Groups Petition Tinubu Over Continuous Campaign Of Calumny Against Nigerian Army By Sahara Reporters

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.

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.

Rising Cost Of Living: Parents Lament As Schools Resume

Nigerian parents are complaining as they grapple with rising costs of tuition, transportation, and basic goods that have put pressure on household budgets as schools resume on Sept. 9.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, some parents expressed their frustration as they prepare for the new academic session amid economic hardship.

Mr Chimuze Eze, a banker, said that last year’s increase in school-related expenses had continued this year, worsening the situation.

“Last year, we experienced an increase in school fees; transportation to schools was almost doubled. Now, we are also faced with the same challenge.

“The recent increase in the price of petrol will impact on transportation, and just like every other thing, it is a ripple effect.

”It is going to affect food prices, tuition fees, everything will go up,” Eze said.

According to him, in the next few days, when students and pupils are going back to school, it will be a really tough time for the parents.

“To be honest, we are not looking forward to those tough days. We just hope that something happens urgently,” he said.

Jessica Nana, a mother of two, decried the high cost of preparing her children for school.

“Things are very hard. My children are going to resume school next week, and I can not boast of getting everything they need,” she said.

Nana noted that the cost of school fees and transportation had surged, making it harder for parents to cope.

“The bus fare is now very high. We are hoping that the price of things will come down. If not, it is going to affect school resumption because everything has tripled.

” We are praying and hoping that things will get better,” she said.

Mr Joseph Okoh, a businessman, said that he had to move his children to a cheaper school that was affordable for him.

” I have to take this decision so that I can meet up with other essentials of life that have also doubled.

“The cost of transportation and feeding alone is high. It is almost impossible to provide proper meals these days.

” Things are more expensive than before, and I only hope that things will get better soon,” Okoh said.

Mrs Funmilayo Ade, a resident of Nyanya, said that the financial burden on parents was now more pronounced.

“It has been hard for us because no matter how much we save; it is never enough.

” We are hoping to get enough money to buy necessary things for schools’ resumption and then another increase in fuel price which further worsened the situation,” she said.

Ade appealed to the Federal Government to look into the fuel price, which had multiplier effect on the economy, and act on it to save Nigerians. (NAN)