Nigerian Creative Industry strongly moving Nigeria forward

King Sunny Ade singing ‘Nigeria Yi Ti Gbogbo Wa’, and backed up by Segun Arinze, Sani Danja, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Waje, Aki and Pawpaw and Ben Ogbeiwi

By ADA DIKE

Excitement greeted stakeholders of creative industry last Friday, November 28, 2014, when they converged at a star-studded event organised by the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR, BNER, GCON to celebrate them.

Put together by the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation, Oronto Douglas, the event tagged: ‘Creativity Moving Nigeria’ was aimed to celebrate the creative industry in Nigeria.

The event which took place at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos kicked off around 6 pm with pre-event cocktail and arts viewing at the Nigeria Century Exhibition. From there, guests were ushered into a cosy

atmosphere inside the hall. Before the guests took their seats, the disc jockey was busy dishing out old school music by foreign artistes before he doled out entertaining and educative ones from Nigerian artistes including Sound Sultan’s Story, Story, 2Face Idibia’s and others.

Then came King Sunny Ade on stage, who charged the hall with his welcome performance with an evergreen song of unity ‘Nigeria Yi ti Gbogbo Wa Ni ‘, backed up by some singers and actors including Segun Arinze, Sani Danja, Ben Ogbeiwi, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme (Aki). This was followed by the National Anthem rendered by All-Stars band in unique way around 7.30 pm.

With high expectations, a lot of guests were expecting Mr. President, who was already in Lagos but cancelled gracing the event on hearing the news of a twin bomb that exploded at Kano Central Mosque, killing hundreds of people.

So, the Honourable of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, mounted the podium, and informed the guests why Mr. President could not make it.

Below are bits of what happened at the creative industry night:

 

Audience celebrating Nigeria when Dakolo was performing 'Great Nation'

Culture, the defining elements of our nation -High Chief Edem Duke

In a calm and quiet mood, the Honourable Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, welcomed guests and thanked the All-Stars Band for singing the Nation Anthem.

He then made an announcement that sent painful sensation to people’s spines, saying: “Your Excellencies, fellow Nigerians, tonight, the peace of the nation has been shattered. Tonight, the bloods of our compatriots are flowing. Only a few hours ago, that you and I and indeed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria began to make our ways to this venue, heard the unfortunate incident in Kano that shattered the peace of our dear nation.

“Therefore, as we sit here in sombre reflection of the recent activities of the last few hours, we ask you with due respect, please join me on behalf of the President, to observe a-minute of silence for those lives that have been lost.

“Fellow Nigerians, as we commemorate 100 years of our nation, as we look at the achievements from the years of our fore bearers until today, as we commemorate this evening to the legacy and the achievements of our creative industry, our heads are bowed, our eyes are bloodied for the spirit of this nation, the determination of all Nigerians is that this nation is more important than any other, than any single individual or group,” Duke explained.

He emphasised that: the spirit that has wielded us together over a hundred years will continue to see us through.  “That is our commitment!”

The Minister also expressed sincere apology from Mr. President whom he said was already in the building as he has always done in the recent past to pay compliment to the sweat of Nigeria’s creative community. “But he sent me to say to you that he will join us in the course of this evening because, for him as a leader of the biggest black nation on the face of the earth, the challenge of today, the challenge of insecurity, the challenge of insurgency is one that breaks his heart and he sees the futility of trying to divide this country. He sits tonight reflecting on the event of the last few hours. With your courage, with your determination, with the resolute desire of our country men, our fore fathers and founding fathers of this nation would not have worked in vain. That as we begin to move into the next century, that our being the larger part of this country, our spirit will prevail against wickedness in places that are strange in Nigeria because truly, people went in Kano today to pray in supplication to God to bring peace to this nation, but so many of them never returned home. Many families today are weeping because of this dastardly act. When will it stop? When will the insurgency stop being the defining element in Nigeria?  

“When men and women in the creative industry and community are exercising and exploiting their innate talents and creativity to advance the frontiers of our achievements, when will men who wish us ill stop to be the ones that define us in the eyes of the global community? So we must all with one determination, make up our mind that in our little corners whether by prayers, whether by information to the security agencies, whether by standing up against insurgency, we will move the spirit of this nation forward to ensure the transformation is successful,” he added.

He lauds Nigerian creative industry: “Today, the soft power of Nigeria has redefined the positioning of our country within the comity of nations. While we sit in our comfort zones, this galaxy of stars who are gathered in this room tonight, by their creativity, by the innate talents with which nature and God have endowed them, have continued to win hearts and minds for Nigeria. Today, they say, and quite correctly so, that the Nigerian movie industry has become the best second largest in the world. Through our movie industry, jobs are created, but more importantly, we have broken the boundaries of geography. Our movie industry has moved us into the homes of people in every continent of the world. And so, it is with pride that when Mr. President speaks to the President of China, at the end of the day, the President of China talks about Nollywood. To the President of Brazil, after they had discussed all the big issues, he ended up talking about Nollywood. So also the President of South Africa, Kenya, in the Caribbean. So tonight, we pay respect to you because truly, you have taken the collateral of our culture; you have moulded it into mysterious story, epic story and stories of love. You have hearts and minds for Nigeria. And I say to my colleagues this; it is only when culture gets there that business begins to come.

“So also, I am proud of our entertainers who today have redefined music of the continent of Africa and beyond. And so, all over the world, whether it is in New York or Las Vegas, we begin to listen to Nigerian music in clubs and lounges all over the place. And the rhythm is very compelling.

“It was with pride that I spent a quarter of a day earlier in the year to see the works of Ben Enwonwu and the rest of them adorning no other place than Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.

“Only in the month of August, when the President hosted a Nigerian Cultural Night at the John F. Kennedy Theatre in Washington D.C in the United States of America, did I get to know that in the Washington D.C. Garden is a museum of African art. But then, the architectural theme of that is taken from two arts pieces that were taken from Owo in Ondo State in 1930. So, Nigerian creative community has moved Nigeria beyond the boundaries of our nation and beyond the boundaries of Africa.”

He noted that: “Not too long ago, Mr. President had the opportunity of a visit from the world renowned designer, Roberto Cavalli, who came to celebrate and appreciate our fashion designers and expressed his determination and that of his fashion empire to work with our designers and to grow new talents.  When you go to fashion stores in Milan, New York and everywhere, our fashion designers have redefined fashion on a global platform.

“Need I speak about our writers? Many of whom have their works translated into languages that we cannot even imagine and being taught in schools in Russia, England, Denmark and all over the world. Truly, the Nigerian creative community has positioned itself as the primus inter pares amongst the different social, economic platforms of this nation. I truly salute you, I am glad to say that in the 100 years of Nigeria, no president, no administration has paid as much respect to this sector as the President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan.

“I think it is just appropriate for us to spend an evening with the very best of Africa, the very best of the world, sitting amongst us in the consternation of stars, men and women of colour, of flamboyance, of swag, truly reflecting of Nigeria.”

He emphasised that “culture is the defining element of our nation” and added that, “it is the most important commonwealth that we share. It is a truly reflective element of a proud people that you and I are. So as princes and princesses of Nigeria, as queens and kings of Africa, I welcome you tonight and wish you a wonderful time. May God bless the Feral Republic of Nigeria!”

He thanked his colleagues, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and corporate giants for gracing the occasion and also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Zenith Bank plc and Visafone, Mr. Jim Ovia, MFR, for sponsoring the event.

 

Onyeka Onwenu (left) and Nigerian artist and designer Nike Okundaye

Creative industry contributes about N1.2 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP -Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who also spoke on behalf Mr. President, assured stakeholders of the creative industry that President Jonathan, would continue to support the industry, which she said has been a reference point in any part the world. She thanked everyone in the creative industry “for the fantastic night you have given us this evening” and noted that the creative industry has enriched people’s lives in Nigeria and has continued to enrich people’s lives within and outside Nigeria.

“We want to appreciate the power of the creative industry which comes about 1.4 per cent of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that comes about N1.2 trillion that this industry is contributing to this country.  The creative industry is contributing more than 200,000 jobs directly and one million jobs indirectly. We regard this industry as one of the viable ways for creating jobs and wealth in Nigeria.

“This administration of President Ebele Jonathan has made a lot of efforts to support the industry. For example, YouWiN, many of you may not know that within YouWiN, we are supporting about 197 entrepreneurs in the creative industry, which equate to 28 per cent of the total beneficiaries of YouWiN. These enterprises are receiving about N8.1 billion. As a result of this, the creative industry has created 5,456 jobs for youths and for themselves. Some of the entrepreneurs have won national and international recognitions in fashion and visual arts.

“As you heard, Mr. President launched last year, ‘Project Act Nollywood’, a N3 billion grant programme to support the Nollywood industry which we will be expanding to also encompass the other creative industries. Till this moment in time, no government has supported our creative industry. Following consultation with stakeholders, the project has supported the following: Capacity building with N300 million so that industry practitioners can update their skills to provide the talent needed, a film production worth of N700 million and the distribution worth of N2 billion to help build the distribution of audio-visual contents, cut down on piracy and better protect the intellectual property in the industry.

“We kicked off implementation of this ‘Project Act Nollywood’ in July last year in capacity building and so far, 205 individuals have undertaken several courses at home and abroad, particularly, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and India. A sum of N132 million have so far been disbursed for these courses. In addition, seven private film institutions in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt have been awarded with the total sum of N108.5 million to develop their capacity to other training programmes. A few have received their monies and others are waiting to fulfil certain conditions required.

“In film production, the  Federal Government was identifying films to co-produce and so far 26 beneficiaries have been awarded N215 million. Another batch of beneficiaries is currently being processed and would be ready within two weeks. About 80 films projects will be co-financed under this initiative. In addition, the distribution component will be launched this December. I am told that the website will soon be ready for applications, so I think we are moving on in a good direction here. A lot of work is being done with the Film and Video Censor’s Board, the Nigerian Copyright Commission with the issue of trying to see how to protect intellectual property, while also improving the infrastructure for the distribution of copyright materials like films, music, fine arts and so on,” Okonjo said. 

She implored the creative industry to continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to make progress.

 

Onobrakpeya presenting an art book to Duke

Look into three areas in visual art sector -Prof. Onobrakpeya

The octogenarian, on behalf of the visual artists in Nigeria, thanked Mr. President for his immense support to the industry.

“We appreciate your great interest in the creative sector and all that the government has been doing to elevate our sector to a higher level, where we can continue to play an optimum role in the development of our country, Nigeria.”

He also called on the government to look into three areas in visual art sector which he said needed urgent attention and these are: “To establish a National Endowment Fund for arts which will include the welfare and empowerment of the artists. The second is the building of infrastructure to showcase artist products. Third on this list is the National Gallery of Arts. This in fact, is long overdue.”

Similarly, Bruce Onobrakpeya also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to President Jonathan for the greeting he extended to him during his 80th birthday and when he was honoured by Museum of African Arts.

We desire further conversation with you -Prof. Remi Raji

Also speaking at the occasion, the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Prof. Remi Raji, thanked the president for attending the burial of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe in Anambra State and for supporting the colloquium of Arrow of God at 50.

Raji appealed to President Jonathan to support Nigerian literary community and noted that ANA is a very important member of the creative community.

“We desire further conversation with you on the ways and means of building structures and institutions for the benefit of Nigerian writing and writers. You have been a supporter of Nigerian literature.  The #BringBackTheBook project which has been very dear to you, Mr. President, is a mind of ideas in which ANA is most pleased and interested in.”

 Mr George Osodi unveiled photographs of faces of President Jonathan

In the same vein, a renowned photographer, Mr George Osodi, who took shots of the president during the occasion of his swearing-in in 2011 as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which was unveiled at the event, urged the government for effective copyright laws and stronger sanction against offenders.

 Documentaries

‘The Creative Influence- Nigerian Contemporary Art’, a documentary which revealed the history of the Nigerian Contemporary Art, featuring Kolade Oshinowo, Onyema Offoedu-Okike and other notable artists, was shown. “Creativity is a way of life,” says Oshinowo.

Also, guests watched another documentary, titled: ‘100 Years of Nigerian Music’ which showcased the metamorphosis of music in Nigeria and music genres such as Apala, Juju, Fuji, Afrobeat and so on, highlighting the contributions of some Nigerian musicians, past and present including: Orlando Owoh, Sunny Ade, late Osita Osadebe, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, late Christy Essien Igbokwe, Shina Peters and 2face, among others.

 The music documentary also focused on music which encourage education such as Christy Essien’s ‘Omo Mi Seun Rere’, love and music that transcends boundary such as Iyanya’s ‘Kukere’.

Another documentary on the movie industry, ‘Forward Nigeria’, showed award winning filmmaker, Tunde Kelani and other stakeholders who aired their views on how the industry has fared.

Performers

Choreographers, cultural troupes and many other traditional dancers were on ground to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture through music.
Emotions hit the roof of the building when the winner of the first season of Idols West Africa in 2007, Timi Dakolo, in a full sonorous voice sang his popular inspirational track: ‘Great Nation”. Dakolo’s song forced all and sundry in the hall to rise up, wave their flags (as seen in a picture above) and sing along.

Another inspirational gospel artiste, Lara George, performed her latest reigning track, ‘Dansaki’.

Saluting her mother land, an internationally acclaimed Soul Jazz, songwriter and recording artiste, Asa, strumming her guitar, thrilled the audience with ‘E bami Kira Fun Mama Mi’. She removed her shoes and danced wonderful steps that gave her a resounding applause.

Another act that won the hearts of guests was when Onyeka Onwenu, Omawuni and Waje went on stage and did Onwenu’s songs, ‘Iyi Ogogo’ and ‘Ekwe’. This was followed by Omawuni’s performance of Megbele.

Other artistes that spiced the night with their music were: Sani Danja, Sunny Neji,  Cobhams,  DNMT, Moeazy, Zaaki Azzay and D’Banj, among others.

Comedy

 Warri-born popular comedian, Bowoto Jephta, also known as Akpororo, thrilled the guests with jokes that sent them reeling with laughter. His jokes bothered on his growing up in his parents’ home and some of the works  the Nigerian movie and music industries are producing.

Compere

The Master of Ceremony, Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, did well to ensure that the programme was followed according to laid down plans.

Artworks displayed at the event

Visual art sector in Nigeria can be likened to a goldmine being scratched at the tip. This is because if well sponsored, it will boost the country’s GDP.

 Some notable Nigerian visual artists that showcased their works among others were: Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mudi Yahaya, Mufu Onifade, Uche James Iroha, Odogwu Fidelis Eze, Jacob Jari, Tayo Quaye and Onyema Offoedu-Okike.

Some of the works exhibited at the event were: Aro Eghwere (Hunter's Muse Alte II) Media Installation by Prof Onobrakpeya, Mudi Yaya’s ‘I still Dream of A Better Future’, Aluminium Print 2014 and ‘I am The next Nollywood Star’, among others.

Describing his work, Odogwu Fidelis Eze, called his work “Six Geo-political zones, 2014 (Metal)’.

According to him, “Art is a document, so I used metals to document the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. I used symbols of these zones to represent what I have here, “he explained.

The first segment is ‘turban’. “If you see a typical Hausa man from the North-Eastern States like: Taraba, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe and Yobe State, you would know that turban is a form of identity for them.

“The second segment symbolises the red cap chiefs in the eastern part of the country (South-Eastern States):  Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Anambra State. Red cap is like their character. The third group are people from Niger-Delta area (South-Southern States):   Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Rivers and Delta State. They wear beautiful caps. It is a representation though not very detailed.

“The next one symbolises people from the South-Western States:  Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo and Osun State. The next one is people from the Middle Belt North Central States:   Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nassarawa and the Federal Capital Territory. The last segment is the typical Fulani people - North-Western States:  Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina State,” he explained.

Asked why he decided to produce the work, he said that: “Tomorrow, we might not have the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, so I created it to tell a story about the zones.”

Eze said he made the work specifically for exhibition at the event.

He has been functioning for 23 years in practice and works in the national Theatre, Lagos.

Roll call

Corporate World:  The Central Bank Governor, Eefiele, the Chairman of Zenith Bank plc and Visafone, Mr. Jim Ovia, MFR and many others.

 Writers: Odia Ofeimun, Toni Kan, Lola Shoneyin, Eghosa Imaseun, Maxim Uzoatu, Iquo Diana-Abasi Eke and so on,

Visual artists: Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo,  Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, Odogwu Fidelis Eze, Mudi Yahaya, Mufu Onifade, Uche James Iroha, Odogwu Fidelis Eze, Jacob Jari, Tayo Quaye and Onyema Offoedu-Okike, among others.

Musicians: Onyeka Onwenu, Omawumi, MoEazy, Daddy Showkey, Sunny Neji, 9ice, Duncan Mighty, Weird MC,

Comedians: Ali Baba, Ayo Makun (AY), Gbenga Adeyinka, Teju Baby Face, Igo-Dye and Akpororo.

Actors: Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke, Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwor,  Segun Arinze, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Kate Henshaw, Waje, Mbong Amata, Eucharia Anunobi, Zack Orji, Monalisa Chinda, Nobert young, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ann Njemanze, Jibola Dabo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ufuoma Ejenobor, Fred Amata and Yemi Blaq.

Others are: Saint Obi, Emeka Ossai, Ramsey Nouah, Kalu Ikeagwu, Prince Ifeanyi Dike, Tony Umez, Ini Edo, Dakore Akande, Okey Bakassi, Toyin Aimakun Johnson, Fathia Balogun-Williams, Shan George and many others.

Producers and directors: Lancelot Imasuen and Fidelis Duker.

Publishers: Seye Kehinde and others.