.
She explained that her overall objectives of establishing the Waste Museum is to protect the environment from degradation and support the expansion of sustainable up-cycling businesses in Nigeria.
“Environmental risk factors of indiscriminate disposal of waste and the rising pile of garbage in our cities are huge. With the Waste Museum, we are showcasing the value of waste,” Olowookere said.
“We want people to see how waste can be turned into wealth. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no waste goes into the landfill –– a zero waste future is possible.”
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the museum in Ibadan, U.S. Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Jennifer Foltz applauded Olowookere for raising awareness among the youth and encouraging community members to take the lead and be part of the solution to preserving the environment.
She noted that the U.S. government will continue to support efforts aimed at encouraging increased and improved up-cycling and recycling in Nigeria.
“Today, we are celebrating the opening of the Waste Museum as it creatively and sustainably addresses two societal challenges —unemployment and waste management.” Foltz said.
“The U.S. Consulate is particularly inspired by the work of our AWE alumna, Jumoke Olowookere. The opening of the Waste Museum further demonstrates the impact U.S. government exchange alumni are making to address challenges in their local communities across Nigeria.”
The U.S. government is committed to supporting alumni of its programs by providing resources that will help them to build upon their exchange experience for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni living in Nigeria have a number of opportunities to be involved in post-exchange activities, and receive access to specialized resources including grant opportunities.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is a U.S. government initiative that supports women entrepreneurs around the world.
Designed to cultivate entrepreneurial know-how, AWE helps women entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities, enhance opportunities for business expansion, and increase the likelihood of entrepreneurial success.
Handle Your Weapons With Civility -NSCDC Commandant Tasks Oyo New Female Armed Squad
Newly Inaugurated NSCDC Female Armed Squad in Oyo State
The newly formed female armed squad of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been charged to to live up to expectation as a women by enhancing peace with their weapon rather than creating troubles in the country.
Speaking at the passing out parade of female armed squad in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital on Tuesday, NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who was represented by Assistant Commandant General of the Corps Shem Obafaiye said because of the trust and investment in the female squad, they should ensure to handling their weapons with civility and follow the rules of engagement.
Obafaiye said Nigeria at this critical time because of the insecurity, needs an Amazon, a replica of the female soldiers who fought the Dahomey war in those days and the newly inaugurated NSCDC Female Armed Squad should live up to expectation by protecting the interest of the people.
In his address, the Oyo State commandant, Michael Adaralewa said that the inauguration is one of the transformation programme of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi to rejig and reposition the Corps as the organisation response to the plethora of security challenges facing the country, of which Oyo State is not left out.
Speaking further, Commandant Adaralewa said the aim of the formation of the squad is to further ensure professionalism in the discharge of their duties, adding that the personnel had been made to undergo training in the principles of internal security.
He urged citizens to synergise with security agencies in the state, including the civil defence, just as he warned criminals in the state to vacate the territory or face the wrath of the law.
In his message at the event, the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde congratulated the female armed squad for going against all odds to get to the conclusion of the training.
Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Mojeed Mogbonjubola, promised his support for the civil defence with whatever it would take to nip criminal activities in the bud across the pacesetter state.
One of the special guest at the epoch event, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde gave kudos to the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Abubakar Audi on the formation of the all female squad because of the role women can play toward peace in the nation.
“The inauguration of the female squad is a good initiative because as we all know, the women folks are close to our children and their femininity can work for them in ensuring protection for educational sector from ritualists, cultists and other criminals and thus safeguarding the future of our children,” Ambassador Ayinde, who is a Universal Peace Federation Justice of Peace and Supreme Human Right National Ambassador of Peace said.
US Consulate, Morehouse College Hold Music Masterclass, Performance For Over 1000 Youths
The United States Government is committed to strengthening its bilateral ties with Nigeria through music, arts and film which brings diverse people together and creates space for discussion and exchange.
The United States Consulate General Lagos supported the Morehouse College Glee Club in Atlanta, Georgia, to organize music masterclasses and choral performances for more than 1000 secondary and tertiary students and choir directors in Lagos, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom states.
The Glee Club, which is also celebrating the 50th year anniversary of its first tour in Nigeria performed American songs, particularly African-American spirituals, which have roots in West African music with more than 30 student choral groups across the three states.
The music masterclasses and choral performances led by the Director of Morehouse Glee Club, Professor David Morrow, Morehouse Glee Club Vocalist, Professor Timothy Miller and Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Africana Digital Ethnography Project, Dr. Aaron Carter-Enyi provided participants the opportunity to learn and improve their musical skills.
In her remarks at the grand finale held at the University of Lagos, U.S. Consul General Claire Pierangelo noted that the music masterclasses and choral performances showcased the U.S. Mission’s strong commitment to strengthening cultural relations between the people of Nigeria and the United States.
She underscored the importance of music as a powerful medium for fostering cooperation, dialogue, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration.
“We recognize that we have many common interests, especially in areas as diverse as music, film and the arts through which we create dialogue and exchange. The role of music in diplomacy cannot be overemphasized, especially with its emphasis on free expression, creativity and collaborative teamwork,” she said.
Pierangelo stated that the deep ties between the United States and Nigeria are extended through institutions like Morehouse College and other historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, which have continued to serve as home for international students seeking education in the United States, including many from Nigeria.
She added that Nigeria currently ranks highest among African countries and 10th largest country in the world with students in U.S. institutions, and this has continued to expand U.S. and Nigeria’s international partnership, deepening our bilateral ties.
“We are thrilled to see and support this capacity building of emerging music makers. I know that these music masterclasses will enhance our cultural engagement with the people of Nigeria and highlight growing U.S.-Nigeria ties and the vast potential of African-American music to the African continent and beyond,” she said.
Fifty years ago, the Morehouse College Glee Club organized its first musical tour to Nigeria with the support from the U.S. Department of State and there were song exchanges between both countries. Today, U.S. high school and college choirs including the Morehouse College Glee Club often sing in Nigerian languages, showing the long-term impact of that exchange.
