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ABIKE DABIRI EREWA

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Bnb{po!Qbs!Fydfmmfodf! Story by: Eric Elezuo

or a woman who had been described severally as a sterling Nigerian Amazon, a brilliant broadcaster, who later metamorphosed to an even more outstanding Parliamentarian, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa has

seen the proverbial ‘all there is to see’. And that is not leaving out the fact she is a worthy, compassionate, fair, ﬁrm, respected and courageous advocate of peoples’ right.. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa, was

born in Jos, Plateau State, on October 10, 1962 to the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Ashafa Erogbogbo of Ikorodu. Her father, Alhaji Ashafa Erogbogbo is one of the children of late Alhaji Sule Erogbogbo of Adegorunsen Compound, Ajina

BOSS OF THE WEEK square, Ita – Agbodo, Ikorodu while her paternal grandmother, Alhaja Alimotu Erobogbo is from Bello Solebo family of Ita – Elewa Square, Ikorodu. The young Abike did not let the trappings of royalty becloud her growing up days as she co-habited with various cadre of people. She attended Maryland Private School, Maryland, Ikeja for her primary education, and had her secondary education at St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan. Her first degree was a Bachelors of Art (B.A) in English Language, obtained from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) Ile – Ife. She went ahead to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Mass Communication and also a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka. She also studied at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, United States of America. Married to Segun Erewa, Abike Dabiri, as she is popularly called has transversed two very important landscapes in Nigeria: Journalism and Politics. She is presently the Special Adviser to President Mohammadu Buhari on Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, having served three terms as an honourable member in the House of Representatives where she headed the committee on Media and Publicity and Diaspora Affairs. The path to the amazon’s rise to glory has followed due diligence, paying her supposed dues where necessary. She cut her teeth in broadcasting with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) which she served for fifteen years, anchoring the weekly and popular NTA Newsline programme, which airs live at 9pm every Sunday. At NTA, she took a particular interest in poverty and social justice issues, a situation that prepared her for the role she presently plays in all her endeavours. Abike Dabiri’s compassionate disposition towards the indigent, less privileged and the down trodden earned her the sobriquet “Mother Theresa of the tube”. During her 15 years of meritorious service at the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), she used journalism to bring succor to millions of Nigerians, especially children, women and the less privileged.

At some point in her life, she realized it was time to change course and move from the Newsroom to the Hallowed Legislative Chambers and that when she decided to oﬃcial retire from NTA and then plunged neck-deep into the murky waters of politics. Consequently, she presented herself for election, and contested the House of Representatives slot to represent Ikorodu Constituency of Lagos State under the umbrella of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which today has merged with other parties to become the All Progressives Congress (APC). It will be an understatement to say that she won with an overwhelming majority as she dusted her closest rival with a distant margin. The victory was a testimony of her popularity among her Ikorodu people, and of course, the good works she had been involved in over time. And for three consecutive terms (2003 – 2015),

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she served her constituency with distinction. A no-nonsense woman, she stood stoutly against the ambition of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in seeking a term in oﬃce as {resident. Her voice was not only heard; it was thunderous. One can’t forget in a hurry the story of ‘Mary, the miracle baby’. That was the story of a girl, who was being claimed by three women. Abike reportedly painstakingly investigated the case for eight years, and berthed at a logical conclusion. The girl, who is now rounding oﬀ her university education, is one of the many children on Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s scholarship scheme. Hon. Erewa’s honesty and integrity among other of her qualities were brought to serious question when on August 4, 2015, she was mentioned in the dailies as one of the prominent personalities that have non performing loans and are heavily indebted to Nigerian banks.. She reacted to this development through series of tweets to debunk the claim, citing mistaken identity, while sounding it loud and clear that she owes no one. Eventually, the Bank in ques-

tion discovered their error, and responded by sending an apology in dailies for their erroneous mistake. She did not take this stain on her personality lying down, she actually dragged the bank to court and it was just last month that she agreed to settle th matter out of court-a strong evidence that for her, good name is better than silver and gold. Some of her robust legislative activities include her intervention in 2009 where Hon. Dabiri-Erewa sponsored a bill in the House of Representatives that would grant the freedom to practice journalism only after obtaining certain qualiﬁcations. The bill though received public criticism, and was seen as an attempt to gag the media. In a morning TV programme afterwards, aired on November 30, 2009, DabariErawa denied aiding corruption and hindering media freedom, stating that the bill would serve to professionalize journalism in Nigeria She was not just a ‘sidon look’ type of Representative. As Chairman, Media, she worked at giving the House a credible image through absolute openness and transparency.

She also introduced the Programme “We Serve You” where the House Leadership met with various constituencies in various zones on a regular basis thereby enhancing effective meetings between the House members and constituents. As Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs (June 2008 till 2015), her major spotlight centred on her advocacy and calls for justice and fairness for Nigerians abroad. For instance, visiting Nigerians in prisons abroad including South-Africa, Brazil, Indonesia as well as saving 24 Nigerians on death row in Libya, interventions in China, Russia, Cyprus, Ghana, U.S.A, Saudi Arabia among several others.This was where she made remarkable impact as a Member of the House of Representatives. Among the bills she championed and sponsored while in the House include the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI bill) which has now been signed into law; the Nigerian Infant Welfare Scheme Bill; Nigerians with Disabilities Bill; Bill to amend the Railway Act to allow private sector and state participation; Nigeria Diaspora Commission Bill; An Act to Eliminate Violence in Private and Public Life; Bill to Promote the Advancement of Nigerian Women and Girls; Bill to amend the National Women Development Centre Act and rename it after Mariam Babaginda, and many others. In 2015, as proof that she is made of sterner stuff that most run-of-the-mill politicians, she voluntarily did not seek re-election into the House of Representatives, therefore, paving the way for others to contribute their own quota to national development. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is an accomplished wife, proud mother and distinguished grassroots politician par excellence. She has won over 200 awards both internationally and nationally, and remains a voice for the voiceless as well as a symbol of hope and inspiration to many, Her oft quoted dictum of “success is not about age, it is not about character, it is not by how much you have in your account, but how many lives you touch” is a true reflection of her comportment, integrity, virtue and ideals, which are indeed qualities worthy of emulation. As The Boss of the week, we say thumbs up dear amazon!

AHEAD LG POLLS IN RIVERS X-RAYING THE UNCOVER STORY

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ENDING SHOW OF SUPREMACY BETWEEN

WIKE AND PETERSIDE Story by: Eric Elezuo

Governor Nyesom Wike

The loggerhead or rather the contest for supremacy between two party loyalists, Governor Nyesom Wike of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and dr. Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC), began normally like a harmless political ‘rub it on’ that sought to win and control political power in Rivers State. That has since metamorphosed into a full scale crisis of some sort that has resulted into tongue and back lashing, and more recently outright kidnapping and murder of opponents! Interestingly, not too long ago, the gladiators were all in the same camp eating from the same pot of soup, Wike as Governor Amaechi’s Chief of Staﬀ and Dakuku as his close ally. The genesis of the current brouhaha can be traced to September, 2013, when then Rivers Governor

Chibuike Amaechi and his cabinet rose from a meeting where plans were concluded to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC, following protracted struggle for supremacy between Rivers State Government House and the Jonathan Goodluck-led Federal Government. So in November of the same year, Amaechi, his cabinet and teeming supporters decamped en masse to the APC, bringing to an end months of internal political dichotomy. Justifying the earth-shaking cross carpeting, the disgruntled members noted that they were no longer safe in the PDP while accusing the Presidency and the governorship aspirant on the platform of PDP in Rivers State, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, of being behind advertorials in both national dailies and Port Harcourt-based weekly newspapers, showcasing

Dr. Dakuku Aspirant & New DG, NIMASA

Amaechi’s negative comments about the APC symbol in 2011. According to the advertorials, Amaechi, had in 2011 made a comment against the APC saying ‘those who carry brooms are night soil men and juju priests’. Is that he has now become a night soil man? It therefore became a tug of war how to dislodge the PDP machinery that had ruled the state firmly since the 4th Republic began in 1999. Consequently, Amaechi and his group resolved to fight with the last drop of their blood to ensure that President Jonathan was not reelected, hoping that once there is a change at the centre, the central power will be used to effect a change in Rivers state in their favour. With the Federal might backing Wike, and the Amaechi/Rivers State apparatus in favour of Amaechi and his APC crony,

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the governorship candidate, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, the battle line was drawn, and fought with the worst form of ferocity. The fracas that resulted was almost on a daily basis, one of which was the clash at the home town of Wike while Amaechi had concluded plans to visit the area. It was reported that The Paramount Ruler of the said town, Rumuoprikom, Eze Anthony Owabie, alleged to be a supporter of the Amaechi, allegedly shot at his son and others who are said to be members of the PDP. The resultant crisis claimed a few lives.

home that his ﬁght is with Amaechi, not Peterside since Amaechi himself has so declared. To him, Dakuku Peterside was another stooge. The confrontation became lopsided when on March 28, 2015, Amaechi’s dream of voting out Good-

President Mohamadu Buhari in the Presidential Election. This singular act gave the Amaechi/ Peterside camp the hope that they could overturn issues in Rivers State, combining Federal might with the state’s, which from all intent and purpose, they seem

horses, as the Governorship Election of April 11, 2015, finally proved. Amaechi, and by extension, Peterside, lost to the stronger might of the PDP, represented by Nyesom Wike. With the loss, Amaechi quietly withdrew from the political limelight of Rivers State, leaving Dakuku Peterside to carry his cross. He even failed to attend the handling over ceremony to his successor. As massive as the loss was, Peterside sensed some malpractice, and immediately lodged a complaint with the Election Petition Tribunal which nullified the election of Nyesom Wike. Subsequent appeals at the High and Appeal Courts saw Wike losing ground until finally the Supreme Court upheld the outcome of the April 11 governorship election that brought Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to power. The apex court in a unanimous judgment restored the declaration of Wike as the valid winner of the poll by the Independent National Electoral Commis-

The two gladiators did not look back in the ﬁght for supremacy, thereby creating a feverish situation in the oil rich state. Even as Peterside was declared the ﬂag bearer of the APC, Wike did not see him as the real contender, sion (INEC). Justice Kekeresaying while holding a Valen- luck Jonathan materialized as to control. Ekun, who delivered the lead tine meeting in his country he lost to the APC candidate, However, wishes were not verdict, held that three sepa-

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rate appeals that were ﬁled by Wike, PDP and INEC, were meritorious. Concurrent judgments of both the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and that of

tion Tribunal and the Court of Appeal which had both agreed with us that the conduct of the April 11, 2015 elections failed to comply substantially with the re-

seated, and in complete control of the State House of Assembly, the likes of Peterside and his mentor-in-chief, Rotimi Amaechi, have to go and re-strategize

the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal were all set aside by the Supreme Court. Dakuku Peterside, against all odds expressed readiness to oﬀer support to the Governor Nyesom Wike-led Rivers state in a congratulatory message. In a statement he personally signed, he said that he will not fail to criticize Wike whenever government initiates policies perceived to be against the interest of the people of the state. “The learned Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria yesterday January 27, 2016 upheld the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike won the April 11, 2015Governorship election in Rivers State. The decision was a departure from the earlier ﬁndings of the Rivers State Governorship Election Peti-

quirements of the Electoral Act. “This decision marks the culmination of a legal battle we instituted not merely because we want power for its sake; but against the virus of electoral violence that often thwarts the will of the people “Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people. It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers people. If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the messenger, Peterside said in part. With Wike ﬁnally

for the re-enactment of the battle in another four years. But then, that was just the battle as the war still persists, pitching the two gladiators dangerously against each other. With all the protestations led by Peterside, Wike still hangs on like a Lagos passenger hanging on a Molue bus. This time, somebody must be blamed for whatever that happens in state; when the good happens, Wike claims credit while Dakuku gives the credit to luck, and the bad happens, both are quick to point accusing ﬁngers at each other. In his views, a Port Harcourt based political analyst, Mr. Onyema Amadi said that what is playing out in Rivers State is a case of who becomes the godfather in the state now that Amaechi seems to be nowhere to be

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found. He mentioned that the two gladiators have just started, with a new found vigour from Peterside. “ Initially, Peterside was not this bold, but he seems to believe that this is more of a personality issue, considering how Wike had completely ignored him during the campaigns, saying he was a stooge and toothless. Today, he had got some prompting, and wishes to prove that he is not a stooge at all. More so, it seems that Amaechi has gone quiet, and so someone has the take the lead, either by defacto or dejure,” he said. Another analyst, Lekan Omojoye said: “Rivers State is the South-south version of the wild-wild-west, and it is only living to its billing. The two men will meet at a cross road one day. That is politics. Peterside would not want to be seem as weak by his party, so that he can have another shot at the Rivers Government House in four years time.” In his contribution, the Head of Department, Linguistics, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Friday Udeh Emenka, who also doubles as a social critic, said that the deed has been done, and a winner and a vanquished realized. As a result, the sleeping dog should be allowed to lie, and let peace reign, adding that Peterside, having done all he could to claim victory, but lost, should whole-heartedly concede defeat like Jonathan, and let the state run smoothly. “When all is proverbially said and done, people should go back to the drawing board and plan for the next war. Consequently, the next battle is coming up in four years, so Peterside should sheath his sword and wait till then. It must be

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noted that the funds that had been involved in the litigations, and still used to ‘watch backs’ are enough to undertake one major project or another. These confrontations

degenerated that nobody, including those who created the monsters, feels safe anymore. The physical landscape of Rivers State communities is painted with boys armed to

ship aspirant also said that the confrontation with Wike so far has degenerated into threat to his life, referring to the governor as evil. “There is an evil in Rivers

rally lead to retardation, and they are not good for us if we must move forward,” Dr. Emenka said. Recently on Sunday, February 28, 2016, Dakuku Peterside blamed Governor Nyesom Wike for the increased insecurity in the state, adding that Wike’s government was in the habit of arming militants and cult gangs operating in the state. “It is regrettable but true that in many communities in Rivers State today cult gangs hold sway. They control the social and economic souls of the people, including traditional structures which have been rendered impotent.” “The cult gangs were armed by politicians in the build up to 2015 general elections. Like Frankenstein monsters, they are now too powerful to those who armed them and had enjoyed pyrrhic beneﬁts from their activities.” “The situation has so

the teeth and walking about freely to the discomfort of citizens,” Peterside said in a statement. He went ahead to attack the Wike administration, saying the government has only been involved in a show of power as three local government caretaker committee were suspended during a town hall meeting, without any tangible project to show since he took over at the government House. “We are yet to feel the eﬀect of any concrete action taken by Nyesom Wikeled Rivers State Government to stem this worsening insecurity. A town hall meeting which he held in Omoku on the urging of Rt. Hon. Andrew Uchendu degenerated into a display of power by way of suspending three Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen and a strange order to security agents to kill suspected cultists.” The former Governor-

State and I have chosen to speak against it. If anything happens to me, Nigerians, Rivers, Ogoni people and my family should hold Governor Nyesom Wike and his PDP people responsible because the threat against my life is too much.” The tension is yet to die down even as the state’s local government election is expected to hold on March 19, 2016. Already, the Governor is pointing accusing ﬁngers at alleged APC sponsored lecturers who had been allegedly programmed to risk the election. Wike alleged that certain lecturers from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology have been compromised by the APC to rig the forthcoming election. While addressing the Vice Chancellor of the university during an unscheduled visit, the Governor berated the VC, even as he exonerated him for signing the document

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without knowing the import of the content. He threatened to deal decisively with anyone found culpable in any act of rigging. However, Dr. Emenka has said

that though lecturers are not known to descend so low to soil their hands to such magnitude, it is still not impossible that some elements of the Ivory Tower can be compromised. “Such is possible no doubt, but it will really take a Lecturer who does not know his onion to commit such, or allow himself to be used in such a way. When a real lecturer considers what it took him to get where he is, he will think twice before going into anything that is demeaning,” Emenka said. The way things are at the moment, Wike remains the Governor while Peterside remains in the opposition, and so the confrontation continues. We hope what we would have is a healthy confrontation rooted in common sense. And since the aim is to serve the people, there is no need to spill blood in the quest for service.

INTERVIEW

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You Are Not A Good Artiste, If You Can’t Act, Sing And Dance – Gabriel Afolayan

Story: Babatunde Martins

abriel Afolayan is blessed. He comes from a famous family, has a famous brother, who is an internationally-recognized ﬁlm maker and is also making hay in the movie and movie world. In this interview, he tells us about growing up and more… People call you a ladies’ man; Are you really a ladies’ man? (Smiles) Well, it’s a good compliment as far as I am concerned, because when a guy dresses very well, it attracts ladies. It reminds me of one the songs of the Afro Juju Creator, Sir Shina Peters, back in the days, who sang “Gbogbo lala koko fe fe okurin, lori abo ni” which means: Guys dress well because of

Photoshoot: Simisola Oloruninsola

ladies and vice-versa. You family has done significantly well in the film industry, how does it make you feel? Well, let’s say we are blessed. It’s just a blessing to have come from to the world as an Afolayan, and I really count myself lucky to be a member of that family. I say it’s the Lord’s doing, it is no man’s effort. We have been known for being very creative in whatever we do; be it films, music or any art -related matter. I feel very honoured coming from such a family. I can’t just thank God enough. How have you been affected by being born into such a famous family?

I grew up around acting. I witnessed loads of rehearsals relating to stage performances, dance and acting. As a result, I grew up with all of these things, and in addition to my own personal vision, I am where I am today because of that childhood experience. I have so much interest in the industry, and I have always made it known to my people while growing up that I would like to ply my trade in this industry. Again, coming from that family has helped groom me into what I am today though I didn’t really get any formal training. I was groomed in the course of being where they were making things happen, coupled with the fact that I

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have a whole lot of family friends even in the business. Again, the family of Moses Olaiya, popularly known as “Baba Sala” was close to my family, even while I grew up in Ibadan, their house was pretty close to ours. I was always around them. So, from doing one or two things, picking costume for them or just watching and having fun, I became trained. Did you grow up with your father? Yeah, we normally to come to Lagos every weekend, my mum and I, to see him. Sometimes, when they were filming, they used take me to him. It was fun watching him do his thing, and he believes that whatever one wants to do, he should go ahead and do it. If you wished to join acting at your tender age, he will support and respect your opinion. He allowed everyone the chance to make his choice, and he will support and respect the decision. I think it is a better idea for you to start identifying your path in life at a young age. I am happy I did not miss that opportunity. How would you compare your father’s era with the new era? It’s really different. Though it is a metamorphosis of their own hustle that gave birth to this present day hustle, there is a huge difference in terms of revenue and man power, but the only thing that has not changed is the creative content. The approach to it has been different over the past few decades, and I dare say that what has the love of films in Nigeria today was pioneered by the travelling theatre. Then, they were not so inclined about the technical know-how in terms of taking their works to screen, they did more stage performances, rehearsals, and moved round. When the cinema came on board with the likes of Uncle Ola Balogun, my dad, and one other guy from the North whose name I can’t remember started the proper filming thing in Nigeria, and worked on “Ajani Ogun”, and the whole thing picked up from then and has not waned Their era differ based on what they could offer in terms of technology. While they shot with 35mm cinematic camera without too much man power or skills to use all those equipment, today is a whole different ball game. You know there was no social media then among other things, and connecting actors was through their group head. All those have

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW changed today where social media has made everything much easier, and anybody can be contacted with a push of a button. When did you start acting in movies? I grew up in the art, and took part as well, but the very first time I appeared in front of the camera was in 1990. I started as a child actor in a short film commissioned from London, and handled by Moses Olaiya Adejumo [Baba Sala} and the title of that commission skit was “Forpawon”, and it preached family planning, and I played the character of one of the members of a large family. A father, mother and close to 12 children. The whole skit was to preach against having too many children; I was one of the unfortunate members of that particular family. So, that was how I started officially, having convinced myself that I was ready. But I went back to school because I was still a child, and made a comeback in 2003/2004 in the movie titled “Madam Dearest” with Uncle Tade Ogidan. The movie was a hit and that was a real come to the industry for me. I do refer to the role I played as a yoke breaking role that launched me into the movie world. Does it mean you had not featured in any serious movie prior to that? Well, I had been doing stuffs with Baba Sala and acted in soap operas, but the real thing was “Madam Dearest”. How would you describe your role in “Madam Dearest? I will say that my character was just one of a kind; a character that has close to three national titles. He was more or less like a confused personality, but in the end, his real persona was revealed. The film actually shot you to limelight It brought me to lime light basically but prior to that I have been on soap operas here and there. In which year was the movie released? Madam Dearest was released in 2004. From 2004 till date How will you describe your career so far ? Well...it’s been a struggle

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so much ups and down, despite the fact it involved loads of hard work. I won’t that one is deny that my background had really from a helped me scale some hurdles. film How come we have not seen you appear in your brother’s movies? Emmm... kunle? I don’t know why this question keeps popping up, and everybody keeps forgetting that I am always with him behind the camera; we run the pre-production together, and make sure that everything goes on fine. With him, I don’t necessarily have to be in front of the camera because I even learn more backbehind the camera than in front. Right ground. now, I can put a production together myGenerself, and you people should watch out ally, it has for my first film. been a Really, when is it coming out? blessing I can’t say for sure, but I will tell you categorically that I am working on a project, and it is my first feature film. It is really going to be a landmark in the industry. Let’s talk about the new film you just shot (The Beneficence) It is a relatable story, and I know for sure that every home in Nigeria and the Diaspora will love it because it’s an organic story. It is not something they just throw off the cuff; it is a reflection of what is happening to us, the young generation. The story basically is about a young man’s hustle; a normal undergraduthough ate, who is hoping to become a graduate one day. I see that story as a normal ordeal that every guy, every

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time, it is still a journey for me I can’t put a hand on it. It is actually the people, who have the judgement. Can you describe the relationship with your brothers as cordial? Sure...it’s a big family, and everybody grew up together. So we know one another very well. When I say very well, I mean we look into what we do personally, do a check up on everyone to know the status of our livelihood. Tell us about your background? I am from Kwara State, born in Lagos, but grew up in Ibadan. I attended United Native African Primary School, from where I moved to Polytechnic High School, and then to the University of Ibadan. I went through edugirl goes through in trying to story exciting. cation in Ibadan. I graduated keep his head up, whether How will you compare the in Theatre Arts, just to let you among his mates or trying to movie with other movies out know how passionate I am get things done so that he there? for the art. So I am trained could be endowed with the It has its own space; practitioner. requisite experience for em- it’s not like every regular sto- Watching you in some ployment when he leaves ryline. Every story has its movies, you act passionately, school. place regardless of whatever is that one of your qualities? A Civil Engineer or a issue you are treating, but I will say because of graduate as a civil engineer this particular one deﬁnitely the passion I have for the art should have acquired basic has got space because it’s it will always make me enter experience while in school saying the exact thing that is any role I am given and as an through the industrial train- happening; it’s not something entertainer, it’s pretty simple. ing programme or by having you are trying to give life to; You are as good as your last a faceoﬀ with the industry. So it is already a life on its own. job like they always say and like a regular guy, the guy in Will you describe yourself as there is no point in you playthe story looks for a way out a successful actor? ing a role that you yourself with the right attitude, but it For one I won’t be don’t believe in. You have to didn’t work out, and he be- able to say that because I am believe in that character and came a gigolo. But you can’t still on the road, and I am still whatever role you play. I uneat your cake and have it, as working, the best is yet to derstand the character I play, the saying goes. The twists come. However. I am not and I know what the characand turns in his life made the doing badly, but at the same ter wants, so I have to stay

INTERVIEW

true to it because am here as his mouth piece. As a young man, when are we expecting you to settle down? Settling down will always come when it will come, but it’s not something you should push or force. So, are you planning for it now? Yeah...there is plan for everything. There is a plan for everything I am doing right now, even settling down is part of the plan. There is a blessing attached to being in accord with a woman, especially a union, and I am looking forward to it. Would you say that movies have brought you money? Of course, what you do, and do well will make money for you. You know I am into music as well. Why the diversion? I didn’t change or divert. I told you I grew up in the art, which is a pass code for every actor all over the world, but I will now narrow down it to a Bollywood experience. During my father’s time, nobody will accept you into any acting company unless you know how to act, dance and sing. Do know how to do the three? Yes, I can. I went through the training. I learnt it formally and informally as well. Those are the three qualities of a good actor as far as I am concerned; not necessarily being a musician, but you must have a voice; you must have ear for sound. Which movie is the most challenging of all you have done so far? I think the movie that I had to combine both singing and acting “Hood Rush” by Demeji Ajebola. It featured Ossy Okojie and I as brothers who were musicians, and lived in the slum, desiring a

INTERVIEW

breakthrough. It was fun Where do you see yourself in the next three years? I don’t always subscribe to that question because we all plan, and that’s why we are on earth, but God has the ﬁnal say. So I can’t say, but I have a vision and I know it’s for me to be a better person, to be a better performer, to be better in every way. Any awards so far? Yes, quite a number of them, even in music. In 2012, I was the fresh

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artist on Broad Dynamix Award with ‘kokoro ife’. How many songs have you done? I have close to eight singles, but I am just shooting videos for them at the moment. I have completed the shooting of ‘Awelewa’ (Most Beautiful). It was directed by my brother. In acting, I have won AMAA as best actor in supporting role, two awards from Best of Nollywood Awards. Is it challenging to combine music and acting?

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At all. Who do you want to say thank you to through this medium? I will like to say thank you to everybody that believed in me from day one who took their eyes, their ears oﬀ my shortcomings. They gave me that chance and I have not disappointed them in any way. I will like to say thank you to my mother, especially, because she is the reason I am still like this physically, physiologically and emotionally; she had been my bedrock in terms of not letting things weigh me down. More so, a big shout out to my fans because they are my angels; as an entertainer, you are the preacher and you must have disciples; my fans are my own disciples that carry my gospel to the rest of the world. I will like to see God bless them. Are you the last child of the family? From my mum’s end, yes. It’s a polygamous home. Are in the family as a whole? NO! I have siblings... there is Kunle, Moji, and me in the movie industry. We have Aremu, Detayo, Tejumola, Afolayan in the music industry. A sister of mine, Tinuke Afolayan, was a part of a group that won Star Quest some years back. I have forgotten the name of their band. She is in the music industry as well as Ibukun (IBK) who has a studio in his house, and not forgetting that my dad was a musician too. He has some records, and played four basic instruments; keyboard, guitar, ﬂute and the local violin called “goje”. So it’s a full house. When is your album coming out? My album is in view. We are going all out to promote all the singles, to make sure none of them is stale. There has to be some level of awareness, and once we get that, we will bring out the album, but right now we are pushing singles. I saw you in Danny Young’s music video, whose idea was that?

Well, he called me to play a character and have fun, and while I was there, he said he wanted to shot a video, and needed the character I played. So, I said no problem, let’s give it a try, and we worked it out. So how would you describe Gabriel a sentence? An easy going, hard-working guy, who is in love with the Art!

Exquisite and Tastefully

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PROPERTY

Furnished Homes at

Premiere Court Condominium

When it comes to locating veritable and cozy apartments, it is always advisable for one for seek cautiously, combing every known yellow page, journal and what have you for that all important document that will give a link to the location of the heart desire.

land Bridge and Magodo underpass. It is 5 minutes’ drive from Ojodu / Berger, 12 minutes’ from Magodo G.R.A, 20 minutes from Ogudu G.R.A, Opebi /Allen Avenue, Ikeja and approximately 36 minutes away from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. The condominium oﬀers among many other facilities the following; • Electricity • Good Road Network • Street Light • Drainage System • Water Supply System • Intercom • Broadband Internet • Central Security System (IP CCTV + Security Guards) • Surveillance Room / Security House • Children Playground • Fitness Center (Gym House) • Multi-Sports Court – Lawn Tennis, Squash, Basketball • Garden Sit-out • Perimeter Fence • 2-Way Entry and Exit Gates • Landscaping & Greenery • Underground Cabling • Visitors Car Park • Facility Management Service • Ensuite Rooms • Kitchen Cabinet • Wardrobe • Smoke Detector • Sanitary Ware • Private Terrace or Balcony • Doors • Windows • Tiling, e.t.c

With the above in place, it is therefore, a welcome development for one to invest in Premiere Court Condominium. However, the following will further convince a would-be investor:

Consequently, there are estate agents, both local and professional, hanging at every corner, providing the needed advice and directive towards ﬁnding the desirable. It is also worthy of note that the quality of the agent determines the quality of the property or apartment readily available. In this light came the emergence of Premiere Court Condominium, Arepo, which is only between 12 and 20 minutes drive from Magodo and Ogudu GRA, Lagos, and oﬀers both rental and outright sales facility.

The Premiere Court Condominium is a fully serviced estate located in Arepo, a ﬁrst-class residential area in the heart of Lagos/Ogun boundary. Arepo is a quiet and well planned neighborhood with an outlook similar to that of Magodo and Ogudu G.R.A. It is very close to Ikeja City Mall, and has direct accessibility to central business districts of Victoria Island and Ikeja via the Third Main-

• Property investments in Arepo deliver annually a minimum of 5% on rental income and 15% on value appreciation. • Current rental for a 2 B/R flat and 3 B/R flat in Arepo is N450, 000 p.a. and N600, 000 p.a. respectively. • Our prices are 30 – 35% lower than current market rate. • Arepo town’s serenity, good security and accessibility make it a delight to the Nigerian middle class. • There has been massive migration, over the last 5 years, towards adjoining cities to Lagos central business districts. • Ongoing Lagos-Ibadan expressway reconstruction is driving up property rates on this axis. • Reconstruction of the major Arepo road (NUJ Rd.) has been awarded by the Government of Ogun State. • Arepo residents have formed community development associations (CDA’s) with a view to making financial contributions towards infrastructural development. Consequently, it is advisable to hurry while the offer lasts. The condos are fully serviced and attract a friendly monthly payment plan of N400, 000 or less. For details, refer to the promo.

Startling Revelations on Nigerian Churches NEWS

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- As Alder Consulting publishes its Church Report

or the ﬁrst time ever, Nigerians now have an opportunity to understand, with hard facts and data, the impact of the Church in our modern society. The compelling and incisive expose is courtesy of Alder Consulting’s new project the State of The Church Report 2016. According to Mr. Leke Alder, who supervised the project “The essence of this report is not to critique the Church. Rather, it is to provide an invaluable feedback to the Church, to provide data for the Church to work with. The Church has always worked with information and data. The Church after all talks about the Word. So, here’s another form of word for the church to work with. It’s called

the Alder State of the Church Report” He noted further, “This State of the Church Report is a compilation of perception of reality. And the Church being a public institution, it is only ﬁtting we turn to the public for that perception of reality. The Church in turn, moulds public perspectives and viewpoints.” Interestingly, according to the Pew Research Centre, Nigeria has the largest Christian population of any country in Africa. The percentage of Christians in Nigeria grew from 21.4% in 1953 to 49.3% in 2010. During those years, the Church in Nigeria went through several transitions and evolutions in demography, theology, membership, leadership, style of

worship, culture, technology and public perception, to mention a few. The impact of demography for instance is reﬂected in the rise of “New Generation” churches, prevalent in major cities. These churches hold a strong appeal for youths who make up 65% of Nigeria’s population while orthodox churches maintain their strength as bastions of religious tenets and tradition. The rise of 21st century technologies and cultural imperatives has also impacted the church. Churches are now tasked with responding to social media and the interactivity it brings. Churches are also grappling with new family sociologies and sexuality. It is some of these complexities of the Church in mod-

ern day Nigeria that the Alder State of the Church Report examined especially as the institution is perceived by Christians of diﬀerent denominations, nonChristians, people of both sexes and +Nigerians spread across the six geopolitical zones. The Alder State of the Church Report investigates how churches in Nigeria have navigated these trends, and are viewed by their followers and the public in general. The Report opens with a historical background that forms a solid foundation on which it builds its analyses. The Cross and The Crossroads Recent events in the Church have generated social fervour about the lifestyles of men of the robe and the governance structure of

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the Church in Nigeria, in particular the Pentecostal hue. This is as expected because the funding proﬁle of the Church is primarily derived from contributions from congregants. There is a lot of angst out there because Nigerians are experiencing economic hardship. This provides some of the context for the public backlash. However we risk throwing out the baby with the bath water if our passion becomes a raging ﬂood that sweeps away reason and structural facts. Are there excesses in the church? No doubt. The eco-system is imperfect and cannot be perfect for the simple reason that Pastors are men after all. And the operations of some snake oil merchants have only served to compound issues. There are now magicians in robes, economic opportunists in cassocks, ecclesiastical predators in surplices and charlatans in collars. But there are so many genuine

tablishment laid the foundation for modern Nigeria. They are the offshoots of missionary work. They educated the people we now refer to as the founding fathers of the federation. They established the first set of hospitals and schools in Nigeria. CMS Grammar School, Methodist Boys' High School, Baptist Academy and Our Lady of Apostles Grammar School are well known examples of schools established by missionaries. It was the Church that educated the first set of civil servants in Nigeria. And the Church has always been at the nexus of cultural re-orientation in Nigeria. Who can ever forget the work of Mary Slessor, the diminutive nurse who fought against the barbaric culture of the killing of twins? And so when we chant about the “labour of our heroes past,” we must not forget that some of these heroes are the missionaries and the orthodox establish-

men and women to build on the foundational work of the orthodox churches. The work began with the establishment of the Scripture Union (S.U or C.U – Christian Union) in primary and secondary schools. From that movement emerged the generation of those who now head the Pentecostal institutional churches today, in particular the unassuming Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the self eﬀacing Pastor William F. Kumuyi. Incidentally both attended The Apostolic Faith before fate directed their trajectories. Both are very well educated. Pastor Adeboye has a PhD in Applied Mathematics whilst Pastor Kumuyi has a ﬁrst class honours degree in Mathematics. At the time of their ascendance, the “faith movement” was taking root in America and this spawned the ministries of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa who “fathered” Bishop David Oyedepo and Pas-

great work of a little known Englishman who settled in Ile Ife, the late Pa Elton. He would be responsible for the mentoring of the next ministerial generation and the establishment of Pentecostal doctrine in Nigeria. He is often credited with the establishment of the phenomenon of baptism of the Holy Ghost in Nigeria. We must of course acknowledge the incredible apostolic ministries of Brothers Timothy Oshokoya, Lucas Obakoya and D. T. Robins founders of the Apostolic Faith in Nigeria. They are credited with raising people from the dead. However something major took place in the early 80s. A then unknown medical student at the University of Lagos was ordained a Pastor by the Assemblies of God Church. This was an extremely radical event for that period. His name is Dr. Tunde Joda of the Christ Chapel fame. He was a product

men of God and ministries, thousands upon thousands of them. The Orthodox Church es-

ments. Now we do not know why but clearly, God raised a generational stream of young

tor Ayo Oritsejafor. Archbishop Idahosa also mentored Dr.Myles Munroe. We must also note the

and proponent of the Faith Movement and was highly inﬂuenced by the ministries of Rev.

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Kenneth E. Hagin and Kenneth Copeland and other generals of the Faith Movement. He opened the door for his generation and made God exciting to young people. That was a generational advent and invariably members of that generation became pastors. Because of the educational background of the generation, the Pentecostal movement acquired sophistication.

on to found the Latter Rain Assembly. But Tony Rapu did incredible work and took Redeemed Christian Church of God international. Reverend Chris Okotie would emerge post Dr. Tunde Joda as an apostle of the doctrine of grace. In Ibadan, Dr. Olubi Johnson was establishing the faith movement, whilst in Ilorin the ministry of Rev. George Adegboye was also very established. Some in that generation

ings and it would be uncharitable to assume that they went into ministry for money. Most do not collect salaries from their churches. Instead they contribute. These emergent pastors signiﬁed a generational move of God. The generation is noted for “speaking in tongues” – a peculiar glossolalia dating back to Pentecost. They are thus referred to as “Pentecostals”. (In modern parlance, the

safety nets is why individuals take care of the economic needs of their parents in old age. This familial approach to social security leaves huge swaths of needy citizens unattended to. Into this void has stepped the Church. The Church complements the eﬀorts of some State governments who clearly cannot cope with the deluge of developmental challenges facing Nigeria. And the Pentecostal generation

The emergent pastors are generally creative in approach, aggressive, uninhibited, resourceful, and well grounded in progressive understanding of God's word. Many emerged through the “model parish” structure of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Dr. Tony Rapu would prove pivotal to that structure though there is evidence to the eﬀect that Pastor Tunde Bakare was the pioneer of the ﬁrst model parish of the RCCG (Ladipo Oluwole). That was before he went

are now in full time ministry but many maintain a dualism – they work as professional managers and entrepreneurs whilst running the churches on a full term basis. (Some are in government). And so we arrived at a literal prophetic era in Nigeria church history – the era of the order of priestkings technically known as the Order of Melchizedek. All Christians belong to this Order but these young pastors in dual callings typify the Order. Most are successful in their secular call-

term “Pentecostal” has come to signify exuberant loud worship and gifted oratory). They redeﬁned what a man of God is and till today, the redeﬁnition presents a challenge to society. So aggressive are members of this Pentecostal movement that in a strange twist of fate, they exported Christianity back to the UK. And they have established churches in Ukraine, Ireland, America and all over the world. Nigeria as a nation has no social security system. The absence of

has acquitted itself wonderfully at this task. Let's be more particular. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, a man of grace runs The Fountain of Life Church. It has a hospital, an orphanage, a school for the indigent and orphans and a vocational farm. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the founder of Trinity House and a former Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, supports indigent students with scholarships. His Lydia Grace Foundation supports the rehabilitation of lower class prostitutes,

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among so many other initiatives. Pastor Tony Rapu, now the senior Pastor of This Present House runs one of the most successful drug rehabilitation programmes through the Freedom Foundation network. His God Bless Nigeria Church is a specialised ministry to miscreants and “area boys”. It's hugely successful. Pastor Poju Oyemade organises a bi-annual youth empowerment seminar called The Platform. It's so popular. Reverend Sam Adeyemi, a gentleman of the robe runs Daystar Christian Centre. His Church has a community impact programme and has renovated 5 State schools, among so many other programmes. He is particularly noted for leadership training. Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock Church hosts an annual cultural impact programme called The Experience. It is a major engagement platform for youths through music. The City of David, a Redeemed Church parish runs a most successful soccer academy and acclaimed football club, COD United FC. These are just a few examples of what these particular ministries are engaged in and space will not permit us to name the works of so many other ministries. Many church ministries run schools, hospitals, orphanages, sex worker rehabilitation programmes, drug rehabilitation programmes, community development programmes and youth development programmes. By the time we scale up to the network of Redeemed Christian Church of God and the like, the exponential value of Church ministries becomes stagger-

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ing in proportion. The Catholic Apostle Paul wrote, “He who Church is responsible for the es- sows sparingly will also reap tablishment of a university, the sparingly, and he who sows Pan African University. That uni- bountifully will also reap bounversity has taken up a major re- tifully. So let each one give as he sponsibility for skill purposes in his heart, not grudgdevelopment in the private sec- ingly or of necessity; for God tor. The Church also founded loves a cheerful giver”. (2 Cor 9: Loyola Jesuit Secondary School. 6 – 7). Giving in Christianity is Bishop David Oyedepo (Winners predicated on the principle of Chapel) founded two universi- sowing and reaping. And giving ties! No other Nigerian, living or is a socioeconomic ladder acdead has accomplished such a cording to Christian doctrine. It feat. His ministry also runs 153 is also proof of love for God. It is primary schools (147 in Nigeria within this context that we can and in 6 other African countries) understand why the poor give to as well as 23 standard second- churches. The poor man's faith ary schools. Invariably almost teaches him to give his way out every church has bent its back of poverty, though we must to carry the burden of the State admit that the role of industry is and it's a huge burden. A whole- sometimes neglected in some sale condemnation of the Church is not helpful. The Church through its programs saves Nigeria from the consequences of its dereliction in governance. Perhaps there is a need for a compendium of the good works by churches that is accessible to the general public. The Church essentially aggregates resources to create a social security net for Nigeria. Otherwise we will have more drug addicts, prostitutes, orphans, hapless widows and certainly more crime. We will also have less kids in school, less young men acquiring trade skills, less microﬁnancing of small businesses, and less value orientation and instruction for our youths. At the heart of the ongoing debate is the nature of church economics. Why do people give to churches in such huge ﬁgures? Why would a pastor take money The Synagogue Church of All Nations Cross & The Crossroads State of the Church Report Nige- teachings. There are perversions ria 2016 I 6 from the poor? To of the doctrine of giving but that the man looking from the out- does not make the doctrine any side those giving ten percent of less fundamental. Now, unlike their salaries are either gullible some religions, Christianity runs or hypnotized. But the notion of an economic commonwealth giving is a fundamental of the when it comes to institutional Christian faith. Jesus said, “Give development and building proand it shall be given unto you”. grams. Everyone contributes to

the commonwealth. And the value of a gift before God is relative to deprivation. That would seem heartless to the outsider and some will consider it exploitative, but the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a wonderful illustration of the dynamics of giving to a man of God (or church ministry) in an economic downturn. And the parable of the widow's mite establishes the principle of relative deprivation as a measure of value. That said, it must be mentioned that the Church has oft times operated with a silo mentality. There has to be better engagement between the Church and civil society. And there has to be a better engagement of

fairs. Regulating the Church sounds okay in theory but it can prove a very dangerous idea in a tri-religious society like Nigeria. Not with all the goings on. And we may have a peculiar situation of a man of diﬀerent faith sitting in judgment over Christian economics without doctrinal understanding and vice versa. We must not rush us into dangerous territory. But the Church has to recognize that society has signiﬁcantly altered, and yet for many Nigerians it is the one true institution. Consequently, after the survey, which accommodated the following: • Regional Distribution • Employment status

the youths. Many churches struggle with the youth demographic and the new culture of social media. In addition, a peerto-peer review system must be instituted. If the pastors judge themselves they will escape condemnation. Some advocate state interference in religious af-

• Marital status • Denomination • Religion • Gender The following were arrived at; Church Relevance A total of 47 percent of respondents claim to attend church at least twice every week

NEWS while about 4.4 percent said they don’t attend church. Entertainers are most relevant to Nigerian youths. Pastors rank second, while politicians rank lowest. This is indicative of the importance of culture to youths. The Church is ranked high on values and welfare related issues. It ranks lower on cultural inﬂuence. It would seem that the Youth are saying the Church should focus on “good works” & spirituality, and leave institutional & policy matters alone. Pastors are ranked high on knowledge, but very low on compassion and integrity. Sexuality There appears to be little willingness to discuss sexuality issues with Pastors. It would seem that the more controversial the topic, the less likely it is to be discussed. Individuals are reluctant to discuss issues with Pastors because they fear he may just turn it into his sermon, condemn them or even report to their spouses or parents and many more. For pre-marital sex, the results imply that across the regions, young people believe

strongly in no-sex before marriage. Social Media The result agrees that the church should use the social media for teaching the word and evangelism as against social & political commentary and online church. The report also

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shows that 50 per cent of those who do not attend church are based in North West, while

sults provide customised information on the issues and initiatives that are relevant to the

ony or out-of-church outreaches in homes and communities. The SW is low, where

South East has the lowest number of people who do not visit the the church. Despite this, in the NW, NE and SS regional

youth in speciﬁc regions as well as what messages will resonate with them. The score in Attendance

Pastors were ranked 4th overall in that region. Entertainers (including sports persons) are social influencers of the youths, particularly in the SW. This amounts to mentorship through cultural influence and should not be ignored. Churches should find ways to raise positive role models in the entertainment industry as they have significant cultural impact (and relevance) that outstrips that of Pastors. In the regional rankings, Pastors inthe NW, NE and SS have a unique opportunity to deploy their influence as they are ranked most relevant there. The rising influence of bloggers is noteworthy. It is interesting that social media personalities now shape culture and public narratives. Churches need to participate in the online and social media space as a matter of urgency to influence minds and hearts. Charity & good works are major evangelism opportunities in the SW and SS. Same for activities that help youths maximise their potential.

Side view of House on the Rock

rankings, Pastors were ranked as most relevant. This may imply that Pastors are perceived as more socially relevant in those areas. Recommendations The regional results show that a one-size-ﬁts all approach will not work in Churches. The re-

trends in the North (where most respondents attend church only once a week) suggest that churches in those regions have a single physical touch point for their members. To reach members more than once a week, churches in those regions may need to turn to mobile teleph-

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Baby Mama/Baby Dada reality - a pip into Nigeria's top

Entertainers

or clarity of purpose; let's find a proper definition of the word 'Baby Mama'. The Oxford English dictionary clearly puts the term 'Baby Mama' as the 'Mother of a man's child, who is not his wife or (in most cases) his current or exclusive partner'. The term which Wikipedia claims originated in Jamaican Creole as 'Baby Mother' {pronounced; Bebi Mada} with the first printed usage appearing in the Kingston Newspaper The Daily Gleaner in 1966; which has now deviated from its intended meaning, has suddenly become a norm in Nigeria's entertainment sector today. Nigerian music artistes, actors, footballers, be you whatever in the entertainment industry, now seem incomplete without a 'Baby Mama', and one is left to wonder - how did we get here? When considering celebrated names that have successfully turned 'Baby Dada' to lots of 'Baby Mamas', Innocent '2baba' Idibia readily comes to mind. 2baba, who until his name change, was generally known as 2face Idibia, not only set a new pace in the music industry, he also led the line for the new trend under review. Tall, talented, handsome, famous maybe we can't really blame him, after all he is the much adored 2face, but then we are left with a long list of people, who have followed suit and have started to make marriages look old fashioned. Starting with the completely innocent looking boy, who dazzled music lovers with such class and style in the video 'Holla at your Boy', Ibrahim Ayo Balogun, who is better known as Wizkid. Wizkid has not only grown in leaps and bounds, thus helping the Nigerian Music Industry attain greater heights, he also 'helped' with the 'conversion' of Oluwanisola Ogudugu in 2011 into a Baby Mama. And with Binta Diamond Diallo supposedly blessed with his second child, who is named after him; an allegation which the Star Boy label C.E.O has neither confirmed or denied, we can only hope he doesn't do anymore 'conversions'. Oritsefemi Ekele, the Afrobeat singer, who rose to prominence in the Nigerian Music Industry with his remake of Fela Kuti's classic 'Double Wahala' has children from multiple baby mamas. It doesn't end with those three, as Kayswitch, Davido who with his first baby mama experience caused a social media uproar; D'prince, Ice Prince Zamani, Patoranking, with other entertainment stars such as Segun Arinze, Alex Okoroji, Obafemi Martins, John Obi Mikel, among many others, also on the list.

By: Tolulope Balogun

Also not forgetting Nigerian music star; Flavour Nabania, with children from beauty queens; Sandra Okagbue and Anna Ebiere Banner, and

clared he is now 'oﬃcially blind'. That is not to imply that all baby mamas have ended up on the losing side, quite a few have crossed the line and

has been romantically linked with a host of several other beauty queens. Flavour seems to be the new leader of this trend, since 2baba has de-

made it into the homes of their baby dada's – legally, or with other spouses. Annie Idibia; an icon for all aspiring

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baby mamas, got married to Innocent '2baba' Idibia in 2013, after almost a decade of being on and oﬀ in the relationship. Lola Okoye and Anita Okoye also got married to the Psquare duo of Peter and Paul. Omawumi Megbele married Tosin Yusuf, who she had a child for while Busayo Dakolo also joins the list of baby mamas who got lucky. Luck as they say, can run thin. Nigerian entertainers have to realize turning ladies into Baby Mamas isn't the same as recording a music video, rehearsing for a movie script, neither is it the same as practicing a goal scoring skill. Quoting from the lyrics of 'Baby Mama' by Northside Inc. signed music act, Cynthia Morgan, Its time people start 'wanting to be a hubby rather than a baby dada and the ladies a wifey rather than a baby mama'.

Brymo down, but truly out?

nergetic, charismatic, charming, talented and gifted with vocals that could literally change the world, Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi looked poised to conquer the world of music, an expectation that was dashed even before it was fully bred. Olawale Ashimi, better known by his stage name, Brymo, will surely look back and wonder where it all went wrong for him. From being introduced by MI Abaga to Chocolate City, to being the toast of that label, to eventually been served with a court injunction, restraining him from doing what he has grown to love most, music, it has been one long ride for Brymo. Brymo came to limelight with the hit single; Ara - his first official single as a Choc boy, which was followed by collaborations such as 'O Le Ku' featuring fellow label mate then; Ice Prince Zamani; Action Film by MI among others. Everything seemed perfect on the outside, as Chocolate City had found a rare talent in Brymo and vice versa, but it seems it was not meant to be. The release of his second album, which was the first and only album under Chocolate City 'The Son of a Kapenta', signalled the genesis of the end of the onetime sweet romance between him and the label. Brymo soon afterwards in 2013 took to social media platform, Twitter, to announce his departure from Chocolate City, citing claims of album leaks and label's inability to fulfill most parts of the agreed terms of the contract as his reasons. This was swiftly countered by Chocolate City's claim that Brymo had flouted principles by erring with a drug - related post on social media that cost them an endorsement deal being prepared for him which was half way to completion. On October 14, 2013, Chocolate City, led by the then chairman - Barr. Audu Maikori, filed an interim injunction restraining Brymo, who was bonded to a contract till 2016 ‘by himself, agents, representatives from recording, releasing, distributing and composing songs, musical works or carrying out any activities as a record-

By: Tolulope Balogun

ing or performing artiste through or for the beneﬁt of any person or organisation other than the plaintiﬀ, pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction in this suit', a matter that dragged on until it was lifted by a Lagos High Court in March 2014. Brymo then carried on from where his previous label had stopped by working with The Bail Music Company, managed by business consultant, Mr. Lanre Lawal. He released his 3rd album, 1st as an independent artiste; Merchants, Dealers & Slaves in 2013 and his 4th album ‘Tabula Rasa’ in 2014, both recorded fair successes in the music market. Despite the immense talent in Brymo, it is saddening to say he has failed to live up to the hype, the once adored music sensation is soon fading out completely from the minds of fans and music lovers who have to keep up with the 'back to back' hits being dished out by current music stars in the industry. While considering going back to Chocolate City presently is a ‘No-No’, as that label currently has a staggering 16 music acts signed on, courtesy of the merger with Lupy Music, formerly owned by the new Chairman of Chocolate

City; MI Abaga. We can only hope Brymo ﬁnds his magic touch once more, a touch which once held us sway. Till he does, music lovers will tentatively refuse to believe that the title of his ﬁrst independently released music track 'Down' is responsible for his disappearance from the music scene, but the question still remains: Where is Brymo?

STARS GATHER FOR AMVCA 2016 AWARDS

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Photo: Solomon Ekaiheme

Top movie stars and other ﬁrst class celebrities attened the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2016, at Eko Hotel Lagos. The event as expected was colourful, glamorous and ﬁlled with excitement. Here are pictures from the Red Carpet

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Uti Nwachukwu

Majid Michel

Hon. Desmond Elliot

Funke Akindele

Chinnedu Ikedieze

Oge Okoye

Bimbo Akintola (L)

Seyi Law

Chioma Chukwuka

Yaw

Lancelot Imasuen

Genevieve Nnaji

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Ayo Makun, Helen Paul & Mrs. Mabel Makun

Arinze Okonkwo

Ono Bello

Lilian Ubi-franklin

Fred Amata

Bob Manuel Udokwu

Yemi Alade

Omoni Oboli

Mocheeda

Richard Mofe-Damijo (R)

Fred Amata & Solomon Ekhaiyeme

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Zizi Cardow

Gbenro Ajibade

Damilola Adegbite Attoh & Chris Attoh Toke Makinwa

Mr. & Mrs. Edem Vindah

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Ibinabo Fiberesima

Beverly Naya

Lilian Ubi Franklin

Mudi

Bob Manuel Udokwu, Chika Ike & Fred Dj Sosi Amata

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EDITORIAL

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ISSN-2052-1979

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HATERS PUT A SOCK IN IT By: Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

I just want to ask a simple question Our Academy of Jurors are distinthat begs for an answer from the peo- guished members of African Cinema ple who have issues with everything across the world. In fact, even when that they do not understand. They people criticize AMAA, they still call on want to judge based on stories they our team of Juror members to give make up in their houses or hear from credibility to their own events. For the others, without trying to confirm its va- Academy, this is a good thing for the lidity. African film industry. The Africa Film For the record, Africa Magic I enjoy conAcademy established is one of the major media structive criticism as a the African Movie Acad- partners of AMAA 2016. So, writer. There is no emy Awards (AMAA) in join us and grow African choice but to acknowl2004 and held the first Cinema. We all need each edge it. Nonetheless, I of the awards ceremony other. We also have a right have worked from in 2005. Over the years, ground floor of the filmto make a comment of the AFRICA MOVIE what can be done better. making process to the ACADEMY AWARDS has point I am now with been, for the most part, held in Bayelsa AMAA. 30 years of being a creative is State. not a joke. Tunji Lardner, who pubIn 2009, 2010 and 2011, the lished my first work when I was 9 years Academy felt it needed to have a Peo- old is still here to talk about my jourple’s Choice attached to the awards. ney, and it has nothing to do with back This was in later part due to the appar- ground, but the passion I have to push ent difficulty for seemingly popular my own creative boundaries. films to win. However, it must be emMariam A Agbaje and Linda phasized without doubt that AMAA is Mjöll Stefansdóttir have known me forthe most transparent Academy - based ever and Francis Litti Mboge can attest awards in Africa. to the passion that drives all the creWe acknowledge that we may ative works I do. Whilst I have learnt to have certain issues in our logistics, or not put too much weight to people for some, our perceived “look and who misunderstand me or misconfeel”. However, perhaps if the support strue my words, it must be reiterated of proper sponsorship is put behind that no one should equate PMO to this Award that has over the last 11 AMAA. PMO is part of AMAA, but the years continuously celebrated film- two are not one and the same. makers from all over Africa, we would The Africa Film Academy enbe able to overcome some of these courages all film enterprise, realizing challenges. Nonetheless, even without that creativity is a Circle and Not a it, the Academy is and will remain re- pyramid. For the record, Africa Magic lentless in its effort to continue to pro- is one of the major media partners of vide a platform that acts as a reward AMAA 2016. So, join us and grow system for the work of film makers African Cinema. We all need each across Africa. other. We also have a right to make a We watch all films submitted comment of what can be done better. from start to finish. Over 100 different people watch the films from all over Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is Founder, the world before we go to the Acad- AMAA and TED Fellow emy Jurors to decide the nominees.

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I AM COMMITTED TO FIFA

Gianni Infantino

fter the whirlwind of his election on 26 February 2016, new FIFA President Gianni Infantino stepped officially into his role three days later on the first of many Mondays at the Home of football, Later, he sat down in an interview as he began life in Zurich to discuss his views on the format of the FIFA World Cup™, the use of technology in football to his relationship with the beautiful game as a fan. We could see how emotional it was for you when you were announced as the new FIFA President. What was the first thought that came into your head right there and then? Gianni Infantino: I think haven’t realised it completely yet. It was just… a mix. All the emotions that a human being can feel at the same time. I felt them all: happiness, pride, responsibility… The weight of the task you’re embarking on, but also the passion and the energy to do the right thing. So, re-

ally, just imagine everything you can imagine at the same time in the same second, to the point you don’t think of anything. You just feel. It was about emotion, like football should be. Speaking of which, you are renowned as someone who has worked in football for years, but what about Gianni the football fan? How much importance did the game have for you, growing up? The football virus was injected into me when I was a kid, from my parents and my father in particular. I was a crazy football fan, following my team all over the place. I remember when I said, “I’m going to a game”, I’d prepare myself wearing jeans and the worst shirt I had. Now, when I sit to watch a game I have to wear a jacket and a tie. I think we need to change that and as leaders of the game we need to become a little bit more like fans and less like politicians. If we remember that we all started out as football fans, the game will become

much better. When you played regularly what was your position on the ﬁeld? I was normally on the bench – and you saw me during our match on Monday [29 February], so you know why! [laughs] Anyway, I liked to play as a striker, only I didn’t score many goals. In the end, I was re-

ally only playing because my mother was

the one washing the shirts of my local team. This helped me to get a few minutes from time to time, when our team was already leading and I couldn’t cause too much damage. But still I had lots of fun playing when I was young, as I do now. What about your relationship with the FIFA World Cup? What are your first memories? My very first memory is 1978. I was eight years old and I started to watch it on TV with my father. I remember [Daniel] Bertoni and [Mario] Kempes in the final against the Netherlands. I remember the Italian national team, which started quite

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well with Paolo Rossi, Antonio Cabrini, new players. Then obviously the 1982 World Cup, when Italy won, was quite an experience for a 12-year-old boy. And I see this same passion now, I saw it during the 2014 World Cup. Switzerland is a very international country, so when you take your kids to school in the morning you have all the mothers, fathers and kids speaking about their teams – the English, the Algerians, the Swiss, the Germans. In these circumstances we see the importance of the World Cup, and we must never forget this. We must always protect this competition.

I love the game. I know what it means to travel week in week out to go and watch your favourite team. Gianni Infantino And what specific ideas do you have for the FIFA World Cup? It’s no secret that I believe in increasing the World Cup to 40 teams. Forty teams is only 19 per cent of the FIFA membership, so it’s not that many compared to the continental final tournaments, which gather between 30 per cent and 100 per cent of affiliated teams. We give eight more countries the opportunity to participate, but many more countries the possibility to dream of participating; to play the qualifiers in a very solid way. Of course there are issues that we need to analyse and discuss, like: what impact does this have on the calendar? I think

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it’ll have no impact. But we need to look into these matters very carefully and seriously and then we have to move forward. What about the other FIFA competitions? Of course the youth ones, for boys and girls, are critically important. So it’s also important to think about the age categories: whether we’re still using the right ones or if we need to go a bit younger. Also, we need to see if it makes sense to increase the size of the ﬁnal tournaments or, in any case, to make sure that international competitions are staged locally, with the help of FIFA. Not every country can participate in a World Cup. Some countries will never participate

and regions. Besides organising competitions, another centrepiece of FIFA’s mission is to develop football. What is the cornerstone of your ideas for development? I’ve been traveling a lot to each of the continents and visiting many countries and I’ve seen with my own eyes what the needs are. And I think we can and we should do a lot – and we can do a lot with actually very little. But, particularly, what we have to do is to invest in tailor-made programmes, because the needs are not the same in Bhutan, Madagascar, Switzerland or Paraguay. The needs are completely diﬀer-

or never even dream of taking part in one, be it boys’ or girls’, men’s or women’s. But they also need to play. FIFA has to be there and help them, because organising competitions is the basis of all that we do. Can you share your expectations about some of the events coming up during your ﬁrst year as FIFA President? We start, of course, with the qualiﬁers: a great celebration of football all over the world, with teams dreaming of playing in the World Cup in Russia. Then we have the Women’s U-17 in Jordan and U-20 in Papua New Guinea. It’s important to take girls’ football to these countries; to open them to new horizons. I’ll certainly be there and it’ll be a great pleasure to participate in these competitions, to show the world that we’re grateful to Jordan and Papua New Guinea, but also that we believe in them and in the impact that these competitions can have in these countries

ent, and we have to make sure that we target each of the 209 member associations speciﬁcally and that we help them to develop football in accordance with the needs that they have. Is it fair to say that there is a need to increase the participation of players and former players in football’s decision-making processes? We need to listen to the players and involve them in our activities, not only in decision-making, but also in football development and social activities – because we have an important task in terms of social responsibility as well. We’ve seen that the former players love to participate in FIFA’s activities. They love to give something back to football, which has given them such a lot. We need to be able to include them and that’s why one of my priorities will certainly be to set up a legends team to shine for FIFA and with FIFA around the world.

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Another important engagement during your first days in office is the IFAB Annual General Meeting, whose agenda includes discussions on the use of video technology to assist match officials. What are your views on this topic?

Well, technology is obviously an important topic that we need to analyse seriously. We’re in 2016 and we can no longer close our eyes to it. Goal-line technology is already a reality, so we need to look into the matter and carry out real-life tests, so to say, to see in which kind of circumstances technology

should be used. Because it’s important, even crucial, to see what kind of impact it will have on the ﬂow of the game. One of the peculiarities of football is its

The

flow – it doesn’t stop, like many other sports where you have the time to look at videos. If the flow can be guaranteed, then we can see how technology can help the game. But we need to start with serious tests sooner rather than later. But you do believe that there is a way to find this balance between using technology more heavily while not jeopardising the flow of the game? Definitely. I think technology evolves; it’s becoming better and better. So if we can get some help for the referees to take the right and just decision, this is part of transparency as well. And we need to be able to embrace this. After the IFAB, there is the second FIFA Women’s Football and Leadership Conference on 7 March. What are your ideas for fostering stronger participation

of women in football? We need to have a strategy ready for the development of women’s football. Not only football itself, but to have women as leaders in national associations, confederations and FIFA. With the reform process, this is now part of the statutes. That’s why 7 March is such an important date. And for women’s football, it’s like I said for development: we need to target each country according to their needs. It’s no good having a global strategy, because in Germany or the USA the situation is not the same as in many other countries. So we need to use the expertise of the Germans or Americans – to name but two – to help other countries develop with tailor-made programmes. With the will to develop women’s football that I feel everywhere in the world, I

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think we can achieve impressive results. We spoke a lot about being a fan, and a lot of critics claim that there is an abyss between FIFA and the regular football fan. What message would you like to give them? I would like to tell them to trust us. To trust me, because I’m a football fan as well. I’m like them. I love the game. I know what it means to travel week in week out to go and watch your favourite team, because I did this myself many times. I know what it means to love football and follow a team. Football without the fans is nothing. We need the players and we need the fans, and I think these two elements have been neglected for too long. Now it’s time to

change this. It’s time to bring them in and involve them in all that we do.

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Vol.1 No.5

ISSN-2052-1979