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Norwegian Diplomats Hail Nigeria’s World Class Art Work

Norwegian Diplomats Hail Nigeria’s World Class Art Work

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Diplomats from the Norway Embassy, Abuja, have rated Nigeria’s art works as world class.

The Consul and Counsellor of the Norway Embassy, Saul Novichyan and Sol Solveig made the assessment at the ‘Canvas of Identity, Resilience, and Renewed Hope’ exhibition organised by the National Gallery of Arts as part of 65th Nigerian Independence Celebration in Abuja.

Solveig said she was always amazed at the diversity of all the art from Nigeria in addition to the many gifted people in the industry.

“I think here in Nigeria, you find the very best. It’s just amazing, so good. I’m really impressed by the people here. So many really good artists. And beautiful work that is of high quality,” Solveig said.

The diplomat said she had been visiting several arts galleries in Nigeria since she arrived in the country last year, singling out the Nike Art Gallery for recognition.

She urged Nigerian artists to continue with what they were doing, as they were on the top on the international level.

On his part, Novichyan commended the exceptional quality of Nigerian art works and the impressive talent demonstrated by local artists.

He stressed that Nigerian art had reached an international standard, reflecting the creativity and skill inherent in the country’s artistic community.

He also advised them to continue their current artistic pursuits, noting that their work was already competitive on the global stage.

In his remarks, the Director General of National Gallery of Arts, Ahmed Sodangi, noted that the canvas of identity, resilience and renewed hope was a story about the current state of Nigerians as a resilient people who should dream bigger and have more creativity. 

He added that the National Gallery was trying to incentivise the system by fostering the art business in Nigeria because it is one of the things that is mostly neglected.

“One thing that is very, very important is to look at the value chain. And because we have a lot of artists, art is a profession. So what we are trying to do in terms of improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the artists, is look at the value chain and see how we can improve on it.

“And we all know around the world that the art industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. So one of the things the National Gallery is doing is improving the value chain, looking at the artworks as products, giving them certifications that will add to the base value,” Sodangi said.

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Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Diplomats from the Norway Embassy, Abuja, have rated Nigeria’s art works as world class. The Consul and Counsellor of the Norway Embassy, Saul Novichyan and Sol Solveig made the

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Kano Governor Writes NSA, Seeks State Commissioner of Police Removal

Kano Governor Writes NSA, Seeks State Commissioner of Police Removal

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The crisis between the Kano State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has taken a new turn as the state government has written a formal complaint letter to the office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, against the CP.

During the 65th Independence Day celebration, Governor Yusuf accused the CP of boycotting the national parade, an action he described as “unacceptable, and a betrayal of the trust of both the people and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I therefore, wish to seize the opportunity to call on the President, whom we know as no nonsense man. to remove the commissioner of Police from Kano today.

“On behalf of all of you I am writing a petition against him through the office of the National Security Adviser for onward submission to president of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor stated.

However, the police chief did not comment on the allegations, but a top police source familiar with the issue explained that the matter went beyond the parade, as it was already public knowledge that the Independence Day parade had been cancelled.

He alleged that the state governor has long neglected the police and other security agencies in the state, citing examples of how he clashed with three past Commissioners of Police during his two years in office.

He further alleged that the governor has consistently ignored the police command, failing to respond to courtesy visit letters from the Commissioner of Police and the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), and neglecting Security Council meetings, instead sending a junior special adviser on security.

Barely 24 hours after the governor’s allegations, protests erupted in two different locations, led by Barrister Nafisa Abba Isma’il, Chairlady of the Women Lawyers Congress, who attributed the state’s current insecurity to the government’s neglect of security agencies.

The protest followed a press conference led by a coalition of civil society groups known as Kano Agenda, which demanded an immediate investigation into the police withdrawal during the Independence Day celebration and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

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Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The crisis between the Kano State Government and the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, has taken a new turn as the state government has written a formal complaint letter to the

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 BAP’s ‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’ Musical Thrills Audience as National Theatre Roars Back to Life

 BAP’s ‘Fela & The Kalakuta Queens’ Musical Thrills Audience as National Theatre Roars Back to Life

The National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, roared back to life on Monday October 1, 2025 after a few years of renovation and refurbishment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, led a rich array of dignitaries from the government, corporate sector and the creative industries to unveil the new-look premier home of the arts as a symbolic occasion to also celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

The magnificent edifice and cultural institutions have now been rechristened by the federal government the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as a fitting tribute to the respected Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, whose literary and theatrical contribution to the development of theatre, literature and film is immeasurable.

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The three-hour unveiling event was laced with rich set of performances, of which the command performance of the popular musical, ‘Fela And The Kalakuta Queens’ stood out, thrilling the audience with its stellar cast, great acting, and spectacular dance routine, all laced with  a few evergreen songs by the legendary King of Afrobeat music, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Although it was a teaser showpiece that lasted for just half an hour, the performance added unmistakable colour to the unveiling event, especially given that it came just before the speeches by the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso and President Tinubu.

Directed by the multiple award-winning theatre and film director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens chronicles the life and times of the late legendary musician, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, from birth to his trajectory as a defiant and uncompromising social activist, a flamboyant musical maestro as well as his historic marriage to his 27 wives (known as the Queens).

“The story of Fela and his Kalakuta Queens is as compelling, as it is deeply moving and emotionally engaging, and we are happy that it was selected as part of the performances to bring back to life the famed National Arts Theatre,” said Mrs. Austen-Peters.

The play travels through the honest and selfless love the Afrobeat icon had with his dancers (Queens) who left their homes to follow him, believing in his vision of building a better community through arts and music.

The musical also explores the lives of those women who constituted an integral part of Fela’s band and gives a unique insight into the interplay of gender and power relations at Fela’s famous Kalakuta Republic. It also showcases their unique fashion, dance and African identity, while unmasking common misconceptions about them.

In his remarks, Dr. Cardoso said it was a “huge one” to be delivering his speech right after the performance of ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, given the energy it oozed and the applause it received.

President Tinubu also commended the evening’s rich performances, adding unequivocally that “I’m impressed and I’ve enjoyed myself.”

The historic unveiling of the refurbished theatre is not lost on Austen-Peters, who is the founder of Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP), which produced the musical and Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos.

“It is a historic day for all of us in the creative sector, to have been selected for this landmark unveiling, on a day that Nigeria clocks 65, while having in the audience the No1, No 3 and Number 4 citizens of the country, among several other dignitaries.

“All the performances added colour and glamour to this event. This is a clear message that the creative sector has been blessed with another set of world-class venues that will enhance creativity. We are grateful that ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens was part of those that successfully relaunched this main auditorium into the hearts of Nigerians,” she said.

Following a successful premiere in Lagos in 2017, Fela and The Kalakuta Queens Musical has, without a doubt, become a sensation across the globe, having been performed in Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt and Dubai, UAE.

“It is, therefore, a befitting play to reopen the newly renovated and restored National Arts Theatre,” said Joseph Umoibon, Producer of the musical.

Fela and the Kalakuta Queens will again hit the big stage of the Terra Kulture Arena from December 26th 2025 to Jan 12th 2026 as part of the ‘Detty December’ highlights.

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The National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, roared back to life on Monday October 1, 2025 after a few years of renovation and refurbishment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with his

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Former NNPC Spokesman, Femi Soneye Launches ‘The Exchange’ Podcast

Former NNPC Spokesman, Femi Soneye Launches ‘The Exchange’ Podcast

Femi Soneye, respected journalist, media entrepreneur, and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has announced the launch of his new biweekly podcast, The Exchange with Femi Soneye.

The Exchange will spotlight some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most influential voices, spanning politics, business, entertainment, and civil society. With Soneye’s decades of media experience and insider access, the show promises bold conversations, rare insights, and candid perspectives on issues shaping the nation and the world.

“The Exchange is more than just another interview program, it’s a space for open, meaningful dialogue,” said Femi Soneye. “Listeners will hear the human side of leaders and changemakers, beyond the headlines.”

The podcast will feature 20–25-minute episodes released twice a month and will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audiomack, and other major platforms.

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Femi Soneye, respected journalist, media entrepreneur, and former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, has announced the launch of his new biweekly podcast, The Exchange with Femi Soneye. The

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Tourism Experts Harp on Adherence to Standards to Grow Sector 

Tourism Experts Harp on Adherence to Standards to Grow Sector 

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia 

Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector have called for the adoption and adherence to standards in order to enhance the growth of the industry in Abia State and the South-east region.

The call was made in Umuahia at the 7th Tourism World International Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Hall.

The conference themed ‘Tourism: A Viable Tool for Unlocking Socioeconomic Growth, Community Prosperity and Inclusive Opportunities’, brought together stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector across the nation. 

The keynote address delivered by Professor Wasiu Babalola set the tone for the conference which highlighted the vital role of standards in the operation of tourism in Abia, and the Southeast zone as a whole.

Babalola, who is a professor of hotel management and tourism at Atiba University Oyo, Nigeria and the Chairman of the SON National Technical/Mirror Committee on Tourism and Related Services, emphasised that standards remain the backbone of a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.

 “Without well-defined and enforced standards, tourism services risk being inconsistent, unreliable, and uncompetitive in the global marketplace. 

“By prioritising standards, Abia State and the entire South-east region can position itself as a hub of quality hospitality and tourism, capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists,” he said.

According to the tourism expert, standards must cover all aspects of the tourism value chain, ranging from accommodation, food safety, and customer service to destination management, eco-tourism practices, and safety protocols. 

For the culture of standard to become a feature of the tourism industry in Abia, Babalola urged operators and regulators in the industry to join hands with relevant government agencies and the Technical/Mirror Committee. He said such collaboration was necessary for developing, adopting, and implementing the set standards when they become available, in line with international best practices.

The university don further called for action, stating that standards were not merely about compliance; they were about building trust, creating value, and ensuring that every visitor to Abia State departs with a memorable, high-quality experience.

The Abia Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, stated that the government remained committed in its efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.

He said that the Abia State government through his ministry had embarked on taking inventory of the tourism sights and assets of the state, adding that their development and commercialisation has commenced. 

Ekwuruibe therefore invited the private sector operators to partner with the state in the execution of projects that would boost tourism business in Abia. 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Hotel Association, Mr. Charles Ezeala, pledged the readiness of hoteliers and other stakeholders to embrace and implement the evolving standards to strengthen service delivery and guest experiences.

Earlier in his address, the Founder and Executive Director of De World Tourism International, Mr. Solomon Uwakwe, whose firm organised the conference, stated that it was meant to provide a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas.

He described tourism as a potent tool for socioeconomic development hence knowledge sharing, collaboration among stakeholders, and public-private sector partnerships were needed to drive the sector.

“Abia State and the South-east have immense (tourism) potentials, but only through adherence to global best practices can we fully unlock the economic and cultural benefits of tourism,” Uwakwe said.

The conference drew participants from hotel operators, travel agencies, tour operators, creative industries, cultural custodians, agro-tourism enthusiasts, non-governmental organisation executives, international facilitators, and tourism regulators.

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Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia  Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector have called for the adoption and adherence to standards in order to enhance the growth of the industry in Abia

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NYSC Provides Services Worth Over N14B to Lagos State Annually, Says DG

NYSC Provides Services Worth Over N14B to Lagos State Annually, Says DG

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has stated that the scheme provides the Lagos State government with services worth over N14 billion annually.

Gen. Nafiu stated this when he paid the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos.

The scheme made the disclosure in a press statement that was signed by the scheme’s Director Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Caroline Embu. And made available to the press on Friday.

Gen. Nafiu emphasised that “services provided by the NYSC for the government and people of Lagos State worth over 14 billion naira annually.

“Gen. Nafiu was quantifying, in minimum monetary value, the contributions of the over 44,000 Corps members deployed to the length and breadth of the state in various capacities, including the 333 medical doctors, 306 pharmacists, 274 nurses, and 7188 teachers.”

According to Nafiu, “Lagos was the number one destination for Corps members, noting that their parents were also comfortable with it, citing the relative security of the State.”

Speaking on the purpose of his visit he said, “The purpose of my visit was to acknowledge the support of the Lagos State government to the scheme, cement the already cordial relationship and reassure the governor that NYSC would continue to deploy adequate number of Corps members to serve in the state.”

He applauded the governor for carrying out critical renovation work at the temporary camp, Iyana-Ipaja even as work at the 10,000 capacity permanent orientation camp was ongoing.

He said the scheme looked forward to when the camp would be completed so that Corps members deployed to Lagos would camp in the same location rather than the prevailing practice of dislodging some of them to contiguous camps.

He also used the opportunity to request that the secretariat be provided with an ambulance and urged “him to sustain the other areas of support for the scheme, which he said gave much needed operational support to the state formation.”

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Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has stated that the scheme provides the Lagos State government with services worth