African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the
Silverbird Group have signed an MoU in an agreement to construct a
state-of-the-art and Africa’s largest film and studio studio complex in
Nigeria.
The Partnership was signed by Mrs. Helen Brume,
Director Project & Asset-Based Finance, Afreximbank and Mr. Ben
Murray-Bruce, Founder of Silverbird Group.
The Ben Murray-Bruce Studios and Film Academy (BMB
Studios and Film Academy), will transform the 32,725 square meter land area in
Eko Atlantic City into two purpose-built sound stages, a Digital Hub with music
and broadcast studios, editing bays, screening rooms, Studio backlot,
Production Offices and a Film Academy designed to meet the aspirations of
today’s and tomorrow’s content creators.
The development of the BMB Studios and Film Academy
is in line with Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Initiative, a
programme established by the Bank to support Africa’s creative and cultural
industry.
Rudolf
Brenyah Launches the Maiden Edition of Africa’s Future Empowerment Conference
(AFEC)
Rudolf
Brenyah – a Dutch-born Ghanaian – is set to launch a revolutionary Africa’s
Future Empowerment
Conference
on October 8th, 2022, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Rudolf
Brenyah, through Rudolf Brenyah International, presents the first edition of
Africa’s Future Empowerment Conference (AFEC), slated for 8th October 2022. The
event, designed to empower, inspire, and prepare African youths for leadership,
will take place at D’podium International Event Center, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
Rudolf
Okyere-Brenyah is an author, award-winning digital entrepreneur, and
motivational speaker.
Despite
being born in Amsterdam to Ghanaian parents and spending most of his life in
the West, Rudolf has always focused on African Youths, which is his motivation
for launching AFEC.
According to
a publication from UNICEF, three out of five people are under the age of 25,
and half of Africa’s population is between 3 and 24 years old, making Africa
the youngest continent. Rudolf Brenyah believes this population should be
leveraged and utilized for Africa’s development. When he was asked the reason
he started this conference, Rudolf said;
“Africa has
a very young population. So, the reason why I started the Africa’s Future
Empowerment Conference
(AFEC) is
because I want to ensure that I play my part in preparing this young population
that we have for
leadership
and consequently, position them for greatness. We do not always have to depend
on the government for
everything.
I believe in taking actions not complaints. And this is what AFEC is all about
– taking actions that will impact Africa positively.”
AFEC is
Rudolf’s way of contributing to Africa’s development. AFEC is a
mega-conference! The conference aims to educate African youths on
self-development, financial education, entrepreneurship, purpose discovery,
unleashing potentials, tech skills, and equipping them for leadership.
Africa’s
Future Empowerment Conference is not just a conference but a movement. AFEC is
projected to take off in Nigeria and move on to every African country! And it
gets better. AFEC will feature a section called ‘Pitch and Win’, where people
(especially young minds) can present their business ideas and win prizes like grants
and mentorship.
Entry into
the event is free, but registration is compulsory.
Serial Entrepreneur, Chioma Ikokwu, widely known as
Chioma Good Hair sits with Chude Jideonwo, host of #WithChude to discuss being
on the reality TV show – The Real Housewives of Lagos, her expectations before
she joined the show, and her experiences.
“I enjoyed some parts of RHOL, like the fun
activities. But in most parts, I didn’t. If you are having fun, you are having
fun, and anyone who knows me knows that I like to have a good time. For a lot
of the activities we had, I actually genuinely enjoyed it. I felt like I met
one or two amazing people and that was interesting. Also, It challenged me,
physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
“But, it was a very toxic environment and my
real life is not toxic at all. I don’t have anybody around me that is negative
or jealous or has an unsolicited opinion. I don’t have people like that around
me. To be subjected to that kind of thing day in and day out, where I can’t
avoid you is very toxic, it is unnecessary.
“I went there quite naive, thinking, ‘be
yourself, have fun with it’. I didn’t even realize that reality TV dramas sell,
that when you have issues people gravitate towards you, whether they hate you
or love you and you become popular. So, some people have that strategy and that
is why they were probably acting crazy from the start. With other people, I
feel like you can’t really hide your persona, like they say, a character is
like pregnancy, you can’t hide it for long”.
Reacting to the meanness on the show and the drama
that follows, she shared, “for me, it was just embarrassing. Looking at
the person that I am, and the family that I came from, this is not something
that I have ever even engaged in. I was never even on Twitter. The last time I
was on Twitter was when I was in Lebanon because I had a desktop but after that
time I never really went back. I just felt like it was such a violent space to
be in, seeing all that was so new to me “.
“All the back and forth could have been
avoided. What did we teach young girls? People come to me, and say things like,
“Oh my, you are so inspiring”, but I know how much more I would have
offered to the situation to actually genuinely inspire people, to want to be
better and do better but I don’t want to be seen on TV as someone who is
fighting or arguing. That is not the legacy that I want to leave. I don’t want
the tagline to be insults, I want it to be something you can use to empower
yourself and I never really liked the fact that they pushed more negativity. At
the end of the day, of course, drama sells on TV, but it could have been mixed
a little bit more”, she added.
When asked if she regretted being part of the show,
she mentioned that she has mixed feelings about it, “some days I will just
wake up and wonder what possessed me to be in the show, where even when there
is the violence they don’t mind. Other times, I see that it also gave people an
opportunity to see
different sides of me, before that it was just pictures on Instagram, and people kind of thought that I was so stuck up.”
Chris Rufus’ new album, “Timeless”, reflects on the sovereignty of God and the efficacy of His power, His goodness and unending grace. Artists featured in the Album are Rionbee and Lex. Chris Rufus is addicted to creative sounds; he makes music sound beautiful and his songs inspire change. Chris Rufus has written several songs cutting across many genres such as Afro-pop, Country, Inspirational, classical and hip-hop. This is based on his belief in creative diversity that is not restricted by borders, beliefs, traditions and philosophies. Consequently, his songs are inspired by, and embrace a universal diversity. According to Chris, his mission is to create songs that will be timeless, transcend many generations, and inspire and change lives. Mma Mma (Chris Rufus Feat. Rionbee) Mma Mma is one of the hit songs in the “Timeless”
“Mma Mma” is a song of praise, thanksgiving and worship. Words alone, are not enough to express God’s goodness over my life. This is very personal and deep for me and everyone who understands and acknowledges God’s Love and mercy in their Lives. LINKS TO LISTEN TO THE ALBUM Click to view the “Timeless” Album on the various platforms below: Website: https://www.chrisrufus.com
He is a Business Strategist and an Entrepreneur who served as Pioneer Board Member and Treasurer of the Association of Strategic planning, Australia. He holds a bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and also holds double master’s degrees in Business Administration and Professional Advanced Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos and Torrens University, Adelaide, South Australia.
The second edition of the Nigerian domiciled Universal Movie Awards (UNIMA) is scheduled to hold in Lagos on November 26.
Founder and President of the yearly international award,
Hope Obioma Opara, disclosed that UNIMA is geared towards presenting a platform
through which the Nigerian film industry Nollywood will host filmmakers all
over the world.
“The primary vision of UNIMA is to add value and
creatively enrich the entertainment industry through excellent work in film and
television,” Opara said, adding that the 2022 edition will feature some
activities such as workshops, a master class and industry interactive session proceeding
the awards night.
“The workshops will engage young men and women in more
meaningful ways to look inside themselves to rediscover their potential. We are
looking forward to having in attendance foreign invitees including members of
the diplomatic corps, our Nollywood film industry practitioners and all the
nominees in different categories and other local invitees. We also look forward
to partnerships with the government and corporate organizations, who can
leverage our platform to showcase their products and bring brand loyalty to
their organization.” At the first edition held in 2021, filmmakers from
different countries around the globe won awards.
“The movie from Nigeria Voiceless by Robert Peters won the Best picture and best director, others are movies from USA Ghana, Kenya, Cameroun, Brazil, Russia, Zambia and Best TV Commercial Awards,” Opara disclosed, adding, “UMA is currently receiving entries for the different categories of the 2022 edition. The categories are Feature & Short Film. Feature and Short Documentary, Foreign Language & Indigenous Film (Subtitled in English), Best TV Commercial.”
The Berlin International Film Festival is dismayed
and outraged to hear of the arrest of another Iranian filmmaker. On Monday, the
renowned and multiple award-winning director Jafar Panahi was arrested. Jafar
Panahi’s films have been shown at the Berlinale many times, and in 2015, his
film Taxi was awarded the Golden Bear. Panahi was arrested when he sought to inquire
with the prosecutor‘s office about the directors Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa
Al-Ahmad, who were arrested on July 9. A critic of the Iranian government,
Jafar Panahi has been the victim of repression for many years.
“The arrest of Jafar Panahi is another
violation of freedom of expression and
freedom of the arts. We ask the Iranian authorities to release the detained
filmmakers immediately,” say the Berlinale directors Mariette Rissenbeek
and Carlo Chatrian.
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 397 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority. The 2022 class is 44% women, 37% belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 50% are from 53 countries and territories outside the United States. There are 71 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, among the invitees.
Four individuals (noted by an asterisk) have been invited to join the Academy by multiple branches. These individuals must select one branch upon accepting membership.
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2022.
The
2022 invitees are:
Actors
Funke Akindele – “Omo Ghetto: The Saga,” “Jenifa”
Caitríona
Balfe – “Belfast,” “Ford v Ferrari”
Reed
Birney – “Mass,” “Changeling”
Jessie
Buckley – “The Lost Daughter,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things”
Lori
Tan Chinn – “Turning Red,” “Glengarry Glen Ross”
Daniel K. Daniel – “The Fugitive,” “A Soldier’s Story”
Ariana
DeBose – “West Side Story,” “The Prom”
Robin
de Jesús – “tick, tick…BOOM!,” “The Boys in the Band”
Jamie
Dornan – “Belfast,” “Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar”
Michael
Greyeyes – “Wild Indian,” “Woman Walks Ahead”
Gaby
Hoffmann – “C’mon C’mon,” “Wild”
Amir
Jadidi – “A Hero,” “Cold Sweat”
Kajol
– “My Name Is Khan,” “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…”
Troy
Kotsur – “CODA,” “The Number 23”
Vincent
Lindon – “Titane,” “The Measure of a Man”
BarBara
Luna – “The Concrete Jungle,” “Five Weeks in a Balloon”
Aïssa
Maïga – “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” “Mood Indigo”
Selton
Mello – “My Hindu Friend,” “Trash”
Olga
Merediz – “In the Heights,” “Adrift”
Sandra
Kwan Yue Ng – “Echoes of the Rainbow,” “Portland Street Blues”
Hidetoshi
Nishijima – “Drive My Car,” “Cut”
Rena
Owen – “The Last Witch Hunter,” “The Dead Lands”
Jesse
Plemons – “The Power of the Dog,” “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Sheryl
Lee Ralph – “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit,” “The Distinguished Gentleman”
Renate
Reinsve – “The Worst Person in the World,” “Welcome to Norway”
Marco
Rodriguez – “El Chicano,” “Unspeakable”
Joanna
Scanlan – “After Love,” “Notes on a Scandal”
Kodi
Smit-McPhee – “The Power of the Dog,” “Let Me In”
Suriya
– “Jai Bhim,” “Soorarai Pottru”
Anya
Taylor-Joy – “The Northman,” “Last Night in Soho”
Casting Directors
Rich
Delia – “King Richard,” “The Disaster Artist”
Elodie
Demey – “Happening,” “Summer of 85”
Yngvill
Kolset Haga – “The Worst Person in the World,” “One Night in Oslo”
Louise
Kiely – “The Green Knight,” “Sing Street”
Meagan
Lewis – “Blast Beat,” “Free State of Jones”
Karen
Lindsay-Stewart – “Marie Antoinette,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Juliette
Ménager – “A Bag of Marbles,” “As Above/So Below”
Kate
Ringsell – “The Lost City of Z,” “Justice League”
Toby
Whale – “Dunkirk,” “The History Boys”
Cinematographers
Ava
Berkofsky – “The Sky Is Everywhere,” “Free in Deed”
Josh
Bleibtreu – “Dark Phoenix,” “Shazam!”
Alice
Brooks – “In the Heights,” “tick, tick…BOOM!”
Daria
D’Antonio – “The Hand of God,” “Ricordi?”
Mike
Eley – “The Duke,” “Woman Walks Ahead”
Sturla
Brandth Grøvlen – “The Innocents,” “Another Round”
Ruben
Impens – “Titane,” “Beautiful Boy”
Shabier
Kirchner – “Small Axe,” “Bull”
Martin
Ruhe – “The Tender Bar,” “The Midnight Sky”
Kasper
Tuxen – “The Worst Person in the World,” “Riders of Justice”
Costume Designers
Joan
Bergin – “The Prestige,” “In the Name of the Father”
Antonella
Cannarozzi – “A Five Star Life,” “I Am Love”
Andrea
Flesch – “Midsommar,” “Colette”
Lizzy
Gardiner – “Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”
Dorothée
Guiraud – “Murder Party,” “French Tech”
Suzie
Harman – “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” “Extinction”
Tatiana
Hernández – “The Japon,” “Lope”
Louise
Stjernsward – “Made in Italy,” “The Mercy”
Elisabeth
Tavernier – “The Man in the Basement,” “Tanguy Is Back”
Paul
Tazewell – “West Side Story,” “Harriet”
Mitchell
Travers – “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Hustlers”
Directors
Newton Aduaka – “One Man’s Show,” “Ezra”
Andrew
Ahn – “Fire Island,” “Spa Night”
Bruno
Villela Barreto – “Four Days in September,” “The Kiss”
Mariano
Barroso – “Ants in the Mouth,” “Ecstasy”
Rolf
de Heer – “Charlie’s Country,” “Bad Boy Bubby”
Jeferson
Rodrigues de Rezende – “The Malê Revolt,” “Bróder!”
Pawo
Choyning Dorji* – “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom”
Blessing Egbe – “African Messiah,” “Iquo’s Journal”
Briar
Grace-Smith – “Cousins ,” “Waru”
Reinaldo
Marcus Green – “King Richard,” “Monsters and Men”
Ryusuke
Hamaguchi* – “Drive My Car,” “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy”
Sian
Harries Heder* – “CODA,” “Tallulah”
Gil
Kenan – “City of Ember,” “Monster House”
Amanda
Kernell – “Charter,” “Sami Blood”
Mary
Lambert – “The In Crowd,” “Pet Sematary II”
Blackhorse
Lowe – “Chasing the Light,” “5th World”
Nalin
Pan – “Last Film Show,” “Samsara”
Jonas
Poher Rasmussen* – “Flee,” “Searching for Bill”
Isabel
Sandoval – “Lingua Franca,” “Apparition”
Amy
Seimetz – “She Dies Tomorrow,” “Sun Don’t Shine”
Mary
was born deformed; it took eighteen years of plastic surgery to build her a
face.
She
changed her name and place after each surgery, and when she was ready to start
a new life, fate came up with a proposal that brought Heaven and Hell to her
threshold.
A
pregnant virgin with a fire breathing dragon in her womb as the count to nine
month is the count to Dooms Day.
When Nigeria was governed on the basis of tribe Northern
(Hausa), Western (Yoruba) and Eastern (lgbo) regions and the colonial Lagos
older than Nigeria itself was being claimed as a part of the Yoruba Westem
region, by virtue of its location and Yoruba origin with reference to its Benin
(Edo) royalty as far back as late 17th century and the American and Caribbean
ongins of the descendants of the Ologbowo and the Popo Aguda (Brazilian)
returnees of the 1840s. of course, original Lagosians of the time challenged
the Lagos belongs the West theory; successfully proved the independence of the
old Lagos (gede be L’ eko wa) not only
stopped the attempt to merge Lagos with Westem
Nigena but also got Lagos State as one of the first twelve states of Nigeria
created in 1967
Since 1967, cosmopolitan Lagos has moved from
being the capital of Nigeria to a mega city of excellence which now sets the
pace of political, social and economical development more than it has ever done
in the past. This is because, the ongin of Lagos has been influenced by mot
only the (Idejo) chieftaincy, the Benin (Edo) Oba Ado royalty, the civilized
and educated Saro (Olowogbowo) and Brazilian (Popo Aguda) returnees of the
1840s, the Tapa (Bida/Nupe), the Black Americans and the Caribbean (artisans of
the early 19″ century Lagos). These lots constitutes the force that built
up Original Lagos (Eko Akoko) before the cessation of the colony of Lagos to
the British crown in 1861, long before the creation of the British protectorate
of Nigeria in 1914.
The original Lagosians established family
compounds and business centres as far back as early 17th century, e.g Iga
Aromire, Iga Iduganran, and the agboles (compounds) of the four original
settlements Isale Eko, Olowogbowo, Oko Faji and Popo Aguda. These settlements
of Lafiaji/lkoyi, Ebute Meta/Yaba were added during the colonial days.
By virtue of the above stated, original Lagos
(Eko Akoko) produced Nigeria’s first modern day professionals such as lawyer
Sapara-Williams (1880), Doctor J. K. Randle, Engineer Herbert Macaulay,
Journalist Kitoyi Ajasa, Chartered Accountant Akintola Williams e.t.c all of
them from the early Olowogbowo settlements.
In my own opinion, those who fabricate the very
recent theory that Oba Ashipa was a Yoruba from lsheri instead of a Benin
Prince from the Oba of Benin (Edo State) were mischievously, politically
motivated to historically confirm the story of politicians of the 1940s who
claim that Lagos belongs to the West; Yoruba/West of the regional Nigeria. The
then Lagos politicians of the Action group Party controlled Western Nigeria
went as far as to claim that some well known families of Lagos originated from
Oyo, Ekiti, Ijebu, Egba, ljesha etc. in order to qualify them for membership of
the Western Nigeria house of assemble or the Nigerian senate needless to say
some got their fingers burnt when they were challenged by indigenes of the
cities claimed in the 1940s.
It is very ridiculous to hear some academic
historians challenge the historical Igbe songs of our innocent ancient Oloris
(wives) of the Royal Houses just to please their political masters. Their types
have been earlier exposed by the scriptures.
May I however conclude this piece, by reference
to the fact that ‘facts are sacred while falsehoods are Satanic and Perishable’.
As a direct descendant of Oba Akinsemoyin of
Lagos, I feel obliged to write this piece on original Lagos (Eko Akoko) in
order to confirm the history of Royalty in Lagos
Signed:
Ademola Oladega Akinsemoyin
Esan People Blog
