Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tinubu Square, Central Lagos. MADAM EFUNROYE TINUBU
Nigerian businesswoman and patriot, after whom a prominent Lagos landmark, "Tinubu Square," is named. She lived in the 19th century and was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Western Nigeria, to a trading family.
After a period of trading apprenticeship under her mother, Tinubu went to Badagry, an important trading post on the outskirts of Lagos, where, despite her lack of formal education, she soon established a flourishing trade in tobacco and salt. The entreprising Tinubu was later to expand her trade, which brought her into contact with the European slave traders, with whom she dealt as a middleperson.
In 1846 Tinubu, now a successful businesswoman, played hostess to the exiled King Akintoye of Lagos who sought refuge in Badagry; she used her influential position to inaugurate a pro-Akintoye movement dedicated to the eventual return of the king to the throne in Lagos. Thus commenced her involvement in the politics of Lagos, which was dominated by men of wealth and education.
In 1851 Akintoye regained his throne and Tinubu was invited to Lagos where she soon transfer her business activity. She strengthened her position as an intermediary in the trade between the expatriate community and the indigenous population of Lagos on the one hand and the interior which include her birthplace, Abeokuta, on the other.
Her influence in the court of Akintoye grew to such an extent that she was often accused of beign the power behind the throne, a belief which in 1853 led to the rebellion of two prominent chiefs. By 1853, when Akintoye was succeeded by Prince Dosunmu, Tinubu's influence grew even more.
In 1855 she led a campaign against the Brazilian and Sierra Leonean immigrants in Lagos for using their wealth and power against the King and for subverting the ancient customs of the island, thus displaying a degree of nationalism which worried the British. The latter retaliated with mass arrests of the organisers, followed by explusion from Lagos. Tinubu and her followers were deported to Abeokuta in May 1856.
In Abeokuta Tinubu expanded her business activities to include a wide range of wares such as gunpowder and bullets. In time her influence began to be felt also in Egba politics in which she played two important roles; her contribution to the successful defence of Egbaland during the Dahomean invasion of 1863 following which she was awarded the title of Iyalode (First Lady) in 1864.
In the Alake succession crisis of 1877 her chosen canditate was installed. The conferment of the title of Iyalode placed her in a position of power, which she was denied in Lagos, for, by virtue of it, she not only acquire d a constitutional right to participate in Egba affairs but was also accorded honour and esteem in the community.
She died in 1887 when she was at the height of her popularity. Today in Abeokuta, a monument stands in the town square named after her, Ita Iyalode (Iyalode Square).
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Governor Fashola Speaks.
Fashola Addresses Coalition Of Youths For Good Governance
Feb 1, 2010 - Dear Lagosians, I feel compelled to address you this morning in the interest if our common good.
It is public knowledge that certain unsavory publications have been making the rounds impugning the reputations and integrity of members of different arms of our Government, the Nigerian Bar Association and our leaders.
I believe that at the appropriate time and at the appropriate forum we will defend ourselves.
Let us all remember that the June 12 Election was annulled by an unsigned press release like the faceless advert that was recently issued and we are yet to recover from it. Lagos is not in any crises. There are urgent national issues to be resolved and our attention must not be diverted from finding a solution.
I respect the right of citizens to protest and to show concern about what happens in our State but I must caution that rallies and protests at this stage may seem pre-emptive. Particularly, I feel the need to state that we must all remember that the foundations for good governance which we are all concerned about has been built on peace and stability which we have all worked hard to secure and this must never be compromised.
Importantly, I am concerned that the information highway has been used to malign the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a manner which I humbly think is undeserving. I wish to advise us to be very reluctant to cast the stone of judgment.
Whatever may be our personal opinions, I am certain that we will not disagree on one fact. The fact is that but for the Grace of God, the courage of Asiwaju and your votes, I would not be Governor.
If we have achieved so much together, we must pause to reflect and realize that Asiwaju is certainly not the villain some unscrupulous and faceless people are using the media to portray him as. Asiwaju stood up for Lagos, for you and for me when it mattered most. This is not the reward he deserves.
I am also convinced that men and women of the State House of Assembly are persons of character who will act in your best interest at all times because you elected them to represent you.
A rally in my name to support me against Asiwaju is not called for because there is no contest or conflict. Those who want to beat drums of war should kindly do so outside our State.
I urge those who have chosen to hide behind text messages to desist from inciting our people needlessly and I urge all law abiding citizens to be more circumspect about those messages and faceless adverts issues through the media.
Finally, in the name of all that is decent, I appeal to all Lagosians to allow peace to reign so that we can continue our development work. This is our biggest challenge as a people and we need all hands on deck to achieve it.
I thank you all sincerely in anticipation of your acceptance of this appeal for the progress of dear State.
Eko o ni baje!
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Lagosians and Entertainment – A Strong Bond Augusta Okon
Lagos state, once tagged as “The Home of Aquatic splendour” but now referred to as “The Centre of Excellence” plays home to Nine Million multi-ethnic based people. A controversial figure declared by the National Population Commission, based on the census conducted in March 2006, and vehemently opposed to by the Lagos state government. The city nests thousands of residential and non-residential buildings, scattered across its beautiful unmastered planed landscape, which Governor Fashola is fighting to transform into a “Mega city”. Declared as the hub of economic activities in the Nation, the state has also added another feather to its cap by uncontroversially clinching the title as “The hub of Entertainment”, beating the other 35 states to it.
The Nigerian Music and Movie Industries which are firmly rooted in the state’s soil, still tap from the economic and social resourceful nutrients which abound on a mega scale. They have over time matured into Iroko trees, spreading their branches internationally, and invariably act as canopies for wary talented individuals, who gladly sit under the economic shade of the industries, enjoying the protective cooling effect from the unbearable scorching financial heat. Dance shoots have sprouted above the soil and have instinctively bent towards the sunlight of entertainment, while Comedy is steadily growing.
Lagosians generally love to have a good time and always look forward to the end of the working week, and declare “Thank God, it’s Friday”. The time to unwind, hang out with friends and loved ones, attend numerous shows flung right in our faces majorly through the TV and in other cases via the Radio. Musical concerts/promenade shows, stand up comedy shows, Theatrical performances, family and children inclined events, organized by individuals and various corporate bodies within and outside the industry lock horns in an advertorial battle during the week to tactically gain the coins we part with at the end of the day. “There’s no money in the country” is the usual boring phrase one hears frequently, but despite this constant untrue declaration, entertainment spots are never de-bee hived, as Lagosians are bent on having fun no matter the price tag attached to it.
The irony of such a ‘fun loving attitude’ is tragically projected during charitable clarion calls, when donations to help the poor, weak, displaced, orphaned, widows and generally the less privileged in the society are made. The financial response seems to be anchored on the low side, but a call to have fun for thousands of Naira, sees Lagosians scampering to the venue, after all they insist they’re having value for their money!. Business moguls aware of the lucrative market entertainment is fast yielding are busy building, acquiring, expanding and renovating premises and adding exquisite interior and state of the art facilities, with a view to clinching the title as “The preferred venue”, for the occasion, laying to rest the prior display of indecisiveness adopted by organizers of various events.
The night crawling rate has declined over the years rapidly, following the successive crime rates perpetuated by men of the underworld, amidst a mental projection of their safety and the devastating effect it could have on their loved ones. Unfortunately, the heady ones who defy the laws of the night attend a blind dating game with death, while a minute fraction escape from the dare devils or unforeseen potentially life claiming incidents by a hair’s breath. Age is certainly no barrier in the ‘fun catalogue’ as a thousand and one events centre, entertainment spots gladly extend their arms to embrace their guests irrespective of gender, tribe, and educational background. The unappealing parallel social strata which systematically places a large unwarranted deep gulf between the upper and lower class, some times painfully dictates the places both classes can visit to have fun.
Public holidays offer memorable platforms for the families, friends and loved ones to have fun, the prominent ones ranging from the Easter, Christmas, Edil kabir to Children’s, Workers, Independence day and New year’s day celebrations organized by a few TV stations such as Television Continental(TVC), Lagos Television(LTV), NTA 10 and other Corporate bodies. “The Silver Bird Galleria”, “Nu Metro”, “Genesis Deluxe”, City Mall cinemas, offers a wide range of genres of exciting movies to watch especially from Hollywood ranging from action, comedy, family, romance, thriller, science fiction, crime, to adventure, suspense, musical, fantasy, horror, guaranteed to keep your eyes fixed on the gigantic screen till the closing credits roll.
Stand up comedy has taken its pride of place in the entertainment spheres with comedians reeling out rib cracking jokes to lovers of comedy. Regular shows by various A-list comedians are held at different times of the year such as “Basket Mouth uncensored”, “A.Y live”, “Crack your ribs”, “Live n Naked”. Other highly rated comedians such as Koffi, Owen – Gee, Teju baby face have also towed the path with the pioneer stand up comedy show “Nite of a Thousand laughs” bringing various comedians together under one roof. “Stand up Nigeria” by Bumi Davies, provides a comedial platform while A.Y’S “Open mic night competition” discovers talented celebrity wanna be comedians who also entertain the crowd. The beaches such as “Lekki, Eleko Coconut, Alpha, Kuramo, Akodo beaches, whispering palm, Tarkwa Bay”, plays host to enthusiastic fun seekers.
One thing is crystal clear, that though money is a veritable tool in the fun quest especially one with class and style, Lagosians however remain undaunted, strategically powering alternative mediums to have fun. Lagosians are poised to show case to the world the entertainment side of life and as our able governor constantly declares “Eko oni baje o!”
So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com
Author: Augusta Okon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Eko Pride and Culture Week. Images from Badagry. cannon used to enforce the abolition of slavery, aimed at the "Point of No Return".
cannon used to enforce the abolition of slavery, aimed at the "Point of No Return".
Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos...
This ancient town of Badagry was founded around l425 A.D. Before its existence, people lived along the Coast of Gberefu and this area later gave birth to the town of Badagry. It is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State, located an hour from Lagos and half hour from the Republic du Benin. The Town of Badgry is bordered on the south by the Gulf of Guinea and surrounded by creeks, islands and a lake. The ancient town served mainly the Oyo Empire which was comprised of Yoruba and Ogu people. Today, the Aworis and Egun are mainly the people who reside in the town of Badagry as well as in Ogun State in Nigeria and in the neighboring Republic du Benin.
In the early 1500's, slaves were transported from West Africa to America through Badagry. It is reported that Badagry exported no fewer than 550,000 African slaves to America during the period of the American Independence in l787. In addition, slaves were transported to Europe, South America and the Caribbean. The slaves came mainly from West Africa and the neighboring countries of Benin and Togo as well as others parts of Nigeria. The slave trade became the major source of income for the Europeans in Badagry.
The town of Badagry wants to enlighten the world to its historic sites, landscapes, cultural artifacts and relics of human slavery. Badagry wants to share this world heritage site with others. They are preserving buildings, sites and memories of this iniquitous period so those tourists can unearth the dark impact of this era. Places of interest include the Palace of the Akran of Badagry and its mini ethnographic museum, the early missionaries cemetery, the District Officer's Office and Residence, the First Storey Building in Nigeria constructed by the Anglican missionaries, relics of slave chains in the mini museum of slave trade, cannons of war, the Vlekte slave Market, and the Slave Port established for the shipment of slaves before the l6th century.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Eko Pride and Culture Week. Eko O ni Baje-Tribute to the city of Lagos By JESUROBOOWIE GIFT IMAFIDON
A beautiful landscape crisscrossed
With fascinating bodies of water
Naturally beautiful and densely populated
From various lands we have come
From different tribes, tongues and race
Our destiny is tied to the chord here
Yes, it is our Eko.
Home to all, hope to many
Blessed land of great opportunities
From Badagry to the breaches of the atlantics
The vast seas of human heads at Oshodi
To the farmlands in Ikorodu
And the fishermen's delight in Epe
Yes it is our Eko
The mainland and the island
Divided between the rich and the poor
Yet we mix up so easily in the epicenter of isaleko
With nightlife like day time in las vagas
With a faster wallstreet in lagos island
and our Maryland is in the mainland
yes it is our Eko
Oh ye city that knows no sleep
Not without the oceans of beautiful faces
Unceasing hustling and struggling is our trademark
We know how to relax in our owambe parties
And cause the fireworks in the sky with our eyo
Beautiful masquerades from the dead that ensure we thrive
As we relentlessly dance and sing, Eko oni baje
O baje ti!
MEANING OF YORUBA TERMS USED IN THE POEM
EKO=the Yoruba word for Lagos
EPE, ISALEKO, IKORUDU, BADAGRY, OSHODI=Areas in lagos
OWAMBE=Lavish celebration
EYO=cultural masquerade dressed in flowing white gown, the symbol of lagos state
EKO O NI BAJE=Lagos will not spoil(a popular slang in lagos)
O BAJE TI=It won’t get spoilt forever
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