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)

*INSINUATION OF MASS RESIGNATION OF NIGERIAN ARMY SOLDIERS DUE TO CORRUPTION IS BASELESS, IRRATIONAL

The recent publication by Sahara Reporters and similar media platforms, alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like is not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sew the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army. Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.

Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years. This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation.

In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption. Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others. The notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture. Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even over subscribed.

Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families. A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.

Furthermore, the NA is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families. Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. This is aside the regular free airliftng of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families. These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection. Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice.

In light of these phenomenal efforts, one cannot but assert that the leadership of the NA has continued to steadily and consistently walk the talk, as pledged in the COAS Command philosophy to “Transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.

Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media.

We call on media organizations to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation. The Nigerian Army will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Major General
Director
Army Public Relations
8 September 2024