Entry Submission for Etisalat Prize for Literature Closes 30th August

Enitan Denloye

Etisalat Nigeria, has announced the 30th of this August as its closing date for the submission of entries into the Debut Fiction category of the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The DF category, which opened on 5^th June will officially close this August to kick off the judging process by the panel of judges chaired by Pumla Gqola.

According to the Director, Brands and Communications Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye,  in a press release issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mabel Aladenusi, the entries received spanned across the continent, a testament to the abundance of literary talent out of Africa. 'We have received some exciting and quality entries since the call for entries of the Etisalat Prize and what we are doing with this Prize is to focus attention on first time published writers.  We are delighted to have provided a platform that showcases and celebrates the uniqueness and creativity in the literary arts as it relates to fiction in Africa.'

He explained that the EPL is the first ever pan-African prize to applaud first time writers of published fiction books. It boasts of a seasoned panel of Judges from across the continent; each with the aim of identifying new writers of African descent. 'Submitted works must be the writer’s first fiction book of over 30,000 words, which has been published in the last 24 months.'

Enitan explained, 'Entries for the Fiction Novel category will be assessed by four preselected judges chaired by the Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), Pumla Gqola; Professor of Creative writing at the University of Ohio Zakes Mda; writer and academic Sarah Ladipo Manyika and the Managing Editor of Kwani Trust, of the literary Journal Kwani, Billy Kahora.

With a prize money of £15,000, alongside a Samsung Note, the winner of the Fiction Novel category will also go on an Etisalat-sponsored book tour in three major cities and be awarded a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia, the pre-eminent school for creative writing and mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of the Last King of Scotland. The second place will receive a cash prize of £1,000 and also go on an Etisalat-sponsored book tour with a Samsung Note. Etisalat will also purchase 1,000 copies of the three shortlisted books, which will be distributed across libraries and schools in the continent as a way of celebrating the publishing industry.

Etisalat disclosed that in just four years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 15 million in a competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include easy starter: easycliq, easybusiness, easyblaze and easyflex; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.

'For its outstanding performance since the launch of commercial operations, Etisalat has won the Nigerian telecoms industry’s first ever Excellent Service and effective Collaboration with the Consumer Affairs Bureau to ensure access to Customer Care Help line.'

The company has also won several other awards, which include Brand of the Year, Best Telecom Customer Service, Telecom Innovations Company of the Year and Most Innovative Corporate Social Responsibility Company.

Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 15 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans across Africa, Middle East and Asia serving over 140 million subscribers and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.

Etisalat Launches Prize for Literature

Pix 1 (L-R): Head, High Value Events & Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi; Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede; Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Pumla Gqola and the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, at the Etisalat Prize for Literature Press Conference, held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos recently...

The Etisalat telecommunications launches its first ever Pan-African prize for literature celebrating African writers of published fiction novels throughout the continent, as entries begins from today, 5^th June until the 30^th August this year.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Steven Evans at a press briefing of presenting the judging panel for the maiden edition at the Wheat-baker Hotels, Lagos, entries for the Fiction Novel category opens today, the 5^th of June, to publishers, who have published a minimum of five authors in the last three years. In the end of the competition and process, the winner will go with 15 thousand pounds and other prizes.

The two categories include Full length English fiction novels and Flash Fiction Short Stories, to be launched towards the end of the year and driven entirely through social media. ‘All entries will be assessed by a panel of four preselected judges chaired by the Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) and South Africa’s most celebrated intellectuals, Pumla Gqola. Other judges include the Professor of Creative writing at the University of Ohio and winner of the Commonwealth Prize, Zakes Mda; the Managing Editor of Kwani Trust, of the literary Journal Kwani Billy Kahora and Sarah Ladipo Manyika, writer and academic.’

He explained that the submitted works must be the writers’ first fiction novels of over 30,000 words and which have been published in the last twenty-four months. ‘The judges will work together to select the long list as well as a shortlist of three novels and finally the winner will be announced next February (2014).’

Criteria for entry to the Fiction Novel: publishers will submit a minimum of 10 books. Each publisher will be allowed to enter a minimum of three books each from different writers with seven copies of the novel being entered alongside acceptance publicity terms.  

Evans added that the Prize was created out of the need to give recognition to indigenous works of literature while also rewarding new entrants and encouraging further participation. “We are pleased to have initiated this important project that celebrates literary excellence and creativity in Nigeria and across Africa. We believe literature has the potential to effect change and serve as a catalyst for promoting a cultural revolution. However, it is a field that has been relegated to the background, making African fiction and short story writers to look to international awards for recognition.’  

While the long list announcement will be on 11^th December this year, the shortlist announcement will hold on next January15. ‘The winner will be announced next February.

The telecommunications company, Etisalat, says this prize is a way of sharing in the passions and aspirations of young and upcoming writers as well as breathing new life to the literary society. ‘It serves as a viable platform for the discovery of new creative talents from the continent and invariably promotes the growing publishing industry in Africa.’

Other patrons present at the event included the first African born winner of the Pulitzer prize Dele Olojede of Nigerian; the Youngest and first black woman publisher and co-founder of Allison & Busby, Margaret Busby; the Deputy Editor of Granta Magazine Ellah Allfrey from Zimbabwe and the Nigerian intellectual and writer, Professor Kole Omotoso.
 

CORA Book Party to Celebrate Poetry

The CORA BOOK Party has set August 18 to honour and announce the final three laureates for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature 2013, at the EkoHotel on Victoria Island Lagos at 2:30PM.

According to its promoters, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, in a press release recently, the Prize this year is devoted to Poetry. ‘This is the 5th edition of the Book Party and the CORA, is setting up this elaborate feast to honour the shortlisted works and authors, expected to emerge from the near 200 entries, which the organisers said they received for this year’s prize.’

It said the essence of the Party is to enable the public encounter the poets and engage the works that have been adjudged fitting to earn the $100,000 (N16million) prize.

The programme, which is organised by CORA, Committee for Relevant Art, has promised that the short listed works would be reviewed, discussed and critiqued. ‘It is a package of literary feasting, featuring performances, wining and dining, where the shortlisted authors and their works are celebrated for emerging as some of the very best in the country.’

Lagos Black Heritage Sets 1001 Faces of Corruption as Theme

In order to educate and build the future of the state and the country, the Lagos Black Heritage Foundation in partnership Diamond Bank disclosed the theme for the Season Two of the Voice of the Child Annual Painting Competition: A Thousand and One Faces of Corruption.

Mr Dozie Uzoma; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Ms Ayona Trimnell
and Akinola Ibukunoluwa at the event recently...

At the press conference held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island on Tuesday February 5, the representative of Professor Wole Soyinka, Her Royal Highness, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu said that the aim of the Heritage Festival should not be misunderstood. “We are not out to make activist of children. They deserve their childhood, their season of innocence and security.”

She explained that it was to challenge the creativity of the children early in life and provide an outlet for those observations and feelings, for which they sometimes seek the means of expression.

“Today, of course, society has made progress. A slap on the wrist, a token fine is considered sufficient to close the books on dishonourable acts. Banking scams, oil subsidy bribes, police turned kingpins of kidnapping gangs – children as easy front-line victims of such degraded minds, all the way to elected lawmakers, who attempt to institutionalize the fraud of ghost workers in high places, such as mere private appendages of power, unrecognized by constitution for whom they attempt to budget some four billion naira for a private undertaking.”

This time, she addressed the adults. “If adults have lost all shame, become immunized against peer censure “then let us explore what goes on in the quiet minds of those whom we often deem should be seen but not heard.”

In his speech, Soyinka asked if people imagine that children lack all powers of observation and discernment, even without the bombardment of news, images and public discourse.

With over 1, 000 participants for the competition, Erelu booed the adults that they ought to put their heads under the table in shame. “What can I do to make Nigeria? We must do it, lest, our children do it for us. Then where do we stand?”

Others present at the event included the Executive Director Diamond Bank, Mr Dozie Uzoma; the representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr Olalekan Olagunju; the Head, Corporate Communicator, Diamond Bank, Ms Ayona Trimnell; representative of the Chairman of Badagry, Ositode Moses, Mr Samson Apata; the 2012 winner of the VOTC, Akinola Ibukunoluwa from Methodist Girls High School, Yaba and the youngest Ambassador of LBHF from Island Builders Baptist School, Eziuku Divinegrace.

The Lagos Black Heritage Foundation with its Voice of the Child disclosed the theme for her season two: The Thousand and one Faces of Corruption, to the participants, who will express their thoughts on it through paintings.

'Badagry Unveils world Tallest Drum'

Left-Right: Assistant to the Chairman of Badagry, Mr Ojo; Rhonda Watson, other supporters, (middle) Femi Coker and Mr Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku (third from right) and other guests-speakers at the unveiling of the drum In Badagry...recently

 

Badagry, the land of history, civilisation, designation for tourism and a one-time slave port, made history on Saturday, February 16, when it unveiled the world’s tallest drum, measuring 11 feet in height and six feet wide. This was at the Badagry Heritage Museum, during the celebration of the Black History month in the historical littoral city for the first time.

Where else could such history be made, if not the land, where slaves were once shipped away into the unknown? Thus, a reunion of the Diaspora blacks in the city would be an emotional event for the long-gone brothers and sisters.

According to the Public Diplomacy Officer, United States Consular-General Office, Mrs. Rhonda Watson, the focus on black history stems from the fact that for too many years the contributions and accomplishment of African Americans were never recorded in the history books. “It was as if we did not exist and that we didn’t even matter,” she lamented. “Our children were growing up ignorant of the achievements of black people and consequently had a distorted view of their own potential in life and could grow up with low aspirations in life.”

She drew everyone’s memory back to an event, which had occurred in 1925.  “Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson came up with an idea to rectify this deliberate historical omission through the establishment of Negro History Week, which was aimed at highlighting and teaching about the contributions of black Americans. Over the next 50 years, the accomplishment of African Americans soared but the struggle for equality continued, even after the passage of the landmark Civil Right Act of 1964 that outlawed discrimination against racial and religious minorities; ended racial segregation in schools and at the work place.”

Watson also told the gathering about the commemoration of the Black History Week in 1976, which was expanded to a month-long celebration. Though the legal barriers for black progress had been largely overcome, economic progress still eluded many.
“The 2013 celebration of BH month is especially significant, because this marks the 150th year of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves in the US and this is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington D.C, where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.”

In November 2008, she said, the election of Barack Obama as the first black US president was a realisation of Luther’s dream and certainly a cause for celebration but one mixed with dubious scepticism that his victory actually represented the destruction of racial barriers. “So, the need for Black History month goes on and we continue to learn lessons and draw inspiration from the struggles and achievements of our forefathers.”

Having traced her root and history, she discovered there were other Watsons still living in Badagry. “It is a unique experience for me to be here in Badagry to celebrate this, because it is possible that my own forefathers were snatched from these very shores and sold into slavery. My last name is Watson and I have been told there are some Watsons here in Badagry. So if any of you know where they are, I would love to meet them. And if I am from this area, I’m glad to be coming back as an American Diplomat.”

She was glad to let everyone know of her husband’s origin too. “My husband is from the Benin Republic and his name is Ahouandjinou. He knows that he has family here in Badagry from his mother’s side but he has not met them yet. Although our relatives were separated by slavery hundreds of years ago, we find ourselves reunited by love.

“Therefore, it’s an opportunity for me to applaud the creators of the World’s Tallest Drum. African drums have always held a special attraction for me, because it is like a primal call for me to gather to gather with the clan,” she gushed.

According to her, each time she heard the sounds of drums in the night, she would stop to listen and would feel a special tug to follow the sound. “I hope that the World’s Tallest Drum will serve as a call to action for Nigerians to unite as a single family, join forces and play an active role in tackling national challenges such as massive unemployment, eradication of extreme poverty and HIV/AIDS, corruption and violence against women.”

The unveiling of the drum was done in commemoration of the Black History Month, by the director of Femi Arts Warehouse, Femi Coker, in partnership with his counterpart of De Roots Renaissance, Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku.

“In reminiscence of the aims and objectives of the Black History Month, the tallest drum is a symbolic representation of the gargantuan contributions of the black race to world civilisation. The history of the black race is trapped in the twisted but stoic peregrination from the dark realm of slavery, colonisation, oppression and suppression through iron and blood struggle for freedom and libration to the regain of actual freedom, egalitarianism and global recognition,” Mesewaku said.

He said that through all the vicissitudes, the Blackman could still raise his head, making steady but monumental contributions to science and technology, sports, entertainment, music, academia, business, inventions and politics among others.

He also said that Coker has marked a historic moment in Badagry. “It is the 87thyear of initiating the Negro Black way. We are trying to stimulate and create awareness to black culture; telling people that blacks have contributed to the globe and to showcase through this artistic coronation to develop the world all over.”

According to the News Letter publisher, Mesewaku, the symbols of the Drum represent Africa culture and ways of life. “In African perspective, it is important in the sense that you want to see the drum performing when a child is born, or when a person is getting married or a person is being buried. We use it to symbolise the monumental achievements of the Blacks in the world. In civilisation and world history Blacks achieved a lot.

“We want this drum to be exhibited at the 2014 Black History Month in the United States of America.”
Watson prayed and believed with hope. “May the sound of this drum tug at your hearts and move you to action and may BH month be that of reflection on the accomplishments of the past with a renewed dedication to improve the future.”

According to Coker, the images on the drum symbolise royalty before the advent of the colonial masters. Africans were born kings, princes and princesses. Our culture, African History, Heritage and Humanity; it shows our festivals like Eyo, Ogun Ajabo and Ifa. “I’m trying to tell the religions of our people and that Africa is very rich in culture.”

Meanwhile, the sculptor of the drum is Edward Jonathan. Others present at the event included the representative of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, High Chief Baala; the master drummer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Uga, who is also an indigene of Badagry; the representative of the Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Mr. Ashamu Fadipe and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Consultant and Head of Social Sciences, Crawford University, Professor Alaba Simpson among others.

Some of the groups that performed included the Sato, Stilt-walkers’ and the Kpoji dancers, respectively.
After the representative of the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, High Chief Baala, unveiled the drum, at 2.10pm, the three young stilt-walkers of Badagry played the drum to the sound of everyone, which caused them to dance, celebrate and hail the black race.

The 11-foot drum is made of hard wood and sealed at the end with a deer’s skin. Constructed round its long solid body are carved reliefs of various cultural and historical representations and interpretation beautified with cowries.

Photographers Portray Beauty of Niger Delta

Photograph, they say, tells a story more than a thousand words. Citizens of the Niger Delta region have come out to show and promote the culture of their land and what it has got to not only Nigerians but also to the world that the beauty of their land is more than the ugly side the visitors encounter. This was revealed to journalists at a press preview on Wednesday, the 6th of March at the Falomo Shopping Centre, Falomo, Ikoyi-Lagos.

An F/Stop Collective group of five young artists, who came all the way from the Niger Delta to Lagos, tell the story of ND's beauty, culture, festivals, colours, life scheme, creeks, beaches, traditions and lifestyles among others, using photography as a tool.
Such five artistic photographers include, Timipre Willis Amah, Ebiware Okiy, Israel Ophori, Tuoyo Omagba and Perez Tigidam.

According to the supervisor of the group, Mr. Tam Fiofori, ND has always been seen as a violet place. But these young men are trying to remind the people of the beauty in the place. They are using photographs to do what other culture artists, writers like Kelechi Amadi and King Sarawewa have done through writing and literature. 'They are telling us now that they have much beautiful things in Delta.'

Tam expressed his thoughts on the creativity and the enthusiasm they possess, as 'they represent the new generation of artists, who believe in good shots. That is why they want Nigerians to realize there is really beauty in the ND, using images to project it.'
The leader of the team, Timipre, explained that it was the maiden edition with the theme, Circus of Encounter. 'This theme centres on all the things you stumble into as you come into the Niger Delta but more on the beauty of the people, which we have seen, as against the ugly side that the visitors have encountered.'
He went further to say that the N/Deltans were known to be lazy people but said he still wondered what the word 'lazy' means. 'Nobody wants to know how we survive and been able to conquer the environment within these periods.'

Okpama Beach
 

The group opened to journalists some of the beautiful places in the region including Brass in Bayelsa, Osbo Lake in Yenagoa, Bonny Island, the beaches and the Escravous the beautiful things in Agbaroto, where they still have the natural habitats even though the only thing the people know is to go there and take the oil. 'You will be amazed at the things you see there.'

The Brand Consultant and Marketing Communicator also one of the photography artists, Perez, tells of his primary work and how he got interested in the group. 'I do marketing designation and tourism marketing as well. The first time I saw Timipre's work I thought it was done by a white man until I traced him to Bayelsa.'
He mourned the thoughts in the mind of the people about the ND region. 'One thing about people today is that once they hear of Niger Delta, the first thing that comes to their mind is kidnapping; if I walk into the region, wearing a good shirt and a pair of trousers, I'll be pick up. But you will be surprised that it is not so.'
According to him, the first day he visited Bonny when he heard of the light house although he went for another reason. 'I was shocked at the sight of the place then I asked myself if it was the same Bonny I always hear of, because what I saw was an irony. Bonny is a community messed up with poverty, no electricity, no water and nothing! Yet beside that community is a fence, which demarcates it from the oil tanks.'
In his words, he concluded that you see poverty and wealth lay side by side but separated with a small wall. You'll be surprised that a huge number of tourists are still queuing to go to Kabu and other trouble places in the region. Then I ask, what is different about ours?

Israel, through his works of photography, tells his day to day life and the way he sees the region. 'I see photography as a way of life and I use it to tell my story, the way I see the world around me daily and what goes on in the region, using my camera to tell it positively.



Israel Ophori
 

They wished to encourage and keep the Niger Deltans aware of the happenings; that all hope is not lost and that they should begin to think differently, because there is more beauty in the region than they see. 'There is still good I n the land.'
Tam acknowledged that the artists came to Lagos, 'the centre of Art' to be publicised.

The Circus of Encounter exhibition will hold from 23rd March to 6th April this year from 5pm to 6pm at the Quintessence Gallery in Falomo Shopping Centre, Falomo, Ikoyi-Lagos.

The Curator of the event, Mr. Moses Ohiomokhare, tells what Photo-graphy is about. 'It is the art, science and practice of creating durable images and it is a creative career that is gaining prominence in the art industry today.'

Timpre Willis Amah, a lecturer in the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, uses photography as an artistic tool to express his perception and emotion. He also uses it to fulfill his creative vision. He enjoys watching and catching the changing activities of nature and putting it into documents.

Isreal Ophori is a freelance art photo-journalist and videographer, who enjoys visual documentation of everyday living. He has participated in several exhibitions and his experience spans 10 years. He studied photography in Yaba college of Technology. His artistic documentation is quite exciting and will fascinate art lovers and critics.

Tuoyo Omagba is another talented photographer whose works are a great feast for art lovers. He enjoys artistic documentation and photography of everyday life. He has captured various exciting moments in the Niger Delta after his stint with Guardian Newspaper as a freelance photographer. He has had some exhibitions in Lagos and Abuja. He engages his viewers and gives them food for thought. The gallery is delighted to have him around.

Perez Tigidam is a professionally trained photographer, who cut his teeth with the ace photographer - Kelechi Amadi Obi. A great advocate of urban innovation and this you find in his various urban promotion projects. Perez is a graduate of University of Port-Harcourt and also trained at the prestigious Orange Academy school of Brand Innovation. Your interpretation of his works depends on the prism from which you look at them.

Ebiware Dotimi Okiy started photography after his first degree in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. He was also trained by Don Barber, a renowned photographer in Lagos. Ebiware has passion for documentary photography and has participated in several exhibitions including the 10th Biennial of African Contemporary Art in Dakar, Senegal. He hopes that his works will help to redirect the approach of the society to the rights of the people.

'But these five artists have touched issues that will generate discussions on the Niger-Delta. The positive side of this area comes to the public view and the gallery is happy to make this its first exhibition this year. This spectacular showing, we hope, will remain in our minds.'

 

Word up Gives Poets New Platform

For both upcoming and more established poets, the recent Word Up night at Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos turned out to be another platform for expression. The show, put together by Olumide Holloway and was graced by renowned international poet, Shihan Van Clief, was literally a harvest of talents.

The Spoken Word, according to Holloway, is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary. “It’s a form of poetry intended for onstage performance rather than print, because its beauty lies in its delivery,” he explained. “The poet assumes the position of a prophet or sage reflecting on issues affecting his society; usually a product of deep meditation.”

The online writer also said that the views of the artistes encompass frank and sometimes satirical comments on politics, religion, gender, sexuality and other social behaviours

. “It often contains references to current events and issues relevant to a contemporary audience; using clever punch lines, witty remarks, poignant allusions and sarcasm.”

The Spoken Word poet, he continued, echoes the yearnings of his society, offering performances in form of a dramatic monologue, which are not mere reverberations but the very pulse of a generation. Therefore, the platform is an outlet for people, especially the younger generation, to express their views outside academic and institutional domains of university and colleges. Apart from its surface aesthetic value, which is live entertainment, Spoken Word is an educational tool. It is intellectually engaging, for a generation of youths that has been lost to a pop culture with eroding influences. It can be used to instruct, inform and reshape ideologies, enabling its audience make better informed decision, as it makes them aware of certain aspect pertaining to human life.

Holloway added that the Spoken Word has been found to be very beneficial both to the artiste and the listener, as topics discussed are often things the society shy away from confronting. “The advantages can’t be over-emphasised; as it’s high time we raised socially conscious youths, who will support the mantle of leadership.”

Spoken Word has been recorded to originate from blues music and the Harlem renaissance. The modern poetry as it is known today became popular in 1960 in African American community with the last poets, a political and music group borne out of the American civil rights movement. This part of poetry is at its peak with poets making a living out of their talents.

However, the same can’t be said of Nigeria as the industry is experiencing snail-paced growth. The industry received a boost recently when internationally-renowned Spoken Word Poet, Van Clief, who was a regular feature on Russell Simmons Def Jam Poetry, graced the stage of Word Up Volume 4.

It was a platform that featured the best Spoken Word Poets in Nigeria all on one stage. It is a major platform for poets across the globe. He explained that there were poets from Namibia, England and America at the previous edition.

“We aim to promote poets so we can create a means of employment, so that they can earn a living from their amazing performances. They are certain that a Spoken Word Poetry industry will help reduce unemployment in the country, as awareness and sponsorship of the art form increases. They are also passionate about the art as a genre of entertainment, a tool to increase literacy level and a means of communication among people across the globe.”

Enthusing about the quality of the creative works performed on stage, Holloway said that Nigeria is blessed with talented and skilled Spoken Word Poets. They include Sage Hasson, Plumbline, Donna K, Dolapo, Azino, Atilola, Bob Ekat Olulu, Elisheva, Torpedo, Efe Paul, Dark Poet, Wana Wana, Bob Ekat, Olulu and Floetry among others. “With the ever increasing number of Poets in Nigeria, all that is needed is the right corporate back up and another blooming industry is set to emerge.”

He eulogised the efforts of i2X Media, organisers of the biggest spoken word. “We are grateful to this medium for giving us the platform to always hold this programme, which has become annual.”

Echoes from the Wood to Hold at TerraKulture

Echoes from the Wood, an exhibition of sculptures and button art by Veronica Otigbo-Ekpei, will hold from  August 24 at the Terra Kulture in Victoria Island Lagos.

The respected female artist said in a press conference held at the gallery that the exhibition, Echoes from the Wood, is an attempt to share the thoughts in wood. “It is what has become my voice and language that are clearly translated through my sculptural works. The works in this category, “Out of Waste”, “Something Beautiful” 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, aim to support the on-going global campaign against deforestation and bush-burning,” she said.

She explained that the 60 works or thereabouts would be in three categories including Out of Waste, Sculptures on Display and the Experimental Button Arts.

She also disclosed that some of the dignitaries expected are the first lady of Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola, as the special guest of honour; the chairman of the occasion, Engineer Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon whilethe Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Delta State, Mr Richard Mofe-Damijo will be the guest.

The exhibition will run from August 24 to 30.