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Lagos Kulturefest 2024 Set to Celebrate Unity, Cultural Excellence

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Lagos Kulturefest 2024 Set to Celebrate Unity, Cultural Excellence

 

 

The Convener of Lagos Kulturefest 2024, Chief Obani Oluwabiyi Anthony Boyede Greenlyte, has announced that this year’s annual cultural fiesta, slated for November 16 at the University of Kulture Open Ground in the Alimosho area of the state, seeks to celebrate cultural excellence and unity.

 

Lagos Kulturefest 2024 Set to Celebrate Unity, Cultural Excellence

 

Chief Boyede, a dedicated culture advocate and performance theatre practitioner, added that the Alimosho Arts Community Initiative and Theatre Centrik would jointly organise the event for a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and unity, and offer a platform for artists to showcase their talents and foster social change through the arts.

He emphasised that both organisations are committed to promoting arts and culture in Lagos, with a mission to creating a vibrant and inclusive cultural scene that reflects the community’s diversity and creativity. They also aim to provide opportunities for artists to express themselves and drive social change through their works.

He stated: “This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a masterful play themed “Unity and Fight Against Corruption” as its centerpiece. Our goal is to celebrate cultural excellence and unity through various colourful performances and showcases from collaborating theatre and culture groups.

“Lagos Kulturefest 2024 will mark a new dimension in cultural festivals in Lagos and beyond. We are committed to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our community while promoting unity and social change through the arts.
The festival will feature a diverse range of rich performances, including music, dance, theater, and poetry.”

Boyede explained that under the creative direction of Ms. Halimat Alabi, Artistic Director and Head of Dance Performance, the team has been diligently crafting an extraordinary production, With Alabi bringing to bear her over fifteen (15) years of experience having directed numerous productions and choreographed intricate dance pieces.

He added: “Supporting her is a talented team, including Mr. Oluwamuyiwa Oluewu, Head of Instrumentalists and Costume Manager, who has dedicated over fourteen (14) years to the company. As a seasoned musician and costume designer, Mr. Oluewu ensures that both music and costumes meet the highest standards.

 

Additional key members include: Mr Israel Bolaji, Head of Media and Communications; Ms. Onyekachi Favour Ulodike, Performance Stage Manager, whose extensive experience guarantees smooth and efficient performances; Kingsley Bassey (KSB), Resident Director, who will oversee all activities, ensuring seamless execution of the performances with a wealth of experience in managing large-scale events; Olayinka Esther Boyede, Assistant Director and Dramaturge, who collaborates closely with the director on the play’s script and concept.

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Others are Abel Utuedor, Lighting Designer, known for his keen eye for detail in lighting design across numerous productions; Thompson Ubong, Sound Designer, who crafts soundscapes that enhance storytelling through his deep understanding of sound; Oluseyi Oladele Fiyi, Set Designer, recognised for his spatial awareness in set design; Udeme Agnes Gregory, Costume Assistant, contributing her attention to detail in costume creation.

The team also features Abel Awolola, Stagehand, known for his strong work ethic in setting up and striking sets; Ms. Agnes Yetunde Johnson, Head of Poetry and Writing, who curates poetry segments, reflecting her love for literature; Amaifebu Micheal Ogadima, Head of Photography and Documentation, capturing the essence of productions through his lens; Arts Osagie Okedigun, Supervising Resident Director, with extensive experience in theatre production; Dr. Sam Uche Anyamale and Mr. Seyi Fasuyi, both Resident Directors, bringing their understanding of theatre and storytelling to the festival; Ridwan Wale Kofoworola, Graphic Design Expert, who creates visually stunning materials for the festival; Seun David Awoyemi, Design Expert, collaborating on innovative designs for the event; and Babatunde Samuel Shofala, Technical Master, ensuring the smooth execution of all technical aspects of the festival.

About Alimosho Arts Community Initiative and Theatre Centrik

The Alimosho Arts Community Initiative and Theatre Centrik are dedicated to promoting arts and culture in Lagos, Nigeria. Our mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive cultural scene that reflects the diversity and creativity of our community while providing a platform for artists to express themselves and promote social change through the arts.

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).
This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.
Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.
He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.
In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.
Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

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Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno.  The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.

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