News
Pomp And Ceremony As Prof Fasakin Retires In Grand Style
Pomp and ceremony was on display,as the pioneer Rector of Federal Polytechnic,Ile-Oluji,Professor Emmanuel Adedayo Fasakin,held a thanksgiving and book launch,to celebrate a successful completion his two-term tenure as Rector of the eighth-year old institution.
The occasion which coincided with the birthday of the celebrant on 5th
March, 2023 was held at the Foursquare Gospel Church, FUTA South Gate,and the Exclusive Events Hall in Akure respectively.
While giving his testimony at
the thanksgiving service, Prof. Fasakin was full of gratitude to God, for seeing him through the challenges of overseeing the
affairs of the young Institution to a glorious end,and noted that leadership is not an easy responsibility. He stressed that those aspiring for leadership positions must be well-prepared to weather the storms and make sacrifices.
During the public presentation of his memoir titled “Beyond The
Ordinary: The Journey Of My Life And Experience At Federal
Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji”, the Don chronicled his voyage through life,
with the challenges encountered in managing the young Institution, as
the pioneer Rector and the modest achievements recorded.
While presenting his paper at the well-attended reception, Prof
Igbekele Ajibefun, the immediate past vice chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, harped on the nexus between Education and national Development and the role of pragmatic Leadership.
The guest lecturer posited that “no organisation or nation can develop
without quality leadership”. According to him, good leadership will promote good governance which will in turn engender socio-economic progress, development and prosperity.
He added that the giant strides witnessed in FEDPOLEL,were due to Fasakin’s exemplary leadership and midas touch which was celebrated at the occasion.
While pouring encomiums on the celebrant, guests at the event
described him in general terms as a go-getter, performer and outstanding achiever whose service would be missed by the Polytechnic and host community of Ile – Oluji.
In an emotion-laden farewell message, Prof. Fasakin, appreciated the FEDPOLEL family, and noted that the time he spent with them was a significant phase in his life and that he would continue to treasure the team spirit deployed to build a Polytechnic we can all be proud of, while urging them to keep the flag of developments in the Polytechnic flying.
In attendance at the merry-making occasion were the executive governor of Ondo State, who was represented by the chief of staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Jegun-in-Council led by High Chief Lisa Fagbamiye, Prof. Adebisi
Balogun (Former VC, FUTA), Prof Adenike Oladiji (VC, FUTA), Management of the Polytechnic, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, friends and academic colleagues of the former Rector.
African Folktales
Short Films By Netflix/UNESCO For Global Launch
Folktales from the African continent by a new generation of six storytellers tagged African Folktales Reimagined short films in partnership with UNESCO, will launch on Netflix on 29 March 2023.
The anthology of six short films was launched as part of Netflix’s partnership with UNESCO to support the next generation of storytellers who were provided with resources including a $90 000 budget and creative guidance by established filmmakers as mentors to bring their stories to life. The emerging filmmakers were selected in 2021 following a call for submission that resulted in over 2000 applications from 13 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The 6 emerging storytellers are Mohamed Echkouna from Mauritania with Enmity Djinn; Walt Mzengi Corey from Tanzania with Katope; Korede Azeez from Nigeria with Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice); Voline Ogutu from Kenya with Anyango and the Ogre; Loukman Ali from Uganda with Katera of the Punishment Island and Gcobisa Yako from South Africa with MaMlambo.
The synopsis of Shorts and cast are as follows :
Zabin Halima (Halima’s Choice) – by Korede Azeez – Nigeria
With 99% of the world population uploaded into virtual worlds, a young girl from a secluded Fulani village inadvertently elopes with an AI to escape an arranged marriage. Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy; Language: Hausa; Director: Korede Azeez; Producer: Kenneth Gyang; Cast: Habiba Ummi Mohammed; Adam Garba, Produced by Cinema Kpatakpata.
Anyango and the Ogre – by Voline Ogutu – Kenya
With the backdrop of a childhood folktale, 13-year-old Otis struggles to protect his younger siblings from a monster that lives inside their home. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and English; Director: Voline Ogutu; Producer: Sarah Hassan; Cast: Trevor Jones Kamau; Sarah Hassan, Produced by Alfajiri Productions.
Katera of the Punishment Island – by Loukman Ali – Uganda
Abandoned on an island, a woman grieving the loss of her baby exacts revenge on the powerful man who put her there. Genre: Thriller; Language: Runyankole and English; Director & Producer: Loukman Ali; Cast: Karababiito Tracy; Michael Wawuyo JR; Production company: Loukout Films.
Katope – by Walt Mzengi Corey – Tanzania
A young child with magical origins sets out on a journey to help end the drought that is devastating the community – even if it means risking their own life. Genre: Fantasy, Drama; Language: KiSwahili and ciGogo; Director: Walt Mzengi Corey; Producer: Petrus Van Staden; Rebecca Mzengi Corey Cast: Jene Mahenyela Mwalimu; Rahele Matete; Production company: Solela Art and Film
Enmity Djinn – by Mohamed Echkouna – Mauritania
Three generations after he was last summoned, an ancient Enmity Djinn finds himself in an unfamiliar city confronted by a familiar foe. Genre: Fantasy/Drama; Language: Hassaniya Arabic and French; Director & Producer: Mohamed Echkouna; Cast: Zainabou Ahmed Mohamed; Mamadou Mokhtar N’diaye Gueye.
MaMlambo – by Gcobisa Yako – South Africa
The mystical river being, MaMlambo, watches over the sacred waters of discarded bodies. Genre: Drama; Language: isiXhosa; Director: Gcobisa Yako; Producer: Pakiso Albertus; Cast: Simphiwe Dana; Zikhona Bali
Each storyteller was partnered with a local production company and under the guidance of Netflix-appointed supervising producer, Steven Markovich from Big World Cinema and industry mentors: Bongiwe Selane (mentor to Gcobisa Yako); Jenna Bass (mentorto Korede Azeez); Pape Boye (mentor to Loukman Ali); Femi Odugbemi (mentor to Mohamed Echkouna); Leila Afua Djansi (mentor to Voline Ogutu) and Tosh Gitonga (mentor to Walter Mzengi) who provided guidance and nurtured the filmmakers on their journey to bring their stories to life.
“UNESCO is proud to present the tales of Africa, reimagined by its emerging, homegrown talents. At the crossroads of tradition, innovation, heritage and creativity, African expressions in the 21st century are as diverse and dynamic as its people. The UNESCO-Netflix partnership represents our shared commitment to the audiovisual industries of Africa, which have the potential to generate US$20 billion in revenues annually. African creativity is a force for sustainable development, and we cannot wait for the audiences around the world to feel its unstoppable energy,” says Ernesto Ottone R., the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture.
“We are excited to finally bring this anthology of short films created by the next generation of African storytellers to Netflix members around the world,” says Tendeka Matatu, Netflix’s Director of Film in Africa. “This initiative is a testament to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the pipeline of African storytelling and to include voices from underrepresented communities. We’re grateful to our partners at UNESCO who walked this journey with us to provide an opportunity for the six emerging African filmmakers to create and showcase their reimagined folktales to the world, in their own
Spotify Unveils Features To Boost Artistes’ Career
Audio streaming service provider, Spotify, has unveils features and tools to help more artistes, podcasters and creators to build profitable careers, and grow their over 500 million monthly active users.
The features were unveiled recently at Spotify’s second Stream On event amid commendations by music stars, songwriters, video, content creators, and podcasters from all over the world who joined the service for a day of announcements, inspiring stories, and hands-on demos of new tools and resources coming to the global creator platform.
Spotify kicked off Stream On by doubling down on discovery, revealing a reimagined interface that leverages new visuals, and a completely new and interactive design to drive deeper and long-lasting connections between creator and listeners.
With Smart Shuffle, the platform introduced a new way to inject new music that perfectly complements an existing playlist with just the tap of a button.
Building on the success of podcast previews, creators can choose or have Spotify automatically generate previews of their music and podcasts for users to sample before they play or save.
Just like with music, Spotify will now serve Autoplay for Podcasts when a podcast ends, another episode will automatically start playing that fits the user’s tastes and is relevant.
New Concert and Merch Discovery tools will help make sure concertgoers never miss another show. Listeners will begin to see Merch offers and concert listings in far more places across the app.
Spotify is also expanding its Fans First programme to include more artistes, ensuring top listeners receive emails and notifications that give them special access to concert pre-sales and merch exclusives.
It also announced the rollout of additional podcast features, with Spotify for Podcasters, which now brings together the best of Spotify’s podcast creator tools into a one-stop shop to create, manage, grow and monetize podcast content.
Previously, Spotify’s most innovative features were limited to Anchor users exclusively. But the company is building the new Spotify for Podcasters in a way that offers more open access to innovation. As a result, all Spotify for Podcasters users, including those not hosting their content on Spotify will find access to Q&A and Poll functionality in their dashboards.
This year’s update shows that more artistes are finding success than ever before: the number of artistes generating over $1 million, as well as those generating over $10,000, has more than doubled over the past five years.
Additionally, Spotify estimates that the 50,000 highest-earning artiste on the platform generated more than $50,000 across all recorded revenue sources.
Spotify Founder, Daniel Ek said: “Stream On is about all the ways we are bringing Spotify to life and letting creators at all stages of their careers know that we are open for business. We are focused on building the best home for them, a place where they can establish a career, thrive and grow and where the world can be inspired by their creativity.”
Ek who is also the CEO of Spotify, added: “That’s what we’ve been doing for almost 17 years: building, improving and reimagining this home to better meet creator needs and help them chart new pathways to success. As we look to the future, we are excited to expand that ambition to even more creators across new formats. We’re enabling more creativity, discovery and personalization than ever before by providing the best resources, support, and interactivity.”
On his part, Spotify’s Co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer, Gustav Söderström said: “Spotify recommendations drive close to half of all users’ streams. And when listeners decide to follow a creator, they listen to, on average, five times more of their music.”
A group of lawyers under the banner of the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law staged a massive protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, demanding a judicial inquiry into the tenure of Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The protesters, led by Barrister Benjamin Theophilus, submitted a petition alleging widespread corruption, tax evasion, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds during Kyari’s leadership.
The petition highlighted several contentious issues, including inflated costs of refinery rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent crude oil allocations, mismanagement of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, fuel subsidy fraud, and questionable crude-backed loans.
According to the petition, NNPCL under Kyari spent over $4 billion on rehabilitating the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, far exceeding an initial private-sector proposal of $1 billion for all three facilities.
“Kyari is alleged to have collaborated with consultants and contractors to conceal the actual cost of contracts and evade taxes,” the petition stated, noting that the refineries remain inefficient despite the expenditure.
The lawyers also accused Kyari of overseeing the diversion of crude oil allocations under the pretext of “pipeline security” at a rate of 80,000 barrels per day, with no transparent accountability mechanisms.
The $5 billion AKK Gas Pipeline Project was similarly flagged for irregularities in contract awards and execution, with little progress despite significant funding.
Further allegations include fuel subsidy fraud, with NNPCL reportedly increasing petroleum imports in 2020 during a global decline in fuel consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The petition also criticised crude-backed loans totalling $21.565 billion since 2019, which it claimed disadvantaged Nigeria by ceding trading profits to international traders.
The protesters called for a judicial commission to investigate Kyari’s tenure, probe payments to refinery contractors, and examine past audit failures.
They also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to investigate suspected tax evasion and fraudulent declarations, while advocating for the recovery of any misappropriated public funds.
The Federal Ministry of Finance has yet to respond to the petition, and NNPCL officials were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
With preparation towards 2020-2030 Agenda popularly known as decade of action at hand, the concept of transmitting SDGs program through short film challenges cannot be overemphasized.
Therefore, the determination of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the United Nations UN to move beyond infrastructural, socio-economic and political awareness as well as empowerment by deploying the global program to achieving its stated objectives.
The inculcation of short films and other related art work towards achieving the 17 SDGs goals, starting from first to second and now the third edition of film challenges launched was aimed at achieving SDGs goals.
Since cinematography and film related activities attracts more in the area of viewing and concentration, the collaboration between SDGs, UN and other independent bodies towards achieving the desired results is not out of place.
From 73 countries and entries in 2023 to 2,250 and 119 countries in 2024, was a remarkable improvement to synergise with notable film makers to move forward the impact of SDGs on the society.
The initiatives and innovation sponsored by the leadership under SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will not only lead to realizing the full mission and vision of the 2020-2030 Agenda , but achieving the global standards.
Aside film challenge and inculcation of film related activities into achieving the global program, the SDGs in Nigeria also in collaboration with the UN and other bodies will also be rolling out other activities like training,capacity building, empowerment among many other encouraging activities, that will mitigate and drive towards achieving the global standards for the decade of action Agenda.
While lending her voice and supports towards the new initiatives and programs, SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire opined
“on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”
“She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.”
“She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.”
“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”
“She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.”
“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”
“She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.”
In his contributions,
“The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
“The film challenge, which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.”
“The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs, which has 17 goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.”
“Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among the largest film industries in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.”
“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.”
“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.”
“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, lead, and transform their world.”
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.
“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.”
“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.
The maiden event launched by Nigeria’s SDGs was a cornerstone towards the achievements of other stated objectives under The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja, with the launch of the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge.
Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
The quest to turn the nations city into a new look not minding the city centre and area council is becoming a reality going by the efforts of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to circulate infrastructural development among many others to ensure all areas surrounding the FCT are developed to modern and modest standards.
This included the six area councils of Gwagwalada, Kwali , Abaji , AMAC, Kuje and Bwari which included so many villages and hamlet yearning to be open up or desiring development in all areas.
On assumption of duty, the new Minister concentrated on the nations city that had suffered many decades of neglects, that even the paints on the bridges was eagerly looking for repairs, having achieved much through completion of abandoned roads linking the area councils and Nasssarawa, Kaduna and part of Kogi state, particularly his concentration on the reconstruction, rehabilitation of township roads from the three arms zones, to Maitama district, Asokoro district, Apo district, Guzape district, Wuye district, Katampe district among many other adjoining districts created as a result of the expansion of the city centre , including building of bridges , and diversions , the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike migrated to area councils were ordinarily one or two roads are always constructed on annual basis to open up both main and rural roads to attract more development.
The desire for rural urban regeneration through physical, Infrastructural, roads , hospital, building of standard markets, among other laudable programs, Wike has completed many projects with others ongoing which included Gwagwalada township roads, Kwali township roads, Kuje township roads, Abaji township roads, Bwari township roads, with greater heights at AMAC including the adjoining ones to make the areas accessible, motorable and habitable commensurate to the city center.
During the Inspection of the ongoing construction of Kabusa-Ketti and Kabusa-Takusara roads the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The contractors assured that the two roads will be ready for commissioning next month.
The road projects were flagged off on December 4 and 5, 2024.
“While in Giri , Gwagwalada Area Council, the Minister promised to open up the area to ensure not only free movement, but concentration of development projects , and presence of other developments that will equate was was obtainable in the city centre to discourage frequent movements from the area councils to city centre.”
“At the city centre, during the roads inspection…
“One of the projects inspected is the ongoing construction of the left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway to Wassa Junction.”
“Others are the ongoing construction of interchange to connect Wole Soyinka way with Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the extension for Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.”
“The minister expressed confidence that the projects were among those expected to be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second anniversary.”
“Wike said: “Indeed, President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is working and the people are happy.”
“We were at Wassa Junction, that’s on the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) leading to Wassa Junction.”
“It is one of the roads we believe, by the grace of God, will be inaugurated by Mr President to celebrate his second year in office.”
“We also went to the Northern Parkway interchange, where Gilmore is working, and they reassured us that by the grace of God, that interchange will also be inaugurated in May.”
“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work by all the contractors. We, on our own part, are doing everything possible to keep to our own obligation by ensuring prompt payments.”
“Wike explained that the N5 road project was being executed in two phases, adding that the first phase would also be inaugurated in May.”
“Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the ongoing project inspection across the territory is keeping contractors on their toes.
“Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, after he inspected the ongoing construction of a three-kilometre road network in Giri District and the 16-kilometre Idu-Dei Dei Road on the Inner Northern Expressway.”
“Other projects inspected included the constriction of road network in Dakibiyu District and the ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in the area. ”
“The minister said that inspection of the project sites was crucial to ensuring that contractors deliver projects according to expected quality and timeline.”
“As part of the routine inspection, we will always go round and see whether the contractors are doing what they are supposed to do, and we are happy with what they are doing
“We cannot sit in the offices and assume that the projects are going on well, no, part of our job is to go and see for ourselves and to look at the quality of job.
“If you don’t go out, you may be embarrassed on the day of inauguration and by that time, it will be too late.
“So, inspection is part of the assignment to ensure that the job is not only done but done very very well,” he said.
“Wike added that the FCTA was equally fulfilling its obligation to the contractors by ensuring prompt payment.”
While in Mabushi, he inspected one of the three Bus Terminals…
“This is one of the three Bus and Taxi Terminals being built in Abuja.
This is in Mabushi and it is taking shape already.”
“The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site to see things for himself.”
” The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Apo – Wasa road, one of the road projects earmarked for commissioning as part of the second year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration. ”
“Apo – Wasa road links Apo – Karshi road from Nyanya.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Apo – Wassa road and the Bridges linking Kubwa Road with Jahi and Life Camp roads today, to have an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing projects.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inspecting the ongoing construction of Life Camp to Karmo road, Maitama to Gishiri bridge and road as well as rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, today.”
“The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inspection of the ongoing construction of Life Camp to Karmo road, Maitama to Gishiri bridge and road as well as rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, “.
He promised to sustain the development across the six area councils of FCT, hence the Inauguration of the rail service, provision of shuttle buses, security and solar street lights to ensure seamless interconnectivity between the nation’s city and area councils.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.